Posted in 5 paws, Fantasy, Giveaway, Review on October 12, 2023

 

 

PRINGLE PRAWN

 

by

 

Michael Scott Clifton

 

Contemporary Urban Fantasy / Fairies / Humor

Publisher: Book Liftoff

Date of Publication: September 19, 2023

Number of Pages: 310 pages

 

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Move over Tinker Bell. There’s a new fairy in town!

Ben’s luck is changing. He has his iconic VW bus, a hot, wealthy girlfriend, and he’s managed to buy an old fixer-upper in an upscale neighborhood—just the thing to convince his girlfriend’s influential father that he’s husband material. But his new home has a secret, and when Ben opens a mysterious grandfather clock, he finds himself dropped into a magical land. There he meets Pringle, a six-inch prawn with a supercharged attitude and a pouchful of fairy dust. She saves his life, and when Ben returns to his world, Pringle returns with him.

Pringle’s adjustment to the modern world is a hilarious series of incidents that completely disrupt Ben’s life. When Russian mobsters and a vengeful HOA president attempt to hijack Ben’s life, Pringle zooms to the rescue—a pinch here, a pinch there, nothing a little fairy dust can’t fix.

But it’s when Pringle begins to grow that things really get interesting, because as Pringle’s size increases, so do her feelings for Ben. Ultimately, Pringle must decide whether to return to her world—or follow her heart and stay with Ben.

 

 

 

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This fantasy novel was quite a surprise and a delight. This genre isn’t one of my go-to reads, but this author has a way of describing the worlds he builds in such detail that you feel like you are right there in the middle of the novel.

While primarily set in Tyler, Texas, there is an alternate world filled with magical creatures and prawns. What is a prawn, you might ask? It is the same as a fairy, or similar anyway. Pringle is a bit naive, but then, in her world, she doesn’t run into many issues that she can’t handle. However, being in our world, everything is new, and she has so many questions. I could only imagine Ben’s frustrations at having to describe anything and everything. What might be second nature to us is a whole new experience to this prawn. I don’t know how to get into her love for sugar and devouring several bags. I can only imagine Ben’s reaction upon discovering what she had done.

I was drawn into this story, rooting for Ben and Pringle, and on edge regarding the trafficking part of the novel. This isn’t a trigger for me, but I was concerned how it was going to be resolved in a safe manner for everyone. I loved the resolution and Pringle’s part.

There were so many witty moments that had me laughing out loud. I didn’t expect the level of humor I found, which was quite refreshing. There is even the “Karen” of the HOA who lives next door to the house Ben purchased. Some situations with her will make you question living in an HOA, but humorous at the same time. You can thank Pringle’s magic for those scenes.

Several supporting characters, including Archie, an eccentric millionaire, and Hank, the antique store owner, are worth mentioning. These two take everything in stride, which is also an adventure for them. I love the friendship that develops between these three men.

I have to admit that I didn’t want the story to end. While the story does have a complete ending, there is more than I wanted to know. However, I won’t ask my questions here since some of that could give away the ending.

This is an amazing story, and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multi-award-winning author Michael Scott Clifton lives in Mount Pleasant, Texas, with his wife, Melanie. An avid gardener, rapacious reader, and movie junkie, his books contain facets of all the genres he enjoys—action, adventure, magic, fantasy, and romance. His fantasy novels, The Janus Witch, and the Conquest of the Veil series, (The Open Portal, Escape from Wheel, A Witch’s Brew, and Cavern of the Veil Queen) all received 5-Stars from the prestigious Readers Favorite Book Reviews. The Open Portal has been honored with a Feathered Quill Book Finalist Award. In addition, his YA novel Edison Jones and The Anti-Grav Elevator received a Feathered Quill Book Award Bronze Medal. Two of his short stories have earned Gold Medals, with “Edges of Gray” winning the Texas Authors Contest, and “The End Game” winning the Northeast Texas Writer’s Organization Contest. Professional credits include published articles in the Texas Study of Secondary Education Magazine.

 

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1st Prize: autographed copy of Pringle Prawn + $10 Amazon gift card

 

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10/10/23 The Book’s Delight Review
10/10/23 The Clueless Gent Review
10/11/23 Book Fidelity Review
10/11/23 LSBBT Blog BONUS Stop
10/12/23 Reading by Moonlight Review
10/12/23 StoreyBook Reviews Review
10/13/23 Bibliotica Review
10/13/23 Hall Ways Blog BONUS Stop
10/14/23 Boys’ Mom Reads Review
10/15/23 The Real World According to Sam Review
10/16/23 It’s Not All Gravy Review
10/17/23 Forgotten Winds Review
10/17/23 Shelf Life Blog BONUS Stop
10/18/23 The Plain-Spoken Pen Review
10/18/23 Chapter Break Book Blog Review
10/19/23 Carpe Diem Chronicles Review
10/19/23 Rox Burkey Blog Review

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Fantasy, fiction, Giveaway, Psychological, Science Fiction, Thriller on October 9, 2023

 

 

 

 

RIP THE SKY

 

by

 

Mark Packard

 

 

Speculative Fiction / Fantasy / Science Fiction

Publisher: Bluestreak Publishing

Page Count: 317 pages

Publication Date: August 21, 2023

 

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After a shocking courtroom tragedy, a disturbed Vietnam veteran and the vindictive judge who sent him to prison become an unlikely pair of time travelers in a chaotic multiverse. The fallen angel who rescues them wants to guide them to a radiant new life. But first they must return to the scene of a ghastly crime.

Billy Worster was a naïve teenager ill-prepared for the gruesome realities of war. The sole survivor of a deadly massacre in a Vietnamese jungle, he avoided certain death only because he ran away when the shooting started. Riddled with guilt, he comes home to a dusty Texas farm with post-traumatic stress disorder and the crazy notion that he can fly in and out of parallel worlds.

As Billy struggles with addiction and questions his sanity, he is arrested on a drug charge and ends up in the courtroom of Judge Madeline Johnston, a bitter old judge tormented by a dark secret surrounding her father’s death. She callously tosses Billy into prison, but when a greedy executor files a lawsuit to steal his inherited land, Billy is hauled back to her courtroom in chains, where a stunning twist of fate launches them into the sky on an odyssey of discovery and healing.

Spanning forty years from the jungles of Vietnam through infinite, parallel worlds, Rip the Sky examines how the power of forgiveness can lead us toward a better life, no matter how many worlds we may live in.

 

 

 

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Deleted Scene, Part Two

 

 from Rip the Sky

 

by Mark Packard

 

CLICK TO READ PART ONE OF THE DELETED SCENE

 

It was quiet. The radio in the old truck had long been broken, and the only sound was the hot wind whistling through the open windows. Neither one spoke for several minutes. Finally, Billy broke the silence, “Were you scared when you were over in Normandy? I remember you telling me when I was a boy about how you waded to the shore, and there was dead bodies floating face down in the water. They got drowned cause their packs strapped to their backs were too heavy.” Billy couldn’t help gesturing with his hands as visions of the littered battlefield played out in his mind. “And then when you got to the sand you had to step over body parts, and everything was on fire, smoke coming from everywhere. And I remember you saying how lucky you were that you were not one of the first ones to land, ‘cause they never had a chance.”

Floyd took another drag from his cigarette, inhaled deeply and methodically, holding in the smoke for what seemed like half an hour, and then let out a long, hard exhale, as if he were respirating bad memories.

“We did what we had to do,” he said, “and so will you.”

The sun blasted the pavement, and Billy stared at the highway ahead, fascinated by the illusory sheets of water, the mirages that appeared and instantly vanished on the highway. They always looked so real. He counted them, tried to pinpoint the exact spot when the phantom mist evaporated from sight, but could never really figure out where they were when they vanished. Billy squirmed again in his seat.

“Dad, I guess I am a little scared,” he said.

Floyd turned to look at Billy, staring hard at his pimply-faced, scrawny son. Floyd’s eyes glassed over, and Billy felt—measured, even pitied. And he hated that.

“I was afraid when I went to war too,” Floyd said. “A man would have to be crazy not to be scared. There ain’t nothing wrong with being scared, Billy.”

Billy nodded, unable to look away from his father’s gaze.

“But if I could make it,” Floyd continued, “so can you. You’re just as good as anybody else, especially all those long-haired city boys.”

“I will,” Billy said, “Thanks, Dad.”

There was another long silence, and then Floyd cleared his throat, rubbed his eyes, and whispered, “Damned pollen.” Billy knew better than to speak when the pollen made his father’s eyes water. The old man’s eyes had watered just two days before, during a whisky-filled night,

when Billy saw his dad pound the coffee table with his fist, muttering about how only poor kids get drafted, about how he wished Billy could have gone to college so they wouldn’t have to drive to Abbeville. Billy didn’t speak then either.

Floyd drove slowly in the right-hand lane, and another pickup passed in the left lane, the driver in the cowboy hat giving Floyd’ the “thumbs up” signal as he blew by them. “Must like my bumper stickers,” Floyd said, and as the passing pickup sped away Billy noticed the same bumper stickers that were patched onto the back of Floyd’s truck that read “America, Love it or Leave it” and “America, My Country Right or Wrong.”

Billy watched the pickup disappear into the horizon, then read the white letters and numbers on the green road sign that flashed by, barely having time to learn that Abbeville was 30 miles away.

Neither said another word, and at long last they pulled into Abbeville, drove past the Air Force base where pilots learned to drop bombs and napalm on the North Vietnamese hiding in the jungles of Vietnam, past the tall buildings that adorned the sky, and into the parking lot at the Continental Trailways Bus Station.

The long truck ride was over, but Billy didn’t want to get out yet, keeping his head down, staring at the fabric of the cloth seat beneath him.

A long, awkward minute passed, until Billy, with his head still bowed, muttered the words, “I love you, Dad.”

This time Floyd squirmed, cleared his throat again, but didn’t speak right away. He gripped Billy’s hand and shook it hard. “I’ll miss you too son. Pay attention and remember that everybody in Langtry is praying for you.”

Billy’s throat felt tight and swollen, and his eyes were moist. “Yes sir,” he mumbled, as he climbed out of the pickup, scooped up his duffle bag out of the rusted bed, and waved goodbye.

Floyd watched his son walk into the bus station and wiped his eyes.

“They never stood a chance.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Packard spent the last 38 years as a trial attorney and is now retired from the courtroom and working as a mediator. In a life before lawyering, he was a journalist and regrets waiting far too long before returning to his roots to write his first novel, Rip the Sky. Though he knows he should have jumped off the merry-go-round years ago, he hopes to hang around long enough to craft a few more tales. Connect with the author:

 

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Posted in excerpt, Fantasy, Giveaway, paranormal, Young Adult on October 5, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Resa Stone is one of the first humans to set foot on a foreign world. But ever since arriving on planet Wandelsta, the introverted teen witch can’t sleep. Visions of a mysterious jeweled forest haunt her dreams. Who is the ghostly shrouded girl who emerges from those woods? And what is the meaning of the ominous message she delivers: You are the one?

And when the unearthly messenger appears in her waking life and leads her to a mystical glowing gem, Resa learns of an ancient legend that suggests the stone may be a remnant from a crystalline paradise called Gemja and harbors great power. On a quest to discover the significance of the stone, Resa is transformed by love, betrayal, magic, and hidden secrets. And when danger befalls her, she must summon the courage to journey into her dream realm to confront the ghost for answers…

Only to discover that deciphering the message reveals a painful truth…

One that may cost Resa her life.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Excerpt

 

“Grams, have you heard of Gemja?”

She shook her head. “No, what is that?” She pulled me toward her so that my back was leaning against her.

“A magical crystal planet where only peace and love exist,” I said, not doing the legend justice. “Maybe it’s where we’ll all meet again one day.” I didn’t want to leave her. I rested my head on her shoulder.

“Ah, then it must be a wonderful place,” she said, stroking my hair. “If I can go to this Gemja, I will,” she reassured me. “I’ll wait for you there.”

“Promise?”

“Of course,” she said, “but you had better make me wait a very long time. There is so much for you to do in your realm. Come now. It’s time.” She patted my arm as a signal for me to stand. “You have to go meet Nitika before it’s too late. I fear the white creature will come for you unless we stay one step ahead of it.” She held out the single filament. “It’s time. Help me sever it.”

I dug into my bag, feeling for something that could snap the filament. I pulled out a pair of wire cutters.

“That’s my girl,” she said. “Always prepared.” She held out the filament for me to cut, but I hesitated. “It’s all right now,” she said, laughing. “You’re giving me life. What better gift could there be?”

I had to see her one last time, so I turned on the flashlight. When I looked into her eyes, there was no fear in them. No uncertainty. They were shining brightly with hope.

I opened the cutters around the filament and paused. I wished that she could have closed them herself, but the angle was all wrong. “Still want to be the lone red daisy?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Her answer startled me. “I would have it no other way,” she said. “And I’m hardly alone. I have you. Both of us were chosen…to do something wonderful, I imagine. The universe doesn’t give you more than you can handle, so you must embrace being red.” She put her hand to my face. “No tears. This is not the end. You’re giving me life. Remember to tell your grandfather.”

“I will, I promise.” I didn’t want to leave her. I had so much to ask her. So much to tell her. I had just said hello, and now it was already time for goodbye?

“Hurry, you must turn off the flashlight,” she said. “Do it now. Both our lives depend on it.”

“I love you, Grams,” I said.

“And I you, my darling. It’s time. I’m ready to go.”

I wasn’t ready. Still, I forced my hand shut. The cord snapped. And my grandmother floated upward, transforming into a beautiful barn owl before flying out of sight, leaving one lone feather and a sparkling trail of violet stardust in her wake.

 

 

Praise

 

“An edge-of-your-seat adventure…sweeps to a cliffhanger climax. A rousing introduction to a promising new series.” –  Booklife Reviews by Publishers Weekly

“A fast-paced tale with richly drawn characters that revels in mythical worldbuilding…It blends fantasy and SF elements, along with witchcraft and teenage romance, with a degree of skill that’s likely to satisfy fans of all these genres.”  – Kirkus

“Gemja: The Message offers a compelling blend of witchcraft and magic and establishes an immersive fantasy realm. Protagonist Resa is an alluring and relatable teen witch. Readers will eagerly engage with her as she attempts to unravel the mystery behind her visions of a ghostly figure.” – Critic’s Report: The Booklife Prize

“Messina blends witchcraft, prophesies, aliens and interplanetary tensions into a highly enjoyable young adult drama…set to be a captivating and popular series.” (Starred Review, Notable Book – Blueink Review

“Climactic moments and powerful revelations are plentiful. Worlds of unexpected wonder and danger abound.” – Clarion

“A wonderfully, well-written read. 5 stars.”  – Readers Favorite

 

 

About the Author

 

K.M. Messina is an earth and space science teacher, a dog mom, and a lover of all things mystical. Her black German shepherd Luna is the star of her award-winning picture book, IF YOU COULD ASK YOUR DOG ONE QUESTION, which won the Best Independent Book Award (BIBA) and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for best picture book for all ages. She lives on the rocky coast of Long Island, New York, where she enjoys feeding wild turkeys, moon gazing, and adding to her ever-growing collection of stones and crystals.

 

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Posted in Book Release, Fantasy, fiction, Science Fiction on October 3, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Josh Tanner, was trying to fix his life and get back to his four-year-old daughter Sophie. Then he was pulled into the multidimensional world of the Immortals simply by being the last person on the elevator after lunch . . . and carrying a briefcase!

Senyak Marztanak needs to reacquire his immortality and his place on his family’s ruling seat. Both having been stripped away when he failed his grandfather’s trial.

Now, after being bonded through karma, Josh and Sen are forced to rise together through the levels of mortal cultivation to reach transcendence.

In a new and fully developed sci/fi-fantasy universe. Chock full of multiethnic mythology, ageless powers, saviors and treacherous villains. Josh & Sen Save the Multiverse tells the tale of two unlikely heroes pushed together by the fates, karma, and the most powerful immortals in existence. Through hilarious and life-threatening adventures, they form bonds of friendship and brotherhood. All while having to rely on each other’s unique qualities to survive eight iterations away from their universe of origin.

Follow Josh and Sen as they grow, fight, live, laugh, love and cry. They don’t know it yet . . . But for each to get home they will not only have to save their own lives . . . but the entire Multiverse!

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Interview with the Author

 

You wrote this novel partly in response to the hopelessness amid the Covid-19 pandemic. What do you hope readers will take away when they read Josh and Sen’s story?

 

Everyone in the world has been affected by the pandemic. It is true that we can see the silver lining in some of the changes, and feel brought back to our roots in a lot of ways. Unfortunately, many of the changes have been devastating and will continue to be so for many years. You can see this very prominently in third world countries where the economies of tourism were completely shut down for long periods of time. When I first started noticing this, I remember thinking, “How good would it be if there were a couple of guys who would be willing to go to the wall to save us all?”

 

How did you create Josh and Sen? Were there any sci-fi/fantasy figures from your childhood that inspired the character’s stories?

 

Everytime I sit down to write about Josh and Sen I learn more about myself and my motivations. Some things even surprise me. But, ever since I was twelve years old and my father took me to Merrionette Park in Chicago’s south side to see Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy’s been my hero. One of my favorite spots is the classic line where he is trying to steal the ark back from the nazi’s, he lays out a plan and ends it with, “I dunno, I’m making this up as I go . . .” I would have to say this is a major inspiration for Josh and Sen. Don’t ask them how beforehand, but they will find a way to get where they need to be.

 

Why did you decide to weave bits of Greek mythology into the book?

 

When I was growing up there wasn’t a lot of fantasy literature or TV shows. Where I turned to get it was the classics.  I loved Greek mythology when I was a kid. Particularly stories from the Age of Heros. When I started the first book and wanted Josh and Sen to travel underground to get their first Earth Attunement, Gaia, Mother of the Earth was just a natural fit. But you can’t talk about Gaia without getting into the serious family drama she has with her husband and the multiple sets of kids and grandkids, can you? Not to mention, all the stuff is public domain.

 

What can we expect next from you as a writer? What are your big plans for Josh and Sen?

 

Right now I’m finishing the third book. The second, “Karma and Bigger Fish” is already written and being polished for final release between 3-6 months after the Path of One comes out.

Josh and Sen will be meeting some new folks. Some friends and some decidedly not so friendly. One of the things they are going to learn is that the iteration is a lot bigger than they are right now. They are also going to learn that Karma and Reality have some pretty big plans for them and the people that they care about.

 

 

About the Author

 

DAVID BEHLING is a Chicago born sci-fi, fantasy, and video game admirer. When he was younger and stronger, he was able to fight off his infatuation long enough to work as a Honolulu-based plaintiff’s malpractice lawyer for five years before attending med school and residency. Now he treats his patients on Oahu, where his office has been for the last fifteen years. He has trained in several fields of martial arts over the years, including Tae Kwon Do and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Older now, he would rather be surfing, snowboarding, and skating when he is brave enough! Most importantly, he is the proud father of four amazing children: Indigo, Tristan, Kireina, and Nina. They even text him sometimes. He is also the lucky owner of the world’s cutest chihuahua, Rosie.

 

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Posted in excerpt, Fantasy, Young Adult on September 20, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Lost in a wild West Virginia forest, Phoebe Gray’s world is upended when she finds an irritable goblin named Gnish-Gnash. She’s stumbled into Lerch Hollow, a place of magic and mystery where trolls lurk in shadows and mermaids sway with the tide. The young adventurer soon finds herself caught up in a race against time; the Dark Mistress Lucinda is on the hunt for the last Griffin’s egg, for its power will make her unstoppable. It is up to Phoebe to protect the egg while discovering the secrets of her own magical connection to the mysterious wizard Thatcher. With Gnish at her side and her grandfather’s old cloak on her back, Phoebe must protect this enchanted world from destruction.

 

 

Coming February 2024

 

 

Excerpt

 

Phoebe had many more questions but was too afraid to ask them. Instead, she studied the troll. He was sweeping his head from side to side, looking for the two small creatures he’d been so certain of catching. After a moment, he spoke in a voice so mighty, it rattled Phoebe’s bones.

“Hmph. Just saw little rat people. Kobus was so close.”

He scratched his head with the spikes on the end of his club. Phoebe realized he was referring to himself. Though he was a fearsome sight, she had to admit–this troll didn’t seem terribly bright.

After a moment, he grunted and turned away, stomping carelessly as he moved deeper into the forest. Phoebe was glad he was gone.

Then, her heart dropped.

“My parents,” she whispered. “I…I think our camp is that way. I think he’s headed for them.”

Gnish shrugged helplessly. “I’m sorry, Miss Phoebe. But we cannot risk losing the egg. The fate of Lerch Hollow hangs in the balance. Endangering our quest now would be foolish.”

Phoebe glared at him. “Maybe protecting this thing is your quest–but it isn’t mine.”

The goblin made a face as she thrust the egg into his arms. She took a deep breath and stepped from behind the oak tree, ignoring the urge to run.

She felt incredibly brave, and incredibly afraid. Cupping her hands to her mouth, she shouted loud enough to draw the troll’s attention.

“Hey, you big stink-face. I’m over here!”

 

 

 

About the Author

Cole Poindexter grew up influenced by the writers who changed children’s fiction throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, like Katherine Applegate, George Lucas, Karen Cushman, and Neil Gaiman. It was at the age of ten he decided he would one day become an author, without the slightest clue as to how it would happen.

He lives in Louisiana with his spouse, surrounded by dogs and chickens, and frequently travels to New Orleans to take in the beautiful architecture and music.

The Griffin’s Egg is his debut novel.

 

 

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Posted in Fantasy, romance, Spotlight on September 15, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Tana was ready to be the crown princess. She was not ready to lose her father and save her home.

Keegan had left his home to run away from his past, but he cannot escape his heritage or his mistakes.

As the two fight to save Heimat Draz, they discover they must learn to trust both themselves and each other, because a lot more than just Tana’s kingdom is at risk. If they cannot defeat the evil spreading, all of Sandig Skaa will be destroyed.

Secrets of the Desert is the first book in Sandig Skaa Chronicles (a 3-book fantasy series) with slow-burn, sweet romance and no spice, perfect for fans of books by authors like K.M. Shea or Tara Grayce!

 

 

Amazon

 

 

About the Author

 

Anabelle Raven loves reading and writing fantasy, low-spice romance, and strong female characters. She loves chocolate and sushi, though not usually together, and traveling to new places with her family.

 

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Posted in Book Release, Fantasy, Young Adult on August 11, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

When Zylan and his band of poachers invade the realm and start hunting unicorns, gamekeeper Yonell and his twelve-year-old daughter Ayla are on the alert to protect them. However, in a skirmish with two of Zylan’s men, Yonell is captured along with Snowflake, the youngest unicorn in the family. The prisoners are strapped to horses and taken by Zylan and his band to their stronghold deep in the mountains to meet their fate.

Ayla is bereft, but Hollendur, the matriarchal leader of the unicorns who is also Snowflake’s mother, will have nothing with the young girl feeling sorry for herself. She implores Ayla to join her, her husband Anon, and the rest of the unicorn family in pursuit of the poachers by telling her that it is the only way to save her father. Ayla snaps out of her depression and readily agrees.

Meanwhile, Yonell has befriended Zylan’s son Arronde, a kind-hearted young man who loves animals and is aghast at the evil ways of his bully father. Together they care for the frightened Snowflake, and a bond forms between all three of them.

When Anon sees that the poachers are heading for the mountains, he concocts a plan. But will Ayla and the band of unicorns be in time to save Yonell and Snowflake? They must hurry to Marvel Wood to confront the thieves before it is too late.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

About the Author

 

Jim’s stories and poems have appeared in nearly five hundred online and print publications. His collection of short stories, Resilience, is published by Bridge House Publishing. Short Stuff, a collection of flash fiction and drabbles is published by Chapeltown Books. Periodic Stories, Periodic Stories Volume Two, Periodic Stories Volume Three – A Novel, and Periodic Stories Volume Four are published by Impspired. Dreamers, a collection of short stories, is published by Clarendon House Publishing. Something Better, a dystopian adventure novella, and the novel, The Alien of Orchard Lake, are published by Dark Myth Publications. In the fall of 2022, his collection entitled Holiday Stories was published by Impspired as was his collection of poetry, Haiku Seasons. In February 2023, Periodic Stories Volume IV was published, as was his collection of poems, The Alchemy of Then, both by Impspired. In June 2023, a collection of flash fiction, Dancing With Butterflies, was published by Impspired.In July 2023, his YA novella The Battle of Marvel Wood was published by Impspired. His short story “Aliens” was nominated by The Zodiac Press for the 2020 Pushcart Prize. His story “The Maple Leaf” was voted 2021 Story of the Year for Spillwords. He was voted December 2022 Author of the Month for Spillwords. He also reads his stories for Talking Stories Radio and for Jim’s Storytime on his website. He lives in a small town west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Cookbook, cooking, Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade, Review, Young Adult on July 31, 2023

 

 

Includes an original, never-before-published story about the Fablehaven woodland brownies by #1 New York Times best-selling author Brandon Mull

The Fablehaven house brownies are known for coming into the kitchen at night and baking delightful treats as a surprise for caretakers and their guests. Now, Fablehaven fans can enjoy nearly fifty wondrous recipes inspired by the world of Fablehaven. Each recipe includes a Fablehaven origin story and full-color food photography. Enjoy a selection of magical crafts like Wizard Slime and Vanessa’s Invisible Ink. Bonus: also includes a few of Brandon Mull’s favorite desserts.

Wondrous Recipes Include:

Fairy Toast
Muriel’s Pretzel Knots
Ogre Stew
Bubda’s Sloppy Guac
Calico Bread
Lena’s Loaded Crepes
Bracken’s Unicorn Shakes
Zombie Cake Eyeballs
Dragon Egg Cupcakes
Goblin Glop Trifle
Tanu’s Bottled-Up Emotions
Singing Sisters Bubbling Brew

 

 

 

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Preorder today, the book releases on 8/1/23

 

 

Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Authors

 

BRANDON MULL is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Candy Shop War, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife, Erlyn, their eleven children, and some animals. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.

 

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CHERIE MULL is a mom of four who has always loved making and eating good food. After graduating with a degree in biology, Cherie worked in gene sequencing and pharmaceutical research before exchanging her lab coat for an apron. She now owns a thriving baking business, creating cakes and custom treats for weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. Cherie and her husband, Bryson—Brandon Mull’s brother—have been beta readers for the Fablehaven stories since the beginning, and she is thrilled to be a part of this new adventure.

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Posted in 5 paws, Book Release, Fantasy, Historical, Review, Young Adult on July 12, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

A long-kept secret. A seaside kingdom. A life-changing revelation.

 

No stranger to tragedy, Amira seeks joy in the little things—books, nature, her friends, and the memories of her late mother. When she gets the opportunity to leave her sleepy village and visit the kingdom’s capital of Kalopsia, her excitement knows no bounds. But even her vivid imagination couldn’t anticipate gaining a crown…or a father.

King Thorndale has spent the years since his queen left with their infant daughter blaming himself, struggling under the combined weight of his guilt and duties to his realm. When Amira arrives, her cheerfulness sheds light on the darkness inside him. But he cannot welcome her wholeheartedly, not when he knows the danger she may be in and what little he can do to prevent it.

Amira soon realizes her royal life isn’t the fairy tale she expected. And when a precious item goes missing, she realizes there’s a larger threat afoot. She’s determined to find answers, but failing may bring her tentative relationship with her father to ruin. Will the ray of hope be bright enough to see them through? Or will grief and doubt overshadow it for good?

Walking the line between historical fiction and fantasy, you’ll travel to a realm devoid of magic and dragons but overflowing with ballgowns, secret rooms, ocean breezes, and touches of mystery perfect for readers, young and old, seeking a clean, wholesome story. This is the second stand-alone novel in the “Fallen Stars” series.

 

 

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Review

 

This novel was quite a surprise! It entranced me from the start. While billed as a historical fantasy, it isn’t filled with dragons or mythical creatures. It is set in a non-existent country with royalty and the usual squabbles that arise. It is more like a fairytale than historical fiction.

Amira is a young woman on a path to a life she wasn’t expecting. She wasn’t taught how to handle certain situations but made great strides in fulfilling her potential. I enjoyed watching her relationship with her father grow. They brought out the best in each other.

There is a mystery that pops up about 60% of the way into the story. I enjoyed watching Amira reason who might have committed the crime, why, and how.

This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone book. It is also very clean and could fall into the YA category, or at least the NA category, since Amira is 20.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Madison grew up in a small town in Florida, surrounded by her loving family. She has always enjoyed getting lost in the fictional worlds of movies, literature, and her own imagination. Her favorite stories are clean and sweet with happily ever afters. She enjoys traveling, drawing, going to the beach, spending time with her friends and family, and playing with her dog, Sprinkles.

 

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Posted in excerpt, Fantasy, fiction, Science Fiction on July 7, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Sixteen-year-old Charli is living in a pandemic-ravaged 2020 America when she stumbles upon the parallel world of the Q’ehazi. Drawn to these peaceful people, whose constant joy and optimism provides a stark contrast to the suffering and violence in her own life, Charli wants nothing more than to stay with them forever—but first, she must learn to attain a state of grace.

Can she forgive her mother’s abusive boyfriend? Can she learn empathy for her mother? Charli’s inward and outward struggles will lead her to a discovery she wasn’t even looking for: the beauty of her own world.

 

 

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Praise

 

Brightwell’s storytelling is vivid and rich, and her writing compelling. The World Beyond the Redbud Tree is a fascinatingly adventurous and original examination of life, grief, forgiveness and compassion. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before: captivating, touching, gently magical, and ultimately uplifting.” — Penny Haw, author of The Wilderness Between Us

“The novel offers us the story of a struggling young girl making her way through both dystopian and Utopian futures. A very thought-provoking tale for readers of all ages. I highly recommend The World Beyond the Redbud Tree.” — David Silverman is a Hollywood screenwriter with writing credits including The Flintstones, The Wild Thornberrys, and Life with Louie.

“Madison has a great way of merging two worlds together in The World Beyond the Redbud Tree. She writes beautifully and has an incredible imagination. She showcases how a young girl Charli is running from her fears but stays resilient and really just wants to be loved. Madison Brightwell is a talented writer and has created a masterpiece. I hope to one day see it on the big screen.” —Kandace Caine, Voice Over Actress of the popular games Hogwarts Legacy and Call of Duty; screenwriter, and producer.

 

 

Excerpt

 

P R O L O G U E

 

 

Tears streamed down her face, warm and comforting on her skin. She let them fall. Waves of grief passed through her and then were released to the earth below. Sitting cross-legged on the moist grass, she felt strong hands clutching hers on either side. Her eyes were closed, and all she heard was the soft chanting of the group around her, and a mellow voice intoning:

“We send our dear little Belilly across the Rainbow Bridge for the last time, where all is peace and comfort. And we will miss her, for she brought joy to everyone she met, and now her time has come, and she can remain with us no more.”

The girl’s body swayed back and forth in rhythm to the soft flute music playing a tune she knew well because she had heard it many times before. There were no words, but she hummed a sweet harmony to the notes.

The smell of jasmine permeated the air. She remembered how Belilly had loved to sniff the scented air on her morning amble. She remembered the way the breeze would ruffle Belilly’s beautiful white fur and how her whiskers twitched in anticipation of the events of the day ahead. The memories were bittersweet: bitter because she knew she would never again experience them, and sweet because she had experienced them so many times before and they would always exist in her memory.

Gradually, the tears on her face dried. She felt the stroke of a burdock leaf on her cheek, and she turned her head and opened her eyes to see her mother smiling at her and passing the leaf gently over the dried tears in a soothing ritual. Tenderness emanated from her mother’s face as she made this gesture, and the girl felt a sense of relief at the knowledge that Belilly’s passing was done and all suffering was over.

As the girl allowed her gaze to traverse the scene, she took in this group of about twenty people, all known to her, all seated on the ground and clasping hands in a circle, and all swaying to the music around them. Behind them, the beautiful rays of crimson light cast by the huge stone on its ceremonial plinth were enhanced by the stream running behind it. The tinkling of the water cascading over rocks in the stream harmonized with the flute.

Belilly was gone and would never be here again. She knew there was nowhere else she’d rather be than in this place at this time with these people. An intense gratitude swept over her, casting out the grief and replacing it with joy and contentment.

 

 

About the Author

 

Madison C. Brightwell is an author and a licensed MFT with a doctorate in psychology. She has been working as a therapist for fifteen years, before which she worked as a professional actress in film and TV development. She has written four other novels and three self-help books in the field of psychology. Since moving to Asheville, North Carolina, from her native Britain, Madison has become inspired by the history of this land, originally inhabited by the Cherokee. She draws on many of her experiences helping clients with trauma, addiction, and chronic pain.

 

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