Blog Tour (Book Review): Once Upon a Summer: A Folk and Fairy Tail Anthology

On Jun 4, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Indie, ReviewLeave a comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be joining the blog tour for Once Upon a Summer: A Folk and Fairy Tale anthology, a fantastic collection of summer themed stories.

Please do check out the other stops on the tour.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

A village abandons all they knew in search of water.
A man covets the last roses of summer and pays the price in blood.
Two young monsters seek a peaceful life by the seaside.
A scorching prophecy threatens to destroy all that a princess holds dear.

Once upon a time stories travelled from place to place on the tongues of merchants and thieves and kings alike. Around a crackling bonfire beneath a sky that never grew dark they were shared, and traded, and altered, until every corner of the globe had their own collection of tales.

In the spirit of these age-old stories comes Once Upon a Summer , a seasonal anthology of folk and fairy tales from 15 authors across the globe. It covers everything from summer romances to eco-terror to seaside ghost stories, and features both intriguing twists on classic tales and exciting original stories.

Inside this anthology:
The I Scream Van by Caroline Logan
What Big Geese You Have by Adie Hart
The Forest at the End of the World by Josie Jaffrey
It Is Written by S. Markem
These Burning Bones by Laila Amado
Vespertine by Elanna Bellows
The Last Roses of Summer by Kate Longstone
Love, Pride, Virtue and Fate by Bharat Krishnan
Juniper and the Upside Down Well by Ella Holmes
Love in the Time of Volcanoes by Jake Curran-Pipe
Bluebeard’s Beach House by Jenna Smithwick
The Knucker of Lyminster by Katherine Shaw
Summer Dreams by R. A. Gerritse
The Witches of Dogtown by A. J. Van Belle
Contract with a Mermaid by M. J. Weatherall

Continue reading →

Blog Tour (Book Review): The Many Shades of Midnight – C.M. Debell

On May 24, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Review, Self-PublishedLeave a comment

Hello!

Today it is my absolute pleasure to be reviewing The Many Shades of Midnight by C. M. Debell as part of the Escapists Books blog tour, because this is a book that blew me so far out of the water that I’m still in orbit. Life has conspired against me while trying to get this post up, and the review was fighting me – because I LOVE this book so much that it’s impossible to do it justice. Definitely a favourite read of 2023, and I’ve already picked up the first of the author’s other books, because with The Many Shades of Midnight Debell has become a must read/buy author for me.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Isyr. Stronger, brighter, more beautiful than other metals. Once the most desirable thing in Ellasia, now it is priceless, the pure Isyrium needed to produce it mined to exhaustion. What’s left is controlled by the powerful mining syndicates, and such is the demand for their Isyrium that even kings do their bidding. Yet just as the beauty of Isyr hides a deadly secret, so too do the syndicates.

A terrifying enemy is spreading a plague across the land, a sickness that kills or transforms everything it touches. Unable to contain the outbreaks, the King of Lankara begs the aid of the disgraced former Duke of Agrathon, Alyas-Raine Sera, a man who has spent years fighting syndicate expansion and whose resentment over his exile makes him an unpredictable, dangerous ally in the power struggle between the rulers of Ellasia and the mining companies.

Attached to the envoy to recall the duke, the apprentice surgeon Brivar finds his skills and loyalty tested as his service to his new patron uncovers secrets about Isyr and the plague that link it to the mining of Isyrium – and threaten the life of the man it is his duty to protect.

In their own separate ways, Alyas and Brivar must take on the might of the syndicates and confront the greed, murder, betrayal and impossible choices of a crisis that has been decades in the making – and the price of their failure could be everyone and everything.

Continue reading →

Book Review: Spire Climbers (Titan Hoppers #2) – Rob J. Hayes

On May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Sci-Fi1 Comment

Hello!

Today I am back with another belated review, this time for Spire Climbers by Rob J. Hayes the second book in the Titan Hoppers series and oh my gods I loved this book. Titan Hoppers was a blast, but Spire Climbers was something else and this has been a challenging review to write (and rewrite post laptop fall of death), because I wanted to do it justice and don’t think I came close.

You can find my review for book one here.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Iro and Emil have opened their first Gates, unlocked new talents, and proved the fleet’s Hoppers aren’t stalled. Despite leaving the rank of trainee, they find their training is just beginning.

Thrown into a new squad with an explosive Mage, a cursed Surveyor, and a Vanguard with shady motives, Iro and Emil will delve deeper into the titan than ever before. There are bizarre things in the depths; pitch black oceans, nests of swarming monsters, and Spires that rip through the hull of the titan.

But what purpose do the Spires serve and can Iro and Emil reach the top in time?

Continue reading →

Book Review: The Shadow Gate (Dragon Spirits #2) – L.L. MacRae

On May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Review, Self-PublishedLeave a comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be sharing my (very belated) review for The Shadow Gate by L.L. MacRae, the second book in the Dragon Spirits series. I have to say though, I’m almost glad I lost my original review (turns out knocking a laptop off a chair is not good for its health…), because I had so much to say about this one, although I don’t think I’ve done this fantastic book justice.

You can find my review for book one – The Iron Crown here.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Opening the shadow gate is the only way Fenn’s memories can be restored—and with them, his life and family.

It could also destroy the world.

Guided by dragon spirit Hassen and manipulated by the Myr, Fenn fights the corruption spreading through Tassar—and himself—in an attempt to find his family. Separated from his allies and unable to trust even his own mind, the arduous journey takes its toll.

Far from home and reunited with her sister, Calidra battles to keep her loved ones safe. But when the fickle loyalties of dragon spirits shifts, and darkness lurks around every corner, running from her fears is no longer an option.

And in the far south, consequences of the past catch up with those fighting for their freedom.

Continue reading →

Blog Tour (Book Review): Straight Expectations – Calum McSwiggan

On May 13, 2023May 13, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn LGBTQIA, Review, Romance, Traditionally-Published, YALeave a comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be joining The Write reads Ultimate Blog Tour for Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan, a charming YA romance book that has captured me heart and soul.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Max has always been out, proud and just a little spoiled. Frustrated by the lack of romantic options in his small-town high school, during an argument with his lifelong best friend Dean, Max lashes out and says he wishes he had never been born gay.

Max gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up to find his wish has come true – not only have his feelings for boys vanished, but so has Dean.

With his school life turned upside down and his relationship with his family in tatters, Max sets out on a journey of rediscovery to find a way back to the life he took for granted, and the romance he thought he’d never have.

Continue reading →

Book Review: Mystic Reborn (An Archives of Evelium Tale) – Jeffrey Speight

On Apr 22, 2023Apr 23, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Indie, ReviewLeave a comment

Hello!

Hopefully third time is the charm, and this review will make it out into the world despite wordpress and my on the move wifi not playing ball. Anyway, today I am delighted to be (belatedly) reviewing Mystic Reborn by Jeffrey Speight, the second book in the Archives of Evelium and the folow up to the wonderful Paladin Unbound. A massive thank you to the author for the physical arc and sorry it’s taken so long!

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Some paths are meant to be walked alone.

Mystic Reborn is the continuation of Paladin Unbound, the
award-winning start of the Archives of Evelium.

After embracing his destiny as the last of the Paladins, Umhra
the Peacebreaker is granted ancient powers by the gods. When
he returns to the ruins of Antiikin to fulfill a promise, he
embarks on a journey that will push the limits of his abilities.

As the Grey Queen’s arrival heralds the fulfillment of a
prophecy that could mean the end of humanity, the kingdom
of Evelium desperately needs a hero. Can Umhra once more
rise to the challenge and save mankind from annihilation?

Continue reading →

The Mountain of Souls (The Chosen #1) – Marcus Lee

On Apr 10, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Review, Self-Published1 Comment

Hello!

Today I am here with a very belated review for The Mountain of Souls by Marcus Lee. This is the first book in his new trilogy The Chosen. I was a huge fan of his previous series, and was delighted to get an ARC for this new one – and then life got very much in the way and here we are.

I absolutely loved this book – and I’ve already nabbed physical copies of the whole series, so keep an eye out for the reviews of the next two books in the (hopefully) near future. It was also a difficult one to review, because so much of the impact comes through the reading.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Only the strong survive!

When Malina is sold at an auction block, she fears life will take a turn for the worse.

But even her darkest nightmares are nothing compared to the reality of what she faces when she’s delivered to the Mountain of Souls.

Thrust into a brutal selection process where failure means death, Malina must train and fight not only to survive but to prove herself worthy to serve.

The risks are deadly, but if she succeeds, the rewards are beyond measure, and a destiny unlike any other awaits as one of The Chosen.

The Chosen. A thrilling and intricately spun Epic Fantasy that weaves a relentless fight for survival into a tapestry full of conquest, deception, magic, and an ancient prophecy that will determine the fate of the human race.

Continue reading →

Blog Tour (Book Review): The Talisman of Delucha (The Relics of War #2) – A.J. Calvin

On Apr 8, 2023Apr 8, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Review, Self-Published2 Comments

Hello!

After a slight email blip where I hadn’t realised I was on this tour, I am delighted to be joining the Escapists Books blog tour for The Talisman of Delucha by A.J. Calvin, the second book in the Relics of War series.

You can find my review for book one Here.

Please do check out the other stops on the tour.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Ravin is an anomaly amongst those who use magic. He refuses to join the Council of Auras and tie his fate to the wizards, and long ago escaped a terrible fate amongst the Enlightened, called the Shadow Council by some. His escape gave him freedom few others with his power enjoy, and he means to keep it, no matter the cost.

Serving as an advisor to the Deluchan queen, Ravin learns a powerful relic is kept deep within the catacombs below the palace. War is on Delucha’s doorstep, brought about by none other than the council he fled from and their Soulless leaders. He resolves to retrieve the relic in order to combat the imminent threat, but collecting the Talisman of Delucha is not without its own danger.

As the Soulless’ army prepares to besiege the Deluchan capitol, Ravin makes one final, desperate attempt to secure the Talisman. The kingdom’s survival depends on his success, but time is not on his side.

Continue reading →

Blog Tour (Book Review) – His Ragged Company (Testimonies of Elias Faust) – Rance D. Denton

On Mar 22, 2023Mar 27, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Review, Self-Published, Weird West, WesternLeave a comment

Hello!

Late because trains apparently hate me, and yesterday was a fiasco in terms of travel and today the train wifi decided to eat the entire post apart from the title and header. However, despite all that, I am delighted to be joining the Escapists Books blog tour for His Ragged Company by Rance D. Denton.

Please do check out the rest of the tour stops.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

A pissed-off warlock with a taste for revenge.

An army of sand-golems with fistfuls of magic.

A wishing well with a mind of its own.

No wonder Blackpeak, Texas never got its spot on the map.

Town marshal Elias Faust thinks that he can make any problem go away if he throws enough lead at it. The living’s easy for a lawman. Bloody, but easy – that is, until Magnate Gregdon arrives with his undead syndicate to tear the town of Blackpeak, Texas apart.

When a shootout with a pair of outlaws goes sideways, Elias Faust accidentally draws the Magnate’s attention. As if dealing with arcane sorcery, reanimated corpses, and the Magnate’s personal vendetta aren’t enough, Faust finds himself at the center of a power-struggle for Blackpeak’s eldritch secrets.

Suddenly, staying alive just got a lot more complicated.

Hunted by a cadre of sandshades and hounded by sinister spellcraft, Elias Faust may be the only bag of skin defiant enough to keep Blackpeak from being destroyed. To outlast the Magnate’s disciples, he’ll need to shoot straighter, run faster, and live longer…even if it means sacrificing a part of himself to do just that.

Continue reading →

Blog Tour (Book Review): Chronicles from the World of Guilt – Chris Durston

On Feb 27, 2023Feb 27, 2023 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Indie, ReviewLeave a comment

Hello!

After A WEEK and train wifi playing absolute havoc with my attempts to get this post up and running, I’m delighted to be belatedly joining the blog tour for Chronicles from the World of Guilt by Chris Durston, a book that caught me by surprise.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

What is Guilt?

Is it an enormous flying whale? Maybe an alien, come from deep space to punish us? Some call it an angel or a god, others a demon.

What nobody can deny is that it is the end.

These tales chronicle the story of the Earth in the centuries after the apocalypse: struggles for survival against twisted, horrific foes; small moments of kindness and warmth in the dark; life going on, even as the whole world changes.

These are the Chronicles from the World of Guilt.

Continue reading →