Tag: fantasy

The Trenches of Glodan: Perpetual War Book One by Tyler Kalarchian Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young woman with great power must find a way of surviving a war that has engulfed her world for thousands of years in author Tyler Kalarchian’s “The Trenches of Glodan,” the first book in the Perpetual War series.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Since she was a child, Natalia Ludmila was destined to join the war that had engulfed the world for thousands of years. Her close friends were allowed to stay back and enjoy the freedom of life as citizens while she was sent off to join the military. The reason for her fate was the essence that flows through her veins, caused by the mark of a Blood Tree making her an esper.

This mark has left Natalia an outcast in society yet highly desired for the powers she possesses. Challenges come at her from every angle as she desperately fights to survive—a fight that could very well lead her to a chance at freedom from the war.

Now cast forth into the snow, Natalia is tasked with scouting the town of Basavan for any life within it. This simple mission promises her the rank of Gamayun. A rank that will bring great challenges and opportunities.

The Review

What a truly remarkable read. The author did an incredible job crafting a unique and vivid world perpetually locked into war. The depth of character development for the protagonist allowed her journey to feel real and haunting all at once. The author found balance in the story’s more fantasy-driven elements with the more grounded, visceral nature of the setting and events that plague this world.

What spoke to me more than anything was the book’s powerful themes that touched upon life struggles people have dealt with for centuries. The horrors of war and its physical and mental impact on those forced into it were greatly felt, and the reader could feel the emotional weight of the war, particularly the trench warfare that spoke to the WWI elements of the setting. The mythos and world-building that the book included made this a memorable read.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, action-packed, and engaging author Tyler Kalarchian’s “The Trenches of Glodan: Perpetual War Book One” is a must-read steampunk meets sci-fi and fantasy thriller. The twists and turns the novel takes, as well as the emotional journey that the protagonist takes, will leave readers eager for more from this talented author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Version 1.0.0

Tyler Kalarchian has always enjoyed exploring foreign worlds through books, movies, and games. As he grew older, he realized that he needed to share his own stories and began writing a book. After many years of drafts, he finally became a published author. Now he is busy on the next story and many more after that!

When Tyler is not writing, he enjoys distance running outside and the company of friends around a table playing board games. He currently lives in Orlando.

Website: https://rucaern.com/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tylerkalarchian.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_kalarchian/

Tales of Christmas Villains  (The Tales Short Story Collection Book 2) 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 unique twist on the holiday season comes to town as horror and fantasy authors tackle Christmas in the short story collection “Tales of Christmas Villains.”

The Synopsis

Ruined holiday plans and stolen gifts are only the beginning in this collection of villains gone wild for the holidays!

Tales of Christmas Villains brings together the most mischievous batch of scrooges, thieves, and humbugs out to wreak havoc on the Christmas cheer.

Featuring a chilling ice fairy who feeds on her victims’ souls, chaotic criminals disguised as grinches, and the infamous Jack Frost meeting his match in a plucky mermaid, these wicked adventures will have you howling with dark delight.

If you think you’ve got enough spirit to take on these troublemakers, think again. The naughty list just got longer and more sinister! So watch out this season and prepare for some seriously spirited scroogery – Tales of Christmas Villains is coming to town!

The Review

A truly fun and entertaining take on the holiday season, each story does an incredible job of leaning into their respective genres while sprinkling some yuletide magic into the setting. The action and suspense that each story holds not only do justice to the existing universes that these authors have crafted but also add more dimension by exploring unique holiday mythology and culture.

As a longtime fan of D.C. Gomez and her books, seeing a story centered around Bartholomew the Reaper and exploring that paranormal world, which felt like returning home, was great. The twist on the iconic Grinch story by adding the Reaper twist on their existence and the balance of humor and wit made this story shine as much as the entire collection.

The Verdict

Entertaining, magical, and thrilling, “Tales of Christmas Villains” is a must-read holiday fantasy/horror short story collection. The twists on iconic Christmas figures and myths, from the Grinch to Jack Frost and even Santa himself, and the harmonious blend of fantasy and holiday spirit that this collection boasted made this a memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Orb of Destiny: Tome IV (The Lost Art of Magic) by Jonni Jordyn 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 witches must find a way to bring back a powerful witch locked away in a coma to stop the growing threat of the sorcerer clan in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Orb of Destiny: Tome IV.”

The Synopsis

Following the events of The Old Child, the witches’ visions of a destroyed Earth had already begun to unfold, yet Destiny, the one who everyone believed to be uniquely qualified to avert the calamity, remained locked in a coma from which she might never return. While the sorcerer clan grew in strength and size, their deranged leader grew bold and set out on a quest of death and destruction. The witches only recourse was to revive Destiny, but that meant convincing her to return.

The Review

What a powerful read. The author did a wonderful job of delving even deeper into the long and storied history between witches and sorcerers. The intense action and the heart-pounding thrills this book produces will capture the reader’s imagination as the imagery in the author’s writing style brings an almost cinematic quality to the narrative.

The way the author focuses on character development in this story is fantastic. Not only was Destiny’s struggle with her fate and coming to terms with her circumstances when her family and allies fought so hard to bring her back was so engaging to read. The villainous turns and the shocking heroics of other characters will keep readers invested, and seeing the mystery of the Librarians grow is a great lead-in for the series’ upcoming final chapter.

The Verdict

Twisted, action-packed, and entertaining author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Orb of Destiny: Tome IV” is a must-read magical realism meets action thriller. The fusion of old-world magic and centuries-old rivalries with modern-day military assets and the climactic battle between two powerful figures will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an award winning American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

https://www.jordynatlargebooks.com/

New Trails (New Trails Book 1) by Jody Norman 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 man without purpose or direction finds himself transported to another world and must rely on the help of a local energy worker and guardian to escape the clutches of a dark guardian in author Jody Norman’s “New Trails,” the first in the New Trails series.

The Synopsis

Trapped in a life without purpose or escape, Troy is suddenly thrust into a different world, one of mystery and magic, where he must learn to trust — in his companion Kieran, and in himself and his own learning as he navigates this strange and wondrous place.

Kieran, a stubbornly independent Guardian and energy worker in this new world, makes his own way until Troy crashes into his life, bringing change like a hot desert wind. The young men must grow together, slowly recognizing the bond of mind and soul that lies between them, one with the potential to make something greater of them both, if they have the courage to accept it.

Together they must face Aodhan, the Dark R’Guardian who wants to enslave Troy, using the outworlder’s very soul to destroy Aodhan’s own world in the name of saving it. And Kieran, junior to Aodhan, is the only one who can stand between them.

Will either of them take the journey they’re called to, or survive it if they do?

Finalist in the New Mexico-Arizona Book Award and the Page Turner Award

The Review

What a breathtaking and compelling read! The author created an incredible world with this larger-than-life fantasy-driven narrative while injecting a healthy dose of realism into the character development. The author’s imagery throughout the book brings a sense of magic and wonder to the setting, similar to how this reader felt the first time they watched Return of the Jedi and saw the heroes walking through the forest moon of Endor. It evoked a sense of magic yet ancient and familiar territory as if you could walk right into it.

The themes that the author brought to life in this narrative were powerful and engaged with the reader. The sense of identity and purpose that the story played with, both with Troy and Kieran, as well as the sense of identity that came from their growing bond and the use of energy and nature itself to enforce that bond, was so thought-provoking. The use of synchronicity, energy work, and how it plays into the way the world works not only elevates the story but also allows the reader to connect with this world more fully. 

The Verdict

Memorable, authentic, and entertaining author Jody Norman’s “New Trails” is a must-read fantasy novel. The main protagonist’s realism, origins, and the real dilemmas he faces throughout this fantasy journey add more depth to the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes, especially the shocking cliffhanger finale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

I’m an award-winning author who loves thresholds, and portals, and passing through them.  Places where you’re not quite here and not quite there.  Or in other words, liminal spaces.  To me, this is where potential and opportunity wait for the unwary passersby, and I really enjoy placing my characters in these places and seeing them revealed for who they truly are and can be.

Nature and myself have an intimate relationship, and it’s key to all my writing, running through my novels like the fractal veins of a watershed.  And since I believe that nature includes our place in the universe, astronomy and quantum physics and cosmology inform the structure of my fantasy worlds.

I’ve taught English to high-schoolers, citizenship to immigrants, sustainability to college students.  I fell in love with cities and all that they could be in my masters degree in city and regional planning, and I’ve written articles for publications as varied as Dog Fancy and Colorado Gardener and Graduating Engineer and Computer Careers.

I have an almost forty-year love relationship with my same sex partner, and together we’ve moved in eight-year cycles from Tucson, Arizona, to Boulder and Denver, Colorado, to Atlanta, Georgia, and finally to Silver City, New Mexico.  We’re looking at various places for our next stop. I really want to know what it’s like to be a world citizen, so maybe somewhere out of the US!

Please check out my book at Goodreads, my Bookbubs Author page, and sign up for my newsletter to hear how the sequel (Hidden Trails) is progressing!  And keep an eye on my blog, which addresses the issues we all face as our civilization moves forward.

Jody Norman

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551887456347

https://books2read.com/new-trails

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

The Old Child: Tome 3 (The Lost Art of Magic Book 3) by Jonni Jordyn 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 that magic has returned to sees a struggle for power as the witch clan seeks to prevents the sorcerers from ruling over the world in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Old Child: Tome 3”, the third book in the Lost Art of Magic series.

The Synopsis

Destiny prevented the sorcerer clan from claiming power, but her survival from the battle is in question. Who will step up to lead the family? The Old Child is the third book in the Lost Art of Magic series. Magic has returned after remaining dormant for centuries and this means there will be those that covet power over the powerless. The witch clan must do something to prevent the sorcerers from claiming the world, but must they do it without the strongest of them?

The Review

From the very first page, this book is written so cinematic that the reader is immediately transported to the aftermath of the epic battle between Honey and Destiny at the end of book two. The shock and awe of the situation, from the way the world watched as two influential magic users waged a war that the entirety of the US Military could not touch with their firepower and the destruction left in their wake, both property and lives, was felt throughout the novel as events unfolded. The imagery and atmosphere the book conjured in the reader’s minds delivered a powerful setting and tone that stayed with readers throughout the book.

The character development and growing mythos the author was able to develop will instantly jump out to readers. The tension that arises when the fate of protagonist Destiny comes into play and how characters like Ashlin stepped up in her place kept the readers invested in the story as it unraveled. The way magic and its impact on the modern world was explored, and the divide between Honey and her sorcerers and the witch clan was so palpable that it left the reader eager to see where the story takes off next.

The Verdict

Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Old Child” is a must-read fantasy action novel and a grand entry into The Lost Art of Magic series. The twists and turns that this story takes readers to, including exploring how those we love who are no longer with us can sometimes return to us in surprising ways, will leave fans on the edge of their seats and dying for the next entry in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on December 6th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

OWI Tours COVER REVEAL: Chaos Kin by Sheryl R. Hayes

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, book cover reveal, Book Events, Book PromotionLeave a comment
New Release: Chaos Kin - Sheryl R. Hayes

Sheryl R. Hayes has a new MMF paranormal book coming out (bi, poly), Jordan Abbey book 3, and we have the cover reveal: Chaos Kin.

In the town of Rancho Robles, can one werewolf protect the Children of the Wolf and the Bat? Chaos Wolf Jordan Abbey has made friends among the Black Oak Pack even though she refuses to join it. The same can’t be said of the vampires, but her life has taken a turn for the better.

That is until Enya Blevins, sister to the werewolf who turned Jordan, arrives in Rancho Robles. She wants to know who killed her baby brother and is less than impressed by the Chaos Wolf. Enya wants revenge, starting with Jordan and ending with the vampires infesting the area.

Jordan is prepared to flee, but a technicality makes her an Alpha Werewolf. Now she must stand her ground to protect her nascent Pack and those she loves.

The past has come back to bite her. Does she have the fangs to bite back?

About the Series:

In the Northern California town of Rancho Robles where the Children of the Wolf and the Bat share an uneasy coexistence. One werewolf woman threatens to upset that balance.

Universal Buy Link | Liminal Fiction | Goodreads

Author Bio

Sheryl R. Hayes can be found untangling plot threads or the yarn her three cats have been playing with. She is equally likely to be shooing one of them off the keyboard as she is working on her novels and short stories. In addition to writing, she is a cosplayer focusing on knit and crochet costumes.

Author Website: https://www.sherylrhayes.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/sherylreneehayes

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/sherylrhayes

Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.online/@sherylrhayes

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherylrhayes/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16468770.Sheryl_R_Hayes

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/sheryl-r-hayes/

Author Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/sherylrhayes

Other Worlds Ink logo

Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple by Micah Beardsley 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 individuals are called to find what is unseen in author Micah Beardsley’s “Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Which is real and which is shadow? The unseen has webs that draw and realms that open to those who will knock . . .

At the start of the fourth age of mankind, the Kindred of the Unseen are being called to awaken to discover the worlds and realities that exist beyond their five senses.

Four travelling musicians in pursuit of new adventures; new stories and new sounds for their songs, never imagine they would be invited to discover the nature and power of sounds born of the unseen . . .

Prince Léyondir faces a crossroads; down one path is the life he planned for himself, on the other is a mysterious summons, an invitation to a path shrouded in ambiguity . . .

Beldrien, a sorcerer-hunter, serves as the chief spiritual advisor and right hand to a king but there is more to hunting darkness than he has learned in his years of spiritual study . . .

And in the far east wilderness of Auburntungle, an unassuming hunter dreams of a greater destiny than the life which he presently knows. Are they dreams or something else . . .

A fantasy novel by acclaimed author Micah Beardsley. Beware! It will leave you spellbound and may draw you to the unseen yourself.

The Review

What an engaging and marvelous read! The author immediately distinguishes their narrative, playing with spirituality and destiny through the introduction pages with the Council of Thunders and the Lords of Light that come forth when this fourth age arrives. The world-building and mythos that come to life on the page instantly draw the reader in and keep the narrative flowing at a great rate. 

The balance of action and storytelling with fantastic character arcs was outstanding to see come to life on the page. The ideas and themes the author introduces, from finding spirituality amongst the epic tales and legends of fantasy storytelling to the concept of music having its kind of power and so much more, allowed the reader to feel more connected to this fictional world and the narrative itself. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Micah Beardsley’s “Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple” is a must-read fantasy novel with a spiritual twist. With the compelling character dynamics at play here, the multiple points of view the story is told from, and the immersive mythology, the author has created a thrilling tale that readers will instantly fall in love with. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

The reality of the supernatural has been evident throughout my life.

Through a passion for music and sound, I have discovered and explored unseen mysteries – the realms of spirit my training ground as I continue to grow and learn of even greater realities.

In writing this book, I have explored these realms in a new way, using fantasy to push the limits of what I believe to be reality – this genre is the perfect environment to expand that foundation.

I desire to bring others along for the ride, that together, we would journey the unseen realms, and discover more about the dimensions we cannot see, and ourselves, in the process.

https://www.micahbeardsley.com