Tag: fantasy

The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan by Joel McKay Review

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

An estranged father and son must reluctantly join forces to survive a deadly mountain town and a horde of deadly threats in author Joel McKay’s “The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan.”

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The Synopsis

Two thieves. One legendary treasure. Zero trust.

Wincott is a washed-up burglar with a bad back, frozen toes, and a goblin kill count that’s making his life very complicated. When he flees into the long-abandoned mountain city of Roan—just ahead of a bloodthirsty goblin horde—he finds himself knocked out cold by none other than his estranged son: Sish Torren, a fast-talking rogue with a short sword, shorter temper, and a talent for backstabbing… sometimes literally.

Roan is rumored to house an ancient treasure. It’s also filled with deadly traps, crumbling ruins, and the kind of secrets that swallow people whole. Wincott and Sish reluctantly join forces—not out of love, but because no one survives Roan solo for long. Especially not with mercenaries, monsters, and a certain vengeful former crew barreling toward them.

The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan is “Dungeons & Dysfunction” meets Ocean’s Eleven—if everyone in the crew had unresolved trauma and zero impulse control. A darkly funny, fast-paced fantasy adventure full of sharp blades, sharper tongues, and just enough heart to keep you rooting for the worst people to do the right thing… eventually.

Perfect for fans of Nicholas Eames, Joe Abercrombie, and heist stories with emotional baggage and bite.

The Review

This was a truly unique and captivating read. The author did an exceptional job of utilizing a unique mythology and world-building that brought the dark fantasy elements of the narrative to life. The imagery in the author’s writing style captured the gritty tone that the narrative conveyed, and the plethora of fantasy creatures and action that peppered the story drew readers in as they progressed through the narrative.

The heart of the story lay in the complex character development that unfolded, especially between the two main protagonists. The humor in their calamitous relationship as they bicker with one another helps lighten the mood in certain scenes. Still, it is in the more somber moments, as they delve into the more emotional aspects of their failed bond as father and son, and the trauma their past has on them, that drives the narrative forward. The heart and passion that this stirs in readers helps elevate the sword and sorcerers style of storytelling.

The Verdict

Witty, action-packed, and entertaining, author Joel McKay’s “The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan” is a must-read dark fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the quest that these two and their allies find themselves on, along with the wealth of fantasy creatures and tense atmospheric scenery throughout the narrative, will keep readers invested in the overall story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab a copy on August 15th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Joel McKay is an award-winning writer. He calls Prince George, B.C. home, where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Wolf at the Door is his first novella, which won the 2022 Global Book Award gold medal for horror. His most recent published fiction was the short story Number Hunnerd in Tyche Books’ anthology Water: Selkies, Sirens and Sea Monsters, and the splatterpunk western short story Hands, which was published in Brigids Gate Press’ anthology Blood in the Soil, Terror on the Wind.

The inspiration for his fiction is drawn from the landscapes and people of British Columbia, particularly the province’s vast, untamed and often misunderstood north. It’s the small towns and the people who call them home that inspired the good ol’ boys featured in Number Hunnerd, or the cool, crisp evenings and early sunsets of October that planted the idea for werewolves at a Thanksgiving feast.

Joel is passionate about Canada, its history and the history of the peoples who have called it home since time immemorial. As far as he’s concerned, New England has got nothing on Northern B.C. when it comes to perfect settings for supernatural tales.

In his spare time, Joel is an avid fly fisherman, mountain biker, hiker and reader. His work as an economic development professional, public relations specialist and journalist has earned him numerous national, provincial and local awards and recognitions.

https://www.joelmckay.ca/

Rune of Destiny (Outside the Thalsparr Series Book 3) by Bjorn Leesson 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 battle being waged across time and space, as well as in the lands of the living and the dead, will determine the fate of both the light and the dark in author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Destiny”, the third book in the Outside the Thalsparr series.

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The Synopsis

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

Rune of Destiny Summary:

The final chapter of the main story of the Dokkrsdottir’s destiny that finds the continuation of the living world in the hands of Myrgjol, her descendants, and the choices they all must make.

With battles of the “greatest warrrior” transpiring on both sides of the veil, it is a series of desperate and grueling battles to the very end before she can enjoy her reward with the knowledge that the living world will continue in the loving embrace of the Light and not in ruin by the Dark.

The Review

The scale and engaging setting stood out in this story. The author did an incredible job of bringing both the physical and spiritual worlds to life on the page, showcasing the imagery in the author’s writing as they shifted between the jumps in periods and showcased Dokkrsdottir’s life on the other side of the veil. The balance of threats that the protagonists faced was excellent as well, as the human threats perfectly paralleled the different forces of darkness that pursued them, especially the Thule Society and their hunt for gateways around the world.

While the series has become known for some great action, this novel added more depth to the spiritual nature of the narrative os well. The world knows the protagonist in this story as a proud and strong warrior. Still, the novel takes the time to reveal those vulnerable moments that the protagonist experiences, from being reunited with lost loved ones to making peace with being separated from others she loves in her family, and much more. The mythos and culture of Viking history were well represented here. The protagonist’s connection to her family, loved ones, and people allowed the reader to connect to the story on a much grander scale.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Destiny” is a must-read supernatural thriller meets historical fiction novel. The twists and turns in the story, the cosmic journey the characters find themselves on, and the heartfelt connection readers will share with the protagonist will keep them enthralled as they await the next entry in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bjorn Leesson has always been fascinated with many topics to include history, the supernatural, and writing. These interests combined led to the Outside the Thalsparr series, with the first book in the series, “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir.” Bjorn was not formally trained as a writer and has worked in the industrial manufacturing field his entire life. Writing his stories and hoping others enjoy them is a passion and not a career.

Interview with Author Brent Golembiewski

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

I grew up in Michigan wanting to be a Disney Cartoonist but life had a different plan for me. After high school and a semester in college I joined the Air Force working on F-16s as an avionics tech. I finished my College degree going to night school and was accepted to Officer Training School where I gained my commission and went on to fly helicopters specifically the UH-1N Huey for over 17 years before retiring. My writing journey really began during a deployment to Iraq but it wasn’t until I retired I buckled down and finished my first book. I have published a Sci-Fi trilogy, another stand alone Sci-Fi dystopian novel and a self help book based on my USAF career aimed to help young people who are looking to join the USAF.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I wrote my current book “The Boy the Cube and the Elf” to target the middle grade readers ages 8-12 with a story that is fast fun and something kids would love to read and hold their attention even if they are not avid readers.

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

The theme I hope to portray is that hard work, good choices and faith in God will help you overcome any obstacle life throws your way.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have always loved the Sci-fi realm, especially space and the unknown of what’s beyond our solar system. New technology intrigues me and the great potential we have moving forward.

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

I would love to sit down with Nico and ask him how amazing his journey has been, what he’s learned, how learning things he never would have thought possible has affected him. 

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

I mainly use Facebook and it has been helpful in some aspects. I see a shift to other platform and are working on learning them and seeing how they can help.

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

Write, Write Write. Get out there and do it. The world is full of people saying they can only to sit on their hands either scared or distracted. Just start doing it and don’t worry about anything. It’s cliche but be true to yourself.

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

I’ve just finished the draft for the second book in my central fire series and am publishing “Flick of the Switch” on September 14th. Its a near future sci-fi about a teenage girl who attends a video game academy playing flight simulators only to find out they are real and actually fighting a war. In addition im looking to dip my toe into filming and am in the initial stages of developing a short film based on Flick of the Switch and have the screen play written.

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About the Author

Brent Golembiewski is a U. S. Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service. He started his career as an enlisted troop, working as an Electronic Warfare Technician, and completed it as an officer, never working a day as a Helicopter Evaluator Pilot, flying the mighty UH-1N “Huey”. After retiring from the USAF, he began Valkyrie Air, providing aircraft charter operations for people who find value in time. He met the love of his life in the second-worst place he’d ever been stationed and she’s still on active duty. Together they have two boys, the terrible Ts, and one old caricature of a dog that will never die.

www.authorbrentg.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066743936699

https://www.instagram.com/authorbrentg/

The Ruby Cradle (Gemstones Book Two) by James L. Hill Review

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

A woman must learn her family’s lineage and history in the fight against ancient dragons as war threatens to bring them back into the world in author Jame L. Hill’s “The Ruby Cradle,” the second book in the Gemstones series. 

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The Synopsis

It is the turn of the nineteenth century. The industrial age has begun. Steam powered ships has taken over the oceans. Factories are going up across Europe and America. There is a resurgence of activity in the castles in the mountains and when the Crimean War breaks out Zabella is sent to her grandmother, Rehema to learn about the dragons.

Rehema mentally transcends the girl to the First Split (1000 A.D.), the wars her mother, Apollonia, fought to destroy the dragons as they had spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It began as they built castles and started controlling men with gold. The dragons led the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese empires over the centuries. The dragons turn Molytans into Ogres as their generals that lead huge armies and protect them when their powers wane at night.

New dragons come to power in Europe and now threaten the balance of power in the world. The world of dragons is one of total destruction. They take over an area and cause wars until the world is in ruins. The dragons can’t be killed but can be drained of power causing them to turn into ruby-like stones. Only a dragon can consume another dragon, increasing its power.

Apollonia becomes a sorceress and can retain her power for years out of water with the help of her sisters. She raises a champion in France to battle the dragons’ growing threat of England’s Vargrerot and Russia’s Deyhezas. After destroying a Castle in the Alps and capturing its dragon in the Ruby Cradle, Napoli, the Dragon Killer, confronts the English at the Battle of Hastings. Apollonia returns to the sea and spawns two more mermaids. Afterwards she returns to the world of men to continue the hundred year war and is burned at the stake as Joan of Arc.

Zabella knows she must prepare men to fight and destroy the dragons before the world is at war once more. She knows dragons can be killed.

The Review

This wildly expansive and compelling world was so perfectly expanded upon from the author’s first book in the series. The author did an incredible job of world-building, crafting a book that felt both fantastical and steeped in history at the same time. The grand mythology of the dragons and their long history of influencing and bringing out the worst in humanity was fascinating to read, and the visceral nature of their bloodlust was haunting to discover.

Yet the true heart of the story was in the character development and world-building, as well as the strong themes that the novel touched upon. The way the story shifted focus between the present-day story of the Crimean War and the growing global conflicts that the now escaped dragons are taking advantage of, to the past where Apollonia must stop the constant dragon conflicts tearing apart everything from the Roman Empire and so much more was powerful to see come to life on teh page. The way the author touched on mankind’s perpetual war with itself and the death it brings was well utilized in this narrative.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author James L. Hill’s “The Ruby Cradle” is a must-read historical fiction meets fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, the rich history and character developments across the centuries, and the thoughtful and natural incorporation of powerful themes made this story feel elevated and engaging all at once. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a multi-genre author, currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series, The Emerald Lady is in publication. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, are due soon. The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is finished. Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, Killer With Black Blood, and Killer With Ice Eyes have all received great reviews. The last two novels were runners-up in the Killer Nashville’s contests of 2022. Then there’s the psychological dystopian science fiction thriller, Pegasus: A Journey To New Eden for your reading pleasure.

https://jlhill-books.com/index.html

PRESS RELEASE: ETERNITY’S END: Book 5 of the Eternal Chronicles Series by Zachary Hagen

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press ReleasesLeave a comment

ETERNITY’S END: Book 5 of the Eternal Chronicles Series The end of the critically acclaimed Christian saga is here by Zachary Hagen.

Version 1.0.0

Either let it burn, or drown it in the waves.

Taariq has continued his descent into madness, and his supporters are
more devoted than ever, at least for a time. As he pursues his ultimate
goal of reclaiming his dragon form and tearing Aelon and Michael from
their throne, Elior, Nereza, Opal, and Nyx aim to follow Michael’s call, but
it isn’t easy.


Building a boat in the peaks of Nanony seems foolish to most, and
plagues divide the faithful from the merely present until dragon-fire rains
down and flood waters rise. Will Taariq finally be defeated, or will his mad
rush for power prove successful against the forces of light?


This final installment of The Eternal Chronicles brings together old friends
and lovers for one final battle that will decide the fate of Lux and Nox Terra
forevermore. This fast-paced tale will keep you hooked from cover to
cover with a whiplash race to the end of our heroes’ journey.

Eternity’s End: Hagen, Zachary: 9798334612983: Books – Amazon.ca

Other Books in The Series:

Books — Zachary Hagen Writes

“Zachary Hagen’s Eternity’s Well (Eternal Chronicles Book 1) is a bold and delightful opening into a fantasy series that is worth following” _ The Serial Reader


“The apparent audience is the teen and YA group, though the ideas supported by this novel should appeal to a wider group. Zachary Hagen is establishing a solid seat in the fantasy genre” _ Grady Harp, Top 100 Amazon Reviewer.

About Zachary:

Zachary Hagen is a Christian fantasy author and editor. He lives with his
wife, Claudia, and their dog, Flynn. When he isn’t busy writing his next
book or working with an editing client, you can often find him walking
around his neighborhood or hiking.


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


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

More information can be found about him at: Zachary Hagen Writes

The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf (Central Fire Series Book One) by Brent Golembiewski 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. 

After his parents’ sudden disappearance, a boy must partner up with a mysterious young girl and flee the only space station he has ever called home to evade a deadly bounty hunter in author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf.” The first book in the Central Fire Series. 

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The Synopsis

Unexpectedly abandoned, Nico is determined to find the reason behind his parents’ mysterious absence. Problem is, he’s never left the space station he’s called home for all of his twelve years. As if his situation isn’t bad enough, a young girl arrives on a spaceship demanding to meet his father. While searching the station, they’re attacked by a vicious bounty hunter. Nico and his reluctant new ally must escape at all costs. Thrust into a world he doesn’t understand, Nico has to tolerate and put his trust in a stranger with objectives of her own if he hopes to evade deadly enemies, find his parents, and learn the answers to the questions that seem to pop up at every turn.

The Review

This story was fun, action-packed, and engaging for young adults and middle-grade readers. The pacing was fast-paced, allowing the reader to understand the world-building the author brought to life on the page without sacrificing action or suspense surrounding the story itself. The imagery in the author’s writing captured the wilds of space travel, making the idea of Earth a long-lost part of history to the protagonist while vividly bringing space stations and ships to life with relative ease.

Yet the heart of this story was in how the author effortlessly meshed the fantasy and science fiction genres together seamlessly. The way Nico was able to look at life in space with such relative ease, and yet find the magic and wonder of fantasy elements, such as the inclusion of Maddie, an elf, into the cast of characters, as well as creatures like goblins or even dragons. The mythology the author can draw out is impressive, revealing enough to draw the reader in and yet leaving enough mystery to keep readers invested in future books.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thrilling, and phenomenally written, author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf” is a must-read YA and middle-grade sci-fi meets fantasy novel, and a grand entry into the Central Fire Series. The twists and turns the book takes, the humorous dialogue and character development between Nico and Maddie, and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nico’s parents will leave readers with a cliffhanger that will instantly keep them intrigued for the release of the next book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brent Golembiewski is a U. S. Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service. He started his career as an enlisted troop, working as an Electronic Warfare Technician, and completed it as an officer, never working a day as a Helicopter Evaluator Pilot, flying the mighty UH-1N “Huey”. After retiring from the USAF, he began Valkyrie Air, providing aircraft charter operations for people who find value in time. He met the love of his life in the second-worst place he’d ever been stationed and she’s still on active duty. Together they have two boys, the terrible Ts, and one old caricature of a dog that will never die.

www.authorbrentg.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066743936699

https://www.instagram.com/authorbrentg/

Naga’s Wings: A World Where Everyone Belongs By G.P. Fripp 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 girl discovers the power of being herself wholly and entirely in the book “Naga’s Wings: A World Where Everyone Belongs” by author G.P. Fripp. 

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The Synopsis

Meet Naga, a bold and imaginative girl who never apologizes for being different. With a heart as strong as her emotions and dreams that soar like the wings of a dragon, she embraces her uniqueness in a world that often misunderstands her. Naga’s Wings is a heartwarming story about the power of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. As Naga journeys through her colorful world, she discovers that true strength lies in being herself—and that everyone deserves a place to belong. Let your imagination take flight with Naga, where differences are celebrated, and every child can find their own wings.

The Review

This was such an imaginative and kind-hearted children’s story. The author crafted a vivid and colorful world celebrating uniqueness and originality, which is much needed in our current world. The pacing was perfect, allowing young readers to enjoy the vibrant world the author brought to life on the page while also getting lost in the overall story and characters. 

The powerful themes of acceptance and celebrating what makes us all unique blended well with the memorable and relatable characters that made this book feel so connected. The natural fusion of the natural and magical worlds in this story and how protagonist Naga challenged the judgments and pressure so many kids face from their peers in school by embracing her differences were inspirational and engaging for young and older readers. 

The Verdict

Iconic, creative, and thoughtful, author G.P. Fripp’s “Naga’s Wings” is a must-read children’s book. The well rounded nature of Naga as a protagonist, showing both her fierce bravery in the face of peer pressure and her vulnerability as she works to curb her emotions in the heat of a moment, allow the reader to connect with the overall story at a time where this world needs to be willing to accept our differences without forcing what makes us unique onto other people, but allowing ourselves to celebrate those differences at the same time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

G.P. Fripp is a dedicated children’s book author, proud mother, and immigrant, who has often felt like an outsider as a minority woman. Drawing from her personal experiences, she creates stories inspired by her children that champion kindness, inclusion, and acceptance. Her characters, like the Naga—Balinese for dragon—carry a spirit of strength and strong emotions, reflecting her own journey and resilience. Her books aim to foster understanding and empathy in young readers, encouraging them to embrace differences. Outside of writing, G.P. Fripp loves spending quality time with her family, traveling to places to understand local cultures, cooking, taking nature walks, biking, practicing yoga, and mindfulness meditation. A lifelong lover of books, she believes in the power of storytelling to create a kinder, more inclusive world.

https://www.enjoylifereading.com/

She Tames the Kings by E.M. Etheridge Review

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

Imprisoned and betrayed, a woman must reclaim her destiny amidst a power struggle between warring kings of both land and sea in author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Kings.”

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The Synopsis

Chained in the deepest bowels of Captain Keres’ ship, Estella Bohem has lost everything-her freedom, her father’s safety, and the trust she placed in Dane. With her heart shattered by his betrayal, she has only one chance to reclaim her destiny.

To break the Pirate Lords’ Bonds and free the witches of Salvus Island, Estella must steal back her family’s grimoire and shatter its seal before the ruthless Pirate King Moritie and his cunning witch, Ines Laurent, bind her-and the sea beast she commands-to their will.

But survival on the high seas demands treacherous alliances. As war brews and the Land Kings set their sights on Moritie’s stronghold, Estella must outmaneuver the most cutthroat players in a deadly game of power, deception, and magic.

With time running out, one question remains: Can she tame the Kings-before they tame her?

The Review

What a compelling and twisted yet entertaining dark fantasy read. The author did an incredible job of expanding upon the mythology and world-building in the first book of this duology. The relationships that the author explored through engaging character development, from the bond between witches and their gods or goddesses, to the way witches were bound to pirates and kings, all played critical roles in the decisions and story developments that were brought to life on the page. Even the protagonist’s relationship to the beast she is forced to command is such a unique and powerful narrative to explore in this book, and speaks to much higher themes in the novel.

The character development’s themes and emotional depth make this a steady and thrilling sequel. The book uses magic, monsters, pirates, gods, and high octane action in a beautiful fusion with themes of power, control, the fight for freedom, vengeance, and self-reliance so expertly through the protagonist herself and the witch’s struggles. Set in a period already rife with untold horrors due to slavery and violence, the juxtaposition of Estella’s journey allowed her to find a way to tackle that even bigger problem later on in the book in a surprising way.

The Verdict

Entertaining, compelling, and mesmerizing, author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Kings” is a must-read dark fantasy novel. The twists and turns in this story, the rich storytelling and world-building, and the epic final chapter will give readers a sense of fulfillment and wonder while also leaving them eager to read more by this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I’d always known I was going to publish books, and after years of writing my first book, I decided I wanted to publish traditionally. While still queering agents for that book, I came up with a whole new concept and decided to try my hand at publishing independently so I could gain experience in both industries. I’ve worked as a teacher, interned as an editor, and now I am ready to make books my livelihood through publishing and through freelance editing.

https://emetheridgewriter.wordpress.com

Death at a Wedding by Marc Watson Review

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

Death himself attends his first wedding and must discover why rips in the fabric of time and space threaten to open up in author Marc Watson’s “Death at a Wedding,” the dark romantic comedy sequel to Death Dresses Poorly.

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The Synopsis

Death, the Grim Reaper himself, has received his first ever wedding invitation. Although perceived as an all-knowing, all-powerful being, he’s still clueless on how to act in public. That… and what to do about all the mysterious rips forming in time and space, threatening to consume all of existence.

But maybe, just maybe, Victoria can help him out with all of that before it’s too late.

In this unexpectedly dark romantic comedy sequel to Death Dresses Poorly, Ethan will come face to face with new love, old loss, completely average hamburgers, and finding out exactly what it takes to finally be free.

The Review

This was such a powerful and memorable read. The author brilliantly captured the emotional and philosophical aspects of the act of “Death” while also giving the protagonist Ethan, aka Death, a unique personality and dark humor that played well with this cast of characters. What makes Ethan such a dynamic character is that we see him wrestle with the life he had before becoming Death, and what it means to be still human while also having this ultimate cosmic power. Seeing him struggle with guilt and self-doubt while coming to terms with significant, universal concepts was refreshing and engaging.

The heart of this story was not just the grand mythos surrounding death as a concept and character, but in the end, what it means to be human and how precious life is. Getting to see both Ethan and the people he meets as both his human self and his Death self wrestle with these deep and meaningful concepts while also having a deep seated humor, especially between himself and his sister Arlene, showcases the power of life in the everyday and the mundane, not just the cosmic nature of life itself.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, imaginative, and entertaining, author Marc Watson’s “Death at a Wedding” is a must-read contemporary fiction meets fantasy and metaphysical fiction book. The twists and turns in Ethan’s journey, the dark yet relatable humor, and the mind-bending concepts surrounding death will keep readers invested in this growing series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hello, I’m Marc Watson, and I write stuff. I’m an author of genre fiction (primarily Fantasy and Science Fiction of all lengths). I began writing at the age of 15 with a pen and paper, and I’ve never really stopped, even though until recently it was more of a background to me than my defining trait. I have been published on flash fiction site www.101words.org, as well as comedy site www.thecorrectness.com. I’ve been a student of the excellent writing classes at Athabasca University for a number of years.

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

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

https://marcwatson.ca/