Tag: fantasy book review

The Witch King (The Witch King #1) by H.E. Edgmon 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. 

TRIGGER WARNING: Death and mentions of parental death; physical assault; sexual harassment; child abuse; trauma relating to fires; suicide attempt; misgendering and deadnaming (dead name off the page). Reader Discretion is Advised.

A young transgender witch must decide between his people and his freedom after the royal fiancee he left behind after a traumatic incident comes back in order to save the royal throne in author H.E. Edgmon’s “The Witch King”, the first in THE WITCH KING series. 

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The Synopsis

To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind. This debut YA fantasy will leave you spellbound.

Wyatt would give anything to forget where he came from—but a kingdom demands its king.

In Asalin, fae rule and witches like Wyatt Croft…don’t. Wyatt’s betrothal to his best friend, fae prince Emyr North, was supposed to change that. But when Wyatt lost control of his magic one devastating night, he fled to the human world.

Now a coldly distant Emyr has hunted him down. Despite transgender Wyatt’s newfound identity and troubling past, Emyr has no intention of dissolving their engagement. In fact, he claims they must marry now or risk losing the throne. Jaded, Wyatt strikes a deal with the enemy, hoping to escape Asalin forever. But as he gets to know Emyr, Wyatt realizes the boy he once loved may still exist. And as the witches face worsening conditions, he must decide once and for all what’s more important—his people or his freedom. 

The Review

This was such an impactful and engaging dark fantasy read. A fantasy storyline that incorporates some hard-hitting and intense themes, the novel challenges the reader to consider questions of equality, acceptance, and the rights of those who may live differently than what is considered by society to be “the norm”. The pacing and voice in which the author writes really elevate the overall tone and realism that is blended with the magical elements of this fantasy novel, creating a truly engaging story.

Yet it is the characters themselves that really make this novel shine so brightly. A mature story that features some heavy topics, (hence the trigger warning), the novel itself features a truly memorable protagonist in Wyatt. The characters evolution not only physically in his background, but emotionally as well as he not only overcomes the trauma he suffered in the past and his own actions as a result but the anger and resentment that has built up for so long inside of him for not being seen for who he really is, as well as the treatment of not only him but all witches by the high social class of fae, makes his overall character arc both relatable and emotionally investing. Combine this with the relationship both strained and growing stronger between Wyatt and Emyr is incredibly engaging, keeping the reader invested as they follow the path these two betrothed make with one another, from combative frenemies to allies and possibly something more.

The Verdict

A memorable, emotionally driven, and heartfelt fantasy novel with a multitude of important themes and story elements that remain relevant in our own modern world, author H.E. Edgmon’s “The Witch King” is the perfect start to a brand new fantasy series. A great LGBTQ-driven narrative, the amazingly well-rounded and complex cast of characters, when combined with the entertaining and haunting narrative that the author has created, makes this the perfect read not only for PRIDE month but for 2021 overall! Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

H.E. Edgmon (he/they) was born in the deep south but has had many homes, dropped out of school to be gay, and is at least a little feral.

In both his writing and daily life, he aims to center the voices of Indigenous people, trans people, and survivors of trauma. It is always his goal to create safe spaces for the vulnerable, while being the thing predators are afraid of.

H.E. has an eclectic little family of his own design and they’re currently living out the found family trope in Brooklyn. Online, he can most often be found on Twitter @heedgmon.

https://heedgmon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/heedgmon/

https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-witch-king-by-h-e-edgmon

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.

Azure Adventures: The Lost King by Maximilian J. Heirich 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 world torn apart after a ferocious war between man and orc faces the looming threat of the undead as tensions rise on both sides, and only the actions of a group of rising heroes can shift the balance and fight to protect both worlds in author Maximilian J. Heirich’s “Azure Adventures: The Lost King”. 

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The Synopsis

It has been thirty long years since a war that nigh consumed the world of Azure swept across it. Since then, both sides who waged it, the human led Allies and the Orcish Axis, have settled into a quiet, albeit, tenuous peace upon the eastern continent of Exortus. After all, the devastation of this Great War swallowed much of both sides’ forces, particularly the holy knights of humanity, the paladins. In the years since, fewer and fewer of these stalwart heroes have been born with the gift of Sanctus’ Light, the holy power that fuels them. Yet, as the Light wanes, darkness creeps its hand over the land. Rumors flit about the resurgence of a long though defeated enemy: the undead of Lignum. Though thought to have been halted in a conflict of their own making after the Great War, their looming shadow has never truly dissipated, only growing longer with years to feaster. Now, with King Lyon of the human kingdom of Silvan having vanished, it seems there are none left to cool the ever burning tensions between orc and man, nor are there any to stand against the creeping dark. None, save the varied people of Exortus… that is if they can escape their seemingly endless cycle of hatred….

The Review

The first thing that stands out in this fantasy novel is the sheer amount of detail that went into it. The author brilliantly captures the atmosphere of a fantasy world, from the politics and uneasiness between the different races of the realm to the way others live in each village and area of the world of Azure. The history and culture that has plunged this world into the chaotic realm it has become is rife with fantasy themes and tropes that will have fans of the genre immersed into the narrative from the book’s first pages. 

Yet it is the incredible characters of this book that really drive the narrative forward. Immediately fans are introduced to Vellborand, a human warrior and ranger who along with his dire wolf find themselves in a small village that is playing host to the fair, guarded by a mysterious dark elf. A day of rest quickly turns into a battle as bandits attack, diving headfirst into the bloody world the author has crafted beautifully. From there the world grows more and more, as do the enemies and citizens of this realm. The balance of fantasy-based action and emotional character growth and bonds really elevates the narrative to new heights, crafting an enthralling fantasy world that readers won’t want to let go of.

The Verdict

Entertaining, lengthy yet engaging, and highly memorable, author Maximilian Heirich’s “Azure Adventures: The Lost King” is a must-read fantasy adventure for adult fans of the genre. Dungeons and Dragons meet Game of Thrones, the author hits the reader with twists and turns galore until the shocking final chapter, leaving a cliffhanger that ends the first book of what is hopefully an ongoing new fantasy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

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About the Author

Maximilian Heirich is an aspiring author promoting his first published book: Azure Adventures: The Lost King. Maximilian is currently 21 years old and is currently finishing up his last year of university.

He works on his writing career in his time between school and working at his university’s publishing press.

https://www.instagram.com/max_johan/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/maxheirich

Star Wars: Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston Review

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After the end of the Clone Wars but before the Rebellion, a former Jedi finds herself struggling with the memories of the past as the evil Empire’s rise continues in author E.K. Johnston’s “Star Wars: Ahsoka”. 

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The Synopsis

Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance….

The Review

As a longtime Star Wars fan, I can easily say Ahsoka is one of the greatest modern characters in the franchise. Her rise from a Jedi Padawan to a powerful Jedi in her own right to leaving the Order right before its demise makes her character arc so intriguing. Knowing her future thanks to the shows Rebels and The Mandalorian, it’s great that this author has found a way to highlight the early years after the Empire’s rise, and how much she had to endure before she became the rebel known as Fulcrum. 

The story feels like a natural and engaging new chapter in the Star Wars mythos. Having the story focus on aspects of her journey like having her powers and connection to the force dulled was an incredible detail to add to the story. The novel itself feels like a great character study for such an integral part of the Clone Wars/Rebels saga of storytelling. The imagery really made the story feel alive and like I was in that fabled galaxy far, far away, and the author’s attention to detail in the mythology itself really sold this story overall.

The Verdict

An action-packed, faithful, and entertaining read, author E.K. Johnston’s “Ahsoka” is a must-read Star Wars story. The attention to detail for longtime fans of the series and its mythos will absolutely love this dive into the narrative. A beautiful blend of the end of the Clone Wars and the rise of the Empire, this story showcases how in one of the franchise’s darkest moments, the hope that the Jedi once represented is still alive and thriving in the legacy of Ahsoka Tano. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

E.K. Johnston had several jobs and one vocation before she became a published writer. If she’s learned anything, it’s that things turn out weird sometimes, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Well, that and how to muscle through awkward fanfic because it’s about a pairing she likes.

You can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston) to learn more about Alderaanian political theory than you really need to know, or on Tumblr (ekjohnston) if you’re just here for pretty pictures.

https://www.ekjohnston.ca/

https://twitter.com/ek_johnston

Owl and the Tiger Thieves (The Owl Series Book 4) by Kristi Charish 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 former antiquities thief turned lynchpin to the fate of the world in a supernatural civil war must find the legendary Tiger Thieves in an effort to stop the rising threat of the Electric Samurai in author Kristi Charish’s “Owl and the Tiger Thieves”, the 4th book in The Owl series. 

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The Synopsis

In this fourth Owl novel, Kristi Charish (The Voodoo Killings) melds sparkling fantasy with the grit of urban underbelly—with a detour through the world’s most spectacular cities. This is perfect for fans of Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher, Jennifer Estep, Jenn Bennett, and fantasy lovers everywhere.

Through no fault of her own, Alix has found herself essential to the fate of the world as we know it. She didn’t mean for this to happen—she was quite happy being merely the notorious antiquities thief, and ex-archeologist, known as Owl.

However, years ago, Owl reluctantly entered the secret world of the supernatural. Her goals: complete one job, escape one bounty on her head, continue her thieving in peace.

Fast forward to today. Now, she has become a key player in a brutal paranormal civil war that is rapidly getting out of hand. The leader of one of these factions—a lethal opponent called the Electric Samurai—grows more powerful by the second. To stop him, Owl sets out to find the long-lost, legendary group known as the Tiger Thieves.

But will it be too little too late? One thing Owl misses about “normal” archaeology: there are few emergencies with thousand-year-old relics. 

The Review

This is what the fantasy genre is all about! While I am a newcomer to this series, the author does a fantastic job of drawing new readers and established fans of the series alike into the narrative. The blend of Indiana Jones-style character development with supernatural and fantasy-based storytelling is an inspired choice for the book. 

From what I understand of the previous books, this story flips the script on readers by making this story more personal. While previous installments focused on quest-based storytelling, the author takes readers on an emotional and action-focused adventure that sees the protagonist looking for an ancient order in an effort to rescue someone close to her from a deadly foe. The evolution of Alix as a character that sees her struggling with her desire to go back to being an antiquities thief but constantly pulled into this dangerous and deadly world of supernatural beings is what really draws the reader in and keeps them wanting more.

The Verdict

A haunting, action-packed, and entertaining read, author Kristi Charish’s “Owl and the Tiger Thieves” is the perfect next chapter in this growing supernatural and fantasy series. A must-read for fans of this genre, the blend of intrigue and mystery with adventure and a balance between mythology and character growth make this a fantastic book that you don’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kristi is the author of OWL AND THE JAPANESE CIRCUS (Simon and Schuster Canada/Pocket Books), an urban fantasy about a modern-day “Indiana Jane” who reluctantly navigates the hidden supernatural world, and THE VOODOO KILLINGS (Random House Canada), an urban fantasy/mystery about a voodoo practitioner living in Seattle with the ghost of a deceased grunge rocker.

She writes what she loves; adventure heavy stories featuring strong, savvy female protagonists, pop culture, and the occasional RPG fantasy game thrown in the mix. She’s also a co-host for the Adventures in Sci-Fi Publishing Podcast.

Before becoming an author Kristi was a research scientist. She holds a BSc and MSc from Simon Fraser University in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia. Her specialties are genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology, all of which she draws upon in her writing. She is represented by Carolyn Forde at Westwood Creative Artists.

FB: http://www.facebook.com/KristiCharish…

AISFP Podcast: http://www.adventuresinscifipublishing.com/

http://kristicharish.com

https://twitter.com/kristicharish

Never Never by Liz Butcher

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 seasoned detective haunted by her past finds herself drawn into the search for a missing teenage girl, and soon discovers the case has haunting connections to her in author Liz Butcher’s “Never Never”. 

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The Synopsis

More than 20 years after her abduction at the hands of the elusive Pan, Wendy Darling is all grown up and a successful detective. But when a local girl vanishes in the middle of the night, her past comes rushing back.

Grieving the death of her mother, Detective Darling wants nothing more than to throw herself back into work. When the Lord Mayor’s daughter, Rosalie, vanishes, she insists on taking the case, triggering memories of her own past abduction. For years, Wendy struggled with her nonsensical memories of her captor, who she only knows as Pan. Yet the more she uncovers about Rosalie’s disappearance, the more Wendy is convinced her worst nightmare has come true—Pan’s back. Her fears are confirmed when the girl suddenly reappears and Wendy realises she’s walked straight into Pan’s trap…

The Review

One of the best reads of 2021 so far! Liz Butcher has worked her magic once more, bringing a chilling retelling of the classic Peter Pan mythos and putting a series of twists and turns into the narrative to keep the reader invested heavily. The novel does an excellent job of pacing the story, slowly building a relationship between Wendy the protagonist, and the audience as the history of the Darling Family is revealed. 

The character development was some of the best work to emerge thus far this year. Wendy is a force to be reckoned with, fighting her past trauma while trying to find this young girl before it’s too late. Yet the revelation of the girl’s abductor and their ties to Wendy’s own case decades earlier make for some interesting developments. The author has managed to craft a new legacy for Pan himself, marking a dark and villainous turn that will shock and amaze readers. His connection to an ancient mythological being will add an entirely new depth to this rich story, making this something fans of fantasy and horror will not be able to put down.

The Verdict

A mesmerizing, haunting, and highly entertaining read, author Liz Butcher’s horror retelling of the fantasy classic in her novel “Never Never” makes this a must-read novel and a contender for novel of the year of 2021. A book that readers will flock to over and over again, a twist ending that leaves readers hanging off the author’s every word makes this reader eager to see if the author will tackle the narrative again in a sequel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Interview with Author Liz Butcher
LeRoux Manor Review
Fates Fury Review

About the Author

Liz Butcher resides in Australia, with her husband, daughter, and their two cats. She’s a self-confessed nerd with a BA in psychology and an insatiable fascination for learning. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, Liz enjoys road trips, astronomy, music and knitting.

https://www.lizbutcher.com.au/

https://twitter.com/lunaloveliz

Ever Alice by H.J. Ramsay (Narrated by Caroline Holmes) Audiobook Tour and Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, 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 now 15-year old Alice finds herself desperate to escape an asylum her tales of Wonderland landed her in, but upon deciding against an experimental experiment at the last minute, Alice escapes back into Wonderland, only to land in the court of the Queen of Hearts in author H.J. Ramsay’s “Ever Alice”. 

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The Synopsis

Alice’s stories of Wonderland did more than raise a few eyebrows – it landed her in an asylum. Now at 15 years of age, she’s willing to do anything to leave, which includes agreeing to an experimental procedure. When Alice decides at the last minute not to go through with it, she escapes with the White Rabbit to Wonderland and trades one mad house for another: The court of the Queen of Hearts. Only this time, she is under orders to take out the Queen. When love, scandal, and intrigue begin to muddle her mission, Alice finds herself on the wrong side of the chopping block.

The Review

A fantastic deep dive into the aftermath of author Lewis Carrols classic tale, Ever Alice does an amazing job of standing on its own feet while still paying tribute to such an iconic story. The narrator brought a sense of classic English literature to the retelling of this novel, capturing the elegance and grace that the themes of royalty and the setting of the 1800s in her delivery. 

The thing that really stood out to me while reading this book was the way the author mirrored real-life tales of royalty and betrayal. The spiraling nature of the Queen of Hearts and her capturing of the Queen of Spades reminded me of Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I, which as a history buff was a great addition to the fantasy element of the narrative. The way the author delves into both Alice and the Queen of Hearts stories was interesting to see, the complexity of their journeys layered perfectly.

The Verdict

A fascinating, entertaining and engaging journey through Wonderland, author H.J. Ramsay’s “Ever Alice” is a fantastic audiobook. The story is magical and the characters both old and new highly complex and thrilling in their depictions. The surprise ending has me as a reader hooked on this particular fantasy world, and everyone should check out this book for themselves. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Author: H.J. Ramsay

Narrator: Caroline Holmes

Length: 11 hours 2 minutes

Publisher: Red Rogue Press

Released: January 19, 2021

Genre: Fantasy; YA

Continue reading “Ever Alice by H.J. Ramsay (Narrated by Caroline Holmes) Audiobook Tour and Review” →

Victorian Songlight: The Birthings of Magic & Mystery by Kathy Martone 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 woman goes on a journey of enlightenment as a legend of the Ozarks known as Grandfather emerges to fulfill a destiny for the woman that dates back to her birth in author Kathy Martone’s “Victorian Songlight: The Birthings of Magic & Mystery”. 

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The Synopsis

The birth of a magical child at the time of the Devil Moon sets the stage for heartache and misery, magic and supernatural love. Beset by unrelenting obstacles and bestowed with remarkable psychic gifts, Kate is often accompanied by fantastical black ravens who carry her through time and space. A well known legend in the Ozark Mountain countryside where Kate lives, Grandfather is a ghost with large golden eyes who frequently rides on the back of Pegasus, another Ozarkian legend. Victorian Songlight is a tale of redemption and renewal, death and rebirth, triumph over darkness. But most importantly, it is a love story. Alone and utterly forsaken, adrift on treacherous waters, Kate meets Grandfather for the second time in her life and they become lovers fulfilling a prophecy at the moment of her birth.

The Review

What a powerful and insightful read. The author’s ability to weave in New Age spirituality and practices into the characters and the main plot overall was great to see as someone with a fascination with this subject, as well as the “real world” magic that often goes unnoticed by humanity. The more fantastic elements do a great job of bringing the fantasy genre to life in this tale, while the author’s writing adds an element of powerful imagery that brings the scenes to life with ease. 

The highlight of the novel however is the protagonist and the themes explored through her journey. Kate must deal with a family history that speaks of tragic events that she had to endure as a child, and the fantasy journey she undergoes seems to be a mental and emotional journey as well to understand the trauma she endured. It is a powerful motivator for her character arc and an emotional side to Kate’s story that readers will instantly feel for. 

The Verdict

A powerful, engaging and thought-provoking fantasy read, author Kathy Martone’s “Victorian Songlight” is a must-read novel. The author expertly crafts a narrative that is both heartbreaking and therapeutic at once and handles the more triggering subjects in this narrative with grace. The reader will instantly be hooked by the author’s writing, so be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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http://www.dreamagik.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KateBlackRaven/

Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51054900-victorian-songlight

Barnes & Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/victorian-songlight-kathy-martone-phd/1134222514;jsessionid=55ACE2AF79811832054FE012FFDB1A27.prodny_store01-atgap14?ean=9781947381162