Blog Tour (Book Review): Of Blood and Fire (The Bound and the Broken #1) – Ryan Cahill

On Mar 29, 2021 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Review, Self-Published1 Comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be reviewing Of Blood and Fire, the debut from Ryan Cahill and the first book in The Bound and the Broken series as part of the Love Books Tour.

*Disclaimer: ‘I was given a copy this book in exchange for an honest review, all views are my own.’*

Book Summary:

Born in fire. Tempered in blood.

Epheria is a land divided by war and mistrust. The High Lords of the south squabble and fight, only kept in check by the Dragonguard, traitors of a time long past, who serve the empire of the North.

In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from the tragic loss of his brother, Calen Bryer prepares for The Proving—a test of courage and skill that not all survive.

But when three strangers arrive in the village of Milltown, with a secret they are willing to die for, Calen’s world is ripped from under him and he is thrust headfirst into a war that has been raging for centuries.

There is no prophecy. His coming was not foretold.

He bleeds like any man, and bleed he will.

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Blog Tour (Book Review): In the Orbit of Sirens (The Song of Kamaria #1) – T.A. Bruno

On Mar 23, 2021 By Rowena AndrewsIn Review, Sci-Fi, Self-Published5 Comments

Hello!

Today is my stop on the blog tour for ‘In the Orbit of Sirens’ by T. A. Bruno organised by Storytellers on Tour, and I hope that you will check out the book and the author, and enjoy the rest of the tour with the schedule in the banner below or (HERE).

The audiobook or In the Orbit of Sirens was recently released, and is now available from Audible. There is also a chance to win your own copy of this book in a format of your choice, including the new audiobook at the bottom of the post,

*Disclaimer: ‘I was given a copy this book in exchange for an honest review, all views are my own.’*

Book Summary:

THE LAST FRAGMENTS OF THE HUMAN RACE ARE FORCED TO ADAPT TO A DANGEROUS NEW WORLD OR FACE EXTINCTION.

When starship mechanic, Denton Castus, is caught in the destructive path of a devastating war, he abandons his home and seeks refuge on a distant planet. However, this new safe haven has undiscovered threats of its own. Eliana Veston, a scout preparing the planet for the refugees, struggles with a deadly pandemic that is killing off colonists. The hunt for a cure unleashes a new threat to humanity—the Sirens—mysterious beings with incredible powers and a deep hatred for invaders.

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Cover Reveal: The Sword in the Street (The Ink and the Steel #1) – C.M. Caplan

On Jan 27, 2021 By Rowena AndrewsIn Cover Reveal, Fantasy, Self-Published2 Comments

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be part of the Storytellers on Tour Cover Reveal Blitz for ‘The Sword in the Street’ the first book in The Ink and the Steel series by C.M. Caplan, which is due to be released on the 3rd March 2021.

Book Summary:

Trial by battle is a holy rite on Hillside. Hired blades bleed their foes in savage duels, settling everything from petty grievances to the corporate laws that keep their citizens in line. Embroiled in these cutthroat political games is John Chronicle, an impoverished swordsman with no better prospects, seeking the duel that will free him from the Dregs.

Meanwhile, John’s boyfriend Edwin, an autistic university student, befriends a fellow scholar who claims to study the arcane art of thaumaturgy. When she offers to teach Edwin this subtle magic, he hopes that he can use it to bolster John’s skill with a blade. But thaumaturgy is a dangerous magic, and the forces that drive it have other plans.

The couple soon find themselves entangled in the web of intrigue surrounding the swordsmen and their sponsors, and they’re forced to question how bloody they’re willing to get to escape poverty — and they don’t come away with the same answer.

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Indie Sunday: Book Review: The Voice of War (Threadlight #1) – Zack Argyle

On Jan 24, 2021 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Indie Sunday, Review, Self-Published2 Comments

Hello!

A little later than planned, I am delighted to be sharing my review for Voice of War by Zack Argyle, a finalist in SPFBO 6. This is the first book in the Threadlight series, with the second book – Stones of Light due for release in April (and you can check out the Cover Reveal for the second book – Stones of Light: Here).

Book Summary:

While preparing for the birth of his first child, Chrys Valerian is tasked with uncovering the group responsible for a series of missing threadweavers–those able to see and manipulate threadlight. With each failure, the dark voice in his head grows louder, begging to be released.

A young girl from a secret city in the center of the Fairenwild veers off course to explore the streets of Alchea. She never expected that her journey would end in chains.

Far in the deserts to the south, a young man’s life changes after he dies.

When Chrys learns who is responsible for the missing threadweavers, they come for him and his family. He must do everything in his power to protect those he loves, even if it means trusting strangers or, worse, the dark voice in his mind.

Together, they will change the world–whether they intend to or not.

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Cover Reveal: Stones of Light (Threadlight #2) – Zack Argyle

On Jan 12, 2021Jan 12, 2021 By Rowena AndrewsIn Cover Reveal, Fantasy2 Comments

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be part of the Storytellers on Tour Cover Reveal Blitz for ‘Stones of Light’ the second book in the Threadlight series by Zack Argyle. I will be reviewing the first book – The Voice of War – later this week, and I can safely say I can’t wait for this next installment in the series which is due to be released April 4th 2021, and I hope that you will show the author and book a lot of love.

Book Summary:

Chrys is trapped in his own mind.

Laurel has lost her threadlight.

And Alverax may have doomed them all.

What have they done?

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Webcomic Wednesday: The Wastelands – Petitecreme

On Jan 6, 2021 By Rowena AndrewsIn Review, Self-Published, Webcomic Wednesday1 Comment

Hello!

So today, I am delighted to be kicking off one of the new features for the blog – Webcomic Wednesday. Its a format of storytelling that I’ve dipped into on and off over the last couple of years, and always wanted to find the time to write more, and now seemed like the perfect time to take that step. For this first one, I also wanted to take a look at a webcomic that has been on my periphery for a while, and that is The Wastelands.

“A world left empty from its Gods as the mortals struggle to continue living with poisoned lands, corrupted guardians and abandoned temples.

Following the lives of Rahu; a nomad who believes one god has cursed him, Kyror; the last prince of the Great Creator Goddess’ land and Amy; A young woman who doesn’t belong.

Will Amy find a way home? Will Rahu find the god that cursed him? Will Kyror discover what happened to his land and are the gods truly gone?”

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2020 Rewind

On Dec 30, 2020 By Rowena AndrewsIn Rowena Rambles3 Comments

Hello!

Posting this today, as I will most likely not be around on NYE. Despite everything this has been an excellent year for reading (it was how I survived lockdown #1 – and it along with writing – will see me through the current lockdown). As a result, I finished this year having not only completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge target of 200 books, but surpassing it to read (and listen as I have dipped into audiobooks this year) to 333 books. I’ve had favourites, discovered lots of new authors especially indie authors, and sure there have been some that I haven’t enjoyed quite as much for one reason or another, usually that they’re just not meant for me and someone else will love them as much as I love my favourites.

This year, between all the sudden debate I have seen about best/worst of list, and just because 2020 has been a hell year, and none of us need to add to that, least of all when we are about to be free of 2020. I have decided instead to highlight ALL the books that I have read this year. Below the cut you will find a gallery of all the books I have read – some I’ve reviewed in one format or another on this blog, others are only across on GR and some only have a rating because sometimes it’s nice to read a book and not have to try and arrange words into a review. I have not included covers more than once, even though there are a few books that I have read more than once this year.

Anyway enough rambling, here are my 2020 books.

Along with a massive thank you from me to the authors, illustrators, narrators, agents, editors and publishers that have brought these books to life over the years, and given me a chance to lose myself in their pages.

**
Rowena

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Book Review: The Weeping Sigil (Dreadbound Ode #2) – Jordan Loyal Short

On Dec 29, 2020Dec 29, 2020 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Indie Sunday, Review, Sci-Fi, Self-Published2 Comments

Blue Pink and White Andromeda Galaxy Way

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be sharing my review of The Weeping Sigil by Jordan Loyal Short, the second book in the Dreadbound Ode. I loved the first one, and leapt at the chance to read and review the second (even though it took me longer than I had hoped), and even with going into this one with high expectations, The Weeping Sigil surpassed all of them.

Disclaimer – I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

Book Summary:

Adrift in the void, Henrik’s rescue is only a prelude to slavery.

But his new life on Tyria is not at all what he expected. When the illustrious House of Quoll purchases him, Henrik finds himself living in the home of his old enemy, Prefect Brasca Quoll. Desperate to hide the truth of his last days on Heimir, Henrik dives into the murderous game of Tyrianite politics. Devastated by the catastrophe on the Norn homeworld, the Federation teeters on the brink of civil war.

While the Shining Ones maneuver their champions for the final confrontation, Henrik’s fevered visions unveil the scope of Moriigo’s nightmarish rebellion.

Aboard a stolen voidcraft, Brohr and Lyssa hurtle into the depths of the starry abyss, on a desperate exodus in search of safe haven. But the outer reaches of the system are full of strange worlds, haunted ruins, and bizarre cults.

As anarchy grips the streets of Tyria, Henrik vows to reveal the true peril facing the Federation: Moriigo’s return! While rival electors, assassins, and federal inquisitors plot the downfall of House Quoll, Henrik must bind himself to the future of his onetime enemies, lest the horrors of his prophetic visions come to pass!

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Book Review: The Engineer – Darran M. Handshaw

On Dec 28, 2020 By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Review, Sci-Fi, Self-Published1 Comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to finally be sharing my review for The Engineer by Darran M. Handshaw, which the author reached out to me about reviewing earlier this year (and I am sorry it’s taken me so long). This was a book that intrigued me with it’s premise and cover, and didn’t disappoint and I absolutely loved this book and its world building is topnotch.

Disclaimer – I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

Book Summary:

“We are born in the shadow of fading memories and fallen dreams, living our days within the decaying bones of an age long gone.”

When the Engineer, Actaeon, arrives at Pyramid in the heart of Redemption, nothing goes according to plan. Mysterious raiders pursue him relentlessly across the shattered remains of the ancient metropolis, and the leaders of his homeland pay no heed to his ambitious ideas. Meanwhile, deep beneath Pyramid, a deadly creature stirs. And, when Actaeon meets a skilled young Knight Arbiter with brilliant blue eyes, he starts down a path he could never have imagined.

The vast, fallen city of the Ancients is home to a new people who face the constant struggle to find resources needed to survive in the dangerous ruins. For the Engineer, however, Redemption is a treasure trove of technology, opportunity, and answers. But his unique skills make him a target for those who would use his talents to achieve their own dreams of power and control.

In his endless quest for the truth, will Actaeon discover the fallen city’s greatest secrets? Or will he share the same fate as the Ancients of whom nothing remains but a whisper?

One thing is certain: in Redemption, everything comes with a cost.

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Cover Reveal: The Archive (The Maer Cycle #2) – Dan Fitzgerald

On Oct 23, 2020Oct 23, 2020 By Rowena AndrewsIn Cover Reveal, Fantasy1 Comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be part of the Storytellers on Tour Cover Reveal Blitz for The Archive the second book in the Maer Cycle by Dan Fitzgerald, and adult fantasy which will be published on the 4th December 2020 by Shadow Spark Publishing.

Book Summary:

In Hollow Road three companions discovered the monsters of legend were all too real…

Rumors among the Maer tell of an underground library called the Archive, which houses a wealth of knowledge and terrible magics that could be used to start the biggest war seen since the Great Betrayal. A mixed group of humans and Maer set off on an historic quest to find the Archive and protect it from those who would use it to destroy everything they hold dear. As the cold of winter bears down upon them, they trek through forbidding mountains beset by dangers they could have never imagined. They follow a set of ancient clues deep into the Silver Hills, forging surprising alliances and making new enemies.

The humans and Maer are linked by more than their quest to find the Archive and stop an insidious war. A mystical surrogacy may bridge the gap between two peoples, and many hearts entwine as their adventure hurtles toward its bloody conclusion.

***** ***** *****

Drum Rolls

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***** *****

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