It’s Thursday! Today, caught in the spotlight, is The Shadows of Wren by Jen Bliton! The cover is stunning, and this is book one(#1) in what is to be “The Light in the Shadow series.“
Let’s read more!
The Shadows of Wren (The Light in the Shadows)
Publication Date: August 30, 2023
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Features
⦁ Ancient Magic ⦁ Mythical Creatures ⦁ Friends to Lovers/ Insta Love ⦁ Large Scale Battles ⦁ Trauma Healing ⦁ Mental Health Rep
May the Valiant Prevail. After decades of peace within the lands of Caldumn ruled by the Red Kingdom, the southern towns have come under attack. Their libraries burned and ancient texts stolen by an ominous force. An unlikely alliance between two magic kinds is formed when Wren, a nineteen-year-old Mage, finds herself in the middle of a conflict that will take her outside of the peaceful life she's known. Along her journey, she meets Tyran, whose Necromancer magic is not widely trusted, and learns they share a deeper ancient magic that has long since disappeared. Together with the help of all magic kinds, they must unite the towns to save their lands, and themselves, while the threat of the Red Kingdom looms.
Jennifer lives in Southern California with her husband, a tiny human, and five cats.
Coming from a background in Content Creation, she and her husband livestream gaming content on Twitch and gaming content on YouTube, where you can find her playing World of Warcraft and Diablo IV. She loves being out in her garden and tries her best to grow various fruits and veggies throughout the year among any flowers, bulbs, or roots she can get her hands on.
The Shepherd and the Horned Girl (The Tales of the Shepherd #1)
Publication Date: March 3, 2023
Genre: YA Horror
Synopsis
In the quaint seaside town of Loch Lomond, an ominous fog descends, shrouding the landscape in mystery and fear. As the locals whisper of lurking terrors within its depths, the fog thickens, casting an eerie pall over the town.
When a girl goes missing, simple shepherd Ivas Sbarg has the only clue to what happened, and he ventures into the mist to find her. He stumbles upon a chilling revelation: something far more sinister than the monstrous fog is on the horizon, and it hungers for the souls of all who dwell in Loch Lomond.
In a desperate bid to unravel the mystery and save their town from impending doom, Ivas, a girl with horns and an incredible cast of villagers, must navigate the treacherous fog and confront otherworldly forces. But as they delve deeper into the heart of darkness, they soon realize that the true enemy may lie closer than they ever imagined.
A gripping tale of unlikely alliances and unwavering courage, The Shepherd and the Horned Girl plunges readers into a world of ancient legends and supernatural horrors. With its richly developed characters and palpable sense of dread, this haunting narrative explores themes of grief, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Earning the title “Sister Grimm” from me, The Shepherd and the Horned Girl captures the tone and haunt of old Brother Grimm tales but with a modern twist. We meet Ivas, a sheep farmer, and the fog that seems to haunt the small portside town of Loch Lomond. When Ivas, out in the fog one night looking for his lost sheep, sees a creature and a young girl named Ruby disappear. Ivas knows that creature. Ivas swears not again and sets out to find her.
Ruby, battling the grief of her father being lost at sea, gets a letter from a strange creature and sets off to find her dad, knowing the fog took him. The fog can change you, though. To survive in the fog, Ruby had grown horns. Rescued by Ivas and the horns removed, Ruby is reunited with her mother with life to go back to normal, but then the horns start growing back. It’s the fog…something is coming, and when Ruby’s horns are revealed to the townfolk, chaos ensues. The Death god is coming, coming for them all.
I love old folk tales, and The Shepherd and the Horned Girl reads like a modern-day folk tale to me. While evil lurking fog and monsters host the surface of this book, The Shepherd and the Horned Girl holds a deeper meaning in dealing with death, grief, and fear. On how it can consume us if we don’t deal with it. Bright weaves this intelligently in her tale, which is wrapped in ominous supernatural and superstitions.
Bright writes with a haunting tone that holds you on the edge of your seat with each page turn as she makes you feel every word she writes. I got choked up in some parts, and a book has never, NEVER made me teary-eyed.
The Shepherd and the Horned Girl is book 1 in “The Shepard Tales”, which I love because it feels like the seaside town of Loch Lamond has a lot more stories to tell, and once you’ve been touched by the supernatural, you are never quite the same.
My rating 5 out of 5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Breanna Bright is the author of ‘In The End’ and ‘The Shepherd and the Horned Girl’. She lives in the American Midwest but is always on the move with travels and adventures, searching for the next story.
The third in our triple book spotlight (yeah, I overbooked myself again, but these books are so pretty!) is The Crystalline Crucible by Adam Rowan. If you are a lover of treasure-hunting action adventure, read on!
The Crystalline Crucible
Publication Date: May 14, 2024 Genre: New Adult/ Action Adventure
Synopsis Maxwell Jacobs, a neurodivergent 21-year-old with a passion for knights, Tetris and cheese sandwiches, harbours an audacious dream-to become the greatest treasure hunter in England. His chance comes with The Crystalline Crucible, a treasure-hunting contest promising untold wealth and answers to the world’s biggest secrets. However, Max’s mission gets off to a rocky start when he’s arrested for breaking into a museum in search of a clue. His fear of leaving his hometown, Stapleford, his cynical best friend, Rosie Shaw, and his clumsy, awkward nature only serve to complicate things further. Overall, his prospects seem dim. That is, until Max crosses paths with Khalil Ahmed, a former criminal seeking redemption and quick cash. Despite their differences, their shared desperation draws them into The Crystalline Crucible. Together, they’ll decipher cryptic clues and embark on an epic nationwide adventure, with high stakes and a singular goal: to find treasure!
Author Adam Rowan’s passion for writing began in childhood, although he admits his early attempts were far from perfect. After a hiatus during his teenage years, Adam rediscovered his love for writing in his early twenties and has been dedicated to improving his craft ever since. In 2022, MotherButterfly Books published Adam’s first novel. His second book, The Crystalline Crucible, is published by Spinning Monkey Press and is inspired by his experiences growing up in England.
When he’s not immersed in the world of writing, Adam is an electronic musician and avid film fan. With the support of his family, Adam continues to pursue his writing dreams, understanding that patience is key in the journey of creating a book.
Nominated for Victorian Premier’s Literary Award 2024, Aurealis Award 2023, and State Library of Queensland Literary Award 2023. Caught in our Triple Book Spotlight this week ponder whether love can endure, life after life in Descended by Ingrid J. Adams.
Descended Publication Date: March 15, 2024 (Second Edition) Genre: Coming-Of-Age Fantasy Romance/ Takes Place in the 90s
1990s SYDNEY. A LOVE THAT SPANS LIFETIMES. FOR SOME, THE VEIL BETWEEN REALMS IS STRETCHED THIN...
An imaginative tour-de-force debut about the big and small decisions we make every day and the ripple effect they have on the rest of time – even if they’re celestially pre-determined.
Indigo Wolfe, the mysterious high school heart throb everyone wants to be or be with, is barely holding on by a thread. Because he isn't what he seems. He has secrets – secrets that consume him. Pain. Emptiness. The unending noise of all that he sees, and feels and hears that no one else can.
Why is he cursed by abilities others are not?
When he meets the ethereal Cordelia Carlisle, he's hit with a sense of recognition that traverses lifetimes. Only she can make his world silent. He’s welcomed into her family, and as they grow closer he lets her see the parts of him he keeps hidden.
The only thing he can't show her is that she's everything to him.
When they're torn apart, Indigo descends into darkness and is left standing on the precipice. He must search the depths of his soul – and his powers – and choose, whether to give up, or to fight: for himself, for answers, and for Cordelia, the one he seems destined to love and to lose over and over, life after life after life…
Descended is the award-nominated debut in the first gripping four-book series that melds paranormal romance with magical realism.
Caught in the spotlight this Thursday is A Chain Of Pearls by Raemi A. Ray. A Chain of Pearls is the first book in the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. The second novel, The Wraith’s Return, will be available later this summer, followed by Widow’s Walk in the fall.
A Chain of Pearls
Genre: Murder Mystery/Suspense/ Thriller
Published: April 9, 2024
The last thing she wants is to dig up the past…
When the body of a celebrated journalist is fished from the Edgartown Harbor, the official report rules his death accidental. But why was he alone on a senator’s yacht during a nor’easter? That’s only the first question London-based lawyer Kyra Gibson has when she arrives on the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s affairs.
She’s not looking for closure. She’s not seen him in decades since he left her with her aunt following her mother’s death. But as Kyra delves deeper into her father’s life, she learns he had many regrets and wasn’t as retired as she believed. The more Kyra discovers, the more questions she has. With the help of world-weary detective, Tarek Collins, they uncover a web of intrigue and corruption involving a powerful senator, a dubious energy company, and brutal murder.
As they chase down clues, Kyra and Tarek flirt with danger and race against time to solve the murders and uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath Martha’s Vineyard’s picturesque façade of old money wealth and privilege.
Raemi A Ray’stravels to Martha’s Vineyard and around the world inspire her stories. She lives outside Boston. When not writing or traveling, she earns her keep as the personal assistant to the resident house demons, Otto and Dolph Lundgren.
Follow Raemi at raemi.com. Visit her on Instagram @miss_raemi
Drawn in by the beauty of this cover caught in the spotlight today is A Moonrise in the Fire by Tessia Ives. Dive into a steamy romantic fantasy adventure that sweeps you into an enchanting world of vast fjords, wild forests, elemental powers, and one woman searching for her destiny.
A Moonrise in the Fire: A New Adult Romantasy (An Element of Fire, Book 1)
Publication Date: February 2024
Genre: NA Romantasy/ Spicy
Features ✨ Star-crossed lovers ✨ Forced proximity ✨ Hidden identity, Secrets ✨ Witty banter ✨ Reluctant (& hilarious) companions on a quest ✨ Fated soulmates ✨Relatable FMC
How many realms would you cross to save your true love? All humans possess an element – except for Talvi. Born without magic and dedicated to being the keeper of Starstone Temple, an ancient monastery in her small forest town, she’s plunged into a world-changing struggle when a mysterious and powerful guest arrives on her doorstep. Caelan ignites a dangerous fire in her heart... but he guards a secret that could destroy them both. After Talvi’s childhood love is abducted by a terrifying threat from a doomed world, Caelan is the only one who can help her. Alongside her two best friends, Talvi must unravel the long-lost secrets of Starstone – and embark on a dangerous quest that will transport her to unknown realms. Four elements. Three realms. Two lovers. And one impossible choice. Hunted by deadly enemies and unable to contain the desire burning between them, Talvi struggles not to fall for the enigmatic fire elemental. His wickedly beautiful smile. His courageous passion. The seductive amber flames of his eyes. Can she decide where her loyalty – and her heart – truly lie? Or will embracing her destiny force her to pay a devastating price? She was born powerless. Now the fate of the realms rests in her hands.
A Moonrise in the Fire is a stunning love story that spans multiple realms, While book one in the “An Element of Fire Series,” Monrise in the Fire, can be read as a standalone. A gripping read perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Holly Black.
On Saturdays, award-winning novelist Tessia is often found daydreaming about the plot of her next book, eating mint malt balls, riding horses, and wishing she had a pet owl. She’s less whimsical the rest of the week, when she is hard at work writing heart-stopping adventures that blend accessible fantasy with burn-the-world-down-for-you romance—stories she would want to read, and hopes you will too!
Tessia lives in California with her husband and various furred and feathered beasts. She holds two degrees from Stanford University not at all related to writing.
It is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month! To celebrate I had the privilege to review The ABCs of Asian American History by Renee Macalino Rutledge and Illustrated by Lauren Akazawa Mendez back in May last year. I wrote it for a company I am no longer with, so when I left so did the review. This book is amazing and shouldn’t be forgotten. Thus I am happy this Asian and Pacific Islander Month to republish it for the world to see again and to honor our fellow Asian and Pacific Islander American brothers and sisters. Read on!
The ABCs of Asian American History by Renee Macalino Rutledge and illustrated by Lauren Akazawa Mendez
Publisher: Ulysses Press For Young Readers
Reading age: 5 to 8
Grade level: 1 -2
Synopsis: Celebrate and learn about the many cultures that fall under the Asian American umbrella in this alphabetically organized, rhyming, and colorfully illustrated picture book for kids!
An inclusive compilation of the holidays, famous figures, traditional dress, cuisine, and other interesting facts from 19 Asian American groups (as defined by the 2020 United States Census), including Korean Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Pakistani Americans, Japanese Americans, Hmong Americans, and more.
Review
Aimed for ages five and up, I have to admit that this adult found this book fun. Written in a fun poetic rhyme, you will learn about traditional holidays, and prominent figures, foods, dress from 19 different Asian American groups, including Korean Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Pakistani Americans, Japanese Americans, Hmong Americans…
Being I adore fairy tale retellings it is no surprise this book is in my spotlight today. The Musician and the Monster is a gothic romantasy fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast tossed in with a hint of Phantom of the Opera. Set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. Read on!
The Musician and the Monster: A Gothic Beauty and the Beast Retelling (The Castamar Duology Book 1)
Expected Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Genre: Gothic Romantic Fantasy
Featuring 💖 Forbidden love ☑️ Morally grey MMC ⚔️ Determined heroine 🎶 Music is powerful 🔥 Slow burn to steamy ❄️ Wintertime 🥀 Gothic vibes ❤️🩹 Hurt/comfort 🗡️ Touch her and 💀 ✨ Magic 🎭 Masquerade Music says things words never can. I love you. I miss you. I’m sorry I killed you. Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne. Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night? At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts.
Megan Van Dyke is an award-winning fantasy romance author with a love for all things magical and romantic, especially fairytales and anything with a happily ever after. Many of her stories include themes of family (whether born into or found) and a sense of home and belonging, which are important aspects of her life as well. When not writing, Megan loves to cook, play video games, explore the great outdoors, and spend time with her family. Megan currently lives with her family in Florida.
A wayward witch. A billionaire vampire. Dark family secrets and steamy, steamy romance.
Carved From Obsidian: An Urban Paranormal Romance (The Founders Duology Book 1)
*NOTE: This book is intended for adults and may have themes that some readers prefer to avoid. Visit www.addiegreybooks.com for the content guidelines.*
Genre: Dark paranormal romance, Dark Fantasy Release Date: May 1st, 2024
Tropes: x Dark paranormal romance x Modern setting x Vampire x witch x Forbidden romance x Powerful/controlling family x Dark secrets unraveling. x Love triangle x Hidden powers x Steamy/Spicy
Story Plot
Soph’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is rescued from imminent death by a mysterious vampire. Fuelled with a need to find this day-walking supernatural, She embarks on a relentless quest to locate her saviour.
Soph soon discovers that her elusive vampire is none other than Eli Damiani, billionaire and business titan. Though she only wanted to thank him, Eli quickly becomes intertwined with Soph’s life in unexpected ways. Their chance encounters explode into a web of inexplicable connections, drawing them closer in more ways than one.
Though her obsession with her vampire grows, she knows nothing can become of their secret romance. Her grandmother, a powerful witch and the family matriarch, has another man in mind for her granddaughter, and always desperate for Nona’s approval, Soph finds it difficult to say no.
And while her heart is being pulled in more ways than one, dark and insidious secrets are unraveling in the supernatural world. Soph discovers the hard way that both she, her family, and Eli Daniani are all ensnared and cannot escape.
Review
Newly titled ‘Obsidian Crack’ by me, I was not expecting to become so engrossed in this book and its characters. The character of Soph is a hot mess of a young witch. She is always late for work. She can’t stick to a coven for her life; as you see, commitment is not her thing. When a mysterious vampire stranger saves her life from getting hit by a truck, Soph becomes obsessed with finding him, even though vampires and witches don’t mix.
When Soph discovers he is a daywalker vampire, and the well know sexy billionaire Eli Daniani of the prominent corporation called SinCorp. She’s got to thank him, right? No harm, no foul, then why can she not stop thinking of him?
When Eli shows up out of nowhere asking for Soph’s help. The allure of her hero grows even more when he picks her design for his new project of night clubs, but when Soph gets tricked into joining a black witch coven, Soph’s world tears apart, finding Eli her savior once again. Family secrets, though, threaten to ruin it all.
Again I did not expect to get so swallowed up in this book. The character of Soph seems A- typical female character to me, but gosh darn it, Grey made my obsidian heart feel. There is a bit of a powerful subplot Grey slips in that was mind-blowing and shocking, and I loved the way Grey handled it with brutal beauty and grace. Then, the moment when Eli comes back, realizing he shouldn’t have left her alone, Soph officially cracks apart… I don’t want to give away too much, but Soph became real, and I empathize for her.
Overall, Grey writes with a clean, smooth, modern flare that is enjoyable. She gives us readers just the right amount of detail, letting our brains imagine in sultry detail. The only downside is the book ends not on an oh my gosh; I can’t wait till book two cliffhanger but instead on a somber note with a lot of unanswered questions, which I hope to get answered in the next book.
My rating is 41/2 out of 5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Carved From Obsidian is available May 1st, 2024Pre-order your copy HERE
ARC courtesy of RR BookTours and Author Addie Grey
About The Author
Addie Grey, a luminary in the world of dark fantasy romance, hails from rural Australia. A day dreamer and adventure-chaser, Addie intricately weaves tales that traverse the realms of dark fantasy, urban fantasy, and romantic fantasy, ensnaring readers within the tendrils of her enchanting narratives.
Addie’s storytelling prowess extends across a spectrum of genres that encompasses dark fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. Her stories are intricate tapestries woven with threads of desire, seamlessly entwining elements of otherworldly magic with gritty realities. Readers find themselves ensnared within the pages of her captivating books, drawn into worlds where love and darkness collide in a mesmerising dance.
With a cover like this, the book spotlights itself! A Rogue. A Commander. And an Admiral. Brought together by circumstance, held together by duty. Can they find a way to work together to save humanity? Read on as we celebrate the release of Umbra: Sentient Stars by Amber Toro; let’s learn more!
Umbra: Sentient Stars
Publication Date: April 24, 2024
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy/ Space Opera
✨Enemies-to-Lovers ✨Found Family ✨Multiple POVs ✨Intergalactic Adventure ✨Slow Burn ✨Militaristic Society ✨Fully Sentient Starships
Earth That Was has faded into myth. After millennia spent wandering, humans are no longer nomads. Twelve tribes stand allied under the United Tribal Axis, but there is a signal in the darkness that threatens to destroy everything.
All Skyla wanted after leaving the Navy was to be left alone. Just her ship, the stars, and a new adventure. But when a strange virus disables her ship, she is thrown into the middle of a conflict she doesn’t understand, forcing her to take on responsibilities she swore she never would again.
Hinata always followed the rules and honor above all else. He always won until he didn’t. Sentenced to exile for his failures, he is determined to prove himself, until a mysterious woman arrives on his station and chaos threatens to break already fragile alliances.
Freyja was always angry, an outcast, playing the part of admiral and black ops operative. But she is tired of being a pawn in the Empress’ games, and when she’s stranded on the wrong side of enemy lines after a vengeful battle, she’s forced to ally with her adversaries to clear her name.
Amber Toro is the director of data science at a machine learning startup working to make the world a better place with AI. She is a big believer in using tech for good.
Always dreaming Amber writes epic sci-fi and fantasy.
Amber grew up in Seattle with a great love of the outdoors. She now calls Utah her home and when she is not writing or coding you can find her biking, hiking, and camping in the mountains with her amazing partner and two tiny humans or curled up with a good sci-fi/fantasy book.
Freelance Writer Janny(Jan Marie)C 