Book Review: Prince of the Apple Towns: Book One of James and Jonesย by Dell Elle

Book Details:

Author: Del Elle
Release Date: 26 March 2019
Series: James and Jones (Book 1 of 3)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 41 pages
Publisher: Delartelle
Blurb:
Most people pass the shop without a second glance, mistaking it for an old estate agent’s with bad signage. But inside, James (Jay), Jones (Jo), and their not-so-receptionist Suzรฉ tackle problems that shouldnโ€™t exist.
When Phillens Martens arrives clutching an apple-shaped brooch, theyโ€™re drawn into a tangle of illusionists, collectors, and the ancient title of Prince of the Apple Towns โ€” a title that tends to cause chaos for whoever holds it.
Witty, wondrous, and brimming with invention,ย Prince of the Apple Townsย is the first adventure inย James and Jonesย โ€” a whimsical fantasy series about a not-so-ordinary shop, its impossible cases, and the unlikely team who take them on.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Prince of the Apple Towns by Del Elle is an inventive work of fantasy that unfolds less like a conventional quest and more like a dream you slowly realize you are already inside. The story follows Phillens Martens, an anxious, slightly off-balance man who finds himself entangled with a pair of eccentric โ€œIntuitive Consultantsโ€ and, through them, a far larger conflict tied to the mysterious Apple Towns and their powerful brooches. From the very first chapter, author Del Elle establishes a tone that is whimsical on the surface, yet edged with unease and consequence beneath.

What truly distinguishes this book is its worldbuilding through conversation and implication rather than exposition. The Apple Towns, Delcorf, Akane, Gala, Cox, Braeburn, Elstar, and others, feel lived-in and ancient without ever being formally mapped out for the reader. The brooches, each tied to a town and granting extraordinary abilities, introduce a compelling power structure that culminates in the titular contest: the struggle to become the Prince of the Apple Towns. This looming competition adds real stakes to what initially feels like an almost playful narrative.

Characters like Jo and Jay bring levity and texture, but they are never merely comic relief. As the story progresses, the danger becomes tangible, especially with the arrival of Orchardรฉ and the revelation of what possession of multiple brooches means. The action sequences are sharp and kinetic, yet still grounded in the bookโ€™s distinctive, slightly surreal rhythm.

Ultimately, Prince of the Apple Towns is a story about power, guardianship, and choice, and about what happens when responsibility is forced upon those who never asked for it. Itโ€™s a richly imaginative, thoughtfully paced fantasy that rewards attentive reading and leaves the door open for intriguing continuations in this unusual world.


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Book Review: The Faery Enchantment by Marie Lukic

Book Details:

Author:ย Marie Lukicย 
Release Date:
April 2025
Series: Kingdom of Nerada (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 105 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Dottimar returns to the sunken sea kingdom and desperately tries to awaken her son, rainbow dragon, Cathoundral, who has been enchanted by Orange Faery. Ancient faery Verimetus and her grand-daughter, Blue Lantern faery, Vermial, lead Triton, the dragons and the merfolk into the Abyss in an attempt to find Triton’s missing daughter, Princess Sirena Mirashal.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

If youโ€™re someone who loves classic fairy tale energy (think shimmering kingdoms, ancient magic, enchanted creatures, and brave quests) then The Faery Enchantment by Marie Lukic is bound to charm you. Author Lukic has created a rich, imaginative world where dragons, merfolk, and faeries collide in a story brimming with wonder, danger, and heartfelt moments.

At its heart, this is a tale of family, loyalty, and the lengths weโ€™ll go to save the ones we love. Dottimarโ€™s desperation to save her rainbow dragon son, Cathoundral, sets the tone for a story full of high-stakes adventure. Meanwhile, Verimetus and Vermial (who might just be my favorite characters) add layers of ancient wisdom and courage to this already magical narrative.

The underwater scenes are beautifully rendered and feel lush and vivid, and the blend of folklore with fantasy is handled with a delicate, almost lyrical touch. Author Lukicโ€™s world-building feels expansive and lived-in, with hints of deeper mythology beneath the surface.

While I loved the story, at times, the pacing felt a little uneven. Certain sections could have been tighter to keep the momentum flowing, especially for younger readers who thrive on action and clarity. However, the richness of the world and the warmth of the characters more than make up for it.

The Faery Enchantment is perfect for fans of The Water Horse or The Spiderwick Chronicles, those who love their fantasy with a splash of wonder, heart, and a dash of darkness.


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Book Review: Isabella Airyfairyabelous & the Sleepy Dragon by by Marie Lukic

Book Details:

Author:ย Marie Lukicย 
Release Date:
April 2025
Series: Kingdom of Nerada (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 145 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Princess Isabella embarks on a quest to find a magical cure for her tragically ill mother, Queen Julianne. Her exciting adventures lead her to hunt and fly sea dragons. Will Isabella finally discover a cure when all others have failed?
She also encounters Cyclops Ponder and his family as he battles for freedom after slavery.
An exciting adventure into a fantastical world where wonder thrives, danger lurks and humour occurs at every turn!

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Isabella Airyfairyabelous & the Sleepy Dragon by Marie Lukic is a fantasy book that is whimsical, witty, and full of wonder. It is a joyride through a richly imaginative world that children (and adults with a playful heart) will adore.

Princess Isabella is no ordinary royalโ€”sheโ€™s brave, quirky, and driven by a fierce love for her mother, Queen Julianne, whoโ€™s fallen gravely ill. When traditional cures fail, Isabella sets off on a quest brimming with dragons, magic, unexpected allies, and some seriously laugh-out-loud moments.

What I loved most is how effortlessly author Lukic blends classic fairy tale elements with modern charm. The writing sparkles with humor, the world-building is vibrant and whimsical, and the characters are unforgettable. Thereโ€™s depth beneath the adventure with themes of courage, freedom, and love running throughout the tale.

For young readers, this is the perfect introduction to fantasy as it is accessible yet layered with emotion and meaning. And for grown-up readers? Itโ€™s a reminder of the kind of magic we used to believe in. I’d recommend it for fans of How to Train Your Dragon, Ella Enchanted, and the kind of stories that make bedtime reading a nightly event to look forward to.


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Book Review: Lunarmancer by Jake Bennett

Book Details:

Author:ย Jake Bennettย 
Release Date:
July 10, 2023
Series:
Genre: Young Adult, Epic Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 436 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Reika is a changeling, a human girl brought up in a kind community of Metazoans, a sapient
zoomorphic species who migrated from a distant land long ago. She works as a servant at the
Kingโ€™s citadel.
But all this changes when Reika and her friends Melito and Tabithaโ€”royal guards
at the citadelโ€”are attacked by rebel Metazoans led by the fearsome sorcerer Magnus. Facing
death, Reikaโ€™s true nature is revealed by the light of the full moon; a dormant power is
awakened, and Reikaโ€™s destiny changes forever.

In order to heal the darkness awoken in Reikaโ€™s soul, and to escape the machinations of
powerful foes, she will need allies. Thus begins an epic journey spanning multiple continents
and cultures, through magical and material perils, and even bending the fabric of time itself…
Lunarmancer is the debut YA fantasy-epic by Jake Bennett, a novel that marries the brilliant
ensemble casts of Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy with Tolkienโ€™s luscious world-building.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Lunarmancer by Jake Bennett is a sweeping, richly imagined fantasy epic that blends classic genre tropes like magic academies, prophecies, chosen ones, with a surprisingly intimate emotional core. What begins as a tale of self-discovery rapidly unfolds into a sprawling, multi-threaded saga of war, identity, loss, and resilience.

At the heart of it is Reika, a former servant girl grappling with a curse that transforms her into somethign she never imagined. Her journey is full of pain, sacrifice, and moments of profound inner reckoning. As a reader, and especially as a developmental editor, I was struck by the way Bennett threads psychological realism into a fantastical framework. Reikaโ€™s arc isnโ€™t just a magical evolution; itโ€™s a deeply human coming-of-age shaped by trauma, survival, and rediscovered agency.

What impressed me most is how author Bennett manages to juggle a vast ensemble cast including Junayd, Kenzuo, Lief, Destrian, and so many others, without losing narrative focus. Each character, even those on the margins, feels fully rendered with complex motivations and believable flaws. Thankfully, the villainy isnโ€™t cartoonish and the heroes arenโ€™t infallible. Itโ€™s this grey-toned morality that adds gravitas to the story, grounding its epic battles and magical lore in real emotional stakes.

The world-building is elaborate and detailed, perhaps a touch overwhelming at times, especially with terms like Dragelve Consortium, Somnium Carcerem, and Ferrum Champions flying fast and a bit too early (for me personally), but readers who love rich lore will find much to feast on. Thereโ€™s a real sense of history behind every location, political alliance, and magical artifact.

Stylistically, the prose leans towards cinematic, with fast-paced scenes punctuated with high-octane action. But where author Bennett shines is in quieter moments, like a quiet conversation under moonlight, that give the narrative its soul.

What keeps this book from being a full 5 stars is pacing: there are moments where exposition threatens to bog down the emotional momentum, and the sheer number of locations and lore elements can be disorienting. That said, itโ€™s a minor flaw in what is otherwise an impressively ambitious debut.

For readers of Brandon Sanderson, Tamora Pierce, or Fullmetal Alchemist, Lunarmancer will feel both nostalgic and refreshingly bold. Itโ€™s a tale of found family, inherited power, and the subtle, unglamorous courage it takes to choose your own path, even when fate has already written your story.


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Book Review: The Heart of Resistance byย A. D. Griffey

Book Details:

Author: A. D. Griffey
Release Date:
March 25, 2025
Series:
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy, Dystopian Fiction, Science-Fantasy, Alternate History, Young-Adult, Coming Of Age
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 405 pages
Publisher: GBE Press
Blurb:
Janna Tulli, a disillusioned airship mechanic, is on the run from her fatherโ€™s fruitless rebellion.
Elsie, an orphan trapped in the miserable workhouse system, dreams of a better life.
Princess Yvonnia, heir apparent to the fractured nation of Sial, is forced to seek aid from the imperialists who threaten her people.
Arthur Pendington, former captain of the Imperial Dreadnoughtย Formidable, is out for revenge against the empire that made him into a monster.ย With nothing but his wits, a rag-tag crew, and an ill-gotten airship, Arthur plans to destroy the remaining dreadnoughts: weapons of terror that rain destruction on the Odolian Empireโ€™s enemies and civilians alike.

Arthurโ€™s impossible mission pulls them all into his inescapable orbit, threatening to shatter the Odolian establishment and tear apart the lives of his few remaining friends. Set in a Dickensian world of flintlocks, airships, class warfare, and colonialism, this swashbuckling steampunk adventure is packed with action, political intrigue, and unforgettable characters who will stay with you long after the final page.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Heart of Resistance is a richly imagined steampunk odyssey set against the backdrop of imperial tyranny and crumbling rebellion. As someone who thrives on character-driven narratives and deeply layered world-building, I found this novel thoroughly immersive, even when it treaded familiar thematic ground.

Told in a multi-POV structure, the story braids together the lives of Jannaโ€”a disillusioned rebel mechanic; Elsieโ€”a workhouse orphan desperate for a life beyond servitude; and Arthur Pendingtonโ€”a once-loyal imperial captain turned insurgent. Each voice brings a distinct texture to the story. Jannaโ€™s inner turmoil, especially, stood out to meโ€”her gritted realism, biting wit, and the slowly unraveling weight of her past were brilliantly done. There’s a raw, authentic edge to her arc that reminded me of classic literary rebels, but with a modern grit.

The prose walks the line between efficient and occasionally ornate, particularly in describing the cityscapes of Gorand or the infernal machinery of dreadnoughts. The scenes involving airships and skydocks were kinetic and cinematic, and the combat sequences (especially the boarding and escape scenes) had real tension. I appreciated how the authors avoided glamorizing war; they instead chose to emphasize the psychological wear and the slow erasure of ideals, which felt honest.

If I had a critique, it would be about pacing (my old nemesis). The novel begins with a sharp hook and builds well, but midsectionsโ€”especially the early Elsie chaptersโ€”sag slightly. I found myself yearning for a tighter edit in parts to match the intensity of the opening and climax. Some emotional beats also felt rushed when they could have been lingered on for greater impact. That said, the world itself never faltersโ€”it feels lived-in and vividly rendered.

Overall, this is a strong debut from the Griffeys. It carries the weight of classic resistance literature while still feeling timely. For readers who love character-driven science fantasy with rebellion, found family, and just the right amount of grit, The Heart of Resistance is well worth your time.


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Book Review: Night of the Fisherman by David Morabito

Book Details:

Author: David Morabitoย 
Release Date:
May 13, 2024
Series:
Genre: Suspense, Romance, YA, Science Fiction-Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 366 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
An emotionally confused teenage boy, known as Fish, living in a lackluster 1950’s suburban setting is accustomed to the anguish of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Nicknamed the Fisherman, he seemingly is always having to fish around for a reason for his miserable existence. He is then forced to face his worst fears confronting an abusive authority figure in the neighborhood known as Poppa. To compound his anguish, he endures the mistreatment while pursuing the love of Kara, a beautiful but garrulous neighbor girl, who is drawn into the conflict.

In the course of the conflict, they are transported to an alien realm which appears to be a beautiful peaceful setting but soon becomes “anything but” when Poppa and his henchmen stumble upon the portal. Fish and Kara’s affection for each other grows as they are being ruthlessly pursued. Finally the night of decision arrives for Fish, as Poppa and he confront each other in a suspenseful fiery setting of a surreal alien landscape. The Fisherman is forced to quickly fish for a fateful decision on the proper course of action he should take as he weighs concepts of vengeance, justice and redemption.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Night of the Fisherman by David Morabito is a nostalgic suspenseful journey that seamlessly blends the 1950s suburban milieu with a surreal and alien twist.

The characters stand out in this book. Fish is an achingly relatable protagonist whose inner turmoil feels extremely realistic. His bond with Kara, the spirited neighbour girl, adds warmth and hope to the otherwise intense narrative. Poppa, on the other hand, is a terrifyingly oppressive figure whose presence kept me on edge throughout the story.

The suburban setting is painted with amazing detail and was successful in evoking a strong sense of time and place. The alien realm introduces an imaginative layer of intrigue, with its deceptive beauty quickly unraveling into danger and suspense. The dramatic final confrontation between Fish and Poppa is both super exciting and touching, forcing Fish to wrestle with timeless themes of vengeance, justice, and redemption.

While the bookโ€™s rich descriptions and philosophical undertones are commendable, they occasionally slow down the pacing. Some readers might wish for a tighter narrative flow. Nevertheless, Night of the Fisherman is an emotionally gripping tale with strong character development and a unique blend of genres and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy tales that mix introspection with high-stakes action.


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Book Review: Simon Grey and the Curse of the Dragon God by Charles Kowalski

Book Details:

Author: Charles Kowalski
Release Date:
October 7, 2024
Series: Simon Grey (Book #2)
Genre: Adventure, Mythology, young-Adult, Middle-Grade, Historical Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 325 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
SHOGUN AND SAMURAI MEET SPIRITS AND SPOOKS
An unexpected journey to an enchanted undersea kingdom leads to disaster for Simon and Oyuki, as they return to find themselves stranded in a newly hostile Japan where their presence is a capital crime. Their only hope of survival lies with the mystical young samurai Amakusa Shiro, leader of a ragtag band of rebels against a tyrannical lord. With samurai, monsters, and magicians against them, will their newfound abilities – and the help of friendly yokai – be enough to save them?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Simon Grey and the Curse of the Dragon God by Charles Kowalski is an exciting and exceptionally immersive adventure novel that takes readers on a fascinating journey through historical Japan. As someone who thoroughly enjoys historical fiction and fantasy, I found this book to be a delightful mix of both genres. Kowalski skillfully intertwines Japanese mythology with action, creating a world that’s both captivating and educational.

Simon, the protagonist, is endearing and relatable, and his encounters with various historical and mythical figures keep the story engaging. The book blends elements of Japanese folklore, such as yokai and samurai, into the narrative, adding layers of depth and intrigue. Itโ€™s the kind of adventure that keeps you turning pages, eager to see what magical or historical surprise lies ahead.

One of my favorite moments is when Simon and Oyuki meet Otohime at the undersea palace, Ryugujo. The vivid description of the magical underwater world is mesmerizing, and it truly showcases the authorโ€™s strength in world-building.

If you’re a fan of fast-paced, well-crafted historical fantasy with a unique cultural twist, Simon Grey and the Curse of the Dragon God is definitely a book you should pick up. Itโ€™s perfect for both younger readers and adults who love adventure, mythology, and a dash of history.


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Book Review: The Blizzard’s Secrets by DJanรฉe

Book Details:

Author: ย DJanรฉe
Release Date: 15th September 2022
Series:
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 89 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Something is not right in the peaceful community of Taliver, and Daia knows it. But thereโ€™s more at stake than she realizes.
An enjoyableย shortย read. A suspenseful young adult dystopian novella filled with plot twists and cliffhangers that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Taliver is a peaceful community. After rigorous training and relentless hard work under the studious mentorship of Taliverโ€™s Seer, Daia is entering a new stage in her life and preparing for her induction ceremony as Taliverโ€™s new Commander of the Forces.
Just days before her ceremony, Daia discovers dark secrets in Taliverโ€™s past, and the Ruler begins to make strange, questionable decisions that leave Daia suspicious and concerned for her people. Daia bravely takes matters into her own hands as the soon-to-be Commander and seeks answers for herself.

However, she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies and deceit that runs deeper than she could ever have imagined. Little does she know, an even greater challenge awaits her. Struggling to distinguish truth from lie, Daia is forced to face an ultimate test that no amount of training could have prepared her for.

Featuring a strong sense of empowering individualism, personal growth, and determination, The Blizzardโ€™s Secrets is an enthralling page-turner filled with earth-shattering discoveries that will keep you engaged from start to finish. It is a wonderful quick read for fans of false utopias, pursuits of justice, plot twists, and strong protagonists.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

DJanรฉe’s “The Blizzard’s Secrets” is a tantalizing journey into the heart of a dystopian world that feels both eerily familiar and shockingly unique. Set in the ostensibly tranquil community of Taliver, the novella captivates readers right from the outset.

As we follow Daia, a young woman poised to become the Commander of the Forces, we’re quickly drawn into a narrative that is as much about personal growth as it is about political intrigue. DJanรฉe has skillfully painted a character who is fierce, intelligent, and undeniably human. Daia’s evolution from a disciplined apprentice to a leader grappling with profound truths is both believable and inspiring.

One of the novella’s standout features is its intricate plot, rife with unexpected twists and revelations. Just when you think you’ve grasped the depth of Taliver’s secrets, DJanรฉe throws another curveball, keeping readers on their toes and ensuring the pages keep turning.

The theme of “empowering individualism” is beautifully woven throughout the story. Amidst the backdrop of a false utopia and the shadows of deceit, Daia’s pursuit of justice and truth is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity. Her journey underscores the importance of questioning, of seeking truth, and of standing up for one’s beliefs even when the path is fraught with danger.

For fans of dystopian tales, “The Blizzard’s Secrets” offers a fresh perspective in the genre. Its concise format makes it an ideal pick for those seeking a compelling story that can be devoured in a single sitting. Yet, despite its brevity, DJanรฉe ensures the world-building is rich, the characters are multi-dimensional, and the plot leaves a lasting impact.

In conclusion, “The Blizzard’s Secrets” is a must-read for anyone who cherishes tales of resilience, intrigue, and the unyielding pursuit of truth. DJanรฉe has crafted a world that is both haunting and captivating, and I eagerly await her next literary venture.



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Book Review: The Wolf-Lords (A Life Out There Book #3) by Brian McNatt

Book Details:

Author: Brian McNatt
Release Date:ย 13th August 2022
Series: A Life Out There (Book #3)
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 351 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
“There is one hope, one chance. That’s it. Do you have what it takes to save all you love one last time?”
Holly LeFay โ€“ once the banished and abused Princess Candida โ€“ is a legend. To the refugees of Eishaven, she is a hero like old. To the land of Romulus and its tyrannical royal family, she is a traitor and kinslayer.
When a terrible disease sweeps through her home and her family, Holly goes on a desperate quest for the only cure: the Waters of Life, holiest relic of unicornkind. To find it, she must master the magic inherited from her secret mother, the villainous Morgana le Fay. And hounding her every step: Regina, Holly’s twin, forced into their own struggle for salvation or damnation.
The destiny of the Wolf-Lords stands revealed in this dark, fearsome new novel by author Brian McNatt. Some live, some die, but the story stands eternal.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Wolf-Lords by Brian McNatt is the third book in the A Life Out There Book young-adult fantasy series. You can also read my reviews of the first book, A Life Out There, and the second book, Le Fay.

Just like the first two instalments in this series, the third instalment does not disappoint. Author McNatt’s world-building is superb and gets more elaborate as the story expands and more characters are introduced in the world that he has so lovingly created. The story is impeccable and takes the reader on a ride they wouldn’t want to get away from. I loved the characters, some old and some new, and I enjoyed the side stories as well. Overall, I loved the book and hope that this series is explored by more and more readers.


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Book Review: Corrupted: Book Two of The Terrian Trilogy by Jenny Benjamin

Book Details:

Author: Jenny Benjamin
Release Date:ย 
2nd September 2022
Series: The Terrian Trilogy (Book #2)
Genre: Young-Adult, Science-Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 267 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Book Two begins ten days after the events of Book One with Jesse, Kate, and Hayden traveling in the found alien ship and trailing the Gelfs who have kidnapped Sofia. Plagued with rage and guilt because of Sofiaโ€™s capture, Jesse finds himself losing control of his emotions and the Triumvirateโ€™s mission to bring peace to two worldsโ€”Earth and Terria.
Tensions, attractions, and powers crackle with energy in the second installment of the Terrian Trilogy. Jesse and his friends discover new abilities, face hybrid beasts, and carry out rescue missions on Terria. What else? More revelations about Terriaโ€™s corruption? Genetic modification? The unveiling of a terrifying plot by Terriaโ€™s faction leaders? Yes. Maybe. Jesse and his friends are called to act.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Corrupted by Jenny Benjamin is the second book in the new young-adult sci-fi-fantasy Terrain trilogy This book begins right where the first book, Enhanced left off so it would be ideal to read this series in order.

This book took the plot of the last book further, exploring amazing new avenues and sub-plots and with some new characters added to the mix that explored the world of this trilogy further, it made for an excellent read. I was able to understand the motivations and drives of the characters better in this part as they were explored on a yet deeper level, facing new perils that tested their strengths and grit.

I am looking forward to reading the next and the last part of this trilogy as I know it would answer some questions that this book had given rise to. But most of all, I really want to see how things end for the main characters, Jesse, Kate and Hayden.

I would strongly recommend this book (and the series) to all science-fiction readers and to high-fantasy enthusiasts who love reading well-developed and realistic young-adult characters.


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Book Review: Enhanced: Book One of The Terrian Trilogy by Jenny Benjamin

Book Details:

Author: Jenny Benjamin
Release Date:ย 
1st October 2021
Series: The Terrian Trilogy (Book #1)
Genre: Young-Adult, Science-Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 260 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Jesse Woods โ€“ drum line maestro, track star, honors student โ€“ is a standout as one of the only Black students at a suburban Chicago high school. His well-organized world is thrown into chaos when his school is attacked by an alien species, Terrians, who have been playing gods throughout human history. Jesse and two others from the drumline, Kate and Hayden, are pulled into an epic alien conspiracy and forced on a quest to retrieve an ancient artifact that will help decide the victory in the battle for planet Earth. The three teenagers will face impossible odds and fight the powerful enemies, as well as their own demons, to protect their loved ones and save the world they know.
Yeah, right, what else, locusts? Dragons in the sky? Alien ships? War between worlds? Armageddon? Yes. Maybe. Only Jesse and his friends can stop it.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Enhanced by Jenny Benjamin is the first book in the new young-adult sci-fi-fantasy Terrain trilogy. This book marked an excellent beginning of what could be a potentially amazing trilogy. This book had everything that I had expected and SO MUCH MORE!

The concept is brilliant setting a strong foundation not only for this book but for the next two books as well and the author’s writing kept the flow of the story very fluid and smooth making it a flawless experience. The characters were well-built and the world-building was up to the mark, the creatures/monsters were terrific and the detailing in the book was commendable. Overall this book made for a fantastically engrossing read and had me hooked right from the beginning till the very end, making me want to jump into the next book right away (which, of course, I did!)

I would strongly recommend this book to all science-fiction readers and to high-fantasy enthusiasts who love reading well-developed and realistic young-adult characters.


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Book Review: Building Resilience And Finding Meaning in Life by June Rousso

Book Details:

Author: June Roussoย 
Release Date:ย 
17th February 2022
Series:
Genre: Young-Adult, Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 83 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Building Resilience and Finding Meaning in Life:ย A Guide for Teens is an interactive book meant to engage readers in learning how to face adversities in life and to find meaning in these experiences. It gives the message that we have a treasure chest of inner resources that can be called upon in the face of adversity. These resources must be discovered and, in some instances, developed to build resilience and find what holds personal meaning. Along with discovering meaning in adversity readers are encouraged to look for meaningful moments in their lives rather than engaging in activities that often lead them to feel empty inside.

The guide also can be read by counselors and educators to help teens cope and live a more meaningful life. The guide was inspired by the teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl, noted author ofย Manโ€™s Search for Meaning,ย and by the research findings on character strengths presented by the VIA Institute on Character.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Building Resilience And Finding Meaning In Life by June Rousso is a very inspirational young-adult book on practical and easy-to-follow strategies and instructions for facing everyday adversities for teens. The main thing that I loved about this book is that it is tailor-made for teenagers, which is pretty rare and also abundantly helpful because the author has especially highlighted problems and solutions faced by teenagers regularly.

The author’s writing is simple, succinct and very undeviating, which I found to be most appropriate, as the author delved directly into the strategies she has to offer without the jargon that spoils most books in this particular genre. So I really appreciate the author’s directness.

This book has a lot of meaningful and practical life lessons for teenagers (and even for adults if you want to read this book being a non-teenage or an adult.) If you have a teenager in your family then you should definitely gift them this book as it will help them tremendously


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Book Review: The Rescue~ Book One of the Timestream Travelers Chronicles byย Sher J. Stultz

Book Details:

Author: Sher J. Stultz
Release Date:ย 
10th January 2022
Series: The Timestream Travelers Chronicles (Book #1)
Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy, Time Travel, Adventure, Young Adult
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages:ย 302 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
It all starts when the sheets go slack, and Aeneas vanishes! He and his two best friends, C.J. and Tabitha are spellbound as they watch the video feed of his disappearance and witness him climbing through his bedroom window an hour later, wearing different socks. Aeneas Entwistle, a slightly above average eighth grader is about to discover that the mystery of waking up with different socks is much more than just a prank.

Meanwhile, Aeneasโ€™s twenty-something daughter, Cassie has traveled thirty-eight years from the future hoping to find any small detail that might help locate her missing father. Enlisting Harold, the Entwistleโ€™s quirky housekeeper, Cassie works to rescue a middle-aged Aeneas, who vanishes into the timestream when a 7.2 earthquake strikes northwest Washington in May of 2053. But Cassieโ€™s presence in the past might have unforeseen consequences for everyone in her circle. As she struggles to find her father, a carefully guarded family secret is revealed, and Cassie must choose between altering the past or violating the shamanic rules of time travel!

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Rescue by Sher J. Stultz is the first book in The Timestream Travelers Chronicles. It is a fun and adventurous story with well-developed characters and a really good concept. I really liked reading this book because it felt very light and breezy.

The writing style of the author is simpl yet effective. It had a great flow and thus, made reading this book very easy and quick. I am looking forward to reading the next part in this series because I’ve come to care about the main characters and would love to know what happens next for them.

I would highly recommend this book to all teens and readers of YA and sci-fi-fantasy genres. Also, time-travel fans should also give it a read as they may find this book very interesting.


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ARC Review: Herrick’s End (The Neath #1) by T.M. Blanchet

Book Details:

Author: T.M. Blanchet
Release Date: 
10th May 2022
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Magic & Elementals
Series: The Neath Series (Book #1)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 312 pages
Publisher: Tiny Fox Press LLC
Blurb:
You did nothing. You were nothing. And so, you shall remain here, until the end of your days. As nothing.
Ollie’s only friend disappeared a few days ago, and now, he’s frantic to find her. But he doesn’t have much to go on until a mysterious note arrives which reads:
“Still looking for your friend? I know where she is.”
Unfortunately for Ollie, the trail leads to the last place he’d ever expect.

Somewhere dark.
Somewhere deep.
The kind of place where magic spills like blood, vengeance is merciless, and escape seems all but impossible.

Worse still, it soon becomes clear that someone-or something-was expecting him.
Now, time is running out.
If Ollie has any hope of ever seeing home again, he’s going to have to summon every last scrap of courage, smarts, and tenacity he can find. And none of it will matter if he can’t get some help. Fast.
Because Ollie might not know much about the vast underworld that’s ensnared him, but he does know this:
He’ll never make it out alone.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Herrick’s End by T.M. Blanchet is the first book in the young-adult fantasy series, The Neath. This book is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride that’ll take you into the amazing and sometimes terrifying world of the vast underworld that will leave you wanting for more!

This book had an exceptional characterisation; I was able to connect so deeply with the main protagonist Ollie and even most of the secondary characters. I found myself cheering for Ollie throughout the book and I really hope the author comes up with more books in this world with Ollie as the main character! I am really forward to the next book in this series!!

The writing is immersive and had a great flow, the pacing was great and the tension was high in most parts of the book which made this book un-put-down-able!

I would highly recommend this book to all readers of Young-Adult Fantasy – this book will not disappoint you!


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Book Review: The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Leeย 

Book Details:

Author: Z.B. Lee
Release Date: 
3rd January 2022
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, High Fantasy, Magic-Elementals
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 167 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Johan Finley dreams of being a warrior for his home, Center City, but he is devastated when his own arrogance costs him his dream. When all seems lost, a cheery little fellow comes knocking on his door. Johan could never expect the fantastic journey that awaits.

There is one problem: Blazer, an enchanted sword, has fallen into the wrong hands. A shadowy enemy seeks to use this powerful weapon to turn the tides in a greater war of good versus evil. Johan must find the strength to face down this sinister foe and take back the sword before itโ€™s too late. 
Under the tutelage of a wise magician and a battle-tested knight, along with the friendship of a courageous halfling, Johan is going to learn what it means to be a true hero in the Order of Ysavar. But when the fate of the world rests on his shoulders, will he crack under the pressure? Or will he rise to the occasion?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee is a new young-adult magical coming-of-age book full of action-packed scenes that are brimming with conflict, both internal as well as external. I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover and was not able to put it down once I started!

This book had an amazing pace throughout the book and the tension ran deep and tight right from the beginning to the very end. The book started off on a great note and the build-up was amazing – even better than I was expecting! The characterisation was good, the settings were well-executed and the entire plotting was well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed ride.

I would strongly recommend this book to all young-adult readers and fans of coming-of-age stories that have magic elements.


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Book Review: Falling For The Competition by Jen Smith

Book Details:

Author: Jen Smith
Release Date: 
6th December 2021
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 295 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Itโ€™s going to be the best summer ever for ambitious, overachieving Quinn. A huge history buff, not only has she landed her dream job interning in the archives department of the local castle, but her best friend will be working there too.
However, Quinn isnโ€™t the only one to be working in Archives this summer; Quinnโ€™s academic rival, Patrick, is sharing her office in Muniments. Theyโ€™re competing for the Letter of Recommendation (singular) from the research historian that Quinn needs to get her dream future placement.

Their emotionally-loaded and competitive rivalry turns into a reluctant friendship, as they spend every day working together in silence (and sharing the occasional Twix). Until the Re-Enactors arrive. Between Patrick and Harry โ€“ the Golden Knight of the jousting team โ€“ Quinnโ€™s carefully planned summer is thrown into complete disarray. Meanwhile, her best friendโ€™s relationship may look perfect on the outside, but Quinn is starting to realise that thereโ€™s more going on than there seems.

Although Quinn is determined and single minded about planning every detail of her sparkling future, she comes to discover that the best things in life are the spontaneous ones โ€“ and that some people are more important than any Letter of Recommendation (singular) could ever be.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Falling For The Competition by Jen Smith is a new un-put-down-able YA romance.

This book is well-written with a great plot that kept me engaged right from the first page to the very last one. I was able to relate to the characters, both the main ones as well as the secondary ones, and was able to form a strong connection with the main lead, Quinn. This book is as interesting as it is entertaining. There wasn’t a single chapter where I felt bored or unfocused and that was a blessing as most YA books tend to do it (at least to me.) So I am really thankful tot eh author for great pacing and tremendous tension throughout the book.

I would highly recommend this book to all YA and romance readers.


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Book Review: Whiplash (Rust Chronicles #1) by Morgan Quaid

Book Details:

Author: Morgan Quaid
Release Date:ย 
8th November 2021
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Dystopian Fiction
Series: Rust Chronicles (Book #1)
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages:ย 322 pages
Publisher: Markosia Enterprises
Blurb:
Are you ready to fight?
Abducted in the dead of night by a mountainous thug and a ginger-haired dwarf, eighteen-year-old Jack Flint is taken to an underground bunker where he and a group of other teens are forced to fight an implacable enemy in a dream world rife with danger.
Whiplash is a fast-paced story set with a rich and intricately detailed fantasy world where nightmarish creatures from the world of dreams threaten the waking world and teens with the ability to lucid dream must fight in a war for humanity’s survival. Above the throng, powerful demigods vie for control while Jack and his companions struggle to find a path out of the madness.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Divergent and Ender’s Game.


Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Whiplash by Morgan Quaid, the first book in the Rust Chronicles series, is a highly imaginative, original and entertaining story.

After a long time, I’ve finally found a young adult book that was actually as good as the blurb suggested. This book has rich characterisation and a brilliant world-building that made this book a memorable read. I loved to read about each and every character and was able to relate to most. The world-building was explained well and the concept’s execution was done very cleverly creating a strong base for the readers for the next books to come in this series.

I enjoyed this book a lot and would definitely recommend it to all YA, Fantasy and Dystopian fiction readers.


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Book Review: Requiem (Tales Of The Five Realms #1) by Rachel V. Knox

Book Details:

Author: Rachel V. Knox 
Release Date: 13th October 2021
Genre: Young Adult, New Adult, Fantasy
Series: Tales Of The Five Realms (Book #1)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 394 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
In a world where light and shade battle for hearts and minds, young rebel, Hagar, earns a scholarship to study magic. But dreams can turn into nightmares. And if someone gets their way, she wonโ€™t see the end of her first year.
At first, Vanar University seems a wonderful place. Hagar aspires to study hard with no distractions and to become an accomplished mage. But distractions are happening to her whether she likes it or not.
Hagarโ€™s old friend, Noq, is at Vanar too. But heโ€™s up to something, and he wonโ€™t tell her what. Thereโ€™s romantic potential with the intelligent and handsome Jude. But is that a good idea, with all his secrets and a needless interest in forbidden dark magic? And thereโ€™s an invitation to join Requiem, a prestigious secret mage society. Hagar should feel honoured. But is Requiem all that it appears to be?

Things start to unravel with conflicting work as a double agent and something dark and hidden in her past thatโ€™s coming back to haunt her. The campus that has become her happy place is going to witness an unleashed evil.
Before the end, Hagar will look into hell itself, and sheโ€™ll discover that even loved ones canโ€™t be trusted…
This new paranormal fantasy is ideal for fans of dark academia and fantasy with magic, witches, and wizards. Imagine studying for a degree in magic at a university with an old library full of magic books and grimoires, demons and ghosts loose on campus, secret societies, and sorcerers into dark magic. Add to that a diverse cast, blossoming romances between student mages, and an exciting end battle against evil.

Suitable for YA, NA, and adult readers.
This is a full-length novel that can be read as a standalone, or as the first in a series set in the Five Realms, a world of supernatural phenomena where light fighters push back against shade, and the Dark

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Requiem by Rachel V. Knox is the first book in the Tales Of The Five Realms series. It is a fantastic fantasy book with amazing world-building, a solid plotline, great characterisation and a very well-executed concept.

I was pulled into the world of this book right from the very first page and was left wanting more when the book ended. I was able to relate to all the characters, primary as well as secondary and enjoyed the world-building tremendously. I am eagerly waiting for the next part in the series to see how things turn out for the characters in the next book.

I would highly recommend this book to all fantasy, YA and NA readers!


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Book Review: The Essence of Magic by Michelle Ermens

Book Details:

Author: Michelle Ermens
Release Date: 30th March 2021
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Magic’s Source (Book #1)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 285 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Can the Magicโ€™s Source help her protect the ones she loves most?
Thera has always known that sheโ€™s different from her wonderful, loving human family. However, that would mean that sheโ€™s one of the specials, beings of legends โ€“ but how could it be, when no human has seen them for hundreds of years?
A visit from a masked stranger who warns her of danger and an attack on her village shatter the life that she knew. Forced to flee with her mother and her younger siblings, Thera finds temporary shelter in special territory, in the home of a beautiful special named Raven.
She needs more than temporary shelter, though. She needs a way to keep her family truly safe. The Magicโ€™s Source might help with protection, but will Thera dare to seek it out and try to get some magic of her own?
And if she does, what kind of magic will she receive, and what new dangers will she find herself in?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Essence of Magic by Michelle Ermens is a fantastic new fantasy read that will definitely blow your mind!

I loved reading this book from the first page to the last! This book had great characterisation, an amazing and very interesting plot, good world-building and brilliant execution of the story idea. I loved the ending and am totally looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

I enjoyed the writing style of the author – it was simple yet good and was easy which made reading this book a pleasure aside from making it a quick read. I would definitely recommend this book to all fantasy readers and lovers of YA genre.


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Book Review: The Tribunals by David Spivak

Book Details:

Author:ย David Spivak
Release Date:ย 28th April 2021
Genre:ย Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult
Series:
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages:ย 222 pages
Publisher:ย New Degree Press
Blurb:
โ€œJustice is about all of us.โ€

New Boston was born out of a series of nuclear wars after the devastating results of climate change rendered the US eastern seaboard uninhabitable. The city kept peace through its self-governing tribunal system and was thriving. But what started off as an egalitarian society began to divide along economic lines. The rich moved into the upper levels of the city and the poor masses retreated below ground. Food became rationed and tensions eruptedโ€ฆ
The Tribunals follows Jaym, a teenager bursting with youthful energy who grew up in the dark alleys of the Furrows. When a job takes him to the upper levels of the city, he soon faces the most powerful family in New Boston, the Chief Justice and his children, Piers and Gwen. Gwen is intrigued by this Furrows boy, Piers feels threatened by the intrusion.
As the city goes through political upheaval, Jaym finds himself fighting forces greater than himself to try and save his friends and, ultimately, the city from a corrupt system. Can New Boston be stopped from complete collapse?

Review

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

The Tribunals by David Spivak is a young-adult post-apocalyptic read packed with action and intrigue.

I liked the concept of the book, though not exactly unique, the world-building so-far moved the plot forward well. The characterisation was good, but I believe we’ll see more development and build-up of characterisation in the next instalments of this series. Still, for the first book in a series (hopefully it is a series) it is a decent enough book.

The story had many twists and some intriguing aspects that kept me turning the pages. I liked the ending and I am looking forward to reading more books by the author, preferably in this series.

I’d recommend this book to all YA and dystopian as well as post-apocalyptic readers.


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Book Review: William Ottoway’s Utopia and other stories by Christopher Griffith

Author:ย Christopher Griffith
Release Date:ย 28th May 2019
Genre:ย Fantasy, Historical, Comedy, YA, Short Story collection
Series:
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages:ย 126 pages
Publisher:ย 
Blurb:
William seeks contented ease, not tragic hardship; Rick loves simple melody, not its mysteriously melancholic effect upon him; Emily dreams of anything but having to work another day for darkly comic Carol; Saman is overcome by revenge fantasy, but the subject of his vengeance wants only reconciliation; and young Will Shakespeareโ€™s dream is to act, not write though the latter as history tells comes eagerly calling for him instead. Each protagonist definitely planned something else when life, in form of these unfolding stories, haply intervened!

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

William Ottoway’s Utopia by Christopher Griffith is a vibrant short story collection of diverse nature showcasing different varieties of narration.

This collection contains 5 tales and I liked reading all of them. I liked this book mostly because of the assorted nature of all the stories. They all had a very different setting, characterisation, narratives, and ever time periods and crossed different realms even. Each and every one of them was very different from each other but equally good and engaging. I liked the way characters were brought to life in a fitting way and the pacing that was set by the clever use of varied types of sentence structures.

I’d recommend this book to readers of all genre especially if they like reading experimental styles of narrative prose.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Graphic Novel Review: #TheTwin by Karel Jan Kosman

Author: Karel Jan Kosman
Release Date:ย 27th April 2018
Genre:ย Science-Fiction, Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Series:
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages:ย 106 pages
Publisher:ย Quires Investments RLLLP
Blurb:

TheTwin is an entertaining and engaging social science fiction. A vividly illustrated story of twin planets, twin heroines, and twin virtues. Food for thoughts served in laconic nuggets of the hashtag age. 

Colorado teenage friends discover a twin planet of Earth in a parallel universe. An adventurous reporter records their quest, and gradually drawn into the story finds the love of his life. 

#TheTwin addresses young readers who will enjoy meeting the planetary twins and their eight female co-stars.

Review

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

#TheTwin by Karel Jan Kosman is a very unique science-fiction novel that is sure to make you question a lot of things both ordinary as well as extraordinary.

I feel a little unsure about this book even though the book has a very compelling concept and a lot of potential, it somehow falls to bring everything together. The writing felt flat and the characters felt too underdeveloped for the kind of story that was conceived. I strongly think that with such a strong plot, one needs to have really good characterisation and a very good narrative to support as well as compliment it. And that is what was lacking in this book.

The graphics were good and I was able to detect a hidden theme running in them which was quite a surprise. I enjoyed them as they were crisp and clear.

I still liked the overall plot and the way the story was told in three different parts and feel that hardcore sci-fi fans might enjoy this story.


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Book Review: Marilia, the Warlord (Chrysathamere Trilogy #1) by Morgan Cole

Author: Morgan Cole 
Release Date: March 2020
Genre: YA Fantays, Coming Of Age
Series: The Chrysthamere Trilogy: Book #1
Format: E-book 
Pages: 482 pages
Publisher: 
Blurb:

Formerly published under the title “Marilia, the Bastard.”
Born the bastard daughter of a painted lady, Marilia was told she would live out her days within the walls of her motherโ€™s brothel, a companion for the rich men of Tyrace. But after a terrible betrayal, Mariliaโ€™s world turns upside down. With the help of her twin brother, Annuweth, she flees the only home sheโ€™s ever known in search of the one man who can offer her a chance at a better lifeโ€“the Emperor of Navesseaโ€™s greatest general, a friend of her deceased father.

What follows is a journey spanning years, from the streets of the desert city of Tyracium to the splendor of the emperorโ€™s keep and the wind-swept, wild island of Svartennos. Along the way, Marilia discovers, for the first time, the gift she has for strategy and warfareโ€”a world that is forbidden to girls like her

When the empire is threatened by a foreign invasion, the defense of Navessea is left in the hands of a cruel and arrogant general no match for the empire’s enemy. With the fate of her new home and her family hanging in the balance, Marilia swears to use all her courage and cunning to do whatever she can to help repel the invasionโ€”if she can convince anyone to follow her.

The struggle that follows will test her to her core and lead her back to the past she thought she had escaped. Facing treachery within her own ranks as well as a devious enemy commander, Marilia will need all the help she can get, even if it means doing something her brother may never forgiveโ€”making a deal with the man who murdered her father.

Inspired by The Song of Achilles and Enderโ€™s Game, Marilia, the Warlord is a blend of the epic and the personal, a story of romance, envy, the rivalry between brother and sister, and one womanโ€™s painful discovery that her childhood dreams werenโ€™t quite what she imagined.

Book Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Marilia: The Warlord by Morgan Cole is the 1st book in the series The Chrysthamere Trilogy and also my first book by author Morgan Cole (pen name.)

The first thing I’d like to mention about this amazing book is that it is full of life, willpower and strength! This book really got me out of my self-pitying reverie (related to some medical issues) and made me feel like myself again. And I am sure it was all possible only because of the main character, Marilia. She is just so full of life, courageous and willing to do anything in order to achieve her goals. Her relationship with her twin brother was not only portrayed well but felt very realistic as the author showed not only the good but also the bad that is an inevitable part of every relationship.

The secondary characters were all good too. But what I liked most after the characterisation was the world-building – it was brilliant! The writing is really good and presents the plot in a really good way, having a great flow to it which made this book an easy read.

If you are a fantasy lover than you must read this book! I highly recommend it to all YA and fantasy lovers.

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Book Review: Requiem, Times Changing by R.J. Parker

Author: R.J. Parker
Release Date:ย 26 September 2019
Genre: Young Adult,ย Fantasy, Adventure
Series:ย Requiem (Book #1)
Format:ย E-book
Pages: 450
Publisher:ย Olympia Publishers
Blurb: Clint and Corbin are having a weird day. Best friends for life, things are getting a little strange around their town, and at school. When they’re followed by a strange man looking for Clint and later attacked by an imp, it makes sense to retreat to the safety of home. But when strangers from another world, Banks and O’Neil, arrive with their medley of allies, things get even weirder. Why are they here? What do they want? And what is The Requiem that everyone keeps talking about? As Clint and his friends and family are drawn deeper into a thrilling adventure, only one thing is for sure. They may not be getting out alive. And class with Mrs Christenson will seem like a walk in the park after this

REVIEW

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Requiem, Changing Times by R.J. Parker is a fantastic new young adult fantasy adventure book that had everything you can expect from it. It was full of action, dramatic adventure, good characterisation, decent writing, a great concept, good story and supernatural beings! What else can you ask for!?

The best part, for me, was the friendship between Clint and Corbin and the focus on family relationships. This book had really good characterisation as I was able to relate to and connect with the protagonist while also liking and rooting for the secondary characters. The writing was mostly good and complimented the story.

This book hooked me right from the beginning right till the end and I’d recommend this book to all the readers who enjoy reading adventure fiction and young adult fantasy books.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Oddity Of The Magicus Eye: Patterns (Part #1) by Patrick Malum

Author: Patrick Malum
Release Date:ย 26th September 2019
Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy, Young Adult, Space Fantasy, Serials,
Series:
Edition:ย E-book
Pages: 75
Publisher:ย WordBuzz Publishing
Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Elenah Lockwood dreams of what lies beyond her boring world of Etheron. With a mind fuelled by amazing, fantastical stories of the vast and sprawling galaxy, she needs only one thing: an opportunity.
Her older brother, Teveran, is destined to go where she cannot and lead the greatest fleets of the revered and indomitable Forty-Ninth Council. But there’s war and unrest, and it frightens him more than anything.
And then there’s the kind and unassuming butler, Gilgan, who has seen the worst of what the galaxy has to offer and is now seeing signs of the very worst happening again. All is not well on Etheron — and in the galaxy — for a sickness swells in the murky galactic depths and it all begins with the Forty-Ninth Council.
The day the Council descends on Etheron begins like any other day . . .
PATTERNS is the first episode of ODDITY OF THE MAGICUS EYE, the monthly space fantasy from the emerging young author Patrick Malum. Prepare for a tale of war, galactic politics, and ancient magic told like nothing else before it.

REVIEW

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Oddity Of The Magicus Eye: Patterns by Patrick Malum is the first episode in the serialised fantasy seriesย Oddity Of The Magicus Eye.ย This is a very quick read and proved to be a complete entertainer. I enjoyed each and every bit of it.

I enjoyed this book from start to end. It moved pretty fast and the tension was evident throughout all chapters making it a page-turner that I wanted to read in a single sitting. The plot was really good and the ending was perfect. I am now eagerly waiting to start with the next episode!

The writing was on point and complemented the plot well. The characterization wasn’t over-complicated and I really appreciated it because the characters were all pretty relatable and likeable (enough for me to have enjoyed reading and knowing more about them.)

Another thing I’d like to mention here is that I was really impressed by the author’s taste in designing this book, something that is always lacking in self-published books. The editing was also in place as was the proof-reading. The book looks gorgeous and compels the reader to pick it up because of how neat and professional it looks. It screams amazing things right from the cover and coupled with that intriguing blurb, the author has got the recipe for a really good book which is equally good on the outside as it is on the inside.

I’d recommend this book to all sci-fi and fantasy readers as it’ll appeal to everyone who loves adventure and action coupled with space and magic. And the fact that it is in the form of short monthly episodes makes it all the more appealing.

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Book Review: A Time of Prophecy (The Outlands Pentalogy #5) by Rebecca Crunden

Author: Rebecca Crunden
Release Date:ย โ€“
Genre:ย Dystopian, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Young Adult
Series:ย The Outlands Pentalogy (Book #5)
Edition:ย E-book
Pages: 330
Publisher: โ€“
Blurb:
In the years since Kitty, Nate and Thom escaped the Kingdom, the Plague has ravaged the population and the rebels have seized two of the northern countries. In an attempt to bring order to the chaos, the leader of the rebels, Nateโ€™s old friend James, has agreed to hold trials for those responsible for intentionally leaking the Plague.
Unfortunately, the rumour in the Kingdom is that Kitty is responsible. To make matters worse, Blaise tells Kitty that the Council, who still count her father as one of their own, are once again experimenting on Radiants. Itโ€™s a horrifying realisation that hits too close to home, and for the first time in her life, Kitty thirsts for vengeance. Itโ€™s a thirst thatโ€™s matched by the one person who has always been her mirror โ€” her Complement, Thom.
On the other side of the Wall in the Outlands, desperate to bring Kitty home and finish the Council once and for all, Thom begins plotting, using the skills heโ€™s long honed to outsmart those with more power. But outsmarting his enemies might turn Thom into the very thing heโ€™s always feared becoming, and war soon seems the only possible solution to stopping the Council and the Hangman. But with more than a few looking to the ancient prophecy of peace, Thom searches desperately for a way to circumvent more bloodshed.
Yet the weight of the years have taken their toll, and as Thomโ€™s physical and mental health deteriorate, Nate struggles with the fallout of past crimes, both the ones he did commit, and the ones he didnโ€™t โ€ฆ

REVIEW

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…+1/2

A Time Of Prophecy by Rebeca Crunden is the last instalment in The Outlands Pentalogy.

What a great end to a great series! OMG, what can I say? There are YA books which revolve around such petty conflicts that they are entirely cringe-worthy and go a long way in destroying the reader’s trust in the genre itself, but then there are some rare gems, like this series, that come out of nowhere and restore your faith in a genre you thought was on the verge of being lost.

This book served as a great end to the series as it answered all the questions I had and provided me with a satisfactory closure. Most of the times, series continue to be great until the last book where everything falls flat or at the least, you are left disappointed or unsatisfied because nothing can do justice to the awesomeness of the story. Many times writers simply don’t know how to end a series and that is what ruins it entirely. But when it comes to this series, we have a writer who not only knows how to begin something epic and but also knows how to end it with the same rigour and grace.

And this series deserved a good ending because it was such a thrilling, complicated, exciting and engaging story about gripping, strong, believable and well-developed characters in realistic and intricate settings. This dystopian series is a hundred times better than most of the “best-selling” series of today. I would happily place this series with the likes of Hunger Games and Six Of Crows because the characters in this series face bigger problems than teenage hormonal dilemmas and are relatable in an unbelievable way.

The writing in this book was on par with the other books so far and made the reading of this book a pleasant ride. The tension and pacing were apt and I finished this book in no more than 3 days, so it was a very quick read. I’d recommend this book to all dystopian and fantasy lovers and to those who want to explore a unique new series by a new author.

Check out the other parts in this pentalogy here:ย A Touch Of Death (The Outlands Pentalogy #1),ย A History Of Madness (The Outlands Pentalogy #2),ย A Promise Of Return (The Outlands Penology #3)ย andย A Dance Of Lies (The Outlands Pentalogy #4)

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

ARC Review: Simon Grey And The March Of A Hundred Ghosts by Charles Kowalski

Author: Charles Kowalski
Release Date:ย 1st August 2019
Genre:ย Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Historical, Travel
Series:ย Simon Grey (Book #1)
Edition: E-book
Pages: 192
Publisher: Excalibur Books
Blurb:
Alone and lost in haunted Japan…

Japan, 1620: A mysterious shipwreck has left cabin boy Simon Grey stranded in an unfamiliar, dangerous land.

He hoped that a long sea voyage would provide some relief from his “gift” of seeing ghosts everywhere on land. Instead, he finds that his ability draws him into the shadowy world of yokai, the spirits and monsters that roam Japan by night. Together with the mysterious Oyuki, daughter of an English sailor-turned-samurai, Simon must earn the yokai’s trust and help, while staying one step ahead of the Shogun’s guards and an evil sorcerer determined to discover the “secret” of Simon’s powers.

As they struggle to stay alive and find a way home, Simon and Oyuki deal with friends and foes from both sides of the grave.

Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts is a gripping fantasy adventure that will appeal to fans of Percy Jackson and Young Samurai.

REVIEW

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Simon Grey And The March Of A Hundred Ghostsย by Charles Kowalski is a beautiful historical story set in the backdrop of Japan, laced with unlimited adventure, which proved to be an absolute entertainer. ย I enjoyed reading this book because it had the perfect characterization a solid and unique concept and good writing style. It had all the elements to make it a complete and fun read.

The writing style was simple yet effective and the story flowed pretty well from the beginning to end. The pacing was even and the tension created had a great graph. The book was culturally rich and provided keen insights into Japan’s history all the time carefully managing not to get too overly informative.

Overall it was a really enjoyable book and I’d recommend it to all readers who enjoy reading adventure stories in historical settings, especially the readers who like exploring new cultrues.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tehereh Mafi

Author: Tahereh Mafi
Release Date:ย 2nd October 2012
Genre:ย Young Adult Fantasy, Dystopian
Series:ย Shatter Me (Book #1)
Edition:ย Paperback
Pages:
Publisher: โ€“
Blurb:
Juliette hasnโ€™t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Julietteโ€™s touch is fatal. As long as she doesnโ€™t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds donโ€™t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war โ€“ and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe sheโ€™s exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

REVIEW

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Shatter Me by Tehereh Mafi is one the most popular YA series of recent years but despite the hype that surrounds this series, the first book failed to impress me. I enjoyed and appreciated the author’s world-making prowess, but the characterization completely ruined the book for me. The main character, Juliette, was not only annoying, but she also came off a bit as a narcissist as well. The entire time I feel that rather than showing the author was forcing the reader to feel sorry for how Juliette has been misunderstoodย her entire life which only made me resent her.

The romantic angle did absolutely nothing to make the book interesting, so that was another thing that disappointed me. I liked the settings and the world a lot though, so I’ll be reading the next book for these two things (and also to see what happened to Warner because, let’s face it, he was more interesting than Juliette and Adam combined.)

Anyway, here my video review for this book, hope this sums up my issues with the book!

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You can also read this review on Goodreads

Book Review: A Dance Of Lies (The Outlands Pentalogy #4) by Rebecca Crunden

Author: Rebecca Crunden
Release Date:ย โ€“
Genre:ย Dystopian, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Young Adult
Series:ย The Outlands Pentalogy (Book #4)
Edition:ย E-book
Pages:
Publisher: โ€“
Blurb:
A year into the Outlands and life has only become more dangerous and complex for Kitty and her friends. Not only are the Outcasts hunting them, but Charles and Ciara are adamant about returning to the Kingdom to help, forcing everyone to take a side. To make matters worse, the leader of the Outcasts, Quen, has an unrelenting fascination with Thom and Nate that soon reaches horrific heights.

As tensions mount and the group begins to splinter, Riddle comes to Kitty with an unexpected request. A secret. One that makes them inseparable.

Kitty soon finds herself spending more and more time away from Nate and Thom, learning to fight and increasingly drawn into the ways of the Radiants. But Kitty and Riddle’s new bond doesn’t come without complications, and a decision made by the two of them threatens more than Kitty’s relationship with Nate …

REVIEW

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A Dance Of Lies by Rebecca Crunden is the second last part inย The Outlands Pentalogy and the sequel toย A Promise Of Return. In this instalment, things progress slowly as compared to the other parts in this series till now, but nonetheless, they progress steadily giving the feeling that it is a slow build-up to something very important. And alas, the ending was a smashing hit because of such subtle build-up leading to it all throughout this book.

I enjoyed reading this book greatly even because of the slow pace followed in most of the book because the story kept taking me forward and the air of inevitable danger lent it a really good vibe. The characterization was great as usual and we got to see Kitty again along with some other major characters. The ending was mindblowing and has created a lot of excitement for the last part of this series.

Again, I’d recommend this book as well as the entire series to young-adult and dystopian readers and also to anyone looking to get into a new series by a relatively new author.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: The Curse Of Time (Bloodstone #1) by M.J. Mallon

Author:ย M.J. Mallon
Release Date:ย 2nd April 2018
Genre:ย Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Bloodstone (Book #1)
Edition:ย E-book
Pages:ย 237
Publisher:ย Kyrosmagica Publishing
Blurb:
Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.

REVIEW

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The Curse Of Time by M.J. Mallon is an intricate fantasy novel with unique supernatural and magical elements which serves as a highly entertaining read. I had a great time reading this novel and exploring the magical world of Amelina full of magic crystals and enchanted mirrors.

The writing is good, the characterization decent and the pacing and tension in sync with the plot. The plot-progression was good and the character development was something I really appreciated in this story. The simple use of language complimented the plot and made it an enjoyable read.

The only problem Iย had when I started reading this book was that there were a number of themes running through the book, which at times felt a little bit confusing to me. But as I progressed further in the story, everything started to fall into place, and eventually, everything started to make more sense. So, maybe it was intentional or maybe not, either way, it wasn’t a big issue as I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it to all fantasy and supernatural readers.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon