Kyrosmagica Publishing – The Magical Home of Books, Writing, Photography and Inspiration
Author: Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Hi.
Welcome to my blog: M J Mallon - Kyrosmagica Publishing. A blog about magic, books, writing, laughter, and much more! I'm a debut writer, my first YA fantasy novel The Curse of Time - Book 1 - Bloodstone is set in Cambridge. I write book reviews on my blog and on Goodreads. I have a penchant for travel and have relatives in far flung places, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore, (my birthplace.) I grew up in in Bonnie Scotland, in Edinburgh, and now live in Cambridge. I love sunny, hot places, particularly Rome, Venice, Portugal, Barcelona, and I forgot to mention the sun drenched beaches of the Caribbean, how could I? I am lucky to have been blessed with two lovely daughters and a husband who I fondly refer to in this blog as my black sheep. Family joke! With my passion for travel, culture, beautiful beaches, good food, books, theatre, writing, and humour, I hope to keep you entertained. I'm loving every minute of this creative journey, please join me.
Thank you so much to Christy for inviting ❤️ me to contribute for Women’s History Month. I’m discussing a new Portuguese poet, Florbela Espanca, and my love of poetry.
Do popover to Christy’s blog to read all her wonderful posts and contributors for Women’s History Month.
Readers of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials and Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere will love Minu Freitag’s fast-paced fantasy adventure The Fragments, the first Book in The Spheres series, where a handful of young protégées find themselves entangled in an age-old conflict that threatens to destroy more than one world.
When Easla Amrath meets Tayl Bergin, they are both haunted by the consequences of their own decisions and the decisions made for them by others. But when Easla becomes stranded in the Fragments, both she and Tayl embark on a journey across the unforgettable landscapes of a broken world where they confront deadly dangers and meet unlikely allies. As more of their pasts unravels, uncomfortable truths come to light, and they need to face the fact that more than their own future is at stake.
In her debut novel, Minu Freitag creates a tantalising multiverse that will captivate readers of fantasy and science fiction alike. Set in the parallel worlds of the Spheres, the first book in the series takes place in the Protectorate, a world similar to ours but caught in the grip of a ruthless dystopian society, and the Fragments, a world in which human exiles form a fragile alliance with the machine-based inhabitants and the enigmatic Sceadwian shadow creatures.
Book Review
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy which I read freely and without bias.
What a great book, different, complex, compelling and exciting. Thoughtful and dystopian. I particularly enjoyed the characterisation of Tayl and Eass. And what an adventure it is. The writing is superb – dialogue, descriptions, everything.
Other things to note: It’s a long book – so bear that in mind. This is not a quick read and needs thoughtful close reading. But it so worth it. The ending is somewhat unusual with two epilogues at the end which lead on to the next book as this is a series.
Some quotes:
Graphyn shook his head. ‘I don’t know how she chooses which child to take. Or why. All I know is that she takes children from worlds on the brink of extinction.’
‘It’s a symbol of both Arc and house, and it hides much older symbols in it.’ ‘ And with the map, the Entrelacier can go from anywhere to anywhere?
This won’t be for everyone but it is my kind of story! This must have been such a challenging book to write. Hats off to the author. This book deserves a wider audience.
Highly recommended for fantasy, scifi and dystopian fans.
My rating 4 🌟
Book was gifted via my membership of the Fantasy sci fi writers alliance:
Don’t miss out! Two part YA fantasy series but suitable for all ages! Book 1 Bloodstone is currently free in kindle Amazon UK and some other territories. This is for you if you like fantasy with dark elements, crystal wielding magic, a trapped mirror girl, a mystery to solve, a curse to overthrow, imaginative characters, unique, surreal and poetic storyline. Set in the iconic University city of Cambridge UK.
My YA fantasy book 1 Bloodstone is currently free in kindle in some Amazon sites including:
AMAZON UK
AMAZON US
Bloodstone was awarded a finalist badge in N. N. Light’s awards for books rated 5 and 5++ stars. Title: Bloodstone (The Curse of Time – Book 1) series
Page count: 292
Publisher: Next Chapter Publishing
Genre: YA fantasy with paranormal elements
My YA mysterious fantasy, Bloodstone, Book 1 in The Curse of Time series has expanded distribution and is available via this link:
Inspirations – The Corpus Christi Chronophage clock, Cambridge UK, and Anya Gallaccio’s Crystal grotto which I saw many years ago at Junipter Artland, Wilkieston, Scotland.
The grasshopper (courtesy of Dr. John C. Taylor) Close up of the grasshopper, (courtesy of Dr. John C. Taylor, (OBE)(Courtesy of Dr. John C. T aylor) The crystal grotto, Juniper Artland My black cat muse and character Shadow photo courtesy of Samantha MurdochImage of the mirror girl Esme by talented artist Carolina Russo Image of Eruterac by wonderful artist Carolina Russo
Amelina Seems Like a Normal Teen, But She Has Magical Gifts!
Reviewed in Canada on February 6, 2023
Amelina Scott is the main character in Golden Healer. She seems like a normal teenager in many ways, living at home with her parents, dog, and cat. But she is quite extraordinary with special powers, thanks to the magical gifts she has received from Leanne. The crystals can do many things, each with its own abilities to help in some way.
The problem comes when Amelina discovers that her Bloodstone crystal is missing. Or was it stolen? She was entrusted with it, and now it might have fallen into the hands of someone evil (or something evil). And so starts this fascinating book!
Golden Healer has deeper messages within the fantasy elements. How author MJ Mallon handles the bullying issue, which is all too common with teenagers, might be enlightening for some young adults reading the book.
Other issues include anorexia and self-harm. Esme, a character who is caught in a mirror, has a butterfly project that offers a message of hope to those who self-harm. I didn’t realize the butterfly project is a real thing until I read Golden Healer.
The book has understanding notes, is never judgemental, and the author even includes links to resources for help. Yes, there is a trigger warning included in this book. That’s good so that you know heading into it what to expect. This book, which I was gifted, is the second installment in The Curse Of Time series, but you can read it as a standalone novel.
“Golden Healer” picks up where the first book left off with Amelina maneuvering through her teen years while embracing her magic as a Krystallos. Some of my favorite parts were the interaction with the girl in the mirror and Amelina and her dad. Not only did the plot take the reader on a rollercoaster, but there was also an actual one in the story. Many good characters all played into finding out more about the darker side, or shadows. Ryder is a character who could have an empathic side if he allowed it, but I did like how he developed in the story. Crystals and music added depth to Amelina’s learning quest. Her friendships are still strong and are tested with Ryder involved. There are some beautiful poetic parts, and I love the poetry at the beginning of each chapter. Although this book answers many questions, it also opened the door to new ones. I look forward to more stories from these characters.
This novel carries on from where the first left off, straight into Amelina’s world of crystals and magic. It was good to catch up with the familiar faces, Amelina’s parents, her cat, Esme, Ryder and all the others. As you might have expected, her life is still just as complicated and exciting as before. But now she has a new purpose. There’s plenty of angst to deal with, as Amelina juggles being a teen with her new-found destiny as a Krystallos. Her relationships will be tested, people will not be what they appear. Through it all, she sticks to her purpose. Emotions abound, expertly described and dealt with as Amelina’s fortunes wax and wane. The mystical symbolism and magic in the story are brilliantly depicted. Not only that, each chapter has a short poem to introduce it, giving clues and guidance as the plot develops. A rollercoaster ensues, in more ways than one. I hope that a third part of this fascinating tale is on the horizon. Highly recommended.
Amazing fantasy creatures and gorgeous depictions wrapped up in an unusual storyline
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022
Golden Healer is the second book in The Curse of Time series and continues this unique fantasy story with its unusual and intriguing storyline. Book one ended with a happy environment after Amelina’s father was finally restored to his family at the correct age and Esme disappeared from the mirror, presumably to a better place. Book two starts with small but obvious indications that all is not as it seems and the issues involving both Amelina’s father and Esme are not adequately resolved.
The beginning is a bit slower moving as the author skillfully unwinds the reader’s beliefs that all is well and hammers cracks into the happy environment. The stage is set beautifully with fascinating and intricate scenes and dreams spun like a spiderweb from the author’s pen. Amelina’s first dream travel in this book has catastrophic results as while she is away from her body her bloodstone is stolen and this accelerates the cracks in her home environment.
This book is not an easy read and you have to concentrate as you read in the same way you would while reading a classic novel. It is worth the effort as the descriptions and concepts are outstanding and beautifully depicted.
There are a few stand out scenes for me in this book, as follows: the grasshopper in the meadow, the clowns in the café, and Aunt Karissa’s chocolates. For me, these were unbelievably imaginative and full of mystery.
Aunt Karissa features plays a small role in this book, introducing some welcome lightness and humour as Ryder’s darkness and power continue to grow. The reader learns a bit more about Ryder and his origins and homeland.
Another memorable feature of this book is that each chapter or puzzle piece starts with a tanka poem that hints at what is to follow in the chapter. The author is also an excellent poet and the poems were a lovely addition.
A few memorable quotes from this book:
“The grasshopper monster propelled time forward in a steady, slow, rocking motion, as if he was devouring our lives in seconds, minutes and hours as we gazed upon him.”
“Hello my beautiful reflection. You came! You always come when I need you the most. I have been so anxious listening to the troubles of this family which has become my family. What have you been doing? I see sweet flowers covering the red cuts on your left wrist.”
“”She opened the wrapper with trembling fingers. Inside, there was a small, round milk chocolate. It grew in her palm. the chocolate split into two halves, one half dark, and the other half white. In the centre, a dividing line moved form side to side as if whipping up the chocolate angrily.”
In conclusion, I would like to add that when I was a girl of 10 years old, I discovered the books written by Eva Ibottson. Every book of hers I read was a complete delight to me with its amazing fantasy creatures and gorgeous depictions of the lives of hags in dribbles and wizards in towers surrounded by mist. Throughout my adult life, I have search for an adult author who can invoke the same magical worlds and belief in magical creatures that I discovered in Miss Ibottson’s stories, and in this series by M.J. Mallon, I do believe I finally found an adult equivalent.
The author is a magician with words. She crafts scenes of sublime fantasy that are clear and easily pictured in the mind of the reader. The gift of description is also present. The scenes are very easy to understand, and the reader is swept into the story.
There is a real ‘arryesque feel to these stories. If you were a fan of the original wizard and his gang then you will be drawn to Amelina and her crew. Ryder is the ultimate character. The author was so able to capture the inner feelings of this character. It wasn’t more than a few pages when I loathed the existence of that waste of air.
Fans of the first book will simply love this book. This book carries on the craftily created story and takes it along an energetic ride to the end. Fans of this series will simply not be able to wait until they get their hands on the much-anticipated third book.
“In this reflective collection of syllabic poetry, poet Roberta Cheadle weaves words, emotions, and images as she recounts her soul-stirring journey around South Africa in 2022. She highlights the plight of the animals in the face of the Sixth Mass Extinction, during a visit to Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve. Lion Roar is a poetic and photographic roadmap to the heart & soul of South Africa with highlights about the increasing impact of global warming on humanity and the greater planet. A must read!” —Colleen M. Chesebro, Author of Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry
My ARC review
Thank you so much to the author for a copy. Here are my thoughts on this book.
Lion Scream is a wonderful collection of well written, accessible, evocative poetry and stunning photography primarily about indigenous species and landscapes of South Africa.
The images and poetry transport you to South Africa; they compliment each other and are beautiful. It is obvious that the author, Robbie Cheadle is passionate about these magnificent animals and the ever growing concerns and cruel practices of rhinos being dehorned for their tusks, poachers, endangered species, climate change, conservation and the illegal trade in exotic pets.
Robbie Cheadle lives in South Africa and has visited facilities such as Ukutula which is a world-class research and conservation facility, specializing in Genetic Mammal Research and Predator Conservation, which she mentions in this book.
In Lion Scream Robbie Cheadle includes links to several youtube videos which is a welcome addition to this marvellous book.
Here is an extract poem which I loved. In Lion Scream it is illustrated by an amazing photo of a lion up a tree!
Tree Lion.
Muscles of iron crouch He propels upward Settling his bulk into the crook of a branch A unique position To survey and wait *** Great head moving smoothly Mane protecting neck His expression is smug; can I see a smile? Relishing his power A king on his throne *** An unobservant bird Settles on the pond He springs, slick and fast; I hardly see him move Just a splash of water And a spray of blood
I also loved the amusing photos and poems about buffalos, (entitled: Don’t Be Fooled: I’m Africa’s most dangerous animal.)
There are the ugly five: warthogs, wildebeest, spotted hyenas, marabou storks, vulture, as well as lizards, weaver birds, flamingo, duck, and a cute and funny peacock romance.
Cheeta, tiger, wild dogs, antelope, black jacked jakal, monkey, giraffe, hypothalamus, crocodiles, hadeda (her pet bird,) woodpeckers, dung beetles, African bees, spiders, dragonflies, locusts and more!
“Cheetahs are also victims of the illegal trade in exotic pets as many of them die during transportation.”
The final section highlights sunflowers and the environment plus beautiful photos and accompanying poems of shadows, reflections, sounds, and fire.
This is followed by a short fiction tale, The Nutcracker, a tale about the sixth mass extinction, global warming, mental health, the careless use of medication to treat mental health issues, plastic pollution and cruelty to animals.
There is something for everyone in this beautifully illustrated, and must buy book. It would make a wonderful resource for schools too as it is educational and informative.
A fabulous read. 5 star without a doubt!
Some of the videos in the book… but for all the youtube links do buy a copy of the book.
I am absolutely thrilled with blue tick influencer, and professional reviewer – N. N. Night’s review of my latest book.
N. N. Lights Review:
A creative approach to poetry and prose I thoroughly enjoyed. MJ Mallon uses her imagination to reflect on life using conversations with the three Fates as a vehicle. I’m familiar with the multiple myths about the Fates (three sisters who guide mortals using the past, present, and future) but never have I read such a tender depiction.
The poems are beautiful and easy to understand. Each poem conveys a moment, an emotion, an experience, which relate to life. Themes detailing a life filled with beauty and love are evident and allow the reader time to ponder.
The prose illustrating conversations with the three Fates is, by far, my favorite part. The writing is imaginative, creative, and flows without effort. The dialogue speaks to the heart of the matter, the reason for everything (both good and bad): live a life well lived.
The writing itself is emotive and has a meditative quality to it. MJ Mallon chooses words like an artist chooses pain colors before creating a masterpiece. Each word by itself doesn’t mean much but when put together transforms the reader. It’s an artform and one I admire.
If you’re looking to make a change in your life or want to escape for a short time for reflection, pick up this book. A delightful, inspiring collection of poems and prose.
This week, Colleen is using the painting below as inspiration, please write either a syllabic poetry form ora freestyle poem, including a syllabic form(both poetry forms on the same post).
REMEMBER… don’t just describe the woman… we can all see her. Like all of us, this woman has a story. Write THAT poem…
Portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1865-1932) by John Singer Sargent, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
“Ekphrastic poems exist to respond to a piece of art critically, analytically, and reverentially.”Ekphrastic poetry explained
I’ve decided to write a senryu
From Colleen blog:
A form with 3 or more lines following the short-long-short, 3-5-3, 2-3-2, (5-7-5 traditional) approximately twelve syllables. Senryu do not rhyme, nor do they contain metaphors and similes.
A senryu is written about love, human foibles relating to a personal event, and should have an element of irony present somewhere in the form. Humor and sarcasm are two of the most favorable elements in a senryu. But not always… think in tone. What is the tone of your senryu?
Senryu focus on the awkward moments in life making the human, not the world around them, the subject of their creative endeavor. Senryu poetry deals with the human condition. The most important distinction between haiku and senryu is the tone of your poem. Think of it this way:
Haiku desires to create a feeling, while senryu wants to make a point.
Focus on sexual matters, family relations, religion, politics, and anything that touches on the pain we experience through sorrow, prejudice, oppression, anger, and frustration. Humor and sarcasm are two of the most favorable elements in a senryu.No titles.
The photo has nothing to do with the poetry but I’m smiling and been deliberating…. so… this week I’m writing a haiku to consider my forthcoming dilemma… Do I self publish my final book in the Curse of Time series, or search for a new publisher, or keep with the one I have?
Do I stay with you? To flourish... see what happens? Should I exchange you?
Decisions, decisions. Lots of time to make up my mind as I have just begun writing book three.
Dilemma, it is... What to do? Decision time Decide. Switch. Promote.
For Change chose switch, exchange For Grow flourish, promote
This week’s challenge is a photo prompt. from photographer, Terri Webster Schrandt, from secondwindleisure.com to share her photos with us for inspiration. Terri runs a weekly photo challenge called Sunday Stills. Check it out HERE.
Terri says: “This is a filtered version of a rose I photographed at the International Rose Test Garden in Portland.”
I imagined an artist painting a life portrait of his love.
Here are my Etheree poems:
Love Unchained❤️
Love Unchained Heartstrings play Captured verses Loose petals scatter My brush strokes velveteen On your desirable skin! My breath hitches with excitement Your hair loosens, and your smile escapes, You laugh so hard that each rose tumbles free…
A bouquet of a dozen blooms arrive As lipstick red as each dewy kiss My rapt caresses make you smile With trembling hands I begin To paint your dear beauty With red rose petals I’m cherishing Such naked Sweetest Love
Do What You Love Fragility of Your Flame Poems, Photography & Flash Fiction is a personal poetry collection celebrating how the fates may have a part in all that we do.
With special poems and short reflective moments inspired by family, flowers and nature, love, scrumptious morsels, places I’ve visited, lived and intend to live in, the friendships and hopes I have for the future.
The overarching theme is to live a life well lived… And to do what you love.
float along with me create clouds of sweetest joy to do what you love hold fate’s hand as we venture near and far on life’s journey
I am thrilled to say that three of my poetry collections, (Mr. Sagittarius, The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet and Lockdown Innit,) have been requested by prestigious libraries in the UK: The British Library, The Bodleian Library Oxford University, the Cambridge University Library, National Library of Scotland, National Library of Wales and Trinity College Dublin for Legal Deposit.
Poetry also features in my highly acclaimed YA Fantasy series. Each chapter begins with a short poem. The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone and Book 2 Golden Healer are published by Next Chapter Publishing.
Saeli has always been different: she is autistic, in a world that doesn’t have a word for people like her.
She attends the exclusive institute of Aschamon, learning to harness her inner qi and preparing to join the battle between her people and their enemies, the Crimson Cowls. But despite her years of work, her teachers still refuse to elevate her to Silver Mantle status and dedicate her to their god’s service.
When notorious Crimson Cowl Rafel Kailar breaks into her school, it is either cruel irony…or fate…that Saeli is there to confront him.
But Rafel is nothing like the Cowls she’s been taught to hate. He draws her in with his charm and reveals his ultimate ambition: to overthrow the gods of Verre and end a hundred years of war. And he needs Saeli’s help.
As she is pulled deeper into Rafel’s schemes, Saeli fears she’ll be forced to choose whose side she’s truly on: her people, who have never understood her…or Rafel, who’d gladly turn her world upside-down to kill the gods.
My review
Mariah Norris is a new author to me who I discovered via my recent membership of the Fantasy and Sci fi alliance – FSFalliance. I received a copy from the alliance and all opinions are my own and unbiased.
I really enjoyed this novel. It is book 1 in the Seven Strands. I liked the way that Hands Like Secrets portrayed different characters from the mainstream. It is an easy, captivating read which kept my attention throughout.
Saeli is autistic, her friend Fien is non binary and is referred to with the pronoun them.
The story takes place in a magical, academic setting. In the early chapters, we are quickly introduced to the magic system which uses Qi, martial arts, and fluid dance like movements. I loved this! There is a hint of romance too… with Saeli’s growing attraction to Rafel, suggesting the potential for an enemy’s to lovers trope romance…. but… is Rafel attracted to her? Or is he just using her? There is also a love triangle potential… but no more spoilers…
Saeli has been waiting for so long to become a silver mantle when her life turns upside down. She is thrust into extraordinary circumstances and begins to wonder who the Crimson Cowls are… Are they wicked, murderous foes as she has always been told? Or are they at the mercy of the gods?
She is attracted to Rafel, and these parts of the novel are written so well, as she tries to handle and control her growing attraction! Saeli has to make some difficult decisions – will she trust the Cowls, in particular Rafel? Or stick with her old friends, the mantles? Her old friend Yan and Fien’s characters are both written so well. They obviously care for her, making her uncertain what path to take. There are references to war in this novel too, making it a thoughtful read which I appreciate.
This is a fast paced, absorbing LGBTQ+ read which I can thoroughly recommend.
