REALM Chronicles Series by TRICIA COPELAND RECAP

Hello there,

I am beyond honored to be able to share this amazing book series recap of author Tricia Copeland’s “Realm Chronicles Series.” This five-book series follows a young teenage girl who is suddenly thrust into the spotlight as she becomes the first ruler of Aubren to be a Queen. A realm of fae and other creatures, she must assert herself as a leader and face an ancient evil while navigating complex family relationships, murky political alliances, and so much more. Below you will find the synopsis for each book, as well as my review of the book and links to the full reviews and the books purchase links. I hope you will take the time to read each one carefully and take the plunge yourself to read this series and enjoy it as much as I did. Please enjoy.

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To Be a Fae Queen (Book 1)

The Synopsis

The last of her line, a faerie princess prepares to take the throne. But multiple forces plot against her, some trusted friends…

After losing her brothers, Titania studies and trains to rule Aubren. When she proves her abilities in battle, she’s handed the crown. But fifteen and the first female monarch in the realm, many question her ability to reign and one of their own steps up to oppose her.

Following her inner compass she prepares to face the challenger. The contest seems lost but a latent power fuels her win and her adversaries must concede that she is the rightful ruler.

The enemy brewing under their bedrock threatens again, this time seemingly aided by an unknown spirit. Titania wonders if she will be able to access the sentient magic that hangs just out of reach. Will it manifest when she most needs it? Or do they face an eternity in darkness?

The Review

Titania is such a powerful and compelling protagonist. The author does a remarkable job of creating a vast and thrilling world that readers can easily get lost in. The world-building is next level, allowing readers to easily get lost in the world of Aubren and this realm of faeries. The magical system the author develops feels natural and action-packed, and yet the amazing mythology of creatures such as the kobold, and how that plays into the impact on both the protagonist and her family, makes this a compelling narrative to get lost in.

The heart of this story is, of course, the character dynamics, as it explores Titania’s rise to power as the new ruler of this realm. The young teen girl and her innate powers make her a force to be reckoned with, yet her strength is continually challenged by others because she is the first female leader of the realm. The way the author balances this with ancient prophecies, dwelling evils, and emotional flashbacks that show the events that led to her rise as Queen will make Titania’s story feel alive and fresh on the page, and this novel will be a great start to the series.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4qkuXPB

To Be a Fae Guardian (Book 2)

The Synopsis

Independent Book Publishers Association Silver Award Winning YA Audiobook 2023

She may be the only fae standing between her realm and the evil lurking below. Will Titania be given the power she needs?

Titania defeats a group of creatures threatening to colonize Middle Earth. In ending them she broke not one but two edicts of the High Council. But justice may fall on the only person holding the key to her ability to defend the fae.

The evil spirits manifesting the terrorists lurk below, lying in wait to strike again. With loss of a much-needed ally, she lacks freedom to learn what the realm may be facing. Worse yet, many, even some most trusted compatriots, distance themselves from the reckless Queen she’s painted to be.

Her power shackled and left alone, Titania loses faith in her once clear path.

Can she find her footing in time to save them all from eternal darkness?

To be a Fae Guardian is the second book in the Realm Chronicles series, continuing a magical journey into the realm of Middle Earth. If you like dauntless heroines, you’ll love Tricia Copeland’s gripping fantasy.

Buy To be a Fae Guardian to spiral into a new world today!

The Review

The author’s ability to really develop this series and these characters, and to add even more stakes to the dangers they face, was incredible to see come to life in this story. The shocking events of book one play out their consequences in this novel, exploring what happens when a hero’s choices to save people break ancient laws in the process. As the threat of these ancient forces continues to grow, alliances and those she trusts most become distant from her, as the treason she is accused of threatens her rule and leaves her kingdom open to the forces she is so desperate to protect everyone from.

The balance of Titania’s character growth with the stronger themes of trust, alliances, and what it means to be a fair and balanced ruler was well explored in this epic fantasy story. The way the author explores Titania’s trials and tribulations in this story made her feel more grounded and relatable than ever before, showcasing that even the strongest heroes face doubt and question themselves. The introduction of her cousins and exploring what fears of loss can drive a person to do were powerful additions to the narrative, and the emotional depth of seeing all of this put onto the shoulders of a teenager makes the story and the stakes of this novel, as Middle-earth becomes a focal point, feel more important and invested in the narrative.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4jFix1Z

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To Be a Fae Legend (Book 3)

The Synopsis

Titania may be the only one capable of ending the evil stalking the fae, but staying alive long enough to do it may prove her biggest challenge yet.

Hidden deep in fae lore lies a legend. It holds that there will be One granted the power to end all evil. Titania has come to realize she may be the prophesied One.

An omen of three evils and being wooed by a pack of hungry suitors are only a few of Queen Titania’s stresses. Everything is piling up, and she’s determined to rise to each challenge.

She must harness the gifts bestowed upon her, but time is ticking away, and the best she can manage are a few sparks. Now, there’s a race against time as she’s tasked with choosing a husband while trying to save the world from certain doom.

To Be a Fae Legend, the third book of the Realm Chronicles series, is a treacherous journey into Lower Earth. Enter if you dare risk confrontation with nightmare-ish beasts and dark spirits of the deep.

If you like valiant heroines, you’ll love Tricia Copeland’s electrifying fantasy.

Download To Be a Fae Legend to spiral into a magical world today!

The Review

This was such an enthralling and entertaining entry in the Realm Chronicles series. What stood out immediately in this story was the difference in pacing, taking a step back from the danger lurking on a razor’s edge and instead focusing on Titania’s personal growth as both Queen and savior to her people. The imagery in the author’s writing is so bright and breathtaking, giving readers an almost cinematic experience that brings them fully into this realm with ease.

What really brought readers into this immersive experience was the intrigue and atmosphere of life in court. The sparks of romantic interest between the suitors and Titania’s exhaustive deep dive into those possibilities, all while exploring the politics and power plays of life at court, made the story feel vibrant and alive on the page. The world-building was top-notch, and the tension that builds as readers discover more about the brewing battle between Titania and Sonia will leave readers feeling immersed in the edge-of-your-seat thrill this story provides.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/3Z8qwLt

To Be a Fae Rogue (Book 4)

The Synopsis

I am dead, and I need not abide by any law but my own.” – Titania

Unknown to most fae, their biggest threat lies beneath them, watching, waiting perhaps, but for what? Or whom?

Queen Titania gave up everything, her kingdom, her family, her friends, and her home, to end Sonia. Alas, Sonia’s soul lives and grows more powerful, threatening annihilation of the human realm.

Titania’s supposed death may be the only thing deterring Sonia from unleashing her wrath on the Fae Realm as well, but Titania has a sworn duty to protect the humans. Does she dare risking detection by aiding the witches in stopping Sonia from unleashing Hell on Earth?

All Titania has left is the one fae who’s pledged his love for her. Can she risk losing him, too?

To Be a Fae Rogue, the fourth book of the Realm Chronicles series, is an adventure in discovering whether the disparate beings of the human realm can set aside their differences to stop impending doom.

Read To Be a Fae Rogue to find out if Titania can outwit a powerful dark angel today!

The Review

This was an impressive and engaging fantasy read. The author did an incredible job of capturing the world-building that a story of this magnitude needs. The way the author explores the hierarchy of fantasy creatures and the injustices being done in that world was a great exploration of our world, and the protagonist’s fight to protect all supernatural beings was terrific to see come to life on the page. I will say that as a newcomer, it is essential to readers to fully immerse themselves in the previous entries in the series to fully appreciate the rich story and mythos the author has crafted, as well as the sacrifices the protagonist made to get to this point in the story.

Yet this only intrigued me more in the story and will have me returning to read the first three books. The protagonist’s evolution is terrific in this story, as her years of responsibility finally allow her to live the life she wants. Still, the story also plays with the weight of responsibility, making balancing life and work difficult for many people. Titania’s drive to protect her people and stop this growing threat makes her a compelling hero with whom readers can easily engage.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4jAnCZn

To Be a Fae (Book 5)

Evil lurks in unexpected places.

Poised to usher in a new era of unity for all fae, Queen Titania grasps for a solution for her people. With chaos in the human realm and her own, she’s stretched to make progress in either.

She finds she can’t turn her back on the witches when they’re so close to finding the key to ending Sonia’s reign of terror, but Titania worries for her fae and their need for continuity.

Both realms are on a collision course with chaos, and Titania must choose whether her people will be best served by aiding in the battle the witches wage against Sonia or by stabilizing warring forces in the fae realm.

One fateful day turns the tide, leaving Titania questioning all her allies.

How do you stop evil when it resides within everyone?

To be a Fae is the final book in the Realm Chronicles series and a harrowing, twisted tale of a fae queen’s attempts to secure the realms of Middle and Upper Earth.

Read To be a Fae to embolden Titania as she fights for peace today!

The Review

This was a gripping, powerful, and engaging finale to a thrilling fantasy series. The staggering heights the author’s world-building reached in this narrative were nothing short of incredible, and the emotional payoff for so many characters and their arcs throughout this series was breathtaking to witness. The first-person perspective readers get through Queen Titania’s eyes throughout the narrative shows how hands-on she is as a protagonist and leader to her people, getting into the thick of the battles being waged against this mad archangel and the forces pitted against them.

The powerful themes and emotional character developments are what made this book, and the series overall, so compelling to begin with. The theme of betrayal ran deep throughout this book, turning this fantasy story into a politically charged and personal story of the sting betrayal brings and the questions it raises as a leader to others in that same process. The protagonist’s decisions show the duality of her nature as a ruler, her duty to her own heart, and the sacrifices she must make for both.

Rating: 10/10

https://amzn.to/4pzKMAw

Overall Series Impression

This was a thrilling, inspiring, and enthralling fantasy series. Following such a strong and compelling female protagonist grow and become the strong leader and warrior she became was so empowering and gave readers a thrilling protagonist to root for and follow. The powerful imagery and the fast pacing each novel brought to life kept readers on the edge of their seats and emotionally rooted in these character’s lives as this realm became a place readers waited eagerly to dive into headfirst. Be sure to check it out for yourselves today!

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About the Author

Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, viewing a beautiful sunset, or reading a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles from contemporary romance, now penned under Maria Jane, and fantasy, to dystopian fiction.

Take A Hike! A Donkey-Donk Story (Book 3) by Ellen F. Feld Review

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

A feel good children’s picture book series enters a third novel into the story in author Ellen F. Feld’s Take A Hike! A Donkey-Donk Story (Book 3)”. 

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The Synopsis

Donkey-Donk wants to hike Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Before she can hike the mountain, however, she must get in shape by lifting weights and working out on her treadmill. Then it’s off to New Hampshire and the White Mountains, where Mount Washington awaits. Follow along with Donk as she hikes this amazing mountain and enjoy the incredible scenery that she discovers.

Over 20 beautiful, professional photographs of Donk as she prepares for, and then hikes, Mt. Washington.

The Review

In such a short read, the author does a great job of establishing a connection between the reader and the protagonist through not only great photography but artful storytelling. The book brings the story of this miniature donkey to life brilliantly, making the story flow at a reasonable pace for younger readers. 

The use of photography over artwork was an inspired choice, as it allowed for more personal touches to the story than artwork may have. The story itself showcases the narrative that with hard work, training, and perseverance anyone can achieve their goals, including hiking and climbing Mount Washington for Donkey-Donk in this tale. 

The Verdict

A well written, short yet impactful read, this is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys picture books and children’s narratives. Full of heart, joy and creativity, author Ellen F. Feld’s “Take A Hike! A Donkey-Donk Story (Book 3)” is a must-read children’s story that stands out on its own while fitting into the overall series of stories expertly. Grab your own copy of this book on May 07th, 2020. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Award-winning author Ellen Feld began writing about horses more than 20 years ago. At first she wrote for small, regional magazines, but within a few short years, her work began to appear regularly in large, national publications. In 2001, while waiting for her next assignment, Ms. Feld wrote a short story about a Morgan. That tale became the first chapter of Blackjack: Dreaming of a Morgan Horse. The book went on to win a coveted Children’s Choices award (as did the second book in the series, Frosty), an honor bestowed jointly by the International Reading Association and the Children’s Book Council. The book was also picked up by Breyer Animal Creations to be sold with a model of the star of the story, Blackjack. To date, Ms. Feld has authored fourteen horse books, including seven in the Morgan Horse series. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children, twelve horses, and assorted other pets.

http://www.willowbendpublishing.com/shop/take-a-hike-a-donkey-donk-story

Kingdom of the Silver Cat (The Sapphire Fruit Chronicles Book 1) by Thomas M. Carroll Review

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

A day that begins with a bus ride ends with mystery, wonder and danger for a group of students after a crash sends them into another world in author Thomas M. Carroll’s “Kingdom of the Silver Cat (The Sapphire Fruit Chronicles Book 1)”. 

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The Synopsis 

Kingdom of the Silver Cat is a fantasy adventure novel about friendship, adversity, risk-taking, and self-discovery. When a school bus full of children drives through a mysterious blue light in the road, the bus is transported to an empty field in a strange land. The bus driver leaves to find help but doesn’t come back, and the children realize they must fend for themselves. They soon discover they each have a magical power, but with each power comes a weakness.

Alone in a mysterious land, Sarah, Wesley, and their schoolmates set out to find their way home. As they journey through the land, the children encounter strange and wondrous creatures, including playful clouds, thundering fireballs, warrior fairies, giant wolves, and bouncing bears. But when terrifying winged beasts begin hunting them, the children must flee for their lives. They find help in unexpected places and learn the only safe place for them is the Kingdom of the Silver Cat.

They set out to find this kingdom. Along the way, they encounter dangers and hardships. They must work together and support one another if they hope to survive and someday return home.

Kingdom of the Silver Cat is a fantasy adventure for ages eight and up, which Kirkus Reviews calls a “fast-paced, sparkling fantasy for tweens in which great wish fulfillment entails great responsibility,” and IndieReader says is a “clever and engaging fantasy with a lively cast of characters and an imaginatively-drawn world” containing “a variety of peoples and places, enough novelty and beauty to delight, and enough danger (both apparent and promised) to keep the suspense going until the end.”

Kirkus Reviews: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re…

IndieReader: https://indiereader.com/book_review/k… 

The Review

A story that immediately begins with a shock takes readers on an incredible journey throughout this first book of a wonderful new fantasy driven series. Readers are immediately immersed into the narrative of this magical land the children find themselves in, and have a unique character study of these characters when they find they have fantastic new powers, but powers that come with a cost. 

One unique thing that really stood out immediately was the amazing artwork picturing the cast of characters in the book, which added to the imagery used by the author throughout the story as the characters encountered new environments and new threats along the way. A story that was very reminiscent in style and approach to the Chronicles of Narnia, The Kingdom of the Silver Cat does a marvelous job of showcasing an already established world to the audience that feels natural and magical all at once, creating that sense of awe that keeps children, teens and adults invested in the narrative. 

The Verdict

A whirlwind adventure, author Thomas M. Carroll’s “The Kingdom of the Silver Cat” is a phenomenal first novel in a brand new fantasy series. Filled with action, mythical and magical creatures alike, and a much needed new narrative of young people discovering themselves and their relationships with each other and the world around them as they navigate a mysterious land, this is a novel not to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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https://www.facebook.com/SapphireFruit/?view_public_for=107805530726017

Dream Chasers (Screamcatcher #2) by Christy J. Breedlove Review

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

A young woman uses her new experience gained from the first book in a powerful mythological series and delves further into the realm of dream catchers and Native American lore in author Christy J. Breedlove’s “Dream Chasers (Screamcatcher #2)”. 

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The Synopsis

Seventeen year-old Jory Pike knows a thing or two about Indian lore from her half-blood Chippewa ancestry. She can trap, hunt and fish with the best of them. She has a team of three other teens friends called The Badlands Paranormal Society. Instead of bagging groceries or playing on I-pods, they think they can excel at banishing evil spirits. They hope to cleanse houses and earn fat paychecks for their services.

Dream catchers aren’t just the chic hoops tourists buy at novelty shops–they work. And sometimes they clog up with nightmares until they collapse under their own evil weight, imploding and sending the dreamer into an alternate world. Jory uses her worst nightmare to enter the dream catcher world. She’s pulled her teammates in deliberately. Everything goes right on schedule but they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. Now Jory and her friends are there, trapped between the people who have confessed their sins to the Great Spirit and are seeking a way out, and the monsters and evil spirits, which are happy to keep them trapped in the web world forever.

They were once considered Seekers in the dream world. Now they’ve become vigilantes and call themselves Pathfinders. Is it spiritual enlightenment they after? Or have they now become fatally reckless?

The Review

An action-packed and deeply mythological sequel, author Christy J. Breedlove has done a fantastic job of connecting to the larger mythology established in the first book and bringing forth a new twist in the evolving story of these characters. The thing that really jumps out is that for returning readers, the story sees a much more educated and experienced protagonist in Jory and her team of investigators, but newcomers will still be able to jump into the series even if they haven’t read the first book yet. 

The speed in which the group of characters is thrust into the world of this possessed dreamcatcher keeps the reader’s hearts pounding in their chests. Unspeakable creatures and beautiful imagery give the reader a deeper connection to the character’s during their journey into this other realm, while the ever-evolving story do a great job of delving into the complex and treasured history and mythology of the Native American people amongst the varying tribes and people. 

The Verdict

A must-read YA fantasy and mythology series, “Dream Chasers” is a brilliant sequel for Christy J. Breedlove’s “Screamcatchers” series. Filled with intense action, deep character growth and an overall sense of adventure, this is a unique read in the YA genre that delves into a mythology that deserves far more storytelling than it typically gets, so be sure to grab your copy of this amazing book today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I became a story teller. I’m a diehard frantic creator of Young Adult fiction, whether it’s paranormal, science fiction, suspense or fantasy. I believe in pure escapism with unceasing action adventure and discovery. If you want a moral message or cultural statement, you’re apt to get a small one. But let me tell you something, reader, I want to make you laugh until you gag, cry until you’re dry and tear out tufts of your hair. Today, young adult lit needs a resurrection. How soon we’ve forgotten about Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Divergent and Twilight. Oh, the mania! Where has it gone? Are we losing our young readers? We need something really fresh and new. I and several writers are going to pour everything we have into that end. You are the kindly judge–help us get there and we will deliver!

Amazon Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Harold-Stevenson/e/B001K8UUBK

Christy’s Website:  https://christysyoungadultfabuliers.com/

Blog:  http://guerrillawarfareforwriters.blogspot.com/

Highwayman (Highwayman #1) by M.J. Preston Review

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

A brutal new serial killer seeks notoriety and a way to elevate his game, leaving the FBI investigator hunting him in a race against time in author M.J. Preston’s novel “Highwayman”. 

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The Synopsis 

The most terrifying monsters are real and walk among us every day.

Meet Lance Belanger, he has only one ambition, to be the most infamous killer of all time. After murdering a single mom and her toddler child, Lance indoctrinates himself into the world of serial murder. Before long, the bodies start turning up all over the country. Each victim is incapacitated by a puncture wound to the spine, then, while still alive, they are dismembered, their arms, legs, and head are severed from the torso.

FBI investigators call their killer “Highwayman.” But beyond the multi-state dumping of staged victims, the killer has left them little else to go on. With no DNA or forensic evidence, veteran FBI agent Lewis Ash is in a race against retirement as he tracks the elusive murderer.

Meanwhile, Lance has other plans that will up his game and increase his body count. In a web of murder that reaches from the United States to Bucharest, Romania, a diabolical plan is set into motion to attract the most dangerous predators the world has to offer.

Can the FBI stop this killer before he sets his plan into motion?

The Review

One of the more unique serial killer thrillers I’ve personally read in years, the author completely twists the common narrative by focusing on the killer himself, the Highwayman, as the protagonist. While the story focuses on both the killer and the investigators hounding him as his career rises, the focus remains on Lance, a young man who dreams of becoming more infamous than the likes of Ted Bundy or John Wayne Gacy. 

The author does a great job of upping the ante throughout the narrative, bringing readers along a chaotic and heart-pounding journey of a killer born and a killer on the rise. From the shocking opening pages of the killer’s first horrifying kills to the shocking accidental circumstances that gave him power and resources and beyond, the story truly delves into the fascination and abject horror that the mind of a serial killer often brings. 

The case gets complex as time goes on when the killer not only gains the attention of law enforcement everywhere but the attention of his own following as well, and soon the body count begins to rise more than he could have ever hoped for. It’s a chilling read as the story takes the reader on a spine-chilling and nail-bitter of an adventure. 

The Verdict

A brilliant, haunting and lengthy read, author M.J. Preston has created a gripping thriller that few readers will be able to put down. Not for the faint of heart, the story plays out like a cinematic tale that is waiting to be told and creates a modern-day killer that is sure to haunt the dreams of many a reader. Be sure to grab your copy of “Highwayman”, the first of the Highwayman series today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

M.J. Preston’s debut novel: THE EQUINOX, published in 2012, was a quarter-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Awards and rated a solid straight horror novel by a reviewer at Publisher’s Weekly. His second novel: ACADIA EVENT, published in 2015, was inspired by his time running the world longest ice road, as an ice road trucker, in Canada’s Northwest Territories. His third novel: Highwayman, the first of a two-part thriller, is forecast to be published in 2018. He resides in Alberta, Canada with his wife, Stormy and pet beagles Milo and Jake. Visit him online: His website: http: //mjpreston.net

Remember, No Matter What; Chin Up, Tits Out by Miranda Oh Review

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

A young woman in love undergoes a life changing journey in author Miranda Oh’s “Remember, No Matter What; Chin Up, Tits Out”.

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The Synopsis

18 year old Hadley has led a charmed life, always knowing exactly what she wanted from it. She’d had her life distinctly mapped out in her head for as long as she remembered, but a chance meeting sends her into a tailspin…albeit a sensationally delicious one.

As she travels halfway across the world to fight for what’s hers, she stumbles time after time. It’s a journey of love, tears and learning; as she fights and attempts to overcome multiple hurdles standing in her way. 

The Review

This short and fast-paced read was engaging and dynamic from the very beginning. The author creates a unique coming of age story about a young woman who has a chance encounter that leads to a love story filled with ups and downs. The character dynamics and growth of the protagonist keep the readers entertained throughout the entire tale. 

While there is some crude language that would make this book more suitable to adults, this only enhances the character development of the protagonist overall. However, the only criticism I would have is in regard to the immigration process and the race relations of South Africa the author touches on. 

While the author does a good job of delving into this touchy subject in the background of the overall story, I would have liked to see a more rounded exploration of the subject from both points of view, to show there is a complex situation in South Africa and no one side is 100 percent right or wrong. However, this is just a minor thing that I personally would have liked to see play out in the larger narrative. 

The Verdict

A fast-paced and whirlwind coming of age story, author Miranda Oh knocks it out of the park with “Remember, No Matter What; Chin Up, Tit’s Out”. The story is unique and showcases the author’s unique tone and voice for storytelling, making this a must-read. Be sure to grab your copy today! 

Rating: 8/10

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About the Author

Author Miranda Oh Is your typical girl: She loves the sunset, loves long walks on the beach, world travels, and When not playing the corporate part she can be found sipping wine and spending all her hard-earned money on shoes.

Among her friends and family, Miranda Oh is known to be the storyteller of the group, always recapping crazy life stories and situations. Her personal experiences, emotions and fantasies are the inspiration for most of her books, so there is a little bit of her in every story.

“Remember, No Matter What: Chin Up, Tits Out” is the first of many novels you’ll be seeing from Miranda Oh.

Miranda’s work is sincere and heartfelt, sure to keep you up at night in more ways than one.

Make sure to click “Follow” on Miranda’s author page to follow her new releases.

Happy Reading!

XO

Unknown 9: Genesis (Genesis Trilogy #1) by Layton Green

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

A young woman finds herself on the run and searching for answers as a broader conspiracy opens up in author Layton Green’s novel “Unknown 9: Genesis”, the first in the Genesis trilogy. 

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The Synopsis

To solve the enigma of her past, a brilliant but troubled young woman joins a deadly global treasure hunt.

Strange hallucinations have plagued PhD student Andie Robertson throughout her life. After years of consulting doctors, she decided the visions were a glitch in her own mind until her mentor, the famous physicist Dr. James Corwin, is murdered in Italy, and Andie finds a stack of ink drawings in his office that bear a remarkable resemblance to her hallucinations.

Shocked, Andie digs deeper and learns that Dr. Corwin developed a device that might shed light on the very nature of reality. She is even more stunned to discover that her mother, an academic who disappeared when Andie was a young girl, might also be involved.

Determined to find answers, Andie follows a trail of clues placed by Dr. Corwin, for reasons unknown, in museums and cultural sites around the world, highlighting human achievement as well as a tapestry of secret knowledge woven into the threads of history.

Yet Andie is not the only one searching. Powerful forces know of her mentor’s invention, including a mysterious elite society that spans borders and will stop at nothing to find the device. Now a target herself, Andie and a disgraced journalist embark on a perilous journey that might hold the key to a new frontier of knowledge-and which also promises to unlock the doors of her past.

From the author of the bestselling Dominic Grey novels, Genesis is a mind-bending thriller about how far two people will go for answers, and to save the ones they love.

The Review

A brilliant novel, the story unfolds as part of Assassin’s Creed, part X-Files, and phenomenal new mythology that readers will instantly fall in love with. The way the story shifts between the past and present make for a fascinating character study of both Ettore and Andie and Andie’s ally in the search for the truth creates a pairing reminiscent of Mulder and Scully on The X-Files, making this story feel much more cinematic in its approach. 

The author has brilliantly set up an ongoing storyline that will reach across multiple mediums in the entertainment world. From the incredible trilogy of novels laid out by Layton Green with this first book to video games, podcasts, comic books and more, this book is the launching point for a much larger narrative that is sure to unlock one of the modern ages best new mythologies. 

The Verdict

Strong character development, bold new mythology and an evenly paced read make Unknown 9: Genesis by Layton Green a must-read in 2020, and one of our contenders for the best read of 2020 thus far. Action-packed, historical and scientific themes make the story pop out in a truly fresh way and will leave readers on the edge of their seat as revelations lead to more questions as the universe unravels before them. Grab your copy of the first book in the Genesis trilogy by Layton Green today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Layton Green writes in multiple genres and is the author of the upcoming Genesis Trilogy, the Dominic Grey series, the Blackwood Saga, and other works of fiction. Layton’s work has been nominated for multiple awards (including a two-time finalist for an International Thriller Writers award), optioned for film, and has reached #1 on numerous genre lists in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The Shadow Cartel was a #2 overall bestseller on Amazon UK.

In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for ten very long years. He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door to door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there.

Layton lives with his family in North Carolina. You can visit him on Facebook, Goodreads, or on his website (www.laytongreen.com).

Alter Ego: The Other Me, Issue 1: A Superhero Detective Mystery (The Alter Ego Series) by David Terruso Review

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

A private eye gets the job he’s been waiting for when he’s hired to find the identity of a hero he bears a grudge against, but soon discovers there’s much more to the story than he could have ever imagined in author David Terruso’s “Alter Ego: The Other Me, Issue 1: A Superhero Detective Mystery (The Alter Ego Series)”. 

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The Synopsis

Would you help kill the world’s only superhero if the price were right?

For a split second, everyone on the planet was plunged into silent darkness. That night, a masked man dressed all in blue first soared across the Centro sky…

Self-centered sleuth Chris Club gets hired to uncover Blue’s secret identity. Club despises Blue because he failed to save a child Club considered his only friend.

Club’s psychopathic boss wants to kill Blue—not for some grand scheme, just to make the whole world sad.

The invulnerable superhero with the decapitating uppercut has no reflection, only comes out at night, and never leaves the Centro city limits.

As Club unravels the mind-bending truth about who and what Blue is, he starts to care about him. And he realizes if he doesn’t turn his back on his boss, Blue’s blood won’t be the only blood on his hands.

Half novel. Half graphic novel. A visual mystery you’ll obsess over, told in a way you’ve never seen before. Issue 1 in an 8-issue series.

The Review

A fantastic concept and execution, the author has created a unique world where reality has come face to face with the world of superheroes, as the world’s first and only superhero mysteriously appears. Club is an interesting figure, who acts as the struggling protagonist with his own mysterious past. 

The writing itself was unique in delivery, in that the traditional graphic novel was abandoned for a mixture of original written word interspersed with singular images on the bottoms of each page, allowing the words and images to tell their own stories separately as well as forming the core storyline overall. 

The only criticism I would share is what would also give this book a viewer discretion advisory. The storyline sees the protagonist forming a bond with a young teen girl involved in the case, and he begins to get sucked into her own personal story and mystery herself. However the story has the air of a romantic interest between the teen girl and the older protagonist, something that the author notes at the beginning of the novel that they don’t condone, and will show not everything is as it seems later on in the series. However there is one scene in particular that I won’t go into detail with, but for a storytelling perspective I might have nixed altogether as the buildup to the scene didn’t appear. Other than that the story itself managed to build past that and delve more into the mystery of both characters nicely. 

The Verdict

Overall a great storyline with fantastic artwork, complex characters and a world full of mystery. Definitely an adult graphic novel series, this book is vast and the author does an amazing job of world and myth building in this first issue of the series. I very much look forward to seeing where the series goes from here, so be sure to grab your copies today. 

Rating: 8/10

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Dave Terruso.

I’m a mystery novelist and professional stand up comedian based in Philadelphia.

My debut novel, Cube Sleuth, was published by Full Fathom Five Digital. It has 4.5 stars on Amazon.

As a stand up, I’ve opened for acts including Richard Lewis, Gilbert Gottfried, Dana Gould, Tim Meadows, Colin Quinn, and Maria Bamford.

I’ve been featured on the RISK! Podcast, episode 350 Out of Bounds.

I’m the co-founder of Philly Sketchfest, an international comedy festival now in its 12th year.

And my social media links:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alteregoblue/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidTerruso

Edj of the Empire: Revenant’s Omen by Timothy Burns Review

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

The heroic Prince Edj returns to go undercover within a drug operation and discover the secret behind a new drug that allows users to see the future in author Timothy Burn’s latest sci-fi epic, “Edj of the Empire: Revenant’s Omen”. 

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The Synopsis 

The riveting second installment in the Edj series.

How do you stop an enemy that can see the future?

After the harrowing events of Herrig’s World, Edj is hot on the trail of D’Orneo. His pursuit leads him to Villalba, a world of tropical island paradises where over a hundred thousand luxurious resorts cater to every whim or flight of fancy. Fortunes are won and lost on Villalba twenty-nine hours a day in the casinos that never close. Gambling on anything for anything from cards to shark fights, dice to gladiators; if it can be wagered on, it can be found on Villalba.

Edj arrives to find that the once powerful economy of Villalba has ground to a halt. A new drug, Peek, grants users the ability to see the future. The casino industry is in tatters and the new governor is at wit’s end. Suspecting that D’Orneo is somehow involved, Edj plunges into an investigation. Going undercover as a member of the galaxy’s premier drug cartel, The Revenants, a group of beings who prolong their lives by harvesting body parts, Edj begins to unravel the truth.

What he uncovers has larger implications than anyone could imagine. With his cover blown, his guardian, Sam, neutralized, and his enemies able to see his every move before he makes them, can Edj find a way to stop Peek from becoming a weapon capable of bringing down the Empire?

The Review

An action-packed, sci-fi thriller like no other, this book is an amazing sequel to the first novel of the series. The author does a fantastic job of creating a world that is already built upon in world building and mythology, and yet allows the reader to walk right into the narrative fresh and experience this new galaxy firsthand. 

The real focal point of this narrative however has to be it’s protagonist, Prince Edj. A hero who is uncomfortable with his royal heritage, Edj’s character arc in this novel is amazing to see. Focused on saving an ally who was taken by his nemesis D’Orneo, he finds himself forced into this situation where he must use his skills to uncover a new mystery while hoping for the clue that will lead him to his enemy once and for all. It’s quite a heroic and personal journey that readers will be able to get engaged with from the book’s first chapter. 

The Verdict

This is a must read novel for any fan of the sci-fi genre and any readers who fell in love with the first book in the series. Giving Edj a more personal mission while also allowing him to flex his heroic skills to help a new cast of characters makes for an entertaining and engaging read to be sure, and fans will fall in love with this series overall as a truly epic sci-fi experience. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of Edj of the Empire: Revenant’s Omen by Timothy Burns today!

Rating: 10/10

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