Tag: fantasy series

Ironbound (Ironbound Book 1) by Andrew Givler 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 young man’s dreams are shattered by an attack, and he must learn to survive after bonding to an unwanted element in author Andrew Givler’s “Ironbound.”

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The Synopsis

Arcane Ascension meets The Blade Itself in the epic fantasy adventure IRONBOUND, where the will to survive – and the urge for revenge – cuts cold and deep.

In the Iron Empire only the strongest are given the chance to Ascend.

Castor has wanted to fuse with a Cor Heart since he was a boy. Made from an otherworldly metal, it will give him the ability to manipulate an element. Now that the trial has finally arrived, it is his chance to prove his worth.

Once he has won the Empress’ blessing, he can attune to a Symbol and begin a life of adventure.

But during the trial, his dreams are interrupted by a vicious attack. His home is left in ruins and his family in peril, all while Castor and his friends are carried away to be conscripted into the Legions.

Bound to a Symbol he never wanted, Castor must survive the Iron City, the enemies in the frozen North, and hidden traitors inside the Rusting Empire before he can get revenge on the ones who took everything from him.

This is the first step of the rise of the Ironbound.

Don’t miss the start of this action-packed, adrenaline-fueled Progression Fantasy epic from Andrew Givler, bestselling author of Soul Fraud and the creator of Sigils, a Youtube channel with 1.4+ Million Subscribers.

Perfect for fans of Arcane Ascension, Mark of the Fool, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series, The Will of the Many, Book 1 in the Hierarchy series (James Islington), Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law Trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, Last Argument of Kings), Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera Series, and The Sword of Kaigen.

The Review

This was a compelling, gripping epic fantasy read. The worldbuilding here was top-notch, giving readers a magical system and a rich mythos that made this world feel real and tangible on the page. The use of Roman historical concepts and societal aspects of the Roman Empire in this narrative, and the ways this informed the main narrative and the significant plot developments, made this story engrossing, as readers found themselves lost in the world and invested in how these characters are pushed to their limits.

The character development was the heart of this story. Castor was a complex protagonist, showing his metamorphosis from a devoted and hopeful servant of the Empire to a revenge-fueled slave seeking justice for his people after a tragic accident spiraled into violence. The psychological and emotional toll this took on him, as well as the mounting losses he suffers throughout the book, give the novel a truly gripping, haunting tone that drives it significantly. 

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The Verdict

If readers were to imagine Gladiator mixed with Game of Thrones and the Thread of Souls series, they would recognize author Andrew Givler’s “Ironbound” as a must-read epic fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new fantasy series. The twists and turns the story takes, the rich imagery of the author’s writing that brings these gritty, brutal battles to life, and the narrative’s detailed pacing as a whole elevated the character development and mythos to all-new heights, leaving readers eager for book two in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Andrew is the author of the Debt Collection and also a gaming YouTuber known as Sigils. He loves making people laugh, video games, and food. (Not always in that order.) He lives in LA.

Social Media:
Twitter: @sigils
Instagram: @sigils
TikTok: @GivReads
Youtube: @Sigils
BookTube: @GivReads

https://www.andrewgivler.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ironbound-andrew-givler/1146889383?ean=9781638493044

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Blood and Flame: The Quinate’s Faithful Book One by Brendan Corbett 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. 

Two women from vastly different backgrounds must work together to discover the truth behind their shared beliefs in a dangerous race to stand up for what is right in author Brendan Corbett’s “Blood and Flame”, the first book in The Quinate’s Faithful series.

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The Synopsis

Two young women from vastly different worlds.

A magical quest that will test all that they believe.

Beneath the shroud of darkness, two Initiates await their future. Both seek the same-to undergo the Rite of the Faithful and become Mages in the Quinarium.

For Dara, becoming a Blood Mage is a way to flee poverty and leave her past behind, while Wynne’s desire to be a Flame Mage means rebelling against her family’s wishes and turning her back on her wealth and status.

Paired together to perform their unusual rite, they must stop the mysterious slaughter of a village’s livestock and investigate rumors of an impossible source of mana, the fuel used for magic.

Their quest sends them on a fantastical journey across the world of Llendshold, from dangerous Fae forests, across treacherous waters, and deep underground into a dwarf city.

In seeking answers, their loyalty to the Quinarium is shaken to breaking point. Nor can they ignore the power of their growing bond.

But if they stand up for what is right and embrace the truth, will it mean losing all that they hoped for?

Blood and Flame is Book One in The Quinate’s Faithful, a fantasy trilogy filled with magic, action-packed adventures, and a touch of slow-burn romance.

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping fantasy read. The author brilliantly expands on this mystical world of fae and ogres, as well as many other creatures, while also showcasing the powerful magic that fuels this adventure. The worldbuilding was top-notch, really emphasizing the different classes of mage and the different approaches to magic that they embody. This also helped fuel the character arcs of this narrative, as the more ruthless blood mages often clashed with the healing and light fire mages. Yet, the book offers great LGBTQ representation through protagonists Dara and Wynn. Their journey does a fantastic job not only of allowing them to see one another but also of bringing them closer together as a result.

The themes explored in this book offer a unique perspective on the fantasy genre, as they examine what happens when organized religious institutions co-opt a particular faith, forcing those driven by faith to question who they follow and why. The slow-burning storytelling and time to explore every faction of this world helped elevate the strength of this religion and its profound impact on the world.

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The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and mesmerizing, author Brendan Corbett’s “Blood and Flame” is a must-read fantasy novel and a grand entry in the Quinate’s Faithful series. The twists and turns that this story takes, the balance of religious undertones, and the relatability and passion for these two protagonists and the cast of characters they encounter will leave readers breathless, as the cliffhanger ending keeps them eager for the next installment in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brendan Corbett grew up in a military family, always on the move. Books, particularly fantasy, were both stabilizing and the ultimate escape, companions to other worlds that could journey with him even when friends could not. As an adult his career turned away from the arts, though a wide range of experiences have brought him back to his love of writing. He now resides in Oregon with his wife, son, dog and two kittens. While writing consumes much of his time, you might also find him at one of his ridiculous list of hobbies, including cooking, gardening, hiking, gaming, archery, volunteering, and woodworking.

https://authorbrendancorbett.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-and-flame-brendan-corbett/1147260503?ean=9798990189973

https://amzn.to/4gI6way

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PRESS RELEASE: ETERNITY’S END: Book 5 of the Eternal Chronicles Series by Zachary Hagen

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press ReleasesLeave a comment

ETERNITY’S END: Book 5 of the Eternal Chronicles Series The end of the critically acclaimed Christian saga is here by Zachary Hagen.

Version 1.0.0

Either let it burn, or drown it in the waves.

Taariq has continued his descent into madness, and his supporters are
more devoted than ever, at least for a time. As he pursues his ultimate
goal of reclaiming his dragon form and tearing Aelon and Michael from
their throne, Elior, Nereza, Opal, and Nyx aim to follow Michael’s call, but
it isn’t easy.


Building a boat in the peaks of Nanony seems foolish to most, and
plagues divide the faithful from the merely present until dragon-fire rains
down and flood waters rise. Will Taariq finally be defeated, or will his mad
rush for power prove successful against the forces of light?


This final installment of The Eternal Chronicles brings together old friends
and lovers for one final battle that will decide the fate of Lux and Nox Terra
forevermore. This fast-paced tale will keep you hooked from cover to
cover with a whiplash race to the end of our heroes’ journey.

Eternity’s End: Hagen, Zachary: 9798334612983: Books – Amazon.ca

Other Books in The Series:

Books — Zachary Hagen Writes

“Zachary Hagen’s Eternity’s Well (Eternal Chronicles Book 1) is a bold and delightful opening into a fantasy series that is worth following” _ The Serial Reader


“The apparent audience is the teen and YA group, though the ideas supported by this novel should appeal to a wider group. Zachary Hagen is establishing a solid seat in the fantasy genre” _ Grady Harp, Top 100 Amazon Reviewer.

About Zachary:

Zachary Hagen is a Christian fantasy author and editor. He lives with his
wife, Claudia, and their dog, Flynn. When he isn’t busy writing his next
book or working with an editing client, you can often find him walking
around his neighborhood or hiking.


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.

More information can be found about him at: Zachary Hagen Writes

To Be a Fae (Realm Chronicles Book 5) by Tricia Copeland 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 Queen must decide where her allegiances reside and how to bring peace to two realms in author Tricia Copeland’s “To Be a Fae”, the final book in the Realm Chronicles series.

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The Synopsis

Evil lurks in unexpected places.

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

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

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

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

How do you stop evil when it resides within everyone?

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

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

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The Review

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

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

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The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and memorable, author Tricia Copeland’s “To be a Fae” is a strong finish to the Realm Chronicles series and a must-read fantasy-driven novel. The shocking twists and turns of the story, as well as the emotional payoffs it provides and the balance between the protagonist’s resilience in the face of betrayal and her brushes with politics and war, will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the book’s final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on July 29th, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Young adult fiction author Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She believes magic infuses every aspect of our lives and each of us create our own brand of magic. Whether transforming hearts, lives, numbers, ideas, art, music, or simply enjoying nature, we discover magic every day. She aims to write stories that show what is possible when one commits to finding their own version of magic. With urban fantasy and paranormal young adult titles, you’re sure to find a magical character and story line to love within her books.

Whether you’re looking for a fun romance, inspiring story of strength, fantasy, paranormal, or a dystopian sci-fi, you’ve come to the right place. Award-winning author Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now calls Colorado home. If she’s not on the trail you can find her creating magical stories at www.triciacopeland.com.

PRESS RELEASE: THE SORCERER’S SONG FANTASY SERIES BY BRIAN D. ANDERSON

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press ReleasesLeave a comment

___________________________________________________________________________________________

The Sorcerers Song

A three book epic series by Award-winning and critically acclaimed author, Brian D. Anderson 

The Bard’s Blade is the start of the new Sorcerer’s Song fantasy adventure series from Brian D. Anderson, bestselling author of The Godling Chronicles and Dragonvein.

A Chorus of Fire is the second installment of the Sorcerer’s Song fantasy adventure series from Brian D. Anderson, bestselling author of The Godling Chronicles and Dragonvein.

Lem continues his descent into darkness, serving a man he does not trust in the name of a faith which is not his own. Only Shemi keeps his heart from succumbing to despair, along with the knowledge that he has finally found Mariyah. But Lem is convinced she is being held against her will, and compelled to do the bidding of her captors. He is determined to free her, regardless the cost.

Their separate roads are leading them to the same destination. And once they arrive they will have to confront more than the power of Belkar. They will have to face themselves and what Lamoria has forced them to become.

At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Sword’s Elegy is the third book in a new epic fantasy trilogy from successful self-published author Brian D. Anderson, perfect for fans of The Wheel of Time and The Sword of Truth

“Magic, music, assassinations, and betrayal . . . a successful mix of some of the finest elements of James Islington’s The Shadow of What Was Lost, Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind, and Anderson’s own Behind the Vale . . . everything fans of epic fantasy will be looking for on their next big adventure. Highly recommended.” _ Grimdark Magazine

“Damn entertaining and engrossing . . . The alluring song that Anderson orchestrated with his words enchanted me, and I absolutely loved every second of reading The Bard’s Blade.” _ Novel Notions

“Filled with twists and turns, likable characters, and rich worldbuilding. Natural pacing provides an equal mix of colorful descriptions, character development, and exciting action scenes.” _ Library Journal

“Ambitious, enjoyable . . . surprising twists [and] plenty to be explored in further installments.” _ Publishers Weekly

“Fantasy tale with magic, music, and a looming evil starts a new series that fans of Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind will enjoy.” _ Booklist

Author of over 25 novels, Brian D. Anderson gained massive popularity right out of the gate with his debut series, The Godling Chronicles. His follow-up series, Dragonvein, was just as popular, Book One becoming a Top Five Finalist on Audible.com for Fantasy Book of the Year in 2015 – becoming the very first independent to reach the finals. But Anderson was far from finished.

After co-authoring the Akiri series with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.

Still, Anderson felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series and is currently writing short fiction for the Conan the Barbarian Franchise.

When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama or astride his Harley Davidson, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books. Information on the Sorcerers Song series can be found here:   The Sorcerer's Song (3 book series) Audible Audiobook Edition

Shadows of Rebellion (Four Territories Book One) by L.M. French 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 half-human sentinel and a bearer of one of the seals of the Four Territories must go on the run after rumors of an unstable half-breed cause The Order to begin hunting her down, as well as her homicidal half-brother, in author L.M. French’s “Shadows of Rebellion”, the first in the Four Territories Urban Fantasy series. 

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The Synopsis

This is not a happily ever after. This is where it all went wrong. Our king is missing and the last link to him is broken. Terrifying breeds that disappeared centuries ago have returned and are waging war on the Territories. And I am becoming… something.

An unknown power grows inside me and rumors of an unstable half-breed threaten my very existence. It seems outrunning my homicidal foster brother isn’t enough. I’m now on the run from the Order that would see my kind extinct.

Our allies need me to find our king, but is it enough to keep me alive?

My name is Veda Grey and I am the half-human sentinel and seal-bearer of the Four Territories. And if my current predicament is any indication, I’m about to be executed for treason.

Shadows of Rebellion is an Urban Fantasy novel with adult language, situations, and violence.

The Review

This was a fantastic and exhilarating new urban fantasy read. The maturity and intensity of the narrative when blended with the witty and sometimes humorous dialogue between the characters felt like a blend of True Blood meets The Elder Scrolls. The protagonist, Veda, is such a complex and engaging character to follow, and the alternating chapters between characters made the world feel more alive and larger than life. 

What stood out in this narrative was the well-rounded mythos that the author crafted for this series. The Four Territories are a unique world of supernatural creatures, ancient magic, and twists and turns that see friends become foes and monsters into heroes. The world itself felt so alive that it becomes almost like its own character.

The Verdict

A memorable, entertaining, and thrilling new Urban Fantasy read, author L.M. French’s “Shadows of Rebellion” is the perfect first chapter of this brand new series. An enticing new world and shocking twists and turns will keep readers hooked, as will the cliffhanger ending that will leave the fate of several characters up in the air. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

L.M. French is a baby indie author of urban fantasy residing in the Lone Star State with the love of her life, eight-year-old Jack. While she dreams up misadventures with uncooperative participants, he keeps her inspired with his own stories villains and anti-heroes. Where they live, imagination is a superpower. Connect with them via Facebook, email, or carrier pidgeon.

Just kidding.

Birds are mean.

www.lmfrench.com

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