Helen Garraway's Blog, page 3

Book Review Alert: Dream of the Sphere by Jay S. Willis

Reviewed: June 8th, 2025
Released: October 25th, 2021
Genre: Epic Fantasy

Three thousand years of tradition torn asunder. When the truth comes out, will a hero emerge to pick up the pieces?

Dashira Eisenheart takes ultimate comfort in her community. So she’s thrilled when her brother ascends to the coveted order chosen to protect the world from safely sealed-away, millennia-old, dangerous magic. But her faith in her beloved parents’ loyalty cracks after she spies her mother sneaking about town to meet with the enemy.

Striving to stay focused on her own academic studies, Dashira becomes caught in family tensions that soon reach a boiling point. And as her father’s Brotherhood and her mother’s rebel group head toward a cataclysmic clash, the young seeker finds herself trapped by conflicting choices.

Will she face her fears and accept her role in a grand destiny? Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: The Last Dragon Knight by Tim Akers

Reviewed: June 4th, 2025
Released: February 25th, 2025
Genre: Epic Fantasy

Betrayed by his friends. Driven from the land he swore to protect. Hunted by the legions of Hell. Cursed to carry the Dragon’s fury in his soul. Determined to survive.

Corem Holt was once an assassin, before he was a warrior. Before he was a cataclysm in the shape of a man. Blessed by the Crow and cursed by the Dragon, he fled the destruction of his homeland. It was a destruction for which he was responsible.

To his friends, he is a traitor. To his enemies, he is the last real threat in their endless war. Both will hunt him to the ends of the earth. And so he hides. He tries to live a simple life, to survive, to be happy. But mostly, he tries to forget what he has done.

All that comes undone when his past catches up to him. What starts as a chance encounter with an old enemy rapidly devolves into a battle for life and death, not just for Corem, but for the people he’s come to love while in hiding. To save them, he must make one last stand far from home, far from the throne he was sworn to protect, far from the memories that brand him a traitor. For anyone else, it would be impossible. For Corem, it’s inevitable.

Because he’s not just a hero.

He’s the last Dragon Knight. Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Sunflowers in the Snow by Dawn Bonanno

Reviewed: June 2nd, 2025
Released: August 26th, 2024
Genre: Fantasy Short Stories

Do you believe in magic?

Can you imagine how it might exist all around us in everyday life? Perhaps hidden in trees and sunflowers, slipping into view when needed, and leaving gifts when all hope has abandoned us. Why does a young woman caring for her elderly grandfather find a secret sunflower patch in the snowy hills of Wisconsin? What happens when a demon woken from sleep happens upon a grieving cat dad? How will a sentient house end its long loneliness? Can the smallest water fairy find her missing sister? What does a bride even do with an enchanted wedding veil? Who will save a city cat from a haunted country bridge?

A collection of fourteen fantasy stories about magic in the real world, Sunflowers in the Snow explores friendship and family bonds through sentient houses, magical taverns, secret gardens, and people from other realms who are more like us than we could ever dream. Featured stories include: Sunflowers in the Snow, Cara’s Heartsong, Voices Heard Within Heartbreak House, Never Say Never, The Legacy of Kalila Arquette, Sarah’s Little Monster Hunter, and more. Read My Thoughts…

Sentinals Origins Part One reaches Amazon number 1 New Release!

The first part of the prequel to the award winning Sentinal Series, Sentinals Origins, which launched on, May 5th, 2025 reached the Amazon bestselling number 1 spot for Classic Fantasy New Releases.

As Sentinals Origins Part Two grows, intended for a 2025 Autumn/Fall release, it’s important to pause and celebrate releasing my thirteenth book. I am so thankful for the support of my fellow indie authors from the writing community, to my readers who have embraced my latest book, and my small but mighty ARC reader team.

Sharing some of the history and background of the Sentinals has been great fun, and as you meet the Descelles and Greens, I hope you love them as much as I do. Having the opportunity to write strong and relatable characters like Leyandrii and Guerlaire, Warren and Melis, and many of the Sentinals, hopefully gives you many more insights into the Sentinals and will enhance your reading experience as you revisit the series.

Click HERE to Purchase Your Copy Today!

Sentinals Origins Part One was the recipient of a Five Star Readers Favourite book review by Jamie Michele

Now Live!

‘Helen Garraway’s Sentinals Origins is an excellent fantasy with a lot of moving parts, each of which melds perfectly into the origin story that the author creates for the rest of the series. Birler’s growth is really well done, as he evolves from an uncertain, impoverished young man into a competent and self-assured cadet. The intense relationship between Guerlaire and Leyandrii brings a unique sizzle, and sparks fly when Garraway allows us into the more intimate moments. The setting details are striking. I love the juxtaposition of the beauty of the temple, contrasting against the grim, impoverished reality of Harbourtown, both of which stand out as entrenched social divides. Ways of life vary, and as a reader with total wanderlust, the Terolian nomadic culture and its reliance on the sun, sand, and stars for navigation, and its reverence for family are really lovely. The Ascendants, who seek to control and corrupt, are worthy antagonists in a powerful story that makes me want to carry on. Very highly recommended.‘

Book Description

Wild magic is rife in the world of Remargaren and a shadowy group of dissidents have discovered how to exploit the power for their own purposes.

The goddess, Leyandrii, and her Captain, Guerlaire, must face down this new threat and protect the people from unseen dangers. As Guerlaire learns to wield his own power, three new cadets with the potential to change the world are beginning their journey to become Lady’s Rangers.

Drawn from the back streets of Vespers, a young boy is thrust into a world beyond his comprehension. Battling bigotry and violence, Birler will need to navigate the Rangers’ Academy while grappling with unexpected ties of friendship, a tantalising found family, and embrace ancient magical powers.

A heartwarming tale of friendship and family is set against a backdrop of bigotry and violence in a world where wild magic can precariously tip the balance. Birler and his new friends will have to fight their own battles, not only to earn the right to become rangers but to help Leyandrii and Guerlaire restore the natural balance and defend their world.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.

Sign up to my newsletter and download Sentinals Stirring for free

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).

Book Review Alert: The Last Ranger by JDL Rosell

Reviewed: May 29th, 2025
Released: December 2nd, 2022
Genre: Epic Fantasy

BETRAYED. HUNTED. LEFT FOR DEAD. BUT NOT EVEN DEATH ITSELF CAN KEEP THE LAST RANGER FROM VENGEANCE…

Leiyn “Firebrand” is no stranger to a fight. A brash ranger of the Titan Wilds, she takes up her bow to ward against the colossal spirit creatures known as titans, ever a threat to the colonies she has sworn to protect.

But no amount of skill can guard against treachery.

When tragedy strikes the rangers’ lodge, Leiyn vows to avenge the fallen. But if she is to succeed, she must embrace a power within her she has long denied.

Power to move mountains and rivers.

Power over life and death.

She did not choose this path, but Leiyn knows her duty. For if she fails, the legacy of the rangers dies with her—and all the Titan Wilds will fall into shadow. Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: A Coup of Tea by Casey Blair

Reviewed: May 23rd, 2025
Released: August 2nd, 2022
Genre: Cozy Fantasy

“There will always be work for those who know how to listen.”

When the fourth princess of Istalam is due to dedicate herself to a path serving the crown, she makes a choice that shocks everyone, herself most of all: She leaves.

In hiding and exiled from power, Miyara finds her place running a tea shop in a struggling community that sits on the edge of a magical disaster zone. But there’s more brewing under the surface of this city—hidden magic, and hidden machinations—that threaten all the people who’ve helped her make her own way.

Miyara may not be a princess anymore, but with a teapot in hand she’ll risk her newfound freedom to discover a more meaningful kind of power. Read My Thoughts…

The Book Dragon UK gives OblivionGate five stars!

Check out the review by Kirsty McKay on The BookDragon UK website.

A Masterful Continuation of an Epic Fantasy Romance

The third installment in the SoulMist series, OblivionGate elevates an already captivating fantasy world to new heights with deeper character development, higher stakes, and fascinating new magical elements.

Following Demavrian’s harrowing survival of Apologia and confrontation with the Angelic Assembly, what should be a moment of triumph is instead overshadowed by the looming threat of the vengeful god Kaenera. As the newly appointed Gate Keeper of Oblivion, Demavrian struggles to understand his responsibilities while simultaneously supporting his distraught fledglings, helping Solanji discover the true nature of her Soul Breathing abilities, and attempting to restore her brother’s soul. The pressure is immense as the soulless continue banging at the Oblivion Gate, and even with his Gate Wraith’s assistance, Demavrian fears becoming the shortest-lived Gate Keeper in history.

The characterisation of the Oblivion Gate itself is perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of this novel. The author brilliantly brings this mystical boundary to life, giving it presence and personality that enhances the overall narrative.

The dialogue remains authentic throughout, allowing readers to deepen their emotional connection to characters they’ve grown to love over the series. This third book truly cements the reader’s relationship with the main characters.

The pacing is expertly handled, maintaining the engaging momentum that has characterised the series thus far while giving appropriate weight to Demavrian’s struggles with his new responsibilities and the looming threat from Kaenera.

OblivionGate proves that the SoulMist series only gets better with each installment. For readers who have followed Demavrian’s journey from the beginning, this third book delivers a richly satisfying continuation while setting up even higher stakes for what’s to come.

I award 5 stars for a fantasy romance that continues to captivate with its vibrant characters, well-crafted world, and the increasingly complex challenges facing our protagonists.

Check out the review on The BookDragon UK website.

Purchase OblivionGate

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.

Book Review Alert: Grave Situation by Louisa Masters

Reviewed: May 11th, 2025
Released: March 20th, 2025
Genre: Epic Fantasy (LGBTQ)

He’s not the hero they deserve, but he’s the hero they’ve got.

No, seriously. Talon wants to know what he did to deserve this. What would make a sentient rock decide that he of all people should be the one to save the world from zombies? That’s right. Zombies. Because apparently a higher power decided that teaching magic to teenagers wasn’t enough of a challenge.

With a ridiculously attractive healer (who may or may not hate him), his sister (who he miiiight have a forbidden telepathic link with), a sentient god-like rock (that can only communicate via yes/no vibes), a disdainful dragon, and a rude matchmaking horse by his side, he just might be able to save the world.

Or die trying.

Meet Talon Silverbright. He’ll save the world, but only because a rock said he has to. Read My Thoughts…

Sentinals Awaken on Kindle Countdown, only 99c/99p!

Haven’t started the Sentinal series yet? Then now is the chance to get your copy of book one, Sentinals Awaken. Kindle countdown offer on Amazon US and UK until May 10th, 2025.

Now Live!

Click HERE to Purchase Your Copy Today!

Book Description

When a long-forgotten threat starts to reemerge, one man stands as the last defense against darkness…

Jerrol Haven serves his king without question. When he finds evidence of corruption and is attacked, the loyal soldier’s mind spins after his touch of a sacred tree awakens the dormant spirit of a three-thousand-year-old protector. But he fears he has failed after the crown prince accuses him of treason and orders his execution…

Fleeing the city, Jerrol is stunned when the goddess appears to him, appoints him captain of her warriors, and charges him with a quest to find artifacts that can save the realm. And as he runs into danger and more betrayals, the steadfast hero discovers a rare gift that may be the world’s only hope…

Can Jerrol rally the forces of good to stop a rising evil?

Sentinals Awaken is the first book in the Sentinal epic fantasy series. If you like endearing characters, immersive world-building, and gritty conflict, then you’ll love Helen Garraway’s award-winning tale.

Buy Sentinals Awaken to restore the guardians today!

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.

Sign up to my newsletter and download Sentinals Stirring for free

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).

Sentinals Origins Part One is live!

The first part of the prequel to the award winning Sentinal Series, Sentinals Origins, launched today, May 5th, 2025.

Now Live!

Click HERE to Purchase Your Copy Today!

Sentinals Origins Part One was the recipient of a Five Star Readers Favourite book review by Jamie Michele

‘Helen Garraway’s Sentinals Origins is an excellent fantasy with a lot of moving parts, each of which melds perfectly into the origin story that the author creates for the rest of the series. Birler’s growth is really well done, as he evolves from an uncertain, impoverished young man into a competent and self-assured cadet. The intense relationship between Guerlaire and Leyandrii brings a unique sizzle, and sparks fly when Garraway allows us into the more intimate moments. The setting details are striking. I love the juxtaposition of the beauty of the temple, contrasting against the grim, impoverished reality of Harbourtown, both of which stand out as entrenched social divides. Ways of life vary, and as a reader with total wanderlust, the Terolian nomadic culture and its reliance on the sun, sand, and stars for navigation, and its reverence for family are really lovely. The Ascendants, who seek to control and corrupt, are worthy antagonists in a powerful story that makes me want to carry on. Very highly recommended.‘

Book Description

Wild magic is rife in the world of Remargaren and a shadowy group of dissidents have discovered how to exploit the power for their own purposes.

The goddess, Leyandrii, and her Captain, Guerlaire, must face down this new threat and protect the people from unseen dangers. As Guerlaire learns to wield his own power, three new cadets with the potential to change the world are beginning their journey to become Lady’s Rangers.

Drawn from the back streets of Vespers, a young boy is thrust into a world beyond his comprehension. Battling bigotry and violence, Birler will need to navigate the Rangers’ Academy while grappling with unexpected ties of friendship, a tantalising found family, and embrace ancient magical powers.

A heartwarming tale of friendship and family is set against a backdrop of bigotry and violence in a world where wild magic can precariously tip the balance. Birler and his new friends will have to fight their own battles, not only to earn the right to become rangers but to help Leyandrii and Guerlaire restore the natural balance and defend their world.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.

Sign up to my newsletter and download Sentinals Stirring for free

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).