Tag: book review

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Book Review: The Secrets of Roan Island by Maci Auroa & Thea Masen

An invitation she can’t refuse—a secret he doesn’t want her to uncover. The Secret of Roan Island is a dark, sexy, gothic paranormal romance that is sinfully sweet. I recently received an ARC copy to review, and now that the book is out, I am revealing my review as I join with R&R Book Tours for the Book Tour Release!


The Secrets of Roan Island

Publication Date: November 21, 2024

Genre: Gothic Fantasy/ Gaslamp/ Romance

Features

⦁	A gothic mansion
⦁	Steampunk aesthetic
⦁	Morally gray alpha MMC
⦁	Academic FMC
⦁	Complex family dynamics
⦁	Wounded characters
⦁	"Who did this to you?"
⦁	He unalives someone for her
⦁	Possessive and obsessed MMC
⦁	"Tell me to stop"
⦁	Primal chase scene
⦁	"Mine"

Outcast from her academic peers and at risk of losing her position at Essik College, Professor Ruby Rose appeals to the reclusive philanthropist Hammish Roan by asking for a grant. What she receives is a cryptic invitation to stay at Roan Island for the winter holiday. No matter how much the eerie mansion unnerves her, access to the Roans’ coveted library is worth facing her unsettling fears.
Mysterious and enigmatic, Noah Roan, the oldest of Hammish Roan’s sons, knows exactly what happens to women who come to their isolated estate. Especially those who stay until the Winter Solstice. No matter how hard he tries to get Ruby to leave, the infuriating and alluring woman insists on staying.

In a clash of will and desire, Ruby and Noah struggle to fight their attraction to each other. But their connection reveals dark and sinister secrets that draw the attention of the maniacal patriarch. Can they work together to out maneuver Hammish Roan, or will he destroy them both?

REVIEW

This book had me swooning! We are introduced to Ruby Rose, a professor at Essik College. Desperate for grant funds, she reaches out to reclusive philanthropist Hammish Roan. When Ruby gets a reply and a errie invitation to spend the Winter Solstice holiday at his manor, Ruby accepts unbeknownst to the secrets that lurk on Roan Island.

Upon Ruby’s arrival, she meets Hammish Roan’s enigmatically handsome sons, The Roan brothers Shemaiah, Jafeth, and the oldest, Noah. Noah wants Ruby to leave, but Ruby is not leaving not without her grant. Frustrated and drawn to this intelligent, headstrong woman, Noah fights to hide their secret and his attraction. Ruby, aware there is something up with this family, can’t help but be intrigued by the sizzling hot Noah Roan, and she is going to get her grant hell or be damned.

Available on AMAZON

Oh, My! Gosh! This book has all the tropes I apparently love and did not know: the gothic Victorian setting, Touch her and die, and the achingly slow-burning romance. I was so giddy reading reading this book. I  did guess the conclusion quickly, yet eagerly read on to see if THEY (the characters) would figure it out. I mean, come on, Noah and Rose! They play so dumb at times, which I think is what makes them likable. They are far from perfect characters, and that just makes them perfect!

Aurora and Masen tag team brilliantly in their writing, creating a seamless flow and tone. I’d never guess two people wrote this (some double-author books, you can tell). When asked at the end if we, the reader, would like more Roan Brothers, the answer is YES!

My rating is 5 out of 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

MACI AURORA

Romance author.

Lover of stories.

Maci Aurora has been writing stories since she was a child. When she was eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. In high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and from there, her writing journey was cemented in telling stories about love. Having already published many novels (all of which are threaded with romance as upper YA and New Adult titles) under the pen name, CL Walters, Maci Aurora wanted to write stories that offered the same attention to story and characters but with additional steam.

Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies.

THEA MASEN

Thea Masen never thought she’d write spicy romance. The first time she read a steamy book, she was so embarrassed she couldn’t finish it. Now, she spends her days hiding her computer screen from her teenagers and her nights reading tantalizing snippets to her husband.

If you want sweet and spicy love stories, with a touch of the magical and imagined, you’ve come to the right place.

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Book Review: Blood for Blood by J.N. Eagles

 From the author of last year’s “Open the Casket.”  This year, J.N. Eagles is back with Blood for Blood, a poetic story that will haunt you days after.

Blood for Blood

Genre: YA Poetry/ Supernatural

Cover Designer:  @j20graphics

Synopsis

An older vampire secretly resides in a neighborhood, preying off those who hike in the nearby woods. One night, he becomes distracted by a second attack and allows his prey to escape. Following a trail of blood, he comes face to face with his old mentor who only wants revenge and to keep the vampire laws. His mentor will either kill or transform everyone he cares for into vampires. After being arrested and interrogated for a crime his mentor framed him for, can he escape the police station before the sunlight diminishes him? Can he save his great-grandson? Will he be able to convince a stranger, who thinks of him as a monster, to help him? He would do anything as long as he didn’t have to accept his final death.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

REVIEW

Blood for Blood is achingly haunting! A story told in poetic prose, Eagles makes sure you turn the next page even though you don’t want to.

This book was so unique and beautiful all at once. Horrifyingly tragic, I was not sure I liked the trip Eagles was taking me on, but I loved it at the same time. The story is so incredibly good! It holds you and, with a gentle touch, yearns you to the end. This is true gothic horror reminiscent of the great Edgar Allen Poe.

This is a great story told in such a brave new way, and oddly, it works. I do not think the story could be told any other way. Eagles tells the tale of the vampire in poetic free verse poetry. It was offputting at first, but I soon felt at home in the Eagles’ style of storytelling. This book! I am still in awe and love. It’s on my favorite list of reads this year. 

Thus, my rating is 5 out of 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. N. Eagles currently lives in Alabama with her husband, daughter, two cats, and a flock of chickens. She runs a reading blog where she posts reviews about the books on her shelves, and she plans to write many books of poetry. She graduated from Athens State University with a Bachelor’s in English/Language Arts and graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Master of Arts in Writing. When she’s not reading or scribbling new stories, she’s enjoying the outdoors and working in her garden.

To learn more about Eagle and her other works, visit her Amazon page and follow Eagles on Instagram @j.n.eagles.author

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BOOK REVIEW: DOLL FACE by C. Hebert and D.J. Krimmer

In celebration of the start of the spooky season, I bring you a dark and twisted treat this Thursday! DOLL FACE by the Queens in Dark Horror Romance C. Herbert and D.J. Krimmer. Coming out October 5th, this story is a dark retelling of the iconic stories of The Nightmare Before Christmas (specifically Oogie Boogie) and Coraline into a mash-up of spooky goodness filled with banter, chaos, and lots of spice.

Doll Face

Publication Date: October 5, 2024

Genre: Dark Romance/ Retelling/ Novella

Shall We Play a Game?

Amid the suffocating embrace of night,

I stumble upon him, a beacon of light.

The Boogeyman, a seductive terror,

Whispers haunting promises, cruel and fair.

Eyes that glint with otherworldly fire,

In his grasp, I’m consumed by dark desire.

A love twisted and sickeningly sweet,

Tangled in the depths of darkness, where nightmares meet.

Should I trust my button eyes,

Or should I doubt them and follow my firefly?

Available October 5th, Available on AMAZON

REVIEW

Take a dash of Coraline and a heaping of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and you actually get something dark, twisted, and original. We are placed in the world of Dreadmore, ruled by the Spinster. When one of her creations betrays her, she banishes him to the lands of Nightmare to be eaten by the creatures that live there. Except he does not die. He rises to become The Boogie Man.

When a pretty doll named Blue fails to live up to Spinster’s expectations, she is banished to Nightmare, where she comes face to face with the Boogie Man himself. Blue should be afraid, as she has heard horrible tales about the Boogie Man. There is a man under the mask, though, and Blue is drawn.

While I am not a big fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and I haven’t even seen or read Coraline, I am a sucker for a fairytale retelling, and this fits the bill. I warned, though, that this is a seriously dark, twisted retelling coming with tons of trigger warnings (see below). All that aside, Doll Face is just a sweet romantic story with a touch of darkness and some Carolina Reaper spice scenes that could make Satan blush.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found myself wishing for more depth in the story. The authors did a commendable job of filling in the gaps later on, but I still felt there was potential for further exploration. The way the story concluded, there might be more. Herbert and Krimmer, can we please have some more? 

Thus, my rating is 5 out of 5 stars. It was a fun read.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Available October 5th, Available on AMAZON

Warning Book Contains: Adult Themes, Sexual Situations, Mental Abuse, Physical Abuse, Attempted Sexual Assault, Torture, Blood, Biting, Attempted Murder, Murder, Death, Detailed Sexual Scenes, Anxiety, Mention of Child Abduction and Death, Kidnapping, Stalking, Somnophilia, Emotional Abuse, Needles, Sewing of Flesh, Mention of Rape, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Profanity, Sexual Harassment, Slut Shaming, Violence, Dubious Consent, Desecration of a Corpse, Masturbation, Mention of Blood Orgies, Verbal Abuse, Taxidermy, Light Bondage, Virgin FMC, Sodomy, Rough Sexual Interactions, Removal of Eyes, Emotional Addiction, Intrusive Thoughts, PTSD Characteristics, Sex Addiction, Gambling, Body Modifications, Toxic Relationships, Body Horror, Dead Bodies, Emotional Scars, Emotional Trauma, Attempted Strangulation, Abuse of a Deceased Animal, Sexual Manipulation, Emotional Manipulation, Lying, Shared Trauma, Panic Attacks, and a Cliff Hanger Ending

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

D.J. Krimmer

Crowned the Queen of Banter, DJ Krimmer is known through the community for her witty, smart mouthed characters. In real life she will often say her slogan is:

“Purposely Awkward, Accidentally Funny.”

It’s a slogan she takes very seriously.

When DJ isn’t making inappropriate jokes or hiding from the worst imposter syndrome known to writer-kind, she’s weaving contemporary romance stories filled to the brim with imperfect alpha-holes and witty females whose love conquers every hurdle thrown their way.

C. Herbert

Commonly known as Cyn (or graveyard mommy), C. Hebert is a multi-genre author who loves to paint a pretty picture, woven together with absolute chaos.

While most authors like to write happily ever afters, C. Hebert prefers to take her stories in the opposite direction, delivering darker tales with a hint of madness, tugging at your heartstrings.

She is a self proclaimed manic write who loves to constantly push herself to do more.

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BOOK REVIEW: One Star Hero by Yimje Lee

Over at Indie Promotions, we had a chance to review the dynamic YA action pack fantasy ONE STAR HER by debut author Yimje Lee! Let’s go!

One Star Hero (Book 1)

Published: September 26th, 2023

Genre: Teen & YA/ Epic Fantasy/ Fantasy Adventure

Length: 340 pages

People who want to become Legions have an Armament with a star rarity that defines one’s magical capabilities. 

Eden Alistar is a sixteen-year-old boy who lives in the Kingdom of Basintroll. He lived his whole life as a fisher but always dreamed of exploring the world outside as a Legion, saving people from monsters known as Menaces. 

Then he finally gets the chance he waited so long for; the day of his summoning, Eden reaches into the void. Light and wind blast out of the portal as he pulls a sword and a shield with a gray eight-pointed star on it. A One Star. Everyone laughs at him, calling him names and insulting him. Enraged, Eden slams his blade onto the ground, silencing the crowd. Then swears to everybody that he will become The True Hero of Legend and prove to everyone that a One Star can also be a Legion.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

REVIEW

Once Piece meets Dragon Ball Z in the action-packed adventure from debut author Yimje Lee. It was like reading manga but without the pictures. However, anime-style artist Mustafa Ejaz sprinkles some illustrations throughout the book. And that is how Lee wanted it. A lover of anime, video games, and pulse-pounding Hong Kong action flicks is what brought One Star Hero to life…

CLICK TO READ THE FULL REVIEW FEATURED ON MEDIUM.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yimje Lee was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a young Hmong American who enjoys many things, from playing video games to watching movies and Anime to martial arts. With a big imagination, Yimje dreams of making his own animated show one day. To get there, he decides to finally put his imagination onto paper and write “One Star Hero.”

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Book Release: An Immortal Threat by T. R. Kavanaugh

I had the honor of receiving an advanced copy of this book back in August. Now it’s book release day, and I am letting loose!

An Immortal Threat (Fractured Gods Book 2)

Publishing Date: September 21, 2024 

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult Fantasy

Synopsis:

Attempted assassination. Consequences from shattering a portal. Factions maneuvering to gain power. The dangers of this new world are closing in.

As a human in the elven court of Efalune, Keiro has spent the last few months adapting as quickly as she can to her new life as a princess. Tutors and festivities have distracted her from both the revelations about her family as well as her quest to find the next relic piece. Not to mention the pain she experiences every time she tries to open a portal.

But an encounter with members of Hidden Gate reminds Keiro just how unstable her situation is. There are those in the elven court who cannot accept a human wielding the Corvaal, while the humans of the Veiled Bastion want her and her magic returned to them.

Keiro’s only hope to gain control of her life again is to find the remaining relics and free Sahale. But doubts are festering as secrets build walls between them. Can she trust the imprisoned god?

There are threats at every turn…

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON!

REVIEW

Now, An Immortal Threat is book 2 in the Fractured Gods Series. I missed the bus on reading the first book. This is epic fantasy, so it’s kind of important that you read the first book. To my surprise, Kavanaugh did an excellent job, and I instantly felt welcomed into her world.

In An Immortal Threat, we pick up with Keiro, still adapting to her new life as the human princess in the elven court of Efalune. She is also the bearer of the Corvaal that hosts an imprisoned God, Sahale, whom she bargained with to help release. A life of diplomatic parties is Keiro’s life now. All while danger looms as others seek the power Kiero welds. Secrets get revealed, though, in this next chapter, as the secret human organization known as the Veiled Bastion has its own agenda. Trusts are shaken, and truths are revealed in this epic fantasy adventure that burns with trepidation.

Kanvaugh entices her readers with slow-burn world-building, which I think helped since I didn’t read the first book; I could still get to know the characters and become invested in them before Kanvaugh sped up the action later in the book.

Characters are my jam in books, and I loved Keiro’s character growth in this second book. Keiro is still a bit mediocre when we start the second book, but by the end, she is amazing! Transformed! Her growth was a chef’s kiss! Seeing a character grow with you as you read brings me joy as a writer and reader. It is a beautiful thing. Not all authors do this, especially in the case of Indie.

My only downside is that while I praised the slow burn pace, it hindered me in some spots. Still, when Kavanaugh gets to the climax, she does not disappoint.

Therefore, my rating is 4 out of 5 Stars.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Don’t forget to check out Book One in the Fractured Gods Series!

Available on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A voracious reader all her life, T. R. Kavanaugh has always been fascinated with strange, magical worlds full of different customs. She wrote stories for herself and her friends when she was younger and worked on her skills throughout her school years. She taught English in Japan for a year after getting her BA, worked in the public library system, and is currently an academic librarian. Her first book was published in March 2022. She is working on her upcoming projects with a mug of coffee and her calico cat, Asriel nearby.

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Book Review: WALLFLOWERS by Haley Valenta (poetry book)

I love poetry, and today I am reviewing Wallflowers by Haley Valenta. She delivers a poetic beauty I have not read in a long time. This is poetry to me.


Wallflowers

Published: Stetember 21, 2023

Genre: Poetry

Wallflowers is a collection of poetry covering subjects such as life, relationships, and mental health. This is the second collection of poetry published by the author.


Trigger warning: Contains talk of self-harm, depression, and anxiety attacks

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

REVIEW

Poetically open and rhythm-bound, Wallflowers shines and brightens on the beauty of pain and depression. How can pain and depression be beautiful? Because of the person you come out as on the other side is profound. While reading, some may not get it, while others may break down and cry yes, this is my life! In the end, though, Valenta brings you whole again, showing the light on the other side.

I can’t help but think of those who do not make it. The life they are missing if they had just held on and gotten the help they needed. Valenta is one of the lucky ones. She turns her sorrow into poetry, proving that you can rise above. You can come out of the darkness.

Valenta leads us through her journey in Wallflowers and shows us her poetic prowess in poems such as “Yes” and “So um…” oozing such sweet poetic goodness. In “Funeral Rites” and “Social Anxiety Disorder,” she stabs a hidden scar in your soul that glows against a kindred soul. Real. Raw and beautifully done!

My Rating is 5 out of 5 stars. I’d give it ten billion if I could.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Haley Valenta is a poet from Wisconsin who has been writing for most of her life. She studied Writing and Public Relations at Coe College and is looking to start a career in her field. She currently has two poetry books published through Amazon. 

You can find her on Instagram @hlylauren.

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Book Review: The Collection by K. Kirchberger

*Disclaimer* A thank you to R&R Book Tours and the author for the ARC copy!

The Collection

Published: July 23rd 2024

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance/ Paranormal Romance

Features

⦁ Loyalty

⦁ Found love

⦁ Protective MMC

⦁ Strong friendships

⦁ Hidden identities

⦁ Immortals

Synopsis

Once a year, a draw is held in the capital that requires four mortals from each town to be given over to Hell. The mortals are taken to Hell, where they will either become an immortal in one of the four courts or perish in the trials.

One mortal is sent to the vampire’s Court of Blood. One goes to the Court of Moon, court of the werewolves. A third is sent to the Court of Spell, with the warlocks and witches. And a final mortal, always a female, goes to the Court of Song, Court of the Sirens.

Twenty-three-year-old Kenna hasn’t had her name called since she became eligible five years ago. She knows in her heart that this year will be the year her world changes. But it isn’t her name that is called out for Collection; it is her best friend Sora’s.

Not willing to be without Sora, Kenna quickly follows her through the gateway to Hell before it closes. Not knowing which court Sora was Collected for, Kenna must brave all four as a mortal in order to find her friend. Lucky for her, she gains the help of an alluring stranger who holds more sway in Hell than she could have hoped for.

As their fates intertwine and her heart falls fast, Kenna learns navigating a foreign and dangerous land like Hell isn’t easy, and if she isn’t careful, it could cost her everything.

The Collection is Available Now on Amazon

REVIEW

K. Kirchberger makes Hell look sweet in her debut adult fantasy romance, THE COLLECTION.

“THE COLLECTION” happens once a year in the town of Aevlin. A pact made long ago with the Devil keeps the mortal world safe from demons and immortal creatures. A pact where four young people are selected and brought forth each year to be given to Hell. Once there, they are tested in the trials to decide which of the four courts they become or die trying. Kenna feels it is her time this year, but when her best friend’s name is called, Kenna refuses to lose her friend and sneaks in through a hidden gate to Hell.

There is a price to pay when entering Hell, though, and Kenna offers her mortality, where she has six months to choose which immortal court to join to become or die. So she has six months to find her friend. Yet Kenna must gain an audience with each court prince to find out if her friend Sora got placed there, and a mortal in Hell is mighty tasty. When a chance encounter with a man leads Kenna to meet the Devil, Kenna is not afraid. 

Kirchberger’s world-building makes you fall in love with this book. The way she reimagines the concept of Hell makes sinning not seem so bad. I loved her imagery. Like Kenna, I was starting to enjoy it there, highlighting beauty in darkness. I also love fantasy romance/ paranormal romance, and Kirchberger did not disappoint me. A slow simmer of a read, she keeps the juices flowing just enough that you have to read one more page.

While her characters were likable, I found them a bit saccharine. I wanted to fall in love with Kenna and Luc, but the romance in me has died. The younger me would probably be gushing right now. Kenna and Luc are sweet and okay. I also was able to predict the ending, but Kirchberger did throw in a wrench that I did not see coming and made me nearly drop my tablet. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but there is nothing on or in the book (trust me, I looked all over) that states this is book 1 of such in such. Will there be another book?! I hope so!

My rating is 4 out of 5

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As an avid reader with an appetite for anything fantasy, K. Kirchberger immerses herself in realms of magic and adventure. When not lost in the pages of a novel, she crafts her fantastical worlds, weaving tales that transport readers to captivating realms beyond imagination.

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Audio Book Review: Jemma and the Raven by B.D. Reeves

Prepare for a luminous adventure in this highly original young adult epic fantasy novel by debut author B. D. Reeves. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards finalist, 2023.

Jemma and the Raven

Release date: June 5th, 2024

Length: 10hrs 53 min

Genre: Fantasy/ Young Adult/ Teen


Synopsis

To everyone else, Jemma is nothing but a Wharf thief. She scavenges for tokens in the wrestling dens and parades along the market lanes with a raven, Edgar, on her shoulder.
 
But she and Edgar have a secret. In a land where memories fade into the Shadows without the love of a Keeper, they scour the ruins of ancient memory palaces, searching for treasure that will buy them a passage to the great city of Adocentyn.
 
When Jemma steals a map and a golden blade, she sets in motion a chain of events that will tie her destiny to the survival of all who live in the light of Memory.
​
Can Jemma defeat the darkness she has unleached, without losing herself? And who is the voice she hears guiding her along the way?
​
"I am with you. Follow the lights."
Available Now on Audible and other audiobook retailers

REVIEW

Entranced by the cover and the story concept, I spotlighted Jemma and the Raven when it was released in print and ebook. Now, with its recent audiobook tour, I decided to join R&R Book Tours once again and review this highly recommended book.

A young adult epic fantasy adventure in the likes of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, we meet Jemma and her talking raven Edgar. Jemma, an orphan, lives the life of a wharf thief as she works the wrestling tents scraping for dropped tokens to survive. When scavenging the Scarpe ruins, Jemma finds the ruins of an old castle—deciding to loot it for treasure in the hope that she can sell the items to gain passage to the great city of Adocentyn. Only Jemma encounters a memory she is drawn to and a golden dagger that seems to glow for her. The castle is not empty either, and Jemma and Edgar begin their adventure there.

I usually do not read audiobooks, but I decided to give it another go with Jemma and the Raven. I now know why I do not listen to audiobooks. I am a more visual person, I guess. While the story is excellent, I could not get into it. Thus, my review may be less detailed or in-depth. 

Narrator Kim Heron does a lovely job, though. I loved the voice contrast she does for each character; the male and female voices are so impressive. Still, nope, I could not get into the story listening-wise.

Reeves has created a complex world using historical inspiration and using the construct of memory, making this fascinating idea of keepers of memories and being caught in a memory loop. In listening, I got a bit lost and constantly wished I had a physical or digital copy in my hands so I could re-read and dissect it all.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Jemma and the Raven is Jemma herself. I loved the character growth Reeves gives Jemma. It was so refreshing to see it done right! I really did not like Jemma at first; she seemed to me like your stereotypical street rat, but in the end, I grew to like her and respect her. That is character growth done right.

Therefore, my rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

B. D. Reeves is a Melbourne-based writer who loves to explore hybrid forms in fiction. His books combine philosophical, historical, and fantastical ideas with magical elements and calls for adventure. His debut YA fantasy novel Jemma and the Raven was a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, 2023. He is currently working on the next installment, along with two other stand-alone novels.

As the child of a diplomat, B. D. Reeves learned the joys of travel from an early age. He once camped in an old shepherd’s hut on a remote Greek island where he discovered the remnants of ancient frescos, the secrets of bees, and the friendship of a goat who followed him wherever he went. He has since adored the concept of animals in fiction. His eclectic interests have led him to study far and wide. He has completed a Philosophy degree from the Australian National University (ANU), a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing from RMIT, and a Master’s in Educational Research at the University of Melbourne. In 2020, he received the Frieda Cohen Award for best research thesis.

His work has been featured in the Sudo Journal literary magazine and the Melbourne Art Book Fair. He was shortlisted in the New Philosopher Writing Awards 2021.

Learn more about B.D. Reeves at bdreeves.com

ABOUT THE NARRATOR

Kim Heron is an actor, theatre maker, voiceover artist, and audiobook narrator based in the southwest of England. Trained in Lecoq-based acting at LISPA, she works predominantly in live theatre with an emphasis on developing new work with a playful approach to collaborative creation combined with rigour and attention to detail.

She sings, plays, and writes music for theatre. She has created and toured theatre productions with Theatre Ad Infinitum, Green Ginger, The Tobacco Factory, The Wardrobe Theatre, Ramshacklicious, Oily Cart, and Many others. She is a Co-artistic director of In Our Hands Theatre. Kim works as a voiceover artist from her home studio, creating content for podcasts, training videos, audiobooks, museum audio guides, and lots more. 

To learn more about Kim Heron and her work, visit www.inourhandstheatre.org

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Book Review: Dragon Train War by RJ The Story Guy

Dragon Train War (Book 3 in the Dragon Quest Series)

Published: May 1st 2024

Genre: Teen/young adult /fiction/fantasy-adventure

Jaiden’s simple act of freeing Skye, the blue dragon, along with her family, became a movement to free all dragons. And that escalated into a rebellion. Now, all-out war seems to be the only solution.

Jaiden and friends Tristram, Wyetta, Gorn, and Aleena represent the surge of humanity who joined the fight for Dragon Freedom. Skirmishes, ambushes, intense battles, and undercover operations transform everyday reality. Uncertainty surrounding the strength and weaponry of the Dear Leader’s human army adds to the tension.

 Mysteries, surprises, unexpected revelations, and shocking outcomes mark the Final Dragon War.

AMAZON

REVIEW

Our favorite dragon, Skye, and human, Jaiden, are back and ready for battle in Dragon Train War. The third book in the Dragon Quest Series, the first two books will be helpful when reading this book. 

A brief rundown is the dragons are enslaved by humans and used to pull train carts, hence the term “dragon train.” When a dragon train’s dragon collapses near the town of Hill Top, a farm boy named Jaiden rushes over, wanting to see a dragon up close. When the dragon talks to him in his mind, Jaiden learns about the injustices of these creatures. This revelation sparks a deep empathy in Jaiden, compelling him to help free the dragon, Skye. And so, their emotional and perilous adventure begins in book two, Dragon Rebellion.

This leads us to its climatic final Dragon Train, a battle where the humans rage war to wipe out all the dragons. The stakes are high, and not all feel that way, so battle lines are drawn. Love, loss, and secrets are revealed as RJ The Story Guy gives us an action-packed adventure. It’s almost like Star Wars, but with dragons, and surprisingly, I like it! 

I especially love the relationship between Skye and Jaiden. It is so endearing! The connection between an animal and a human is so special, and RJ The Story Guy captures it beautifully here and throughout the series. Dragon lovers will adore this series.

My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Rating: 5 out of 5.
Get the whole Dragon Quest Series now on Amazon!

About the Author

RJ the Story Guy has lived in the Middle Rio Grande Valley for most of his life. His first writing endeavor was a fantasy series for adults, The Rio Grande Parallax trilogy, winning awards in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards. His recent book for children, Trixie Finds Her People, won several honors, including being a finalist for the 2020 Next Generation Indies Book Awards (an international contest).  Dragon Train won second place in the 2021 New Mexico Press Women Awards, with more award contests pending.

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Book Review: The Shepherd And The Horned Girl by Breanna Bright

Ivas Sbarg has seen a monster…

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.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

REVIEW

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.

Learn more about Breanna at https://breannabr.wixsite.com/website

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