Iridescent ~ Review

Iridescent

Iridescent #1

By S.H. Everly

A promise. 

A broken heart. 

And a map that leads to more than just buried treasure.

For Katrina Peterson moving back to California is the worst possible thing that could happen. Chicago has been her home for more than ten years and the worst part is that she's leaving behind her best friend, Brandon. Senior year is not going to anything like she expected or planned. 

But Santa Cruz was home to Kate and Aunt Jan 12 years ago, before the big storm took her parents from her. Before so many were lost that fateful night. If only Brandon could have made the move with them Kate could be happy.

Soon Kate is making new friends, including Matt and Jared who seem to be at odds with one another. She's also meeting people who knew her parents, getting glimpses into who her mother was. But the more she learns the less she truly knows, can she unravel the mystery shrouding her mother? And will the map her mother left help her uncover the truth? Kate can only hope. And then there is the irresistible pull that the ocean has upon her - a pull that is at odds with her fear of it. 

Someone is determined to stop Kate but why? As Kate enlists the help of her new friends she learns truths about herself that she never expected. Truths that are about to forever alter her life.

As Kate navigates the imminent approach of adulthood she leans on her friends, family, and faith to help her determine just what she should do. This is an enjoyable read that though intended for a young adult audience can easily be enjoyed by a broader audience. So find a cozy corner or quiet beach and enjoy this contemporary YA fantasy that will leave you wanting more! And I really want book 2!!!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion if I so desired. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

For 17-year-old Katrina Peterson, life is never the same after she finds out she’s moving back to California. Upon arrival, Katrina learns that the town has secrets, and at the heart of them is the mysterious and popular Jared, who’s been dreaming about her long before she came to Santa Cruz.

Only one thing seems to have all the answers: a map given to her by her mother. But Katrina wonders how long she can keep her own secret from Jared. Will he ever accept her for who she truly is? But, more importantly, can she?

A story filled with friendship, family, love, and even faith, Iridescent will take you away to the beaches and ocean waters of Central California, and on a magical journey in this coming-of-age book.

The Mirror and the Curse ~ Review

The Mirror and the Curse

Faraway Castle #5

By J.M. Stengl

In The Siren and the Scholar, we got to meet Princess Eddi and she's back for another Faraway Castle story in which she is the princess taking center stage. Every year Eddi has a new prince crush and Prince Fidelio is this year's recipient of her affections. She's known him almost forever or so it seems, and he is nice, sweet a little shy, and a prince so her father should approve. There is just one problem, well maybe two. First problem, Eddi's nemesis Raquel has set her sights on Fidelio and he is more than happy to split his time between them both. The second problem, her longtime friend Kai would be perfect boyfriend material except he's a dwarf and not a royal. 

But when someone targets Eddi and her winged horse Snow she has even more trouble than she can handle on her own. Using magic for nefarious reasons is frowned upon and worse it has put both Eddi and Snow in danger. But who has the skills for such attacks is something Eddi can answer. She needs help and the staff at Faraway Castle are more than willing to help her. And as she needs specialized training with Snow to prepare for the upcoming Faraway Castle Cup she has the perfect reason to escape to the comfort and familiarity she has known for many summers. 

If you have read any of the previous Faraway Castle books you know what to expect and you will not be disappointed with The Mirror and the Curse. Each new addition to the series moves into my read recommendations and this one is no exception. I love this book it is just so good.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book with no expectations but to provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Now a word of warning this book will be released later this month and you don't want to miss out on getting it as soon as possible so be sure to preorder it to get it on release day May 28, 2021!

Kindle Preorder

About the Book:

This summer, Princess Eddi intends to win both 

Prince Fidelio’s heart and the Faraway Castle Cup!

A summer of training for the race at the resort with her winged horse and Kai the dwarf sounds ideal. Better still, Prince Fidelio decides to join her . . . so her summer plan is a done deal. Or it would be if Fidelio would behave like a sensible boyfriend. And Kai? Sidekick dwarfs are not supposed to be confusingly attractive.

A series of mysterious magic attacks merely adds to Eddi’s trouble. But who is out to get her? Her nemesis Raquel is the obvious villain, but she doesn’t have magic. Eddi’s annoyingly perfect stepmother does, however. Worse still, there’s rumor of a dangerous magical artifact on the loose . . .

Can Eddie power through one obstacle after another and achieve both her summer goals? Only if her heart will cooperate!

If you love adventure, humor, and sweet happily-ever-afters, try the Faraway Castle series today. Each of these interconnected fairy-tale retellings can be read as a stand-alone. You won’t want to miss any of these plucky heroines as they fight to conquer the odds and win their true loves.

Hunger ~ Cover Reveal

 It's time for another cover reveal!

The second book in Jill Williamson's Thirst Duology is

about to be revealed. And it is an excellent companion look

to Thirst.

But before we get to the cover, I'm sure you want

to know a little about the book first.

In the wake of a pandemic, Eli and his friends find a thriving community that offers free housing, food, and thankfully, safe drinking water. But something is amiss. The residents spend most of their time partying and attending concerts. No one seems concerned that the virus is still out there. When Eli tries to leave, he discovers a fence has been built to keep him, and everyone else, inside.

Hannah is tired of running. When she is conscripted to work in the hospital, she hopes she’s finally found a place to belong, but Admin’s disregard for a doctor’s pledge to “First do no harm” is unsettling.

As Hannah starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again, Eli clings to his hope for freedom. In a world filled with lies, can they learn to trust each other? Or will their hunger for safety trap them in a world that’s not so safe after all?

Now Thirst is scheduled to be released on April 8, 2021, in hardcover, paperback, and eBook.

If you are planning on going the eBook route, you can preorder it at:

https://amzn.to/39JUziM

You can learn more at:

www.JillWilliamson.com/thirst

Now it is time to check out the cover.

Shadow ~ Cover Reveal

 Enclave Publishing has revealed the cover to the second Heirs of Neverland book

Peter Pan has crash-landed back on Neverland.
But this is not the island he remembers.

Desperate to rescue Claire and the fractured Lost Boys, Peter must unravel what truly tore his dreamland apart. But with each step, he is haunted by more of his own broken memories. Not even Pan himself is what he seems.

Claire Kenton is chained to a pirate ship, watching the wreckage of Neverland rocked by tempests. When she finally finds her brother, Connor is every bit as shattered as the island. Claire may have pixie dust flowing in her veins—but the light of Neverland is flickering dangerously close to going out forever.

To rescue Neverland from the inescapable shadow, the boy who never grew up and the girl who grew up too fast will have to sacrifice the only thing they have left: each other.

Available as a limited-edition hardcover in July 2021

Mark your calendar

On July 13,2021,

Kara Swanson's 

Shadow

 will be released

Force Collector ~ Review

Force Collector

Journey to Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker

By Kevin Shinick

Narrated by Euan Morton

Karr Nuq Sin has a sensitivity to certain objects - objects that have a history that ties them to the Force. Only his grandmother believes him that touching the objects brings on visions - visions that show jumbled memories of the past. Karr's parents are convinced that he has a health issue and they drag him from one specialist to another. 

But the day he meets Maize Raynshi changes everything. For one he finally has a friend and she is about to offer him the opportunity of a lifetime - the chance to search for more Jedi artifacts and discover the truth about himself. And if he has to take part in a little rebellion, well let's just say it's time for Karr to cause a little bit of trouble.

Now this book doesn't really have much of a tie-in to The Rise of Skywalker rather it is a standalone title aimed at the YA audience. This book offers a glimpse into a world, a galaxy, that has for the most part grown-up without the Jedi. They have been feed lies about who they were. Few know that the deception perpetrated by Emperor Palpatine was not a Jedi insurrection but rather a Jedi slaughter with the Jedi as the victim. This book is a hunt for the history of the Jedi and a search for purpose. Overall a nice addition to the new Star Wars canon. 

I listened to the audio version (thanks to my library) and the book is well presented. The narration by Euan Morton has no issues - the narration is excellent with good pacing and clear speaking. I highly recommend this book especially if you are looking for a fairly quick read/listen. The playtime is just under 8-1/4 hours and in my case 2 weeks worth of commute listening.

About the Book:

Karr is a teenage boy like many others in the galaxy. He goes to school, helps his parents with the family business, likes speeders and droids. But Karr also has a secret: when he touches certain objects, he gets searing headaches and blacks out. And along with the pain sometimes come visions of people he doesn't know and places he's never been.

Karr's parents worry that he's sick; his grandmother is convinced the visions come from the Force. But it's been years since anyone has heard from the last of the Jedi-Luke Skywalker. Are there any Jedi left to guide Karr in the use of his abilities? Is anyone even willing to talk about the Jedi and what happened to them, as their memory continues to fade and the First Order rises? Stuck on his isolated home planet, Karr becomes a collector of historical artifacts, hoping to one day find an object that will give him a vision about the secrets of the Jedi.

When his grandmother dies and his parents announce they're sending him away to a school on the other side of the planet, Karr reaches his breaking point. He needs to know what his destiny holds, and whether the Jedi are involved. Accompanied by Maize, the blunt, unpredictable new girl at school with ties to the First Order, and RZ-7, Karr's solicitous droid companion, he sets off into the larger galaxy to find the truth. His adventures will take him from Utapau to Jakku to Takodana and beyond as he learns more about the Jedi than he could have expected?and about his own place in the Force.

Besotted ~ Review

Besotted

The Fairest Maidens #3

By Jody Hedlund

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . .

Queen Aurora of Mercia has lived in hiding for all of her life, hidden away from her aunt. Queen Margery of Warwick seeks her niece, needing to find her before her twentieth birthday and before she assumes the throne. But the deeply hidden isolation of Inglewood Forest has proven a safe place. At least until a young woodcutter stumbles upon it while escaping a wild boar. 

Warned to flee all strangers, Aurora is unexpectedly drawn to this young man. But Kresten offers her a secret glimpse into a world she knows nothing of. And he makes her happy, but she knows if her guardians discover her secret not only will she be in trouble but Kresten will be in danger. 

Kresten has two months remaining in his testing to determine his eligibility to be named king of Scania. Being named king is not his desire. And he is sure one of his two brothers is more than likely to be named king. But tradition demands this of him. But a living as a woodcutter is no easy task and the poverty he and his scribe Jorg live in is definitely in keeping with his task - deny self.  A chance meeting with a beautiful young woman is about to test him in ways he never imagined. But Rory is unlike any young woman he has ever met, but a pauper would never be an acceptable match for a possible King of Scania. Denying self is much harder than he thought it would be.

Besotted is the third book in the Fairest Maidens series and it focuses on the youngest Scanian prince Kresten and Mercia's hidden Queen Aurora. One can connect with the characters and empathize with their plights. And then there is Queen Margery who is the ultimate villain, who has no redeeming qualities. Mother or Aunt of the Year she is not.

This is yet another delightful clean YA read from Jody Hedlund and a perfect series conclusion, though I have to admit I'm sorry that this series is ending. And the covers for this series are gorgeous making them a must for any bookcase. I like that there is a tie-in to Jody's previous series The Lost Princesses, which can be read before or after this series. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . .

A young queen trying to stay alive until she comes of age to rule,

and a prince turned into a pauper.

Queen Aurora of Mercia has spent her entire life deep in Inglewood Forest, hiding from Warwick’s Queen Margery, who seeks her demise. As the time draws near for Aurora to take the throne, she happens upon a handsome woodcutter. Although friendship with outsiders is forbidden and dangerous, she cannot stay away from the charming stranger.

Only two months away from completing his royal testing, Prince Kresten of Scania is ready to be finished with the poverty and hardships of being a woodcutter. When he meets a beautiful peasant woman, he doesn’t plan to fall in love, especially when he must soon leave and return to his homeland.

As Queen Margery’s forces close in, Aurora finds herself in mortal danger. Kresten knows a future with Aurora is impossible, but he is desperate to save her and bring an end to the queen’s threat. To do so, he joins the ultimate battle against the evil queen, risking everything, including his chance at true love.

The real Sleeping Beauty story.

Other YA books by Jody Hedlund:

The Fairest Maidens
Book 1: Beholden
Book 2: Beguiled 
Book 3: Besotted 

The Lost Princesses (This series returns to Mercia, and the events take place after the Fairest Maidens series)
Prequel Novella: Always
Book 1: Evermore
Book 2: Foremost
Book 3: Hereafter

The Noble Knights
Prequel Novella: The Vow
Book 1: An Uncertain Choice
Book 2: A Daring Sacrifice
Book 3: For Love and Honor
Book 4: A Loyal Heart
Book 5: A Worthy Rebel

For a complete list of Jody's novels, visit her website - jodyhedlund.com

The Broken Prince ~ Review

The Broken Prince

The Broken Prince #1

By Kara Linaburg 

Prince Milosh is bidding his time - not taking sides in the conflict between his father and the people he has subjugated to his rule. Ripped from the only home he has ever known by a father he didn't know he had, Milosh finds himself both needed and hated by King Thayer. Forced by the king to carry out his decrees or face more time being punished, Milosh finds himself falling into the darkness that is all too ready to consume him. But when he finds himself being questioned by a young peasant girl, he finds himself facing the very questions he has avoided.

Serena is one of the Gifted, which is a life sentence under King Thayer's rule. Marked, she must conceal who and what she is or face execution. But where Serena feels empathy towards Milosh, something she never expected, the other Marked feel only hatred. 

When her brother Hunter sets out to save the young boys that Milosh is ordered to bring in to be trained as soldiers, he has signed his own death warrant. Determined to keep Hunter safe, Serena sets out to warn him but finds herself taken prisoner by Milosh. But Serena carries a secret, a secret that she has been ordered to bring about the death of Milosh. But Serena can she bring about the death of another? Even if it means keeping her brother safe, Serena is left with a weight upon her heart. Can she convince Milosh that the path he is on isn't the only choice before him? 

In a land ruled by cruelty and fear can one young woman change the heart of a broken despairing prince? Or has the damage to his soul gone too deep to pull him from the darkness that pulls him deeper with every passing breath?

The Broken Prince is the first book in Kara Linaburg's Broken Prince series and absolutely must be read before reading book two The Crownless King.  This is an excellent book and highly recommended to fans of YA fantasy and fairy tale retelling styled books. The various characters are well balanced and intriguing to get to know. 

In this land ruled by hatred and fear, hope is a thing to grasp and hold onto tightly. For as long as hope lives the darkness is held at bay.

About the Book:

In all the fairy tales the maiden falls in love with the prince...

but she has to remember that this isn’t a fairy tale.

Born into a kingdom where those of magical Gifts are rejected, feared, and even killed, Serena has spent her life striving to hide her ability and keep her younger brother safe.

The bastard son of the hated king and father he hardly knows, Prince Milosh is considered an outcast. He never expects to feel anything but contempt for the peasant girl who unexpectedly shows up in his life, forcing him to answer questions he never wished to ask.

When two very different worlds are thrown together under less than desirable circumstances, both hold deep judgment towards the other. But will they learn to see beyond their stations and birth so that they may defeat the coming darkness, or will labels given to them at birth continue to define them?

Beguiled ~ Review

Beguiled

The Fairest Maidens #2

By Jody Hedlund

She's has fled for her life in the hopes of returning and rescuing her younger sister. But first, she must learn how to defeat and outwit her mother - Queen Margery of Warwick.  Finding refuge among the outcasts she must keep her identity hidden or she will be forced to find sanctuary somewhere other than the Isle of Outcasts. But when she takes a captive from one of the other bands of outcasts she had no idea that she was taking a royal prisoner. A prince of Scania in the midst of his testing.

Mikkel can't reveal his true identity when he is taken captive, his testing must be completed if he hopes to become king of Scania. And to reveal who he is would result in his being rejected by the outcasts who call the isle home. But can he look upon the heart and become worthy of the duty of king? 

When forced to protect his identity Mikkel reluctantly agrees to marry the young woman he has come to know as Veil. Her disfigurement hidden beneath the veil she always wears. But Veil too hides a secret - a secret that she fears will influence Mikkel's opinion of her. Can he see beyond her outward appearance? She fears the answer. But to save Ruby she reveals her true identity to Mikkel. But marriage, even to a princess, could keep him from being king if it is not approved by King Christian and his advisors. 

Queen Margery is not about to let her daughter live, not when she has need of her. But Pearl has no idea just how deeply her mother's greed and avarice goes. And if she's not careful not only will she die by her mother's hand so too will Mikkel. Can Pearl and Mikkel learn to trust one another enough to survive or will their independence be their undoing?

This is the second book in The Fairest Maiden's series and IF you have not read book one you can still enjoy this book. But it is better to read the books in order to fully enjoy the series. This is a delightful read with a fairy tale twist (no magic involved). And those who have read Jody Hedlund's previous YA series The Lost Princesses will love this series as it adds to the story world she created. 

The characters are relatable (not the prince or princess part, of course) and one can empathize with their situations. The growth of character that Pearl and Mikkel experience is believable as the story progresses. I truly enjoyed getting to know these characters and look forward to the third and final book in the series. Jody Hedlund has again created a world one will enjoy visiting again. These are most definitely going on my reread list. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse...

A princess rejected and hunted by her mother and a prince who lives as a shunned outcast. Princess Pearl flees for her life after her mother, Queen Margery, tries to have her killed during a hunting expedition. Pearl finds refuge on the Isle of Outcasts among criminals and misfits, disguising her face with a veil so no one recognizes her. She lives for the day when she can return to Warwick and rescue her sister, Ruby, from the queen’s clutches. Amidst his royal testing on the Isle of Outcasts, Prince Mikkel of Scania has kept his identity a secret. Captured by a warring band of outcasts and condemned to die, he finds himself making friends with an intriguing but feisty young veiled woman. Intending to win her trust and gain her help to escape, he soon finds himself coerced to wed her. Mikkel reluctantly agrees to the union to save his life, and Pearl hopes the marriage will provide protection for her and Ruby. But the queen is more determined to kill her daughter than either Pearl or Mikkel realizes and has a sinister reason neither expects—one that could rip their new love apart forever. The real Snow White story.

Poison's Dance ~ Review with Mini Interview

Poison's Dance

Beyond the Tales #3
By Tricia Mingerink

High King Alexander has been awake from his broken curse for over a year now. He survived a plot by King Cassius to curse him, though not without cost to his friend Daemyn Rand. When he receives an invitation from Queen Valinda of Tuckawassee to visit her kingdom and accept her sister's hand in marriage.

Alex is not looking to marry, not when he still has so much to learn and do as High King. But the potential of peace is too great to ignore at least considering a marriage alliance with Prince Tamya. But the treachery of Tuckawassee can't be put aside, for this offer of peace could be a trap to ensnare Alex in yet another curse. Relying once again on Daemyn century of experience, Alex sets out to give peace a chance.

Tamya loves her sisters and her kingdom, and she'll do what she needs to secure a better life for them all. But marriage to a stranger? She's not sure she is willing to do this, especially if it means trapping the High King in their curse too. But for her sisters, she's ready to do it. To do otherwise would be going against her sister and her queen, but Valinda's plan just feels wrong somehow.

The treachery of Tuckawassee knows no bounds, and soon Daemyn and Alex are facing choices neither thought he'd have to make - love or duty - life or death. 

Poison's Dance is the third book in the Beyond the Tales series and totally worth reading. Now I will say I highly recommend reading the previous books first (Dagger's Sleep and Midnight's Curse) just so you have the back story upon which this book is built. You can enjoy this book without this foundation, but why would you want to.

I really like Daemyn, but I have enjoyed seeing Alex grow through this series. This story is yet another stepping stone in his journey to becoming the High King he is meant to be. Alex is offered the chance to bring peace to the kingdoms but is this the path the Highest King has set before him or a temptation to lure him away from the one he is to follow? The interaction between the 12 sisters is most definitely a complex and complicated one. Is loyalty more important than righteousness? How is Tamya to decide?

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Beyond the Tales #3 

If he falls to the lure of the curse, the dance might trap him forever. 

Alex has survived his first year as High King. The new council has improved cooperation between the kingdoms, and peace seems achievable. When the Tuckawassee queen sends him an invitation he can't refuse, Alex must once again face his greatest threat for the sake of peace. 

Princess Tamya of Tuckawassee, along with her eleven sisters, has danced from sunset until sunrise every night of her life. It is her gift and her curse. When Queen Valinda wishes to use the power their cursed dance gives them to rule all of Tallahatchia, Tamya must decide if she will do what is right even if it betrays her own sister. 

Daemyn Rand has survived a hundred years' worth of battles. All he wants to do now is safely marry his princess. Will he be forced to choose between the love of his life and the high king he has loyally served for years? 

They have faced certain death before. This time, they might not make it out alive. 

Don't miss this re-envisioning of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale. 

Purchase Link: Amazon 

Add Book on Goodreads

Series Link 

Author Bio:

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country. 

Find her online at: 

Website || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Amazon

Mini Interview with Tricia:

1)  If you had to pick another format for your books to be shared through, what would it be - musical, movie, public readings, serial release(a chapter at a time), graphic novel?

I've always thought a movie of my books would be cool...as long as the movies were as well done as the Lord of the Rings movies, lol. 
 

2)  Who is your favorite character (or two) in your Beyond the Tales series? 

Daemyn will always be a favorite. He's the quiet, tortured hero that always seems to pop up in my books one way or another. And, Alex is near and dear to my heart. 

3) What one question do you wish you would be asked, and how would you answer it?

I love getting humorous or wacky questions rather than the standard, author interview questions. I like humor. 

For example, my favorite interview question I have ever been asked was during a school visit to a 5th-grade class (taught by my brother). One of his students asked, "how does your writing inspire your home decor?" It was a rather insightful and interesting question for a 5th grader, and it took me a few moments to answer. I ended up telling the class how I have decorated my library with medieval weaponry. I currently own a cheap knock-off replica of Eowyn's helmet from the Lord of the Rings movies, a claymore, 2 other swords, a Roman gladius, 6 Blades of Acktar style knives, a Bowie knife (like Daemyn or Rosanna would carry in Beyond the Tales), and a small battle ax that a friend gave me for my birthday. And, yes, the fifth graders then asked if I had ever used the battle-ax, and, no, the battle ax is just a decoration. I've never used it. I had a really riveted fifth-grade class, and that whole school visit was so much fun! 

So, I guess, I wish more people asked questions the way fifth graders do, lol. 

Enter the Tour Giveaway here

Tour Schedule:

Five Reasons to Read:
Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Guest Posts:
Live. Love. Read.: Writing Allegorical Fairy Tales
The Heart of a Scribe: The Castles of Tallahatchia
Abby's Blog: The Places of Tallahatchia

Author Interviews:
Dreams and Dragons
Rachel Rossano's Words
A Backwards Story

Reviews:
A Synethete Writer
Elrich's Expressions + Mini Interview!
Blooming with Books + Mini Interview!
Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
TJ's Musings
Reality Reflected
The Music of a Story

Wrought of Silver and Ravens ~ Review

Wrought of Silver and Ravens
Of Magic Made #1

By E.J. Kitchens

First off let me just say I love this book and can't wait for the next one in the series. That being said you'll want to know why I loved this book. First off it isn't a read in a couple hours book and has some length to it which in my opinion is always a good thing unless it is just a repeat of what came before, which this book most definitely is not. Think of the A&E Pride and Prejudice mini-series versus a 2-hour theatrical movie release. You have more story to more fully flesh out the characters, the story-world, and the story itself. But it isn't too much - it is as Baby Bear would say "Just right!"

Athdar Owain Leonidas is hunted. His family is dead and he has become separated from his people. He is charged with keeping the llewod gwerthfawr safe and out of the clutches of those who would corrupt them. Surviving from one day to the next is all he can hope for at present.

Athdar never meant to become involved but when he comes upon a young man who has fallen prey to raiders - Athdar acts. But saving the Prince of Ciliosthay brings him into contact with the Silver Guard and the royal family. Unfortunately, the prince has fallen under a curse - a curse that has entrapped his sisters, as well. Athdar is a half-magic which allows him some control over magic but helping the royal family could reveal what he is. When you are hunted trust does not come easily and in a kingdom filled with Enchanters, someone is sure to discover him. 

Princess Thea and her sisters have been betrayed - and the newest apprentice of the Silver Guard is a young man of unknown origins. As a Realm Walker, Thea has powers most enchantresses do not possess, and as such few know of her gift for her own safety. But someone knows and has bound these seven enchantress princesses to dance every night. And they are unable to speak of what is happening to anyone, such is their curse. 

Princess Thea knows that once the dances end the Kingdom of Giliosthay will most likely come to an end - an end that will find her people enslaved and at the mercy of a cruel lord. Can the truth be discovered before it is too late?

Wrought of Silver and Ravens was a good read and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Elisabeth Anne Stengel or Melanie Dickerson's works. The pacing is just right and the characters are totally relatable and worth getting to know. I appreciate the clean-read aspect of this book making it appropriate for all but the youngest readers - Tweens and up should thoroughly enjoy this world. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

Of Magic Made #1

The rarest magic is the most dangerous.

 Athdar Owain is a hunted wanderer, one determined to keep his secrets and the treasure he carries safe at all costs. When he rescues the Kingdom of Giliosthay’s prince from raiders, he’s rewarded by being forced into the king’s elite Silver Guard. While this gives Athdar a temporary home and some protection from those hunting him, it also makes him responsible for the young prince, who still bears curses from the raiders, and seven enchantress princesses with curses as mysterious and dangerous as their brother’s. 

Princess Thea of Giliosthay is a Realm Walker. Betrayed by a trusted guard, her rare gift of enchantment is used to curse her brother and trap herself and her six sisters into a nightly dance with dragons in a secret Realm. The Realm’s prince has the ability to take and twist her magic for his own purposes, and Thea fears what those might be. For when one dances with a prince, a kingdom might be at stake. 

Athdar alone can save them, but to trust enchanters is to risk exposure. And Athdar isn’t sure where his loyalties lie. 

Wrought of Silver and Ravens is a clean adventure-romance retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses set in The Magic Collectors story world. 

Purchase Link: Books 2 Read  Amazon 

Add Book on Goodreads

Author Bio:

E.J. Kitchens loves tales of romance, adventure, and happily-ever-afters and strives to write such tales herself. When she’s not thinking about dashing heroes or how awesome bacteria are—she is a microbiologist after all—she’s taking photos, reading, or talking about classic books and black-and-white movies. She is the author of the historical fantasy series THE MAGIC COLLECTORS and of several fairytale retellings. She is a member of Realm Makers and lives in Alabama. 

Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Newsletter || Amazon

Enter the Tour Giveaway here

Tour Schedule

Five Reasons to Read:
Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Author Interviews:
Abby's Blog

Guest Posts:
Erudessa's News Blog: Favorite Fairytale Dances
Dreams and Dragons: Worn Out Shoes but Not Worn Tales
Rachel Rossano's Words: The Writer Who Pricked Her Finger
Reality Reflected: A Dance through Time

Reviews:
Live. Love. Read. + Mini Interview!
A Synethete Writer
Blooming with Books
TJ's Musings
Paper, Ink, & Lizard
Selina J. Eckert + Mini Interview!
A Backwards Story

The Dancing Princess ~ Review

The Dancing Princess
A Twist of Adventure #5
By Kendra E. Ardnek

Katrine wants nothing to do with dancing - it is her nightmares come to life. But when the Young King of Chalik-Alexi asks her to dance she refuses. But refusing to dance cannot save her from the nightmare as the music draws her in. But refusing the music's call is something she is simply unable to do.

But Katine is offered a chance to free herself from the curse she now lives under. A curse that Alexi and the forgotten princes have been trapped in for twenty years. Can this one offer truly free her if she freely accepts it?

Trapped by his folly Alexi has spent years trying to undo the damage he did. But always his attempts have been stymied by the person whom he refused years ago. Can an ageless king and princess whose nights are a prison of a song not her own hope to defeat a powerful being with the power to erase them forever from time and memory. This is a fight that cannot be won without risk and the risk is their very lives.

The Dancing Princess is a twist on a well-known fairy-tale that readers of this genre will enjoy. The story at 45 pages is not overly long and moves at a nice pace. One might actually feel that is longer than it is just because one can get drawn in so quickly. It is nice if you have an hour or two of spare time and want to get the satisfaction of sitting down and finishing a book in one sitting this is perfect for doing so. There is an unexpected character of Russian origin who makes an appearance and is a vital character to the story - want to know the identity well you will just have to read the book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.

 About the Book:

A Twist of Adventure #5: Plagued by nightmares for the last few years, Katrine only wanted answers. Instead, she finds herself trapped in a tangled web of melody as she tries to free a cursed king and his brothers. No one deserves existence such as theirs, but dare she risk her very life? 

Purchase Link: Amazon 

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Author Bio:

Kendra E. Ardnek is the self-proclaimed Arista of Fairy Tales. She lives in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her dragon babies and a massive herd of mini-giraffes, and she is still waiting for one of her fifty nutcrackers to come to life and marry her. When not writing, you can usually find her sitting in a random box, and she's frequently known to act before she thinks. 

Find her online at:

Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Newsletter || Instagram || TikTok || Amazon

Enter the Tour Giveaway here

Tour Schedule:

Five Reasons to Read:

Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Author Interviews:
Erudessa's News Blog
Elrich's Expressions
Dreams and Dragons
Rachel Rossano's Words
Paper, Ink, & Lizard
A Backwards Story

Character Interview:
Abby's Blog: Katrine

Reviews:
Live. Love. Read.
A Synethete Writer
Cobonham
The World of the Writer
Blooming with Books
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
TJ's Musings
Reality Reflected + Mini Interview!

Below the Moon ~ Review with Giveaway

Join Us for this Book Series Tour from Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020!

Below the Moon
The 8th Island Trilogy #2
By Alexis Marie Chute

Ella Wellsley is dying the search for the cure to her cure continues. Ella's friendship with Luggie is strained when book two opens following the tragic events of  Above the Star, which cost the lives of many.

Jarr-Wyn continues to change Archie who accidentally brought everyone to the planet Jarr with him. Is there something more to Archie's change or is it simply the unique properties of the planet at work? With his son, Arden found, though now in the form of the Olearons, Archie's quest is partially fulfilled and he is determined to see Ella cured. But the Olearon Lord has plans of his own and he is willing to use the love of the  Wellsleys to his advantage.

War is coming and if they are not careful the Wellsley family is going to find themselves caught in the middle as the various races seek to control the power of the Star and destroy all others.  

Below the Moon is the second book in The 8th Island trilogy, a series that promises to reveal more as it continues. The storyline is excellent if a bit bloody and violent. Not bedtime reading by any stretch of the imagination unless your dreams are never troubled literary influences (I for one am not so I will admit to staying up late to read this). The book is intriguing, as the history of this world is further revealed and the secrets of the Wellsleys are revealed. Secrets that could change Jarr and all the worlds, known and unknown, forever. Will they be able to save them or will they be the catalysts of destruction?  

If you are a fan of Scifi, fantasy, and parallel worlds, this is a book you don't want to miss. The unimaginable is real, and the impossible is probable, but not everything seen with the eyes is real until it is. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title: Below the Moon by Alexis Marie Chute
Category:  Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs), 368 pages
Genre:  fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult
Publisher:  SparkPress.
Release dates:   Oct 2019
Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020
Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted.

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Book Description:

Ella Wellsley is not your typical teenager. Cancer left her mute, but not powerless. Trapped in a parallel dimension, Ella rallies her strength to join her family―her mother, Tessa, her grandpa Archie, and her magical boyfriend―in locating the cure to her illness. This cure is entangled in the fate of all worlds and threatened by the presence of an evil Star anchored in the sea. The Star has thrown life everywhere into chaos―and it is Ella who holds the key to unlocking its mystery.

Caught in a web of betrayal, mistaken identities, secrets, and love triangles, Ella, Tessa, and Archie must overcome their troubled pasts to ensure a future for all worlds. On this journey―armed with unearthly abilities and unexpected allies―each member of the Wellsley family will learn the power of love in the face of their greatest fears.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
B&N ~ Chapters Indigo ~ Target
Book Depository ~ Google Play
Add to Goodreads

Series Description:

The 8th Island Trilogy includes Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. Over the three books, we follow the adventures of a quirky family, the Wellsleys. The main characters are frumpy senior citizen Archie, his daughter-in-law, Tessa, and his ill fourteen-year-old granddaughter Ella.

Archie, searching for his missing son, accidentally transports his family—and a cruise ship full of people—to a magical planet. There, they uncover the truth: all worlds are dying. Yet hope is not lost. A way to restore all that will soon be destroyed is revealed, along with the realization that Ella will play a role no one could have imagined—especially not her.

On the mysterious island of Jarr-Wya, many races of creatures battle for dominion, and magic lurks around every corner. When the world falls dark, that is when bravery must shine the brightest, and the Wellsleys will reveal the strength they never knew they possessed—as well as the power of love to save the day. 

"A Wrinkle in Time meets The Princess Bride."

Review by Lee Lee Thompson, The Perpetual You Magazine

"Chute's novel weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for booklovers of all ages."
US Review of Books

"Fast and bizarre… Never a dull moment. "
Foreward Reviews

 SERIES DETAILS:
Series Title:  The 8th Island Trilogy by Alexis Marie Chute
Category:  Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs) (368 to 448 pages)
Genre:  fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult
Publisher:  SparkPress.
Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted.

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 Meet the Author:

Alexis Marie Chute is an award-winning author, artist, photographer, art curator, filmmaker, and public speaker. She has received over 40 noteworthy distinctions for her visual and literary work. Her award-winning fantasy series The 8th Island Trilogy includes, Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. The series has been described as "A WRINKLE IN TIME meets THE PRINCESS BRIDE" by The Perpetual You magazine, and "Fast and bizarre… never a dull moment" by Forward Reviews. The 8th Island Trilogy "weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for booklovers of all ages" – US Review of Books. Chute's bestselling memoir, Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss, was a top Kirkus title of 2017 and received a plethora of other literary distinctions. The memoir was accompanied by the feature documentary of the same name, which has screened internationally for the last three years. Chute received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the University of Alberta, Canada, and studied at Media Design School in Auckland, New Zealand. She graduated valedictorian with her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, USA. Chute is a highly regarded public speaker. She has presented on art, writing, bereavement, and the healing capacities of creativity around the world. Contact the Author/Artist for bookings info@alexismariechute.com When not in her art/photo studio or at her computer, Chute loves to spend quality time with her family, read fiction and non-fiction, watch reality TV, paddleboard, and canoe. She is not a winter person but lives in frosty Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with her husband and their three living children.

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~
                                              Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ LinkedIn

Tour Schedule:

July 7 – Splashes of Joy – series spotlight/guest post/author interview/giveaway
July 7 - Working Mommy Journal – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 7 - fundinmental - series spotlight/giveaway
July 7 - Corinne Rodrigues | Booksnista - series spotlight/giveaway
July 8 -Leels Loves Books – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 8 –Book Bustle – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 8 - Living in a Bookworld – series spotlight/giveaway
July 9 - Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 9 – I'm Into Books – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
July 10 - She Just Loves Books – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 13 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 13 - Books and Zebras – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 14 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 14 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 15 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 15 - Blooming with Books – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 16 – Working Mommy Journal – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 16 - Books and Zebras – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 17 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 17 - Writer with Wanderlust – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
July 17 - Rajiv's Reviews - book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 20 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 20 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 20 - Adventurous Bookworm – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
July 21 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
July 21 - Stephanie Jane – series spotlight/giveaway
July 21 - Leels Loves Books – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 21 - Merlot Et Mots - book review of Below the Moon
July 22 – T's Stuff – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
July 22 - She Just Loves Books – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 22 - Blooming with Books – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 23 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Inside the Sun/guest post/giveaway
July 23 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 24 - Books and Zebras – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
July 24 - Rajiv's Reviews - book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 27 –  Book Bustle – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 27 - Adventurous Bookworm – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 28 –  Working Mommy Journal – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
July 28 - Olio by Marilyn – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 28 - Library of Clean Reads – series spotlight/giveaway
July 28 - Merlot Et Mots - book review of Above the Star
July 29 – 411 on Books, Authors, and Publishing News – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
July 29 - Blooming with Books – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
July 29 - Rajiv's Reviews - book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
July 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 30 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
July 31 – She Just Loves Books – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
July 31 - Pen Possessed - series spotlight/giveaway
Aug 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
Aug 3 - Leels Loves Books – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
Aug 4 –  Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
Aug 4 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of Inside the Sun/guest post/giveaway
Aug 5 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
Aug 5 - Adventurous Bookworm – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
Aug 6 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
Aug 6 - Olio by Marilyn – series spotlight/author interview/giveaway
Aug 7 - Jazzy Book Reviews – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
Aug 10 - Books for Books – series spotlight
Aug 10 - Merlot Et Mots - book review of Inside the Sun/author interview
Aug 10 –Book Bustle – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway
TBD – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Above the Star/giveaway
TBD – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Below the Moon/giveaway
TBD – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Inside the Sun/giveaway

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