I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man desperate to become a mage finds himself on the run after being framed for an attempted assassination in author Larry Correia’s “Academy of Outcasts.”
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The Synopsis
A brand new fantasy world from Larry Correia, bestselling author of Monster Hunter International!
All Oz Carnavon ever wanted was to become a master mage.
Except, to do so requires the natural gifts or wealth necessary to secure an appointment to one of the prestigious magical academies in the Core City at the center of the seven realms. Oz had neither.
He was born without magical talent, serving in the elemental plane of fire, a nightmarish hellscape of treacherous lava and vicious monsters, where life is cheap, and escape is rare. But Carnavons never give up.
When Oz fakes his death to get out of his family’s contract and crosses the Nexus gate to sneak into the Core, everything seems to be going according to plan… Until he gets blamed for an assassination attempt on the fire realm’s ambassador.
Now, Oz must become a fugitive in a vast magical city, while trying to earn a place among the magical academies which have nothing but disdain for his kind.
And the clock is ticking, because in one week, the most dangerous wizard in the realm of fire is coming to track him down and drag him back to hell.
Experience this epic new saga from LARRY CORREIA, award-winning author of Monster Hunter International and Saga of the Forgotten Warrior. This progression fantasy epic features a D&D-inspired setting split by portals into elemental realms, slow-growth power progression, magic academies, and unforgettable characters!
The Review
This was such a robust and detailed read. The author perfectly captured the various settings of this universe, from the gritty and fiery world of Fogo to the Core and beyond. The book expertly infused elements of classism and the balance that is so hard to maintain between wanting to pursue one’s dreams without sacrificing the family and /or home that a person came from into the themes of this narrative, giving the protagonist and the band of other characters who join him on his quest the heart and depth needed to provide their goals a unique and heartfelt emotional pull.
The balance of magic and action was terrific to see come to life on the page, as was the magical system that the author explored. Yet it was the world-building that really captured this world so effortlessly. The wealth of mystical and fantasy characters — from mages and wizards to orcs, gnomes, and more — populated this universe in a way that felt natural and compelling. In contrast, the multidimensional travel and the way those dimensions represented how different classes of people were divided were both fascinating and cut to the heart of many similar issues faced in our world, keeping readers engaged in the story.
The Verdict
Thrilling, compelling, and entertaining, author Larry Correia’s “Academy of Outcasts” is a must-read fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new fantasy series. The twists and turns of the narrative, from the heartbreaking circumstances that shape the protagonist’s motivations in the beginning of the novel to the fight for survival and recognition in a universe that seems determined to leave them behind, and so much more, made this novel atmospheric and engaging. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Larry Correia is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five novels. He’s best known for his Monster Hunter International urban fantasy series, the Saga of the Forgotten Warrior epic fantasy series, the Grimnoir Chronicles alternate history trilogy, the Dead Six military thrillers, and the sci-fi Gun Runner. He’s also written over sixty pieces of shorter fiction, many of which are included in his Target Rich Environment collections, and he has edited three anthologies.. He lives in Yard Moose Mountain, Utah with his wife, children, and fearsome Krasnovian Waffle Hound.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A karmic vigilante finds herself the prime suspect in a murder investigation and must unravel her past lives and the dark secrets hidden within in author Kristen Martin’s “All We Keep Hidden.”
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The Synopsis
A gripping urban fantasy from International Amazon Bestselling Author Kristen Martin where magic collides with modern life, unleashing danger, destiny, and an anti-heroine you won’t forget.
What if the concept of karma wasn’t just wishful thinking, but an actual duty that’s guaranteed to be fulfilled?
For 30-year-old Maren Cordeau, it is. Having been through multiple incarnations and a daunting number of past lives, she’s finally landed among the ranks of the Noires—karmic vigilantes who carry out the eternal sentences of those who have ultimately chosen to “sell their soul”, be it for riches, fame, power, or something much, much darker. It’s no surprise that invoking nightmares to carry out said sentences has become one of her favorite pastimes… How could it not when she’s exacting justice for the innocent and defenseless?
Such a dangerous role requires the protection of a Sigard, assigned to all Noires at the time of incarnation. It’s a shame it’s Brant Colborn, her rival from previous lifetimes; but, regardless of their blatant animosity toward one another, they always find a way to work together—and actually grow to do a little more than tolerate each other this time around. But when Maren receives her next assignment, a trip into the underbelly of the shopping district to gather supplies turns into a nightmare of her own—her go-to shopkeeper, the Elder Witch of a coven, turns up murdered, in which she’s the number one suspect.
With so many things working against her, Maren can’t help but wonder if this is her own twisted rendition of karma playing itself out. But, as she revisits past lifetimes, what she discovers is much more than she’d bargained for… and could alter the very fabric of reality of years past and subsequent years to come.
The Review
This has been one of my anticipated reads of 2025, and I was not disappointed. The first thing that strikes the reader when delving into this narrative is just how atmospheric and haunting the world the author has built is, while also bringing a great sense of imagery to the writing itself, transporting readers into each visceral scene. There was one scene that offhandedly described a character’s movements and actions in a manner reminiscent of those of Harley Quinn from DC Comics. Immediately, I was able to picture the scene in my mind, and this happened frequently throughout the novel.
The character development and rich mythology were the standout features of this story. The chemistry between Brant and Maren both created the heat one would expect from an adult dark fantasy novel, while also adding to the tension and tone of the narrative that hangs in the air as Maren explores how deep their connection goes. While I love the exploration of various gods and magic from different cultures and mythologies, what stood out to me was the metaphysical aspect of the story, particularly the concept of past lives and the idea that we shape reality at all times. This thought process has been a driving force in much of my paranormal and metaphysical research, and seeing it so effortlessly tied into this plot and explored with nuance and care was a great literary device the author implemented in this work.
The Verdict
With reflections of humor in the dialogue, emotional connection with the characters, and an outstanding balance of mystery, intrigue, and passion, author Kristen Martin’s “All We Keep Hidden” is a must-read dark fantasy novel that fits well into the upcoming spooky season, and a contender for Best Dark Fantasy Novel of 2025! The protagonist and the mythos the author creates were intriguing, and I instantly became invested in the story. The twists that unfold in the novel’s climax, along with the open ending of the story, bring both closure to the narrative and leave enough room for readers to crave more of these incredible characters and this world overall. If you haven’t already, be sure to grab your copy on October 7, 2025, or preorder it today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
KRISTEN MARTIN is the International Amazon Bestselling Indie Author of THE ALPHA DRIVE trilogy and SHADOW CROWN series, the standalone novel BEYOND THE STARS AND SHADOWS, as well as nonfiction works, SOULFLOW and BE YOUR OWN #GOALS. She is also a writing coach, a YouTuber, a podcaster, and a full-time creative entrepreneur. Living in Southeast Texas with her husband and their six kids, she loves all things young adult, science fiction, and fantasy.
Kristen prides herself on helping aspiring authors reach their dreams of publication through her coaching program, Valiance. She loves connecting with other writers and readers, so be sure to reach out!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman must find new allies and heal a broken friendship as she faces her inner demons in author Ahlam Faris’s “Heir of Flame and Shadow”, the second book in the Rings and Chains series.
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The Synopsis
The Chains are weakening—and what waits beneath was never meant to be freed.
After stealing the Royal family’s golden rings, Mina is pursued by the Royal guards. With no choice but to flee the kingdom, she finds herself stranded in the southern desert.
Mina has lost far more than her home—haunted by a death she caused, a shattered friendship, and her guardian spirit seeming to be weaker than ever. Now, she must confront her inner demon alone.
In Heir of Flame and Shadow, Mina discovers new allies, faces old enemies, and attempts to heal a broken friendship that could become something deeper. But sinister forces have been guiding her steps all along—are they allies or enemies in disguise?
The Review
The world-building and mythology were so incredible that I became wholly immersed in this world. The reader is truly thrust into this world, with the unforgiving and gritty tone that the beginning of this story brings, along with the cruel desert setting and the troubled way many treat the protagonist due to signs pointing to her association with Jinn, making this world feel both dangerous and heavy in lore and magic. The imagery that the author’s writing conjures is as powerful as the Jinn that are discovered early on in the narrative, and the expansion upon the mythology that speaks to both the main characters’ origins and the world that existed beyond the Veil was terrific to see come to life on the page.
What stood out to readers, though, was not just this mythos, but the heavy themes the author explores and the emotional connection readers will have with the protagonist and this cast of characters. Themes of identity, as the protagonist grapples with the duality of her power and her mysterious past, as well as themes of grief, loss, and regret, all play a beautiful symphony on the page, as readers become lost in the overwhelming nature of the protagonist’s struggles. The emotional rollercoaster readers go on with her, and the way it elevates the action and suspense of this story will keep readers invested as the story progresses.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Ahlam Faris’s “Heir of Flame and Shadow” is a worthy addition to the Rings and Chains series and a must-read fantasy thriller. The twists and turns in the story, along with the shocking revelations about the protagonist’s origins and the villain she must soon face, will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next installment 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
Ahlam Faris is an award-winning fantasy author known for crafting immersive worlds filled with magic, intrigue, and powerful characters. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light and Dark, received critical acclaim and won the 2024 Reviewers’ Choice Award from Book Nerdection.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two women from vastly different backgrounds must work together to discover the truth behind their shared beliefs in a dangerous race to stand up for what is right in author Brendan Corbett’s “Blood and Flame”, the first book in The Quinate’s Faithful series.
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The Synopsis
Two young women from vastly different worlds.
A magical quest that will test all that they believe.
Beneath the shroud of darkness, two Initiates await their future. Both seek the same-to undergo the Rite of the Faithful and become Mages in the Quinarium.
For Dara, becoming a Blood Mage is a way to flee poverty and leave her past behind, while Wynne’s desire to be a Flame Mage means rebelling against her family’s wishes and turning her back on her wealth and status.
Paired together to perform their unusual rite, they must stop the mysterious slaughter of a village’s livestock and investigate rumors of an impossible source of mana, the fuel used for magic.
Their quest sends them on a fantastical journey across the world of Llendshold, from dangerous Fae forests, across treacherous waters, and deep underground into a dwarf city.
In seeking answers, their loyalty to the Quinarium is shaken to breaking point. Nor can they ignore the power of their growing bond.
But if they stand up for what is right and embrace the truth, will it mean losing all that they hoped for?
Blood and Flame is Book One in The Quinate’s Faithful, a fantasy trilogy filled with magic, action-packed adventures, and a touch of slow-burn romance.
The Review
This was such a compelling and gripping fantasy read. The author brilliantly expands on this mystical world of fae and ogres, as well as many other creatures, while also showcasing the powerful magic that fuels this adventure. The worldbuilding was top-notch, really emphasizing the different classes of mage and the different approaches to magic that they embody. This also helped fuel the character arcs of this narrative, as the more ruthless blood mages often clashed with the healing and light fire mages. Yet, the book offers great LGBTQ representation through protagonists Dara and Wynn. Their journey does a fantastic job not only of allowing them to see one another but also of bringing them closer together as a result.
The themes explored in this book offer a unique perspective on the fantasy genre, as they examine what happens when organized religious institutions co-opt a particular faith, forcing those driven by faith to question who they follow and why. The slow-burning storytelling and time to explore every faction of this world helped elevate the strength of this religion and its profound impact on the world.
The Verdict
Thrilling, entertaining, and mesmerizing, author Brendan Corbett’s “Blood and Flame” is a must-read fantasy novel and a grand entry in the Quinate’s Faithful series. The twists and turns that this story takes, the balance of religious undertones, and the relatability and passion for these two protagonists and the cast of characters they encounter will leave readers breathless, as the cliffhanger ending keeps them eager for the next installment 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
Brendan Corbett grew up in a military family, always on the move. Books, particularly fantasy, were both stabilizing and the ultimate escape, companions to other worlds that could journey with him even when friends could not. As an adult his career turned away from the arts, though a wide range of experiences have brought him back to his love of writing. He now resides in Oregon with his wife, son, dog and two kittens. While writing consumes much of his time, you might also find him at one of his ridiculous list of hobbies, including cooking, gardening, hiking, gaming, archery, volunteering, and woodworking.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Ekta R. Gary shares the unique moments that lead up to or occur between the iconic stories of fairy tales in the book “The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.”
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The Synopsis
Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?
Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?
In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.
Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.
This was such a fantastic collection of fairy tale short stories. Although a short read, the collection does an incredible job of creating powerful characters that are both familiar and unique at the same time, such as the Princess found in The Beauty Before She Sleeps. The rich imagery in each story feels both bright and visceral, and each tale expertly weaves together substantial emotional depth for these characters, much like the Witch and her apprentice and their familial connection in The Witch’s Apprentice.
What made these stories so unique was how they were found in the moments people rarely think of when it comes to iconic stories. From exploring how the Wicked Witch of the East ended up under Dorothy’s house to why both Jack and Jill needed a pail of water to begin with, these stories are a love letter to both fan fiction and fairy tales overall. The satire and wit that the dialogue brought to life were an outstanding balance to the self-reflection and introspective themes that these stories wove into their fabric.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, compelling, and entertaining, author Ekta R. Garg’s “The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories” is a must-read collection of short stories. The twists and turns of each story, along with their unique takes, dynamic characters, and memorable themes, will keep readers enthralled and eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
A Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer of stories and books, Ekta has worked in niche publishing since 2005—she’s written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films! Ekta judges writing contests, hosts writing workshops, and podcasts about great books and how to write them. She’s currently the Content Coordinator of Neighbors of SW Champaign, a hyper-local magazine focusing on and lifting up the Champaign, Illinois, community. Ekta’s award-winning holiday novella, The Truth About Elves, and her award-winning fairy tale for grown-ups, In the Heart of the Linden Wood, are available from Atmosphere Press.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.
Visit Julie’s blog again for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to choose the theme of your book…or let it choose you. You can also read her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.
Visit Katherine’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. You can also check out her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she hasn’t seen in a fairy tale that we wish we saw more of.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A former witch finds herself fighting for her life when deadly warlock magic is forced upon her in author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch.”
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The Synopsis
In her witch’s blood, a warlock’s power awakens . . . and it could destroy her.
Adeline Thorne was born to a witch. But when the magic that should have been her birthright never came, rage and humiliation drove her into a reckless rebellion. She lost everything: her coven, her pride, and her marriage.
Years later, she’s built a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, distant from all things magic. She’s a portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.
Until a convicted warlock, desperate to escape his fate, forces his magic into her. But warlock magic is lethal to witches, a slow death. As the power manifests, Adeline knows she’s running out of time. With no other option, she turns to the last person she ever wanted to face again: the priestess who exiled her. A woman she despises.
But the priestess’s help comes at a price. Assigned to protect her is Luke Churchwell, a brooding runecaster with his own secrets—secrets that tie him to the warlock who cursed her. The deeper Adeline is pulled into the coven’s hunt for the rogue warlock, the more she realizes her greatest threat may not be the magic inside her… but the man assigned to guard her.
If you love the dark magic of Rachel Griffin, the sharp dialogue of V.E. Schwab, and the emotional landscapes of Alix E. Harrow, you’ll be spellbound by The Never Witch.
The Review
This was such a gripping and compelling urban fantasy meets occult suspense novel. The author did an incredible job of crafting a world set in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and yet still felt otherworldly and cultivated in its own separate world. The author’s carefully curated use of imagery in the writing style of this book really brought each scene to life so eloquently, such as scenes in which the protagonist found herself being tested for this newly forced upon warlock power that quickly took an explosive turn.
Immediately, this book set itself apart with a nice balance of rich mythos and character development. The politics and tension that the author built both amongst the witches and warlocks and within their own individual ranks were thrilling to read, keeping readers on the edge of their seats on who they could trust. The bond between Adeline and Sarah as sisters is powerful, and the chemistry she develops with warlock Luke, as well as the return of an old flame, adds a bit of romance and will-they, won’t-they moments for the characters as the narrative develops without sacrificing the main plot.
The Verdict
Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining, author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch” is a must-read occult suspense and urban fantasy read. The first in what is hopefully a great new series, the book brings a unique spin on the contentious history between witches and warlocks, as well as their own unique approaches to magic, and the dynamic character development and multiple POVs will keep readers heavily invested in this fantastic author’s latest fantasy series. 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 is a bestselling author of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She is an Eric Hoffer Award winner and was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and the Independent Author Network Awards. She is a B.R.A.G. medallion honouree and a three-time Literary Titan award winner. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart and fun.
JP holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, is a certified scuba diver, an exploratory chef, and an avid gardener.
Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP now lives with her husband on Denman Island, which is nestled between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cooking dishes that look nothing like the recipe photos or arguing with weeds in the garden.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man torn between two worlds must navigate faith versus cultural survival in author Rickard B. DeMille’s “Black Legend: An Empire Burns.”
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The Synopsis
One man. Two faiths. A culture on the brink of annihilation.
Yucatán, 1562. When Diego, a Mayan turned Catholic priest, returns to his homeland with his mentor, zealous Franciscan friar Brother deLanda, he is torn between the two worlds that made him. Trained to see his native traditions as heresy, Diego struggles with his past while serving the very Church that suddenly seeks to erase it.
Rumors of human sacrifice surface in the town of Mani, and deLanda launches a merciless campaign to purge the region of “paganism.” Arrests mount. Ancient books and sacred relics are gathered. Diego’s own brother and wife are imprisoned, labeled rebels.
In a single night, the spiritual and intellectual legacy of the Ancient Mayan Empire is burned to ash.
As deLanda’s crusade spirals into tyranny, Diego must choose: uphold the Church that gave him purpose, or defy it to rescue those he loves and preserve a civilization being burned out of history.
Black Legend is a powerful historical novel of faith, betrayal, and the cost of cultural survival. Perfect for fans of The Name of the Rose, Silence, and The Power of the Dog.
The Review
This was a tense and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of capturing the tension and the heavy atmosphere of the cultural clashes that came with the conflicts between the Mayan and the Church, while also bringing the rich setting of the Yucatan and both the mysterious jungles and developing Catholic cities to life in vivid detail using powerful imagery in the writing style. The dialogue between the characters really underscores that tension, and highlights the challenges that arose, and the attention to detail the author gave to the history of the era was perfectly captured.
The driving force of this narrative was in the duality of the protagonist, Diego, and the spiritual conflict that arose not only in him but in his people as well. The horrible realities of the erasure of Mayan culture and the violence it sparked were artfully depicted here. The often difficult journey between the faith one is born into and the faith one is brought into was felt in every agonizing obstacle and choice Diego had to make along the way. His connection to his family and friends in the Mayan people and his admiration for the Church leaders who converted him sparked both intrigue and heartache in the divide between these two peoples, and made for a thought-provoking discussion.
The Verdict
Compelling, engaging, and thoughtful in delivery, author Rickard B. DeMille’s “Black Legend: An Empire Burns” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns and the chilling atmosphere that hangs between these characters and the dynamic character arcs and history that are brought to life make this a thrilling historical fiction read that shines a light on a vastly underappreciated moment in history that needs to be recognized. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rick DeMille was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he lived until attending Brigham Young University. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, he became a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, and spent three years on active duty and three years in the active Reserves.
Then, one day, he wrote a Y2K guide and everything changed. A life-long interest in writing was revived, and that interest became a passion.
Rick wrote everything. Beginning with several short stories, which were published online by websites such as BeWrite.com, won several contests and were eventually placed in an anthology from Magellan Books. From there, he tried his hand at flash fiction and also wrote several screenplays.
His plays placed in the 2005 SouthWest Writer’s competition and in 2010 he placed in the Writers’ Digest screenplay contest, but his passion was still for novelized fiction.
In 2010, he began work on his first novel, HELLFIRE, which, since being released, has been a Top Ten Best Seller in Canada, Australia, Brazil, Germany, and France.
Rick DeMille continues to grow and develop his writing talents and looks forward to all the new projects the future has in store.
I am thrilled to be able to present you with an excerpt from the upcoming novel “THE WITCH’S APPRENTICE AND OTHER STORIES” by author Ekta R. Garg, as part of the author’s book tour with Women on Writing Blog Tours. I hope you will enjoy.
Question
When the tornado took Dorothy’s house to Oz, it landed on the Wicked Witch of the East and killed the witch instantly.
What was the witch doing in the road in the first place?
The Witch’s Apprentice
Do you remember the story about the house that fell on the Wicked Witch of the East? The one where the girl who came out of the house took the witch’s lovely silver shoes and went on her adventures down the road of yellow bricks? Well, enough time has passed that I believe I can confess.
It’s my fault the house fell on the witch in the first place.
She was there, in the middle of the road, because we were arguing. And we were arguing because I was asking—no, that’s not right. I was demanding to be freed from the Spell of Inhibition so I could complete my apprenticeship. The witch was the ruler of Munchkinland and the head of the High Council of Witches. Before my apprenticeship started, I had chosen her to be my mentor.
She was also my cousin.
We had been arguing about the completion of my apprenticeship, which required an act of altruism assigned to me by the High Council. Once I completed the task and the Council deemed it pure, proving I would only use my magic for good, the High Witches would lift the Spell of Inhibition that prevented the free use of magic for everything. After three years of training, I still hadn’t gotten used to the physical sensation of the spell; it made my skin itch in a way that made me want to shed it so I could emerge as a full-fledged witch.
For weeks, however, the High Council had ignored my repeated requests for a task. Anyone I asked referred me to someone else, and after the fourth or fifth request they all told me to speak to Cousin. When I got my chance on that day, in the middle of the road, I told Cousin in a firm voice that the time had come. I had proven myself and knew I was ready to practice magic as she did.
She began laughing in that cruel, high voice she had, and I knew. Even though the sound crushed my heart, in that moment I knew she had no intention of helping me. I thrust out my wand, ready to show her what I’d learned, fighting against the fiery sensation burning across my hand and wrist as the Spell of Inhibition warned against doing magic. In that moment, I heard a rushing sound, looked up, and saw the house. I jumped out of the way just before it…well, you know.
I assumed Cousin had also escaped, but then I looked back and saw her feet sticking out from under the house. My heart started fluttering faster than I could breathe. I scrambled to stand then ran back toward the tavern at the edge of the village where we had met to talk. A few munchkins walking past the tavern stared at me with curious looks, but I bypassed them completely, dove behind the squat building, and cast a spell on myself to transport me back to my cottage.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. In order to understand my tale, I’ll have to go back to the beginning so you’ll know properly how I ended up where I am now. So you’ll understand why running left me wracked by guilt…but also cradled by relief.
Ekta Garg’s
WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR
OF
The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories
Tour Begins August 25
Book Summary
Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?
Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?
In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.
Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.
A Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer of stories and books, Ekta has worked in niche publishing since 2005—she’s written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films! Ekta judges writing contests, hosts writing workshops, and podcasts about great books and how to write them. She’s currently the Content Coordinator of Neighbors of SW Champaign, a hyper-local magazine focusing on and lifting up the Champaign, Illinois, community. Ekta’s award-winning holiday novella, The Truth About Elves, and her award-winning fairy tale for grown-ups, In the Heart of the Linden Wood, are available from Atmosphere Press.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. Read an interview with the author and enter for a chance to win a copy of the book.
Visit Julie’s blog again for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to choose the theme of your book…or let it choose you. You can also read her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.
Visit Katherine’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. You can also check out her response to our tour-themed prompt on what she hasn’t seen in a fairy tale that we wish we saw more of.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man reeling from the death of his sister must discover the family secrets buried in a nearby forest in author Chris Tomasini’s “Within This Darkness.”
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The Synopsis
Still shaken by the death of his older sister, 14-year-old Jeremy Gardela is sent on a mission by his panicked aunt, to find a family secret she believes is buried in the dark forests which surround their small rural town. When Jeremy returns, he is leading a mysterious stranger who represents a vein of magic that has run for decades within the Gardela family. Within This Darkness is a deeply felt story about loss and friendship, and finding something, or someone, to hold onto, when you’re drifting helplessly into the night.
The Review
This was a rich and compelling blend of historical fiction and magical realism, with a touch of coming-of-age fantasy storytelling. The world-building and mythos that the author creates feel both mystical and grounded simultaneously, connecting generations of a family through tragedy and grief, which speaks to the enduring power of family connections. The characters themselves feel real and undergo a thorough journey of growth and exploration, allowing readers to become invested in them.
The emotional heart of this story was in the ways the book explored loss and grief so thoroughly. The loss of Jeremy’s sister punctuates the narrative early on, and the author does a remarkable job of exploring how such a loss can impact those left behind. The way this leans into the overall story with his relatives from a century ago and the fantasy element with how he discovers Agata adds to the idea of family and loss greatly. The way the military leader hunts for answers adds a sense of danger and tension, bringing a touch of the Stranger Things element, and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
The Verdict
Memorable, compelling, and entertaining, author Chris Tomasini’s “Within This Darkness” is a must-read historical fiction meets magical fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, the rich family connections between the characters, and the incredible balance of action with story make this novel a standout that readers will be eager to see a sequel to. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Chris Tomasini is a writer living in Ontario, Canada.
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Chris spent two summers in England in the mid 1990s. He taught English as a Second Language in Europe and Asia in the late 1990s, and, since 2000, has worked in bookstores, publishing, and libraries.
He has studied creative writing through Humber College’s Correspondence Program in Creative Writing, and via the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies.
If he isn’t parenting, working, or writing, he is riding a bicycle.
