BBNYA Book Review | THE LAST LUNAR WITCH by S.F. Henne

THE LAST LUNAR WITCH
10th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY S.F. HENNE | APRIL 1, 2024
GENRE: FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★

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I only wanted to control my magic, but a single potion catapulted my life into chaos…

I’m Nyssa Thornheart, a witch with broken magic. I escaped to the big city to pursue my passion for alchemy and hide from my coven until I fix my powers. If my unstable gifts are exposed, they will be stripped away. To live without magic, that’s a fate worse than death. So I drank a long-forgotten potion in a desperate bid to harness my volatile powers.

But when I’m cornered by thugs, I unleash a rare and dangerous magic, tearing the veil between our world and a demonic realm. My new powers are growing stronger and resisting every attempt to subdue them. Now I’m a hunted witch, pursued by both demonic creatures and the authorities determined to protect the realm from the threat I pose.

Can I master my magic or will I have to sacrifice my powers before the city falls to demons?

For fans of Heather G. Harris and Lindsay Buroker, The Last Lunar Witch is the first book in the fast-paced Lunar Order Chronicles. An urban fantasy series filled with strong women, found family, inner growth, and cozy vibes mixed with heart-pounding action. Dive into S.F. Henne’s gripping adventure now!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

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The Lunar Order Chronicles #1

S.F. Henne's The Last Lunar Witch, the opening book of The Lunar Order Chronicles, offers an intriguing dive into a richly imagined urban fantasy world. Centered on Nyssa Thornheart, a witch grappling with broken magic and unforeseen consequences, the novel explores themes of self-discovery, belonging, and resilience.

While the book’s pacing initially wavers, I eventually found myself settling into the story. The middle chapters do much of the narrative heavy lifting, propelling the plot forward in satisfying ways. Even though the narration occasionally lacked a certain spark, the strength of the worldbuilding kept me invested. Elements such as the sentient café and the bonds with familiars bring a distinctive charm to Henne's universe.

The magical system was particularly compelling—it’s intricate, imaginative, and serves as a strong foundation for the story’s stakes. The use of a first-person narrative adds depth to Nyssa’s struggles, helping readers empathize with her journey. Additionally, the supporting characters stand out with their individuality. Danika, in particular, left a lasting impression with her vibrant personality. It’s clear that the author poured effort into making these secondary characters as unique and memorable as the protagonist.

Another notable aspect is the treatment of witches as a distinct race rather than a cult, reflecting a thoughtful effort toward inclusivity. It’s a refreshing take that broadens the scope of the world while maintaining its fantastical roots.

Despite the rocky start, The Last Lunar Witch holds promise. With its imaginative magic, strong character dynamics, and hints of found family, this novel sets up an intriguing foundation for what’s to come in The Lunar Order Chronicles.

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[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

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About the Author:

S.F. Henne is a fantasy author who loves all things fantasy and sci-fi and enjoy creating stories fill with hope, adventure, heart and action, a dash of humor with a sprinkle of romance. Born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, Sarah swapped beaches for the ski slopes of Whistler, B.C and started her adventure. Now residing in Washington State with her husband, daughter and lab Luna, she embarked on the next part of her story: telling the tales that have been rattling around her head for years.

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*Book copy courtesy of BBNYA and the author in exchange for this honest review.
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Blog Tour | EERIE EXHIBITS: FIVE MACABRE MUSEUM TALES by Victoria Williamson

About the Book:

EERIE EXHIBITS
BY VICTORIA WILLIAMSON | PUBLICATION: MARCH 6, 2025
SILVER THISTLE PRESS | GENRE: HORROR, SHORT STORIES

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Five unnerving tales of the weird and uncanny from award-winning author Victoria Williamson.

A room full of screaming butterflies.

An unsettling smile on the face of a carved sarcophagus.

A painting that draws its viewer into the disturbing past.

A stuffed bear that growls in the dead of night.

And a shell that whispers more sinister sounds than the sigh of the sea…

Dare you cross the threshold of the old Museum and view its eerie exhibits?

AMAZON | GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH

"My favourite was ‘The Grinning Man’... The ending was brilliantly sinister, and subverted what we might expect from the story."
-elementarymydear
"Victoria is such an incredible writer, and has such a talent for building a picture, and making you feel everything, and with this book she has done it once again."
-_ForBooksSake
"The stories don’t simply focus on the supernatural element but also cover important real life issues such as grief, child neglect and trauma which are used to enhance the horror of the stories."
-Gemma's Bookshelf


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About the Author:

A lifelong storyteller and daydreamer, Victoria Williamson is an author and teacher who has lived and worked in Africa, China, America and the UK. Victoria grew up in Kirkintilloch, north Glasgow, surrounded by hills on the edge of a forest estate where many of her early ghost stories and fantasy tales were born amid the magical trees and spooky old ruined buildings.

After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real life adventures, which included teaching Maths and Science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with special needs in the UK.

A qualified primary school teacher with a degree in Mandarin Chinese from Yunnan University and a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education, Victoria is passionate about creating inclusive worlds in her novels where all children can see a reflection of themselves in a heroic role.

Victoria’s experiences of teaching young children in a deprived area of Glasgow, many of whom were asylum seekers, inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of friendship between Glasgow girl Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.

Victoria writes fantasy, adventure, science fiction and contemporary issue novels for Middle Grade (9-12), Teen, and Young Adult readers. Many of her books have been inspired by children she has met on her travels, both abroad and in the UK. She is currently working on a Middle Grade novel exploring the issues faced by a boy with ADHD who is struggling to fit in with his new step-family, and a spooky adventure novel for Teens, centred around a cast of characters with special needs including deafness, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy.

Twenty percent of her author royalties for The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle are donated to the Scottish Refugee Council.

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Blog Tour | STAR QUEST ACADEMY: Above and Beyond by Adrian Lynch

STAR QUEST ACADEMY:
Above and Beyond
BY ADRIAN LYNCH | PUBLICATION: FEBRUARY 13, 2025
THE BOOK GUILD | MIDDLE-GRADE

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About the Book:

For centuries, trillions of life forms throughout space have allowed humanity to believe we’re alone in the Universe. Any alien who dared to befriend us has met an unfortunate end: eaten, squashed, sent to a zoo, or even planted in a garden pot. But our advances in space exploration now threaten every civilisation across the Cosmos.

Amelia, a savvy, street-smart orphan, is one of four exceptional children selected from around the globe to represent humanity in the Human Inclusion Programme at the intergalactic Star Quest Academy. Here, they’ll unravel the Universe’s wonders, explore strange new worlds, and encounter magical creatures. Earth’s safety from invasion hinges on their success as cadets, but if any of them fail, Earth will be invaded by ruthless warlords.

When a series of sinister incidents jeopardise their mission, it becomes clear that someone – or something – wants them to fail. To save their world, the cadets must overcome their differences and combine their unique skills.



AMAZON | GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH

"The themes of solitude, lost family, friendship, human behaviours and interconnectedness are handled well."
-Beth's Bookcase
"The book builds to a tension-building final scene where you are wondering how things will turn out, and there a few surprises along the way."
-Andrew
"The book is perfectly balanced with humour and adventure which will be loved by young readers."
-Helen Byles


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About the Author:

Adrian was born a long time ago in Harrow Weald, North London. He is dyslexic, which wasn’t allowed in those unenlightened times. As a kid, when he wasn’t learning to be ‘normal’, (he failed), he would hang out in the nearby bluebell-carpeted woods. To him, they harboured space aliens, mysterious creatures and the ghosts of Grims Dyke whose mournful songs rustled autumnal leaves. This inspired stories that Adrian would tell eager audiences for pocket money.

Following successful careers within the NHS and as a Company Director, Adrian obtained a BA degree in Creative Writing from the Open University and is now bringing those fantastical stories to life in his novels. The Star Quest Academy – Above and Beyond is the first to be published. Adrian hopes that it will be as exciting and fun to read as it was to write.

Adrian now lives in North Bedfordshire.

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BBNYA Blog Tour | THE HALF-LIFE EMPIRE by Shami Stovall

About the Book:

THE HALF-LIFE EMPIRE
11th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY SHAMI STOVALL | OCTOBER 2, 2023
GENRE: SCIENCE FICTION

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From the Dragon Award–nominated author of Astra One young woman leads a ragtag band of survivors across a fractured, post-alien-invasion America.

Hacker Kita Yamasaki would do anything to escape the post-apocalyptic landscape that was the result of the Forever Winter. But for a normal person, the only options are the war-hungry nation-state of Ex Cathedra or the isolationist United California. Fortunately, Kita is anything but normal.

When she finds a faded brochure for the BC Oasis—an underground greenhouse capable of sheltering a quarter million people—she jumps at the opportunity, even going so far as to steal a fission battery the oasis requires to operate at full capacity. There’s just one problem . . . The battery belongs to the ruthless judges of Ex Cathedra.

Now Kita finds herself the target of a deadly chase. In her race to safety, she picks up three fellow Dallas; his mute daughter, Crouton; and Bishop, a junk hunter. But will they betray her and take the battery for themselves? Is one of them a member of the cultist Iron-Blooded who worship the few remaining alien invaders scattered across Earth’s wasteland?

Faced with certain death if they’re caught by the judges’ power-armored soldiers, Kita must put aside her suspicions and make a headlong dash for sanctuary—and the promise of a new life.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

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[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

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About the Author:

Shami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.

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Blog Tour | THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES by Alwyn Hamilton

About the Book:

THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES
BY ALWYN HAMILTON | PUBLICATION: MARCH 27, 2025
FABER & FABER | GENRE: YA FANTASY

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A glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

At sixteen, Honora “Nora” Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in all of Walstad. Her family controls all the money–and all the magic–in the entire country. But despite being the center of attention, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead in an alley, the family throne and fortune are suddenly up for grabs, and Nora will be pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz, the ultimate magical competition for power that determines the one family heir.

But there’s a surprise contestant this time: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When Lotte’s absent mother retrieves her from the rural convent she’d abandoned her to, Lotte goes from being an orphan to surrounded by family. Unfortunately, most of them want her dead.

And soon, Nora discovers that her mother’s death wasn’t random–it was murder. And the only person she can trust to uncover the truth of what happened is a rakish young reporter who despises everything Nora and her family stand for.

With everyone against her, Lotte’s last hope is hunting for the identity of her father. But the dangerous competition–and her feelings for Theo, one of the Holtzfalls’ sworn protectors–turns her world upside down.

Incredible tests, impossible choices and deadly odds await both girls. But there can only be one winner.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH

"Hamilton crafts a vivid setting teeming with lavish parties, dark secrets, and a magic system uniquely tied to virtues such as ambition, truth, and loyalty."
-Claire Reviews
"I would say that the intense final few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, but the truth is, The Notorious Virtues had me this way from the very beginning."
-_ForBooksSake
"The Notorious Virtues is an off the charts fantasy read that I can’t recommend enough and the next novel can’t come soon enough!"
-BookswithDanSamEnd


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About the Author:

Alwyn Hamilton was born in Toronto and spent her childhood bouncing between Europe and Canada until her parents settled in France. She grew up in a small town there, which might have compelled her to burst randomly into the opening song from Beauty and the Beast were it not for her total tone-deafness.

She instead attempted to read and write her way to new places and developed a weakness for fantasy and cross-dressing heroines. She left France for Cambridge University to study History of Art at King’s College, and then to London where she became indentured to an auction house. She has a bad habit of acquiring more hardcovers than is smart for someone who moves house quite so often.

Alwyn’s New York Times-bestselling debut, the YA fantasy REBEL OF THE SANDS, was published by Viking Children’s Books in the US and Faber Children’s Books in the UK, and in 14 other territories. The trilogy continues in TRAITOR TO THE THRONE and HERO AT THE FALL. Alwyn was named the 2016 Goodreads Choice Award winner for Best Debut Author.

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Book Review | THE TREASURE HUNTER’S CLUB by Tom Ryan

THE TREASURE HUNTER’S CLUB
BY TOM RYAN | OCTOBER 15, 2024
SIMON & SCHUSTER CA | GENRE: MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★★✬

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INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER | Nominated for the Lilian Jackson Braun Memorial Award

A rollicking mystery about a secret society, nautical charts, cryptic clues, and a fabulous treasure to die for—perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Benjamin Stevenson.

For nearly a century, tourists have ventured to the idyllic seaside town of Maple Bay in search of a legendary lost pirate treasure, though locals know there’s more than just gold buried in the sand. As the paths of three strangers converge in Maple Bay, the truth is about to be blown wide open.

Peter Barnett is rapidly approaching forty with little to show for his life when a mysterious letter invites him to Maple Bay and the mansion his estranged family has called home for generations.

Seventeen-year-old Dandy Feltzen is isolated and adrift following the death of her beloved grandfather until a tantalizing clue sets her on a mission to solve the mystery he spent his entire life chasing.

Cass Jones has given up on her dream of being a successful author when an unexpected opportunity lands in her lap: a housesitting gig in remote Maple Bay, where she stumbles on the perfect subject matter for her breakout book—and the handsome sailor who might be just the person to help her research it.

Peter, Dandy, and Cass have never met, but they’re on a collision course with each other and the mystery that has defined Maple Bay for centuries. None of them are prepared for the shocking truths that may still be buried there, or the fresh bodies piling up.

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The Treasure Hunter’s Club is a slow-burning yet compelling mystery set in the charming seaside town of Maple Bay, Nova Scotia—a place rich with pirate lore and deeply intertwined with secrets that span generations. Tom Ryan skillfully combines suspense, intrigue, and local charm to create a tale that draws readers in and keeps them guessing.

While the pacing is deliberate, every event is intentional, contributing to the overall unraveling of the story. The plot twists—entwined with themes of greed, betrayal, guilt, and remorse—ensure that the reader’s patience is rewarded. Ryan also excels in characterization; with a diverse cast of protagonists whose paths converge in unexpected ways. Dandy Feltzen is particularly memorable, her heartfelt quest to honor her grandfather’s legacy grounding the narrative in emotional authenticity.

The book strikes a balance between the thrill of treasure hunting and the danger it entails, with a cozy mystery ambiance underscored by Maple Bay’s close-knit community. It’s this sense of belonging—amid the adventure, danger, and mystery—that gives The Treasure Hunter’s Club its soul.

This twisty tale, brimming with secrets and blackmail, will appeal to lovers of both traditional and unconventional mysteries. And for those familiar with Nova Scotia, the vivid setting adds an intimate, personal connection that’s hard to resist.

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About the Author:

Tom Ryan is the internationally bestselling author of an adult mystery, The Treasure Hunters Club, in addition to the YA mystery Keep This to Yourself, winner of the 2020 ITW Thriller Award for Best Young Adult Novel, the 2020 Arthur Ellis Award for Best YA Crime Book, and the 2021 Ann Connor Brimer Award. It’s currently being adapted for television. His follow-up YA mystery, I Hope You’re Listening, was the winner of the 2021 Lambda “Lammy” Award for Best LGBTQ Mystery. Tom, his husband, and their dog live in Nova Scotia. Photograph © Niki Davison

*Simon & Schuster CA provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S DEATH ON THE RED SEA by C.L. Miller

THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S DEATH ON THE RED SEA
BY C.L. MILLER | FEBRUARY 18, 2025
SIMON & SCHUSTER | GENRE: MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★★✬

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The next installment in the nationally bestselling The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder series finds antique hunter Freya Lockwood and Aunt Carole one again embarking on a journey to recover priceless antiques—this time on a Red Sea cruise.

Freya and Aunt Carole are back! After their successful solve at Coptham Manor, Freya and Carole return to late mentor Arthur Crockleford’s antique shop in Dedham Vale, but after receiving an invitation (and then suspicious disinvitation) from an antiques specialist cruise and a break-in and murder at a local maritime museum, Freya and Carole are back on the case!

The two catch up to their original cruise ship in Cyprus, for a route that will take them through the Suez Canal (with a stop in Egypt) to their eventual destination off the Red Sea in Jordan. The ship has an art gallery filled with stolen antiquities listed in Arthur’s journal. This time, Freya and Carole are on the hunt for a shadowy figure called “The Collector,” who traffics in stolen artifacts, and whom they believe to be on board. But on a ship full of antiques enthusiasts—plus some unexpected familiar faces—will Freya and Carole be able to discover the Collector’s identity before people begin disappearing from the ship? Or are they next?

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C.L. Miller delivers another thrilling installment in The Antique Hunters series with The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea, a cozy yet high-stakes mystery packed with adventure, intrigue, and heart-stopping twists. Though it’s a follow-up to The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder, this book stands firmly on its own, making it an excellent entry point for new readers.

Freya Lockwood and Aunt Carole return as a dynamic sleuthing duo, brought to life with humor, wit, and charm. Aunt Carole continues to shine as an unforgettable character, her surprising resilience and resourcefulness adding a delightful spark to the narrative. This time, the stakes are elevated, with a glamorous antiques cruise in the Red Sea as the backdrop for a deadly hunt for stolen treasures and a dangerous art trafficker known as The Collector.

Miller’s writing is crisp and engaging, blending the allure of stolen antiquities, ship-bound peril, and the rich cultural setting of the Red Sea. The introduction of new characters, intertwined mysteries, and a fresh treasure hunt keeps the series feeling vibrant and exciting. The plot’s twists and turns keep readers perched on the edge of their seats, while the cozy mystery atmosphere provides a perfect balance to the pulse-pounding action.

The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea is a testament to Miller’s talent for crafting entertaining mysteries with heart. Whether you're a fan of the series or diving in for the first time, this book is sure to captivate and delight.

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About the Author:

C. L. Miller is the internationally bestselling author of The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder and The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea. She started her working life as an editorial assistant for her mother, Judith Miller, on the Miller’s Antique Handbook & Price Guide and other antiquing guides. She lives in a medieval cottage in Dedham Vale, Suffolk, with her family. Visit her at CLMillerAuthor.com. Photograph © Dan Kennedy

*Simon & Schuster CA provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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