Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows Review Spotlight

 An interesting fantasy novel Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows is the beginning of a new epic fantasy series. This novel blends together magic and math to create some new and unique that will surely pique readers' interest in finding out more about this unique world.

Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows by Daniel Georgiev is the start of an interesting series. The cover depicts a land shrouded in fog and mist. You can see a city in the background lit up with a bridge spanning across the cover to the front. In the foreground is a tall young man with blonde hair and blue eyes. Dressed in a black coat with reddish-orange accents, he clutches in his right hand a heavy sword with black mist emanating off of it. He stands poised and in control, but appears ready should anything happen to kick off.

Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows has an engaging prologue that sets the stage for future scenes in this story. The introduction of Mathsmagica gives readers a clue that this story is going to be shifting points of view throughout this story. Endariel is a mysterious character. He’s in a home where a fight is raging. Lives are in the process of being lost. Endariel is on a quest to find something or someone.

Author Georgiev gives readers the sense that time is of the essence. This sense is only amplified by the fact that Endariel appears to be disintegrating. Magical cracks are spreading across his body. Violet light is permeating these cracks as his very essence appears to be dispersing. He’s not alone. His two siblings are with him, and they are on the hunt for someone. What Endariel and his siblings find is a scene where life has been lost, but hope can still be found.

As Mathsmagica proceeds we are given a new character – Sova. Sova and his sister, Nilah, are students at the Academy in the city of Mathsmagica. There is a sense of excitement from Nilah. She’s eager to get to the “Day of Happening” festival by the Shapers, but they run into a little “trouble.” It would appear that they have “offended the sensibilities” of a particular individual, and he intends to make his displeasure known.

For a brief moment, it appears that the situation may have been diffused, but trouble comes back around not long after. But while a situation is escalating, a friendly face steps up to step in and bring the escalation back down. Of course, this sets the stage for Sova and Nilah to make a friend who could be willing to look past their affinity for dark magic, which points to a dangerous secret that these twins harbor.

Mathsmagica is a slow-builder when it comes to fantasy novels. Author Georgiev takes the time to set the stage and give readers a bit of foundation before progressing with the overall storyline. The main stage setting for this book is when Sova, Nilah, and their new friend Evie fend off a dangerous dark creature that threatens a fellow classmate. This puts them in the spotlight with Director Astron, who makes the decision to elevate these three to a new and unique position.

In various places in Mathsmagica author Georgiev highlights Sova’s uniqueness. It goes beyond him being able to see the math in magic, but he appears to harbor another inside of himself. This is something that is hidden from him, but readers get to see it for themselves. This is pointed out through Endariel making appearances at random moments in this novel. Sova even begins to notice the loss of time, and that he finds himself in strange places after falling asleep.

As this story progresses Sova and his friends find themselves drawn into dangerous missions with the intent of proving that they can work together. But is there more going on than meets the eye? Between each chapter author Georgiev tucks in excerpts, notes, letters, and more along with well-detailed sketches.

These particular elements help to take Mathsmagica to another level. The sketches especially help to round out particular details of the story. The excerpts give readers a glimpse into books and letters from the past which help to give readers a glimpse into what has come prior.

The deeper that Mathsmagica goes the more engaging the storyline becomes. It draws readers in more and more so that we are encouraged to dig deeper. Author Georgiev encourages readers to look to discover secrets that are hidden from sight, but are just there below the surface.

Hoping for some romance? There is just a hint of romance that is allowed to gradually develop between the main character and a girl he takes a shine to. Secrets are gradually revealed, and author Georgiev has a surprise or two in store for us readers as well. This book has a small cliffhanger. It sets a precursor for what is to come but leaves readers eager for more at the same time.

While Mathsmagica has a slow start, as it gradually builds the story becomes more engaging and works to draw readers in. There is a nice amount of magic utilized throughout this book, and author Georgiev highlights the math elements through Sova’s eyes. With a nice sprinkling of surprises, this book and series are truly promising for what’s to come. We look forward to what comes next.

4.5 out of 5 stars

 

Of Threads and Oceans Review Spotlight

 

 Looking for a clean YA fantasy novel and series to dive into? Want something with a forbidden romance angle? Well, Of Threads and Oceans, the first in the Threads of Magic series will be a book that you don’t want to miss out on.

Of Threads and Oceans by Camilla Tracy draws the eye with a young woman standing proudly front and center on the cover. Her brown hair is being swept to the side with the wind. She has a staff in her hand slung behind her back, not quite resting on her shoulders. Around her shoulders is a small green snake with what appears to be an energy lingering around it.

The young woman’s outfit draws the eye downward from the vest to the red scarf wrapped around her waist, to the skirt and pants below. On either side of her are two animal “familiars.” A gorgeous tiger and a fluffy poodle, both with an ethereal element of energy swirling all around them. You absolutely will be intrigued by this book simply based on the cover.

Of Threads and Oceans opens up with the main character, Thali bartering with a merchant. You can tell that things aren’t going well...for the merchant. Thali obviously has the upper hand, but the merchant? He thinks that he’s about to come out on top...until she plays her trump card. Well, played Thali. Well played. Though, she turns around into some trouble. (Don’t worry, she’ll be fine. LOL)

The beginning Of Threads and Oceans is engaging and heartwarming with the introduction of Thali and her brother, Rommy. Readers will get a sense of excitement as Thali heads back home to her merchant family. Unfortunately, author Tracy throws a heartbreaking moment for Thali and her family. The loss of Thali’s brother, Rommy.

He had like...not even five minutes in the story before he disappears! What!?! Why?! Well, this tragedy is utilized to push Thali in the direction that the story needs her to go. With the loss of her brother, Thali’s parents are determined to do whatever they must to protect their remaining child. What does that mean? Well, for her, it means that she will be shipped off to a school. Not that she needs to go, but they feel that it will be what’s best for her.

Of course, this change for Thali is one that she’s not 100% on board with. Why? Well, it’s not like she needs the education that this trade school provides. She’s been doing what the other students are learning since she was able to start walking. Now, instead of being challenged by the sea and merchants trying to get one over on her, she’ll have to deal with students her own age. Add in that she must hide her ability to “speak” with animals, and it sounds pretty simple, right? No pressure! LOL!

Of Threads and Oceans is an engaging YA fantasy novel that focuses on Thali as she navigates the trade school and all the drama that lingers in and around it. Of course, it doesn’t take Thali long to catch the eye of a guy while out at the market. It’s not just any guy whose eye she catches either. It’s someone who will cause her to fear her family’s reaction.

Author Tracy details an engaging story that draws readers in as Thali navigates school and the ins and outs of it. She manages to make some friends, but those friendships? Well, not everything is what it seems, and sadly Thali learns this the hard way. Thankfully, in Of Threads and Oceans, she has a friend by her side...most of the time. Her friend from home, Mia, is someone who is with her the majority of the time.

However, if you think that the animals on the cover are just there for decoration, you’ll be pleased to know they make frequent appearances in the story. Bardo, the snake, is one that is often with Thali throughout the story. Her tiger, Indi, and Ana, the poodle, while they have to stay home at first, become a staple of Thali’s life at school.

If you’re expecting Thali to be sitting around having conversations with her animals, you’ll be disappointed with that particular aspect of the story. She communicates with them, but there isn’t a running dialogue between them. That is strictly reserved for the human characters of this story.

If we had to rate the level of fantasy in this story, we’d rate it as “low.” Thali has her magical abilities, but they are kept pretty much under wraps. She allows her love interest to know about her magic, but outside of close friends and family, no one else really knows.

The romance angle is focused on in the story, but the “fear of family discovering who he really is” is teased. It’s teased, but nothing really comes of it...for now. We’ll have to see what happens as the story continues to play out, but for book one, there really isn’t anything there. Instead, we get reassurances from family and others in the merchant/trade business who promise her that she has nothing to worry about.

We hate to say it, but that’s a disappointing aspect because it robs readers of the suspense of the entire situation. It’s like defusing the situation before things can really come to a head. Of course, anything can really happen, so we’ll just have to exercise some patience and see where the following books lead us in that particular area.

The majority of the story focuses on Thali at school. Don’t worry we don’t get bogged down in the day-to-day school life. We get snippets, and it’s just enough to engage you in the story and give readers a glimpse of what Thali experiences. As the story draws to a close, that’s when things start to get more interesting.

Of Threads and Oceans, readers get a potential love triangle, mysterious islands, and a mysterious character towards the end of this book. The beginning chapters and the final chapters hold the majority of thrilling bits, and they will push readers to look to dive deeper into the series.

Of Threads and Oceans is an engaging start to the series, and we’re eager to see where things go from here. We’re really hoping for more drama concerning Thali’s relationship and her family. We’ll have to wait and see, but anything is possible.

This book is a very clean romance, with low amounts of magic (Thali is the only one with magical abilities at this point). Author Tracy is leading readers to believe that there is another magical being to be found, so we’re excited to continue this series and find out what happens next.

Looking for a good fantasy novel with an overall engaging storyline? Well, you can’t go wrong with Of Threads and Oceans.

Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice by Laura M. Drake Review Spotlight

 Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice is the first book in author Laura M. Drake’s Whisper Hollow Mysteries series. Looking for a fun clean cozy mystery novel perfect for fall? Look no further than this novel.

Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice kicks things off with an eye-catching cover. It’s a beautiful scene laid out for the eye to devour. Top to bottom you have golden leaves clinging to tree branches while leaves that are variety of colors drift down. Below is a beautiful depiction of a block of Whisper Hollow that we will become very familiar with through this novel. You’ll see three storefronts with Whispering Pages, Harper’s store, and center stage.

On either side of Whispering Pages are two other storefronts. Neighbors of Harper’s that you’ll meet as the story unfolds. In the forefront is a black cat taking a nap on a book with a coffee drink sitting nearby on a pile of leaves. The cover gives a sense of coziness and invites readers to pick the book up and dive into what awaits inside.

Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice is a cozy mystery novel that takes readers to Whisper Hollow. Here is where we meet Harper. She’s looking to start over after a bad break-up from her now ex-fiance. Harper has taken over her deceased grandmother’s bookstore. A bookstore in a small town sounds rather ideal. However, Harper can’t escape drama and trouble...even here.

Mr. James owns the building that Whispering Pages is housed in. Mr. James? Well, he is making frequent stops at Whispering Pages. He’s not there for a book or just to make sure that business is good. Whether business is good or not, he wants Harper to know that he wants her out. Sounds like trouble brewing, right?

Well, trouble absolutely breaks out when Mr. James...winds up dead...in Whispering Pages. Harper quickly becomes suspect #1 thanks to her employee, Kyle. Dang it Kyle! LOL! Of course, we all know that Harper didn’t do it. Why would she? Yeah, she and Mr. James spoke the day before the murder. Yeah, he was pressuring her to break the lease. But that doesn’t mean that she did it! Turns out...there are more suspects waiting to be added to the pool.

As Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice unfolds author Drake introduces a variety of characters one at a time. Harper has a murder to solve but on top of that mystery? Is another mystery! The mystery of her Nana’s missing money! That particular mystery paired with the murder will have Harper making the rounds and analyzing suspects. Expect her to...get things wrong...a time or two.

Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice is an engaging cozy mystery that immediately draws you in. Set around the time for Halloween this story gives readers a small town feel with enough of a nod to the upcoming holiday to make sure you remember it’s there.

Harper is portrayed as a flawed character. She’s still hung up on her ex, Tate. She’s an introvert running a book store, and she’s sworn off dating. Cue up two handsome brothers who just so happen to work next door and whom her Nana took a liking to before she passed away. Sounds like an interesting recipe brewing, right?

Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice is a well-orchestrated whodunit cozy mystery. Author Drake keeps readers engaged in the storyline as Harper suspects and accuses a person or two in her quest to solve this case.

All Harper wants is to make her Nana’s bookshop successful and to find some peace. Finding out who the killer is isn’t going to be easy. Especially when Harper basically suspects almost every one of having done the deed. Some of her suspicions will be merited, evidence...is key...and that is one thing she’s lacking.

Readers who love “nerd” nods will absolutely love this book. The black cat on the cover? Yeah, she’s a “side” character of the story. But what readers will love will be the nod to a specific character from a famous movie. Harper is a “nerd” and readers will enjoy the random quotes and mentions linked to specific movies and books throughout. They definitely made us smile.

Not going to mince words here – Harper did get on our nerves a time or two. The whole situation with her ex? We didn’t get why she refused to just do the basic – block and delete his number. Why cling to that when he hurt her so badly? Don’t worry – you’re going to get some backstory on that drama-rama.

The big reveal of the killer...is okay. If you’re hoping for something big and dramatic, you’re going to find yourself disappointed. All in all though, it makes sense why there is a lack of drama.

As Murder with a Hint of Pumpkin Spice draws to a close it teases readers of what a potential future will be like in Whispering Hollow. Will the next book see romance in Harper’s future? Will Harper’s ex make an appearance despite her trying to cut him out of her life? It’ll be interesting for sure to see where things go from here.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Haven Review Spotlight

Before we bid our final goodbyes to the Halloween season, join us one last time for the book tour for Haven by Mia Dalia in concert with Black Tide Book Tours. 

Prepare to embark on a family vacation with the Baker family as they go to their aunt Gussie's home for a month. As you learn the dynamics of this family, and the history of the previous owner...something sinister will begin to unveil itself. 

Haven is a horror novel by Mia Dalia. This particular horror story is a slow developer but just wait for it. This novel will lure you in with chapters that shift through the family, but the gradual build will bring you something unexpected. So exercise patience, because it will be worth the wait. Just because it's a house...doesn't make it home. 

The Baker family is headed towards Aunt Augusta's old house. After her passing, it was allotted to the living family members to use it as a vacation home shared amongst them all. Well, Jenna Baker has secured the month for her family of four to go and stay there. This is in the hopes that maybe the family can reconnect. Will that be possible? Well, you'll question it for yourself as you read this book. 

As Haven continues to unfold author Dalia alternates each chapter between each member of the family. Told from the third person POV each chapter focuses on that specific family member. In that sense readers are able to get to know them individually and better understand the dynamics. 

Jeff is the father, but he's far from engaged in his children's lives. You'd have to wonder why. Author Dalia reveals that he's disappointed in himself concerning it, but yet, he chooses to do nothing just the same. Jeff will often reflect on how things came to be, but the trend remains...he has chosen to do nothing to change it. 

Jenna, is the wife. Author Dalia portrays her as fastidiously dedicated to her appearance. Jenna watches what she eats, how much she eats, and exercises to keep her lithe form. Jenna appreciates the jealousy and envy that she evokes from other women her age. Unknown to her, her daughter has picked up on this "focus" on her physical appearance...but in a different way. 

Jessie, is the oldest of the two children. As readers delve deeper into her chapters they'll find just how "obsessed" she is with her physical appearance and social media. She wants so desperately to be a social influencer, but seeing as she's more of a "follower" in her behavior...she falls short every time. Her follower count? Not high enough. The attention she so doggedly seeks? Not enough. She wants more. Craves more. But this house? This house is going to bring out a change in her...that will be unexpected. 

JJ is the youngest of the family and named after his father. However, JJ is the one who stands out the most. A teen like his sister, he has taken the opposite approach to food and exercise than that of his mother and sister. JJ is the one more likely to be bullied in school because of his size and appearance. Compound that with his refusal to participate in personal hygiene and it paints a picture of a boy with limited friends and limited contact with most people. 

Then there is Ava. Ava isn't one of the family of four. No, Ava is...Augusta. The chapters on Ava paint a picture of who she was (or is) and her life. Author Dalia provides readers with context on how Ava became the person that she was. The youngest in her family, she wanted a different path than what her family wanted. So, when the opportunity comes...she takes it. 

Haven is a slow building psychological horror story. The story moves at a steady pace as it alternates between the family members and with each of Ava's chapters reveals her past and her life's story. Little by little author Dalia shows the gradual shift between the family members. It's a subtle thing that none of them really notice at first.

As the story goes however, the cracks begin to show. Something in the house is poking them. Provoking their darkest thoughts and feelings to come to the surface. Some of the revelations through Ava's chapters point to the tragedies that Ava suffered throughout her life. Most if not all of it at the hands of her own family. It's absolutely shocking and even heartbreaking. 

As Haven draws to a close, the story takes on a darker element, but also shifts to drawing to a close focusing on Ava's chapters. Since the primary location is Haven (the house) anything that doesn't happen there isn't focused on. Until a new character comes along and shares some shocking news. 

One thing is for sure...this book will leave you puzzled, but also push you into a sense of disbelief. Haven closes on some shocking revelations and leaves you the question...will what happened to the last family happen to this one?

Readers looking for a thrilling fast-paced horror story won't find that within Haven's pages. However, readers looking for a horror novel that plays on the psychological aspect with hints of the supernatural will absolutely find this story intriguing up to the final page. 

Haven

by Mia Dalia

October 29 - November 04

                                

 New Release! Publication date: 10/29/2024

CamCat Books

What if revenge ripples and echoes through time?

You can’t choose your family or your destiny or your legacy. But once upon a time, a woman named Ava St. James had tried to build happiness upon the remains of her broken heart. For better or worse. Decades later, the Bakers are headed for a perfect family vacation. A full month at a house by the lake; the house passed down from a mysterious aunt no one ever talks about. Love and good intentions aside, what begins like a relaxing vacation turns into a nightmare as each of the Bakers’ nerves slowly but steadily begin to wear away at the edges. Is it their fraught family dynamics or is something more sinister at work?

The house has welcomed them, but will it ever let them leave?

About the author

Mia Dalia is the internationally published author of Estate Sale and Haven (CamCat Books Fall 2024), and many other novellas and novelettes. Her short fiction has been published online by Night Terror Novels, 50-Word Stories, Flash Fiction Magazine, Pyre Magazine, Tales from the Moonlit Path, among others, and in print anthologies by Sunbury Press, Nightshade Press, HellBound Press, Black Ink Fiction, and many others. She is a lifelong reader, and a longtime reviewer of all things fantastic, thrilling, scary, and strange.

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The Shadow of Polaris Review Spotlight

We're celebrating the release of The Shadow of Polaris by D.L. Houpt. Time to bump another book on your TBR list!

 The Shadow of Polaris is the first book in the Heir of Darkness series by D.L. Houpt. This fantasy romance novel is a slow build, but it’s worth hanging in there. Once the groundwork has been laid you’re in for quite a ride with this novel.

The Shadow of Polaris begins with Elpis and her nephew. He’s the king. He’s hurting and upset. Why? The Elders have spoken, and even he cannot go against what they have told him. Elpis has been declared guilty of killing her sister. She’s now “The Queen Slayer.” She’s condemned to live out the rest of her life locked in a tower. Giving Rapunzel vibes, right? Wait for it, this is no Rapunzel tale coming your way.

Elpis spends years locked away in this tower. Don’t worry you don’t spend chapter, after chapter, after chapter reading about how the years whittle by while she sits there and longs for the life she used to have. Author Houpt spares readers from that. LOL! You do learn some things about Elpis and what her life has been like locked away for these past few years.

There is a mild theme of abuse in this novel. It only appears a couple of times in the story, but it’s something readers should be aware of before diving into this story too deeply. Elpis has people who “take care” of her, and make sure that she remains in her tower. Her “chambermaid” is one such individual, but this toady of a woman takes pleasure in exerting her “power” over Elpis.

The first quarter of this book is slow in pace. There isn’t a lot of drama, action, or anything really to spice things up and give this book the jump-start you might be looking for. However, if you are patient you’ll soon find yourself getting to the good stuff.

Author Houpt throws Elpis a twist that no one really could have seen coming...a chance. It’s an odd occurrence, but it suits the story perfectly. With this chance that Elpis is given comes even more danger than we or she could have imagined. There are monsters roaming the land, and Elpis comes face to face with one. In the process though she makes a discovery that will truly benefit her. Cue the introduction of animal companion.

As The Shadow of Polaris continues you will constantly find yourself wondering...when is the other shoe going to drop? Elpis has managed to find a safe haven, but how long will this last? The storyline begins to point to trouble brewing and it all starts with one simple act of wanting more “freedom.” We get it, we’d go stir-crazy, too, but when you’re being hunted...it pays to be smart.

Once you get to about the 30% mark in this book the storyline really begins to pick up and come together. Elpis is having strange dreams, encountering one of the gods (goddess) themselves. She discovers the prophecy mentioned in the blurb, and we readers get some delicious backstory! But there are secrets swirling everywhere and you won’t be able to help but suspect that the Elders are hiding secrets as well.

Hoping for some romance? Well, it’s there. It’s a slow build romance, that ignites sooner rather than later. It’s a mix of “slow-burn” meets “getting to know you a bit, first.” But apparently, Elpis isn’t to be too favored when it comes to the romance department either. Watch for little hints that author Houpt is going to drip here and there. Not everything is as it seems.

Hoping for some serious steam to heat up the pages? Well, on that front you’re going to be disappointed. Author Houpt rates the steam in her novel as “one pepper” and we agree. There are no highly detailed scenes depicted on the pages. You’ll have to use your imagination, but you probably won’t get far, because the scenes are short before moving on.

Brace yourself for twists, and turns, premonition-like dreams, creepy monsters (we loved every second of that), and the gods working to bring about chaos. Okay, okay, only one particular goddess with a nasty attitude problem. LOL! Elpis is connected to it all, and she is going to have to figure out her part in all of this if she is to save lives from being lost.

The Shadow of Polaris is an engaging fantasy romance novel. There is a nice amount of world-building, twists and turns, and an ending that will leave you eager for book two. This is a good start to the series. Yes, the beginning is slow but it is absolutely worth it all because the rest of the book will keep you glued.

Looking for your next fantasy romance novel/series? Well, you’ve found it. So don’t miss out and grab your copy today!

4.5 out of 5 stars  

The Shadow of Polaris (Heir of Darkness Book 1)

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

🐺enemies to lovers
🗡️black cat/golden retriever
🐺animal companions
🗡️meddling gods
🐺morally grey FMC
Spice – 🌶️
World Building – 🏛️🏛️
Violence – 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️

When winter and spring coincide, darkness’s heir brings the light of truth and the fall of vanity. Only embers of life can destroy visions of death.

Following the accusation of her sister’s murder, five years ago, Elpis was sentenced to a life in the Tower outside of Ursae. Banished, far across the Northern Flatlands, to an eternity of unruly abuse and mind numbing isolation.

Now, broken and beaten, she receives an anonymous gift that will alter her fate forever. Haunted by nightmares of a malevolent goddess, Elpis must unravel the secret of an ancient prophecy and tame the shadows rising within her in order to take back her freedom.

With enemies at every turn, Elpis must choose her allies wisely, and learn that sometimes, freedom may come at a price.

Trigger Warnings:
Suicidal thoughts, self harm, and self hate

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

 

Through Fire and Ruin Review Spotlight

To celebrate the release of Beyond Ember & Hope on September 14th, we're going back to the beginning to the start and touring Through Fire & Ruin all this week!

There are pre-order incentives if you order Beyond Ember & Hope now, and this book one is on sale for only $0.99 until release day when the trilogy is complete!

 Through Fire and Ruin is the first book in authors Jennifer Becker’s and Alice Karpiel’s new adult fantasy romance series. This book is a slow-burn romance novel with multiple POVs throughout the storyline. You’re going to meet some interesting characters and others who will try your patience, but this is just the beginning of this series.

Through Fire and Ruin has an interesting beginning that draws readers in rather quickly. Fae are known to humans, but thanks to a treaty there can be no crossing over of the two into the other’s world. Fae are “locked” into their world and humans are “locked” into Earth. There is a portal that bridges both worlds, but crossing over is something that no one survives. Well, those who belong to their specific worlds. But what if you were something more?

This division of the worlds seemed like a good thing, especially when you reflect on the fact that humans were enslaved to the fae in Liraen. However, when a plague begins killing humans and no cure in sight through the human scientists what if their very salvation lies in the land of the fae? Only one way to find out, and it won’t be an easy journey.

Lora is one of the characters that will be focused on in this book. She’s been living her life as best that she can with the fear of the plague running rampant. No one knows how it spreads, but if you’re expecting extreme precautions to be utilized you’ll be disappointed. It’s nice that there aren’t any extreme precautions being taken because it would definitely throw a kink in the story.

Lora is written as an “average human.” When we say this we mean that she’s living her life, helping out here and there at home. The plague is there in the back of her mind, but until it strikes close to home, she has little interest in pursuing a path of finding some form of help. But with a family member coming down with the sickness she’s prompted to take action. Not necessarily for the greater good of the world as a whole, but primarily for the family member in need.

One interesting aspect of this book is that Lora is part fae and she’s aware of this fact. In most fantasy novels you’ll find that the character has no idea of this other part of themselves, but Lora knows about it and will use it to her advantage. Which is a good thing otherwise this would be a rather short story. LOL!

While we have Lora on Earth and about to cross over into Liraen, the authors introduce readers to Amira who is a princess in one of the kingdoms of Liraen. Amira is the exact opposite of Lora. As you read this book you’ll learn that Lora seems to be a moderately tempered young woman, but the more you learn about her the more you’ll see that she is a rather temperamental individual.

Not saying it’s necessarily a bad thing, but for this reader...she pushed more than a few buttons. The constant demands for answers, refusing to have any ounce of trust in Eyden, the fae trader she meets, and leans towards being highly argumentative. You’d think that in a world where you have to hide what you are, you’d exercise more caution than she does. We get it, she wants a cure to help her family, but 1) getting caught and captured and 2) alienating one of few people willing to take a risk to help you...aren’t smart.

Amira falls on the opposite end of the spectrum of Lora. Amira reads almost like a human version of Fluttershy. LOL! (I’ve been watching a lot of MLP with my daughter, and it feels like it fits her perfectly.) Amira is yet another challenging character who gets placed in the spotlight of this book and series. Amira has experienced trauma in her life, and the deeper the story goes the more you will learn about her and what she’s been through.

Readers should be forewarned that there are some abuse elements in this book and potentially the series as we celebrate the release of Beyond Ember and Hope which will be available September 14^th. Amira has a rather unhealthy relationship with her brother, and we all breathe a sigh of relief when he exits the story here and there. Don’t hope for or expect Amira to ever really stand up to him. Can’t say for sure she’s done so in the past and paid the cost, but it doesn’t seem like something she’ll ever do. We just wish that she wasn’t such a frail character. It gets exhausting to read how “sensitive” she is to so many things.

When it comes to the pacing of this novel you’ll find that it’s slow to moderate at best. Through Fire and Ruin is told through third person perspective throughout this book. The majority of the story goes back and forth between Lora and Amira as they both struggle to stay out of danger. It’s no easy thing for either woman.

There are interesting plot twists scattered throughout the novel, but we recommend patience as the personality of the characters seems to be the dominant focus of it all. You’ll learn about a king, looking to be high king, who will potentially be the downfall of all if he wins the upcoming contest. We would have liked to focus more on that, but it’s not viewed as a primary element of the storyline.

Hate cliffhangers? Well, it’s okay, because books two and three are available or will soon be! So, while you’re waiting for book three, you can grab book two and find out what happens next. It’s a mild cliffhanger honestly, so even those who hate cliffhangers shouldn’t complain too much. LOL! But it will be one that honestly makes sense in how book one comes to a close.

The romance is slow-burn, and the drama is also more on the slow-burn side, but Through Fire and Ruin does have some good elements. We just wanted the two FMCs to be more tempered, and more balanced. As they are written it’s one extreme to the other almost. It will be interesting to see where things go from here, and how long certain secrets will remain locked away.

Be sure to grab your copy of book three on September 14^th and find out how it all ends for Lora, Amira and those they have come to care about!

4 out of 5 stars

Through Fire And Ruin

Publication Date: May 2022

Genre: NA Fantasy Romance

• Slow burn

• Sizzling banter

• Enemies-to-lovers

• Reluctant allies

• Masquerade ball

• Forced proximity

• One bed

• He fell harder

• LGBTQ+ characters

• Multiple POVs & romances

• Fae, witches, badass humans

• Thrilling plot twists

• Corrupt politics

Some lies are ruin

For centuries, humans have been at the mercy of the fae. With the border between Earth and Liraen spelled shut, humans have no desire to entangle themselves with the fae world again. But what if they are humanity's only hope?

LORA has been warned of the fae her entire life. Yet when a deadly virus sweeps Earth, Lora risks everything to find a cure. Spinning the perfect lie, she makes a deal with Eyden, a mysterious fae trader. As Lora struggles to keep the promises she has made to both her family and Eyden, she is forced to dig deeper into the twisted world of Liraen - her web of lies unravelling.

AMIRA has spent years trapped by her brother in her childhood palace. Her engagement to the soon-to-be High King of Liraen is her only hope for the freedom she has been longing for. As the future Queen, she seeks to finally leave her painful past behind. But she soon discovers that the palace holds dark secrets - bringing up memories Amira had long since tried to erase.

As power games are woven, promises are broken, and desperate lies are revealed, Lora and Amira both find themselves at crossroads. Will they risk it all and face ruin?

GET IT ON AMAZON

COMPLETE SERIES

 

Dream Walker Review Spotlight

 Welcome to the book tour for Brittany Gossin's Dream Walker! Read on for more details!

 Dream Walker is a young adult/coming of age romantic fantasy novel that will grip you from the beginning, but then allow you to settle in for a mostly engaging storyline. Get ready to meet Ella as she works to discover who she is and protect those she comes to care for, but only after tragedy strikes.

Dream Walker by Brittany Gossin is one of those books that lassos you from the beginning, hits you with some jaw-dropping moments and then shifts forward to the world we are all familiar with.

Dream Walker begins with a world at war. Nightmares are running rampant and destroying everything in their path. Their power has grown to the point that keeping them at bay is becoming harder and harder. A difficult decision for the Queen is at hand, and it is one that she must yield to...or else all will be lost.

The story transitions at this point to the Earth realm that we are familiar with. Ella is a high school student. She’s awakened from a terrible nightmare of her own. The scene that plays out will grip you and have you wondering...is this real? What happens if this thing that hunts her harms her in the dream? Will it transfer to the real world when she wakes? If she does at all?

Cue loads of tension and drama, right? Those are the best kinds of books the ones that keep you on the edge of your seat and page-turning to find out what happens next.

Of course, author Gossin allows the story to settle in for awhile after some chaotic scenes that play out. Ella suffers a horrific tragedy that forces her on the run, but with a little help she escapes death, but one question remains and it will continue to go unanswered for a time.

As Ella embarks on unlocking her magic she is going to have quite the road ahead of her. Accessing her magic won’t be easy and she’s already been given a clue that something will keep her from it. Of course, she doesn’t pay much attention to this mention because she feels overwhelmed in the moment.

While there are surprises along the way, the pacing of the story slows down quite a lot. We’re going to get moments of turmoil and chaos as Ella and others like her are thrown into the deep end to prepare themselves for the fight coming, but there is also a sense of underlying drama. There is someone looking to exploit them and this one safe place. Who is this mysterious person? And who is their inside helper? Like Ella doesn’t have enough on her plate to deal with. Things just keep piling up.

Wondering where the romance angle comes in? Well, it sparks pretty quickly. He’s older (by a few years), but wait! What’s this? Is there a second potential interest? Why yes! We think there is! Who will be the one who gets the girl?! Well, you’ll just have to read to find out. Though it is weird for Ella to talk about/think that Ethan has shared “so much” with her in private. He’s shared a thing or two here and there, but this girl needs to slow her roll. She’s acting like he’s been sharing his life story with her until someone else shows up. Not the case at all and it makes her sound...a touch delusional.

Ella is an interesting character, and she’s growing little by little, but I need girlfriend to get her head in the game and stay focused. She’s got a big fight ahead of her, and it’s coming from more than one front.

Dream Walkers has a lot of good things in it, and it’s an engaging story for sure. I loved the horror elements especially and the dynamic cast of fantasy characters. Readers who enjoy a good romantic fantasy novel will not want to miss out on the beginning of this new series.

Dream Walker (Realm of Dreams #1)

Publication Date: July 2, 2024

Genre Romantic Fantasy

• Found family

• Secrets and betrayal

• Closed-door spice

• Magic, fae, elves

• Dragons and demons

• Slow burn

In the aftermath of a harrowing nightmare, seventeen-year-old Ella Windsor must face a chilling reality as the wounds from her dreams appear on her body. To add to her terror, she witnesses the intrusion of a nightmarish creature come to life, lurking on her high school campus.

Faced with no choice but to escape the nightmares and search for why she’s the only one who can see them, Ella ventures into the mysterious Astral Realm. Alongside Ethan Wessex, a stunningly gorgeous Lieutenant of the Queen’s Astral Guard with his own air of mystery, Ella discovers a realm on the brink of war.

Azvameth, the King of Nightmares, harboring secrets of his own, seeks dominion not just over the Astral Realm but every waking world. With the assistance of other dream walkers, including the devastatingly handsome Cole, a Fae Prince, and Rhea, a feisty Elven female, each armed with latent magic, Ella may prove to be the missing piece in destroying Azvameth and saving her precious Mortal and Astral Realms.

In this epic romantasy, Ella grapples with love and betrayal, torn between the mysterious Ethan and the potential true love of Cole, all while embarking on a journey of self-discovery and found family. The nightmares have awakened, but so has she.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON & THE AUTHOR’S WEBSITE

 

Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours

Fate of Water and Wind Review Spotlight

To celebrate the release of Wrath of Suns and Shadows this week, we are going to back to the start! Check out Fate of Water and Wind by Lashell Rain!

 Fate of Water and Wind is the first book in the Osparia series by Lashell Rain and readers who enjoy epic romantasy novels are not going to want to miss out on this book.

Fate of Water and Wind lures readers in first with a truly beautiful cover. Readers’ attention will be captured by the beautiful dark turquoise, blues and black that dominate this cover. A wing, black as night spreads it’s way across the cover of Fate of Water and Wind from the left. While swirling up from the bottom, to the right and cresting toward the center is a cascade of water. In the background are trees and branches that fill the void created by these two images. They are all symbols of what readers will find in this book concerning the characters and situations they will find themselves in.

Fate of Water and Wind is a multiple POV novel that focuses mainly on Emelyn. Both Emelyn and Ace lost much in the war that ravaged their lands. But the war has been heavier on one particular race in the process. The Ember Fire Fae are on a quest for power and they intend to bring subjugation to all of the people in the process. But they fear the prophecy of the Peacebringer. But who is this mysterious Peacebringer? That is a question that many have sought to discover the answer to, but none of done so...until one selfless act toward another creature...reveals a secret long held.

Now, everything that Eme has known has been upended. A place that she once called home is no longer home, and the people her family once cared for turned on her in a heartbeat. Now? The danger is marching to the place of the one other person that she cares about and will threaten to take even that from her.

Fate of Water and Wind is a truly gripping romantasy novel. One thing I feared was that we were going to get saddled with an overly sassy and snarky character. Thankfully author Rain has sympathy for us readers and gives a pretty well-balanced character.

Eme is an interesting character, who despite the amount of loss that she has experienced in her life comes off as pretty well balanced. She has a heart and it shows. Especially when she performs an act of kindness that she didn’t have to do. My favorite scene in this book? It’s probably the scene that plays out with that act of kindness and the revelation that follows. The revelation? Yeah, it had my jaw on the floor. But at the same time...it leaves you and Eme with a question that appears to be left unanswered, but it isn’t.

Now, as this book is a romantic fantasy novel you can expect romance and some sex scenes. The scenes give you details, but not anything overly graphic. So readers, those of you who have the belief “the steamier the better”...this won’t be the case with these scenes. Sorry. LOL! You get a couple bites of sexy-time deliciousness and then the story moves on whether you want it to or not. LOL! We can all commiserate together later.

Fate of Water and Wind altnernates POV between Eme, Ace, Kade (Fire Fae), and the shadowy man who has a deeper connection to Eme than she will be ready to realize. The story, as we said earlier, is the primary focus of the story. We get several chapters with Ace, and let me tell ya, he gets up to quite a bit of fun with the ladies. LOL!

Kade, while he only gets a handful of chapters is a truly interesting character. I would have loved to have more chapters focusing on him, but that’s not the case with this book. There is something about Kade that leads me to believe that there is more to him than meets the eye. He’s dangerous, but author Rain lets readers know this one fact – Kade may be dangerous, but his sister? She’s much, much worse.

That being said! Kade’s sister, Valla, doesn’t make an appearance in this book, but we get hints about her. We’re hoping that Valla will make an appearance in book two, because just the hints about her character is building a lot of interest and intrigue.

We get a nice variety of fantasy creatures throughout this book. We get fae (of all kinds), dryads, orcs, Brownies, and towards the end of the book we get to see our first dragon. Cue excitement, right?! LOL! As this book draws to a close the intensity really begins to ramp up. You’re going to be page-turning through the final chapters where you will be left wondering – “What happens next?!” Well, while this is just book one, we are celebrating the release of book two, so you can go out and grab it as soon as you finish book one and dive right in.

Fate of Water and Wind by Lashell Rain is an engaging fantasy novel filled with thrills, drama, and romance. You’ll be eagerly looking forward to book and discovering what happens next as Eme learns who she is and begins the process of working towards helping those who need her most.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Lashell Rain, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next!  

Fate Of Water And Wind: The Osparia Series Book One

Publication Date: February 2023

Genre: NA Fae Fantasy Romance

• Multiple POV

• Fantasy Creatures

• Fated Mates

• Morally Gray Males

• Chosen One

• Enemies to Lovers

How do I bring peace when I’ve never known it?

For over a century, as war waged, Emelyn and Ace have been in hiding and constantly moving, knowing that Ember’s emperor is searching for them with the suspicion that Ace is more than a Sky Elf. But the truth has been revealed and now Emelyn has to save a world she doesn’t have a place in. When a mysterious man of shadows saves her, claiming to be with the rebellion against Ember, Emelyn can’t deny the draw she has to him—in particular the way his shadows touch the deepest parts of her soul.

Fate of Water and Wind is a sexy, action-packed and captivating new adult fae fantasy romance story and is the first installment of The Osparia Series.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

The Price of Vengeance Review Spotlight

 Welcome to the final day of the book tour for the novel, Price of Vengeance by Kurt D. Springs. Looking for a new scifi novel to sink your teeth into? Then Black Phoenix Book Tours has something for you right here. Vengeance is a dangerous thing...what price are you willing to pay to have it?

 Price of Vengeance is a deep space scifi novel by Kurt D. Springs. This novel will take readers to a planet and a people in the fight for their lives. A young man, orphaned as a child is about to have his entire life disrupted yet again when an alien intelligence utilizing dangerous bugs to threaten the place he calls home.

Price of Vengeance will grab readers attention with a cover depicting a soldier in the forefront. It can be assumed that the soldier is Liam himself. He’s holding a weapon and walking forward as if to exit the cover. Behind him is a trio of soldiers off to his right (our left) jogging along as if in a hurry. The ground appears to be wet from a recent rain, and the lights are lit on buildings and signs behind them.

While the cover doesn’t depict a sense of chaos and danger that will be found within the pages of Price of Vengeance, it’s there. So while the cover may not give you the chaotic vibes you’re looking for that will tempt you to dive into this book, go ahead and give it a chance.

Price of Vengeance will give the false impression of “not being that long” of a book due to it’s small number of chapters, but these chapters are chonky! LOL! We would have preferred shorter chapters though. We say this because it would have helped spread things out more throughout the story without everything taking place in the first chapter or two.

As Price of Vengeance kicks off we’re immediately introduced to Liam and the individuals who will become his foster/adopted family. Liam is a small child when his biological parents are killed. It’s tragic, learning of their quick departure. You’ll worry that Liam and Randolf will have some tension in the beginning, but author Springs is quick to assuage those fears.

We don’t spend any time watching Liam develop over the years. Instead author Springs has readers leap frog ahead in time in Price of Vengeance to “present” day of Liam being a grown man serving in the military.

The fight is still on going against the chitin, but many things have changed. The planet that they live on has become more isolated. They’ve been cut off and have no means of getting off the planet or anyone being able to come in. The military might that the people used to have has been destroyed due to one person’s actions. Their quest for power. Now, the next move in this deadly game of chess is at hand.

Price of Vengeance has a slow start, but the story will gradually pick up steam. Author Springs will drop hints here and there to readers that...something is going to go bad sooner than later. This can be in the simplest form of Liam, especially, taking great pains to cover for someone else. That sense that you’ll feel in those scenes especially? Hold on to them. You’re still going to find yourself with your jaw on the floor, but you’ll probably recover a little quicker.

Price of Vengeance descends into a military drama fraught with chaos and a lot of death. Keep your eyes peeled for traitors and lots of betrayal, especially in the first round of chaos that reigns. No one is going to know who to trust. There will be some sparks of romance in the beginning, but author Springs makes sure to keep it as a passing thing that only gets more attention closer to the ending.

Price of Vengeance will focus on Liam fighting for his life, getting revenge for what has happened to his family, and doing his best to bring down an evil that threatens them all.

Throughout the Price of Vengeance author Springs explores Liam’s uniqueness and his abilities that he has had since he was a child. Now, Liam has help to improve what he has and what he knows if he is going to face off with the intelligence behind the chitin that are invading the city and killing it’s people.

Piece by piece this story becomes more interesting and engaging. Liam is the focus of the story, but author Springs also shifts to his brother from time to time as well, so that readers can get things from his perspective. Also, we get viewpoints from Azurius, the dangerous enemy who is looking to conquer the planet in the name of the Rebellion. Azurius has his own collection of secrets, and one by one they will come to light.

As Price of Vengeance draws to a close author Springs is quick to remind us readers – this is just the first book in the Dreamscape Warriors series. Liam and his brother may be getting a nice little “happy ending” for right now, but there is another player getting ready to step into the game. Does this mean that Liam and Randolf will be pushed to continue the fight? Or will there be someone new? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.

4 out of 5 stars

Price of Vengeance

by Kurt D. Springs

Black Phoenix Book Tours

August 13-16

 What is the price of vengeance?

One could understand why Liam was angry. He was orphaned at the age of two by a group of giant carnivorous insects called the chitin. Taken in by High Councilor Marcus and his wife, Lidia, Liam was raised with their older son, Randolf, in New Olympia, the last remaining city on the planet Etrusci.

As an adult, Liam becomes a soldier. After being cut off from the city, Liam finds that there is an alien intelligence behind the chitin. To defeat it, he must discover who he is and how to use his powers. Then, Liam discovers that a traitor, responsible for his birth parents' deaths, had murdered his beloved foster parents. Will the price he has to pay in his quest for vengeance prove to be an even more unbeatable foe?

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Author

Kurt D. Springs is presently an adjunct professor of anthropology and archaeology in New Hampshire. He holds a PhD. in anthropology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, as well as a Master of Literature in archaeology from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and a Master of Liberal Arts in anthropology and archaeology from the Harvard University Extension School. His main area of interest is megalithic landscapes in prehistoric Ireland.

Kurt also writes reviews on Kurt's Frontier.

Professor Springs currently lives in Manchester, New Hampshire.

https://kurtsprings.com/
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https://www.facebook.com/Price.of.Vengeance.1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7824275.Kurt_D_Springs
https://mewe.com/kurtsprings/posts
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kurt-d-springs

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