Bunny's Reviews: Action

Showing posts with label Action. Show all posts

Monday, October 16, 2023

Maelstrom of Darkness Review Spotlight

I don’t know about you, but I love a great action thriller. Especially when the villain is an evil, up-to-no-good research lab! Check out Maelstrom of Darkness by D.W. Whitlock.

Maelstrom of Darkness is an intriguing thriller by D.W. Whitlock and is the second book in his Alex Schofield thriller series. Alex Schofield, the main character, starts off this book finding himself in quite the bind, but then he’s given an offer that he can’t turn down. It’s not like he really has a choice. Someone wants their pound of flesh from him, but he has this one opportunity to “get out of jail free.” The mission? Visit the Nocturne and find out the secrets being kept there. It’s a complex job, but that’s why they’re calling him in to handle it.

Maelstrom of Darkness starts off slow, and will have you wondering where exactly the author is going in the first couple chapters. Hang in there, the good part is coming. The author is setting the stage for Schofield and why he gets the tap for this particular job. His past is catching up to him, and not in a positive way.

This book is told from the third person POV, and focuses on more than just Schofield. Schofield is the main focus, but he’s not the only one so be prepared for shifts from him to others so that you get the full scope of the storyline as it unfolds.

The deeper that Maelstrom of Darkness goes, the more intrigued you will be by the storyline. Someone is scoping out the Nocturne, and the question becomes – who? And why? When they learn that Schofield has been called in why does this seem to signal to ramp things up? Is there a history between them?

Then there is young Harlow. She’s part of the cleaning crew for the Nocturne. She was just looking for a way to help support her family (not that they deserve it), but she’s finding herself embroiled in something much much bigger. If she’s not careful she’ll find herself in more trouble than she ever could have bargained for. She’s not prepared for what’s coming, but secrets are coming to light.

Author Whitlock weaves together science with politics seamlessly in this book. You get a beautifully blended concoction of science, politics, money, and thriller all together that draws you and before you know it – you’re halfway through the book eagerly devouring it.

Schofield is an intriguing character. He just wants his life back. All he wants is to be free of all the drama, all the b.s. that has drawn him in and forced him to make hard choices. With the events unfolding all around him...his wish is looking more and more like a pipe dream. Nothing is what it seems. Secrets are all around him, and you just have to question – who has the most to gain and the most to lose?

The layers of intrigue and suspense in this book are thick! There are some predictable elements, but instead of taking away from the story, they add to it. It’s expected that there will be some predictable aspects to this story. It takes real talent though for them to not detract from the story and annoy the reader. The author is successful in this respect.

For readers looking for an intriguing thriller, this book will be a must-read. It has a mildly rocky start as readers will question the context or the point of the beginning, but once this book gains its footing… Well, it’s off to the races and you won’t want to put this book down. If you’re like this reader, you’ll be eager for more Alex Schofield books and even be looking to check out book one in this series.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, D.W. Whitlock, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next!

Maelstrom of Darkness: Alex Schofield Book 2 (Darkness Series)

Publication Date: August 28, 2023

Genre: Thriller/ Action/ Adventure

A shadowy research facility. Far beyond oversight. Discovery has a price.

The Nocturne. A high-tech biological research facility representing the life’s work of visionary entrepreneur Clarissa St. Claire. Located deep within international waters, the facility is unregulated. Beyond oversight. Above the law. Their goal is simple: push the boundaries of science without the hindrance of regulation. But as dark rumors grow about the true nature of the research being conducted there, a powerful threat grows on the horizon.

Alex Schofield owes a debt, one that he can repay, but for a price. To escape his past, Schofield must visit the facility and discover if the research on the Nocturne really is the search for scientific truth, or is hiding a much darker secret. A secret that could change the future of humanity forever.

In this dark adventure thriller, D.W. Whitlock explores the high-stakes world of biological research and the potential risks to the future of humankind.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

D.W. Whitlock has been a storyteller for most of his life, starting with short stories scribbled
in crayon, animation flip-books, stop-motion and later CG animation for television and video
games. While pursuing a career in animation, writing has always been the first step, from
short descriptions to detailed backstories. As a life-long reader and book lover, crafting
thriller novels felt like the natural evolution of those first forays into writing. When not writing,
D.W. enjoys gaming, spending time with his family and Triumph Motorcycles.

DW Whitlock

Book Tour Schedule

October 16^th

http://rrbooktours.com Landing Page

http://www.crossroadreviews.com/ – Review

https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ – Review

https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/ – Feature

October 17^th

https://www.instagram.com/fiery__blaze/ – Review

https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/ – Review

https://www.instagram.com/booksawyer/ – Review

http://www.thefaeriereview.com – Feature

https://lshadowlynauthor.com/ – Feature

October 18^th

https://instagram.com/redbookreview – Review

https://www.instagram.com/Justagirlwithaloveofbooks/ – Review

https://breakevenbooks.com – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/jgonyer09/?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw%3D%3D – Feature

October 19^th

https://countrymamaswithkids.com/book-reviews-and-tours – Review

https://www.instagram.com/laura_c_loves2read/?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM – Review

https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/amartinez8877/

October 20^th

https://onemoreexclamation.com/ – Review

https://www.instagram.com/fathomsamidstthelines/ – Review

https://www.instagram.com/michaelawrites517/ – Review

Book Tour Organized by R&R Book Tours

Thursday, August 17, 2023

The Mark of Dreams and Darkness Spotlight

Welcome to the ARC tour for The Mark of Dreams and Darkness by Arabella K. Federico. We are also happy to announce that there will be special hardcover editions available on publication day in addition to regular formats.

Here are the deets!

Special edition naked hardcover with design
Special INKED edges printed directly onto the paper. These aren't sprayed edges; they're actually printed this way.
Limited 1st edition run. Only 1000 copies
Amazon ONLY. You cannot order it anywhere else.

The Mark of Dreams and Darkness

Expected Publication Date: September 16, 2023

Genre: NA Fantasy w/ Sci-Fi Elements

“Am I a good person?”

After the devastating events of the Titan Games finale, Karalevine Ruzz and her Starseed family find themselves in a panicked frenzy to get their fellow Starseed teammate back from the clutches of the vicious Arianyte Empire. The prince, Malakyte Ardeen, hasn't stopped his relentless search for Kara, determined to make her his no matter the cost.

Haunted by the certain doom of her fellow Starseed, Kara makes a fateful decision –to enter the lethal Titan Games, a merciless competition where the stakes are life and death. The prize? A face-to-face reunion with her captured friend and the chance to confront the very enemy that threatens Earth’s very existence. With each step closer to her teammate's liberation and Earth’s freedom, the line between allies and enemies blurs with every heartbeat.

But the Titan Games are no ordinary contest, and its host is no mere prince. As Kara faces off against other deadly contenders, she simultaneously clashes with Malakyte in an entirely different arena–a battleground of the heart.

Amidst the heart-pounding action and pulse-racing intrigue, Kara finds herself at a crossroads. Good versus evil, nurture or nature, redemption and fate. Will she succumb to the darkness within her heart, or will she hold fast to the better nature she strives to embody?

The Mark of Dreams and Darkness" is the spellbinding sequel to the award-winning and bestselling novel, "The Mark of Chaos and Creation." A tale of forbidden love, pulse-pounding action, and the indomitable spirit of a heroine torn between duty and the tumultuous darkness of her heart. Will Kara unravel the mysteries that entwine her fate and bring about freedom, or will she succumb to the allure of a love that should be her downfall?

Prepare yourself for an enthralling journey where love and danger collide, and nothing is as it seems. Arabella K. Federico delivers a masterfully crafted tale that will leave you breathless, captivated until the final page, and yearning for more.

Add to Goodreads

Coming Soon!

The Mark of Chaos and Creation

The Avengers meets Sailor Moon meets Arcane League of Legends in this mind-bending mashup of fantasy and science fiction in which a young woman must fight and lie and do whatever it takes to secure the thing she wants most: revenge. If you’re in the market for something different on your bookshelf yet keeps the familiar tropes you love in fantasy fiction like enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fated mates, and found family, you’ll obsess over The Mark of Chaos and Creation until the very last page.

Where do you draw the line between fighting for the greater good and vengeance?

Six years ago, seventeen-year-old Karalevine Ruzz watched the alien tyrants abduct her best friend as she narrowly escaped capture herself. Now, older and plagued by the loss of her friend, Kara must do whatever it takes to bring him home–but also bring him justice.

The Arianyte Empire must die.

But as Kara gets closer to the alien prince responsible for forcing her into being his mercenary, she quickly sees a different side of him-one that contradicts everything she knows to be true of Earth’s wicked tyrant. As her feelings for him grow, she finds herself torn between her duty to the rebellion and her growing attraction to the alien prince. Meanwhile, Kara’s fellow teammate, Ardelle Dawson, who has always bullied and dismissed her, finally realizes that he may have feelings for her, too. As Kara navigates this complex web of loyalty, duty, and love, she must decide which man she will choose—the dark-haired alien leader, or the fellow teammate who has finally come to his senses. Can she save her best friend and take back Earth, or will she be caught in the crossfire of this dangerous game of rebellion versus occupation?

Content Warnings for Series

About the Author

My name is Arabella K. Federico and I am a passionate debut author. My YA novels explore the Sci-Fi and fantasy genres with a mind-bending metaphysical twist you’ll never see coming. Let’s just say nobody writes like Arabella.

If you want something different-yet with familiar tropes you crave-I’m your next favorite author. Don’t let the indie author thing fool you, my debut novel “The Mark of Chaos and Creation” was professionally edited by a talented industry pro who’s one of the developmental editors on Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn, as well as Tricia Levenseller’s Daughter of the Pirate King duology, and literally hundreds more traditional and indie books that are best-sellers.

As an author coach and teacher of all things writing craft, I hope to take my amazing readers on a ride they won’t soon forget. Storytelling is my passion. It lights me up like Christmas day and makes me more giddy than it probably should. Writing stories is my destiny, and I hope every new reader whose adoration I gain joins Arabella’s Army and follows me down the path of taking over the world. Because women who follow the status quo typically never break it, and over here, we shatter expectations.

Arabella K. Federico

Book Tour Schedule

August 14^th

http://rrbooktours.com Kick-off

https://www.instagram.com/stepintothepages - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bingingbooksandcoffee/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/latishaslowkeylife/ - Feature

https://instagram.com/nvl_reads?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/fathomsamidstthelines/ - Feature

August 15^th

https://www.instagram.com/calhoun.crew/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/reading_to_the_last_page/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/niveditha_preeth - Review

https://www.instagram.com/shannonl0vesbooks/ - Review

http://www.thefaeriereview.com – Feature

https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/multicolored.book.reviews/?hl=en – Feature

August 16^th

https://www.instagram.com/jenalreads/ - Review

https://instagram.com/fictionalfey - Review

https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/copyrightxcasey/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/literaryinspired/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/Justagirlwithaloveofbooks/ - Feature

August 17^th

https://www.instagram.com/ashley.reads.and.bowls/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/squeakeysundergroundlibrary/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/booksintheirnaturalhabitat/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/booked_by_megs/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/authormariereed/ - Feature

https://freelancewriterjannyc.com/ - Feature

https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ - Feature

August 18^th

https://www.instagram.com/over.on.my.bookshelf/?hl=en – Review

https://www.instagram.com/the_musicalbookgarden/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/novels.coffee.librairie/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/TheWoollyGeek - Review

https://tarasbookishblog.home.blog/

https://www.instagram.com/smut.luvin.books.smm/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/amethyst.moon.books/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/adlynsreadingcorner/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/invernas_realm/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/_marinainwonderland/ - Feature

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Friday, June 16, 2023

I Promise You Pain Review Spotlight

"Not your daddy’s Jack Reacher, Cordon Finn is a different breed..."

Welcome to the book tour for I Promise You Pain by Bart Baker. Read on for more details!

At 6'4" and 245 lbs, Cordon Finn is not a guy you want to mess with. As a child, he lived an abusive life that saw him experiencing many a thing that he never should have. However, he grew up, and as he grew up. He changed. The military molded him into something more. A man willing to get the job done. A man willing to bring the pain when necessary and to do whatever it takes to get the results he's after.

Now, Cordon Finn has been brought on for a job that he was ready to set aside. His secrets? No longer secret. The man who's hired him? Not willing to take no for an answer. What Cordon doesn't know is going to bring a lot more drama into his life than he could have expected, but that's what happens when you let your emotions take the lead.

I Promise You Pain is a tantalizingly good crime fiction thriller packed with action. Bart Baker brings the drama in the first chapter of this book. Right from the beginning you are going to be pulled to the edge of your seat, and drooling for more.

Yes, this book is THAT good. So be prepared to say "Nope, not doing anything else today until I finish this book." Yeah, this book is a schedule clearer. I initially passed on this book! (Busy schedule. Don't judge me! LOL) But the minute I read the first couple of pages...I was literally like..."What was I thinking not grabbing this one up?!" Thrillers excite me, but I've never been a "Jack Reacher" fan. Espionage is not my thing, but this book, this series? Yes, please! Give me more!

This book is fast-paced, action-packed, and absolutely thrilling. A young trans-woman is just wanting to live her life away from her sanctimonious father. Too bad "daddy dearest" has other plans. Cordon? He's just a means to an end, and anyone who gets in "daddy dearest's" way...well, you're going to be a problem.

Brace yourself for jaw-dropping moments. There is one particular scene that comes out of left field and had my jaw on the floor. I was blown away. The clues are there, but the author gives no hint as to just the depths that this individual will go to protect their secrets. It's absolutely wild.

This is an LGBTQ+ novel with trans characters and openly gay characters. It's so interesting to get the variety of personalities and characters in this book. I'm honestly surprised that Cordon didn't blow a fuse sooner with Gio or Lucious. LOL! Every time Lucious calls Cordon "Big 'N Dumb" I keep waiting on him to just really go off. Honestly...I would have. LOL!

Cordon is easily my favorite character. If something ever happens to me...can I get someone like him to come to find me or avenge me at least? LOL! This man, he's been through so much in his life due to his own father, but man. He's got a heart of gold. Even if means that he loses out on someone he truly cares about. We'll just leave it with this - he's got his own issues to work through, but he'll get there.

From beginning to end, this book is AWESOME! OMG! A real page-turner that will keep you coming back for more. Cordon is an interesting character with flashbacks to his past in all the right places. You get to learn about it in just the right moments and see how he got to be the way he is.

Looking for an action thriller that will leave you eager for the next book to come in this series? Then grab this book! Do not walk, RUN to grab it now! You won't be disappointed!

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Bart Baker, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! I look forward to what comes next!

I Promise you Pain (The Cordon Finn Vengeance Series #1)

Genre: Crime Fiction/ Action Thriller/ LGBTQ2+ Books

Publication Date: May 11, 2023

Hired by a Chicago billionaire to pluck his runaway son from the Palm Springs compound of a wealthy pedophile, former military extraction and information specialist, Cordon Finn, believes it will be a simple snatch-and-go job with a big payday. But Cordon discovers that his quarry isn’t the billionaire's underage son, but rather his trans-daughter, Lucious, whose father wants her dead. After fighting off assassins, Cordon vows to keep Lucious alive. But when the billionaire kidnaps Cordon’s girlfriend and comes after his family and friends, Cordon takes the fight back to the billionaire's door. With the help of Lucious and his sister, Annie, Cordon craves vengeance, even if the cost is his own life.

I PROMISE YOU PAIN contains brutal violence as well as raw language, consensual and nonconsensual sex. There are trans and gay characters. Not your daddy’s Jack Reacher, Cordon Finn is a different breed. Fascinating, faceted, damaged but relatable, Cordon seeks vengeance for those who can't.

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

“I got money,” Lucious says. “Whatever you’re getting paid for, whatever you’re doing, I can get you more.”

“Shut up,” Cordon demands, pushing Lucious behind him as Cordon plots their escape. As he calculates the route out, Cordon is snapped back to the moment when he hears Luscious behind him.

“I’m at Wayne’s! This fucking lunatic is kidnapping me! He about killed Way---” Lucious barks into his phone as Cordon whips around. Yanking the cell phone from Lucious’s hand, Cordon smashes it against the wall. Dropping the pieces to the floor, Cordon stomps on it.

“What the hell!? That’s a brand-new iPhone!”

“Hear me and hear me good, knucklefuck. You pull any bullshit, you call for help, try to signal someone, anything I don't like, I will rip that little swimsuit off your ass and gag you with it. Understand?"

"Yeah, but—"

Cordon slaps his hand over Lucious's mouth. "Shut! Up! You talk, you die. You keep your mouth shut, do as I say, you will come out of this alive, Lucas,” Cordon warns in a harsh whisper as he takes his hand away from Lucious's mouth.

"Lucious! My name is Lucious! She! Her!"

Again, Cordon slaps his hand over Lucious's mouth again, his face getting close to hers.

"Don't! Care!" Cordon snaps back.

Lucious glares into Cordon's eyes, fighting her rage. She carefully reaches up and pulls Cordon's hand away from her face. “Why are you kidnapping me?”

Cordon’s finger gets right in Lucious’s face, ignoring her question. “We’re going down those stairs together, our arms around each other, and right out the front door. Remember, you try to alert anyone, I will punch you in the head so hard you will wake up in the hospital if you wake up at all. If I'm clear, nod.”

Lucious defiantly does as asked. As Cordon turns back to the door, Lucious seizes the moment and grabs Cordon’s hand, putting a lock on Cordon’s thumb, slamming her elbow into a pressure point in Cordon’s neck. More startled than injured, Cordon’s free hand comes up fast, right into Lucious’s solar plexus, the air blasting from Lucious’s lungs.

Staggering back, Lucious recovers quickly, jumping into the air and surprising Cordon with a kick that connects with his head. Cordon wobbles a step, his fist coming up defensively. Lucious strikes, pummeling Cordon with kicks and punches, her skill as a fighter remarkable but not

unexpected. Cordon knew the kid was a champion and prepared himself for Lucious to fight back.

Blocking Lucious’s attack, Cordon finds his back against the wall. He drops to the floor and sweeps out Lucious’s legs. Lucious hits the floor hard but startling Cordon, Lucious kips back to her feet, ducks under Cordon’s meaty swing, pile-drives a few punches into Cordon’s rib while screaming for help, hoping someone can hear her over the blasting music.

Cordon shoves Lucious back hard into the dresser, but Lucious comes back swinging and kicking. Cordon continues to block most of Lucious’s blows as Lucious continues to scream for help with each swing and kick. The music continues to drown out her pleas.

“I. Should. Be. The. One. Calling. For. Help!” Cordon barks, as he blocks the flurry of Lucious’s punches from doing any damage.

Needing to batter Cordon back long enough to escape, Lucious leaps in the air, her hips jerking hard as she comes around with a furious spin kick to Cordon’s head. But Cordon catches Lucious by the calf and slams her leg into the wall, holding her there, the leg up around Lucious’s face as the barrel of Cordon’s gun jams into Lucious’s balls.

“Hit me again, I’ll open you up like a can of fish,” Cordon snarls into Lucious’s face.

Slowly letting Lucious’s leg drop, Cordon grabs hold of the dozens of necklaces Lucious wears, many appearing homemade, dangling with a charm or amulet, tightening his grip until the necklaces dig into Lucious’s skin, choking her.

“Turn around,” Cordon orders, spinning Lucious towards the wall.

In the small black bag over his shoulder, Cordon pulls out a two zip ties. “I didn’t want to do this,” Cordon says as he binds Lucious’s hands together with the ties, and then grabs the necklaces again to maintain complete control over the kid. Yanking Lucious’s body against his, Cordon holds her tightly, sliding the gun barrel up to Lucious’s cheek. “This is how serious I am about this. I want to get out of here. And unless you want half your pretty face blown off, you’re going to do what I say. I feel you so much as tense a muscle, I’m going to send you home to your family in a plastic trash bag.”

“My father would like that.”

“Let’s not find out, Bruce Lee.”

Available on Amazon

About the Author

With seven novels, two seasons of a Kindle Vella story, SCRAPS, eight plays, and 19 produced film and TV credits, Bart has been writing for over 40 years. Starting in the theater, the film rights to Bart's play, RELAY, were bought by Warner Bros., which led him into screenwriting. Bart has had two feature films produced (LIVE WIRE and SUPERCROSS,) eleven produced movies for television for CBS, ABC, USA, Family Channel, and Hallmark as well as work on four television series including DIRT, starring Courtney Cox. Bart's novel, HONEYMOON WITH HARRY was a critical and commercial success with the movie rights purchased by New Line/Warner Bros when the book was in galleys.

Bart lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his husband, Joe Elvis, and two children, Isaiah and Emmanuel. Besides writing, Bart is a lifelong swimmer and gym rat. Follow Bart on Facebook, on Twitter at @firstBartBaker, on Instagram @thefirstBartBaker, IMDB as Bart Baker, or his website www.bartvbaker.com.

Book Tour Schedule

June 12^th

http://rrbooktours.com

https://www.instagram.com/brandikaedesigns/ - Feature

https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com – Feature

http://readsandreels.com – Feature

June 13^th

https://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/beastreader/

https://lshadowlynauthor.com/ - Feature

http://ramblingmads.com – Feature

June 14^th

https://instagram.com/bookishbaddie?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU= - Review

https://christinebialczak.com/ - Feature

https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/readingmyselftosleep/ - Feature

June 15^th

https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/word.addict914/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/toomuchcoffeemd/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D - Feature

June 16^th

https://www.instagram.com/word.addict914/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D – Review

https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ - Review

https://www.facebook.com/CocktailsFairytales - Feature

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Thursday, August 25, 2022

The Commoner's Destiny Review Spotlight

I’m thrilled to share the exciting follow-up to Fred Yu's sword-slashing fantasy, The Orchid Farmer's Sacrifice! Read on to learn more about The Commoner's Destiny!

Fred Yu is back with his much anticipated sequel The Commoner’s Destiny, book two in The Red Crest series. Familiar characters will make their return in this novel, but first we will begin things with a “new” character and watch as his destiny unfolds before him a page at a time.

If you haven’t read Fred Yu’s first book in this series, The Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice, read that book FIRST! Go get it now. Go on! Go get it. Read it, devour it and then come back to this one. I would tell you that you can read this book if you haven’t and then go back and read the previous book, but where would the fun be in that? Honestly, when I first started reading this book I thought that I could say “you can read this book as a standalone” but that’d be a lie. It’s important to read these books in order. Trust me, when the two stories merge is what will really you get you hyped and excited as you read this novel.

Prepare to meet Chen Han. He’s just a commoner who has amazing martial arts skills. But someone has besmirched his name, and he wishes to find out who and why. Question is – is he prepared for what lies ahead of him? He has no idea what’s in store for him as he finds himself assailed on all sides by those who believe that they are doing the right thing for their country and their honor.

The author’s artistic storytelling weaves a novel that immerses you in the story from beginning to end. You will feel compelled to dig deeper with Han with each turn of the page. Han is on a quest to learn the truth, and it takes him to a variety of places throughout China. He meets a variety of individuals – some friend, some foe. Who is whom though? Can you tell who can be trusted and who will turn around and stab him in the back?

Just like with the Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice the author drives this story not just with the plot but with the engaging characters. Page by page you follow along with Han’s story as he takes this journey for answers. As the truth is revealed, you the reader will catch the clues a lot faster than the characters. Your jaw is going to be on the floor. Trust me, mine was several times. The secrets and clues hidden throughout this book will spur you on to try and piece together the puzzle that is unfolding before you.

I will admit that I grasped on to certain pieces of information before our hero does because I take the characters at face value. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes constantly. When a particular character acts differently than what you’ve come to expect the author is cluing you in that something just might be coming.

You’re going to absolutely love how this author weaves this story. As you read the author encourages you to imagine the vivid pictures he’s painting with his words in your mind. As you read you can almost see these characters fighting, living, planning, and establishing relationships. You feel that if it were at all possible, if these characters truly existed, that you could visit them in the past and relive these moments with them.

When the storyline of The Commoner’s Destiny and the Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice merge in this novel, I nearly jumped out of my chair with excitement. Trust me, you’re going to be just as thrilled to reread certain scenes from Han’s point of view and experience what he was thinking and feeling in those particular moments. It’s truly fantastic and this attention to detail is what makes this series truly fantastic. The author is carefully weaving us a beautiful word tapestry that captures our attention and holds us in place studying every detail and absorbing them deep into our hearts.

Han, of course, is the main character of this particular novel, but he’s never truly alone. The beautiful archer is a character to look out for. You’re absolutely going to take a shine to her as you read this book. Be aware though that not all of the characters in this book are citizens of China. The ones who are not catch me by surprise. I make the mistake of assuming that because of the names that they are given that they are all just infighting. That’s not necessarily the case and my quest for answers is what drives me forward with this book.

As with book one, there is an air of mystery that swirls around these characters. The big question – the red crest. What is it really? What is the meaning behind it? Brace yourself, because the author is going to give you some answers with this book. So here’s my question for you fellow reader – are you ready for the revelation that is to come? Follow the clues to the story’s end and prepare for your mind to be blown.

If you are looking for a book that will demand that you read it in one sitting and not put it down until you are done then this is the book for you. If you are someone who loves a good fantasy novel with characters that will engage you and have you cheering for them to the bitter end, then this is the book for you. This historical Asian fantasy novel series is one that no lover of fantasy novels should miss.

I know that when you finish this book that you will be chomping at the bit for book three and to find out what happens next. Just like with book one, book two more than achieves the marks for 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t put this book down. I encourage all who enjoy a good fantasy novel to grab this book and dive in. You will not be disappointed in this author’s creation.

Thank you to the author, Fred Yu, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Commoner’s Destiny (The Red Crest Series #2)

Genre: Epic Fantasy/ Historical Fantasy/ Asian Fantasy

Publication Date: May 5th, 2022

His past is dark. His intentions are cloudy. When lies pull him out of hiding, can he fight off imminent destruction?

Ancient China. For Chen Han, honor sits above all. So when his name is unjustly slandered and his former brothers-in-arms rise against him, he doesn’t hesitate to counter the falsehoods. But his heart burns for vengeance after he learns his beloved father figure has been murdered by a hidden villain…

Joining forces with a beautiful archer, Han treks to a dangerous island only to spring a deadly trap. And as he discovers a plot that could drive the entire Middle Kingdom into civil war, he must become the very traitor he swore to destroy in order to save his people from slaughter.

Will he submit to disgrace to stop countless deaths?

The Commoner’s Destiny is the astonishing second book in The Red Crest Asian historical fantasy series. If you like emotionally wrought heroes, heart-pounding twists, and epic battles, then you’ll love Fred Yu’s sword-slashing story.

Available on Amazon

The Orchid Farmer’s Sacrifice (The Red Crest Series #1)

Publication Date: October 5th, 2021

Genre: Asian Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy

He was born of prophecy. If he can’t embrace his destiny in time, his country is doomed.

Ancient China. Spoiled and overconfident, eighteen-year-old Mu Feng relishes life as the son of an honored general. But when his sister is abducted and his friends slaughtered, he flees home. He soon discovers the mystical birthmark on his body has attracted an enormous price on his head.

Pursued across the Middle Kingdom, Feng finds allies in two fierce warriors and a beautiful assassin. When he learns his ultimate enemy plans an incursion with advanced weaponry, he must call on his friends and his own budding military genius to defend his country. His plan is desperate, and the enemy outnumbers him twenty-five to one…

Can Feng fulfill a duty he didn’t know he had and unite the empire against a terrifying force?

Available on Amazon

About the Author

As a lifelong student of martial arts and growing up watching martial arts flicks in the 80s and 90s, Yu decided early on that he would write in this genre. Inspired by George RR Martin’s work, he decided he would write a series in English in this centuries-old Asian genre. Yu has written three previous novels, The Legend of Snow Wolf, Haute Tea Cuisine and Yin Yang Blades. Yu has a BFA Film and Television from NYU Tisch School of Arts. He was born in Guangzhou, China, but presently lives in New York City.