Contemporary Authors

• Soul Search: A Zackie Story - 2016 CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,
• Soul Scent: A Zackie Story (The Zackie Stories) (Volume 2) - 2017 CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,

• Amazon -

  REYNA FAVIS holds a Ph.D. in biology and brings a scientist's critical eye to the unseen world, imposing logical consistency and mechanistic detail to the unexplained. A proud and militant introvert, Reyna exerts her power as mistress of the dark arts of introversion through her humorous blog, Introvert Broadcasting Network. When not writing, she responds to callouts as a canine handler for search and rescue. She lives in Warren County New Jersey with her husband, a search dog and a coterie of pets.

• Reyna Favis website - http://www.reynafavis.com/

  REYNA FAVIS holds a Ph.D. in biology and spent more than a dozen years as a drug development genomics scientist before turning to write fiction full-time. Her previous publishing history includes scholarly articles. When not writing, she responds to callouts as a canine handler for search and rescue. She lives in Warren County New Jersey with her husband, a search dog and a coterie of pets.

• Linda Parkinson-Hardman - https://womanontheedgeofreality.com/2017/02/02/an-interview-with-reyna-favis-author-of-soul-search/

  02/02/2017
  Linda Parkinson-Hardman
  Thursday Throng
  2 Comments
  Hi everyone, and this week I’d like to introduce Reyna Favis to the Thursday Throng. Reyna spent more than a dozen years as a drug development genomics scientist before turning to write fiction full-time. Her previous publishing history includes scholarly articles. When not writing, she responds to callouts as a canine handler for search and rescue. She lives in Warren County New Jersey with her husband, a search dog and a coterie of pets.
  What is one thing that no-one would usually know about you?
  I used to work for corporate America and I once gave a presentation where the introductory slide borrowed heavily from Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal.” It was one of those webinars where people from other company sites around the world called in to participate. While I concluded that corporate policy did not condone cannibalism, I have the strong impression that things could have gone either way if I asked for an immediate vote. About half of the audience was eager to go home at the end of the work day and the other half was just waking up. It was another episode of getting away with something that kept me entertained because no one else was really paying attention. I confess that I did quite a bit of this while working in the corporate sector and some of these stories are told on my blog, “Introvert Broadcasting Network.”
  What did the best review you ever had say about you and your work?
  If you go to the Amazon reviews for “Soul Search,” you’ll see that numerous people have cited the inability to put the book down as a reason to buy it. As a writer, it is extremely gratifying to receive this kind of feedback from readers, especially since I put so much of my reality into this book.
  “Soul Search” is a supernatural tale set in the search and rescue world. I have a Ph.D. in biology and bring a scientist’s critical eye to the unseen world, imposing logical consistency and mechanistic detail to the unexplained. As a nationally certified search and rescue technician, I drew from actual searches to bring rich detail to the story and used that to enhance authenticity. By anchoring the ghostly elements of the story in reality, I tried to suspend disbelief for the reader and deliberately aimed to create a book that could not be put down. For as long as the story lasts, the reader lives in that world.
  What did the worst review you ever had say about you and your work?
  One person told me that she did not like my book cover. I am generally open to criticism, but the cover depicts a stylized image of my search dog and I think it would hurt her feelings if she learned that someone criticized her appearance. She is a Plott hound, bred to hunt bear and she is an odd combination of fierce and loving. Like me, she is an introvert , but unlike me, she is also a sensitive soul. In matters of survival, it is important to never offend something that can take on a bear, so I haven’t shared this bit of feedback about the cover with her.
  Are the names of your characters important to you?
  The names of the human characters were carefully selected. I will give you the example of Fia. I liked the fact that the name origins include an allusion to fire. Fia is a fighter and the quintessential survivor. Emerging from a childhood where sensing the dead caused her to be institutionalized and fed a steady diet of anti-psychotics, she must now try to make her way in the adult world. Fia is still plagued by the often violent intrusions of spirits and she struggles to reclaim her life from both the stigma of mental illness and the path that she is being forced upon by demanding spirits.
  The names of the search dogs mentioned in the story are not altered from their real life inspirations. As a way of giving back, 50% of author earnings are donated to the search team that these dogs serve (Search and Rescue Teams of Warren County) and to Wayward Plotts, a breed rescue organization.
  How did you choose a title for your book?
  Helping the lost living and dead run as parallel tracks in the story, so it’s important that both get equal billing in the title. I wanted something short and memorable for the title that could serve as a connection to the story and also for the other books in this series. “Soul Search” incorporated the search and rescue aspect of the story, as well as the ghostly element. I am currently working on the sequel and am calling it “Soul Scent,” highlighting the supernatural while emphasizing the role of K9 search and rescue in the story. ‘Scent’ is also a homonym for ‘sent’ and is used deliberately, since the sequel has a storyline that gives the spirits an opportunity to give back to those who sacrifice on their behalf.
  Are there any occupational hazards to being an author?
  Several people have asked me if I am a medium, if I can communicate with spirits. It is extremely embarrassing to have to admit that I am probably the least sensitive person that they will ever meet.
  Have you ever wished that you could be or do anything else instead of writing, and if so what?
  I have been a research scientist and have contributed to the fields of oncology and neuroscience biomarkers. I am an active member of a search and rescue team, specializing as a K9 handler. I currently write novels of supernatural suspense. If I were to choose another field to explore in my life, it might be rodeo clown because I could draw on my experiences in the corporate world to help me get started.
  Have you ever written naked?
  I have never written naked, but now I’m intrigued by the idea and might give it a try. One of the drawbacks to attempting this is that I have two dogs and two cats in my household. Each of them has five sharp ends. I think you can see where this is going.
  Do you have any hints or tips for aspiring writers?
  Don’t write naked without first carefully considering your work environment?
  Seriously, I would recommend that writers take a page from Joseph Campbell’s life. He spent his years studying and teaching comparative mythology and was the author of “The Power of Myth,” “The Hero’s Journey” and several other great works. Joseph Campbell encouraged his students to become fully human by fully engaging with life: weep with all your being and laugh to the depths of your soul. Do that for your writing. Don’t be tentative; write passionately using everything in your being to give life to your characters and to drive the heart of your story into the heart of your reader.

Soul Search: A Zackie Story

Publishers Weekly. 265.18 (Apr. 30, 2018): p45.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Soul Search: A Zackie Story
Reyna Favis. CreateSpace, $15.25 trade paper
(438p) ISBN 978-1-5303-8071-8
A chance encounter teaches a lonely young woman that there's more to life and the afterlife than she imagined in the enjoyable debut novel from Favis, first in the Zackie series. Fia Saunders has become something of a recluse in order to hide from the ghosts who harass and attack her. Then, one day, after she witnesses Cam Ramsay and his rescue dog, Zackie, escort a soul to the next world, she realizes she's not alone, and that others can see ghosts, too. While Fia's normal response to provocations by ghosts has been to hit them back, Cam and Zackie, who is actually an immortal entity who acts as a guide to the afterlife, begin to teach her how to counsel ghosts and help them cross into the afterlife. When a malevolent spirit derails Fia's training by trapping souls in a farm house, Fia, Cam, and Zackie team up with a television ghost hunter to give the wayward souls peace. Favis handles the paranormal aspects with aplomb and keeps the story moving quickly without pausing for lengthy explanation, though the rushed climax is a bit disappointing. Readers will look forward to the soul-saving trio's further adventures. (BookLife)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Soul Search: A Zackie Story." Publishers Weekly, 30 Apr. 2018, p. 45. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A537852266/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=f66d95ac. Accessed 31 July 2018.

Gale Document Number: GALE|A537852266

• Let Them Read Cake
  https://letthemreadcake.com/2018/05/10/book-review-soul-scent-by-reyna-favis-★★★/
  Word count: 1220

  Book Review: Soul Scent by Reyna Favis ★★★
  May 10, 2018 / crmullen

  “I did not want to imagine, but the worst part was that in my experience, the truth could easily outstrip my imagination.”
  In this second installment of The Zackie Stories, author Reyna Favis brings everything I loved about the first book and more. She really ups the ante here and creates a stronger, bolder thriller. I was wavering between 3 and 4 stars for this one, and decided overall to go with 3.5 stars, because of the progress made from the first book, and the potential for this to become a great full-length series. All of the characters that we met in the previous book are back and they create a fun and endearing misfit ensemble. Fia returns as our main character, with her life teetering precariously between a normal Search and Rescue field agent and paranormal soul seeker. As much as she tries to keep her two lives separate, though, a tragic event threatens to merge them together, when her team has to search for a body in the woods.

  I really enjoyed Soul Scent! It was such an exciting and fun read, and I was happy with the improvement that I saw between the first installment and this one. Favis has strengthened her hand as an author and I feel like I became more immersed in the story as a result. Her plot and characters drew me in and I was excited to read through the book.
  I was glad to see that Soul Scent picked up pretty much right where Soul Search ended, so we didn’t lose any of that momentum from the first book. Fia is still dealing with the events that recently occurred and is struggling to maintain her normal life. Her hand is still giving her trouble, too! That “dead” hand of hers that seems to have a life of its own is so creepy to me and is a really interesting hurdle for Fia to overcome. Overall, I feel like Fia has grown as a character between the two books. There is a certain depth to her thoughts now, since she has been through everything that occurred in the first novel, that creates a richer reading experience. Her narrative voice is stronger and, as a result, the book has a clearer flow in general. I was in the story completely this time, instead of being slightly removed from it here and there.
  Cam and Zackie continue to be great! I love Cam’s ongoing friendship with Fia and their support of each other. I love to see that they have grown closer as confidantes and friends, considering that they do not have many people to really get to know at that level. They are both somewhat isolated, but they have found a partnership and strong bond between the two of them. It is great to read! All of the research and theories that Cam and Fia explore in this book, to try and get to the bottom of the latest mystery, were very interesting to read about. I admire the time and effort that Favis has put into pulling plausible research and events into her stories. It gives them a truer (and more suspenseful) edge. At the end of each book, she cites the sources for many of the events that are mentioned, that have inspired her work, which I love! I love that the credit is given to those real-life people/events and that I can look into them further, if I choose. The latest mystery is certainly no picnic, either. When everything is revealed, it is a tragic and chilling tale.
  And of course, Zackie is the real MVP! I love Zackie as a character and enjoy how serious she is about her work as a psychopomp. She may look like an adorable Plott Hound (like my Sky Dog), but she is all business! I think it is great that Favis has created such a unique and compelling personality for a character that doesn’t even speak. Everything she needs to say is conveyed through her eyes and her actions. She is truly a cool character. The ancient lore regarding the psychopomp myth, which Flavis incorporates into Zackie’s story, continues to fascinate me. I love learning more about it and the history of this mythological being.
  I was very pleased to see that the subplot of Hannah and Lucas was not shoved aside. Since the book is so close to the previous one, it makes sense that he is still dealing with his loss and I was glad that that was addressed, even if he is opening up to Fia and Cam more. I also liked that Hannah’s presence was still felt in a very real way. It was very suspenseful and made for a great read! In the previous book, I was a little put off by how Fia was basically all over Lucas, despite his wife dying in the next room. Not cool, Fia! However, it seems like here Fia takes a more respectful approach to her attraction and actually gives Lucas time to grieve and make his own decisions, based on what is best for him. That sits much better with me.
  All in all, the human interactions, drama, and intrigue were equally as interesting as the paranormal ones! The new characters that we meet are really neat, as well, and give a sense of growth to the book. Fia’s world is widening and the supernatural elements are farther reaching than she imagined. This also provides more people like her to be around, to learn from and connect with. Fia is beginning to feel a sense of camaraderie and almost family with the others like her, which is nice to see.
  The writing was great in Soul Scent. As I mentioned, the stronger narrative voice of Fia did wonders for the story’s pacing and impact. The descriptions were necessary and added to the story, and they were not just there for filler. The transitions between research/lore discussions and the story/dialogue were a lot smoother this time around. Overall, the novel felt tighter and the writing was cleaner. I never felt bored or like I was reading a few pages that might not need to be there. It was a compact book with a huge punch! The action, as before, was the best part. Favis does a great job setting up the climax of the book with mystery, thrills, intrigue, and misleads. This all creates a suspenseful atmosphere that bursts with the action at the end. It is very exciting! And, I loved that she maintained that quirky sense of humor throughout the book, as well, because it is very much a part of Fia’s voice and I would have missed it if it was gone.
  After reading Soul Scent, I am even more of a fan of Zackie and her human helpers. I will definitely keep an eye out for the next installment of this thrilling, fun series!

  Again with all the dog praising! We get it, she’s a badass, magical dog that helps people in need. Big whoop!
  Read on, my friends!
  -Chelsi

• Let Them Read Cake
  https://letthemreadcake.com/2017/12/14/book-review-soul-search-by-reyna-favis-★★★/
  Word count: 899

  Book Review: Soul Search by Reyna Favis ★★★
  December 14, 2017 / crmullen

  “The dog quickly passed each person as they offered their hands for the dog to sniff. I stood still with my hands extended as the dog took my scent. Rather than move on to the next person, she paused and stared directly into my face. Her eyes were the color of whiskey and surrounded by dark fur, as if someone had outlined them with kohl to emphasize their distinct color. While I thought her gaze would be gentle like all the other dogs I have encountered, I instead saw a disturbing intelligence that I was not prepared for.”
  When the author of the Zackie Stories, Reyna Favis, reached out to me, I was thrilled! Of course I would jump at the chance to read a series featuring a Plott Hound and rep for the coolest dog breed there is. I was already interested, but when Reyna began telling me about her own background as a K-9 handler working in search and rescue, and her idea about creating a fantasy/supernatural suspense series around that concept, I was beyond sold. Soul Search is such a unique and entertaining book, and I would officially give it 3.5 stars.

  So, this review is going to be mostly spoiler-free. Since this is a book that I knew nothing about beforehand, I would give you guys the same experience of going in blind. Not knowing what to expect is part of the thrill! Overall, this was such an exciting, different, and fun read!
  The idea of Zackie, a search and rescue dog that happens to be an immortal aid to dead spirits was great. Now, I may be just a tiny bit biased, because Zackie was a Plott Hound, but she was so cool! I loved the history of the Plott Hound that was added in to help strengthen her character and familiarize the audience with the breed, as well. Similarly, the background information on the psychopomp was very interesting, as well, and tied the supernatural elements of the story together in a nice way. And just so everyone knows what I am referring to when I call Zackie a psychopomp, it is a mythical creature responsible for escorting the dead to the afterlife. Before reading the story, I was definitely impressed with the creativity of this premise, and I am glad to say that the author delivers!
  The other main characters were equally well crafted, even in their flaws. I liked Cam, Zackie’s handler, a lot. He was very honest and no-nonsense, but still came across as a caring, intelligent man with a lot to offer humanity. Fia, who is really the main protagonist, was a great character, but was a little harder for me to love. She was difficult at times and some of her choices left me not wanting to root for her (I can’t say what without risking spoilers, but let me just say that I felt she could have handled some of her feelings better than she did). But, overall, she was tough, sarcastic, brave, selfless, and endearing. The author had a way of making her very relatable, too, which was refreshing. Some of Fia’s inner thoughts, mostly about bodily functions or bad table manners, really hit the nail on the head. The slightly more minor characters were all well developed and added to the story, as well.
  I think the story was written quite well, but some things could have been polished up just a tiny bit more. The pacing, action, suspense, and background history were all fantastic! I loved how authentic all of the search and rescue scenes read and the accurate portrayal we were given, thanks to the author’s background. I think things fell a little flat, though, with the dialogue and with some of Fia’s narration. The dialogue for the most part was natural and convincing, but some parts felt just a little stilted and forced. Some of Fia’s thoughts were too superficial and telling. It lacked the depth needed to really make the reader feel what she felt or explain what she was thinking in a way that was not distracting. I think that these things, though, will be ironed out as the author writes more novels, and they were not enough to detract from the enjoyment I got while reading the book.
  The story’s climax was great and full of excitement. The whole book, with its supernatural/paranormal mystery and crime elements, reminded me a lot of Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. So, if you are a fan of his novels, definitely pick up a copy of Soul Search! Then in the end of the story everything just burst out with action and danger and sacrifice. It was an awesome ending that definitely left the door open for sequels! I think that the Zackie books, could be a wonderful new series in this genre. They will keep people coming back for more ghostly adventures with my favorite new Plott Hound (just kidding, Scylla!). Please check this book out and stay tuned for my review of the sequel Soul Scent!

  Of course, it would be a Plott Hound sidekick and not a cat! Good thing this book was exciting enough to distract me.
  -Chelsi