ARE YOU READY TO KNOW?

 It may be difficult to think of another book that reads like anything other than a "novel" and more like a "classified document" from a "sleepless romantic who doubles as a cosmic detective." And I mean that in earnest. I do not believe that Steve B. Campbell has written this book in a manner that would qualify it as being "polished" according to most definitions. Campbell writes with a raw, unbridled energy, with a propensity for using all caps at random moments, switching mid-sentence into letters or transcripts or riddles...and I believe his lack of polish is actually what makes this work. That idea that love is a structural element, a law in a multi-dimensional universe, works so well because Campbell's writing feels structured, urgent and occasionally sloppy, but always truthful. For example, I was genuinely touched by how Karl and Julie test their commitment to each other not with large-scale declarations, but with tiny, repetitive decisions -- holding hands, referencing images when one fears something, refusing to allow the other person to face darkness alone. I was impressed by Campbell's audacious approach to structure -- how he blends together sermon texts, newspaper articles, and fragments of mythological tales without hesitation. And while the dialogue between Karl and Julie has a kind of shorthand, almost telepathic quality that seems improbable (yet still works) the constant theme of broken/obeyed/written laws provides the chaos within the story some form of moral anchor. Additionally, there is an authentic uncertainty to the emotional resonance of this book. Tenderness and terror are juxtaposed in the same line of dialogue without irony -- and that was a risk that ultimately worked for me. Where it falters somewhat is in the middle sections, where the sheer volume of characters and clues creates a kind of static noise instead of clarity, and some transitions hit hard whereas others flow smoothly. This is no clean read -- but it is a true read. When I finished reading it I wanted to go back and debate someone about the rules of its universe -- and that to me is the ultimate compliment. 

 Power of Thought is an intriguing continuation of The UnderBelly Case Files that takes readers deeper into a world where the mind, mystery, and the unexpected all come together. As the second volume, it feels like a story that builds on the foundation already established while giving readers more to think about.

What I enjoyed most was the psychological element. I like stories that make me stop and question what is happening rather than simply following a straightforward sequence of events. The focus on thought and perception gives the book an interesting layer and makes the reader pay attention to how different pieces of the story connect.

The case-file style also adds to the appeal. It creates a feeling that you’re uncovering information along with the characters, which kept me curious about where the story was heading. I enjoyed having questions to work through instead of being handed every answer immediately.

There are moments where the pacing feels slower, particularly when the story is establishing information or developing the larger ideas behind the cases. Those sections may require a little patience, but they also give the reader more time to absorb what is happening.

I think readers who enjoy mysteries with psychological elements will get the most out of this book. It isn’t simply about finding out what happens next; it encourages you to think about the information being presented and consider what might be happening beneath the obvious.

Overall, Power of Thought was an interesting and thought-provoking addition to The UnderBelly Case Files. I enjoyed the mystery, the psychological angle, and the feeling of piecing information together as I read. As a second volume, it also left me curious about what other cases and discoveries may come next.
 

  Steve B. Campbell's Power of Thought is like watching a storm come over an area you've always known and liked much more than I had anticipated -- certainly more than I could articulate all of the time. Campbell's writing is fragmented (in terms of style), fast-paced, and extravagantly uninhibited by its use of excessive imagery combining pieces of marital sparring, theological puzzles and supernatural terror into a cohesive body that shouldn't work, yet works well. The voice I kept coming back for was Karl's. His narrative is candid, self-aware, and he is emotionally vulnerable enough to create a sense that his flights of fancy are legitimate (as opposed to random). I laughed out loud at parts that I probably should not have found amusing, and at other times I turned the page with a real chill. The central theme of the story — that love can serve as either a protection or an exposure, and that the truth is worth more than comfortable illusions — provides the story with a moral compass without being preachy. Campbell writes action scenes with a cinematic rhythm and his quiet, conversational dialogue between Karl and Julie has equal importance; their relationship serves as the driving force behind the story, and the writer understands this. The one place where Campbell falters is with regard to density. There were several instances within the story where Campbell would build upon mythological events, memories and exposition to such a degree that it felt as if the story lost its momentum and there were a couple of areas in which the transitions felt as though they "dropped off" in mid-sentence. Additionally, I enjoyed the way in which the author treated faith and doubt as active contradictions as opposed to argumentative points. At no point did the spiritual themes feel contrived, nor did the emotional cost of faith appear to be exaggerated in any manner. The author created a messy, bizarre and extremely human story. While I appreciate the authors' audacity, refusal to soften the stories unusual edge's and ability to allow both tenderness and dread to occupy the same line, I ended up finishing the story wanting to debate the rules of its universe -- a sentiment that is the greatest compliment I can provide. 

  Power of Thought is definitely not a typical fantasy book. It mixes mystery, action, supernatural elements, humor, romance, and some really strange twists into one long adventure. What stood out to me most was the relationship between Karl and Julie. Their connection is at the center of almost everything that happens, and you can really see how much they depend on each other while facing one dangerous situation after another.

There are some intense moments throughout the book, especially when Julie is kidnapped and Karl has to find her, but there are also plenty of funny moments that keep the story from becoming too dark. I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding the riddles, the different realms, the old records, and the hidden history behind the characters. The story keeps giving you new information and making you rethink what you thought you understood.

I also liked seeing Julie become more confident and take a much bigger role in the fight. By the end, she feels completely different from the person we first meet, and her transformation is one of the most interesting parts of the book. The story also has a strong message about love, loyalty, truth, and choosing to do what is right even when it is difficult.

The book is definitely long, and there are a lot of characters, ideas, and details to keep track of, so it may not be for everyone. But if you enjoy imaginative stories that don't follow the usual formula and you like mystery mixed with fantasy and adventure, Power of Thought has a lot to offer.

Overall, I found it creative, unpredictable, emotional, and surprisingly funny. Karl and Julie's story kept me interested right to the end, and the final pages definitely leave you wanting to know what happens next. 

  The UnderBelly Case Files: Volume Two – Power of Thought is definitely not your typical supernatural story. This volume follows Karl and Julie as their relationship moves into marriage while the world around them becomes even more complicated. Their bond becomes an important part of the story as they discover new abilities, uncover prophecies, deal with secrets surrounding the council, and continue facing the Witch and other strange threats.

What I liked most was how unpredictable the book was. One minute Karl and Julie are dealing with something completely normal like money, marriage, family, or moving into a new home, and the next minute they are dealing with illusions, creatures, hidden realms, old prophecies, or someone trying to destroy them.

I also liked the relationship between Karl and Julie. Their conversations and joking with each other give the story some lighter moments when everything else gets dark. The book is very long, and there were places where I felt some scenes could have moved along a little faster, but there is definitely a lot happening throughout it. I especially liked the idea that truth, thought, perception, loyalty, and what people choose to believe can actually have power in this world. The story keeps adding new mysteries and leaves plenty of questions for whatever comes next. 

I initially read this 2nd book without reading the 1st one. Mistake!
I was so lost and because I didn't understand what was going on, the book didn't hold my attention. I received a free copy of the first book and I could hardly put it down.
Now that I understand about the characters and events that took place in the 1st book, it made a huge difference in my opinion of this volume.
I want to reiterate that the characters are very likable, easy to keep up with, and the writing style is different, refreshing, and easy to read. It felt like I was reading a letter from a friend. I really like the style.
Once I understood what was going on, it was easy to put myself in the story and fantasize about being able to visit that community on the island. I found myself approaching doors a little differently and being a little disappointed when it opened to where it was supposed to.
The relationship and wedding between Julie and Karl was fun to follow along with and I got to know Carver's personality a little better and I decided I really like him and John.
This series is different than the same old thing. Some of the conversations did get a little redundant but otherwise, it was a really good read.
It is not only recommended, but imperative, I would say required, even, that these books are read in order. The experience is much more enjoyable. 

   Power of Thought, Volume Two is an imaginative and unusual addition to the UnderBelly Case Files series. I enjoyed the way the story mixes mystery, supernatural elements, different realms, hidden secrets, and complicated relationships.
Karl and Julie were the characters I connected with most. Their loyalty to each other gives the story an emotional side, while Julie’s family struggles and search for answers add another layer to the plot. I also liked how the book slowly reveals more about the UnderBelly world and the events that shaped the characters.
The story has a lot of creative ideas and some interesting twists. At times, though, I found the pacing uneven, and the large number of characters, locations, and supernatural elements could make things difficult to follow. The writing would also benefit from more proofreading and editing, as there were several awkward sentences and grammatical issues.
Overall, I think this is a creative book with an interesting world and plenty of potential. It may not be perfect, but the story kept me curious about what would happen next. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy supernatural mysteries, fantasy, strange worlds, and stories centered around family, loyalty, and difficult choices. 

 I read the first volume and this second book is just as weird and mysterious. And then add Mr. Campbell’s truly macabre statement in the Author Profile that he lives alone “not by choice” in a city known for its prison for dangerous criminals. Man, did that just add to the story’s Thriller Rating! Dare I say, Scare Score. For a moment this work of fiction almost read like a true crime story. EXCITING!

Karl and Julie’s wedding was MAGICAL and then some!! The Realms are now secure, but are they? Really? Even with their combined supernatural powers the witch still tries undermine the Earth’s caretakers.

Powers? I’ll let you find those out, but as Karl and Julie’s personalities complement each other so do their powers. Sometimes I feel Julie is a type of Siren and Karl helps quell her powers while learning to manage their newly acquired abilities together.

I can’t wait to read more about this strangely, fairytale of evils that, hopefully are defeated by the Angel and steed(funny how “steed” is not a proper noun like Angel).

Enjoy this book and series as much as I do. 

   This was definitely a different kind of book, a wild mix of mystery, humor, and the supernatural, and that's one of the things I liked about it. Karl's way of telling the story made him feel like a regular guy who somehow keeps getting dragged into situations that are anything but regular. There's a lot going on with witches, different realms, strange powers, riddles, and some genuinely creepy moments, but the relationship between Karl and Julie keeps the story grounded. I especially liked how their marriage and loyalty to each other actually become important parts of the supernatural side of the story instead of just being romance thrown in. There's also plenty of humor mixed into the darker stuff. It's imaginative, unpredictable, and kept giving me reasons to wonder what strange thing was coming next. 

 Steve B. Campbell’s book, Power of Thought: The UnderBelly Case Files-Volume Two is an incredibly gripping psychological dive into deception and perception. Following Karl and Julie, the narrative masterfully strips away the veneer of ordinary life to expose a gritty and hidden reality. Campbell masterfully blends investigative pacing with deep philosophical questions about how memory can be manipulated. Short and punchy chapters keep the tension high, making the characters' paranoia feel incredibly raw and infectious. It is a haunting, thought-provoking read that will appeal to anyone fascinated by the shadowy corners of the human mind. 

 This book weaves an incredible, slow-burn narrative that starts with seemingly scattered, ordinary investigations and evolves into a massive, hidden-world mystery. The author brilliantly explores the fragile lines between reality, memory, and manipulation. The mix of investigative reporting, personal testimony, and reflective narration kept me hooked from the very first page. It makes you question everything alongside the characters as their everyday experiences begin to fracture.Note for future readers: This is part of a five-volume set, and you absolutely must read Volume One first to understand the puzzle pieces connecting here! Don't let the complex web of mysteries confuse you—if you pay close attention, the payoff is incredibly rewarding.An easy 5 stars. I cannot wait to see how the rest of this five-volume set unfolds! 

   The UnderBelly Case Files: Power Of Thought is an interesting blend of romance, mystery, supernatural elements, and questions about truth and deception. I enjoyed following Karl and Julie as they deal with challenges surrounding their relationship while also facing hidden motives, unusual powers, and secrets. The book also explores how the past can affect the present and how difficult it can be to know who to trust. I liked the mystery and suspense throughout the story, and the characters’ challenges and discoveries kept the book interesting from beginning to end.