Book Review: The Adventures of Chii 1: Shadows of Valoria by Alisanya

10/06/202510/06/2025Adventure, coming-of-age, Fantasy, High fantasy, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Alisanya
Release Date: June 28, 2025
Series: The Adventures of Chii (Book 1)
Genre: High Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-Age,
Format: E-book
Pages: 333 pages
Publisher: Nekomancer Books
Blurb:
Would you have the strength to get back up after losing everything?
Chii’s peaceful life is shattered when a dark mist engulfs her village, turning everyone into shadowy specters… except for her. Terrified, she flees into the woods, stumbling upon a group of bandits who sell her into slavery. After a long, agonizing year, Chii escapes the horrors of captivity and encounters unexpected allies who help her find her strength. With newfound skills, she sets off adventuring, determined to uncover the mystery behind the shadowy fog that stole her life. Little does she know, the eerie mist—and her own self—harbors a far more sinister secret than she could have ever imagined…

This high fantasy tale of a charming, resourceful heroine features an intricate and unpredictable plot, strategic combat scenes, and shocking revelations. The outcome of the action-packed battles hinges on clever tactics and teamwork, as each individual—friend or foe—possesses their own unique abilities and weaknesses. And with stunning illustrations scattered throughout, the world and its diverse characters truly come to life.
Don’t miss out—begin your adventure today!

Review

The Adventures of Chii by Alisanya is one of those books that reads like a heartfelt anime adventure with surprising emotional depth and an unexpected undercurrent of darkness. What starts as a coming-of-age tale of a sweet, spirited catgirl quickly morphs into a layered journey through trauma and power reclaimed.

Chii, the titular heroine, is a petite catgirl whose idyllic childhood is torn apart by a mysterious mist that turns her entire village into howling, shadowy spectres. From that moment on, her life spirals into slavery, survival, and slowly—painfully—freedom. I found the setup heartbreakingly vivid. There’s a real sense of emotional texture in how author Alisanya portrays the grief, betrayal, and vulnerability of a child thrust into a brutal world not of her choosing.

But Chii is no passive victim. As the story unfolds, she evolves—emotionally and magically. She finds allies, trains with fae warriors, joins tournaments, investigates disappearances, and grapples with the demonic power pulsing within her. It’s all set in a richly imagined fantasy world. The magical systems are well thought-out, the dialogue feels anime-authentic, and the tone blends charm with stakes in a way that kept me engaged throughout.

What I loved most was Chii’s voice is that it’s innocent without being naive and determined without becoming jaded. Whether she’s facing bandits, rival mages, or emotional betrayal, her spirit remains luminous. The supporting cast—Akila, Leon, Samir, Ethan—each bring different energies to the story, and some of their arcs genuinely surprised me. That said, I did find a few scenes leaning into genre tropes a little heavily, and the pacing, particularly around the middle chapters, occasionally stalled.

For fans of Sword Art Online, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, or The Rising of the Shield Hero, Chii will feel both familiar and fresh. And with its hint of darker themes like demonic influence, moral ambiguity, and emotional sacrifice, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of a much engaging saga. I am looking forward to Volume 2!

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Book Review: The Cobbler’s Crusaders by Rick Steigelman

28/05/202527/05/2025Comedy, coming-of-age, Contemporary Fiction, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Rick Steigelman
Release Date: May 4, 2025
~~Series~~:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Coming-of-Age
Format: E-book
Pages: 244 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Jacquelyn Pajot is a nine-year-old American girl whose excitement over a solo visit to her grandmother in Paris is soon diminished by the discovery that the grandmother is far more devoted to dragging her to church every day than she is in showing her the much-anticipated sights of the city. Jacquelyn’s despair is remedied when she meets a pair of local girls, Nicolette and Genevieve, who are only too happy to lead the American astray. Jacquelyn, to her giddy astonishment, finds herself cajoled into joining her young companions in singing for money on the streets of Montmartre and leg kicking for laughs before the doors of the Moulin Rouge.
Jacquelyn’s joy over this ‘new’ life is tempered when she learns the circumstances of Genevieve’s father, a charming but financially struggling cobbler. Employing her own creative skills to produce a flier, Jacquelyn devises an advertising campaign that quickly spirals out of her control and into the hands of her more mischievous friends. By means both legal and not, the two French girls set a dubious course that has Jacquelyn flirting with the prospect of prison, purgatory and, most perilously, her grandmother’s righteous indignation.

Review

The Cobbler’s Crusaders by Rick Steigelman is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. What initially presents itself as a light-hearted caper quickly turns into a rich, character-driven exploration of found family, youthful rebellion, and a cobbler’s quiet revolution in the heart of Montmartre.

At its core, the novel orbits around Monsieur Joly, a quirky but lovable cobbler, whose shoe shop becomes a haven for three spirited girls, Genevieve, Jacquelyn, and Nicolette, each brimming with mischief and misplaced fliers. Their antics, ranging from accidental blasphemy to provocative street campaigns, are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, constantly toeing the line between satire and sincerity.

The writing is sharp, warm, and laced with wit that never tries too hard. Dialogue dances with personality, especially when juxtaposing the multilingual confusion of the American Jacquelyn with her Parisian companions. I loved how the author uses humor as a subversive lens, a kind of resistance against social norms, parental expectations, and even moral rigidity.

Beneath all the comedic mishaps, there’s a beautiful sense of intergenerational connection. The dynamic between Jacquelyn and her grandmother, Catherine, is particularly touching as it anchors the story in emotional truth while allowing the young cast to explore their own emerging identities and moral boundaries.

If I had to critique anything, it would be the pacing. At times, the humor slows the narrative momentum, especially during longer sequences of misdirection and hiding. Yet, these scenes also add charm and character, so it’s a gentle flaw that you can forgive because the prose is just so full of heart!

This book is a gentle satire, a Parisian coming-of-age romp, and an ode to eccentric fatherhood all in one. I’d easily recommend it to readers who enjoy novels like A Man Called Ove or The Elegance of the Hedgehog, stories that offer laughter, but also invite you to pause and feel something deeper.

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

22/05/2025Action, Adventure, Alternate History, Dystopian, Fantasy, noir, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, steampunk, Surreal Fiction, Young AdultLeave a Comment

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: E-book
Pages: 405 pages
Publisher: GBE Press
Blurb:
Janna Tulli, a disillusioned airship mechanic, is on the run from her father’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 Dreadnought Formidable, is out for revenge against the empire that made him into a monster. 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 Empire’s enemies and civilians alike.

Arthur’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

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 Janna—a disillusioned rebel mechanic; Elsie—a workhouse orphan desperate for a life beyond servitude; and Arthur Pendington—a once-loyal imperial captain turned insurgent. Each voice brings a distinct texture to the story. Janna’s inner turmoil, especially, stood out to me—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 midsections—especially the early Elsie chapters—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 falters—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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Audiobook Review: Bell Hammers by Lancelot Schaubert

12/06/202312/06/2023coming-of-age, Historical, historical-fiction, Humor, Lancelot SchaubertLeave a Comment

Author: Lancelot Schaubert
Narrator:
Release Date: 14th March 2023
Genre: Historical fiction, Humour, Coming Of Age
~~Series~~:
Format: Audiobook
Length: 7 hours
Publisher: Vale
Blurb:
PRANKS. OIL. PROTEST. JOKES BETWEEN NEWLYWEDS.
AND ONE HILARIOUS SIEGE OF A MAJOR CORPORATION.
Remmy grows up with Beth in Bellhammer, Illinois as oil and coal companies rob the land of everything that made it paradise. Under his Grandad, he learns how to properly prank his neighbors, friends, and foes. Beth tries to fix Remmy by taking him to church. Under his Daddy, Remmy starts the Bell Hammer Construction Company, which depends on contracts from Texarco Oil.

And Beth argues with him about how to build a better business. Together, Remmy and Beth start to build a great neighborhood of “merry men” carpenters: a paradise of s’mores, porch furniture, newborn babies, and summer trips to Branson where their boys pop the tops off of the neighborhood’s two hundred soda bottles. Their witty banter builds a kind of castle among a growing nostalgia.
Then one of Jim Johnstone’s faulty Texarco oil derricks falls down on their house and poisons their neighborhood’s well.
Poisoned wells escalate to torched dog houses. Torched dog houses escalate to stolen carpentry tools and cancelled contracts. Cancelled contracts escalate to eminent domain. Sick of the attacks from Texaco Oil on his neighborhood, Remmy assembles his merry men:
“We need the world’s greatest prank. One grand glorious jest that’ll bloody the nose of that tyrant. Besides, pranks and jokes don’t got no consequences, right?”

REVIEW

Bell Hammers by Lancelot Schaubert is a unique combination of historical fiction that is interlaced with humor. In this book, the author shares the story of Remmy as he grows up into a man and is exposed to the true realities surrounding him. The author’s deft writing and exceptional observations lend this book an unparalleled quality that makes it both an excellent read (or listen) and a reality check of evils such as corporate corruption that plague our society.

This book is a phenomenal read, especially for anyone who grew up in the good ol’ days but because it is so relatable and mind-blowing and funny, I’d recommend it to each and every reader.

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Audiobook Review: A Dog Of Many Names by Douglas Green

28/03/2022Contemporary Fiction, Douglas GreenLeave a Comment

Author: Douglas Green (Director of The Hiding Place)
Narrator: Kelly McNair
Release Date: 3rd January 2021
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Coming-Of-Age
~~Series~~:
Format: Audiobook
Length: 4 hours and 17 minutes
Publisher: Circuit Breaker Books
Blurb:
Born a runt, Rascal is destined to be an underdog. Despite what looked like an unbreakable bond with the daughter of the family who bred her, Rascal’s devotion is discarded when the mother loses her job, forcing the family into a financial crisis. Bitter and resentful toward a dog they can no longer afford to keep and who was never really wanted, the family throws out the young dog like garbage. Driven out to the country and left roadside, Rascal has nothing but a few pieces of kibble to help her survive the night.

Abandoned and alone, Rascal must learn to fend for herself and embark on a harsh and dangerous journey through wolf terrain in the mountain wilderness of Northern California. Along the way, she meets new families and strangers and is given many names. But will she ever settle with one family and one name? A Dog of Many Names is a courageous story of survival, seen through the eyes of a scared and desperate dog who just wants to love, be loved, and be given one last name.

REVIEW

A Dog Of Many Names by Douglas Green is an inspiring yet gut-wrenching story of a dog who is abandoned and has to fend of herself until she meets new people and families and her journey to find herself and a new home continues.

This book elicited so many emotions in me that at one point it got very, very triggering for me. But I had to get through it as I wanted to know what happens with the story of the beautiful dog that Rascal is. Being an animal activist and someone who actively engages in the rescue missions for cats, I am well aware how people abandon their pets and leave them away from home not caring a lick about what they would do or how they’d survive. So it was deeply disturbing for me to read about it but I appreciated the author’s honesty because these are facts of life and have to be told to people so that they understand that doing so is not only wrong but also inhumane!

Coming to the book – the writing is great and had a very nice flow and the plot was crafted very carefully. Although it was a difficult read because of the concept and my close relation with the rescuing of animals, I am glad that I read this book. It is very informative and agonisingly real and I honestly think it is a must-read.

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ARC Review: Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven

30/11/2021Contemporary Fiction, Jonathan Koven, Magic RealismLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Jonathan Koven
Release Date: 3rd December 2021
Genre: Coming Of Age, Contemporary Fiction, Magic Realism
Series:
Format: E-book
Pages: 190 pages
Publisher: Electric Eclectic
Blurb:
It’s Christmas, and strange occurrences are plaguing the small town of Torrential Hill: a supernatural comet, undead insects, exploding streetlights, and a presence luring people into the woods. But when the mother of Tristen—a wistful, fatherless sixteen-year-old boy—hears voices from the kitchen sink, all he can think of is running away.

Review

Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven is a well-written coming of age contemporary tale that is full of intrigue and surreal appeal.

I liked reading this book mostly because the story had a great flow and the pacing kept me glued to the pages until the end. I was able to relate and connect to the main character, Tristan, and really enjoyed reading about his journey. The writing is good, the story is great and the execution is amazing. The suspense in the story ran high throughout the pages and I enjoyed the surrealness of the supernatural elements that took the story to an entirely another level.

I highly recommend this book to all readers because this book has something to offer to all its readers. And I can’t think of a better novella to recommend reading so close to Christmas!