Tag: fantasy book review

The Maiden’s Sleep by Michael J Stiehl 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 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.

Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/michael.stiehl

Goodreads -> https://www.goodreads.com/michaelstiehl

Amazon -> https://www.amazon.com/author/michael_stiehl

Blue Moon: A Love Story Between Darkness and Light by Aviv 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 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?

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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.

Eternity’s Well (Eternal Chronicles Book 1) by Zachary Hagen 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 group of people who have experienced great loss joins forces to stop an ancient evil lurking in the shadows in author Zachary Hagen’s “Eternity’s Well”, the first in the Eternal Chronicles series.

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The Synopsis

When you lose family, friends, and country, how far is too far?

Elior watched as his twin brother, the only real family he had left run into a building as it disappeared.

Nyx, a cursed merman, watched as his father and best friend were killed in front of him.

Opal’s father died leaving her with a legacy to live up to and a throne to protect.

When they join forces with a wise professor to find the Well of Eternity, can they find answers to their problems? Can the ancient evil lurking in the shadows of society be stopped before it’s too late, or will blood be spilled killing their hope and dooming Lux Terra forever?

Eternity’s Well will hook you from the very beginning and take you on a spellbinding, breathtaking journey through a new world where anything is possible.

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The Review

This was such an imaginative and visceral read. The author did an incredible job of capturing the magic and wonder of this new fantasy world while balancing this with emotion and realism that brings these characters’ struggles a healthy dose of emotional reality. The world-building and atmosphere felt epic in this book, giving the reader a look into the mythos and dynamics of this world and the cultures of these characters in a way that feels relatable yet magical all at once.

The character development and tension that the book builds to in this novel were the highlights of this incredible novel. The infusion of the world’s mythos into these character arcs made the world feel vibrant and alive, and the emotional toll that the losses that bond these characters together take will resonate with many readers. Amongst the chilling villains and ancient evils that the group must battle and navigate through, it is the theme of loss that plays the most prevalent, and the imagery in this writing helps to bring this theme to life in a thrilling way.

The Verdict

Memorable, gripping, and entertaining, author Zachary Hagen’s “Eternity’s Well” is a must-read novel, and a great start to the author’s Eternal Chronicles series! The twists and turns in the novel and the cliffhanger that keeps the reader invested in the series’ future made this a compelling and heartfelt narrative that kept me engaged and interested in seeing how this series develops. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Zachary Hagen is a fantasy author and editor. He lives his wife, Claudia, and their dog, Flynn. When he isn’t busy writing his next book or teaching, you can often find him walking around his neighbor hood or up hiking in Hanging Rock Park with his wife and their friends.

From a young age he was enthralled with the world of story. From the stories his parents read to him from his blue bedtime story books (if you know, you know) to the first two series that he read, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Series of Unfortunate Events, Zachary’s tastes continued to develop throughout his years of reading.

The influences for his first series, The Eternal Chronicles, include Christopher Paolini, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and others.

https://zacharyhagenwrites.com/

Cursebreakers by Madeline Nakamura 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 professor of magic struggling with his own mental health must face a powerful curse affecting the city of Astrum while being caught between scheming magical academics and a power-hungry military in author Madeline Nakamura’s “Cursebreakers”. 

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The Synopsis

Adrien Desfourneaux, professor of magic, must survive his own failing mental health and a tenuous partnership with a dangerous ally in order to save the city of Astrum from a spreading curse.

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Adrien Desfourneaux, professor of magic and disgraced ex-physician, has discovered a conspiracy. Someone is inflicting magical comas on the inhabitants of the massive city of Astrum, and no one knows how or why. Caught between a faction of scheming magical academics and an explosive schism in the ranks of the Astrum’s power-hungry military, Adrien is swallowed by the growing chaos. Alongside Gennady, an unruly, damaged young soldier, and Malise, a brilliant healer and Adrien’s best friend, Adrien searches for a way to stop the spreading curse before the city implodes. He must survive his own bipolar disorder, his self-destructive tendencies, and his entanglement with the man who doesn’t love him back.

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The Review

This was a compelling read. The blend of dark academia with adult fantasy storytelling was remarkable to see come alive on the pages of this book. The world-building and imagery the author infused into their writing allowed the story to shine and brought to life the rich city of Astrum in a way that felt almost cinematic in its display. 

The heart of this story resided in the themes and character arcs that the author explored. Protagonist Adrien is a uniquely complex and flawed hero, and yet someone you still want to root for as time goes on. The exploration of mental health and the importance of taking control of your own mental health journey is great to see come to life through Adrien’s story, and the way the author was able to infuse important relationships into the story without including romance as a plot device was great to see come to life in this book as well.

The Verdict

Compelling, thrilling, and entertaining, author Madeline Nakamura’s “Cursebreakers” is a must-read adult fantasy and dark academia read. The conflict that arises between the academics of this city and the more strength-driven military might of the Vigil was fascinating to see come to life on the page, and the twists and turns this narrative takes will keep fans eager for more from this remarkable author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of this book or read it on September 12th, 2023! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Madeleine Nakamura is a writer, editor, and lifelong fantasy devotee. She began writing her first novel the day she realized a computer science degree wasn’t happening. She graduated from Mills College in Oakland with a degree in creative writing. She is based in Los Angeles, California.

https://madeleinenakamura.com/books/

Mistress of the Rock (The Cyprus Mysteries Book 1) by Myron Edwards Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

A veteran of the Gulf War returns to the island of Cyprus where his nightmares began in an attempt to rid himself of that nightmare once and for all, only to discover the line between mythology and reality is not as solid as he thought in author Myron Edwards’s “Mistress of the Rock”, the first book in the Cyprus Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

All is fair in love and war. Or is it?

For Richard Cole, ex-veteran of the First Gulf War, the memories of conflict have become the nightmares of his reality, and only by confronting them can he begin to live again.

He returns to the Island of Cyprus some twenty years later to where it all began, for a vacation with his wife, Julie. But a chance discovery places him in a dilemma, as he learns that Greek Gods and mortals should never mix.

Now, with Richard powerless to stop the momentum of a phenomenon that tests him to his limits, challenging all that he knows and loves against a fantasy of myth and legend, he must struggle to find the truth between what is real and what is not; but at what cost?

On the island of love, one man’s obsession turns to possession, as his mind, body, and soul are trapped between two worlds and two women.

‘Mistress of the Rock is a very possessive spirit; she does not give her affections lightly.’ As Richard Cole is about to discover.

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The Review

This was a fascinating and gripping fantasy read. The balance the author struck in the buildup of Richard’s character arc and the fantasy-driven Greek mythology aspects of the narrative were superb, and the detail the author put into the everyday life of Richard really made the reader feel the relatability of the character. 

The imagery and the atmosphere made the story really come to life on the page. The author’s writing style allowed the pacing to build up slowly and capture the shock and awe that comes with discovering the realities of the existence of the Greek gods. The larger-than-life battles with the gods themselves and the themes of love, betrayal, and passion perfectly reflected the internal battle within Richard as a character and made the reader become really invested in the arc of his story. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and captivating, author Myron Edwards’s “Mistress of the Rock” is a must-read fantasy novel. Infused with elements of horror, adventure, and intrigue, the author not only delves into the impacts of war on those who were forced to fight in them but the power of mythology and how we relate to it as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in 1952 in Orsett, Essex in England, the youngest son to Welsh parents Iris and Bill Edwards. Upon leaving school, he went into the travel industry, where he travelled the world, working in travel agencies, tour operators and airlines for some 30 years. In 1976 Myron began freelance writing for BBC, radio and television, his credits include the Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and the News Huddlines. In 1980, he joined JWT advertising, as a copywriter writing his first TV commercial for dog food inside 10 days. His love for the creative never left him and in 1987 he created Tubewalking, a new map concept, to help people get around London easier on foot, which still operates today. In 1990 he married Niki, whose family background is Greek Cypriot. On a family trip to Cyprus, visiting Aphrodite’s Rock for the first time, the beginnings of his passion to write the story of Mistress of the Rock came into fruition. Moving his family in 2005 to Cyprus to live, gave him the opportunity to write, as during this time he worked on campaigns for TV and Radio in an advertising agency in Limassol. The first manuscript of the book was completed in 2007, released by a local publisher it had a limited audience, but was well received by those who had read it. He has now completed the sequel and is working on the third part of this story. Myron has three children, two sons and one daughter all grown up.

https://www.myronedwardsbooks.com/

Hunted by Fire (Fires of Innovation Book 1) by Jim Hepburn 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 harboring rebellion in his heart as humanity is forced to serve under the dragon gods finds himself in a fight for his life and the lives of those he loves in author Jim Hepburn’s “Hunted by Fire”, the first book of the Fires of Innovation series. 

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The Synopsis

Finding one’s place is never easy.

What is fifteen-year-old Felix Deltorei supposed to do when he longs for rebellion? In his world, where the dragon Gods reign with barbaric force, such thoughts could cost him his life.

The risks have been drilled into Felix and his friends since they were children. The war between humans and the winged Gods ended with a treaty; humanity would serve them or be driven extinct. Hundreds of years later, under the watchful eyes of the Gods and their devoted followers, those same laws remain.

Felix knows he has to find his place in the world before he’s found out. Surrounded by teachers who only ever value faith, obedience, but also technological advancement, Felix strives to achieve security and a better life in the only way he knows how; with his inventive mind. However, just as he gets his chance, one of the province’s famed inquisitors arrives in town. Little does Felix know, the devastating events about to take place will risk exposing him, but they will also push him out into a journey that might mean the deaths of the ones he loves if he can’t escape in time.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gritty high fantasy read for YA fans. The chilling environment that the author’s narrative encompasses takes the reader to new heights, exploring a frightful world in which the protagonists are thrust into a race of survival against impossible odds. The terror that encompasses the opening chapters as the power of the “gods” and those that serve them becomes apparent made this a gripping tale immediately.

For me, the heart of this story comes in the world-building and mythos that the story encompasses. The concept of these all-powerful forces of nature and the need for rebellion taking heart in the cast of characters made this story flow smoothly. The themes of forced conformity and religious oversight made this a thought-provoking read as well and helped elevate the fantasy elements of the story.

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The Verdict

Harrowing, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jim Hepburn’s “Hunted by Fire” is a must-read YA fantasy novel that is both a great start to a brand new series and a richly developed fantasy world. The dynamics between the protagonists and the depth of their journey both together and separately made this a truly compelling fantasy world to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Like many young men in high school cursed with a dash of creativity, Jim found a love for writing, which everybody else thought was practically useless. Those folks urged him to get good at math and science instead, and so he worked at those, but he was never sure if he could hack them out at a university level. After he graduated said university with an arts degree (where he had to read an awful lot), he wondered what other young people had gone through the same thing. It’s always been his dream to inspire young men and women to pursue STEM projects, as he thinks the world could use as many helping hands it can get and he thinks they are up to the challenge.

In other news, he grew up near Toronto, Canada and devoured any written adventure he could find, including many of the works written by Kenneth Oppel, D. J. MacHale, Christopher Paolini, and Rick Riordan. Later on, it was Jim Butcher, R.A. Salvator, Hajime Isayama, and Tsugumi Ohba who fueled him through his early adult years and to whom he associates much of his personal growth to.

Kingdom Society: Broken Reality by Nathan Helm Review

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

A hero in the making must face a challenging new threat as he and his allies seek a new teacher and discover the temptation of a new power in author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: Broken Reality”, the second book in the Kingdom Society.

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The Synopsis

After the events of the evil Black Hood, Alyeth finds himself struggling with internal conflict at every turn. Given the opportunity, he goes with his master Xylok, Ezra, Koren, and Cindrel to learn from a powerful warlock Pyrres Galhon in Stonehaven. During his training, he learns of new forces in the universe that have their own plans for him, as well as learning more about his new teacher. When all seemed to be well on a normal Nature Extravaganza, Alyeth finds himself trapped in a precarious situation created by the devious Game Master. Alyeth must use his own instincts and intuition to find and save his team, as well as struggling with the new choice of power he is offered. Come join this action-packed adventure full of love, excitement, and new discovery and find out where our hero will end up!

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The Review

This was a powerful fusion of science fiction and fantasy! As a newcomer to the series, I found the author did a wonderful job of introducing the characters in a way that made the events of the first book feel alive and fresh in this world, giving enough information to move forward in this new adventure. The world-building and mythology the author establishes made the sci-fi and fantasy elements of the narrative feel natural and cohesive in this universe, making this a compelling read.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in character development and world-building. For me, some of the most interesting characters in a story prove to be the ones who skate the line between good and evil, and Korath is a great example of this, as his tragic backstory serves as the prologue to this narrative. The action and adventure this story breeds with him at the forefront, along with protagonist Alyeth, made this a memorable reading experience.

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The Verdict

Memorable, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: Broken Reality” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel and a great addition to this growing series. The cosmic and elder god elements of the narrative and the tension that builds over time, both internally for Alyeth, and externally as these champions are chosen, made the series of twists and turns building throughout this narrative so compelling. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Award-Winning Author Nathan Helm doesn’t just have style, he puts the funk right into fantasy. Spending his days typing much faster than should be humanly possible, he creates stories for you to love and cherish. When he’s not driving his big rig bringing goods to all the country, he spends his time hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, narrating audio books, singing, watching anime, going to church, and spending time with friends and family. He hopes you love the books to come, with two separate books series titled Dreamwalker, and Planet Conquest in the works, he will not leave you with a dull moment for years to come. You can follow this author on all social media by searching Author Nathan Helm or @thefunkyfantasyman. Author website is in the works, and he looks forward to the journey with all of you. Because as he says, “There’s nothing more important than making your fans happy!” God Bless you all and happy reading!

Once Upon a Wonderland by DJ Stoneham Review

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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

Divergence (The Immortals Book One) by Melanie P. Smith Review

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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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Six immortals must work together to confront a dangerous enemy in author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence”, the first book in The Immortals series. 

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The Synopsis 

Part Mortal, Part Divinity, Fully Devoted.

The gathering has begun. Six demigods embark on an epic journey of danger, mystical creatures, dark magic, and intrigue. When an ancient prophesy is triggered, the tale of six powerful immortals begins. Legend has it, the chosen six will triumph over evil and restore peace. But first, they must gather together and converge on the land where their parents were defeated. Time is running out, the Titans want revenge, and the future of the entire world is at stake.

Meet the immortals -The wiccan, the shifter, the Master of Water, the siren, the healer, the Reader of Minds. Their destiny awaits — if they accept their fate and unite to confront a dangerous enemy in the battle of a lifetime.  

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The Review

This was quite an epic and captivating fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel. The captivating imagery and steady buildup of tension early on in the novel help underscore the vastness of the mythos that the protagonists find themselves thrust into suddenly. The complex dynamics of the Greek gods and demigods, as well as the mythical creatures that inhabit the world and the infamous Titans, helped elevate the stakes that this narrative holds and added a great foil to the more modern era in which the setting takes place.

The core of this narrative had to be in the captivating character dynamics that this book brought to life. The friendship that is tested and highlighted in Zander and Beckett and the romance Beckett builds with another of the immortals are just a couple of the multitude of relationships that the narrative effortlessly brings together and engages with the reader. The emotional depth of the character’s backstories and the heightened tension that builds from those relationships helps drive the action and intensity of the novel’s plot tenfold.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and gripping, author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence” is a must-read fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel and a great first entry into The Immortals franchise. The twists and turns that keep the shocks and mythos alive on the page and the balance of adult storytelling in a fantasy-driven world of gods and monsters made this a complex yet inviting narrative that readers will want to get lost in for hours. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Melanie P. Smith was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has an Associates of Science degree in Marketing, a bachelor’s in Business Management, and a Masters Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Mediation.

Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.

Visit Melanie on her website at www.melaniepsmith.com

Find her on Facebook at https://geni.us/MPSFacebook

Instagram https://geni.us/MPSInstagram

YouTube https://geni.us/MPSmithYouTube