Saturday, June 29, 2019

Sneak Peek: Einstein's Compass by Grace Blair with Giveaway


Einstein's Compass banner

This is my stop during the blog tour for Einstein's Compass by Grace Blair. Read on for more information about the book and a giveaway with 13 prizes! This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 24 till 30 June. See the tour schedule here.

Einstein's Compass cover

Einstein's Compass

By Grace Blair
YA Time Travel Adventure/ Historical Fiction/ Science Fiction
Release Date: January 1, 2019






What if young Albert Einstein had a magical compass that inspired his theories of relativity?

In Einstein's Compass: A YA Time Traveler Adventure, a young Albert is given a supernatural compass that allows him to travel through time and space, and find wisdom in other dimensions, including the lost city of Atlantis. But evil forces seek the power of the compass, including a monstrous, shape-shifting dragon from a different age. Can the compass protect Albert from such villainy?


Links Einstein’s Compass:
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Audible
- Bookbub
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo

You can watch the book trailer for Einstein’s Compass on Youtube



Listen to a sample of the audiobook here

Einstein’s Compass was a finalist for the 13th annual NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS. See all the finalists here.

Einstein’s Compass is an Award-Winning Finalist in the Fiction: Young Adult category of the 2019 International Book Awards. See all finalists.


SNEAK PEEK

Johann perked up.  “Hey, did you bring your compass?”
Albert brightened at the question. “Of course, I have my compass. Why?”
“The monks at the brewery have their annual treasure hunt tomorrow.
Guys, our age will be competing, and I signed us up. There’ll be a lunch
buffet afterward, too,” he added, never one to pass up a good meal. “I
bet your compass will give us an edge!”
“Could be,” Albert said thoughtfully. “A treasure hunt, eh? Interesting.”
* * *
A crowd gathered on the east side of the Ammer Lake Holy Mountain. The
early morning sun broke over the summit. Five Benedictine Monks
passed out papers with instructions to the hunters. The scavenger hunt
would begin at nine a.m.
The dark-haired, blue-eyed, thirtyish monk, Dr. Peter Collins, stood on a
step stool in his brown monk’s habit. Looking out over the crowd, he
cleared his throat, and in a loud, enthusiastic voice shouted, “Good morning
everyone! Welcome to our annual scavenger hunt commemorating the
feast day of Mary Magdalene. Today you will be seeking replicas of ancient
relics in our Monastery, one of which is that of the venerable saint herself.”
Johann surveyed the crowd from the middle of the pack and guessed there
were about thirty or so; 15 teams of two boys each, like him and Albert.
Albert held the piece of paper they’d been given when they registered.
Johann noticed that the bully, Werner von Wiesel, was at the center of a group
of his toadies—boys who sucked up to him because his father, a retired
Prussian Army colonel, was considered an “important citizen” of Munich.
From Johann’s perspective, Werner was just a spoiled rich kid. But for
some reason, he seemed to have it in for Albert. He rarely passed up an
opportunity to give Albert a hard time.
As Johann reflected on Werner, the brother continued. “Each team has an
instruction sheet with a map of the area. At the bottom of the map, you will
see that there is a list of map coordinates and clues that relate to some of the
monastery’s the relics.” Then he looked up with a mischievous smirk.
“However, to make things interesting, not all coordinates or clues apply to
the relics we have placed out for this hunt.”
“How many relics are there, Brother Peter?” Werner wanted to know.
“The monk’s smirk broadened into a grin. “Well, if we told you that, Werner,
it would take away some of the fun.” The boys groaned.
“When you find a relic, we want you to write what that relic is next to the clue
that hints at it. Do not touch or remove what you find. We want everyone to
have a chance to complete the hunt.”
The monk looked down and consulted his notes, then continued his spiel.
“When you have located all the relics you can find and noted their locations
on your map, bring your entry form to the dining hall. One of our brothers
will take it and record the time.”
The abbot  looking very serious said, “Since I’m sure you will have built
up quite an appetite on your quest, your team will then proceed to the
dining room for a hearty lunch.” He smiled and nodded, allowing the
resulting cheer to dissipate.
“The winner will be based on the number of relics you find, the accuracy
of your notes on the relics you have identified, and the speed with which
you found them.”
“What will I be winning this year, Brother Peter?” Werner haughtily called
out.
The monk waited for the catcalls and jeering to stop, then said, “We’re
not revealing the prize in advance, Werner, so you’ll just have to wait to
find out.”
After the predictable grumbling, the monk asked, “Okay, any questions?”
“Enough talking! Let’s get started!” Werner hollered impatiently. The monk
held up his hands and frowned at Werner. “Hold your horses, Werner. We
want to make sure everyone knows what they need to know.
Werner scowled and glared, looking threateningly around the room. Many
of the boys cringed at Werner’s anger, and no one dared ask a question.
The monk waited, then, hearing no questions, nodded, “Okay then. Gentlemen,
you may begin!”
Most of the boys rushed off on the hunt. Werner managed to bump into
Albert as he rushed by, nearly knocking him over. “Oops, sorry Einstein,”
he sneered insincerely as Albert regained his balance.
Though they were as eager as the rest of the boys to start their search,
instead of rushing off aimlessly, Albert and Johann trotted over to the green
lawn next to the Monastery’s central walkway and sat down. Albert wanted
to approach the hunt rationally. He laid the map on the grass and took out
his precious compass.
“What are you going to do with the compass, Albert?” Johann wanted to know.
“I’m not sure, but I felt like it might help us focus on the clues and where we
want to go,” he replied as Johann settled himself next to him, watching with
interest.  
Albert opened the top of the gem-encrusted compass and set it on the map as
he considered the layout. The morning rays were reflecting on the device’s
face. Looking at the map and then the topography of the surroundings, Albert
tried to determine where they needed to go. He pointed to the map and said,
“The first set of coordinates is 47.58 North 11.118 East, but it’s not clear
exactly where that is.”
As Albert spoke the coordinates, a beam of violet light suddenly shot out
of the compass extending to a point on the map. Both boys gasped in shock.
They could not believe what they saw.
Johann gulped and whispered, “What was that?!”

Albert could only stare as the light disappeared. Then he closed his eyes and
rubbed his temples as if he was trying to ease an ache. “I have no idea. It’s
scientifically not possible.”



What reviewers have to say about Einstein’s Compass:
"Under Grace Blair and Laren Bright's hands, Einstein's Compass is more than just another time travel story, but one of soul searching, enlightenment, and classic struggles between good and evil. During this journey, young Albert embraces the threat of death and world-changing perspectives. Indeed, Albert will change the world, one day. But the roots of his knowledge and endeavors take a different turn in a riveting fantasy about soul-searching and growth which will keep young adult readers engrossed to the end." ~Midwest Book Reviews Diane Donovan, Senior Editor

"I was impressed with how the authors managed to incorporate the known information on the lost continent of Atlantis, Light Workers, souls, reincarnation, time travel and the early years of Albert Einstein before he became famous, into a mesmerizing work of fiction readers will have difficulty putting down." Doug Simpson, Author of "We Lived In Atlantis"

"I recommend Einstein's Compass as historical fan-fiction, the magic, and fantasy built on top of the factual world of Albert Einstein. Although it is intended for a Young Adult audience, it is well suited to adults who enjoy fictionalized history with a wide-ranging epic theme and a Harry Potter-esque plot. Jacqui Murray, Author of Ask a Tech Teacher

"The extended combination of history and magic was an unexpected mix, which pulled me in from the beginning, captivating me all the way to the surprising ending. This novel takes you from the early childhood of Einstein, which includes an illness that may have contributed to his perspective on the world around him as he grew older. It is refreshing to find a combination of history, religion, and folklore told in such a compelling manner with just the right amounts of magic and suspense. Rox Burkey, Author of The Enigma Series

Albert Einstein was fascinated with time and space from an early age, but what inspired him? Receiving a magical compass from his father, Albert sets off on a journey to learn more than math and science offered to understand even time and space. Unfortunately, an ancient evil from the days of Atlantis also seeks his compass and will stop at nothing to have it. Can the Agents of Light protect Albert from the shape-shifting dragon and help him achieve his destiny, or will he fall prey to the dangers of his day and lose the powerful device before he completes his mission? The combination of science with the supernatural is a winner, and the good vs. evil fight is interesting, making this a good book for YA readers. InD'Tale Magazine, Sarah E Bradley

Einstein's Compass exhibits a solid writing style and dutifully hits Einstein's developmental and educational milestones while weaving in an imaginative backstory and unique antagonists' perspectives. The what if of Albert Einstein developing his landmark scientific theories through the aid of spiritualism and time travel, all the while battling an immortal dragon-person from Atlantis, is certainly a unique concept. Booklife Magazine a division of Publisher's Weekly

Grace BlairAbout the Author:
Grace Allison Blair is an award-winning self-help and motivational author, and podcast host, who has assisted thousands to find their spiritual wisdom to solve everyday challenges.

Throughout her adult life, Grace became a serious student of the spiritual. She found that, often, psychological principles and practices were incomplete, but could be filled out by adding the missing spiritual component. Her approach was always to see practical applications for what she uncovered in the mystical. It was through immersing herself in this field of study and experience that she came up with her idea for her book, Einstein’s Compass.

Grace is a successful award-winning author, modern mystic, wellness consultant, business development advisor, marketing coach, and workshop facilitator. She has faced many life challenges, including a life-threatening disease, and used what she encountered as a stimulus to gain greater happiness and fulfillment.

You can find and contact Grace Blair here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Bookbub
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Instagram
- Instagram Einstein’s Compass


GIVEAWAY!!!

There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Einstein’s Compass. These are the prizes you can win:
- 1 signed Einstein’s Compass hat (US Only)
- 1 compass (US Only)
- 5 e-copies of Einstein’s Compass (International)
- 5 audiobook copies of Einstein’s Compass (International)
- 1 Amazon gift card $10 (International)

Einstein's Compass signed hatEinstein's Compass compass

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Friday, June 28, 2019

Sneak Peek: Tabby's Big Year by Hollie Anne Marsh



TABBY'S BIG YEAR
British Equestrian Series 
Sweetbriars 2
by Hollie Anne Marsh
Middle Grade Fiction
152 pages




After Tabby’s father vanishes, a deep rift develops in Tabby’s family. Tabby’s mother is focused on being a star performer in her pharmaceutical sales career, while Ava, Tabby’s older sister, is living with grandparents in Cornwall. Tabby feels neglected by her mother and jealous of Ava and although outwardly diligent and responsible, she’s like a kettle about to blow its top… bottling things up until it’s nearly impossible to keep a lid on her frustration and sadness.

Tabby finds solace with her best friends Cate and Violet at Sweetbriars Farm where she is nursing her dream horse Bliss back to peak performance, to be able to participate in the try-outs for the British Young Riders Squad.

Tabby also finds herself facing other challenges – saving her beloved horse Nancy from the knacker’s yard and finding the courage to tell her friends the truth about her family. 
Will Tabby be able to save the horses she loves and be brave enough to tell people how she really feels?





SNEAK PEEK

This excerpt is from chapter five, where Sophia, the neighbour of the Sweetbriars farm invites Tabby (the protagonist) to her rundown strange house. Sophia is quirky and a bit of an enigma and many readers found her fascinating in the first book. In this chapter, we get to see inside of Sophia’s house and meet her mum, Patricia again. Tabby didn’t have much of a friendship with Sophia in the first book, but in the second book she finds she has more in common with her that she ever could imagine…

They were standing on Sophia’s front porch, in front of them was an old wooden door with cracked cream paint. Sophia turned her key in a brass lock, then she found another key on her keyring to open a lock below that. Then she bent over and used another key to open a bolt at the bottom!
“You can tell he owns a hardware shop right,” said Sophia as she rolled her eyes.
They walked up a carpeted hallway and the walls were lined with crocheted wall hangings. A delicious smell of baking hung in the air.
They turned into the lounge where Sophia’s mum was sitting on the sofa knitting. She was wearing her pyjamas and the television was on. Tabby was surprised to see she was home after opening so many locks. Not only that, she was wearing her pyjamas and it was only five o’clock.
There was a large sofa covered with a colourful knitted throw, an overstuffed green velvet chair and a glass coffee table stacked high with magazines. An exercise bike was wedged awkwardly between the window and the sofa. On the walls were more crochet hangings, along with a photo of Sophia and her mum, both wearing huge grins and Sophia was a toddler.
“Oh hello dear,” Sophia’s mum Patricia said, looking up from her knitting. She smiled at Sophia and then looked somewhat startled to see Tabby. “I didn’t know you were going to bring a visitor home,” she said somewhat sheepishly. For a second her round cheeks flushed pink and her grey eyes looked lost in thought.
Tabby thought that maybe she was embarrassed, being in her pyjamas, and inched back towards the hall wondering if she should leave.
 “Please come in,” Sophia’s mum said standing up. “Perfect timing – I have just baked fresh ginger biscuits. Would you like some with a cup of tea?”
 “Oh yes please,” replied Tabby. Her tummy was grumbling as she’d not eaten much all day.
“Mum’s ginger biscuits are the best,” Sophia said.
“OK my dears, I’ll bring it into your room Sophia.”
Tabby’s curiosity was piqued. She had met Sophia’s mum once before at the Sweetbriars Christmas party but didn’t know her very well.
Sophia’s mum walked off to the kitchen, her loose slippers flapping on the floor and then she paused, “By the way darling, I saw you from the window riding that horse – how brave!”
Sophia grinned and said, “Thanks Mum, I had the best time!”
“That is wonderful. Don’t worry about your stepdad. He’ll be complaining about something else by the time he gets home from the shop,” she said and they chuckled.
As the girls walked towards Sophia’s bedroom, Tabby noticed the strangeness went beyond the lounge. In another hallway, there was peeling wallpaper, cat dishes dotted around and there seemed to be more rooms but the doors were shut.
 “We use those rooms for storage. Full of stuff from our old lives,” explained Sophia. Tabby realised they were the rooms that she had seen boarded up from the outside.
The house was bigger than it looked from the outside, and it seemed there were interesting things to look at everywhere. They walked past a dining room and inside was an antique wooden table with large ornate old-fashioned chairs. At the head of the table on the wall, was a family portrait of the three of them; Sophia in between her mum and stepdad. They weren’t smiling in this one. There was also a Christmas tree with ornaments, even though it had been months since Christmas.
 “It’s up all year – Mum just takes the ornaments off in the Spring,” said Sophia rolling her eyes and grinning.
Sophia ushered Tabby to her bedroom where the first thing Tabby spotted were dolls placed on the window sill. They were mostly old fashioned dolls with life-like hair, eerie rolling eyes and they were dressed in fancy outfits from exotic countries. An Asian style doll took pride of place on Sophia’s bed, resting against some pillows.
Tabby recognized the doll as Sophia used to keep it in the basket on her bike; one of the first odd things Tabby had noticed about her. In recent months she hadn’t had the doll and Tabby had forgotten about it.
“My auntie and my mum give them to me,” Sophia explained and shrugged. She picked up the Asian one and hugged it, then said, “Still their little girl” in a high pitched girly voice. “Seriously though, I love these dolls. They remind me of fun times when I was little. Before my stepdad,” she continued drily.
Tabby noticed a large poster above the bed showing a palomino horse galloping through an uber-green meadow.
“Do you like it?” asked Sophia her green eyes wide. Before Tabby could answer she said, “I bought it from the newsagents after I fell in love with Odette, Cate’s horse.”
“Of course; it’s beautiful,” replied Tabby flashing her a smile of encouragement.
In the corner Tabby saw the most modern thing in the house so far – a sleek Apple computer screen sat on a modern white desk. Tabby remembered how much Sophia loved her smartphone and had it with her always.

She was a geek! 


All about the author!!!

Hollie Anne Marsh is an Australian author who lives in Barcelona, Spain with her partner, baby boy and horse Frieda. 

Hollie has been horse riding since she was a little girl, enjoying activities such as Pony Club, showjumping, eventing, and trail-riding in the great Australian bush. Hollie lived in England for almost ten years where she had two horses and trained them for dressage. 

The Sweetbriars series is inspired by all the special moments Hollie spent with horses - good, funny, and challenging moments! 

Additionally the 'coming of age' and 'growing up' experiences that Hollie had.
Hollie hopes that readers will be able to identify with the characters, find the books fun to read, and they will help readers learn more about horses.

Instagram – my author page - https://www.instagram.com/hollieannemarsh/




Thursday, June 27, 2019

Mommy's Day with Review: Eternally Artemisia by Melissa Muldoon with Giveaway

Every so often, it's Mommy's Day here on Bookworm for Kids. After all, moms like to read too! The books I present are considered for the adult audience but do not include material which is any less appropriate than the average Young Adult read. In other words, these books will not need to be hidden under the beds. This tale does include themes which deal with rape and sexual abuse, but none of the scenes are overly graphic. Instead, this story concentrates on empowerment and how women rise above past tragedies to build better futures for themselves.


Eternally Artemisia
Some loves, like some women, 
are timeless 
by Melissa Muldoon
Matta Press
March 2019
Fiction General, Fiction Women
312 pages

Tour dates: June 3 to 28, 2019



They say some loves travel through time and are fated to meet over and over again. For Maddie, an art therapist, who wrestles with the “peculiar feeling” she has lived previous lives and is being called to Italy by voices that have left imprints on her soul, this idea is intriguing. Despite her best efforts, however, proof of this has always eluded her. That is, until one illuminating summer in Italy when Maddie’s previous existences start to bleed through into her current reality. When she is introduced to the Crociani family—a noble clan with ties to the seventeenth-century Medici court that boasts of ancestors with colorful pasts—she finally meets the loves of her life. One is a romantic love, and another is a special kind of passion that only women share, strong amongst those who have suffered greatly yet have triumphed despite it.

As Maddie's relationship develops with Artemisia Gentileschi—an artist who in a time when it was unheard of to denounce a man for the crime of rape, did just that—Maddie discovers a kindred spirit and a role model, and just what women are capable of when united together.

In a journey that arcs back to biblical days and moves forward in time, Maddie encounters artists, dukes, designers, and movie stars as well as baser and ignoble men. With Artemisia never far from her side, she proves that when we dare to take control of our lives and find the “thing” we are most passionate about, we are limitless and can touch the stars.


MY TIDBITS

While this tale hits upon tough themes and how women have turned from tragedy to a better future,
it's a beautiful weave of time, art, hope and determination.

Maddie is a woman, who even as a girl has had a special openness to time, dreams and a bit of spirituality. It's no surprise that the world of art has become her calling. However, she can never shake the sense that her existence might go beyond the usual borders...as if other times are calling to her. She discovers a special bond to ARtemisia Gentileschi, a fellow artist who becomes more than a role model for Maddie. As Maddie travels to Italy, the borders of time start to open up as she meets various people and realizes a larger connection and discovers the boundless realm of possibility.

The author has pieced together a masterful tale which takes the fantasy which transcends time, mixes with the idea of timeless love, and deepens everything with the inspiring accounts of triumphing over shame and unforgivable humiliation. Maddie's spirit is inspirational, and her personality runs deep. When mixed with the beauty of Italy, and then slipped into various moments of time, a memorizing setting is formed. Four women experience harsh moments filled with shame, and yet, they managed to find a way to rise above it. The message is empowering. This is a read which is hard to put down and leaves a footprint long after the book is placed back on the shelf.


Praise for Eternally Artemisia:

“A true Renaissance woman, Melissa Muldoon weaves her passions for art and Italy into a stirring saga that sweeps across centuries. As her time-traveling heroine Maddie reconnects with kindred souls, we meet Artemisia Gentileschi, the 17th-century artist who overcame rape and ignominy to gain respect and acclaim. Historic figures such as Galileo and Mussolini also come to life in this intricately plotted novel, but the women who defy all constraints to take control of their destinies are the ones who prove to be eternally fascinating.” -- Dianne Hales

What a lovely story! Melissa weaves the lives of 4 women across time, all with some connection to Artemisia Gentileschi, a 16th century Italy painter. They represent the feminine strength that arises from life challenges, each with their unique intelligence. Underlying their stories is the idea that love transcends all, even time, love is timeless. As with her other books, Melissa fills the story out with interesting facts and references to the Italian life, culture and it's history, her attention to detail is immaculate . I loved all of the many connections in this story that tied it all together, very cleverly done. Wonderful read, I would highly recommend it. – Lize, Amazon Reviewer

Melissa Muldoon does a phenomenal job blending fiction, romance, art history, and the Italian language into this gem. For fans of historical fiction, romance, and time travel, I strongly recommend this novel. –Exemplary Editing, Amazon Review

To read reviews, please visit Melissa Muldoon's page on Italy Book Tours.



Buy the Book:





Meet the Author:


 

Melissa Muldoon is the author of three novels set in Italy: “Dreaming Sophia,” “Waking Isabella,” and “Eternally Artemisia.” All three books tell the stories of American women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future in Italy.

Melissa is also the author of the Studentessa Matta website, where she promotes the study of Italian language and culture through her dual-language blog written in Italian and English (studentessamatta.com). Studentessa Matta means the “crazy linguist” and has grown to include a podcast, Tutti Matti per l'Italiano and the Studentessa Matta YouTube channel, Facebook page and Instagram feed. Melissa also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs, which she co-leads with Italian schools in Italy to learn Italian in Italy. Through her website, she also offers the opportunities to live and study in Italy through Homestay programs. Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master's degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

She has also studied painting and art history in Florence. She is an artist, designer, and illustrated the cover art for all three of her books. Melissa is also the managing director of Matta Press. As a student, Melissa lived in Florence with an Italian family. She studied art history and painting and took beginner Italian classes. When she returned home, she threw away her Italian dictionary, assuming she’d never need it again, but after launching a successful design career and starting a family, she realized something was missing in her life. That “thing” was the connection she had made with Italy and the friends who live there. Living in Florence was indeed a life-changing event. Wanting to reconnect with Italy, she decided to start learning the language again from scratch. As if indeed possessed by an Italian muse, she bought a new Italian dictionary and began her journey to fluency—a path that has led her back to Italy many times and enriched her life in countless ways. Now, many dictionaries and grammar books later, she dedicates her time to promoting Italian language studies, further travels in Italy, and sharing her stories and insights about Italy with others. Melissa designed and illustrated the cover art for Eternally Artemisia, Waking Isabella, and Dreaming Sophia.

She also curates the Dreaming Sophia Art History blog site and Pinterest site: The Art of Loving Italy, where you will find companion pictures for all three books. Visit MelissaMuldoon.com for more information about immersion trips to learn the language with Melissa in Italy, as well as the Studentessa Matta blog for practice and tips to learn the Italian language.

​Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram


Enter the Giveaway!!!
Ends July 5, 2019




Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Silent Sea Chronicles by Suzanne Rogerson





THE LOST SENTINEL
Silent Sea Chronicles, Book 1
by Suzanne Rogerson
YA Fantasy
363 pages









The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel.

The Assembly controls Kalaya. Originally set up to govern, they now persecute those with magic and exile them to the Turrak Mountains.

Tei, a tailor’s daughter, has always hidden her magic but when her father's old friend visits and warns them to flee to the mountains she must leave her old life behind.
On the journey, an attack leaves her father mortally wounded. He entrusts her into the care of the exiles and on his deathbed makes a shocking confession.
Struggling with self doubt, Tei joins the exiles search for the new Sentinel who is the only person capable of restoring the fading magic. But mysterious Masked Riders are hunting the Sentinel too, and time, as well as hope, is running out.

Against mounting odds it will take friendship, heartache and sacrifice for the exiles to succeed in their quest, but is Tei willing to risk everything to save the island magic? 

Follow Tei’s journey through the magical land of Kalaya and the Astral Plane in The Lost Sentinel - Book 1 in the Silent Sea Chronicles.



For the duration of the blog tour all books in the Silent Sea Chronicles series are 99p!


MY TIDBITS

Magic, fear, and an exciting adventure make this a read fantasy friend's are not going to want to miss.

Tei is the daughter of a tailor, who has the ability to enter the astral plane. This, however, must remain a secret, since the other people in the town would never understand her magic. One day, her father tells her they must flee since they've been found out, and the village is no longer safe for her. While traveling, her father is injured and leaves her in the hands of strangers. There, she finds herself on a quest to find the new sentinel before the island dies.

The world building is well done in this book and allows the reader to gently drift into the surroundings, while keeping the tension high. Danger hits Tei from the first page on, making sure the tension sits high right away. Told from multiple points of view, the tale soon takes on several layers, which give the plot richness and depth. The changing of views allows the reader to sink not only into the story, but creates an understanding of what is going on. 

While the plot is well woven, the characters weren't quite as deep as I'd hoped. While I enjoyed Tei, I found it hard to connect to her at times and felt as if she was always an arm's reach away. Still, it was an exciting read, and I have no doubt that fantasy fans will enjoy getting lost in this world and will look forward to reading the rest of the series.




The Sentinel’s reign is doomed to failure unless Tei can prevent the Kalayan people from plunging into war. 

With the new Sentinel initiated and the magic restored on Kalaya, life is flourishing for Tei and the exiles. But Rathnor’s plans for war soon escalate and thwart any chance of peace.

Brogan’s position on the Assembly is uncertain as rumours circulate that he is an exile spy.

After an attempt on his life, Farrell is more determined than ever to build a home for his people on Stone Haven. But the council have their sights set on Kalaya and Farrell struggles to steer them from war.

As trouble brews within and outside forces gather against them, can the exiles keep their hold on the magic, or will this spell the end of Kalaya and its people?

The Sentinel’s Reign book link


Breaking News…. 
The Sentinel’s Alliance, book 3 of Silent Sea Chronicles is now available on pre-order!!!



Can new alliances save the islands of the Silent Sea from the murderers stalking their shores?

As the island of Kalaya and its people recover from civil war, a new threat surfaces. Invaders from the island of Elkena hunt the seas, butchering those who possess magic. Their scar-faced captain seeks the Fire Mage who it has been foretold will kill him and Tei and her people are in his warpath.

Tei and a band of Kalayans travel to Stone Haven, the home of their new allies, planning to restore magic to the dead island. But the Stone Haven Council have abhorred magic since their people were massacred by Elkenan invaders twenty years before. Commander Farrell must persuade his people to accept magic again, but his plans expose them to their biggest fear and he risks leading Tei and her people into danger, and jeopardising the safety of both their islands.

Under Farrell’s guidance treaties are forged, but is the newly formed Silent Sea Alliance enough to defeat the invaders and stop their bloodthirsty quest to destroy magic forever?

The Sentinel’s Alliance is the final book in the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy.




And here she is...

Suzanne lives in Middlesex, England with her hugely encouraging husband and two children.

She wrote her first novel at the age of twelve. She discovered the fantasy genre in her late teens and has never looked back. Giving up work to raise a family gave her the impetus to take her attempts at novel writing beyond the first draft, and she is lucky enough to have a husband who supports her dream - even if he does occasionally hint that she might think about getting a proper job one day.

Suzanne loves gardening and has a Hebe (shrub) fetish. She enjoys cooking with ingredients from the garden, and regularly feeds unsuspecting guests vegetable-based cakes.

She collects books, loves going for walks and picnics with the children and sharing with them her love of nature and photography.

Suzanne is interested in history and enjoys wandering around castles. But most of all she likes to escape with a great film, or soak in a hot bubble bath with an ice cream and a book.

Social Media Links –



Cover Reveal: Quasi Redux by Christina Bauer





QUASI REDUX 
by Christina Bauer 
Angelbound Origins, #8
Monster House Books
YA Fantasy, Paranormal

COMING...
FALL 2020!!!






Myla Lewis has her life back. Wife. Mother. Queen. Great Scala. Queen of the Thrax. Yay! Then one day, Myla runs across a supernatural waterfall that makes her igni screech like crazy. Our heroine speaks the fateful words: some days, I wish I weren’t the Great Scala.
The waterfall grants her wish.
A moment later, Myla is back at Purgatory High. No husband. No child. No powers beyond her old quasi days. And without Myla around as the Great Scala, all quasis now live under Armageddon’s rule. That sucks. Hard. So Myla sneaks into Antrum—she simply must find Lincoln and figure this out. Once she arrives, two problems arise.
First, her husband doesn’t know her. At all.
Second, Lincoln is married to someone else.
Fuuuuuuu… 
Angelbound Origins
About a quasi (part demon and part human) girl who loves kicking butt in Purgatory’s Arena
1. Angelbound
2. Scala
3. Acca
4. Thrax
5. The Dark Lands
6. The Brutal Time (2019)
7. Armageddon (already here, long story!)
8. Quasi Redux (2020) 
Angelbound Offspring
The next generation takes on Heaven, Hell, and everything in between
1. Maxon
2. Portia
3. Zinnia (forthcoming)
4. Kaps (forthcoming)
5. Huntress (forthcoming) 
Angelbound Lincoln
The Angelbound experience as told by Prince Lincoln
1. Duty Bound
2. Lincoln
3. Trickster (forthcoming)

And here she is...


Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates 

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