Katy Huth Jones's Blog, page 10

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Beautifully written fantasy with magic, music, and Cherokee folklore

The Book Dragon has read Aerisian Refrain by Sarah Ashwood and gives it a rip-roaring five claws!
My five star review: "This book was an amazing read! I didn't think I would connect with the MC, Annie, who was a world-famous singer, but she had a depth of character and humility that made me wish she was real so we could be friends. She was strong, yet caring, and I hurt with her at all the losses and pain she suffered in the course of the story.

"The fantasy elements were terrific! I had previously read the first Aerisian trilogy and was already loved the fantasy world the author had created, but this book made everything deeper, more resonant, and more meaningful. The descriptions are beautiful and poetic and totally immersed me in the land of Aerisia. I love how some of the magic is tied to music. It feels real! And the dragons and their riders are memorable, even though they don't play a huge part in this story.

"One of the best things about this book is the friendship Annie develops with her fellow traveler from Earth, the Artan, Hannah, and the BEST part is the relationship Annie develops with Cole, the Simathe Lord who was my favorite in the first trilogy. The ending was surprising, with all kinds of unexpected elements, good and bad.

"I highly recommend this engrossing tale of adventure, love, betrayal, magic, fairies, dragons, and the beautiful Cherokee folklore references. I'm having a hard time writing this review because I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I want everyone to read it, it's that good! Can I just say, "Wow"?"

Better shot of the beautiful cover:

Fantastic new fantasy release!

I'm so excited about this one, I'm spotlighting Aerisian Refrain before Book Dragon can write his review! When I heard it had music, magic, dragons, fairies, birds, AND Cherokee folklore, as well as many of the characters I'd come to love in the original Aerisia trilogy, I HAD to read it.

Tagline: On Earth, Annie's voice brought her fame and fortune. In Aerisia, her voice brings her magic, but the cost of that power might mean the destruction of Aerisia itself.

Blurb: Following the prophesied Artan's victory over the Dark Powers, the land of Aerisia is finally at rest, until ancient beings, long imprisoned, begin to stir....

Eight years after Annie Richards' stellar voice and musical talents skyrocketed her from rural Oklahoma to international fame, haunting visions have begun threatening her sanity. While she's returning to her childhood home to convalesce, creatures straight from her nightmares bring down her plane. Annie wakens in a parallel world, Aerisia. Here, she discovers her musical gifts translate into magical powers--the legacy of a banished race who have been invading her dreams.

Mistrusted by Aerisia's most powerful factions because of her heritage, Annie finds allies are hard to come by. Supporting her are one Simathe warrior, Cole, who refuses to label her as evil, and one woman willing to stand against anything and anyone to help a friend: the Artan herself. Seizing control of her destiny will mean defying both her ancestors and the Aerisian leaders. Mastering her magic may mean making the greatest sacrifice of all . . . or risk becoming the reason Aerisia itself is torn apart.
Author Bio: Don't believe all the hype. Sarah Ashwood isn't really a gladiator, a Highlander, a fencer, a skilled horsewoman, an archer, a magic wielder, or a martial arts expert. That's only in her mind. In real life, she's a genuine Okie from Muskogee who grew up in the wooded hills outside the oldest town in Oklahoma and holds a B.A. in English from American Military University. She now lives (mostly) quietly at home with her husband and three sons, where she tries to sneak in a daily run or workout to save her sanity and keep her mind fresh for her next story.

Sarah's works include the Sunset Lands Beyond trilogy (where I first visited Aerisia) and her fantasy novella Amana.

To keep up to date with Sarah's work and new releases, sign up for her newsletter. You can also visit her website, or find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A fantastic collection of short stories

The Book Dragon has read Secrets: Visible and Invisible, a collection of seven stories by different YA authors, and gives it a resounding five claws!
My 5 star review: This is one of the best short story collections I've ever read! Each one fits the theme perfectly, and yet no two stories were remotely alike. I felt like I'd opened a box of chocolates, and ALL of them were delicious! I especially like how the genre is identified at the beginning of each story. Many of them make you wonder if the author has written more about the characters, and in fact, many have!

Dystopian is not my favorite genre, but Corinna Turner's "The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles" is an intriguing title. This suspenseful story gripped me and made me anxious for young Margo and Bane, who just wanted to have a picnic and now are in danger from government soldiers hunting subversives.

In "Recreation" by Cynthia T. Toney, Elijah is a realistic teen and stole my heart as the story unfolds and he befriends an elderly neighbor in need of assistance. The ending is one of the most perfect ever! My favorite in the collection.

Theresa Linden's "The Portrait of the Firestarters" is about a youth group, and a painting that has changed each time they meet is mysterious and compelling. An effective device to show how important it is not to judge on appearances.

A gritty historical piece by Susan Peek with a kapow title "On the Brink of Hell" puts the reader in the middle of the scene with the battle-injured Dario. A powerful experience of the power of redemption. Bravo!

I love the tone of T. M. Gaouette's "Sister Francesca." It feels like a legend, even though the setting is modern.

The main character in Carolyn Astfalk's "Behind the Wheel" is so human and so endearing. As a Mom I alternately wanted to shake the MC and hug him. A poignant coming-of-age story!

Leslea Wahl's "More Precious Than Gold" is a fun mystery, and readers of The Perfect Blindside and An Unexpected Role will enjoy seeing those characters together in this story.

Here's a better image of the cover:
All these authors are members of Catholic Teen Books. Visit the site to discover their other works!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautifully written Christian fantasy

The Book Dragon has read The Last Motley by D. J. Edwardson and gives it five claws!
My review: "4.5 stars for one of the most interesting and beautifully written fantasy quests I've ever read. I had no idea what to expect from the intriguing cover (I read it before reading the back blurb), but the story sucked me in from the first page. I love the MC, Roderick the humble tailor. He has become my favorite book Dad, ever! Such a compassionate and God-fearing husband and father, he makes the perfect reluctant hero and guardian for the frightened young orphan, Jacob (the "motley.") Their journey to discover a way to free Jacob from the curse of his motley magic is fraught with peril of every kind, but they do meet a couple of surprising allies along the way.

"I love how Roderick's faith is such a part of him and how his prayers for Jacob comfort the child again and again. This world is so real I can feel the cold and smell the dungeon and taste the hardtack. Recommended for anyone who loves Christian fantasy and quest stories in particular."

Better image of the vibrant cover:

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A fun wish fantasy with an unusual genie!

The Book Dragon has read Jessica L. Elliott's fun short story (or maybe a novella?) Oh, Snap! and gives it five wishful claws!
My 5 star review: "This was a delightful short story and very original! I'll never look at genies the same way again, and I'll be paying closer attention to old teapots in thrift stores from now on. You just never know....

"Recommended for anyone who wishes they had a little real magic in their lives."

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Gritty contemporary Christian romance

The Book Dragon has read Joy K. Massenburge's A Cry For Independence and gives it four claws!
My 4 star review: "Written with gritty honesty and gentle wisdom, this story took me to an unfamiliar place and helped me have greater compassion for others caught in unfortunate circumstances. The two main characters, Tammie and Q, have survived difficult childhoods, rejection by their fathers, prison, abuse, and all manner of terrible things. But the light of God shines as a beacon of hope for both of them, and the way the author brings them out of darkness is heartfelt and poignant. The supporting characters, especially Tammie's loving sister Tee, add much depth to this powerful story of redemption."

A Heroic Giveaway from the Fellowship of Fantasy

The Fellowship of Fantasy consists of authors who are dedicated to writing clean fantasy (with a rating no higher than PG-13).
These are the ebooks included in the prize package, along with a paperback of the second Fellowship of Fantasy anthology, Hall of Heroes.
Enter the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway ends June 15, so don't delay! Happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautifully written, poignant fantasy novella by one of my favorite authors

The Book Dragon has read My 5 star review: "Having read all of the other books in Ms. Lima's Annals of Alasia, I was excited to see there was a new story set in this world. The new POV character, 19 year old Tarvic, caught my attention right away in the gripping opening scene. His anguish and despair are palpable and make him extremely sympathetic. The other characters he meets along the way are wonderfully drawn, and the plot is full of surprises with many satisfying moments. It's almost impossible to put this story down! And near the end is one of the most beautiful lines of prose I've ever read which fits the title perfectly. This story brought tears to my eyes in more than one place. I highly recommend it, and it's not necessary to have read any of the previous books to enjoy the story. Of course, once you read it, you'll HAVE to revisit Alasia with the other wonderful books!"

The Nameless Soldier is

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Uncommon romantic fantasy adventure

The Book Dragon has read Common by Laurie Lucking and gives it a whole-hearted five claws!
My 5 star review: "This story was a wonderful coming-of-age romantic fantasy following the journey of an immensely likable MC, the honorable, hard-working, courageous Leah. I have to add her to my all-time favorite list of heroines! The story is entirely from her POV and works well in first person. Her romantic interest and the several minor characters are well-drawn and believable, and the situation that unfolds has enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages to find out if and how Leah can overcome the unfair situation she finds herself in. I've read a few fantasies where the young heroine comes across as a bit whiny, but not Leah. Her determination, even when she's quaking with fear, makes her strongly sympathetic, someone to cheer for, and someone to emulate. Highly recommended for lovers of clean romantic fantasy adventure!"

Indie e-Con Scavenger Hunt 2018 - Stop #5

Next hosted author on the Indie e-Con Scavenger Hunt is Kelsey Bryant!
Kelsey writes: "Hi, everyone! Katy, thank you so much for hosting me on your blog. Isn't it thrilling to be at the 2018 Indie e-Con?

"One of my favorite things about fiction is the settings. To me, the best books take you to places that you can see and feel, and introduce you to people you'd love to meet. I'm from Texas, and the colorful Hill Country in the middle of the state inspired my first published work, Family Reunion, the first of the Six Cousins series. There's something comforting and homelike, as well as natural and wild, about the live oaks and bluebonnets, the coyotes and roadrunners. It's the ideal spot for a big family gathering . . . I love to write about families, their love and their drama.

"The sequel, England Adventure, takes the cousins to England. I'm an Anglophile, so writing this novel felt like planning my own trip to the land of literature, tea, historic houses, and cultural richness. (I've been blessed to visit there for real twice now.) Travel is an ideal plot device for putting people into life-altering situations, so important in fiction.

"My third novel, Suit and Suitability, was my first published venture into historical fiction, and I think I'm hooked on time-traveling. This is a 1930s retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, and I took joy in researching 1930s Ohio and New York, where I set the story, and in figuring out how to transform Jane Austen's beloved characters into 1930s versions. This book is part of the Vintage Jane Austen series.

"If you're interested in learning more about me and my books, you can track me down through my website, Kelsey Bryant, Author. Have fun at the conference, everyone!"

Your fifth clue for the scavenger hunt is E. Your next stop is Dragonpen Press.