My Book Reviews

Category: Time Travel

  • Maxed Out by C.S. McDonald

    Maxed Out by C.S. McDonald

    Maxed Out

    Maxed Out (The Owl’s Nest Mysteries Book 2) by C.S. McDonald

    Release: May 2, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: McWriter Books
    Source: IRead Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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    The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe is a huge success! Business is booming, and Alexa Owl’s love life is heating up. Yet much to the seamstress’s dismay, Detective Bobby Starr is suddenly back again! Bobby isn’t your everyday gumshoe. Rather, he’s an angel who’s trying to earn a place in Saint Peter’s Guardian Angel Squad.

    He’s required to solve murders he had left unsettled from when he walked the earth to be accepted into this prestigious group. Of course, they will need to return to the time period in which the murder took place, and again, Alexa is a reluctant time traveler. Oh, and there’s one more little problem—this time, Bobby’s brought along a friend, Maxi Krogen, and she’s no angel!

    About the Author:

    For twenty-six years, C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer.

    In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. Also, in 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. Also, in 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries has nine books.

    Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. Moreover, the Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

    Cindy resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and she poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook |Goodreads

    Maxed Out Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    When I read “Back to the Burgh and Beyond,” the first book in the series, I knew I would enjoy “Maxed out,” its continuation.

    Firstly, the author brings back our favorite duo. Alexa and Bobby Starr a new mystery that Alexa has to solve. In this story, Alexa needs to find who killed Maxi’s husband, Rodney, for which Maxi gets accused. I immediately liked the tense chemistry between Alexa and Maxi. Maxi is a person who would get on anyone’s nerves for her arrogant personality, and it was interesting to see how Alexa handled her. On a side note, I adored Trixie and thought she added a nice touch to the scenes. However, what surprised me was how the author beautifully connected this storyline to another mystery that Alexa accidentally discovers when she visits Hank’s Sandwich shop. I loved how the two storylines interweaved with one another, and that made the story exciting.

    I enjoyed Alexa in the lead. She is curious and helpful, and I liked her friendship with Bobby and her chemistry with Cliff. Winnie is adorable as Alexa’s friend (and even Holden), making the scenes humorous. Honestly, I wish both of them were more active in the storyline. Like the first book, I loved the time-traveling element and how the author brought the 1950s back to life. I also liked the creative touch she added to reference famous movies like “The Godfather” to include in the mob storyline.

    Overall, “Maxed Out” is a lovely addition to “The Owl’s Next Mysteries” series, and I wonder what adventure Alexa will find herself in next time.

    Giveaway:

    Autographed copy of MAXED OUT, plus other gifts (the USA only) (ends Jul 23)

    MAXED OUT Book Tour Giveaway

     

    Maxed Out

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on theMaxed Out by C.S. McDonald Blog Tour hosted by IRead Book Tours. Check out my post, and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Rockin’ Book Reviews – June 22 –  audiobook review of Taking Notes on Murder/giveaway
    Bound 4 Escape – June 22 –  book review of Maxed Out/giveaway
    Book Corner News and Reviews – June 22 –  book review of Maxed Out/giveaway
    Rajiv’s Reviews – June 22 –  book review of Bon Voyage to Murder/giveaway
    Splashes of Joy – June 23 –  book review of Maxed Out/giveaway
    Book Corner News and Reviews – June 23 –  book review of Bon Voyage to Murder/giveaway
    Working Mommy Journal – June 23 –  book review of Bon Voyage to Murder/giveaway
    Rajiv’s Reviews – June 23 –  book review of Taking Notes on Murder/giveaway
    Buried Under Books – June 24 –  book review of Maxed Out/giveaway
    Rajiv’s Reviews – June 24 –  book review of Maxed Out/giveaway
    Locks, Hooks, and Books – June 24 –  book review of Taking Notes on Murder/giveaway

  • The Retake by Jen Calonita

    The Retake by Jen Calonita

    The Retake

    The Retake by Jen Calonita

    Release: February 23rd, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Delacorte
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo.

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    “A book about a time-traveling app? I’m in! Jen Calonita strikes again with a coming-of-age middle grade full of wit and a little bit of magic. “ —Sarah Mlynowski, New York Times bestselling author of the Whatever After and Upside Down Magic series.

    Zoe knows that the only thing harder than middle school is losing a best friend. She and Laura used to do everything together, from taking silly selfies to joining all the same clubs together and even throwing surprise birthday parties for one another.

    But lately, things have been weird between them. Now Laura will post a photo of her hanging out with other girls before responding to Zoe’s simple text. She doesn’t even want to sit with her at lunch anymore. Zoe is heartbroken—all she wants is for things to go back to normal.

    But then a magical app downloads on her phone…and things get even weirder! Suddenly Zoe can travel back in time to moments where she and Laura started drifting apart. It is like a dream come true—a chance for Zoe to mend their friendship.

    But as Zoe goes back to moments of middle school drama—sleepover games went wrong, field trips with cliques and crushes, and school projects that bring on more-than-awkward encounters—she realizes that second chances don’t always go as planned and that sometimes you need to trust the magic of new beginnings.

    About the Author:

    Jen Calonita has always loved writing. Her first published piece was in the sixth-grade newspaper, where she wrote about an attacking snake who bothered her canoe on a class field trip. These days she writes about fairy tale worlds, Hollywood lives, and music.

    A big fan of Cinderella as a child, Jen always wondered what would happen if the Wicked Stepmother apologized to Cinderella for her behavior and tried to prove she was now a good fairy tale citizen. Jen figured the Wicked Stepmother might convince other villains to behave, and together they would teach children on the path to wickedness how to be good at…Fairy Tale Reform School. The series, which includes many classic fairy tale characters, has its own stories to be told, starting with Misfits.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

    The Retake Review:

    What if you could go back in the past and change things to alter the future? “The Retake” is an adorable middle-grade novel involving time travel, and I enjoyed it.

    Click to view on Instagram

    Sometimes, it is hard to move on in life when your best friend ghosts you and finds new friends. Zoe’s storyline interested me because I wanted to see how she would handle her friendship with Laura. I thought the author wrote their dynamic in a realistic and fun manner. But the story gets very entertaining when Zoe starts using the app that lets her travel back in time to the photo she was looking at on her phone. The author wrote this concept in such a delightful manner, and I loved how she executed it!

    Zoe was lovely in the lead as she tries to keep fixing her friendship with Laura. You wonder what will happen to her as she starts time traveling and trying to fix the future. The author beautifully conveys that even though the situations might change, the person remains the same, and if it’s meant to happen, it will. Moreover, I thought Zoe’s reactions to the alternate realities that she witnesses were hilarious. I also enjoyed some of the supporting characters like Taryn and Clare. The author also beautifully conveyed the value of friendship.

    Overall, “The Retake” is an adorable novel that encourages you to move on and live your life and not be boggled by others who do not value your friendship.

  • Back to the Burgh and Beyond by C.S. McDonald

    Back to the Burgh and Beyond by C.S. McDonald

    Back to the Burgh and Beyond

    Back to the Burgh and Beyond (The Owl’s Nest Mysteries Book 1) by C.S. McDonald

    Release: September10th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: McWriter Books
    Source: iRead Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Kindle, Amazon,  B&N

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    All in all, meet Alexa Owl. Not only, She’s returned home to Pittsburgh after a divorce to start a new life but also  a new business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe. Much to her surprise, she’s getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective Bobby Starr, and he’s no ordinary sleuth. Besides, Bobby is an angel who’s back to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel Squad.

    None other than Saint Pete has sent Bobby to acquire Alexa’s help to solve three cold case murders he left behind. Except, here’s the catch: he’s only been allotted four days to solve the first case! By the same token, How in heaven’s name is she supposed to do that? In fact, Alexa is a professional seamstress—not a detective. Nonetheless, Bobby insists the only way to solve the first case is to return to 1953, and Alexa’s not in love with that idea at all!

    About the Author:

    For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. At last, In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write.

    Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy.

    Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg. Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

     Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Back to the Burgh and Beyond Review:

    Back to the Burgh and Beyond was a fun little cozy mystery with unexpected twists.

    The storyline immediately drew me in. Alexa Owl is a lovely character in the lead, and I was curious to see how someone with her lack of experience would help solve a cold case from decades ago. There were a few unexpected twists and turns, like Alexa traveling back in time to 1953 to solve the murders.

    Moreover, I loved Alexa’s relationship with co-stars. All the supporting characters are so creative and fun. Bobby is charming and charismatic as the ghost who wants Alexa’s help to solve the murder of Cora Lee. Honestly, Bobby was one of my favorite characters because of his backstory and his deal with Saint Peter. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes where we see 1953 Bobby and present Bobby present at the same moment. The author writes the story in such a humorous manner that keeps you glued to the pages. Winnie is also sweet as she talks about the history of the building and the family. Even Garbo added a level of mystery.

    Similarly, the mystery itself was fun, albeit it was a typical mystery novel where I expected something like what happened in the climax would happen. Also, I felt a few areas could have been trimmed, like Alexa’s scenes with her sister. However, the story ends with a slight twist, which is exciting and makes you want to pick the next book and start reading.

    Overall, I enjoyed reading this story and would undoubtedly pick out the following books to see how it continues.

    Giveaway

    Autographed copy of BACK TO THE BURGH AND BEYOND (USA only) (ends Nov 27)

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Back to the Burgh and Beyond

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Back to the Burgh and Beyond by C.S. McDonald Blog Tour hosted by iRead Book Tours .

    Tour Schedule:

  • The 12 Christmases of You & Me by Jennifer Joyce

    The 12 Christmases of You & Me by Jennifer Joyce

    The 12 Christmases of You & Me

    The 12 Christmases of You & Me by Jennifer Joyce

    Release: October 9, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Independently published
    Source: Rachel’s Random Resources
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Amazon UK

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    What if you could go back in time and fix the biggest mistake of your life?

    Two years ago, Maisie’s best friend walked out of her life and she hasn’t heard from him since. When she wakes up in 1994, she naturally assumes she’s dreaming. But when she finds herself in the past again the next night and her actions in the dream alter her present-day life, she begins to wonder if she’s somehow hopping back in time. And if she is time-traveling, can she save her friendship with Jonas?

    When someone commands Maisie to relive Christmases of the past, will she face up to her mistakes, or make them all over again?

    To sum up, The 12 Christmases of You & Me is a magical tale of friendship, first loves, and learning to live in the present.

    About the Author:

    Jennifer Joyce is a writer of romantic comedies. She’s been scribbling down bits of stories for as long as she can remember, graduating from a pen to a typewriter and then an electronic typewriter. And she felt like the bee’s knees typing on THAT. She now writes her books on a laptop (which has a proper delete button and everything).

    Jennifer lives in Manchester with her husband and their two daughters. Her novels A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SALAD, EVERYTHING CHANGES BUT YOU, THE MINCE PIE MIX-UP, THE WEDDING DATE, THE LITTLE TEASHOP OF BROKEN HEARTS  are published now. Also,  THE LITTLE BED & BREAKFAST BY THE SEA are out now.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The 12 Christmases of You & Me Review:

    Time travel, tinsel, and trouble, oh my! 
    Maisie doesn’t know what’s happening in her life,
    One minute she’s preparing for Lily’s wedding,
    But when she dreams, she’s time-traveling.

    The 12 Christmases of You & Me was a fun story! The author takes time-travel to a whole new level in this romantic comedy, and it is so entertaining! Moreover, the author paces the story in such a manner where you cannot predict how it will turn out. How far will Maisie go to use her dreams and save her friendship with Jonas? 

    Jonas and Maisie have great chemistry. Moreover, even the supporting cast like Lily, Aaron, Annabelle, Becca, Tiffany (and many others) add nicely to the plot. On a side note, as a 90s kid, I LOVED the 90s pop culture references. From Friends to Four Weddings and a Funeral, this book was like a splash of everything 90s. 

    Also, the story gets intense once Maisie goes back to her past recurringly without her control. She doesn’t know how she can come out of it and wakes up and realizes she is still in the past at times. Some of the scenes are hilarious as Maisie knows what will happen, like her comeback with Mr. Stewart. One of my favorite moments was when Maisie kisses Jonas but has conflicting feelings about what would happen to Annabelle. I only wish there was some reason as to why Maisie starts experiencing this suddenly. 

    Overall, if you love time travel tales, or movies like “13 going on 30“, or a romantic version of the Butterfly Effect (like how the author mentions), then you will love this story. 

    Book Tour Schedule

    The 12 Christmases of You & Me

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the The 12 Christmases of You & Me by Jennifer Joyce Blog Tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.

  • Time for Sensibility: Only Time Will Tell by M. Sinclair

    Time for Sensibility: Only Time Will Tell by M. Sinclair

    Time for Sensibility

    TIME FOR SENSIBILITY: Only Time Will Tell (Women of Time Collection, #12) by M. Sinclair

    Release: August 28, 2020
    Publisher: M. Sinclair
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon , Read For Free With A Kindle Unlimited Subscription!

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    Do not read this book.

    No, seriously, I have absolutely no idea why one was even written about my life. This is ridiculous. I lived in the middle of nowhere in a drug infested town, under the roof of a collapsing trailer but nothing interesting has ever happened to me. Abandoned outside of a motel, My reckless new foster father picked me up  and spent the last six years traveling the United States practically homeless. I need to include the jerk that I really needed to break up with because  he had actually started to scare me a lot. Also, I’d spent the last six years of my life feeling horribly out of place and totally out of synch with time and place.  So when I tell you not to read this book, I mean it.

    Well, I suppose there was one memorable and interesting moment in the night of my eighteenth birthday. My four hot neighbors, and known criminals, kidnapped me onto a river boat. I found myself falling asleep floating down a Missouri river… and waking up to marmalade skies and a talking river otter with a hot pink top hat. My four psycho kidnappers made me remember everything I’d forgotten. Because I had been right, I didn’t fucking belong here. I belonged in the Kingdom of Snark.

    This book is anything but sensible. Time for Sensibility is a standalone reverse harem romance that is fast-burn with violence, swearing, a band of hot psychos, a wonderland inspired world, and a haunted slightly naive MFC. Abuse is mentioned. +18 audience.

    About the Author:

    M. Sinclair is a Chicago native, parent to 3 cats, and can be found reading almost every moment of the day… yes, that includes while at work. Despite being new to publishing, M. Sinclair has been writing for nearly 10 years now.

    Currently, in love with the Reverse Harem genre, she plans to publish an array of works that are considered romance, suspense, and horror within the year. She also believes that there is enough room for all types of heroines in this world and that being saved is as important as saving others. So be a princess and a warrior!

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

    Time for Sensibility: Only Time Will Tell Review:

    This book takes on you on a ride. I went into this book not knowing what to expect. The story is twisted, steamy, weird, unpredictable, and honestly, a fun guilty pleasure.

    To be honest, there were so many reasons why I would have hated this book. The pacing is weird, the characters change their relationships in an instant, and the story just goes in different angles. But, surprisingly, it worked well in this story, and I enjoyed reading this twisted tale. Our main character, Davina goes through a lot in the story and it was fun to see her journey. I am not even sure if this is a prequel or connected to an existing series, because the story feels like its part of a bigger picture.

    Nevertheless, the author writes the tale in an entertaining manner .There’s time travel, memory loss, secrets, legacies, science fiction, drama, and not to mention, lots of sex. The author sure knows how to write steamy scenes that would make anyone blush. It didn’t help that I read this while commuting outside. Moreover, I also liked the side story with the Jade Witch.

    However, I wish the story had more depth to the characters. Personally, I really liked the plot and weird direction in which it went. Unfortunately, I could not connect with the male leads. Ranger, Preston, Lorenzo and Don appeared to have the same characteristics, and I found it hard to differentiate between the them.

    Apart from that, this was a steamy adventure, and I do look forward to reading other books by the author. Bonus points if they connect to the characters from this story!

    Giveaway Details:

    One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card, International.

    Ends September 15th, midnight EST.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Time for Sensibility

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Time for Sensibility: Only Time Will Tell by M. Sinclair 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 – 31Aug-Excerpt
    Jaime’s World – 01Sep-Excerpt
    JaimeRockstarBookTours – 02Sep-Instagram Stop
    Book Sniffers Anonymous – 02Sep-Excerpt
    BookHounds – 03Sep-Excerpt
    Books A-Brewin’ – 04Sep-Excerpt
    Books A-Brewin’ – 04Sep-Instagram Stop

    Week 02

    Karma Readz – 07Sep-Review
    karmabusdriver – 07Sep-Instagram Stop
    Books a Plenty Book Reviews – 08Sep-Review
    Rajiv’s Reviews – 09Sep-Review
    Rajiv’s Reviews – 09Sep-Instagram Stop
    book briefs – 10Sep-Review
    Gimme The Scoop Reviews – 11Sep-Excerpt
    Gimme The Scoop Reviews – 11Sep-Instagram Stop

  • My Travels With A Dead Man by Steve Searls

    My Travels With A Dead Man by Steve Searls

    My Travels with a Dead Man

    My Travels With A Dead Man by Steve Searls

    Release: August 27th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Black Rose Writing 
    Source: Rachel’s Random Resources
    Find it at: Stevesearls, Amazon UK, Amazon ,BlackRose writing

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    Jane Takako Wolfsheim learns she can alter time and space after meeting a charismatic stranger named Jorge Luis Borges.

    Inextricably she falls for Borges. Soon, however Borges starts  lies and emotional abuse, and nightmares about a demonic figure, “the man in black,”  nearly driving Jane mad. After the murder of her parents , Jane flees with Borges. Both the ghost of haiku master, Basho, and the Daibutsu of Kamakura, a statue of Buddha appears in her dreams. They offer her cryptic advice. Unable to trust anyone, Jane must find the strength to save herself, her unborn child, and possibly the future of humanity.

    About the Author:

    Steve Searls retired from the practice of law in 2002 due to a rare chronic autoimmune disorder (Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Cell Associated Periodic Syndrome). He began writing poetry in 2001 and, using the pseudonym, Tara Birch, and featured in Tryst Poetry Journal’s Premiere Issue. He’s also published numerous poems as Tara Birch in print and online. It includes the poetry chapbook, Carrots and Bleu Cheese Dip, in 2004. Steve’s published essays on Medium include “Clara’s Miracle,” about his wife’s cancer and resulting traumatic brain injury from chemotherapy, and “My Rape Story.” After his early life in Colorado, he now lives with his adult son in Western NY. My Travels With a Dead Man is his first novel.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    My Travels With A Dead Man Review:

    I loved this book because it keeps you on your toes with illusion of time, space, dreams and a murder mystery.

    I devour reading stories of time travel and paradoxes. Similarly, I always found Einstein’s theory of relatively fascinating, and I love how the author incorporated this element as the crux of the tale. The author has a wonderful style of writing that grabs your attention from the first page. I was hooked to the story as Jane tries to figure out what is happening to her. Is she dreaming? Is she insane? How do the strangers appear in her life repeatedly? From Japan to Costa Rica, you will get an insight of religion and life, that will open your mind to numerous possibilities. I particularly loved the scenic locations of Japan and the beautiful imagery of the Daibutsu and Kamakura.

    Moreover, the author also wrote the characters vividly that you connect with. I liked Jane a lot and thought she was great. She goes through a lot in the story that had me guessing how she would react. Also, I despised characters like Schneider. Jorge and Basho were interesting too, and added complexity to the plot.

    I don’t have anything negative to say because I thought this book was perfect! While the story has a intriguing plot, it is very deep with multi-faceted and makes you consider all the possibilities about time and space. At the same time, it made me think out of the box and ponder about my life and existence.

    Overall, I loved reading “My Travels With a Dead Man” and highly recommend it to anyone who love stories of time travel and relativity.

    Book Tour Schedule

    My Travels with a Dead Man

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the My Travels With A Dead Man by Steve Searls Blog Tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.

  • PARAGON by Shauna Alderson

    PARAGON by Shauna Alderson

    PARAGON

    PARAGON by Shauna Alderson
    Release: June 16, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Zimbell House Publishing
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours

    Find it at:
     Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop

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    Now that high school is over, Randi just wants to live her quiet life in her little town, but it doesn’t feel right without her friends there. Ever the daredevils, they’ve gone to seek adventure in the capital city of Grandin, and Randi can’t help but feel left behind. Not to mention that she definitely can’t stop thinking about that kiss she and Eddy shared before he left.

    However, when Randi discovers a mysterious mark on her skin that matches an illustration in A Handbook on Paragonhood, she’s thrown into a world of powerful gods and ancient magic that she thought only existed in the myths. Thus, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone-and into the dangerous streets of Grandin-to find a way to protect herself and the people she loves.

    But, Randi’s not the only one with a secret, and she finds herself questioning who she can trust. Randi will have to wrestle with what it means to be a Paragon and how far she’s willing to go to do what’s right.

    With the fate of the world on the line, can she live up to being one of the chosen?

    About the Author:

    Shauna Alderson is a Young Adult fantasy writer and author of PARAGON (Zimbell House, 2020). ParagonShe began writing teen fantasy even before she was a teen. After she “grew up”, she completed creative writing courses (and a BA in Development Studies) at the University of Calgary. When not reading or writing, she can usually be found teaching ESL, composing on the piano, creating art, or volunteering abroad. She also enjoys dessert, Studio Ghibli films, and being the silliest person she knows. Connect with her on Twitter @AldersonShauna.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram |  Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

    Paragon Review:

    Before I begin, I have never read a YA novel with time travel as the main theme. This book was very entertaining and unique and I enjoyed reading it for the most part.

    Paragon
    Click to view on Instagram

    Firstly, the characters are the highlight of the story. I really liked Randi as the main character. She is scared and timid by nature, but still faces challenges and tries to sort out her life. Moreover, I also liked her relationship with Neil and Eddy. Each of the characters brought something different to the story. However, my favorite character was Louis. He was the perfect supporting character, and I loved his friendship with Randi.

    Secondly. the author did the world building in a very nice manner. You get to learn more about the 7 paragons and how they acquire their powers. Also, I loved the whole concept of Dreamscape and how the characters can train in their dream state. On a side note, I also liked the history of Paragonhood explained in the beginning of each chapter.

    However, the only reason I didn’t give it a 5 star rating was because of how the time travel was explained. I got confused and conflicted with the rules of the Timekeeper when Freya explains it to Randi. On one side, it was interesting to read the various possibilities that could take place if we altered time. But on the other hand, I couldn’t grasp the logic and just went with the flow. Moreover, I found characters like Brianna to be very interesting, but we don’t get to know her history.

    Apart from that, this was very entertaining! Overall, “Paragon” was a fun ride, I am looking forward to book 2 to see how the story continues.

    Giveaway:

    Enter the giveaway to win $10 Amazon Gift Card, International!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Paragon

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the PARAGON by Shauna Alderson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:

    15 Jun (Excerpt) – Lone Tree Reads
    16 Jun (Interview) – BookHounds ya
    16 Jun (Instagram Stop) – JaimeRockstarBookTours
    17 Jun (Excerpt) – A Dream Within A Dream
    18 Jun (Review) – Rajiv’s Reviews
    18 Jun (Instagram Stop) – Rajiv’s Reviews
    19 Jun (Review) – Lifestyle Of Me

    Week Two:

    22 Jun (Review) – The Try Everything
    22 Jun (Instagram Stop) – jenifer_reads
    23 Jun (Interview) – Two Chicks on Books
    24 Jun (Review) – Locks, Hooks and Books
    25 Jun (Review) – cosmiclattesandbooks
    25 Jun (Instagram Stop) – cosmiclattesandbooks
    26 Jun (Review) – Book Bustle
    26 Jun (Instagram Stop) – Book Bustle

  • Lost on the Titanic (Out of Time Book 1) by Jessica Rinker, Bethany Stancliffe

    Lost on the Titanic (Out of Time Book 1) by Jessica Rinker, Bethany Stancliffe

    Titanic

    Lost on the Titanic (Out of Time Book 1) by Jessica Rinker, Bethany Stancliffe
    Release: May 19th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
    Source: Netgalley

     


    Synopsis:

    Allie and Vic Taylor are just regular kids who help out in their parents’ antique shop. Until one day, when they find they can travel through time! From Epic! Originals, Out of Time is a middle-grade chapter book series about time-traveling kids who explore important moments in history!

    When Allie, Vic, and their friend, Max, are mysteriously sent back in time to the Titanic, they have to find a way to save their parents’ shop, save their futures, and get off the ship before it sinks! Join them as they explore the Titanic in its prime and attempt to find their way back to the present!

    After the adventure, readers can flip to the back of the book to learn interesting facts about antique stores as well as the Titanic and its passengers!

    Lost on the Titanic Review:

    A big thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McNeel Publishing for providing an advanced reader copy of Book 1 from the Out of time series called “Lost on the Titanic”.

    This was really a fun book to read! I feel like this series has all the right elements to make it successful and can imagine the friends going on all kinds of wild adventures. Even though I would have liked to see more of the Titanic in the story, I can understand they wanted to spend a few pages to setup the characters and theme of the series. Moreover, I liked how the author doesn’t focus only on the adventure, but sets up space for character development as well. Also, some questions are left open ended that makes you want to pick up the next book and read more about who Atlas and Juniper are and what connection they have with the children. Similarly, the characters are all charming, including Luna. Vic seems a bit immature but Allie and Max were adorable.

    Furthermore, the illustrations are also breathtaking in this book. Bethany Stancliffe has done a terrific job in bringing the characters and settings to life in her colorful illustrations. Equally, each image stands out beautifully with its vibrant contrast of colors. What I also liked about the illustrations is that even the villain in the story doesn’t look too evil, and make them fun for younger readers to enjoy. Furthermore, I also enjoyed the snippets provided in the end about summary of the Titanic and Molly Brown.

    Overall, I thought this was a fun start to the series and I hope it does well in the long run!