Helen Garraway's Blog, page 22
August 13, 2023
Book Review Alert: The Stone of Time by Pamela Chartrand
Reviewed: August 13th, 2023
Released: July 31st, 2023
Genre: Wicca Fantasy
When you recognize your destiny, you’ll know what to do.
Paige Delaney is coming to terms with her identity as a bloodline witch. Although she’s one of the most powerful of her line, she struggles to access her magical gifts.
Returning to the Wiccan bonfire, she receives a mystical vision of a monk attacking a hooded figure, and she knows she must pursue it. She travels to France to find the enigmatic bookseller who introduced her to the sacred text that started it all. With his mentorship, and the mysterious Stone of Time, she time-travels to 14th-century Avignon on a daring mission to rescue the Herbarium.
There, she meets the Companion who is attempting to save the life of a young man, but risks falling into a trap set by the Papal counsel.
Overwhelmed, Paige fears her tenuous grasp on her powers will fail.
And when fate reunites her with her timeless love, Paige must make a heart-wrenching choice—
Return to the present, or remain and leave behind everything she knows and holds dear. Read My Thoughts …
August 12, 2023
Author Interview – E.E Hornburg
I’m very happy to be chatting to fantasy author, E.E. Hornburg, about her fairytale retelling Cursed Queen series, the latest book of which is The Forest’s Keeper.
Helen: Welcome Emily, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your latest book, The Forest’s Keeper.
Emily: The Forest’s Keeper is the third book in my Cursed Queens series. We follow Rose who has been stuck playing ruler while her older sister – who should be on the throne – is off in the mountains warding off a curse and gaining allies to take back her throne. But being queen is the last thing Rose wants, and is eager to jump at the chance to have a sword in her hand and avenge the wrongdoing of her stepmother, the former Queen Amelia. Her moment arrives when she’s summoned to the enchanted and ailing Eral Forest. But, there is more happening in Eral than she realises, and her fate is larger than she could ever imagine. It’s a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and features a friends to lovers romance.
Helen: The premise sounds great, and I am loving the cover. Tell us your thoughts about the design.
Emily: I am so obsessed with this cover! We knew it would have a forest background and feature Rose in her red cloak so it coordinated with the other two books, The Night’s Chosen and The Shadow’s Heir. What I really wanted for Rose though was to feature a cane or a crutch of some sort while still showing off what a bad-ass she is. Rose’s character has had a deformed ankle her whole life, and uses a crutch to walk around. I knew it would be a challenge, as stock images don’t have much when it comes to disability representation, but I think it turned out amazing! I love seeing the cane in one hand and sword in the other to show off these two sides of her character.
Helen: I think its great that you have incorporated disability representation and yet your character is still strong and determined. What made you write this particular book?
Emily: Rose’s story has been stuck in my head for years! My debut novel, The Night’s Chosen, originally was a dual point of view between the characters of Eira and Rose who are sisters, and take on the roles of Snow White and Rose Red, while also being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Red Riding Hood. However, I had to cut Rose’s chapters because the book was too unfocused. Thankfully, I saved those chapters, and I was able to turn them into something new and even better for Rose where she could truly shine! When readers fell in love with her in the first book, even only being there for a few chapters, I was so happy because I love her too!
Helen: I always have an ‘ideas don’t fit’ folder. You never know when something you cut from one story will work in a different story. It is always best to save it. Now that you have released The Forest’s Keeper, what are you working on next?
Emily: I feel like I’m working on a million things right now! Most importantly is the fourth and (most likely) final book in The Cursed Queens series which will feature everyone’s favorite pirate, Finley, who you meet in both The Shadow’s Heir and The Forest’s Keeper. Her book will be a retelling of Sleeping Beauty and will wrap up the tale of Amelia trying to take over the kingdoms.
Helen: That is a bittersweet moment when you reach the final book in a series. The characters are like family and you don’t want to stop writing about them! When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Emily: I’ve been writing my whole life, even before I knew how to write! I have memories of being a kid and making little doodles that told whole stories when I didn’t know how to write the words, and I’d enact long dramas with my toys for my family to watch. Storytelling has always been a part of me.
Helen: I’m so glad your early storytelling evolved into writing books. Let’s talk about your writing process. How do you fit writing into your daily life?
Emily: Wherever I can! I bring my laptop with me to work almost every day so I can squeeze some words in on my lunch break, and I keep the Scrivener app on my phone so I can write down lines and ideas on the go. When I can, I get up early before I leave for my 9-5 and get something done before my day starts, and weekends are when I can get my longer sessions in.
Helen: It’s a shame full time jobs get in the way, but they are necessary. lol! As you have to squeeze in time to write, do you find you plan what you are going to write or are you more of a pantser?
Emily: I’m a plantser. When I’m starting a new book, I do a lot of scribbling and brainstorming in a notebook, then make a rough outline in Scrivener. I tend to start with your basic three act structure you can find in Save the Cat or Romancing the Beat, etc. and have a general idea of how it’ll end in mind, because otherwise, I’ll lose focus and go all over the place and get stuck! But, I also allow my characters to lead the way. I don’t stay married to my outline and let it ebb and flow and adjust as needed according to where the writing and characters are going. I love discovering new things about the plot and characters as I draft!
Helen: Most writers are great readers. What have you been reading lately?
Emily: I’m currently reading the Elements of Cadance duology by Rebecca Ross which is a Scottish inspired fantasy. These books are so beautiful! I love all of the points of view and the way they use music to summon the spirits. The relationships between all of the characters are simultaneously compelling and heart wrenching.
Helen: And what is your favourite book?
Emily: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I adore how atmospheric it is and the way the Circus is like one of the characters. Every time I read that book (usually about once a year) I uncover new layers to it, and she somehow is able to find everything beautiful and magical in the world and weave it into this beautiful story.
Helen: The Night Circus has been on my book shelf for a while, maybe it’s time I read it! Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, could you share how you overcome the dreaded self-doubt.
Emily: Imposter syndrome is so real! Almost every day I wonder “can I actually do this?” But I’ve been keeping reminders all around me that say “You are a great writer.” Because even if I don’t believe it right in this moment, if I keep telling myself that I am, it’s going to motivate me to become the writer I want to be. Or I go back to the comments and messages I’ve gotten from readers. My “Royal Readers” are the most encouraging people, and their love and support means everything and gives me the confidence to keep going when I feel like I can’t continue on.
All newsletter subscribers receive a free short story and prequel to The Cursed Queens called The Solstice’s Bride. It is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea and features Rose & Eira’s parents when they first met. And signing up for my newsletter, you’ll be the first to know about any new releases, hear stories about what inspire me, what I’m thinking about, book recommendations, and giveaways.
About the Author
EE HornburgEE Hornburg is a fantasy author in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She’s a dog mom, theatre addict, Hufflepuff, and lover of all things cozy.
Follow Emily:
Purchase The Forest’s Keeper via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
August 10, 2023
Indie Author Blog: Self Care
This week has been really busy. I am finalising my latest book for launch. Creating the marketing plan for the launch and all the supporting promotional assets and activities. Trying to set up a webstore so I can sell audiobooks direct. Working with two design agencies on two separate book covers. Dealing with offers from book vendors. Ordering all the stuff I need for physical IRL book fairs and the insurance that’s needed to go with it, and on top of that my daughter is home visiting from Canada and it is all TOO MUCH!
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash
I have realised I cannot do it all, and it’s ok to take a breath and stop for a moment. Not everything needs to be done today, and I need to prioritise my daughter being home and enjoy her company while I can.
Then I’ll get back to the chaos of the self publishing world. Maybe prioritise my list so I can actually do some writing. I desperately need to do some brainstorming too, as I have lots of thoughts I need to capture for a book that’s currently in my head.
Maybe it is time to consider delegating some things to someone else, if I can figure out how to let go of it!
I suppose what I am trying to say, is that not everything needs to be done this minute. So make a list, Helen. Prioritise it with realistic due dates and don’t let it all overwhelm you. The webstore can wait. Enjoy time with my daughter first. (I have tickets for the Hundreds! A day of watching cricket is a first step!)
After that, I need to get the books and merch for the book fairs, (If you are in Marlow on September 2nd then come to the Marlow Indie Book Fair and say hello,) and then the book launch is the priority, and make time to write, because that is the reason I am doing this in the first place. Because I love writing, and if this was an ideal world, then all I would be doing is writing.
See, I am writing this blog and I’ve calmed down already! Writing is my therapy. I hope you find something that you enjoy and relaxes you when life gets that little bit too stressful.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
August 9, 2023
Book Review Alert: Salvage Right by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
Reviewed: August 9th, 2023
Released: July 4th, 2023
Genre: Space Opera
A door never closes, but a window opens . . .
With origins in the Old Universe, the malevolent, acquisitive intelligence of Tinsori Light sought to infect others with itself and send those agents out into the wide new universe to infect even more.
For centuries, two heroes stood between Tinsori Light and the vulnerable universe—Light Keepers Jen Sin yos’Phelium and Lorith of the Sanderat.
Just when it seemed that they—merely human—must fail, Tinsori Light, enfeebled by aged systems, succumbed to the stress of a unique spatial event—and died, leaving the station a shell.
Luckily, the light keepers have back-up. A mismatched team of arcane specialists are on-station, working nonstop to preserve the Light, build trustworthy systems, and open the refurbished station for business.
In fact, ships are already incoming, and it becomes a matter of urgency to sort friend from foe. In particular, the Lyre Institute wishes to acquire Tinsori Light, and will do anything, spend anyone, to achieve that goal. Read My Thoughts…
August 6, 2023
Book Review Alert: Too Many Shadows, Not Enough Light by LC Ainsworth
Reviewed: August 6th, 2023
Released: January 12th, 2023
Genre: Science Fiction
Princesses are born to defend their people.
Being the best Imperial Air Force cadet, spending time with her friends and maybe meeting a cute boy is all Princess Astrid Zainab Korsning better known as Izzy wants.
If only Yanar, her country, was not at war with Petra.
If only she wasn’t forced to become regent while her mother was fighting on the front lines.
If only she had not come face to face with the unknown enemies while investigating signs of infiltration on earth by dark forces.
If only she was not in danger of falling in love with the wrong boy during her first trip to London.
Princesses are born to die for their people
The kingdom of Petra: once upon a time the best place in the galaxy for art, literature and music. That was until the war against The Alliance, a federation of planets led by the Yan empire.
Their last hope for victory, travelling to a planet of savages named Earth and attacking from the inside, their most powerful country, Yanar.
The Hendus: survivors of a dead world, desperate for a new home.
Their last hope for survival, finalising the colonisation of Earth from the shadows which they started 200 years ago.
The Backhand : Marginalised group of nature lovers, forbidden from practicing their religion by Yanar.
Their last hope for revenge, the alienation of the Members of the Tens, Yanar’s aristocracy and the imperial family.
Petra, Hendu and The Backhand agree, the empire must fall.
And it starts with the death of a 17-year-old princess. The only problem, Izzy is not just a princess, she is also an Omni, a human who possesses five supernatural powers. Read My Thoughts….
August 5, 2023
Author Interview – Samantha Picaro
Today, I’m chatting with YA contemporary author, Samantha Hughes, about her debut book Limitless Roads Cafe which was released in May 2023.
Helen: Welcome Samantha, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your novel.
Samantha: My YA Contemporary is called LIMITLESS ROADS CAFE and follows a teen named Kinsey Fontana who aspires to be an event planner. She works at a cafe hiring teens with any type of disability – she is autistic – and she plans a fundraiser when it threatens to close. However, she needs help from her former best friend Melissa Castillo, whose parents own the hotel where the fundraiser will take place, and the place that rejected Kinsey for an event planning internship.
Helen: Congratulations on releasing your novel. It is great to see an inclusive main character who is dealing with a disability as well as external issues. What was the idea behind the cover?
Samantha: I told my cover designer to show the cafe and include disability symbols in the window so someone seeing the cover would realize that this is a cafe hiring teens with disabilities. I had Kinsey holding a notepad and coffee to show her organized, hardworking personality.
Helen: I love asking that question because we always discover more detail in the cover than we did at first glance. Similarly with the name. I’m sure the reason you Limitless Roads Cafe wasn’t just because it was the name of the cafe.
Samantha: Limitless Roads Cafe is the name of the fictional cafe in the book. It may be too obvious but I chose it as the title not just because it is the physical main setting in the book but for other reasons. It not only hires teens with disabilities but provides a safe place for them and for patrons with disabilities. The cafe is a place that these characters don’t often find in other public places, thus increasing their determination to save it.
Helen: Which genre do you typically write?
Samantha: I write YA because everyone enjoys it no matter their age, and some concepts don’t change across age, like self-discovery or the desire to fit in. In fact, I read YA books to remind myself to remain optimistic and hold on to at least some of my idealism. I’m hoping my books can do the same for other adults as well as teens.
Helen: If you didn’t write YA books what genre woudl you like to try?
Samantha: I would love to try writing in fantasy but not the usual medieval-like setting.
Helen: Who is your protagonist and why did you write him/her?
Samantha: Kinsey Fontana is the protagonist, a teenage aspiring event planner. I wrote her because I didn’t see many autistic girls as a main character – or even as a side character – growing up. I wrote her because event planning is not a career that most people would assume someone autistic and/or with anxiety would want to pursue due to stereotypes in the media. But I, like my character, chose a career nobody would have guessed I would pursue and I’ve defied expectations. So can Kinsey, other fictional characters, and people in real life.
Helen: That is one of the great things about writing, you can choose to write about someone you wouldn’t typicllay find in novels. How do you come up with the ideas for your books?
Samantha: Inspiration can come from anywhere, and I mean ANYWHERE. They could come to me while running errands and I find an interesting story in a magazine. An idea can come when I think of ways a movie or a book could have been written better (basically what I would have done if I had been the writer. Sometimes I imagine writing a successful movie, something the audience and I don’t see enough of.
Helen: Now your book is released, what are you working on next?
Samantha: I won’t say too much other than that the next book will involve lots of cupcakes and cakes and will focus on the concept of success.
Helen: Intrguing! When you write, do you listen to music or do you prefer silence?
Samantha: Music is a must when I write. It has to have a beat so I maintain the energy, so I listen to mostly pop or electronic.
Helen: And when you write, are you a planner or a pantser?
Samantha: A planner all the way. I create an outline for each book and try to stick to it.
Helen: That’s good seeing as you wrote about an event planner! Thank you so much for chatting with me today. Just to close us out, could you share how you overcome the dreaded self-doubt?
Samantha: I read social media posts are articles by other writers who talk about self-doubt. This reminds me that self-doubt is natural, and that I can’t let it win. I remind myself of what I’ve accomplished rather than what I didn’t accomplish.
About the Author
Samantha PicaroSamantha Picaro is the author of Limitless Roads Cafe. Her identity as #ActuallyAutistic informs her writing, where the heroines are determined, and comedy is balanced with drama. She has a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work, and she has put those degrees to use in the nonprofit sector. When not writing or at her non-writing job, you can find her trying new coffee flavors, reading (of course), and volunteering for various causes. She lives in New Jersey.
Follow Samantha:
Purchase Limitless Road Cafe via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
August 1, 2023
Book Review Alert: The Night Orchid by M.G. Hernandez
Reviewed: August 1st, 2023
Released: April 21st, 2021
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Nothing happens in Wakefield…
But Josephine “Jo” Ligaya wakes up to find Alexa Ocampo, standing next to her window, black hair illuminated by the moonlight, gazing out of the frosted glass. No reason exists in Jo’s solitary world for the cheerleader to be in her room—except for two. She died and found her way to the young medium. The missing girl. Dead at eighteen.
Forced to join forces with Julian Taylor, the town’s celebrated athlete and a former friend, she must traverse the land mines of the spiritual realm and the equally intense halls of Wakefield High. This unlikely pair—a high school loner and a popular jock—must learn to work together to find the remains of a murdered teen with only communications from the dead as their guide.
Night Orchid is a coming-of-age tale of severed friendships, broken promises and the enduring powers of love. It’s Ghost Whisperer, but with hot-tempered teenagers and a strong female lead. Get ready for a wild ride.
*Strong language, sexual innuendos and violence. Night Orchid touches on mental health issues and unhealthy coping mechanisms (ie: alcohol abuse, drugs, a habit that resembles cutting). Please take caution if any of these themes trigger you. Read My Thoughts…
July 29, 2023
Author Interview – Danielle Hughes
I’m very happy to be chatting to middle grade/YA author, Danielle Hughes, about her YA fantasy Mystica trilogy.
Helen: Welcome Danielle, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about Mystica.
Danielle: I’m really proud to have my completed Mystica Trilogy out in the world now. I began writing the first book many, many years ago, always knowing it would be a trilogy. And it’s been quite a journey to have all three books complete and published.
Mystica is a fast-paced, fantasy adventure series full of magic and mystery. When Adelle and her foster brother, Jack, are stranded on a mysterious island they have no idea of the secrets they will uncover. When Jack is kidnapped by the tyrant ruler, Adelle must unlock the hidden magic and secrets to reawaken the lost power of the island and rescue him, discovering much about her unknown past.
Helen: Congratulations on completing the trilogy. Your covers are so vibrant. What can you tell us about your thoughts when designing them?
Danielle: I love my covers. I had a really clear vision of how I wanted them to look. Each one depicts the main character, Adelle, and indicates where she is on her journey as the Empress of Mystica. The first shows her looking apprehensively at the castle in the distance. The second shows her inside the castle, looking out from a balcony. The third cover shows her ready to use her power and looking more like a warrior ready to defend her title.
I chose to have her back to the reader so its almost as though we are seeing what Adelle is seeing, and also so the reader can imagine her face the way they envisage her.
Helen: The covers are gorgeous. I love the colours! Tell us about your protagonist, Adelle, and how you came to write her.
Danielle: In Mystica, the protagonist is Adelle, a fourteen-year-old foster child who finds herself trapped on a mysterious magical island. She needs to rescue her foster brother who is kidnapped by the tyrant ruler of Mystica. Adelle is someone who struggles with relinquishing control and has very little belief in what she is capable of. I wrote her to highlight how important it is to believe in yourself, because we are always capable of more than what we think. I hope she inspires young people to dig deep when needed, and rise above whatever they thing is holding them down.
Helen: Now that you have finished the Mystica trilogy, what are you working on next?
Danielle: I’m currently working on a young adult fantasy which is a retelling of a Grimm’s Brothers fairy tale. It’s a lesser-known, very short Grimms tale called the Brother and Sister, but I’ve elaborated into a complete story. I’m still in the writing phase so I don’t want to give too many details away, but I’m really happy with how it’s progressing. It promises to be full of intrigue, complete with an evil step-mother, a fight for the Kingdom, dark magic and a dash of romance.
Helen: Let’s talk about your writing process. Do you listen to music while you write?
Danielle: Not while I’m writing, but as a way to get in the mood for what I’m working on. I have different playlists for each book and listen to them in the car or around the house before I sit down to write. Here is a sample of one of my Mystica playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5cEJOYsc71ZxxZKX7AYsNq?si=XTai0TA0Rh-rau-lz_-00g
Helen: That is such a great idea. Music is very inspirational. I tend to listen to classical, as there typically aren’t any words! Are you a full time writer? How do you fit writing into your daily life?
Danielle: It’s a struggle! I have four kids in primary school who all do different activities, plus I work part-time. I write on the few afternoons I have at home before pick up and try to be disciplined to make sure I use that free time to write and not do other things like housework etc.
Helen: Goodness, you have your hands full. Well done for being disciplined enough to carve out your writing time. How do you manage those seeds of self doubt that always creep in.
Danielle: I go back and read things I’ve written in the past. It helps me to realise that I can write, that I love writing and I love the stories I write. It helps me remember its important to do the things we love, if for no one else, but for ourselves.
Helen: Great advice. Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, could you share the best piece of writing advice you have received?
Danielle: I was lucky enough to attend a writing retreat where John Marsden was presenting. He was brilliant and full of excellent advice. But the best thing he told me is how important it is to just get the story down, in draft form, no matter how terrible it seems. Just write it out from start to finish before you even consider going back and editing or changing anything. Just get that first draft written!
About the Author
Danielle HughesBusy mum of four, Danielle loves writing fantasy, adventure and supernatural stories for middle-grade and young adult readers. Danielle is the author of The Mystica Trilogy and The Lost Unicorn, brought to life by Four Moons Publishing. She also has several short-stories published in various anthologies. The complete Mystica trilogy is now available in all formats. To keep up to date on new projects, see website and sign up to the newsletter: http://www.fourmoonspublishing.com
Follow Danielle:
Purchase Mystica Book One via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
July 25, 2023
Book Review Alert: Of Deeds Most Valiant by Sarah K. L. Wilson
Reviewed: July 25th, 2023
Released: June 1st, 2023
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Eleven paladins walk into a monastery. Only one knows it’s a trap.
When Victoriana Greenmantle is summoned to represent her paladin order in an unusual quest, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Having just witnessed the horrific death of her mentor, she is barely a paladin at all. Worse, she has a trapped demon on her hands and if anyone discovers she hasn’t quite managed to cast it out, she will be made to suffer consequences worse than death.
The summoning requires Victoriana to journey to the newly revealed Aching Monastery and there to search for and recover the fabled Cup of Tears on behalf of her order.
But her order is not the only one seeking this relic. And her rivals are stronger, smarter, more experienced and just as motivated as she is. Will this cynical paladin have the faith to find the truth?
When Adalbrand Von Menticure is summoned to the Aching Monastery he is unamused. Far from his holy work healing the sick and injured, this quest seems a waste of his time. But when the murders start and he’s thrown together unwittingly with a young female paladin who keeps breaking all the rules and drawing everyone’s ire, he is forced to confront ghosts of his past. Can he push past his guilt to accept this tempting ally?
Together, these two holy paladins may be the only ones who can discover what or who is killing their compatriots and whether the Cup of Tears is really worth the bloodshed and danger within the monastery walls before time runs out and they are trapped forever.
A complicated mission, you say? Oh, but it gets worse, because forbidden love is slowly stalking them both, complicating everything, and leaving them each more vulnerable than they can afford to be in the face of a danger worse than either of them ever imagined.
Will this pair find strength in their strict discipline and holy orders in time to escape, or will they fall before the twin dangers of a rogue killer and an attraction more deadly than the simple risk of death? Read My Thoughts …
July 23, 2023
Book Review Alert: A Thin Witchline Between Love and Hate by T.L Brown
Reviewed: July 23rd, 2023
Released: March 29th, 2022
Genre: Dark Fantasy
The confident witch next door? She’s a hot mess. The reliable, level-headed friend you know you can count on? She’s broken and hiding big lies. The powerful woman who finds herself at the center of an old prophecy? She’s overwhelmed.
Witches hide things.
Lucie Bellerose holds secrets in her heart, fear in her belly, and her Tarot cards close to her chest. She’s a witch among too many men, with too many problems, and one thinning witchline.
A tyrannical former teacher who likes to inflict pain? Check. A loyal friend she keeps dragging through hell? Check. A mysterious man who excites her and infuriates her – often in the same 60 seconds? Check. Then there are the expectations of the Congress of Empire Witches, danger lurking behind doors to other worlds, and one psychotic demon who needs to possess her.
And this is only the beginning of Lucie’s problems.
Join Lucie Bellerose as she navigates infuriating men, witch politics, controlling her growing power, a fiery temper, a crazed demon… and ‘monsters and beasties’ when doors to other worlds begin to open. Read my Thoughts …
