Friday, July 5, 2024

Book Tour | Secrets of the Deep by Marisa Noelle



About the Book:

Secrets of the Deep
by Marisa Noelle
Publication: July 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy



CORDELIA BLUE IS AFRAID OF WATER.

CORDELIA IS ALSO A MERMAID.

Determined to face her fear, Cordelia enters the ocean for the first time since her twin brother was killed and learns she is from the oldest bloodline of mermaids. Entrusted with a magical relic, it us up to her alone to break an ancient curse and free the mermaids from the water.

But the selachii - mysterious shark shapeshifters - also have their eyes on the relic. As tensions increase between the mermaids and selachii, Cordelia doesn’t know who to trust. Forced to choose between love and race, she doubts every decision and the intentions of those around her.

Trusting her head will lead to a path of betrayal, but she might just get her family back. If she chooses her heart, the mermaids may stay cursed to remain in the ocean forever.

Buy the Book:

Amazon
Goodreads


"This book felt perfect for teens, the overlooked part of the YA audience. It is about first relationships and grief as well as finding out you are a lot more magical than you realise."
-Sifa Elizabeth Reads
"Cordelia Blue was such a fascinating character with the coolest name I've ever read! I loved how she responded to the problems she faced as well as how she continued onwards despite the odds."
-TONIGHT WE ARE DINOSAURS


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About the Author:

Marisa Noelle is the writer of middle grade & young adult novels in the genres of science-fiction, fantasy, horror & mental health including The Shadow Keepers, The Unadjusteds Trilogy (The Unadjusteds, The Rise of the Altereds, & The Reckoning), The Mermaid Chronicles – Secrets of the Deep, & The Unravelling of Luna Forester. She is a mentor for the Write Mentor program that helps aspiring MG & YA authors. With dual citizenship, Marisa has lived on both sides of the Atlantic and uses settings in both the USA and UK as inspiration for her novels. When she’s not writing or reading or watching movies, she enjoys swimming. In the pool she likes to imagine she could be a mermaid and become part of some of her make-believe worlds. Despite being an avid bookworm from the time she could hold a book, being an author came as a bit of a surprise to her as she was a bit of a science geek at school. She lives in Woking, UK with her husband and three children. You can find her on Twitter @MarisaNoelle77, TikTok @MarisaNoelle12, or her website www.MarisaNoelle.com



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Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Blog Tour | The Templar Sword by Sam Clarke



About the Book:

The Templar Sword
by Sam Clarke
Publication: 07 June 2022
Genre: YA Mystery

An ancient sword has been missing for centuries. Recovering it would prove Noah's worth to his father and earn him a place at the Clearview Templar Academy.

When he stumbles across a Renaissance painting that holds a clue to the sword’s location, Noah’s dream seems within reach. As the death toll quickly mounts, it becomes apparent that others are hunting the sword – for far more evil ends. The future of the Templars, very much like Noah’s, is at stake.

Together with his friend Viggo and mischievously attractive Isabelle, Noah embarks on the deadliest quest of his life. The sword’s dangerous trail will take them from the canals of Venice, to the spires of Seville, to a gripping showdown in the underwater caves of the Caribbean.

A fresh, original adventure story. Can be read as a standalone novel or as the sequel to The Twelfth Ring.

Buy the Book:

Amazon
Goodreads
The StoryGraph


"I enjoyed Noah’s character and narration straight away. I like how the humour and his observations add to the tale and although it’s a great, interesting and exciting adventure story, there’s a lot of good humour that adds to the story and makes it even better."
-THE STRAWBERRY POST
"This writing was very good and the fast paced, action packed plot was both thoroughly entertaining and easy to read."
-Worlds Unlike Our Own


[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 and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]


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About the Author:

Sam Clarke is addicted to rock music, coffee, and Japanese manga. Her gardening skills are abysmal and she is rumoured to have killed a potted cactus. She currently lives in London with two cats, two kids, and a husband. Her first book, The Twelfth Ring (a Page Turner Awards finalist and a BBNYA semi-finalist) reached #1 in the Amazon Young Adult Thrillers charts. Her second book, The Templar Sword (a Page Turner Awards finalist and Ink and Insights Judges' Favourite) was released on 7 June 2022 and hit the #1 New Release spot on Amazon US a week later.



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Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Blog Tour | The Light Between Us by Elaine Chiew



About the Book:

The Light Between Us
by Elaine Chiew
Publication: September 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction

The Light Between Us is a Southeast Asian historical romance that defies time and space as an archivist explores Singapore’s tumultuous past through a supernatural connection.

At work one night, photography archivist Charlie Sze-Toh receives a misdirected letter from Wang Tian Wei, a 1920s colonial era Chinese photographer. Through a mysterious digital folder and photographic plates, a conversation is sparked, leading to a romance that spans lifetimes.

In his time, Tian Wei scours a turbulent Singapore for his missing friend, Aiko, leading him to the perfumed chambers of a Japanese brothel. Meanwhile, in the modern day, Charlie struggles against a family dynamic dominated by her stepmother, a manipulative matriarch who uses family secrets as bargaining chips. Communication starts to become difficult and Tian Wei’s letters are tinged by the increasing threat of Japanese Occupation. Will one last fate-defying letter from Charlie allow Tian Wei to keep their love alive?

Inspired by her research into Singaporean historical archives, Elaine Chiew weaves Chinese mythology and early 20th century colonial Singapore into this speculative epic.

Buy the Book:

Amazon
Goodreads


"The setting is also wonderful, we get lovely descriptions and depictions of both present and past Singapore, right back to the 1920s."
-Stephenie
"While this isn’t my genre and romance isn’t my favourite to read, it was beautifully crafted and I thoroughly enjoyed being whisked away to places I can only imagine."
-HIPSTER


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About the Author:


Elaine Chiew is a writer, editor, creative writing teacher/mentor, and visual arts researcher. Her debut novel The Light Between Us (Neem Tree Press), long listed for the inaugural Cheshire Novel Prize, will be out May 16, 2024.

Her short story collection The Heartsick Diaspora (Penguin SEA 2019 & Myriad Editions UK 2020) explores the Malaysian and Singaporean Chinese diaspora living primarily in London, New York, and Singapore; it has been mentioned as a recommended read in The Guardian, The Straits Times Singapore, BookRiot and Esquire SG, been featured in literary festivals in Singapore, Malaysia and Kerala, received a Special Mention in the UK Saboteur Awards, and reviewed favourably in Malaysia, Singapore, UK and US.

She is also the compiler/editor of Cooked Up: Food Fiction From Around the World (New Internationalist, 2015).

Twice winner of the Bridport Short Story Competition in the UK, she has had numerous stories published in Singapore, US and UK anthologies, most recently with BBC Radio Four. Originally from Ipoh, Malaysia, she has a J.D. from Stanford Law School and was a corporate securities lawyer working in New York, Hong Kong and London. In 2017, she received an MA in Asian Art History from Goldsmiths, University of London. She is based in London. You can find her on X @ChiewElaine and IG @epchiew.



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Thursday, June 27, 2024

Blog Tour | The Book of Perilous Dishes by Donia Rusti

About the Book:

The Book of Perilous Dishes
by Donia Rusti
Publication: February 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction

1798: A magical, dark adventure. Fourteen-year-old Pâtca, initiated in the occult arts, comes to Bucharest, to her uncle, Cuviosu Zăval, to retrieve the Book of Perilous Dishes. The recipes in this magical book can bring about damaging sincerity, forgetfulness, the gift of prediction, or hysterical laughter. She finds her uncle murdered and the book missing. All that Zăval has left her is a strange map she must decipher. Travelling from Romania to France and on to Germany to do so, Patca’s family’s true past and powers are revealed, as is her connection to the famous and sublime chef, Silica.

Amazon
Goodreads


"I can say that this is a fascinating world, filled with riveting characters, and a story that’ll keep you wondering and guessing throughout (I’m willing to bet until the last ten pages). But I feel confident in saying that it’s worth a shot."
-HC Newton, The Irresponsible Reader
"I quickly felt a connection with Pâtca, and felt drawn into the story...I admired her courage, determination and self-reliance."
-Tea And Books (Kelly P)


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About the Author:

DOINA RUŞTI, important contemporary Romanian novelist, is unanimously appreciated for epic force, for originality and erudition of her novels. She received all major Romanian awards, including the Romanian Academy Prize, and was translated into many languages (even in Chinese).

She wrote ten novels, including: Fantoma din moară (The Phantom in the Mill, 2008), Lizoanca (2009), Zogru (2006).

The novels Manuscrisul fanariot (The Phanariot Manuscript, 2015), Mâța Vinerii (The Book of Perilous Dishes, 2017) and “Homeric” (2019) can be a Phanariotic Trilogy (18th century). The most recent novel: Paturi oculte (Occult beds), 2020.

Good international reviews in: La Stampa, Stato Quotidiano, Il Venerdì di Repubblica. Il Libero, Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Magyar Nemzet, La Opinion, Turia. Il Mercurio etc.

Doina Rusti lives in Bucharest, and is a professor and screenwriter.



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Sunday, June 16, 2024

Blog Tour | Wrath of Olympus: Ships of Britannia, Book 1 by E. M. Kkoulla

About the Book:

Wrath of Olympus: Ships of Britannia, Book 1
by E. M. Kkoulla
Publication: December 9, 2020
Genre: Fantasy

The Roman Empire never fell. The Gods are real. Ships are alive.

In the Province of Britannia, ruled by descendants of King Arthur and on the brink of an industrial revolution, young Maia Abella is on the run. Something unseen has murdered her cruel mistress and she’s being blamed. The streets and factories of Portus are no place for a friendless girl, trapped in events beyond her control.

The city authorities and the Royal Navy are both desperate to find her - one investigating a killer, the other to recruit her, while the deadly legacy of a tragic past stalks her every step.

Aided by Raven, an ancient, blind Mage with a terrible secret and Milo, Crown Agent and spy, Maia must discover and overcome the fatal consequences of her birth.

Meanwhile, the Gods are making their moves. Not all of them are friendly.

Amazon
Goodreads
The StoryGraph Link


"The multi layering of the story is well executed, and small hints are revisited throughout, with reveals that bring the whole thing together."
-Beth's Bookcase
"The characters are well rounded and Maia in particular has great depth. If you liked Live Ship Traders by Robin Hobb, you’ll definitely enjoy this one too."
-The Book Viewer
"The world-building is created with such beautiful words."
-Bookishfairytail


[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 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 @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]



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About the Author:

I'm of mixed British/Greek-Cypriot heritage and live with my husband and two feline overlords, Zeus and Hades, in County Durham, UK. After many years of teaching very small children, I decided to put my degree in Classical Studies and long involvement with 17thC re-enactment to good use by combining them in my fantasy adventure series. I love history, reading, gardening and anything with gods and monsters trashing the landscape. You can find me on fb on my Ships of Britannia page and on Twitter @EKkoulla.



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Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Book Review | MIRRORED HEAVENS by Rebecca Roanhorse

Between Earth and Sky, Vol. 3
BY REBECCA ROANHORSE
PUBLICATION: JUNE 4, 2024 | SAGA PRESS
GENRE: EPIC FANTASY | RATING: ★★★★★

Even the sea cannot stay calm before the storm. —Teek saying

Serapio, avatar of the Crow God Reborn and the newly crowned Carrion King, rules Tova. But his enemies gather both on distant shores and within his own city as the matrons of the clans scheme to destroy him. And deep in the alleys of the Maw, a new prophecy is whispered, this one from the Coyote God. It promises Serapio certain doom if its terrible dictates are not fulfilled.

Meanwhile, Xiala is thrust back amongst her people as war comes first to the island of Teek. With their way of life and their magic under threat, she is their last best hope. But the sea won’t talk to her the way it used to, and doubts riddle her mind. She will have to sacrifice the things that matter most to unleash her powers and become the queen they were promised.

And in the far northern wastelands, Naranpa, avatar of the Sun God, seeks a way to save Tova from the visions of fire that engulf her dreams. But another presence has begun stalking her nightmares, and the Jaguar God is on the hunt.

...

PROPHECY AND DESTINY

In the realm of fantasy literature, few things captivate the imagination like the intricate tapestries of gods, magic, and the struggles for power. Rebecca Roanhorse's Between Earth and Sky is a testament to this genre's enduring allure, offering readers a richly woven narrative that explores the destinies of its characters with depth and nuance. I don't think I have enough words to describe the wonders within this series.

The MIRRORED HEAVENS unfolds in the world of Meridian, where Serapio, the avatar of the Crow God Reborn, ascends as the Carrion King of Tova. His rule, however, is far from secure, as enemies conspire against him both from afar and within the city's walls. The matrons of the clans, with their own intricate webs of power and influence, see Serapio as a threat to be eliminated. This political intrigue is a hallmark of Roanhorse's storytelling, as she deftly navigates the complexities of leadership and the burdens it carries.

Amidst the turmoil, a new prophecy emerges from the Coyote God, foretelling Serapio's downfall unless he adheres to its ominous demands. Prophecy and fate are recurring themes in this installment, echoing the ancient struggle between free will and destiny.

Xiala, a character caught between worlds, faces her own trials as she returns to the island of Teek. Once estranged from sea's voice, she now finds herself in tune with the its whispers. Her journey is one of self-discovery and sacrifice, emblematic of the personal transformations that often accompany epic quests.

In the desolate northern wastelands, Naranpa, the avatar of the Sun God, grapples with visions of destruction that plague her sleep. Pursued by the Jaguar God, her narrative adds a layer of supernatural suspense, reminding readers that the gods themselves are players in Roanhorse's richly imagined world.

MIRRORED HEAVENS is the third installment in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, a series that has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative blend of mythology and vibrant world-building. Roanhorse's work is a celebration of Indigenous storytelling, infusing traditional narratives with a modern sensibility that resonates with a wide audience.

For those who have followed the series, MIRRORED HEAVENS promises a conclusion that is heartbreaking, yet truly satisfying. Newcomers will find themselves enthralled by the complex characters and the vivid settings that Roanhorse masterfully creates. As the fates of Serapio, Xiala, and Naranpa intertwine, readers are invited to ponder the nature of power, the weight of prophecy, and the indomitable spirit of those who seek to forge their own destinies.

MIRRORED HEAVENS is available for readers seeking an escape into a world where the divine and the mortal coil around one another in an eternal dance of wills. I highly recommend this series.

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About the Author:
Rebecca Roanhorse is a New York Times bestselling and Nebula, Hugo, and Locus Award-winning speculative fiction writer. She has published multiple award-winning short stories and novels, including two novels in The Sixth World Series, Star Wars: Resistance Reborn, Race to the Sun for the Rick Riordan imprint, and the epic fantasy trilogy Between Earth and Sky. She has also written for Marvel Comics and games (Echo, She-Hulk, Werewolf By Night, MoonKnight, and Chee’ilth) and for television, including FX’s A Murder at the End of the World, and the Marvel series Echo for Disney+. She has had her own work optioned by Amazon Studios, Netflix, and AMC Studios.
She lives in Northern New Mexico with her husband, daughter, and pup. She drinks a lot of black coffee.

Find more at https://rebeccaroanhorse.com/ and on Instagram at @RebeccaRoanhorse. Photograph by Emily Blasquez


*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA / Saga Press for the printed ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.



Blog Tour | BELLY WOMAN by Benjamin Black

About the Book:

Belly Women
by Benjamin Black
Publication: October 2022
Genre: Non-Fiction


Hailed as "a must-read for our times" (Aminatta Forna) and "eye-opening, kind, and inspirational" (Adam Kay), Belly Woman tells the story of what happens to pregnant women when a humanitarian catastrophe strikes.

May 2014. Sierra Leone is ranked the country with the highest death rate of pregnant women in the world. The same month, Ebola crosses in from neighbouring Guinea. Arriving a few weeks later, Dr Benjamin Black finds himself at the centre of an exponential Ebola outbreak. From impossible decisions on the maternity ward to moral dilemmas at the Ebola Treatment Centres: one mistake, one error of judgment, could spell disaster.

An eye-opening work of reportage and advocacy, Belly Woman chronicles the inside journey through an unfolding global health crisis and the struggle to save the lives of young mothers. As Black reckons with the demons of the past, he must try to learn the lessons for a different, more resilient, future.

Amazon
Goodreads
"It’s moving, thought-provoking, and genuinely unforgettable. It shows the best and worst of what people can do in times of crisis."
-The Book Marketing Nook
"It’s an incredible recount of hundreds of selfless medical personnel who devoted their time and expertise during an ebola epidemic. "
-A Literary Escape



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About the Author:

Dr. Benjamin Black is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and a specialist advisor to international aid organisations - including Médecins Sans Frontières. His focus on sexual, reproductive and maternal healthcare for populations in times of crisis has taken him to many countries working with humanitarian organisations, UN bodies and government departments. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic he provided frontline healthcare to pregnant women and developed international guidelines. Benjamin was a member of the expert panel for the inquiry into racial injustice in UK maternity care.



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