Category: reviews

The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf (Central Fire Series Book One) by Brent Golembiewski Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

After his parents’ sudden disappearance, a boy must partner up with a mysterious young girl and flee the only space station he has ever called home to evade a deadly bounty hunter in author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf.” The first book in the Central Fire Series. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Unexpectedly abandoned, Nico is determined to find the reason behind his parents’ mysterious absence. Problem is, he’s never left the space station he’s called home for all of his twelve years. As if his situation isn’t bad enough, a young girl arrives on a spaceship demanding to meet his father. While searching the station, they’re attacked by a vicious bounty hunter. Nico and his reluctant new ally must escape at all costs. Thrust into a world he doesn’t understand, Nico has to tolerate and put his trust in a stranger with objectives of her own if he hopes to evade deadly enemies, find his parents, and learn the answers to the questions that seem to pop up at every turn.

The Review

This story was fun, action-packed, and engaging for young adults and middle-grade readers. The pacing was fast-paced, allowing the reader to understand the world-building the author brought to life on the page without sacrificing action or suspense surrounding the story itself. The imagery in the author’s writing captured the wilds of space travel, making the idea of Earth a long-lost part of history to the protagonist while vividly bringing space stations and ships to life with relative ease.

Yet the heart of this story was in how the author effortlessly meshed the fantasy and science fiction genres together seamlessly. The way Nico was able to look at life in space with such relative ease, and yet find the magic and wonder of fantasy elements, such as the inclusion of Maddie, an elf, into the cast of characters, as well as creatures like goblins or even dragons. The mythology the author can draw out is impressive, revealing enough to draw the reader in and yet leaving enough mystery to keep readers invested in future books.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thrilling, and phenomenally written, author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf” is a must-read YA and middle-grade sci-fi meets fantasy novel, and a grand entry into the Central Fire Series. The twists and turns the book takes, the humorous dialogue and character development between Nico and Maddie, and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nico’s parents will leave readers with a cliffhanger that will instantly keep them intrigued for the release of the next book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Brent Golembiewski is a U. S. Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service. He started his career as an enlisted troop, working as an Electronic Warfare Technician, and completed it as an officer, never working a day as a Helicopter Evaluator Pilot, flying the mighty UH-1N “Huey”. After retiring from the USAF, he began Valkyrie Air, providing aircraft charter operations for people who find value in time. He met the love of his life in the second-worst place he’d ever been stationed and she’s still on active duty. Together they have two boys, the terrible Ts, and one old caricature of a dog that will never die.

www.authorbrentg.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066743936699

https://www.instagram.com/authorbrentg/

Smart Golf: Play Golf More Intelligently by Ronan Keene Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Ronan Keene shares practical tips and practices for improving one’s golf game in the book Smart Golf: Play Golf More Intelligently.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Smart Golf – Play Golf Intelligently is the ultimate guide for golfers who want to think smarter and score better.

This modern take on golf instruction books covers everything from smart golf strategies to mastering the mental game. Perfect as a stylish playing golf coffee table book, it’s packed with practical tips to help you learn to play golf with confidence. Whether you’re working on your swing, your course management, or your mindset, this golf strategy book will change the way you play. An ideal choice for gifts for golfers, Smart Golf stands out among golfing books for offering real tools to level up your game.

✔️ Learn Winning Golf Strategies: Master course management, smarter shot selection, and proven tactics used by top players.

✔️ Unlock the Secrets of Golf Mental Games: Build confidence, sharpen focus, and stay calm under pressure to outperform your competition.

✔️ A Fresh Take on Golf Instruction Books: Practical advice you can actually use, perfect for beginners and seasoned golfers alike.

✔️ A Beautiful Playing Golf Coffee Table Book: Elegant design and powerful insights make it a stylish addition to any golfer’s home or office.

✔️ Perfect Gifts for Golfers of all skill levels: A must-have among golfing books for birthdays, holidays, Father’s Day, or any golf lover’s special occasion.

✔️ Easy to Read, Easy to Apply: Written in clear, simple language — because smart golf doesn’t have to be complicated!

Golf Isn’t Just Physical — Master the Mental Game -Success in Golf Starts With Smart Thinking

The Review

This was a well-researched, fast-paced, and engaging read. The author brilliantly crafted a balanced book of golf techniques, strategies, and guidance that spoke to those immersed in the sport wholly and completely. The author’s natural style felt philosophical and practical, and came across as very conversational.

What stood out to me was the author’s choice to focus on the physical aspect of golf, the techniques, and the mental game. Using practices like visualization, journaling, and even concentrating on your breathing helped focus the discussion on mental health through the sport. This aspect gets lost far too often in sports in general. 

The Verdict

Whether you seek helpful tips to improve your golf game or a fun coffee table book that speaks to a love for the game, author Ronan Keene’s “Smart Golf” is a must-read nonfiction golf book. The author does a great job of discussing other issues, such as utilizing technology to study one’s own game, the importance of inclusivity in the game, and so much more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Ronan Keene is a passionate golfer with over 30 years of experience playing the game. A lifelong student of golf strategy and course management, he has spent decades refining both the mental and physical sides of the sport. With a deep understanding of the challenges amateur golfers face, Ronan offers practical, real-world strategies to help others play smarter, lower their scores, and enjoy the game more. In Smart Golf, he shares clear, relatable advice that speaks to golfers of all skill levels—from weekend players to serious competitors. Ronan currently lives with his wife in Bluffton, SC near Hilton Head Island where great golf is never far away.

Naga’s Wings: A World Where Everyone Belongs By G.P. Fripp Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young girl discovers the power of being herself wholly and entirely in the book “Naga’s Wings: A World Where Everyone Belongs” by author G.P. Fripp. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Meet Naga, a bold and imaginative girl who never apologizes for being different. With a heart as strong as her emotions and dreams that soar like the wings of a dragon, she embraces her uniqueness in a world that often misunderstands her. Naga’s Wings is a heartwarming story about the power of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. As Naga journeys through her colorful world, she discovers that true strength lies in being herself—and that everyone deserves a place to belong. Let your imagination take flight with Naga, where differences are celebrated, and every child can find their own wings.

The Review

This was such an imaginative and kind-hearted children’s story. The author crafted a vivid and colorful world celebrating uniqueness and originality, which is much needed in our current world. The pacing was perfect, allowing young readers to enjoy the vibrant world the author brought to life on the page while also getting lost in the overall story and characters. 

The powerful themes of acceptance and celebrating what makes us all unique blended well with the memorable and relatable characters that made this book feel so connected. The natural fusion of the natural and magical worlds in this story and how protagonist Naga challenged the judgments and pressure so many kids face from their peers in school by embracing her differences were inspirational and engaging for young and older readers. 

The Verdict

Iconic, creative, and thoughtful, author G.P. Fripp’s “Naga’s Wings” is a must-read children’s book. The well rounded nature of Naga as a protagonist, showing both her fierce bravery in the face of peer pressure and her vulnerability as she works to curb her emotions in the heat of a moment, allow the reader to connect with the overall story at a time where this world needs to be willing to accept our differences without forcing what makes us unique onto other people, but allowing ourselves to celebrate those differences at the same time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

G.P. Fripp is a dedicated children’s book author, proud mother, and immigrant, who has often felt like an outsider as a minority woman. Drawing from her personal experiences, she creates stories inspired by her children that champion kindness, inclusion, and acceptance. Her characters, like the Naga—Balinese for dragon—carry a spirit of strength and strong emotions, reflecting her own journey and resilience. Her books aim to foster understanding and empathy in young readers, encouraging them to embrace differences. Outside of writing, G.P. Fripp loves spending quality time with her family, traveling to places to understand local cultures, cooking, taking nature walks, biking, practicing yoga, and mindfulness meditation. A lifelong lover of books, she believes in the power of storytelling to create a kinder, more inclusive world.

https://www.enjoylifereading.com/

Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods by Marina Osipova Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

As two women face oppression from an invading army during WWII, a daughter years later attempts to uncover her mother’s heroism, only to discover a shocking truth in author Marina Osipova’s “Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Two unlikely women with a shared history, two different turns of fate.

The end of the 1930s. The specter of twisted paranoia of Stalin’s unrelenting dictatorship continues to tighten over the Soviet Union. NKVD, the country’s secret police, coerces University graduate Ursula Kriegshammer, a Soviet Volga German with special skills, into serving this regime.

Natasha Ivanova, a worker at a metal plant in Vitebsk, a city at the western border of the Soviet Union, still can’t recover from the betrayal of the man she loves.

When in 1941 the German Army invaded Byelorussia, both women seem to be helping the cause to fight the ruthless occupiers. But when their paths cross, tragedy strikes, and one must carry the burden of guilt. Will she ever find peace with herself and the way out of the trap fate prepared for her?

Years later, the daughter of one of them launches on a quest to uncover the heroic nature of her mother’s role in WWII, only to discover a heart-shattering revelation of her own parentage.

The Review

The attention to detail in this book was incredible. The visceral imagery in the author’s writing style captured the haunting, cold, and chilling nature of not only WWII, but the Stalin-era Soviet Union as well. The balance the author found in character development and history was excellent, and the way the author captured the humanity behind these characters and explored how the way of life under Stalin’s rule impacted how they evolved and grew over time was fantastic. 

The duality of Ursula, one of the protagonists, as she struggles with her ties to Germany and Russia, especially regarding her duties, was compelling to get lost in as a reader. The slow build-up that turns into a sudden and thrilling WWII era plot and the honest depictions of the Nazi occupation and Stalinist Russia was truly haunting. The complex romance and family drama the author infuses into this narrative will elevate the story tenfold and leave readers invested in an emotional wellspring that will endure long past the book’s end.

The Verdict

Author Marina Osipova’s “Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods” is a must-read historical fiction thriller that is visceral, thrilling, and engaging. The natural infusion of romance and drama into this WWII story and the chilling and introspective look into how patriotism can be used against people to the point of corrupting their principles and turning people against one another kept readers engaged throughout this entire novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.

A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”

To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at marina-osipova.com

You can find her also on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipova.14/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4701687.Marina_Osipova

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marosikok

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-osipova-65b81418/

All the Time by Lincoln James Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A man looking to reconnect with his dying mother finds himself transported back in time and must find a way to get back to his own time before it is too late in author Lincoln James’s “All the Time.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

The past isn’t just a memory… It’s a trap.

When Carter sets out to reconnect with his dying mother, he never expects to arrive at her house years before he was born. Stuck in the past with nothing but his car, a bag of clothes, and a barely working iPhone, Carter faces an impossible question: how did he get here—and how can he get back?

Time is slipping through his fingers, and every moment spent in the past pulls him further from the future he’s desperate to return to.

Caught between what was and what could be, Carter begins to question if time is something you can outrun…or if it’s already run out.

 The Review

This was such an emotional and engaging read. The author did an incredible job of layering this story with heart and compassion, exploring some deep themes of love, loss, and the hardship of connecting with lost parents. The imagery and atmosphere the author can infuse into this story are remarkable, giving readers both an artistic use of said imagery and a cinematic storytelling path that plays in the reader’s mind like a film.

The two things that stuck out were how much attention the author paid to the time travel elements of the story, as well as the fast pacing of the narrative. The author can still take the time to build up the world around the protagonist and capture the different periods that this narrative spans, while still moving the story along smoothly without slowing down or giving away too much unnecessary detail. The emotional depth of how time itself was treated, not only in terms of the sci-fi genre and time-bending overall, but the feeling of time slipping away in anyone’s life when facing the loss of a loved one, allowed the reader to engage with the protagonist on a much deeper level.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and thrilling, author Lincoln James’s “All the Time” is a must-read YA sci-fi novel. The author’s atmosphere and emotion in this narrative felt like a mix of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s The Talisman meets Mike Flanagan’s take on The Midnight Club. The thoughtful approach to such heavy and gut-wrenching themes will keep readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Lincoln James, your favorite author’s favorite author, is celebrated for his haunting love stories, vintage thrillers, and slow-burn suspense. His characters feel, ache, and bleed, often trapped between the past and the people who won’t let them forget it.

In 2025, James was featured in The New York Review and named Best New Thriller Author in New York by Best of Best Review, honors recognizing his compelling storytelling and emotional depth.

When he’s not writing, James is an English and Communication professor in New York City and cherishes moments with friends and family, proving that the most thrilling tales lie in the love and laughter shared with those closest to us.

https://thelincolnjames.com/

A Simple Job by Kelly Kenyon Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In the novel A Simple Job, a man desperate for a job to support his family finds himself on a cross-country road trip, doing new jobs and getting involved in a secret society.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Eli Asher is in hot water. He’s not sure which one is adding up faster, the lies he’s told his wife or the past due notices they are getting. He needs a job, a good job with benefits so he can take care of his family. He thinks he has one, but loses it to a member of some secret society that he wants no part of, until his hot water starts to boil and he has no choice but to take a leap of faith. That leap takes him away from his family and on a cross country adventure where he does a series of simple jobs, working with some incredible people. He learns more about what really matters every step of the way adding depth and breadth to his understanding of himself and the world, transforming his very life. This is an easy read that will leave you feeling good and glad you spent the time, so go a head and click the buy now button.

The Review

This was such an engaging and thoughtful read. The author did a fantastic job crafting a relatable and memorable narrative that will resonate with so many people worldwide. Still, especially in the United States, in the economy we are living through right now. The unique difficulties facing so many families right now, from lost jobs and poor prices to health pandemics and much more, the author touches upon some strong themes and balances this out with a unique and fun narrative that will drive the reader forward.

The heart of this story is character development, with protagonist Eli and his family becoming the POV that will resonate powerfully with the overall narrative. The lessons Eli learns along the way showcase the need to get rid of our prejudices and judgements of other people, learn to accept others, and be open to helping one another in life overall, making Eli and his family the everyman level of character growth.

Advertisements

The Verdict

The author makes a good point in this book that no one is all villain, all hero, or all good, but understanding one another is the best way forward for us all. In that tone, author Kelly Kenyon’s “A Simple Job” is a must-read adventure and genre fiction novel. The heart and the passion for this subject matter come through with ease in this story, and the relatability of the characters will keep readers invested until the book’s final chapter. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

https://www.kellykenyon.com/

Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey by Linda Herron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Linda Herron shares the heartfelt lesson found in teamwork and positive thinking in the book “Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Inspire your child to try their best and never give up with this inspiring tale about fostering good sportsmanship!

Twins Mac & Madi are the youngest players on their team, and they’re always ready to give their best! But sometimes, the game doesn’t go their way. With the help of their wise coach, the twins learn that success isn’t just about the score… it’s about playing your best and always supporting your team through thick and thin!

Celebrate the joys of sports and embark on a memorable adventure with twins Mac & Madi as they discover essential lessons about teamwork, playing fair, and good sportsmanship! With an inspiring message about always trying your best, even when victory seems impossible, young readers ages 3-8 will adore discovering this colorful tale and developing a positive attitude toward sports.

Book details:

  • Features a Beautiful Rhyming Story With Unforgettable Characters & a Real-World Setting That Helps Children Absorb Positive Messages
  • Promotes Valuable Lessons About Being Good Sports, Playing Fair, Overcoming Setbacks With Grace, & Always Supporting Your Teammates With Lots of Cheering & Enthusiasm!
  • Helps Kids Manage Feelings of Frustration & Keep Their Spirits High, Even When The Game Isn’t Going Their Way
  • Makes a Brilliant Bedtime Story Or Teaching Tool For Parents & Educators Who Want To Instil Good Sportsmanship & Attitudes In Children
  • And Much More…

If you have a child who loves to play sports, or if you want to equip the next generation with a desire to practice good sportsmanship, Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to help kids foster resilience and overcome defeats or setbacks without ever giving up.

Are you ready to empower your child with sportsmanship lessons that will stick with them for a lifetime? Then scroll up and grab your copy today!

The Review

What a fun and engaging children’s book. The author brought an incredible story to life on the page, with artwork from Marie Delon giving cool color schemes and eye-catching artwork to draw young readers in. The story’s fast pace will keep children invested and give parents the time to connect with their children throughout the narrative.

The strong themes of teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive thinking motivated and taught younger readers in this book. The ability to hold one’s head up high and face the troubles facing one, be it in a game like field hockey or life, is such a powerful tool and technique to learn, and the author perfectly brought this to life in this story.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Linda Herron’s Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey is a must-read children’s book. Readers will connect with these characters, and the story’s relatability will create an intense reading experience for parents and children alike. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Linda Herron is a children’s author, proud Rhode Islander, and identical twin who loves crafting heartwarming tales about siblings’ magical bonds. With first-hand experience of the joys and struggles of being an identical twin, Linda was inspired to write a series of fun children’s stories to help kids embrace their differences and cherish their special relationship with their sister or brother.

As a seasoned financial expert by day, when Linda isn’t dreaming up new children’s stories to delight and entertain her readers, she’s writing business articles and blogs. Her financial expertise has been featured in major media outlets, including American Express, LendingTree, and Daily Business News. Currently, Linda enjoys the sunny weather in California but often returns to Rhode Island to spend time with her beloved family.

Please visit her at www.lherron.com

www.instagram.com/lherronauthor/

www.facebook.com/twinsmacandmadi

Will’s Adventure to the Candy Mountain by Dr. Gerry Haller (Illustrated by YM Cho) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young boy wakes to discover the story his grandmother has told him about Candy Mountain is real in the children’s book “Will’s Adventure to the Candy Mountain” by author Dr. Gerry Haller and illustrated by YM Cho.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Will’s Grandmother has told Will about the Candy Mountain since he was a small child. One night Will is awakened by the Conductor of a train. He is told to hurry to catch the train. “What train?” “The train to the Candy Mountain, of course.” On the train, he meets a boy named Quinn and they decide to go on the adventure together. He can hardly believe he is going to the Candy Mountain. Together there are many decisions they have to make, each more mysterious than the other. What will they find?

The Review

This was such a fun and engaging children’s book. The author thoughtfully and memorably conveyed the sense of magic and wonder children dream about. The book’s fast pace didn’t ever feel rushed, but instead allowed the reader to discover each new land and experience that the main characters found simultaneously.

Often in books, especially children’s books, readers seek to understand or engage with the more profound lesson or meaning behind the story, and there were so many in this book for younger readers to engage with. From the power of friendship and the rewarding nature of sharing to the more profound lesson of dreaming big and never being afraid of new adventures, this book had an outstanding balance of lessons to learn from.

The Verdict

A beautiful blend of The Polar Express meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, author Dr. Gerry Haller’s “Will’s Adventure to the Candy Mountain” is a must-read children’s book. With warm and vibrant artwork from YM Cho and a whimsical sense of adventure, this book will significantly bring parents and children together. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Author Dr. Gerry Haller is an accomplished educator having received many awards in the teaching, curriculum, and administrative fields. Some of these awards include being recognized for The Golden Apple, The Carnegie Foundation for her teaching in the Inner City of Chicago, and receiving the Phi Delta Kappa Award for being outstanding Principal of the Year. Dr. Haller received Primary, Gifted and Art Degrees form Bradley University, Master’s in Administration from Augustana, and Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University. She is a gifted public speaker and has presented at conferences from London to the U.S. Throughout her career, she has taught principals, teachers, and children. Dr. Haller is also a proud mother and grandmother.

About the Illustrator

YM Cho is an award-winning artist and designer. She earned a BFA degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she studied visual communications and fashion illustration. YM has been named the winner of several art and design competitions, including the 2017 Leavenworth Oktoberfest Logo Design, 2017 Navy Air Force Half Marathon shirt design, 2019 Seward Silver Salmon Derby Logo Design, and the 93rd Running Mount Marathon Logo Design.

https://drgerryhallerbooks.com/

https://ymchoartdesign.com/

She Tames the Kings by E.M. Etheridge Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Imprisoned and betrayed, a woman must reclaim her destiny amidst a power struggle between warring kings of both land and sea in author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Kings.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Chained in the deepest bowels of Captain Keres’ ship, Estella Bohem has lost everything-her freedom, her father’s safety, and the trust she placed in Dane. With her heart shattered by his betrayal, she has only one chance to reclaim her destiny.

To break the Pirate Lords’ Bonds and free the witches of Salvus Island, Estella must steal back her family’s grimoire and shatter its seal before the ruthless Pirate King Moritie and his cunning witch, Ines Laurent, bind her-and the sea beast she commands-to their will.

But survival on the high seas demands treacherous alliances. As war brews and the Land Kings set their sights on Moritie’s stronghold, Estella must outmaneuver the most cutthroat players in a deadly game of power, deception, and magic.

With time running out, one question remains: Can she tame the Kings-before they tame her?

The Review

What a compelling and twisted yet entertaining dark fantasy read. The author did an incredible job of expanding upon the mythology and world-building in the first book of this duology. The relationships that the author explored through engaging character development, from the bond between witches and their gods or goddesses, to the way witches were bound to pirates and kings, all played critical roles in the decisions and story developments that were brought to life on the page. Even the protagonist’s relationship to the beast she is forced to command is such a unique and powerful narrative to explore in this book, and speaks to much higher themes in the novel.

The character development’s themes and emotional depth make this a steady and thrilling sequel. The book uses magic, monsters, pirates, gods, and high octane action in a beautiful fusion with themes of power, control, the fight for freedom, vengeance, and self-reliance so expertly through the protagonist herself and the witch’s struggles. Set in a period already rife with untold horrors due to slavery and violence, the juxtaposition of Estella’s journey allowed her to find a way to tackle that even bigger problem later on in the book in a surprising way.

The Verdict

Entertaining, compelling, and mesmerizing, author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Kings” is a must-read dark fantasy novel. The twists and turns in this story, the rich storytelling and world-building, and the epic final chapter will give readers a sense of fulfillment and wonder while also leaving them eager to read more by this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

I’d always known I was going to publish books, and after years of writing my first book, I decided I wanted to publish traditionally. While still queering agents for that book, I came up with a whole new concept and decided to try my hand at publishing independently so I could gain experience in both industries. I’ve worked as a teacher, interned as an editor, and now I am ready to make books my livelihood through publishing and through freelance editing.

https://emetheridgewriter.wordpress.com