Tag: fantasy

Julie’s Odyssey: Alpha and Omega (Book 3 of the Cypress Mysteries) by Myron Edwards 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 mission to learn the truth turns into a mission for resurrection as a widow fights inhuman forces of nature to reunite with her long lost beloved in author Myron Edwards’s “Julie’s Odyssey: Alpha and Omega”, the third book in The Cypress Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

Julie Cole, homemaker, mother, and widow is unconvinced that her husband’s death was an accident. To discover what happened Julie returns to the one place she said she would never go back to, the Island of Cyprus. To aid her in her task, she enlists the help of Peter Shaw, Richard’s friend from the first Gulf War.

As the two begin their enquiries, they meet with the mysterious Christoulides, who shows them the reason for Richard’s demise and his real identity. No longer is it a simple matter of finding out what happened to Richard, this is now a mission to bring him back. 

But in order to do this Julie has to work with her nemesis the Goddess Aphrodite who she sees as the protagonist in Richard’s demise. Together all three must travel to the depths of the Underworld to release Richard before his soul is trapped there forever.

Standing in their way is the Lord of the Underworld Hades and a host of creatures and beasts as well as one very determined hunter whose sole task is to destroy Julie. Into this maelstrom of chaos and confusion and possible certain death, Julie and her companions must travel. Their first task being to retrieve the Gorgon’s blood, which has the power of resurrection, but can they do it in time to save Richard?

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The Review

The author did such an incredible job of building upon the other two books in the series and doubling down on the rich mythology and culture of the series. The imagery and atmosphere of the narrative immediately grab the reader, as they are drawn further and further into the depths of the underworld, and readers are treated to a whole new host of mythological figures that test the limits of fate. 

The heart of this narrative was the rich character development of the novel. The new perspective of Julie as the protagonist of this narrative showcases the depth of the impact that the first two books had on her and the family she and Richard were building together. The bond that she and Peter build as they seek out the means of finally bringing Richard back to life is incredible, and the gripping mythology will draw these characters to new heights, giving readers a fresh perspective of classic characters and storylines. 

The Verdict

Heartfelt, imaginative, and entertaining, author Myron Edwards’s “Julie’s Odyssey: Alpha and Omega” is a must-read mythological thriller and fantasy novel you won’t want to miss.  The twists and turns in this adventure and the shocking final revelation as the journey comes to its emotional end will leave readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

https://www.myronedwardsbooks.com/

Wolf Pack (Book 1 of the Wolf Pack Series) by Edo Van Belkom 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 group of wolf siblings turned teenagers push their adoptive family to the limits when their transformation is caught on camera, and their sister is taken by a scientist ready to expose them to the world in author Edo Van Belkam’s “Wolf Pack”, the first book in the series of the same name. 

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The Synopsis

Winner of the prestigious Aurora Award and Silver Birch Award, Wolf Pack is the inspiration for the highly anticipated original series coming to Paramount+

Nothing gets between a wolf and its pack…

Most of the time, Noble, Argus, Harlan and Tora are like any other teenagers. Prowling the halls of their high school in search of new crushes and true friendships, all while trying to keep up their grades. Except these teens are anything but ordinary…

Discovered as wolf cubs in the wilderness of Redstone Forest, the pack knows their adoptive parents are the only humans they can trust with their shape-shifting secret. So whenever the siblings want to wolf around, they race to the forest to run—and relish their special bond. Until the terrible day a TV crew films their shocking transformation—and Tora is captured by a scientist determined to reveal her supernatural abilities to the world.

Now the brothers will do anything to get their sister back. Even if it means taking their powers to a whole new level by becoming werewolves for the very first time–something their parents warned them never to attempt. But once the teens go to the dark side, will they ever make it back to the only life they’ve ever known?

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The Review

This was an exhilarating and fantastic take on the werewolf lore. The fast pace of the narrative and the exploration of themes such as family and environmentalism were very prominent in this narrative, as was the detailed imagery that brought these transformations to life. The unique take on the change from a wolf into a werewolf and the dangers that lurk within that transformation were so great to see come to life on the page.

Having not seen the show and being fresh to this series, I was so enthralled with this incredible cast of characters. The fierce loyalty of the brothers to their sister and their adoptive parents’ struggles to keep their children safe while trying to understand their unique physiology was so rich and compelling to get into. The heart and emotional connection the author makes between the reader and the characters is heartfelt. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and thrilling, author Edo Van Belkom’s “Wolf Pack” is a must-read children’s and YA fantasy horror novel you won’t want to miss. The incredible mythos the author brings to life and the sensational character arcs get the start of this fantastic series to life perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bram Stoker and Aurora Award-winner Edo van Belkom is the author of over 200 stories of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. As an editor, he has four anthologies to his credit that include two books for young adults, Be Afraid! (A Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book of the Year finalist) and Be Very Afraid! (An Aurora Award winner — Best Work in English). Born in Toronto, van Belkom graduated from York University, then worked as a daily newspaper sports and police reporter before becoming a full-time writer. Edo van Belkom lives in Brampton, Ontario, with his wife Roberta and son Luke.

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

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A world divided by two kingdoms, one of light and one of darkness, finds themselves drawn together when a princess of light seeks a voice calling her name from the darkness, where a prince waits to see if she brings peace or war with her, in author Aviv’s “Blue Moon: A Love Story Between Darkness and Light”.

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The Synopsis

What is it she wants?

Does she come in peace?

Or is it war she seeks?

The Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of Light lie side by side, separated by a wide river, the shadowy bank grim, the water cold, black, bitter, and seething with dangerous reptiles and creatures that crawl on their bellies in the slime.

The other bank is a haven of light and plenty. The air is as clear as crystal, the water clean and pleasing to the touch. Myriad rainbow fish dart through its waters, reflecting a thousand bright colors.

As her people celebrate, a blue-eyed princess looks into the darkness on the other side and feels an inexplicable attraction. She has always felt this powerful longing; a longing for the new and unknown, the different and the hidden. Many times, she has swum toward the dark kingdom, but has never set foot on its dark shore. This time, though, it will be different. This time someone has called her name.

From deep in the shadows, the prince watches the swimming princess who fills his every thought.

What is it she wants?

Does she come in peace?

Or is it war she seeks?

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The Review

This was a creative and powerful read. The author did an amazing job of world-building and capturing the tone of classic fairy tales. The visceral imagery that the author’s work brings to life in the story is powerful indeed, with the kingdoms of light and darkness each taking a life of their own and showcasing the engaging settings of these two kingdoms. 

The compelling story, rich character dynamics, and breathtaking themes all collide into one magical fairytale that is impossible to put down. The way author touches upon themes of “good and evil”, and the way we determine those parameters, as well as classic themes of star-crossed lovers that showcase the power of two people from different worlds coming together to create something unique and beautiful.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, magical, and entertaining, author Aviv’s “Blue Moon” is a must-read fable and fantasy read. The mythos and the heart that the author pours into this narrative, as well as the compelling character interactions between the Prince and the Princess, as well as their respective families. The love, the emotional growth between their two worlds, and the powerful imagery of this fairytale come to life wonderfully on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Israel during the seventies, Aviv is a long-time enthusiast of fairy tales, myths, and legends. “Blue Moon: A Love Story Between Darkness and Light” marks Aviv’s debut book.

Sons of Empire: A World of Arras Novel by Chandler McGrew Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Two young men destined for greatness must set aside their aspirations to discover the haunting path of modern warfare in author Chandler McGrew’s “Sons of Empire: A World of Arras Novel. 

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The Synopsis

A gripping new historical fantasy series from the bestselling author of supernatural thrillers originally published by Bantam/Dell like Cold Heart and Night Terror.

The World of Arras has come a long way since the nearly forgotten time of the Altmages. Empires rise fueled by greed and the increasing power of the Technomagedoms of Kardith Bath in Verileon and the Gost Fabrika in Tautonia. And two young men, one destined for the Magehood and the other for political power, must set aside their dreams to learn the ways of modern war. One of them will end up dead, but for the good of Empire he cannot be allowed to stay that way.

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The Review

The author did a fantastic job of capturing the in-depth mythos and history of this fictional world in which the narrative takes place. The way the author is able to infuse powerful imagery into their writing allows the reader to feel instantly transported to this world as if the grim, dark alleyways of the capital city were surrounding the reader at any given moment. 

The atmosphere and character development really drove this story forward, as did the genre mashup the author was able to create here. The tension builds as the two protagonists find their lives changing in ways they could have never imagined and the visceral nature of the world they inhabit makes this world feel alive and powerful. The way the author built on themes and storytelling related to sci-fi, fantasy, and history in one narrative and still wrote strong characters that felt real and jumped off the page was great to see come to life. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, mesmerizing, and entertaining, author Chandler McGrew’s “Sons of Empire” is a fantastic history meets sci-fi and fantasy novel and the perfect start to the World of Arras series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the ideal marriage of these genres allowed the history and cultures the author established in this world to come to life beautifully. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Although he is the author of four critically acclaimed supernatural/suspense thrillers from Bantam and numerous KDP titles including epic fantasy, Chandler McGrew, lives in quiet seclusion in the mountains of Maine. He writes ten to twelve hours a day, fueled by liberal doses of coffee and Pepsi, with only an occasional dollop of single malt scotch to take the edge off.

Born in Texas he lived for almost a decade in Alaska where his first novel, Cold Heart, is set. I Love a Mystery called the book a ‘tense and satisfying read.’ While the Contra Costa Times said it was ‘The best opening 10 pages I’ve read this year…reads like a good martini tastes: icy cold, with flecks of terror where the ice chips should be.’

Not a bad start for a man who didn’t begin to write professionally until he was in his forties.

Chandler followed Cold Heart with Night Terror, a psychological thriller about a woman who has lost her only son and believes she may be losing her mind as well. Like all his novels the book is peopled by characters who might be your next door neighbor. Or they might be escapees from a boobie hatch. The Denver Post said the novel ‘…plays on the primal fears that cause most adults to lose sleep.’

That’s an adequate description of all of Chandler’s work.

The Darkening, his third book, is a dark, apocalyptic thriller in which two very different individuals must not only find each other but themselves as well before discovering the path that will lead them to salvation. Publisher’s Weekly, the industry standard, said of the book that it was an “addictive…one part Rapture drama, one part Lovecraftian horror story, one part blood-soaked chase… a thrilling one-sit read.”

Which brings us to In Shadows, McGrew’s latest which the Chicago Tribune called “…a born-to-be-a-TV-series story.”

McGrew has the uncanny knack for touching readers and frightening the bejeesus out of them at the same time. And now he delves deeper and deeper into the fantastic world of Verileon.

https://www.chandlermcgrew.com/

Eternity’s Well (Eternal Chronicles Book 1) by Zachary Hagen Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

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

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The Synopsis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Review

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

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

The Verdict

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

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

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

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

https://zacharyhagenwrites.com/

Allaigna’s Song: Aria (Allaigna’s Song) by JM Landels 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 takes on a dangerous journey after discovering the secrets of her origins in author JM Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Aria”, the second book in the Allaigna’s Song series. 

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The Synopsis

The long-awaited sequel to the bestselling fantasy ALLAIGNA’S SONG: OVERTURE!

Allaigna has discovered that her family has lied to about her parentage all her life. Fueled by anger and spurred by her betrothal to a neighbouring lord, Allaigna has packed her saddle bags and stolen away in the night. The perils of the road provide more than a distraction from her fury, and test her ability to sing music into magic to its limit. Unlikely allies, subterfuge, captivity, and assault conspire to change Allaigna’s status from mere runaway to fugitive.

While Allaigna charts her dangerous course, the quieter tales of her mother and grandmother unfold in tender, poignant, and heartbreaking vignettes that underscore the political and family tensions of the richly rendered world of the Ilmar.

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The Review

I absolutely loved the world-building that this book held within it. The high fantasy world was so beautifully realized, and the multiple POVs between the three generations of women within this family allowed readers to see not only how they evolved as characters but how the world evolved around them. The politics and family structure that the author explored through these characters really made the setting feel alive and thoughtful in its approach.

To me, the heart of this book was in the blend of music with magic, as well as the strength of these incredible female characters, including the protagonist. The cohesiveness of the musical magic these characters exude, and the way Allaigna’s journey not only explores the depths of her power but the evolution of her outlook thanks to the way the world comes into conflict with her journey time and time again was both emotionally investing and gripping.

The Verdict

Harmonious, enthralling, and memorable, author JM Landels’s “Allaigna’s Song: Aria is a must-read high fantasy novel and a great addition to the Allaigna’s Song series. The detail the author puts into the book with maps and outlines of the world and the history within it was great to see, and the shocking twists and turns in these women’s lives will keep readers eager to read the next entry into the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

JM Landels, writer and illustrator of the Allaigna’s Song trilogy and co-founder of Pulp Literature wears far too many hats. The strange mix of a degree in Mediaeval English Literature, a misspent youth fronting alternative punk bands Mad Seraphim and Stiff Bunnies, and a career as a childbirth educator and doula informs her work. These days, when she isn’t writing, editing or drawing, she can be found heading up the Mounted Combat Program for Academie Duello in Vancouver BC where she swings swords and rides horses for fun and profit.

http://jmlandels.stiffbunnies.com/

Scylla: The Revenge (The Cyprus Mysteries Book 2) by Myron Edwards Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A man must face a wrathful goddess for whom he rejected and find a way of stopping the chaos and destruction she is reigning down on the Mediterranean coast in author Myron Edwards’s “Scylla: The Revenge”, the second book in The Cyprus Mysteries.

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The Synopsis

She’s back and this time she brought a friend…

The story continues: the sequel to The Mistress of the Rock, is The Revenge.

Still smarting from Richard Cole’s rejection, Aphrodite plans a series of events that will bring about his return to the island. Only this time, his welcome will not be so warm, as he will have to battle bureaucracy and the islanders’ contempt for the devastating aftermath of his chance discovery and his sudden departure. In addition, he confronts his internal demons, and with his return to Cyprus, might completely consume him.

For Aphrodite is set upon a path of cold vengeance and summons the Scylla, a legendary cryptid of the deep, to do her bidding. The creature wreaks havoc on the once idyllic coast of Cape Greco and the tourist resorts of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paphos.

Richard must not only face his devils but also the goddess, if he is to stop the terror that now lurks in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters.

But how is he going to do it?

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The Review

This was an exhilarating and thoughtful read. The author once more brought a great deal of depth to the mythos and balanced the Greek supernatural and mythological forces that the protagonist was facing with the memorable, heartfelt character moments that made the characters so beloved and engaging to the reader. 

The character development and world-building really pushed the narrative in new directions this time around. The author was able to hone in on the cruelty and vulnerability of Aphrodite and the determination and heroism of Richard Cole. The introduction of the Scylla and the higher stakes of the story and the life that Richard had carved out for himself were great to see come to life on the page, as was the relationship that Richard had with the people of Cyprus and the locals themselves. 

The Verdict

Action-packed, emotionally driven, and perfectly tense, author Myron Edwards’s “Scylla: The Revenge” is a fantastic fantasy meets supernatural thriller with a large dose of mythology. The second entry into the author’s Cyprus Mysteries series, the novel has some great twists and turns, and the shocking finale will be both a gut-punch and a nail bitter to readers as they await the third book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

https://www.myronedwardsbooks.com/

Ferren and the Angel (The Ferren Trilogy Book 1) by Richard Harland 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.

An angel who fell in battle and a human with a natural curiosity for life must band together when the war between angels and Humen is at an all-time high and the fate of the cosmos hangs in the balance as the dark secret behind the Humen is revealed in author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Angel”, the first book in the Ferren Trilogy series!

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The Synopsis

An angel falls from the sky and crashes to the ground! Miriael, the Fourteenth Angel of Observance, has been shot down in the thousand-year war between Heaven and Earth. Damaged and helpless, she prays for extinction.The young tribesman Ferren finds her lying in the grass. She ought to be an enemy, since his people are on the side of the Earth. But seeing her there, unable to fly, his curiosity outweighs every rule and every warning.Ferren knows almost nothing about the terrifying world he’s grown up in. Now he’s going to learn the truth about the war, the Humen army camp and what military service really means. His unique friendship with Miriael is about to change the course of history.Richard Harland, author of the Worldshaker books, creates a whole new world of angels and apocalypse!

The Review

This was a compelling and magnificent sci-fi and fantasy dystopian read. The visceral nature of the post-apocalypse and the grueling war between the humen forces and the angels serve as a great background for the core story. The imagery in the author’s writing really captures the gritty and gnarled images that the setting conjures up in the reader’s mind.

To me, the world-building and the character development were the true stars of the book. The mythos the author is able to develop both for the “celestials” and the “Humen” was both fascinating and engaging, and the journey to uncover what happened to start this war, to begin with, was remarkable to behold. The bond and experiences that Ferren and the angel Miriael are so engaging, as it showcases the fear and mistrust that has built between both sides of this war and the misconceptions each had for one another, and the book expertly showcases both the beauty and ugliness of human nature overall.

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The Verdict

Thought-provoking, memorable, and entertaining, author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Angel” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy dystopian post-apocalypse novel. The twists and turns in the narrative and the adrenaline-fueled, emotional, and moving world-building and character growth that the reader is treated to will have readers hanging onto the edges of their seats. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I’m the author who nearly wasn’t – it took me 25 years to beat writer’s block. In those 25 years, I migrated from England to Australia, became a singer/songwriter, a poet and then a university lecturer. But all I truly wanted to do was write speculative fiction.

Finally I finished my first novel, the comic macabre, The Vicar of Morning Vyle. With its prequel, The Black Crusade, it grew into a cult. When mainstream Australian publisher Pan Macmillan contracted my next novel, I resigned my lectureship, and I’ve been a full-time author ever since.

I live south of Sydney between green escarpment and golden beaches, with partner Aileen and Yogi the labrador. Writing, writing, writing … I have 25 missing years to make up for!

My big international success has been with my YA steampunk novels, Worldshaker, Liberator and Song of the Slums. The French Le Worldshaker picked up the Prix Tam-tam du Livre Jeunesse. In the US, Worldshaker and Liberator were published by Simon & Schuster.

Next up: Ferren and the Angel!

https://ferren.com.au/

Cursebreakers by Madeline Nakamura Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

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

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The Synopsis

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

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

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The Review

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

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

The Verdict

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

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

https://madeleinenakamura.com/books/