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 YA fantasy author, poet and reviewer. My first YA fantasy novel The Curse of Time - Book 1 - Bloodstone is set in Cambridge and Book 2 - Golden Healer is now out too. As well as this, I have contributed to several anthologies, created my own with some amazing international writers, bloggers and creatives during the pandemic: This Is Lockdown and written two poetry collections: Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity & Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose. I write book reviews on my blog and on Goodreads, book bub and on my bookstagram. 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.

Book Review: The River of Souls by Mark Piggott @Author_MPiggott #steampunk #magic #tale

Synopsis

“Reach beyond heavens veil; do not let death prevail. Instead, open the door through God’s grace; let this not be his final resting place!”

Fawleen and Drogon fought what people called “The Endless War,” as it went on for more than 300 years. The humans of Fawleen and the Dragonkin of Drogon clashed over borderlands, water rights, trade disputes, and the biased views of leaders on both sides of the conflict. Four generations fought and died in the war. That all changed when one sect of Drogon-the Oracles of Delphis Kai-joined Fawleen against their people and worked to end the war. The Oracles were healers and pacifists, the opposite of the Acolytes of Hecat Tei and their dark chaos magic that ruled Drogon. In the end, it was the deciding factor that brought peace to the troubled land.

Malcom Seger, a human Magi-Gunner, and his wife Alyssa, a dragonkin of the Oracles of Delphis Kai, moved to the parish of Fairhaven to begin a new life together. But just when they were getting settled in, Malcom succumbs to deadly “dragon dust” and lies near death. Grief stricken, Alyssa uses her magic to save her true love through the spell of restoration, powerful magic combining two souls into one.

Across the river of souls, the boundless cosmic lifestream that connects all worlds, a young man lay dying underneath a crumpled automobile. He hears a voice, crying out for help, begging not to be left alone. Desperate to make something of his life, he offers himself to God to cross the river of souls to be there for her.

Now begins their new life together in a world filled with distrust, bigotry, and hatred between races. Can two people from different worlds find love and peace to show what truly lies beyond THE RIVER OF SOULS.

My 5 star review

The river of souls by Mark Piggott.

This is a new author to me introduced via my membership of the Fantasy Sci Fi Alliance. Many thanks to the author and the alliance for a review copy.

Thoughts… this is such a lovely tale, full of heart. Really made me smile while reading it. Definitely a recommended read.

An unusual couple, Malcolm a war scarred magi gunner, and Alyssa, a dragonkin – maker of medicines  elixirs and herbs, are in love.

Malcolm has been reborn with ‘resurrection magic,’ and takes some time recollecting his memories.

To begin with, I had a little trouble imagining a union between a dragon and a human man! But the excellent storytelling and characterisation did a great job in convincing me!

“He was such an optimist, looking for the best in people, while Alyssa was a consummate pessimist, never knowing who to trust. They balanced each other in their relationship. That’s what made them so perfect together.”

There is a backdrop of The Drogon Empire’s war, aptly named the endless war, hatred, bigotry and violence against the dragonkin, and mention of seeking redemption for past wrongs.

It has a steampunk/magic feel with references to the Etherzine Land Cycle, Magi-rifle, Spell Caster, and Dragon Slayer sword and Dragon Dust.

The text is enhanced by beautiful poetic pieces by Ashley Valitutto, (as a poet myself this really attracted me, as did the dragon aspect!)

Fans of sword and sorcery, fantasy, poetry, steampunk, and forbidden love will enjoy this sweet, heart-warming tale.

The River of Souls

Author website: https://authormarkpiggott.com/

Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Meet the Authors 2023 – #Poetry Harmony Kent, #Poetry M. J. Mallon, #Historical #Family #Romance C.E. Robinson | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Source: Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Meet the Authors 2023 – #Poetry Harmony Kent, #Poetry M. J. Mallon, #Historical #Family #Romance C.E. Robinson | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for featuring myself, Harmony and Christine in the above promotion.

Sally kindly featured my poetry collection, Do What You Love which is available to buy in kindle and paperback via Amazon.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mqXJq8

Do What You Love was awarded a special 5 star badge by Amazon Blue Tick Influencer N.N. Light. Below is the link to the media kit.

https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2022/11/04/media-kit-do-what-you-love-fragility-of-your-flame-poems-photography-flashfiction-new-book-release-writingcommunity-poetrycommunity-mediakit-paperback/

Character Interviews: Amelina Scott (The Curse of Time series by M.J Mallon) | The Glorious Outsiders

Thank you so much to fabulous fellow YA author Chantelle Atkins for inviting me to contribute to these wonderful character interviews on her blog. Follow the link below to Chantelle’s blog to read the full interview at source.

Welcome to a new feature on The Glorious Outsiders where I’ll be interviewing unique characters from other people’s books! You’ll find a character interview at the start of each month and today, I’m chatting to Amelina Scott from the YA series, The Curse of Time. I’ve read and enjoyed Bloodstone and will be starting Golden Healer very soon. So, let’s find out what Amelina has to say!

1. How old are you?

I am sixteen now. My story includes flashbacks to my thirteenth birthday when my dad disappeared. Since then, nothing has been the same.

2. where do you come from?

Believe it or not, I originate from this long line of Krystallos (crystal) magicians. It came as a shock to me when I discovered that.

3. where do you live? Describe it to us

I live in Cambridge in the UK, in a normal suburb. Don’t let that fool you! Our house has a hexagonal hallway, with a magical attic study, overseen by a key that talks and there is a much needed lookout point on the upper floor. If you visit, check out the clocks and the mirrors, too. You will find some mysterious surprises! Our house and the surrounding land is creepy and oppressive. I swear the house is a living entity; it makes a lot of grumbling, whispering noises! As our circumstances changed – with Bloodstone magic – the house reflected this by becoming altogether quieter.

 

Nearby, a short walk takes you to the river and the train tracks, where there is a pathway representing light and darkness. At the beginning, my mother warned me off going there, but how could I resist when there is a magical crystal cottage hidden there?

Source: Character Interviews: Amelina Scott (The Curse of Time series by M.J Mallon) | The Glorious Outsiders

Blog Tour When We Deceive #bookreview #dlmbooktours #catyaffe #TeamZiggy Book 3 @lilmissmorfett @catherineyaffe

Blurb

The case that MEANS THE MOST to him,
Might also be the one that BREAKS him.

Devastated by the death of his best friend, Detective Inspector Andrew ‘Ziggy’ Thornes is out for justice. At any cost.

During the day he and his team are trying to unravel a murky web of money laundering and organised crime. At night, he conducts his own murder investigation, and he’s about to uncover the twisted link between the two cases.

As tension mounts, and struggling to decide who he can still trust, Ziggy needs to make decisions that mean breaking the sacred oath he took by continually pushing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour for a serving DI.

But as he digs ever deeper, can Ziggy prevent a devastating finale that will leave him questioning everything he’s ever believed in?

Join Ziggy on his latest case that early readers are calling an exhilarating and unmissable read.
Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly, Alex Smith, Helen Fields, Mark Edwards, Clare Mackintosh, C L Taylor.

Catherine Yaffe

NEVER MISS AN UPDATE AGAIN, FOLLOW CAT’S AMAZON PAGE TO BE THE FIRST TO HEAR !https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B07NPPD7DD

My review

This started off with me thinking…. seems like your regular cop story, a bit formulaic. Detective’s best pal gets killed. He is told to stay off the case. And then, wow, I fell in love with the characters and became really invested in the story.

I loved how Lolly and Ziggy get their names.

There is some really interesting back story in the middle parts of the book, which makes you relate to and feel sad for the victim. This section also helps you understand, and empathise with Ziggy too.

As the story unfolds it becomes more and more exciting! Ziggy is determined to bring justice, to discover who has killed his best friend Lolly and all the while his job, and the safety of his family is at stake…

The more I read, the more I wanted to turn the page, (metaphorically speaking as I was reading an ARC copy!)

Highly recommended for those who like a fast-paced well written crime thriller, a financial thriller with a human touch. This is part 3 in a series – I have read this novel only – it can be read as a standalone but I’d recommend reading all three books.

I could say more but I better not in case I spoil it for you. Do read this! I would be happy to read this author’s work again.

My rating 5 stars.

Many thanks to the author and to Donna for including me in this tour and for the advanced reader’s copy.

Catherine Yaffe is the author of crime thrillers that readers and reviewers frequently describe as compulsively readable. A graduate of Curtis Brown Creative academy, Catherine wrote her first crime thriller, The Lie She Told in 2020 whilst the UK was in Lockdown. On its release it debuted in the top 10 hot new releases on Amazon and to date has accrued hundreds of five-star reviews.

The Web They Wove is the second in the Tangled Web series and was released in 2021. Again, it was received with widespread acclaim, only marginally missing out on the coveted number 1 slot on Amazon Kindle.

Cat is fascinated with how people’s minds work, and why they make the decisions they do – particularly criminals! In each of her books she aims to make the reader suspect everyone, trust no one and question everything, including those closest to them.

Cat lives in Yorkshire with her husband and two cats (with the occasional visit from her grandpuppy Milo.)

Praise for books in the Tangled Web Series

“Wow!! What a start to a series. The Lie She Told is a complex thriller that really makes you think. How well do you really know the people around you? Whew! I’m still thinking about it.

Catherine Yaffe has crafted characters who are so realistic, you’ll think you’re reading a true story. I love how the characters aren’t quite trustworthy and I always felt like I was about to be surprised.

I very much enjoyed this one and would recommend giving it a shot. Worth the read!! Quite the page turner!”

“An Engrossing, Gripping and Edgy, Suspenseful Thriller!”

“This little gem of a thriller was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It was fast, a journey of dark action that leaves you craving for more. I loved how it took you through a series of events, clearly showing you the characters true colours but never leaving you without questions.

Kate and Joe were likable, neighbourly and felt real. Ryan was basically heartless human being, I never trusted him from the start. The author has written a drama full of flashbacks, a past full of secrets and deadly deception. How many lives will be at risk when the past finally catches up to Kate.

I devoured this read, the writing style was easy, the events so fast paced. It was the perfect read for the bedtime baby feeds. I loved the use of the flashbacks but most of all loved the energy and feel of the book.

I can’t wait to check out more by this author”

Before making the commitment to become a full time writer, Catherine worked in Digital Marketing and published her first non-fiction book Digital Marketing Made Easy in 2019 which reached the dizzy heights of number 2 in the Amazon charts.

To find out more visit the website catherineyaffe.co.uk

UK link : https://is.gd/tdsOyX

ARC Review: Treasuring Poetry 3: Passions

This incredible volume includes poetry works by the 2022 guests from the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series with Robbie Cheadle, on Writing to be Read: Smitha Vishwaneth, Yvette Calliero, Chris Hall, Robbie Cheadle, Willow Willers, Yvette Prior, Penny Wilson, Abbie Taylor, Colleen Chesebro, Patty Fletcher, and Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer.

Modeled on the previous successful Poetry Treasures and Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships anthologies, Poetry Treasures 3: Passions provides a thought-provoking forum for unique and original poetry which won’t be easily forgotten.

Poetry Treasures 3: Passions releases on April 18, 2023.

 

Publicity Information for Poetry Treasures 3: Passions,
edited by Kaye Lynne Booth and Robbie Cheadle, and published by WordCrafter Press

 

SYNOPSIS

 

In what promises to be the poetry anthology of 2023, Poetry Treasures 3: Passions features poetry and images from the poetry guests of  the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series in 2022. Poetry which delves into the passions which drive us, and move us to action, and those things that stir passions within us.

My review

Poetry Treasures 3: Passions

Thank you to Kaye Lynn Booth for an advanced copy which I read freely and without bias. What a lovely collection of poetry!

This poetry collection is from various authors some of whom I have had the pleasure of knowing and reading for many years: Robbie Cheadle, Colleen Chesebro,  D Wallace Peach, Willow Willers, Judy Mastrangelo, and some talented new poets, whose work is less familiar to me: Smitha Vishwanath, Chris Hall, Abby Taylor, Yvette M. Calleiro, Rosemerry Wahtola Trummer, Patty Fletcher, Yvette Prior, and Penny Wilson. 

It’s an eclectic collection and a fabulous way to discover new poets to read. Expect varying interpretations of poetic passions. Not all are amorous! Some are thoughtful, personal to the author, (the author’s interests, experiences and loves,) and many have deep insight into human trials and tribulations.

Here are just some of my favourites!

Robbie: Wildlife passions – Bold Lover and… One for me none for you.

Smitha: If I could gift you anything and One last time.

Abbie: The Black Hole – an emotional piece about Abbie’s late husband’s stroke destroying his ability to speak and a powerful piece on the same topic: The Music Lady.

Chris: Home for the holidays and The Lightning Tree.

Yvette Prior: We are a bird, he said and Poetic Sleep

Yvette M Calleiro: In the depths below and Claimed (Nonet)

Willow: Passion, Academic Passion

Rosemerry: I really appreciated how this poet used artists as a focal point as in: Thinking of Vincent Painting Winter. And a piece about female sexual taboos: No Longer Empty Handed

Patty: Ever Lost In The Moment, and Grandfather Tree Speaks.

Judy: Garden of The Sun And Moon and Fairy Wedding. ( There are beautiful accompanying illustrations for all of Judy’s. Judy is a wonderful artist too.)

Penny: A splash of heaven, and Something Worth Losing

Colleen: Love’s Reply and Swift Passage dedicated to the much loved late Sue Vincent.

D. Wallace Peach: The Mermaid and Words.

A lovely collection for poetry lovers. Read it more than once and appreciated it more on multiple reading! 5 stars.

Buying Link:

ABOUT THE EDITORS

 

Kaye Lynne Booth is a multi-genre author, editor, and founder of WordCrafter Press. She recently republished her first western novel herself. She has also published a short fiction collection and a paranormal mystery novella, in addition to the many short fiction stories in the six short fiction anthologies from WordCrafter Press. In addition, she has had short fiction and poetry published with Zetitic: A Record of Unusual Inquiry; Across the Margin, Colorado Life Magazine, Manifest West by Western University Press, The Collapsar Directive and Relationship Add Vice by Zombie Pirate Publishing, Nightmareland by Dan Alatorre.

She also recently served as a student editor on the editing team for the Gilded Glass anthology under Kevin J. Anderson and Allyson Langueira, and produced through Western State Colorado University, and published  Weird Tales: Best of the Early Years 1926-27, with Jonathan Maberry.

Robbie Cheadle is an award-winning, bestselling author, who has published thirteen children’s book and three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies. Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

The ten Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.

 

PREVIOUS TITLES

 

Previous WordCrafter Press poetry titles include Behind Closed Doors, byRobbie Cheadle, Feral Tenderness, by Arthur Rosch, Poetry Treasures poetry anthology, and Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships.

 

 

WordCrafter Press is a small new-model publisher founded by author Kaye Lynne Booth. You can find us at http://writingtoberead.com/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/wordcrafter-press/. 

WordCrafter Services

Writing to be Read

Book Review: Finding Gina @Lizzie_Chantree #romance #recommended #reads

A sweet romance for anyone who wants to be swept away by a good chick-lit read with a cast of colourful characters and satisfying happily ever afters.’

★★★★★ ‘Magic! This book is like a warm cup of coffee with some magic stars sprinkled on top.’ – Heidi Reads

If you enjoy irresistible humour, warmth and romance, you’ll love this gorgeous magical adventure. From the international bestselling author of, My Perfect Ex.

After taking a wrong turn in the road, Gina parked her little campervan on the front lawn of a beautiful English manor house and sighed in relief. No one knew her here, so perhaps she could stop running from her past and give her heart time to heal.

Fledgling wedding events owner and heir to the estate, Toby, needed someone to help him run the business and fast. If he didn’t make money this year, then his aunt’s legacy might crumble to the ground, around him.

From his little cottage on the estate grounds, Lewis read another provincial story about a ‘guardian angel’ who had been helping families across the country and his reporter’s nose began to itch. He was sure that is he could track down the girl they were talking about, he would unearth an even bigger story. He just had to work out how to locate her and then find out what it was she was running from.

My review

Reading a Lizzie Chantree novel is like coming home! It’s like coming home to lovely characters, who you can relate to. I enjoyed Finding Gina. And moreover I really thought the male characters in this novel were very well written too.

Expect magic, love, and moments that will make you smile. Gina is a mysterious girl from a dysfunctional family with hereditary gifts – (a matchmaker, like her grandmother,) with cute matchmaking methods, a magical healer with an alcoholic father ‘who ran on vodka fumes. ‘

But can she find love too or will she always move on?

Is ‘oh so sexy,’ journalist Lewis to be trusted? Or is he ‘some sort of conman who used women,’  to get the best stories. Find out in this sweet feel good tale, an easy, engaging read which I recommend to all romance readers.

My rating 5 stars.

New review for Golden Healer @jaydawes2 @nextchapterpb #nextchapterpub #ya #fantasy #writingcommunity #readingcommunity #thankful #review

Many thanks to writing team Anita Dawes and Jay Marie for this wonderful new review for book 2 in The Curse of Time series. So delighted!

This YA fantasy series is available to read in multiple formats and audiobook too!

The review:

Not having read the first book in this series, (something I am now doing) I was delighted to meet so many interesting characters.

Ryder, such an unusually sexy and mesmerising young man. Right up until the last chapter, I could not decide is he was truly good or bad.

Amelina captured my heart, so determined to be strong and clever enough to beat the dark forces.

And poor Esme, trapped in the mirror, helpless to help Amelina.

This delightful story is full of incredible moments, all brilliantly portrayed and described. I have always believed in magic, and it was wonderful to see it explored in such a lovely way.

I also loved the reference to the magic of painting, with paint brushes that can sing and dance, and paintings that can change.

Golden Healer is a wonderfully cinematic experience, an edge of your seat drama and full of the magic of your childhood. I wholeheartedly recommend reading it, as it will restore the magic in your heart and soul…

Do pop over to their blog to read the post on full and discovermore about this writing duo.

Golden Healer (The Curse Of Time Book 2) #Fantasy Adventure Fiction #Review @marjorie_mallon

Multiple Buying link:

My YA fantasy Golden Healer Book 2, The Curse of Time. https://books2read.com/u/mgjY67

Golden healer:

Feature When Women Inspire @ChristyBis #womenshistorymonth #women #poets #inspiring

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.

Here is the link to my post:

https://whenwomeninspire.com/2023/03/23/poet-florbela-espanca-mj-mallon/?amp=1

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon 

#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmallonauthor

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

Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

Book Review – The Fragments by @MinuFreitag #scifi #fantasy #dystopian #bookreview #bookcommunity

BLURB

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:

#FSFwritersalliance https://fsfwritersalliance.wordpress.com/

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon 

#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmallonauthor

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

Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

New Audiobook Release: Golden Healer #audiobook #ya #fantasy #nextchapterpub @nextchapterpb

To listen free for 30 days (with trial,) follow these links:

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Golden-Healer-Audiobook/B0BX7CPNQC

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BX7DWK37/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0BX7CHZK9/

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0BX7CKGF2/

Reviews:

Christy Birmingham

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.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/review/B09R2K4J2F/

Review D. L. Finn


“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.


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4509340338

Review Richard Dee

A fantastic continuation of the series

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.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/review/B09R1MTQPY/R2RVTJSDEDWXBE?ref=pf_vv_at_pdctrvw_srp

Review: Robbie Cheadle

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BX7DWK37/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1677937367&sr=8-6

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.

Review: N N Light

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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.


Her Rating: 5 stars