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BOOK REVIEW:  Nebula’s Firefly by Dayron Maxwell

Narvix is back in my world!

Nebula’s FireFly (Book 2 Orphans of Solstice)

Published: January 1, 2025

Genre: Teen fantasy/Adventure

Purchase link: AMAZON

Synopsis

As Narvix’s powers burgeon, His yearning for his human companions surpasses the perils of Enlo and his followers. Narvix endeavors to salvage the wreckage that the Arzo’s race has inflicted. However, the factions of Narvix and Enlo have their own hidden motives that will bring chaos to any planet and anyone involved.

Nephia and her son Narvix start to understand each other better as they explore each other’s worlds.. Meanwhile, Nathalie, Mia, and Narvix’s friends lose themselves in the Arzo’s realm.

In the third book, a mother watches her son from the depths of his soul, and a man consumed by revenge will collide with the lives of all who are bound to them. Can Narvix and his friends survive the upcoming battles? Will Earth like many planets become a playground of the gods, or will Narvix challenge Arzo’s culture by confronting Enlo?

REVIEW

It seemed like forever but budding Indie author Dayron Maxwell is back with book three in his Orphan of Solstice series. The series started back in 2018, Maxwell burst onto the book scene with Those Who Swallowed God, where we meet Narvix, just your average scimitar-shaped horned red skin teenager, whose life gets turned upside down when divine judgement wearing a tailored suit leads an army of winged humans to his hometown. Narvix’s mundane life of retro PC gaming and afternoon snoozing during fourth-period calculus screeches to a halt, replaced with dodging lighting bolts, facing a flaming woman all while trying not to create genocide from reaching his street address. Maxwell followed up in 2019 with the release of book two with Porlaris Phantom (formerly titled World of the Chimera).

Now, after a long hiatus Maxwell is back with Nebula’s FireFly! Refreshing myself with books one and two, I got back into the world of Narvix where Narvix is still learning about himself, and his power, guided by his mother Nephia, he is told he is the one who must fight the deranged god Enlo.  Meanwhile, the enemy has taken roots on earth on the hunt for Narvix. When Narvix is granted a 3-day sneak back to earth before his extraordinary mission, Narvix reunites with Lulu as feelings are revealed. A black hole erupts in the middle of the city, and a shocking revelation is revealed that leaves you at a…wait what? Dosey of a cliffhanger.

I said it once before, and I repeat it, this book series would make an excellent comic or anime series. Maxwell writes with such vividness filled with sci-fi fantasy imagery that something out of a fever dream. Think in the style of Into The Spiderverse, is how Narvix’s world explodes to life.

Therefore my rating is⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 stars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dayron Maxwell is an author of fantasy and coming-of-age books. He is currently working on a series of six books. His hobbies include writing, traveling, and occasionally a good movie.

To learn more, follow him on his website Dayron Maxwell and on FACEBOOK

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Book Spotlight Thursday: The Usher of Spring by Tayloranne Worley

Recently released THE USHER OF SPRING is a dark romantasy filled with sweet slow burn romance, magical creatures, Greek and Norse mythology, Gladiators, betrayal and forbidden magic! This spellbinding tale is perfect for readers who are fans of Fourth Wing, Quicksilver, A Fate Inked in Blood, Percy Jackson, and Once Upon a Broken Heart, and can I mention the COVER! 😍

The Usher of Spring (Blood of the Seasons Book 1)

Publication Date: March 2, 2025

Genre: Dark Romantasy

Synopsis

“Despite my curse, we’re still family? Right?”
"Of course Maev, nothing will ever change that.”

In the frozen realm of Aringuard, the heart of an ancient god governs the seasons. Every four years, the goddess Erinyes chooses a new Usher of Spring; a young girl who must travel the lands carrying the immortal heart and spilling its blood so that Spring may bloom.

To be the Usher of Spring is the greatest honor.
But to be their servant is a death sentence. At the end of the four years, the Usher's servants are sacrificed so that she may be reborn as a goddess. Frida is chosen to be the Usher, but quickly learns that it is more than she bargained for. Then she is presented with a choice: lose everything or doom everyone.

GET IT TODAY!

AMAZON

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Book Review: REFORMED by Holly Monroe

Welcome to Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy, where it is not to support your supernatural powers but to REFORM them. Go from supernatural to simply natural!

Reformed (The Rift Wars Book 1)

Publication Date: Feb 21

Genre: PNR/ Why Choose/ Academy

Synopsis

In a realm where being supernatural is all but illegal, Stella Mikers has hidden her supernatural spirit and done it well for over a decade. Up against the wire to produce a piece of hard-hitting journalism to solidify her career and no other ideas, she decides it’s time to come out of hiding and embrace what she truly is – a Valkyrie.

She dusts off her wings and goes undercover at Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy, the prison alternative that boasts the ability to turn supernaturals into simplynaturals, removing what makes them different and allowing them to better assimilate into society.

But there is something fishy about a vampire who can now be a phlebotomist and a necromancer who works as a mortician. Stella is determined to discover what is going on behind those golden gates and expose the Academy to the realm.

What she didn’t expect to find at the Academy were starving vampires who wanted to feed from her feet, a shy cyclops suitemate, or a reaper who is sunshine personified. Even one of her simplynatural professors draws her attention in a way she can’t explain. Stella’s plan didn’t include making friends, but now that she has, she’s dead set on doing whatever it takes to keep them safe.

Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy has a dark secret, and it’s up to Stella to uncover it before all of them are reformed.

*This slow-burn MFMMM book is intended for adult audiences and contains explicit content*

REVIEW

Reform apparently intrigued me, though I have no recollection of requesting an advance copy to review. Either way, being the book lover that I am and loving things all supernatural, I dove into this book with eagerness only to discover if you’ve seen one academia trope, you have seen them all. Sadly, the author did not bring anything new to this trope, if you call it that, or to the characters or the spice. Now, I like my spice in my books, but it has to fit and blend in. It has to make sense; again, to me, it didn’t (I could go on a tangent). 

 Perhaps maybe I’ve outgrown the academy genre, and my reading tastes are changing, yet I still adored The School For Good and Evil.  While it’s labeled a fairy tale and fantasy, it does feature the academy trope, where it is a school for magical young people.

So, is this book terrible? NO! Many will adore this book. Overall, this book was not for me.

Therefore, my rating is ⭐⭐⭐

REFORMED IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Holly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and omegaverse romances with strong female characters and swoon-worthy men who always get their happily ever after. 

Learn more about the author and her books @authorhollymonroe.

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Book Spotlight Thursday: I AM JAYVYN by Peter D. Brown

Teaming with Author Marketing Experts (AME) and with February being American Black History Month, I AM JAYVYN by Peter D. Brown got caught in my spotlight today. It is a historical fiction tale positioned to remind readers of the truth of history and the key role that the enslaved played in the development of America.

I AM JAYVYN

Published: January 12, 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Historical African Fiction

Pages: 505

Synopsis
Circa 1710: Twelve-year-old Jayvyn’s life is shattered when English slavers raid his peaceful village, killing his father and tearing him from his mother and sister. Surviving the horrors of the Middle Passage alone, he endures two brutal years of ‘seasoning’ on a Barbados sugar plantation before being sold again and transported to South Carolina. There, he is auctioned to a rice plantation owner and forced into a world where love, loss, and cruelty coexist.
Amidst oppression, Jayvyn forms bonds with fellow enslaved Africans as they navigate the brutal realities of colonial America. Over the years, he gains a profound understanding of humanity’s virtues and flaws—even confronting the limits of forgiveness. His journey is a harrowing yet inspiring testament to resilience, faith, and survival, offering readers a deeply immersive and thought-provoking historical narrative.

AVAILABLE NOW on AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter D. Brown is a historical fiction writer passionate about preserving history and shedding light on overlooked stories. Aware of his position as a white author writing about the African American experience, Peter approaches this work with deep respect, rigorous research, and a commitment to accuracy. His storytelling challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths while exploring themes of resilience, justice, and the human condition.

Learn more at https://peter-d-brown.com/

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Book Spotlight Thursday: REFORMED by Holly Monroe

Reformed is the first book in a planned four-book series.  This “why choose” paranormal romance series means our MFC Stella will not have to choose between her love interests.

Reformed (The Rift Wars Book 1)

Expected Publication Date: Feb 21

Genre: PNR/ Why Choose/ Academy

Features

- Why choose

- MFMMM

- Academy (prison reform school)

- Mythology and folklore inspiration

- Slow burn

- Virgin MMCs

- Shy cyclops

- Golden retriever reaper

- Hot for teacher

- Mystery to solve

- Politics and subterfuge

In a realm where being supernatural is all but illegal, Stella Mikers has hidden her supernatural spirit and done it well for over a decade. Up against the wire to produce a piece of hard-hitting journalism to solidify her career and no other ideas, she decides it's time to come out of hiding and embrace what she truly is - a Valkyrie.

She dusts off her wings and goes undercover at Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy, the prison alternative that boasts the ability to turn supernaturals into simplynaturals, removing what makes them different and allowing them to better assimilate into society.

But there is something fishy about a vampire who can now be a phlebotomist and a necromancer who works as a mortician. Stella is determined to discover what is going on behind those golden gates and expose the Academy to the realm.

What she didn't expect to find at the Academy were starving vampires who wanted to feed from her feet, a shy cyclops suitemate, or a reaper who is sunshine personified. Even one of her simplynatural professors draws her attention in a way she can't explain. Stella's plan didn't include making friends, but now that she has, she’s dead set on doing whatever it takes to keep them safe.

Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy has a dark secret, and it’s up to Stella to uncover it before all of them are reformed.

*This slow-burn MFMMM book is intended for adult audiences and contains explicit content.*

​

REFORMED Is Available February 21st (tomorrow!)

Available on AMAZON

BOOK REVIEW COMING SOON!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Holly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and omegaverse romances with strong female characters and swoon-worthy men who always get their happily ever after.

Holly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and omegaverse romances with strong female characters and swoon-worthy men who always get their happily ever after.

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Restoring Gut-Health Just Got Tastier With Wise Jun-Kombucha

Product Review

New from the desk of Janny C, I recently got to try Wise June Kombucha! I had gotten my husband into drinking Kombucha to help with his stomach issues, but I never drank it for myself. After hitting 50, I noticed my digestion getting a bit sluggish. So when the opportunity arose to try Wise Jun-Kombucha, made with local honey and no sugar, and other types of herbal teas rather than just black or green, I said, “Well, tummy, let’s give this a try.”

image courtesy of Wise Jun Kombucha

The result? I am now on the kombucha bandwagon, but not just any kombucha. Only Wise Jun Kombucha is for me!

Read my full review and talk with the founder and owner of Wise Jun Kombucha featured on Medium!

Read it HERE

View at Medium.com
Some of my Wise Jun Kombucha samples

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Buried Heroes by Beth Ball

In my spotlight today is Buried Heroes, the first book in the Age of Azuria series. Once you get hooked, books two, three, and four are also available in this ongoing series!

Let’s look into the first book-in-series novel by Beth Ball!

Buried Heroes (Age of Azuria Book 1)

Genre: High-Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy

Features

⦁	Chosen one
⦁	Found family
⦁	Slow-burn (like super slow)
⦁	Romance subplot
⦁	Fated lovers
⦁	Search for true self

As the Festival of Renewal approaches, Iellieth must choose: Stay with her distant mother and abusive stepfather or accept an arranged marriage to a cruel, power-hungry nobleman from another kingdom.
But just as she faces the consequences of her decision, her father’s amulet whisks her away to a snow-covered mountainside. Hidden within is an ancient warrior waiting to be awakened—waiting for her. He holds the key to the life of adventure she’s always wanted and—most importantly of all—to her destiny.

And that’s only the beginning.

TW: Death of a mentor, allusion to past assault (not on page).

Amazon

AVAILABLE NOW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Beth Ball is a weaver of words and worlds spinning stories of druidic magic and the power of nature that span the epic fantasy realms of Azuria and Eldura. If you enjoy lyrical tales of action and adventure, dragons, werewolves, fae, wily foxes, and more, then grab your enchanted amulet, flaming longsword, poisoned dagger, or other mystical accessory of choice, and let’s start our journey together!

When she’s not writing fantasy fiction, Beth is a tabletop RPG designer whose adventures, as you might imagine, incorporate lots of druids!

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Tide Song (Melody of the Deep) by K.E. Hummel

Today, I’m spotlighting “Tide Song, Melody of the Deep” by K.E. Hummel. “Tide Song” is a spellbinding tale of bravery, friendship, and the transformative power of a single voice. Dive into an enchanting adventure perfect for readers who believe in the magic within themselves and the strength found in unexpected friendships.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Tide Song: Melody of the Deep

 Pub Date: Jan 18

Genre: YA Fantasy/ No Romance

Tropes: 
🐙Coming of age,
🐙 Reluctant hero
🐙 Mythical creatures, 
🐙Found family, 
🐙Epic quest,
🐙 Overcoming prejudice


"A young woman’s extraordinary voice is the only hope to save her tribe and their allies, a civilization of intelligent octopi, from annihilation. But doing so may cost her freedom and her life."

In the tranquil waters of Tirahanko Bay, Kei's voice holds the power to bridge worlds. As a NetSinger, her melodies forge a deep bond with the mysterious Kopri, intelligent octopi essential to her people's way of life. But peace is shattered when a Kopri Prophet arrives, begging Kei to use her voice to speak to a ruthless seafaring people, the Koru-Kah, who are intent on exploiting the Kopri for their own gain.

When Kei is captured and taken far from home, she must find a strength she never knew she had. Despite partially paralyzed legs, Kei navigates the treacherous waters of captivity and forges unexpected alliances with Jacuti, a young enslaved sailor, and her loyal Kopri friend, OldFish. Together, they face the cruelty of the Koru-Kah who have destroyed the Kopri's spawning grounds and disrupted the balance between worlds.

With her voice as her greatest weapon, Kei sets out on a perilous quest to protect the Kopri and restore harmony between land and sea. Amidst danger and uncertainty, Kei discovers that her voice has the power to change destinies. Through the power of song and the strength of friendship, Kei’s journey becomes one of courage and resilience, as she fights to save her world and the Kopri.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

“Life is beauty. You just have to open your eyes.” – K.E. Hummel

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BOOK REVIEW: Read Receipts by Ella C. Potter

I feel poetry is becoming a lost art. So, when a new poetry book comes across my desk, I am more than happy to spotlight it. I recently got gifted a chance to read Read Receipts by Ella C. Potter (aka Katrina Thornley).

Published: November 16th 2024

Genre: Poetry

Pages: 130


“We were the stars

Burnt out before anyone knew,

Exploding in the blink of an eye.

But god were we beautiful.”

Read Receipts from Ella C. Potter is a collection of free verse poems inspired by the past and moments of hard reflection. With undertones of angst mingling with moments of hope and healing, this poetry collection reflects upon toxic relationships and the processes associated with moving on. It explores themes of heartbreak, love, loss, transformation, self worth, and growth. Imagery of nature is weaved through out along with fairy tale references. The collection ends with a poem dedicated to a past self, a message to the reader to treat themselves with care and the importance of prioritizing yourself.

AMAZON

REVIEW

Read Receipts is a poetic story about dealing with toxic relationships, breaking free, and healing afterward. Each poem has no title, which I found a bit odd, but each poem transitions so well into each other as if telling a story. Yet I do have favorites like the start titled “Were directed..” “I found..” and the powerful “I have loved…”

To be honest, I was hesitant to read this book due to its raw emotional topic that felt all too close to home, but I found myself wrapped in support and power. Potter’s poetry empowers, not weakens, and that is how it should be. Read Receipts; therefore, it gets five stars from me!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To learn more about the Author visit https://linktr.ee/KatrinaThornleyAuthor

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY: Angel of Earth & Bone by Tory Guyon

Welcome to the first Book Spotlight Thursday of 2025! I saw this book come on my radar again, and seeing it is releasing close to my birthday, I decided to feature it. Angel of Earth & Bone is the second volume in The Book of the Watchers, an upper YA/NA urban fantasy romance series about the secret heiress to a powerful archangel and the half-angel demon hunter sent to destroy her.

Angel of Earth & Bone (The Book of the Watchers Vol II)

Expected Publication Date: January 16, 2025

Genre: YA/NA Urban Fantasy Romance 

Features

⦁	Enemies-to-Lovers
⦁	Forbidden Love
⦁	Second Chance Romance
⦁	Warring realms
⦁	Dagger to the Throat
⦁	Morally Gray MMC
⦁	Found Family
⦁	Mental Health Rep
⦁	Magical Creatures
⦁	“We shouldn’t be doing this”
⦁	Dungeon Runs
⦁	Backpacking Culture

Six weeks isn’t long enough to heal a broken heart. Not for River Harlow, who lost her best friend, Javi; her mentor, Olivia; her lover, Ryder—her entire life—in what feels like the blink of an eye. Yet, as the new Angel of Water and with a bounty on her head placed by the conniving enemy realm, the only thing left to do is try to move on.

To take back her life, River stands against Chet, the horrific guy-turned-wolf who assaulted her at a bonfire. But when she tries to testify against him at the werewolf tribunal, she—and her remaining friends—realizes he has not only slithered into the welcome arms of the enemy, but the enemy is very much among them. It won’t be too long before their army of demons infiltrates Mortal Earth and destroys everything she loves.
Finding the three other elemental archangels, the Watchers, might be her only hope of saving the realm. 

On a dangerous search abroad to find the Angel of Earth, her strength, hope, and heart are tested in the deceitfully glittering realm of the Huldufólk. The Queen of the Elves strikes a bargain with River to take her to the Angel of Earth, but elves always demand payment for their magic, and River owes her dues—in bones and blood.

PRE-ORDER HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tory Guyon grew up dreaming about dragons, pretending to craft potions, and eagerly awaiting to be summoned by the realm of the fae. She lives with her family in Santa Cruz, CA and continues to actively seek out the magic of this world. Whether that’s working with orangutans in the jungles of Borneo, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro’s grueling 19,341 ft. peak, or looking for fairies in the redwoods with her daughter.

Connect with her at www.toryguyon.com or on social media at @wri_tor.