Book Review: The Convergence: Restoration (The Convergence Series) by Richard French

Book Details:

Author: Richard French
Release Date: 8 July 2025
Series: Part of: The Convergence Series (2 books)
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 530 pages
Publisher: Indie Pen Press
Blurb:
When reality fractures, love becomes the ultimate weapon.
Engineer Samantha Reed’s perfectly ordered world explodes the night golden light erupts from her hands. Across the city, artist Connor Blake watches impossible shadows flow from his sculptures, defying every law of physics. Neither understands that these abilities mark them as living echoes of souls who died 150 years agoโ€”souls who sacrificed themselves to save reality itself.
Now reality is breaking again.
Cosmic forces write aurora patterns across daylight skies. Reality storms tear through populated sectors. And the zealous Williams organization deploys weapons designed to destroy souls so completely that no form of existenceโ€”not even reincarnationโ€”would survive.

But Samantha and Connor are more than just targets.
They’re the key to completing a restoration that was interrupted a century and a half ago. As shared dreams and inexplicable compulsions draw them together, they discover their connection transcends this lifetimeโ€”and that their growing love might be the only force powerful enough to heal wounds carved into the fabric of existence itself.
The hunt is closing in. Reality won’t wait. And some bonds are stronger than death.
Margaret Carter, guardian of forbidden historical knowledge, races to reach them before the Williams assassins strike. Emergency coordinator Nina Reyes struggles to protect civilians as magical disasters escalate beyond all containment. And deep in classified archives, evidence emerges that everything the magical authorities believe about unified consciousnessโ€”and the couple who wields itโ€”is catastrophically wrong.
In this breathtaking sequel to The Convergence: Broken Magic, two souls separated by lifetimes must choose between individual survival and cosmic salvation. Their victory heals the broken reality around them, letting them become guides for a restored world while keeping both their love and their lives..
Perfect for readers who loved The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and The Priory of the Orange Tree.
โญ Enemies-to-lovers across family bloodlines
โญ Reincarnated soulmates with preserved memories
โญ Contemporary fantasy with hidden magical history
โญ Engineer meets artist in a love story that could heal the universe
โญ Complex worldbuilding with philosophical depth
Some missions transcend individual authority. Some love transcends time itself.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Convergence: Restoration by Richard French is the sequel to The Convergence: Broken Magic and it doesn;t just continue the story, it deepens it, revealing new dimensions that make you see the first book in an entirely new light. Picking up after Broken Magic, it expands the seriesโ€™ universe in breathtaking ways, weaving together romance, philosophy, and speculative science into a narrative that feels as intimate as it is cosmic.

At its heart are Samantha and Connor, two people drawn together by forces older than memory itself. What begins as a story of survival quickly evolves into something much larger, a meditation on destiny, choice, and the enduring power of connection across lifetimes. Author French balances these high-concept ideas with brilliant emotional balance; the bond between his leads feels real and raw, even as they face realities that bend time, physics, and spiritual law. Itโ€™s that balance, between the epic and the personal, that gives Restoration its resonance.

What truly stands out for me is the philosophical depth behind the fantasy. French explores the nature of consciousness and love not as abstractions but as forces capable of reshaping existence itself. The supporting characters serve as lenses through which the reader witnesses the clash between old magic and new understanding. The world-building is rich and intricate, but never overwhelming; it feels like stepping into a grand, hidden architecture of reality thatโ€™s slowly being restored, one choice at a time.

By the time the story reaches its climax, The Convergence: Restoration becomes not just a tale of two soulmates but a story about collective healing, about how connection, compassion, and memory can literally rebuild the broken. Itโ€™s equal parts thrilling, tender, and thought-provoking, the kind of speculative fiction that stays with you long after you close the book.

The Convergence: Restoration is a sweeping, emotional, and intellectually satisfying sequel that fuses science, magic, and love into something transcendent. it is perfect for readers who adored The Ten Thousand Doors of January or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, and for anyone drawn to stories where love isnโ€™t just a feeling but a force of creation.


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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: Cinnamon Soul (Cinna and Hokuren Book 1) by Quinn Lawrence

Book Details:

Author: Quinn Lawrence
Release Date:
April 17, 2025
Series: Cinna and Hokuren (Book 1)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Humour
Format: E-book 
Pages: 310 pages
Publisher: Fondence City Press
Blurb:
“The two of us against all of them? How unfair for them.”
Seeker Hokurenโ€™s big break is coming: the prince of Velles hires her to find his missing daughter. Tracking down all those lost pet cats for a pittance has finally paid off.
Together with her eager but raw elven assistant Cinna, Hokuren quickly sees the case spiral into much more than a mere missing princess. Thereโ€™s an elf kidnapping scheme, magic said to no longer be possible (never trust the wizards), a long lost goddess, and a monstrous captain of the guard in the middle of it all.

When Cinna is caught in the crosshairs, Hokuren is working for more than the needed pay: sheโ€™s got to uncover every secret to save Cinnaโ€™s life. Theyโ€™ll need to work together against militant librarians, crazed acolytes, and even her former boss in the City Watch. Because as Hokurenโ€™s bond with Cinna grows, it seems everyone believes the biggest secret of them all is hiding within her unassuming assistant. . .
A lighthearted and fast-paced fantasy adventure full of action, mystery and sly humor, Cinnamon Soul is also the heart-warming exploration of an unbreakable bond of friendship forged between two women as they struggle against the forces of the elite and powerful.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Wow! What a ride. Cinnamon Soul by Quinn Lawrence is a deeply character-driven exploration of identity, trauma, and the complicated inheritance of power. At the heart of this story is Cinna, an orphaned elf with no illusions about her place in the world. Sheโ€™s sarcastic, stubborn, and scuffed by lifeโ€”but thatโ€™s what makes her so compelling.

From its opening pages, the novel delivers a whip-smart narrative voice thatโ€™s impossible to ignore. Cinna is a force, barreling through the alleyways of Velles chasing criminals one moment, and then stumbling, quite literally, into a spiritual awakening the next. When itโ€™s revealed that a goddess named Senara has been secretly living in her soul since birth, the narrative pivots into something far more layered: an examination of consent, purpose, and self-determination.

What I found particularly affecting was how the novel treats divinity with skepticism. Cinna doesn’t revere Senara; she challenges her. And the more the goddess reveals about Cinnaโ€™s past and future, the more the novel begins to interrogate the very idea of divine right. It’s bold, philosophical, and filled with ethical grey zones that I loved wading through.

But donโ€™t let the existential themes fool you because this book is also funny, fast-paced, and full of brilliant world-building. The magical systems are creative, the politics are messy and real, and the supporting cast grounds the narrative in emotional truth. Hokurenโ€™s steady presence and fierce protectiveness offer the perfect foil to Cinnaโ€™s recklessness.

The soul-world segments, dripping with surreal detail, gave me Spirited Away vibes but laced with a distinctly adult kind of grief and growth. Thereโ€™s something truly special in how author Lawrence renders the soul: moss-covered ground, blueberry-dotted dresses from forgotten childhood dreams, and monsters that speak like mentors.

By the time I turned the last page, I was exhausted in the best way. Cinnamon Soul confronts and demands that we question who gets to shape a destiny, and whether inherited power, divine or otherwise, is ever truly benign. Highly recommended for readers who crave emotionally rich fantasy with brains, heart, and teeth.


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

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?
Chiiโ€™s peaceful life is shattered when a dark mist engulfs her village, turning everyone into shadowy spectersโ€ฆ 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 mistโ€”and her own selfโ€”harbors a far more sinister secret than she could have ever imaginedโ€ฆ

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 individualโ€”friend or foeโ€”possesses their own unique abilities and weaknesses. And with stunning illustrations scattered throughout, the world and its diverse characters truly come to life.
Donโ€™t miss outโ€”begin your adventure today!

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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 slowlyโ€”painfullyโ€”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 evolvesโ€”emotionally and magically. She finds allies, trains with fae warriors, joins tournaments, investigates disappearances, and grapples with the demonic power pulsing within her. Itโ€™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 Chiiโ€™s voice is that itโ€™s innocent without being naive and determined without becoming jaded. Whether sheโ€™s facing bandits, rival mages, or emotional betrayal, her spirit remains luminous. The supporting castโ€”Akila, Leon, Samir, Ethanโ€”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, itโ€™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: Hidden Witch: Betrayal: Book Twoย by Tony Jaehrling

Book Details:

Author: Tony Jaehrling
Release Date:
November 12, 2024
Series: Betrayal (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Witchcraft, Demons
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 438 pages
Publisher: Peter Anthony Jaehrling
Blurb:
In her first few months on the Lorynthian throne, Tamyr Thimpor survived internal assaults to her reign, including two assassination attempts.
Just when the internal difficulties have been brought under control, an external threat manifests.ย Tamyr is kidnappedย and transported to the Badlands where she is held captive by a witch and seven demons who intend to take her to Nyv’ral, the mountain city,ย where she is to be executed.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Hidden Witch by Tony Jaehrling picks up right where Reluctant Queen left off, thrusting us into the Badlands with Tamyr, a protagonist who is rapidly evolving from reluctant monarch to formidable force. What struck me most in this installment is how Author Jaehrling expands the worldbuilding with detailed magical systems, various witch factions, and yes, demons that are both terrifying and compelling.

The pacing is brisk, the action scenes tight, and the emotional threads are handled with care. Tamyrโ€™s inner turmoil of her self-doubt, anger, and resilience, feels authentic and hard-earned. Thereโ€™s also a layered richness to the supporting cast. Lowen especially is a standout being a pale-haired witch walking a moral tightrope.

Author Jaehrling does a great job of making this a darker, more introspective middle chapter. If Reluctant Queen was about legacy, Hidden Witch is about survival, and preparing to fight back. I knocked off one star only because I wanted slightly more breathing space between high-stakes scenes, a moment or two more for emotional reflection and character interaction, but honestly, this is a gripping, propulsive read.

If you’re a fan of morally complex fantasy with strong female leads, Hidden Witch absolutely delivers.


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ARC Review: Two Crowns, Three Blades (The Legends of Baelon Book 2)ย by Robert A. Walker

Book Details:

Author: Robert A. Walker
Release Date:
April 30, 2025
Series: The Legends of Baelon (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 393 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
โ€œRevenge is a temptress, full of promise, but she rarely satisfiesโ€ฆ and almost always exacts payment.โ€œStill grieving over the loss of his wife and daughter, King Axil of Aranox declares war on The Guild of Takers. The GOTโ€™s High Order responds, strengthening its efforts to kill both of Baelonโ€™s monarchs. Tristan Godfrey seeks his brotherโ€™s murderer, and true love is made to wait again as Sibil Dunn embarks on a solitary crusade. Saved from the guillotine, Overseer Reynard Rascall looks to avenge Spiroโ€™s death, while retired Royal Guard, Rolft Aerns, recovers from his wounds and puts away his swordโ€”until, that is, he learns of Sibilโ€™s quest.
And all of Baelon hangs in the balance.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Thereโ€™s epic fantasy, and then thereโ€™s Baelon. Author Robert A. Walker returns with Two Crowns, Three Blades, an emotionally rich and expansively plotted tale that refuses to be boxed into the usual tropes. This book took me deeper into the world he so vividly carved in Six Moons, Seven Gods, but this time, the narrative heart is Sibil Dunn, and what a heart she has.

Author Walker has this unique ability to blend the elegance of high fantasy with the grittiness of lived trauma. Sibilโ€™s journey that is part grief-soaked pilgrimage, part battle cry, is full of tenderness, fury, and painfully honest introspection. From dreamlike forest encounters to political maneuvering in war-torn castles, every chapter feels like a painting: atmospheric, emotionally charged, and tinged with bittersweet tension.

The prose flows beautifully, it is lyrical yet grounded, and I truly appreciated how much depth was given to the emotional fallout of war and vengeance. Author Walker doesnโ€™t shy away from the weight of loss. He lets his characters breathe through it. But what really made this book sing was its handling of legacy, both personal and political. We see young people like Sibil and Tristan trying to reconcile inherited grief with the need to carve out their own purpose. There’s an almost Shakespearean tension between duty and identity, particularly in the climactic moments between Sibil and King Axil. Itโ€™s subtle, powerful, and brilliantly done.

If I had to nitpick (as an editor, I must), I might say that the middle sagged just slightly under the weight of dense political strategizing. But thatโ€™s a small matter in the grand scope of what Author Walker accomplishes here. This is what fantasy should be: grand in scale, intimate in voice, and unafraid to ask hard questions about loyalty, love, and the cost of courage.

I highly recommend it to fans of Robin Hobb, Tad Williams, and emotionally intelligent fantasy in the vein of The Priory of the Orange Tree or The Faithful and the Fallen. This book (and series) is a must-read!


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Book Review: Legends of Heraldale IV: Our Final Act by Brian McNatt

Book Details:

Author: Brian McNatt
Release Date: April 21, 2023
Series: Legends of Heraldale (Book #4)
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 84 pages
Publisher: New Degree Press
Blurb:
โ€œREVENGE, BEVIN! REVENGE FOR MORDRED,
PAID IN FULL BY EVERY MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSE!
MY SISTERโ€™S WORDS SHALL RING TRUE YET!โ€
The dire warning sends a bolt a terror through
the heart of battle-hardened Sir Bevin. Reminded
of a part of her life she thought far behind her,
the unicorn warrior travels east to the lands of
the banished Wolf-Lords in a race to keep foes
old and new from joining together.

But war waits for no mare, as Princess Galaxy
and the rest of her friends and family prepare a last,
desperate plan to destroy the Gran Harmonium and
end the war once and for all.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

“Legends of Heraldale IV: Our Final Act” by Brian McNatt is an absolute delight and a brilliant finale to a series that has been close to my heart since the first book. McNatt’s storytelling prowess truly shines in this installment, blending a richly imagined world, vibrant characters, and a story that had me hooked from the very beginning.

I was completely immersed in the world McNatt created. The vivid descriptions and intricate details made the world of Heraldale feel alive and tangible. Itโ€™s rare to find a book where the setting feels like a character in its own right, but McNatt pulls this off effortlessly. The depth of the lore and the attention to detail in constructing this world are simply breathtaking.

The characters, many of whom we’ve grown to love since the first book, are the soul of this story. McNatt has a way of making each character feel like an old friend, with their quirks, growth, and journeys. Seeing how theyโ€™ve evolved over the series and how their stories intertwine in this final act was incredibly satisfying. Itโ€™s like catching up with old friends and seeing how far theyโ€™ve come.

The pacing of the book is just perfect. McNatt strikes a brilliant balance, weaving tension and excitement throughout the story in a way that kept me turning pages, yet also allowing space for quieter, more reflective moments. Itโ€™s a rollercoaster ride that had me on the edge of my seat but also gave me moments to pause and soak in the journey.

Overall, “Legends of Heraldale IV: Our Final Act” is a phenomenal read. It’s a book that not only concludes the series with a bang but also reminds me why I fell in love with McNattโ€™s world in the first place. Itโ€™s a heartfelt goodbye to a world and characters that Iโ€™ve cherished, and I couldnโ€™t have asked for a more fitting end.

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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: Le Fay (A Life Out There #2) by Brian McNatt

Book Details:

Author: Brian McNatt
Release Date:ย 
19th November 2021
Series: A Life Out There (Book #2)
Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 237
Publisher:
Blurb:
In the cold, remote north, Eishaven waits. Home of refugees and outcasts. Home of Candida the princess-no-more, making a life on the edge of the world with Shun, her wife and fellow runaway.
In the waters off the coast of Eishaven, a burning ship sinks. In its hold, Candida finds only one survivor, the bright but scared unicorn filly named Nessa. With her comes a quest . . . and a threat to shatter this newfound family. Many threats. Imperial unicorn soldiers. Gryphon renegades. Vengeful family. And at the end of the path, on the precipice of the happy ending, the nightmare of all Wolf-Lords . . . LE FAY.
In this fantastical new story, following after the events of A LIFE OUT THERE, author Brian McNatt takes readers on a journey expanding the world of Heraldaleโ€”and Princess Candidaโ€™s place in itโ€”in ways they could never imagine.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Le Fay by Brian McNatt is a new adult fantasy novel that will pull you into the world of Heraldale and won’t let you stop until you’ve finished the entire book and still leave you to read more, the next one in the series. This book is a sequel to A Life Out There and picks up directly where the book ends. So this book should ideally be read in order after the first book.

The best part about this book was the characterisation. The creatures and species that the author has introduced in this book, and the ones he has used from the last part, are simply phenomenal and well-developed. They are all a delight to read about and I am looking forward to reading the next part already!

The author’s writing is brilliant and makes the story flow very well. Overall it is a great fantasy read with amazing world-building, great characters and amazing narration so I’d recommend it to all fantasy fans and to anyone who wants to explore a new series by a new author.


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Book Review: Into the Undercastle (The Shadow Arcanist Trilogyย #1) by Alexander Dawnrider

Book Details:

Author: Alexander Dawnrider
Release Date:ย 
31st January 2022
Series: The Shadow Arcanist (Book #1)
Genre: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages:ย 406 pages
Publisher: Dawnrider Press
Blurb:
A kingdom in peril. A forbidden stronghold. An unimaginable horror.
For centuries, the northern kingdom has faced constant attacks from hostile creatures in the surrounding wilderness. The population has dwindled to a few hundred, and an army of savage humanoids threatens to wipe Talidith out forever.

Their only hope is the Undercastle, a subterranean fortress built long ago to protect the people during an invasion. But it has been sealed by a mad king, and entry is punishable by death.
The young fisherman Aedan, along with his father, must retreat with the rest of the population to the Undercastle to wait out the invasion, hoping for help from the outside. But when their presence releases an evil from another realm, it threatens to destroy not only what is left of Talidith, but the entire world.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Into The Undercastle by Alexander Dawnrider is the first book in the epic fantasy series, The Shadow Arcanist.

I absolutely loved this book; right from brilliant concept and great plotting to amazing characterisation and heart-thumping tension, this book had everything that I had expected from it and more! The storyline is superb and keeps one engaged with its various twists and turns the whole time. I am now eagerly awaiting the release of the second book in this series (and then the next one!) as I cannot wait to see what happens after the ending!

I will strongly recommend this book to all fantasy readers as this book has so much going for it. This amazing book will definitely entertain and engage you right from the beginning to the very end!


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Book Review: White Storks Of Mercy – Formation by ย Joni Anderson Van Berkelย 

Book Details:

Author: Joni Anderson Van Berkel 
Release Date: 
23rd November 2021
Series: White Storks Of Mercy trilogy (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Format: E-book 
Pages: 405 pages
Publisher: jponipress
Blurb:
The first book of this new trilogy is set in a world where reality and fantasy coexist. The story starts in ancient Egyptโ€™s Eighteenth Dynasty and ends in twentieth century Portugal. A supernatural clairvoyant Sacred Stork of the Bach named Tara travels through time searching for a group of diverse women to join her on a mission to reset humanityโ€™s moral compass.
Tara saves a pharaoh, a martyr, a warrior, a queen, and a Gypsy girl from death. She grants them eternal life and the ability to transform into the White Storks of Mercy. Her chosen companions must wear the magical talismans gifted by their leader or they will become mortal. The birds transform into human females called the Merciful Ones when their feet touch the earth. Tara manifests her own human body along the way.

Throughout the course of this epic journey Taraโ€™s jealous sister, an ancient Egyptian Siamese cat named Reba, attempts to thwart the efforts of her moralistic twin. Reba possesses telepathic power and mind-controlling blue eyes. She conscripts a member of the White Storks of Mercy to spy on Tara. The cat also befriends a Druidess from the Iron Age and implores her to use Celtic magic in an effort to achieve a self-serving transformation of her own.
Will the White Storks of Mercy overcome perilous odds on their quest to inspire humans of diverse ethnicities, backgrounds and religions to live together in harmony? Or will the peacemakers be foiled by the schemes of the manipulative Siamese cat and her collaborators? Filled with magic, mystery, and mayhem, this novel promises to thrill and enchant its readers.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

White Storks Of Mercy: Formation by

I enjoyed reading this book thoroughly because it had so much going on throughout the story. The multiple plot lines interspersed with the main story of the book kept me glued to the pages late in the night. I loved the story thoroughly and I’m now early awaiting the next book in this series. I loved the writing, the characterisation that brought this story to life and the pacing of the events.

Reading about the various exotic locations added a fun touch to the story as it made it all the more engaging and entertaining! I would highly recommend this book to all historical fantasy readers.


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Book Review: Gateworlds Earth – Athanator by Gillbert Troll

Book Details:

Author: Gillbert Troll
Release Date:ย 
6th December 2021
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Gateworlds Earth (Book #1)
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages:ย 335 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Earth is in (im)mortal danger. Only one man can help. One man and a chicken.
When a smug but mighty talking tree asks him to retrieve one of the rune crystals of the Multiverse Gate Earth, John Zelm “Athanator” decides against his better judgment that he will do as he is told and recover the guard rune to save the planet. As the balance of the multiverse itself might be at risk, he is helped by powerful allies such as a chicken and a platypusbear.ย 

Can John save us, or are we dead already? You must read the book NOW to find out! Otherwise, it might be too late!ย 
A book by Gillbert Troll, who is in the process of making the renowned multiverse bestseller: “How to start great and meaningful conversations with dark elves.”
If you buy the book now a troll will or will not be named after you somewhere in the multiverse!ย 

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Anthanator by Gillbert Troll is the first book in the urban fantasy series – Gateworlds Earth. I loved reading this book because it had an amazing characterisation and outstanding world-building. It was an extremely engaging read and I enjoyed every bit of it, right from the very start to the mind-blowing ending.

I was able to relate to all the characters in this book, primary as well as secondary, and I felt a real connection with the lead cast. I found myself rooting for them and cheering them on throughout the story. I am now really looking forward to reading the next part of this series.

I would highly recommend this book to all fantasy readers, especially to those readers who like reading urban and epic fantasies.


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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: Glimmer of The Otherย by Heather G. Harris

Book Details:

Author:  Heather G. Harris
Release Date: 1st September 2021
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Glimmer Of The Other (Book #1)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 188 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
I can tell when youโ€™re lying. Every. Single. Time. 
Iโ€™m Jinx. As a private investigator, being a walking, talking lie detector is a useful skill โ€“ but letโ€™s face it, itโ€™s not normal. Youโ€™d think it would make my job way too easy, but even with my weird skills, I still havenโ€™t been able to track down my parentโ€™s killers. 
When Iโ€™m hired to find a missing university student, I hope to find her propped up at a bar โ€“ yet my gut tells me thereโ€™s more to this case than a party girl gone wild. Firstly, sheโ€™s a bookish soul whoโ€™s as likely to go off the rails as Mother Theresa. Secondly, Iโ€™m not the only one on her trail; sheโ€™s also being tracked by the implacable and oh-so-sexy Inspector Stone. 
Stone and I team up, and he shoves me into a realm where magic is real โ€“ a place where there are vampyrs and werewolves, dragons and trolls. And where my skills are more than just detecting liesโ€ฆ
Oh, and my dog? Heโ€™s a freaking hellhound who can manipulate the magical realms themselves.
I need to find the girl.
I need to discover who killed my parents.
And I need to find out more about the attractive but mysterious Zachary Stoneโ€ฆ

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Glimmer Of The Other by Heather G. Harris is a wonderful beginning – the first book, in the new urban fantasy series Glimmer Of The Other. I LOVED reading this book because it was thoroughly entertaining and very, very well-written.

This book has everything – I mean EVERYTHING, right from dragons to vampires, wizards to trolls & werewolves and all this on top of other paranormal beings and phenomenons. This book was one hell of a rollercoaster ride in well-developed and beautifully executed urban fantasy settings.

The characters were very strong and I was able to connect to all of them (even the secondary ones.) I loved reading this book and seeing how things turned out for the characters and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series (hopefully soon!)

I’d recommend this book to all fantasy readers.


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