BBNYA Spotlight | CURSE OF SOULS by Niranjan

About the Book:

CURSE OF SOULS
BY NIRANJAN | JANUARY 19, 2024
GENRE: FANTASY, ROMANCE

The fates of two nations hang on the balance on a man’s choice between love and an arcane bond.

Philip has been spearheading a rebellion in his country, with Casey, his lover and partner, at his side. The rebellion has snowballed into a civil war and casualties on both sides are mounting. In a desperate attempt for peace, Philip decides to approach Raylan, the second in command of the other side. He has learned that Raylan is not as stubborn as his mentor and that he may be open to negotiations.

The last thing Philip expects is for a soul mate bond to spring to life between him and Raylan, activating an ancient curse that will kill them both if the bond isn’t consummated. Philip has never loved anyone but Casey, and Raylan is a total stranger who he has no feelings for. Yet, the delicate negotiations between the two nations will fail without him and Raylan. Philip’s life is not his own, after all; it belongs to the people he has pledged his service to.

With more than his life at stake, will Philip be able to let go of the love of his life to bring peace to his people?

Curse of Souls is dystopian futuristic fantasy. If you love fantasy tales with high personal and world changing stakes, and protagonists who struggle to make hard choices, you will enjoy Niranjan’s Curse of Souls about people pushed to the limits of their endurance.

Buy Curse of Souls today for a tale of love, sacrifice and redemption that will leave you breathless.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

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 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.]

About the Author:

An author and editor, Niranjan’s biggest ambition is to have a character named Garth in every book they write. Niranjan writes books rooted in mythical worlds, and their stories are often a combination of magic and futuristic technology.

When they are not writing or editing, Niranjan can be found cooking or just lying on their couch watching or rewatching C Dramas and writing fanfiction.

More about them may be found at https://authorniranjan.in/

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

Read more →

Book Review | THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS by Son M., Robin Yao

THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS
WRITTEN BY SON M. | ILLUSTRATOR: ROBIN YAO
OCTOBER 22, 2024 | HARPERALLEY
YA GRAPHIC FANTASY | RATING: ★★★

____________________________________________________________________

Enter the world of Muqadas, where the climb to the top of this vertically stacked city—away from disease-ridden waters of the lower levels—is paved with betrayal, secrets, and rebellion in this debut graphic novel from author Son M. and artist Robin Yao.

n Lifelong friends Basem, Mustafa, and Aarfah have carved out a place for themselves in their corner of Muqadas, where they dream of climbing from their place in the city’s lowest level, above the limb-snatching, disease-infested waters, to the very top of their vertical city. Young inventors who’ve seen firsthand the havoc the Habar infection causes set out to dazzle the masses with their innovative prosthetics and escape the dangers of Lake Saha.

When their inventions catch the eye of a scout who is on the hunt for new talent to bring to the higher tiers, their dreams are suddenly within reach. But as the wonders of the upper tiers enchant, Basem, Mustafa, and Aarfah begin to question why the bounty of Muqadas falls short of reaching Lake Saha's inhabitants.

Behind the beauty of the city's upper tiers lie dark and dangerous secrets—ones that threaten not only everything they’ve worked for but everyone they love. And when Mustafa and Aarfah are cast away for their allegiance to Lake Saha, Basem is faced with the difficult choice: Fight to bring justice to all of Muqadas? Or abandon his friends and fall in line to achieve everything he’s ever dreamed of?

____________________________________________________________________

I recently read THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS by Son M., with illustrations by Robin Yao. This graphic novel caught my attention because of its intriguing concept and the promise of an immersive world.

It is a story with a lot of potential. The concept is intriguing, and the world-building is interesting, though it suffers from a lack of exploration. While the plot was easy to follow, it felt a bit rushed and failed to be immersive. There were several plot points that I failed to grasp. The theme of classism is poignant and carries the story, but it needed more time to fully develop. The rebellion aspect felt like it came in too late. On a positive note, the art is fantastic. I loved the character designs and the color schemes.

Personally, I found it difficult to connect with certain elements of the book. The rushed pacing and underdeveloped plot points made it hard for me to stay engaged. While I appreciated the themes and the fantastic artwork, I felt the story needed more time to breathe and develop fully.

Overall, while THIEF OF THE HEIGHTS wasn't entirely to my taste, I can see how it might appeal to readers who enjoy stories with rich themes and striking artwork. It's a graphic novel that could be appreciated by those who love exploring the dynamics of classism and rebellion in a visually compelling format.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

SON M. is an Algerian-Amazigh, Muslim writer who enjoys creating narratives in both prose and visual mediums. She specializes in horror, science-fiction, action, thriller and mystery.

She is very passionate about comics, games and animation, leading them to create stories in all three mediums. She is afraid of heights and non-productivity. She draws their power from the Sun.

SON is the Studio Director and Creative Director of the indie game studio Perfect Garbage. She is also the writer half of SCSM COMIC. She has written for Z2 Comics, DC Comics, Vault and more.
Image from THE BOGLANDS. No infringement intended.

Robin Yao is a queer Chinese American illustrator who loves to tell stories through environments and world-building—the rich narrative that fills the negative space around the characters in impactful and subtle ways—be it in games, animation, comics, or just about any visual medium that exists out there. Oh, and they have a penchant for horror. See their work at robinyao.com.
Image from Harpercollins. No infringement intended.

*Thanks to HarperCollins for the egalley access
in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

Book Review | IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU by Alex Light

IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU
BY ALEX LIGHT | PUBLICATION: NOVEMBER 5, 2024
HARPERCOLLINS | GENRE: YA ROMANCE
RATING: ★★★✬

____________________________________________________________________

Jackie Myers is a fraud. Or she might be a genius—the jury’s still out.

The thing is, she secretly runs pleasebreakmyheart, a gone-viral account aimed at breaking hearts and ending relationships…. And she just used it to break up her insufferable eternal nemesis's picture-perfect relationship.

Wilson is the buttoned-up, type A assistant manager of her nightmares—but it turns out he’s also, apparently, a really great boyfriend.

So with her conscience (and paycheck) on the line, Jackie decides there’s only one thing to do: She’s going to help Wilson win his ex-girlfriend back. Which should be easy, considering Jackie hates him…right?

____________________________________________________________________

IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU by Alex Light is a charming read, and to be honest, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Jackie Myers, the main character, is a fascinating and lovable personality. This lady has two jobs, one that hides behind a mask and the other hides behind "pleasebreakmyheart," a viral social media account that specializes in ending relationships. I must admit, this double life adds a layer of charm and amusement, making Jackie distinct, yet relevant. Alex Light does an outstanding job navigating through the moral convolutions of Jackie's actions, giving the story an absorbing narrative.

Wilson, the assistant manager, perfectly embodies the nemesis-to-lovers trope, with his organized and meticulous nature contrasting sharply with everything Jackie despises. When Jackie's actions carelessly cause the breakup between Wilson and his ideal girlfriend, she makes it her mission to help him win her back. This decision sets off a cascade of challenges and enlightening moments, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Light's talent for writing banter is evident throughout the book, making it both light and fun. She has a remarkable ability to tackle the adolescent experience from a relatable and realistic angle. Her characters are vivid, and the dialogue is lively, which makes the book a real page-turner. The pacing is spot-on, ensuring that there's never a dull moment. Each character has a unique voice, and the story is filled with funny moments and profound scenes.

Overall, IT'S NOT ME, IT'S YOU is a recommended read for anyone who enjoys a clever, modern romance. Alex Light has a way of picking you up with her engaging writing style and leaving you with a smile on your face.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

Grew up reading too many books and listening to too many Taylor Swift songs. Now she writes books that make people laugh (and sometimes cry).

Alex began writing as a teen. She shared dozens of love stories online, which have now been read over 150 million times. Shockingly, she graduated with a BA in English literature, giving her the perfect excuse to read even more books when she wasn’t busy writing her own.

Alex lives in Toronto, Canada, with her three furry friends. She’s an avid donut eater, sometimes baker, and lover of the frozen winter months.

*Thanks to HarperCollins for the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

Book Review | PRINCESS OF THE SAVOY by Ron Base and Prudence Emery

PRINCESS OF THE SAVOY
BY RON BASE AND PRUDENCE EMERY | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
DOUGLAS & MCINTYRE | GENRE: COZY MYSTERY
RATING: ★★★

____________________________________________________________________

Check back into London’s posh Savoy Hotel in the swinging sixties where dark forces and murder are uninvited guests—volume 3 in the cheeky series that is now a French bestseller.

Everything at London’s Savoy Hotel appears to be the picture of perfection: two Italian princes are checking in and an amorous English lord is taking photographs on the rooftop.

But in the Savoy Press Office, it’s a different picture entirely. There, Miss Priscilla Tempest is scrambling to avoid a boss who would like to be rid of her, a threatening American gangster, and the rather thrilling star of the Tarzan movies.

And it isn’t long before a fascist plot, hatched in an English country estate, arrives to truly ruin her day—and threaten British democracy.

In this third installment in Ron Base and Prudence Emery’s beloved series, reluctant Canadian crime-fighter Priscilla Tempest joins forces with her would-be lover—the ink-stained scribe of Fleet Street, Percy Hoskins—on a danger-filled adventure to untangle a deadly web of conspiracy that could get them both killed.

Sassy, suspenseful and always entertaining, Princess of the Savoy will delight readers looking to escape into a world of glamour, danger, treachery and a dead body or two—where there is always time for just one more cocktail, even when democracy itself is at stake.

____________________________________________________________________

In the third installment of the Priscilla Tempest Mysteries, PRINCESS OF THE SAVOY, Ron Base and Prudence Emery whisk readers back to the swinging sixties at London's posh Savoy Hotel. The luxurious setting hides a thrilling and suspenseful tale, where dark forces and murder lurk among the glamorous guests.

Priscilla Tempest, the impulsive and determined press officer of the Savoy Hotel, finds herself in another perilous adventure. The story follows her interactions with two Italian princes embroiled in a succession conflict, one of whom is secretly involved in a Nazi organization plotting to overthrow the British government. As Priscilla navigates these treacherous waters, she must also contend with a threatening American gangster, a thrilling Tarzan movie star, and a boss eager to get rid of her.

Renowned personalities frequent the Savoy, adding a touch of celebrity intrigue to the narrative. The authors deftly blend fiction with historical elements, creating a vivid and engaging backdrop for the story. However, the political investigation and the multitude of characters can at times feel overwhelming, with a succession of misfortunes that weigh down the narrative's pacing.

Despite jumping into the series with this third volume, readers can still appreciate the entertaining plot, colorful characters, and humorous dialogues. The sassy, suspenseful, and always entertaining Priscilla Tempest joins forces with her would-be lover, Percy Hoskins, in a danger-filled adventure that keeps readers on their toes.

While PRINCESS OF THE SAVOY may not be the easiest plot to follow, it remains an enjoyable cozy mystery with a touch of glamour, danger, and treachery. For those who love a good mix of history and fiction, this book will surely delight. If you haven't read the previous volumes, it might be worth starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the intricacies of Priscilla Tempest's world.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Authors:

Prudence Emery worked as the press and public relations officer at the Savoy Hotel, and later as a publicist on more than a hundred film productions. She is also the author of the bestselling memoir Nanaimo Girl (Cormorant Books, 2020).

Both Prudence and the fictional protagonist, Priscilla Tempest, held the job as press secretary at the Savoy. When asked just how much they had in common, Prudence would answer, with a twinkle in her eye, that “there are things that Priscilla does that I would never do... and there are things I have done that Priscilla would never do. I will not say anything else.”

Emery died in Victoria BC, on April 14, 2024, at the age of 88.


Ron Base is a former newspaper and magazine journalist and movie critic. His works include twenty novels, two novellas and four non-fiction books. Base lives in Milton, ON.

*Thanks to Douglas & Mcintyre for the ebook accessC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

BBNYA Spotlight | THE NAMELESS by Stuart White

About the Book:

THE NAMELESS
BY STUART WHITE | AUGUST 30, 2023
GENRE: YOUNG ADULT FANTASY
16TH PLACE FINALIST

For dystopian fans of THE LAST OF US, THE MAZE RUNNER, and THE HUNGER GAMES.

The YA debut from award-winning author, Stuart White.
IN A NAMELESS WORLD, ONE HERO RISES BY DISCOVERING THEIR IDENTITY.

In a dystopian world dominated by genetic perfection and numbered gene pools, sixteen-year-old E820927, known as Seven, yearns for an identity beyond his assigned number.

To escape a life as a Nameless Exile, and become a citizen of the Realm, he must pass a loyalty test to prove his allegiance to the totalitarian Autokratōr.

But as the truth unfolds, Seven faces a difficult choice between revenge, love and discovering his identity.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

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 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.]

About the Author:

Stuart is an award-winning author and secondary school teacher. He has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and founded, and now runs, WriteMentor. In 2020 and 2022 he was placed on the SCWBI Undiscovered Voices longlist and named as an Hononary Mention for his novels ‘Ghosts of Mars’ and ‘Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time’. In 2023, he won the WriteBlend award for his middle grade debut, Ghosts of Mars.

Stuart was included in The Bookseller’s 2021 list of Rising Stars in the publishing industry.

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

Read more →

Book Review | THIS WILL BE FUN by E.B. Asher

THIS WILL BE FUN
            BY E.B. ASHER | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 29,2024
 AVON | GENRE: FANTASY
RATING: ★★★

____________________________________________________________________

Ten years ago, they saved the realm—and it ruined their lives. Now, four former heroes must reunite, and hopefully live to tell the tale, in this charming romantasy about friendship and redemption, perfect for readers of Legends & Lattes and lovers of Shrek.

Everyone in Mythria knows the story of how best friends Beatrice and Elowen, handsome ex-bandit Clare, and valiant leader Galwell the Great defended the realm from darkness. It’s a tale beloved by all—except them. They haven’t spoken in a decade, devastated by what their quest cost them.

But when they all receive an invitation to the queen of Mythria’s wedding, it’s a summons they can’t refuse . . . and a reunion for the ages—with Clare secretly not over his long-ago fling with Beatrice, Beatrice fighting the guilt she feels over how everything ended, Elowen unprepared for the return of her ex-love (the cunning Vandra), and all of them lost without Galwell. And if reuniting with former friends and lovers wasn’t perilous enough, dark forces from their past have also returned.

Dusting off old weapons and old instincts, Beatrice, Clare, and Elowen will face undead nemeses, crystal caves, enchanted swords, coffee shops, games of magical Truth or Dare, and, hardest of all, their past rife with wounds never healed and romances never forgotten.

This time around, will their story end in happily ever after?

____________________________________________________________________

"A Tale of Nostalgia, Adventure, and Missed Potential"

THIS WILL BE FUN by E.B. Asher is a romantasy that blends elements of adventure, magic, and romance into a tale. The premise has so much potential: once glorified heroes, now estranged, are invited together to attend a royal wedding —moreover, for a last mission. The emphasis on friendship promised a cozy read, and I was excited to see how the characters would navigate their past and present struggles.

The story revolves around Beatrice, Elowen, Clare, and Galwell the Great, who once saved the realm of Mythria from darkness. Ten years later, they are invited to the queen’s wedding, bringing them back together for a reunion filled with unresolved feelings and old flames. As dark forces resurface, they must embark on another quest to save their land and confront their past.

Despite the intriguing premise, the book often felt like a collection of unfinished ideas. While the characters are likable, the narrative struggled to bring together the different elements cohesively. The emphasis on Beatrice and Clare's romantic tension overshadowed the adventure, which felt underdeveloped. The repetition of emotional turmoil without advancing the plot became tiresome. As a fan of world-building in fantasy novels, I found the setting lacked the richness and detail I had hoped for. The book has its moments of charm, but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential.

I appreciated the focus on friendship, which added a cozy layer to the romantasy genre. However, I found myself wanting the story to delve deeper into the quest rather than the romantic subplots. The book ironically was not fun most of the time, as it kept circling the same emotional beats. Yet, if you're into burning passion evolving from years of longing (oftentimes) masking as anger, this story is for you.

Overall, THIS WILL BE FUN offers an interesting mix of nostalgia, adventure, and second chances. While it didn't completely live up to my expectations, it might still resonate with readers who enjoy character-driven stories and second-chance romances. For those seeking a richly detailed fantasy world or a tightly-knit adventure, it may leave you wanting more.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:
E. B. Asher is the pen name for authors Bridget Morrissey, Emily Wibberley, and Austin Siegemund-Broka. Bridget Morrissey is the author of the romance novels Love Scenes, A Thousand Miles, and That Summer Feeling, as well as two novels for teens. She lives in Los Angeles, where she coaches gymnastics. Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka are the authors of the romance novels The Roughest Draft, Do I Know You? and The Breakup Tour, as well as several novels for teens. Married, they live in Los Angeles, where they continue to take daily inspiration from their own love story.

*Thanks to HarperCollinsCA for the egalley
in exchange for this unbiased review.

Read more →

Blog Tour | FALLEN KNIGHT by Ceril N. Domace

About the Book:

FALLEN KNIGHT
BY CERIL N. DOMACE
PUBLICATION: JANUARY 24, 2025 | GENRE: ADULT FANTASY

____________________________________________________________________

Leon Quinn has two goals in life: stay out of the reach of the Templesbane and drink himself unconscious whenever he can afford it.

The first is because the Templesbane wiped out his home and family among the Knights Vigilant when he was a child, destroying everything he knew and loved in one night. The second is to help him sleep when the memories of the first overwhelm him.

But he can’t avoid his past forever. His mercenary work has brought him back to Mezeldwelf, the city he fled to after the downfall of the Knights Vigilant, and to his estranged father just in time to get embroiled in a scheme that threatens the very foundation of the city. A scheme that could see Mezeldwelf, its people, and its gods handed over to the Templesbane.

To protect the city and man that adopted him, Leon will need to confront the ruins of the life he left behind and the horrors that threaten the life he’s cobbled together since then.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH

"This such a good read that hooked me in as soon as I started it."
-Helen Byles
"Domace masterfully crafts a world that is incredibly immersive, with intricately blended elements of classic fantasy, and a role-playing game-style narrative. "
-Charlotte
"This book really captured me emotionally."
-karla_bookishlife
"The writing was superbly done. I was immediately hooked and I looked forward to getting out of work everyday for the past 4 days, just so I could get the next portion in."
-Cozy with Books



TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

Ceril N Domace is an accountant, animal lover, and dedicated dungeon master.

As a lover of fiction works great and small, Ceril has been reading age-inappropriate stories since her father failed to pull The Silmarillion from her grubby little fingers at age five. As a grown-up accountant, her spreadsheet compiling gives her plenty of time to make plans for a fantastic world that isn't plagued by balance sheets . . . and also has dragons.

On the rare occasions she manages to free herself from an ever-growing and complex web of TTRPG, Ceril enjoys taking walks and griping that all her hobbies are work in disguise.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | BLUESKY | FACEBOOK

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

Read more →