I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two men from different worlds are drawn together and caught in a battle far more ancient and deadly than they could ever imagine in author Liz Sauco’s “Lost Blades”, the first book in the Blades of the Goddess Series.
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The Synopsis
As the world ends once more, the Goddess chooses who she will wield against Abomination
In Lyndiniam: A street thief attempts a heist far more ambitious than anything he has done before, but due to circumstances outside his control, finds himself locked up for crimes he both did and did not commit. A strange woman with abilities Jamirh does not understand breaks him out, and he finds himself on the run – fleeing to Romanii, a country he thought no longer existed.
In Ni Fon: A shinobi is banished by the Empress for killing her daughter and his fiancée, Princess Hotaru. This is a ploy, however – Takeshi is still working for Ni Fon despite the murder, trying to learn information about a rebellion against the Rose Empire that Ni Fon will be able to leverage to regain their own freedom.
Though thousands of miles apart, both Jamirh and Takeshi find themselves pulled into an ancient struggle between forces far beyond anything they have ever dreamed of, whether they want to be or not.
Lost Blades is the first book in Blades of the Goddess, a high fantasy series with urban and sci-fi elements. This series will appeal to all ages, especially fans of the Shannara Chronicles, the Chronicles of Amber, and the Heralds of Valdemar.
The Review
This was such a compelling and exhilarating read. The author did an incredible job of creating a rich and vastly developed fantasy world. The detail the author went into when developing these lands and the scenes in each chapter really made the action and character interactions that developed feel much more vivid and alive on the page.
To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the dynamic character development and incredible mythology the author developed. The way the author was able to infuse so many elements of sci-fi, high fantasy, and urban fantasy all at once made this book so gripping in its delivery. The various cultures and backgrounds that these characters come from and the way each protagonist plays into this ancient battle of wills will instantly draw the reader into the story.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and enthralling, author Liz Sauco’s “Lost Blades is a must-read high fantasy novel of 2023. The chilling yet engaging nature of the larger elements of destiny and fate that play into the character’s journey and the incredible depth of world-building and mythos that made this world feel alive and new all at once will have readers eager for the next entry in this brand new fantasy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on September 12th, 2023!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I’ve always loved stories. The more fantastical, the better. Unicorns were an early favorite of mine; I must have watched The Last Unicorn a thousand times as a child, driving my parents to near insanity. I devoured every book I could get my hands on – trips to Barnes and Noble were hotly anticipated.
Anime (thanks, Toonami!) and video games were other favorites. I watched Sailor Moon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Gundam Wing, played Zelda and Mario. Mythology also grabbed me, made me think of how other cultures viewed the world.
And eventually… I began telling my own stories. I’m grateful to have found readers like you who want to explore the world I’ve created, and walk a few miles with the characters I love. Thank you!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman takes on a dangerous journey after discovering the secrets of her origins in author JM Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Aria”, the second book in the Allaigna’s Song series.
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The Synopsis
The long-awaited sequel to the bestselling fantasy ALLAIGNA’S SONG: OVERTURE!
Allaigna has discovered that her family has lied to about her parentage all her life. Fueled by anger and spurred by her betrothal to a neighbouring lord, Allaigna has packed her saddle bags and stolen away in the night. The perils of the road provide more than a distraction from her fury, and test her ability to sing music into magic to its limit. Unlikely allies, subterfuge, captivity, and assault conspire to change Allaigna’s status from mere runaway to fugitive.
While Allaigna charts her dangerous course, the quieter tales of her mother and grandmother unfold in tender, poignant, and heartbreaking vignettes that underscore the political and family tensions of the richly rendered world of the Ilmar.
The Review
I absolutely loved the world-building that this book held within it. The high fantasy world was so beautifully realized, and the multiple POVs between the three generations of women within this family allowed readers to see not only how they evolved as characters but how the world evolved around them. The politics and family structure that the author explored through these characters really made the setting feel alive and thoughtful in its approach.
To me, the heart of this book was in the blend of music with magic, as well as the strength of these incredible female characters, including the protagonist. The cohesiveness of the musical magic these characters exude, and the way Allaigna’s journey not only explores the depths of her power but the evolution of her outlook thanks to the way the world comes into conflict with her journey time and time again was both emotionally investing and gripping.
The Verdict
Harmonious, enthralling, and memorable, author JM Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Aria is a must-read high fantasy novel and a great addition to the Allaigna’s Song series. The detail the author puts into the book with maps and outlines of the world and the history within it was great to see, and the shocking twists and turns in these women’s lives will keep readers eager to read the next entry into the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
JM Landels, writer and illustrator of the Allaigna’s Song trilogy and co-founder of Pulp Literature wears far too many hats. The strange mix of a degree in Mediaeval English Literature, a misspent youth fronting alternative punk bands Mad Seraphim and Stiff Bunnies, and a career as a childbirth educator and doula informs her work. These days, when she isn’t writing, editing or drawing, she can be found heading up the Mounted Combat Program for Academie Duello in Vancouver BC where she swings swords and rides horses for fun and profit.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I first became interested in language as an art form in school, after being prompted to read the book Gormenghast by a temporary English teacher who was covering for our main teacher. (Sadly I cannot even remember his name to thank him!) Gormenghast, by Mervyn Peake, uses words like daubs of paint, to create imagery that is more than just the rendering of a scene or story. After reading it I had a new appreciation for words and the way they could be used to add character to something as simple as walking along a corridor. Conversely, at the opposing end of the artistic spectrum I have also always been in awe of particle physicist Richard Feynman. His ability to explain extremely difficult principles of physics to a casual reader through perfectly selected, but simple words, phrases, and analogies, is another use of language that I love to emulate.
My personal journey into writing did not start until years after leaving school, and has really only just begun. Through my exposure to the entertainment industry I have gradually found myself as the writer of several short screenplays and scripts, increasing in length, until taking on a novel was the next logical step. The rules and restrictions of writing in screenplay format have always felt extremely limiting in expressing complex ideas that do not take place through dialogue. And, since most of the concepts I am interested in exist within a kind of internal, cerebral space, writing a novel was the only way I could explore them freely.
I have spent most of my adult life freelancing between different disciplines, some in the world of entertainment – film making, working at media agencies, occasionally on-screen – and some working in tech – coding, consulting, R&D at software companies. There are so many weird and wonderful things that I have encountered that I would love to spend the time writing about, either as elements of a story, or in isolation in their own right. Hopefully I will get the time. There is so much I would like to share.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
Initially, SYMUTAL was an idea for a film – or rather the seeds of an idea. With the onset of Covid lockdowns in 2020 there seemed a perfect opportunity to flesh this idea out in much greater detail than I had ever intended. I dived headlong into writing it as a novel, then fully rewriting it… then fully rewriting the full rewrite… and again, over several iterations during the next few years. In addition to the story elements of the book, there are many ideas of computing and science that I felt have never been articulated particularly well outside of reference manuals or non-fiction. I wanted the reader to be exposed to some of the beauty that I feel is inherent in a scientific view of the world. Algorithms are beautiful, and they are everywhere.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Firstly and foremost, I want the reader to have fun through the characters and their journeys. But beyond that I guess I would like people to understand the world around them as something that is in constant flux, composed of a continual conflict of ideas – every object being the expression of an underlying principle of science.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I don’t really see myself as having chosen a genre to write in, per-se – I don’t think I could write in any other genre. It just feels like I am expressing my inner self through characters and story.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would sit down with the meta-character The Hoshoku-Sha Corporation, and ask them to what end their progress was intended.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I have no idea to be honest. I think that contacting real readers, such as yourself, and reaching out to them is likely to be more fruitful than any number of broader social media approaches. I am still gathering data.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Since writing SYMUTAL, a few other people have asked me what my process was – people similar to myself who feel they have an idea to express but are not trained in writing, or are not experienced in writing long form content. I would say this:
Once you decide to write something, do it. Pin a sheet of paper to your wall and every night at midnight write down the number of words you have written that day. Never lie. Never cheat. Write the number. Your word count. Pin it somewhere so that you can always see it. If you don’t feel like writing that day, do it anyway. If the words feel like they are not coming out creatively that day, or you don’t have your “muse” with you, write anyway. Write something. Move the story forwards. Do it until you reach the end. No matter what. Every day. Until it’s done. Even if it is only one paragraph that day. Do it.
The reason I think people should adopt such a cold-mannered, relentless, Terminator-like approach, is that once they have finished the story they will want to rewrite it *anyway*. Guaranteed. No matter how good the first draft is, they will want to improve it. Nobody will be happy with their first draft…. Therefore, do not spend 12 months procrastinating on writing a single sentence because you want it to be perfect. It won’t be perfect the first time. So just write it, regardless of mood. Refine it on the next pass.
It is much easier to refine something that already exists (your first draft) into something you are happy with (your second, third, draft), than to create it perfectly all in one go. So you will save more time writing two drafts, fast, than you will by waiting for your first draft to come out perfectly.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I am gradually making the book SYMUTAL into an independent movie. I am trying to honour the integrity of the book’s key principles, and shoot as much as possible in the style of the writing, rather than condense it down to a traditional script.
Once I have completed that I will start writing my next book. I find it difficult to overlap creative ideas and give each one my full attention.
I have attached some photos. Not sure which ones match the interview questions. Use any you think fit.
Chilling in the hammock may well be the right vibe! 🙂
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About the Author
I was born in Dubai UAE, moved to England when I was 5, and grew up in London. Currently I live in Bangkok Thailand with my girlfriend. My background has been a mix of different careers and locations, with a lot of technology roles (I have spent a lot of time as a programmer, and digital nomad), and have also had a few forays into the entertainment industry. Suffice to say I find it difficult to completely categorise myself in any normal, sensible way!
Much of this contrasting medley of places manifests itself through my writing, and will be apparent in the book Symutal, whose story is interwoven between Earth, the Moon, and virtual reality, but with a strong interlinking storyline. It is speculative, dystopian fiction, but with occasional scenes borrowed from my own experiences.
If there is one thing that evades so many of us in this world, it is the art of expression. Whether through creative means or everyday life, the need to express our feelings and emotions and the struggles we face on a daily basis is one of the biggest battles a person can face in their life. One such experience is with anxiety and fear, both of which can be suffocating or debilitating in their own right. They can make the world feel as if it is shrinking around you, or as if a battle is just waiting on the horizon. That battle comes from taking the steps to face our fears and overcome our anxieties. The fight within us to tackle these emotions is an internal fight that so many people face in their lives on a daily basis, whether they want to admit it or not.
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That is the powerful message and theme that British music producer and artist Good Spells hopes to bring to life in his powerful new single, “Beyond”. The single is an emotional yet moving blend of heavy synth and pop influences. The single captures a gritty tone that speaks to the hardships and struggles the song touches upon through its lyrics. The grit of the synth is cut through with the soulful vocals and the steady climb of the underlying beat that feels like a call to arms of sorts, giving the listener a harmonious and inspiring anthem to march to as the artist captures the everyday struggles of people while promoting the fight to see past the fear and into a brighter tomorrow. If you haven’t yet, be sure to listen to this amazing track today!
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About the Artist
Music producer, artist and songwriter, Good Spells, works out of Spells’ Lab, based in Cheshire, England. Neon lit walls inspire nostalgic nuances in solo synth and sample work, mixing ambient sound design with dark-pop aesthetics.
ARTIST: Good Spells
RELEASE: ‘Beyond’
GENRE: British solo artist and producer, making ‘dark pop’ / ‘alt pop’ / electronic music.
We all remember the first time we stepped into a theme park. Whether it was a local park native to your state or a significant park like Disneyland or Universal, our memories and heartfelt experiences in the park were childhood memories we won’t soon forget. The smell of fresh popcorn or the excited screams of parkgoers on a nearby roller coaster are staples of any park. Yet the new technology that has come forward in recent years has elevated the park-going experience to all new heights. From the recently released Super Mario Land to Halloween Horror Nights and Avengers Campus, the worlds we fell in love with on the big screen and beyond are something we can all walk into and experience ourselves.
One of the things people don’t always consider in these parks is the people who create them. The people who make the technology and the people who implement and build it into what we see today. One such man is Matthew Miller of the Orlando Informer, who recently had his name added to IMDB. He is currently the senior director of technology & business development at Orlando Informer, and formerly was a theme park technologist who had a hand in helping to develop some of the most brilliant and beloved experiences for both Disney and Universal. His accolades include numerous awards and a patent for his research and technology development for wearable technology. Having traveled the world, from Orlando to Osaka, one of the leaders in theme park technology has taken the time to speak with us today to learn a little bit about the man himself, his inspiration, and the world of theme park technology development.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into the world of theme park technologists?
I grew up in the extraordinary small town of Wewahitchka, FL. It’s an incredible place and where I became very interested in math, science, and theme parks. I would later move to Orlando, FL. to attend the University of Central Florida. While trying to get my foot in the door at a major theme park, I landed an internship with a small design firm that produced special effects for the parks. This allowed me to work on my first big projects for the big players as a third-party vendor, and then I used this experience to land an internship at Universal. While at Universal, I secured a full-time job as a theme park technologist working on incredible theme park experiences.
2) What inspired you to work in this industry?
I’ve known that I wanted to be a roller coaster designer ever since the 1st grade. My family took a week-long trip down to Orlando, Fl, and visited several parks. I can still vividly remember that trip and the feelings I had walking through the theme parks with my family. I knew then what I wanted to do that for the rest of my life.
3) What has been one of the most complex yet rewarding pieces of technology enjoyed by parkgoers at a particular theme park?
The level of recent in-park interactives is absolutely incredible. From Super Nintendo World to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the wearables and interactive merchandise really have helped place the guests in the middle of the action. It’s amazing to walk into these stunning lands and then get to play a dynamic role in the story via these interactives. It makes every visit to the parks completely unique.
4) What are some of the most popular attractions you’ve been a part of?
I’ve been very fortunate to work on incredible attractions all around the globe. Some of my favorites have been Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, and Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge.
5) If you could have a hand in any particular theme park’s creative properties, what project would you love to work on?
Shanghai Disneyland is currently working towards the opening of the City of Zootopia. I’ve always loved the sights, stories, and music of that property – I’m really excited to see the new land open in a few years. That project would have been a lot of fun to be on!
6) What social media site do you enjoy using the most, and has it helped bring attention to your given field?
I’d say the absolute best in the entire industry is Orlando Informer, but of course, I’m completely biased. 😃 I feel very fortunate to work with our team and our social media division works around the clock to showcase the most updated information on the web.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting theme park technologists out there?
Never give up. There are days when the dream will seem impossible and there will be people who tell you to stop dreaming so big. However, if you know in your heart this is what you were born to do, then literally anything is possible with enough passion, imagination, and grit. Don’t be afraid to start where you are and always look for small projects to help build your resume when you are first beginning.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new projects on the horizon?
I’m extremely grateful to be working with Orlando Informer and I hope to be here for a long time. I feel so incredibly lucky to be part of the theme park industry and I hope to continue on this path for many more decades! I’m also very passionate about helping others land their dream jobs, and I will continue to do that on the side too.
Thanks to Matthew for speaking with us today. Be sure to check out his page on IMDB and support his incredible work.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Robert J. Charles, Ph.D., DMin shares the way attachment theory plays into the anxieties and issues that can plague a relationship in the book “Fixing Avoidant and Anxious Attachment in Your Relationship”.
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The Synopsis
Do you always find yourself hoping and praying that your relationship will work while never actually taking the time to enjoy it for everything it is?
Are you someone who struggles to trust your partner, constantly overthinks, and ultimately risks pushing them away?
These types of feelings are common, but that doesn’t mean you should have to endure them for the rest of your life. What I want to do right now is show you that when you come to terms with who you are and how your relationships work, you’ll be able to break free from the underlying anxiety that always seems to be there.
If you want to get a feel for what I’m talking about here, consider what would happen if you gave yourself permission to stop worrying. You would find you have so much more mental energy to spend on the things you love in life, all while realizing just how wonderful your relationship really is. The real problems that actually exist become so much more likely to be fixed now that you’re no longer distracted, and quality time becomes more and more common.
Now, you might think this all sounds too good to be true, and for a lot of people out there, it is. What makes you different? I’m going to personally connect you with a resource that will guide you through everything you need to know.
“Fixing Your Attachment Style” is the only way to change what’s wrong and celebrate what’s right. I know you can do this!
InsideFixing Avoidant And Anxious Attachment In Your Relationship, you will discover:
What attachment theory is and how it came to be
The role of childhood development in developing an attachment style
The four major types of attachment styles
Identifying your attachment style
How your attachment style impacts how you interact and relate with others
Why some attachment styles attract each other
Tools needed to change your attachment style
Overcoming jealousy and insecurity in relationships
Overcoming codependency and improving interdependence
What attachment styles exhibit codependent traits
Tips for building and maintaining healthy relationships
And a whole lot more!
One-click NOW will change your relationship!
You can be anyone you want to be, and all within the confines of a secure, loving, and caring relationship. It’s all about finding a way to deal with your anxious self so there no longer feels like there are three of you in the relationship.
Let’s make the change!
The Review
This was a compelling and informative read. The author did an amazing job of crafting a guide and educational book that speaks both to the individual and the couple within a relationship. The fast-paced book and the healing atmosphere the author highlights throughout the book were truly engaging for a reader to behold, and the use of biblical references throughout the book will resonate with religious readers as well.
The things that really stood out to me as a reader were the emphasis on attachment theory and the way this book examined the way to strengthen relationships while also healing the wounds of our past. The way the author was able to break down each type of attachment style and the way the author touches upon things that can go wrong in a relationship, from codependency and jealousy to improving upon our self-esteem and practicing self-compassion made this a truly remarkable read.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, meaningful, and engaging, author Robert J. Charles’s “Fixing Avoidant and Anxious Attachment in Your Relationship” is a must-read nonfiction guide and self-help book on relationships and the path to healing. The emotional and educational value of this book is perfectly presented by the author’s straight-to-the-point yet compassionate writing style, making this one book that could prove essential to any couple’s relationship. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Meet Robert Charles
Robert Charles, PhD, DMin, is a life coach, mentor, pastor, radio host, and best-selling author.
He serves as a Departmental Director at the Greater New York Conference. Robert has also been an Advisor for the Doctor of Ministry program at Andrews University for eight years and is certified in World Literature from Harvard University.
In his inspiring books, Dr. Charles calls upon three decades of spiritual and practical experience as a mentor and pastor to help you navigate life’s challenges, live with joy, and discover your unique mission on this earth. He believes everyone is equipped with God-given talents to help them become the best versions of themselves. He says his raison d’être is to help as many people as possible tap into their strengths.
In his ministerial duties, Dr. Charles has encountered many cases of preventable/manageable mental health dysfunction and relationship breakdowns due to poor communication. This inspired his decision to take his mentorship worldwide through his books.
Some of the themes he has explored in his books and radio programs include:
• The Effects and Dangers of Overthinking
• Decluttering One’s Mind
• Codependency
• Effective Mood and Stress Managers
• Stress Management Techniques
• Physical Decluttering
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Anxiety and Depression
• The Pillars of Self-confidence and Self-Esteem
• The Dangers of Wild and Unregulated Negative Thoughts
Dr. Charles believes every person deserves the best mental environment to grow into a balanced life and succeed.
He loves meditating, walking, and listening to inspirational music. He works in a team with his wife, Gina. They are blessed with three adult children: Ginaldy, David, and Daniela.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
As I often—maybe crassly—put it, writing was my brain’s way of going to the bathroom. I had the fortune of being read to at a very early age, which gave me an appreciation of storytelling and the written word. Soon, the ol’ (or, young) creative bladder was full of ideas that had to come out. There were some detours—for much of my adolescence, I routed my creative energy into screenwriting and designing video games—but I returned to prose for its refreshingly solitary nature. With fiction, I’m not producing a blueprint. I’m making the thing, and it’s all on me if it doesn’t get done. So I began selling short stories when I was about 19, and wrote a novel a year till I sold one—Skunk Ape Semester—to a small press when I was 27.
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What inspired you to write your book?
Like a lot of my books, it came from the intersection of different interests: physics, cosmology, mythology (from ancient Egypt to Celtic), paranormal phenomena, spirituality, and more. All these swirled together like cosmic debris for a while, before my subconscious eventually coalesced them into workable galaxy of an idea, which became Walking the Dusk. My books tend to be strange marriages. Dreamshores: Monster Island mixes stop-motion B-movie monsters with pantheism and the nature of consciousness.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Mostly to meditate on the vastness of not only the universe out there, but the universe within you and other people. Altogether, we inhabit, share and exist as one great mystery, and the book fancifully explores the possibilities of that mystery based on what crumbs we’ve been able to sweep together, as well as the limits of what a human brain can know.
What drew you into this particular genre?
I’ve always been drawn to speculative fiction—meaning any shade of fantasy, science fiction and horror. Particularly what’s now called “curio fiction”, which takes our world gives it an offbeat, mystical or fantastical edge. I think it’s a perfect vehicle to combine what I see as the more attractive qualities of a “literary” story—psychology, philosophy, culture, intellectual insight—with the broader imaginative probing of the supernatural, the nature of existence, God, consciousness, otherworldly realms, etc. The ideal is to fulfill the best that both “literary” and “genre” have to offer.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would ask Megan Barry, the protagonist’s sister, how she reconciles in her head the bizarre things she witnessed as a child, and what worldview grew out of that that compelled her as an adult to seek whatever it was she sought. Did she know exactly what she was seeking? Does she now? She sort of represents a fear of mine: bright, creative, and restless, with no outlet, and no real direction.
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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
If any, it would be Facebook, my only one. I’m taking a stand against all our time with social media. I think it’s been a net drain on society, honestly. And the years I tried building a platform on Twitter yielded little more than a sea of bots and people rudely and nakedly out for themselves. Sorry to sound like a downer. I just think we could all benefit from scaling back. Way back.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Keep the balance between hubris and humility. Hubris keeps you doing, from idea to idea, rejection to acceptance. It affirms you have a contribution to make. Humility allows you the self-awareness to make that contribution shine, to know when to check your worst impulses, or when your editor is right, and to ultimately grow your craft and career. Go to conferences, too. Meet people—in real life. Listen to what others have to say and develop a fine enough radar to know when it applies to you, and when it doesn’t. It’s unhealthy to always accept or always reject a piece of advice.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I have a dark urban fantasy coming out February 29th, 2024, Ancient Tides Ashore, which takes place on the Hawaiian island of Kauai and explores a psychic connection between a modern woman, an ancient Polynesian, and a mysterious elemental spirit in the local waters. I also have stories coming out in the anthologies December Tales II (Curious Blue Press) and Tangle & Fen (Crone Girls Press).
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About the Author
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mike Robinson is the award-winning author of multiple speculative fiction novels and dozens of short stories which have appeared in the likes of 2019’s American Gothic Fantasy anthology, Storyteller Magazine, A Woman Unbecoming, Underland Arcana and more. He has received honors from Writers of the Future, Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Contest, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Maxy Awards and others, and is also the editor of J.P. Barnett’s popular, award-winning “Lorestalker” series.
In between, he hikes (often with his two dogs), swims, draws, tries to learn the didgeridoo and, yes, has even been known to actually write a screenplay or two, some of which have received their own notices.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Writing has been my passion since childhood. It has been my dream since then to be a writer as a long-term career.
Aside from writing I love cross stitching, photography and crafting. I’ve been writing for Fansided for years, more specifically Show Snob where I cover television show recaps and news for several shows including The Walking Dead and Bridgerton.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I have had a deep love, passion and interest in Ancient Egypt since I’ve been about 12 years old.
I wanted to write a book that could transport readers to that time, with the focus being the story of a strong but vulnerable young woman. I wanted her story to appeal to readers, get them invested and want to follow her journey through several books.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Firstly I hope readers will learn a lot about Ancient Egypt, with the possibility of loving the time period as much as I do. It is a very rich and plentiful time period that we constantly discover and learn more about.
Secondly, my hope is for readers to connect with Aoh, almost to the point where they believe she once existed. Although she is fictional, she’s inspirational in the sense she’s brave, loyal, and stays true to herself and her beliefs.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Honestly, I wasn’t drawn to the genre. When I get inspiration for a story, I let the idea run wild. If the story winds up becoming scary, then it will fit into the horror genre. If it takes a more whimsical, magical and eerie route, like my other book Carousel, then it will fit into the fantasy genre. Admittedly, writing a historical fiction/young adult book has been a lot of fun as I got to apply my love for Ancient Egypt and turn into a tale that I hoped readers would find to be refreshing, new and compelling.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
It’s hard to choose just one but probably the Pharaoh’s mother Aneski. Admittedly she was not a planned character upon my first draft of Aoh but she’s become one of my favorite characters overall. She’s quick witted, honest but sassy as well. I’d probably ask her about all of the palace gossip, since she seems to know and observe a lot. She’d probably deny knowing anything though.
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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
That is a tough question as I believe social media is very tricky in general. It’s always changing and social media platforms seem to shift in relevance constantly. But I will say Facebook has been the most helpful. I created my Facebook page: Books and Poetry by Jennifer Renson some years ago and since then I’ve learned how to use it effectively.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
If you want to write, do it. Go for it. Don’t be afraid to try. You don’t have to start with a full blown novel. You can start small and grow from there. Remember there is no apology for passion.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m currently writing a new book that is separate from Carousel and Aoh. Don’t worry there is a Aoh sequel coming. Aoh’s story isn’t over yet.
I am in the process of planning several book talk and signing events for later this year.
My hope is that as I work hard in promoting my books and passion more opportunities will arise.
I’d love to be able to attend conventions and events where I can meet my readers, dive into Aoh’s story, and see my book on top selling charts.
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About the Author
Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta’s passion for writing began in childhood. Her writing career spanned from articles in Lost Treasure Magazine to her self-published poetry books; Delightfully Dark: A Collection of Poems and Tales, Eo: Go, walk, ride, sail, pass, travel and Uncharted. She is the author of the modern-day fairy tale novel Carousel. Presently she is a mother and wife; she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, writing, crafting, specifically cross stitching and reveling in Victorian Era ambiances while living in New Jersey.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young Star banished to the world they once protected must discover how to live amongst the people she once served, and discover the hidden truths her people hid from her in author Yona Katz’s “The Valley of Stars”, the first book in The Rise of Penumbra series.
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The Synopsis
Asha, a Star, is an outstanding seventeen-year-old student in the flawless realm of the Valley of Stars. Her life’s purpose is to bring light to Adama, the world below. The promise of her perfect noble future is shattered when one day, she is caught breaking the law.
Asha’s disgraceful crime is unforgivable and requires the ultimate punishment. She is thrown out of the Valley of Stars to crash down on Adama—certain death for any Star.
Against all odds, Asha’s execution doesn’t go as planned. Not only does she miraculously survive the fall but a mysterious Adamian comes to her rescue. Her saviour is a distrusting girl who has no intention of compromising her own mission for the sake of a fallen Star.
Asha’s idea of Adama is challenged as she quickly learns that this world is not as safe as the Stars are taught. With danger hot on their heels, the exiled Star and the guarded Adamian might find that they need each other more than they think.
The Valley of Stars is the first book in the trilogy The Rise of Penumbra. This volume takes Asha on an unexpected adventure across Adama, where wonders and dangers go hand in hand, and friendship and love make anything possible.
This is a Young Adult series with no explicit content.
The Review
The world-building in this book was incredible. The way the author was able to explore the connection people have to the stars and the cosmos as a whole was greatly felt through the themes of this book, and the amazing use of imagery in the author’s writing style was both poetic in its delivery and creative as it allowed readers to really get a sense of this world and those who live within it and above it.
The character development was truly spectacular in this book. The way the character of Asha had a truly realized and full character arc was great to see, as her perspective on the people of Adama and the truth behind her own Star people’s role in the universe was so emotional and refreshing to see come to life on the page, and the relationships she developed along the way helped readers really connect to this protagonist.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, richly developed, and wildly entertaining, author Yona Katz’s “The Valley of Stars” is a fantastic YA fantasy LGBTQ+ Romance that is filled with action and suspense. The twists and turns the narrative takes and the iconic story of a young woman who dared to question the world around her and was thrust into a life of adventure as a result, as well as the cliffhanger ending, made this one book you won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
A citizen of the universe, Yona Katz is a financial director during the day. But as soon as the night falls, numbers and reports are chased away by the stories that live in the stars. One day, Yona has decided she is brave enough to share these stories with you.
