Tag: fantasy

Walking the Dusk by Mike Robinson 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 college professor must revisit the terrors of his childhood after the passing of his father and the return of his older sister and rediscover a hidden world beyond what we thought possible in author Mike Robinson’s “Walking the Dusk”.

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The Synopsis

“Hey.”

With that one word, uttered in the dead of night, young Charlie’s life veers down a dark and unbelievable road.

Some thirty years later, Dr. Charles Barry teaches physics at a small California college. Only in dreams do those childhood events reach him: the strange presence in the house, the otherworldly visits and the shadow over his beloved older sister, Megan, whose troubled inward life he could only glimpse.

That is, until his father dies, and Megan, now an artistic wanderer, comes back into his life. With her come memories of unearthly creatures, a predatory entity and a harrowing trek behind the walls of the known cosmos, toward places of the alien and seemingly impossible, in order to save the very essence of his sister.

Now, caught once more by the same forces, Charles returns to those places in the hopes of setting certain things right—and to keep Megan from slipping away forever.

With Walking the Dusk, Mike Robinson delivers a contemporary Dantean vision, one of both sweepingly surreal vistas and intimate bonds, a mind-and-genre-warping journey into the twin infinities of the universe within, and the universe without.

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The Review

This was such an engaging, complex, and mesmerizing read. The author did a fantastic job of world-building this narrative’s setting, taking readers back and forth between the past and the present in a kaleidoscope of rushing emotions and painful memories. The layers of mystery the author delves into when discovering the complexities of the history that are shared between the protagonist Charlie and his sister Megan make their relationship such an integral part of the story.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the almost poetic imagery of the author’s writing style and the rich character dynamics that helped elevate the more fantastic and horror-driven elements of the narrative. The pacing allowed readers to see the psychological and emotional pitfalls of the past building between these siblings and underscored the chaos that would soon follow, but it was the dynamic between Charlie and Megan, the painful journey of a brother desperate to save his sister, not only resonated with me as an older brother but gave the fantasy and horror elements a more grounded foundation to be built off of.

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The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and heartfelt, author Mike Robinson’s “Walking the Dusk” is a must-read occult horror meets fantasy and metaphysics novel. The twists and turns in the narrative, and the journey that Charlie goes on, reminding me of a blend between Stephen King and Peter Straub’s Black House, Dante’s Inferno, and the character development of Robin William’s Peter Pan in Hook, made this story shine brightly, and the reader will find themselves drawn to this narrative time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mike Robinson is the award-winning author of multiple speculative fiction novels and dozens of short stories which have appeared in the likes of 2019’s American Gothic Fantasy anthology, Storyteller Magazine, A Woman Unbecoming, Underland Arcana and more. He has received honors from Writers of the Future, Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Contest, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Maxy Awards and others, and is also the editor of J.P. Barnett’s popular, award-winning “Lorestalker” series.

In between, he hikes (often with his two dogs), swims, draws, tries to learn the didgeridoo and, yes, has even been known to actually write a screenplay or two, some of which have received their own notices.

www.mike-robinsonauthor.com

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Blog Tour + Character Interview: A Priest, a Plague, and a Prophecy by M.D. Grimm

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

Good day lovely readers! Thank you for joining me. I am M.D. Grimm and I am here to promote my newest release, “A Priest, a Plague, and a Prophecy.” This is a single title involving a sweet man who enjoys food, plants, and books, and the manly (secretly sweet) orc warrior who falls in love with him. I am thrilled to finally publish this story. I finished it as the dreaded virus ramped up and decided to shelve it since it involves a plague. But the plague is an off-page impetus to certain events later in the book. Rest assured this is a sweet, low(er)-angst, no-sexy-times-but-lots-of-snuggles, sort of story. Elias is ace but wants romance, and Gurrkk is just the orc to give that to him!

Let’s meet the man—or orc—of the hour, Gurrkk.

ME: Welcome back lovely readers! Thanks for joining me for another interview. This time with Gurrkk, the orc in the relationship. We’ve fed him and strapped him down so he can’t leave.

GURRKK: I bet I can break ropes.

ME: Please don’t. Now—

GURRKK: (wiggles and yanks at ropes) I can do it.

ME: But we don’t want you to. Please stop. Now, when you first met Elias, what did you think? Was it love at first sight?

GURRKK: (still straining against ropes, growling) Nah. He smell nice and no run me through with sword. And he feed me. And get me out of trap. He save my life.

ME: When did you realize you were in love with him? (whispers) Stop trying to break the ropes!

GURRKK: When we hide in his room with bed. Slept on bed. And bathed together.

ME: Oh, uh, right. Let’s move on—

GURRKK: He was shy. No touch. (grins) He not shy now.

ME: Right. About your clan—

(Gurrkk snaps the rope off one arm and bends to use his teeth and claws on the other)

ME: Seriously, Gurrkk, please stop. I only have a few more questions. All these people came to see you and—

GURRKK (muffled by rope) I almost ‘ave it! I will win contest.

ME: There is no contest! I just needed you to sit still for—

(Gurrkk tears free of rope and jumps to his feet, waving his hands in the air.)

GURRKK: Did it! I WIN.

ME: Good lord.

GURRKK: Where is prize?

ME: There is no prize. There’s no contest!

GURRKK: (sounding sad) No prize? But I win.

ELIAS: (off screen) Just give him something please! Or he’ll pout for the rest of the day.

ME: For the love of… here, take my last chocolate bar.

GURRKK: (cruelly snatches bar) Chocolate.

ELIAS: (off screen) What do we say, Gurrkk?

GURRKK: (mumbles) T’ank ‘ou.

ME: (sighs) You’re welcome. Can we get back to the questions now?

GURRKK: (looking puzzled) Questions?

ME: Yes. The reason we’re here.

GURRKK: I thought it was for contest.

ELIAS: (off screen) Stop playing with her, Gurrkk!

GURRKK: (smirks)

ME: Get out. Just get out. Smart ass.

GURRKK: Chocolate good. (exits)

ME: Now I really need alcohol.

I am currently working hard on the final draft of the next The Shifter Chronicles. This will be book 16 (!), and will revisit the couple from book two, Love is a Whirlwind. This one is Blood of the Whirlwind, and I hope to have it ready for a January 2024 release.

As for this year, I have book 9 of The Stones of Power, Jade: First and Last available for preorder, due out in July 2023, and the first book in my Sisters of Song duology, titled Song of Flames will hopefully be ready by October. Flames will be a mmf involving two dragon mates and the woman thief who steals their hearts (instead of their treasure).

More information on my catalog can be found at my website. (Make sure to sign up for my newsletter!)

I hope you stay safe and healthy, and may dragons guard your dreams,

M.D. Grimm

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A Priest, a Plague and a Prophecy - M.D. Grimm

M.D. Grimm has a new MM fantasy romance out (ace, bi, demi): A Priest, a Plague, and a Prophecy. And there’s a giveaway.

“Orcs are the answer but what is the question?”

Elias is a priest at the Temple of the Divine Sibyl. When he becomes lost in the woods after his brother’s hunting party abandons him, it’s just his luck that he’d stumble upon an angry orc caught in a trap. Unable to stomach the suffering of others, Elias throws self-preservation to the wind and frees the orc. Then Gurrkk—that’s a name?—ends up leading him to safety.

Gurrkk finds himself rather smitten by the sweet, awkward human. He’s always been fascinated with his people’s sworn enemy, and now he has a life debt to fulfill to maintain his honor.

Hiding an orc among the temple’s crypts wouldn’t have been Elias’s first choice but Gurrkk is stubborn about leaving. As they learn each other’s languages and spend more time together, Elias realizes they’ve become friends… and maybe more. And when the dying sibyl gives her last prophecy, Elias knows it wasn’t chance that brought them together, it was the gods.

But why?

This is a sweet, ace romance, so no sexy times, but plenty of snuggles and cuddles!

Universal Buy Links | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Giveaway

M.D. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Excerpt

A Priest, a Plague and a Prophecy meme - M.D. Grimm

Elias closed his eyes and clasped his hands under his chin, sending a fervent prayer to the gods, asking for a sign. Any sign that would lead him home. Seconds passed. Minutes. He cracked open one eye to look around. Seeing nothing, he glared and set his fists on his hips.

So much for divine intervention.

“I’m one of your priests, and you don’t give me the time of day,” he mumbled as he set off down the left-hand path.

He was hungry again.

Even as he was contemplating the pros and cons of eating one of his last apples, he stumbled around a thick tree before halting in shock.

An orc sat on the ground, his greenish-gold skin glistening with sweat and his coal-black eyes glaring with menace. He was almost bald, except for a spiky strip of green hair running from his forehead to the back of his skull. The lack of hair accentuated his large ears that moved independently of each other. Two pronounced fangs jutted up from his lower jaw, which was square and blunt, and more sharp teeth showed when he growled.

Elias stayed frozen, taking in the long black tunic cinched at the waist by a gold cord. The short sleeves were trimmed with gold thread, baring muscled arms. The stately garb struck Elias, making him wonder as to the status of the orc. Did they have hierarchy as humans did? The tunic ended around his knees, leaving the rest of his muscled legs bare. Also, this orc wasn’t of monstrous size, so he couldn’t be of the mountain variety. He was certainly taller and broader than Elias, but also leaner, corded with muscle, like that big cat Elias had spotted earlier. And his face was… not horrible. Brutish and sharp but not hideous or even ugly. Those illustrators of tomes really set out to depict orcs as the most horrific creatures ever to grace the earth.

The urge to run made his palms grow damp and his breath to quicken. Not that he could run for more than a few steps before wheezing because he was so damn out of shape, and why the hell didn’t he train with his brother? I’m going to die, I’m going to die….

Then his gaze traveled down to the reason the orc was sitting on the ground and not eating his face. Vicious steel jaws had the orc by the ankle, piercing deeply into his flesh. The jaws were attached to a chain that was buried into to the earth. The fact the orc hadn’t freed himself meant this was one of the trick jaws. One specifically made for capturing orcs. The scoured earth around the chain proved that the orc had tried to dig himself free but clearly hadn’t succeeded. His ankle was a mess of torn flesh and caked blood, and only then did Elias notice the buzz of flies.

How long had he been sitting there, in pain? In fear?

Sympathy rose with anger not far behind. Elias and the orc stared at each other, and Elias found himself stepping closer without consciously deciding his actions. The orc growled deeper, eyes narrowed in warning. Elias stopped again, wondering what he was doing. This was an orc! The enemy! The beasts that kept trying to take their lands. Attius’s tirades whirled through his mind even as the battle songs about marauding orcs jangled in his memory.

He’d never joined in. He’d never had anything personal against orcs. He never thought one way or another about them. Fighting them wasn’t a part of his world. Most of his life had been spent ensconced in the Temple of the Divine Sibyl, which was safely behind fortified stone walls and separated from the general populace of the city.

He was sheltered and he knew it. To see such ugly pain in another living creature struck him to the core. That was one of the reasons he didn’t eat meat. He couldn’t reconcile killing just to feed himself when there were plenty of other things to consume if he simply looked.

At that moment, this orc was no different than any other wild animal caught in a trap. And would he let such a creature die so horribly? No, he would not.

Taking a deep breath, and with more courage than he would profess to have, Elias crouched before slowly pushing off his pack. He kept his eyes on the orc and opened the top flap before tilting it to show the orc that it only held medicines, plant samples, parchment, and ink.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said gently. “Can you understand me?”

The orc made no indication either way. He continued to growl and glare.

“I want to help you.” Elias took the one weapon he had, a long dagger, and showed the orc the blade before tossing it away. The orc stopped growling and blinked in apparent surprise. Elias shuffled closer on his knees, keeping his demeanor as non-threatening as possible. He almost snorted—as if a soft priest like him could be threatening. He kept speaking in low tones as he would to a frightened animal. He kept his pack held out in front of him, hoping the harmless items would convince the orc he wasn’t a hunter.

The orc’s large nostrils flared, and he squinted into the bag. He must have smelled the remaining apples, the plant samples, and the few healing ointments Elias carried with him everywhere. Elias set the bag within easy reach of the orc just in case he wanted to investigate. Then he took a good look at the steel jaws and winced.

The orc didn’t wear shoes, his sturdy, rough feet tough enough not to need them. His nails were more like claws, almost identical to those on his fingers. The trap would have been covered, and he’d stepped directly onto the triggering mechanism. The blades had barely missed his foot to cut into his ankle, probably scraping against the bones and tendons.

Elias took a moment to fight nausea.

“Damn. Once I free your leg it’s going to bleed profusely. I have to wrap it fast and tight.” He glanced up and met the orc’s eyes. Grim determination stared back at him and Elias blinked. “You do understand me.”

Author Bio

M.D. Grimm logo

M.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!).

Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.

Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.

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

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001710645622

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4574220.M_D_Grimm

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.D.-Grimm/e/B00I0KZMY6/

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Lover Betrayed by JP McLean Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A man desperate to find his wife and save his late father’s crumbling company travels down a path of deception and revenge that will lead to untold dangers in author JP McLean’s “Lover Betrayed”, a companion novel to the author’s The Gift Legacy series. 

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The Synopsis

A son in mourning. A disputed inheritance. A shocking betrayal.

When Jackson Delaney’s father dies unexpectedly, Jackson inherits a booming New Orleans development company with a tarnished reputation. Jackson pledges to clean up his family’s name, but his plans are thwarted by a disowned half-brother who lays claim to Jackson’s inheritance.

Then Jackson’s wife disappears. Desperate to find her, he calls in favours from his father’s nefarious colleagues and flirts with the feared Tribunal Novem—a ruthless organization of elite Fliers.

But nothing is what it seems, and from a single deception grows a suffocating web of lies. And when Jackson meets Emelynn Taylor, a mysterious young woman with no knowledge of her powerful gift of flight, he recklessly lures her into his vengeful mission.

How far will Jackson go? And how much is he prepared to sacrifice before he finds his way home?


Lover Betrayed retells Secret Sky, the first book in The Gift Legacy series, from the viewpoint of Emelynn Taylor’s lover: handsome, charming, ruthless Jackson Delaney.

Lover Betrayed is a dark supernatural thriller, perfect for fans of JR Ward, Deborah Harkness, Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, and Keri Arthur.

This book is intended for an adult audience. (Lover Betrayed was previously published as The Gift: Betrayal)

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The Review

This was a great addition to the author’s Gift Legacy series. The way the author is able to relay the original book’s story in such a new and refreshing way was great to see, as it added more background and mythos to the already established mythology, and the added elements in both the Flier and the human world made this a memorable story.

For me, the new POV through Jackson’s story made this the cornerstone of this novel. The desperation and fear that drives Jackson’s mission forward made his story both more painful and yet more compelling at the same time, as the character’s determination to find his wife and keep his father’s company afloat made this so engaging to read. The lengths he is willing to go to and the emotional pull of his plight and the pain he ends up causing made this a gripping story.

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and gripping, author JP McLean’s “Lover Betrayed” is a must-read new adult fantasy novel and a great addition to the growing Gift Legacy series. The heart and mesmerizing new take on the author’s iconic novel will keep readers invested in the novel and such a pivotal character in the franchise. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean writes contemporary fantasy thrillers with a provocative edge. She is best known for The Gift Legacy series. The first book of the series received Honourable Mention at the WhistlerIndependent Book Awards. Reviewers call the series addictive, smart and fun.

Her books include endorsements from Ethel Wilson fiction prize winner, Jennifer Manuel, and Globe and Mail bestselling author,Elinor Florence, among others. The series has been described as fantasy light and is a good introduction to the genre for the uninitiated.

Jo-Anne neglects the gardens and housework to write full time from her home on Denman Island, off of Canada’s west coast. She writes best when she’s within sight and sound of water, even if it’s just a fountain, and hopes never to stop reading, writing or imagining the impossible.

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Hunted by Fire (Fires of Innovation Book 1) by Jim Hepburn 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 harboring rebellion in his heart as humanity is forced to serve under the dragon gods finds himself in a fight for his life and the lives of those he loves in author Jim Hepburn’s “Hunted by Fire”, the first book of the Fires of Innovation series. 

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The Synopsis

Finding one’s place is never easy.

What is fifteen-year-old Felix Deltorei supposed to do when he longs for rebellion? In his world, where the dragon Gods reign with barbaric force, such thoughts could cost him his life.

The risks have been drilled into Felix and his friends since they were children. The war between humans and the winged Gods ended with a treaty; humanity would serve them or be driven extinct. Hundreds of years later, under the watchful eyes of the Gods and their devoted followers, those same laws remain.

Felix knows he has to find his place in the world before he’s found out. Surrounded by teachers who only ever value faith, obedience, but also technological advancement, Felix strives to achieve security and a better life in the only way he knows how; with his inventive mind. However, just as he gets his chance, one of the province’s famed inquisitors arrives in town. Little does Felix know, the devastating events about to take place will risk exposing him, but they will also push him out into a journey that might mean the deaths of the ones he loves if he can’t escape in time.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gritty high fantasy read for YA fans. The chilling environment that the author’s narrative encompasses takes the reader to new heights, exploring a frightful world in which the protagonists are thrust into a race of survival against impossible odds. The terror that encompasses the opening chapters as the power of the “gods” and those that serve them becomes apparent made this a gripping tale immediately.

For me, the heart of this story comes in the world-building and mythos that the story encompasses. The concept of these all-powerful forces of nature and the need for rebellion taking heart in the cast of characters made this story flow smoothly. The themes of forced conformity and religious oversight made this a thought-provoking read as well and helped elevate the fantasy elements of the story.

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The Verdict

Harrowing, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jim Hepburn’s “Hunted by Fire” is a must-read YA fantasy novel that is both a great start to a brand new series and a richly developed fantasy world. The dynamics between the protagonists and the depth of their journey both together and separately made this a truly compelling fantasy world to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Like many young men in high school cursed with a dash of creativity, Jim found a love for writing, which everybody else thought was practically useless. Those folks urged him to get good at math and science instead, and so he worked at those, but he was never sure if he could hack them out at a university level. After he graduated said university with an arts degree (where he had to read an awful lot), he wondered what other young people had gone through the same thing. It’s always been his dream to inspire young men and women to pursue STEM projects, as he thinks the world could use as many helping hands it can get and he thinks they are up to the challenge.

In other news, he grew up near Toronto, Canada and devoured any written adventure he could find, including many of the works written by Kenneth Oppel, D. J. MacHale, Christopher Paolini, and Rick Riordan. Later on, it was Jim Butcher, R.A. Salvator, Hajime Isayama, and Tsugumi Ohba who fueled him through his early adult years and to whom he associates much of his personal growth to.

Catching Hell Part 2: Destination by Marc Watson 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 worlds of magic and technology, the past and the future all collide as two friends navigate two very different worlds to find a way back to one another in author Marc Watson’s “Catching Hell Part 2: Destination”.

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The Synopsis

A critical blow has been dealt to the robotic Army of the Old, but at a great price. Broken and weary, best friends Johan and Aryu have been separated while chasing forces from the distant past that they both fear.

Aryu, the man with wings, pursues the enemy while he slowly slips into the enticing magic and mystery of the Power, led by the great phoenix Nixon Ash.

Johan stands on the steps of Bankoor, a futuristic city full of wonder and mistrust. Here, he must make his stand to avenge his destroyed home and find his friend.

As the gap between the brave warriors closes, the worlds of technology and magic will clash.

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The Review

The author did an incredible job of world-building, giving readers a truly immersive reading experience that made the characters and the setting feel alive on the page. The rich diversity that the cast of characters embodied and the thriving adventure that the story brought to life were brilliantly imagined thanks to great uses of imagery and atmosphere in the author’s writing style.

To me, the heart of the story rested in the author’s command over the genres that were balanced together. Both high fantasy and deep sci-fi storytelling kept the reader invested in the story, touching upon the adventure that sci-fi promises while also showcasing the rich worlds that fantasy brings to life. The compelling story of Aryu and Johan was great to see come to life, as the author took these characters down some dark and shocking paths that will change the course of this fictional world forever.

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The Verdict

Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining, author Marc Watson’s “Catching Hell Part 2: Destination” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel you won’t be able to put down. The twists and turns these characters make and the shocking conclusion leaves readers with an emotional and engaging finale that will leave you wanting more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hello, I’m Marc Watson, and I write stuff. I’m an author of genre fiction (primarily Fantasy and Science Fiction of all lengths). I began writing at the age of 15 with a pen and paper, and I’ve never really stopped, even though until recently it was more of a background to me than my defining trait. 

I have been published on flash fiction site www.101words.org, as well as comedy site www.thecorrectness.com. I’ve been a student of the excellent writing classes at Athabasca University for a number of years.

I live in Calgary, Alberta, and was spawned out of the depths of Southern Ontario. I’m a husband, proud father of two, and can be sometimes found at an actual job. I’m an avid outdoorsman, martial artist of some high repute, baseball player of very little repute, and lover of all Mexican foods. One day ‘World Famous Poutine Aficionado’ will be on my business cards.

You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marcwroteabook, and on twitter at @writewatson. For public appearances and interviews, I am proudly represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

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Anomaly Aftermath (The Mystic Rampage Series Book 3) by Hugh Fritz 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 seeking revenge against an “evil” genie must find a powerful new weapon capable of stopping the genies once and for all in author Hugh Fritz’s “Anomaly Aftermath”, book 3 in The Mystic Rampage Series. 

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The Synopsis

Soleil is lost in time, launched through history at the hands of the Old Ticker. Now he is out of his element. He must adapt to his new home, hope it’s possible to return to his original time, and pray for a chance to correct some mistakes along the way.

Tyrell knows Flarence killed Darren. He wants revenge, though a mere human with limited resources has no chance of harming a Genie. But Roy’s body is failing to the point that not even Genie blood can sustain him. The cause of Roy’s slow death may give Tyrell the opportunity he needs to make Flarence suffer.

The Old Ticker’s designs have been leaked. Now they rest in deadlier hands and more mischievous minds. A pair of spell-casting revolvers were nothing compared with the new weapons being developed in secret. The Genies may have met their match when a scientist emerges armed with the most devastating firearm the world has ever known.

These three novellas are the culmination of the Mystic Rampage series—historical fiction, contemporary action, and near-future science fiction. Connecting them all is their shared theme of overcoming regrettable decisions to forge a brighter future.

The Review 

This was a rich and captivating read. Immediately what struck me was the author’s unique format of ending this story with three novellas that culminate in this fantasy and sci-fi action series. The depth the author dives into regarding the mythos and world-building of the series overall was so remarkable, as the story skirted these fantasy elements without sacrificing the real-world setting and character development that made the reader feel more connected to the story and the world found within.

The rich dynamics of the characters and the way the author was able to get multiple perspectives of this conflict between humanity and genies, and sometimes with one another, was so gripping to behold. The bond between Flarence and Claire, for example, or the almost modern-day Shakespearean nature of the conflict between Tyrell and Flarence was so compelling and kept me invested in this story.

The Verdict 

Memorable, heartfelt, and captivating, author Hugh Fritz’s “Anomaly Aftermath” is the must-read action sci-fi and fantasy read you want to have this summer, and a great third entry into The Mystic Rampage Series. The twists and turns in the story and the shocking character development that sees emotional bonds formed and shattered, rise and fall, and all tied into the conflict ahead made this a truly memorable story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hugh Fritz is thrilled to have completed his Mystic Rampage trilogy, a project eight years in the making. While writing the series he has outlined and written rough drafts of other stories ranging from horror to romance. He is currently bouncing between his works in progress, deciding which one should get his full attention. Whatever comes next will assuredly be a step in a whole new direction. 

Find Hugh Online:

Author website:  http://www.hughfritz.com/   
Blog site:  http://www.hughfritz.com/blog   
Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063563318857  
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hugh-Fritz/author/B072BRDLDD?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=tru

Anomaly Aftermath is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon. You can add it to your GoodReads reading list as well.

Blog Tour Dates 

May 1st @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Hugh Fritz’s Anomaly Aftermath. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

May 5th @ Lisa Haselton

Lisa Haselton interviews author, Hugh Fritz about his recently released book:  Anomaly Aftermath. You can read an interview with the author and learn more about the Mystic Rampage Series today on Lisa’s Blog! 

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

May 6th @ A Wonderful World of Words

You won’t want to miss Joy’s review of Hugh Fritz’s Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by A Wonderful World of Words today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! 

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

May 14th @ Word Magic with Fiona Ingram

Author Hugh Fritz recently released the third and final book in the Mystic Rampage Series,  Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by Word Magic with Fiona Ingram to hear from Fritz today as he speaks about “Advertising and Finding an Audience” and delves into developing a pitch as an author. 

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

May 20th @ Madeline Sharples, Choices

Author Hugh Fritz recently released the third and final book in the Mystic Rampage Series,  Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by Choices with Madeline Sharples to hear from Fritz today as he speaks about “Developing a Pitch for a Book-to-Film Adaptation”.

http://www.madelinesharples.com/

May 24th @ Author Anthony Avina

You won’t want to miss fellow author Anthony Avina’s review of Hugh Fritz’s Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by Author Anthony Avina’s blog today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! 

https://atomic-temporary-124910902.wpcomstaging.com/

May 26th @ Nikki’s Book Reviews

You won’t want to miss Nikki’s review of Hugh Fritz’s Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by Nikki’s Book Review blog today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! 

https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com/

June 8th @ Knotty Needle Creative

You won’t want to miss Judy’s  review of Hugh Fritz’s Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by Knotty Needle Creative today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! 

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

June 10th @ Bring on Lemons with Carmen Otto

Hear from a teenager  about Hugh Fritz’s Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by Bring on Lemons today to hear from Carmen Otto as she reviews the book and you can learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! 

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

June 12th @ World of My Imagination  

Author Hugh Fritz recently released the third and final book in the Mystic Rampage Series,  Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by World of My Imagination to hear from Fritz today as he speaks about “Returning to School to Seek an Advanced Degree”. 

https://worldofmyimagination.com/

June 13th @ Storey Book Reviews

Author Hugh Fritz recently released the third and final book in the Mystic Rampage Series,  Anomaly Aftermath. Storey Book Reviews to hear from Fritz today as he speaks about “What to do When the Series is Over”. 

https://storeybookreviews.com/

June 14th @ The Mommies Reviews with Glenda Cates

You won’t want to miss Glenda’s review of Hugh Fritz’s Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by  The Mommies Reviews today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! 

http://www.themommiesreviews.com/

June 15th @ Lady Unemployed

You won’t want to miss Nicole Pyles’ review of Hugh Fritz’s Anomaly Aftermath. Stop by  Lady Unemployed today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! 

https://ladyunemployed.com/

Kingdom Society: Broken Reality 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 hero in the making must face a challenging new threat as he and his allies seek a new teacher and discover the temptation of a new power in author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: Broken Reality”, the second book in the Kingdom Society.

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The Synopsis

After the events of the evil Black Hood, Alyeth finds himself struggling with internal conflict at every turn. Given the opportunity, he goes with his master Xylok, Ezra, Koren, and Cindrel to learn from a powerful warlock Pyrres Galhon in Stonehaven. During his training, he learns of new forces in the universe that have their own plans for him, as well as learning more about his new teacher. When all seemed to be well on a normal Nature Extravaganza, Alyeth finds himself trapped in a precarious situation created by the devious Game Master. Alyeth must use his own instincts and intuition to find and save his team, as well as struggling with the new choice of power he is offered. Come join this action-packed adventure full of love, excitement, and new discovery and find out where our hero will end up!

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The Review

This was a powerful fusion of science fiction and fantasy! As a newcomer to the series, I found the author did a wonderful job of introducing the characters in a way that made the events of the first book feel alive and fresh in this world, giving enough information to move forward in this new adventure. The world-building and mythology the author establishes made the sci-fi and fantasy elements of the narrative feel natural and cohesive in this universe, making this a compelling read.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in character development and world-building. For me, some of the most interesting characters in a story prove to be the ones who skate the line between good and evil, and Korath is a great example of this, as his tragic backstory serves as the prologue to this narrative. The action and adventure this story breeds with him at the forefront, along with protagonist Alyeth, made this a memorable reading experience.

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The Verdict

Memorable, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author Nathan Helm’s “Kingdom Society: Broken Reality” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel and a great addition to this growing series. The cosmic and elder god elements of the narrative and the tension that builds over time, both internally for Alyeth, and externally as these champions are chosen, made the series of twists and turns building throughout this narrative so compelling. 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!

Wind Ruler (Elementals of Nordica Book IV) by TC Marti 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.

Valkyrie must keep her brush with death hidden as Sion becomes the hope their world needs so that he may become the Wind Ruler he is destined to be in author TC Marti’s “Wind Ruler”, the fourth book in the Elementals of Nordica series. 

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The Synopsis

Valkyrie Siskonen evaded death twice, and she knows she won’t survive another encounter with the Third Sister…

…Sion Zona has no idea Valkyrie’s life is so close to the end, and she intends to keep it that way

Valkyrie knows Sion will have no problem deviating from his calling if it means saving her. Even if he is the greatest hope the World of Eidolon has against an enemy larger than either the Tamurian Empire or King Magnu.

Fortunately, Sion won’t be in the picture to circumvent the universe’s final destination for Valkyrie. He is leading a team through the war-torn nation of Bastille in the World of Rondure, seeking out the girl who owns the disembodied voice he’d been hearing for months.

His new friends on Rondure know about that voice, as they heard her too. And to Sion’s surprise, so has his cousin Erno.

Sion needs to continue his development to reach Wind Ruler status. Something he can only achieve with a face-to-face encounter with the girl.

Valkyrie knows she needs to survive long enough until Sion has already embarked on his mission before the Third Sister collects her. And she also needs to know he will be okay when she’s gone.

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The Review

This was such a powerful and captivating entry into the author’s Elementals of Nordica series. The story had the signature blend of fantasy and military action infused into so many scenes, making it feel very cinematic and adrenaline-fueled. The rich world-building and the expansion of the author’s scope for this story were so enthralling that I was driven into the core of this narrative from the beginning.

For me, the way the author touched upon a more emotional character direction for several of the characters and the haunting tone of the story made this such a compelling entry into the series. The vast amount of characters the author was able to bring to life in this story in a natural way and yet the heartfelt and emotional themes of destiny and sacrifice that the main cast of characters brought to life made this narrative feel alive and captivating.

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thoughtfully written, author TC Marti’s “Wind Ruler” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy meets military action novel and a great entry into the Elementals of Nordica series. Filled with heartbreak, thrills, and memorable world-building moments that build upon the mythos the author has crafted, this thrilling series continues to draw the reader in time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

TC Marti has been an avid reader/writer for over three decades. He is the author of the Elementals Universe, a shared speculative fiction universe spanning multiple series. He is also a workout fanatic, and a fan of Arizona sports teams.

Preorder Book I in the Catenarian Chronicles

Delos: The Moon’s Eye (Delos Book Two) by Blake Miller 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.

Four teens in a magical world must go on a quest to save the Lil of Lurkur and must complete an ancient test that no one has passed in thousands of years in author Blake Miller’s “Delos: The Moon’s Eye”, the second book in the Delos series.

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The Synopsis

DELOS: BOOK TWO

The magikal world gets even larger, the adventure gets even more thrilling, and the mysteries get even more intriguing in the second installment of this epic fantasy series, where climaxes and anticlimaxes once again abound, keeping you glued to the story.

THE QUEST OF SIX WATERS

When Cynthia Summers and Kaden Krossway learn that the Lil of Lurkur has gone missing, they join up with Alec Mulsiver and a surprising fourth com-panion to find her. This leads to another trip into Lurkur Woods, a haunting discovery about what has happened to the Lil, and then to Diluvium where they must undergo the Quest of Six Waters to claim what they need to save the Lil’s life: the Seventh Water. The problem is, no one has survived the Quest in over 6,000 years. . . .

The amazing story of Cynthia, Kaden and Alec continues.

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The Review

This was a truly captivating and imaginative sci-fi and fantasy novel. The author brilliantly draws the reader into the narrative immediately, starting with a shocking encounter with a stalker searching for the twins and moving into a cosmos-spanning disappearance that could have serious ramifications. The world-building in this book is top tier, with the author doing an amazing job of using imagery to bring each world and unique territory to life in the writing while also giving newcomers a chance to fully immerse themselves into this unique story and the worlds it inhabits. 

The air of mystery and magic that permeates throughout this novel and the dazzling imagery found in the author’s writing really kept this book in my mind in the weeks of reading it. The shocking twists in the protagonists Kaden and Cynthia’s backstories and their connection, as well as the level of importance they gain as the story progresses, kept me invested in the narrative fully, and the dynamic chemistry between the friends as they set out on this adventure balanced out with the adversarial role the antagonists had on these heroes and their journey. 

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The Verdict

Gripping, magical, and entertaining, author Blake Miller’s “Delos: The Moon’s Eye” is a fantastic sci-fi meets fantasy YA and Epic Fantasy novel. The complex yet engaging aspect of the world-building felt very much like the addicting story arcs found in series like Game of Thrones, and yet the connection to Earth and our modern world blended with the cosmic level of the storytelling made this feel like GoT meets Star Wars meets any YA high-school supernatural thriller found in stores today. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this truly incredible read today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Blake is a graduate of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA, and Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He currently resides in his hometown of Lexington, KY, where he is hard at work on the second book in the DELOS series.

Visit him at www.hierophantpress.com or www.delosthewhitetree.com

Contact him at info@hierophantpress.com

Follow him on Twitter @BlakeMiller_DWT for exclusive reveals about the second book in the DELOS series!

https://twitter.com/BlakeMiller_DWT