Tag: fantasy

Interview with the Devil: Resurrection by Michael Harbron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

TRIGGER WARNING: This book features storylines involving SA. Anyone who could be triggered by this storyline should avoid this chapter, which the author outlines at the beginning of the book for readers’ knowledge. Reader discretion is advised.

Joseph Banbury must confront his own inner demons while facing a dark destiny, newfound powers and the Devil himself in author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil: Resurrection”, the next book in the Interview with the Devil series.

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The Synopsis

In the gripping second installment of the series, Joseph Banbury ventures further into the realms of the supernatural, wielding newfound powers that challenge his understanding of good and evil. As he navigates a treacherous path fraught with peril and deception, Joseph confronts his inner demons while forging an unlikely alliance with the Devil himself. With each step closer to the truth, Joseph unravels dark secrets that bind him to his fate, culminating in a chilling revelation that shakes the foundations of his existence. Will Joseph succumb to his destiny, or will he defy the forces of darkness and forge his own path to redemption?

The Review

What an incredible sequel to the first book in this series! The author did an incredible job of crafting a story that really built upon the mythos and narrative laid down in the first book. One of the first things that stood out to me was how the author explored a writer’s relationship to the craft of writing, from writing for themselves versus writing for others to the responsibility of telling the right story. 

Joseph’s evolution and the volatile and charged sessions interviewing the Devil really kicked this story up a notch. The imagery and powerful world-building that the author poured into this sequel only served to elevate Joseph’s journey, toeing the line between sci-fi and fantasy storytelling and exploring the power and influence of the human psyche as well. The themes of order versus chaos, control versus freedom, and the true nature of “good and evil” made for compelling narratives, and the author really embraced the horror nature of this novel, crafting some chilling scenes that will stay with readers long after the book ends. 

The Verdict

Shocking, entertaining, and harrowing, author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil: Resurrection” is a must-read supernatural horror fantasy thriller. The twists in the narrative as the author explores both the Devil and Joseph much more closely in this sequel and the cliffhanger ending will stay with readers, who will be eager for the third book in this trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

https://michaelharbron.com

Interview with Author Ahlam Faris

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

It’s funny, I never knew I had the talent for writing until one day my literature teacher came running to the class looking for that student who chose to write a story instead of a topic in the exam. And she was like, “You wrote this?” I was like, “Yes!” and wondered if I was in trouble. She was just appalled and said, “Why aren’t you participating in writing contests?” And I answered, “I didn’t know these existed.”

I love writing, I have always found myself imagining new worlds, writing dialogues, and thinking really hard about how the stories in my head can progress. I guess it just comes naturally to me.

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 2. What inspired you to write your book?

I always dreamed of writing a book one day, and it happened to be this one. As for the inspiration, I was reading about Zarqa’a Al-Yamama and wanted to create a character inspired by her. If you don’t know Zarqa’a, she is a real historical figure from pre-Islamic history who had superb eyesight and could see a tiny white hair in a bowl full of laban. She could see invaders from as far as a day and a night’s walk and would warn her people to prepare for a fight. There are many stories about her; some say she had help from Djinn, while others believe she gathered gossip and news from traveling merchants and knew when invaders targeting other villages would come for them. One day, the invaders thought of hiding behind shrubs that they carried and started advancing slowly. When she saw the trees advancing, she told her people, they thought she had gone crazy. Unfortunately, the trick worked, and the invaders killed Zarqa’a. The first thing they did with her body was gouge her eyes out and let the crows eat them. She was my baseline for Mina. However, the character of Mina evolved and developed her own characteristics, background, and story.

 3. What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Mina struggles with restraints. She has to watch herself—to not be sad, to not be angry, to not give in to negative emotions, or the thing within her will start to wiggle itself, and she knows from experience that she can hurt people. But you can’t restrain yourself too much; you will eventually explode. My message is: we all have restraints that we should cater to, but we shouldn’t let them prevent us from being who we want to be. It’s like a game of balance. As Hugo from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame says “Give her some slack, then reel her in, give her some slack then reel her in.” honestly this is one of my favourite quotes, and kind of a universal advice. You can see this in the world we live in, it’s either total freedom or too much oppression. We have to find the middle ground somehow between the two.

 4. What drew you into this particular genre?

I love fantasy, it’s as simple as that.

 5. If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Hmm, this is a difficult question! I probably know my characters more than they do themselves. However, I would love to spend time with them over a cup of Quahwa and enjoy it without saying anything.

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 6. What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Since my book hasn’t been published yet, the only place I could see my early readers reactions is through Goodreads. It’s good to see who enjoyed that early ARC, what their thoughts about it and if it wasn’t really the flop, I think it is sometimes. I would love to see random people pop up on My DMs one day and to hear about their thoughts about the book if they liked it. That would be a treat. Like receiving fan mails, I guess. 

 7. What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

This might be repetitive, but just write. As a busy person myself, I rarely have quiet time to write anything, so most of my writing is done through my phone. It’s messy, full of grammatical and spelling mistakes, but I’m laying down the bricks for the story. When I have time, I will sit in front of my computer and start editing. You don’t need to force yourself. Write when inspiration hits you.

8. What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m currently working on Book 2 of Rings and Chains, but I also started on a new WIP during the waiting time between the editing process of Book 1 and getting it ready for publication. I couldn’t make myself start Book 2 because I was afraid people might not enjoy the first book in the first place. So, I had to distract myself with something totally different. Now that the early reviews are coming in, mostly positive ones, I found the push I needed to start working on Rings and Chains Book 2. I work on my other WIP when I’m in a writing slump or whenever I get an idea for a scene or something while lying late in bed thinking about the story. While I’m really in love with that WIP and would love to share it with the world as soon as possible, it will have to wait until Rings and Chains series is done. Which may take years. But by that time. I will have a lot of material to work with, hopefully. 

You can find me on social media:

Instagram: @yumiche.withbooks

Twitter: @TheAhlamFaris 

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ahlam-Faris/author/B0D956RZ1B?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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About the Author

I’m Ahlam Faris, a self-published Indie Author who have a passion for all things fantasy, I’ve been writing for years, but I’ve only recently found the courage to submit my work to the world, I really hope you enjoy reading “Rings and chains: Daughter of Light and dark.

https://ahlamfaris.com

https://a.co/aWLYEb0

Daughter of Light and Dark (Rings and Chains Book 1) by Ahlam Faris 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 must collect eleven rings holding powerful Jinn kings in order to free her mother’s trapped jinn in author Ahlam Faris’s “Daughter of Light and Dark”, the first book in the Rings and Chains series.

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The Synopsis

She wanted one thing and one thing only, to free her mother’s Jinn from his golden ring, but to free one is to free them all. Accompanied by her Jinny Companion, the Lord of chains, and a dark presence stirring to free from within her, Mina sets on a journey to find all the eleven golden rings of the Kings of Jinn, her main mission overshadowed by scheming royals, a troubled friend, and a crumbling world.

The Review

The world-building and mythos that the author brought to the story were incredibly presented. The Middle-Eastern mythology that became the backbone of this fantasy world brought the story to life thanks to the author’s mastery of imagery in the writing style. The action is immediately felt, taking the reader into the adventure as the protagonist seeks out the rings and cements herself as a hero.

The character development found in this narrative was top-notch. The tension that mounted as the journey got more and more dangerous allowed the relationship between characters like Zyed and Saif with the protagonist, Mina, to grow and prosper naturally. The magic and fantasy elements of the story allowed Mina’s heroic journey to flourish and prosper, giving readers a glimpse into the life that Mina led throughout her journey. The emotional connection to her mother also drove the narrative forward greatly, giving a glimpse into the heart of what makes Mina such a powerful protagonist to follow.

The Verdict

Action-packed, rich in mythos, and thrilling, author Ahlam Faris’s Daughter of Light and Dark is a must-read YA fantasy novel. The narrative’s twists and turns and the shocking final chapter will keep readers eager for more of this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I’m Ahlam Faris, a self-published Indie Author who have a passion for all things fantasy, I’ve been writing for years, but I’ve only recently found the courage to submit my work to the world, I really hope you enjoy reading “Rings and chains: Daughter of Light and dark.

https://ahlamfaris.com

Journey of Seven Circles by Russell Pike Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, reviewsLeave a comment

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

A powerful wizard must complete a monumental spell that could cost him his life in author Russell Pike’s “Journey of Seven Circles”.

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The Synopsis

In a world chained by ancient lies, one man holds the key to its salvation — at the cost of his own life.

Kryn Darien, a wizard of unparalleled ability, stands poised to unleash a spell of unimaginable magnitude, a desperate gambit to reshape the very fabric of existence. Centuries of preparation have honed his skills and forged tools of devastating arcane might. Yet, as the moment approaches, doubt gnaws at him.

Will his sacrifices, his relentless pursuit of power, prove futile in the face of such overwhelming odds?

Once a humble priest, Kryn never sought such profound responsibility. His aspirations were simple — to serve and protect those he held dear. But fate thrusts him into a maelstrom of war, treachery, and ancient mysteries that challenge his resolve. Every step forward demands a toll more exorbitant than he ever imagined.

Across treacherous battlefields and against foes wielding deadly magic, Kryn’s journey unveils a conspiracy older than memory itself.

Amidst adversaries wielding godlike powers, he must navigate a labyrinth of impossible choices.

Yet, his unwavering commitment to aid the helpless propels him ever forward, even as the cost escalates to encompass all he holds dear.

ELDP

The Review

The author did such an incredible job of world-building in this narrative. From the book’s first chapter, readers are already immersed in this story of intrigue and magic, giving readers a glimpse at the road the protagonist will travel. The world itself was very well developed, as readers were treated to a narrative perfectly laced with imagery in the author’s writing to bring these pivotal moments and this fantastic world to life.

The protagonist’s evolution throughout the many centuries of his life and the physical and emotional toll that his experiences take on him is something the reader feels greatly throughout this novel. The scale of the story captures the essence of a great epic fantasy, and the bond and emotional connection with Kryn’s brother Adro or the line of morality and philosophy that separates Kryn from the Seraphs and Andromia all showcase the tension and conflict that drives Kryn towards his ultimate destiny.

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The Verdict

Fantastic, heartfelt, and entertaining author Russell Pike’s “Journey of Seven Circles” is a must-read epic fantasy novel. The protagonist’s emotional and grandiose journey leaves the reader enthralled and moved by the scale and world-building the author poured into this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A child of the eighties, my mother gave me a copy of Robert Jordan’s Eye of the World when I was twelve, thereby introducing me to the world of epic fantasy and dooming me to countless sublime hours sojourning in worlds other than my own.

Since that first fateful day I’ve also read Anne McCaffrey, Tad Williams, Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Steven Erikson, Frank Herbert, David Farland, and more. The trouble was, I loved reading so much I decided to try my hand at writing as well.

That in and of itself wasn’t a problem, at least not until I got hooked. I realized just how dire my situation was one fall evening when my family invited me over to watch a movie. Truth be told, I can’t even recall what the movie was, only that I didn’t especially like it. However, I distinctly remember an annoyed feeling as the credits rolled, not because I hadn’t liked the film, but because I could have edited half a chapter in the time I’d wasted.

That was, perhaps, one of the most chilling moments of my life, as I realized just how deep I’d been bitten by the writing bug. But there was nothing for it but to press on. So I set to work.

Over the next ten years, I gave up on TV, movies, and all too often sleep, wringing every hour of writing I could from my schedule. During that time, it was my pleasure to meet a host of fantastic writers, editors, and artists, including David Farland, whom it was my great privilege to work with. Of course, I’d be remiss not to thank my family, who were ever supportive while I climbed this peak.

When I’m not writing, I love a good camping hike (so long as there’s enough trees to hang my hammock). I also volunteer as a sled dog handler, and I have a long standing love affair with fast cars and lonely mountain roads.

Website: http://russellpikebooks.com

Twitter: @RPikeBooks

Instagram: @russellpikebooks

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3L92IQW

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214871606-journey-of-seven-circles

Kingdom Society: The Black Hood by Nathan Helm 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 and his sister are whisked away to the future to protect them from a rising darkness, and the man must discover a way to rise to power in order to face it in author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: The Black Hood”.

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The Synopsis

Sometimes the only way to conquer darkness is to embrace it.

From the moment Alyeth Zane was torn from his home, his dreams of becoming the next warlock of Dun’Nahar were dashed. Forbidden by his parents to pursue the arcane arts, Alyeth’s destiny takes a darker turn when the legendary Black Hood escapes his bonds, threatening the realm itself.

In a desperate bid to safeguard the kingdom, the House of Zane stages a grand tournament to marshal the land’s fiercest warriors against the encroaching evil. Yet, disaster strikes, and Alyeth and his sister Cindrel are left orphaned.


Taken in by the enigmatic and powerful wizard, Xylok Gray, he whisks them into the future to protect them.

Can Alyeth rise to claim the power he was once denied?

Dive into a world where destiny is written in shadow and spell, and discover if Alyeth and Cindrel can turn the tide against an ancient evil.

This series is for fans of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Anime, Vidoe Games, and LoTR. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Luffy met Harry Potter? What if they jumped on a spaceship and met an advanced version of Gandalf who used magic-infused technology? If you like the impossible, and ideas that are out of the box, this series is for you. Come give it a shot. What are you waiting for?

The Review

What impressed me with this author’s work was how descriptive the action and combat are in this book. The fights that this adventure and journey are littered with felt very cinematic in scope, creating a film or CGI-generated video game cut scene in the reader’s mind. This descriptive nature comes powerfully through the imagery in the author’s writing style, allowing the reader to connect to the vast world the author has crafted.

This narrative was powerful and well-written thanks to the vast world-building and character development. The action develops early on, bringing the intensity and tension that shows what’s at stake for the realm this story resides in, and the hero’s journey that Alyeth goes on will stay with readers. The mythos surrounding the magic system used during these combat scenes and the theme of good versus evil play very well in this heavily fantasy-driven story.

The Verdict

Thrilling, adventurous, and entertaining author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: The Black Hood” is a must-read coming-of-age fantasy novel. The twists and turns, splashes of romance and drama amongst the world-building and sci-fi elements, and epic conclusion that leaves readers wanting more will create the perfect reading experience for fantasy readers everywhere. 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!

https://linktr.ee/thefunkyfantasyman

Rune of Renewal (Outside The Thalsparr Series Book Two) by Bjorn Leesson 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.

The famed Viking warrior woman known as The Dokkrsdottir must continue her battle against the Dark as she finds herself in a time far from her own in author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Renewal”, the second book in the Outside the Thalsparr Series.

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The Synopsis

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNE OF RENEWAL (Book 2)

The story of the Dokkrsdottir continues in a strange new time and place finding her out of her familiar world, but the pressure on her to continue as one of the greatest warriors ever increases as the stakes are now world wide and on a grander scale than she could ever have imagined.

However, through the foresight and dedication of many of her descendants, she has the diehard support of friends and family to see her through to her destiny of thwarting the plans of the Dark.

The Review

The world-building and mythos that the author establishes in this series are amplified greatly in this sequel. The exploration of the time travel element is also amplified in this book, bringing the protagonist into one of human history’s darkest times, WWII. The development of the Dark and its forces and the suspense that forms with each step that Dokkrsdottir takes on her journey makes this a compelling story.

This story’s character development and action were the true highlights of the narrative. The rich development of the protagonist as she continues to engage with new allies and descendants and the out-of-this-world action, including one major battle that changes the entire landscape of the series, create a rich and dynamic story that will instantly draw the reader in.

The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Renewal” is a must-read epic fantasy novel. The fast pace of the narrative, the bountiful amount of setting changes, and the chemistry of the characters all converge on a story of twists and turns that ends with a cliffhanger, bringing forth an emotional reunion and a promise for an epic battle of light and dark that hopefully will carry over into new novels in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bjorn Leesson has always been fascinated with many topics to include history, the supernatural, and writing. These interests combined led to the Outside the Thalsparr series, with the first book in the series, “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir.” Bjorn was not formally trained as a writer and has worked in the industrial manufacturing field his entire life. Writing his stories and hoping others enjoy them is a passion and not a career.

Forbidden War (The Intern Diaries Book Three) by D.C. Gomez 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.

Death’s Intern must help keep the peace between vampires and elves during a tense negotiation as the threat of war looms over them all in author D.C. Gomez’s “Forbidden War,” the third book in The Intern Diaries series.

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The Synopsis

A trip to hell. Angry Vampires. Seductive Elves. Oh my!

Do I honestly look like a mediator?

Let’s be honest. I can barely keep the peace between the boys, and they like each other.

Why would Death agree to send us to supervise a peace negotiation between vampires and elves, just because her egotistical brother, War, doesn’t want to do it?

We don’t even like vampires. If Constantine is correct, we barely tolerate each other due to our own messy peace negotiations. To make my life even more complicated, even my Godmother has a secret.

This is a huge catastrophe waiting to explode. Three days to find a princess or Texarkana becomes the site for WWIII. I really need a raise.

* Forbidden War is book three in the Urban Fantasy series The Intern Diaries. The stakes are higher for Isis Black as she meets another of Death’s siblings. The manipulative War is at it again, and dumping one giant mess on Isis and her friends.

***This is a stand-alone novel, or it can be read in sequence.

The Review

This is another fantastic entry into this phenomenal urban fantasy series. The author does an incredible job of further exploring the paranormal mythos of the characters’ world. The thing that always brings a bright spot to the story itself is the exploration of the Horsemen mythos, the relationship and differences between Death and her siblings, and how it impacts the paranormal world. 

The blend of humor in the characters’ dialogue and character development made this story shine. The witty banter between Isis and the other characters felt like the same charming humor found in shows like Supernatural back in the day. Exploring the relationship vampires have with other members of the paranormal community was mesmerizing to see come to life on the page. 

The Verdict

Memorable, high-octane, and hilariously adventurous author D.C. Gomez’s “Forbidden War” is a must-read urban fantasy. The exploration of how Death’s Interns work with the interns of other Horsemen and the way this book built upon the stories told in previous books while also working well as a standalone novel made this one book you won’t want 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

D. C. Gomez, is a fast-talking extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.

She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.

Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. While hiding from the sun, she is busy writing action packed adventures full of quirky characters and zany plots. As well as hosting her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors.

If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).

Happy reading.

https://dcgomez-author.com

Dissonance of Bird Song by Alexandra Beaumont 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 song-weaver risks it all to save her people and make her own path in the world in author Alexandra Beaumont’s upcoming folkloric fantasy novel, “Dissonance of a Bird Song”.

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The Synopsis

In the storm-riven wilds of ancient Cornwall the sea’s whisper will charm us all.

Dissonance of Bird Song is the folkloric-fantasy tale of Eseld, a song-weaver fleeing her home to cure the sacred birds of her people and save her sister. Locked between the lies of land-dwellers and the snare of an ancient sea queen, Eseld must fight to find her own path. Amidst a storm of betrayal and heartbreak, what will Eseld sacrifice to save the ones she loves?

Readers who enjoyed Lucy Hounsom’s Sistersong, Naomi Novik’s Uprooted, and Natasha Bowen’s Skin of the Sea will love Dissonance of Bird Song.

The Review

This was such a compelling and rich fantasy novel. The author breathed fresh life into folklore and intertwined it throughout this narrative, which was incredible. The artful, stylistic writing style allowed the reader to feel transported to this land, bringing a cinematic experience that felt like a blend of Adrienne Young’s book Sky in the Deep and the Netflix series The Last Kingdom.

The world-building and character development in this novel were outstanding. The protagonist’s emotional bond with the people she is sworn to protect and the magical system and world that she immerses herself in make this a gripping story to get lost in. This novel’s balance of action and mythology and the exploration of druids and their culture made the book fascinating and mesmerizing.

The Verdict

Remarkable, thoughtful, and compelling author Alexandra Beaumont’s “Dissonance of Bird Song” is a fantastic and thrilling fantasy and folklore novel. The twists and turns that keep the journey alive and the immersive world-building will keep readers invested and eager for a sequel to this fantastic new fantasy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alexandra Beaumont is a British fantasy novelist with a passion for folklore, playing musical instruments and exploring the wilds of the UK.

With a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, specializing in gothic literature, Alexandra’s lyrical books weave together myth, magic and intrigue. Her captivating stories transport readers to enchanting worlds filled with unforgettable characters and spellbinding adventures.

https://abeaumont75.wixsite.com/home

Land of the Dragon (Land of the Dragon Series) by Steffanie Costigan 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 young girl and her siblings trying to escape the horrors of WWII, including their Nazi father, stumble upon a world only glimpsed in the stories of their youth and discover the horrors of war can never be fully escaped in author Steffanie Costigan’s “Land of the Dragon,” the first book in the series of the same name.

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The Synopsis

They had not even started to fight, yet I already could smell blood in the air…

I am a traitor, victim, fighter, survivor, sister, and daughter of a Nazi. I am Eleanor Kuhn. I will not be indoctrinated by Hitler. I fight for the truth my world has forgotten and ignored. Upon escaping the country, I stumbled into a whole new world, and I soon realized that war is everywhere you look.

With nothing but the clothes on my back and five siblings in tow, I wash up on the coast of a world I’d only glimpsed in books and the clouds of dreams: Land of the Dragon. But there’s something about this new world that rings with familiarity. Or perhaps someone . . .

Land of the Dragon is a historic fantasy layered with details and rich symbolism a Eric Hoffer Award nominee and Literary Titan Award winner book. If you like details in stories, magic, adventure, romance, and dragons this book is a read you will enjoy time and time again. With each read, you may uncover more details layered throughout the book that you didn’t originally recognize. This book is brought to you from Reading Dream Press where stories come alive.

The Review

This was a powerful and thoughtful fantasy read. The blend of historical fiction and fantasy was incredible, effortlessly merging the theme of war and its impact on those caught in its gravity into our world and the Land of the Dragon. The world-building, layered mythos surrounding the realm, and the depth of various creatures, from dragons to unicorns and even werewolves, allowed readers to get lost in this world altogether.

The emotional core of this story rests in Eleanor’s story, both her past and the adventure she finds herself on. The heartbreaking reality of the impact of WWII, from her father’s fate after helping Jewish members of his community escape from Nazi control to the never-ending fight to keep her family safe, at least the family she had left when she swore to keep her siblings alive. Her experiences’ impact and heart on the narrative will stay with readers long after the book ends.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, adventurous, and engaging author Steffanie Costigan’s “Land of the Dragon” is a must-read historical fiction and fantasy story and a grand entry into a new series. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional toll the protagonist’s experiences take, and the wealth of mythology poured into this story will keep readers invested in the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Steffanie Costigan has always held a strong passion for writing despite her severe disability with dyslexia. She is currently living in Canada, Alberta, with her husband and three children.

Steffanie is a journalist and hopes to continue her passion for writing books and her dream of continuing as a journalist.

Steffanie studied creative writing and took her program in digital communications and media at Lethbridge College. She hopes her writing will resonate with people and inspire those that read her writings. This novel is her life’s work as she started writing this book at the young age of 12 years old and didn’t stop until publication.

Her passion for writing started at the young age of three years old; She has also written plays and had the opportunity to direct one of her written plays, “A Stoney Gaze,” in 2021. Steffanie met the love of her life Jarom Costigan in Adelaide, Australia. They soon married in March 2015. The love between the two protagonist characters within this novel was strongly inspired by Steffanie’s own experience meeting her husband. If it is something Steffanie believes in, it’s love at first sight, as that is the experience, she, and her husband both share with one another.