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


TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TUMBLR | BLOGLOVIN | GOODREADS

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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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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BBNYA Blog Tour | UNDINE’S BLESSING by Tessa Hastjarjanto

About the Book:

UNDINE’S BLESSING
12th Place Finalist, BBNYA 2024
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.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK

*Book copy courtesy of BBNYA and the author in exchange for this honest 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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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

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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

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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

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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:

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.
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Blog Tour | FALLEN KNIGHT by Ceril N. Domace

About the Book:

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

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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

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BBNYA Spotlight | MURDER IN VELVET by Sarah Wynne

About the Book:

MURDER IN VELVET
BY SARAH WYNNE | SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
GENRE: MIDDLE GRADE

13-year-old Grace loves her new charity shop coat. In fact, it’s perfect. Except for one tiny thing. When she wears it, she sees visions of the previous owner’s life ... and their murder! Grace and her best friend, Suzy, decide to investigate but digging up the past reveals secrets some people want to keep hidden. Can Grace stay one step ahead and solve a fifty-year-old murder or will she become the killer’s next victim? A gripping story of secrets and murder for fans of fast-paced middle grade thrillers.

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 16 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.]

About the Author:

Sarah Wynne is from Chester in the northwest of England and lives with her husband, son and their little white ball of chaos, Daisy the dog. She spent over 10 years working as a primary teaching assistant but now writes full-time and provides editorial services to writers of children’s fiction. When she’s not writing she’ll usually be found with her nose in a middle grade book (or researching which book to read next or talking about books!).

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BLUESKY 

*Content sent by the BBNYA for this blog's publication.
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BBNYA Spotlight | MASQUERADE FALL by Estella G. Fogg

About the Book:

MASQUERADE FALL
BY ESTELLA G. FOGG | JANUARY 3, 2023
GENRE: HISTORICAL FANTASY

Recently orphaned Elodie Di Silva is about to make her debut into Society, sponsored by her mother's friend's family. Quietly grieving, she allows Lady Beaumont and friends to guide her. But with the arrival of Lady Beaumont's enigmatic son, Lord Lucan Beaumont, who sends chills down Elodie's spine, she senses her debut is about to be derailed.

Stalked by day, and haunted by night by glimpses of a dark-haired man, who is somehow both stranger and familiar to her, Elodie vows to discover his secrets, and why she is so drawn to him.

But things are not what they seem.

Elodie's history with Raphael Blackmore, Duke of Mistbourne, is more complicated than she could ever have imagined.

Thrust into the bright lights of the Ton, Elodie navigates masquerade balls, picnics and house parties - where revelations will present one final fateful choice. She must decide whether to spread her wings and embrace the truth of her past... or allow the gilded cage of lies to close around her, locking her in an unwanted future.

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 16 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.]

About the Author:

When not searching the backs of wardrobes for Narnia, the bottom of the garden for fairies, or exploring yet another Castle, E.G. can be found with her nose in a book or a pen in her hand.

Having previously worked at Cardiff Castle, she now writes full time while looking after her four children.

She lives on the beautiful South Wales coast with her husband, children and crazy dog.

Her debut book 'Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key' won a bronze award in the wishing shelf book awards and placed in the top ten of the Book Bloggers' Bovel of the Year awards 2021. Her first book for older readers 'Where Fate Whispers' has been nominated in the Write Blend book awards, and also the Indie Ink awards.

E.G. Tudor also writes under the names 'Estelle Grace Tudor' & The Pseudonym 'Estella. G. Fogg'.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM 

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BBNYA Spotlight | HEALER'S BLADE by Kyrie Wang

About the Book:

HEALER'S BLADE
BY KYRIE WANG | JUNE 30, 2023
GENRE: YOUNG ADULT

2023 Page Turner Book Awards - FINALIST
2023 Wishing Shelf Awards - FINALIST

Enemy's Keeper Book 1

A healer on the run. A rebel knight after her heart. Will she betray him to save the England she loves?

Eighteen-year-old healer Aliwyn is consigned to solitude after medical failures leave her alienated from her village. With a rebellion against William the Conqueror rumbling on the horizon, she longs to practice her medicine in peace.

But when she agrees to hide an orphaned Norman girl, Aliwyn is plunged into the bloody war over the fate of England – a war she’s done her best to avoid. A daring escape from enemy arrows entangles her with the young rebel leader, Tobias, and she is swept into a world of rival factions and secret alliances. Faced with the insurgent army, she must make difficult choices about treating those she despises. Worst of all, Tobias's compassionate nature turns her perceptions of the enemy upside down.

After she unravels the fiery secret underpinning the rebel army, Aliwyn is challenged to take fate into her own hands and save England from sweeping destruction. Can she find the courage to fight for what she believes? And can she resist the magnetic charms of the man she’s vowed to defeat?

Step into a riveting & magic-free YA fantasy adventure with an authentic historical setting and irresistible slow-burn romance. Set in medieval England rocked by the early introduction of gunpowder and populated by Celtic-inspired tribes, Healer’s Blade is a page-turning read that’s perfect for fans of alternative history.

If you like stories with high stakes, political intrigue, and nail-biting action but prefer them to be free from language and sexual content, grab Healer's Blade today!

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 16 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.]

About the Author:

Hailing from the unpredictable snowstorms of Quebec, Canada, I'm a medical mystery detective (fancy words for "pathologist, MD") by day and a dreamweaver of historical fantasy by night. Pencil on paper makes me cry and laugh, and every book I write is living another life!

I have a PASSION for crafting stories that explore the humanity common to us all. Where people find their authentic selves, goodness prevails, and the forgotten and voiceless rise as heroes.

Somewhere between sleuthing with my microscope and crafting hamster toys with my girl, I sit down and type. You'd never catch me without (quality dark) chocolate in my bag and I would bike in Canadian January to a froyo store.

Just ask my best friend of 11 years- she was the cashier!

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM 

*Content sent by the BBNYA for this blog's publication.
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Blog Tour | WELCOME TO DORLEY HALL by Alyson Greaves

About the Book:

WELCOME TO DORLEY HALL
BY ALYSON GREAVES | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 8, 2024
GENRE: ADULT FICTION

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Mark Vogel is like the older brother Stefan Riley never had, until one day he disappears, and Stefan has to adapt to life without him. But, one year later, when he runs into a girl who looks near-identical to Mark, Stefan becomes obsessed. He discovers that other boys have disappeared, too, dozens over the years, most of them students of the Royal College of Saint Almsworth, many of them troubled or unruly before their disappearance.

What is happening to these boys? Who are the handful of women on campus who bear a striking resemblance to some of those who went missing? And what is the connection to the mysterious Dorley Hall?

Stefan works hard to get into the Royal College for one reason and one reason only: to find out exactly what happened to the women who live at Dorley Hall, and to get it to happen to him, too.

A closeted trans girl attempts to infiltrate a secret underground forced feminisation programme.

Content note: this story engages with some reasonably dark topics, including but not limited to torture, manipulation, dysphoria, nonconsensual surgery, and kidnapping. While it isn't intended to be a dark or dystopian story, the perspective characters are carrying a lot of baggage, and the exploration of the premise might be triggering for trans readers.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

"I won’t give away spoilers but lets just say this is a real cringe and love book.
You cringe and you turn the page. You cringe and you turn the next.
I sort of kind of loved it!"
-GirlLovesToRead
"Book 1 did its job: introduce the premise, and the characters, and leave me wanting more explanations."
-Sly Fox Reviews


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About the Author:

Alyson lives in a very small flat in a very large city and writes fiction with trans themes and characters. Her Twitter is twitter.com/badambulist

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Book Review | SONGLIGHT by Moira Buffini

SONGLIGHT
BY MOIRA BUFFINI | PUBLICATION: SEPT 3, 2024
FABER | GENRE: YA FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★✬

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Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Songlight is an extraordinary debut from a renowned screenwriter. A cinematic masterpiece in storytelling, the explosive first book in the Torch trilogy is the hottest release of the decade!

They are hunting those who shine . . .

Don’t be deceived by Northaven’s prettiness, by its white-wash houses and its sea views. In truth, many of its townsfolk are ruthless hunters. They revile those who have developed songlight, the ability to connect telepathically with others. Anyone found with this sixth sense is caught, persecuted and denounced.

Welcome to the future.

Lark has lived in grave danger ever since her own songlight emerged. Then she encounters a young woman in peril, from a city far away. An extraordinary bond is forged. But who can they trust?

The world is at war. Those with songlight are pawns in a dangerous game of politics. Friends, neighbours, family are quick to turn on each other . . .

When power is everything, how will they survive?

An extraordinary debut – the first in a trilogy – from an award-winning, internationally acclaimed screenwriter, Songlight promises to set the world alight!

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In the realm of dystopian fiction, SONGLIGHT emerges as a profound exploration of a social cancer, if you may. The novel, set in a world where the possession of 'songlight' marks individuals as 'unhuman,' delves into the dehumanization and persecution faced by those who are different. The narrative is a stark reflection of the propaganda-fueled wars and the obscured agendas of the State, a theme that resonates with the current global political climate.

What makes SONGLIGHT so commanding is the ability of the author to incorporate the well-trod tropes and characterization in a story that feels both refreshing and incredibly attractive. Buffini's characters are a testament to her brilliance, with even the antagonists being crafted with such depth that they add to the richness of the story. In simplest terms, her villains are the real villains and not just clichéd evil characters. It is filled with good characterizations of the players, lots of emotions, intrigue and a few twists which kept this reader intact.

The author has also shown extraordinary attention to detail in creating a world that is both concise and plausible. The stowed finish swerves into unexpected territory both emotionally and politically. Her presentation of events is straightforward – equivalent to that of a filmmaker – who aims to illustrate a period in a traditional society. The plot is a labyrinth of emotions, politics, heartbreak, and betrayal. The heartache sequences are extremely intense and difficult in the same way, the relief these characters provide urges the readers to be more sympathetic. Equally, the author challenges readers to consider the roots of dogmatic views, providing a window into the factors that shape such convictions.

The narrative's power to mirror contemporary issues is particularly striking, as it encourages a dialogue about the beliefs we hold in this present times. SONGLIGHT is a mirror held up to our society, a call to examine our beliefs, and a reminder of how powerful literature is to stir the soul and ignite the mind. As the story reaches its climax, the tension is palpable, with Moira Buffini masterfully conveying a sense of immediacy that binds the reader to the fate of the characters. The cliffhanger ending leaves one eagerly anticipating the next installment, a testament to the author's mastery to engage and captivate her audience. She has crafted a world that is as haunting as it is enlightening, and her work stands as a beacon in the genre, illuminating the path for future explorations of dystopia.

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About the Author:

Moira Buffini is one of the UK’s leading playwrights and screenwriters. Most recently she wrote the screenplay for The Dig (directed by Simon Stone), which earned her a Bafta nomination, and co-created and showran the Hulu TV series Harlots, which ran for three seasons. Moira’s other film work includes Jane Eyre (directed by Cary Fukanaga) Tamara Drewe (directed by Stephen Frears) and Byzantium (directed by Neil Jordan). She has also written four plays for the National Theatre, including Welcome to Thebes (Writers Guild Award nominee), and Dinner (Olivier nominee), which later transferred to the West End. Her other plays include Handbagged, for which she won an Olivier Award.
Photo from Faber website, no infringement intended.

*Thanks to Faber and The Write Reads for the eARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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