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Book Review: Bloodstone | Writing to be Read #ya #fantasy #thecurseoftime #series #mentalhealthawareness @GodsAngel1

Thank you so much to Kaye Lynn Booth for her wonderful review of Bloodstone.

Source: Book Review: Bloodstone | Writing to be Read

A Box of Books Text: Book Reviews

About the Book

Book Cover: A clock Text: Bloodstone: The Curse of Time Book 1, M.J. Mallon

I didn’t think my life could get weirder, but I was wrong…

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.

TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.INSPIRED BY: The World Famous Corpus Christi Chronophage Clock, created by Dr. John C Taylor, OBE, and artist Anya Gallaccio’s Crystal Grotto, in Juniper Artland, Scotland.

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

Kaye Lynn Booth’s Review

Bloodstone is Book 1 in M.J. Mallon’s The Curse of Time series. I’m not sure what I expected when Ipicked up this book. I’m a sucker for time-travel stories, and the subject of time and parallel worlds perplex me, so I suppose I expected something along those lines given the clock on the cover and the series title. But that is not at all what this book is. But, Bloodstone may be just as enchanting.This tale is a young adult novel dealing with the issues of a fifteen-year-old girl who has a very strange life. While her home life may be disfunctional, other parts of her life are magical in this delightful tale of magical realism. Things happen which may seem odd or unusual, but they seem to be everyday occurances in the fantastical world which Mallon has created.The result is a paranormal fantasy that deals with real adolecent issues like friends and boyfriends, peer pressure, depression, self-harm, and betrayal, in a manor that raises awareness, and still entertains.Another unexpected touch the author offers up in this story is a syllabic poem as the heading of each chapter, which offers a hint to the events in the chapter to come. I found this to be a clever way to clue readers in and creative way to add to the magicalfeel of the story.A refreshing surprise, Bloodstone captured my attention and my heart. I give it five quills.

Five Qulls Book Rating

___________________________________________________________________Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review here.

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Blog Tour: The Day The Earth Turned One – Summer @Chanatkins #blogtour #review

This wonderful book is now out! ❤️

The Day The Earth Turned Book One – Summer

The adults are all dead. Society has collapsed.

Two groups of teenagers emerge on either side of a rural village, traumatised, bereaved and determined to survive.

As tribes form and territorial lines are drawn, can they overcome their differences and find a way to rebuild? Or will gang warfare end this emerging new world before it’s even begun?

Each of them have their theories about what killed the adults, and as the dust settles on the old world, a far bigger, darker and angrier threat is bursting to life all around them.

Book Review

What a fantastic read! Many thanks to author Chantelle Atkins for my ARC copy of The Day The Earth Turned, book 1.

It is a gripping read focusing on the point of view of the children, (primarily,) after a terrible pandemic kills practically all the adults.

Interestingly, other pov’s are also explored including a robin and the menacing crows! This was particularly relatable.  Eerily, I saw so many crows during the pandemic in public places. It totally creeped me out. I even remember seeing one in the cafe sitting on a table in the botanic gardens.

After the terror of covid, this is undoubtedly a frightening and all to impactful read. Many aspects are explored, with a slant towards mans’ destruction of nature and animals and birds turning against humans. Also, the author explores young communities in which a bully takes charge, loners, rich versus poor, and the benefits of being alert to global danger and benefits of sustainable living.

Groups and factions of children all try to survive in whatever way they can without any parental love or help.

The characters are wonderful. From the bully  Gus, to his nemesis Reuben who both hate each other but according to Chess have something in common. Chess is fantastic too; she helps the reader to ground the reader about who Gus is. All the characters are well drawn and vivid.

Chilling, quite grotesque in parts… Atkins doesn’t shirk from describing the graphic aspects of death and injury from terrible disease, animal and bird attacks. And the underlying threat in other scenes is cleverly crafted with just the right amount of underlying tension.

5 stars without a doubt. I loved it. The ending was fantastic. It’s part one, looking forward to reading more!

Chantelle Atkins
Director at Chasing Driftwood Writing Group CIC
https://chasingdriftwoodwritinggroup.org/

Director at Chasing Driftwood Writing Group CIC 

Author at https://chantelleatkins.com/

https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor/
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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.

Media Kit: Do What You Love Fragility of Your Flame #poems #photography #flashfiction #new #book #release #writingcommunity #poetrycommunity #mediakit #paperback
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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:

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Giveaway #fantasy #indieauthors #amwriting #writersnetwork #fsfwritersalliance #freebooksGiveaway

There is an amazing giveaway currently running on my Instagram and other social media accounts to win lots of amazing books. Including the first book in my YA Fantasy series Bloodstone.

Enter to win 24 fantasy and science fiction books!
1. Like this post
2. Follow the authors for updates and information about future books and giveaways
3. Sign up here!
https://kingsumo.com/g/eke84z/fantastical-books-and-where-to-find-them

As a special bonus… if you use the link you’ll receive after you sign up, you can share the giveaway! Why would you want to do this? Because if you refer your friends to enter the contest, you’ll actually INCREASE your chances of winning (just one friend referred will quadruple your chances). And, who doesn’t love more books?

Follow these authors on Instagram and like and share their giveaway posts:

@author.markpiggot https://www.instagram.com/author.markpiggott/
@lindalingwrites https://www.instagram.com/lindalingwrites/
@llgrayauthor https://www.instagram.com/llgrayauthor/
@authorcourtneydavis https://www.instagram.com/authorcourtneydavis/
@amenajamali.author https://www.instagram.com/amenajamali.author/

@laurajaylive https://www.instagram.com/laurajaylive/
@author.jamie.samland https://www.instagram.com/author.jamie.samland/
@imperativepress https://www.instagram.com/imperativepress/
@gemmaclatworthy https://www.instagram.com/gemmaclatworthy/
@jessie.j.webb https://www.instagram.com/jessie.j.webb/

@davidjharrisonwriter https://www.instagram.com/davidjharrisonwriter/
@ms.c.ingscribbles https://www.instagram.com/ms.c.ingscribbles/
@patrickjohnwrites https://www.instagram.com/patrickjohnswrites/
@c.h.smith_author https://www.instagram.com/c.h.smith_author/
@lucy_a_mclaren https://www.instagram.com/lucy_a_mclaren/

@jordanskellerauthor https://www.instagram.com/jordanskellerauthor/
@aashtonwriter https://www.instagram.com/aashtonwriter/
@marktimmony https://www.instagram.com/marktimmony/
@jkansanen https://www.instagram.com/jkansanen/
@refractedcreative https://www.instagram.com/refractedcreative/

@j.kdivia https://www.instagram.com/j.kdivia/
@rachaneelumayno https://www.instagram.com/rachaneelumayno/
@mjmallonauthor https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sign up and share to increase your chances!
https://kingsumo.com/g/eke84z/fantastical-books-and-where-to-find-them

Amena has created this listopia of all the authors books on Goodreads – you can vote for your favourites there.

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/185004.Fantastical_Books_of_the_Fantasy_Sci_Fi_Writers_Alliance

#bookstagramfollow #bookstagram #bookgiveaway #bookstagramgiveaway #tbr #books #reading #amreading #fiction #fantasy #indieauthors #amwriting #writersnetwork #fsfwritersalliance #freebooks

Bloodstone is part one of a two part series with more spin off stories to come. It is available in kindle, paperback hardback and audiobook. Book 2 Golden Healer is to be released in audiobook soon.

BLURB

I didn’t think my life could get weirder, but I was wrong…

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.

TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

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

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

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Author Interview: MJ Mallon | The Glorious Outsiders @chanatkins #authorinterview #review

Thank you so much to fabulous author Chantelle Atkins for inviting me to her blog for an author interview about my latest release Do What You Love. We talk about my inspirations, favourite types of poetry, and what I am working on next.

In the blog she also shares her review. Here is a short review quote from that:

“As other reviewers have said, this is an overwhelmingly sweet and positive collection that will not fail to make you smile during these tough times.”

Chantelle

Do pop over to her blog to read at source and while you are there find out more about Chantelle and her range of books too.

Source: Author Interview: MJ Mallon | The Glorious Outsiders

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Allauthor Cover Competition #ya #fantasy Golden Healer The Curse of Time Series #vote #coverofthemonth #competition #allauthor #writingcommunity #readingcommunity @NextChapterPB #NextChapterPub

Delighted that my YA Fantasy Golden Healer has been accepted into the cover of the month contest on AllAuthor….

They say not to judge a book by its cover but I need you to do just that. If you liked the cover of my book, Golden Healer (The Curse Of Time Book 2), please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest on AllAuthor.com!

I’m getting closer to clinch the “Cover of the Month” contest on AllAuthor! I’d need as much support from you guys. Please take a short moment to vote for my book cover here: Click to Vote!

In case you missed that… here is the link. Click to Vote!

Many thanks in anticipation.

More about Golden Healer…

Dedication

Dedicated to the one and only rollercoaster that I ever rode. It was in Portugal, and I was on holiday with my young family. I’ll never forget that day, I overcame my fears and rode a rollercoaster with the encouragement of my much-loved family, my husband, David, and daughters Natasha and Georgina. So, it’s time to ride another rollercoaster… I hope you will come along with me for this crazy ride! Let’s meet our fears together…

Blurb – Golden Healer

Golden Healer is The 2nd in The YA Paranormal Adventure Series – The Curse of Time.

I didn’t think my life could get any weirder, until the dreaded rollercoaster…

Amelina Scott’s destiny is to be a Krystallos: a magician of light, chosen to learn the ways of crystal magic on her 16th birthday. Located on a river pathway in a mysterious part of Cambridge, the Crystal Cottage is guarded by mythical beings.

Unfortunately, there are those who seek to harm this haven of light. Learning of Ryder – a Shadow Sorcerer with hypnotic powers – Amelina discovers that her own magic is now threatened, and that the Curse of Time might be unleashed again.

As secrets abound and the creatures of the Chronophage come alive, can Amelina become the true magician she needs to be?

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. NOTE: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.

Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy Mystery

Series name: The Curse of Time – Book 2

Release Date: 23rd January 2022

ISBN: 979-8407305149

Page Count: 336 – kindle

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mgjY67

Review by Vine Voice Reviewing Team N. N. Light:

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.

Disclaimer: I bought a copy on Amazon CA.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mr. N

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

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60216858-golden-healer

Meet a couple of the characters: The mirror girl Esme and the Creature… two wonderful images created by the wonderfully talented artist Carolina Russo.

Copyright Carolina Russo https://yesterdayafter.com/
Copyright Carolina Russo https://yesterdayafter.com/

Inspired by

The Corpus Christi Chronophage clock on King’s Parade, Cambridge. Find out more here:

http:// http://www.johnctaylor.com/the-chronophage/

https://mjmallon.com/2017/09/17/poetry-inspiredby-the-dragon-chronopage-colleens-weekly-poetrychallenge-no-50-haiku-tanka-haibun-voice-watch/

And Juniper Artland – artist Anya Gallaccio’s sculpture The Light pours out of Me. https://www.jupiterartland.org/art/anya-gallaccio-the-light-pours-out-of-me/

And the 2nd book Golden Healer mentions a popular old haunt of Cambridge which has since closed down – Clowns Cafe.

Books By M J Mallon Published by Next Chapter Publishing

Bloodstone (The Curse of Time Book 1) 

https://books2read.com/u/bOyrgW

http://mybook.to/bstmm

https://www.nextchapter.pub/books/bloodstone

Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon

Golden Healer plus Media Kit: The Curse of Time Series #YA #Paranormal #Fantasy #NextChapterPub
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#TANKATUESDAY Weekly #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 199, #Seville #Travels, #birthday #scarf 11/22/22, #THEMEPROMPT

Happy thanksgiving to all my friends in the US. No turkey here but perhaps I can offer you a freshly brewed coffee from Seville.

This week’s prompt seemed particularly apt as I just bought myself a treat with my birthday money. It was my birthday on the 17th November… I tend to keep this much to myself nowadays. We went away to Seville for a few days holiday and I absolutely loved it. What a wonderful city.

I didn’t buy the new scarf there. Hubby isn’t a big fan of shopping… But I did manage to get him to spend a little bit of time shopping – he bought me some lovely new clothes for my birthday.

Now… the new scarf, is from Tavira in Portugal and it is very colourful! But, this prompt asked for a story to be told in poetry about a grey scarf so I thought why not! Give it a go…

Anyway, the poem isn’t true to life as I have no intention of casting my new scarf aside but a little artistic licence is allowed…

On a whim I bought a colourful scarf
Like Joseph’s technicolor dreamcoat
It brings me nightmares and trouble!
My siblings are so jealous
So, I cast it aside
I buy a grey scarf
No one sees me
I sleep well
It brings
Joy

Me and my grey scarf have such adventures
Settling around my neck with ease
We paint the world in brilliance
Nothing is ever drab now
There is colour in dark
Fountains of rainbows
And no more sighs
Light in shade
Sunshine
Songs

Tomorrow is the launch day for my new poetry, flash fiction and photograph collection. Excited for that! If you’d like to wish me a belated happy birthday I’d love it if you bought a copy of my new book.

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Colleen’s Coffee Klatch: MJ Mallon, “Do What You Love,” #NewRelease – Colleen M. Chesebro

Thank you so much to Colleen for this lovely Coffee Klatch post and review celebrating the launch of my new poetry, short fiction release Do What You Love.

Colleen’s Review Recommendation:

Do What You Love is a fantastical journey between the author and the three sisters of fate told in poetry and prose. Many of the reminiscences are autobiographical, sharing memories and photographs accompanied by poetry and short prose pieces.

In this gentle journey from her past, present, and future, Mallon weaves together the poetic threads of her life influenced by the three sisters of fate: Atropos, Clotho, and Lachesis. She shares with them many conversations about meeting her husband, what it was like living in Scotland, and later her life in Cambridge, featuring stories about her children and her own sentimental stories of growing up.

It’s Mallon’s nature photos and poetry that always send me to far-off lands filled with the beauty of Autumn. Watch for one of my favorites, the flash fiction piece called, “A New Harvest.”

A lovely read that leaves you reminiscing about your own past, present, and future.

Source: Colleen’s Coffee Klatch: MJ Mallon, “Do What You Love,” #NewRelease – Colleen M. Chesebro

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A review of Marjorie Mallon’s new book. Do What You Love . | willowdot21

Thank you so much to Willow for this lovely review, and beautiful blog post about new book which is currently on kindle preorder, releases November 25th.

Review quote: I really enjoyed this very personal book by Marjorie, her past, present and her future, her family and her friends . The magic she finds in the every day, her love of insects, creatures and trees her love of life. Don’t be put off by the word personal, this book is so welcoming. I strongly recommend it to you all.

Willow

To read the full review and blog post at source click on the link: A review of Marjorie Mallon’s new book. Do What You Love . | willowdot21

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