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

 

Tenebrion Review Spotlight

Welcome one and all to the book tour for Tenebrion! Love a good horror story with gore, demons, and some seriously twisted elements? Then this is the book for you! Keep reading.

It's that time of year again. It's time for the annual Terrorfest competition, and everyone is piling up into the theater to see what the contestants thought up to try and win this year's contest. Some are excited, some are bored, and some are just ready for it all to be over with. But something dark overshadows this year's contest.

Death...

One of the teams didn't make it. Their final moments? Captured on film. It's evidence in an investigation, but that's not going to stop one of the hosts for Terrorfest from showing what he found on the film that he got. Horror is about to be unleashed...

Tenebrion is a horror novel by James H. Longmore. This story details a group of indie filmmakers looking to create a short film that could be their big breakout moment. Or are they? Could it be that someone in the group has something more in mind? 

Tenebrion has a slow start. This book is slow getting going, but once it gains steam and momentum you can expect a novel that will keep you glued to the pages to find out how not just how it all goes down, but what will happen to the characters you meet at the beginning. 

Page by page Tenebrion unfolds as the characters in this book go to an old abandoned school. This is a place of terrible tragedy. It's almost like a magnet for death and destruction. Countless lives have been lost and so, for Dave Priestley this is the place to come to for his epic film idea. 

Tenebrion goes for Blair Witch but in book form. You're getting the set up and the calm before the storm. But all is not as it seems. Author Longmore gives readers little glimpses into another's mind. This creature is plotting the mayhem that will befall these innocent lives. But first it will break them and break them down. 

The title ties into the story rather quickly which is really nice, and then it is tied even tighter to the storyline in multiple places to re-emphasize just who and what this story is about. It's absolutely fantastic. 

While this book has a slow start and takes time to find it's stride, it is a true page-turner. The author works just hard enough to keep your interest piqued. Once you're hooked though? Good luck putting this book down. You're going to be eagerly page-turning to find out what fresh horror awaits these characters. What will they be made to endure before the bloody end?

Tenebrion showcases how this author allowed his imagination to run absolutely wild. You think that you know where this story is going and then you get a surprise element or twist thrown at you. One thing is for sure and that is you're not going to be bored reading this book. 

You will be eagerly looking for more by this author and devouring everything in your path. Tenebrion is darkly delicious and a must read for readers who enjoy a tasty horror novel that will be sure to worm it's way deep into your mind. 

We dare you to read it in the dark...before you go to bed... 

Sweet dreams...if you do. LOL

5 out of 5 stars

Black Tide Book Tours

July 2-5

"The Devil is in the detail..."

Amateur filmmakers inadvertently invoke a demon when they break into an abandoned school to perform and film an authentic Black Mass for their entry into a short movie competition.

Dave Priestley and his crew film in Watsonville elementary school – the site of a horrific tragedy nine years before.

Tenebrion – the malevolent demon of darkness – makes preparations of its own within the dark recesses of Hell. The demon requires a specific set of circumstances and sacrifices to rend a fissure between the worlds and set free its brethren; it has manipulated humans for centuries to put things into place, and the moviemakers are the unfortunate, final pieces of its nefarious puzzle.

Priestley, ever the stickler for authenticity and detail, accidentally sets free the denizen of Hell.

While Priestley and his skeptical friends attempt to return Tenebrion to the pit of Hades, it hunts them all down – one by one – for inclusion in its hellish gateway.

Universal link for the book on Amazon

About the Author

James hails originally from Yorkshire, England having relocated with his family to Houston, Texas in 2010. He was honored to become a US citizen in 2022. He has an honors degree in Zoology and a background in sales, marketing, and business. James is an Affiliate Member of the Horror Writers Association.

An accomplished, published author (and publisher in his role as co-founder partner in HellBound Books Publishing LLC), and ghostwriter of popular fiction, James writes across an incredibly wide range of genres and subjects in novel, shorts story, and screenplay formats. To date, he has four novels, five novellas, and a whole slew of short stories published by various publishers (many can be found in his first collection, Blood and Kisses). He also runs and co-hosts the popular ppodcast/radio show (The New Panic Room), which is used to promote HellBound Books and indie authors, artists, audiobook narrators, and publishers of all genres.

James has been working full time as a freelance ghostwriter (and editor) for over a decade. He is quite the chameleon when it comes to writing: James is able to adapt to a wide range of styles and genres, is incredibly thorough in his research (he's renowned for his details, which bring stories leaping from the page!), extensive vocabulary, and he always keeps the client's "voice" when ghostwriting. Clients love him - especially with that Northern British accent (as an ex-pat, James is most proficient at writing in both UK and US styles – he also has clients in Australia who love his style!) and enthusiasm for every writing project he takes on.

https://www.jameslongmore.com
https://twitter.com/james_longmore
https://www.facebook.com/jameshlongmore1
https://mybook.to/jameshlongmore

Publisher's Social Media

https://hellboundbookspublishing.com/
https://twitter.com/HellBoundBooks
https://www.instagram.com/hellboundbooks

 

Of War and Heroes Review Spotlight

 

 Of War and Heroes is the first book in Benjamin Sanford’s The Chronicles of Arax. This fantasy novel will blend magic with some scifi but will absolutely take readers on ride of a story that will keep you coming back for more.

Of War and Heroes draws the reader in with a cover depicting a fight scene between two warriors front and center. Their swords flashing – one with a white light, and the other with the colors like a flame. It appears that they are doing battle at a castle as towers loom in the background. To the right, is are a pair of men wielding guns shooting the enemy appearing on the left side of the cover and the monsters coming in from the sky. This cover alone promises a gripping novel to check out.

As the reader delves into Of War and Heroes they will be taken to a scene of a small farm. There readers will meet young Terin. Terin is preparing to leave his family behind and travel to the city. There he is being sent to work as a scribe and apprentice to Torry ambassador, Squid. Terin does not wish to leave his family behind, because he knows the hardships that they will endure without him, but he is sent on his way as they hope for him to have a better life than the one he currently leads.

Of War and Heroes is told from the third person perspective. Terin is an interesting character, and he is one that will be easy for readers to like and be drawn to. Little by little readers will discover that there is more to Terin than meets the eye. Whether it is Terin himself or the sword that his father has given him. He will have quite the journey ahead of him.

Of War and Heroes alternates between a variety of characters. There will not be any distinctions to let readers know when a new character is about to be the focal point of the story. The only indication that readers will get will be a slightly larger than usual gap between the paragraphs. These will be your clues that the story is about to shift to another character and leave the one you are currently following behind for the time being.

Initially, these transitions were confusing, but as we got the lay of the story we knew what to expect when we came across them. The pacing of the story tends to be slower when not immersed in a drama packed moment, but it still manages to keep the reader engaged and curious as to what is going to transpire next.

Expecting horrific monsters to be harassing the good people of this story? Well, there really won’t be any of those – just monstrous gargoyles who will rip you to shreds and devour you. Author Sanford does an excellent job playing up the horrors these creatures wreck on the people of various towns.

Brace yourself for tales of horror and heartbreak as several of the characters (mostly side characters) will relate stories that will make you truly hate the gargoyles and their true cruelty.

Readers get a nice variety of characters in this book. You get people who hail from Earth – Raven and his crew, who came on a space ship and became stranded due to not having the parts to repair the ship. Then you have soldiers that Terin meets and befriends on his way to Rego to take up his new role as a scribe.

Author Sanford will tease readers with the fear that negative drama will unfold in the least inopportune of moments, especially in an early scene that plays out with Terin and when he meets Cronus after he, Terin, nearly gets robbed by an ocran thief.

The pace of this story is slower than we would have liked at times, but then things do ramp up and this book becomes a real page-turner. To be expected there is a lot of back and forth when it comes to the pacing. It could be that we were simply finding our stride in the story, or that is just the true pace, but it creates an interesting story.

Towards the end author Sanford begins to seed readers with the feeling that things are heading towards a cliff. Terin is about to find himself being hunted by the enemy, as will Cronus. How will this play out for these two characters? Terin is still learning and discovering more about his sword, but now more danger lies in store for him.

It will definitely be interesting to see where things go from here. Packed with fantasy, drama, some romance sprinkled in, an enemy on the march with the intent to dominate all, this book is sure to delight many a reader who enjoys epic fantasy!

Pros:

• Page-turner
• Good storytelling
• Dynamic
• Nice variety of characters
• Leaves you wanting more

Cons:

• Pacing was slow at times

5 out of 5 stars

                                                                       

Want your own copy? Click on your favorite book seller to grab one today! 

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/4di1JKO 

B&N: Of War and Heroes by Benjamin Sanford, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/of-war-and-heroes/20730727?ean=9798988624905  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195882224-of-war-and-heroes?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16

Dragon Blood Review Spotlight

To celebrate the upcoming release of Dragon King, we're going back to the start. If you haven't read Dragon Blood yet, we really think you should!

 Dragon Blood is the start of Jane Apatova’s Insatiable Desires series. Yes, we know it says “book two” which, technically it is, but this book is the real jump-off point. So, fellow readers, haven’t read book one? It’s okay. This the beginning while book one is the prequel. But if you wish to read from the beginning beginning...please feel free to do so. We’re sure you’ll enjoy getting the full immersive picture.

Dragon Blood reaches out to readers with a green dragon scale background with a sword situated in the middle of the cover. Doesn’t look like much does it? But is it enough to grab your attention and pique your interest in discovering the story tucked away inside? Well, that will be up to you, dear reader. For most, it might not be due to it’s non-flashy cover, but you know what they say...”Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.”

Dragon Blood is no exception to the rule. While the cover may be unassuming, it hides a rather intriguing novel. Author Apatova promises readers a story with dragons, slow-burn romance, secrets, a brewing war, magic, and so much more. What we also get is age-gap romance. Most tend to think...early to mid twenties for the FMC and maybe late 30s to mid-40s to early 50s. Well...let’s just get this out of the way...the girls? They’re barely of age...17 about to turn 18 and the other is 18. And yes, they’re virgins, too. This won’t be everyone’s favorite tropes to delve into, but if you can move past that...you’ll find a rather intriguing novel.

The first part of the story is rather uneventful. Author Apatova introduces readers to Prince Alister and High King Gareth. Two individuals of dragon blood, they are seeking a better and brighter future for their people. But first thing, author Apatova does is introduce readers to a story surrounding the creation of this unique world. It’s a fascinating story being revisited with a small boy who will one day be king. You get an introduction to the dragons that helped create this unique world.

As the story shifts forward you are put into the characters present day. The story shifts frequently between High King Gareth and his brother Alister. Alister is smitten with a young woman that he met over a year ago. He’s keeping this a secret, for the time being, from Gareth. You’ll understand the reasoning behind, because honestly, there is a particular way that things are done with these kingdoms.

Alister, for some, will probably come off as the more likeable of the two brothers. LOL! Though, just prepare for him to be the possessive one of the two. He’s found the one who calls to him, and she is all that he wants. Regardless of how much teasing Gareth may decide to lavish upon him. Gareth on the other hand, appears to be the exact opposite. Gareth was married for a time, but his wife...is no longer of this world. He has mourned, but he also holds some resentment towards the events that led up to it all. So, for the time being, Gareth is a bit of a...womanizer.

As we stated above, Dragon Blood has a rather slow and uneventful beginning. We eventually get to meet two young ladies who are going to be pivotal to the two men of the story. You’re going to be looking for signs of trouble to crop up though. While there isn’t any “relationship” or romance drama that threatens a potential romantic rival you get to watch the dynamics unfold between the characters.

Once the story hits...around the 30% point...that’s when things start to get interesting. The drama really begins to amp up when a situation arises with the girl that Alister has found love with. It would seem that there is someone in the kingdom who is unhappy with how things are. Who knew? LOL!

Cue the dragons!! Okay, okay, there are wyverns, smaller dragons, too. We quite literally squealed with excitement at the interactions with the wyverns. They just sound so adorable and cute. Cue wanting to cuddle one. LOL! But the dragons finally make an appearance and it is some epic excitement when they do. They come in gorgeous colors, are vicious fighters, and are just truly amazing.

The romance is slow-burn. Alister is fanning the flames of his, but Gareth...well, Gareth is trying to smother his. They both have fated mates, but while Alister is keen on embracing his Gareth is bent on not embracing his. As you read about his reasoning, it’s a mixed bag of making sense. You’ll understand it on the one hand, and then view him as a fool on the other. But hey, he’s a “playboy”...always has been, and it’s going to take an exceptional woman to change that. Challenge...accepted, says Fate. LOL!

Dragon Blood has a lot going for it, and once the story grips you, it’s going to keep you coming back for more. Hate cliffhangers? Well, that’s just too bad, because it’s going to have one. Is it a major cliffhanger that’s going to leave you raging? Eh, not really, but it will leave you...along with a couple other characters...with lots of questions and eager for answers.

One thing is for sure...we can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book.

Pros:

• Steamy scenes
• Slow-burn romance
• Engaging storyline
• Drama
• Dragons

Cons:

• Slow start that borders on a touch tedious, at times, to get through.

5 out of 5 stars

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

                                                    Dragon Blood (Insatiable Series Book 2)

Publication Date: November 2022

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance w/ Spice

👑Royal Intrigue
❤️‍🔥Possessive Prince
💋Fated Mates
✨Virgin
🐉Dragon Riders
💞Found Family
💧Elemental Magic
🔥Slow Burn
🕰️Age Gap MF

“You’ve tamed this dragon with just a touch.”

When Alister’s path leads him to his fated mate, he vows to do everything in his power to bring her to his home in Orlean. Even if that means going against the rules of Drakon and the High King’s wishes.

It’s been years since the last great gathering of the various kingdoms of Drakon. Will the High King make his appearance, or will he lose himself to his dreams of a rare beauty?

What royal secrets will be unveiled and will the dark forces of the past triumph in keeping Alister away from his fated mate?

In the darkness of Dunne Valley, an ancient evil has been regaining its strength. Ever watchful of the dragons and the royals as they plan meticulously their next steps to gain more power.
"All he wants ... is to control every element in the mortal lands, before he brings down the gods above."

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Book Tour Organized by: @RRBookTours

 

A Heart of Onyx Flame Review Spotlight

 “You’re dangerous.” He whispered and his eyes darkened. “You have no idea.” And I swung against his block with all my strength.

Welcome to the tour for Lina Ravenhill’s brand-new book A Heart of Onyx Flame! Read on for more details!

A Heart of Onyx Flame is a YA fantasy romance novel by Lina Ravenhill. Brace yourself to be dropped into this story, much like the FMC as she has to discover where she is and try to find a way back home. Of course, nothing is that simple, and she's going to find that out a little at a time. But what's she going to do when she accepts a task to help protect one of the students? It's not going to be easy, but if it's her only way of having a chance at getting back to her own world...then it's what she's going to have to do. 

When A Heart of Onyx Flame begins you're literally dropped into the middle of things, just like the main character, Bohdana, and really aren't going to have much of a clue as to what is going on. She's disoriented and confused and understandably so. What she quickly learns is that she has been transported to another world altogether and that she is nowhere near home. Of course, things only keep going from there because she's at a school. Let's just say that...she's far from pleased with her circumstances. Understandably so to be honest.

It's never fun to be dropped into the middle of things, but that's exactly what's going on. Bohdana struggles to deal with the reality of her situation. She's gone from a major fight that she was in the middle of, to a school where girls are expected to learn "menial" tasks to become "good wives" and the boys get to learn how to fight, the art of war, and other things deemed important for them to learn. Well, the warrior in Bohdana is not about to be made to wear dresses and learn how to sew. 

You are quick to get the sense that she's a tough cookie and determined to find her way back home. Cue up her getting into some nasty situations because of how uninformed she is about this new world. Of course, the author is quick to show not just her but us as the readers as well that there is much to be aware of concerning this new place. Magic? It's around, but it's not exactly appreciated per say by all who call this place home. Not everyone is equal.

When she's approached to help protect a student, she takes it, because it's the only way she's told she'll be able to get home. Her charge though is an aloof student who is quick to point out...that they don't need or want her help. Too bad they're going to get it regardless. LOL! 

This story is a touch slow-moving in the beginning. The story takes a minute to gain it's footing and really engage the reader into what is going on. This is in part to how it all begins and there not really being much of a background to build on. The author does go back and fill in some gaps as to how our main character ends up where she does, but you're going to have to wait a little bit before that scene surfaces. 

The back and forth between Bohdana and her new charge is interesting. She's constantly faced with bullies herself and even steps in frequently to help other students who are in need of some help. It's nice to see and to watch her as a character. She creates quite the collection (unintentionally) but it's humorous nonetheless. 

The deeper the story goes the more interesting it becomes and the pace even begins to pick up the more you become engaged in the story. Piece by piece the story comes together revealing what is going on and why she has been chosen to help protect this particular student. While no one else at the school may claim to know, there is definitely something going on that points to something huge on the horizon. 

Despite the bumpy start of this book it's a good novel to check out and gives readers a nice amount of fantasy and romance to keep you coming back for more. 

4.25 out of 5 stars

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

A Heart of Onyx Flame: A YA Shifter Academy Romance

Publication Date: January 3, 2024

Genre: YA Fantasy

🧡Sweet Romance
🧡Shifters
🧡Dark academy
🧡Strong characters
🧡Alpha FMC
🧡He falls first
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🧡Dark Secret
🧡High Fantasy
🧡HEA

Step into a world where the line between predator and prey is blurred.

At the mysterious Shifter Academy, where hidden desires and forbidden secrets reign, a young human girl finds herself entangled in an alluring and dangerous alliance with a brooding, enigmatic fellow student.

As their passions ignite and unearth ancient prophecies, she must navigate the treacherous halls of power and learn that love might be the most perilous transformation of all in a world of unfathomable darkness.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Lina Ravenhill lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Ben. Lina writes messy, funny, and action-filled paranormal romance, fantasy, and suspense. Vampire romance, dragon quests, and witches are simply more fun to write than the plain, normal stuff.

Lina’s first title, Aforetime, is a long-time project, that turned out to be both a pleasure to write and a huge pain to put together.

Lina loves music, especially classic rock, and Lana Del Rey, of course. She enjoys watching a good movie and rereads at least one Jane Austen novel a year.

Lina Ravenhill

Book tour organized by

R&R Book Tours

 

Beneath the Scarlet Frost Review Spotlight

We’re celebrating new release Beneath the Scarlet Frost by Marissa Miller! Read on for more details about this beauty!

Beneath the Scarlet Frost is the first book in Marissa Miller’s The Fallen Reign series. Beneath the Scarlet Frost is Miller’s twist on a familiar fairy tale. Which fairy tale you may ask? Well, when you start this book...I promise you...it will dawn on you rather quickly. I may give you a hint later on, but for now...let’s let the suspense build a little. LOL!

Beneath the Scarlet Frost begins with young Sorrel as a child. She’s on the run with her family. They’re being hunted by people who wish for their deaths. Will they be able to survive? Her mother has already been wounded, but can they just hold out long enough for help to find them? Things quickly get more complex, and that’s just in the first chapter!

After the attack things change. Those who attacked her and her family, Wielders, are banished from the kingdom. They are feared because of their abilities and for a time, peace is achieved. But the fear lingers beneath the surface that they will return. While the story fast-forwards a few years. Peace is nothing but an illusion that the higher nobles place their trust in. Meanwhile, the peace is being disrupted in the streets. Change is brewing, but they have no idea just how close to home it intends to come. But the first ripple happens that very night when chaos breaks out among the common people. In the chaos hundreds are killed and even more are injured.

Sorrel is heartbroken at the loss of life. She has a bad feeling that something bigger is still to come, and she has no idea just how right she is. It won’t be long before it shows it’s face and forever changes her and her family’s life.

Beneath the Scarlet Frost is a slow to moderate-paced story. It has a slow to moderate beginning, but don’t let that fool you. The deeper you go into this story, the more intrigued and engaged you’re going to become. The author pulls you in a little at time, planting little clues along the way to let you know that not everyone or everything is as it seems. Sorrel has lead a very sheltered life. Trust me, she’s been kept from learning certain things about the world around her. The question rears it’s head – Why? Who didn’t want her and her siblings to learn certain things? Was it purposefully done to keep them ignorant? Or was there something more sinister at hand?

The deeper you go into the story the more the fairytale will become familiar to you in the event that you haven’t figured it out by now. Want a hint? Yes? Okay, I’ll give you a clue...it starts with an “A.” Okay, I’ll give you one more clue...there’s a movie, too. Have you guessed it yet? I’m sure you have, so if you have...grab this book!

There are layers to this book. It’s gripping, engaging, and absolutely dynamic. As this book is part of a series, prepare yourself for a cliffhanger. Sorry, not sorry, but that’s just how it goes. The first half of this book works to set the stage for what is to come, but the final chapters are going to be absolutely heartbreaking. It will leave you with the question of – what happens next. You going only wait to see where things go from here.

5 out of 5 stars

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

Beneath the Scarlet Frost (The Fallen Reign Series)

Publication Date: November 14, 2023

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Shadows scream, whispers torment, and wishes curse.

The empire of Eisa once stood as a symbol of hope for purging the wicked magic that had plagued its lands. But, when Wielders are spotted within those borders, the sanctity that once acted as an unshakable foundation crumbles beneath Sorrel Zdraevit’s feet.

With the resurgence of Wielders on Eisan soil, protests are increasing in the streets, citizens are suffering, and everywhere she turns tragedy fractures the facade of peace that had sheltered her.

As the second eldest princess in Eisa’s imperial family, when war is brought to the kingdom’s door, Sorrel is forced to step into a new role, leading her deeper and deeper into the world she fears most. Desperate to protect her country against dark and twisted magic, and heal those around her, she must decide what it is she stands for when the world as she knows is rendered senseless.

Unsure of whom to condemn, and whom to put her faith in, Sorrel is faced with tainted realities that threaten to destroy everything she’s ever held dear. All that matters is keeping her kingdom and family safe against the monsters infiltrating her country. Secrets and lies drag her into the depths of her worst nightmare, where fighting through the calamities is the only way she will have any hope of making it out alive- If she can hold on to her own will to live.

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Available in Hardcover, Paperback. and at Barnes & Noble!

About the Author

 Marissa Miller can often be found frolicking about in thunderstorms, drinking her weight in tea, playing with one of her numerous beloved pets, or with her nose shoved into a book. When she isn’t found any of these places, Miller is at her desk, writing one of her fantasy novels. Her works include a gripping middle grade contemporary fantasy, The Grim and The Fantastic, and her young adult mashup/retelling series, The When Wicked Series. Taking on high fantasy with a literary spin, Beneath the Scarlet Frost, upon its release, will be the first installment of her adult fantasy series, The Fallen Reign Series.

Miller believes fundamentally in the power of imagination and creativity, and seeks to use her expression of splendor, no matter the circumstances, to overcome whatever obstacles life throws our way. Not afraid to delve into dark or heavy topics, Miller’s works embody the motif that no matter the depth of darkness, and weight of topic, there is always a little light and a harrowing story to be found in the shadows. With an emphasis on character-driven narratives, her themes often touch on overcoming inner demons and trauma, the abstract of morality, and the intricacies of creative construct.

Marissa Miller

Book Tour Schedule

November 20^th

http://rrbooktours.com Kick-off

https://www.instagram.com/im.booked.on.a.feeling/ - Feature

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

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

https://www.instagram.com/books.highlighters.me/ - Review

https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com - Review

https://www.instagram.com/ilovebooksandstuffblog/

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

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

November 21^st

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

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

https://www.instagram.com/tkeyahreads?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/wastedwordsbookreview?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA&utm_source=qr – Review

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

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

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

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

November 22^nd

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

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

https://www.instagram.com/nerdy_gurl.reads/ - Review

https://rissreviewsx.wixsite.com/website - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookloversamantha?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D – Review

https://darkfantasyreviews.wordpress.com – Feature

November 23^rd

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

https://themommaspot.home.blog – Review

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

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

https://www.instagram.com/amysbookshelf82 - Feature

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

https://www.instagram.com/BookBaddies4Life/ - Feature

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

https://www.instagram.com/kellyatx/

November 24^th

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

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

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

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

https://www.instagram.com/maggies.nook/ - Review

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

https://lshadowlynauthor.com/ - Feature

https://www.tiktok.com/@megsbookishworld - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/megsbookishworld/

Book Tour Organized by

R&R Book Tours

 

 

A Fool's Errand Review Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for A Fool’s Errand by D.E. King. Read on for more details!

A Fool's Errand is the first book in the In All Jest series by D.E. King. This epic fantasy novel depicts the story of a young girl coming of age in a town that is growing by the year. She has no idea of her past. All she knows is that from a young age she was raised by a priest along with a litany of other children. However, as she got older, the expectation for her to fend for herself began to grown. Unfortunately, the options for girls is limited. If she had been born a boy, she'd have been in a better position. 

One day though, she finds herself in a bit of a situation. She's been spotted stealing, or the guard at least suspects of her of being a thief and thinks he has her dead to rights. Lani manages to get away, but she'll have to face the guard again. While hiding and trying to plan her next steps, she comes across a dying man in a cave in the woods. He entrusts her with something important and begs her to take to a specific place. He warns her of the dangers that swirl around this object. She gets a first-hand experience with that danger.

The question becomes, will she manage to avoid succumbing to the whispers of her own desires and that of the object given her? Or will she fall victim to it and its own dark designs. It's not just that that she has to fear. She must beware those who are on the hunt for what she carries. 

A Fool's Errand is an interesting novel that gives readers multiple POV throughout the story. Lani is the focus and gets the brunt of the story. That is understandable. The intrigue builds as to what will befall her on her journey as dangers begin to crop up more and more often. 

I struggled with liking Lani for a time, especially in the beginning of the book. I wanted her to find out more about her past and learn who she is. However, she's more focused on surviving and taking care of others. This is admirable, but when you're warned that the person who has been looking out for you, no longer will be, you'd think she'd have taken it more to heart. 

This book moves at a more moderate pace. At times the story is slow in moving forward as the author works to lay out certain elements and details of the story. I didn't always see the intent or point behind some of it, but gradually it comes into focus later on in different places of the story. So you just have to be patient. 

The deeper the story goes, the more interesting it gets. Lani begins to make discoveries, and learn new things about herself and the world around her. She honestly gets her wish to get out of the town that she's been in for most of her life and to "explore" the world. Just not in the way that she had originally intended. LOL!

There is a bit of a cliffhanger, since this book is part of a series. It's not one that will have you raging, it will leave you curious as to what happens next. 

4.5 out of 5 stars

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

A Fool’s Errand (In All Jest #1)

Publication Date: October 2020

Genre: Epic Fantasy/ Young Adult

Watching over the kin and scraping up what work she could, was Lani’s lot, and she’d come to terms with it. Up until she stumbled on Ashantha dying in the town’s wood storage cave, that is.

There in his final breaths, he pleads with her to protect a jewel he has given his life over.

In those moments, her life changes forever as she becomes unwittingly linked to his secret society of Jesters.

The amulet Lani takes possession of is the key to an eight-hundred-year-old secret previously hidden behind a magic barrier that has begun to crack.

What begins as a journey to find answers quickly becomes a matter of life and death as she runs from Derk assassins sent to retrieve the jewel at any cost.

Far from home, halfway across Dharatan, Lani must find the only person Ashantha told her could be trusted with the amulet and free herself of its deadly burden.

A Fool’s Errand is Book 1 in the In All Jest series, an epic fantasy series by fantasy author D.E. King. Book 3, Spire of Fools is out November 2023. 

Available on Amazon

About the Author

 D.E. King writes epic fantasy novels, starting with the In All Jest series.

His novels are available in eBook, paperback and hard back book formats from worldwide retailers as well as his own stores at http://www.kingdarryl.com. Get exclusive behind the scenes news, discount coupons, and more by joining Darryl’s Reader’s Group at http://www.kingdarryl.com

Book Tour Schedule

October 30^th

http://rrbooktours.com Landing Page

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

http://www.thefaeriereview.com – Feature

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

October 31^st

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

http://ramblingmads.com – Feature

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

November 1^st

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

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

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

November 2^nd

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

http://samanthainfantasyworld.wordpress.com/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainfantasyworld/

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

November 3^rd

https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/ilovebooksandstuffblog/

https://themommaspot.home.blog – Review

https://christinebialczak.com/ - Feature

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours