Month: November 2021

Bloodstone – The Curse of Time – #YA #Fantasy #Sale @NextChapterPB

News, my YA Fantasy Bloodstone is on Amazon UK and Amazon.com kindle sale from 30th November to 4th December. So grab yourself a bargain!

The second book in the Curse of Time series is currently with the publisher so now is the time to read book one if you haven’t already!

Blurb

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who is imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house.

When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden path where she encounters Ryder: a charismatic perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set and some crystal wizard stones, can Amelina discover the truth about her family?

A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Bloodstone is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology or the world of the paranormal.

Buying Link –

My Book Link: http://mybook.to/bstmm

Check out the recent blog with Blackberry Tours. Lots of reviews!

Book Tour Bloodstone #YA #Fantasy #thanks #book #tour

Bloodstone is receiving fantastic reviews on Goodreads. Many of which are 5 and 4 star ratings. Including a glowing 5+ stars from N. N. Light’s professional book review site.

N.N. Light

Nov 10, 2021 N.N. Light rated it it was amazing Shelves: 5-star-review, fantasy, fantasy-adventure, reviews-by-mrs-n, young-adult A magical invitation, that doesn’t tear up, urges Amelina to go to Crystal Cottage to seek out the hidden secrets of her family. Amelina Scott knows her family isn’t what you call normal and neither is her house. No one she knows has a girl trapped in the mirrors. When she receives an invitation to visit Crystal Cottage, she doesn’t know what to make of it. Is it a prank? Is it a trick? She decides to ignore it and throws it in the trash. Only it doesn’t stay in the bin. She tries to cut it up but it doesn’t cut. It sings, it dances, it is somehow alive. She finally decides to travel to the Crystal Cottage to see what happens. Along the way, she meets Ryder and discovers magic (both light and dark) is all around. She interacts with magical people, beings, and objects while learning the truth of her family. What happens next will astound you, the reader. Are you ready for an adventure?

Bloodstone is an imaginative fantasy adventure I enjoyed from start to finish. From the first page, I connected with Amelina. She’s a delightful heroine. I could relate to her on so many levels. Everything from her curiosity to her reactions to her emotional state rang true. While it’s tricky these days to write an original fantasy story, M.J. Mallon wrote one of the most original fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. Taking bits from fantasy authors of the past, M.J. Mallon adds her own blend of magical realism and emotional coming of age to make Bloodstone a gem. The plot moves at a good pace with each chapter starting with a puzzle. What a creative way to keep the reader invested. The world-building is intricate and riveting. The characters are engaging and easy to connect with. Overall, Bloodstone is a brilliant story and when I finished, I wanted to read it all over again. If you’re a fantasy reader, you need to read Bloodstone. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it. My thoughts are all my own.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/bloodstone-br

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Book Tour Bloodstone #YA #Fantasy #thanks #book #tour

Well, it’s been some week! As some of you will know my publisher had some problems with Amazon and all Next Chapter authors kindle books were pulled from sale during the busiest time – Black Friday week. This was horrendously stressful but is resolved now! Thank heavens.

So, I am particularly appreciative of the book bloggers, author friends, and Blackberry Book Tours who rallied to ensure these wonderful reviews, and support. I will be adding any further review links.

Thank you!! Check out the sale post. Bloodstone is on limited kindle sale: https://mjmallon.com/2021/11/30/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-ya-fantasy-sale-nextchapterpb/

‘The author blurs the lines between reality and fantasy in the story. We can see this in the human characteristics of the house (…)’ @ReadRot

The author explores the issue of self-harm, and how things are not always the way it seems. Bloodstone: The Curse of Time by M.J. Mallon #raiseareader#parenting@Marjorie_Mallonhttps://readorrot.com/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-by-m-j-mallon/book-review/… via @@ReadRot

‘I will say the one thing I loved about this book is that you didn’t have the world-building drag on for hundreds of pages. This is great and didn’t have the story drag on and was quite a fast-paced read.’ @FeatzR

‘I really liked Esme, the girl in the mirror.’ @FeatzR

‘This book is about Amelina, a teenage girl who goes on an adventure to discover the truth about her family.’ @FeatzR


‘I also loved the incorporation of crystals. I can’t remember the last fantasy I read where they are used in this way. Very creative and a great addition to the overall story.’ Certified Book Nerd

‘Definitely an interesting and engaging beginning to the series and one I recommend.’ Certified Book Nerd

‘I LOVE that this has magic mirrors. They are always fun for me and Esme is a wonderful character.’ Certified Book Nerd

The world building is mesmerizing at times! The characters are easy to like & relate to ! Any fantasy reader would really enjoy & appreciate the imagination that went into the world building & the characters! Happy reading everyone! Angel White Book.n.All.Night

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4204531365/

So is Bloodstone worth reading? Yes, a fantastic option for fans of contemporary fantasy. Pick it up and enjoy the haunting life of Amelina. I know I am craving more. Books and Games.

https://books-and-games.com/2021/11/27/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1-review/

‘At the beginning of the book, readers are introduced to an unusual object known as a chronophage, which makes an appearance within the story.’ @marylannireads

To find out more about my inspirations: https://booksgosocial.com/2021/07/27/interview-with-m-j-mallon-the-author-of-a-fantasy-novel-bloodstone/

‘Readers experience British colloquialisms and vernacular when characters do speak to one another, and this adds another layer to the unique style of this story.’ @marylannireads

‘This poetic story features italicized poems and song lyrics throughout the book as direct references to written art, and a plethora of simile and metaphor are found throughout the narrative (…)’ @marylannireads

Spotlight/feature: http://www.bookwormforkids.com/2021/11/bloodstone-by-mj-mallon.html

Buying links:

Universal book Link: http://mybook.to/bstmm

UK Book Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodstone-Curse-Time-Book-1-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY/

US Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Bloodstone-M-J-Mallon-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloodstone-m-j-mallon/1139807581?ean=9784867510322

https://www.waterstones.com/book/bloodstone/m-j-mallon/9784867510322

To download a free copy via Book Sirens (limited copies,) click this link: https://booksirens.com/book/H4SI6L4/Q9PZX3A

Media Kit: https://mjmallon.com/2021/07/17/media-kit-bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1-nextchapterpb-ya-fantasy-release/

Thank you to the reviewers and book bloggers who have featured me and to Blackberry Book Tours who have created wonderful graphics to enhance the tour on both Instagram and Twitter.

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The Woman Who Felt Invisible by Lizzie Chantree @Lizzie_Chantree #new #book #release #romance #review

It is my great pleasure to welcome the lovely Lizzie Chantree to my blog today to celebrate the launch of her book on 23rd November. Love the title! I’m a big fan of Lizzie’s feel good romances.

Book blurb.

The woman who felt invisible.

A gorgeous romantic story of love and new beginnings. Learning to love herself and be content on her own is the first step. But will Olivia be able to leave her past behind, follow her heart and find lasting happiness? A read full of humour, romance and tear-jerking reality, from international bestselling author, Lizzie Chantree.

Have you ever felt invisible? 

Working as a stationery supervisor and a sitter to a pair of internet famous, delinquent dogs, wasn’t how former cyber-specialist, Olivia, imagined her life turning out. 

Working in a tiny cubicle with a decrepit computer and being overlooked had suited her for a while, but now she’s fed up, lonely and determined to make the world ‘see’ her again. 

Old school friend, Darius, wants to fill Olivia’s days with romance, but their love of technology has taken them on very different paths. 

Gorgeous undercover policeman Gabe, is steadfast in finding out if Olivia was part of an online scam, but something doesn’t feel right and he suspects someone else was manipulating her life. 

Can love blossom from the most deceptive of starts? And can someone who feels lost, find a way to flourish against all odds?

International bestselling author and award-winning inventor, Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year in 2000. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now works as a business mentor and runs a popular networking hour on social media, where creatives can support to each other. She writes books full of friendship and laughter, that are about women with unusual and adventurous businesses, who are far stronger than they realise. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website at http://www.lizziechantree.com or follow her on Twitter @Lizzie_Chantree https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree.

Short bio:

International bestselling author Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year. She writes books full of friendship and laughter, about women with unusual businesses, who are stronger than they realise. 

The woman who felt invisible by Lizzie Chantree

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The Woman Who Felt Invisible captured my attention right from the beginning with a great opening chapter which immediately hooks. The premise about older women feeling invisible is such a perceptive idea and Lizzie Chantree has explored this with touching humour, attention to detail and great characters. I loved all the funny details, the hot house, the dogs, the internet sensation! Jen’s fake smile and how she looked down her nose at the other women.

The main character Olivia (an older woman who lacks confidence,) meets Constance, (Connie,) at the office xmas party and there is reference to Connie looking young but being in her 40’s. A tip off to suggest where the story direction is going…

There are so many funny little moments like when Olivia’s boss Greg, who happens to be her new friend’s cheating husband, corners Olivia in the stationery cupboard (where she works,) and Olivia stabs him with her pen.

After the office party Olivia and Connie become great friends and this is the pivotal point where the story changes and progresses to reveal stunning revelations about Olivia and her best male friend Darius.

The love interest/love triangle appears in the form of injured Policeman Gabe who is doing a stake out of Olivia as he thinks she’s a drugs criminal! And Darius who has his charms and an abundance of good looks too… no spoilers read to discover more!

Connie wants to plan revenge on her cheating hubby Greg. And a whole bunch of extraordinary revelations follow. A great read! Perhaps less romance than some of Lizzie’s other books. Lots of humour, and commentry on women being more powerful than they seem. Overall, an entertaining novel and a celebration of older women having much to offer society with Olivia’s character demonstrating many hidden aspects, talents and much to admire. I loved it. Light-hearted, quirky but thoughtful too.



View all my reviews

Book links: Lizzie Chantree.

Universal book buy link: The little ice cream shop: viewbook.at/IceCreamShopByTheSea

Universal book buy link: Networking for writers: viewbook.at/NetworkingForWriters

Universal book buy link: If you love me, I’m yours: viewbook.at/IfYouLoveMe-ImYours

Universal book buy link: Babe Driven: viewbook.at/BabeDriven

Universal book buy link: Love’s Child: viewBook.at/Amazon-LovesChild

Universal book buy link: Finding Gina: viewbook.at/FindingGina

Shh… It’s Our Secret: https://www.bhcpress.com/Books_Chantree_Shh_Its_Our_Secret.html

The new book is on offer for a few days only so grab your kindle 99p/99c bargain while you can!

The woman who felt invisible: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09J98F32J

Social media links:

Website: www.lizziechantree.com

Author page: https://www.viewAuthor.at/LizzieChantree

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizzieChantree/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7391757.Lizzie_Chantree

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_chantree/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/LizzieChantree/pins/

FB Groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/647115202160536/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lizzie-chantree

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lizziechantreeauthor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnCop-RlAcGqggZG3JfE-Mw

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Latest Review and news!Bloodstone #YA #Fantasy

I have some news my YA fantasy Bloodstone is currently being recorded as an audiobook and this should be available in time for Christmas.

Also, the second book in the series, Golden Healer is now with Next Chapter…

And a wonderful review from Amazon influencer, N N Light…

A magical invitation, that doesn’t tear up, urges Amelina to go to Crystal Cottage to seek out the hidden secrets of her family. Amelina Scott knows her family isn’t what you call normal and neither is her house. No one she knows has a girl trapped in the mirrors. When she receives an invitation to visit Crystal Cottage, she doesn’t know what to make of it. Is it a prank? Is it a trick? She decides to ignore it and throws it in the trash. Only it doesn’t stay in the bin. She tries to cut it up but it doesn’t cut. It sings, it dances, it is somehow alive. She finally decides to travel to the Crystal Cottage to see what happens. Along the way, she meets Ryder and discovers magic (both light and dark) is all around. She interacts with magical people, beings, and objects while learning the truth of her family. What happens next will astound you, the reader. Are you ready for an adventure?


Bloodstone is an imaginative fantasy adventure I enjoyed from start to finish. From the first page, I connected with Amelina. She’s a delightful heroine. I could relate to her on so many levels. Everything from her curiosity to her reactions to her emotional state rang true. While it’s tricky these days to write an original fantasy story, M.J. Mallon wrote one of the most original fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. Taking bits from fantasy authors of the past, M.J. Mallon adds her own blend of magical realism and emotional coming of age to make Bloodstone a gem. The plot moves at a good pace with each chapter starting with a puzzle. What a creative way to keep the reader invested. The world-building is intricate and riveting. The characters are engaging and easy to connect with. Overall, Bloodstone is a brilliant story and when I finished, I wanted to read it all over again. If you’re a fantasy reader, you need to read Bloodstone. Highly recommend!



Her Rating: 5+ stars

Buy it Now:

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Bloodstone-Paranormal-Fantasy-Adventure-Curse-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY


Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Bloodstone-Paranormal-Fantasy-Adventure-Curse-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY


Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodstone-Paranormal-Fantasy-Adventure-Curse-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY


Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58417468-bloodstone


BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1-by-m-j-mallon

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/bloodstone-br

So excited and can’t wait for the audiobook to come out.

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Book Review : Word Weaving @ColleenChesebro #poetry #collection #review

Synopsis

Word Weaving is a yearly poetry journal, and for our first issue, we bring you poetry crafted from a broad mix of new and established voices across the spectrum of Japanese and American syllabic poetry forms. Enjoy this collection of poems that celebrate the Moons of Autumn.

Contributing Poets:

Annette Rochelle Aben, Mona Bedi, Nancy Brady, Colleen M. Chesebro, Goutam Dutta, Bill Engleson, Elizabeth F., Andreea Finichiu, D.L. Finn, Jeff Flesch, Ken Gierke, Franci Hoffman, Thom Kerr, Sujata Khanna, Ruth Klein, Jules Paige, D. Wallace Peach, Gwen M. Plano, M. J. Mallon, R.V. Mitchell, Elaine Patricia Morris, Lisa Smith Nelson, Pat Raffington, Susmita Ramani, Kerfe Roig, Aishwarya Saby, Akhila Siva, Merril D. Smith, Willow Willers, and Cheryl Wood.

Word Weaving #1: A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse by Colleen M. Chesebro

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I’m thrilled to be a participating author in this lovely collection of poetry compiled by Colleen Chesebro and edited by Jules Paige. My review relates to the other authors in the journal.

It begins with an introduction by Jules Paige in which she discusses the choice of theme in this particular collection.

There are haiku, senryu, tanka, tanka prose and many more forms, all of which are fabulous with so many favourites…

dancing in moonlight
in the autumn of our years
still chasing blue skies

Pat Raffington.

the empress rises
summer and winter curtsy
nature holds its breath
while the symphony begins
fireflies dance in the moonlight

Gwen M. Piano

Other highlights include D. L. Finn’s Moon’s Magic which I loved – about a lone black cat on the edge of the world, under the harvest moon and her “Harvest Moon,” Butterly Cinquain.

The collection concluded with a Best of Issue Poetry with favourites chosen by Jules and Colleen. The chosen poems were by D. L. Finn, Merril D. Smith and Ken Gierke. All excellent.

D. Wallace Peach’s “Moon-spun” tanka prose idyll – so magical and enchanting and her “Revolutions” Butterfly Cinquain.

Merril D. Smith’s Crapsey cinquain entitled “October Night,” her shadorma sequence “Harvest Moon,” and her abhanga “Through the Leaves.”

A new poet to me Sujata Khanna wrote a lovely double inverted etheree entitled “A Viaduct.”

And I particularly enjoyed Bill Engleson’s nonet, “Her Winged Way,” and his diatelle “Above Campbell Bay on a Hot August Night.”

Loved Colleen Chesebro’s Luna’s Soft Glow.

Shadorma took me to a “Moon Dance” with Ruth Klein’s contribution.

There was a “Meeting of Minds,” with a Badger’s hexastich written by Susmita Ramani and her “Autumn Half-Dream” “Prom-ises.”

A Triple Abhanga by Annette Rochelle Aben was lovely too.

I could go on and on. Do read this wonderful collection you won’t be disappointed.




View all my reviews

My review

Word Weaving #1: A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse by Colleen M. Chesebro

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


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Book Review The Reviled @MorganBC728 #NextChapterPub

In the mystical realm of Jyndari, a relationship blossoms between two unsuspecting yet kindred souls.
Ayla, a Light-loving Guardian of Childfey, hides more than a few secrets-ones which isolate and set her apart from the rest. Yet Ayla’s veiled confidences entice one who lurks in the shadows. Silent and watchful, this dangerous presence knows all too well the secrets she wishes kept hidden.
The Darkness-revering Fey bids his time, waiting for the ideal moment to step away from the shadows and reveal himself to Ayla. But doing so will irrevocably alter the course of their lives … and shatter both their worlds.
Brimming with magic and mystery, beauty and enchantment, Dark Fey, The Reviled is a fantasy like no other; one that is an adventure for both mind and spirit. 

My review

This is so me! I loved it from word go… I loved its take on dark and light winged creatures. I listened to The Reviled on audible. It’s an enthralling dark fantasy tale which would appeal to young adults and some older readers too. Friendship and a blossoming love interest at the beginning between Ayla and her suitor Marden capture the readers attention.

Ayla is a fae of the light, she is empathic, clairvoyant and can perceive truth from lies. The whisperings of a mysterious dark fey visitor begin – Gairynzvl. He is frightening as all dark fey are to the fae of the light (they steal young ones from the nursery and change them from light fae to dark.) In time Ayla’s impression of Gairynzvl’s intentions change, she realises his actions are not what she expects.

The pacing is slower in some parts, with a fair amount of detail describing the two Fey but during the battle scene the pace is fast and engrossing.

There is a developing love triangle, with a struggle for the three to escape the feared Centurion of The Reviled dark clutches.

This is for you if you like tales which are emotional, heartfelt and mystical with light and dark aspects. It is a beautifully expressed story, with passionate and descriptive writing. The final scenes are so emotionally charged that they will stay with me for a long while. I would definitely like to read more from this author.

My rating an easy 5 stars!

I featured Cynthia Morgan recently on my blog:

Author Spotlight: Cynthia Morgan @MorganBC728 #NextChapterpub #WritingCommunity

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