Tag: fairytale

The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R. Garg 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 Ekta R. Gary shares the unique moments that lead up to or occur between the iconic stories of fairy tales in the book “The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.”

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The Synopsis

Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?

Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?

In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.

Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

Purchase a copy of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories on Amazon. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

The Review

This was such a fantastic collection of fairy tale short stories. Although a short read, the collection does an incredible job of creating powerful characters that are both familiar and unique at the same time, such as the Princess found in The Beauty Before She Sleeps. The rich imagery in each story feels both bright and visceral, and each tale expertly weaves together substantial emotional depth for these characters, much like the Witch and her apprentice and their familial connection in The Witch’s Apprentice. 

What made these stories so unique was how they were found in the moments people rarely think of when it comes to iconic stories. From exploring how the Wicked Witch of the East ended up under Dorothy’s house to why both Jack and Jill needed a pail of water to begin with, these stories are a love letter to both fan fiction and fairy tales overall. The satire and wit that the dialogue brought to life were an outstanding balance to the self-reflection and introspective themes that these stories wove into their fabric. 

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, compelling, and entertaining, author Ekta R. Garg’s “The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories” is a must-read collection of short stories. The twists and turns of each story, along with their unique takes, dynamic characters, and memorable themes, will keep readers enthralled and eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer of stories and books, Ekta has worked in niche publishing since 2005—she’s written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films! Ekta judges writing contests, hosts writing workshops, and podcasts about great books and how to write them. She’s currently the Content Coordinator of Neighbors of SW Champaign, a hyper-local magazine focusing on and lifting up the Champaign, Illinois, community. Ekta’s award-winning holiday novella, The Truth About Elves, and her award-winning fairy tale for grown-ups, In the Heart of the Linden Wood, are available from Atmosphere Press.

Website: https://ektargarg.com

Blog: https://thewriteedge.wordpress.com

Instagram: @EktaRGarg

X.com: @EktaRGarg

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ReviewerEditorAuthorDreamer

Blog Tour Calendar

August 25 @ WOW! Women on Writing

Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 27 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://chapterbreak.com

August 29 @ CK Sorens’ Instagram

Join Carrie for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://instagram.com/ck_sorens

August 30 @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 2 @ One Writer’s Journey

Stop by Sue’s blog again for her review of  The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 4 @ The Faerie Review

Join Lily for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

September 4 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to set goals and actually keep them.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 5 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog again for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to choose the theme of your book…or let it choose you. You can also read her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://chapterbreak.net

September 5 @ All Things Writing

Caitrin interviews author Ekta Garg about her writing journey and short story collection The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

September 7 @ What Is That Book About

Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com

September 7 @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

September 9 @ Words by Webb

Join Jodi for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what’s something in a fairy tale that she wished she saw more of.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 10 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 12 @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer

Visit Angela’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://musingsofaliterarywanderer.blogspot.com/

September 12 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

September 13 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

https://chapterbreak.net

September 13 @ Boots Shoes and Fashion

Join Linda’s blog for her interview with Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

September 14 @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about what were some of her favorite fairy tales growing up.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

September 15 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 16 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog again for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 16 @ Words by Webb

Join Jodi for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 16 @ CK Sorens Newsletter

Don’t miss Carrie’s feature of Ekta Garg’s The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://www.cksorens.com

September 17 @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Join Beverley again for a guest post by Ekta Garg on finding your voice as a writer.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 18 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 19 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley again for her response to our tour-themed prompt on which fairy tale she would alter and how she would do it.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 20 @ Sarandipity’s

Visit Sara’s blog for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://sarandipitys.com/blog/

September 21 @ A Storybook World

Visit Deirdra’s blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on using the word “perfect” to empower your writing.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

September 21 @ Boys’ Mom Reads

Join Karen’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com/

September 23 @ Sandy Kirby Quandt

Visit Sandy’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://sandykirbyquandt.com/

September 24 @ Writer Advice

Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on why she chose the hybrid publishing route.

https://www.writeradvice.com

September 24 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by Anthony’s blog for his review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

September 25 @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog again for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 26 @ Just Katherine

Visit Katherine’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. You can also check out her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she hasn’t seen in a fairy tale that we wish we saw more of.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com

September 27 @ Jill Sheets’ Blog

Visit Jill’s blog again for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

Grimmer Revisionist and Fairytales, Fables, and Nursery Rhymes by Marissa Carter 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 Marissa Carter shares classic fairy tales with a modern twist in the book “Grimmer Revisionist and Fairytales, Fables, and Nursery Rhymes”.

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The Synopsis

Remember when you were a kid, listening to bedtime stories full of classic fairy tales, fables, or nursery rhymes? Maybe you’ve even read those same stories to your kids. But what if you took those familiar tales, tossed out the rulebook, and filled them with modern twists, witty jokes, and a bit of cheeky irreverence? Welcome to the world of Grimmer Revisionist Fairy Tales, Fables, and Nursery Rhymes—where nothing is sacred, everything is funny, and adults get to enjoy the ride.

This first compendium is a delightful mix of styles. You’ve got fairy tales and fables, sure, but there’s a twist. The nursery rhymes might start off sweet but could suddenly veer into snarky commentary or morph into a completely different story. Along the way, you’ll encounter nods to pop culture, movies, books, politics, and even a little quantum physics (because, why not?). It’s like someone turned your grandma’s storybook inside out and sprinkled it with a generous dose of mischief. Get ready for a laugh, because this isn’t your childhood fairy tale collection—and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun.

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The Review

This new take on the fable/fairy tale genre was entertaining. The author provides unique commentary as each story is told, giving readers some insights into how we as a society view and absorb the themes of these iconic stories. The fast-paced pace of each fable and the unique modern-day story elements, such as the internet or television, allowed the reader to gobble up these stories.

The imaginative use of imagery in the author’s writing allowed these stories to come to life on the page. The three little pigs stood out to me, as the social interactions between the Wolf and each of the pigs were so fun and humorous. The wealth of modern themes, speaking on everything from parenting techniques and anger management to higher education, allowed these classic stories to breathe fresh air into the narrative overall.

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The Verdict

Imaginative, heartfelt, and entertaining author Marissa Carter’s “Grimmer Revisionist and Fairytales, Fables, and Nursery Rhymes” is a must-read story collection that brings a remarkable modern twist. The humor and wit that the author pours into each story and how it allows the reader to examine these classics from a fresh perspective gives a unique twist that readers 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

Marissa Carter PhD is a biostatistician, epidemiologist, EBM practitioner, and a health economist, spending a lot of her time designing, monitoring, and analyzing clinical studies in the fields of wound care, orthopedics, epidemiology, ophthalmology, and quality of life. Dr Carter’s strengths lie in the many scientific disciplines in which she worked that she brings to bear on medical problems. She is a peer reviewer for many medical journals and has served on medical-committees, been a leader of an international WHO project, and frequently interacts with the FDA and Medicare. She holds an MA in biochemistry from Oxford University and a PhD in chemistry from Brandeis University. She is the author or coauthor of more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in medicine and chemistry and her studies have won several awards.

Marissa’s hobbies include international travel, reading, simple hiking, and military history. She also says her sense of humor could be listed as a hobby. Though born in London, UK, she has spent most of her life in the States and currently resides in western Montana.

Once Upon a Wonderland by DJ Stoneham 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. 

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An older and more determined Alice must rescue several fairy tale creatures and figures from Wonderland in an effort to mend Time itself and return home in author DJ Stoneham’s “Once Upon a Wonderland”.

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The Synopsis

Once upon a Wonderland

Can Alice uncover the truth to escape her twisted fantasy?

—

“Fee-fi-fo-fum!” boomed the ogre.

“Why do you keep quoting Shakespeare’s King Lear?” asked Alice. “And while we’re on the subject, why can you only smell the blood of Englishmen? Why not other nationalities? Or English women come to that?”

—

A poltergeist in tattered leotards, a queen suffering from hypersomnia and a psychotic arsonist. These are not the Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella that Alice knows and loves. Nevertheless, she needs to get them and other fairy tale characters out of Wonderland if she’s to mend Time and return home. And rescue Jack, the feathered boy she’s in love with.

Alice’s quest is not helped by accusations of treason from the local inhabitants, the advances of an arrogant Pied Piper and the fact that she is growing younger by the hour. And then there is the Queen of Hearts and her cohorts to contend with.

Alice’s journey is peppered with surreal events, gritty wordplay and the sinister backstories to popular fairy tales, making this stand-alone follow-up story to Alice Falls Again a must for younger and older adults alike.

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The Review

This was such a beautiful and captivating fantasy world the author developed. The amount of world-building the author was able to achieve in this book was phenomenal, and the powerful imagery the author’s writing instilled in the reader not only helped bring this maddening and fantastical world of Wonderland to life but captured the mental and emotional depth of the characters and their struggles as well. The exploration of other fairytale creatures and figures in the context of the Wonderland universe was a great way to expand upon the existing mythos. The way the author was able to tap into the heart of what made the original story so beloved and yet brought such a mature and insightful new direction to the story made this a stupendous read. 

What stood out to me was the incredible character development that the author achieved here, especially for Alice. For so long, Alice has been portrayed one of two ways: the innocent young girl whose journey into another world was either real or a work of fiction within her own mind, or in some scarier cases, a woman who went completely mad and becoming a danger to herself or others. Yet we find neither of those portrayals here, as Alice is a grown woman now, and has become more assured of herself and her experiences than ever before. The struggles she faces with her family as they seek to find her stability in the world through marriage as she seeks to find her independence was a great way to showcase the strength and leadership skills she has and needs to carry out her mission in Wonderland. The relationships she develops with the people of Wonderland, and the romance that showcases Alice’s maturity and determination make this a memorable and heartfelt reading experience. 

The Verdict

Captivating, iconic, and engaging, author DJ Stoneham’s “Once Upon a Wonderland” is a must-read folklore and fantasy-driven fairytale novel. The wealth of mythology the author adapted for this book and the way the author was able to utilize the narrative of Alice and Wonderland simultaneously to showcase a new way of exploring our perception of mental health overall allowed the reader to enjoy the journey Alice goes on and the emotional connection she forms to so many of the people of this magical land. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Having dived headlong down into his own personal rabbit hole after a career in communications and sustainability, David Stoneham is now pursuing a lifelong dream of writing fantasy. Rather like the heroine of this book, he finds himself drawn to the curious, the fantastic and the peculiar.

Following his first novel in 2018 – Alice Falls Again – David published the epic fantasy duology – Outcast and Havoc – in 2021 before completing Once upon a Wonderland in early 2023.

Although new to publishing his own fantasy works, back in the 1990s, David co-wrote a best-selling series of schoolbooks for English teachers and co-created a private anthology of short fiction, with foreword by Nicholas Negroponte and Arthur C Clarke. 

Born in London, David grew up on the south coast of England and after a few years in China, now lives in Finland.

For more information, follow the White Rabbit

email: david@communicado.fi

website: www.djstoneham.com 

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Once upon a Wonderland paperback on Amazon.com Once upon a Wonderland: Stoneham, DJ: 9789526506425: Amazon.com: Books

Our Wolves by Luanne Castle 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.

The classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood gets a new take when poetry and perspective shine a light on Red and those she interacted with on that fateful night in author and poet Luanne Castle’s “Our Wolves”.

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The Synopsis

In Our Wolves, poet Luanne Castle navigates the timeless story of “Little Red Riding Hood” in a compelling collection of sharp, memorable poetry. Familiar tales are ageless for a reason. Their magic is that they can easily be transformed to explore subjects of abuse, danger, sexuality, self-sufficiency, and interpersonal relationships in a way that makes these challenging topics palatable to readers. Trying to find the reasoning behind Red’s traumatic adventure, as well as using it to comment on contemporary events, Castle creates taut narratives and sympathetic monologues to show how the story shapeshifts with the teller. Here, we hear from the wolf, the huntsman/woodcutter, Grandmother, townspeople, and Red herself. Not just a victimized or innocent child, Castle’s Red also appears in wiser (and sometimes older) incarnations that are knowing, rebellious, resilient, and clever. This technique subverts stereotypical conventions and shows that Red’s story “is not so very different from yours / and yours and yours and yours and yours.” Filled with atmospheric power, dynamic portrayals, and bright imagery, Our Wolves will haunt you long after you’ve returned from its woods.

Christine Butterworth-McDermott, author of The Spellbook of Fruit & Flowers

In this recasting of the Little Red Riding Hood tale, Luanne Castle’s wolves are not the wolves skulking in our imaginations. Her poems challenge our senses, bounce from view to view, shifting their focal points. Grandmothers and red-coat-wearing girls may or may not bear guilt. Indeed, Granny may be the Wolf. Or the Wolf may be a father, pulling down panties to slap bare skin. The story is told “to search / for who, not why. It’s all about blame.” Which is, of course, only one truth lurking within this fable. The poems in Our Wolves burrow under your skin and into your flesh. They don’t let go, no matter how you scratch; they’re unsettling, magical. Relentless. Unforgettable.

Robert Okaji, author of Buddha’s Not Talking

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

“Perhaps you were wrong.” In these imaginative and evocative poems, expectations are subverted, and flat, centuries-old characters are brought to life in both amusing and startling ways. Castle tells the old story of Red Riding Hood from new angles and perspectives, creating a multitude of responses from the reader, eliciting from us everything from moments of cringing to laughter. Most interestingly, Castle subverts the predictable and achieves complexity by using an unlikely combination of forms and mixed modes–from the more traditional lineated lyric and narrative poems to the unexpected Haibun and Abecedarian, using every technique available to create this lively and memorable book. These poems invite us to confront what we take for granted and then let loose our own inner wolf to bite in and savor them all–one well-crafted word at a time.

Kimberly K. Williams, author of Sometimes a Woman and Still Lives

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The Review

This was a memorable and heartfelt collection of poems. The author does an incredible job of finding the right balance of storytelling through the poems themselves to tell this reimagining of such an iconic fairytale and highlighted the rich themes found within the poems with powerful imagery and insightful tones that kept the reader grounded in the magical reality they were weaving together. 

The heart of the author’s work rested in the moving themes the poems played with and the folklore that the author drew upon to weave this tale. The poems hit upon things like identity, staying true to oneself, honesty, and overcoming our fears in life, and the way the author was able to write these poems in a way in which the audience was able to see themselves in one form or another through these varied perspectives was memorable, to say the least. The way in which the reader is treated to the perspective of the Wolf, Grandma, and of course Red herself allowed for readers to connect more with the major players of this tale and the struggles each and every one of them held onto until the bitter end. 

The Verdict

Heartfelt, memorable, and captivating, author Luanne Castle’s “Our Wolves” is a masterful and engaging poem collection. The imagery and atmosphere that each pome conjures up and the rich dynamics each perspective brings to the narrative of Red Riding Hood made this a truly thoughtful and relatable collection that readers won’t soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Luanne Castle lives in Arizona, next to a wash that wildlife use as a thoroughfare. She has published two full-length poetry collections, Rooted and Winged (Finishing Line Press 2022) and Doll God (Aldrich/Kelsay 2015), which won the New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for Poetry. Kin Types (Finishing Line Press 2017), a chapbook of poetry and flash nonfiction, was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award. Our Wolves (Alien Buddha Press 2023) is her second chapbook. Luanne’s Pushcart and Best of the Net-nominated poetry and prose have appeared in Copper Nickel, American Journal of Poetry, Pleiades, River Teeth, TAB, Verse Daily, Saranac Review, and other journals.

Luanne blogs at Writer Site and The Family Kalamazoo.

The Rython Kingdom by Mandy Eve-Barnett 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 famed troubadour set to tell a tale in the King’s court finds himself the pawn of a powerful witch, and must work to outsmart her and save the kingdom in author Mandy Eve-Barnett’s “The Rython Kingdom”. 

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The Synopsis

Unaware he is a pawn in a vengeful plan, Guillem’s actions may release an evil witch from her entrapment.

The famed troubadour attends the king’s court to recite a marvelous tale but his suspicions are raised by a strange servant. With the help of a wizened old woman, and her beautiful granddaughter, Guillem attempts to outwit the witch to save the kingdom from murder and mayhem.

He then finds himself part of a ritual for life everlasting with the entrancing and mysterious Juliana.

The Review

This was such a fun and engaging fantasy read. The story read like a brilliant new fairy tale, with a rich tapestry of characters that made the world the author created to feel alive and breathtaking. The action and the suspense that the author utilized in this narrative made the characters feel like they fit into this magical world, and the unique backstory of the protagonist and his turn as a hero and the hero’s journey he went on were so brilliantly written.

What stood out to me however were two things: the world-building and the mystery. The natural way this kingdom came to life and built upon a rich history within just a short amount of pages really captured the magic and wonder that the author was going for. Meanwhile, the inclusion of mystery and suspense elevated the narrative ten-fold, with an increased level of intrigue that kept the reader hooked throughout the narrative.

The Verdict

Masterful, captivating, and entertaining, author Mandy Eve-Barnett’s “The Rython Kingdom” is a must-read fairy tale! The fantasy and intrigue the novel brings will keep readers hooked, while the memorable cast of characters and epic fantasy action and romance will delight and engage readers who love adult fantasy reads. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mandy currently lives in Alberta, Canada but is originally from England. Her background is diverse and gives her rich experience to utilize in her writing. Mandy has been a nursing professional, a business owner, and a sort after administration expert. She has traveled throughout Europe, parts of America and Canada and was born in Africa.

Mandy is passionate about writing to the point of obsession and she succeeded in becoming a published author in record time. Mandy’s venture into freelance writing has been successful and she regularly contributes to Strathcona Connect, an e-zine and the Never Been Better page in the Sherwood Park newspaper as well as well as holding the position of Secretary for her local writing group, Writers Foundation of Strathcona County. She is also Secretary of Alberta Authors Cooperative.

Writing in various genres, Mandy has been published in anthologies, on numerous web sites as well as regularly blogging about her writing journey.

https://mandyevebarnett.com/

https://twitter.com/mandyevebarnett

A Cry in the Moon’s Light (Book 1) by Alan McGill 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 young woman’s journey to be at her grandmother’s side proves deadly as she must cross the Dark Forest, and finds gruesome village murders, dangerous wolf packs, and a castle that holds more secrets than answers in author Alan McGill’s “A Cry in the Moon’s Light”, the first book in the series of the same name. 

The Synopsis

In a time of castles, muskets, and hideous creatures of the night, a beautiful woman travels across the treacherous Dark Forest to be by the side of her dying grandmother. With only a young carriage driver to protect her, she must use her wits and all of her courage to cross the wild country—and to evade the mysterious beast who stalks her.

What follows is a tale full of horror, mystery, and romance: gruesome murders at a village hidden deep in the forest, a castle that holds dark secrets, and a black wolf leading a deadly pack. Nothing is as it seems, and this journey has only just begun. The beautiful lady in the carriage will learn that only love can defeat evil, but is it love or danger that cries out to her in the deceitful light of the moon?

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The Review

I was hooked immediately with this book. The author did such an amazing job of crafting a narrative that was both emotionally investing and chilling at the same time. The story was written in a way that felt like historical fiction meets Brother’s Grimm meets folklore all at once. The nods and homages to classic fairy tale style storytelling elements and themes were felt immediately, but then did such a great job of taking readers immediately into a right turn that held gruesome mayhem and terrifying creatures, and then made a completely new turn into heartbreaking and heartfelt romance and drama. 

The character growth in this narrative made the story everything it was. The horror, the scares, the heart, all of it wouldn’t have been possible without such strong characters and their bond to one another. From the young woman seeking to care for her grandmother to the loyal carriage driver hoping to protect her, and the creatures she shares a mysterious connection to, each of these characters felt dynamic and grand in their design, and yet very human and emotional in their motives and interactions with one another, making this such a superb read.

The Verdict

A brilliant, shocking, and immensely engaging read, author Alan McGill’s “A Cry in the Moon’s Light” is a must-read paranormal fantasy and romance reader. A fantastic blend of gothic horror meets iconic fairytale lore, the author crafted such heart and connectivity into the narrative that readers will be eager to want more, and the fact that the author had turned this into an audiobook-style podcast as well made this such an interactive story that holds so much promise for more stories within this universe. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman, and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.

https://www.instagram.com/alanmcgill14/

https://cryinthemoonslight.podbean.com/

Myosotis by Noor Ashour 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 finds herself lost in a magical realm, but the magic and wonder she always read about turns into a fight for her life when forces beyond her control seek her end in author Noor Ashour’s “Myosotis”. 

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The Synopsis

She thought it would be magical. An adrenaline-sweeping adventure with magnificent creatures and scenes. After all, that was how many fantasy novels went, no?

So Ellina leapt into the hole, into another world of mysterious and questionable rulers. It was not magical, really, but an elaborate game of cat and mouse glittering allure.

Perhaps it was a mix of both. Why don’t you see for yourself?

The Review

This was the perfect blend of fantasy meets classic fairy-tales, with an atmosphere not unlike Lewis Carrol’s “Alice in Wonderland”. This world that the author has crafted is beautifully imagined, utilizing imagery and atmosphere brilliantly to make the reader feel like they are traversing this new and exotic world. 

The character growth here is superb for a fairly short read. The bond formed between Ellina and the giant cats known as Rhea and Titan is humorous and heartwarming, as the quick change of pace from a magical journey to a life and death mission could easily escalate into a full-on war. Yet the narrative itself makes this book shine, elevating the tension and conflict quickly to make a really engaging story.

The Verdict

A memorable, entertaining, and awe-inspiring read, author Noor Ashour’s “Myosotis” is a must-read fantasy-driven novel. The expert way the author weaves new mythology into a perfectly fantasy-led world and created characters that would invite the reader into the narrative from the story’s start makes this a fun and exciting new read for 2021. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss: A Southern Tale of Magic by Connor Garrett and Kevin Garrett 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 man who grew up on his father’s stories of witches and magic finds himself on a magical journey of his own in an effort to save his father’s life in authors Connor and Kevin Garret’s “Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss: A Southern Tale of Magic”.

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The Synopsis

Young Gareth Greyfin must find a way to save his father Samuel after he is bitten by a one-eyed snake. With little time before the venom will reach his father’s heart, Gareth follows his father’s instructions to bring him to a cabin in the swamps outside of Savannah, Georgia — the home of a witch with a fearsome reputation.

The witch sends the fearful young man on a quest for five ingredients for the potion that offers the elder Greyfin’s only hope. Accompanied by the witch’s raven as a guide, Gareth’s desperate journey leads to encounters with a cast of characters that defy imagination. The duo is joined by an old banjo player, and they learn that heroes come in unexpected forms.

Along the way, Gareth learns a family secret and a deception threatens to destroy his budding friendship with the Raven and possibly the life of his father. Will his bargain with Evangeline pay off or will Gareth be the one to pay the price?

The Review

What a truly entertaining and incredibly written novel! The authors do a masterful job of bringing to life a wildly inventive and creative new fantasy and fairy-tale narrative, exploring the concept of finding magic and adventure in our lives while also highlighting the depths of bravery and love one will go to in order to save those that mean the most to them. Gareth is a memorable protagonist, acting as the gateway of the audience as they are thrust into this magical world. Rediscovering the magic and wonder of childhood in order to rescue his dying father speaks to the inner child within us all. 

The theme of a child overcoming great odds to rescue a parent or sibling is well represented here and is one that I personally am a huge fan of in fantasy and sci-fi novels, (a longtime fan of Stephen King and Peter Straub’s The Talisman, for example). Yet the greatest thing the authors do here is to balance the fantasy-level magic of a fairytale with the strong imagery that brings this adventure to life in the author’s minds, making for a truly engaging read.

The Verdict

An entertaining, short-yet thrilling deep-dive into magic and fairy-tales with a Southern twist, authors Connor and Kevin Garret’s “Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss” is a must-read fantasy novel. The heartfelt emotion that goes into the protagonist’s journey blended with the incredible character development and fantasy themes make this a truly memorable adventure, and a book that fans of the genre will not be able to forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Connor Garrett 

Connor Judson Garrett left Atlanta with $1,500 to his name and moved to Los Angeles right after college with the dream of becoming a professional writer and an entrepreneur. After winding his way through the Venice Canals and the fantasy of LaLa Land, he ended up working for ZipRecruiter as a content writer and an SEO specialist, and subsequently joined a team of world class copywriters at Golden Hippo Media. He loved that Mad Men-like experience and leveraged it to launch his freelance writing career, which was ignited when he won the inaugural Edward Readicker-Henderson Travel Classics Award for emerging writers. He has penned travel, entertainment, and profile pieces for outlets such as Private Clubs Magazine, South Magazine, 30A Review, Georgia Hollywood Review, Simply Buckhead, Blue Mountain Review, and Built in LA. Connor writes books and runs a small, bespoke publishing company Lucid House Publishing with his mother Echo Montgomery Garrett to give authors a better avenue than the traditional model. Connor’s debut novel Falling Up in The City of Angels has a Californication meets Catcher in The Rye feel to it and earned him a place speaking on a panel at the January 2020 International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club’s annual conference. He has written two poetry books, co-authored a self-help book The Longevity Game. But what he is most proud of is the southern fantasy novel Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss: A Southern Tale of Magic, the first book in The Spellbound Series. While in Lebanon with his girlfriend, Connor co-authored it with his father Kevin N. Garrett. The novel was selected as the International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Reading Nation’s January 2021 Book of the Month Selection. It’s also a finalist for the 2001 Books of Excellence Awards for Young Adult Fiction.

https://www.instagram.com/connorjudsongarrett/

https://www.connorjudsongarrett.com/

Kevin Garrett

Growing up in rural south Georgia, Kevin N. Garrett loved books and music. He regularly drove 40 miles to buy albums and a copy of BillBoard Magazine. In college he was sometimes be so engrossed in the latest Robert Ludlum thriller that he would skip class. As a travel writer and photographer, his work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Delta Sky, Town and Country, Forbes, Vogue, Outside, Boulevard, Entrepreneur, Inc., Atlanta Magazine, Coastal Living, Islands, Atlanta, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Virtuoso Life, among others. For more than two decades, Kevin and his wife Echo Montgomery Garrett specialized in and co-authored several guidebooks on the Caribbean, including Caribbean for Dummies and Rum and Reggae. Kevin’s fine art photography has been shown in galleries in New York City, Atlanta and Nashville, and his work hangs in many luxury resorts and hotels. He is working on a forthcoming fine art photography book. Kevin co-authored Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss: A Southern Tale of Magic with his son Connor Judson Garrett. It was the Pulpwood Queens Book Club’s January 2021 Book of the Month Selection, and the father-and-son duo were the opening speakers of the virtual Bluffton Book Festival in 2020. It was also named a finalist in the 2021 Book Excellence Awards in the young adult nonfiction category.The duo plans to release the second book in the Spellbound Series February 14, 2022. Set in Puerto Rico, Fragrance of a Shadow: True Love and Other Legends. The fantasy novel following that one moves the action to New Orleans.

’Til the Last Snowflake Falls (The Adventures of Fawn #1) by Al E. Boy Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

A young reindeer seeking a life of excitement and adventure finds more than she bargained for as her adventures soon become more dangerous than she could have ever known in author Al E. Boy’s novel “’Til the Last Snowflake Falls (The Adventures of Fawn #1)”. 

The Synopsis

“I want some fun and excitement! I don’t care how dangerous it is!” Even if your parents are legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen, life can still be pretty boring. Fawn is a precocious youngster who starts sneaking out of the stable every day looking for fun, excitement…and friends. She’ll find them all…but she’s also going to encounter more than her share of danger! 

The Review

The author does a fantastic job of creating a wholly unique and original Middle Grade Action/Adventure story that incorporates both new characters and classic fairy tale and holiday characters readers will know and love. The story focuses on the power of friendship, family and the pros and cons of seeking adventure and a life outside of the one you know. It also highlights the struggles of youth to connect with others and the natural rebellion many children face when they become their own person. 

A mixture of a middle grade action/adventure story that explores the innocence of youth and a rich setting filled with magic and wonder, this story does an excellent job of drawing the reader in and creating a story that both naturally feels like a holiday read and yet could be enjoyed any time of the year. 

The Verdict

A story of exciting adventures, shocking twists and turns and a magical ending that speaks to the nature of this wonderful tale, author Al E. Boy is a natural born storyteller who does a great job of creating fresh new takes on classic characters. With a whole new cast of characters for readers to fall in love with, this is a story you won’t want to miss, so be sure to grab your copy of ’Til the Last Snowflake Falls by Al E. Boy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Through almost 40 years as a Santa Claus, Al E. Boy developed quite a repertoire of tales to explain and answer the many questions children ask about Santa, the North Pole, his reindeer, and his friends, the elves.

It was this collection of tales which prompted him to begin writing The Adventures of Fawn. Through the young daughter of legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen, he’s been able to weave an exciting, colorful, imaginative world which will delight readers of all ages!

Mr. Boy not only hopes you enjoy these tales, but make reading them part of your Christmas traditions, as well.

Additional info: ‘Til the Last Snowflake Falls was awarded the Bronze Medal in Dan Poynter’s 2017 Global E-book Awards, is listed as ‘Recommended Reading’ with The US Review of Books, and was awarded an Honoree Medallion by indieB.R.A.G.. In addition, it has garnered a number of favorable reviews.

Links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NRZO920

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36291145-til-the-last-snowflake-falls

http://aleboysnowflake.wixsite.com/fawn

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/The-Adventures-of-Fawn-740272912731782/