Author: freelancewriterjannyc

Janny C(Jan Marie) is an established freelance writer, Author, and blogger ready to write for you!
Posted on

BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Fairy Tale Road by Christina Farley

Those kid-friendly Choose Your Own Adventure books from the past (I loved those books so much growing up) get a grown-up flair in FAIRY TALE ROAD by Christina Farley! Definitely earning a spot in my spotlight. Let’s read on!

Fairy Tale Road (Choose Your Happily Ever After Book 1)

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Genre: Enemies-to-Lovers Romcom

FEATURES
⦁	Enemies-to-lovers
⦁	2nd chance romance
⦁	Celebrity romance
⦁	Modern fairytale retelling
⦁	Slow burn
⦁	Happily Ever After (x3!)
⦁	One bed
⦁	Magical realism
⦁	Traveling
⦁	Fake dating

Your Choice, Your Fairy Tale.

When Scarlett discovers her sister’s heart was broken by the notorious Mr. Wolfe, she travels to Germany to expose this Big Bad Wolf and his Fairy Tale Tours. Disguised as a tourist, she explores the world of the Grimm Brothers’ tales, magical castles, and quaint towns while plotting Wolfe’s downfall. But things are not as they seem, and Scarlett soon finds herself entangled in a web of decisions and unexpected romance.

On this interactive romcom adventure, you will guide Scarlett’s path as she navigates a modern retelling of Red Riding Hood. Will she find her true love with the charming Hunter, mysterious Wolfe, or the dazzling Movie Star? Each choice leads Scarlett closer to a different fairytale ending, filled with twists, laughter, and sizzling romance.

Fairy Tale Road is not just a story, it’s your story. With each decision, you shape Scarlett's destiny. Along the way, you’ll guide her choices and determine which of the three swoon-worthy love interests she ends up with. And yes, each path leads to its own unique happily ever after. Or, if you’re feeling curious, read all three endings to experience every possibility.
Choose your fairytale ending where revenge, romance, and the magic of the unknown beckon at every turn. Explore a world where the path to love is one choice away.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHRISTINA FARLEY is the author of the bestselling Gilded series, The Princess and the Page, The Dreamscape Series, The Immortal Bound series, and the Library of Alexandria series. Prior to that, she worked as an international teacher and at a top secret job for Disney where she was known to scatter pixie dust before the sun rose. When not traveling the world or creating imaginary ones, she spends time with her family in Clermont, Florida with her husband and two sons where they are busy preparing for the next World Cup, baking cheesecakes, and raising a pet dragon that’s in disguise as a cat. Visit her at ChristinaFarley dot com.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA

Instagram: @ChristinaLFarley

Facebook: @ChristinaFarleyAuthor

YouTube: @ChristinaFarley

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: A Sister To Butterflies by Aaron Christopher Drown

A lover of fairytale and folklore, “A Sister To Butterflies” brings you a very different kind of fairytale.

A Sister To Butterflies

Published: May 27th, 2025

Genre: Fantasy/ Folklore/ YA Fantasy

Age: 13+

Pages: 581

Synopsis

There are lures irresistible regardless of peril, because some yearnings renounce all wisdom. There are bonds that compel no matter how faraway, because some needs are dire enough to defy all cost. But when reason, distance, and danger go unheeded, that price can be devastating despite all the magic in one’s grasp.

A Sister to Butterflies tells a different sort of once upon a time, a shimmering tale of a creature torn between worlds, whose wondrous deeds would become fable and whose terrible mistakes would alter the destinies of everyone around her.

REVIEW

As poetically written as this book is, my review will not be. Oh my gosh, THIS BOOK! It tore me asunder! I am so happy! It has been a long time since a book has done that. It has also been a long time since I read a nice thick novel, and this book has some heft. An absolutely stunning read, Drown captures the cadence of fairytale and folklore but gives it just the right amount of visceral grimness, a la the Brothers Grimm, with a deeper overall moral at the end. Told in a poetic, forlorn fashion, a mysterious old woman has slipped into the nursery, picking up the swaddled babe from the crib as she sits in the rocking chair, and she tells her tale that she has said once before. Other worlds exist out there, and one of those other worlds is hers.

Now, fairytales are often short, but Drown manages to hold on to you for a full-length novel of an exquisite folktale-inspired story that hosts realism with a chilling no-happy-ever-after.

You care and sympathize with our narrator, Abigail, all through the story until the climax, when you realize she’s a whole lot messed up. She did the unthinkable, all with partial good intentions, I think, but then again…

“A Sister To Butterflies,” you have to read it, and then we can discuss it.

The overall rating is five out of five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron Christopher Drown is a Maine native who’s lived all over, and whose stories have appeared in equally numerous magazines and anthologies. His debut novel, A Mage of None Magic, won the Darrell Award for Best Novel, and as he’s promised his publisher for years, the follow-up will be ready soon. His collection of short stories, titled The Gods Must Clearly Smile, received the 2022 BIBA along with the 2023 Imadjinn Award. An award-winning graphic designer as well, Aaron is a frequent guest speaker who enjoys discussing not only the writing process but the important role branding and presentation play in promoting an author’s work. Aaron resides in Washington State with his wife, Sarah, their dog and cat, and his trusty Macbook, Sancho.

Follow Aaron Christopher and his books at: aaronchristopherdrown.com

Posted on

BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Potions & Prejudice by Tee Harlowe

Okay, witch hates warlock. Warlock hates witch. Warlock falls for witch. . . . Things are about to get very, very complicated in Potions & Prejudice by Tee Harlowe. Let’s see more!

Potions & Prejudice (Moonflower Witches Book #1)

Release Date: June 3, 2025

Genre: Cozy Fantasy

Features
⦁	Enemies to lovers
⦁	He falls first
⦁	Slow burn
⦁	Cottagecore
⦁	Cozy fantasy
⦁	Only one closet

Elspeth Moonflower just wants to cast a spell. Unfortunately, that’s impossible due to a curse her grandmother cast that forces every witch in her family to marry before using magic. As a result, Elspeth and her sisters are outcasts, helping their mother run her traveling apothecary shop—while she complains that her daughters are all magicless spinsters.
When their cart breaks down and strands them in the charming village of Thistlegrove, Elspeth’s older sister meets a handsome warlock who’s smitten. If only the warlock’s best friend wasn’t completely insufferable. Draven Darkstone is broody, arrogant, wealthy—a perfect example of why Elspeth never wants to marry. But for the sake of her sister, she needs to be nice.
Which is hard when all Draven does is glower at her. It’s even harder when the glowering turns to longing glances. It’s downright impossible when he kisses her.
Little does Elspeth know, the line between love and hate just got thinner.

Potions & Prejudice is a low-stakes fantasy of Legends and Lattes meets the romance of Bridgerton, in this spicy cozy fantasy romance with a grumpy sentient cottage, an anxious miniature dragon, and all the cottagecore vibes.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

Posted on

BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Shadow of the Yew Tree by Kate Gateley

Teaming with R&RBookTours this week to help celebrate the release of “Shadow of the Yew Tree” by Kate Gately! You must heed our warning and check it out!

Shadow of the Yew Tree (The Mythic Bones Duology #1)

Publication Date: May 27, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy Romance

Features
⬇️
🌙𝙳𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝙿𝙾𝚅⁠
🌿𝙶𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚢 / 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎⁠
🌙𝙼𝚎𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚢⁠
🌿𝙾𝚙𝚎𝚗 𝚍𝚘𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎⁠
🌙𝙷𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍⁠
🌿𝙰𝙳𝙷𝙳 𝚛𝚎𝚙⁠
🌙𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚘𝚛 / 𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚎⁠
🌿𝙰𝚍𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜-𝚝𝚘-𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜⁠
🌙𝚂𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝙱𝚞𝚛𝚗⁠
🌿𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚍 / 𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚢⁠
🌙𝙳𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚍𝚜 & 𝚂𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎⁠
🌿𝙵𝙼𝙲𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 30’𝚜 (& 𝙼𝙼𝙲𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 40’𝚜😉)⁠

Synopsis

It seemed a lifetime ago that Dr. Ronan Gallagher had succumbed to his obsessive need to uncover the deepest secrets of the Codex Druidicus, a grimoire of the very darkest magic. Though he’d tried to protect his closest friends from a threat that had followed them through multiple lifetimes, the choices made by the Druid doctor had been a betrayal of not only his friends but his own sacred oaths—a betrayal he would pay for with his life.
Through the intervention of the Otherworld, he was given a second chance on this earthly realm to set things right. Yet, while the curse of the evil Sorcerer Cassius, ancient Child of Rome, might have been vanquished together with the Codex, the torturous tendrils born of Ronan’s pride and obsessive weakness still thrive in the shadows, their reach extending further every day.
When his fellow Druids learn of a massive explosion that has reduced a secret experimental Wraith facility to ruins, none can understand how Phoebe Ashburn, the sole survivor of the tortured experiments, has survived the blast’s devastation … and evaded their capture. With dark and volatile Wraith magic now trapped inside her—threatening her control and sanity—Phoebe is determined to discover how to rid herself of this inner darkness … even if it means accepting the assistance of the very Druid doctor whose actions had led to her torture in the first place.

GET IT NOW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author KATE GATELEY has always been fascinated by history, Celtic Ideology, ancestral memory and generational wounding, and the “Divine Feminine,” and those personal studies continue to influence every aspect of her life, on the pages of her books and off.

When Kate published her first book, Tides of the Sovereign (FriesenPress 2022), Book One of the Lost Wells Trilogy, she knew that it was only the beginning of a story she has always wanted to write—one with heart and meaning that was actually worth sharing. In December, 2022, Tides of the Sovereign was announced as the winning title in the Fantasy/Sci-Fi category of the Canadian Book Club Awards. Continuing now in Book Two, Mantle of the World Ruler, and beyond into the next volume still to come, that story has grown far beyond what she could ever have imagined … into something that she dearly hopes can one day find—and deserve—a cherished spot among those volumes of both contemporary fantasy and historical romance that so inspired her growing up.

Kate currently lives, and writes, on a small farm in the Cowichan Valley on beautiful Vancouver Island, with her amazing husband, two incredible sons, an adorable dog, several barn cats who don’t earn their keep, and some decidedly ungrateful chickens … all of whom are very dearly loved. She is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada (TWUC), Federation of BC Writers (BCFW) and Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA).

To connect with the author, visit:

www.kategateley.com

Posted on

Book Spotlight Thursday: Her Cruel Redemption by Hailey Jade

The epic finale of The Dark Reflection series gets caught in the spotlight today! After spotlighting the first two books in the series, Her Dark Reflection and Her Blind Deception I am ecstatic to help showcase the final in this trilogy. Book three ” HER CRUEL REDEMPTION” tests the boundaries of love, power, and destiny. It brings a twist, with lovers turning enemies, and vengeance becomes obsession as loyalties are tested. Rhindra treads her path to redemption, but at what cost? Will it cost them all?

Her Cruel Redemption (The Dark Reflection Series Book 3)

Publication Date: February 24, 2025

Genre: Dark Romantasy

Series Tropes:
- Marriage of convenience
- Political intrigue
- Betrayal, secrets and lies
- Feminine rage
- Enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies
- HEA

“When you’ve known love to slip through gentle hands, you’ll grip it with teeth and claws.”
Now a queen in hiding, Rhiandra has taken refuge in the Yawn with Gwinellyn, tolerated but never truly welcomed by the princess’s new friends. Driven by a thirst for vengeance against the man who betrayed her, Rhiandra struggles to master a dangerous power that no one wants her to wield. But she must learn control, for Draven is hunting her.
When word of war between Brimordia and Oceatold reaches them, Gwinellyn can no longer stand idly by as her people suffer. Determined to reclaim her birthright, she needs Rhiandra’s help to retake the throne. But as they journey through a battle-scarred land, both women are haunted by secrets—Gwinellyn wonders if she can trust her stepmother, while Rhiandra hides truths that could shatter their fragile alliance. Many of those secrets centre on her tumultuous relationship with the man now calling himself king.
If they want to win this fight, blood and lives will not be the only price.

Get The Trilogy Today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hailey Jade has tried to quit writing, but alas, the characters who live in her head will not stop yammering. She’s hoping that building them ink-and-paper homes will make them pipe down long enough for her to get some sleep. She likes creating fantasy worlds populated by complicated, morally-grey characters who try to resist their attraction to other complicated, morally-grey characters, but who inevitably fall in love, because everyone needs a Happily Ever After.

Hailey has completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching at Flinders University and spends her daylight hours trying to convince reluctant teenagers to love books. She lives in regional South Australia with her partner, bouncy baby boy, and feline overlord.

Learn more about Hailey Jade and her books at Hailey Jade

Posted on

BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: When the Witch Visits by Michael Rands

Today’s spotlight is on the humorous, dark, and eerily timely “When the Witch Visits” by Michael Rands. ” When the Witch Visits” is a horror-comedy for the age of the online personality. Read on below!

When The Witch Visits

Publication Date: April 18, 2025

Genre: Paranormal/ Horror Comedy/ Supernatural Fantasy

Synopsis

Rick and Kayleigh Zapp are living proof that perfection sells. With their idyllic family, overflowing bank accounts, and millions of online followers, they’re the world’s second-most beloved power couple. But on the night a hurricane rages through their town, a witch appears in their garden and tells Rick he has one year to live—unless he can repair the flaws in his seemingly flawless life.
As Rick’s paranoia builds and Kayleigh hides a secret that could topple their empire, their social media influence continues to grow—thanks in part to their increasingly twisted friendship with the enigmatic Max and Maxine Maxwell, the world’s most beloved power couple.

AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Rands is the author of the satirical, dark comedy, Praise Routine Number Four, co-author of the economic satire The Yamaguchi Manuscripts, and Kamikaze Economics (a story of modern Japan). He’s co-author of the humorous dictionary Stay Away from Mthatha. He co-created the audio drama The Crystal Set, and is one of the hosts on the podcast Detours Ahead. In South Africa he worked in television as a writer, director and producer. He taught English in Japan. He holds an MFA from Louisiana State University, and currently teaches English and Creative Writing at the college level. He lives with his wife and toddler in Alabama, not too far from a bayou. The Chapel St. Perilous is his second published novel.

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Alpha Male by Mark Allen

I did a book spotlight, and now I have READ THE BOOK! ALPHA MALE is one of the most enjoyable horror thrillers I have read in a long time.

ALPHA MALE (a Caleb Jacobsen novel)

Published: April 15, 2025

Genre: Horror/Suspense/ Thriller

Pages:434

Synopsis

Since defeating the evil Global Alpha saving mankind from annihilation, Caleb and Marla have gone back to their quiet lives.

Sadly, “quiet” never lasts.

A werewolf delegation explains to Caleb that by killing the last Alpha and then not assuming the position himself, the werewolf world has fallen into chaos, fractured packs, and bitter infighting. Born followers, the werewolves NEED a strong leader to restore balance and order.

Realizing his responsibility for this situation, Caleb must step up and be the leader they need, even though it is the last thing he wants to do.

But there are those who do not recognize him as legitimate. Rejecting his policy of détente with humankind, they still want a Werewolf Apocalypse and a Human Holocaust. And they are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

War is brewing, and no one can remain neutral. Everyone must choose sides. It all comes down to one cataclysmic fight to the death between Caleb and the rebel leader, Logan Olivier. The survivor will guide the combined destinies of both werewolves and humans for the next thousand years.

 There’s only one ALPHA MALE. 

REVIEW

The cover hooks you before you open the pages, and once you do, author Mark Allen doesn’t disappoint. Alpha Male is the second book in Allen’s Caleb Jacobsen werewolf series, with Blood Moon being the lead in. Even though I didn’t read the first book, Allen welcomes you. I was not lost one bit, and I instantly felt invested in these characters.

We pick up with Caleb and Marla again, three months after Caleb killed the Global Alpha, refusing to take the throne as his replacement. When a group comes a calling, saying the werewolf community is in disarray.  Caleb finally rises up, considering he is to blame for the chaos in their community. We also meet Logan Oliver, a German Alpha of the German pack, who decides to claim the empty Global Alpha spot and pick us up where the former left off, which was revealing their kind to humanity and showing them who the true A-PEX predator is. When he learns Caleb is finally claiming the Global Alpha role and opting for peace, Logan sets out a challenge. Caleb accepts, but when Logan brutally attacks his own kind for not following him, then tries to go after his mate, Caleb is coming after Logan. Still, it is a fight to the death as both Logan and Caleb come with surprises.

I truly enjoyed Alpha Male so much. Allen is also a screenwriter, and if you are familiar with screenwriting, you can tell. Allen’s visceral description and detail are superb. I love it when a book plays like a film in your head, and Alpha Male does that. Allen’s writing is gifted in this genre. The final battle between Caleb and Logan is written brutally, yet it’s not overkill or overly gruesome. I mean, I did wince a bit at every punch and crunch. It was supported, though, so it worked. There is a third book coming out, so I am excited to see where Caleb and Marla go next.

My rating 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ALPHA MALE IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

Posted on

BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: The Moon’s Daughter by Leena Kazak

Welcome back to another Book Spotlight Thursday! Today, we have the spotlight on the beautiful THE MOON’S DAUGHTER by Lenna Kazak! Let’s read on!

The Moon's Daughter (Moon & Sands Book 1)

Publication Date: December 16, 2024

Genre: Romantasy/ Low Spice

FEATURES
🔥 Forbidden Love
💫 Slow-Burn Romance
🕯️ A Mysterious Prophecy
🐪 Medieval Arabia inspired worldbuilding
⚔️ “Don’t Touch Her!”
👑 A Fiery Crown Princess FMC
💥 A Jealous Warrior MMC
💔 Betrayal

Synopsis

She was destined to rule. He was destined to ruin her plans.
In a world where kingdoms rise and fall like shifting sands, Princess Layna stands on the edge of ruin—caught between her kingdom’s survival and the pull of her heart.
The desert kingdom of Alzahra is on the brink of war. As crown princess, Layna’s future has been shaped by duty, especially her responsibility to forge a strong alliance through political marriage. But everything changes when the handsome Prince Zarian arrives at court—dark, dangerous, and impossibly infuriating. A warrior shrouded in mystery, Zarian’s arrival shatters her orderly life and forces her to question her destined path.
As Layna’s fate intertwines with Zarian’s, a mysterious prophecy looms ever closer, threatening to unravel the entire Continent. The lines between lover and enemy blur, and one wrong move could cost her everything—her crown, her kingdom, and her forbidden love
Will Layna surrender to her duty—or to desire?

The Moon’s Daughter is available now on:

Amazon
B&N
Waterstones

Signed copies are also available on Etsy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leena Kazak has been spinning stories since she was ten years old, when she wrote her first short story and never looked back. A lifelong reader, she’s devoured everything from fantasy and thrillers to historical fiction and contemporary romance—but these days, she’s happily tumbled down the romantasy staircase and shows no sign of climbing out. (Send help).

She writes low-spice fantasy romance with fierce heroines, impossible choices, and immersive worldbuilding. When she’s in the thick of drafting, Leena wakes up between 4:30 and 5 a.m. to chase that magical, half-asleep window when words flow freely and the world is still quiet.

Leena lives in the frigid Northeast with her brooding, handsome husband and their two adorable, half-feral sidekicks. (Leena and her husband are actually the sidekicks, but don’t tell her kids that.)

Follow Lenna and her books on Instagram @leenakazakbooks

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved: Volume 2

Some like it dark, but these authors like it darker. Hitting while the iron is hot, the collective authors of the Dark Macbe are back with Darker Than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume 2, which has been released. Volume 2 features brand new indie authors and some returning favorites with extremely twisted original fairytale retellings.

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved: Volume 2 (An Indie Author Collective)

Published: April 26, 2025

Genre: Anthologies, Collection/ Fairytales/ Dark fantasy/ Dark fairytale retellings

Featured authors include:

Brooke Eisenhauer (debut)

Isaac Lotharius

Zaryn Finch

S.D. Paine

Ellen Winter

Alex Upchurch

Bille Nicks

Grace Vice

Hannah L, Evens

Memo Rable

S.A. McDaniel (debut)

Emmy Crimson (debut)

Gareth Davies

Selina Shaw (debut)

Synopsis

Once upon a time, the unloved found solace in the dark.

In this collection of original fairytales, fourteen authors weave stories where love is lost, hope is twisted, and happily-ever-afters rot beneath gilded lies. Here, innocence is devoured, monsters wear familiar faces, and the cruelest wishes come true.

These are not tales of warmth. They are whispers from forgotten corridors, nightmares stitched in ink, and warnings etched in shadow.

Turn the page, but tread carefully–some stories never let go.

Content Warning: For Mature Readers

AMAZON

REVIEW

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved  Volume Two once again mixes classic fairytale retellings, such as the twistedly romantic retelling of Hansel and Gretel in “Blood Maidens” (Billie Nicks) or the beautifully brutal Sleeping Beauty revenge tale “Greenbrier” (Brooke Eisen) 

Along with original fairytale-inspired tales, including the succulent “Feed Me Honey” (Ellen Winter) or the fiercely Fem-rage “ Forest Trials” (S.D. Paine). Or the dementedly disturbing pixie popping forever seared in my mind, “Don’t Curse Me This Way” (Isaac Lotharius). 

I think the only story with a maybe happily ever after is “Whispers of a Goblin Heart” (Zaryn Finch) that will make me look at Groot in a whole new way. I also have to mention  “The Path” because of the ending…I nearly dropped my Kindle with a scoff. It was horrifyingly brilliant, I loved it. So, have I enticed you enough?

Surprisingly, I enjoyed volume two a bit more than the first volume. I can honestly say Volume 2 traumatized me a tad, and I liked it. Darker than Dark Fairytales‘ goal was to go darker, and they did. They did it superbly, too, as these stories will definitely haunt my mind and soul.

⭐  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ( 5 out of 5 stars)

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume 2 is an Indie author collection. To learn more, follow them on Instagram. 

@authorkisarayen_amitygrey

@author.mehdi_fakhrahmad

@authorhannahgardiner

@author.garethiandavies

@gracevicebooks

@authorbillienicks

@opheliasts

@ellenwinter_author

@everafterauthor

@authorfortunalux

This will also be the debut in the author world for: 

@the_moonlite_writer

@sabineamcdaniel

@shawberrytart

@a.heather.renee_emmy.crimson

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: The Well of Souls by Cordelia Kelly

In anticipation of the upcoming release of the next book in Cordelia Kelly’s Port of Lost Souls series, The Carnival of Fools, I went back to the start with R&R Book Tours for THE WELL OF SOULS.


The Well of Souls: A YA Paranormal Adventure Novel (Port of Lost Souls Book 1)


Publication Date: April 2024


Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Features
⦁ Vampires
⦁ Coming of Age
⦁ Treasure Hunting
⦁ Found Family
⦁ Misfit Teens

Synopsis

Lola Monteux, a treasure-hunting vampire, never intended to test that legend. But when her crew betrays her and sentences her to death, she makes a desperate gamble: flee to the haunted island and uncover the fabled Well of Souls, a treasure said to grant unimaginable power—and her only chance at survival.
Disguised as a teenager, Lola infiltrates the island’s tight-knit community and unexpectedly finds herself drawn to Gael, a local boy with secrets of his own, and his misfit group of friends. For the first time in centuries, she feels the pull of her long-lost humanity, the intoxicating thrill of a life she thought she’d left behind. But the longer she lingers, the more the island’s magic ensnares her—and the more she forgets the deadly forces hunting her down.
As her past closes in and the island’s true horrors begin to surface, Lola faces an impossible choice: claim the treasure and ensure her survival or risk everything—including her heart—for a life she may never truly have.

AMAZON

REVIEW

This book was dramatically enjoyable! Think Indiana Jones meets Goonies, but with vampires! We are introduced to Lola. Lola is like Lara Croft with fangs. She’s a vampire treasure hunter, but when her vampire crew decides she is a weak link and wants to get rid of her for good, Lola sets off on a treasure hunt by herself to find the ’ Well of Souls’ that is said to grant he kind power to help her be free, yet it rest on a cursed island that is said to curse her kind.

When Lola meets one of the island’s local boys named Gael and his friends, the story goes Goonies mode as Lola and her new ragtag crew decide to hunt for the treasure together, but when Lola’s past catches up with her, the stakes of the treasure hunt rise. 

First off, I love the character of Lola. She is a strong female character you can get behind. While I am all for strong female characters at times, they can feel empty to me, or they just feel like they are trying too hard, but Lola feels authentic. I also love the character role reversal too, as our dear Lola is our main lead, Indian Jonest hero, and her love interest is (Gael), who is a bit like Marion’s damsel in distress role, which I found refreshing. 

Kelly writes in a steady pace and with an emotional heaviness that makes you want to turn the next page. Young adults will definitely like this book.

 Thus, my overall rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cordelia Kelly writes YA and middle-grade novels, as well as adult horror short stories. Her stories “Herbalista” and “Dare to Survive” are published in horror anthologies Prairie Witch and Dark & Stormy respectively, and she won the 2019 Geneva Literary Prize for her story “Unfreeze.” Her non-fiction has appeared in the Calgary Herald and the Calgary Sun.

Check out her author website at cordeliakelly.com, or her bookstagram @bookoracle1. She also loves terrible horror novels from the ’90s, and has a blog writing recaps of all the Fear Street books, Shadyside Snark. In her free time she is learning digital illustration and cooks vegetarian food that looks terrible but swears tastes really good.