Tag: urban fantasy

PRESS RELEASE: SUGAR PLUMS AND DEATH’S INTERN BY DC GOMEZ RELEASES

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press Releases, PRESS RELEASESLeave a comment

Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern

A new Urban Fantasy Adventure by USA Today Bestselling Author DC Gomez 

What’s the worst way to spend a weekend with your quirky, magical team?

A team-building retreat, of course.

When Constantine drags the crew to Hochatown, OK, for some “bonding,” no one’s thrilled. Bob’s only focus is the bake-off, which is already shaping up to be a recipe for disaster. But when a group of thieves launches a high-stakes heist in the middle of their supposed downtime, things go south faster than you can say “sugar plums.”

Now, it’s not just about surviving each other’s company—it’s about surviving in a town where the dead have a nasty habit of showing up, and everyone has a secret. Between eccentric family reunions, a string of bodies dropping like flies, and a magical showdown that’s anything but ordinary, the team will have to navigate the chaos or risk becoming part of the mess themselves.

In this hilarious, fast-paced urban fantasy adventure, Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern proves that sometimes, the real danger comes from the family you never asked for—and the enemies you never saw coming.


Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern is book nine in The Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Series.

This book is set in the Reapers Universe. A stand-alone misadventure from the Intern Diaries. You don’t need the full files to survive this story. If you enjoy Supernatural and True Blood, the crew of Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern will keep you turning pages while wishing you were in your own cottage sipping tea.

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Winner of an Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest 26th Annual Self Published Book Awards in the fiction category.
“This fresh and intriguing plot offers a workaday waitress against Death incarnate, only with a sardonic sense of humor. The first person narration gives the reader limited insight into the protagonist as we follow her journey into a world where Death (also a female) is more interested in souls than last breaths. The concept is clever since it offers the tension of an actual soul-napping competitor to Death for the souls of those just-dead folks.” Judge, 26th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.

About D.C.

 

D. C. Gomez is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and coach. Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. D. C. studied film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army, and proudly served for four years.

D. C. has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, as well as a Master in Adult Education from Texas A&M- Texarkana University.  She is a certified John Maxwell Team speaker and coach, and a certified meditation instructor from the Chopra Center. 

One of D. C. passions is helping those around her overcome their self-limiting beliefs.  She writes both non-fiction and fiction books, ranging from Urban Fantasy to Children’s Books. To learn more about her books and her passion, you can find her at www.dcgomez-author.com. 

BLOG TOUR: THE TALKING CURE (A SEAN JOYE INVESTIGATION) BY KATHY L. BROWN

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events1 Comment

Kathy L. Brown has a new queer urban fantasy mystery out (ace, pan/bi, gay): The Talking Cure.

Sean Joye Investigations, Book 2

Haunted woman claws her way back to reality by reconnecting with her magical powers in The Talking Cure, a supernatural Yuletide follow-up to The Big Cinch.

Committed to an insane asylum, Violet Humphrey is isolated on the Illinois prairie with only her own thoughts and a persistent new voice in her head for company. When she is accused of murder, Violet suspects her road to both freedom and recovery lies through confronting her painful past and solving the crime. Magically summoned, Sean Joye skids through an ice storm to help Violet, but can they catch the killer and defy an eldritch horror before Violet loses her tenuous grasp on reality?

“The Talking Cure is a marvelous story—an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery infused with a strong sense of the Weird… and a hearty dose of magic on the side. It’s ideal for all fans of the sinister, the surprising, and the strange.” —Cherie Priest, award-winning author of Boneshaker

Warnings: suicidal ideations, references past harm to child.

About the Series

The Sean Joye Investigations series embeds readers in a magic-laced 1920s era St. Louis. The world has barely survived a brutal global war, disease pandemic, and rampant ethnic violence. The cosmic balance is off kilter, and corrupt energies seep through widening cracks in reality. That foul rot has touched Sean Joye in myriad ways. A disillusioned veteran of 1922’s Irish Civil War, he traveled to America to escape supernatural attention, forget his assassin past, and forge a clean new life. Can Sean now master the magical abilities he has rejected for so long in time to protect the innocent and save his own skin?

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Excerpt

The Talking Cure meme

Cold air invaded the room, and the flames crackled in greeting. Out in the foyer, I could hear Carrie as she passed off the arriving board members’ coats and bags to an orderly dragooned into footman duty—“Good evening, Doctor. Ah, Doctor, you remember Doctor? And here’s Doctor, right on time.”

I scooted as far away from Dr. Elsass as I could, making for the Christmas tree in front of the parlor windows. Its sharp green scent tried its best to counter the guests’ stench. As much as I avoided the director, I could still hear him chirping in the background. “We’ll talk about that, of course.” His voice dropped to a whisper, but the words flew across the room to me like bright budgies. “Do you think that wise, Emerson? She is in a most fragile state.”

I found Nurse Martin leading my other roommate, Berta, and two additional patients in tree decoration. “Ah, Violet, thanks for joining us.” She held out a sturdy cedar ornament. “Care to help?”

I took it and clung to its warm scent for protection, but despite knowing better—the men would just upset me—I couldn’t help watching their dispute. Dr. Elsass was a chess master, and we were all merely pieces in play. Even this Emerson fellow.

“Don’t you believe in your Talking Cure? She seems much better to me.” Emerson glanced down at his wife and grinned, showing lots of teeth.

The rumor among the maids and kitchen staff was that Blanche was besotted with our therapist, Dr. Ibrahim Cole. Although she was here for “female hysteria”— whatever that was—I had never met a less hysterical female.

Blanche diligently ignored her husband and Dr. Elsass, engrossed as she was in the sketchbook that was never far from her side.

“Aren’t you, darling?” Emerson said, paying no attention to her activity. “Wouldn’t you like a break from chewing off Cole’s ear? You can talk to me if you feel down in the mouth.”

Blanche looked up. “I would like to see my dog.”

Ah, I thought. She was paying attention. I bet she notices more than she lets on.

“See? She’s fine.” Emerson exclaimed to Dr. Elsass, as if he’d cured her female hysteria himself.

“Perhaps a weekend pass,” the director mused, pretending to consider the matter. “We’ll discuss it at the staff meeting. Mrs. Emerson has made remarkable progress, it is true.” He glanced around the room, caught my eye, and beamed. Damn. “And speaking of remarkable progress, you know Mrs. Humphrey, I’m sure.”

Emerson strode across the room and held out his hand. “Percy Emerson. We’ve met, but you may not remember. I knew your father from the Piasa Club.”

I made myself take his hand, briefly, despite his rotten odor. And the maggots I could see writhing about on his palm. Not real, I told myself. Not real. “Please call me Violet.”

“And you should call me Percy. I’m…Sorry for your loss.”

I nodded and made for the tea cart, aiming for a napkin to wipe his stench off my skin. My losses were many. To which did he refer?

Percy drifted back to Dr. Elsass and winked. “Nice try. As I was saying, Blanche is much more…tractable…than before.” He patted his wife on the head. “But your cure takes an awful lot of time and buckets of cash—who’s to say she wouldn’t have snapped out of it on her own?”

For her part, Blanche seemed oblivious to the conversation that was transpiring, intent as she was on sketching the Christmas tree. Percy at last noticed the sketchbook on his wife’s lap. “That’s nice, honey. Gonna puts some colors on there? Lots of green and red?”

She looked up at him, her face blank. Eventually, she said, “Do you think I should? I was interested in the pattern, you see, the way the light—”

“Oh, yes, definitely. Christmas trees are green. With red balls. That might be good enough for a holiday card, if you color it up right.” To Dr. Elsass, he said, “Nice little scam you got going here, doc.” His voice boomed over the chittering noise of the room. “Well played.”

The guests ceased their conversations and turned to the two men. Dr. Elsass and Percy stared at each other for a long minute. At last, the director laughed out loud. “Ah, Mr. Emerson. Always a kidder, as the young people say.”

The room grew darker as the afternoon faded, with just the glow of the hearth and the lights on the Christmas tree. When a fresh contingent of board members lumbered into the parlor, the parrot squawked, and the elderly tree trimmers equally took fright. Dr. Elsass approached the new arrivals, arms outstretched. “Come in, gentlemen. Have a hot drink. There will be ‘something stronger,’ and a fine meal presently.”

Suddenly, a passing shadow blocked the glow from the fireplace, a darkness that smelled of decaying fish, sulfur, and algae bloom. Then Berta, who’d been so calm, sank to her knees, her eyes darting about, and croaked in a wavering voice, “Dagon lives. Mighty Dagon. Dagon. Dagon. Dagon.”

The bird joined in as a chorus, “Dagon, Dagon, Dagon.”

Having no idea to whom or what they referenced, I was struck for a moment with total conviction that Berta, and perhaps the parrot, knew some secret of infinite portent. I utterly believed them, the words a carillon to my ears. I took a deep breath. This wouldn’t do at all. I’m sure it was just what Carrie had been worried about, one of us crazy people acting crazy at the normal-people party.

Author Bio

Kathy L. Brown writes speculative fiction with a historical twist. Her hometown— St. Louis, Missouri, USA—and its history inspires much of her fiction.

The haunted 1920s world of the Sean Joye Investigations book series was conceived in a creative writing workshop in 2004. The idea wouldn’t go away, and Kathy published two Sean Joye novellas while working on her first novel, The Big Cinch, released by the Montag Press Collective in December 2021. The Big Cinch won the 2022 Imadjinn award for best urban fantasy novel.

After spending the pandemic editing and publishing a secondary-world young adult fantasy, Wolfhearted, Kathy wrote the next Sean Joye investigation, The Talking Cure. It will be published in November 2025. A Sean Joye short story, “The Pixie Job,” appears in the 2024 Marathonarium Anthology: Volume II.

Currently she is preparing a high fantasy novella in the Wolfhearted world for publication in 2026. Learn more at kathylbrown.com.

Author Website: https://www.kathylbrown.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=590229717

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/kbkathylbrown

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathylbrownwrites/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18298845.Kathy_L_Brown

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/kathy-l-brown/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kathylbrown

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The Night Girl by James Bow 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 woman finds work as an administrative assistant for an agency that places goblins and trolls in the book “The Night Girl” by James Bow.

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The Synopsis

Perpetua Collins works for a real troll.

Well, technically a goblin, and it’s not as bad as it sounds. As the administrative assistant, she provides a “human” face for an employment agency specializing in placements for goblins and trolls. It’s probably the most unusual job she could find in Toronto, but she’s grateful for it, having come to the city with $500 in her pocket and no support. Without it, she’d have no choice but to go back to the boring small town and overbearing mother she worked so hard to leave.

But as Perpetua settles into her new job, disturbing questions arise. And no, they’re not about the fact that goblins and trolls exist. She’s fine with that part. What bothers her is that the agency has no visible means of support. How does her boss manage to keep his “clients” out of the public eye? They’ve been part of the city far longer than anyone thinks, and are growing restless under the burden of forced invisibility and financial poverty.

What will happen if the veil drops, and humans see?

The Review

This was such a unique and engaging fantasy read. The setting of Toronto became just as much a character as the rest of the characters in this book; its unique sights and sounds were captured in the detailed, beautiful imagery the author poured into their writing. The world-building in this novel was top-notch, giving readers an incredible blend of the Toronto scene and the otherworldly, mythical creatures that inhabit it, all in the author’s unique story.

The heart of this narrative lay in its character development and strong themes. The protagonist, Perpetua, is a strong lead who embodies the hopeful spark many try to hold onto as they venture into a new phase of their life, while also maintaining the strength to face the unknown without losing herself in the process. Identity becomes central to this narrative, not only for her but also for the clients she works with, as they seek steady work and acceptance. The commentary on inequality and social class structures was spot-on and fit well with this fantasy-driven narrative. Perpetua’s connection with Fergus is a strong hook that will keep readers invested.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, author James Bow’s “The Night Girl” is a must-read fantasy-driven novel. The story has a splash of everything, from a big battle that brings the action and adventure to the narrative, humor in the author’s dialogue, and a hint of romance as well for the protagonist, as the world-building and strong narrative create a world that readers will want to get lost in time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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I was born in downtown Toronto on April 19, 1972 and lived there until my folks moved up to Kitchener in 1991 so I could attend the University of Waterloo. I’ve lived in Kitchener ever since. I’ve been trained as an urban planner, and I’ve worked as a database manager, web designer, circulation manager, administrative assistant, layout designer and office manager. The one consistent thing about my varied academic and professional career has been a love of writing.

I love to write and I love to read. I especially love to write and read stories set in the young adult years when everything seems big and wonderful (and sometimes frustrating and frightening) and where the greatest achievement is growing up and conquering yourself. This has been a consistent element of a number of my fiction books.

To learn more about me and my writing, please visit my website: 

http://bowjamesbow.ca/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-night-girl-james-bow/1146411707?ean=9781998273409

https://amzn.to/4ohpis6

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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.”

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The Synopsis

In her witch’s blood, a warlock’s power awakens . . . and it could destroy her.

Adeline Thorne was born to a witch. But when the magic that should have been her birthright never came, rage and humiliation drove her into a reckless rebellion. She lost everything: her coven, her pride, and her marriage.

Years later, she’s built a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, distant from all things magic. She’s a portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.

Until a convicted warlock, desperate to escape his fate, forces his magic into her. But warlock magic is lethal to witches, a slow death. As the power manifests, Adeline knows she’s running out of time. With no other option, she turns to the last person she ever wanted to face again: the priestess who exiled her. A woman she despises.

But the priestess’s help comes at a price. Assigned to protect her is Luke Churchwell, a brooding runecaster with his own secrets—secrets that tie him to the warlock who cursed her. The deeper Adeline is pulled into the coven’s hunt for the rogue warlock, the more she realizes her greatest threat may not be the magic inside her… but the man assigned to guard her.

If you love the dark magic of Rachel Griffin, the sharp dialogue of V.E. Schwab, and the emotional landscapes of Alix E. Harrow, you’ll be spellbound by The Never Witch.

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The Review

This was such a gripping and compelling urban fantasy meets occult suspense novel. The author did an incredible job of crafting a world set in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and yet still felt otherworldly and cultivated in its own separate world. The author’s carefully curated use of imagery in the writing style of this book really brought each scene to life so eloquently, such as scenes in which the protagonist found herself being tested for this newly forced upon warlock power that quickly took an explosive turn. 

Immediately, this book set itself apart with a nice balance of rich mythos and character development. The politics and tension that the author built both amongst the witches and warlocks and within their own individual ranks were thrilling to read, keeping readers on the edge of their seats on who they could trust. The bond between Adeline and Sarah as sisters is powerful, and the chemistry she develops with warlock Luke, as well as the return of an old flame, adds a bit of romance and will-they, won’t-they moments for the characters as the narrative develops without sacrificing the main plot. 

The Verdict

Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining, author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch” is a must-read occult suspense and urban fantasy read. The first in what is hopefully a great new series, the book brings a unique spin on the contentious history between witches and warlocks, as well as their own unique approaches to magic, and the dynamic character development and multiple POVs will keep readers heavily invested in this fantastic author’s latest fantasy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean is a bestselling author of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She is an Eric Hoffer Award winner and was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and the Independent Author Network Awards. She is a B.R.A.G. medallion honouree and a three-time Literary Titan award winner. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart and fun.

JP holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, is a certified scuba diver, an exploratory chef, and an avid gardener.

Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP now lives with her husband on Denman Island, which is nestled between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cooking dishes that look nothing like the recipe photos or arguing with weeds in the garden.

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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.

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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

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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/

Tales of Howloween: A Collection of Short Stories 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. 

Authors such as D.C. Gomez, S.R. Griffith and more gather to share a fun and spooky collection of supernatural meets fantasy short stories in the collection “Tales of Howloween”.

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The Synopsis

A Red Moon Rises this Halloween, so heed the howls and enter a world of wonder, danger and desire. Tales of Howloween presents a thrilling collection of nine supernatural tales that will keep you guessing until the final stroke of midnight.

In “Forest Fated”, wolf shifter Cassius captures renegade mage Ariella, sparking an electric connection hinting at a prophecy older than the forest itself. As an evil wizard spreads, Cassius and Ariella must team up against all instincts.

Nature spirits Cait and Milo struggle to find their place in “A Red Moon Rises” grim future world. And when reality itself is questioned in “The Midnight Pack”, logic-seeker Avalon finds her ancestry holds secrets unlocking a world she never believed.

You will fall in love with these spellbinding romances, “Moonlit Desires” where a fated meeting awakens new possibilities. As well as “White Falls Haunt” where a magical marriage isn’t what it seems. In “Celestial Rescue” where an alien rescue leads to cosmic desires, satisfy all cravings for chills, thrills and intimate encounters.

A twisted tale of football players turned werewolves in “The Wolves” while keep you guessing, as the team seeks for easy ways to win.

The magic continues in the fun shape-shifting mystery of “For Shuck’s Sake.” Sometimes an accident will change your life.

Join the Reapers Crew in the Urban fantasy adventures “Bloodstone” as they tried to stop a cult from waking the God Set.

So stalk these pages and feel the moon’s call. Delve into a menagerie of mischief and magic under star-pricked skies. But be warned – mysteries abound in these Woods and ghosts linger beyond the last page. The howling has only just begun…

The Review

This was such a fantastic collection. The authors all found the perfect balance of spooky atmosphere for the Halloween season with the rich world-building in which fantasy genre storytelling is proficient. Each author’s powerful imagination translates perfectly into these stories, and the fast pacing and the way the tension compliments the more fun and humorous moments between the characters made this collection fun to get lost in.

While each of these stories was amazing, one story that stood out was from D.C. Gomez, an author who I have reviewed many of their books, and their story Bloodstone. The story ties into the author’s Intern Diaries series, following Bartholomew the Reaper, in an international story directly into Egyptian mythology and werewolves. As a fan of both and a fan of this series, getting to see Bartholomew rise as the protagonist of this particular tale and the back-and-forth relationship between him and Bob was so much fun and allowed the chilling nature of these wolves and their cult dedicated to Set to rise naturally.

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The Verdict

A powerful collection of short stories that speak to readers of the fantasy genre in a way that makes them feel included in the Halloween season, Tales of Howloween is a must-read short story collection. The infusion of romance, supernatural thrillers, and fantasy storytelling allowed the collection to shine brightly during Halloween. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Kahuna: Vol. 1 – Tampa Bay by Brent A. Philips 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 magic-wielding hero must overcome his inner demons in order to stop a rising, ancient evil in author Brent A. Philips’s “Kahuna: Vol.1 – Tampa Bay”. 

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The Synopsis

Vox Montague is no stranger to waking up hungover and naked. As the Kahuna of Tampa Bay, he juggles his role as a supernatural peacekeeper with drunken strip club shenanigans, money woes, and a relationship with his witch-babe of a girlfriend that requires even more patching than the pipes he works on at his plumbing company.

When an ancient evil resurfaces, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Vox’s new powers are wonky, his emotions are on edge, and his Kahuna Council bosses are breathing down his neck. As the stakes ratchet up, can this impetuous magic-wielder conquer his inner demons so that he can protect Earth from the murderous, real-life ones?

With spectacular world-building, delicious raunch, and LMAO humor, if you like in-your-face action, epic quests, and flawed heroes, then you’ll love Brent A. Phillips’s tyrannosaurus-size urban fantasy.

The Review

This was one of the more mature, raunchy, action-packed fantasy reads. The balance of humor and grit that the author was able to infuse into the story and the descriptive nature of the writing style allowed the reader to feel engaged with this cast of characters right from the start. The way the author can weave together the magical side of this story with the real-world human elements makes this feel like a plausible and honest depiction of the world the author has crafted.

The heart of this story rests in the world-building, mythos, and character development. Immediately, what stood out was the protagonist, for Vox is a truly flawed hero. The magical nature of his work and the role he takes in this story meld with the realism of his character. The issues he faces as a person and in his personal relationships speak to the authenticity of this individual and make his heroics more profound when his character grows.

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The Verdict

Thrilling, engaging, and memorable author Brent A. Philips’s “Kahuna: Vol 1—Tampa Bay” is a must-read urban fantasy. The humor, mythology, and action balance out the realistic character development, making this a compelling and gripping story with a shocking series of twists and turns that will keep readers eager for the next entry 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 A. Phillips is a Marketing AI Scientist, foodie, possum admirer, and Miami Hurricanes fan. He lives wherever his fifth wheel happens to be.

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Forbidden War (The Intern Diaries Book Three) by D.C. Gomez 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.

Death’s Intern must help keep the peace between vampires and elves during a tense negotiation as the threat of war looms over them all in author D.C. Gomez’s “Forbidden War,” the third book in The Intern Diaries series.

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The Synopsis

A trip to hell. Angry Vampires. Seductive Elves. Oh my!

Do I honestly look like a mediator?

Let’s be honest. I can barely keep the peace between the boys, and they like each other.

Why would Death agree to send us to supervise a peace negotiation between vampires and elves, just because her egotistical brother, War, doesn’t want to do it?

We don’t even like vampires. If Constantine is correct, we barely tolerate each other due to our own messy peace negotiations. To make my life even more complicated, even my Godmother has a secret.

This is a huge catastrophe waiting to explode. Three days to find a princess or Texarkana becomes the site for WWIII. I really need a raise.

* Forbidden War is book three in the Urban Fantasy series The Intern Diaries. The stakes are higher for Isis Black as she meets another of Death’s siblings. The manipulative War is at it again, and dumping one giant mess on Isis and her friends.

***This is a stand-alone novel, or it can be read in sequence.

The Review

This is another fantastic entry into this phenomenal urban fantasy series. The author does an incredible job of further exploring the paranormal mythos of the characters’ world. The thing that always brings a bright spot to the story itself is the exploration of the Horsemen mythos, the relationship and differences between Death and her siblings, and how it impacts the paranormal world. 

The blend of humor in the characters’ dialogue and character development made this story shine. The witty banter between Isis and the other characters felt like the same charming humor found in shows like Supernatural back in the day. Exploring the relationship vampires have with other members of the paranormal community was mesmerizing to see come to life on the page. 

The Verdict

Memorable, high-octane, and hilariously adventurous author D.C. Gomez’s “Forbidden War” is a must-read urban fantasy. The exploration of how Death’s Interns work with the interns of other Horsemen and the way this book built upon the stories told in previous books while also working well as a standalone novel made this one book you won’t want 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

D. C. Gomez, is a fast-talking extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.

She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.

Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. While hiding from the sun, she is busy writing action packed adventures full of quirky characters and zany plots. As well as hosting her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors.

If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).

Happy reading.

https://dcgomez-author.com

The Twin Flame (The Scottish Scrolls Book II) by K.T. Anglehart 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. 

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A young woman embracing her growing powers must find a way to battle her destiny in author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Twin Flame”, the second book in the Scottish Scrolls series. 

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The Synopsis

Mckenna O’Dwyer knows she’s impulsive. Sometimes reckless. She also knows she’s a witch and keeps reincarnating as one, for reasons only her mother, Abby, can help her fully understand.

After weeks of searching, mother and daughter finally reunite—just as Elizabeth Dunlop’s prophecy states—and Abby is keen on helping Mckenna get a firm grasp on her abilities. She teaches her the proper way to channel elemental magic…but Mckenna soon discovers there’s a shortcut, something Cillian fully supports if it means getting quicker, more powerful results.

At first, Mckenna will do anything to thwart the High Priestess once and for all, before her powers are used to wipe out billions of souls. But the white horse Eachna’s devastating vision of Mother Nature continues to haunt her. Is that the future awaiting them if the Scottish Scrolls aren’t fulfilled?

Which is the lesser evil?

Enthralling, passionate, and with twists you won’t see coming, Mckenna’s magical education begins in book II of The Scottish Scrolls.

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The Review 

The author has recaptured what made book one in the Scottish Scrolls series so beloved and upped the ante with more action and magic than ever before. While book one laid the foundation for this series, book two fully explores the larger magical and mythical universe and the protagonist’s growing powers. 

The vivid detail that went into the story, as well as the character dynamics and the fast-paced atmosphere, allowed for, at times, a harrowing yet compelling narrative. The thoughtful and creative approach to Celtic history and mythology was perfectly crafted. It was also great to see the back and forth of the protagonist and her mother in their growing relationship. 

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The Verdict 

Harrowing, adventurous, and mythological author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Twin Flame” is a must-read YA urban fantasy with a twist on supernatural storytelling. The stunning atmosphere captures the love so many have for the Celtic people’s history, culture, and mythos, and the twists in the story will keep readers breathless. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever-present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series.

K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school-sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and Stirling.