Blog Tour | THE THIEF OF FARROWFELL by Ravena Guron

THE THIEF OF FARROWFELL
BY RAVENA GURON | PUBLICATION: AUGUST 13, 2024
FABER & FABER | GENRE: MIDDLE-GRADE FICTION
RATING: ★★★★✬

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Welcome to a fantasy world where edible magic is the hottest commodity, traded between those who can pay or - in the case of Jude Ripon, the youngest thief in Farrowfell - those who can steal it!

Twelve-year-old Jude Ripon has never been taken seriously by her family of magic-stealing masterminds. To them, she's just the youngest, only good for keeping watch while they carry out daring heists.

Desperate to prove her worth, Jude decides to steal valuable magic from the fanciest house in town . . .

But Jude's stolen prize was protected by a curse which threatens to wreak havoc on the family business.

While attempting to untangle the mess she's made (and wondering why anyone would want to curse an honest thief trying to earn a living), Jude discovers just how far her family will go to stay at the top of the criminal world.

Suddenly, her quest to become a true Ripon isn't straightforward any more . . .

The Thief of Farrowfell | The Beast of Farrowfell | The Battle of Farrowfell

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"Thief of Farrowfell Book 1"

Ravena Guron’s THE THIEF OF FARROWFELL delivers an exciting adventure filled with magic, mischief, and moral dilemmas. Set in a world where edible magic is the ultimate currency, we follow Jude Ripon—a determined twelve-year-old desperate to prove herself among her family of elite thieves. But when Jude’s most daring heist backfires, unleashing a dangerous curse, she must navigate the delicate balance between loyalty and integrity, learning just how far her family is willing to go to stay on top.

What truly stood out to me was the theme of integrity—standing up for what is right, even when family expectations pull in a different direction. Jude’s journey reminds me of Darna from the Philippines, whose magical transformation relies on swallowing a stone. The concept of edible magic adds a unique layer to the world-building, making the story feel fresh and immersive.

Jude’s enthusiasm and determination make her a compelling protagonist, and her growth throughout the book is both inspiring and realistic. The secondary characters add intrigue, enriching the story with their personalities and interactions. I especially loved Jude’s relationship with Moorley—imperfect, raw, and deeply sincere, much like how sibling bonds often are.

Guron’s world-building is another highlight. Including a map was a brilliant touch; maps spark imagination and draw young readers deeper into a story’s universe. And the best part? Jude and Moorley’s future plans hint at even more thrilling adventures to come. The Battle of Farrowfell, the 3rd book in the series, is out now. So, I can’t wait to read the next installment!

THE THIEF OF FARROWFELL is a captivating read that blends adventure, magic, and strong character development. It’s perfect for fans of fantasy with rich world-building and morally complex dilemmas. Highly recommended!

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About the Author:

A born and bred Londoner, Ravena writes MG and YA, usually featuring antiheroines or snarky narrators. She is a lawyer with a degree in biochemistry, and hopes to use the knowledge gained from her experiences to plot her books, whether that's wild MG fantasy adventures, or twisty YA murder-mysteries.

*FABER & FABER and The Write Reads provided the ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES by Alwyn Hamilton

THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES
BY ALWYN HAMILTON | PUBLICATION: APRIL 1, 2025
PENGUIN TEEN | GENRE: YA FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★★

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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.

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"The Notorious Virtues #1"

Alwyn Hamilton delivers a compelling start to her much-awaited new trilogy with THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES. If you’ve read her previous works, you can clearly see how much she has grown as a writer—this book is sharp, intriguing, and meticulously arranged.

Set in the vibrant and dangerous world of Walstad, a name rich with meaning, the novel blends a 1920s-inspired aesthetic with imaginative modern gadgets and advanced science. The magic system stands out for its simplicity yet impressive plausibility, especially for those familiar with folklore where gems serve as conduits for inner magical power.

The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, yet remains easy to follow, keeping the pace lively with no dull moments. The characterization is stellar—each figure is fleshed out with distinct personalities, making it effortless to connect with them. Lotte, an unexpected contender in a ruthless competition, offers a fresh dynamic to the intrigue. Meanwhile, Nora’s discovery about her mother’s fate adds depth to the overarching mystery, entangling her with a sharp-witted reporter who challenges everything her family represents.

Beyond the tension of the trial for heirdom, Hamilton masterfully weaves themes of power, corruption, and shifting societal dynamics. The world is deeply layered, filled with treachery and family complexities that shape the narrative in fascinating ways. The echoes of the “woodcutter and the axe” fable resonate throughout, as honesty seems to be far removed from the virtues of those at the heart of this tale.

With its strong start, THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES promises to be more than just a fight for inheritance—it’s a grand-scale upheaval of power in Walstad. I have high hopes for this trilogy and eagerly anticipate where Hamilton takes her characters next.

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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.

*Thank you, Penguin Teen Canada
and Netgalley for providing the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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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.

LINKTREE

*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.

WEBSITE

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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.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

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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

____________________________________________________________________

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


TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

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.

*Content sent by @TheWriteReads for this blog's publication.
This is a free ad.

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