I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A world divided by two kingdoms, one of light and one of darkness, finds themselves drawn together when a princess of light seeks a voice calling her name from the darkness, where a prince waits to see if she brings peace or war with her, in author Aviv’s “Blue Moon: A Love Story Between Darkness and Light”.
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The Synopsis
What is it she wants?
Does she come in peace?
Or is it war she seeks?
The Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of Light lie side by side, separated by a wide river, the shadowy bank grim, the water cold, black, bitter, and seething with dangerous reptiles and creatures that crawl on their bellies in the slime.
The other bank is a haven of light and plenty. The air is as clear as crystal, the water clean and pleasing to the touch. Myriad rainbow fish dart through its waters, reflecting a thousand bright colors.
As her people celebrate, a blue-eyed princess looks into the darkness on the other side and feels an inexplicable attraction. She has always felt this powerful longing; a longing for the new and unknown, the different and the hidden. Many times, she has swum toward the dark kingdom, but has never set foot on its dark shore. This time, though, it will be different. This time someone has called her name.
From deep in the shadows, the prince watches the swimming princess who fills his every thought.
What is it she wants?
Does she come in peace?
Or is it war she seeks?
The Review
This was a creative and powerful read. The author did an amazing job of world-building and capturing the tone of classic fairy tales. The visceral imagery that the author’s work brings to life in the story is powerful indeed, with the kingdoms of light and darkness each taking a life of their own and showcasing the engaging settings of these two kingdoms.
The compelling story, rich character dynamics, and breathtaking themes all collide into one magical fairytale that is impossible to put down. The way author touches upon themes of “good and evil”, and the way we determine those parameters, as well as classic themes of star-crossed lovers that showcase the power of two people from different worlds coming together to create something unique and beautiful.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, magical, and entertaining, author Aviv’s “Blue Moon” is a must-read fable and fantasy read. The mythos and the heart that the author pours into this narrative, as well as the compelling character interactions between the Prince and the Princess, as well as their respective families. The love, the emotional growth between their two worlds, and the powerful imagery of this fairytale come to life wonderfully on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Born in Israel during the seventies, Aviv is a long-time enthusiast of fairy tales, myths, and legends. “Blue Moon: A Love Story Between Darkness and Light” marks Aviv’s debut book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man must face a wrathful goddess for whom he rejected and find a way of stopping the chaos and destruction she is reigning down on the Mediterranean coast in author Myron Edwards’s “Scylla: The Revenge”, the second book in The Cyprus Mysteries.
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The Synopsis
She’s back and this time she brought a friend…
The story continues: the sequel to The Mistress of the Rock, is The Revenge.
Still smarting from Richard Cole’s rejection, Aphrodite plans a series of events that will bring about his return to the island. Only this time, his welcome will not be so warm, as he will have to battle bureaucracy and the islanders’ contempt for the devastating aftermath of his chance discovery and his sudden departure. In addition, he confronts his internal demons, and with his return to Cyprus, might completely consume him.
For Aphrodite is set upon a path of cold vengeance and summons the Scylla, a legendary cryptid of the deep, to do her bidding. The creature wreaks havoc on the once idyllic coast of Cape Greco and the tourist resorts of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paphos.
Richard must not only face his devils but also the goddess, if he is to stop the terror that now lurks in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters.
But how is he going to do it?
The Review
This was an exhilarating and thoughtful read. The author once more brought a great deal of depth to the mythos and balanced the Greek supernatural and mythological forces that the protagonist was facing with the memorable, heartfelt character moments that made the characters so beloved and engaging to the reader.
The character development and world-building really pushed the narrative in new directions this time around. The author was able to hone in on the cruelty and vulnerability of Aphrodite and the determination and heroism of Richard Cole. The introduction of the Scylla and the higher stakes of the story and the life that Richard had carved out for himself were great to see come to life on the page, as was the relationship that Richard had with the people of Cyprus and the locals themselves.
The Verdict
Action-packed, emotionally driven, and perfectly tense, author Myron Edwards’s “Scylla: The Revenge” is a fantastic fantasy meets supernatural thriller with a large dose of mythology. The second entry into the author’s Cyprus Mysteries series, the novel has some great twists and turns, and the shocking finale will be both a gut-punch and a nail bitter to readers as they await the third 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
Born in 1952 in Orsett, Essex in England, the youngest son to Welsh parents Iris and Bill Edwards. Upon leaving school, he went into the travel industry, where he travelled the world, working in travel agencies, tour operators and airlines for some 30 years. In 1976 Myron began freelance writing for BBC, radio and television, his credits include the Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and the News Huddlines. In 1980, he joined JWT advertising, as a copywriter writing his first TV commercial for dog food inside 10 days. His love for the creative never left him and in 1987 he created Tubewalking, a new map concept, to help people get around London easier on foot, which still operates today. In 1990 he married Niki, whose family background is Greek Cypriot. On a family trip to Cyprus, visiting Aphrodite’s Rock for the first time, the beginnings of his passion to write the story of Mistress of the Rock came into fruition. Moving his family in 2005 to Cyprus to live, gave him the opportunity to write, as during this time he worked on campaigns for TV and Radio in an advertising agency in Limassol. The first manuscript of the book was completed in 2007, released by a local publisher it had a limited audience, but was well received by those who had read it. He has now completed the sequel and is working on the third part of this story. Myron has three children, two sons and one daughter all grown up.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Six immortals must work together to confront a dangerous enemy in author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence”, the first book in The Immortals series.
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The Synopsis
Part Mortal, Part Divinity, Fully Devoted.
The gathering has begun. Six demigods embark on an epic journey of danger, mystical creatures, dark magic, and intrigue. When an ancient prophesy is triggered, the tale of six powerful immortals begins. Legend has it, the chosen six will triumph over evil and restore peace. But first, they must gather together and converge on the land where their parents were defeated. Time is running out, the Titans want revenge, and the future of the entire world is at stake.
Meet the immortals -The wiccan, the shifter, the Master of Water, the siren, the healer, the Reader of Minds. Their destiny awaits — if they accept their fate and unite to confront a dangerous enemy in the battle of a lifetime.
The Review
This was quite an epic and captivating fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel. The captivating imagery and steady buildup of tension early on in the novel help underscore the vastness of the mythos that the protagonists find themselves thrust into suddenly. The complex dynamics of the Greek gods and demigods, as well as the mythical creatures that inhabit the world and the infamous Titans, helped elevate the stakes that this narrative holds and added a great foil to the more modern era in which the setting takes place.
The core of this narrative had to be in the captivating character dynamics that this book brought to life. The friendship that is tested and highlighted in Zander and Beckett and the romance Beckett builds with another of the immortals are just a couple of the multitude of relationships that the narrative effortlessly brings together and engages with the reader. The emotional depth of the character’s backstories and the heightened tension that builds from those relationships helps drive the action and intensity of the novel’s plot tenfold.
The Verdict
Captivating, entertaining, and gripping, author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence” is a must-read fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel and a great first entry into The Immortals franchise. The twists and turns that keep the shocks and mythos alive on the page and the balance of adult storytelling in a fantasy-driven world of gods and monsters made this a complex yet inviting narrative that readers will want to get lost in for hours. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Melanie P. Smith was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has an Associates of Science degree in Marketing, a bachelor’s in Business Management, and a Masters Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Mediation.
Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A successful software engineer takes a leave of absence from his company to return a sword stolen from a Japanese captain by his grandfather during WWII, and in the process cure the unhappiness in his own life in author Michael R. French’s “Ghost with Two Hearts”.
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The Synopsis
Approaching 30, Adrian, a talented software engineer, takes stock of his wealth and accolades – and how unhappy he is. He doesn’t make friends easily, dislikes social media, and was bloodied in a divorce. He finds no common purpose in a country defined by political vitriol, distrust, and inequality. Taking a leave of absence from his company, he travels to Japan with a samurai sword that his grandfather stole from a Japanese captain in World War Two. Adrian is determined to find its rightful heir. Doing the morally correct thing, he hopes, will make him feel better about his life.
The Review
This was such a moving and captivating blend of Japanese culture meeting folklore and supernatural romance storytelling. The dynamics of the mythos of Japanese culture elevated both the setting and character development tremendously, allowing the reader to feel transported to the country and walk through life with the protagonist hand in hand. The complexities of the human condition found solid ground in this otherwise mythical and spiritual story, delving into Japanese mythology and belief systems greatly to tackle themes of life, death, the beauty in recognizing the lack of perfection while still pursuing it, and the nature of selflessness.
This profound message and tone the author struck up with the character development that drove this story forward were equally balanced with the supernatural elements of the story, showcasing the physical and mental toll that the protagonist endures as he faces the wrath of a vengeful spirit while also bonding emotionally with another spirit or kami in Japanese culture. The engaging nature of the mythos is perfectly underscored by the complex relationships the protagonist deals with in his life, from his boss hanging his job over his head to his father and the complex ties to his grandfather’s legacy, and the shared bond he forms with the spirit he encounters.
The Verdict
Breathtaking, emotionally-driven, and thought-provoking, author Michael R. French’s “Ghost with Two Hearts” is a must-read folklore and supernatural romance novel. The passion and heart for which the author wrote this story shine through every page and the way the book’s narrative causes the reader to enter a moment of self-reflection highlights the beauty and complexity of the Japanese culture, making this a must-read novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Michael R. French graduated from Stanford University where he was an English major, focusing on creative writing, and studied under Wallace Stegner. He received a Master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He later served in the United States Army before marrying Patricia Goodkind, an educator and entrepreneur, and starting a family.
In addition to publishing over twenty titles, including award-winning young adult fiction, adult fiction, biographies and self-help books, he has written or co-written a half-dozen screenplays, including Intersection, which has won awards in over twenty film festivals. He has also had a long business career in real estate, living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His passions include travel, collecting rare books, and hanging with friends and family. He describes his worst traits as impatience and saying “no” too quickly; his best are curiosity, taking risks, and learning from failure.
French’s work, which includes several best-sellers, has been warmly reviewed in the New York Times and been honored with a number of literary prizes.
Ghost with Two Hearts is now available to purchase in print and as an e-book at Amazon.com. Add it to your GoodReads reading listing as well.
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Blog Tour Dates
March 13th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Michael R. French’s “Ghost with Two Hearts”. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
Hear from Michael R. French about “What Drives an Author” as he delights readers at A Storybook World. Find out more about his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts” and learn more about this talented author!
“Helping or Hurting” is today’s essay title at Madeline’s blog as readers of Choices hear from Michael R. French about his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts”.
Crystal Otto reviews “Ghost with Two Hearts” by Michael R, French. Crystal has read many of French’s books – find out how his latest novel measures up!
Is there a “Place for Older Authors” ? Find out by stopping at Fiona Ingram’s blog and reading the essay by Michael R. French today! This is a great chance to learn more about this successful author and his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts” !
Hear from a teenager as she reviews “Ghost with Two Hearts” by Michael R. French. How many stars will she give? Will this be the novel she refers to her friends? Find out today!
Michael R. French shares his essay “The Tail or the Dog” for readers at Pages and Paws. Stop by to find out more about Michael and his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts”.
Judy from the Knotty Needle offers her thoughts after reading the latest novel by Michael R. French. Find out what Judy has to say about “Ghost with Two Hearts” today!
Megan offers her review of Michael R. French’s “Ghost with Two Hearts” for readers at Wild Wood Reads; don’t miss her valuable insight of Michael’s latest novel!
Jill sheets interviews Michael R. French. Find out more about this talented author and his latest novel “Ghost with Two Hearts” by stopping by Jill’s blog today!
I received a free copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man with dreams of using his passion for piñata pulling finds himself immersed into an underground sport with a lucrative income and a dark secret in author Rey Barrera’s “El Piñatero – The Legend of Simon Alejandro De La Peña”.
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The Synopsis
Simon-Alejandro dreamed big about small things. Since his twelfth birthday, he has wanted nothing more than to become a professional piñata puller.
Now he’s eighteen and is realizing that no one wants to pay for his piñata-pulling services. But when he is approached by a mysterious stranger, Simon is invited to join an underground piñata-fighting league that meets in secret while the rest of the city sleeps. Before he can hope to become the league’s champion, Simon must learn how to balance his new secret life with his small family.
The Review
I absolutely loved this book. As someone who comes from a Hispanic background myself, I loved the amount of culture and passion that the author infused into the narrative. The story had a vast amount of powerful imagery and unique settings that allowed the reader to feel immersed in the novel as if they were transported to those underground events and witnessed this exciting fictional sport for themselves. The world-building and mythos behind the fictional world of piñata pulling as a sport and the emphasis on the culture that it brought spoke to the deeper themes of family, identity, and hope that the author touched upon.
For me, the heart of this novel rested in both the character development and the balanced of whimsy and heart that the author found in the story itself. The relationships that the book explores with the protagonist Simon, from his mother and his sister to his Uncle Beto and his new group of friends, all felt very authentic to both the experiences of a young teen and a young man growing up in a Hispanic household. Even the rivalry that evolves between himself and The Dark Panda is great to see, as the conflict that comes from it and the emotional evolution that occurs help emphasize the whimsy of the sport and yet the heart of the players themselves.
The Verdict
Captivating, highly imaginative, and thoroughly entertaining, author Rey Barrera’s “El Piñatero – The Legend of Simon Alejandro De La Peña” is a must-read children’s book of folk tales meets Hispanic American fiction and even some elements of YA storytelling. The twists and turns in the narrative, the way the author brings the reader into such a strong and beloved culture, and the wealth of powerful themes and emotional life lessons the protagonist learns along the way, all culminate into a thoroughly enjoyable novel that readers won’t want to miss out on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rey grew up in the South Texas town of Corpus Christi. His love of writing came from reading books well into the night and eventually dreaming of coming up with his own worlds and characters.
While in high school, Rey read a quote from Mark Twain, in which he referred to Tom and Huck as “his boys”. The notion that Twain had brought these characters to life, to the point of referring to them as his children, was a concept that Rey had never considered. And that notion brought so much meaning to everything he wrote – even short, seeminlgy insignificant, stories that no one would ever read. With El Piñatero, Rey hopes to blend the fictional world of piñata fighting with some real family experiences.
Rey makes his home in Texas, with his wife, Asored, his son, Simon and their cat, Albus Neko Potimus Prime of the Fifth Age of the Dragon Crown (or Neko for short).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A flute player who finds good fortune from a dancing snake finds his greek overpowering him, and must trek on a journey to find his good fortune after losing everything in author Anthony L. Manna’s “Loukas and the Game of Chance”.
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The Synopsis
While Loukas is playing his flute at the seawall one day, he befriends a mysterious talking, dancing snake that rewards him with fortune and favor. Some years later, tempted by greed and pride, Loukas loses all his riches and his family. He must now set off on a treacherous journey through a frightening forest filled with suspense and strange creatures to find Destiny, her son Ilion, the Sun, and her daughter Luna, the Moon. These celestial guardians will surely allow him to reverse his misfortune, restore his honor, and win back all that he loves and treasures, won’t they? A reimagined Greek folktale, Loukas and the Game of Chance is illuminated with dramatic and evocative pen and ink drawings that provide an ideal backdrop for the dark intrigue that fills this haunting story of human struggle, courage, and resilience.
The Review
This was a profound and captivating reimagining of Greek folklore. The author does an amazing job of writing in a way that vividly paints an image of the story to life through engaging imagery and a fantastical atmosphere. The adventurous and hero’s journey elements of the narrative immediately jump off the page, and the mythical tone of the author’s writing brings readers into the magical frame of mind.
The beautiful story that the author tells early on between Loukas and the snake when combined with the themes of love, loss, and the power of kindness over greed made this a truly thrilling story to behold. The way the author is able to relate this story to young readers and still maintain the magic and wonder that has resonated with all readers throughout the time that other fables and folktales have done time and time again was amazing to see come to fruition.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, entertaining, and mesmerizing, author Anthony L. Manna’s “Loukas and the Game of Chance” is a must-read folktale and children’s Greek and Roman Myth story. The wonder and atmosphere the author infuses into this narrative and the rich character development made this a short yet powerful read that young and older readers alike won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
ANTHONY L. MANNA, Ph.D., is a retired professor from the Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies and the English Department at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, where he taught Children’s Literature, Young Adult Literature, Writing, and Educational Drama and served as one of the co-directors of Kent State’s National Writing Project (sponsored by UC/Berkeley).
A New Jersey native, he received his doctorate from the University of Iowa, Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University (high honors), and his B. A. from Seton Hall University (with honors). He has taught on nearly every grade level, from preschool to graduate school, and has held positions at the American College in Istanbul, Turkey, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, the University of Maine (Farmington), and the Center for Literature and Medicine (Hiram College/Northeast Ohio College of Medicine), where he received a fellowship to research the intersection of the arts and the practice of medicine and healing.
He is the recipient of Kent State University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Kent State’s Student Choice Award, and the Arbuthnot Award from the International Reading Association for outstanding university teaching.
Manna is a former member of the executive board of the Children’s Literature Association, former Director of Publications for the Association, and former editor of various columns in the Children’s Literature Association Quarterly.
He is co-author of Children’s Literature for Health Awareness and co-editor of Many Faces, Many Voices: Multicultural Literary Experiences for Youth and Art and Story: The Role of Illustration in Multicultural Literature for Youth. He has published numerous articles, book reviews, and book chapters on literature, drama, and teaching both in the U.S.A. and abroad.
The children’s picture book he co-authored with Soula Mitakidou, Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale (Simon & Schuster, 1997; Aladdin Paperbacks, 2015) was selected a 1998 Notable Children’s Book of the Year by the American Library Association was listed among the one hundred best books of the year by the New York Public Library, and was the recipient of the 1997 Marion Vannett Ridgway Award for first-time authors and illustrators.
In 2002, he co-authored a collection of twenty stories titled Folktales from Greece: A Treasury of Delights (Greenwood Press World Folklore Series). His most recent picture book, The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece (Schwartz & Wade/Random House 2011) was selected a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of 2012.
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 leave her village and find her place in the world after discovering the power within herself in author Kinga Szumska’s “The Sacred Mountains”.
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The Synopsis
We are all on a journey. Some of us see our mountain very clearly but some can see just a glimpse of it from a distance. Some of us are confident that there must be another world than the one we were born in, while others don’t question it. But far beyond the forests in a village was a girl who decided to go on a journey and learn which world she was really from. This is a story about finding the world we belong to. I am sure you’re on your quest too.
I dedicate this book to all who one day felt out of place but had the courage to cross the bridge.
The Review
This was a beautifully written and profound story of mythology and legends meets coming-of-age storytelling. The imagery and atmosphere spoke to the power of storytelling itself, exploring the power that stories have on a people’s culture and how future generations can learn from the past to grow into their futures. The themes the author explores here, from the iconic “hero’s journey” to the power of dreams and the importance of forging our own paths in life kept me invested in the story of Lola and her journey into the mountains outside of her own village.
The dynamic character development and world-building balanced out the emotional pull of the journey the narrative itself takes. The story of Lola will resonate greatly with many readers, as her heart and her passions in life lead her to an almost outsider status in her village, with her dreams separating her from the lessons taught and embedded into the majority of the villagers. The power she discovers and her otherworldly origins play well into the mythos the author builds upon and keep the reader both entertained and enthralled by the journey.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, captivating, and engaging, author Kinga Szumska’s “The Sacred Mountains” is a must-read folklore and mythology-driven narrative. The empowerment and encouragement Lola’s journey gives the reader and the magic of the storytelling made this a compelling and entertaining journey to go on and made this a brilliant story that showcases the amazing talent of this up-and-coming author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Kinga was born in Poland and now lives in London. She writes inspirational stories on personal and professional development, work, and travel on her blog: http://www.kinga.blog. Kinga is certified by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is a Qualified Performance Coach and talent hunter. Besides writing and creative living, Kinga is a keen traveller, speaker, painter, foodie, and social media junkie.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’m a mother of seven kids, five of them grown, and a grandmother of two beautiful boys. But years before all of that, when I was 19 and newly married, the car I was driving was hit by a city bus. I sustained a severe brain injury and nearly died; my prognosis was not good. However, being a mother a few years after, as well as writing, helped me to slowly recover. Almost 15 years after my brain injury I started college again and now I have a Master’s Degree in English Literature (I felt that if I wanted to hone my writing skills I needed to read and learn from the masters of the craft). 25 years after my car accident my first book was published, and now 32 years after my car accident my third book has just been published. So writing has essentially been my rehab.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I was just learning that I have Scottish ancestry, and I also love Shakespeare and read that he had based the three witches in Macbeth on the Three Fates of ancient Greek lore. I thought that was so interesting and I asked, “What if…” which I wanted to explore. I felt there would be so many questions that would drive my story and there were. I’ve also always loved fantasy, so I knew those things would be the components for my story, but when I commissioned my oldest son Bradley Hemmestad to create a book cover for me was when I became really inspired – his art helped shape my story completely.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That we learn from past, present, and future – I would love readers to see things in a way they hadn’t thought of before, through the lens of fascination.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
The realm of possibility drew me to fantasy. I love history and the lessons that fill history, then embellishing that history within fantasy so I can stretch boundaries.
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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I think I would be too scared to sit down with any of the main characters in my book; I think they would find it hard to contain their innate power. I imagine Clotho as so otherworldly that she likely wouldn’t communicate on human terms and would probably lose patience, I also think that Apollo would be terrifying because there’s no earthly limit to his power the judgements he makes, and I think Macbeth would be frightening because he was driven by the fortitude of his ancestors and the passion in his beliefs. They would all be larger than life. I really included any questions I want to ask them in my book itself – like what are ancient Greek gods doing in medieval Scotland?
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Ask many, many questions of the characters in your story. They’ll reveal the direction they want to take. Listen to your dreams, like Toni Morrison did to write her masterpiece, Beloved. Don’t try to force your characters into a direction they don’t want to take or you’ll lose the sense of effortlessness that makes a story easy to get lost in.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
The future holds A LOT of writing. I’m trying to get the word out about my digital novel Macbeth’s Spinners, and I’m also working on another novel about the disappearance of Roanoke in early American history (I’m planning to infuse that story with fantasy as well).
Thank you for this interview, Anthony!
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About the Author
Justine Johnston Hemmestad is an editor, the author of three novels, and is included in several anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (after having been in a car accident that left her severely brain injured at 19). She is a graduate of The University of Iowa and has also graduated from the English Literature Master’s Degree program with distinction at Northern Arizona University. Her personal webpage is at https://know-your-craft.webnode.page/ , her amazon author’s page is at https://www.amazon.com/Justine-Johnston-Hemmestad/e/B01DHSLN0M?ref_=pe_1724030_132998060 and she’s on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JustineJohnstonHemmestadauthor
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The legend of Macbeth gets a Greek Mythology twist when the three Fates merge to become one powerful woman as they flee the powerful gaze of a heartbroken god in author Justine Johnston Hemmestad’s “Macbeth’s Spinners”.
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The Synopsis
Macbeth’s Spinners is a love story. And like most love stories, things surrounding the lovers can both influence and be influenced by the lovers and their emotions. You know the fallout that can happen among friends when a couple has a spat in the real world.
Now imagine if they were gods? Imagine if the lovers had the ability to influence time and fold the land and sea, and steer the course of a nation’s history?
What if Macbeth was guided to become king not by three elderly witches — but by the Three Fates of Greek Mythos that were transformed into a single woman of remarkable power?
The Review
This was such a powerful and well-done story. The author found a way to bridge the gap between gothic dark fantasy storytelling and epic mythological themes in a very natural way. The twist in Macbeth’s iconic story was such an inspired direction to take the narrative, as it directly spoke to the idea of fate and destiny (quite literally) in ways the original could only hint at. The historical context of the story mixed well with the mythos that the other half of the narrative embodied.
The character development and imagery played the largest roles here in this story. The game of cat and mouse played between the Fates, Apollo, and their pawn Macbeth all play well into the almost dismissive nature of these godlike figures to the everyday men and women, especially given the Fate’s desire to find a home and take care of its people, much as they did in their old lives. The redemptive nature of the narrative as time goes on and the heartfelt emotions that these powerful gods display help keep the story grounded in such a fantasy-driven world.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, imaginative, and entertaining, author Justine Johnston Hemmestad’s “Macbeth’s Spinners” is a must-read gothic dark fantasy read. The expanded upon and new twist on both the iconic Shakespearean tale and the memorable Greek mythology was a pairing that fit together so well that it felt like reading a brand new story much of the time. The imagery and atmosphere the author created spoke to the grand stakes of the novel and the raw emotions that these powerful figures conjured up. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
