I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A lone warrior wakes to a world he no longer recognizes, and must take it upon himself to stop the otherworldly threat stripping his world’s natural resources in author Paul G. Zareith’s “Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Book 1 – The Wraith Returns”.
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The Synopsis
Rana has given up all hope when he realises that his decade long quest to exact revenge on a corrupt aristocracy and a totalitarian religious order has been exploited by an otherworldly malicious organization determined to destabilize the very foundation of the known civilization.
Against all odds though, he finds himself free of his shackles in a world that he barely recognizes. With his army long vanquished and his allies dead, does he have a chance to stand up against the evil gods who are stripping the entire planet of the mineral that serves as the fundamental prerequisite of all runecraft – Ildaria’s ultimate defence?
The Review
This was such a vast and richly developed narrative. The scope of the world-building that the author took on was not only imaginative but captivating to read as the story progressed. The suspense and mystery that immediately hit readers as the protagonist wakes to this changed world and the haunting atmosphere that brought these deadly threats to life made the story feel alive on the page.
The amount of detail that went into the mythology of this world and the diverse character development made the story feel cinematic in its approach. The multiple POVs make the reader feel connected to these characters. They showcased both the heart of the heroes and the chilling nature of the villains, allowing readers to witness the protagonist’s long and harrowing journey in this first novel.
The Verdict
Imaginative, entertaining, and thrilling, author Paul G. Zareith’s “Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Book 1—The Wraith Returns” is a must-read fantasy novel and the perfect entry into a new series. The narrative’s twists and turns and shocking ending will make fans eager to dive further into this magical world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Avid fiction aficionado and fantasy author dabbling in the grimdark, arcane and all things forbidden and forgotten.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A fallen angel must contend with her growing friendship with a human tribesman and the promise of her dream of returning to heaven by a secret, beautiful angel who visits her at night as the war continues between humanity and heaven in author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission”, the second book in the Ferren Trilogy.
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The Synopsis
The unique friendship between an angel and a human is the only hope for the future – but can they remain friends?It’ s one thousand years since medical scientists brought a dead brain back to consciousness. When they discovered the reality of life after death, they laid claim to Heaven and set off a war against the angels.Now the Earth is a ruined wasteland. Descendants of the original scientists continue the war with their armies of artificially created Humen. When the greatest of Doctors, the all-knowing Doctor Saniette, takes control of the Bankstown Camp, the fighting moves to a terrible new phase.Miriael is the angel who fell to Earth, ate mortal food and can no longer return to Heaven. Ferren is the young tribesman who has been her only friend since her own kind abandoned her. Together, they work to unite the tribes in an alliance independent of the Humen.But suddenly Miriael has another friend. A beautiful, caring angel visits her in secret and offers her what she most desires: the chance to return to Heaven. The consequences will be extreme … for her, for Ferren, for the world.
The Review
This was another fantastic entry into the author’s rich, fantasy-driven dystopian world. The immense scope of the world-building the author took on in bringing this story to life was incredible to see expanded upon in this book. The threat of Dr. Saniette and the Humen in this story and the action-packed drama that unfolds as the battle rages on make this narrative genuinely memorable.
Yet the action and drama are so well balanced, thanks to the rich character dynamics. The friendship and the evolution of the relationship between the protagonists, Miriael and Ferren, is the core heart of the narrative. However, the exciting directions their journey takes them on as individuals, from the interesting romance/love triangle between Ferren, Kiet, and Zonda to the twist connection Miriael has to Asmodai, and the impact Miriael has on the growing alliance amongst the last of the tribes of humanity made this a remarkable narrative to get lost in.
The Verdict
Exhilarating, thrilling, and heartfelt, author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission” is a brilliant sequel and a memorable fantasy-driven story that readers won’t put down. The twists and turns in the story will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the cliffhanger final moments will bring readers back for the third book of the Ferren trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Interview with Richard Harland
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What is the biggest difference between writing a solo novel and a series?
I don’t have much experience of starting out to write a series! The only time I’ve done it was with my Wolf Kingdom quartet, and they were kids’ books. My first novel The Vicar of Morbing Vyle was a standalone until fans pushed for a sequel. My SF/detective movel The Dark Edge was a standalone until my publisher demanded sequels. And ditto with my steampunk fantasy, Worldshaker – I was ready to be asked for a sequel, but I’d spent 20 years planning the novel as a standalone.
With Ferren and the Angel, I wasn’t even ready to be asked for a sequel. I loosened it up at the end when my publisher first talked of a sequel, but that was only in the last stage of editing before publication. There’s a whole complicated story there, which I haven’t much explained to anyone anywhere.
ANTHONY: Let’s hear it.
OK, confession time! There’s an earlier version of The Ferren Trilogy called The Heaven and Earth Trilogy. It came out only in Australia, published by Penguin Australia, had some success, but wasn’t marketed very well (internal publisher politics!) and Penguin let it go out of print. That first publication was twenty years ago.
My new publisher, IFWG, sells mainly into the US, and it seemed a smart move not to make a lot of noise about the first version, which never even existed in America. Why create confusion? But it ended up being confusing anyway, because the audio format of Ferren and the Angel is under a separate contract and still on sale on Amazon. Not so smart after all!
But here’s the best bit of the story. After the Penguin version dropped out of print, and after I’d moved on to some international success with Worldshaker and its sequels, there were still fans of the original trilogy who’d fallen in love with it and refused to forget about it. They wanted those novels out there and wouldn’t let them die! They hounded publishers year after year, until they finally succeeded. One day, out of the blue, I received an email from IFWG Publishing, saying they’d like to do a reprint of the Ferren books. Yay!
ANTHONY: So is this a reprint or a new version or what?
It’s a total rewrite! Although I’d moved on to writing other books, I always had the feeling that the trilogy deserved better than it got. The fans of the book believed that it deserved better from publishers, but I believed it deserved better from its author too! The raw material was there, the incredible future world where the armies of Heaven do battle with the armies of the Earth – so much potential! But not fully realized. When IFWG offered to do a reprint, I said I wanted time to rewrite the books first. After twenty years of mulling over the stories in the back of my mind, I just knew they could be better told. And now they are!
It’s a wonderful thing, to be given a second chance. I haven’t wanted that chance for any other novel I’ve written, only the Ferren books. They’re finally turning into the books they were always meant to be!
Um, maybe I’ve left the question behind … What was your first question again?
ANTHONY: What is the biggest difference between writing a solo novel and a series?
Right! I knew there was some connection! The thing is that when Penguin Australia were about to bring out the early version of Ferren and the Angel, they hit me with the request for a sequel to be written within twelve months. Which was great, but … I’m not a fast writer, and, even more, I needed time to recharge my batteries for imagining a whole further expansion of the world and story. I think I did well – better than I could ever have expected – with the ideas I came up with. Trouble was, I was forever playing catch up and never had time to shape them into a truly effective story dynamic.
I always felt that Book 2, originally called Ferren and the White Doctor but now called FERREN AND THE DOOMSDAY MISSION, needed more of a rewrite than any other volume, I read through the Penguin version before starting, but then hardly looked at it again while I went through the rewrite. And the rewriting just flowed! I guess the difference was that I knew where the story was going, so I knew how to set it up right! I’d planted the seeds properly in Book 1 and got them growing at the start of Book 2. When I wrote the original Ferren and the White Doctor, I remember always struggling to pull the story back into line. With the rewrite, it just unfolded all by itself!
I guess I experienced the hard way what makes a series a series. The three novels in the new Ferren Trilogy all have their own individual story dynamic, but now they’re not merely tacked on one after the other – they grow out of each other, bigger and bigger with every volume.
So what’s the biggest takeaway you want readers to have when finishing your series?
I suppose as the trilogy develops, it puts you more and more on the side of Heaven. For all their blinkered sense of superiority, the angels and archangels do hold strong ethical principles – and they learn to shed their sense of superiority in the end. Their basic goodness comes through, whereas the Humen who make up the armies of Earth are just plain bad and nasty. But there’s no religious message. The beauty of angelology – the traditional lore about angels and Heaven – moves me emotionally, but I’m still an agnostic.
I think the takeaway would be more of a humanist one – for human beings to believe in themselves, respect themselves and stand up for themselves. That’s what the Residuals, descendants of the original human beings, learn to do in the course of the trilogy, even as they eventually choose to fight alongside Heaven.
As for the moral balance between Heaven and the Humen, I’d say that the Humen lack reverence for anything and everything – they’re only interested in what they can exploit for their own purposes. I suppose that’s my religion – a humanism that isn’t self-centered but has respect for what’s other than ourselves. It’s not a message, and I’m not preaching it, but it probably colours the story and events.
Do you plot out your novels and the characters within them, or do you write and let the story develop at its own pace?
I don’t like the word ‘plot’ because it’s sounds mechanical and controlling, but it’s true I do a huge amount of thinking and imagining before turning a story into actual words. I’ve always had a very vivid visual imagination, so I tend to watch my story unfold like a movie before verbalizing it.
One thing I love is a narrative that builds and converges to a huge rolling climax. In Ferren and the Angel and Ferren and the Doomsday Mission, the climactic scenes take up nearly a quarter of the book – and the climax of Book 3, Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven, will be the biggest of the lot! But you can’t produce those sorts of climaxes just by ambling along page after page. I don’t believe in weak endings or fade-out endings (I mean, I don’t believe in fade-out endings for fantasy fiction), but I also don’t believe in artificially imposed big endings. The climax has to grow naturally out of everything that’s gone before.
Am I starting to sound like a broken record? I believe you have to grow those big climaxes by planting the seeds early on. I’m the sort of author who’s always looking ahead – I don’t know exactly how the final development will work out, but I can sense when I’ve got all the material for it. Like the volume of a wave that’ll just sweep me along at the end!
I think of being an author as like being on the back of some humungous, lumbering beast! The beast is the story, with its own vast mass and momentum. You can’t drag it round suddenly to where you want it to go, e.g. a big, rolling climax. You have to begin guiding and nudging it right from the start, looking far ahead and applying tiny prods that are all the influence you ever get to have.
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About the Author
Richard was born in Yorkshire, England, then migrated to Australia at the age of twenty-one. He was always trying to write, but could never finish the stories he began. Instead he drifted around as a singer, songwriter and poet, then became a university tutor and finally a university lecturer. But after twenty-five years of writer’ s block, he finally finished the cult novel, The Vicar of Morbing Vyle. When he contracted his next book to a major publisher, he immediately resigned his lectureship to follow his original dream.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve considered myself a writer (small “w”) for as long as I can remember. My father was a professional editor, so I guess an affection for the written word has always been in my blood. My second-grade teacher read a short story I wrote to my entire class when I was 7. But I didn’t consider myself a Writer (capital “W”) until Six Moons, Seven Gods was published. Although my primary career in public service required loads of writing and editing, it’s only since retirement that I have found sufficient time to write for pleasure.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I’ve been wanting to write novels ever since I was a child. When I finally found time to put pen to paper, Six Moons, Seven Gods is what flowed out. I can’t say there was any specific inspiration, but I was definitely motivated to write a fictional story that would stimulate a variety of emotions in the reader. The movie Camelot had a profound impact on me when I was young; my father read Tolkien to me and my sisters, and later in life I thoroughly enjoyed reading Herbert’s Dune series and Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series to my son. So I suppose a bit of all that helped to inspire me.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Very few things in life are strictly black and white; the world is filled with shades of gray. Nothing’s quite as simple or self-contained as it first appears or we might like to make it. The same is true of this novel’s plot and its characters.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Good question! I didn’t sit down thinking, “I’m going to write a fantasy novel.” But when I finally found time to put pen to paper, Six Moons, Seven Gods is what flowed out: fantasy, with tinges of grim dark and romance. Go figure!
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
If I knew the environment was truly safe, I’d sit down with villain Reynard Rochon and ask him how he met his sidekick, Spiro, because I’d like to know what forged the strong bond between them, and what drives their interesting relationship.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Gosh. I wish I could say that one social media site was significantly more helpful than any other, but I have not found that to be the case. That said, I’m still fairly new to the game, so I’m hopeful that a year or two from now I’ll have a better answer!
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Three pieces of advice: first, writing’s a journey. Don’t look too far ahead. Focus on your passion and the here and now. Write, write, write, and enjoy the traveling, one step at a time. Had I known early on what it would take to be published, and all the work involved in getting one’s book into the hands of readers, I might never have finished my first novel, let alone started it. I was so naïve to think that–you know–if you write something worthwhile, someone’s going to want to publish it and people will then read it. Simple, right? The truth, of course, is so much more complex and challenging, regardless of whether you are trying to secure the representation of a traditional publishing firm, or you have decided to self-publish. Unless your intended audience is limited to friends and family, finishing your novel (quite the accomplishment in and of itself) is only half the battle. So my advice is to take it slowly and enjoy the journey—don’t peek too soon or too closely behind the publishing world’s thick curtain lest thatcause you to turn back. Tackled one issue at a time, none of it as overwhelming or intimidating as the big picture first appears; there’s lots of support out there, and if you persevere, all those little challenges just make reaching your destination that much more rewarding. Carry on!
My second counsel is to listen to your heart while you are writing. Mine will generally tell me when I’m on the right track, and when I’ve gotten lost. The characters and scenes that I have been most engaged with during the creative process typically turn out to be those that readers also find most entertaining. So now, when I find myself slogging through some piece that I don’t find particularly exciting or enjoyable to write, I ask myself: why is that? Am I asking the reader to suffer with me? Is there not something I can do to the storyline or character to make writing (and reading) this more entertaining?
Lastly, I strongly suggest that you read your work aloud and slowly, either to yourself or to an interested listener. You’ll be surprised at the number of errors and opportunities that expose themselves. This advice was given me by my father, a professional editor by trade, and I have benefited from it ever since.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Six Moons, Seven Gods, and having a lot of fun with that! Folks who want to stay up to date on its progress can subscribe to my newsletter at rawalkerwriting.com!
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About the Author
Award-winning author Robert A. Walker grew up in Northwestern Massachusetts. After graduating college, he packed his scant belongings in a car with rusted-out floorboards and headed west. He’s lived in California ever since, and now resides along the Pacific Ocean with his wife and dogs. When not fabricating stories, he can be found roaming local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An ambitious thief in the Thieves Guild sparks a chain of events that will reshape everything the people of Baelon once held dear in author Robert A. Walker’s “Six Moons, Seven Gods: The Legend of Baelon”.
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The Synopsis
“One must be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be one’s self.”
The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance. Meanwhile, retired royal guard Rolft Aerns returns to the palace of King Axil with an old score to settle. When they all cross paths–and swords–in the dark shadows of Fostead’s south end, nothing is as it seems and the murder count rises quickly.
The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.
Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.
To enter the world of Baelon, read the sample below the book’s photo on this page.
AWARDS
Winner, Book Excellence Award for Best Medieval Fantasy, Chick Lit Cafe, November, 2023
Winner, Literary Titan Book Award, December, 2023
The Review
This was an engaging, powerful tale of fantasy-driven political thriller meets fantasy-driven mythos. The author’s imagery and thick atmosphere throughout this novel were incredible, as they brought the world of Baelon to life on the page and made the lands of this world feel vibrant and alive.
The heart of this story was the incredible story and character development. The intrigue and drama that the author can develop in this novel capture the political intrigue of Game of Thrones but add even more fantasy elements that make the story feel original and unique. The characters were engaging, and each character, whether protagonist or antagonist, had a complex web of morality that kept them emotionally invested. The secrets each character held allowed the more redemptive arcs to feel engaging.
The Verdict
Remarkable, magical, and entertaining author Robert A. Walker’s “Six Moons, Seven Gods: The Legends of Baelon” is a must-read fantasy novel. The action, suspense, romance, and each twist and turn in the narrative are enough to keep the reader enthralled, and the richly developed world of Baelon will keep readers wanting more of this fantasy world. If you haven’t yet, make sure you pick up your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Award-winning author Robert A. Walker grew up in Northwestern Massachusetts. After graduating college, he packed his scant belongings in a car with rusted-out floorboards and headed west. He’s lived in California ever since, and now resides along the Pacific Ocean with his wife and dogs. When not fabricating stories, he can be found roaming local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A science-driven young man and a young Mermaid defy the order of their worlds when their paths cross, and they must face the consequences as the worlds of men and mermaids split at the seams in author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady”, the first book in the Gemstone Series.
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The Synopsis
A fantasy Pirate/Mermaid love story set in the golden age of Pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Jeremy Simmons is a midshipman on the commercial vessel, Rummy Gale. An honorable young man, he believes in the science of the day not age-old superstitions of the sea. But a hurricane will do more than sink his ship; it will forever change his world.
Shera, a mermaid, rescues him; they fall in love and in her attempt to return him to his world, she approaches her sisters at Usea Maya for assistance. The Maiden Queen forbids her from giving any further aid, condemning the man to a watery tomb. But Shera, a free spirit, defies the orders, goes it alone and inadvertently causes a tragedy.
Infuriated by Shera’s defiance and Jeremy’s steadfast defense and willingness to take the punishment meted out to her, the Queen curses them both. She locks Shera in human form and binds Jeremy’s life to hers. A fate so cruel it will cause a split in the realm of Mermaids and turn good men into Pirates.
The Review
I am an absolute fan of the world-building that took shape here in this novel. The author did an incredible job of bringing life at sea to life, utilizing an impressive knowledge of sailing and life on the ocean in his writing style, giving the setting and atmosphere a rich texture on the page. The tension that the author was able to infuse into the character interactions was excellent, both with the romance that develops between the two protagonists, the disdain the evil queen has for them both, and the growing tension between both worlds.
Yet the mythos and the themes felt iconic and original to the narrative. The wonder yet chilling nature of life for mermaids and mermen and the world they hail from, as well as the historical nature the author paid to the world of man above the ocean surface and the inclusion of pirates and dragons as a whole, made this story feel fantastic and enthralling. Themes of love, power, destiny, and consequences were creatively utilized in this narrative, keeping the reader engaged from the very first page.
The Verdict
Remarkable, thrilling, and adventurous author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady” is a must-read historical fantasy narrative. The narrative’s twists and turns, rich world-building and mythos, and an open ending that will undoubtedly lead to a sequel will all keep readers coming back for more of this incredible new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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A new band of heroes must work together on yet another alternate Earth as the people of Earth reach to the stars in author Katrina Zari’s “The Mage of Terra: Warriors of Mirral”.
The Synopsis
If you have already read “The Queen of Nordern” then you probably know about the Mirral world, an alternate version of Earth.
But what if there are more worlds?
In this book, a world called Terra is another version of Earth, where humanity took a path of space exploration and travel.
Unfortunately, this world has also expanded in inequality, where the Core planets are rich and powerful, while the outsiders have to maintain a low life.
A small spaceship crew of undesirables meets a young girl with very unusual abilities and a strange history. Follow their adventures to find out about the world of Terra.
The Review
This was another thrilling and captivating read. The author did a phenomenal job crafting a unique narrative connected to the original novel, yet it was vastly different in genre and setting. The imagery the author conjures up through their writing expertly showcases the intensity of the action and the cosmic scope of the narrative overall.
The way the author crafts these new characters and the shocking connections they share to the original story make this an exciting novel. The world-building and in-depth character development engage the reader with the narrative, and the rich atmosphere the author develops will bring readers into the world of Terra and the Mirral universe.
The Verdict
Remarkable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Katrina Zari’s “The Mage of Terra” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy book. The narrative’s twists and turns, the dynamic world-building, and the cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for book 3. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Katrina Zari, an author born and raised in Russia, spent a significant time of her life immersed in its rich culture before transitioning on a life-changing journey to the United States two decades ago. Her decision to relocate was driven by love, as she followed the one and only person who held her heart. Throughout her upbringing, Katrina developed a strong passion for literature, particularly science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The local public library became her second home, where she would lose herself for countless hours in the captivating stories written by Asimov and Bradbury, King and Tolkien, Verne and Stephenson, or any other Si-Fi book she could access.
Inspired by these literary giants, Katrina’s creative mind was crowded with stories of her own imagination. She always wrote stories in her head, inspired by those great books. She was adding her own characters and coming up with their new adventures. It was no surprise that her stories predominantly featured a courageous female protagonist, a reflection of her deep understanding of these inspiring heroines whom she gladly associated herself with.
Years later, she found the courage to transition those stories from her thoughts onto paper.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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A group of people must traverse Ireland in the midst of great upheaval and turmoil to restore reality and face a powerful enemy intent on destroying their destiny forever in author M.E. Grantham’s “Shifting Realities: The Hill”.
The Synopsis
At the brink of civil strife, Maeve, a remarkable energy healer in the serene landscapes of Ireland, struggles with haunting visions of three mysterious individuals. As chaos breaks upon their troubled homelands, Nick, James, and Carrie, driven by a desperate need to escape the inexplicable turmoil, unexpectedly come together on a destined journey to Ireland, where an unnatural connection weaves its magic among them.
Drawn by unseen forces and mysterious visions, their paths combine upon Maeve, a mysterious figure harboring the key to their intertwined destinies. United, they unravel harrowing revelations about their shared pasts, unfamiliar with the insidious destruction lurking within the shadows. Now, standing at the edge of an unraveling world, they must confront a daunting truth: the weight of restoring reality to its rightful course rests solely upon their shoulders.
In this gripping tale of resilience and sacrifice, follow Maeve, Nick, James, and Carrie as they navigate a deadly odyssey of uncertainty, danger, and self-discovery. As their connected destinies come together, they must confront their deepest fears and pass a tough test of their determination. Will they set things right and live to see a better future, or will a powerful enemy destroy their fate, leaving the world in endless misery and damage?
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping sci-fi meets metaphysical fantasy story. The reader is instantly transported to an alternate future storyline in which America sees states seceding from the Union, and people feel the political and social divides, something many modern readers can attest to in their own lives. The relatability of the inciting incidents and the tense atmosphere the author crafts allow the magic and spiritual journey the characters go on to be more profound and engaging.
Yet, as with any fantasy-driven story, character development was the heart of the narrative. Maeve brings these three people together, and how each character is given proper attention and personal history that they must overcome for the greater mission ahead of them makes this story’s overall action and wonderment feel more thoughtful. The exploration of ideas like cosmic scientific study and physiological aspects of our bodies and energy being connected to the grander tapestry of the universe allowed the reader to engage with more profound and exciting ideas through this fictional tale.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author M.E. Grantham’s “Shifting Realities: The Hill” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy metaphysical novel. The international suspense narrative delves into different cultures and backgrounds and other universes, making this a remarkable journey that readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
M.E. Grantham, the author, brings a wealth of life experiences and a diverse background to her writing. Her upbringing in a military family exposed her to various cultures and ideas through extensive travel. Having lived in England for two years, she was fortunate to have an English teacher who ignited her passion for literature, laying the foundation for her literary journey.
Captivated by the intricacies of different societies, Grantham pursued a study of sociology, delving deeper into understanding the dynamics of human interaction. Her curiosity eventually led her to explore nursing, healing, and energy work , including modalities such as Reiki, Tibetan shamanic healing, and multi-dimensional healing. These transformative practices became an integral part of her personal growth following her father’s passing, inspiring her to share her experiences and insights through her writing.
To refine her artistic expression, Grantham dedicated herself to honing her writing skills. She immersed herself in the writing community, becoming a proud member of both The Porch in Nashville and the Atlanta Writers Club. Here, she engages with fellow writers, sharing ideas and fostering a supportive environment that nurtures creativity.
The resilient human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity serve as Grantham’s greatest sources of inspiration.
Witnessing individuals rise above their circumstances and transform into the best versions of themselves fuels her desire to learn, grow, and evolve, both personally and as a writer. She aspires to contribute to the collective human journey by offering hope, motivation, and insight through her words.
Outside the world of writing, Grantham resides just outside Nashville with her husband, sister, and a small pack of dogs. Her leisure time is enriched with reading and listening to audiobooks across a variety of genres. She enjoys spending quality time with her grown children and grandson, exploring the joys of painting, traveling, and engaging in playful rounds of hide and seek with her yellow lab, Bear. M.E. Grantham’s life experiences and dedication to holistic healing are deeply reflected in her writing, offering readers a unique perspective and inspiring stories.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A new group of authors and illustrators bring their unique style to help bring the future of science fiction and fantasy writing to the world in “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 37”.
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The Synopsis
The Sci-Fi and Fantasy of Tomorrow Selected by Masters of Today
26 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators
Get ready to get carried away … to places no one has ever gone before.
Turn the page … from dark fantasy to dystopian nightmare, from magical realism to military science, from paranormal urban fantasy to post-apocalyptic power trips … and beyond.
Take flight on a starship powered by a godlike being, willing to go to any length to know what it is to be human. Delve into the psyche of a scientist who must choose between ambition and compassion while compelled to participate in a secret and sadistic government project. Get lost in the chilling Museum of Modern Warfare, where one woman is about to discover life-changing secrets. Experience the stories that challenge our sense of self—and our sense of the world. And that’s just the beginning of your journey.…
Discover the mesmerizing power of these new stories, thought-provoking new ideas, brilliant new horizons, and astounding new writers and illustrators—the chosen ones, selected by today’s bestselling science fiction and fantasy authors and artists.
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3 Bonus Short Stories by
L. Ron Hubbard • Jody Lynn Nye • Kristine Kathryn Rusch
“The Dangerous Dimension” by L. Ron Hubbard: Meek Dr. Henry Mudge has a dramatic personality change after discovering a mathematical equation that transports him to any place in the universe he can think of.…
“The Phoenixes’ War” by Jody Lynn Nye: When a lover’s gift to her king turns out to be a perilous trap, the Phoenixes and their priestess face a test that will decide the fate of two realms.…
“Museum of Modern Warfare” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch: When an ambassador is asked to inspect the controversial Museum of Modern Warfare, she discovers life-changing secrets.…
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Art and Writing Tips by
L. Ron Hubbard • Orson Scott Card • Craig Elliott
“Magic Out of a Hat” by L. Ron Hubbard: From a challenge to write a story inspired by a completely uninspiring wastebasket, Ron provides timeless insight on generating a solid story idea and also reveals a bit of the effusive spirit that he brought to the magic of writing.
“On Magic Out of a Hat” by Orson Scott Card: Card discusses and expands upon Hubbard’s article breaking down the techniques Ron used to create a story from a simple object. Card also explores the history of memorable speculative fiction and what makes it great.
“The Rewards of Imagination” by Craig Elliott: In addition to his fine-art work, Craig has had a hand in designing many of today’s most popular animated films. Here Craig expounds on the value and need for creative artists and their impact on our society.
The Review
This was such a remarkable collection of sci-fi and fantasy stories. The collection boasted such a wide range of sub-genres within these two genres that readers of all walks of life will instantly be enthralled. From tales of steampunk and fantasy to space-faring galactic escapades and even spine-chilling horror, each story was perfectly brought to life using imagery and atmosphere to highlight each story’s unique perspective.
The compelling storytelling and unique character development within each story were perfectly balanced. The world-building and captivating illustrations were the best representation of the immense thought and attention each author paid to their unique world, and the heart that went into capturing the tension and relatable character growth made this collection a whirlwind of emotions and storytelling.
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The Verdict
Iconic, creative, and entertaining, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 37” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy storytelling collection. The wealth of stories and characters that captured singularly unique voices and tones in the author’s writing styles made this collection inviting and entertaining. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman discovers the life she knew was a lie and must travel to the world she was born into in author Katrina Zari’s “The Queen of Nordern”.
The Synopsis
What if one day, your whole life changes when you are told that are not from this world you’ve known, but are actually a Princess from a kingdom located in a different world called Mirral?
What if you learn that in the world you are from, some people have special powers?
What if you fall in love with the one who came to bring you back to your kingdom?
What if no matter how much power you possess, what you want most is the one thing you cannot have?
The Review
This was a phenomenal and powerful fantasy story. The narrative’s fast pacing and the characters’ dynamics were immediately felt. The imagery used by the author in their writing allowed the reader to feel instantly transported alongside the protagonist to Mirral. The action and suspense fused into this sci-fi and fantasy-driven narrative allowed the reader to feel engaged in the hero’s journey the protagonist found themselves on.
Yet, in this book, the heart of the story rests in the chemistry between the protagonist and the person who came to bring her back to Mirral. The heat that develops and how they complement one another as they head into trouble on their path make this story shine. Yet it was the prosperous development of the protagonist herself, a strong and independent woman who takes this world-shattering news in stride and fights to showcase her power and determination, making her a fantastic hero to root for.
The Verdict
Epic, thrilling, and entertaining author Katrina Zari’s “The Queen of Nordern” is a must-read fantasy and sci-fi tale that is not to be missed. The twists and turns in the narrative and the fantastic world-building the author utilized pleasantly let the reader get lost in this story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Katrina Zari, an author born and raised in Russia, spent a significant time of her life immersed in its rich culture before transitioning on a life-changing journey to the United States two decades ago. Her decision to relocate was driven by love, as she followed the one and only person who held her heart. Throughout her upbringing, Katrina developed a strong passion for literature, particularly science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The local public library became her second home, where she would lose herself for countless hours in the captivating stories written by Asimov and Bradbury, King and Tolkien, Verne and Stephenson, or any other Si-Fi book she could access.
Inspired by these literary giants, Katrina’s creative mind was crowded with stories of her own imagination. She always wrote stories in her head, inspired by those great books. She was adding her own characters and coming up with their new adventures. It was no surprise that her stories predominantly featured a courageous female protagonist, a reflection of her deep understanding of these inspiring heroines whom she gladly associated herself with.
Years later, she found the courage to transition those stories from her thoughts onto paper.
