Review: The Emperor's Trap by R.A. Denny

THE EMPEROR'S TRAP

Tales of Tzoladia, Book Two

by R.A. Denny

Fantasy

290 pages

My dreams have great meaning. A dream brought me to Baskrod when I was a small boy. A dream showed me the emperor’s mad ravings in his throne room. And a recurring dream reveals that I will someday ride a lion into the city of Tzoladia at the head of a grand procession.

But prophecies, dreams, and signs are easy to misinterpret. Why else would the wise men of the Society of the Word hide in caves, carry swords, and employ spies? I thought they would know where to find the other deliverers.

But I was wrong.

Nobody knows where they are. For all I know, the emperor may already have them in his trap.

 MY TIDBITS

After reading the first part of the series, I was looking forward to seeing what would happen to the characters next. This book met all hopes and then some.

Amanki has reached his destination and should now meet with Brina and Moshoi, the other holders of the three seals. Unfortunately, Moshoi is presumed dead after an avalanche, and Brina, while now in the city, has been captured and sold into slavery to one of the royals. Not only that, but war is about to begin and the emperor is determined...thanks to his nightmares...to find the mysterious man who should rise up and overthrow him. Everything seems impossible, but the three heroes must still try to prevail...even if they have no idea what they are really doing.

While I've enjoyed the characters and the story up until now, this book brought the entire tale a notch higher. The author lets the story switch between three points of view, each written in first person. While this style usually frustrates me, in this book, it works. The author manages to build each character up with such individuality that the switches between them are natural and extremely interesting. Each is wrapped up in their very own, grabbing predicament, but somehow, they should come together. It's a superb weave.

There is a lot going on in these pages, making for a very complex and intricate plot. The main evil appears to be clear enough, but there are so many paths branching toward the same direction that it's hard to guess what will come next. And it's a treat to follow every single one. Uncertainty and danger accompanies all three characters as they must overcome very different obstacles. Especially Brina's position demands sympathy, and it's hard not to fever for her as the situation thickens.

While this isn't action packed with fight scenes, there is never a dull moment. There is some violence, but this is not the dominate factor. The intrigue runs deep as as the mysteries. Each character and each thought adds to the complex puzzle. Mix this with the intriguing world descriptions, and the read is addicting.

I highly recommend this series for fantasy friends who do love some action but enjoy well woven story plots with lots of character depth. It's a world to get lost in and look forward to where things will be heading next.



And here she is...

R.A. Denny is an ancient history buff with a law degree from Duke University. While working as a criminal prosecutor by day, she escaped by night to create the fantasy world of her Mud, Rocks, and Trees series.

R.A. Denny loves adventure, animals, and history. She has traveled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel. She lives in Delaware. As a child, she had two pet flying squirrels.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ RADennyAuthor/

Goodreads: https://www. goodreads.com/author/show/ 13988866.R_A_Denny

Blog:  https://radennyauthor. wordpress.com/

Artwork: https://radennyauthor.wordpress.com/fantasy-art/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/r-a-denny

Sneak Peek: Unreachable Skies by Karen McCreedy

In a world where it is normal to fly, what happens when you can’t?

When a plague kills half the Drax population, and leaves the hatchlings of the survivors with a terrible deformity – no wings – suspicion and prejudice follow. Continuously harassed by raids from their traditional enemies, the Koth, the Drax are looking for someone, or something, to blame.

Zarda, an apprentice Fate-seer, is new to her role and unsure of her own abilities; but the death of her teacher sees her summoned by the Drax Prime, Kalis, when his heir, Dru, emerges from his shell without wings.

A vision that Dru will one day defeat the Koth is enough to keep him and the other wingless hatchlings alive – for a time. Half-trained, clumsy, and full of self-doubt, Zarda must train Dru to one day fulfil the destiny she has foreseen for him, even if it is quickly becoming clear that the Prime’s favourite adviser, Fazak, is not only plotting against the wingless, but is gaining more of Kalis’ trust by the day.

Efforts to fight prejudice and superstition are certain to lead to death for some and exile for others; while Zarda’s own journey to understanding her role in events may lead her to abandon all tradition in order to protect her peoples’ future.

Follow the Book Tour:

https://saphsbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2018/08/virtual-book-tour-schedule-unreachable.html

Book Information:

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Adventure - This book is targeted toward a general audience.

Page Count: 242 pages

Publish Date: August 17, 2018 

Publisher: Mirror World Publishing 

http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Mirror World Books



SNEAK PEEK!

Hurrying through the Spirax’s eastern entrance in Morel’s wake, I switched to night vision as I followed him through the vast Feasting Hall. I glanced up at the concave ceiling, where huge seatach bones had been positioned to look as though they were keeping the roof in place. I had no time though to stop and admire the effect, or to get more than a cursory whiff of the residue of ancient meals which permeated the walls. The rock underfoot was cool and smooth, bare of any floor covering or furniture since the hall was so rarely used. Only when the next Prime succeeded Kalis would the fires be lit in the huge hearths, and stools and tables be brought from storage. At the far end of the hall, an ornate arched doorway, twice my height and wide enough for me to spread my wings had I been allowed to, led to a wide passageway that curved upward. There were torches here. They lined the walls in burnished copper brackets, and oily smoke wisped around our feet as we toiled upward. Narrower corridors to our right – some lit, most dark – led to rooms in the centre of the edifice, and Vizan had once told me that there was a narrower, stepped corridor further in, which wound the opposite way to the sloping passage Morel and I were clambering up. Apart from a murmuring of voices and clattering of pots as we passed the cooking chambers on the lower levels, the sole sound I could hear was the slough of our feet against the polished black floor – that and my breathing, which was, I was must admit, a little laboured by the time we turned into one of the horizontal passages that took us toward the middle of the rock.

I was grateful for the momentary pause outside the nesting chamber door as Morel knocked and waited. Warm from the climb, I pressed a paw against the smooth passageway wall and opened my mouth to draw cool air over my tongue. It refreshed me a little, but did nothing to quell my anxiety.

I didn’t hear Kalis' command to enter, but obviously Morel did, for he opened the door with a flourish, dipped his ears as he moved into the room, and stepped to one side to allow me to enter the chamber.

“Lord, I regret to report that Vizan is unwell,” he announced. “He sends Zarda as Fate-seer in his place.”

I set my wings and ears to the appropriate angle and bowed low, then straightened up and waited for Kalis’ command.

“Zarda? The apprentice?” Kalis’ voice dripped with disappointment and displeasure, and I had to make a conscious effort to stop my fur standing on end.

The Prime stood beside his nest-mate, Varna, in the middle of the chamber, next to the platform that held the nest – and the egg. Varna, her pale fur bristling with worry, didn’t take her eyes from the egg, but Kalis stood straight, his bulky black-furred frame towering over me. His white tunic glowed in the light of the torches that lined the walls, and the crystals in the badge at his throat sparked red in the torchlight.

“What ails Vizan?” he asked, the words bouncing off the walls in a deep rumble. “Is it the Sickness?”

“No, Lord.” I took one hesitant step forward. “He’s old. He says it is his time.”

“Well, it’s very inconvenient of him.” Kalis' voice became a growl, and I felt that it was not the right moment to point out that Vizan was probably not happy about it either. Kalis grunted, flicked a curt ear, then dismissed Morel with a wave of his paw. The herald bowed and scuttled off, the lay of his ears signalling his relief. “I suppose you will have to do,” said Kalis. “You have the Sight, yes?”

“Yes, Lord.” I almost added that my gift was very slight compared with Vizan’s, that it was not even comparable to the two apprentices who had preceded me. That I had been a poor third choice for Vizan, and had not had time to learn even half of what he had taught his earlier pupils. But they were dead of the Sickness, and I was not, so I clamped my jaw shut on all of that. Kalis was already annoyed – no need to add to his impatience.

Book Buzz!

"In the tradition of Ursula K. LeGuin and Anne McCaffery, with Unreachable Skies Karen McCreedy has created a nuanced alien culture populated by compelling characters." ~ James Swallow, bestselling author

And here she is...

Brought up in Staffordshire, England, Karen McCreedy now lives in West Sussex where she recently retired from the University of Chichester. She has written articles on films and British history for a number of British magazines including ‘Yours’, ‘Classic Television’, and ‘Best of British’. 

Karen has had a number of short stories published in various anthologies. She also won second prize in Writers’ News magazine’s ‘Comeuppance’ competition in 2014 with her short story ‘Hero’. 

‘Unreachable Skies’ is her first novel.

Happy Book Birthday, Book of Peril by Melissa McShane!

THE BOOK OF PERIL

The Last Oracle, Book Two

by Melissa McShane

Curiosity Quills Press

Paranormal, Fantasy

As the custodian of the oracular bookstore Abernathy’s, Helena has faced any number of challenges in learning her new role. But when the store begins giving out false prophecies, Helena comes up against her greatest challenge yet: how can she fix Abernathy’s when she doesn’t truly know how it works?

Armed only with a few special talents and her desire to protect her magical charge, and with the assistance of her best friend Viv, her reluctant assistant Judy, and the enigmatic and handsome Malcolm Campbell, Helena must navigate the treacherous depths of the magical world, where secret enemies lurk behind illusions capable of fooling even the most powerful of magical entities. Helena is the only one who can see past those illusions, but will her abilities prove strong enough to save the oracle? 

Note: Although this is classified as an adult read, the main character comes across young enough for the upper end of the Young Adult audience to connect with. Except for several violence scenes (which don't run into the category of over gory or surpass the average YA level by any means), there isn't anything inappropriate for the YA audience.

MY TIDBITS

Magic, mystery and a bit of chaos mix to make an entertaining read, which hooks until the very last page.

Helena has established her place as the custodian of the book store. She still has some things to figure out, but she's getting there. Or so she thought. More and more often, the oracle is leading her to the wrong books—something that should never happen. And it's getting worse. If Helena doesn't figure out what's going on and how to solve the problem, not only will her position become obsolete but the entire magical world could fall askew.

I read the first book in this series and highly recommend starting with it before hitting Book of Peril, since the background information is essential to understand what is going on in this book. 

I loved this one as much as the first. Helena has grown a little more self-assured, and she's just as likable as before. Her concern for others as well as her desire to protect the oracle makes her simply wonderful. Not everything always works out...she is a bit stumbly...but it makes her that much more endearing.

While the plot in this one at times seems to ring a familiarity with the first book, it does take unexpected turns and ends up with a fresh and surprising turn. Her run-ins with magic come at a different level and some angles hit at a more personal level for Helena, giving the reader a better insight into her and her past. There's a wonderful play of magic against normality, which allows the entire fantasy aspect to settle in easily.

I love the book store feel to this series—one can almost smell the dust on older books and feel the spines beneath the fingers. Wrapping it all up into a magical bubble with a hard to solve mystery, a very likable main character and a dash of romance which barely hits with a breeze along the side creates an easy to read book, which draws into the pages. It's a light read yet still holds tension, and simply allows the reader to escape into another world.

I can't wait to see what Helena goes up against next.

Review: Ghosts and Exiles by Sandra Unerman

GHOSTS & EXILES

by Sandra Unerman

Mirror World Publishing

Fantasy / Paranormal

300 pages

Tilda Gray hates Spellhaven, the city where her husband was born, even though she has never set foot in the place, and she does not believe in the magic it's supposed to have held. Now her husband is dead, she would rather avoid any mention of the city. But her sons, Nicholas and James, have befriended Hugo, a young boy threatened by forces none of them understand. When Hugo's uncle and guardian, Stephen Cole, visits the Gray family to ask for help, Tilda agrees against her better judgement. Between them, as they search for ways to banish or at least help Hugo cope with the ghosts that are driving him mad, they seek out the dubious aid of the exiles from Spellhaven. In doing so they must face new dangers and unknown magic, unlike anything Tilda could have ever believed possible.

MY TIDBITS

I did read the first book in the series, Spellhaven, and although Ghosts and Exiles weaves around mostly new characters, it would be advisable to start at the beginning of the series to understand the background information.

Hugo is a boy, who has an odd problem. He sees and hears ghosts. Lots of them. When his uncle approaches the mother of his best friends to try to figure out what is going on with Hugo, the mother, Tilda, wants nothing to do with. Her deceased husband was from Spellhaven, something she wants nothing to know about. But when one of her own sons claims to sense ghosts, and her other one is kidnapped and place inside a glass ball, she can no longer ignore everything her husband tried to tell her.

This is a lovely following story to Spellhaven. While the first book takes place on a magical island, this one digs its feet into a very normal, past London. The author does a fantastic job of building into the magic slowly, allowing the real world to stand fairly firm while the fantastical elements mount.

Tilda stands at the center of the mystery as she tries to figure out what is happening with her son and the identity behind a man, who is determined to capture the boy. She's uptight at first and sharp on the edges, but as the story unfolds, she softens. Still, this isn't only a story about her. The point of view switches between several characters, allowing even the boys a large time in the spotlight. In many ways, this isn't only a tale for adults but also leans toward the upper middle grade level, at times. The boys are a handful and lots of fun, although the tension around them is constantly high thanks to the evil man they have to deal with. It was a joy to follow them.

While magic and fantasy build, the world also holds a nice, historical feel, and it makes for a lovely mix. When the spirits appear, it doesn't come across as odd. But much of that has to also do with Tilda's own reactions. She takes everything pretty much in stride, although she fights against disbelief too. The story and the fantastical aspects mount along with the tension, insuring that there's never a boring moment. There are still some stumbles in the magical logic, but nothing serious. And the reactions of the exiles are not sometimes hard to understand, but it's still an engaging read which holds until the last page.

In many ways, I enjoyed this book more than even the first and can highly recommend it to magic fans who love a historical setting.

Happy Book Birthday, Grayghost by Tamara Grantham with Giveaway!

I'm excited to help announce the release of the final book of a series I've thoroughly enjoyed from the very beginning. It's packed full of action, fairies, dragons, trolls and so much more. . .plus, it flip-flops between a rich fantasy reality and the modern world. Although this one is not for younger readers, it isn't 'inappropriate' for the young adult audience either. There are a couple explicit scenes, but never graphic and, actually, very, very few, since the romance is by no means the driving force in this one.

But enough said. . .
CONGRATULATIONS, TAMARA!

Grayghost 

by Tamara Grantham

Fairy World MD., #7

Crimson Tree Publishing

Fantasy, Romance

The final installment in the epic Fairy World MD series by Tamara Grantham. 

It’s been four years since Olive Kennedy sealed the portals between Earth and Faythander. Four years that she’s been living on Earth, working as a consultant to the Houston PD. It helps keep her mind off other things—like being separated from her husband and her dragon king stepfather.
Her ex, Brent Sanchez, works with her on the police force and helps her solve crimes. His friendship is a comfort—but also a reminder of what she’s missing. Everything changes when Olive discovers a broken mirror at a murder scene. It contains magic, and although it shouldn’t exist, it could be used as a portal to Faythander. Dark forces are at work, and the one person she wants by her side to help her is literally a world away. Olive will stop at nothing to solve the murder and return to the only place she calls home.
New from award-winning author Tamara Grantham, Grayghost is the thrilling conclusion to the best-selling fantasy series Fairy World MD.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

SNEAK PEEK

Page 111… Discovering the Medusa Basilisk
Kull walked in front of me, and my father behind. We didn’t speak. It seemed as if even the sound of our voices would break the fragile spell shrouding the room. I wasn’t sure what sort of creature would have been held prisoner here. I studied the lines of runes covering the sand, realizing the spell might have been more complicated than I’d first thought. A few of the symbols I recognized, but most spells were never written. Still, some of the characters were familiar. The Ӿ-shaped symbol meant light.
“The runes,” I murmured. “Can you read them, Kull?”
“Yes, a few.”
“What do they mean?”
He pointed to a symbol near the center. “That arrow-shaped symbol means serpent. It’s been repeated quite a few times.”
I wasn’t getting a good feeling about this. I hated snakes.
“Wait,” Kull said, holding out his hand to stop me. “Look there.”
In front of him, an onyx statue carved to look like a snake lay across our path. Kull took a step forward, and held up his lantern. As the light touched the scales, the snake transformed, and flaming blue eyes opened.
The snake hissed, revealing its fangs. Kull removed his sword in one swift motion as the snake coiled, preparing to strike. He swung at the head, but the snake darted back, then slithered toward the center of the room.
Its lithe body slid over the sand, destroying the runes as it went. The room rumbled, and the floor sank in the center as a hole opened. The sand drained through it, emptying like an hourglass. The snake disappeared through the hole. We stood with our weapons ready.
“There go the runes,” Rolf said.
“And the snake. You think it will be back?” Heidel asked.
“Maybe Kull scared it off?” I said.
“Not likely,” he answered.
“What was it doing here?” Rolf asked. “You’d think if a snake lived down here, it would’ve disrupted the sand and all those runes before now, wouldn’t it?”
“It wasn’t an ordinary snake,” my father said. “I believe it was a basilisk.”
“Those are real?”
“They’re real, but they’re not going to turn you to stone, thankfully. Still, they’re extremely dangerous. I believe our light must’ve woken the beast. It had most likely been in this tomb for centuries, protected by the runes that kept it asleep. However, the spells to keep it unconscious are very sensitive, even light disrupts their balance.”
Kull cursed. “So, we’ve unleashed a basilisk?”
“Yes, but the question is—what sort of basilisk is it?”
“There are different types?”
“Yes, let’s hope it’s not a shape changer. Then we might be in some trouble.”
The sand continued pouring through the hole, its sound like waves moving through water.
“Let’s not wait around and find out,” Kull said. “Follow me.” He moved swiftly across the chamber toward the doorway on the opposite side. As I followed, I glanced at the hole. Most of the sand had drained, leaving only patches on the floor, the tiny crystals turning blue under the fey light.
When we approached the doorway, a stone slid over the opening, booming shut. We turned, but the entrance we’d come through also sealed. At the center above the hole, an image in the shape of a female appeared. Her form was translucent at first, with metallic skin, almost as if she were made of bronze. She was hairless and nude, though she had no features, like a mannequin. Slits replaced her eyes, but as her head swiveled and she focused on us, they opened and burned blue, like the snake.
My father cursed, catching me off guard. “It’s a Medusa Basilisk. Have your weapons ready.”

And here she is. . .

 

Tamara Grantham is the award-winning author of more than half a dozen books and novellas, including the Olive Kennedy: Fairy World MD series and the Shine novellas. Dreamthief, the first book of her Fairy World MD series, won first place for fantasy in INDIEFAB’S Book of the Year Awards, a RONE award for best New Adult Romance of 2016, and is a #1 bestseller on Amazon in both the Mythology and Fairy Tales categories with over 100 reviews.
Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has been a featured speaker at the Rose State Writing Conference and has been a panelist at Comic Con Wizard World speaking on the topic of female leads. For her first published project, she collaborated with New York-Times bestselling author, William Bernhardt, in writing the Shine series.
Born and raised in Texas, Tamara now lives with her husband and five children in Wichita, Kansas. She rarely has any free time, but when the stars align and she gets a moment to relax, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking nature walks, which fuel her inspiration for creating fantastical worlds, and watching every Star Wars or Star Trek movie ever made. You can find her online at www.TamaraGranthamBooks.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Something Eternal by Joel T. McGrath

SOMETHING ETERNAL

by Joel T. McGrath

Post Hill Press

Fantasy

400 pages

Free will is an illusion, destiny is a lie, and the truth is something in-between.

In our time, faith and wonder have disappeared. Most believe in what is seen, others in what is heard, yet a few know something eternal guides them. 

Once, immortals had a singular vision—until the Shroud appeared. Now thousands of years of human history have been shaped by something other than humankind. Two immortal factions have developed a long-standing and ever-growing divide. Unseen to human eyes, immortal knights are trying to protect our world from the Shroud’s manipulations.

Yet, as the pendulum of power fluctuates between the immortal knights and the Shroud, an ancient evil arises. Dwellers threaten to unveil the immortals’ mystical, cloaked presence to the eyes of humanity.

Today, the most dangerous is that which is least likely, and the truly impossible lies in changing one’s mind.

And so begins the epic journey…

MY TIDBITS

A war is brewing, one that will decide the fate of two realms even if both aren't aware that it's even happening.

Immortal knights are fighting to protect the human world as we know it from the Shroud, but an evil approaches which proves to be more powerful than expected. To make matters worse, Dwellers— monstrous creatures thriving and multiplying in the catacombs of Paris—threaten to unveil the existence of the immortal realm to humans. Add an immortal love which is caught up between the two sides, and the battle grows into one of epic measures. . .where no one can guess the outcome.

The moment I read the blurb, I wanted to get my hands on this one. As I sunk in, it wasn't exactly what I expected. . .and that isn't a negative thing. There are epic sword fights with powerful magic and weapons appearing out of thin air, there's the arrogance of immortals, romance which is torn and the terrifying threat of unknown monsters who suck the life out of people. So, all well in the fantasy end. But this doesn't read like a 'regular' fantasy tale.

The story is broken down into, at first, seemingly completely separate plots, which masterfully merge together. The first chapters start out with a dream, an immortal in an epic battle. The action hits full force, and immediately draws the character into an important moment. It took a bit to sink into these first pages, simply because the background came in bits and pieces among the action. The dream and reality merged, making it hard to know when one ended and the other began. But it pulls in hard and doesn't let go.

Unlike many books which switch points of view every chapter or so, this tale usually remains in one setting for awhile, letting it develop, before switching to one of the other situations. By doing this, each section had time to dig into a rich world of characters and setting, and let the portion of the tale really sink in. When the change came, it wasn't confusing but flowed well. For me, the moments could have switched more often, simply because I'd get so invested in one section, that when the change came, it took a moment to reel my head into the other characters. But this also means that I was thoroughly caught up in each moment.

The author does a great job at giving each character a very different personality, and each section a feeling of its own tale. It was interesting to see how all of it wove together and became one complete plot toward the end. This isn't set up like a traditional tale, and this makes the entire story refreshing and unique. While I enjoyed the world building (which is very vivid and original), I found it hard to connect with some of the characters. Especially Emma didn't win bonus points from me. At times, I found it hard to gain footing as the new sections filtered in. Still, the writing is engaging and I found myself stuck to the pages.

This is a great read for fans of immortal battles, a little romance, monstrous twists and those who are ready for a slightly different weave in tales.

More about. . .

Joel T. McGrath resides in the beautiful state of New Hampshire with his wife and pets.
He is the eighth of nine children and is a nurse by profession. He is a movie and TV aficionado with a penchant for Transformers. Growing up in Boston, he became a lifelong fan of the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox. 

http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Something-Eternal/Joel-T-McGrath/9781682614716#

   https://www.facebook.com/joeltmcgrath/

   https://joeltmcgrath.jimdo.com/

Cover Reveal: Grayghost by Tamara Grantham with Giveaway

This is one for Mommy's Morning!
I've enjoyed this series from the very start (tons of magic, fairies and even a bit of reality thrown in).

GRAYGHOST

by Tamara Grantham

Fairy World MD., #7

Crimson Tree Publishing

Fantasy, Romance

COMING. . .

FEBRUARY 26th, 2018!!!

The final installment in the epic Fairy World MD series by Tamara Grantham.
It’s been four years since Olive Kennedy sealed the portals between Earth and Faythander. Four years that she’s been living on Earth, working as a consultant to the Houston PD. It helps keep her mind off other things—like being separated from her husband and her dragon king stepfather.
Her ex, Brent Sanchez, works with her on the police force and helps her solve crimes. His friendship is a comfort—but also a reminder of what she’s missing. Everything changes when Olive discovers a broken mirror at a murder scene. It contains magic, and although it shouldn’t exist, it could be used as a portal to Faythander. Dark forces are at work, and the one person she wants by her side to help her is literally a world away. Olive will stop at nothing to solve the murder and return to the only place she calls home.
New from award-winning author Tamara Grantham, Grayghost is the thrilling conclusion to the best-selling fantasy series Fairy World MD.

Add to Goodreads

And here she is. . .

 

Tamara Grantham is the award-winning author of more than half a dozen books and novellas, including the Olive Kennedy: Fairy World MD series and the Shine novellas. Dreamthief, the first book of her Fairy World MD series, won first place for fantasy in INDIEFAB’S Book of the Year Awards, a RONE award for best New Adult Romance of 2016, and is a #1 bestseller on Amazon in both the Mythology and Fairy Tales categories with over 100 reviews.
Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has been a featured speaker at the Rose State Writing Conference and has been a panelist at Comic Con Wizard World speaking on the topic of female leads. For her first published project, she collaborated with New York-Times bestselling author, William Bernhardt, in writing the Shine series.
Born and raised in Texas, Tamara now lives with her husband and five children in Wichita, Kansas. She rarely has any free time, but when the stars align and she gets a moment to relax, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking nature walks, which fuel her inspiration for creating fantastical worlds, and watching every Star Wars or Star Trek movie ever made. You can find her online at www.TamaraGranthamBooks.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coming Soon: The One Apart by Justin Avery with Giveaway

The One Apart

 by Justine Avery

 Sci-fi & Fantasy / Paranormal

Justine Avery

568 pages

Tour dates: Nov 20 to Dec 8, 2017

Content Rating: PG-13 (acceptable for YA audiences)

COMING. . .

DECEMBER 4th, 2017!!!

Only one obstacle stands in his way of enjoying a normal life.
He remembers—every life he's lived before.

Tres is about to be born... with the biggest burden any has ever had to bear. He is beginning again—as an ageless adult trapped in an infant body.

He and his teenage mother face life filled with extraordinary challenges as they strive to protect, nurture, and hide how truly different he is. But Tres alone must solve the greatest mystery of all: who is he? The answer is linked to the one question he's too afraid to ask: why am I?

In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine—and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the unseen threat stalking him since his birth.

Life as he knows it—as all know it—is in peril. And Tres is the only one aware.

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

And here she is. . .

Justine Avery is an award-winning author of stories large and small for all. Born in the American Midwest and raised all over the world, she is inherently an explorer, duly fascinated by everything around her and excitedly noting the stories that abound all around. As an avid reader of all genres, she weaves her own stories among them all. She has a predilection for writing speculative fiction and story twists and surprises she can’t even predict herself.

Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries, and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-sometimes before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final “job”—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.

Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says “eh”—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives near Los Angeles with her husband, British film director Devon Avery, and their three adopted children: Becks, Sam, and Lia. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.

Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers, and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Dec 16

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Book of Esther by Emily Barton

THE BOOK OF ESTHER

by Emily Barton

Tim Duggan Books

Coming of Age/Fantasy/Steampunk

448 pages

Eastern Europe, August 1942. The Khazar kaganate, an isolated nation of Turkic warrior Jews, lies between the Pontus Euxinus (the Black Sea) and the Khazar Sea (the Caspian). It also happens to lie between a belligerent nation to the west that the Khazars call Germania—and a city the rest of the world calls Stalingrad.

After years of Jewish refugees streaming across the border from Europa, fleeing the war, Germania launches its siege of Khazaria. Only Esther, the daughter of the nation’s chief policy adviser, sees the ominous implications of Germania’s disregard for Jewish lives. Only she realizes that this isn’t just another war but an existential threat. After witnessing the enemy warplanes’ first foray into sovereign Khazar territory, Esther knows she must fight for her country. But as the elder daughter in a traditional home, her urgent question is how.

Before daybreak one fateful morning, she embarks on a perilous journey across the open steppe. She seeks a fabled village of Kabbalists who may hold the key to her destiny: their rumored ability to change her into a man so that she may convince her entire nation to join in the fight for its very existence against an enemy like none Khazaria has ever faced before.

The Book of Esther is a profound saga of war, technology, mysticism, power, and faith.

MY TIDBITS

This is a well-woven, tightly packed tale which hits on heavy themes such as faith, power, the value of diverse individuals and justice.

Esther is the daughter of the nation's adviser, well-educated and more than aware of what is expected of her in her position. She's only sixteen but is already promised to be wed to another powerful family—a marriage she's excited about. Her country stands on the brink of war with a very technically advanced Germania, one she's learned does not treat Jews or captives well. She sees the mistakes her country's about to make, and she's sure she can help in the upcoming battle. But she's a woman and, as such, must remain in her place. In hopes of saving her country, her beliefs, and those dear to her, she ventures to a far away land where she hopes to become a man and do what she as a woman is incapable of.

I was looking forward to reading this. Esther is an interesting historical figure, who's bravery and faith is often overlooked. Mix that with elements of steampunk, intrigue and threat of war, and this promises to be an engaging ride.

The writing in this is very solid. The author does a fantastic job at bringing an alternate dimension to life, while maintaining clarity in the very complex layers of characters, historical elements and intrigue. Esther comes across as a compassionate but brave young woman, who's determination to keep her country safe is simply an inspiration. She's tough, yet warm-hearted and even soft at moments. Her curiosity and cleverness make her a character to cheer for to the very end. This, added with the entire question of women's place in a male driven world, give tons of depth to this novel. But sometimes, less is more.

While the author manages to masterfully maintain order in what could easily roll over into chaos, this book was still too packed for my taste. The historical elements wrap around each other, taking events and historical figures from multiple eras and fusing them together into one war. Each historical event was tremendous on its own, and this mixture threatened, at least for me, an overload. Add the mixture of steampunk technology and a dose of the feel of Game of Thrones, and it grows too rich. The last pinch of gender identity toppled it over the edge and made this a read I simply couldn't connect with. That the author is able to hold all of this together without a shake of doubt, speaks volumes about their talent.

Although this is a very well-crafted tale with tons of elements to promise an exciting read, it simply wasn't a book for me.


I received a copy of this one from BLOGGING FOR BOOKS!

Review: The Space Between by Susan Rooke with Giveaway

The Space Between:

 The Prophesy of Faeries

 by Susan Rooke

Fantasy, Fairy Tale

Holynok Press

September 12, 2017

452 pages

Format available for review: ebook (mobi, ePub, PDF)

Tour dates: Oct 23 to Nov 17, 2017

Content Rating: PG-13 (For some violence. There is no sex or bad language)

Mellis, a courageous and resourceful young woman, is kidnapped from the human world and taken to the Space Between by a tribe of faeries called the Penitents. Because of guilt over an ancient sin committed by their angel ancestors against the Maker, the Penitents have cursed themselves with grotesque physical disfigurements. Mellis can help them reunite with the Maker and find their way back to redemption, but she would need to give up the life she's always known to remain in the Space Between.

As she struggles with this heart-wrenching decision, one of the Penitents, bent on revenge, commits a gruesome attack against the tribe, and they learn he has taken Satan--the Maker's greatest enemy--as his ally. All in the Space Between are facing grave danger. Will a long-awaited act of vengeance save them?

Susan Rooke builds a rich and fantastical world of angels and demons, monsters, faeries and dragons. Abounding with spirituality and humanity, this faery tale for adults has a cast of vivid characters you won't soon forget.

To follow the blog tour and read reviews, please visit Susan Rooke's page on iRead Book Tours.

​

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

MY TIDBITS

With a mixture of fantasy and all things Heaven and Earth, this tale combines the stories of several characters into an intricate, twisting plot.

Mellis was enjoying the day in the park with her dog, when two strangers sweep her away to another world. Here, the inhabitants live a luxurious life but carry deformities. They are kind to her, very much so, but are harboring a secret. She must make a choice: she can return to Earth or she can sacrifice herself to save the odd folk. But both choices hold more than they first appear to.

The book opens with a prologue of someone falling through worlds and, what almost appears to be, eternity. It's not mentioned who or why, which sets a lovely mystery before Mellis comes into the picture. But this someone isn't left to for the reader to discover later on. Rather, the book divides between the tale of, at first, two individuals, and later, intertwines the fate of even more characters. While Mellis has a familiar beginning, a everyday woman taken into a mysterious realm, this 'someone' from the prologue is left in a sort of uncertain haze. The chapters flip-flop between the two, letting the two stories develop beside each other with only a hint of possessing an intertwined fate. It's alluring, draws in, and keeps the tale interesting, but, on the other hand, it's confusing too. Especially since it later becomes clear that the two stories are working on completely different timelines.

The story grabs and even when some spots lean toward the slow direction, it's hard to put the book down. I did find myself skimming some areas, while others were so intriguing that I wanted to read them again. There's something about this book that demands to be loved. There are stumbles in logic and pacing at times, but it's hard not to forgive those and keep reading on. 

The characters are vivid, and it's impossible not to feel for them. Each one has their burden to bear, and each has qualities which shine through. The author does an amazing job at bringing every single person and creature to life with its own personality and tale, while keeping the plot running along. There are unexpected twists, plenty of them. These aren't thrown in with generic style but sail right in as if they truly belong, while adding layers of complexity. It is impossible to guess where the whole thing is going, even though Mellis is wrapped up in the 'heroine of prophecy' fate. 

There is romance, and it packs uncertainty, longing and the question of whether it exists or not. This is well done and demonstrates the weakness of the heart in so many ways—not necessarily through the main characters, but even in the sub-plots. 

Summed up, this is a difficult book to review. It is marvelous in so many ways but very confusing at times. Fantasy friends who are looking for a completely new type of tale will enjoy this one, and those who love to get lost in characters should definitely give this one a try. It's an interesting start to a very complex series, and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

Although this book is rated PG-13, there are rather graphic and gruesome moments of violence, which are not suitable for younger readers. These mold into the story well but can be disturbing to sensitive readers. 

And here she is. . .

Susan Rooke is a Pushcart-nominated poet and author of the forthcoming The Space Between Series. Her short stories and poems have appeared in publications such as The Christian Science Monitor and The Twilight Zone Magazine, among many others. She resides on a square of green, peaceful country not far from Austin, Texas, with her husband Glen, who runs a small cattle operation while Rooke writes fiction about angels and demons, monsters, faeries and dragons. Look for her fantasy novel, The Space Between: The Prophecy of Faeries on Amazon.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Nov 25

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Spellhaven by Sandra Unerman

The Unseen Spirits must be entertained, so that the city may prosper......

SPELLHAVEN

by Sandra Unerman

Fantasy, Adventure

August 17, 2017

Mirror World Publishing

In the summer of 1914, Jane Fairchild, a young English musician, is kidnapped by magic and sent to Spellhaven, an island city ruled by magicians. Here, peace and prosperity are maintained with the assistance of Unseen Spirits bound to the service of the Lords Magician. The Spirits must be kept in good humour by the performance of all kinds of shows, dance, drama and music. Jane is one of many people kidnapped from the outside world and forced to contribute to these entertainments for a set period of service.

Only Jane is having none of it. She will not perform for her kidnapper, Lucian Palafox, but agrees to undertake an apprenticeship with another magician impresario, provided she is taught magic in return. Jane's forays into magic lead her deeper within the mysteries of Spellhaven, her rivalry with Lucian escalates and the quarrels between them grow strong enough to shake the city to its foundations.

Follow the tour to read guest posts, reviews, and exclusive excerpts!
https://saphsbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-tour-schedule-spellhaven-by-sandra.html

MY TIDBITS

(Note: This starts with a normal YA read style, characterization and plot, although Jane matures in the last chapters.)

This magical world lures in and adds exciting twists and tension with every turn.

After completing a musical performance, Jane is approached by a strange man who insists she play a solo performance for him. She declines and finds herself put under a spell, which makes her feet act on their own and lead her to a magical island, Spellhaven. There, the magicians perform shows to keep the demons entertained so that they can continue to live, using their own magical powers. But Spellhaven holds many mysteries, some which should never be uncovered. But Jane does and now, she has to deal with the consequences.

The first chapters opened with a wonderful scene of Jane and her love for music, and it immediately takes off with tension as she finds herself under a compelling spell. Although it was easy to feel for Jane's plight from the first moments, the beginning scenes felt a little rushed and jumbled as there was no time to first settle into Jane's circumstances or surroundings. But after this beginning stumble, the story opens up into a fantastical world and plot.

The writing is gentle yet gripping. The world and scenes unfold with carefully placed details, letting the surroundings gain depth and feel. It's a fantastic island to visit, making it hard to want to leave. Which is important not only for the world-building but for the plot.

There is a lot of light-hearted fun and dreams built into the tale, letting imagination take flight. This throws a great contrast to the darker shadows and secrets Jane faces. But it's much like her own character. She's determined, has a golden heart and is easily liked, but on the same hand, her personality as its own deeper sharp edges and flaws. Some of her decisions leave a sour taste, but she's still a heroine to forgive and cheer on. Even those around her dance on a grey border as their actions and decisions waver from good to evil and back again. It makes for more realistic personalities and keeps the reader guessing the whole way through. 

Tension and mystery keep up a steady-pace and make it hard to set the book down. The plot held many surprising twists and kept a logical thread going even with fantastical turns. With a sudden switch in atmosphere, the last chapters take on a different tone and pace from the rest of the novel. The relationship between Jane and her hero rushes to pass time and loses the chemistry which made the rest of the book so interesting. It made the last chapters less grabbing and dulled even Jane's character a little. Although, the ending did pull it back together and close it off to form a satisfying read.

EXCERPT

Jane Fairchild lowered the flute from her mouth and curtseyed to the audience scattered around the lawn. She could not help smiling at their cheers, even as Toby Scott, the leader of their consort, bent down towards her and muttered, ‘You weren’t supposed to play that. You promised to behave.’

They had played one solo each, as agreed, but Jane had abandoned the Gounod she had rehearsed for some variations of her own on a nameless tune from her childhood. Toby despised that kind of music making and none of the others cared for it much. Jane had meant to be well-behaved this evening, when they wanted to impress Lady Waverley and her guests. The consort, music students in their final year, had been invited to play at this garden party in July chiefly because the Waverleys’ son had been at school with Toby, but their guests were likely to include several potential patrons and aficionados who might help them in their fledgling careers. The year was 1914.

The trouble was, as Jane had looked round in the deep evening light, she had felt a need to stir up the audience. They stood in little clusters under the trees or on the paths in the rose garden and listened politely between sips of champagne, but they were not properly engaged with the music. Most of them were young and busy flirting by whisper or touch, or staid and on the edge of somnolence. At least Jane had caught their attention and made some of them laugh.

She shook her head at Toby while she put her flute away and did not answer him. Now that they had finished their set, people were quick to surround the musicians and compliment them, and she was able to dodge round him without a fuss. She was thirsty, so she headed towards the refreshments promised earlier. She doubted champagne would be provided for the musicians but lemonade would be more welcome in any case.

A stranger stepped in front of her, a young man, dark and thin. ‘That last piece was the real stuff. Couldn’t you strangle your First Violin with his own strings and play some more of it?’ he said.

‘Good evening, Mr.…?’ Jane said.

The stranger inclined his head. ‘Lucian Hunter, at your service.’ There was a glint in his eye, as though at a joke he did not expect other people to understand.

‘Mr. Scott is a very fine musician and a friend of mine.’

‘But deadening. You ought to quarrel with him and strike out on your own.’

Jane drew breath to argue and then decided not to explain herself to this person, whoever he was.

‘I don’t think so,’ she said. ‘Excuse me, I should go and find Lady Waverley.’

‘Wait!’ Hunter’s voice was not loud but compelling. He spoke clear English but with the shadow of an accent Jane could not place. ‘I have something else to ask you. Will you meet me next week and play for me?’

‘I’m afraid not.’

‘I could pay you for some lessons. Surely you take pupils?’

Not arrogant young men, Jane thought. ‘It really isn’t possible,’ she said, and turned away.

She felt a hand on her arm and swung back to glare at Hunter. He dropped his clasp at once but he said, ‘You’ll regret it if you don’t. It’s the music I want, you know.’

‘Not from me. Or from anyone else I know if you lay a finger on me again.’

His smile was swift and infuriating.

‘I don’t need to, now,’ he said and turned away.

Purchase Links:

Mirror World Publishing eBook:  

https://mirror-world-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/poetry/products/spellhaven-ebook

Mirror World Publishing Paperback:

https://mirror-world-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/poetry/products/spellhaven-paperback

Amazon US:  

http://amzn.to/2tpdL2x

Amazon CA: 

https://www.amazon.ca/Spellhaven-Sandra-Unerman-ebook/dp/B072YRDLD2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500909249&sr=8-1&keywords=Spellhaven+by+Sandra+Unerman

Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spellhaven-Sandra-Unerman-ebook/dp/B072YRDLD2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500909290&sr=8-1&keywords=Spellhaven+by+Sandra+Unerman

Kobo: 

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/spellhaven

Barnes & Noble: 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spellhaven-sandra-unerman/1126613810?ean=9781987976342


And here she is. . .


Sandra Unerman lives in London in the UK. When she retired from a career as a Government lawyer, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing at Middlesex University, specialising in SF and fantasy, and graduated in 2013. Since then, she has had a number of short stories published. In 2016, these included stories in Three Drops from a Cauldron, the Midwinter issue and Aurora Wolf, the September issue, both available online. She writes reviews and articles for the British Science Fiction Association and the British Fantasy Society. She is a member of London Clockhouse writers and other writing groups. Her interests include history, folklore and medieval literature.

Connect with Sandra :

Website:
https://sandraunermanwriter.com/

Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Unerman/e/B0034NS9VM

Goodreads Author Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6566116.Sandra_Unerman

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35546814-spellhaven