I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A lone warrior wakes to a world he no longer recognizes, and must take it upon himself to stop the otherworldly threat stripping his world’s natural resources in author Paul G. Zareith’s “Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Book 1 – The Wraith Returns”.
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The Synopsis
Rana has given up all hope when he realises that his decade long quest to exact revenge on a corrupt aristocracy and a totalitarian religious order has been exploited by an otherworldly malicious organization determined to destabilize the very foundation of the known civilization.
Against all odds though, he finds himself free of his shackles in a world that he barely recognizes. With his army long vanquished and his allies dead, does he have a chance to stand up against the evil gods who are stripping the entire planet of the mineral that serves as the fundamental prerequisite of all runecraft – Ildaria’s ultimate defence?
The Review
This was such a vast and richly developed narrative. The scope of the world-building that the author took on was not only imaginative but captivating to read as the story progressed. The suspense and mystery that immediately hit readers as the protagonist wakes to this changed world and the haunting atmosphere that brought these deadly threats to life made the story feel alive on the page.
The amount of detail that went into the mythology of this world and the diverse character development made the story feel cinematic in its approach. The multiple POVs make the reader feel connected to these characters. They showcased both the heart of the heroes and the chilling nature of the villains, allowing readers to witness the protagonist’s long and harrowing journey in this first novel.
The Verdict
Imaginative, entertaining, and thrilling, author Paul G. Zareith’s “Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Book 1—The Wraith Returns” is a must-read fantasy novel and the perfect entry into a new series. The narrative’s twists and turns and shocking ending will make fans eager to dive further into this magical world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Avid fiction aficionado and fantasy author dabbling in the grimdark, arcane and all things forbidden and forgotten.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A fallen angel must contend with her growing friendship with a human tribesman and the promise of her dream of returning to heaven by a secret, beautiful angel who visits her at night as the war continues between humanity and heaven in author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission”, the second book in the Ferren Trilogy.
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The Synopsis
The unique friendship between an angel and a human is the only hope for the future – but can they remain friends?It’ s one thousand years since medical scientists brought a dead brain back to consciousness. When they discovered the reality of life after death, they laid claim to Heaven and set off a war against the angels.Now the Earth is a ruined wasteland. Descendants of the original scientists continue the war with their armies of artificially created Humen. When the greatest of Doctors, the all-knowing Doctor Saniette, takes control of the Bankstown Camp, the fighting moves to a terrible new phase.Miriael is the angel who fell to Earth, ate mortal food and can no longer return to Heaven. Ferren is the young tribesman who has been her only friend since her own kind abandoned her. Together, they work to unite the tribes in an alliance independent of the Humen.But suddenly Miriael has another friend. A beautiful, caring angel visits her in secret and offers her what she most desires: the chance to return to Heaven. The consequences will be extreme … for her, for Ferren, for the world.
The Review
This was another fantastic entry into the author’s rich, fantasy-driven dystopian world. The immense scope of the world-building the author took on in bringing this story to life was incredible to see expanded upon in this book. The threat of Dr. Saniette and the Humen in this story and the action-packed drama that unfolds as the battle rages on make this narrative genuinely memorable.
Yet the action and drama are so well balanced, thanks to the rich character dynamics. The friendship and the evolution of the relationship between the protagonists, Miriael and Ferren, is the core heart of the narrative. However, the exciting directions their journey takes them on as individuals, from the interesting romance/love triangle between Ferren, Kiet, and Zonda to the twist connection Miriael has to Asmodai, and the impact Miriael has on the growing alliance amongst the last of the tribes of humanity made this a remarkable narrative to get lost in.
The Verdict
Exhilarating, thrilling, and heartfelt, author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission” is a brilliant sequel and a memorable fantasy-driven story that readers won’t put down. The twists and turns in the story will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the cliffhanger final moments will bring readers back for the third book of the Ferren trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Interview with Richard Harland
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What is the biggest difference between writing a solo novel and a series?
I don’t have much experience of starting out to write a series! The only time I’ve done it was with my Wolf Kingdom quartet, and they were kids’ books. My first novel The Vicar of Morbing Vyle was a standalone until fans pushed for a sequel. My SF/detective movel The Dark Edge was a standalone until my publisher demanded sequels. And ditto with my steampunk fantasy, Worldshaker – I was ready to be asked for a sequel, but I’d spent 20 years planning the novel as a standalone.
With Ferren and the Angel, I wasn’t even ready to be asked for a sequel. I loosened it up at the end when my publisher first talked of a sequel, but that was only in the last stage of editing before publication. There’s a whole complicated story there, which I haven’t much explained to anyone anywhere.
ANTHONY: Let’s hear it.
OK, confession time! There’s an earlier version of The Ferren Trilogy called The Heaven and Earth Trilogy. It came out only in Australia, published by Penguin Australia, had some success, but wasn’t marketed very well (internal publisher politics!) and Penguin let it go out of print. That first publication was twenty years ago.
My new publisher, IFWG, sells mainly into the US, and it seemed a smart move not to make a lot of noise about the first version, which never even existed in America. Why create confusion? But it ended up being confusing anyway, because the audio format of Ferren and the Angel is under a separate contract and still on sale on Amazon. Not so smart after all!
But here’s the best bit of the story. After the Penguin version dropped out of print, and after I’d moved on to some international success with Worldshaker and its sequels, there were still fans of the original trilogy who’d fallen in love with it and refused to forget about it. They wanted those novels out there and wouldn’t let them die! They hounded publishers year after year, until they finally succeeded. One day, out of the blue, I received an email from IFWG Publishing, saying they’d like to do a reprint of the Ferren books. Yay!
ANTHONY: So is this a reprint or a new version or what?
It’s a total rewrite! Although I’d moved on to writing other books, I always had the feeling that the trilogy deserved better than it got. The fans of the book believed that it deserved better from publishers, but I believed it deserved better from its author too! The raw material was there, the incredible future world where the armies of Heaven do battle with the armies of the Earth – so much potential! But not fully realized. When IFWG offered to do a reprint, I said I wanted time to rewrite the books first. After twenty years of mulling over the stories in the back of my mind, I just knew they could be better told. And now they are!
It’s a wonderful thing, to be given a second chance. I haven’t wanted that chance for any other novel I’ve written, only the Ferren books. They’re finally turning into the books they were always meant to be!
Um, maybe I’ve left the question behind … What was your first question again?
ANTHONY: What is the biggest difference between writing a solo novel and a series?
Right! I knew there was some connection! The thing is that when Penguin Australia were about to bring out the early version of Ferren and the Angel, they hit me with the request for a sequel to be written within twelve months. Which was great, but … I’m not a fast writer, and, even more, I needed time to recharge my batteries for imagining a whole further expansion of the world and story. I think I did well – better than I could ever have expected – with the ideas I came up with. Trouble was, I was forever playing catch up and never had time to shape them into a truly effective story dynamic.
I always felt that Book 2, originally called Ferren and the White Doctor but now called FERREN AND THE DOOMSDAY MISSION, needed more of a rewrite than any other volume, I read through the Penguin version before starting, but then hardly looked at it again while I went through the rewrite. And the rewriting just flowed! I guess the difference was that I knew where the story was going, so I knew how to set it up right! I’d planted the seeds properly in Book 1 and got them growing at the start of Book 2. When I wrote the original Ferren and the White Doctor, I remember always struggling to pull the story back into line. With the rewrite, it just unfolded all by itself!
I guess I experienced the hard way what makes a series a series. The three novels in the new Ferren Trilogy all have their own individual story dynamic, but now they’re not merely tacked on one after the other – they grow out of each other, bigger and bigger with every volume.
So what’s the biggest takeaway you want readers to have when finishing your series?
I suppose as the trilogy develops, it puts you more and more on the side of Heaven. For all their blinkered sense of superiority, the angels and archangels do hold strong ethical principles – and they learn to shed their sense of superiority in the end. Their basic goodness comes through, whereas the Humen who make up the armies of Earth are just plain bad and nasty. But there’s no religious message. The beauty of angelology – the traditional lore about angels and Heaven – moves me emotionally, but I’m still an agnostic.
I think the takeaway would be more of a humanist one – for human beings to believe in themselves, respect themselves and stand up for themselves. That’s what the Residuals, descendants of the original human beings, learn to do in the course of the trilogy, even as they eventually choose to fight alongside Heaven.
As for the moral balance between Heaven and the Humen, I’d say that the Humen lack reverence for anything and everything – they’re only interested in what they can exploit for their own purposes. I suppose that’s my religion – a humanism that isn’t self-centered but has respect for what’s other than ourselves. It’s not a message, and I’m not preaching it, but it probably colours the story and events.
Do you plot out your novels and the characters within them, or do you write and let the story develop at its own pace?
I don’t like the word ‘plot’ because it’s sounds mechanical and controlling, but it’s true I do a huge amount of thinking and imagining before turning a story into actual words. I’ve always had a very vivid visual imagination, so I tend to watch my story unfold like a movie before verbalizing it.
One thing I love is a narrative that builds and converges to a huge rolling climax. In Ferren and the Angel and Ferren and the Doomsday Mission, the climactic scenes take up nearly a quarter of the book – and the climax of Book 3, Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven, will be the biggest of the lot! But you can’t produce those sorts of climaxes just by ambling along page after page. I don’t believe in weak endings or fade-out endings (I mean, I don’t believe in fade-out endings for fantasy fiction), but I also don’t believe in artificially imposed big endings. The climax has to grow naturally out of everything that’s gone before.
Am I starting to sound like a broken record? I believe you have to grow those big climaxes by planting the seeds early on. I’m the sort of author who’s always looking ahead – I don’t know exactly how the final development will work out, but I can sense when I’ve got all the material for it. Like the volume of a wave that’ll just sweep me along at the end!
I think of being an author as like being on the back of some humungous, lumbering beast! The beast is the story, with its own vast mass and momentum. You can’t drag it round suddenly to where you want it to go, e.g. a big, rolling climax. You have to begin guiding and nudging it right from the start, looking far ahead and applying tiny prods that are all the influence you ever get to have.
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About the Author
Richard was born in Yorkshire, England, then migrated to Australia at the age of twenty-one. He was always trying to write, but could never finish the stories he began. Instead he drifted around as a singer, songwriter and poet, then became a university tutor and finally a university lecturer. But after twenty-five years of writer’ s block, he finally finished the cult novel, The Vicar of Morbing Vyle. When he contracted his next book to a major publisher, he immediately resigned his lectureship to follow his original dream.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An ambitious thief in the Thieves Guild sparks a chain of events that will reshape everything the people of Baelon once held dear in author Robert A. Walker’s “Six Moons, Seven Gods: The Legend of Baelon”.
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The Synopsis
“One must be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be one’s self.”
The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance. Meanwhile, retired royal guard Rolft Aerns returns to the palace of King Axil with an old score to settle. When they all cross paths–and swords–in the dark shadows of Fostead’s south end, nothing is as it seems and the murder count rises quickly.
The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.
Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.
To enter the world of Baelon, read the sample below the book’s photo on this page.
AWARDS
Winner, Book Excellence Award for Best Medieval Fantasy, Chick Lit Cafe, November, 2023
Winner, Literary Titan Book Award, December, 2023
The Review
This was an engaging, powerful tale of fantasy-driven political thriller meets fantasy-driven mythos. The author’s imagery and thick atmosphere throughout this novel were incredible, as they brought the world of Baelon to life on the page and made the lands of this world feel vibrant and alive.
The heart of this story was the incredible story and character development. The intrigue and drama that the author can develop in this novel capture the political intrigue of Game of Thrones but add even more fantasy elements that make the story feel original and unique. The characters were engaging, and each character, whether protagonist or antagonist, had a complex web of morality that kept them emotionally invested. The secrets each character held allowed the more redemptive arcs to feel engaging.
The Verdict
Remarkable, magical, and entertaining author Robert A. Walker’s “Six Moons, Seven Gods: The Legends of Baelon” is a must-read fantasy novel. The action, suspense, romance, and each twist and turn in the narrative are enough to keep the reader enthralled, and the richly developed world of Baelon will keep readers wanting more of this fantasy world. If you haven’t yet, make sure you pick up your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Award-winning author Robert A. Walker grew up in Northwestern Massachusetts. After graduating college, he packed his scant belongings in a car with rusted-out floorboards and headed west. He’s lived in California ever since, and now resides along the Pacific Ocean with his wife and dogs. When not fabricating stories, he can be found roaming local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.
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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A new band of heroes must work together on yet another alternate Earth as the people of Earth reach to the stars in author Katrina Zari’s “The Mage of Terra: Warriors of Mirral”.
The Synopsis
If you have already read “The Queen of Nordern” then you probably know about the Mirral world, an alternate version of Earth.
But what if there are more worlds?
In this book, a world called Terra is another version of Earth, where humanity took a path of space exploration and travel.
Unfortunately, this world has also expanded in inequality, where the Core planets are rich and powerful, while the outsiders have to maintain a low life.
A small spaceship crew of undesirables meets a young girl with very unusual abilities and a strange history. Follow their adventures to find out about the world of Terra.
The Review
This was another thrilling and captivating read. The author did a phenomenal job crafting a unique narrative connected to the original novel, yet it was vastly different in genre and setting. The imagery the author conjures up through their writing expertly showcases the intensity of the action and the cosmic scope of the narrative overall.
The way the author crafts these new characters and the shocking connections they share to the original story make this an exciting novel. The world-building and in-depth character development engage the reader with the narrative, and the rich atmosphere the author develops will bring readers into the world of Terra and the Mirral universe.
The Verdict
Remarkable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Katrina Zari’s “The Mage of Terra” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy book. The narrative’s twists and turns, the dynamic world-building, and the cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for book 3. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Katrina Zari, an author born and raised in Russia, spent a significant time of her life immersed in its rich culture before transitioning on a life-changing journey to the United States two decades ago. Her decision to relocate was driven by love, as she followed the one and only person who held her heart. Throughout her upbringing, Katrina developed a strong passion for literature, particularly science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The local public library became her second home, where she would lose herself for countless hours in the captivating stories written by Asimov and Bradbury, King and Tolkien, Verne and Stephenson, or any other Si-Fi book she could access.
Inspired by these literary giants, Katrina’s creative mind was crowded with stories of her own imagination. She always wrote stories in her head, inspired by those great books. She was adding her own characters and coming up with their new adventures. It was no surprise that her stories predominantly featured a courageous female protagonist, a reflection of her deep understanding of these inspiring heroines whom she gladly associated herself with.
Years later, she found the courage to transition those stories from her thoughts onto paper.
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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A group of people must traverse Ireland in the midst of great upheaval and turmoil to restore reality and face a powerful enemy intent on destroying their destiny forever in author M.E. Grantham’s “Shifting Realities: The Hill”.
The Synopsis
At the brink of civil strife, Maeve, a remarkable energy healer in the serene landscapes of Ireland, struggles with haunting visions of three mysterious individuals. As chaos breaks upon their troubled homelands, Nick, James, and Carrie, driven by a desperate need to escape the inexplicable turmoil, unexpectedly come together on a destined journey to Ireland, where an unnatural connection weaves its magic among them.
Drawn by unseen forces and mysterious visions, their paths combine upon Maeve, a mysterious figure harboring the key to their intertwined destinies. United, they unravel harrowing revelations about their shared pasts, unfamiliar with the insidious destruction lurking within the shadows. Now, standing at the edge of an unraveling world, they must confront a daunting truth: the weight of restoring reality to its rightful course rests solely upon their shoulders.
In this gripping tale of resilience and sacrifice, follow Maeve, Nick, James, and Carrie as they navigate a deadly odyssey of uncertainty, danger, and self-discovery. As their connected destinies come together, they must confront their deepest fears and pass a tough test of their determination. Will they set things right and live to see a better future, or will a powerful enemy destroy their fate, leaving the world in endless misery and damage?
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping sci-fi meets metaphysical fantasy story. The reader is instantly transported to an alternate future storyline in which America sees states seceding from the Union, and people feel the political and social divides, something many modern readers can attest to in their own lives. The relatability of the inciting incidents and the tense atmosphere the author crafts allow the magic and spiritual journey the characters go on to be more profound and engaging.
Yet, as with any fantasy-driven story, character development was the heart of the narrative. Maeve brings these three people together, and how each character is given proper attention and personal history that they must overcome for the greater mission ahead of them makes this story’s overall action and wonderment feel more thoughtful. The exploration of ideas like cosmic scientific study and physiological aspects of our bodies and energy being connected to the grander tapestry of the universe allowed the reader to engage with more profound and exciting ideas through this fictional tale.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author M.E. Grantham’s “Shifting Realities: The Hill” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy metaphysical novel. The international suspense narrative delves into different cultures and backgrounds and other universes, making this a remarkable journey 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
M.E. Grantham, the author, brings a wealth of life experiences and a diverse background to her writing. Her upbringing in a military family exposed her to various cultures and ideas through extensive travel. Having lived in England for two years, she was fortunate to have an English teacher who ignited her passion for literature, laying the foundation for her literary journey.
Captivated by the intricacies of different societies, Grantham pursued a study of sociology, delving deeper into understanding the dynamics of human interaction. Her curiosity eventually led her to explore nursing, healing, and energy work , including modalities such as Reiki, Tibetan shamanic healing, and multi-dimensional healing. These transformative practices became an integral part of her personal growth following her father’s passing, inspiring her to share her experiences and insights through her writing.
To refine her artistic expression, Grantham dedicated herself to honing her writing skills. She immersed herself in the writing community, becoming a proud member of both The Porch in Nashville and the Atlanta Writers Club. Here, she engages with fellow writers, sharing ideas and fostering a supportive environment that nurtures creativity.
The resilient human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity serve as Grantham’s greatest sources of inspiration.
Witnessing individuals rise above their circumstances and transform into the best versions of themselves fuels her desire to learn, grow, and evolve, both personally and as a writer. She aspires to contribute to the collective human journey by offering hope, motivation, and insight through her words.
Outside the world of writing, Grantham resides just outside Nashville with her husband, sister, and a small pack of dogs. Her leisure time is enriched with reading and listening to audiobooks across a variety of genres. She enjoys spending quality time with her grown children and grandson, exploring the joys of painting, traveling, and engaging in playful rounds of hide and seek with her yellow lab, Bear. M.E. Grantham’s life experiences and dedication to holistic healing are deeply reflected in her writing, offering readers a unique perspective and inspiring stories.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman discovers the life she knew was a lie and must travel to the world she was born into in author Katrina Zari’s “The Queen of Nordern”.
The Synopsis
What if one day, your whole life changes when you are told that are not from this world you’ve known, but are actually a Princess from a kingdom located in a different world called Mirral?
What if you learn that in the world you are from, some people have special powers?
What if you fall in love with the one who came to bring you back to your kingdom?
What if no matter how much power you possess, what you want most is the one thing you cannot have?
The Review
This was a phenomenal and powerful fantasy story. The narrative’s fast pacing and the characters’ dynamics were immediately felt. The imagery used by the author in their writing allowed the reader to feel instantly transported alongside the protagonist to Mirral. The action and suspense fused into this sci-fi and fantasy-driven narrative allowed the reader to feel engaged in the hero’s journey the protagonist found themselves on.
Yet, in this book, the heart of the story rests in the chemistry between the protagonist and the person who came to bring her back to Mirral. The heat that develops and how they complement one another as they head into trouble on their path make this story shine. Yet it was the prosperous development of the protagonist herself, a strong and independent woman who takes this world-shattering news in stride and fights to showcase her power and determination, making her a fantastic hero to root for.
The Verdict
Epic, thrilling, and entertaining author Katrina Zari’s “The Queen of Nordern” is a must-read fantasy and sci-fi tale that is not to be missed. The twists and turns in the narrative and the fantastic world-building the author utilized pleasantly let the reader get lost in this story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Katrina Zari, an author born and raised in Russia, spent a significant time of her life immersed in its rich culture before transitioning on a life-changing journey to the United States two decades ago. Her decision to relocate was driven by love, as she followed the one and only person who held her heart. Throughout her upbringing, Katrina developed a strong passion for literature, particularly science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The local public library became her second home, where she would lose herself for countless hours in the captivating stories written by Asimov and Bradbury, King and Tolkien, Verne and Stephenson, or any other Si-Fi book she could access.
Inspired by these literary giants, Katrina’s creative mind was crowded with stories of her own imagination. She always wrote stories in her head, inspired by those great books. She was adding her own characters and coming up with their new adventures. It was no surprise that her stories predominantly featured a courageous female protagonist, a reflection of her deep understanding of these inspiring heroines whom she gladly associated herself with.
Years later, she found the courage to transition those stories from her thoughts onto paper.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman pursued by nefarious forces hoping to use her gift (or curse) for their own needs must discover who she can trust quickly in author S.D. Reeves novel, “A Song in the Dark”, the third book in the Evercharm series.
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The Synopsis
Everyone seeks her song. But who among them is prepared to die for it…
On a perilous mountain pass, Niena, the girl known as The Melody of Three, undertakes a treacherous journey with her fairy queen step-grandmother to escape all those who wish to control her. Niena’s gift is also her curse. As the descendant of three races, she is the only one who can play the Evercharm, the lyre used to create the fairy, elf, and human worlds. For sorcerer Christaan De Rein and his trusted apprentice Higgins, he needs Niena for the protection of the Curators. But after one long week into their journey to capture her, it feels as if they are chasing shadows.
When those shadows transform into seething Udur, the Teamor’s vicious hounds, Rein’s traveling party are not the only ones in imminent danger. Niena is learning fast that reality is not all that it seems. And if creation is to be stopped from unraveling completely, she must decide exactly who she can trust…
The Review
This was a compelling and captivating read. The author did a fantastic job of world-building, crafting a narrative that is both detailed and imaginative all at once. The haunting imagery the author captures not only highlights the fantasy genre so perfectly but also brings a cinematic flair that keeps the action and adventure elements of the story fresh and alive on the page.
The character development was astounding in this story. The balance between Niena’s struggles as the weight of not one but several worlds hangs on her shoulders and the sense of destiny and hope that Rein exudes as he explores the elements of harmony that the themes play on kept these two protagonists highly engaging to the reader. The concept of vibrations and music overall impacting a world and the universal language we all speak made the fantasy and action elements explode off the page.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Stephen Reeves’s “A Song in the Dark” is a must-read sword and sorcery style fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the narrative and the gripping character growth help evolve the world in which the story is being told, and the narrative itself makes this a truly thrilling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Stephen Reeves was born in 1980 in Huntsville, Alabama. He currently resides in Switzerland with an undetermined number of cats greater than zero, and a propensity for nonsense. On those cold nights where the wind steams off snowbanks, he is known to write award-winning fantasy novels. And curse his wife’s cold feet.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man lost after the tragic loss of his daughter must navigate a conspiracy filled with alchemy and a terrible secret in author Michael J Stiehl’s “The Maiden’s Sleep”.
The Synopsis
Bow has hit bottom. Banished from the town of Dunwynn, his hands crippled by the town guard, he drinks his days away in a hut made of sticks and mud. He is a long way from being part of the legendary father/daughter duo Knife & Bow.
That’s because his daughter is dead. Killed by The Maiden’s Sleep, a plague that ran rampant through Dunwynn all spring and summer, killing only young women.
Now, there are two children in his hut asking him to find their missing father. Against his better instincts and to make a little money, he decides to help. It’s a decision that will lead him into the darkest corners of Dunwynn, revealing a secret sect of alchemy and a plot to achieve unspeakable power.
Can Bow play the hero one more time, or will the truth about The Maiden’s Sleep be his end?
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping fantasy thriller. The story gives readers a captivating experience as the world building allows the imagery in the author’s writing to expand and grow exponentially in the reader’s mind. The tension the builds in the book, especially as the mystery behind this illness that took the protagonist’s daughter begins to unfold, made the narrative more complex yet enthralling to read.
Yet it was the heartfelt, complicated and emotional character development that made this story so unique. The revelation behind his daughter’s death, the emotional struggle of his journey to help these children, and the dark blend of alchemy and nefarious villains give the protagonist a harrowing yet well rounded character driven narrative for readers to get lost in.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and compelling, author Michael J Stiehl’s “The Maiden’s Sleep” is a must read fantasy thriller you don’t want to miss. The twists and turns in the narrative and the rich character arcs will leave readers eager for more, and a Knife and Bow prequel is a definite must. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Michael J. Stiehl has had a lifelong passion for fiction, in particular horror, comics, adventure and science fiction, and is thrilled to finally be writing some of his own. Michael lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife, two kids and his very silly poodle Jack. When not writing fiction, Michael spends his time riding bikes, camping, reading books, obsessively listening to music and playing D&D with his friends. In short, he hasn’t changed a bit since junior high.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A world divided by two kingdoms, one of light and one of darkness, finds themselves drawn together when a princess of light seeks a voice calling her name from the darkness, where a prince waits to see if she brings peace or war with her, in author Aviv’s “Blue Moon: A Love Story Between Darkness and Light”.
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The Synopsis
What is it she wants?
Does she come in peace?
Or is it war she seeks?
The Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of Light lie side by side, separated by a wide river, the shadowy bank grim, the water cold, black, bitter, and seething with dangerous reptiles and creatures that crawl on their bellies in the slime.
The other bank is a haven of light and plenty. The air is as clear as crystal, the water clean and pleasing to the touch. Myriad rainbow fish dart through its waters, reflecting a thousand bright colors.
As her people celebrate, a blue-eyed princess looks into the darkness on the other side and feels an inexplicable attraction. She has always felt this powerful longing; a longing for the new and unknown, the different and the hidden. Many times, she has swum toward the dark kingdom, but has never set foot on its dark shore. This time, though, it will be different. This time someone has called her name.
From deep in the shadows, the prince watches the swimming princess who fills his every thought.
What is it she wants?
Does she come in peace?
Or is it war she seeks?
The Review
This was a creative and powerful read. The author did an amazing job of world-building and capturing the tone of classic fairy tales. The visceral imagery that the author’s work brings to life in the story is powerful indeed, with the kingdoms of light and darkness each taking a life of their own and showcasing the engaging settings of these two kingdoms.
The compelling story, rich character dynamics, and breathtaking themes all collide into one magical fairytale that is impossible to put down. The way author touches upon themes of “good and evil”, and the way we determine those parameters, as well as classic themes of star-crossed lovers that showcase the power of two people from different worlds coming together to create something unique and beautiful.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, magical, and entertaining, author Aviv’s “Blue Moon” is a must-read fable and fantasy read. The mythos and the heart that the author pours into this narrative, as well as the compelling character interactions between the Prince and the Princess, as well as their respective families. The love, the emotional growth between their two worlds, and the powerful imagery of this fairytale come to life wonderfully on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Born in Israel during the seventies, Aviv is a long-time enthusiast of fairy tales, myths, and legends. “Blue Moon: A Love Story Between Darkness and Light” marks Aviv’s debut book.
