#Blogtour Storm Flower by Keegan and Tristen Kozinski

 It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Storm Flower by Keegan and Tristen Kozinski. Published by Crazy House Publishing, pub date 5 September 2000. Tour courtesy of Zooloo's Book Blog Tours.

About the Author

Keegan and Tristen Kozinski, and their two sisters, were homeschooled. They were encouraged to try many things, but not television, online gaming, social media, and the other various technology devices. Their mother read aloud to all of them extensively and encouraged them to read, read, read, and then read some more.  They played family boardgames at least one day a week, (playing board games with the family is still one of their favorite things to do) occasionally went to the movies, spent hours at book stores just reading, they hiked, travelled, swam, tried a variety of sports even camping, but nobody really liked it.

Keegan spent hours building k-nex, but never got into legos. He has taken online drawing classes with Glenn Vilppu and CGMA academy.

Tristen is a very hands-off beekeeper. He began playing chess while living in Mexico, and for a number of years played weekly and attended local competitions, but has since switched to other interests. As with all good education, writing is essential. They were given their fair share of opportunities to write.

They decided to become writers after a homeschool writing assignment. That assignment eventually became their first book: THE DARKNESS THAT SLEPT.  We started it at the age of thirteen—it took years to finish. We have since published a few short stories, and two other novels: THE CITY OF LOCKED DOORS, and STORMFLOWER.

They live in northern Alabama and work a real job to pay the bills. When they’re not working or writing or drawing, they enjoy boardgames and online gaming, live theater, listening to soundtracks, walking to discuss ideas, and reading.       They are not particularly fond of social media.

Tristen writes reviews for books he reads/listens to and posts them on Adventuresome Book Reviews. Keegan has done all the cover art for their books. If you would like for them to review a book contact them. Follow @TristenKozinski Visit kozinskibooks.com

About the book

THEY call and some hear.

On the ocean world Charybdis, two orphans were searching. When the corportacracy found them, they said they had no memory of their family —they lied.

Jade and Ilin Dieza were taken, raised to kill the inter-dimensional monstrosities known as revenants. They excelled at it until quiet PLANS and madness tore open a gate between dimensions and unleashed a tide of revenants. Amidst the slaughter, Ilin was dragged through to the other side of existence. Jade followed.

She returned minutes later, years older, bent under the weight of her brother’s body. Now Jade lives as a recluse, haunted by secrets, grief, and guilt. Utterly exhausted, all she wants to do is rest.

Except, a revenant speaks to her, an unnatural plague is spreading, and a friend speaks of an alien compulsion he doesn’t understand. One he must never explore, lest all that lies hidden drags him below. Thus, the second PLAN has begun, and the madness that corrupted the first has worsened.

Review

I'd like to just start off by saying that a Revenant is one thing, but one with humanoid faces and limbs at the end of whatever they use to move around (often in multiples) is just a tad much - a literal nightmare. Something about the imagery makes the thought of them even worse, perhaps not as much as having a unexpected convo with one though. That's just a whole other level.

Jade barely swims above the surface of the grief she carries around with her. The flashbacks, the memories, the fear and the guilt. Now and again a sliver opens up and she is overwhelmed by what haunts her soul. On the flip side is the Jade who answers the call and fights the unpredictable, ruthless and always voracious revenants.

It's a cracking read. A smorgasbord of sci-fi meets speculative fiction brimming with the zesty rebellious vibe of Cyberpunk plus a dab of fantastical world-building. The kind of read that connects the moral fibre of humanity, threads empathy with the fraught emptiness of civilisation built on fear, control and violence.

The question is where does Jade go from here. The choices are limited and confine her ability to live a life less on the edge. The oppression makes her heart weep, but her soul burns with rage.

Buy StormFlower at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Crazy House Publishing, pub date 5 Sept. 2000. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour The Burial Witch by Cari Thomas

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Burial Witch; a Threadneedle Novella by Cari Thomas, published by Harper Voyager 5th of June 2025.

If you've read Threadneedle and Shadowstitch, The Burial Witch fits between the two previous books, along with The Hedge Witch - it's novella length.

About the Author

Cari Thomas has always loved magic, inspired by her upbringing among the woods and myths of Wales’s Wye Valley. She studied English and Creative Writing at Warwick University and Magazine Journalism at The Cardiff School of Journalism. Her first job was at teen Sugar magazine, where she ran the book club and quickly realised she wanted to be the one writing the books instead. 

She went on to work at a creative agency, spending her spare time researching magic and accumulating an unusual collection of occult books. She wrote her first novel, Threadneedle, while living in London, wandering the city and weaving it with all the magic she wished it contained. She now lives in Monmouthshire with her husband and son, who bears the appropriately Celtic name of Taliesin. Follow @carithomas_auth on X

About the book

“The unopenable box. A mythical object that appears in fairy tales and folklore across all cultures around the world. Sometimes the box can only be opened by the right person at the right time, such a rightful heir, and in other tales it is considered a warning. A test given to the protagonist who are typically forbidden from opening the box. When they eventually succumb, what they unleash cannot be put back in.”

We follow Miranda Richardson, a highly strung, highly driven member of the covens who discovers a mysterious, unopenable box in her parent’s loft.

Taking place between events in Threadneedle and Shadowstitch, this is a perfect magical read for fans of the series, collectors and all dreamers.

Review 

The Language of Magic world has been opened up to include novellas, which allows both author and reader to experience characters individually. The magical worldbuilding began with the popular Threadneedle book. In a way it reflects the hive of magic, the coven and the connections, whether they be great or small, and how the entirety can be explored even when following the smallest link.

I love that aspect of the series, and that it is written with an emphasis on younger readers, yet also leaves space for the older readers who enjoy a great magical yarn.

In this novella length story we learn more about Miranda and her struggle to align the magical secrets she encounters with the devout rigidity of the religious dogma she and her family follow. The imbalance and anxiety she experiences when the taught evil reveals itself as something curious and non-threatening. It makes her question herself, what she believes and the family history.

I found that core element interesting, however the short read is heavily laden with preachy pious dialogue and interactions. The magic was never given a chance to emerge, shine and enchant. Instead it's an angsty, dark, fearful chapter in an otherwise adventure laden magical series. I won't even start with the other aspects of Miranda's arc that could have been written in a better way.

For me this was a case of 'what it says on the box doesn't reflect actual contents of said box' and perhaps what it said on the box is was what it should have been. Not sure how this has passed editorial - just from a worldbuilding, plot and character arc perspective - and the sensitivity reading, without setting off a few alarm bells.

I'd go as far as to say, whilst I have highly recommended the previous Threadneedle - The Language of Magic books and adventures, including buying them for younger readers as gifts, I would hesitate to recommend this one. 

The cover art and design of this book series is par excellence though - they are beautiful, they would look great in a clothbound version.

Buy The Burial Witch at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HarperVoyager; pub date 5th June 2025. Buy at Amazon.com.

#Blogtour The Half King by Melissa Landers

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Half King by Melissa Landers.

About the Author

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn't afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public — just ask her embarrassed kids.

She lives in Cincinnati Ohio, where she writes romantic fantasy and science fiction adventures for the young at heart. Follow @Melissa_Landers on X

About the book

In a world where birth order determines your fate, what if everything you believed about yourself was a lie?

Like all second-born daughters of the realm, Cerise Solon has never ventured beyond the temple grounds where she lives in service to the goddess. But unlike her peers, Cerise is a complete failure as an oracle. Her inability to foretell a single tragedy has brought shame upon her family, something she sees reflected in their eyes during their rare visits. Everything changes when the head seer offers Cerise an opportunity to serve the Half King—a young man who rules by day and turns to shadow at sunset.

As a firstborn son, the king bears his bloodline’s curse, destined to vanish completely upon his twenty-first birthday. While searching for a way to restore him, Cerise finds a kindred spirit in the mysterious young ruler, and with his help discovers a startling revelation about herself that unlocks a powerful set of gifts. But the truth comes with a price. For she is no oracle, but instead the product of a union so forbidden its discovery would sentence her to death.

Despite her tainted origins, Cerise might be the key to restoring order to the land and saving the man she’s quickly growing to love...if she can outlive those sworn to destroy her.

Review

This one had me hooked pretty fast, I am sucker for a bit of magic and extensive world-building. I can live without the obnoxious love interest and inevitable breathlessness, and must have romantasy element of a lot of the popular books in said genre at the moment, but a gritty little power and magic plot is always a pull.

It definitely has more of a pull towards the YA end, rather than adult, although how one accidentally discovers ones magic leans perhaps a little more towards the latter. The children of nobility forced to carry the punishment of past generations. The Great Betrayal has laid the paths for the destruction of some born first to families, the isolation of others, and often a great burden to the majority of them.

The second-born appear to have it a little easier, case in point is Cerise Solon. Although one could argue that the fact the ability of Seer she is supposed to possess has in fact never manifested in any way shape or form. Pretty much useless, and yet suddenly she is ordered to serve the Half-King. Once there the young man with one foot in the world of shadows and the other foot in a world spent fighting the impulse to be self-destructive, well he becomes a pivotal part of her story. A story full of secrets and unknown power.

It's an interesting and entertaining read, one that delivers a solid beginning for a series that promises to draw readers in.

Buy The Half King at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bantam; pub date 21st November 2024 | Hardback | £16.99. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

About the Author

Jennifer L. Armentrout is a No. 1 New York Times and international bestselling author and lives in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching bad zombie movies, pretending to write and hanging out with her husband and her small menagerie. This includes her Border Collie, Artemis, and her Border Jack, Apollo. Also six judgmental alpacas, two rude goats and five fluffy sheep.

In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting, among other complications, in vision loss. Since this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become another passion for her – right alongside writing, which she plans to do for as long as she can. Jennifer has been nominated for and won numerous awards for her young adult and adult fiction.

About the book

She lives by her intuition. He feeds on her pleasure.

Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he'll be her doom.

When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.

Calista must follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.

Review

Calista distributes her talent, her intuitions and what she can 'see' in a way that can be described as constructive to some and perhaps less hurtful to others. Sometimes it's better not to tell the person asking everything she knows is coming. In a way Calista also does this to herself. She knows what the future holds for herself, but is perhaps unwilling to fall into the trap of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

There couldn't be a better way to describe her situationship with Thorne. Is it a case of replacing one arrangement of necessity for another, and both are have a relationship core of lack of power and definitely a level of inequality.

I'm not sure whether this book declares the allegiance of Awakening very clearly. It is sometimes high-fantasy, romance and then romantacy. It is a mixture that doesn't allow for a clear definition and makes it feel a bit like a unreliable narrator who leans towards a long nip of moonshine now and again, whilst conjuring up moments of reckless and breathless abandonment. Then filtered into the story is the intricate world and character building - there are plenty of speculations where certain arcs could be heading, can't wait - which tends to speak more to high fantasy. Instead of pick a lane, I'm like buckle up and let's see where this is headed.

This author always has a nod to the early days of urban supernatural fantasy flair, and yet also manages to deliver to newer sub-genre readers that are hungry for sustenance. Not an easy task, probably falls under many a critical eye, but a great read nevertheless. Looking forward to reading where this heads next.

Buy Fall of Ruin and Wrath at Amazon uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Tor; pub date 14 Sept. 2023. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Dissonance of Bird Song by Alexandra Beaumont

It's my turn on the Blogtour Dissonance of Bird Song by Alexandra Beaumont.

About the Author

Alexandra Beaumont is a British fantasy novelist with a passion for folklore, playing musical instruments and exploring the wilds of the UK. She has a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, specialising in gothic literature, and her lyrical books weave together myth, magic and intrigue. Connect with Alexandra Beaumont via @ABeaumontWriter on X, @ABeaumontWriter on Instagram, ABeaumontWrites on Facebook or visit abeaumont75.wixsite.com/home

About the book

In the storm-riven wilds of ancient Cornwall the sea's whisper will charm us all.

Dissonance of Bird Song is the folkloric-fantasy tale of Eseld, a song-weaver fleeing her home to cure the sacred birds of her people and save her sister. Locked between the lies of land-dwellers and the snare of an ancient sea queen, Eseld must fight to find her own path. 

Amidst a storm of betrayal and heartbreak, what will Eseld sacrifice to save the ones she loves?

Review

Beaumont is an author to watch. The way myth, folklore, culture and landscape are woven together with a tightly knitted blanket of prose. The creativity of ideas and bold use of said ideas in the midst of an ever evolving narrative and strong characters, makes it a treat to emerge yourself into as a reader.

Eseld holds power - wielded at times, but always with a lack of knowledge of presence. As we begin the story there is merely the picture of young innocent person with a strong will to survive and save her friends, loved ones and the people who are equally reliant on the healthy birds. Birds that are life, are the essence of life for a whole community. Without them they are doomed to die, go mad or be delegated to forced labour.

Eseld is determined to find out why the birds are going missing, and the remaining ones are becoming so ill they are unable to sustain the people they are connected to. Now that in itself sounds like a fascinating plot, but it's actually just the tip of the iceberg.

I was particularly fascinated by the myst, the birds and the way the two determine the survival of Eseld and her people. The concept leans into magical realism, mists of folklore with a cemented core in fantasy. I wonder if the world will be revisited at some point?

I highly recommend this read.

Buy Dissonance of Bird Song at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com. Buy via Brigids Gate Press.

#Blogtour The Stranger's Door To Talliston by John Tarrow

It's a pleasure to revisit the world of Talliston and take part in the Blogtour The Stranger's Door to Talliston by John Tarrow.

The Stranger's Door To Talliston is a YA fantasy adventure set in Britain's most extraordinary home: Talliston House & Gardens. It is both sequel & prequel to The Stranger’s Guide To Talliston (2019) & Letters From The Labyrinth (2020) books.

About the Author

John Tarrow is a storyteller, poet, shaman, award-winning author and creator of Britain’s most extraordinary home; Talliston House & Gardens. The Stranger's Door To Talliston Buy: mybook.to/TheStrangersDoor More info: John Tarrow - linktr.ee/JohnTarrow

About the book

It is Twelfth Night 1590 and thirteen-year-old Bríane races to save her grandmother from execution for crimes of witchcraft. Only one thing can prove her innocence; a magical grimoire owned by the town’s dark and sinister lord. In the attempt the girl loses the precious book at a crossroad of all worlds called The Forest of Doors. Can she locate the spell book in time to save Old Mother Moore from her terrible fate? Or will she fall victim to the wood’s dark and dangerous puzzle of doors and rooms?

Both sequel and prequel to The Stranger’s Guide To Talliston, this new story revisits many of the original thirteen locations but in entirely different moments – plus adds two dozen new rooms in its extraordinary expanded universe. Starting in Elizabethan Essex, The Stranger’s Door To Talliston goes deeper into the mysteries, adventures and heroes battling to save the last magical places on Earth.

The house - The novel is inspired by and set inside a unique and amazing house and gardens. Talliston was a 25-year project that took the UK’s most ordinary house and transformed it, room by room, by ordinary people on an ordinary budget, into Britain’s Most Extraordinary Home. 

Starting as a three-bedroomed, semi-detached, ex-council house in Essex, today not a single square centimetre of the original house remains. In its place is an extraordinary labyrinth of locations, each set in different times and places.

Review

At a time when the oppression and subjugation of girls and women are at the forefront of the majority of political, religious and social agendas, witchcraft seems like the obvious place to go. At the heart of this tale is Briane trying desperately to save her grandmother from the accusation of witchcraft and planned execution because of said accusation.

Being bold enough to steal the solution means she is in the crosshairs of accusations and threats levelled against her, and when she loses the grimoire that holds the solution to her problems, there begins  a journey of confusion and desperation.

I'm going to go back to something I said about the Stranger's Guide to Talliston - It's an intricate, fascinating and ambitious YA fantasy. I can understand wanting everything in one story or book, however the sheer magnitude of ideas and worlds probably needed more depth and page space. A series of books perhaps or this one and then a series of books with a focus on a different area each time. - And although this one has more of main character at the core with the worlds revolving around her as she is hurtled to and fro - the point remains the same.

It offers such a wide range of context, concepts, worlds and forever intertwining thoughts and ideas, that it sometimes feels like riding a complex rollercoaster with spontaneous destination stops - and yet they are all connected. It's a book and series I would recommend to older teens, advanced fantasy buffs, then again it is also the kind of book that has the ability to create a lover of complex plots. 

I'm intrigued to see where Tarrow will take the Chronicles next and remain intrigued by Talliston - the amazing house a visual concept and inspiration to art and soul.

Buy The Stranger's Door To Talliston at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd; pub date 25 Sept. 2024. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher, this is book 1 in the Elemental Emergence series.

About the Author

Paranormal & fantasy romance author Aurora Ascher loves misunderstood mythical monsters, redeemable anti-heroes, and epic happily-ever-afters.

A woman of many creative pursuits, Aurora is also a professional musician and visual artist. She currently resides in Montreal with her trusty espresso machine and her endlessly patient husband, whom she sometimes doesn't see for hours until she emerges from her writing cave like a bear in springtime.

About the book

Enter the circus at your own risk… and discover the greatest show on earth in this explosive and darkly magical fantasy novel.

For humans, the circus is a place filled with wonder and amazement. For Harrow, it's a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. Disguising her abilities as part of her act has kept her true identity safe for years. Until he arrives.

A strange new attraction with no name, no memory of who – or even what – he is, let alone an explanation for his odd yet deadly powers. But beneath the layers of anger and isolation, one glimpse into his inky eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in her own. And so, she chooses him.

Harrow is drawn to the darkness, to her insatiable need to soothe the beast who threatens their very existence. But with every secret she unlocks from his past, another from hers is revealed – luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she's afraid she's given them the perfect weapon against her because he's not what he seems.

But maybe it's time they finally learn neither is she…

Review

I loved the idea of oddities and on-show being a feared, forbidden and yet similar entity to the human element. You fear the difference, love the sameness, The divide creates an insurmountable wall between the two fractions. The negativity they receive both cements the feeling of being other and widens the divide.

It's a fascinating work of fantasy with main characters often walking both sides of the light and darkness. That is especially evident in the beginning when Harrow senses impending doom, when Salizar appears to be both a strong leader and a man who caters for the thirsty public, and of course Raith who may or may not be darkness personified.

Looking forward to seeing where this one goes. The intricate world-building is built upon a bed of ruthless rivalry and war, which has split into rivets of separation and mistrust. Somewhere behind the ever shifting construction of the circus is a spark of hope, and danger.

I hope that this constant moving variable of past and present remains a part of the story. The way it impacts the characters, their interactions and their stories.

Buy Sanctuary of the Shadow at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publication: pub date28th March 2024 | Hardback | Bantam | £18.99 retailer. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour The Jaguar Path by Anna Stephens

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Jaguar Path by Anna Stephens - Book Two of the new epic fantasy trilogy The Songs of the Drowned by the acclaimed author of Godblind.

About the Author

Anna Stephens has worked in a variety of roles over the years, the latest being in marketing and communications for an international law firm. She's currently living the dream as a full-time writer and hopes never to have to get a proper job again.

Anna loves all things speculative and horrifying from books to film to TV, and is a second Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate, as well as a keen weightlifter and beginner swordfighter. Visit anna-stephens.com

About the book

The Empire of Songs reigns supreme. Across all the lands of Ixachipan, its hypnotic, magical music sounds. Those who battled against the Empire have been enslaved and dispersed, taken far from their friends and their homes.

In the Singing City, Xessa must fight for the entertainment of her captors. Lilla and thousands of warriors are trained to serve as weapons for their enemies. And Tayan is trapped at the heart of the Empire's power and magic, where the ruthless Enet's ambition is ever growing.

Each of them harbours a secret hope, waiting for a chance to strike at the Empire from within. But first they must overcome their own desires. Power can seduce as well as crush. And, in exchange for their loyalty, the Empire promises much.

Review

Although this can be read as a standalone, in my opinion, I would highly recommend reading the first in the series to get the entire gist of the story. 

I was intrigued by the concept of the Singer's Song, the way melody and sound are used as a tool to control the masses. It's not done in a linear way either, depending on what those in control want from those susceptible to the melody it can release a multitude of reactions. Case in point the way Lilla is influenced and driven in certain directions, the emotional state driven and fuelled constantly to achieve maximum reaction.

It was interesting how the author gave this second book in the trilogy a slightly different atmospheric feel to it. This was much smaller space and environment driven, whereas book one was about reigning the characters in to the positions of servitude and under the control of others. The difference is most notable when it comes to the brutal combat scenes, especially in the pit. The reader can almost taste the emotional turmoil.

It will be fascinating to see the culmination of the series and how the author will approach the worldbuilding as the characters evolve. It's incredible complex worldbuilding underpinned by an intense battle and combat element, which delivers an absorbing read.

Buy The Jaguar Path at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Harper Voyager: pub date 16 February 2023│HB │ EB │EA. Buy at Amazon com. Buy via Harper Collins Uk.

#Blogtour Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao

It's my turn on the Blogtour Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao. The first in the Song of the Last Kingdom

About the Author

Amélie (yes, like the movie!) has adored putting pen to paper since she was in kindergarten. Born in Paris and raised in a multicultural community in Beijing, Amélie has a bone-deep love for traveling and immersing herself in new worlds and cultures. She lives in New York City, working as a full-time financial professional by day, and writer at night.

She hopes to empower young readers with messages of acceptance, strength, and courage through her works, and to continue to push the boundaries of young adult literature by exploring new, cross-cultural themes. Follow @ameliewenzhao on Twitter, Visit ameliezhao.com 

About the book

Once, Lan had a different name. Now, she goes by the one the Elantian colonizers gave her when they invaded her kingdom, killed her mother, and outlawed her people’s magic. She spends her nights as a songgirl in Haak’gong, a city transformed by the conquerors, and spends her days scavenging for remnants of the past. For anything that might help her understand the strange mark burned into her arm by her mother, in her last act before she died.

No one can see the mysterious mark, an untranslatable Hin character, except Lan. Until the night a boy appears at the teahouse and saves her life. Zen is a practitioner – one of the fabled magicians of the Last Kingdom, whose abilities were rumoured to be drawn from the demons they communed with. Magic believed to be long lost. Magic to be hidden from the Elantians at all costs.

Both Lan and Zen have secrets buried deep within. Fate has connected them, but their destiny remains unwritten. Both hold the power to liberate their land. And both hold the power to destroy the world

Review

This is the first book in the Song of the Last Kingdom series and it's a humdinger of a read. Nuanced, intricate and if read with enough context that has seeped into the fabric of the story and the characters it becomes an extravaganza.

The theme of colonisation is ingrained in this story of magic and demons. The way cultures, societies and people lose their entire identity when they are consumed whole by oppressors. Lan knows what it's like to hide in plain sight, whilst the power of the oppressors squeezes the life and soul out of everyone and everything that doesn't conform. It's poignant, beautifully plotted and written.

Personally I don't think Lan needs a romance to be character she was intended to be. Lan can grow, evolve and lead without the necessity of what some may consider a core must when the majority of readers will lean towards YA. Deliver Lan as the strong character they are and will continue to be going forward with a bit of Zen on the side. Taking this a slight step away from the constraints of YA and deeper into higher fantasy will probably take this series and the author up a notch.

I do think it's important to step away from fantasy aspect for a second, then re-enter the worldbuilding of this story from a historical and mythological angle, and envelop yourself with the fantasy weaving the elements together. It's a way to give the complex worldbuilding the justice it deserves - aside from that the author is cracking writer. I loved it and can't wait for the next in the series.

Buy Song of Silver, Flame Like Night at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Harper Voyager: pub date 2 February 2023│HB│EB│EA. Buy at Amazon com. Buy via Harper Collins.

#BlogTour Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menagerie by Sharn W. Hutton

 It's my turn on the Blogtour Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menagerie by Sharn W. Hutton. This is the second book in The Adventures of Phyllo Cane series, the first book is Phyllo Cane and the Circus of Wonder.

About the Author

Sharn W. Hutton is the author of The Adventures of Phyllo Cane series, the first of which, Phyllo Cane and the Circus of Wonder, was hailed by the judging panel of The Booklife Prize to be ‘dizzyingly bewitching, articulate and intoxicating.’ The next adventure, Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menagerie, is set for release July 31st 2022.

Prior to this foray into the realms of upper middle grade/YA magical fantasy, Sharn wrote cozy mystery based around the irrepressible Angel Drake, in Angel Drake is Going Solo and the short story, Nothing Ventured. Her first novel, It’s Killing Jerry, was a standalone mystery.

Based in Bushey, Hertfordshire, Sharn works from home in the tiny office at the back of the house, which makes up for what it lacks in size and warmth with a rather nice view of the garden. When she isn’t hitting the keyboard (laptop, not piano) she does enjoy a trip to the theatre or cinema and pretends to use the very expensive exercise machine rusting in the summerhouse.

One day she plans to also learn how to play the piano. Visit sharnhutton.com, Follow @sharnious on Instagram

About the book

Magically magnificent, fantastic and ferocious at least, that’s what you’d expect of a fire-breathing dragon. But what if yours won’t come out of its pen to perform? What if the Ringmaster thinks it’s worth more in the apothecary chop-shop than as part of the troupe?

The Beast Whisperer of the Circus of Wonder must bring her beloved dragon back up to its performing peak fast, if she’s to save it, and she thinks she knows what to do.

The unhappy creature needs a mate, but the male sand dragon is a rare beast indeed, and she’ll never be able to catch one alone.

Time for Phyllo to become the Beast Whisperer’s apprentice… Join Phyllo on his next apprenticeship with the Circus of Wonder - a brand new adventure with the fantastic beasts of the Magical Menagerie and a race against time to save their lonely dragon from destruction.

Review

This is the second book in the Phyllo Cane series, and although both books can be read separately, I would recommend reading the first to get the gist of the story. It's also a good read. 

Phyllo still hasn't found his place in the Circus as we start this book, unfortunately he thinks he has returned home to perhaps take a place in their small unit. Instead, the Ringmaster wants him to continue on his quest to find the right apprenticeship and finding the right one will also determine whether he can stay near his family. It's a way to finetune or simply find his own talents and his place in the world of magic.

It's a story both younger (10 plus) and older readers will enjoy. Filled with magic, wonderfully strange creatures and a circus community that is family in its own strange way. It's a series with plenty of potential, partly because Phyllo hasn't quite found his own particular corner and talent yet. And of course, the last sentence of this book is not only a cliff-hanger of sorts - it also promises another great read. 

It's also the kind of book that speaks to the spark of wonder and imagination we carry within us - worlds full of magic, hidden treasures, and darkened corners full of mystery and surprises. Just the right kind of read to create a lifelong reader. Looking forward to more adventures with Phyllo, and of course seeing where his path leads him, although I have a certain suspicion that his journey of Jack of all trades will culminate in a very specific path.

Buy Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menagerie at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: ‎Star City Press pub date 31 July 2022. Buy at Amazon com.

Amazon International Booklink to Phyllo Cane and the Magical Menagerie: mybook.to/PCATMagicalMenagerie

Amazon International Booklink to Series page: mybook.to/PhylloCane - Current Kindle price: £3.99 - Current Paperback price: £9.99

#Blogtour Valen and the Beasts by G. J. Kemp

 It's my turn on the Blogtour Valen and the Beasts: A Juno and the Lady Novella by G. J. Kemp.

About the Author

A nomad at heart, GJ has lived in nine countries across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. His career has included working as a Divemaster in The Red Sea, a zookeeper in Israel, and a proofreader in Sweden.

Born with cerebral palsy, GJ has spent a lifetime trying to tie his shoelaces while standing up in the hope of not falling over. It is a constant challenge, but sometimes he occasionally succeeds.

Finding the love for writing later in life, GJ spends most of his free time going for walks and dreaming of story ideas. He hopes to one day have a small place on the oceanfront where he can walk his dogs on the beach. Follow @kemp_gj on Twitter, Visit gjkemp.co.uk

About the book

Valen plucked the glass box off the shelf and gently placed it on his desk. Inside, a set of handcrafted metal circles linked to form the body of his new beast. He closed his eyes and dreamed of the Fairacre residents buying his latest creations.

A commotion outside Valen’s shop brings him back to the present. The Captain has caught the leader of the sewer rats and is parading her in front of Fairacre residents. Her fate will be determined by the townsfolk’s demands. - Valen steps in to defend the leader.

A story of discovery, hope and courage, Valen and the Beasts is a journey of an outsider risking everything to stand up for the people he loves. Will Valen save the leader of the sewer rats? Will he show everyone his secret? Or will he buckle under the pressures of the old conventions? 

Review

This is a novella, and is part of the Juno and The Lady story. I would recommend reading book one to be able to get the gist of the story, this is just a mere glimpse through the keyhole at the universe the author has created.

This short journey in the world the Acre the reader follows Valen, a man who has secrets and likes to stay low-key because of it. At the same time he is also a valiant fighter for what is right and wrong, especially when it comes to the people the world treats like a garbage. In this story he has to make a choice between protecting himself, protecting others or something somewhere in the middle.

I think the dialogue could be a little less he said, she said - it needs more depth and higher level of complexity from a language perspective. This is YA leaning towards MG - young readers can handle it, they don't need the soft approach. Saying all that, this is absolutely a series with lots of potential and one that readers of all ages will enjoy.

I have to admit this novella wasn't enough of an hors d'oeuvre for me - I will be reading book one very soon. I hope to read more by this author in the future.

Buy Valen and the Beasts at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎TB5 Publishing; pub date 17 May 2022. Buy via gjkemp.co.uk.

#BlogTour The Heron Kings' Flight by Eric Lewis

It's my turn on the BlogTour The Heron Kings' Flight by Eric Lewis.

About the Author

Eric Lewis' debut novel, The Heron Kings, is a grimdark adventure exploring rebellion and the dangers of obsessive revenge. Avoiding the monsters and magic common to high fantasy, the monsters here are all too human, and extraordinary groups of ordinary people can make their own kind of magic when they've finally had enough. The Heron Kings' Flight is the second book in the series.

Eric has also written several works of speculative short fiction published in various venues including Nature, Cossmass Infinities, Electric Spec, Bards & Sages Quarterly, as well as the anthology Crash Code, the short story collection Tricks of the Blade, and others detailed at ericlewis.ink. Follow @TheHeronKing on Twitter

About the book

The Heron Kings have been betrayed. A century after their formation from a gang of desperate peasant insurgents, the shadowy band of forest rangers suffers a rare defeat when a skirmish turns into a bloody ambush. Their shaky truce with the crown is tested as young members Linet and Aerrus work to track down their enemies. When reluctant peacetime soldier Eyvind reveals a conspiracy to welcome the charismatic invader Phynagoras, the trio must convince a weak king and pitifully few allies to stand against the storm.

Their only hope lies in the forgotten tactics of their own guerrilla past, and a terrifying new alchemical weapon the likes of which the world had never imagined. The only question is which side will be destroyed by it first...

Review

This is the second book in the Heron Kings' series, although this can absolutely be read as a standalone book, I would highly recommend reading the first one.

There is massive twist at the end of the book, so I shall tread carefully with as little info as possible, whilst simultaneously trying to do the book justice. It's a heck of a ride, an intricate plot with plenty of room to expand further with more books.

When Aerrus returns from his duties alone and without the rest of his faithful companions and fierce fighters he enlists the first person he encounters to return to get a bit of blood and revenge. Linet and Aerrus stumble upon something that points towards betrayal and a sense of impending doom. Their hidden community is at risk - the question is who is behind the insidious attack and why, the real question is why.

I think it's fair to say the author is willing to pull out the big guns to keep readers captivated and coming back. Just a wee bit ruthless, but effective. I look forward to seeing where this series goes next - it has to, you can't just leave a reader hanging after such a tumultuous read.

Buy The Heron Kings' Flight at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Flame Tree Press,  pub date 17 May 2022. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Flame Tree Press.

#BlogTour The Girl and the Moon by Mark Lawrence

It's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour The Girl and the Moon by Mark Lawrence.

'The final Book in the stellar new series from bestselling fantasy author of Prince of Thorns and Red Sister, Mark Lawrence.'

About the Author

Mark Lawrence was born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to British parents but moved to the UK at the age of one. He went back to the US after taking a PhD in mathematics at Imperial College to work on a variety of research projects including the ‘Star Wars’ missile defence programme. Returning to the UK, he has worked mainly on image processing and decision/reasoning theory. He says he never had any ambition to be a writer so was very surprised when a half-hearted attempt to find an agent turned into a global publishing deal overnight. 

His first trilogy, The Broken Empire, has been universally acclaimed as a ground-breaking work of fantasy, and both The Liar’s Key and The Wheel of Osheim have won the Gemmell Legend award for best fantasy novel. Mark is married, with four children, and lives in Bristol. Follow @Mark__Lawrence on Twitter

About the book

The fate of the world hangs from the Moon. The green world overwhelms all of Yaz’s expectations. Everything seems different but some things remain the same: her old enemies are still bent on her destruction.

The Corridor abounds with plenty and unsuspected danger. To stand a chance against the eyeless priest, Eular, and the god-like city-mind, Seus, Yaz will need to learn fast and make new friends.

The Convent of Sweet Mercy, like the Corridor itself, is packed with peril and opportunity. Yaz needs the nuns’ help – but first they want to execute her.

The fate of everyone squeezed between the Corridor’s vast walls, and ultimately the fate of those labouring to survive out on ice itself, hangs from the moon, and the battle to save the moon centres on the Ark of the Missing, buried beneath the emperor’s palace. Everyone wants Yaz to be the key that will open the Ark – the one the wise have sought for generations. But sometimes wanting isn’t enough.

Review

After the first few chapters I knew I would have to go back to the beginning of this trilogy and experience the entirety of the premise and intricate worldbuilding. Saying that, this can absolutely be read as a standalone, and the author has added a short four page - the story so far - recap, for readers  who are new to the series.

I have to say kudos at this point because it's not a simple task to condense such a mammoth fantasy concept, and the characters, into a short pitch. The kind of recap you can understand and helps a reader to jump right in at the deep end of the third Book of Ice.

Aside from the complexity of the plot, which is a superbly layered sweetmeat of fantasy, origin, myth, science and great writing, there also a nice wee exploration of the area between right and wrong. Where rules pave the directions of the roads societies walk upon, there will always be cracks and areas in between.

And who determines whether those who wander within those areas off the beaten path are rebels, outlaws or indeed the hero in the story? Are the helpful gestures made in an attempt to interfere or support - looking straight at the Convent of Sweet Mercy.

I'm not sure a review can do the plot justice without giving something pivotal away. Every interaction pushes Yaz further toward what everyone expects of her - being the key and answer to the Ark of the Missing. But what if there is so much more to the Missing than everyone thinks?

Reading the last paragraph I can only hope there will be more, so many directions to take and avenues to explore. Right? One can only hope. I know many feel this is his fantasy work come full circle - I don't, there is always another path to be taken. 

Buy The Girl and the Moon at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Harper Voyager pub date 28 April 2022│HB £14.99│EB £8.99│EA £14.49. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Harper Collins.

#Blogtour for The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour for The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport. The Blood Gift series is definitely one to keep an eye on, as is the author.

About the Author

Nia "N.E." Davenport is the Science Fiction/Fantasy author of The Blood Trials and its sequel (Harper Voyager). She attended the University of Southern California and studied Biological Sciences and Theatre Arts. She also has an M.A. in Secondary Education. She teaches English and Biology to amazing students. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys vacationing with her family, skiing, and being a huge foodie. She’s an advocate for diverse perspectives and protagonists in literature. 

Follow @Nia_Davenport on Twitter or @nia.davenport on Instagram, where she talks about binge-worthy TV, killer movies, and great books. She lives in Texas with her husband and kids.

About the book

It’s all about blood. - Blood spilled long ago between the Republic of Mareen and the armies of the Blood Emperor, ending all blood magic.

Now there is peace in the Republic – but there is also a strict class system, misogyny, and racism. Her world is not perfect, but Ikenna survived in it. Until now.

With the murder of her grandfather, Ikenna spirals out of control. Though she is an initiate for the Republic’s deadly elite military force, Ikenna has a secret only her grandfather knew: she possesses the blood magic of the Republic’s enemies.

Ikenna throws herself into the gladiatorial war games at the heart of her martial world: trials that will lead her closer to his killers. Under the spotlight, she subjects herself to abuse from a society that does not value her, that cherishes lineage over talent – all while hiding gifts that, if revealed, would lead to execution or worse. Ikenna is willing to risk it all to find out who killed her grandfather…

So she can end them.

Review

When your chosen path, your destined path even, is ripped away from you when you least expect it, then you're allowed to feel salty about it. If the rerouting of your path is fueled by a need to seek the truth and vengeance, then the salty attitude is understandable, although it may cost you a friend or two on the way there. The murder of Ikenna's grandfather changes her path and sets her on a bloodthirsty, ruthless and character defining one instead.

I loved Ikenna's anger - rage even.  Is that wrong of me, to enjoy the growly ragey killey vibe Ikenna brings to the table throughout the entire story? The 'I don't give two goats - I will never forget and always remember to dot my t's and i's, with the weapon of my choice' - yeh that vibe.

It certainly has a Brown's Howler's vibe, and a societal structure fights for restructure and against oppression Red Rising vibe. It doesn't shy away from the need to assert, for the show of violence, and it doesn't pull any punches. I enjoyed the snarly, snarky, I talk the talk and walk the walk attitude and feel of the story. Ikenna is such a strongly written voracious character that she leaves a lasting impression.

I have to say I am absolutely loving all of the new voices, directions and reinventions of genres. Davenport is definitely an author to watch going forward. Fantastic energy, creative and wonderfully powerful main character. I would love to see this in screen format. Bring on the next one - soon!

Buy The Blood Trials at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏:  HarperVoyager pub date 14 April 2022. Buy at Amazon com. At Harper Collins.