I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman strives to be the first woman to become an Air Ranger and explore the cosmos in author Jaime A Sevilla’s “Blade Rider.”
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The Synopsis
In a future where stars map the last frontier and infinite space paves the road to dreams, Raven stands at the precipice of her world. In a vibrant, multi-species society filled with possibilities, she yearns to fly amongst the stars as an Air Ranger, an elite group of space pilots that navigate the cosmos and safeguard the world.
There’s only one catch: females aren’t allowed.
As Raven gets closer to her aspirations and learns what it takes to join them, she discovers lasting friendships, new challenges, and what it ultimately means to be a ranger.
Can Raven push beyond the boundaries of societal norms and break through the stratosphere of glass ceilings, or will her star-filled quest for acceptance remain out of reach? Join her on this high-stakes, interstellar ride and experience her exciting journey as she blazes her own path amongst the stars.
Based on the musical by Jaime A. Sevilla, Blade Rider spins an electrifying and poignant tale of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
The Review
Immediately, what stood out to me about this incredible sci-fi novel was the seamless integration of music and songs into the narrative. As a companion to a musical album, the story naturally took on a lyrical style, not only infusing it with actual songs but also conveying intense emotional moments and powerful imagery throughout. The world-building and compelling character dynamics the story introduces helped balance the poetic quality of the author’s writing, which came to life on the page, and the music readers can listen to alongside it was equally mesmerizing and enthralling.
The heart of this narrative was in the strong themes the author explored. The sci-fi genre was very prevalent throughout this story, and the development of the Air Rangers, the politics and expectations that plagued the program, and the protagonist’s fight against them not only reflect problems in our own world but also showcase Raven’s evolution and growth as a protagonist. The compelling bond that forms between Raven and one of her allies in the story, and the way the narrative homes in on how both women and aliens are treated in this program, make the story so engaging and easy to get lost in.
The Verdict
Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining, author Jaime A Sevilla’s “Blade Rider” is a must-read (and must-listen to) sci-fi epic! The twists and turns, the inspiring and motivating themes, and the infusion of music, a hint of romance, and heart-pounding action will keep readers invested and eager to listen to the accompanying album. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this book on November 11th, 2025, or preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Discover Jaime A. Sevilla, a lifelong musician, veteran educator, and accomplished composer who has skillfully combined his experience in the arts with music and storytelling as an emerging author.
With credentials from the Manhattan School of Music and New York University, his music has graced the stages of numerous concerts and festivals around the world. As both a musician and educator for over 20 years, Jaime has inspired countless students and audiences, working to cultivate a new generation of musicians.
His sources of inspiration include various types of caffeine, the soundtrack of cacophonous children (a daily remix), and his original music, which he eagerly shares with the world.
Connect with Jaime A. Sevilla for a glimpse into his exciting projects and explore his caffeinated world of music and literature.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman and the ghost who lives with her must work together to solve a murder in author Olivia Blacke’s “Death at the Door”, the second book in the A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery series.
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The Synopsis
The odd couple of crime-solving returns in Olivia Blacke’s Death at the Door, where a ghost and her living roommate find another mystery on their doorstep.
Ruby Young is slowly adjusting to her new life in Boston. A big part of that is her unexpected roommate―the ghost of the woman who lived there before. For Cordelia Graves, she may no longer be breathing, but it’s still her apartment and Ruby is the somewhat unwanted houseguest. They’re both happy they’ve managed to become friends, which is a miracle considering they struggle to communicate with each other. Cordelia even set Ruby up with her old job.
When Ruby discovers the body of a delivery guy at work, the new life she’s been building hangs in the balance. The last time Cordelia dragged Ruby into a murder investigation, it was almost two ghosts living in the apartment, not one. Determined to protect Ruby, Cordelia tries to shield her from the investigation, but Ruby has other ideas. It will take both of them working together to navigate the fine line between the dead and the living to bring a killer to light.
The Review
This was a brilliant cozy mystery read. The author did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life in a way that was accessible to new readers while also building on the events and character development of the first book. The imagery in the author’s writing style was fantastic, capturing the cool Massachusetts vibes and the stylish, laid-back, and community-driven atmosphere of Ruby’s work life.
The heart of this narrative was the book’s character dynamics, especially between the two protagonists. The unique relationship Ruby has with her ghost roommate Cordelia, and their communication without Ruby being able to see or hear Cordelia, is fascinating to watch unfold in each scene, leading to both tense and humorous exchanges. The introduction of characters like Tosh and Cordelia’s brother elevates the story to a new level, and the mystery they find themselves in will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Verdict
Compelling, entertaining, and a perfect blend of spooky and fun, author Olivia Blacke’s “Death at the Door” is a must-read cozy mystery. The twists and turns in the story, the captivating character development, and the shocking finale will keep readers eager for more in this fun and cozy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mysterious, Spooky, Cozy & Kooky! Olivia Blacke (she/her) is the Anthony Award-winning author of the Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries, as well as the cozy Record Shop Mysteries and the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries. She had her first ghost encounter when she was five, but wasn’t involved with an active crime scene until much later, when she accidentally stepped into a chalk outline on a Manhattan sidewalk. Armed with a Criminology degree, she channels her love of the supernatural and passion for writing into darkly humorous supernatural mysteries. She wants to be a unicorn when she grows up.
Timoteo Tong has a new fantasy/sci-fi book out, The Magicals Alliance book 3: The Spellbinding Magic of You and Me.
Magic, monsters, and a boy who never asked to be chosen.
Sixteen-year-old Santangelo Lo Geffo is drowning in grief. After his mother’s sudden death and his father’s emotional disappearance, he’s convinced the world has forgotten him—until his childhood best friend, Joshua “Neeky” Tang, shows up out of nowhere, charming, bold, and full of secrets. Their reunion reignites buried feelings and a bond stronger than fate.
But something darker stirs in the magical underworld known as the Gloom. A cursed sword has chosen Santangelo, and with it, the wrath of the ancient queen Máu Rabetica, who will stop at nothing to reclaim her power. With monsters closing in and war looming, Santangelo must train under the brutal God of War, survive attacks from rival covens, and navigate a tangled web of family secrets.
Worse, his heart’s a mess. He’s caught between his feelings for Neeky—the boy who’s always been there—and Daccio Scala, a flirtatious magical fighter who makes his pulse race. As the walls close in, a glam-pop sorceress with a hidden agenda sets her sights on Santangelo and the blade, forcing him to choose between destiny and desire… or risk losing both.
What if your wealthy, glamorous family was secretly saving the world?
Welcome to the world of The Magicals Alliance, a spellbinding YA fantasy series that follows the powerful—and complicated—Delomary family. By day, they’re media moguls, philanthropists, and the faces of a global empire. But behind closed doors, they’re something much more dangerous: the last line of defense against monsters, magic, and total annihilation.
In a hidden war where Vampires, Werewolves, and dark forces threaten to tip the balance between worlds, the Delomarys stand at the center of it all—armed with secrets, ancient power, and a whole lot of emotional baggage.
Dive into a world of romance, rebellion, queer joy, and jaw-dropping magic as each book follows teens on the front lines of a battle that could destroy everything.
“Dammit, Bello!” Pops shouted from the front of the house.
I blinked awake. The drapes hung limp. The air in my room was warm and stale. My door stood open a crack. Che was gone.
“You have a visitor! Come downstairs—I’m making breakfast.”
I sat up, rubbed sleep from my eyes. The clock blinked 9:15. Pops was an early riser; I took after Mom and liked to sleep in.
“Coming!” I yelled back in Italian. I hated being woken before eleven.
I threw on a T-shirt and shorts, padded down the hall, and swung around the banister. At the bottom of the stairs, I froze. A shadow stood framed in the screen door to the verandah.
A tall boy with long black hair and glasses shifted from foot to foot, holding a cake like it might explode. He looked anxious and impossibly familiar.
“Open the door!” Pops barked. “Senlàpso!”
I opened the screen and stopped breathing. Joshua Tang—Josh—only not the kid I remembered. Taller now. Stronger. His smile hit me like a hammer.
“Santangelo!” he said. “Guess what? I just moved back to Burbank.”
We weren’t really friends anymore. So why was he acting like we were?
“Bello! Don’t be rude.” Pops’ voice snapped me awake.
“Oh. Hi, Josh.”
“Josh?” He tilted his head, eyes bright through his glasses. “That’s not my name.”
“Neeky,” he said.
The name clanged through me. I looked up—he towered over me now.
“Gosh,” he said, grinning, “you’re short. No growth spurt yet?”
“Yeah, well, you’re a giant.”
“Ah, yes,” Neeky said, blazing like midday sun, “that I am.”
“Come in. Let me take that cake.”
“Mom made it. It’s one of three things she can cook—scrambled eggs, soufflé, and carrot cake. Your favorite, Santy.” He handed it to Pops.
I stared. Three years gone, and suddenly he was here, filling our kitchen with noise and light.
“We moved back to the City of Angels,” Neeky said, sliding onto a stool while Pops poured juice. “Mom got a job at JPL.”
Pops’ eyebrows lifted. “Is that so? I didn’t know Susannah was a scientist.”
“She went back for her degree after… well, anyway. Now she’s a scientist.” Neeky bit into an apple like he’d never left.
He always made himself at home—shoes off, elbows out, comfortable like the world was his.
“That’s great, Josh,” I said automatically.
“Neeky, Mister Lo Geffo.” They shook hands like executives.
“Pops.”
Neeky turned to me. “Aren’t you going to sit?”
I climbed onto a stool across from him. Not too close. Not yet.
“I missed this place,” he said. “Always so homey. Our new house isn’t. Mom hates rugs and knick-knacks. Says they collect dust. She’s clueless.”
He talked like he’d been gone a day, not years. I wasn’t ready to pick up where we’d left off. Too much gnawed at me—things I couldn’t explain. Maybe he’d forgotten. That was like him. Pops and Neeky were both Leos: loud, sunny, terrible memories. I remembered everything—a curse.
“I’m taking Che for a run,” I muttered.
“We have a guest!” Pops shot me a glare sharp enough to petrify.
Neeky stood. “It’s fine, Pops. I have to help Mom decorate. She can’t do that alone.” He grinned, glowing like he carried his own weather. “Let’s hang out. I’m right across the street—the other old house on the block.”
He bounded down the porch steps, taking the golden light and jasmine air with him. Pops tucked the cake in the fridge. I called for Che.
“Time for a walk, Growlvara!”
Paws on wood, then Che trotted up, leash in his mouth. I knelt to rub his fur, grounding myself in his steady warmth.
Outside, a breeze stirred.
“Why did Josh move back?” I asked the air.
The wind ruffled my hair. “Neeky is his name.”
I frowned. “How do you know that?”
“I know everything.”
“You should be friends with him again,” it whispered.
“I don’t need friends. I have my cousins. And you. And Che.”
“Best friends are important,” the wind said. “Human friends.”
“I don’t want a best friend. It’s dangerous.”
“Why?”
“When you love someone, they leave.”
“Your mom didn’t leave you—not intentionally.”
“Shut up.”
“You held Neeky’s hand in kindergarten when he was scared. You were a good friend.”
And suddenly I was there again: first day of school. A small boy clung to his mother, sobbing. She left him, and he collapsed into the seat beside me, eyes red. I reached for his hand.
“You’ll be okay,” I’d said.
“You do?” he’d sniffled when I told him I liked building blocks too.
“Sure. I’ll hold your hand until you feel better.”
He had smiled through tears. “Best friends?”
“Sure,” I said.
Years later, under the olive trees, he kissed my cheek. I’d liked him back, though I had no words for it. Maybe that was why I ended things. Fear.
Now he was across the street again, and I felt a small, stupid happiness I didn’t want to admit.
Stop it, I told myself. I’m a loner. I don’t need friends. I have Che and Pops, even if Pops felt half-ghost most days.
Neeky paused on the sidewalk, looking back. Our eyes met, and the air stretched thin between us.
“Later?” he called.
My throat betrayed me. “Later.”
The wind laughed softly, and the house held its breath.
Author Bio
Timoteo Tong grew up in Burbank, CA, imagining epic battles against vampires and witches inside creaky old mansions—and hasn’t stopped dreaming since. He wrote his first book at age eight (a chaotic romance between a stuffed cocker spaniel and a duck) and never looked back. Inspired by the magic of L. Frank Baum, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, Timoteo now lives in San Francisco with his husband, where he writes stories full of queer magic, found family, and monsters that don’t play fair. When he’s not reading, writing, or daydreaming about flying, you can find him surrounded by houseplants, doing pushups between chapters, and always down for donuts.
By Timoteo Tong, Author of The Magicals Alliance Series
When most people picture Los Angeles, they think of Hollywood, palm trees, and endless sunshine. For me, though, Los Angeles has always shimmered with something more—something unseen, humming just beneath the pavement and echoing through the canyons. When I set out to write *The Magicals Alliance Series*, I wanted to take that “something more” and bring it to life.
Urban fantasy often asks: *What if magic exists right here, in the places we know best?* My answer was to build a universe where freeways double as ley lines, storm drains hide crypts of forgotten gods, and a drizzle of rain in the middle of summer might just signal divine intervention.
But why LA? Because it’s personal. I grew up wandering through Burbank, hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, and staring out over the Griffith Observatory at the city lights. Those were the places where I daydreamed as a teen, and in my books, they become battlefields, sanctuaries, and portals to other realms. Every landmark holds a secret: MacArthur Park once turned to ink during a magical breach; the Sixth Street Bridge cracked open to reveal a curse-tree; and in *The Spellbinding Magic of You and Me*, Santangelo Lo Geffo finds himself running the very same streets I once did.
Blending real geography with fantasy lore means readers can feel grounded even as they encounter the impossible. It’s one thing to imagine a dragon’s den—but what if that den is hidden beneath downtown? What if your local park is also the site of a forgotten covenant? That interplay between the ordinary and extraordinary creates a world that feels alive, like magic could be hiding just around the corner.
Another key to my worldbuilding is history. *The Last Battle*, fought in Los Angeles 120 years before the events of the books, was my way of giving the city a magical “past life.” I asked myself: what if the clashes of gods and monsters weren’t just myths, but part of modern history erased from memory? That decision means LA isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character with scars, secrets, and stories of its own.
Of course, worldbuilding is only half the story. It’s the *people* in this magical LA who bring it to life. Characters like Santangelo struggle not just against monsters, but against grief, identity, and the weight of expectation. To me, that’s what makes the magic believable: no matter how dazzling or terrifying, it’s always tied to human emotion. A golden sword forged on Mount Olympus isn’t just a weapon; it’s also a symbol of Santy’s courage, his mother’s love, and his destiny.
In the end, building magic into the real world is about wonder—but it’s also about connection. I want readers to finish my books and look at their own streets, parks, and neighborhoods differently. Maybe the shadows really do stretch too long at dusk. Maybe the rain is whispering secrets. Maybe, just maybe, there’s more to the world than what we see.
That’s the heart of *The Magicals Alliance Series*: ordinary teens navigating extraordinary magic in the places we know best. Because magic, like love and grief, isn’t something far away—it’s right here, waiting to be found.
Timoteo Tong is the author of The Magicals Alliance Series, a YA queer fantasy saga set in modern-day California. When not writing about magical battles and golden swords, Timoteo enjoys exploring local coffee shops, spending time with family, and dreaming up new ways to bring enchantment into everyday life.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young parapsychologist must face her fears and decide whether to help two recently deceased teens who have nine days to solve how they died in author Wendra Colleen’s “The Inn Between.”
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The Synopsis
Teenagers J.T. and Sylvia have no memory of dying, only how much they hate each other. Trapped at The Inn Between, a B&B of the afterlife, they have nine days to discover how they died. If they solve the mystery, they can choose to evolve; if they don’t, they will be reborn with their memories wiped, destined to die young again.
In the realm of the living, Dr. Jillian Flaggerty, a young, newly minted parapsychologist, suppresses her childhood ability to rescue earthbound ghosts. She wants to avoid another trip to an institution and succeed in her first job. On a ghostly visit to Earth, J.T. realizes that only Jillian can see and hear him and begs for her help. Jillian denies J.T.’s existence until she uncovers a personal connection to the teen ghosts. Then Jillian has to choose between saving souls or her sanity as time winds down for J.T. and Sylvia to reconcile their differences, face the truth of their deaths, and avoid being reborn.
If you’re looking for an escape like Cemetery Boys, Neverworld Wake, and The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts with a dash of The Good Place, don’t wait to read this high-stakes supernatural novel.
The Review
This was such a compelling and heartfelt paranormal and contemporary fantasy read. The author expertly wove a unique mythos surrounding the afterlife and death while also capturing a profound and moving story of trauma, loss, and what it means to be human. The author’s powerful imagery captured the creative storytelling and rich atmosphere not only of the story but also of places like the In Between.
The heart of this book was in the character dynamics and world-building. The afterlife and concepts of different dimensions and worlds being traversed and the idea of evolving versus being reincarnated to develop more fully was such a powerful storytelling device, and the emotional connection readers make with the protagonists of this story, from J.T.’s compounded rejection to Sylvia’s spiral and so much more, will leave a lasting impact on readers and will keep them invested in the growing narrative.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, engaging, and mesmerizing, author Wendra Colleen’s “The Inn Between” is a must-read YA contemporary and paranormal fantasy novel. The mystery and intrigue behind the protagonist’s deaths, the shocking revelations as they discover more about what happened to them, and the exploration of shared trauma and forgiveness will touch readers’ hearts and keep them invested in this growing story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on October 31st, 2025, or preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Wendra Colleen’s motto is “Embrace your weirdness.” Her dark and humorous short stories, screenplays, and novels show how unique, unusual, and unconventional individuals transform adversity into empowerment. Funky facts include that she has a PhD in experimental psychology and deployed to the Iraq War as a civilian, all of which was a breeze compared to learning how to embrace her unique, unusual, and unconventional qualities in high school.
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 in a world where magic has been destroyed must discover if this is truly the case in author Andrew P. Merrit’s “Ballad of the Blade”, the first book in the A Serenade of Smoke series.
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The Synopsis
Ballad of the Blade is a dark, gritty, multi-pov epic, with a dash of horror, and a dollop of gallows humor. It is the debut novel of Andrew P Meritt and the first story of many in A Serenade of Smoke.
Magic is dead.
The Order made sure of that. They gathered it up, and what they couldn’t destroy, they hid. Now, noble houses squabble over the realm, civil unrest smolders in the east, slavery and injustice run rampant, all while mankind hides behind their two-faced gods.
However, the truth is, magic isn’t dead. It’s just been sleeping, and I intend to wake it.
Under the light of a sinister moon:
A promising initiate struggles to conform in an organization that wants to exterminate the very magic running in his blood. A hired assassin fights to stay one step ahead of shadows, betrayals, and past mistakes. A musician in over his head tries desperately to trade debt from one group of killers to another. A slave of blood and sand claws his way toward freedom, one corpse at a time. An irreverent Justiseer struggles with a particularly obstinate severed head. A man wakes with no memory, only to discover a community with problems far greater than his amnesia.
Each of them is forced to question if magic truly is dead and wonder…
Should it be?
The Review
I loved the shifting perspectives of each chapter in this novel. Anytime a novel adapts a multiple POV style of storytelling, readers are given the chance to view the story from unique perspectives that change as each character sees a situation through their own lens. The dynamics between the characters were well ranged, from humorous and competitive at times in the dialogue to chilling and haunting all at once. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing really did an incredible job of bringing this story to life and the world it inhabits.
The world-building and powerful themes this story comprises will really drive the narrative forward. The unique implications of magic and its impact on the world, as well as the changes that result when it is stripped away politically and socially, are fleshed out in shocking ways in the story. The visceral, gritty detail the author puts into this narrative helps lend realism to themes of survival against all odds and of facing challenges and hardships, such as slavery and corrupt leaders.
The Verdict
Powerful, haunting, and compelling, author Andrew Meritt’s “Ballad of the Blade” is a must-read dark fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new series. The twists and turns, and the visceral tone of the story overall, capture a harrowing tale of shifting perspectives and overlapping storylines, resulting in a cohesive, massive world that readers can easily 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
Andrew Meritt grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he began telling stories around the campfire. Work has taken him from Alaska to Minnesota, Ohio, and California. He is now settled in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Annika, and their two dogs, Zagreus and Alyeska. He spends his free time rock climbing, snowboarding, and woodworking. Ballad of the Blade is his debut novel.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman finds work as an administrative assistant for an agency that places goblins and trolls in the book “The Night Girl” by James Bow.
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The Synopsis
Perpetua Collins works for a real troll.
Well, technically a goblin, and it’s not as bad as it sounds. As the administrative assistant, she provides a “human” face for an employment agency specializing in placements for goblins and trolls. It’s probably the most unusual job she could find in Toronto, but she’s grateful for it, having come to the city with $500 in her pocket and no support. Without it, she’d have no choice but to go back to the boring small town and overbearing mother she worked so hard to leave.
But as Perpetua settles into her new job, disturbing questions arise. And no, they’re not about the fact that goblins and trolls exist. She’s fine with that part. What bothers her is that the agency has no visible means of support. How does her boss manage to keep his “clients” out of the public eye? They’ve been part of the city far longer than anyone thinks, and are growing restless under the burden of forced invisibility and financial poverty.
What will happen if the veil drops, and humans see?
The Review
This was such a unique and engaging fantasy read. The setting of Toronto became just as much a character as the rest of the characters in this book; its unique sights and sounds were captured in the detailed, beautiful imagery the author poured into their writing. The world-building in this novel was top-notch, giving readers an incredible blend of the Toronto scene and the otherworldly, mythical creatures that inhabit it, all in the author’s unique story.
The heart of this narrative lay in its character development and strong themes. The protagonist, Perpetua, is a strong lead who embodies the hopeful spark many try to hold onto as they venture into a new phase of their life, while also maintaining the strength to face the unknown without losing herself in the process. Identity becomes central to this narrative, not only for her but also for the clients she works with, as they seek steady work and acceptance. The commentary on inequality and social class structures was spot-on and fit well with this fantasy-driven narrative. Perpetua’s connection with Fergus is a strong hook that will keep readers invested.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, author James Bow’s “The Night Girl” is a must-read fantasy-driven novel. The story has a splash of everything, from a big battle that brings the action and adventure to the narrative, humor in the author’s dialogue, and a hint of romance as well for the protagonist, as the world-building and strong narrative create a world that readers will want to get lost 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
Version 1.0.0
I was born in downtown Toronto on April 19, 1972 and lived there until my folks moved up to Kitchener in 1991 so I could attend the University of Waterloo. I’ve lived in Kitchener ever since. I’ve been trained as an urban planner, and I’ve worked as a database manager, web designer, circulation manager, administrative assistant, layout designer and office manager. The one consistent thing about my varied academic and professional career has been a love of writing.
I love to write and I love to read. I especially love to write and read stories set in the young adult years when everything seems big and wonderful (and sometimes frustrating and frightening) and where the greatest achievement is growing up and conquering yourself. This has been a consistent element of a number of my fiction books.
To learn more about me and my writing, please visit my website:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman struggles with the actions that haunt her from a past life in author Amy S. Cutler’s “To Have and to Hold, To Love and to Kill: An Agreement of Souls.”
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The Synopsis
In her past life, after causing the death of a little boy, Nikki was so devastated that her soul mate promised to murder her in their next life, to make her pay for what she had done. With no knowledge of this, Nikki lives for years as an addict, down on her luck, until she is rescued by Ken, who helps her with all aspects of her recovery. With the help of a few new friends and a cat named Destiny, Nikki turns her life around. What she doesn’t know is that someone out there is destined to kill her, and he is watching, his passion for killing her growing stronger each day.
The question is: Can an agreement made between two souls be broken, and how far will one soul go to keep a promise made in a desperate attempt to save the other?
The Review
What a powerful and gripping paranormal and metaphysical fantasy read. The author did an incredible job of balancing the spiritual and karmic aspects of the narrative with the more grounded and emotional character arcs. The opening chapter was a gut punch for readers, revealing the devastating consequences of a single terrible decision. The struggles Nikki went through in this story, and the powerful imagery and atmosphere, were brilliantly illustrated through the author’s writing style and tone.
The heart of this book lies in its rich character arcs and mystery. The idea of karma and past lives was thoughtfully explored in this narrative, and the mystery of who from Nikki’s past life became part of her current life and what role they played was incredibly well developed. The tension and atmospheric nature of the plot, along with the dynamic between Nikki and several characters, were compelling, offering readers emotional depth and thought-provoking insights into the human soul and what it means to be human.
The Verdict
Fast-paced, emotionally investing, and memorable, author Amy S. Cutler’s “To Have and to Hold, To Love and to Kill: An Agreement of Souls” is a must-read metaphysical and paranormal fantasy novel. The twists and turns, the shocking revelations, and the heartfelt, heartbreaking final chapters will stay with readers long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Amy Sampson-Cutler, author of “To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill: An Agreement of Souls” and “A Shadow of Love,” is a writer who earned her master’s degree in creative writing from Goddard College. Her work can be found in Slut Vomit: An Anthology of Sex Work, Tales to Terrify, WOW! Women on Writing, The Pitkin Review and more. She is the Executive Manager at Mount Peter Ski Area, where she grew up skiing in the winter and dreaming up stories in the summer. Her favorite days are spent knocking around story ideas with her husband. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband, son, and a ridiculous amount of furry family members.
She can be contacted through AmysHippieHut.com. Also follow her on:
Join us as we celebrate the launch of To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Kill by Amy Sampson-Cutler. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man’s dreams are shattered by an attack, and he must learn to survive after bonding to an unwanted element in author Andrew Givler’s “Ironbound.”
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The Synopsis
Arcane Ascension meets The Blade Itself in the epic fantasy adventure IRONBOUND, where the will to survive – and the urge for revenge – cuts cold and deep.
In the Iron Empire only the strongest are given the chance to Ascend.
Castor has wanted to fuse with a Cor Heart since he was a boy. Made from an otherworldly metal, it will give him the ability to manipulate an element. Now that the trial has finally arrived, it is his chance to prove his worth.
Once he has won the Empress’ blessing, he can attune to a Symbol and begin a life of adventure.
But during the trial, his dreams are interrupted by a vicious attack. His home is left in ruins and his family in peril, all while Castor and his friends are carried away to be conscripted into the Legions.
Bound to a Symbol he never wanted, Castor must survive the Iron City, the enemies in the frozen North, and hidden traitors inside the Rusting Empire before he can get revenge on the ones who took everything from him.
This is the first step of the rise of the Ironbound.
Don’t miss the start of this action-packed, adrenaline-fueled Progression Fantasy epic from Andrew Givler, bestselling author of Soul Fraud and the creator of Sigils, a Youtube channel with 1.4+ Million Subscribers.
Perfect for fans of Arcane Ascension,Mark of the Fool, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series, The Will of the Many, Book 1 in the Hierarchy series (James Islington), Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law Trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, Last Argument of Kings), Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera Series, and The Sword of Kaigen.
The Review
This was a compelling, gripping epic fantasy read. The worldbuilding here was top-notch, giving readers a magical system and a rich mythos that made this world feel real and tangible on the page. The use of Roman historical concepts and societal aspects of the Roman Empire in this narrative, and the ways this informed the main narrative and the significant plot developments, made this story engrossing, as readers found themselves lost in the world and invested in how these characters are pushed to their limits.
The character development was the heart of this story. Castor was a complex protagonist, showing his metamorphosis from a devoted and hopeful servant of the Empire to a revenge-fueled slave seeking justice for his people after a tragic accident spiraled into violence. The psychological and emotional toll this took on him, as well as the mounting losses he suffers throughout the book, give the novel a truly gripping, haunting tone that drives it significantly.
The Verdict
If readers were to imagine Gladiator mixed with Game of Thrones and the Thread of Souls series, they would recognize author Andrew Givler’s “Ironbound” as a must-read epic fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new fantasy series. The twists and turns the story takes, the rich imagery of the author’s writing that brings these gritty, brutal battles to life, and the narrative’s detailed pacing as a whole elevated the character development and mythos to all-new heights, leaving readers eager for book two 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
Andrew is the author of the Debt Collection and also a gaming YouTuber known as Sigils. He loves making people laugh, video games, and food. (Not always in that order.) He lives in LA.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Annmarie SanSevero leads readers into a collection of speculative fiction that explores mystery and the supernatural in “The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories.”
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The Synospis
An Intricate and Harmonious Dance Between Humanity and Technology
Dive into Annmarie SanSevero’s gripping collection of speculative fiction, where suspense, mystery, and the supernatural collide with the frontiers of science. Each story pulses with themes of hope, resilience, and the ethical complexities of technological advancements.
A testament to the human spirit, these tales weave suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements into a tapestry of speculative fiction that resonates with contemporary societal issues. Don’t miss your chance to experience these unforgettable narratives and embark on a journey that both challenges and inspires.
The Review
This was such a powerful collection of short stories. The speculative fiction genre always knows how to push the envelope and get readers really thinking critically and taking in all considerations. The dynamic character development and fast-paced yet monumental story points in each short story really hit both emotional and psychological notes, resonating with readers as they dive deeper into the collection.
The powerful imagery and strong themes really were the backbone of this collection. The stories each brought a profound discussion to the table, from the titular story’s exploration of technology left unregulated, to the story “Heresy of Peace” delving into the topic of division and war amongst groups of people, whether it be due to politics, religion, or ideology as a whole, and how that division could be the undoing of everyone. The heartfelt emotional pull of these stories and the thrilling twists each one houses make this collection truly shine.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtful, and uniquely human in a very genre-specific collection of stories, author Annmarie SanSevero’s “The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories” is a must-read short story collection of speculative fiction. The twists and turns, the compelling characters, and the thought-provoking themes will keep readers invested in every tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Annmarie SanSevero grew up in New York City but was transplanted to the south in high school. She writes stories about hope, courage, and resilience in fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, and mystery. She loves exploring the human experience and wants readers to feel like they can do more than survive. They can be world changers.
When she’s not writing, Annmarie enjoys learning just about everything (yep, she’s a nerd), playing violin, tap dancing, and singing. One day, she wants to go LARPing.
