Tag: YA Fantasy Series

Kingdom Of Embers (Kingdom Journals Volume 1) By Tricia Copeland 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 teenage girl with a hidden destiny must work with the full-grown, living version of her childhood imaginary friend to break a curse in author Tricia Copeland’s “Kingdom of Embers”, the first book in the Kingdom Journals series.

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The Synopsis

2020 Readers’ Choice Gold Medal Winner & 2019 Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Award for Fantasy

Her pale skin and weird diet make her a target at school. If only they, and she, knew the truth…

Seventeen-year-old Alena Scott is tired of pretending to be something she’s not. As an outlawed vampire-witch hybrid, she’s forced to abide by the oppressive secrecy imposed by her Vampire Chancellor mother. But she’ll have to ignore the rules when she comes face-to-face with a handsome, full-grown version of her childhood imaginary friend.

Shocked that he recognizes her as his own pretend play pal, the two embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their fantasized companionship. And as they unravel their entwined destinies, Alena realizes she holds the key to a curse which could free them all—or condemn witchkind to eternal suffering.

Can Alena and her impossibly familiar partner reverse an ancient spell before they’re sent to a mortal grave?

Kingdom of Embers is the first book in the enthralling Kingdom Journal YA urban fantasy series. If you like intriguing characters, shadowy magic, and a fresh twist on modern vampire storylines, then you’ll love Tricia Copeland’s heart-stopping tale.

Buy Kingdom of Embers to embrace a prophetic fate today!

The Review

What a rich and enthralling YA Supernatural Romance novel! The story was so fantastic, taking readers to a more grounded setting of Los Angeles and Southern California as a whole while infusing shadowy, paranormal elements into the narrative. The balance of action and magic with the more grounded high school experiences and emotional dynamics between the characters made this story feel cinematic at its core. 

The drive of this story was in the character development of the cast, especially the protagonist, Alena. The duality of her identity both as a vampire and witch hybrid, and as a supernatural being living amongst high schoolers, was a fabulous juxtaposition, and being able to see her grow her gifts while also learning to balance her life as a senior in high school with the weight of the world literally on her shoulders was both engaging and relatable for so many readers. It allowed the reader to connect with Alena’s overall journey.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thoughtfully crafted, author Tricia Copeland’s “Kingdom of Embers” is a magical YA supernatural romance and a must-read book. The twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the thrilling world-building and mythos the author has crafted for this YA series, and the breathtaking imagery in the author’s writing delivered a narrative that could easily be fit onto the big screen. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Young adult fiction author Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She believes magic infuses every aspect of our lives and each of us create our own brand of magic. Whether transforming hearts, lives, numbers, ideas, art, music, or simply enjoying nature, we discover magic every day. She aims to write stories that show what is possible when one commits to finding their own version of magic. With urban fantasy and paranormal young adult titles, you’re sure to find a magical character and story line to love within her books.

Whether you’re looking for a fun romance, inspiring story of strength, fantasy, paranormal, or a dystopian sci-fi, you’ve come to the right place. Award-winning author Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now calls Colorado home. If she’s not on the trail you can find her creating magical stories at www.triciacopeland.com.

To Be a Fae (Realm Chronicles Book 5) by Tricia Copeland 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 Queen must decide where her allegiances reside and how to bring peace to two realms in author Tricia Copeland’s “To Be a Fae”, the final book in the Realm Chronicles series.

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The Synopsis

Evil lurks in unexpected places.

Poised to usher in a new era of unity for all fae, Queen Titania grasps for a solution for her people. With chaos in the human realm and her own, she’s stretched to make progress in either.

She finds she can’t turn her back on the witches when they’re so close to finding the key to ending Sonia’s reign of terror, but Titania worries for her fae and their need for continuity.

Both realms are on a collision course with chaos, and Titania must choose whether her people will be best served by aiding in the battle the witches wage against Sonia or by stabilizing warring forces in the fae realm.

One fateful day turns the tide, leaving Titania questioning all her allies.

How do you stop evil when it resides within everyone?

To be a Fae is the final book in the Realm Chronicles series and a harrowing, twisted tale of a fae queen’s attempts to secure the realms of Middle and Upper Earth.

Read To be a Fae to embolden Titania as she fights for peace today!

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The Review

This was a gripping, powerful, and engaging finale to a thrilling fantasy series. The staggering heights the author’s world-building reached in this narrative were nothing short of incredible, and the emotional payoff for so many characters and their arcs throughout this series was breathtaking to witness. The first-person perspective readers get through Queen Titania’s eyes throughout the narrative shows how hands-on she is as a protagonist and leader to her people, getting into the thick of the battles being waged against this mad archangel and the forces pitted against them. 

The powerful themes and emotional character developments are what made this book, and the series overall, so compelling to begin with. The theme of betrayal ran deep throughout this book, turning this fantasy story into a politically charged and personal story of the sting betrayal brings and the questions it raises as a leader to others in that same process. The protagonist’s decisions show the duality of her nature as a ruler, her duty to her own heart, and the sacrifices she must make for both. 

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The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and memorable, author Tricia Copeland’s “To be a Fae” is a strong finish to the Realm Chronicles series and a must-read fantasy-driven novel. The shocking twists and turns of the story, as well as the emotional payoffs it provides and the balance between the protagonist’s resilience in the face of betrayal and her brushes with politics and war, will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the book’s final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on July 29th, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Young adult fiction author Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She believes magic infuses every aspect of our lives and each of us create our own brand of magic. Whether transforming hearts, lives, numbers, ideas, art, music, or simply enjoying nature, we discover magic every day. She aims to write stories that show what is possible when one commits to finding their own version of magic. With urban fantasy and paranormal young adult titles, you’re sure to find a magical character and story line to love within her books.

Whether you’re looking for a fun romance, inspiring story of strength, fantasy, paranormal, or a dystopian sci-fi, you’ve come to the right place. Award-winning author Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now calls Colorado home. If she’s not on the trail you can find her creating magical stories at www.triciacopeland.com.

The Abandoned Theater (Alderland Series Book One) by Dana Robertson 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. 

In Dana Robertson’s The Abandoned Theater, the first in the Alderland Series, a young girl goes to an abandoned theater in search of a missing teenager, only to discover an evil that threatens multiple worlds.

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The Synopsis

Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there – the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.

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The Review

What a compelling and engaging read. The author does a marvelous job of balancing the relatable, heartfelt character development with the visceral fantasy world-building that the author was able to create. The imagery in the author’s writing made the world the characters stumbled into feel alive on the page, and the mythology the author was able to drive into the narrative not only ramped up the drama quickly but honed in on some of the more personal mysteries tied to the characters themselves.

What stood out was how much this story seemed to embody the themes and nostalgia that so many projects in this genre have established beforehand while still creating a fresh and remarkable story. Whether it was Steven Spielberg’s E.T. or the modern-day Stranger Things, the idea of young people having to confront the strange and the unknown and face their own looming adulthood in the process was thoroughly presented in this narrative. 

The Verdict

Action-packed, magical, and entertaining author Dana Robertson’s “The Abandoned Theater” is a must-read middle-school/YA fantasy read. The magical world-building that the story takes on and the rich and relatable character dynamics of this novel make this a remarkable narrative that readers won’t be able to get enough of and will be eager for the next entry into the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on May 1st, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario. She writes mystery, fantasy, science fiction and middle grade. The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series.

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

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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.

Hunted by Fire (Fires of Innovation Book 1) by Jim Hepburn 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 young man harboring rebellion in his heart as humanity is forced to serve under the dragon gods finds himself in a fight for his life and the lives of those he loves in author Jim Hepburn’s “Hunted by Fire”, the first book of the Fires of Innovation series. 

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The Synopsis

Finding one’s place is never easy.

What is fifteen-year-old Felix Deltorei supposed to do when he longs for rebellion? In his world, where the dragon Gods reign with barbaric force, such thoughts could cost him his life.

The risks have been drilled into Felix and his friends since they were children. The war between humans and the winged Gods ended with a treaty; humanity would serve them or be driven extinct. Hundreds of years later, under the watchful eyes of the Gods and their devoted followers, those same laws remain.

Felix knows he has to find his place in the world before he’s found out. Surrounded by teachers who only ever value faith, obedience, but also technological advancement, Felix strives to achieve security and a better life in the only way he knows how; with his inventive mind. However, just as he gets his chance, one of the province’s famed inquisitors arrives in town. Little does Felix know, the devastating events about to take place will risk exposing him, but they will also push him out into a journey that might mean the deaths of the ones he loves if he can’t escape in time.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gritty high fantasy read for YA fans. The chilling environment that the author’s narrative encompasses takes the reader to new heights, exploring a frightful world in which the protagonists are thrust into a race of survival against impossible odds. The terror that encompasses the opening chapters as the power of the “gods” and those that serve them becomes apparent made this a gripping tale immediately.

For me, the heart of this story comes in the world-building and mythos that the story encompasses. The concept of these all-powerful forces of nature and the need for rebellion taking heart in the cast of characters made this story flow smoothly. The themes of forced conformity and religious oversight made this a thought-provoking read as well and helped elevate the fantasy elements of the story.

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The Verdict

Harrowing, thoughtful, and engaging, author Jim Hepburn’s “Hunted by Fire” is a must-read YA fantasy novel that is both a great start to a brand new series and a richly developed fantasy world. The dynamics between the protagonists and the depth of their journey both together and separately made this a truly compelling fantasy world to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Like many young men in high school cursed with a dash of creativity, Jim found a love for writing, which everybody else thought was practically useless. Those folks urged him to get good at math and science instead, and so he worked at those, but he was never sure if he could hack them out at a university level. After he graduated said university with an arts degree (where he had to read an awful lot), he wondered what other young people had gone through the same thing. It’s always been his dream to inspire young men and women to pursue STEM projects, as he thinks the world could use as many helping hands it can get and he thinks they are up to the challenge.

In other news, he grew up near Toronto, Canada and devoured any written adventure he could find, including many of the works written by Kenneth Oppel, D. J. MacHale, Christopher Paolini, and Rick Riordan. Later on, it was Jim Butcher, R.A. Salvator, Hajime Isayama, and Tsugumi Ohba who fueled him through his early adult years and to whom he associates much of his personal growth to.

Delos: The Moon’s Eye (Delos Book Two) by Blake Miller 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.

Four teens in a magical world must go on a quest to save the Lil of Lurkur and must complete an ancient test that no one has passed in thousands of years in author Blake Miller’s “Delos: The Moon’s Eye”, the second book in the Delos series.

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The Synopsis

DELOS: BOOK TWO

The magikal world gets even larger, the adventure gets even more thrilling, and the mysteries get even more intriguing in the second installment of this epic fantasy series, where climaxes and anticlimaxes once again abound, keeping you glued to the story.

THE QUEST OF SIX WATERS

When Cynthia Summers and Kaden Krossway learn that the Lil of Lurkur has gone missing, they join up with Alec Mulsiver and a surprising fourth com-panion to find her. This leads to another trip into Lurkur Woods, a haunting discovery about what has happened to the Lil, and then to Diluvium where they must undergo the Quest of Six Waters to claim what they need to save the Lil’s life: the Seventh Water. The problem is, no one has survived the Quest in over 6,000 years. . . .

The amazing story of Cynthia, Kaden and Alec continues.

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The Review

This was a truly captivating and imaginative sci-fi and fantasy novel. The author brilliantly draws the reader into the narrative immediately, starting with a shocking encounter with a stalker searching for the twins and moving into a cosmos-spanning disappearance that could have serious ramifications. The world-building in this book is top tier, with the author doing an amazing job of using imagery to bring each world and unique territory to life in the writing while also giving newcomers a chance to fully immerse themselves into this unique story and the worlds it inhabits. 

The air of mystery and magic that permeates throughout this novel and the dazzling imagery found in the author’s writing really kept this book in my mind in the weeks of reading it. The shocking twists in the protagonists Kaden and Cynthia’s backstories and their connection, as well as the level of importance they gain as the story progresses, kept me invested in the narrative fully, and the dynamic chemistry between the friends as they set out on this adventure balanced out with the adversarial role the antagonists had on these heroes and their journey. 

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The Verdict

Gripping, magical, and entertaining, author Blake Miller’s “Delos: The Moon’s Eye” is a fantastic sci-fi meets fantasy YA and Epic Fantasy novel. The complex yet engaging aspect of the world-building felt very much like the addicting story arcs found in series like Game of Thrones, and yet the connection to Earth and our modern world blended with the cosmic level of the storytelling made this feel like GoT meets Star Wars meets any YA high-school supernatural thriller found in stores today. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this truly incredible read today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Blake is a graduate of Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA, and Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He currently resides in his hometown of Lexington, KY, where he is hard at work on the second book in the DELOS series.

Visit him at www.hierophantpress.com or www.delosthewhitetree.com

Contact him at info@hierophantpress.com

Follow him on Twitter @BlakeMiller_DWT for exclusive reveals about the second book in the DELOS series!

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City at My Feet (Mannahatta Series Book 1) by Thomas Moore Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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 must go through a portal and save her sister from a hideous mythological beast in author Thomas Moore’s “City at My Feet”, the first book in the Mannahatta Series. 

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The Synopsis

If you are looking for a captivating novel with an amazing heroine and which includes parallel universes, mythology, and time travel all in one, then look no further than City At My Feet, Book 1 of the Mannahatta Series.

From the very start of the novel (the “ordinary life” phase, if you are a fan of the hero’s journey) we are introduced to an alternative and futuristic culture, a culture that still honors its past as well as its present. The land is an alternate version of Manhattan wherein the Europeans had never arrived.

We meet Sakima (suh-KEE-muh), a young woman intent on being a warrior and we learn about her dreams. She is a character you’ll love and root for as she battles against impossible odds. Soon after, her dreams are put to the test as she uses a portal to go to current-day New York City to save her younger sister who had been kidnapped by a gigantic and hideous mythological monster called Yakwahe (yuh-KWAH-hay). We also meet her sympathetic parents, family, and friends, each who play a key part in this story’s plot.

Sakima’s adventure gets her nearly destroyed many times in many places in the multiverse (called the Many Worlds in her culture) as she fights this monster as well as human monsters; gains friends; and discovers her own strengths and weaknesses.

This is a great, page-turning read, the first in a series (the second book comes out in the Fall of 2023). Read City At My Feet for a fun, shocking, and satisfying story. Highly recommended and look for more soon from this aspiring new author, Tom More!

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The Review

I absolutely loved this book. The author did such an incredible job of world-building in this narrative, immediately introducing readers to a world in which Europeans never landed on the North American continent, and the Native American people were allowed the thrive and grow. The narrative then expands to multiple worlds, and the creature development the author draws upon was unique and something not seen often in modern-day YA fantasy and sci-fi series.

Yet to me, it was the character development and cultural inclusivity that really stood out to me. Seeing the emphasis the author put on having a strong, powerful yet relatable, and vulnerable female protagonist was great to see come to fruition, as she embodied the need to embrace our true selves and fight for the future we want for ourselves. The attention to detail the author paid to Native American lore and culture was also amazing, as the culture played a major role in the development of Sakima as a protagonist and the role that family played was also greatly explored through that cultural lens. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, captivating, and entertaining, author Thomas Moore’s “City at My Feet” is a must-read YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy novel and a great start to the Mannahatta series. The amazing development of this protagonist, the epic world-shattering action that keeps the reader’s blood pumping, and the thoughtful imagery that brings these worlds to life in the reader’s mind made for a brilliant reading experience. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Thomas More holds an advanced degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Although college-educated in the art, craft, and labor of writing novels, he is self-taught when it comes to science fiction and its associated tropes, its readers, and the best of its writers. His favorite pastime is going for long motorcycle rides on city streets, country roads, and beaches (where allowed, of course!).

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A Virtue’s Calling by Lexi Cook 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 young woman has her world turned upside down when an ancient power from centuries earlier long thought sealed by time is claimed by her and with it the connection to a young man who once tried to use that power to stop a powerful threat in the aftermath of his father’s passing in author Lexi Cook’s “A Virtue’s Calling”. 

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The Synopsis

Nothing Can Stop Fates From Crossing, Even Time.

With his father now dead, Choska is next in line to inherit the Virtue of the Sea, one of two divine powers given by their god. With possession of this, Choska must do something no Virtue holder has ever done: kill the two Hazen’s Beasts plaguing their land. With little hope and many against his wishes to risk his life, the tribes are torn on how to function. Later seeing how the Virtues have been misused, the tribes decide to seal the powers forever.

A thousand years later, Marie is on a beach in her hometown when she starts hearing voices, calling her to go to the ocean. By doing so, she accidentally claims the Virtue of the Sea, meeting Choska in her dreams. Neither is certain why she has the Virtue or who the voice was, but they know one thing—she needs to figure out her destiny and fight for it.

The Review

I was immediately struck by the brilliant world-building and mythos the author was able to establish in this novel. The rich dynamics between the cast of characters and the heavy fantasy-driven narrative both worked in tandem to create a beautiful chemistry between action and emotionally-driven fantasy themes. The imagery and tone the author utilized made this story flow smoothly, and the relatability of the characters and their struggles showcased the complexity of their arcs and journey overall.

Yet for me, it was the mythos and themes that really made this novel stand out. The establishment of this fantasy world and the cultures that resided within it brought the themes of legacy, justice, and vengeance to life so naturally and beautifully that it allowed the narrative to really shine brightly. These themes also added greatly to the characters and how the reader was able to relate to them, allowing their evolution throughout the narrative to be seen clearly, something aided by the multiple POVs heading each chapter of this excellent story.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and thought-provoking, author Lexi Cook’s “A Virtue’s Calling” is a must-read fantasy read for this fall season. The rich mythos and culture the author establishes in this novel will have readers fully invested in the character’s journey, and the shocking twists and turns will have readers hanging onto the author’s every word as the fate of certain characters hangs in the balance. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lexi Cook is a fantasy author with a love of psychology and philosophy, leading to her novels that ask questions that take time to ponder. Publishing A Virtue’s Calling at the age of eighteen, she possessed a love of literature from an early age, later becoming a fascination with the publishing industry. Currently, she resides in Atlanta, working endlessly to earn her Managerial Sciences degree at Georgia State University. On top of being an HR Manager, she plans to publish more books that reach readers’ minds and hearts. In her free time, she likes to garden and expand her candle collection.

The Shadow Realm by Anya Costello Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A young girl finds herself transported to another dimension after living in a world in which her parents disappeared and the mysterious Shadow Hour loomed every day over the world, and soon she must fight to survive and find a way of saving both her new friends and humanity in author Anya Costello’s “The Shadow Realm”.

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The Synopsis

A teenage girl is transported to a dangerous realm and must learn to trust others if she and her friends have any chance of survival. The protagonist Amber is a thirteen-year-old girl just trying to keep up her grades and survive the daily Shadow Hour that has taken over her world. Amber has lived with her aunt since the strange disappearance of her parents and the loss of her memories. Left alone with her aunt, trying to move on from the mystery of her parents’ disappearance, and wary of the threat that the Shadow Hour poses to her and everyone around her, Amber becomes fiercely independent and motivated though reluctant to reach out to others or accept help. Only when Amber is swept into another dimension and forced to work with an unlikely group of friends does she begin to open up and realize that she doesn’t need to face the world alone.

In this Hunger Games-like fantasy adventure novel, Amber is banished from the dangerous near future of her own reality to another realm known as the Shadow Realm. There she must survive a series of deadly obstacles in order to save not only herself and her friends, but humanity as well.

The Review

This was such a brilliantly written and imaginative read. The author, a young teen author, showcases an incredible command over world-building and atmosphere, both of which this novel has plenty of. The tension and unique settings of this dark dimension highlight the surreal dangers and newfound threats facing the world, while the action and suspense keep the reader on edge as the journey progresses. 

What really stood out to me as both a reader and writer was the author’s ability to develop complex and engaging mythology in this world of the Shadow Realm and the various creatures and figures that inhabit it, as well as the emotional character development that occurs between the protagonist and other survivors of this world. The mystery of the young woman’s past and family mix with the theme of opening up and letting others into her life, which proves crucial to her survival. The losses and struggles that occur over time as the trials continue to make this story’s narrative feel thrilling and heart-pounding as each chapter plays out.

The Verdict

Harrowing, entertaining, and exceptionally well written, author Anya Costello’s “The Shadow Hour” is a superb new YA Fantasy meets dystopian thriller. The first in what one can only hope becomes a series, the lengthy read starts out strong and never slows down, giving the reader an engaging experience that keeps them invested in the protagonist’s journey and the emotional bonds she forms. The way the author brought the iconic theme of the Hero’s Journey to life in a fresh and brand new way showcases a growing talent in the literary world that will only get better and better as time goes on, so if you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this incredible novel today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Anya Costello is a teen author whose manuscript won first prize of the International Writing Contest of Stone Soup magazine and Mackenzie Press.

Anya says: I have been writing stories since the age of four and at age ten, I attempted my first full length work of fiction, The Shadow Hour. I have always been drawn to writing fantasy and fiction. Building worlds that follow different rules from our own, like the Shadow Realm, and creating the characters that live within them allows me to put aspects of my own life, experiences, and thoughts in an entirely new context.

Anya has been presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair and has received a citation from United Sates Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III.

Anya was born and raised in Massachusetts where she currently resides with her family.

Local Teen Author of ‘The Shadow Hour’ Joins Studio 10

Author Anya Costello On How To Write A Book That Sparks A Movement

‘The Shadow Hour’

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