Book Review: Chasing Shadows by Steven Smith #bookreview #steampunk

“The world of Chasing Shadows is Steven’s creation and it’s as good a Steampunk world as you could wish for. Great airships ride the skies, gleaming locomotives power between cities. Coal dust is everywhere as is the detritus of developing technology.” – Richard Dee – author of sci-fi, steampunk and cosy crime novels

“Smith’s world-building, particularly regarding the various factions, is rich and convincing. Through this world, Captain Edison Crow’s motley crew leads the reader on a breakneck journey full of adventure and intrigue.” – A.K. Alliss – cyberpunk and fantasy author.



As captain of the airship Arcos, Edison Crow and his childhood partner in crime, Selah, lead their crew in search of a big payday. When it comes to the pursuit of wealth, nothing is out of the question for this band of charming rogues. Smuggling. Theft. Embezzlement. It’s all part of a daring game.

But all is not smooth sailing when you’re a high profile thief with a target on your back. A job gone wrong will thrust Edison, Selah and those aboard the Arcos upon a journey straight to the heart of the shady United Republic of the High Commission in pursuit of the truth.

Troubled by his own personal demons, Edison must navigate dark skies if he hopes to gain answers. Will it be enough to help the infamous Captain Crow clear his and his crew’s names? Or will he end up Chasing Shadows?

My review

I don’t read steam punk books very often but when I do I enjoy!

This is my introduction to Steven Smith’s writing and the promise of an adventure onboard an airship with loveable rogues and shadow wraiths drew and kept my attention.

The mystery of the shadow wraiths were woven throughout various parts of the story and later were explained in a way I would not have guessed! I better not say anymore as this is definitely a spoiler.

I enjoyed the characterisation, especially of Crow, and his female partner Selah, both of whom were so well crafted and described.

The ending seemed a little sudden to me. Though, I am pleased to say there is a next story in this series which will no doubt fill in the gaps.

The fascinating aspects, and at times beautiful writing makes me curious what may happen in book two. I liked the intrigue about the poor children and the kindness shown by Maisie.

Recommended for readers who enjoy steam punk, adventurous and mysterious stories with some exciting and imaginative scenes, a burgeoning romance, an underlying political aspect, (the tyrannical United Republic of the High Commission,) and fantastic characters.

An enjoyable and engaging read – would recommend.

My rating 4 stars

Buy Link:

Steven Smith lives in Bedfordshire, in a small town just under an hour train ride north of London. He has a passion for books. He owns and runs a book blog called Books and Beyond Reviews. Stop on over there and take a look! He reviews books there, as well as the occasional author Q and A, guest post, cover reveal and his weekly feature, Friday Face-Off. So in case you hadn’t worked it out, he is an avid reader.

Having spent a lot of time reading and writing his blog, the next obvious step for him was to write fiction of his own, rather than always commenting on the works of others. His first book is Chasing Shadows, a steampunk adventure following roguish airship captain Edison Crow and his childhood friend Selah as they battle through a life of petty crime to tackle a threat to their very safety and that of their crew.

Aside from books, he is a lover of music, films, a range of sports (mostly from the sofa) and video games. He has an interest in all things historic, from ancient to modern.

Check out his Facebook story about his award:

https://authorstevensmith.co.uk/

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Audiobook Reviews: Bloodstone #audiobook #review #ya #fantasy @NNP_W_Light #NNLBH

  • Overall    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story    5 out of 5 stars

Add to Goodreads – currently 103 ratings, 88 reviews.

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

Buy Link:

Multiple Platform Buy Link – in kindle, paperback, hardback: https://books2read.com/u/bOyrgW

Audiobook UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/author/M-J-Mallon/B074CGNK4L

US: https://www.audible.com/author/M-J-Mallon/B074CGNK4L

One of the best YA fantasies I’ve heard!

Story Impressions –

Amelina 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 coming of age fantasy adventure I enjoyed from start to finish. 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.

Narrator’s overall voice –

Kerri Hiebert’s voice has an individuality all her own but when she employs the various character voices, it takes on each character with ease. I thoroughly adored her voice.

Does the narrator fit the characters?

Yes, Kerri Hiebert fits the characters with a youthful tone. I’m astonished at how well she evokes Amelina. It’s not an easy thing to do. Great job.

Narrator’s reading style –

Kerri Hiebert has an informal reading style but with enough twists and turns to keep the listener mesmerized.

Narrator’s impact on reading experience –

Kerri Hiebert has an inherent ability to draw a listener/reader in without any effort. She takes what is one of the most riveting fantasy stories I’ve ever read and creates a masterpiece. The scenes are so well narrated, I had to stop what I was doing to concentrate on the story.

Narrator’s pacing –

Kerri Hiebert’s pacing is impeccable, blending fantasy, mythology, coming of age themes, and more with no difficulty.

Audiobook flow –

Kerri Hiebert lets the audiobook unfold naturally with plenty of dialogue, action, and intrigue.

What makes this audiobook unique –

Kerri Hiebert and M.J. Mallon partner up to bring readers/listeners one of the best YA fantasy audiobooks I’ve heard in a long time. The plot is full of intrigue which adds to the enjoyment while listening. Kerri’s narration brings Bloodstone to life, like a streaming show. Brilliant from start to finish.

Would I recommend this audiobook –

YES! Don’t delay. One-click this audiobook right now.

N.N. Light’s Rating: 5+ stars

Publisher’s Summary

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.©2021 M.J. Mallon (P)2022 M.J. Mallon

Read the review on N. N. Light’s blog:

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

Message from N. N. Light:

Since you got five stars or better in our review, you receive our N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Five Star Award Seal. I’ve attached it below. Feel free to use it in all your marketing or even on your cover, if you wish.

This also applied to book 2 Golden Healer which also received the award too.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/golden-healer-abr

Reading Through the Soul: Book Review for Bloodstone The Curse of Time by MJ Mallon – Writing Through the Soul #Book #Review #ya #fantasy

Thank you so much to Brenda for this wonderful review of Bloodstone. Truly makes me so happy!

Bloodstone: The Curse of Time by MJ Mallon is a captivating and unique young adult novel that blends contemporary fiction with elements of fantasy and mystery, resulting in an engaging and imaginative reading experience.The story follows the life of fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott, who finds herself swept into a world full of secrets and ancient prophecies after the disappearance of her father. As she delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her family, Amelina discovers her own hidden powers and begins to unravel the secrets of the bloodstone. In a race against time, she must navigate her way through a web of riddles and challenges, while also facing personal dilemmas and forging unexpected alliances.

Read the full review on Brenda’s blog:

Source: Reading Through the Soul: Book Review for Bloodstone The Curse of Time by MJ Mallon – Writing Through the Soul

Brenda Marie Fluharty is a Spiritual Life Coach, dream interpreter, a past-life therapist, a freelance writer, blogger, poet, art lover, pet owner, and author. Brenda is a Reiki Grand Master and energy healer. She has studied several Spiritual practices. Brenda has a Master’s Degree in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics. Brenda loves to share her knowledge, wisdom, and life experiences through her writing. She has been blogging for over 20 years. She is the author of several dream journals and Writing Through the Soul. View all posts by Brenda Marie Fluharty

Blog Tour Review: I Remember Everything #blogtour #review #reincarnation #psychologicalthriller @RichardDockett1

Blog Tour I Remember Everything by Richard Dee

Blurb

It’s the big question. Where do we go, when it’s all over?
What happens to our unfinished business?
At 20:08, Detective Ian Gisbon is murdered.
At the same instant as he dies, on the other side of the country, Suzan Halford is born.
Nobody could have guessed that locked in her head is the key to unmasking Ian’s killer.
All Suzan has to do is grow up and remember it.
Before she’s aware of her knowledge, a chance discovery sets an unstoppable chain of events in motion, and Suzan’s life spirals out of control.

What’s happening is impossible, it’s destroying her family. And driving her crazy.

There’s only one person she can turn to, the only one who can help. But they’ve been gone for years. Finding them will mean that justice can finally be done.

How the story came about

The whole thing came from my childhood, as do so many of my ideas. As an only child, although I had friends, I was on my own a lot. I had an imaginary friend, who I used to talk to when nobody else was around. My parents knew and while they didn’t discourage me, they never let me get away with blaming them for anything naughty that I might have done. I lost touch with them as I grew up, I guess that I didn’t need them anymore.

Without giving too much away, the whole idea for the novel comes from that part of my childhood, enhanced for dramatic effect with a few twists and turns.

And a short extract.

I was shaking when I woke, in my room, in the dark. The dream had felt so real, as if I had been there, on that night. The scary thing was that it felt like I had been seeing things through the eyes of the man in the picture. I knew he was a policeman, my waking mind told me that my dream must have been brought on by seeing the newspaper in the box and reading about him in the article. My imagination had made a story up and the dream was my subconscious mind acting it out.

I lay in bed and shook; I could feel myself sweating and suddenly felt cold.

I guess I must have shouted something as I woke; the door crashed open, making me jump again and my mother came rushing into the room. 

“Suzan, are you alright?” she shouted, her voice full of concern. She lay on the bed and hugged me. “You called out, you’re sweating,” she said. “Do you feel ill?”

“I’m OK, Mum,” I said. “It was just a bad dream.”

She stroked my hair. “Poor you, do you want to talk about it?”

The idea of going through it all again scared me. “No, I’m OK now.”

“Well, if you need us, you know where we are.”

She hugged me for a moment, kissed my head and went back to her bedroom. I could hear a muttered conversation, my father asking what the matter was, my mother’s reassurance that it was just a nightmare.

I was almost frightened to go back to sleep, the power of the mind to make a story out of a picture on a scrap of paper had amazed and frightened me. But I must have, the next thing I remembered was the sun shining on my face through a gap in the curtains and the smell of bacon frying.

Book Review

Great idea, very inventive story, don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it before! Characters are intriguing.

I’ve been privileged to read a number of Richard’s novels and there are a great variety ranging from crime capers, fantasy, sci-fi, etc, whatever he writes I am always impressed by his breadth of imagination and great character building.

This is so different! Imagine the trauma when you realise you are not dead, but are stuck in the mind of newborn baby girl!

This is a murder mystery crime thriller extraordinaire! Detective Ian Gisbon knows who the killer is but how can he convey this? Cry? Scream?

It is frustrating, to be a part of this other person’s life and she is female… so he remains in her head for years… growing and shaping her as she gets older. Hoping one day to bring justice.

Great read, which I beta read. Fabulous.

Here are the links for Amazon sales and the Goodreads page.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/104367193-i-remember-everything

https://mybook.to/I_Remember_Everything

About Me.

Richard Dee is from Brixham in Devon. Leaving school at 16 he briefly worked in a supermarket, then he went to sea and travelled the world in the Merchant Navy, qualifying as a Master Mariner in 1986.

He has also worked as an Insurance Surveyor, Lockmaster, Harbourmaster and Ships Pilot, taking over 3,500 vessels up and down the Thames, passing through the estuary, the Thames Barrier and Tower Bridge.

Since the publication of his first Science Fiction novel, Freefall, in 2013, Richard has written another eighteen novels, a textbook and a selection of short stories. He has been featured in several anthologies, including 1066 Turned Upside Down and Tales from Deepest Darkest Devon.

He writes Science Fiction and Steampunk adventures and also chronicles the exploits of reluctant amateur detective Andorra Pett. 

Richard is married with three adult children and five grandchildren.

He can be found at https://richarddeescifi.co.uk and contacted at richarddeescifi@gmail.com

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https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor/

Book Review: Straight As A Jalebi #romance #lgbt #new #release #series @ritubhathal

Congratulations to the lovely Ritu Bhathal for the highly anticipated release of her latest book! ❤️

BLURB

This is a delightful male-male sweet romance. Sunny is just adorable and Milan is the perfect guy for him! I raced through this book in one highly enjoyable weekend. -Bestselling author Jeevani Charika

Who knew that an innocent trip to India in the year 2000 would have such an impact on his life?

Sunny had only gone as a chaperone for his sister and her best friend and to attend to a few business matters.

He’d ended up with a deal that would change the shape of his professional future and possibly his personal one too.

Battling the pressures of marriage by his family isn’t Sunny’s only fight, as he finds his feelings for a certain ‘friend’ may be more than just friendship.

But how can he tell anyone how he truly feels?
Because the road to love isn’t always straight…

Ritu Bhathal is a fresh, new, and much-needed voice for British Asian fiction.

Straight As a Jalebi is Book 2 in the Rishtay Series, following the Gill family in the new millennium.

Book 3 Due out in 2024.

My review

Ritu Bhathal’s latest novel Straight As a Jalebi tackles arranged Sikh marriages, the divide between attitudes of the older and younger generation, the difficulty of M/M and other religious denomination relationships, as well as the bigotry of some family members and the wider community in the UK and abroad to gay relationships. 

I also read and enjoyed the first book in this series: Marriage Unarranged.

Straight As A Jalebi continues the tale with the familiar characters of Sunny, (the older brother,) Milan, (the flamboyant fashion designer,) Aashti, Arjun, Kiran, Bali, (the younger hot-headed brother ) as well as new additions: Harpreet and Priya. The latter parts of the book with Harpreet and other characters are really touching. I really liked the development of her character. In fact, I enjoyed the female inventiveness and kindness demonstrated by women trying to find solutions to Milan and Sunny’s predicament.

Straight As A Jalebi gives insight into the older generations’ attitudes, obsession and  customs associated with marrying off their much loved children personified in Mummy-ji and Daddy-ji and the aunties!

In a similiar way to the first book, Marriage Unarranged, Straight As A Jalebi has many cultural references which I enjoyed.

The ending tied up book two well and introduced the reader to more to come with a taster of book three at the end. It can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in sequence.

I certainly enjoyed this quick dialogue led read. It felt like you were part of a fascinating conversation!

The ending and Milan’s character were somewhat subdued to what I had expected!

Perhaps Ritu Bhathal intends to reveal more of Sunny and Milan’s story in book three. I hope so!  It’s my gut feeling that the author wanted to show another dimension to Milan’s persona with a more personal, still flamboyant but less overtly so, to reveal a more authentic side to his character. I better say no more for fear of spoiling this novel!

Overall, a highly recommended read for romance fans and the LGBTQ community with a cultural detail in the backdrop which is sure to entice.

My rating 5 stars

Author Bio

Ritu Bhathal was born in Birmingham in the mid-1970s to migrant parents, hailing from Kenya but with Indian origin. This colourful background has been a constant source of inspiration to her.

From childhood, she always enjoyed reading. This love of books is credited to her mother. The joy of reading spurred her on to become creative in her writing, from fiction to poetry. Winning little writing competitions at school and locally encouraged her to continue writing.

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher, she has drawn on inspiration from many avenues to create the poems that she writes.

A qualified teacher, having studied at Kingston University, she now deals with classes of children as a sideline to her writing!

Ritu also writes a blog, http://www.butismileanyway.com, a mixture of life and creativity, thoughts and opinions, which was awarded first place in the Best Overall Blog category at the 2017 Annual Bloggers Bash Awards, and Best Book Blog in 2019.

Ritu is happily married and living in Kent, with her Hubby Dearest, and two children, not forgetting the fur baby Sonu Singh.

Ritu’s blogs:

https://ritubhathal.com/

https://butismileanyway.com/

https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor/

Book Review: Small Wonders: Reflective Poems @GodsAngel1 #bookreview #poetry

Small Wonders: Reflective Poems, by Kaye Lynne Bootha unique poetry anthology from executive editors Kaye Lynne Booth and Robbie Cheadle.

This unique collection includes the poetry works of a lifetime by Kaye Lynne Booth. A combination of visual images and poetry create a poetry collection like none which have come before. These heartfelt poems are sure to touch either your heart, or your funny bone, providing a gought-provoking forum for unique and original poetry which won’t be easily forgotten.

Small Wonders releases on June 6, 2023.

Publicity Information for Small Wonders: Reflective Poems,
by Kaye Lynne Booth,

published by WordCrafter Press

SYNOPSIS

Small Wonders: Reflective Poems features the poetry and visual images of poet and author, Kaye Lynne Booth in her debut poetry collection.

The world is filled with amazing things, if we will just stop a moment and take notice. In this vast universe, we are but tiny individuals, filled with awe and amazement. From reflections on first love, to reflections on growing old. The poems within these pages express a lifetime of unique reflections in Small Wonders.

“Whether chasing moles in the garden or fantasizing about the life of a cat, Kaye Booth’s poems find playfulness, humor, levity, and often beauty. Small Wonders is a delightful compendium of poetic forms—from pantoums to Shadormas. Each poem is an invitation to see the world with new eyes.”—Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, author of All the Honey and Hush

My review

Small Wonders lets you creep into Kaye Lynn’s heart and soul to stay there for a while. It’s a comprehensive, personal and eclectic mix of poetry which I really enjoyed.

Kaye Lynn Booth’s poetry collection begins with a lovely forward from fellow author and poet Robbie Cheadle.

So many darn good poems, these are just some of the highlights for me…

Poems to make you smile such as: Angels Among Us, and Two Little Fairie Princesses inspired by the author’s grandaughters.

As well as this, expect thoughtful reflective poems like Intimacy and the Harlequin Dance.

Nature is a theme too, which I love – The Cherry Tree – about nature’s bounty and  study some birds in – Birdwatching.

Another topic handled with great understanding is aging given the author’s role as an experienced carer for many years –  There Was A Time (reflections on aging.) Welcome To Memory Lane (caring for the elderly.)

Humour is never far away : A Mole In The Garden (the frustration of which I have experienced! Written with relatable humour.) Up There On The Mountain, Alone (this made me laugh too!)

My ‘Vette (how we get attached to our cars, so relatable!)

Emotional/love/loss themed pieces such as:
A Single Heartbeat, Love Lies Bleeding, After Twenty-six Years.

And poems about writing! What’s not to like?  Poems such as: My Muse, The Library, What Is Sleep?

Other favourite poems include – Early Morning, Close Your Eyes And Dream, Sun and Shade and Voices.

A highly recommended poetry collection, aptly named. 

My rating 5 stars

Many thanks to the author for an ARC copy.

 Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/b6WZ6E

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaye Lynne Booth is a multi-genre author, editor, and founder of WordCrafter Press. She recently republished her first western novel herselfShe 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 InquiryAcross the MarginColorado Life MagazineManifest 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.

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, Poetry Treasures 3: Passions.

 

https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor/

 

Book Review: Golden Healer #ya #fantasy #bookreview

Many thanks to Author Mark Piggott for this wonderful review of book 2 in my ya fantasy. Here is the text from the review on his website:

Just a quick update, I am back home and recovering from my back surgery. Luckily, I had a fun fantasy book to pass the time with. I received a copy of author M.J. Mallon’s Golden Healer: The Curse of Time Book 2, and it was a great read. I didn’t read the first book in this series, but it didn’t matter as Book 2 kept me abreast of the story.

It was surprising to find that each chapter was titled as a “Puzzle” piece. As I got into the story, I understood why as everything fell into place with each chapter. Shadows, demons, and spirits fill this strange world as the main conflict between the forces of good and evil (something I always love to see in my fantasy stories) are met in a variety of situations. The author’s world-building is breathtaking, but that’s not always a good thing. Occasionally, I lost track of where I was in the story with the beautiful visuals. However, the steady pace of the story kept me on track. I also love the mixture of poetry, music, and story as it flowed together seamlessly.

From the disappearance of her Bloodstone to her first dream travel, Amelina is a heroine you can get behind. Her story is told from her POV, as well as from her family and friends around her. There is humor mixed in with elements of danger throughout the story, making a good mix for the reader. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing and the ending is definitely not your normal “Happily Ever After” one comes to expect from a fantasy story. Still, reading Book Two of the series makes me want to go back to the first book, Bloodstone.

I also appreciate the author’s sensitivity to suicide and self-harm, even addressing it with self-help at the end of her book. That shows her dedication and responsibility as an author by addressing this delicate issue.

I give this book FIVE STARS and highly recommend M.J. Mallon to any young fantasy reader.

https://authormarkpiggott.com/2023/05/28/golden-healer-the-curse-of-time-book-2-book-review/?s=09

Book Review: Do What You Love #thankyou @smithavishwana4

Many thanks to Smitha for this lovely detailed, thoughtful review of my poetry memoir Do What You Love. Delighted!

Do What You Love’ by MJ Mallon is a quick read of 58 pages. It’s a sweet reminder to live life, look back to see how far you’ve come, appreciate all that’s got you this far and look forward to the future.

To read the full review, thoughts and excerpts please follow the link to Smitha’s blog.

https://smithavpennings.com/2023/05/22/book-review-do-what-you-love-by-mj-mallon/

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.

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.