Book Spotlight Thursday: City of Mist and Ash by Madeline Rose

Newly released City of Mist and Ash has been caught in our spotlight today! This epic NA fantasy romance is set to be a series packed with barbed banter, shocking magic, epic romance, deadly battles, and amusing angst. Let’s check it out!

City of Mist and Ash (Kingdom of Mythrend Book 1)

Publication Date: September 26, 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance/ New Adult

Features

⦁ Enemies to lovers
⦁ Forced proximity
⦁ Morally gray MMC
⦁ Strong FMC
⦁ Slow burn
⦁ Powerful magic
⦁ Funny banter
⦁ Plot twists

A sketch artist with a secret, a vengeful warrior, and a love to tear kingdoms apart.
As a sketch artist with the city’s Golden Guard, Paisley is tasked with drawing crime scenes. She has spent years trying to avoid attention, but late one night when she’s returning home from a sketching session, the city of Golden Mist is attacked. Hiding from the violence, Paisley runs into Taner, a dark fae enemy warrior. They discuss the merits of her staying alive, but Paisley is able to escape with the aid of a cache of tools she hid long ago. Luckily she will never have to see him again.


The attack signals a new era in Golden Mist, one where the magical mist called the Convergence that protects the city is losing its power. For years the magic has protected not only the city, but the secrets hidden within it. Once the Convergence starts to weaken, more change than anyone bargained for follows.

As the magical shield weakens, more secrets are revealed. The search begins for a powerful warlock heir who has been in hiding for many years. Both Taner and the Captain of the Golden Guard want the shatteringly powerful warlock found, and Paisley is assigned to help Taner in the search.


The Captain holds the future of Paisley’s little brother over her head, and now her brother’s well-being is also tied to the dark fae warrior, her kingdom’s enemy and now her working partner and her only chance at protecting her family.


All Paisley ever wanted was to stay hidden and keep her family safe, but as Golden Mist is attacked and the magical aura of the city crumbles, danger lurks around all corners, and from above and below. Betrayals are rampant, and it seems that no one can be trusted. As her world is shredded, Paisley will have to weave together a new fate from the ashes of her old life - if she survives.


The Kingdom of Mythrend series follows Paisley, who has only ever had one rule: always run. A feisty fighter who has been forced to hide herself away for years, she must break that rule after she meets a mysterious dark fae warrior. As she works alongside her enemy she will face the consequences of claiming her power, and standin
g against a writhing evil.

Available To Get on AMAZON

Book Spotlight Double Feature: Within The Embers by T.A. Reilly

It’s a book double feature today! Teaming with R&R Book Tours, we are gearing up for the upcoming release of Within the Embers, the second book in T.A. Reilly’s Scattered Destines series.

Within the Embers (Scattered Destinies #2)


Expected Publication Date: September 21, 2024


Genre: Fantasy Romance


Steam/Heat Level
● 2-3 🌶

Features

✨ A few explicit, open-door scenes
✨ One Bed w/ a Twist
✨ Found Family
✨ Who Did This To You
✨ Magic Training
✨ Sassy Banter
✨ Bonded Mates, sought-after answers are never as they seem.


When Kateya awakens with no memories in an unfamiliar land, she knows two things for certain: she’s in danger, and she’s traveled back in time . . . again. Only this time, icy darkness lurks in the sky, revealing how different things truly are.


All magic demands balance.
Kateya’s memories begin to surface, haunting her with a past—tainted by dark magic—carved into her skin. As raging embers of magic begin to burn within her, the King of Avyon realizes she’s not only incredibly powerful, but a danger to everyone . . . including herself.
Alliances become weapons of war.


Past and present collide and bonds are forged through passion and hatred, forcing Kateya to question everything she believed she knew about those she loved. She must learn to harness the power rising within her, while determining who she can truly trust.
A fate written in the stars.


Harrowing truths are revealed that hold the power to not only alter the destiny of those prophesied but change the future of the Vanaiyer Realm. As Kateya fights for freedom, she realizes not all knowledge is power and magic can’t always change the inevitable—including the tides of war.


The darkness is creeping closer . . . will they be able to hold it off?

The Embers will ignite on September 21st, 2024

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.A. Reilly is an author of NA fantasy romance with equal levels adventure, time travel, and romance mixed in. 

Reading came naturally to her at a young age, and the words began flowing shortly after that. She has traveled all over the world from a young age and is constantly counting down the days until her next trip! After graduating with a master’s in Professional Communications, she decided to pursue her lifelong dream… bringing time-travel to life on paper. 

Currently, she and her husband call Florida home. In her free time, she loves rewatching Friends, going to the beach, and staying up too late lost in a good book.

Book Spotlight Thursday: Song of the Dark Wood by Sheila Masterson

Releasing September 20th, 2024, Song of the Dark Wood by Shelia Masterson is getting the spotlight! A standalone gothic fairy tale fantasy romance that blends a fractured Red Riding Hood retelling with a hint of Hades and Persephone. This atmospheric, spicy, dark romantasy is perfect for fans of feminine rage, strong female friendships, unique magic systems, angsty romance, and ominous mysteries. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed Rachel Gillig’s ONE DARK WINDOW, Rebecca Ross’s A RIVER ENCHANTED, and Hannah Whitten’s FOXGLOVE KING.

Song of the Dark Wood

Publication Date: September 20, 2024

Genre: Gothic/Fairy Tale Romance

Featuring

😍 He falls first
👻 Girls who see ghosts
🙅🏻‍♀️ Bodily Autonomy
😡 Feminine Rage: The Fairy Tale
🌳 Haunted Forest
🩸 Wound Tending
💀 Touch her and dye
🎶 Music based magic system
😠 A grumpy god of death
😈 He can make me worse > i can fix him

For centuries, the people of remote Ballybrine have kept the peace with their gods by sacrificing a Red Maiden to ferry souls from the Mother’s realm of the living, through the Dark Wood, to the Wolf’s realm of the dead. Soon it will be Rowan’s turn.

Ripped from her family as a young girl, Rowan Cleary has been forced into a cloistered life learning to please the wolf and wield her spirit-enchanting voice. Though none of the previous maidens have survived their five-year term, Rowan is determined to beat the odds and protect the women who have become family to her.


When a deathly blight breaks out in the Dark Wood, and the acting maiden is murdered, Rowan vows to strike a new bargain with the god of death to ensure her survival. The Wolf has always been someone to fear—even more so now that the townspeople blame him for the blight—but he’s far from the vengeful death god she expects.


To unravel the mystery, Rowan must seduce the Wolf. Soon, the attraction between them grows into a relentless magical force, threatening to shatter the delicate balance between realms and unleash a darkness eager to swallow their world.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When she’s not writing fantasy romance novels, you can find Sheila Masterson practicing yoga, or curled up reading tarot or a book. She lives outside of Philadelphia with her fiance and way too many houseplants.

Book Spotlight Thursday: The Book of Cin by H.M. Wolfe

Shining lighting, this Thursday is on the stunning romantic fantasy The Book of Cin by H.M. Wolfe! Let’s dive, and as the tagline says, “If you believe in the Gods, pray now. Their protection ends here.”

The Book of Cin

Expected Publication Date: September 14, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Features
🔪 Touch her and die
👪 Found family
💔 Lovers to enemies
😳 Forced proximity
🤓 Secret identity
🌟Hidden magic



At Asrai’s Academy for Orphans, Hyacinth
stands at a crossroads. Torn between the safety of the only home she has ever
known and leaving it all behind for a chance at a new life—for freedom. But
when a mysterious messenger appears, whispering rumors of a God among Fae,
everything Hyacinth thought she knew about the Realms comes crashing down.

Thrust into a deadly game of power and
greed, Hyacinth discovers dormant magic within her that may hold the key to
survival—or mark her for death. With her friends beside her, Hyacinth must
navigate through murderous realms of vicious creatures, lethal betrayals and
prophecies of old.

Secrets unravel, bonds are tested, and
romance decays and blossoms amidst the looming promise of war. As alliances
shift and enemies close in, her only hope lies in reaching the fabled safe
haven of Locdragoon—but reaching it may cost her everything she loves.

The Book of Cin” is a high fantasy tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. Embark on an epic adventure where courage meets destiny—and magic, sacrifice, and hope are the threads that bind us.

Available September 14th on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Hallah Mikaela Wolfe and I am thrilled to have you. I am a writer based in Central Florida. When I am not writing, I am spending time with my amazing husband and our two furry babies.

All my life I have written stories.

Whether it’s in the form of music, shorts or poetry, I have used writing as a way to express the things I never felt I could say. I have novel after unfinished novel tucked away in the corners of notebooks and hard drives that will never see the light of day.

But then, my sister reintroduced me to fantasy novels and something clicked. I was finally able to put my story onto the page in a way that I felt would do it justice.

My heart and soul are in the characters I write. They hurt, they grow and they heal with me.

My only hope is, when you close my books after that last word-you felt a little magic.

Book Spotlight Thursday: Violence in the Void by Alice Stanco

I am back! This Thursday, we are shedding some love on Alice Stanco’s Violence in the Void. The cover lulls you in, so let’s go deeper into the void.

Violence in the Void

Publication Date: November 2023

Genre: Dark Romantic Fantasy

Featuring
⦁ Multiple dialects
⦁ Mental health rep
⦁ Life & love after trauma
⦁ Hidden realm
⦁ Elemental magic
⦁ Phantom hands daddy
⦁ Tall, dark, & brazen MMC
⦁ Feisty, resilient, & powerful FMC
⦁ Morally grey everyone
⦁ “Mine”
⦁ “You’re safe with me”
⦁ Forced proximity
⦁ He cooks for her
⦁ Quest-centered plot

The Void is encroaching, threatening to take over…
Will his Violence set me free, or push me further into Its grasp?

That day at the Armantrea market was the same as any other, until a tall, beautiful stranger appeared and snapped his fingers.

In an instant, my world disappeared, replaced by his strange land. I’m suddenly surrounded by foreign accents, mysterious, magic-wielding Astrales like Xander, and powers I never knew existed.

Except, in Xander’s eyes, I belong here. Fate’s unfathomable hand guided mine to unknowingly create a replica of an ancient Astrale relic—one with the power to upend society as we know it. Months later, I am responsible for tracking down this lost replica through an unfamiliar world, with Xander as my guide.

But the Astrales are playing with powers far beyond my comprehension, and have political agendas I can’t begin to understand.

Despite his barbaric and controlling demeanor, I find myself drawn to Xander, and something shifts as I begin to rely on him for my safety. When threats from this new world circle in, truths from my past begin to surface, and I am forced to question everything I know.


Xander does what he can to protect me, but I soon realize that even he can’t stop the Void that threatens to swallow me whole…

Available Now on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alice Stanco is a full-time writer who has spent most of her life between the pages of fantasy books. When not obsessing over fictional characters, she can usually be found celebrating Christmas at any given time or frolicking in proper ADHD fashion.

While a born-and-raised American, Alice is also half English. This can be seen in her writing, as it explores the many cultural differences in a fictional sense.

Mental health representation is also a strong focus in Alice’s work, and is a passion that will ring true indefinitely.

Dive headfirst into her enchanted fantasy world, explore the thrill of love and darkness intertwined, and you may find yourself not wanting to return…

Book Spotlight Thursday: Selfish Desires by Michelle Hall

I am tagging along this Thursday with R&R Book Tours, spotlighting Selfish Desires by Michelle Hall. Dive in below!

Selfish Desires

Publication Date: August 23, 2024

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Features
❤️Second Chance
🧊Morally Gray MMC
❤️Spice in Ch2
🧊Light BDSM
❤️Destroy her to protect her
🧊Groveling
❤️40 Somethings
🧊“Good girl/sl*t/wh*re”
❤️Third act oopsie baby

The love of my life, the person I trusted most, abandoned me in the worst way possible. There was no warning, not a single clue—just pure, devastating abandonment. I was left to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart.

To survive, I fled. I left behind everything and everyone I knew and loved, all in the desperate hope of forgetting him.


But then Vincent came back, and all the healing I thought I had achieved crumbled in an instant. He begged for my forgiveness, claiming he had no choice in what he did. Yet, I knew he always had a choice—and he chose wrong.


He said everything he did was to keep me safe. But safe from what?
Emotions I thought I had buried resurfaced, and while my mind screamed no, my heart whispered otherwise.


How could I give a second chance to the man who ruined me? How could I even consider it?


Trigger warning

Accidental Pregnancy
Kidnapping
Attempted Murder
Drugging
Abandonment
Sexual Degradation

Available August 23rd on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Hall, a native Long Islander from New York, continues to raise her family here, which includes two dogs and two children. When she’s not writing, she goes to her day job, enjoys the country’s biggest comeback sport Pickle Ball, finds ways to entertain her kids, and reads when everyone goes to sleep. Michelle has always written fiction short stories as a hobby, but only recently took the plunge and decided to pen full-length literary fiction novels. Creating a world of characters for herself and others to connect to, makes writing one of her greatest joys in life.

Book Spotlight Thursday: The Dagger And The Forbidden Heir by Emilia Jae

This series caught my eye, and Book 3, A Throne of Wings and Embers, is coming out soon. So, in my spotlight today, I am shining my light on book 1 of The Forbidden Heir TrilogyThe Dagger and the Forbidden Heir!

The Dagger And The Forbidden Heir (The Forbidden Heir Trilogy Book 1) 

Tropes:
❤️‍🔥 enemies to lovers
🗡️ touch her & you 💀
🗝️ lovers to enemies
🌙 forced proximity / one bed
⚔️ fae & human war
🐉 mythical creatures
✨ fated mates
🗣️ fun modernized banter
🤍 found family
🩸 revenge

Synopsis
Can they survive the truth of their war?...Can their hearts?
A century ago, an exchange was proposed: a life saved for a war of revenge.
For Captain Lia Solus of the fae army, and the secret bastard daughter of the king, she’s reminded of those consequences daily. Unable to claim her heritage or her throne, she’s powerless to stop the innocent bloodshed that her birth ushered in.
On the other side of the lines, Commander Jace Cadoria gladly fights the war of his ancestors to slaughter the fae who have terrorized the humans of their realm for generations. And with a cunning plan to trap them, the end could finally be in sight. Except it quickly spirals out of control, leaving Lia and Jace, enemies of opposite sides, stranded together in a dangerous terrain.
Engaged in an intimate battle of their own, both warring to take control, they’ll need their wits now more than ever to survive. Because this fight could cost their lives—and their hearts.

Think Throne of Glass meets House of the Dragon! The Forbidden Heir Trilogy is a fun and chaotic new take on fantasy, featuring enemies-to-lovers, fun modernized banter, dragons, heartache, adventure, and dark sorcery that grows throughout the series. It is written in multiple first-person POVs, including the villains, and is a character-driven romantic fantasy. The story will be enjoyed by lovers of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Carissa Broadbent.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

CONTENT WARNING:
Please note that this book is not intended for readers below the age of eighteen (18). This warning is due to explicit language, violence/gore, mentions of past child abuse, and mentions of sexual assault.

Continue on with The Crown of Wyvern’s Flame Book 2 in The Forbidden Heir Trilogy.

COMING SOON..

A Throne of Wings and Embers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emilia has been in love with disassociating through fantasy realms her entire life. She was born and raised in scenic New England, and when she isn’t cuddled up with a good book or writing her own, you can find her playing with her dog or being the chaotic human that she is with her loved ones. Emilia is a Pisces and INFJ.

Follow Emilia on IG : @ems.bookish.realm

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.

Book Spotlight Thursday: Valkyrie’s Prey by Wendy L. Anderson

She is known for her epically beautiful book covers and drool-over stories. Caught in the spotlight today is the romantic fantasy Valkyrie’s Prey by Wendy L. Anderson! Merging with R&R Book Tours once again to help celebrate this long-awaited release.

Valkyrie's Prey: A Viking Romance

Publication Date: July 19, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Amidst the chaos of war, a Valkyrie defies the gods to save a fearless warrior, forging a forbidden bond between them and challenging destiny itself.
A lone warrior stands fearless, and resolute among his brothers fighting for their lives. The unmistakable fire in his eyes shows a spirit that refuses to be extinguished. As he heads into battle, his every move exudes strength and courage that captivates the Valkyrie who watches through storming skies.


Something within the Valkyrie’s heart answered the warrior’s spirit and that was the fateful moment when she knew she could not bear to let him fall. As one of Odin’s Valkyrie, her duty was clear—to choose the bravest from the fallen warriors and guide them to majestic Valhalla. Yet, this warrior, with his unfailing bravery and unyielding spirit, awakened something within her.
No Valkyrie had ever thought of doing what she considered now. The importance of her duty, the balance that must be maintained between the realms of the living and the dead, was at stake. Love knows no boundaries but was she willing to defy the gods themselves to have this man in her arms?


As the brave warrior fought his final battle, the Valkyrie waited and watched, battling within herself over what she should not do and what she wanted to do. Saving him would form a forbidden bond between them, unbreakable and fierce. Would she dare betray Odin and her duty to Valhalla and at what cost?

Available July 19th on Amazon

About The Author

Wendy L. Anderson is a writer of passionately charged fantasy. Breaking the barriers of typical fantasy themes, she created the Kingdom of Jior epic fantasy series, a lusty and poetic five-book series that will have you wanting more in her Legends of Everclearing spinoff series. Inspired by authors such as Robert E. Howard and Morgan Llywelyn, Wendy went on to write three other stand-alone works; A Cut Twice as Deep, Ulrik, and Rapunzel’s Tower. These fantasy works break free from the usual boundaries of fantasy genres.

A Colorado native and mother of two, she has decided it is time to write down the fantasies in her mind. Writing about everything from fantastical worlds to the stuff of her dreams, she takes her stories along interesting paths while portraying characters and worlds she sees in her mind’s eye. Her goal is to deviate from common themes, write in original directions, and transport her reader to the worlds of her creation.

Wendy L. Anderson’s fantasy has action, adventure, and suspense with just the right amount of romance! Find out more at wendylanderson.com

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."

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