My Book Reviews

Category: Fantasy

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

Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Release: February 15, 2022
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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Middle grade fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising, will find a new Mexican heroine to love in Solimar and a fresh, magical story!

On the brink of her 15th Birthday, and her official coronation, Solimar visits the oyamel forest to sit among the monarch butterflies. There, the sun pierces through a sword shaped crevice in a boulder, which shines on her and sends the butterflies humming and swirling around her.

After the magical frenzy, she realizes she’s been given a gift and a burden. She can predict the near future. She has also become a protector of the young and weak butterflies. This alone would be a huge responsibility, but tragedy strikes when a neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. The remaining villagers are taken hostage all except Solimar.

Can this princess to be save her family, the kingdom, and the future of the monarch butterflies from a greedy and dangerous king?

Written for ages 8 to 12 by the Newbery Honor Medal winner of the highly acclaimed novel Echo.

About the Author:

Pam Muñoz Ryan is a New York Times best selling author and U.S. nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award. She has written over forty books, including Riding Freedom, Paint the Wind, The Dreamer, and Echo, a Newbery Honor book and the recipient of the Kirkus Prize.

Other honors include the PEN USA Award, the América’s Award, the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor. She was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, but now lives near San Diego with her family. Many of her stories reflect her half-Mexican heritage.

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

Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs Review:

“Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs” is a delightful middle-grade fantasy with a strong protagonist and magical storyline, and I could not put it down.

Firstly, let me commend how the author wrote the main character. I loved Solimar in the lead and thought she was a strong protagonist. Solimar goes through a lot in the story, from finding out her new powers of the rebozo to her adventures to save her family and friends. She tackles her experiences positively, and I enjoyed how the author depicted her. Moreover, I loved her interactions with the other characters, whether her darling Abuela, her friendship with María, her bond with Campeon, or her adventure with Bento. The author makes each side character stand out because of how well they bond with Solimar. Similarly, the author also adds interesting fantasy characters like Lázaro and Zarita, who are adorable.

Secondly, I loved the world-building of the story. I am not sure the author based the story on Mexican folklore, but the concept of magical monarchs, enchanted butterflies, and talking dolls blended beautifully. Many moments stood out for me, like when Solimar first meets Doña Flor, or the exciting moments when she goes with Bento through the caves and labyrinth of caverns. The author adds humor, mystery, charm, excitement, and good values to the tale that makes you feel like reading a classic middle-grade fantasy novel that would never get outdated.

On a side note, I hope the author writes a sequel relating to Campeón’s story, as he was a complex character with his dreams and aspirations. Also, I thought the cover of this book was gorgeous!

Overall, I loved everything about “Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs.” It is one of my favorite middle-grade reads from this year.

Giveaway details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SOLIMAR: THE SWORD OF THE MONARCHS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
BookHounds YA -Excerpt-2-1-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-2-2-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt-2-3-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-2-4-2022
YABooksCentral-Excerpt-2-5-2022

Week Two:
@enjoyingbooksagain-Review/IG Post-2-6-2022
Nerdophiles -Review-2-7-2022
For the Love of KidLit-Excerpt-2-8-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-9-2022
@emmreadsbooks-Review/IG Post-2-10-2022
The Reading Wordsmith-Review/IG Post-2-11-2022
TLC Book Nook -Review/IG Post-2-12-2022

Week Three:
Lifestyle of Me-Review-2-13-2022
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-2-14-2022
Karen Dee’s Book Reviews -IG Spotlight-2-15-2022
A Court of Coffee and Books-Review/IG Post-2-16-2022
onemused-IG Spotlight-2-17-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-18-2022
The Bookwyrm’s Den-Review-2-19-2022

Week Four:
@coffeesipsandreads-Review/IG Post-2-20-2022
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-2-21-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-22-2022
A Backwards Story -Review/IG Post-2-23-2022
Kait Plus Books-Review/IG Post-2-24-2022
@jypsylynn -Review/IG Post-2-25-2022
brittreadsalattebooks-Review/IG Post-2-26-2022

Week Five:
History from a Woman’s Perspective -Review-2-27-2022
@fictionologyst-Review/IG Post-2-28-2022

February 19, 2022
The Things the River Hides by A. N. Sage

The Things the River Hides by A. N. Sage

Release: February 22, 2022
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Publisher: Cauldron Press
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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Where rivers run red as blood, a long-forgotten darkness awaits its freedom…

Nastya Sokolov dreams of not being seen as an outcast. Born with the ability to foretell death with a simple touch, she relegates herself to the confines of her mother’s funeral home. A virtual prisoner, she longs to break free.

When the body of a car crash victim arrives at the morgue, Nastya finds something amiss. A clue beckoning to be unravelled.

Soon, another boy greets her doorstep. This one very much alive and insistent his friend’s death was no accident. Before long, Nastya is dragged into a web of impossibilities, strange coincidences, and a baffling mystery in the small town of Cherry Cove.

A mystery that triggers a vision.

One Nastya cannot ignore.

She knows better than to tempt fate, but its pull is mighty and her curiosity relentless. Will Nastya follow the trail and uncover the truth about Cherry Cove and the darkness that festers just below the surface?

Find out in this young adult dark fantasy mystery filled with intrigue, long-held secrets, murder, and a desperate race to save a life!

About the Author:

A.N. Sage has spent most of her life waiting to meet a witch, vampire, or at least get haunted by a ghost. In between failed seances and many questionable outfit choices, she has developed a keen eye for the extra-ordinary.

A.N. spends her free time reading and binge-watching television shows in her pajamas. Currently, she resides in Toronto, Canada with her husband who is not a creature of the night.

A.N. Sage is a Scorpio and a massive advocate of leggings for pants.

Subscribe to A.N.’s newsletter to get a copy of Coven of Deception, a Shadowhurst prequel novella, sent straight to your inbox. You’ll also get news of subscriber-only giveaways, contests, preview chapters, and the chance to receive advance reader copies of new releases. https://ansage.ca/newsletter-1

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

The Things the River Hides Review:

“The Things the River Hides” is a beautiful young adult mystery with fantasy elements, and I could not put it down.

Let’s begin with the characters. Nastya is excellent in the lead, and my heart went out to her right from the beginning. Her mother protects her because everyone treats her like the town pariah with special powers. The author writes the dynamics between the characters wonderfully, and I liked the scenes between Nastya and her mother. Similarly, I also loved how the author wrote Nastya and Daxon together. I adored their friendship and appreciated that it didn’t stray from the plot.

Moreover, the mystery plot of Marzanna and the deaths are also intriguing, and I wondered what was going on in Cherry Cove. The author builds the suspense and the eeriness nicely. Some scenes gave me goosebumps, like when Nastya sees the dancing ghost or when she goes with Daxon to where Kye’s car accident occurred.

However, the only downside to the tale was the climax. I will not reveal what happens because I still think this is a fantastic book for everyone to read, but the climax events, in conclusion, were not my cup of tea, and I found it a bit convoluted. Moreover, I thought Ally had a lot of potential as she suddenly comes into the tale midway, but after a few chapters, she suddenly disappears again in the backburner. I liked Ally and would have liked to see more of her.

Apart from these things, this book is perfect, and I was glued to it entirely! Overall, “The Things the River Hides” is a beautiful Young Adult fantasy mystery that I adored.

Giveaway Details:

10 Winners will receive an eBook of THE THINGS THE RIVER HIDES, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Things the River Hides by A.N. Sage Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
BookHounds YA -Guest Post-2-14-2022
The Reading Devil-Guest Post/IG Post-2-15-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-16-2022
@bookstagramofmine-Review/IG Post-2-17-2022
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-2-18-2022

Week Two:
The Reading Wordsmith -Review/IG Post-2-21-2022
@simplybeccamee-Review/IG Post-2-22-2022
@lexijava -Review/IG Post-2-23-2022
A Court of Coffee and Books-Review/IG Post-2-24-2022
Momfluenster -Review/IG Post-2-25-2022

February 19, 2022
The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

Release: December 01, 2021
Format: Audiobook
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible

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Constance Haltwhistle has three days to save her ancestral estate.

Constance is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogues in 1897 Yorkshire. Selling illegal firearms under her alias the “Brass Queen,” she has kept the coffers full. Due to an archaic law, however, she will lose everything unless she does the detestable…find a noble husband.

Torn between high society and the underworld, Constance throws herself a lavish coming-out ball to attract a suitable spouse.

Enter the thoroughly unsuitable and utterly frustrating US spy, J.F. Trusdale.

Tall, dark, and almost handsome, Trusdale is shadowing an imperial scientist who has developed an invisibility serum that could change the spy game forever.

She knows a liar when she sees one. He knows a fraud when he meets one.

About the Author:

ELIZABETH CHATSWORTH is a British author and actor based in Connecticut. She loves to write of rogues, rebels, and renegades across time and space. Elizabeth is a Writers Of The Future winner, a Golden Heart finalist, a Pitch Wars alumna, and a member of the SFWA. She’s the author of The Brass Queen (January 2021), an award-winning fantasy set in an alternate Victorian age. When she’s not writing, Elizabeth works as a voice-over actor. There’s a rumor she possesses the world’s best scone recipe.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

The Brass Queen Review:

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Invisibility serums, enigma keys, and dynamic characters make “The Brass Queen” an exciting novel to read.

Let me start by saying how much I enjoyed the author’s creativity. I love historical fiction, and the steampunk element gave this book a classic yet futuristic feel. The story’s plot is also unique, where you have invisible people attacking our duo, using futuristic tools that are purely fantastical.

The author also adds humor and romance in addition to the exciting plot. For instance, I found some scenes humorous, like when Trusdale meets her cousin and sees her mansion. Constance and Trusdale are such a beautiful dynamic. Initially, they don’t trust each other, but as they spend more time together on their mission, you see how close they become. Some of my favorite moments are how Trusdale and Constance get together when an invisible force attacks Trusdale and the exciting incident in the laboratory.

Similarly, I also enjoyed the additional characters. You have characters like Lucien and Erhard, who are cunning and manipulative, and you wonder how they would trick Constance on her mission. Then, you have characters like Hearn, a complete mystery, and you wonder what they would do. The author fills the story with fantasy where you have no clue how it would turn out.

However, while I enjoyed everything about the story, a few parts were complicated in the world-building, and I had to recall it. It would have been nice if the author toned it down a bit, as at times, I felt there was just too much happening, and I couldn’t grasp a few things.

Nevertheless, “The Brass Queen” is a compelling historical steampunk fantasy that I loved how the author executed.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Novels and Latte Book Club -Feb. 6th
Geaux Get Lit-Feb. 11th
Rajivs Reviews-Feb. 12th
Miss W Book Reviews-Feb. 12th
Megs Book Club-Feb. 17th
Delightfully Brittany-Feb. 23rd
Bookish Heidi-Feb. 24th
Carol Doscher-Feb. 26th
Biblio Reviews-Feb. 28th
Christina Luvs 2 Read-March 1st

February 13, 2022
The Sun Casts No Shadow by Mark Richardson

The Sun Casts No Shadow by Mark Richardson

Release: February 9, 2020
Format: Paperback, eBook
Publisher: Whiz Bang
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo

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Wellington Thorneycroft is content picking pockets, taking Ambrosia, screwing prostitutes, and simply surviving in the hellish, walled City. But everything changes when he spots a spectral woman who wordlessly conveys the message: We’ll escape together. Suddenly, Thorneycroft’s life is turned upside down as he’s pulled along a circuitous path to an unknowable freedom: a path marked by violence, sex, and metaphysical dread.

About the Author:

Mark Richardson is the author of the novels The Sun Casts No Shadow, and Hunt for the Troll.

His short stories have appeared in numerous crime and literary publications, including Hobart, Fugue, Segue, Crime Factory, Switchback, and Nth Position.

Born in the Chicago area, he graduated from the University of Iowa, and promptly escaped the midwestern winters for sunny California, first living in Los Angeles and then San Francisco. He spent thirty years working as a writer and marketer for tech companies in Silicon Valley.

Mark now lives in the East Bay with his wife, two children, and the world’s cutest dog. He spends his time writing fiction, obsessing about the Chicago Cubs, attending his daughter’s softball games, and reading stacks of books. He loves genre-bending fiction, especially speculative writing with a noir flavor. In 2019, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and supports the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

The Sun Casts No Shadow Review:

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When I started reading “The Sun Casts No Shadow,” I had no idea how complex it would get. The author does a great job setting up the dystopian world with the City, Wall, Troopers, and the Factory. Initially, when you read the blurb, you feel it would be a run-of-the-mill dystopian tale where the protagonist tries to beat the system. True, it is that in some ways, but it is so much more. There was never a dull moment in the tale, and the plot picks up as you dive into it. Some of my favorite moments were when Wellington and Lilith go through underground tunnels on their journey to freedom or when Wellington sees the stranger in the mirror. I also loved how the author incorporated dreams and premonitions into the tale, giving this story a surreal touch.

Moreover, the characters are unique and complex, and you don’t know how they react to situations. Wellington is great in the lead, and I liked his sarcastic humor. He shines in his scenes with Lilith, which to me, were the highlights. I enjoyed Wellington’s scenes with Dempsey, Riba, Gwyneth, and Felix. You don’t know who to trust, and I was glued to the story as Wellington works with them, changing his life.

Perhaps the only downside to the story was the climax. While I will not give the ending, I will say that it left me wanting more. I hope the author writes a sequel to this book, as I would love to revisit these characters.

Overall, “The Sun Casts No Shadow” is a compelling dystopian fantasy novel and a short read of fewer than 200 pages.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a $10 Amazon GC courtesy of Rockstar Book Tours, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Sun Casts No Shadow by Mark RichardsonBlog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-1-31-2022
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt-1-31-2022
YABooksCentral-Guest Post-2-1-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt/IG Post-2-1-2022
BookHounds-Guest Post-2-2-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-2-2-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-3-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-2-3-2022
Jazzy Book Reviews-Review-2-4-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt/IG Post-2-4-2022

Week Two:
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-2-7-2022
Jaime’s Book World-Excerpt-2-7-2022
The Girl Who Reads-Review/IG Post-2-8-2022
Prison Wife Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-8-2022
Wottaread-Excerpt-2-9-2022
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review/IG Post-2-9-2022
@jypsylynn -Review/IG Post-2-10-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-10-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-11-2022
OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-2-11-2022

February 6, 2022
Black Panther The Young Prince: Spellbound by Ronald L. Smith

Black Panther The Young Prince: Spellbound
by Ronald L. Smith

Release: September 28th 2021
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Marvel Press
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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The second book in the hit Young Prince series from Ronald L. Smith, recipient of the 2016 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award.

In the sequel to the hit middle grade novel, The Young Prince, T’Challa is heading back to America to visit his friends Sheila and Zeke, who are staying with Sheila’s grandma in Alabama over their summer break. T’Challa is excited to see his friends, but his fun summer vacation quickly turns into a nightmare. The small town has fallen under the sway of a charismatic politician named Achebe who is there to retrieve a spell book full of dark magic. When strange events start to take place, T’Challa begins to think that it’s no coincidence that Achebe arrived in Beaumont at the same time he did.

Will T’Challa figure out his role in Achebe’s sinister plot and break the spell he has over the town?

About the Author:

Ronald L. Smith is an award-winning writer of children’s literature including the middle grade novels Black Panther: The Young Prince, The Mesmerist, The Owls Have Come To Take Us Away, and Gloomstown, a Junior Library Guild Selection. His first novel, Hoodoo, earned him the 2016 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award and the ILA Award for Intermediate Fiction from The International Literacy Association. Before he became a full-time writer, he worked in advertising and wrote TV commercials for big corporations. He is much happier writing books for young people.

Website |Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Goodreads

Black Panther The Young Prince: Spellbound Review:

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A room without books is like a body without a soul. This quote is one of my favorites by Cicero and surprisingly plays an integral part in this gripping story.

This book, in my opinion, is the perfect middle-grade adventure mystery that would capture the attention of the younger audience. I have not seen any movies or read any books with the Black Panther before, but that did not stop me from enjoying the story.

The author did a fantastic job portraying the emotions that T’Challa, Prince of Wakanda, goes through. He is not scared to do what is right and protect his friends along the way. I loved the author’s touch of humor as to the new things T’Challa experiences, like the arcade.

Similarly, I loved the bond he shared with Zeke and Sheila and thought they made a fabulous group in their adventure. I liked how they all worked together and researched about Bob. Even the supporting characters like Miss Rose and Mika were lovely additions.

Moreover, the author builds the adventure nicely around Bob the Acrobat and Achebe. As the story progresses, we realize how sinister the villains are. There are magic books, spells, hypnosis, strange dreams, and so much more. I felt my inner child grip the pages to find out what happened next. Some of the memorable moments in the story were when the statue of General Clifford Beaumont comes down or when T’Challa gets strange dreams. The story builds up to an exciting climax where T’Challa needs to make an important decision.

Overall, “Black Panther The Young Prince” is a beautiful book to read, even if you are unfamiliar with the famous Marvel character.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of BLACK PANTHER THE YOUNG PRINCE: SPELLBOUND, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on thBlack Panther The Young Prince: Spellbound
by Ronald L. Smith Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
YA Books Central-Excerpt-1-31-2022
Kait Plus Books-Excerpt-1-31-2022
BookHounds YA-Excerpt-2-1-2022
Books and Ladders-Excerpt-2-1-2022
karendeeandabc-Spotlight-2-3-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-2-3-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-2-3-2022
More Books Please blog -Review-2-3-2022
Review Thick & Thin-Review-2-4-2022
Locks, Hooks and Books-Review-2-4-2022

Week Two:
Nay’s Pink Bookshelf-Review-2-7-2022
booksaremagictoo-Review-2-7-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-8-2022
Lifestyle of Me-Review-2-8-2022
Cocoa With Books-Review-2-9-2022
Midnightbooklover-Review-2-9-2022
@fictitious.fox-Review-2-10-2022
Sometimes Leelynn Reads-Review-2-10-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-11-2022
laura’s bookish corner -Review-2-11-2022

February 3, 2022
The Insecure Mind of Sergei Kraev by Eric Silberstein

The Insecure Mind of Sergei Kraev by Eric Silberstein

Release: August 5th 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Liu Book Group
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: GoodReads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo

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The year is 2100. The lack of trust that characterized the early Internet era is long behind us. Mathematical proof ensures neural implants can’t be hacked, and the Board of Reality Overseers blocks false information from spreading.

When undergraduate Sergei Kraev, who dreams of becoming a professor, is accepted into the Technion’s computer science graduate program, he throws himself into his research project: making it possible for neural implants to transmit information directly to the brain. If he succeeds, he’ll earn a full professorship.

But Sergei falls under the influence of Sunny Kim, the beautiful and charismatic leader of a K-pop dance cult. Sergei believes in Sunny’s good intentions and wants to protect her from critics, leading him to perform a feat of engineering that leaves billions of brains vulnerable to attack.

With the clock ticking towards catastrophe, can Sergei see the truth about Sunny and undo what he’s done?

About the Author:

Eric Silberstein holds a degree in computer science from Harvard and is a winner of the MIT TR35 prize.

He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and children.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

The Insecure Mind of Sergei Kraev Review:

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The first aspect that stood out for the story is how futuristic the author designed it. I felt I was getting a glimpse of a realistic future that intimidated me how technology became an integral part of our lives. I was so impressed that this was the author’s debut because he beautifully executed the story!

Moreover, I enjoyed how the author depicted the characters.
Initially, it was interesting to see the dynamics between Sergei, Karima, and Daniel on the one hand and Sunny’s lavish lifestyle on the other hand. In the beginning, Sunny’s storyline drew me into the book and her life at 100M with Yo Kyeong. However, all the characters and storylines absorbed me into the author’s world, and I found it fascinating, even Lynette.

Another nice part of the book is how the author writes the characters’ emotions well, who we can root for, even if it seems like they are from another world and time. Some of my favorite moments are when Karima faces betrayal at Uncle Gadi’s farm, Sunny’s conflict with Sang-Chul and Fernando, or Sergei’s feelings for Nadya. The plot gets so twisted towards the climax that you wonder what will happen to everyone. Moreover, I love the creative way the author gets personal with the tale. For instance, the narrator, Leon, breaks the story in places to insert blog posts from various decades that give the story a vintage look.

Perhaps the book’s only criticism is that it took me a good few chapters to get into the groove. The author toggles between different timelines and locations between branches, from Korea to Singapore to Israel that took me time to adjust.

Overall, I thought “The Insecure Mind of Sergei Kraev” was a brilliant debut, and I can easily see a movie adaptation.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Insecure Mind of Sergei Kraev by Eric Silberstein Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Bookoholic Cafe-Jan. 14th
Amys Book Nook-Jan. 14th
David L Morgan-Jan. 21st
Extroverted For Books-Jan. 25th
Joannas Bookshelf-Jan. 26th
Subakka Bookstuff-Jan. 28th
The Page Ladies-Feb. 2nd
Rajivs Reviews-Feb. 3rd
Eli Loves Books 16-Feb. 3rd
Rozier Reads and Wine-Feb. 5th
Books and Coffee MX-Feb. 14th
Nissa The Bookworm-Feb. 14th

February 3, 2022
Justice at Sea by Christian Klaver

Justice at Sea by Christian Klaver

Release: December 7, 2021
Format: Hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook
Publisher: CamCat Books
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

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The tides of the Faerie War are turning, but at how high a cost for the Kasric family?

Justice Kasric, her siblings, and her parents are locked in combat on both sides of the Human-Faerie War. At fifteen, Justice may be the youngest ever Admiral to command her own ship and lead a resistance, but she has the magic and the will to do it. If only nearly every other member of her family weren’t either in immediate danger of dying-or attempting to kill her!

Forced to make dangerous pacts with more than one unpredictable ally, only Justice can decide how far she’ll go to save London. Is it worth sacrificing even a member of her own family?

About the Author:

CHRISTIAN KLAVER has been writing for over twenty years, with a number of magazine publications, including Escape Pod, Dark Wisdom Anthology, and Anti- Matter. He’s the author of The Supernatural Case Files of Sherlock Holmes, the Empire of the House of Thorns series, and the Nightwalker series, but has written over a dozen novels in both fantasy and sci-fi, often with a Noir bent. He worked as a bookseller, bartender and a martial-arts instructor before settling into a career in internet security. He lives just outside the sprawling decay of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife Kimberly, his daughter Kathryn, and a group of animals he refers to as The Menagerie.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Justice at Sea Review:

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“Justice at Sea” is the exciting continuation in the “Empire of the House of Thorn” series and did not disappoint.

The author ups the game with thrills and adventure as the team goes to Stormholt and fights in the Faerie Wars and Wild hunt. There are shocking consequences which I didn’t expect, and I had no idea in which direction the author would take the story.

Moreover, the author also wrote the characters nicely. Justice shines once again in the lead as her responsibilities increase. I also liked Faith and Justice’s bond and found it to grow. Similarly, even new characters like Mog and the Lord of Thorns were interesting. I loved reading the continuation of Henry and Benedict and wondered what would happen to the cast.

Even world-building gets more extensive, like the way time moves. One of the highlights of the tale was how the author described the war and the strategies the Faerie devised. We have Hanged Dogs, Goblins and Trolls, and many more creatures. Memorable moments in the tale include gargoyles taking the father and Faith getting cut, which made the story exciting to read.

The only criticism of the tale is how the book focused more on justice than the earlier book. The first book, “Shadows Over London,” had more chapters for Henry and Benedict, whereas this book didn’t. Also, at times, the book is geared towards adventure rather than the characters’ development.

Apart from that, the story is excellent and ends on an exciting note once again. I am keen to read the continuation. Overall, “Justice At Sea” is a gripping addition to the series, and I look forward to the next book by the author!

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of JUSTICE AT SEA, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Justice at Sea by Christian Klaver Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-1-10-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-11-2022
YABooksCentral-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-12-2022
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-13-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-1-14-2022

Week Two:
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-1-17-2022
Jaime’s Book World-Excerpt-1-18-2022
The Girl Who Reads-Review-1-19-2022
GivernyReads-Review-1-20-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-21-2022

Week Three:
The Phantom Paragrapher-Review/IG Post-1-24-2022
Karen Dee’s Book Reviews -Review-1-25-2022
@sunnydeelights-Review-1-26-2022
Fire and Ice-Review-1-27-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-28-2022

Week Four:
OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-1-31-2022
Pick A Good Book-Excerpt or Guest Post-2-1-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-2-2022
More Books Please blog-Review-2-3-2022
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review-2-4-2022

Week Five:
@lexijava -Review-2-7-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-2-8-2022
BookHounds YA -Review-2-9-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-10-2022
@jypsylynn -Review-2-11-2022

Week Six:
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-2-14-2022

January 26, 2022
Shadows Over London by Christian Klaver

Shadows Over London by Christian Klaver

Release: May 25, 2021
Format: eBook, audiobook
Publisher: CamCat Books
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N

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Justice Kasric’s world is turned upside down when her father forcibly bundles the entire family into carriages in the middle of the night and carts them off to a strange mansion on the outskirts of London. The Faerie are invading-and the Kasric siblings don’t even have a chance to stay neutral, because different members of their family are working for opposite sides.

But Justice isn’t your average fifteen-year-old girl growing up in Victorian London. She’s an irrepressible scoundrel, and she always has a plan. These qualities have ostracized her from the rest of the family before now, but even her older siblings look to her to help them escape. Justice certainly isn’t going to stay locked up once she discovers the world of Faerie, especially once she and her siblings discover magical talents they never knew they had.

About the Author:

CHRISTIAN KLAVER has been writing for over twenty years, with a number of magazine publications, including Escape Pod, Dark Wisdom Anthology, and Anti- Matter. He’s the author of The Supernatural Case Files of Sherlock Holmes, the Empire of the House of Thorns series, and the Nightwalker series, but has written over a dozen novels in both fantasy and sci-fi, often with a Noir bent. He worked as a bookseller, bartender and a martial-arts instructor before settling into a career in internet security. He lives just outside the sprawling decay of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife Kimberly, his daughter Kathryn, and a group of animals he refers to as The Menagerie.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Shadows Over London Review:

Click to view on Instagram

“Shadows Over London” is a gripping young adult fantasy novel filled with action and adventure. I never had a dull moment reading it.

When I initially started reading this story, I had no idea which direction it would go. I liked Justice (and her name) right from the get-go as she tried to find out what was happening. I also liked how the author narrated the story in terms of perspective. While the author writes a few chapters from Justice’s perspective, we also get events transpiring with the other characters. I liked how the author gave equal importance to Henry and Benedict, as there was something pivotal happening with them that all merged in the end.

Another exciting aspect was how the author kept shocking me with various twists and turns. Right from the beginning, I felt like I was at the edge of my seat when the carriage crashed and the siblings’ lives changed. Memorable moments that shook me were when they came across the corpses field or Henry’s time at Newgate. Even characters like Avonstoke and Victoria Rose were special. The author blends fantasy with adventure beautifully, and the second half is equally gripping as the team sets sail.

The only reason I gave this four stars is that it took time for me to understand what was happening. Initially, I felt that the author introduced many characters, including Divers and Sands (who I felt were unimportant). Hence, it took me a while to go with the flow. But once I figured out the cast, I enjoyed reading it a lot.

Overall, “Shadows over London” is an exciting start to the “Empire of the House of Thorn” series.

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of JUSTICE AT SEA, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Justice at Sea by Christian Klaver Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-1-10-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-11-2022
YABooksCentral-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-12-2022
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-13-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-1-14-2022

Week Two:
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-1-17-2022
Jaime’s Book World-Excerpt-1-18-2022
The Girl Who Reads-Review-1-19-2022
GivernyReads-Review-1-20-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-21-2022

Week Three:
The Phantom Paragrapher-Review/IG Post-1-24-2022
Karen Dee’s Book Reviews -Review-1-25-2022
@sunnydeelights-Review-1-26-2022
Fire and Ice-Review-1-27-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-28-2022

Week Four:
OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-1-31-2022
Pick A Good Book-Excerpt or Guest Post-2-1-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-2-2022
More Books Please blog-Review-2-3-2022
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review-2-4-2022

Week Five:
@lexijava -Review-2-7-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-2-8-2022
BookHounds YA -Review-2-9-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-10-2022
@jypsylynn -Review-2-11-2022

Week Six:
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-2-14-2022

January 26, 2022
The Witch and the Dreamwalker by Victoria Rogers

The Witch and the Dreamwalker by Victoria Rogers

Release: December 14, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

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It’s 1982, and rising star Vivian McKinley is determined to climb the corporate ladder of a growing paranormal security firm. With the help of Xavier Prince, President and CEO of Prince Charms, Vivian uncovers a plot to take over the business. The pair navigate office politics and machinations to prove a psychic vampire’s treachery.

About the Author:

Victoria Rogers is an award-winning podcaster, game designer, and storyteller known for their immersive worlds and strong female characters.

Witches, warlocks, gods, and spirits fill their dreams and stories. Consent and healthy communication are two major aspects of their work – after all, you can’t have what you want unless you ask for it.

Victoria can be found in the garden and in the kitchen making fruit wines, brewing beers, and infusing spirits. When not feeding friends, they attend tabletop gaming conventions and sit on storytelling and world-building panels, teach about online marketing, and produce live events.

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

The Witch and the Dreamwalker Review:

“The Witch and the Dreamwalker” is a short and fun fantasy romance novel that was entertaining and exciting.

I have not read the previous book, “The Witch and the Dreamwalker,” but I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. Firstly, I loved the story’s theme, where the author merges the corporate business world of Prince Charms with paranormal entities. The plot gave me steamy office vibes but fantasy characters, which I had not read before.

Secondly, I thought the author portrayed the character’s emotions nicely. She spends equal time focusing on Vivian and Xavier and their conflicting emotions towards one another. For instance, I enjoyed the moments where Xavier feels conflicted because he doesn’t want to mix business with pleasure, but he cannot help himself. Some memorable moments in the tale are when Vivian goes on the private jet for the first time or when Xavier notices her push away from him. Moreover, we also get a steamy romance that heats the pages.

Even the supporting characters add nicely to the dynamics. I loved Vivian’s friendship with Jenny. Similarly, Troy and Simeon also add the villains, and it was interesting to see how far they would go to sabotage Vivian’s career.

However, the only criticism I have towards the tale is how rushed it felt at times. Since the book is short, many things happen one after the other. It would have been nice if the author spaced out the tale and added more details on the character’s backgrounds to get used to them.

Apart from that, I enjoyed reading “The Witch and the Dreamwalker” and found it entertaining.

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot onhe Witch and the Dreamwalker by Victoria Rogers Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-1-10-2022
BookHounds YA-Guest Post-1-10-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt-1-11-2022
The Momma Spot-Excerpt-1-11-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt-1-12-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-1-12-2022
Writer of Wrongs-Guest Post-1-13-2022
Jazzy Book Reviews-Excerpt-1-13-2022
brittreadsalattebooks-Review-1-14-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-1-14-2022

Week Two:
See Sadie Read-Review-1-17-2021
@curlygrannylovestoread -Review/IG Post-1-17-2021
Prison Wife Reviews-Review-1-18-2021
Fire and Ice-Review-1-18-2021
More Books Please blog-Review-1-19-2021
OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-1-19-2021
@Locked_in_a_library-Review-1-20-2021
_bookbound_-Review/IG Post-1-20-2021
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review/IG Post-1-21-2021
@meetcuteromancebooks-Excerpt/IG Post-1-21-2021

January 22, 2022
She Wouldn’t Change A Thing by Sarah Adlakha

She Wouldn’t Change A Thing by Sarah Adlakha

Release: August 10th 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Forge Books
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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A second chance is the last thing she wants.

When thirty-nine year old Maria Forssmann wakes up in her seventeen-year-old body, she doesn’t know how she got there. All she does know is she has to get back: to her home in Bienville, Mississippi, to her job as a successful psychiatrist and, most importantly, to her husband, daughters, and unborn son.

But she also knows that, in only a few weeks, a devastating tragedy will strike her husband, a tragedy that will lead to their meeting each other.

Can she change time and still keep what it’s given her?

Exploring the responsibilities love lays on us, the complicated burdens of motherhood, and the rippling impact of our choices, She Wouldn’t Change a Thing is a dazzling debut from a bright new voice.

About the Author:

Sarah is a native of Chicago who now resides on the gulf coast of Mississippi with her husband and three daughters. Writing is her second career but her first dream job.

She retired from her psychiatry practice shortly before relocating with her husband and daughters to Mississippi, where she finally put pen to paper and began telling her stories.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

She Wouldn’t Change A Thing Review:

As soon as I started reading the story, the plot immediately drew my attention because it felt unique. When you read the book’s blurb, you think it is some time travel story. While, in some ways, it is, this book is so much more. The author keeps you on your toes as she introduces new characters with different storylines, and you wonder how they will connect in the end. Initially, I was glued to Maria’s storyline as she deals with Sylvia, John, and Shelby. However, the author also introduces us to Jenny and Hank, who seem to have their storyline, and you wonder how it all connects to what Maria experiences.

Moreover, the author also progresses the story nicely into various parts. I loved the second part of the book and was hanging on to Maria’s story. While it may not be intentional, I enjoyed some humorous features, such as when Maria initially finds herself talking to her mother and wondering about AP classes. Maria is great in the lead as she goes on this second chances, trust, and forgiveness journey. Before she witnessed the incident, I liked how the author portrayed her thoughts about her patients, like Sylvia. I honestly did not know how the story would turn out, especially during the scenes with Maria and Henry.

Perhaps the only minor criticism of the story is how it got a little convoluted towards the end. There is so much happening so fast that I had to read each page carefully to avoid missing something important. However, I enjoyed how the story wrapped up and was one of those books that I kept thinking of post-reading.

Overall, “She Wouldn’t Change a Thing” would blow your mind for its unique concept, and I enjoyed it a lot!

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the She Wouldn’t Change A Thing by Sarah Adlakha Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Books and Coffee MX-Jan. 17th
Shooks Books-Jan. 20th
Rajivs Reviews-Jan. 20th
Laura’s Next Chapter-Jan. 21st
We Break For Books-Jan. 28th
Bookphile Belle-Jan. 28th

January 20, 2022