Tag: fantasy

The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R. Garg 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. 

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.”

Advertisements

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.

Purchase a copy of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories on Amazon. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

The Review

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. 

Everyman Live on Kickstarter

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

Subscribe

Enter your email below to receive updates.

Advertisements

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.

Website: https://ektargarg.com

Blog: https://thewriteedge.wordpress.com

Instagram: @EktaRGarg

X.com: @EktaRGarg

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ReviewerEditorAuthorDreamer

Blog Tour Calendar

August 25 @ WOW! Women on Writing

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.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 27 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://chapterbreak.com

August 29 @ CK Sorens’ Instagram

Join Carrie for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://instagram.com/ck_sorens

August 30 @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 2 @ One Writer’s Journey

Stop by Sue’s blog again for her review of  The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 4 @ The Faerie Review

Join Lily for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

September 4 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to set goals and actually keep them.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 5 @ Chapter Break

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.

https://chapterbreak.net

September 5 @ All Things Writing

Caitrin interviews author Ekta Garg about her writing journey and short story collection The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

September 7 @ What Is That Book About

Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com

September 7 @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

September 9 @ Words by Webb

Join Jodi for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what’s something in a fairy tale that she wished she saw more of.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 10 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 12 @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer

Visit Angela’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://musingsofaliterarywanderer.blogspot.com/

September 12 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

September 13 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

https://chapterbreak.net

September 13 @ Boots Shoes and Fashion

Join Linda’s blog for her interview with Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

September 14 @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about what were some of her favorite fairy tales growing up.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

September 15 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 16 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog again for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 16 @ Words by Webb

Join Jodi for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 16 @ CK Sorens Newsletter

Don’t miss Carrie’s feature of Ekta Garg’s The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://www.cksorens.com

September 17 @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Join Beverley again for a guest post by Ekta Garg on finding your voice as a writer.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 18 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 19 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley again for her response to our tour-themed prompt on which fairy tale she would alter and how she would do it.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 20 @ Sarandipity’s

Visit Sara’s blog for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://sarandipitys.com/blog/

September 21 @ A Storybook World

Visit Deirdra’s blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on using the word “perfect” to empower your writing.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

September 21 @ Boys’ Mom Reads

Join Karen’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com/

September 23 @ Sandy Kirby Quandt

Visit Sandy’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://sandykirbyquandt.com/

September 24 @ Writer Advice

Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on why she chose the hybrid publishing route.

https://www.writeradvice.com

September 24 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by Anthony’s blog for his review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

September 25 @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog again for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 26 @ Just Katherine

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.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com

September 27 @ Jill Sheets’ Blog

Visit Jill’s blog again for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

The Never Witch (A Thorn Witch Novel) by JP McLean 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 former witch finds herself fighting for her life when deadly warlock magic is forced upon her in author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch.”

Advertisements

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.

Grafton Mini Pen

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

Advertisements

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.

Home

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-never-witch-jp-mclean/1147561467?ean=2940181844520

https://amzn.to/4nigimo

Black Legend: An Empire Burns by Rickard B. DeMille 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 torn between two worlds must navigate faith versus cultural survival in author Rickard B. DeMille’s “Black Legend: An Empire Burns.”

Advertisements

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.

AudiobooksNow

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

Advertisements

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.

Home

BLOG TOUR: THE WITCH’S APPRENTICE AND OTHER STORIES BY EKTA R. GARG EXCERPT

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events1 Comment

Hello there, everyone!

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.

Purchase a copy of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories on Amazon. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

AudiobooksNow

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.

Website: https://ektargarg.com

Blog: https://thewriteedge.wordpress.com

Instagram: @EktaRGarg

X.com: @EktaRGarg

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ReviewerEditorAuthorDreamer

Advertisements

Blog Tour Calendar

August 25 @ WOW! Women on Writing

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.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 27 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://chapterbreak.com

August 29 @ CK Sorens’ Instagram

Join Carrie for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://instagram.com/ck_sorens

August 30 @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 2 @ One Writer’s Journey

Stop by Sue’s blog again for her review of  The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

September 4 @ The Faerie Review

Join Lily for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://www.thefaeriereview.com

September 4 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for a guest post by author Ekta Garg on how to set goals and actually keep them.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 5 @ Chapter Break

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.

https://chapterbreak.net

September 5 @ All Things Writing

Caitrin interviews author Ekta Garg about her writing journey and short story collection The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

September 7 @ What Is That Book About

Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com

September 7 @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

September 9 @ Words by Webb

Join Jodi for her response to our tour-themed prompt on what’s something in a fairy tale that she wished she saw more of.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 10 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 12 @ Musings of a Literary Wanderer

Visit Angela’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://musingsofaliterarywanderer.blogspot.com/

September 12 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

September 13 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

https://chapterbreak.net

September 13 @ Boots Shoes and Fashion

Join Linda’s blog for her interview with Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

September 14 @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about what were some of her favorite fairy tales growing up.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

September 15 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 16 @ A Wonderful World of Words

Visit Joy’s blog again for an excerpt from The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

September 16 @ Words by Webb

Join Jodi for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

September 16 @ CK Sorens Newsletter

Don’t miss Carrie’s feature of Ekta Garg’s The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://www.cksorens.com

September 17 @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Join Beverley again for a guest post by Ekta Garg on finding your voice as a writer.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 18 @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her thoughts on why fairy tales still resonate with readers today.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 19 @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley again for her response to our tour-themed prompt on which fairy tale she would alter and how she would do it.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

September 20 @ Sarandipity’s

Visit Sara’s blog for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://sarandipitys.com/blog/

September 21 @ A Storybook World

Visit Deirdra’s blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on using the word “perfect” to empower your writing.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

September 21 @ Boys’ Mom Reads

Join Karen’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com/

September 23 @ Sandy Kirby Quandt

Visit Sandy’s blog for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://sandykirbyquandt.com/

September 24 @ Writer Advice

Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for a guest post by Ekta Garg on why she chose the hybrid publishing route.

https://www.writeradvice.com

September 24 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by Anthony’s blog for his review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg.

https://www.authoranthonyavina.com

September 25 @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog again for her review of The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta Garg. 

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

September 26 @ Just Katherine

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.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com

September 27 @ Jill Sheets’ Blog

Visit Jill’s blog again for her interview with author Ekta Garg about her book The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

Within This Darkness by Chris Tomasini 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 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.”

Advertisements

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.

Halloween Spooky 20% Off Sale!

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

Advertisements

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.

Find out more at www.christomasini.ca

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado (Navigating Natural Disasters Book Two) by Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson 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 boy and his family explore how to prepare and face the dangers of a tornado in authors Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson’s “Oliver and the Twisting Tornado”, the second book in the Navigating Natural Disasters book series. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

“It’s time to go to the shelter. Now!” As their radio buzzes a tornado warning and sirens wail in the distance, Oliver, his sister Emma, and their parents move quickly to find shelter from an approaching tornado.

The family has been getting ready for hours as storm clouds gather and the skies turn a creepy green and gray. Despite his fear, Oliver knows they have done all they can to protect their home, property, and the animals on their small family farm. Now, it’s time to take shelter as a large funnel cloud roars across the fields towards their home.

Oliver is afraid that his home could be blown away. He’s concerned that everything he knows and loves could be damaged or destroyed by the rampaging storm. When his parents tell him it’s time to evacuate to their emergency storm shelter, Max wonders if his world will ever feel safe again.

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado explores the natural fears of a child facing a life-changing storm that can hit with little or no warning. Tornadoes can cause widespread damage, both physical and emotional. As Max and his family, friends, and neighbors come together, they show us the power of community working together in the face of a major natural disaster.

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado emphasizes thoughtful preparation, family connection, and community support, making it a timely and helpful resource for parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone teaching tornado safety and working to build resilience among young people. Oliver and the Twisting Tornado supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) by helping children manage storm-related anxiety, understand tornado alerts, and feel confident in taking action.

The Review

This was yet another stellar children’s read from both authors. The book continues the essential lessons and rich storytelling that the first book in this series established, crafting believable and relatable characters that both children and parents can identify with while educating young readers. The muted yet engaging illustrations by Tanya Zeinalova brought the characters and the realities of life in an area prone to tornadoes to life perfectly, keeping the reader invested in the narrative.

The calm and detailed way the authors lay out storm preparedness and showcase the emotional family and community connections at the same time was a big draw for this book. The clear and concise way the steps needed to prepare for a storm are laid out for readers help drive home the importance of being prepared for such a storm, while the way the family and the community band together in the storm’s wake is an uplifting and inspiring way to instill that sense of belonging and caring that children should have at that early an age.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, authors Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs’s “Oliver and the Twisting Tornado” is an excellent entry in the authors’ series on natural disasters and a must-read children’s book. The fast-paced story and relatability of the narrative will stay with readers, keeping them eager for more in this growing children’s series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Authors

Ben is the owner and writer for Author Services Australia, while also working at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben owns and manages a self-publishing company, Author Services Australia, which helps Australian authors self-publish their books. 

Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles. They have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart, Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.

Chrissy Hobbs, also known as Sam Lawrence, is a bestselling author of the My Little Fart and Hockey Wars series. Since 2015, she has been writing books with her husband, bringing humor and heartfelt stories to readers worldwide. Before her writing career, Chrissy spent seven years as a police dispatcher, a role that profoundly influenced her passion for emergency management. Recently, she has returned to her education, expanding her knowledge in emergency management as she plans to step back into the field.

While pursuing her studies, Chrissy noticed a significant gap in children’s literature—books that help kids navigate the emotional and physical challenges of natural disasters. Having witnessed the devastation of recent global disasters, Chrissy felt called to create stories that inform and empower children during these challenging times.

Her Navigating Natural Disasters series is designed to help kids understand what happens during disasters, how to prepare, and, most importantly, how to process their emotions and find strength in their community. Through relatable stories of resilience and hope, Chrissy aims to provide children around the world with the tools to face life’s storms with courage and confidence.

Home

Finding Destiny by Aliyah Hastings 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 young woman searching for answers discovers a darker truth than she could have imagined in the book “Finding Destiny” by Aliyah Hastings.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

The truth is hidden in plain sight, and the answers will cost her everything.

Tara has spent her life chasing the truth, the mystery of her father’s death, and the secrets buried with him. But when she is torn from her quiet existence and thrust into the heart of Velmora, a city consumed by a malevolent presence, she stumbles into something ancient.

What she thought was a simple pursuit of truth was only the beginning. Each revelation unveils a deeper layer of deceit. And when a sacred ceremony ends in bloodshed, Tara is forced to flee. But running is not enough. The Queen is rising, and her influence is rapidly expanding; even the heavens aren’t safe.

The world is teetering on the brink. What’s she going to do?

The Review

This was a compelling and richly developed new fantasy-driven narrative. The author did an incredible job of world-building, crafting islands that felt both realistic and relatable, and creating a world that was deeply complex in both politics and religion, much like our own world. The suspense and atmosphere that came to life on the page, especially when confronted with the revelations behind the protagonist’s father’s death, kept me, as a reader, on the edge of my seat.

The connected themes and rich character development were what kept me invested in this story. The concept of loss and grief, as well as the idea behind faith and its profound impact on individuals who become deeply devoted to it, is well-represented in this story, particularly in the exploration of the relationship between Tara and her mother. The duality of Tara’s backstory and her parents’ relationship was a significant draw for readers who connected with Tara as a protagonist as well.

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and thrilling, author Aliyah Hastings’s “Finding Destiny” is a great and powerful fantasy-driven narrative and a must-read book. The twists and turns in the story, the cliffhanger ending, and the emotional gut-punch that the protagonist must endure make this a compelling novel that deserves a sequel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Hi, I’m Aliyah, an author, driven by a passion for sharing the wisdom of my personal story through the art of storytelling. Whether it’s crafting characters in a captivating fantasy novel or narrating real-life experiences in non-fiction, writing has become my refuge, a source of healing, and a means of offering comfort to others.

A devoted anime enthusiast since my childhood, I find immense joy in exploring the fantastical realms of imagination. It is within these realms that I let my creativity roam free, giving birth to vibrant characters and immersive worlds.

Yet, my writing journey doesn’t end with fantasy alone. In my non-fiction narratives, I blend my personal narrative with the influence of biblical wisdom. These stories carry a deep healing quality, providing solace and a sense of comfort to those who delve into their pages. My aim is to ensure that each reader feels seen, heard, and edified by the stories I share.

Welcome to my world where the power of words knows no bounds.

youtube.com/niichebunz

Instagram: @niichebunz

The Protector of Nordern (Warriors of Mirral) by Katrina Zari 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 police detective finds herself transported to a world of magic and discovers a hidden power that can affect both worlds in author Katrina Zari’s “The Protector of Nordern,” the fourth book in the Warriors of Mirral series.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

✨ The Secret of Magic Rests on her.


SHE is a New York detective that possesses some extraordinary skills. One day she finds out that her world is not the only one there. And her skills are no other than Magic. ⚡


🔥 Strange encounters. Heart-stopping twists. Magic shines across the Multiverse.


💫 For fans of: High-stakes adventure, star-crossed love, and unstoppable heroes.


📖 Ready to expand the Multiverse? Join the Mirral adventure today!

Natalie, a young New York police detective, possesses quite an unusual set of skills. She, just like many other people with special skills, tries to hide those, afraid to be discriminated against for being a ‘freak’.


One day, trying to escape from the criminal, she accidentally teleports herself to a different world that is ruled by kings and queens and ran by magic. And her own special skills are nothing but magic as well.


Torn between her hopes to find out more about the magic and her police duties, Natalie finds herself in the middle of a love triangle and an affair that can destroy her whole world.

The Review

The incredible fusion of urban and high fantasy that this book encompasses was amazing. The witty banter between the characters and the wealth of character development the story underwent were sensational, allowing readers to fully engage with these characters and invest in their emotional journeys. The imagery and action balance one another out significantly, allowing the narrative to take on a cinematic quality that this series has become known for.

The heart of this novel was in the world-building and mythos of the overall story. The exploration of the multiverse and how these worlds were connected by magic, both lost and found. The new world that the protagonist hails from and how it meshes with the world readers know, through Mirral, in a very seamless way. The way this new world explores themes of intolerance and xenophobic behaviors in society through the ostracized view people in Natalie’s world have of those with extraordinary abilities makes this book feel more essential and relevant, and helps elevate the drama, action, and romance that this novel embodies.

The Verdict

Exciting, memorable, and thrilling, author Katrina Zari’s “The Protector of Nordern” is an excellent entry in the Warriors of Mirral series and a must-read urban and high fantasy novel. A blend of the Shadowhunters series, Lord of the Rings, and even the X-Men comics, this novel features twists. It turns out that it brings a new chapter to the growing legend of Mirral, adding new characters that will keep the series exciting and memorable. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Katrina Zari, an author born and raised in Russia, spent a significant time of her life immersed in its rich culture before transitioning on a life-changing journey to the United States two decades ago. Her decision to relocate was driven by love, as she followed the one and only person who held her heart. Throughout her upbringing, Katrina developed a strong passion for literature, particularly science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The local public library became her second home, where she would lose herself for countless hours in the captivating stories written by Asimov and Bradbury, King and Tolkien, Verne and Stephenson, or any other Si-Fi book she could access.

Inspired by these literary giants, Katrina’s creative mind was crowded with stories of her own imagination. She always wrote stories in her head, inspired by those great books. She was adding her own characters and coming up with their new adventures. It was no surprise that her stories predominantly featured a courageous female protagonist, a reflection of her deep understanding of these inspiring heroines whom she gladly associated herself with.

Years later, she found the courage to transition those stories from her thoughts onto paper.

https://katrinazaribooks.com/

Interview with Author Stephen Statler

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I went to film school at NYU.  I worked with a screenwriting partner for many years but we were never able to make money at it. We still have representation and a script under option, so hope springs eternal. Recently, both of us have turned to fiction. I started by writing short funny pieces for McSweeney’s and other magazines and then decided to try my hand at a novel.

Advertisements

2) What inspired you to write your book?

I was looking for an entertaining way to write about the social contract: How is it that we all manage to co-exist (for the most part) without letting our self-interest and instinct for pleasure completely govern us?

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

It’s possible to live both pleasurably and morally. Not easy, but possible.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Once I decided to use Dionysus as the representation of pleasure and self-interest, I knew that I would have something of a fantasy book on my hand.  But I also knew that the book wouldn’t be a straight fantasy, and that the Greek god stuff would constitute just a sprinkling of magic in an otherwise mundane suburban comedy.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would ask Dionysus why he has so much trouble controlling his impulse for chaos, and whether it’s because the Universe is actually chaotic and he’s trying to show us that truth by example.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Probably Facebook.  I got a lot of support from old friends when I debuted the book.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write something every day. If nothing else, just sit down and do some automatic writing. Type anything that comes off your fingers, without thinking, without stopping, for ten minutes. It’s like stretching before exercising. Everything you write after that will be better for it.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I just finished the text for a children’s book called “Sadie and Truman,” and am working on a new novel as well as some more short comedy pieces.

Advertisements

About the Author

Stephen Statler is a comedy writer whose work has appeared in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Points in Case, and other magazines. The Breathing Show, a feature film he wrote and directed, was distributed by Film Threat. A screenplay, Big Time, co-authored with Mouncey Ferguson, is currently under option by Gulfstream Pictures. Statler lives in the Bay Area with his wife and two children.

stephenstatler.com

www.instagram.com/stephen.statler_author

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575179763575