Blog Tour | UNDINE’S BLESSING by Tessa Hastjarjanto

About the Book:

UNDINE’S BLESSING
BY TESSA HASTJARJANTO | JANUARY 27, 2024
GENRE: YA FANTASY

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A dutiful daughter, a mystical archipelago, and a hidden power waiting to command the tides...

Marella spends her days caring for her sick mother and selling her father's fish. Bound by duty and love, she dreams little of adventure. But when her mother must travel to the city for treatment, her father takes her out to sea, despite her fear of water.

A storm steers them to Emberrain, home to a tribe of magical nymphs and a place of secrets, where Marella discovers a startling truth: her father is a frequent visitor to these mysterious islands. Soon she learns that Emberrain isn't the only secret he had kept from her.

Marella has the power to control water and communicate with aquatic animals.

Overwhelmed by the magical but dangerous islands, and the secrets of her father, Marella must learn to harness her powers to save herself and her new aquatic friend before they are separated from their parents forever.

Undine's Blessing is a journey of wonder, where fears are faced and mysteries unravel, and a young girl learns that true adventure begins when you dare to embrace who you truly are.

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:

Tessa Hastjarjanto is a Dutch/Indonesian writer from the Netherlands. She writes speculative fiction, and blogs at narratess.com about books, fountain pens, and writing.

From a young age, she imitated popular stories and games in creating her own worlds. This love eventually led to a master's degree in media and game studies at the University of Utrecht. However a mundane desk job was enough to inspire her to follow her creative passion. The first fanfics were written in lunch breaks and soon original fiction followed.

With the support of her husband, she now focuses on her writing career while battling chronic pain. Swiss white shepherd, Shiro, acts as a therapy dog to keep her healthy and reduce stress through extensive cuddle sessions.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

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BBNYA Book Review | YELLOW TAPE AND COFFEE by Pat Luther

YELLOW TAPE AND COFFEE
13th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY PAT LUTHER | JULY 18, 2021
GENRE: ADULT FICTION
RATING: ★★★✬

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Four intertwining stories. Four points of view of a single large event. Four people from different backgrounds with different ideals.

And a secret society of werewolves is unveiled in Portland, Oregon.

For four hundred years, they have kept their secret. Some will do anything to reveal it. Others will sacrifice everything to keep it.

Alliances will be forged and shattered. Friendships will be made and betrayed. Conspiracies within conspiracies will unravel as conflicting agendas clash across the city.

And by the end, nothing will be the same.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

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Pat Luther's YELLOW TAPE AND COFFEE weaves an intricate tale of mystery, morality, and metamorphosis, told through the eyes of four distinct characters. This ambitious novel, set against the backdrop of Portland, Oregon, delves deep into a secret society of werewolves, unraveling a centuries-old enigma that challenges allegiances and convictions alike.

At its heart, the book is more than just a supernatural thriller; it’s a poignant exploration of freedom, tyranny, and the fight to live authentically in a world rife with oppression. Luther masterfully blends folklore with societal relevance, creating a narrative that resonates with real-world struggles.

The story's structure—spanning multiple points of view—adds depth and complexity, immersing readers in the multifaceted nature of the unfolding events. Each perspective offers a unique lens, showcasing the moral dilemmas and human (or not-so-human) challenges faced by the characters. The detailed narrative shines, pulling readers into a world that feels vivid and alive.

Luther’s take on werewolf lore is refreshingly original, moving beyond tired tropes to present a nuanced and compelling mythology. The themes of alliances, betrayals, and the clashing agendas of those who seek to either reveal or protect the secret society are both gripping and thought-provoking.

While the book’s length may be daunting, every page feels earned, rewarding readers with a story as layered and engaging as it is meaningful. Fans of intricate, morally charged fiction will find themselves captivated by this novel’s depth and narrative prowess.

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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:

An Oregon native, Pat Luther has been writing most of his life, only recently turning to novels.

He’s been a pizza boy, a Kelly girl, a corporate propagandist, and both a writer and debunker of conspiracy theories. He’s worked on satellites and police databases and has lost more than one job when the forces of good forced an end to the project. He’s been a member of at least two different secret societies, neither of which actually involved werewolves.

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*Book copy courtesy of BBNYA and the author in exchange for this honest review.
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Book Review | LEAVE NO TRACE by Jo Callaghan

LEAVE NO TRACE
BY JO CALLAGHAN | PUBLICATION: JANUARY 7, 2025
RANDOM HOUSE | GENRE: CRIME FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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From the bestselling author of In the Blink of an Eye comes a gripping thriller that pits algorithms versus experience, logic versus instinct, and one undetectable killer versus two extraordinary detectives.

When the body of a man is found crucified at the top of a hill in the British midlands, AIDE Lock—the world’s first AI Detective—and Detective Kat Frank are thrust into the spotlight as they are given their first live case. When a second body is found the police issue an extraordinary warning to local males aged between 30 and 40 years old:

• Avoid drinking in pubs
• If you must go to a pub, do not leave alone
• And definitely do not leave a pub with a stranger

With the national media and local men in an uproar, Kat and Lock have to combine their instincts and algorithms to catch the killer before they can strike again.

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"Kat and Lock #2"

LEAVE NO TRACE by Jo Callaghan is a thrilling sequel that continues the gripping story of AI Detective Lock and human Detective Kat Frank. From the bestselling author of In the Blink of an Eye, this novel masterfully blends traditional detective work with cutting-edge technology, creating an engaging and thought-provoking narrative.

The story kicks off with the discovery of a man’s crucified body in the British midlands. AI Detective Lock and Detective Kat Frank are handed their first live case, and soon, a second body is found. The police issue an urgent warning to local males, aged 30 to 40, advising them to avoid drinking in pubs alone or leaving with strangers. As the media frenzy escalates, the dynamic duo must navigate a complex investigation, relying on both human instincts and advanced algorithms to catch the elusive killer.

Callaghan’s novel is well-developed, creative, and engaging. The use of an AI police investigator in an active crime investigation is both intriguing and innovative. Despite not having read the first book, this sequel stands strong on its own, although it piqued my interest to read the previous installment.

The narrative continues on a pounding pace, keeping readers gripped as the investigation progresses. While I am not typically a fan of science fiction, Leave No Trace was an interesting read. It combines elements of conventional detective investigation with AI technology, delivering a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the depth of character development. Kat and Lock’s partnership evolves as they navigate the challenges of their investigation, highlighting themes of trust and collaboration between human and artificial intelligence. Additionally, some chapters are presented from the culprit's point of view, offering a chilling and fascinating glimpse into the mind of a criminal. This narrative choice adds a layer of psychological depth to the story, making it even more captivating.

I am particularly intrigued to see how Callaghan continues to develop the central characters and their relationships. LEAVE NO TRACE is a recommended read for fans of crime thrillers, offering a perfect blend of logic and instinct, algorithms and experience. Readers who appreciate thought-provoking narratives and innovative twists on classic detective tropes will find this book particularly captivating.

Overall, this novel is a testament to Callaghan’s storytelling prowess, combining suspense, technology, and deeply human themes in a way that resonates long after the last page is turned.

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About the Author:
Jo Callaghan works full-time as a senior strategist, carrying out research into the future impact of AI and genomics on the workforce. After losing her husband to cancer in 2019, when she was just forty-nine, she started writing In the Blink of an Eye, her debut crime novel, which explores learning to live with loss and what it means to be human. She lives with her two children in the British Midlands.

*Penguin Random House provided the Netgalley access
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Blog Tour | WHILE WE’RE YOUNG by K.L. Walther

About the Book:

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG
BY K.L. WALTHER | PUBLICATION: MARCH 4, 2025
HARPER COLLINS | GENRE: YA ROMANCE

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A whirlwind romance inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off about four friends whose hearts are broken and mended over the course of an epic senior skip day—from the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules!

Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be an inseparable trio before their love lives became a tangled mess. For starters, Grace is secretly in love with Everett, who used to go out with Isa before breaking her heart in the infamous Freshman Year Fracture. And, oh yeah, no one knows that Isa has been hanging out with James, Grace’s brother—and if Grace finds out, it could ruin their friendship.

With graduation fast approaching, Grace decides an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia might be just what they need to fix things. All she has to do is convince Isa to help her kidnap Everett and outmaneuver James, who’s certain his sister is up to something.

In an epic day that includes racing up the famous Rocky steps, taste-testing Philly's finest cheesesteaks, and even crashing a wedding, their secrets are bound to collide. But can their hearts withstand the wreckage?

AMAZON | GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH

"The brilliant writing perfectly encapsulates the meaning of true friendship, the importance of having that unconditional support and the loss keenly felt when it breaks down."
-BookswithDanSamEnd
"The Author did a good job with balancing the character’s views, the lighthearted scenes with the emotional ones which made the story flow nicely with some scenes that felt rushed/under explained."
-A walk In a Book


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About the Author:

K.L. Walther was born and raised in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania surrounded by family, dogs, and books. Her childhood was spent traveling the northeastern seaboard to play ice hockey. She attended a boarding school in New Jersey and went on to earn a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. She is happiest on the beach with a book, cheering for the New York Rangers, or enjoying a rom-com while digging into a big bowl of popcorn and M&Ms. And listening to Taylor Swift on repeat, of course.

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

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BBNYA Spotlight | MY HEART IS HURTING by S.E. Reed

About the Book:

MY HEART IS HURTING
BY S.E. REED | JULY 16, 2023
GENRE: YA FICTION

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Jinny Buffett is lonely…

She’s never had the comfort of a white picket fence with a loving family. Her subsidized apartment in Hollywood Florida echoes with the void of her dead Daddy, and the nights drag long into twilight while her Mama works the block outside the Margaritaville resort.

It’s idealistic Ms. Fleming, who’s brave enough to come knocking first. She wants to see Jinny rise up and use her ace scores to escape the wheel of poverty, convincing Jinny to start a school book club, where she finds the friends and boyfriend she never knew she needed.

But when her Mama spirals out of control and threatens her entire existence, it’s Jinny’s Everglade ancestors who arrive in a mist of magic, bringing the swamp and hope with them.

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:

S.E. Reed lives in the south and writes strange, haunting, real stories of people and places along old highways.

Winner of the 2024 Florida Book Awards and the 2024 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People.

Additionally, she's been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and won honorable mention twice in L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest.

TWITTER | WEBSITE

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Blog Tour | BUDDY THE KNIGHT AND THE QUEEN OF SORROW by Peter David

About the Book:

BUDDY THE KNIGHT AND THE QUEEN OF SORROW
BY PETER DAVID
PUBLICATION: AUGUST 31, 2024 | GENRE: MIDDLE GRADE FANTASY

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Buddy is no ordinary teddy bear.

He’s a Knight, crafted by The Nameless Wizard himself, and sworn to protect his Person, 10-year old Mieya, from all the Things-That-Go-Bump-In-The-Night.

When Mieya is cursed into a magical sleep, it’s up to Buddy and his friends Esteban the Bard, Sasha the Warrior-Princess, and Copper the Butterfly to journey across The Realm-Under-The-Bed and find the one responsible.

But this is no ordinary Quest. The Realm is a dangerous place, filled with jungles, deserts, lightning storms, and Monsters. But worst of all is The Queen of Sorrow who waits for them in her dark castle in the crags. To break her curse, Buddy will need more than his skill with a blade, Esteban’s witty songs, or Sasha’s ferocious might.

He’ll need Heart.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH

"I especially loved the “Be” phrases sprinkled throughout—wise and empowering words that young readers can carry with them long after the last page."
-Gina Rae Mitchell
"This book would make a fabulous introduction to fantasy for young readers and has a positive message of determination and bravery running through it..."
-Sue's Musings
"I loved the world that Peter David has created in this book! It’s so whimsical and sweet, while also being action-filled and thrilling in the best of ways."
-Kerri McBookNerd


TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

About the Author:

A native son of Massachusetts, Peter David has lived in the Deep South for over 25 years. He’s an insurance professional by day, saving the world one policy at a time. But at night, well, no one really wants to see him fighting crime in his Spider-Man onesie. Instead, Peter develops new worlds of adventure influenced by his love of science fiction, mysteries, music, and fantasy. Whether it’s running role-playing games for his long-time friends, watching his beloved New England sporting teams vie for another championship, or just chilling with a movie, his wife, two boys, one puppy, and three cats, Peter’s imagination is always on the move. It’s the reason why his stories are an eclectic blend of intrigue, excitement, humor, and magic, drawn from four decade’s worth of television, film, novels, and comic books.

TWITTER | GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH | WEBSITE

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

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BBNYA Spotlight | CURSE OF SOULS by Niranjan

About the Book:

CURSE OF SOULS
15th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
BY NIRANJAN | JANUARY 19, 2024
GENRE: FANTASY, ROMANCE

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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

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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:

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/

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