Tag Archives: fantasy book review

Hunted by Fire (Fires of Innovation Book 1) by Jim Hepburn Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young man harboring rebellion in his heart as humanity is forced to serve under the dragon gods finds himself in a fight for his life and the lives of those he loves in author Jim Hepburn’s “Hunted by Fire”, the first book of the Fires of Innovation series. 

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The Synopsis

Finding one’s place is never easy.

What is fifteen-year-old Felix Deltorei supposed to do when he longs for rebellion? In his world, where the dragon Gods reign with barbaric force, such thoughts could cost him his life.

The risks have been drilled into Felix and his friends since they were children. The war between humans and the winged Gods ended with a treaty; humanity would serve them or be driven extinct. Hundreds of years later, under the watchful eyes of the Gods and their devoted followers, those same laws remain.

Felix knows he has to find his place in the world before he’s found out. Surrounded by teachers who only ever value faith, obedience, but also technological advancement, Felix strives to achieve security and a better life in the only way he knows how; with his inventive mind. However, just as he gets his chance, one of the province’s famed inquisitors arrives in town. Little does Felix know, the devastating events about to take place will risk exposing him, but they will also push him out into a journey that might mean the deaths of the ones he loves if he can’t escape in time.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gritty high fantasy read for YA fans. The chilling environment that the author’s narrative encompasses takes the reader to new heights, exploring a frightful world in which the protagonists are thrust into a race of survival against impossible odds. The terror that encompasses the opening chapters as the power of the “gods” and those that serve them becomes apparent made this a gripping tale immediately.

For me, the heart of this story comes in the world-building and mythos that the story encompasses. The concept of these all-powerful forces of nature and the need for rebellion taking heart in the cast of characters made this story flow smoothly. The themes of forced conformity and religious oversight made this a thought-provoking read as well and helped elevate the fantasy elements of the story.

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The Verdict

Harrowing, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jim Hepburn’s “Hunted by Fire” is a must-read YA fantasy novel that is both a great start to a brand new series and a richly developed fantasy world. The dynamics between the protagonists and the depth of their journey both together and separately made this a truly compelling fantasy world to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Like many young men in high school cursed with a dash of creativity, Jim found a love for writing, which everybody else thought was practically useless. Those folks urged him to get good at math and science instead, and so he worked at those, but he was never sure if he could hack them out at a university level. After he graduated said university with an arts degree (where he had to read an awful lot), he wondered what other young people had gone through the same thing. It’s always been his dream to inspire young men and women to pursue STEM projects, as he thinks the world could use as many helping hands it can get and he thinks they are up to the challenge.

In other news, he grew up near Toronto, Canada and devoured any written adventure he could find, including many of the works written by Kenneth Oppel, D. J. MacHale, Christopher Paolini, and Rick Riordan. Later on, it was Jim Butcher, R.A. Salvator, Hajime Isayama, and Tsugumi Ohba who fueled him through his early adult years and to whom he associates much of his personal growth to.

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Kingdom Society: Broken Reality by Nathan Helm Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A hero in the making must face a challenging new threat as he and his allies seek a new teacher and discover the temptation of a new power in author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: Broken Reality”, the second book in the Kingdom Society.

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The Synopsis

After the events of the evil Black Hood, Alyeth finds himself struggling with internal conflict at every turn. Given the opportunity, he goes with his master Xylok, Ezra, Koren, and Cindrel to learn from a powerful warlock Pyrres Galhon in Stonehaven. During his training, he learns of new forces in the universe that have their own plans for him, as well as learning more about his new teacher. When all seemed to be well on a normal Nature Extravaganza, Alyeth finds himself trapped in a precarious situation created by the devious Game Master. Alyeth must use his own instincts and intuition to find and save his team, as well as struggling with the new choice of power he is offered. Come join this action-packed adventure full of love, excitement, and new discovery and find out where our hero will end up!

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The Review

This was a powerful fusion of science fiction and fantasy! As a newcomer to the series, I found the author did a wonderful job of introducing the characters in a way that made the events of the first book feel alive and fresh in this world, giving enough information to move forward in this new adventure. The world-building and mythology the author establishes made the sci-fi and fantasy elements of the narrative feel natural and cohesive in this universe, making this a compelling read.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in character development and world-building. For me, some of the most interesting characters in a story prove to be the ones who skate the line between good and evil, and Korath is a great example of this, as his tragic backstory serves as the prologue to this narrative. The action and adventure this story breeds with him at the forefront, along with protagonist Alyeth, made this a memorable reading experience.

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The Verdict

Memorable, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: Broken Reality” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel and a great addition to this growing series. The cosmic and elder god elements of the narrative and the tension that builds over time, both internally for Alyeth, and externally as these champions are chosen, made the series of twists and turns building throughout this narrative so compelling. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Award-Winning Author Nathan Helm doesn’t just have style, he puts the funk right into fantasy. Spending his days typing much faster than should be humanly possible, he creates stories for you to love and cherish. When he’s not driving his big rig bringing goods to all the country, he spends his time hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, narrating audio books, singing, watching anime, going to church, and spending time with friends and family. He hopes you love the books to come, with two separate books series titled Dreamwalker, and Planet Conquest in the works, he will not leave you with a dull moment for years to come. You can follow this author on all social media by searching Author Nathan Helm or @thefunkyfantasyman. Author website is in the works, and he looks forward to the journey with all of you. Because as he says, “There’s nothing more important than making your fans happy!” God Bless you all and happy reading!

Once Upon a Wonderland by DJ Stoneham Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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An older and more determined Alice must rescue several fairy tale creatures and figures from Wonderland in an effort to mend Time itself and return home in author DJ Stoneham’s “Once Upon a Wonderland”.

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The Synopsis

Once upon a Wonderland

Can Alice uncover the truth to escape her twisted fantasy?

—

“Fee-fi-fo-fum!” boomed the ogre.

“Why do you keep quoting Shakespeare’s King Lear?” asked Alice. “And while we’re on the subject, why can you only smell the blood of Englishmen? Why not other nationalities? Or English women come to that?”

—

A poltergeist in tattered leotards, a queen suffering from hypersomnia and a psychotic arsonist. These are not the Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella that Alice knows and loves. Nevertheless, she needs to get them and other fairy tale characters out of Wonderland if she’s to mend Time and return home. And rescue Jack, the feathered boy she’s in love with.

Alice’s quest is not helped by accusations of treason from the local inhabitants, the advances of an arrogant Pied Piper and the fact that she is growing younger by the hour. And then there is the Queen of Hearts and her cohorts to contend with.

Alice’s journey is peppered with surreal events, gritty wordplay and the sinister backstories to popular fairy tales, making this stand-alone follow-up story to Alice Falls Again a must for younger and older adults alike.

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The Review

This was such a beautiful and captivating fantasy world the author developed. The amount of world-building the author was able to achieve in this book was phenomenal, and the powerful imagery the author’s writing instilled in the reader not only helped bring this maddening and fantastical world of Wonderland to life but captured the mental and emotional depth of the characters and their struggles as well. The exploration of other fairytale creatures and figures in the context of the Wonderland universe was a great way to expand upon the existing mythos. The way the author was able to tap into the heart of what made the original story so beloved and yet brought such a mature and insightful new direction to the story made this a stupendous read. 

What stood out to me was the incredible character development that the author achieved here, especially for Alice. For so long, Alice has been portrayed one of two ways: the innocent young girl whose journey into another world was either real or a work of fiction within her own mind, or in some scarier cases, a woman who went completely mad and becoming a danger to herself or others. Yet we find neither of those portrayals here, as Alice is a grown woman now, and has become more assured of herself and her experiences than ever before. The struggles she faces with her family as they seek to find her stability in the world through marriage as she seeks to find her independence was a great way to showcase the strength and leadership skills she has and needs to carry out her mission in Wonderland. The relationships she develops with the people of Wonderland, and the romance that showcases Alice’s maturity and determination make this a memorable and heartfelt reading experience. 

The Verdict

Captivating, iconic, and engaging, author DJ Stoneham’s “Once Upon a Wonderland” is a must-read folklore and fantasy-driven fairytale novel. The wealth of mythology the author adapted for this book and the way the author was able to utilize the narrative of Alice and Wonderland simultaneously to showcase a new way of exploring our perception of mental health overall allowed the reader to enjoy the journey Alice goes on and the emotional connection she forms to so many of the people of this magical land. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Having dived headlong down into his own personal rabbit hole after a career in communications and sustainability, David Stoneham is now pursuing a lifelong dream of writing fantasy. Rather like the heroine of this book, he finds himself drawn to the curious, the fantastic and the peculiar.

Following his first novel in 2018 – Alice Falls Again – David published the epic fantasy duology – Outcast and Havoc – in 2021 before completing Once upon a Wonderland in early 2023.

Although new to publishing his own fantasy works, back in the 1990s, David co-wrote a best-selling series of schoolbooks for English teachers and co-created a private anthology of short fiction, with foreword by Nicholas Negroponte and Arthur C Clarke. 

Born in London, David grew up on the south coast of England and after a few years in China, now lives in Finland.

For more information, follow the White Rabbit

email: david@communicado.fi

website: www.djstoneham.com 

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Once upon a Wonderland paperback on Amazon.com Once upon a Wonderland: Stoneham, DJ: 9789526506425: Amazon.com: Books

Divergence (The Immortals Book One) by Melanie P. Smith Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Six immortals must work together to confront a dangerous enemy in author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence”, the first book in The Immortals series. 

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The Synopsis 

Part Mortal, Part Divinity, Fully Devoted.

The gathering has begun. Six demigods embark on an epic journey of danger, mystical creatures, dark magic, and intrigue. When an ancient prophesy is triggered, the tale of six powerful immortals begins. Legend has it, the chosen six will triumph over evil and restore peace. But first, they must gather together and converge on the land where their parents were defeated. Time is running out, the Titans want revenge, and the future of the entire world is at stake.

Meet the immortals -The wiccan, the shifter, the Master of Water, the siren, the healer, the Reader of Minds. Their destiny awaits — if they accept their fate and unite to confront a dangerous enemy in the battle of a lifetime.  

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The Review

This was quite an epic and captivating fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel. The captivating imagery and steady buildup of tension early on in the novel help underscore the vastness of the mythos that the protagonists find themselves thrust into suddenly. The complex dynamics of the Greek gods and demigods, as well as the mythical creatures that inhabit the world and the infamous Titans, helped elevate the stakes that this narrative holds and added a great foil to the more modern era in which the setting takes place.

The core of this narrative had to be in the captivating character dynamics that this book brought to life. The friendship that is tested and highlighted in Zander and Beckett and the romance Beckett builds with another of the immortals are just a couple of the multitude of relationships that the narrative effortlessly brings together and engages with the reader. The emotional depth of the character’s backstories and the heightened tension that builds from those relationships helps drive the action and intensity of the novel’s plot tenfold.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and gripping, author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence” is a must-read fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel and a great first entry into The Immortals franchise. The twists and turns that keep the shocks and mythos alive on the page and the balance of adult storytelling in a fantasy-driven world of gods and monsters made this a complex yet inviting narrative that readers will want to get lost in for hours. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Melanie P. Smith was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has an Associates of Science degree in Marketing, a bachelor’s in Business Management, and a Masters Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Mediation.

Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.

Visit Melanie on her website at www.melaniepsmith.com

Find her on Facebook at https://geni.us/MPSFacebook

Instagram https://geni.us/MPSInstagram

YouTube https://geni.us/MPSmithYouTube

Eamon: Book 1 from Queen of the Flightless Dragons by Martha Carr Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman running a taco truck discovers a world of magick and dragons and must fight interdimensional demonic entities to save the world in author Martha Carr’s upcoming Kickstarter novel, “Eamon: Book 1 from Queen of the Flightless Dragons”.

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The Synopsis

A girl in a taco truck who finds some dragons & fights interdimensional demons in Austin, Texas.

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The Review

This was a unique opportunity for me as a reviewer, as not only is this book not released yet, it’s not even available for preorder yet. The author has an upcoming Kickstarter starting for this book, and let me just say, readers, are not going to want to miss out on their opportunity to support this book.

This book had everything that fans of urban fantasy, sci-fi, and epic fantasy could ever ask for. Dark magic assassins, inter-dimensional prison systems, family drama, and of course dragons. The rich mythology and world-building that the author built was so fun to read, as the author honed in on this wonderful balance of real-world settings and daily life with out-of-this-world fantasy storytelling and classic tropes in the genre like the hidden world within the world. 

For me, the heart of this book rested in the character development the author had and the rich mythology that was developed. The wit and charm of protagonist Willow and the family history and drama with her grandfather and mother were great to get lost in, as were the politics and drama within the magic community such as magical “borrowers” and the distrust that exists within their world. These seemingly small yet powerful character traits and moments made the larger-than-life threats and forces that they faced more connected for readers to enjoy.

The Verdict

If Guardians of the Galaxy or Star Wars were to mesh with The Magicians and The Witcher, you would be left with “Eamon: Book 1 of the Flightless Dragons” by Martha Carr. The twists and turns in the narrative and open-ended ending will have readers eager for more from the author and this new fantasy series, and the blend of humor and dark gritty magical storytelling made this a compelling read, so be sure to sign up for the upcoming Kickstarter for this amazing book and help support a brand new fantasy series you won’t be able to put down. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I started writing at 30 years old with a newborn and a fresh divorce. I had tried everything the way my family wanted me to do it – and I saw where that got me. I was a successful stockbroker who dreaded every day of work. I just couldn’t picture myself still in that chair at 60. Well… Here I am at 63 and boy, am I glad I walked away.


Sure, the money was tight for a long time but when I look back at the past 33 years here’s what I see: Stringer for the Washington Post, national columnist with 4 million readers a month, contributor to almost every major news outlet, co-creator of the Oriceran Universe, author of best-selling UF series, The Leira Chronicles – and now a newbie on Kickstarter with a great book. Like I said, this book is for all of us who find the courage to just be ourselves on any given day and want to make the most of it. Over and over again. More adventures to follow.

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https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marthacarr/eamon-book-1-from-queen-of-the-flightless-dragons

Flight of Fools by Sean Myers Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A ragtag group of adventurers must navigate their lives in the wake of a major loss in a world where fantasy meets political satire in author Sean Myers’s “Flight of Fools”. 

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The Synopsis

A political satire about escapism for a hyperpolarized America where politics determine facts. A fantasy about reality.

Brensin is back.

His eyes on the throne, he is joined by Masothelio, the wizard, Jin, the thief, Gullin, the bard, and Rainn. Together, they climb the mountain, evade the dragon, find the magical amulet, and come back just in time for Brensin’s assassination on page 9.

The others scramble.

Betrayed, Masothelio submerges himself in a new role, swimming against the current of the political tides.

Branded, Gullin struggles to make a life for himself once again.

Disadvantaged for so long, Jin helps her family out of poverty, only to learn that she cannot escape her reality.

Isolated, Rainn escapes into a make-believe world made just for him, where he can be happy and powerless.

Flight of Fools blurs the lines between what is fantasy and what is real. It pokes holes in the page until there is nothing left to keep the real world from seeping in, and nothing left to stop the ending from reaching out through the page to clutch your chest and squeeze.

The Review

The author did a remarkable job of infusing just enough satire and politics into the novel to counterbalance the equally outstanding world-building and fantasy elements of the story. The attention to detail the author paid to each scene really helped bring the setting to life, as each chapter felt very cinematic due to the gripping imagery used in writing. 

The perfect infusion of powerful themes and rich character development made this story shine brightly. The challenges the characters face throughout the novel begin immediately after the “epic quest” they start their journey ends in a shocking manner, and each character must navigate the world on their own terms and deal with the fallout of these events differently than the other. These paths they find themselves on lead to powerful themes of racism, political rhetoric, and the line between those in poverty and those with enough greed to amass wealth and power, all of which mirror our own world and the events that have led us to these moments in our own history.

The Verdict

Action-packed, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Sean Myers’s “Flight of Fools” is the perfect balance of fantasy and satire, as it not only delves into the fantasy genre perfectly but uses irony to show how mind-blowing and ridiculous our own world’s events have been in recent years to make us feel like we are all living in a messed up fantasy world. The twists and turns these characters are given and the way the story’s finale kind of trails off leaves readers wanting more, and yet reflects the fate of major players in our own world perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sean Myers was born in Connecticut in 1988. He graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of New Hampshire in 2010 and with a J.D. in human rights law from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. His writings have appeared in numerous places in print and online, including in the Cincinnati Enquirer, Ethical Traveler, and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. Flight of Fools is his first novel.

Sean works as a freelance legal writer. He lives in the Adirondacks with his dog, Marlowe.

https://seanmyersbooks.com/

Love’s Call by Fern Brady Review/Preview

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Two people from rival nations find themselves fighting against the growing attraction between them, but only one of them realizes they are fated to one another in author Fern Brady’s “Love’s Call”.

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The Synopsis

Denipia Leron, a beautiful young painter and visionary from the country of Usmerim, has just won the coveted Innovation Awards in the Arts. During her trip to the award ceremony, she learns that President Nichamir Linput of the enemy nation of Sorusvia is a primary patron and has expressed special interest in her. Fearful of what this could mean for her burgeoning company and artistic career, she vows to be polite, but keep the would-be dictator as far from her as she can.

Nichamir is used to getting what he wants, both personally and politically. Having saved his nation from a Calvernsin invasion, he believes himself justified in how he rules Sorusvia. In spite of the propaganda against him, Nichamir works hard to bring prosperity to his people. Yet the powerful ruler finds himself unprepared for his first meeting with the strong-willed and wary Denipia.

But Nichamir is not what he seems. He is dragonborn, a secret he has carefully hidden his whole life. He knows Denipia is his fated mate from the first moment he catches her scent. For Denipia, the strength of the attraction she feels for a man she should deeply despise is disconcerting, yet undeniable. She wants Nichamir as she has never wanted any other man.

Can Denipia risk giving her heart to this powerful man? Will Nichamir be able to win her trust? Can Love’s Call help them overcome the many obstacles in their path and forge the bond they seem destined to fulfill?

The Review

This was a well-written and captivating sci-fi meets fantasy read. The author did an excellent job of drawing the reader in with a heavy atmosphere of will they, won’t they passion and did an incredible job of building upon the enemies-to-lovers romance trope that kept the political and action elements of the novel elevated.

The heart of the narrative however was in the world-building and the character growth that the two protagonists went through. The mythos surrounding dragons and the dragon-born were incredible to read through, as were the political and sci-fi elements of the setting and world the author created. The tensions that arose from the protagonist’s dividing factions and the heat that sparked between them were engaging and heated as the novel progressed, and helped give the intrigue and suspense more weight.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, passionate, and entertaining, author Fern Brady’s “Love’s Call” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy romance novel of 2023 and a great way to begin the new year. The twists and turns in the two protagonist’s journey and the tension their opposing backgrounds bring to their possible romance will keep readers invested in the narrative until its climactic conclusion. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Fern Brady is the founder and CEO of Inklings Publishing. She holds multiple Masters degrees and several certifications. She began her professional life as a foreign correspondent, and taught for 15 years in Alief ISD. She has published numerous short stories, two children’s picture books, and a couple of poems. Her debut novel, United Vidden, which is book one in her Thyrein’s Galactic Wall Series, was given a glowing review by Dr. Who Online, the official site of the fandom. Also available for purchase is volume one of her graphic novel/novella hybrid project, New Beginning. She has returned to the leadership of the Houston Writers Guild, with whom she served as CEO for four years previously. She co-hosts on the popular podcast Author Talk. Besides being active in WIVLA (Women in the Visual and Literary Arts), she is also a member of Blood Over Texas, Romance Writers of America, and American Booksellers Association. Fern lives in Houston TX with her parents and her talkative husky, Arya. Follow Fern’s writing at: www.fernbrady.com

Allaigna’s Song: Chorale by J.M. Landels Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman must return home and prevent a war from erupting in author J.M. Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Chorale”.

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The Synopsis

The breathtaking conclusion to the Allaigna’s Song Trilogy

In the six years since Allaigna left home, killed her betrothed, and joined the Brandishear Rangers, she has hidden her family name and her ability to sing music into magic. Confronted with the dire implications of her grandfather’s exploration into long-forbidden arcana, Allaigna must swallow her pride and summon her courage to return home with the ashes of her cousin to prevent yet another war, or worse, an arcane catastrophe to rival that of the legendary Cataclysm.

Bonus content includes the novella Allaigna’s Song: Oburakor.

The Review

This was such a powerful and captivating story. The author once again did a fantastic job of world-building and fleshing out the mythos greatly for this world. The powerful and lyrical nature of the author’s writing style lent itself greatly to the magic and sorcery behind the protagonist’s particular gifts with music and song, and the imagery the author used in that writing allowed the reader to feel transported into this magical realm.

The heart of this narrative was the character development and complex relationships the protagonist made. The slippery slope the character was forced upon by the dangers facing her realm and the way she was forced to choose between her only remaining family and the needs of the people themselves of her kingdom was what really helped push her into the final leg of her heroic journey, one brought with danger and loss over the course of this series. The emotional weight of this third book and the way the author explored so many different generations of the women of this family and how life impacted their shared connection made this a memorable fantasy read.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and adventurous, author J.M. Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Chorale” is a must-read sword and sorcery fantasy read. The mythos and beauty of the magical realms of this narrative blend well into the more emotional and rich character evolutions we see perform here, and the twists and turns in the final pages of this book will have readers eager to have more adventures in this magical realm come to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

For the full series of sword fighter portraits, please visit http://www.markfeenstra.com/swordplay

JM Landels divides her professional time between writing, editing, drawing, and teaching people to swordfight from horseback. She has no hobbies, since they all tend to turn into professions.

http://jmlandels.stiffbunnies.com/

Thread of Souls: Asunder (Thread of Souls Book IV) by Scott & Ashley Roepel Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A researcher hoping to have a second chance at redemption finds herself thrust into a life or death adventure filled with dangerous secrets and powerful demonic portals that will rewrite the history of Corventos in authors Scott & Ashley Roepel’s “Asunder”, the fourth book in their acclaimed Thread of Souls fantasy series.

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The Synopsis

In the fourth book of this enchanting series, crystalmancer Jasita wants redemption. Shamed from losing the valuable fugitives Taliesin and Ruuda, her career aspirations are on the line. That all changes when she receives a message that her runaways have been re-captured. She finally has a chance to redeem herself before one of the most powerful people in all of Corventos, her boss, the Magistrate of the Citadel.

But things do not go as planned. Dangerous artifacts brought in with the prisoners wreak havoc on the once-orderly Citadel. Jasita is pulled from the safety of her office and thrust into a life-or-death adventure. A situation the clean and tidy researcher is not at all prepared for. On her journey she uncovers dangerous secrets, demonic portals, and a startling realization. That Taliesin and Ruuda are not just research subjects to her anymore, but companions. And what she has learned about them and their people will re-write Corventos history. That is, if they live long enough to tell it.

In the Thread of Souls “Spider Octology”, ten adventurers find themselves in a web of deadly secrets, warring cults, and untrusting alliances when they meet a cultist outcast seeking redemption. They must overcome their differences in order to stop a god from being freed from her prison.

Thread of Souls is an award-winning eight-book epic fantasy series based off a TTRPG campaign. These stories weave a world of deep history, cultures, and lore with a fascinating pantheon of good and evil gods. Adventure across the vast world of Corventos while diving right into the heart and soul of a diverse and colorful cast of characters whose passions, strengths, and failures drive the story.

Thread of Souls is a must-read fantasy epic that blends swords and sorcery, dragons and mythical creatures, and fully realized locations that take your breath away. From the desert wastelands of the Expanse, down the twisting caverns of the Deep Hollows, through the beautiful streets of the lakeside capital city, and all the way to the icy tundra home of the Citadel.

The books in Thread of Souls’ “Spider Octology” currently include:

Book 1 – Phantom Five

Book 2 – Ash & Thunder

Book 3 – Path of the Spiders

Book 4 – Asunder

Book 5 – Coming 2023

And more to come!

The Review

The thing I love most about this series is the sheer volume of world-building the authors have done. The exploration of this realm of Corventos felt so rich and alive on the page, bringing the settings to life effortlessly through dynamic imagery being used in the writing style the authors utilized. The tension in the atmosphere of this narrative helped flesh out the mythos thoroughly. 

Yet as with many of these books in the series, the heart of the narrative rested in the character’s relationships with one another and their evolution as a group. The way the group is pulled into this book’s adventure through harrowing circumstances, and how they navigate the new areas of exploration in this world add more levels to each of their character growths, and the emotional journey they go on together as they face even more shocking threats to their mission made this such a well-rounded journey in the series.

The Verdict

Haunting, action-packed, and entertaining, authors Scott & Ashley Roepel’s “Asunder” is a fantastic entry in the Thread of Souls universe and an engaging story overall. The shocking twists and turns this story takes, including the heartbreaking loss of an OG character, keep the reader invested in this narrative and the reader gasping as the shock of the loss sets in, making the reader eager for the next entry into this magical series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Scott and Ashley Roepel are a husband and wife team of writers, creators, and travelers. They are co-founders of Tal & Ru Travels LLC which is focused on entertaining and engaging content. Deep lovers of fantasy, the two of them are avid D&D players and content creators.

https://threadofsouls.com/