Helen Garraway's Blog, page 24
June 23, 2023
Book Review Alert: The Bell Tolling by Amena Jamali
Reviewed: June 23rd, 2023
Released: December 15th, 2021
Genre: Epic Fantasy
An epic spiritual, political, and military fantasy full of profound thoughts about the meaning of freedom, human compassion, women’s empowerment, true leadership, and the stark contrast between absolute good and absolute evil
The Blood-soaked Sorcerer tyrannizes the land of Icilia with every form of cruelty imaginable, dying his armor red in the blood of innocents. Crushed to pieces under such savagery, the people of Icilia abandon hope and begin to forget the gifts of civilization that had once been their dearest blessings.
In Amena Jamali’s The Bell Tolling, Book One of the The Lord of Freedom series, we meet Lucian, the divinely-appointed hero of Icilia and Leader of the Quest of Freedom. Educated in all of the ancient arts, Lucian has the virtue and power necessary to cleanse evil from the land. But not alone—answering the call of his sacred destiny, Lucian gathers his four divinely-chosen companions and embarks on a journey to free his world. He is determined to restore the forgotten laws, heal the tormented, and unite the land behind his banner.
But how can it be possible for him to succeed? His companions seem too shattered to save anyone, while his people might be too blind to see the light…Read on for content warning and Read My Thoughts...
June 22, 2023
Indie Author Blog-The Self Publishing Show Live, London, 2023
I have just spent two days in London at the Self Publishing Show Live, surrounded by like-minded, inspirational, enthusiastic, independent authors, all of whom are eager to succeed in the world of self publishing. Just being in that environment is motivational in itself, let alone the thought-provoking sessions various speakers presented over the two days.
I am still digesting all the information I heard and there was a lot. It could be overwhelming but I think you have to digest everything for a while and then decide where you want to focus. What is it that I want achieve and what do I need to do to achieve it. From there you can choose which path to take and which options to follow.
Some of the main messages I took away for this conference:
There is no better time to be an independently published author.Independently published authors are growing their revenues – according to research performed by the Alliance of Independent Authors, available to ALLi members on their website (affiliate link) – whereas traditionally published authors are not. (See Society of Author’s (SoA) recent ALCS Report. You can find a comparison report on the SPS Facebook group)To be successful you have to accept this is a long term project, and you need multiple books.The more the better! So focus on writing books.It is hard work.You need to treat writing as a business and wear your business hat. Being agreeable all the time won’t cut it.Believe in yourself. Belief and positive thinking is a self fulfilling prophecy. It’s not down to luck.Having a positive attitude and believing you can hit your goals means you are more likely to achieve themMarketing is a necessary evil. Focus on the platform you are most comfortable with. You don’t have to do everything. You choose what you want to do.The opportunity to network, meet other authors and compare notes was invaluable. No matter how shy you are, the writing community is very welcoming and everyone wants everyone else to succeed.
Hearing what other authors did to be successful is inspiring, and every author’s path is different, so be inspired by other’s successes, see what they did and emulate it. Understanding the market, trends and opportunites is key for any business, and selling books is no different. Use the tools available and carve your own path to success. If you haven’t finished your book yet, then stop procrastinating and get writing. If you have finished, congratulations on an amazing achievement. You should be exceedingly proud of yourself. I hope you celebrated.
This is the time to be an independenty published author. It’s down to you to grab that opportunity with both hands. I know I will.
And don’t forget…
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. If you love Romance, then try my Fantasy Romance SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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June 18, 2023
Men of Magic and Myth is live!
It’s Launch day! The Limited Edition MM Fantasy anthology, Men of Magic and Myth is live! I am so excited to be participating in this short story anthology. Well some are not so short but mine is as I thought we were writing ten thousand words, not that is was minimum of ten thousand words, but never mind!!
There are seven short stories/Novellas from USA Today Bestsellers and award winning Romance anthors.
You still get to meet two exciting new characters from me, set in a brand new world. My short story is Familar troubles. Can’t wait for you to meet Tristan, a Sharian Knight, and Aryhn, a child of the universe.
I hope you enjoyed the Limited Edition Creatures of Magic and Myth, now we have Men of Magic and Myth.
Men of Magic and Myth
Ready to be enchanted by these dashing men?
Magic and passion collide as princes, noble knights, charming wizards, elusive shape-shifters and brooding necromancers fight for what’s theirs in the Limited Edition Men of Magic and Myth Boxset.
In this mesmerizing collection of MM fantasy short stories by bestselling romance authors, dauntless men undertake daring adventures to find their true loves. But fate will throw every possible obstacle in their way. More than their own lives are at stake if they fail their quests.
This limited-time collection captures a breathtaking array of complex characters with their own battles to fight and loves to win—each one ready to set your hearts swooning in bite-sized stories.
The Men of Magic and Myth are setting out to conquer love.
Will you rise to the challenge with them?
I hope you enjoy this anthology and once you’ve read Men of Magic an Myth, it would be really great if you could leave a review and let other readers know what you liked about it. You can find this anthology on a book vendor of your choice and on Goodreads or Bookbub.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series which is available on Kindle Unlimited or my Fantasy Romance SoulMist series which is free on Kobo Plus. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Join my email list
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June 16, 2023
Book Review Alert: Foothills Fae Academy by Callie Woodridge
Reviewed: June 16th, 2023
Released: March 31st, 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy
Welcome to Foothills Fae Academy, where four thirteen-year-old students begin their journey to harness the power of the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Wind. Ben, Amber, Ellen, and Michael soon become friends as they navigate the challenges of the school, but they soon discover that their training is not just for when they reach adulthood- there are dangerous Dark Magic Welders that threaten their world. As the four friends learn to control their abilities and become true Fae, Ben and Amber discover that they have a special gift that puts them in grave danger. Set in 1999, this thrilling fantasy adventure follows the four students as they learn to prepare themselves against the Dark Magic Welders while also training to be Fae.
June 15, 2023
DragonBound is live!
DragonBound
If you entered the Goodreads Giveaway, congratulations if you won.
If you didn't win, there may still be time to grab a copy before the preorder price is updated. DragonBound is available wide and in Kobo Plus. Books2Read.com/DragonBound2
I look forward to hearing what you enjoyed and who your favourite characters are.
Book three is in progress and is tentatively scheduled for the new year, currently dithering over the name, but I'll set up the preorder once I've decided!
Thank you so much for staying with me on my writing journey, there is plenty more to come!
DragonBound is live!
It’s Launch day! DragonBound is live! I am so excited to share the next installment, book two of the Fantasy Romance/PNR Romance SoulMist series.
DragonBound
DragonBound is the second enthralling book in the Fantasy Romance SoulMist series full of vibrant characters, political intrigue and betrayal.
How could so much go awry in so short a time? Crossing the divide between gloomy Eidolon and sunny Puronia was the least of their problems.
Solanji
Her brother is still soulless and lost in Eidolon. Having exchanged tantalising promises of love with the mesmerising fallen angel, Demavrian, she led him straight into a trap, and he is running out of time to prove his innocence. She has no idea how to use her SoulBreathing skills or to control the dragon that comes with it, and to top it all, the Heavenly Host kicked in her door. They had better repair it!
Demavrian
Ageing isn’t fun. If he didn’t reconnect to the citadel fast, he may even die of it, if the queue of angels wanting him dead didn’t get to him first. Unexpected enemies and surprising allies surface as he navigates the dark web of corrupted politics in the angel’s assembly. Let’s hope his newly independent oathsworn can keep him alive long enough to unravel his memories of what really happened the day he was cast out – and his beautiful SoulBreather, Solanji, may be the key.
Solanji and Mav may be immortal, but they are running out of time to discover who is behind all the scheming and how to redeem the soulless. When the timepiece makes it last turn, they will not be the only ones to suffer if they fail.
I hope you enjoy my latest book and once you’ve read DragonBound it would be really great if you could leave a review and let other readers know what you liked about it. You can find DragonBound on a book vendor of your choice and on Goodreads or Bookbub.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series which is available on Kindle Unlimited. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Join my email list
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June 14, 2023
Book Review Alert: Don’t Fade Away by Natalie Pearce
Reviewed: June 15th, 2023
Released: January 1st, 2023
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
For Elle, haunting a share house comes with a unique set of challenges. Living tenants come and go, leaving her with nothing to fill her days except a crush on longstanding housemate, Dean, who literally doesn’t know she exists. Talk about unrequited love.
Just as she despairs at being stuck halfway to the other side for the rest of her afterlife, the newest resident sparks hope for something more than the humdrum of everyday death.
As far as mediums go, Ethan barely knows he is one. He just wants a place to knuckle down and finish his medical degree. But as soon as he moves in, he senses a presence. He tries to ignore it – but Elle is insistent…
The more Ethan uncovers about Elle, the more he suspects her death was no accident. Can he help her move on, or will greater forces intervene?
Erika’s journey includes a trek through childhood friendships, narcissistic family, an obsession with 80s rock music, and the trials and joys of being a wife and mother. With relationships tested and secrets revealed, can she face the stakes of her quest and become who she needs to be?
June 11, 2023
Book Review Alert: The Mom Group by Jennifer A. Jones
Reviewed: June 11th, 2023
Released: September 15th, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Loneliness can motivate a woman to put herself out there, to meet new friends. But when it doesn’t go as planned, what’s next? Perhaps a little revenge…
Erika Thompson is a lonely housewife. With her kids recently off to college and her husband working long hours, she spends much of her time reading, hanging out with her dog, and trying to figure out what her next steps should be.
But an invitation to join a local mom group is about to change everything. After numerous attempts to fit in and make new friends, Erika is all but shunned. Her sorrow over this unexpected outcome quickly turns to anger, and she retaliates against the moms who’ve done her wrong. But things don’t go as planned for Erika, and she’s in for some surprises of her own.
Erika’s journey includes a trek through childhood friendships, narcissistic family, an obsession with 80s rock music, and the trials and joys of being a wife and mother. With relationships tested and secrets revealed, can she face the stakes of her quest and become who she needs to be?
June 10, 2023
Goodreads Giveaway: DragonBound by Helen Garraway
Giveaway Closes: 14th June, 2023
US Only
Prize: 100 ebooks
Not in the US?? Then enter the International Giveaway. Shelve DragonBound on your Goodreads tbr shelf and Enter here.
DragonBound is the second enthralling book in the Fantasy Romance SoulMist series full of vibrant characters, political intrigue and betrayal.
How could so much go awry in so short a time? Crossing the divide between gloomy Eidolon and sunny Puronia was the least of their problems.
Solanji
Her brother is still soulless and lost in Eidolon. Having exchanged tantalising promises of love with the mesmerising fallen angel, Demavrian, she led him straight into a trap, and he is running out of time to prove his innocence. She has no idea how to use her SoulBreathing skills or to control the dragon that comes with it, and to top it all, the Heavenly Host kicked in her door. They had better repair it!
Demavrian
Ageing isn’t fun. If he didn’t reconnect to the citadel fast, he may even die of it, if the queue of angels wanting him dead didn’t get to him first. Unexpected enemies and surprising allies surface as he navigates the dark web of corrupted politics in the angel’s assembly. Let’s hope his newly independent oathsworn can keep him alive long enough to unravel his memories of what really happened the day he was cast out – and his beautiful SoulBreather, Solanji, may be the key.
Solanji and Mav may be immortal, but they are running out of time to discover who is behind all the scheming and how to redeem the soulless. When the timepiece makes it last turn, they will not be the only ones to suffer if they fail.
Want to preorder a copy at the special preorder price of $2.99?
Preorder Now!SoulBreather now available on Audiobook!
The first book in the SoulMist series is now available in Audio book. You can find it via the vendor of your choice HERE.
I am so thirilled that Voice Artist Tim Paige agreed to narrate my book. Check out the audio sample and start the adventure now.
The SoulMist seriesIf you fall in love with the shadows, does that mean you are fallen too?
A dying angel. A fractured realm. The mortal who might be able to save them both.
Solanji has a secret. One that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep. She can touch souls and see into a person’s inner thoughts. Soulbreathing is exhilarating and addictive, until the day Solanji caresses the wrong person’s soulmist.
Dragged into a long forgotten angelic mystery, she is forced to venture into Eidolon, the godforsaken last resort for those without souls. In order to save her brother, she must rescue a broken and tortured man. Can she save him from the shadows? Does he even want to be saved? And can she find a way to return to the light before the darkness engulfs them both?
SoulBreather is the first book in the paranormal fantasy SoulMist series.
About Tim Paige (Voice Artist/Narrator)
I’m a father to two awesome little boys (and a 4 lb toy poodle). We’re a little too obsessed with Disney (#Disnerds) and Marvel Comics.
I spent a large part of my life as a touring musician, playing on some of the bigget stages in the world (including on MTV’s TRL, back when that was a thing).
I also practiced and taught marketing (mostly at software startups) so I’ve got tech expertise, as well as experience with entrepreneurship, startups, and motivation.
Rom Coms are my JAM, so if something has a HEA, count me in.
I’ve not only narrated best-selling books, but have also voiced national commercials, tv show promos, trailers, and more.
Listen on Spotify
If you’ve read this far, you deserve a gift! I have a few Spotify promo codes allowing you to download my audiobook for free. You can apply for a free code here. (Limited number of codes available so don’t delay. When they are gone, they are gone!) Let me know what you think by leaving a review.
Happy Listening!
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. (First three books also available on audio!) Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Join my email list
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and newsletter platform proivider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
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