#ABRSC Review of Wisp by Adele Marie Park #YA #Fantasy #LGBT

Goodreads Synopsis:
Edra; a world where magic flourishes and where dark secrets are concealed by those who rule. Secrets which can get the innocent killed without a thought. When the body of an elf is discovered in a treacherous area of the city, Wisp a young Law Enforcer is assigned the case. He soon realises the case is far from simple. As soon as he finds one thread another one leads him to unravel a tapestry woven from lies, secrets, corruption and evil. When friendship turns to love, Wisps life, as he knew it will completely change. What started out as a murder case ends in a grisly battle which Wisp and his companions seem to have no chance of winning.

Review:

This was one of the most unusual and imaginative YA fantasy stories I have read for a long time. I really loved it. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful range of characters in the novel, which Ms. Park brought to life via her engaging writing style. I especially loved Wisp, a marsh fairy law enforcer.

The dialogue flowed effortlessly and the narrative kept me engaged throughout with some really exciting passages and witty repartee. I am so looking forward to reading the second book in this series.

Adele Marie Park shows great promise. This is her debut novel and I will definitely be following this author’s progress with great interest and much excitement.

YAY!!!

Ms. Park has also written stories for several anthologies including The Box Under The Bed, edited by Dan Alatorre, Plaisted Publishing Ghostly Writes Anthology, The Darkest Midnight in December: Ghost Stories for the Winter Season Anthology, and Betrayals of Another Kind: 2016 Fantasy Writers Anthology.

My rating of Wisp: 4.5 stars.

A definite recommendation for readers of fantasy readers, LGBT YA Fiction, (male love affair.)

Author Details:

Adele Marie Park – Bio:

I love writing, it`s my passion. My genres include fantasy, horror, urban fantasy, and a mixture of all those. I love telling stories; period. I am married to my wonderful wife, who is my rock. Our daughter and our dog, German shepherd collie cross, are also my passions. To experience a moment of pure love is to experience the world.
Creativity is something I couldn`t live without.
I am also a Supernatural geek, and love my music. Punk, Goth, Rockabilly and visual Kei music from Japan.

The paranormal is my normal.
oh, and I also totally believe in faeries.

Adele Marie Park’s Author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adele-Park/e/B01G9VHA9W/

Blog: https://firefly465.wordpress.com/

Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com/

I’ve written oodles of reviews for traditionally published and self-published authors. Reading is my passion. To see my reviews please follow the links below:

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/

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Blog Tour and Review: If You Love Me I’m Yours – Lizzie Chantree #RRBC #ABRSC

I’m thrilled to be part of Lizzie Chantree’s blog tour for her latest novel: If You Love Me I’m Yours.

Thank you to Lizzie Chantree for an ARC copy of If you Love Me, I’m Yours.

Please note: Receiving a copy via the author in no way influences my review.

Goodreads Synopsis

‘If you love me, I’m yours…’

Maud didn’t mind being boring, not really. She had a sensible job, clothes, and love life… if you counted an overbearing ex who had thanked her, rolled over and was snoring before she even realised he’d begun! She could tolerate not fulfilling her dreams, if her parents would pay her one compliment about the only thing she was passionate about in life: her art.

Dot should have fit in with her flamboyant and slightly eccentric family of talented artists, but somehow, she was an anomaly who couldn’t paint. She tried hard to be part of their world by becoming an art agent extraordinaire, but she dreamed of finding her own voice.

Dot’s brother Nate, a smoulderingly sexy and famous artist, was adored by everyone. His creative talent left them in awe of his ability to capture such passion on canvas. Women worshipped him, and even Dot’s friend Maud flushed and bumped into things when he walked into a room, but a tragic event in his past had left him emotionally and physically scarred, and reluctant to face the world again.

Someone was leaving exquisite little paintings on park benches, with a tag saying, ‘If you love me, I’m yours’. The art was so fresh and cutting-edge, that it generated a media frenzy and a scramble to discover where the mystery artist could be hiding. The revelation of who the prodigious artist was interlinked Maud, Dot and Nate’s lives forever, but their worlds came crashing down.

Were bonds of friendship, love and loyalty strong enough to withstand fame, success and scandal?

My review:

I was delighted with the prospect of reading another novel from Lizzie Chantree as I really enjoyed Ninja School Mum.

Here is a link to my review for Ninja School Mum: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/01/07/abrsc-review-of-ninja-school-mum/

What I didn’t expect was that this latest book If You Love Me I’m Yours is now my favourite!

What did I like about it?

Lovely engaging characters, I especially loved the main protagonist Maud and her relationship with Daisy and new friend Dot. And Nate is too cute and his brother Elliot is too! Oh, I could go on and on… Basically I loved all the characters and the characterisation was one of the strongest aspects of this novel.

It was nice to read a light-hearted chick lit romance for a change. And I really enjoyed the fantastic conclusion. Loved the ending!

I engaged with the art aspect to it – how Maud didn’t have much confidence about her creative talents – but then left her art everywhere for people to enjoy. This was charming and touching too. I’m not an artist myself but do enjoy funky, eccentric characters and If you Love Me I’m Yours really delivered on this.

It’s an uplifting, sweet romance – a great option for a holiday read and with summer upon us…

What I wanted more of!

I loved the sexy scenes between Maud and Nate but I wanted more! I’m greedy that way. This was quite a slow burn with Maud and Nate’s uncertainties and fears, holding back the ‘love action’ which had me desperate for more! I could understand why they were both reluctant but even so. Lol.

Overall a charming, engaging novel which will bring you lots of smiles! Definitely a recommendation.

Author Bio:

Award-winning inventor and author, Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year in 2000. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now runs networking hours on social media, where creative businesses, writers, photographers and designers can offer advice and support to each other. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website at www.lizziechantree.com or follow her on Twitter @Lizzie_Chantree https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree.

Social media links:

Website: https://lizziechantree.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.chantree.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_chantree/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7391757.Lizzie_Chantree

Universal book buy link: viewbook.at/IfYouLoveMe-ImYours

My rating 4.5 stars.

To read all of my reviews (I review lots!!!):

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-)my-book-reviews/

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#ABRSC #Review Fairies, Myths, & Magic: A Summer Celebration – Colleen Chesebro

Thank you to Colleen Chesebro for an ARC of her latest book: Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration. Receiving a free copy in no way influences my review. All opinions are my own.

Amazon Synopsis:

Step into a world where fairies, dragons, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the celebration of Litha, the Summer Solstice.

Meet Drac, a dragon cursed by hSELRES_9d361293-d8cd-4ac7-b3cd-945e6c8febfeis own poisonous deeds, and two pixies who help an old man remember a lost love. You’llSELRES_9d361293-d8cd-4ac7-b3cd-945e6c8febfe meet a pair of fairies with a sense of humor, and a young girl who fulfills her destiny after being struck by lightning. Learn what happens when a modern witch’s spell goes terribly wrong. Meet the Sisters of the Fey, a group of Slavic Witches who sign a pact with the Rusalki Fey to preserve their magic for the good of all.

Atmospheric and haunting, the prose and poetry, will rewrite the mythologies of the past bringing them into the future.

My review:

A charming collection of short stories and poetry which I read through in delight, enthralled by it all. It would particularly appeal to those who love the allure of fairies, myths, fairy-tales and magic.

It begins with a short introduction to Lithia – the Midsummer Solstice – the longest day of the year which begins on June 21st.

There is a section on the different kinds of fairies: brownies, elves, pixies, sprites, dryads, leprechauns, and the author’s own amazing experience seeing her first fairy!

All the stories and poems are fantastic.

Below are my personal favourite stories and poems in the collection:

‘Just What the Doctor Ordered.’ – a couple of pixies get up to some cheeky mischief!

‘The Fairies Spider’s Lair.’ – evocative poem.

‘The Sisters of The Fey: The Beginning, A Short Story.’

‘A Fairy Love Spell’ – this is what happens if you play with magic – so funny!

‘Believe’ – A short story with the bees!

‘Waiting For A Summer Love’ – a poem.

‘The Healer – A Short story’ – with a dragon, and a blood witch. Fantastic.

‘A Litha Celebration – a poem.’

‘A Fish Tale – Short Story’ – so charming.

‘Halloween Magic’ – anyone who has had their fill of laundry will love this story. It is so funny!

‘The Leaving. A Story of Supernatural Magic.’ Definite favourite.

Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist writing YA fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. She loves all things magical which may mean that she could be experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been fully decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing and storytelling. These days she resides in the fantasy realm of the Fairy Whisperer where she writes the magical poetry and stories that the fairy nymphs whisper to her in her dreams.
Colleen won the Little and Laugh Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the CarrotRanch Literary Community.com in November 2017 for her piece, called “The Bus Stop.” Her debut novel, The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy won gold in the 2017 AuthorsDB.com cover contest.
Colleen lives in Colorado with her husband, Ron. When she is not writing, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and friends. She also loves gardening, reading, and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art. You can learn more about Colleen at www.colleenchesebro.com.

My rating: 5 stars

Here is the Country Tagged Universal Book Link: Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic”>http://smarturl.it/FairiesMythsMagic”>Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic

https://read.amazon.co.uk/kp/embed?linkCode=kpe&ref_=k4w_oembed_6aeeF165kpjuoF&asin=B07DTSBH4T&tag=kpembed-20&amazonDeviceType=A2CLFWBIMVSE9N&from=Bookcard&preview=inline

You can find Colleen in all the usual places. Drop by anytime.

colleenchesebro.com Author Blog

Amazon Author Page

Facebook

Twitter

Sisters of the Fey Group Blog

Pinterest

Google+

Instagram

LinkedIn

I’ve written loads of reviews. Please follow to links to read more of my reviews:

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#RRBC #RWISA Review: Conflict by Eric Halpenny

I chose “CONFLICT” by Eric Halpenny (RWISA Member) as my #RRBC June Book of The Month.

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/06/07/rrbc-june-books-of-the-month/

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Canadian army was widely viewed to be one of the finest fighting forces in WWI, acclaimed by friend and foe alike. However, historical figures and newspaper articles do little to illuminate the true nature of war. For that, one must see through the eyes of those that fought the war. One must stand in their shoes, sleep with their dreams, and shudder at their fears. This venture into the fictional lives of John and Greg attempts to offer that experience. Bound by friendship, these young warriors embark on a journey of trial and tragedy in Conflict, a 20th Century historical fiction. They face death, loss, and grief as compatriots fall in battle and hopes of glory die with them.

Review:

I don’t normally read war novels/short stories but I made an exception after I sneaked a peek in the look inside feature of Conflict on Amazon.

I loved how Eric Halpenny used quotes and/or poetry from Wilfred Owen, General Horace Smith-Dorrien, Major John McCrae, Sir Robert Borden, Kaiser Wilhelm II, memoirs of David Lloyd George, excerpts, war diary entries, military songs and letters from real and fictional soldiers in the novel, giving the narrative a very human feel.

This is a powerful WW1 short story about two fictional characters, Greg and John as they ‘leave boyhood and childishness, naivety and innocence, behind,’ to join with the brotherhood of men in war. Chronicling their heroic journey through the living hell of WW1. There are many aspects of the novel that moved me, thoughts expressed about: the young soldier’s naivety, the building of trust, endless suffering, (even the weather became an enemy,) patriotism, and the futility of war.

Greg’s experience of being haunted by a German that he killed at close quarters provides a stark, disturbing reminder that the enemy is human, has a face, a life, friends and family .

Conflict is an exceptionally riveting read, evoking strong emotions. I read it in one setting, in one morning.

The ending is so sad and so true to life. You will have to read Conflict to see what I mean!

Highly recommended for everyone! Even if you don’t normally read war novels/short stories.

My rating 4.5 stars.

Have you read Conflict? I’d love to hear your views on it if you have…

Link to Eric Halpenny’s blog: https://www.erichalpenny.com/books/

Link to: Eric Halpenny’s Amazon Page

I have written in excess of 100 book reviews on my blog of independent and traditionally published authors:

A – M List https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

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#ABRSC #Review The Congress of Rough Writers: Flash Fiction Anthology Vol. 1 (Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology)

Goodreads Synopsis:

Witness great feats of literary art from daring writers around the world: stories crafted in 99 words.

Flash fiction is a literary prompt, form, and tool that unites writers in word play. This creative craft hones a writer’s skills to write tight stories and explore longer works. It’s literary art in thoughtful bites, and the collective stories in this anthology provide an entertaining read for busy modern readers.

Writers approach the prompts for their 99-word flash with creative diversity. Each of the twelve chapters in Part One features quick, thought-provoking flash fiction. Later sections include responses to a new flash fiction prompt, extended stories from the original 99-word format, and essays from memoir writers working in flash fiction. A final section includes tips on how to use flash fiction in classrooms, book clubs, and writers groups.

CarrotRanch.com is an online literary community where writers can practice craft the way musicians jam. Vol. 1 includes the earliest writings by these global literary artists at Carrot Ranch. Just as Buffalo Bill Cody once showcased the world’s most daring riding, this anthology highlights the best literary feats from The Congress of Rough Writers.

My review:

Thank you to Charli Mills for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A thoroughly enjoyable read and very well structured. It delivers a wide range of flash fiction and so much more. The anthology succeeds in celebrating the wonderful sense of community that is Carrot Ranch and the benefits of participating, therein. Charli Mills has created a welcoming, nurturing community of ‘Rough Writers,’ who develop through practice – the necessary skills to polish their flash fiction writing, overcoming the challenging constraint of 99 words.

I’d highly recommend this anthology to EVERYONE, but particularly to writers and aspiring authors. But, don’t let that discourage the general public as they will most definitely enjoy reading this compilation too.

Being a part of Carrot Ranch Community is indeed a fantastic thing to do for experienced writers and wannabe writers too. I just wish I had more time to join in Carrot Ranch more regularly. But the community allows for writers to come and go as they wish, which is a positive aspect of Carrot Ranch. No one feels pressurised to write flash, it is a very free and giving group.

My rating: 4.5 stars.

Highlights:

A very engaging Foreword from Charli Mills.

Part 1 : Best of Show

Part 2 : A New Flash Fiction challenge

Part 3: Expanded Flash. This interested me as I recently attempted this and struggled to take a story from 99 words and expand it to 1,000. It isn’t easy!

Part 4: Essays From Memoirists: An unexpected section entitled Essays From Memoirists which I found fascinating. Particularly as I am currently penning a 3000 piece memoir about my dad’s early years, national service, and first taste of exotic travel for a competition!

In this section individual writers penned their thoughts and feelings about writing memoirs:

Sherri Matthews: From Memoir to Flash Fiction And Back Again. How writing flash, ‘energised,’ and enabled her ‘to soar,’ ‘and write fearlessly.’

Paula Moyer. In Praise of Nine Year Olds with Vision. Flash allowed for a ‘Parallel universe’ where the writer could ‘feel free’ ‘I am called to write.’

Lisa Reiter – How Flash Fiction Helps My Perfectionism by letting go and putting words on paper. Allowed her to realise that ‘The words are good enough’ ‘To Let it go,’ ‘the discipline of a little flash fiction is a good way to practice that.’

Jeanne Belisle Lombardo – How The practice of Flash Fiction Hones the Craft of the Memoirist – ‘focus on the moment’ and on ‘honesty in one’s work,’ which is what readers are looking for in memoirs.

Irene Waters – Defining Differences between Memoir and Fiction – ‘Writing fiction gave me a freedom I had not experienced before.’ ‘no room for unnecessary words.’ ‘major benefits’ – ‘freedom of expression’ – ‘honed technical skills.’

Part 5 : Building community with Flash Fiction

Part 6: Acknowledgements and Bios

Amazon UK Buying link: The Congress of Rough Writers Vol 1 Anthology

My A – M Reviews: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

My N – Z Reviews: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/

Let me know if you’d read the anthology I’d love to hear your thoughts…

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#YA #Fantasy #Book #Review – Keepers by Sacha De Black

Goodreads Synopsis:

Saving the world is easy: all Eden has to do is die.

Seventeen-year-old Eden East’s life is perfect… until her soul is bound to her worst nightmare. Then her parents are brutally murdered, and everyone’s a suspect, including her best friend.

As her world spirals out of control, a charismatic Siren, from a past she can’t remember, returns offering help, hope, and a heap of distractions.

Eden must put aside her grief to solve the mystery of her parents’ murder. In a race against time, can she break the binding to her enemy before he destroys her and her world?

Three lives.
Two murdered parents.
One deadly choice.

My Review:

Keepers is the debut YA fantasy novel of Sacha de Black. I enjoyed the premise of the novel – a society that does its utmost to achieve a sense of balance – and found it to be an unusual and highly imaginative idea.

It’s a YA novel with stacks of opportunity to deliver emotional feelings, (the main protagonist Eden East is young and has to cope with a lot.) I won’t divulge too much here for fear of spoiling the novel.

One of Black’s great strengths is her ability to write physical attraction between two individuals so well! Wow, loved those parts! I’d say that Trey was one of my favourite characters in the book. I can imagine him as a very worthy candidate for the title ‘book boyfriend!’ And I really enjoyed Victor too! There is a love triangle of sorts as Eden is bound to Shifter Victor Dark and can’t bare to be, but Victor wants Eden like mad.

There were parts of the story where the author’s ability to write engaging prose, and dialogue took flight and her writing made me go wow, this is amazing. I see great potential in Black’s writing.

What I didn’t like:

A minor point (it may just be me!) There’s a glossary of terms in the front matter which took me out of the story a bit to begin with. I would have liked these terms added individually as short postscripts at the bottom of each relevant page.

My recommendation:

This is a confident debut, with interesting world building and potential for further conflict and interest in book two. Definitely a recommendation.

My rating: 4.5 stars.

To see all my reviews to date follow this link: https://mjmallon.com/category/a-z-book-reviews/

My Hitting The Books Pal wants to know – have you read Keepers? Do leave a comment below with your thoughts.

Happy reading!

Bye for now,

Read all my reviews here: https://mjmallon.com/category/a-z-book-reviews/

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#Review of Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

Goodreads Synopsis

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves.

Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge?

My review:

I loved this from the moment I picked it up. There is so much to recommend reading Nevernight, especially if you are a YA Fantasy author. I loved the shadows, (of course I did,) the not cat, (Mr Kindly) and especially the kick-ass heroine, Mia who’s determined to avenge her father’s killers. Mia is spurred to revenge by witnessing the death of her father and the subsequent cruelty meted out to her remaining family members.

All the characters are so well defined – and I adore Tric. I know some readers develop book boy crushes and he’d be mine! Ha ha…

This is YA but there are some seriously sexy scenes which are written so well that my jaw dropped! Ha ha… If I ever want to write sexy scenes I better bookmark these!

The plot and world building are phenomenal. I was a little kind of oh, please tell me this is not happening…. by something that occurred towards the end of the novel, but no spoilers…

I wish I had read Nevernight before I started writing The Curse of Time as there are so many parallels that made me go WOW… SHADOWS..,. In A Massive YEAH WAY! It should be compulsory reading for all fantasy authors! It is exciting, sexy, bloody… yes expect some stabbing. This is not a PG. Definitely a favourite. No doubt I will continue with this series and read Godsgrave.

Things to watch our for:

Fantastic expressions… ‘Never flinch’ ‘Never fear. And never, ever forget.’ ‘When all is blood, blood is all.’ You might just find yourself saying ‘Maw’s teeth,’ a lot! I did! And ”Byss and blood’ I just loved these!

Oh, and I reckon Jay Kristoff’s favourite Nevernight twitter hashtag is #stabstabstab.

And this photo on his twitter page is so fabulous. It’s of a cosplayer in Germany.

A girl who was to murder as maestros are to music 😀⚔️☠️ #stabstabstab pic.twitter.com/up98TLecIl

— Jay Kristoff News/Updates (@misterkristoff) October 20, 2017

My rating: A fabulous #stabstabstab five stars.

Jay Kristoff’s blog: https://jaykristoff.com/

More news: You can pre-order a signed copy of Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman’s Obsidio – The Illuminae Files: Book 3, Mar 14th via https://www.booktopia.com.au/obsidio-the-illuminae-files-book-3-amie-kaufman/prod9781925266726.html

Have you read Nevernight, and/or Godsgrave? Do let me know, let’s have a bookish chat about it….

Obsidio – The Illuminae Files : Book 3

Link to buy the kindle copy of The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone:

myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

The pre-release blog tour for my YA novel begins in April with my #ABRSC club pals, followed by a release tour with Neverland Blog Tours. (Jenny Marston is also a #ABRSC member!) http://neverlandblogtours.weebly.com/

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Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

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#ABRSC review of The Fall of Lilith by Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Goodreads Synopsis:

“I merely assisted you in doing what you desired all along.”

So says Lilith, the most exquisite of the angels. The two most important pledges an angel makes to God are those of obedience and celibacy, and dire consequences await any who break their oaths.

At first, the angels are happy in their celestial home, learning and exploring together. As they grow older, though, Lilith begins to question these pledges, which now seem arbitrary and stifling. Her challenge of the status quo leads to disagreement, jealousy, and strife among her peers. As the arguing and acrimony grow, lines are drawn and sides are chosen. Is war inevitable?

Filled with robust characters, incredible landscapes, and exciting action, The Fall of Lilith is an epic tale of seduction, betrayal, and revenge.

Free Will involves asking difficult questions and making hard choices, choices that require strength and sacrifice. These decisions can tear apart friendships and cause rifts between allies.

They can even threaten the foundations of Heaven.

My review:

I read this as part of the #ABRSC read and review.

Amazing, I absolutely loved this wonderful novel by Vashti Quiroz Vega. I rarely read long books but this kept my attention throughout both book 1 and book 2. In fact, it was such a quick read. I’d highly recommend reading The Fall of Lilith if you love high fantasy books with amazing descriptive prose, unique and highly imaginative writing and fabulous characters. The main protagonist Lilith isn’t at all keen on God’s decree that they should be celibate. She is a power crazed angel who plots and schemes, bringing a heck load of drama, horror and strife to the storyline!

Advisory: It’s not a YA book as there are passages of steamy scenes that take it beyond YA!

It ticks every single box. Splendid, a definite favourite. Highly recommended.

Amazon UK Kindle Buying Link: http://amzn.to/2mWoImC

Amazon UK Paperback Buying Link: http://amzn.to/2EX8ZuV

Connect with author Vashti Quiroz-Vega:

https://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/

Twitter @VashtiQV

Congratulations to Vashti Quiroz-Vega for being a Rave Reviews Book Club – RRBC spotlight author: https://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/2018/01/08/rave-reviews-book-club-spotlight-author/

Link to the excellent Kirkus review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/vashti-quiroz-vega/fall-lilith/

Have you read The Fall of Lilith? Do comment below, I’d love to hear your opinion.

Happy reading!

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If you’d like to join in the #ABRSC read and review please follow the link below… or leave a comment.

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#ABRSC Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook

#ABRSC Read and Review group on Goodreads

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

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#ABRSC Review of Ninja School Mum

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Obsessive-compulsive school mum, Skye, is a lonely elite spy, who is running from her past whilst trying to protect the future of her child. She tries hard to fit in with the other parents at her son’s new school, but the only person who accepts her unconventional way of life is new mother, Thea.

Thea is feeling harassed by her sister and bored with her life, but she suspects that there is something strange about the new school mum, Skye. Thea has secrets of her own and, although the two become unlikely friends, she hesitates to tell Skye about the father of her own child.

Zack’s new business is growing faster than he could have dreamed but, suddenly, he finds himself the owner of a crumbling estate on the edge of a pretty village, and a single parent to a very demanding child. Could he make a go of things and give his daughter the life she deserved?

When three lives collide, it appears that only one of them is who they seem to be, and you never know who the person next to you in the school playground really is.

My review:

Thank you to the author Lizzie Chantree for an ARC copy for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

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An enjoyable chick lit romance with an unexpected twist towards the end. Light-hearted, amusing and fun. The characters are well rounded, and engaging – my favourites are Skye, Thea and Zack.

In my opinion this quick read would appeal to mums and dads who have been excluded from playground cliques and friendship groups and who would like to have some ninja skills to deal with certain people! So very relatable, humorous and fun.

My recommendation – 4 stars – Particularly recommended for those who enjoy their romance with a sprinkling of humour, and a touch of sauciness but not too much!

Read as part of #ABRSC read and review group for independent authors.

I will be featuring Lizzie Chantree on my blog in February with more details about Ninja School Mum’s release…

Paperback, 1, 310 pages
Expected publication: January 30th 2018 by Crooked Cat Books

Author’s website: https://lizziechantree.com/

Twitter: @Lizzie_Chantree

My previous author spotlight post: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2017/03/18/author-spotlight-lizzie-chantree/

Happy reading,

I review lots!!! For more reviews follow the links below:

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/

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Bye for now,

My social media links:

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Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club/

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

My #ABRSC Review of The Box Under The Bed Anthology

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Goodreads Synopsis:
Come along for a chilling ride on a ghost ship, experience eerie daydreams and psychotic killers, explore haunted houses, and send the deceased to their final destination.

And that’s just a quarter of the thrills.

Edited and compiled by Amazon bestselling author Dan Alatorre, this anthology of scary tales brings together the minds and pens of twenty authors, including bestseller Allison Maruska (The Fourth Descendant), bestselling author Jenifer Ruff (Everett), Lucy Brazier (PorterGirl), J. A. Allen, Juliet Nubel, TA Henry, Ann Marie Andrus, Heather Hackett, Barbara Anne Helberg, Scott Skipper, Joanne R. Larner, Christine Valentor, Adele Marie Park, Curtis Bausse, Annette Robinson, Frank Parker, Eric Daniel Clarke, and Maribel C. Pagan.

Perfect for Halloween or any time, these stories will make you think twice before walking alone on the beach at night, reading a diary, or innocently watching a train from your car.

Consider yourselves warned.

NOTE: Warning! American and British spelling ahead. A few stories words are olde English, too. The story The Death Of Mrs. Billen by Mr. Alatorre is from his novel An Angel On Her Shoulder, used with permission.

My review:

I intended to read The Box Under The Bed around Halloween time but I was so busy I didn’t get round to it. I’ve made up for that now, I enjoyed the Box Under The Bed very much. Without a doubt anthologies are an excellent way to discover new authors. All of the stories were a little different, some scarier than others, some gory, and there were even little touches of humour to be found. So, I’d say there is something for everyone in this anthology compiled and edited by Dan Alatorre.

There are twenty authors in all, three of which are members of the #ABRSC – Dan Alatorre, Lucy Brazier and Adele Marie Park.

Plus stories from: Jennifer Ruff, Allison Maruska, J.A. Allen, Juliet Nubel, T.A. Henry, Anne Marie Andrus, Heather Hackett, Barbara Anne Helberg, Scott Skipper, Joanne R Larner, Christine Valentor, Curtis Bausse, Annette Robinson, Frank Parker, Eric Daniel Clarke, Maribel C Pagan, and Carrie Ann Alexis.

Would I recommend it? Yes, indeed I’ve rated this anthology four stars.

I read The Box Under The Box anthology as part of my #ABRSC Christmas Read and Review.

You can find out more about this here: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/abrsc-christmas-newyear-blog-hop-party/

We now have a Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club Goodreads Group too: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/383127-abrsc-read-and-review as well as our well-established and flourishing Facebook group: Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club.

Next up, I will be reading an ARC of Lizzie Chantree’s Ninja School Mum which is being published by Crooked Cat Books in Jan 2018. I will be hosting Lizzie on my blog as part of her blog tour in the New Year.

Before I go let me invite you to …. fellow administrator of the group… Colleen Chesebro’s review of Annette Rochelle Aben’s Tanka Picture Book: https://colleenchesebro.com/2017/12/04/colleens-book-reviews-a-tanka-picture-book-by-author-annette-rochelle-aben/

Bye for now, happy reading! If you’d like to join in the #ABRSC read and review comment below, I’d love to hear from you. It doesn’t have to be a scary story! All genres welcome! xxx

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Fellow Administrators of our Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC on Facebook, myself, my good friends Colleen Chesebro and Debby Gies. Click on Colleen’s and Debby’s photos to be directed to their awesome blogs. These ladies rock!