My Book Reviews

Category: Fantasy

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of Fantasy genre.

Death and Mr Fould by Alan Derosby

Death and Mr Fould by Alan Derosby

Release: 31st October 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: SpellBound Books
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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A stunning gothic historical hybrid genre story perfect for Halloween!

Max Fould, an aristocrat from the Fould banking family, goes off to war under the leadership of Napoleon.

While stranded in Russia, he encounters a creature that sets his life on an unimaginable path based on Russian folklore.

Follow Max Fould from post-revolutionary France to the First World War, where his past and present come full circle.

About the Author:

Alan Derosby, a Maine native, has spent the past several years focusing on his passion: writing. Alan has created original and spooky short stories, having several published in a variety of anthologies. MAN OF CLAY is his debut novel.

When not writing, Alan is teaching history at Messalonskee High School in Oakland, Maine, spending time with his wife and daughter, or watching the New York Mets suffer through another disappointing season.
Amazon | Goodreads

Death and Mr Fould Review:

Click to view on Instagram

When I started reading this book, I had no idea how larger than life it would become. The author tells the tale so grippingly in three parts, and each section stands out. My favorite was the second part, where Max meets Alice, and I liked the touch of romance the author added. Even Molly became one of my favorites. However, the author’s creativity indeed showed in the third part, as he puts historical events from the end of the Russian Empire, like Rasputin and Nicholas II, into the picture. Seeing reality mixed with fiction and fantasy was exciting, and this was the book’s highlight for me.

Moreover, the author wrote both the lead characters wonderfully. I loved Max from the get-go and his eagerness to do what was right. He had no idea how his life would change once he met Kutkh. The author takes us on an unforgettable adventure as we see the various ups and down that Max goes through. Similarly, Kutkh is a force to be reckoned with, and I had wondered how Max could beat him. The Raven was two steps ahead of him whenever Max went, pushing Max to a life of guilt and misery. I was glued to the pages, wondering how it would turn out.

The only minor criticism is how some parts felt repetitive, particularly Kutkh retelling his plans or Max’s feelings for Alice. Also, I would have liked more history on Devana and felt there needed to be more closure from such characters in the end.

Nevertheless, I loved reading “Death and Mr. Fould” and how the author mixed historical fiction with fantasy and facts. The author has a beautiful talent for thinking outside the box, and I would love to read some of his other works.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Death and Mr Fould by Alan Derosby Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

November 2, 2022
The Stars in Their Eyes by Kristy Gardner

The Stars in Their Eyes by Kristy Gardner

Release: October 18th, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: City Owl Press
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, __

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The stakes were clear after the Change – survive together, or die.

Calay and Tess’s love has kept them alive four years after the aliens decimated Earth. But when Calay finds herself fighting for her life and Tess missing, she hears death knocking. Banging, really. She has nothing. Scraps for food, the clothes on her back, no safe place for respite. And yet, she determines to risk it all to reunite with the one woman she has ever loved. She only has one choice: she must find Tess.

Reluctantly, Calay braves the new nightmares of a ravaged Pacific Northwest, alone. Thrust into the darkness, she is haunted by horrors beyond her imagination — alien executioners, a mysterious man whom she can’t quite put her finger on, the rise of a sinister cult, and a shocking family secret that challenges everything she thinks she knows.

As the lines between good and evil blur, Calay’s desperation threatens to spill what’s left of her humanity. Her heart smeared across her tattered sleeve, she is pulled deeper into the madness of a world that has become kill or be killed. Calay realizes she must deny her feral instincts and resist becoming a monster herself, confronting her demons as share stares down the barrel of a terrifying truth: she may actually be forever alone. Time is running out and she knows it. Her only hope is to become who she is truly meant to be and unify with the love of her life once and for all. But, at what cost?

To survive, Calay must choose between the unthinkable: give up, or give ‘em hell.

About the Author:

Kristy Gardner is a queer sci-fi fantasy writer.

Her debut queer dark sci-fi novel, THE STARS IN THEIR EYES, is coming October 18, 2022.

Furnished with degrees in Gender Studies and Sociology, she crafts complex female characters that adventure through space, time, and emotional maelstroms questioning what identity – and home – really mean.

Her debut novel, THE STARS IN THEIR EYES, comes out October 2022. She is also the author of the award-winning cookbook, COOKING WITH COCKTAILS.

When she’s not jet-setting words on her laptop, she’s chasing stars, mountain adventures, belly laughs, coffee, big dog cuddles, and planning her next trip to SE Asia. She resides in Vancouver, B.C., with her partner and 90-pound rescued American Bulldog, Riley.

She is represented by Julie Gwinn at The Seymour Agency.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | TikTok

The Stars in Their Eyes Review:

“The Stars in Their Eyes” surprisingly turned out to be much better than I expected, and the story immersed me completely!

The highlight of the story was the relationship between Calay and Jacob. I loved the camaraderie that these two shared. Jacob suddenly appears out of the blue in Calay’s life as she embarks on her mission to find Tess. You don’t know his true intentions, but Jacob surprised me and turned out to be my favorite character, even more than Calay. Similarly, Calay is also lovely in the lead, as she learns a lot about her history and has to endure secrets, betrayal, abduction, romance, action, and thrills, to name a few.

Moreover, I enjoyed how the author constructed the world. It’s like “War of the Worlds” meets “Mad Max,” and I loved the concept of aliens, planets traveling, hybrids, etc. The author writes the story so beautifully that it does not overwhelm me with the events that transpire. I was delighted reading this book as a standalone. Yet, when you finish this book, you want it to be the beginning of a series because it is terrific. Some of my favorite moments were when Calay meets Jacob or what she discovers in the restricted access room. Even Max was adorable, and Guy was devious in the negative role.

Perhaps the only improvement I would have liked to see is if we got more history on Smith and Adam. I felt these two had a lot of potential to add more to the plot but have a minimal presence, and you quickly forget about them.

Apart from that, I loved “The Stars in Their Eyes,” and I hope the author turns it into a series, as I would love to revisit these characters.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Stars in Their Eyes by Kristy Gardner Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.

October 17th
Nine Bookish Lives-Interview
Never Hollowed By The Stare-Promotional Post
Cath’s Reads-Review & Playlist

October 18th
Jen Jen Reviews-Promotional Post
PopTheButterfly Reads-Review

October 19th
Brinns Books-Promotional Post
Althea Is Reading-Review

October 20th
The Book Dutchesses-Interview
And On She Reads-Promotional Post
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review

October 21st
Stuck in Fiction-Promotional Post
BookMeSomeTime-Review

October 22nd
Boys’ Mom Reads!-Review
Metaphors and Miscellanea-Promotional Post

October 23rd
Sadie’s Spotlight-Interview
Forthenovellovers-Review
Sheaf and Ink-Promotional Post
dinipandareads-Review & Journal Spread

October 20, 2022
Secrets of the Deep by by Marisa Noelle

Secrets of the Deep by by Marisa Noelle

Release: 22 June 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Independently Published
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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Cordelia Blue is afraid of water.

Cordelia is also a mermaid.

It’s been five years since she lost half her family to the ocean, and as the anniversary of their death approaches, Cordelia is determined to conquer her fear. But when she learns of her mermaid ancestry and all the devastating secrets the ocean brings, she no longer knows who she can trust.

Entrusted with a magical relic, she must keep it away from an opposing race, the selachii, and their nefarious intentions. When she discovers that her boyfriend is one of these mysterious shape-shifters, Cordelia is forced to choose between love and race.

Cordelia doubts her every decision and the intentions of those around her. Trusting her heart will lead to a path of betrayal, but she might just get her family back. If she chooses her head, the mermaids may stay cursed to remain in the ocean forever.

About the Author:

Marisa Noelle is the writer of middle grade & young adult novels in the genres of science-fiction, fantasy & mental health including The Shadow Keepers, The Unadjusteds Trilogy (The Unadjusteds, The Rise of the Altereds, & The Reckoning), and The Mermaid Chronicles – Secrets of the Deep.

She is a mentor for the Write Mentor program that helps aspiring MG & YA authors. With dual citizenship, Marisa has lived on both sides of the Atlantic and uses settings in both the USA and UK as inspiration for her novels.

When she’s not writing or reading or watching movies, she enjoys swimming. In the pool she likes to imagine she could be a mermaid and become part of some of her make-believe words.

Despite being an avid bookworm from the time she could hold a book, being an author came as a bit of a surprise to her as she was a bit of a science geek at school. She lives in Woking, UK with her husband and three children. You can find her on Twitter @MarisaNoelle77 or her website www.MarisaNoelle.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Secrets of the Deep Review:

I loved reading “Secrets of the Deep” and thought it was a wondering start to the “The Mermaid Chronicles” series.

Let’s begin with Cordy. I liked how the author portrayed the character and how she tried to sort out her feelings of grief and loss for her family and her romance with Wade. Wade was also a question mark initially because I didn’t know his intentions. The author wrote their dynamic cutely (albeit, at times, it felt a bit rushed), and I wondered how their relationship would survive once the secrets started coming out.

Secondly, I enjoyed how the author built the world of mermaids and selachiis, including the legend of Atlantis, with adventure and fantasy elements. The author has blended the myth of the mermaids yet created her unique world. Many moments stood out for me, like when Cordy has her first scare in the bathtub, what happens to Trent in the surfing competition, or when the group comes up with their action plan to set things right.

Thirdly, the cast of characters also made the story so entertaining. Trent and Dylan brought their charm, and I loved Maya, Trent, and Cordy as the trio of friends. While Maya might not have a significant role compared to others, I loved her fondness for Mermaids, and the various shark facts, prophecies, and other trivia she spoke. Perhaps the only very minor criticism is how the book is so fast at times that you don’t get a chance to see Cordy adjust to her feelings when something shocking happens in her life.

The story ends nicely and sets the pace for the next book, where you wonder what other adventures await our characters. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am excited to see how it continues.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 6, 2022
Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle

Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle

Release:29th September 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Marisa Noelle
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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THERE IS HUNTING OF MERMAIDS…

They are no longer safe in the human world…

When they imprison, one of her closest mermaid friends in a science lab for investigation, Cordelia insists on taking up the quest to find the lost island of Atlantis, a sanctuary for all the water species. But the dragon kings guard the island. They are an ancient and formidable race with a determination to keep it for themselves.

Together with her best friends and her boyfriend, Wade, they must travel to distant pockets of the earth to collect the three magical jewels that open the portal to Atlantis.

But no one remembers how the jewels work. The instructions are non-existent, and tensions are rife as Wade’s ex-girlfriend, Stephanie, appears on the scene. Plus, Cordelia must learn to harness her own emerging powers and discover if she really is the fire mermaid.

With the support of Wade’s parents, Stephanie determines to win him back. Cordelia’s heart breaks as she watches the love of her life waver. They must be united in their quest, or the jewels will refuse to reveal themselves.

If they can’t repair their broken relationship and defeat the dragon kings, the mermaids will be captured by the humans and face the threat of extinction.

About the Author:

Marisa Noelle is the writer of middle grade & young adult novels in the genres of science-fiction, fantasy & mental health including The Shadow Keepers, The Unadjusteds Trilogy (The Unadjusteds, The Rise of the Altereds, & The Reckoning), and The Mermaid Chronicles – Secrets of the Deep.

She is a mentor for the Write Mentor program that helps aspiring MG & YA authors. With dual citizenship, Marisa has lived on both sides of the Atlantic and uses settings in both the USA and UK as inspiration for her novels.

When she’s not writing or reading or watching movies, she enjoys swimming. In the pool she likes to imagine she could be a mermaid and become part of some of her make-believe words.

Despite being an avid bookworm from the time she could hold a book, being an author came as a bit of a surprise to her as she was a bit of a science geek at school. She lives in Woking, UK with her husband and three children. You can find her on Twitter @MarisaNoelle77 or her website www.MarisaNoelle.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Quest For Atlantis Review:

Wow, “Quest for Atlantis” was a fantastic sequel compared to the first book. From sea witches to dragon kings and Seattle to submarines, this book just had everything! The sequel feels so vastly different from the first book. It’s as if the author decided to amp up the adrenaline, pack the book with adventure and romance, and give it more oomph.

Firstly, let’s talk about the drama. Oh my goodness, so much activity was happening with our core characters! I wondered if their relationship would survive the secrets and scandals. I loved Stephanie in the picture to stir up Wade and Cordy’s relationship. Similarly, the Dylan, Trent, and Maya triangle was so good, and I liked how Maya got importance in the tale. Even Cordy’s relationship with Dylan is intriguing, and you see the strain it causes on Cordy.

Secondly, the author fills us with adventure as they go to save a mermaid from the lab, fight creatures in a cave and encounter a sea witch, to name a few. Moreover, I enjoyed how the author built on the fantasy world, where we see people hunting down mermaids like a prize as social media spreads their existence. There are so many shocking twists that I didn’t see at all, especially toward the end.

Thirdly, I adored some of the new additions. Gal is one of my favorite characters in the story, and I enjoyed how complex the author made his storyline. Similarly, even Merida is memorable and gets more presence. There were minor consistencies (like how we don’t hear about the ashrays), but the story is so good that I ignored it.

Overall, I loved this book and hope the author continues the series.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

October 5, 2022
BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger

BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger

Release: October 4, 2021
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Michael James Emberger
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo,

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Kelsea Jones is like a lot of girls at the University of Northern Minnesota. She has a boyfriend, she works at a coffee shop, and she’s on the swim team. But she’s not a girl. She’s a mermaid.

Trouble brews when star hockey player Chad Andersen takes an interest in her. She tries to avoid him, but he won’t leave her alone. A son of wealth and privilege, he takes what he wants, and he gets away with it. He wants Kelsea, she says no, and so he rapes her. Kelsea stands on a tail and two fins to fight the most painful trial of her life. Despite her trauma and a crisis of faith, she speaks the truth of what Chad did, but will she be believed?

A note from the author:

1 out of 4 college girls experiences rape or sexual assault. That breaks my heart. It’s a crime that has affected people I love, and it has to stop. This novel is my way of raising awareness and showing survivors that someone hears them.

Believed is a product of my friendship with a survivor who is an author and advocate. She opened my eyes to a world of trauma and PTSD that had been largely invisible to me before I met her, and it was life-changing. I needed to share that with others. The burden on my heart was too great to not say something, and fiction is the method I know best to convey the thoughts, truths, pains, and struggles that I see.

Sexual assault is not my story. I haven’t experienced it, I don’t live with the resulting trauma, and I do not wish to profit from the pain of survivors. This is a book for them. It’s a book for those who love them. It’s a book to encourage readers to think and to empathize and to consider the realities of so many whose lives have been affected by this crime. If you purchase a copy here, know that the prices are the minimum allowed. I make no royalty on print copies. If you would like to read for free, you can download the book at my website: michaeljamesemberger dot com/believed

If you find value in this work, please consider donating to an organization that fights against sexual violence or offers support to survivors. Tell your family and friends about the book. Review it online. Let the survivors in your life know that you care, that you believe them, and that you are there for them

About the Author:

Michael James Emberger is an author of thrillers and suspense residing in Wilton, NH. He enjoys weaving narratives of conspiracy and misguided intentions around divisive topics. Where there is debate, there is always room for a villain with goals far out of alignment from either side. Michael is a graduate of Messiah College, where he studied Engineering and met his wife racing solar cars cross-country. When he’s not working on home renovations or writing, he enjoys visiting the ocean and exploring the majesty of God’s creation on the summits of New Hampshire’s mountains.

Michael wrote Believed, a heartbreaking and inspirational tale of a Mermaid in college in Minnesota. It was the most difficult book he’s ever written, but also the most important. He’s made it available for free in audiobook and e-book formats, and he hopes it will encourage and inform.

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

BELIEVED Review:

Wow! This book was riveting from the first page, and I found many elements to appreciate. For starters, I loved how creative the author told the story by incorporating mermaids and building a world where we live with them. How the author describes the characters is natural; you can easily connect with Kelsea and the other merfolk. Moreover, I also loved how the author took Hans Cristian Anderson as an example, built on his life, and incorporated the Anderson family in a negative light, which was so interesting.

Secondly, the experiences that Kelsea goes through are gripping. The author portrays her emotions so well that your heart goes to her. I thought the author highlighted the theme of assault and the survivors powerfully. Moreover, there are also elements of faith and trust in a Higher power, which added beautifully to the plot. One of my favorite moments was when Kelsea wrote the Dark Potato story mirroring her life’s events. I was glued to the pages even in the second half and thought the author wrote the courtroom scenes grippingly.

Thirdly, the cast of characters is also dynamic. I loved Kelsea in the lead and her emotions on dealing with the events and knowing who to trust. The plot will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and immerse you as you root for Kelsea, especially when she goes through so much trauma. You see how lost she is and hope the choices she makes are right, even at times when it doesn’t feel worthy. Even the supporting characters, like Erin and Noah, made the story memorable. I particularly loved the moments she shared with her mother.

Overall, “Believed” is a beautiful and powerful young adult novel that I recommend reading.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

Week One:
Viviana MacKade-Excerpt 2-9-1-2022
BookHounds-Guest Post/IG Post-9-2-2022
A Dream Within A Dream-Guest Post/IG Post-9-3-2022

Week Two:
Jazzy Book Reviews-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-4-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt 2-9-5-2022
Epic Book Society-Guest Post/IG Post-9-6-2022
pick a good book-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-7-2022
@allyluvsbooksalatte -IG Spotlight-9-8-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-9-9-2022
A Blue Box Full of Books-IG Spotlight-9-10-2022

Week Three:
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-11-2022
Nerdophiles-Review/IG Post-9-12-2022
Lady Hawkeye-Excerpt 2/IG Post-9-13-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Spotlight-9-14-2022
Beersbooksandboos -Review/IG Post-9-15-2022
Wanderingwitchreads-TikTok Review/IG Post-9-16-2022
GryffindorBookishNerd -Review/IG Post-9-17-2022

Week Four:
OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-9-18-2022
Book Reviews by Taylor -Review/IG Post-9-19-2022
Write. Read. Live-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-20-2022
Books With A Chance of Traveling-Review/IG Post-9-21-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-9-22-2022
I’m Shelf-ish-Review/IG Post-9-23-2022
Brandi Danielle Davis -Review/IG Post-9-24-2022

Week Five:
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt 2-9-25-2022
@jypsylynn -Review/IG Post-9-26-2022
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-9-27-2022
@enjoyingbooksagain -Review/IG Post-9-28-2022
RavenzReviewz-Review/IG Post-9-29-2022
hodophile_z-Review/IG Post-9-30-2022

October 2, 2022
Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

Release: August 2nd, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo | IndieBound

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Once upon a time, Alliana believed in dreams and fairy tales as sweet as spun-sugar clouds. Alliana wished on shooting stars, sure that someday she and her grandmother would be able to travel to the capital city to see the queen. Then her grandmother passed away—and those dreams disappeared in a disenchanted puff.

Now Alliana’s forced to attend to the whims of her wicked stepmother—with long days of cleaning her stepfamily’s inn as her skin burns raw or staying up until the crack of dawn to embroider her stepsister’s ball gowns. Until she meets two beings who change her life forever—the first is a young nightdragon who Alliana discovers she can magically talk to. And the second is Nela, a young witch.

Nela needs Alliana’s help navigating the mysterious abyss, filled with dangerous beasts, a place Alliana knows by heart. Alliana sees Nela’s request as a chance to break free of her stepmother’s shadow and to seize a chance at a life she’s barely dared to hope for—but there’s a risk. If caught, Alliana will be stuck working for her stepmother for the rest of her life. Can Alliana truly make wisps of dreams into her own, better-than-a-fairy-tale happily ever after?

Inspired by the Japanese Cinderella story and set in the same world as the Eva Evergreen series, this story can be read as a standalone.

About the Author:

Julie Abe is the author of the EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH middle grade fantasy series; the middle grade fantasy ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS; and the young adult novel THE CHARMED LIST. She has lived in Silicon Valley, spent many humid summers in Japan, and currently basks in the sunshine of Southern California with never enough books or tea. Keep up with Julie’s latest books and adventures at instagram.com/julieabebooks or sign up for her newsletter at julieabebooks.com/newsletter.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Alliana Girl of Dragons Review:

It’s always fun to read a Cinderella retelling, and “Alliana, Girl of Dragons” did not disappoint with its fantasy twist of dragons and witches!

I have not read any of the “Eva Evergreen” books, but I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. Let’s face it, almost all of us have read or know the story of Cinderella, so you would know what to expect more or less in the plot. However, the book’s highlight is how the author wrote the characters. I was rooting for Alliana throughout the story and wanted her to be free from her evil Stepmother. Alliana is lovely in the lead, and I adored her protective bond with Kebo and her friendship with Nela.

Moreover, the author does a fantastic job of writing everyone’s emotions. You can see the love that Alliana has for her dad and Grandmother Mari. Similarly, you instantly dislike the Stepmother and Reizo for how harshly they treat Alliana. Likewise, Nela and Isao are adorable and make the story exciting with their presence.

Perhaps the only criticism I have of the story is how we didn’t get more details of the world and some other characters. For instance, I wish I knew more about Hayato and Taichi (and maybe I didn’t quite get the connection for not reading the Eva Evergreen Series). Similarly, I wished Kebo was more prominent as we hardly see him much.

Apart from that, “Alliana, Girl of Dragons” is a cute middle-grade book emphasizing how to stand up for yourself, not be afraid to do the right thing, and not let others intimidate you. I want to pick up the Eva Evergreen series and see how this story connects to the universe.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours

August 1st

morningstarlitpages-Review
following.fantasies-Journal Spread
read.cells-Top 5 Reasons to Read Alliana
thereadersgamebrooke-Review
thecaffinatedrareder-Blogger’s Choice
booknotes_athina-Blogger’s Choice
booksandpops4000-Blogger’s Choice

August 2nd

tbrandbeyond-Promotional Post
tinybooknest-Favorite Quotes
whisperingprose-Review
feliciareads11-Blogger’s Choice
zanjabeel_z-Blogger’s Choice
pluvioreads-Blogger’s Choice

August 3rd

jacleomik33-Review
mellasmusings-Review
quirkylitlover-Review
ninebookishlives-Blogger’s Choice
pages_and_procrastination-Blogger’s Choice
popthebutterfly-Blogger’s Choice

August 4th

luna_reads_-Journal Spread
pcreads-Review & Favorite Quotes
better_than_therapy_books-Review
foreverinastory-Blogger’s Choice
peireads-Blogger’s Choice

August 5th

dhirviepages-Review,
get.outside.and.read-Top 5 Reasons to Read Alliana,
kathreadsya-Review
eyerollingdemigod-Blogger’s Choice
balancing_books_and_beauties-Blogger’s Choice
rajivsreviews-Blogger’s Choice

August 6th

writingrosereads-Promotional Post
atrailofpages-Review
wild.legends-Review & Playlist
bookdragonstbr-Blogger’s Choice
quilltreefox-Blogger’s Choice
littlecornerreads-Blogger’s Choice

August 7th

mulberryreads-Review
theenchantedshelf-Review
brittmariereadshere-Review
anovelkingdom-Promotional Post
sheafandink-Blogger’s Choice
studioad_anjali-Blogger’s Choice
metaphorsandmisc-Blogger’s Choice

August 10, 2022
Contest Of Queens by Jordan H. Bartlett
Contest Of Queens by Jordan H. Bartlett

Release: January 18, 2022
Format: Paperback
Publisher: CamCat Books
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible

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In a Queendom divided, can one girl unite the realms?

Jacs, an inventor’s apprentice from the Lower Realm, has only ever dreamed of the land among the clouds. That is until she finds a letter from Connor, an Upperite boy who sends a wooden boat into the abyss, hoping to learn more about the land below. Little does Jacs know, Connor is actually Prince Cornelius of the Queendom of Frea. With wooden boats and hot air balloons, the two begin a secret correspondence. But their friendship is impeded by a heavily-guarded bridge and an inescapable prejudice.

Their bond transcends distance and time, but when the royal family visits Jacs’ town of Bridgeport, the illusion of peace between the Realms dissolves, and the old feud is reignited.

Now, to save her people, Jacs must infiltrate the Upper Realm and earn her place to compete in the Contest of Queens. She must learn how to survive against the contests’ grueling tasks and within a political web she could not have imagined. In a story about friendship, love, bravery, and defying gravity, Jacs will strive to prove that a Queendom is strongest when united.

About the Author:

Jordan H. Bartlett is a New Zealand-born, Canadian Citizen with a love for children’s literature and female empowerment. She grew up reading books about boys for boys and found it hard to find a strong female heroine she could relate to. Bartlett wrote Contest of Queens to give young readers that character she so longed for in a world where gender norms are reversed. Bartlett currently resides in Banff, Alberta where she works as a Speech Language Pathologist and is a certified yoga instructor.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Contest Of Queens Review:

Cilck to view on Instagram

This book rekindled my love for the young adult fantasy genre, and I adored everything about it.

Where do I begin with “Contest of Queens”? Everything about the book was just perfect, in my opinion. Let’s start with the two leads. Connor and Jacs are magnificent, and I loved their romance throughout the tale. The way they met each other by writing letters and getting separated by circumstances had me glued to the pages. I loved Jacs and her fascination with inventing new things. I also liked Conor for bearing the responsibilities and the courage to do the right thing. Both of them come from two different worlds yet share fantastic chemistry. My heart went out, especially to Jacs, when she did not hear from Connor after the incident.

Secondly, I loved the author’s writing style. The author details the settings and the characters with perfect details that make you easily visualize the story. The story’s second half is gripping, and I loved the author’s creativity in creating a unique set of tasks. The supporting cast is also entertaining, and I loved characters like Lena, Anya, and Master Leschi.

Thirdly, I loved the world-building and the concept of the Realms. The author adds a nice backstory (without giving away a lot of details) about the two realms. Even after reading the book, you know the author will reveal more of the backstory in the next book. Moreover, it was fun reading about the gender swaps like the Queendom and women reining the Queendom with men as their support. The story ends in an exciting cliffhanger, and I’m already impatient to wait until 2023 to read the sequel.

Overall, “Contest of Queens” is an AMAZING start to the series and easily one of the best YA books I read!

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Contest Of Queens by Jordan H. Bartletto Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.
- She Just Loves Books-July 6th
- The Page Ladies-July 11th
- David L Morgan-July 28th
- Geaux Get Lit-Aug. 3rd
- Rozier Reads and Wine-Aug. 4th
- Jennas Riverside Reads-Aug. 7th
- Rajivs Reviews-Aug. 10th
- Bookish Heidi-Aug. 11th
- Books and Coffee MX-Aug. 12th
- Page Turners and Sweet Tea-Aug. 17th
- Miss W Book Reviews-Aug. 21st
- Carol Doscher-Aug. 31st
- Subakka Bookstuff-Aug. 31st
August 10, 2022
Nova’s Blade by Will Scifi

Nova’s Blade: A Young Adult Dystopian Cyberpunk
by Will Scifi

Release: January 29, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Independent Book
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

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THIRTY-TWO WOMEN. ONE ARENA. A BATTLE TO THE DEATH.

After a long war, corporations have replaced countries. Sports are fought to the death. The most popular game is Last Valkyrie, a live tournament where women kill each other for marriage into a powerful family.

For Nova, living in poverty with her mother and sister is a harsh reality that she cannot escape. But when she is kidnapped and forced to fight on the show, her world changes. If she refuses to fight, the bomb in her head goes off. Now winning means her freedom.

With death lurking at every moment, Nova has no idea if her next fight will be her last. But one thing she knows for certain: only one is making it out alive.

Perfect for fans of Hunger Games, The Selection, and The Princess Trials. You won’t want to put down this exciting page-turner!

About the Author:

Will Scifi is a pen name for an author from California. He loves reading and writing mainly science fiction that touches on themes surrounding American culture. He draws inspiration from the over 500 movies he has watched in the last 5 years, books, tv shows, and real life. When he is not writing, he can be found in the gym or watching movies at home or in the theaters. He thanks all of his fans for their support and highly encourages anyone who has read his work to always leave a review.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

Nova’s Blade Review:

Click to view on Instagram

“Nova’s Blade” is a thrilling dystopian Young adult novel that I enjoyed reading!

As a big fan of “Hunger Games,” I thought this book was very entertaining because of how the author executed it. While it gives the vibes of “The Hunger Games,” the author makes it stand apart because of Nova. I think Nova is aggressive and daring yet shows a side of vulnerability. I loved her complex sibling dynamics with Luna after the effects of what happened to their mother.

Moreover, the authors add a lot of action and excitement, especially once the match starts for the Last Valkyrie. The chapters glued me during the games with Athena, Pixis, Bellona, Hybris, and Elpis. Some moments just shocked me because of the gore, and even I thought it fit perfectly with the story’s theme.

There is also a touch of young adult romance as we see Nova fighting her feelings for Atlas and Octavian. I liked Octavian a more prominent in the second installment. In addition, I also loved Maximus (and even Flavius) as they supported Nova and trained her well. The story also ends in a shocking cliffhanger, which makes me look forward to reading the second book in the series!

Perhaps the only minor downside to the tale is, at times, that I felt there were too many characters on canvas. For instance, Tyrel only comes for a short time, and I thought he was initially exciting, but he disappeared in a short time.

Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed “Nova’s Blade,” and I eagerly look forward to the second book in the series.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of NOVA’S BLADE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Nova’s Blade: A Young Adult Dystopian Cyberpunk
by Will Scifi Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-3-28-2022
The Book View-Review/IG Post-3-29-2022
Lady Hawkeye-Excerpt/IG Post-3-30-2022
Ravenz Reviewz-Excerpt/IG Post-3-31-2022
boozybook blog-Review/IG Post-4-1-2022

Week Two:
The Litt Librarian-Review/IG Post-4-4-2022
BookHounds YA -Review-4-5-2022
Lifestyle of Me-Review-4-6-2022
Karen Dee’s Book Reviews -Review-4-7-2022
Fire and Ice-Review-4-8-2022

Week Three:
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-4-11-2022
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-4-12-2022
The Reading Wordsmith -Review/IG Post-4-13-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-4-14-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-4-15-2022

Week Four:
Two Points of Interest-Review-4-18-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-4-19-2022
fictionologyst-Review/IG Post-4-20-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-4-21-2022
@lexijava -Review/IG Post-4-22-2022

April 23, 2022
Dragon Legend by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang

Dragon Legend (Dragon Realm #2) by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang

Release: April 29th, 2021
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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The second adventure in the ROARsome DRAGON REALM series for 9+ readers! Perfect for readers looking for edge-of-your-seat adventure.

Billy Chan and his friends are not having a very relaxing summer. Their friend, Dylan, has been kidnapped by the evil Dragon of Death and it’s up to them to travel through time, back to the dangerous Dragon Realm, in order to save him. Luckily they have their own dragons on their side, but they’ll need to collect eight magical pearls if they’re to amass enough power to destroy the Dragon of Death and her followers for good. So begins an epic quest that will take them to the depths of the Frozen Wasteland and the imperial palaces of Ancient China. But can good triumph evil…?

DRAGON LEGEND is the second book in the DRAGON REALM series by Katie and Kevin Tsang, co-authors of SAM WU IS NOT AFRAID

About Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang:

Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang met while studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Kevin works as a healthcare technology consultant, and Katie writes YA as Katherine Webber. Together, they have also coauthored the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid chapter-book series. They currently live in London with their young daughter and can be found on Twitter @kwebberwrites and @kevtsang.

Website | Katie Twitter | Kevin Twitter | Katie Instagram | Kevin Instagram | Katie Goodreads | Kevin Goodreads | Katie Amazon | Kevin Amazon | Katie BookBub | Kevin BookBub

Dragon Legend Review:

“Dragon Legend” turned out to be an exciting continuation to “Dragon Mountain” and had me at the edge of my seat.

Firstly, I love how creative the authors get with the concept. The book mainly revolves around the group’s journey to find Dylan and later continues with their quest. The authors show us how vast the Dragon Realm is and make the story different from the first book while maintaining the characters’ charm. I loved Billy and Spark’s bond in this story!

The characters shine, and one person that particularly surprised me was JJ. JJ was prominent in this story, and I was surprised by how my feelings for him changed over the course. Moreover, I also enjoyed how the Dragon of Death appears in this tale, and the authors add elements of suspense, betrayal, and revenge to the fantasy adventure.

Again, the book is not short on the mystical creatures, like the flying pig, scorpions, and the snarky fish we encounter. Some of my favorite moments were when they dealt with the Dragon Egg or when something shocking happened to Charlotte. Similar to the first book, each chapter here compiles of adventure, and you won’t even notice the time going by. Moreover, the authors also added a time travel element to this story which I thought blended nicely.

And finally, the climax was terrific! I couldn’t put the book down the shocking cliffhangers, and all the action and adventure glued me to the pages. I cannot wait to read the third book to see how the story would continue because it went on a completely different tangent that I didn’t expect, but I liked it!

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive all 3 books in the DRAGON REALM series, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dragon Legend (Dragon Realm #2) by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
YABooksCentral-Guest Post-4-4/-2022
Kait Plus Books-Guest Post/IG Post-4-5-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-4-6-2022
Lifestyle of Me-Review-4-7-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-4-8-2022

Week Two:
Celia’s Reads-Review/IG Post-4-11-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-4-12-2022
The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-4-13-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-4-14-2022
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-4-15-2022

April 17, 2022
Dragon Mountain by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang

Dragon Mountain (Dragon Realm #1) by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang

Release: July 27th, 2021
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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Deep within the mountain, a great creature stirred in its sleep. Its eyes rolled back in its head, and its wings jerked wide open…

When 12-year-old Billy Chan finds out his parents are sending him to a summer camp in middle-of-nowhere China, he doesn’t know what to expect. There he meets fellow campers Dylan, Charlotte, and Ling-Fei, and together they stumble upon an age-old secret: there are four powerful warrior dragons hidden deep within the mountain behind the camp! They need the children’s help to set them free before terrible evil in the guise of the Dragon of Death is unleashed upon the earth. Billy and his friends must set off on a dangerous adventure that will take them to the heart of the Dragon Realm. But can they save the dragon and human worlds from destruction?

About Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang:

Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang met while studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Kevin works as a healthcare technology consultant, and Katie writes YA as Katherine Webber. Together, they have also coauthored the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid chapter-book series. They currently live in London with their young daughter and can be found on Twitter @kwebberwrites and @kevtsang.

Website | Katie Twitter | Kevin Twitter | Katie Instagram | Kevin Instagram | Katie Goodreads | Kevin Goodreads | Katie Amazon | Kevin Amazon | Katie BookBub | Kevin BookBub

Dragon Mountain Review:

“Dragon Mountain” was a great start to the “Dragon Realm” series! As soon as I started reading this book, the story transported me into Billy’s (and his friends’) World as they meet Dragons and have to go on a quest to save the World.

I loved the concept of the story and how the authors executed it. The authors fill each chapter with adventure and excitement that SO MUCH happens in the story. There is never a dull moment as the group encounter rock trolls, scary crabs, sinister tigers, and magical dragons! Moreover, I loved the mystical concept and the legend of the Dragons and the bond they form with them.

I loved Dylan more than Billy and wanted to have his special powers! The four dragons they connect with are also charming, and I adored Buttons and Spark. Billy also shines in the lead as he tries to save his friends. The team goes through many challenges in the story, as they encounter the evil nox-wings and Dimitrius.

Perhaps the only downside to the story is how I felt Charlotte and Ling-Fei were on the back burner. The plot focused mainly on Billy, and even Dylan got some prominence, but I wish Ling Fei also had an opportunity for more dialogues. Also, I felt some moments were a bit off, like how the Dragons didn’t have any names until they met the humans, but Dimitrius did?

Apart from that, I enjoyed this book a lot and felt it was a fantastic start to the series. The book also ends in a cliffhanger that makes you immediately pick up the next book and continue reading.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive all 3 books in the DRAGON REALM series, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dragon Mountain (Dragon Realm #1) by Katie Tsang, Kevin Tsang Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
YABooksCentral-Guest Post-4-4/-2022
Kait Plus Books-Guest Post/IG Post-4-5-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-4-6-2022
Lifestyle of Me-Review-4-7-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-4-8-2022

Week Two:
Celia’s Reads-Review/IG Post-4-11-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-4-12-2022
The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-4-13-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-4-14-2022
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-4-15-2022

April 16, 2022