The Story of Evil Vol 1 Review Spotlight

We're excited to share with you today....The Story of Evil: Heroes of the Siege! Author Tony Johnson has created quite the epic with this story and series. If you haven't read it yet...you are in for a treat! 

 The Story of Evil: Heroes of the Siege is the first volume in Tony Johnson’s The Story of Evil series, and if you love an action packed story then this is the one for you.

Heroes of the Siege draws you in with a cover featuring a knight dressed for a joust or even possibly battle going full tilt. Decked in reds with blue accents the image is enough to excite you to witness the fight at hand for yourself. But what you don’t know is the chaos that is waiting to erupt...and that will spare no man, woman or child.

The Story of Evil: Heroes if the Siege sets the stage with a prologue that outlines the creation of Element, the planet our characters will call home. We get an interesting story of creation followed by a power struggle between two gods: Alazar and Zebulon. Cue the rise of a five headed dragon. Yes, people...five heads. Can we all say hydra? Well, the good news is...the heads don’t grow back. LOL! Once one head goes...it’s a done deal.

While the evil dragon, Draviakhan, is slain, it doesn’t mean that all is now well. King Zoran, the defeater of Draviakhan, reigns, but age is catching up to him. Meanwhile evil is brewing in his own kingdom, and chaos is about to be reigned down on the innocent once more.

Enter Steve! The warrior who will be representing Celestial in the tournament. He’s excited, and the people are excited as well. Steve is one of several characters who will take the stage in this beginning story. Steve is 19 years-old. He has no idea that this day of the tournament will be one of the longest and hardest for him.

Then meet Karia. She’s half human, half elf. She’s alone in this world, but she’s doing her best to survive and get by. She encounters her own problems when she crosses paths with a monster in the forest. This is a sign of things to come. Karia has repeatedly voiced how humans are taking too much by over hunting, but no one listens. Now, she faces the problem head on for herself.

Then there is Ty, an Elf. Ty is depicted as the good looking carefree character who believes in living life to the fullest. Why? Well, the reason for that will be revealed soon enough. All we’ll say is that...family history as a way of repeating itself. So the question becomes...will Ty follow in history’s footsteps? Or will he finally break that chain?

Heroes of the Siege is a page-turner from beginning to end. This story reads like it is shorter than it actually is. You’re going to become so engrossed in this story that it’s going to be you “blink” and you’ve reached the end. LOL! You’ll be looking around like...”where is the rest of the story at?!” While volume one may come to a close quickly, the good news is that book two is available to go and grab up right now.

Author Johnson knows how to put together a story. We’ll say that. You get dynamic characters and gripping scenes. When the chaos and fighting breaks out with the surprise attack the drama and the hits just keep coming. Grab a breath when you can because the author is not going to give you many opportunities. Trust us on this one.

Story of Evil: Heroes of the Siege is going to be a must read for many a lover of fantasy novel. You’re going to get monsters, monsters and more monsters. You’re going to get good monsters who side with the humans, elves and dwarves. Then you’re going to have the monsters who side with evil. One aspect that we love is the uniqueness and layers that the author gives readers with this story.

You’re not getting “mindless” creatures in the monsters who just attack because they can. You get creatures that can think and rationalize. You can really expect a lot of grit and drama that will play out on the page.

You will also see a lot of heartbreak and loss as chaos breaks out with this surprise attack. Author Johnson doesn’t shy away from giving readers exactly what they will be looking for when it comes to this story. You are going to get the details, not gorey details, but you will see characters go from living and vibrant to be another tragic loss in the face of a cruel and unrelenting war machine.

Steve, Ty and Karia will truly shine in this story as they each manage to escape death more than once. You can prepare yourself to be pulled to the edge of your seat multiple times as the question of who will survive and who will fall. As the story moves closer to a close the hint of a bigger story begins to unfold. A prophecy that hints at something more. A king who carries a secret, but before he can give any clue as to what it is…

Readers who hate cliffhangers...for this series, you’re going to be willing to move past it. LOL! Why do we say this? Because the rest of the series is available to you. You’re literally going to want to sit down and binge read these books, because yes. That’s how good it is. You’re getting dragons, direwolves, gryphons, phoenixes, orcs, ogres, giants, elves, and so much more.

Heroes of the Siege is a must read and we cannot wait to find out what happens next.

5 out of 5 stars

Title: Heroes of the Siege

Series: The Story of Evil (Volume 1)

Author: Tony Johnson

Genre: Fantasy

Age Category: Young Adult

Page Count: 235 Pages

Publication Date: February 3, 2013

About the Book:

During an entertaining jousting tournament, a mysterious villain attacks the capital with his army. Three young adults decide to fight back against insurmountable odds despite knowing their slim chances of survival.

Follow Stephen Brightflame, a nineteen-year-old who aspires to become a knight, Tyrus Canard, an arrogant warrior, and Kari Quinn, a Halfling archer in this first volume in the five-part series, "The Story of Evil."

It has been raved for its “intense action scenes,” “riveting twists,” and a conclusion that “leaves you on the edge of your seat” (SPR and US Review of Books).

                                                              Grab your copy today! 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20352036-heroes-of-the-siege

Amazon: https://a.co/d/iOjnLex (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/9kXElTr (UK) https://a.co/d/8SBJgOY (Canada)

About the Author:

Tony Johnson is the author of the The Story of Evil, an epic fantasy saga. Tony is an avid reader. He enjoys fantasy, classics, and Christian literature. He is a fan of movies, television, music, videogames, and sports. From Batavia, NY.

 

Merchants of Light and Bone Review Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for author Erika McCorkle's Merchants of Light and Bone with The Write Reads! If you enjoy epic fantasy novels with beautiful descriptions and engaging characters then this is novel for you! 

 Merchants of Light and Bone is a standalone fantasy novel written by Erika McCorkle. Author McCorkle will take readers on a fantastical journey to a beautiful world full of imaginative characters that will captivate the mind and have you wanting to linger for as long as possible. As you explore this novel, you will find yourself along for the journey as a family struggles with the grief of losing a loved one, and then with the struggle to do what they feel is right for the sake of another innocent life.

Merchants of Light and Bone is sure to capture your attention with it’s gorgeously detailed cover. This book’s cover alone conveys the depths of this story. With a myriad of wild life they seem to swirl around and almost swallow up two of the main characters of this story – Amiere while he holds in his embrace his partner, Su. Behind, almost beside them is their faithful Shroom Hound – Maika. Yes, those are actual mushrooms growing on her. This marks her as beautifully unique and adorable.

The giant skeleton behind them all with the animals appearing to be reaching for the top truly draws the eye and teases your mind to want to know more. What is this skeleton? Is it an animal? Is it a demon? What created this thing? At the bottom you see the crystals – the very thing that cost this family the life of one of their daughter’s. Just a little to the right, almost seemingly to be what Maika is looking at – a kiwi with a glowing bell sitting next to it. The very fruit that young Tawny loved, and the bell that she always wore on her tail.

This book’s cover alone is a feast for the eyes, and tells parts of the story that is held inside these covers. One thing is for sure, it will pique your interest in learning more about the family and how they manage to move forward after the heartbreaking loss that affects them so deeply, while crystals promise to bring a time of prosperity to the town.

Merchants of Light and Bone is a story that focuses heavily on Amiere, the merchant of light. He, his wife – Liesle, and Su, the merchant of bone, their partner start the story off in morning for the loss of their daughter Tawny. When the crevice in the earth opened up, she unfortunately fell to her death. This is not a scenario that plays out on the page. Instead, author McCorkle, gives readers a memory of the tragedy through the mind of Amiere.

Readers watch as each member of this family struggle with the loss of their daughter or sister in their own way. As the tragedy is fresh, it is dealt with through tears, lack of desire to truly function or be productive. Of course, each character deals with the tragedy differently. Some sink into even deeper depression, while others seek to find outlets through their work or simply trying to take care of the family and focus on those who still remain.

A small shift begins when someone from their past makes a reappearance – Miltico. There are some bad feelings between him and Amiere especially. As you read the story you’ll quickly come to understand why. Miltico is a rather cruel and vile character, but he suits the purpose of bringing some drama to the story and giving Amiere something to focus on. Why is that? Well, Miltico has a small daughter and he is less than kind to the poor child.

Each of the characters depicted in this book are so beautifully unique. Amiere and his family carry more feline traits in their appearance. Do all the characters carry these traits? No. Miltico and his family lean more towards goats, and his daughter is more of a mix of goat and rabbit. Is it wrong that we just wanted to stroke her adorably long ears? LOL! Of course, young Usana is a rather flighty child, but there are some understandable elements to it...one namely being her father.

The pacing of this story is on the slower side, but there are some engaging moments sprinkled throughout that will draw readers in more and have them eagerly page-turning to find out what happens next. While the story is told through the eyes of Amiere, author McCorkle sprinkles in interludes throughout the story that give readers an idea of what some of the other characters in this story are experiencing themselves. These interludes help to give the story more depth as these interludes include the other children, and spouses.

Merchants of Light and Bone is a dynamic novel that draws you in and fully immerses you in a world full of interesting and beautifully created characters. You get tension, drama, some elements of horror, and a ton of family dynamics. Amiere is a truly engaging character as he struggles with the loss of his daughter, and weighing how to move on, along with the emotions that he feels towards Miltico. Of course, life doesn’t care about what you have going on when you are mourning, and that is effortlessly showcased in this book.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Erika McCorkle, and The Write Reads Book Tour for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next.

Book Info

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: 819 Pages

Publishing: 8^th August 2023

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merchants-Light-Bone-Pentagonal-Dominion/dp/B0CDNBZFMJ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/184492062-merchants-of-light-and-bone

Blurb

Sorrow in paradise

A parent’s worst nightmare

When grief drives one to revenge

Living in a tropical paradise with his spouses and kids, Amiere is a merchant of light, a sculptor who carves glowing crystals into spectacular and powerful, demon-killing works of art. When the ground opens up near his idyllic village to reveal a massive supply of crystals, the whole nation of Aloutia celebrates. The merchants are guaranteed money for decades and officials predict Aloutia will be safe from demonkind for generations. But Amiere isn’t rejoicing—when the ground split apart, his seven-year-old daughter fell to her death.

Amiere’s grief turns to rage when an old enemy returns to the village with a young daughter displaying signs of starvation and abuse. Having witnessed his own daughter’s death, Amiere cannot bear the thought of watching another child die, especially when he can prevent it. Unable to ask police for help due to the village’s reputation of hostility toward authority figures, Amiere takes matters into his own hands, even at the risk of being exiled and separated from his family forever.

About the Author

Erika McCorkle, she/her, lives in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. She is a creator of fantasy worlds and a voyager to the worlds created by others. She spends much of her free time writing, reading, watching anime, and playing video games, all usually of the fantasy genre. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and currently works the night shift at a blood bank, meaning she is most definitely a vampire.

Website: https://www.authormccorkle.com/

Twitter: @Kiraofthewind1

 

Second Star to the Left Review Spotlight

Welcome to the book tour for Second Star to the Left by Megan Van Dyke! Readers who love fairytale fantasy retellings of their favorite stories are not going to want to miss out on this beautifully written standalone novel. 

Have you ever wanted to return to Neverland? Or just maybe the characters the embodied the story, but with something fresh and new? Well, we've got a pretty spectacular book for you to check out. And no, we're not just talking about the cover. Which is pretty stunning by the way. 

Author Megan Van Dyke has brought readers the beginning of a collection of stories that will take familiar fairytales and give them a new and fresh spin. This story? If you already haven't guessed...it's Tinker Bell's story. It's a page-turner so settle in and have fun!

Tinker Bell has been exiled from her home because she broke one of the few rules that they have - don't sell your dust. There's a reason for the rule, but it was one that at the time...Tink felt that she had to break. When you read her story you'll have to agree that...in her case...an exception should have been made. But we're getting ahead of ourselves here. So let's take a step back, shall we?

When you meet Tink in this book she's playing the "shy damsel." What she's really up to? Well, she's planning a theft. Thieves stealing from thieves. Who is the mark? Why the "infamous" Captain James Hook. Yes! The Captain Hook himself. Why him? Did he do something wrong to Tink? Nope, he just has something she desperately wants. 

Cue some heat coming your way and so early in the story, too! Watch out for Smee because this is NOT your childhood Peter Pan story right here. LOL! While Tink may get her momentary goal, she's still got a long way ahead of her. But don't worry, Tink's and James's paths will cross again, and things are going to be absolutely delightful.

Second Star to the Left is an engaging fantasy novel that gives readers a fresh new twist on Tinker Bell and Captain Hook. They aren't the only ones though! My jaw may have been on the floor with this author's twist on Smee. Heellloooo sir! LOL! 

Prepare for a few steamy situations in this book! They are perfectly delicious and we had ZERO issues with them let me just tell y'all that right now. LOL! The back and forth between Tink and James is everything. They're drawn to each other, but they are also wary of each other. There are going to be some moments where you think that someone is working to tear them apart, but can they work through it all? 

Second STar to the Left is a standalone novel so you can expect everything to be wrapped up nicely by the end of this story. At the halfway point, things are going to really kick up a notch so hang on to your butts and be prepared to be swept away! 

This book was so much fun to read, you're not going to want to miss out on what this author puts out next. 

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Megan Van Dyke, and TheWriteReads for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next! 

About BBNYA 

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

Book Details

Length: 304 Pages

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Age Category: Adult

Date Published: 15 February 2022

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/5dhqpZ2 (Canada)

https://a.co/d/eNFqfW0 (USA)

https://amzn.eu/d/c6x9RvY (UK)

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60166452-second-star-to-the-left

The StoryGraph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/78551ba0-7dbc-48a9-8c13-beb6df8e948e

Blurb

Tinker Bell, banished from her homeland for doing the unthinkable, selling the hottest drug in Neverland—pixie dust—wants absolution.

Determined to find a way home, Tink doesn’t hesitate to follow the one lead she has, even if that means seducing a filthy pirate to steal precious gems out from under his…hook.

Captain Hook believes he’s found a real treasure in Tink. That is, until he recovers from her pixie dust laced kiss with a curse that turns the seas against him. With his ship and reputation at the mercy of raging storms, he tracks down the little minx and demands she remove the curse. Too bad she can’t.

However, the mermaid queen has a solution to both of their problems, if Tink and Hook will work together to retrieve a magical item for her.

As they venture to the mysterious Shrouded Isles to find the priceless treasure, their shared nemesis closes in. However, his wrath is nothing compared to the realization that achieving their goal may mean losing something they never expected to find—each other.

Author Bio

Megan Van Dyke is a fantasy romance author with a love for all things magical and romantic, especially fairytales and anything with a happily ever after. Many of her stories include themes of family (whether born into or found) and a sense of home and belonging, which are important aspects of her life as well. When not writing, Megan loves to spend time with her family, cook, play video games, and explore the great outdoors. Megan currently lives with her family in Florida.

Website: https://www.authormeganvandyke.com/

Newsletter: https://www.authormeganvandyke.com/newsletter/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormeganvandyke/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authormeganvandyke

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMeganVanDyke

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-van-dyke

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21709261.Megan_Van_Dyke

 

Sorrow's Forest Review Spotlight

 

A big thank you to Noly for designing and creating the banner!

Welcome to the book tour for BBNYA* Novel of the Year, Sorrow's Forest! This twisted fantasy horror novel is sure to be a gripping story that you're not going to want to miss! 

Welcome to Sorrow's Forest. Enjoy your stay, because you won't be leaving...alive.

Well, normally that would be the truth...that is until young Mackie King goes into the forest at the age of ten years old on a dare. It's dangerous to go in. Why? Because nothing that goes in comes out alive. In fact, they never truly find a body. What the forest delivers to the town is a pile of bones on the edge the forest when it's ready. You just never know when. You just know that one day, someone goes missing into the forest and that one day you'll find their bones on the edge. 

But Mackie King is different. On his foray into the forest, he discovers a little boy. Well, Blue appeared to be a child, but he was a young demon. When the forest decides it wants to "keep" Mackie for his trespass, he makes a run for it and "steals" away Blue with him. Where does the story go from here? Well, we're going to jump years ahead, but with some looks back at the past.

Sorrow's Forest is the first book in Kaitlin Corvus's Sorrow Forest series so buckle up because there is the promise for more and we're here for all of it. 

Sorrow's Forest focuses on Blue and Mackie as they go about their lives. Blue is gay, but he's also opportunistic when it comes to the attention he receives. He'll take it from anyone, but his preference is the guys. One thing we love about Blue especially, is that he's himself 100%. He wears make-up, dresses how he wants, and has a "devil may care" attitude. 

Does he suffer at the hands of bullies? Yes. Does he allow any of it to deter him from being him? Not a chance. We love it. Mackie doesn't let him go it alone though. He stands up for Mackie when others simply want to stand around and salivate over the drama that plays out. 

The deeper the story goes though, the more engaging it becomes. You're going to get scenes with Mackie's father who appears to be deteriorating. Is the forest calling to him? Will he answer? Strange things are happening around the town. Some changes will be subtle while others will be very much in your face. They are all hints that something big is coming. 

Queen Sorrow is waking up...and she's hungry. 

This book is enticingly good. The author lures you in with good pacing that keeps you engaged in the story. Then they sprinkle in random happenings that pull you to the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. When a particular character goes missing you fear the worst. Then you're given a glimmer of hope. Will it end well? Is there reason to hope? 

Well, to find out the answer to that particular question...you'll have to read Sorrow's Forest. It'll be worth the read though! Trust us on this one! 

Now, the big question here, right? Is this book going to end on some wild cliffhanger? The simple answer? No. The book gives the appearance of being a  standalone, but there are hints of more to come with there being unfinished business between the characters. We are hoping for more, but we'll have to wait and see! 

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Kaitlin Corvus, and @The_WriteReads for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next!

About BBNYA

 BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

Length: 272 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Horror

Age Category: New Adult

Date Published: 15 July 2022

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/fMdPSJV (Canada)

https://a.co/d/5HFziiW (USA)

https://amzn.eu/d/0LDPt4y (UK)

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60891841-sorrow-s-forest

The StoryGraph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/6ee0d609-4032-4fce-9735-7cfe708c7774

Blurb

Sorrow’s Forest teems with beasts, some ugly, some beautiful, all unnatural. A ban restricts travel beneath her branches, existing for as long as Lakeview Township has, and most who disobey do not return.

To win a bet, twelve-year-old Mackie King enters the forest, and in its depths, he discovers a boy-like devil. Then he steals him from the trees.

In as little as an hour, the devil names himself Blue and fits seamlessly into the Kings’ life. No one seems to remember he wasn’t always there. Only Mackie knows the truth.

Now, Mackie and Blue are grown, Queen Sorrow has awakened, and she wants her devil back. She’s willing to tear the town apart to reclaim him. Mackie has always been resourceful, but it will take every bit of ingenuity he and Blue possess to thwart Queen Sorrow and her minions, save the town, and free themselves from the shadow of the bittering forest.

Author Bio

Kaitlin Corvus is from Ontario, Canada. The north holds the best part of her. She writes about nobodies, monsters, and gutter glitter, loves the stars, the deep dark sea, and a good horror mystery.

Betrothal and Betrayal Review Spotlight

Betrothal and Betrayal by

Janet McGriffin

Ultimate Tour

Betrothal and Betrayal is the first book in Janet McGiffin's The Empress Irini series. Get ready to meet a cast of characters that will quickly pull you into this story, as young (or not so young according to her family) Thekla goes on the search for her betrothed as he stands her up for the third, yes third, time! Prepare for an adventure that will be packed with danger, and more than a little drama.

Betrothal and Betrayal begins with Thekla and her family waiting, once again, for her betrothed to show up. For the past two years he's been a "no-show." Why? Well, his dedication to his Emperor and country. Well, her father has had enough. His threat? Either her betrothed shows up today and she gets married...or she's going to the convent...option three. Trust us, not even you, the reader, want option three. Cue shudder and cringe. LOL! 

Well, things go as expected. A spark of hope and then...in comes crashing reality. No show. So, what does Thekla do? She runs. She seizes an opportunity and runs with it. Where will this new path lead her? Only time will tell, but it won't be an easy road ahead for her. 

Betrothal and Betrayal is an interesting story as Thekla refuses to accept the path that her family has shifted towards. There are some sparks of humor. Thekla is determined to forge the path that she desires. She takes no guff from any of the other characters in this book. Male, or female, this girl will stand her ground. One of our favorite scenes was when a certain character tried to take liberties with her. Her blade made an impression and definitely will earn your respect. It was awesome! LOL! 

Thekla's journey is not an easy one, but she has help along the way. She goes from being a sheltered girl to carving out a place for herself in a male-dominated world. This book is truly fascinating as you follow her journey and watch her deal with a variety of situations. 

The author plants small details in this book that will pique your interest in what exactly will be Thekla's path moving forward. It builds a healthy amount of intrigue and does the job of keeping readers engaged in where things go from here. 

Love a good historical novel that delves into the Byzantine era? Then this is the book for you. 

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Janet McGiffin, and The Write Reads, for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next! 

                                                                    Book Info

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Length: 250 pages

Published: August 1st 2023

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146315755-betrothal-betrayal

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Betrothal-Betrayal-Empress-Irini/dp/1910895784

Blurb

Seventeen-year-old Thekla needs her quick wits and knife to track down her betrothed, a soldier who has left her at the altar for the third time. Elias the monk travels with her to Constantinople where she meets Irini of Athens, an extraordinarily beautiful orphan her same age who has been brought by powerful Emperor Constantine to marry his son, Co-Emperor Leon. The two women join forces to survive this vigorous capital of the Roman Empire of the East which is rocked by religious and political strife. But will Thekla help the ambitious and ruthless Irini of Athens find the power that she craves?

About the Author

Janet McGiffin divides her time between her apartment in Manhattan, her family in Washington State, and her friends in Athens, Greece. She was born in Fairfield, Iowa into a newspaper family and learned to write copy as a teenager by writing obituaries for the Ellensburg Daily Record in Washington state. After university, she worked for the Milwaukee Health Department where she gained first-hand knowledge for her best-selling mystery series published by Fawcett Press, NY, featuring Doctor Maxine St. Clair, an ER doctor in an inner-city hospital. She worked as a press officer for the Washington state senate, then moved to Athens, Greece where she wrote grant proposals for small non-profit women’s organizations in Mediterranean countries. She also wrote a humor column for the Athens News newspaper with field archaeologist Adrian Vrettos, wrote two English language easy readers for Cambridge University Press, UK, and a series of hiking articles for greecetravel.com. She researched her Byzantine-era Empress Irini Series through extensive travel in Greece, followed by six months of research at the Bodleian libraries in Oxford, England. She enjoys hiking in Greece, England, Wales, and Scotland.

Instagram: @janetmcgiffinauthor

Want to continue the tour? Check out everyone who's participating and see their thoughts!