Tag: Coming of Age Story

5+ stars for Golden Healer: The Curse of Time by M.J. Mallon #ya #fantasy #audiobook #bookreview

Many thanks to N.N. Light, Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer and Verified Influencer for this wonderful review of the audiobook of Golden Healer. @NNP_W_Light #audiobook #review #NextChapterPub @NextChapterPb

Title: Golden Healer: The Curse of Time, Book 2 Author: M. J. Mallon Narrator: Kerri Hiebert Genre: Coming of Age, YA Fantasy, YA
Book Blurb:
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, Golden Healer 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 listeners.


N. N. Light’s Review:
Story Impressions –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.
Narrator’s overall voice – Kerri Hiebert’s voice has a personality all her own which she applies to the various character voices. It has a smoothness and lilt I thoroughly enjoyed.
Does the narrator fit the characters? Yes, Kerri Hiebert fits the characters. I’m astonished at how well she evokes the different characters.
Narrator’s reading style –Kerri Hiebert has an relaxed reading style but with enough dramatic flair to keep the listener entranced.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –Kerri Hiebert has an intrinsic ability to draw a listener/reader in without any effort. The scenes are so well narrated, I had to stop what I was doing to focus on the story.
Narrator’s pacing –Kerri Hiebert’s pacing is flawless, blending fantasy, mythology, coming of age themes with ease.
Audiobook flow – Kerri Hiebert lets the audiobook develop naturally through the use of dialogue, action, and world-building.
What makes this audiobook unique –Kerri Hiebert and M.J. Mallon partner up to bring readers/listeners an engrossing YA fantasy adventure. The plot is full of intrigue which adds to the enjoyment while listening. Kerri’s narration brings Golden Healer to life.
Would I recommend this audiobook – YES! One-click this audiobook right now.

Since Golden Healer got five stars or better in their review, I received N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Five Star Award Seal. And Bloodstone also received the seal as it was also rated 5+ stars. https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2023/07/23/audiobook-reviews-bloodstone-audiobook-review-ya-fantasy/

N.N. Light’s Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now: Audible US https://www.audible.com/pd/Golden-Healer-Audiobook/B0BX7FJYJK
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Healer-Curse-Time-Book/dp/B0BX7DWK37
Audible CA https://www.audible.ca/pd/Golden-Healer-Audiobook/B0BX7FMSN1
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60216858-golden-healer
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/golden-healer-the-curse-of-time-book-2-by-m-j-mallon

N.N. Light’s Review: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/golden-healer-abr

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

The Curse of Time (Bloodstone, #1) by M. J. Mallon #BookReview @Marjorie_Mallon

Wonderful 5 star review from Karen at My Train of Thoughts about my book! So thrilled –  there is nothing quite like it when readers really enjoy your book. 🙂

My train of thoughts on...

Cover: The Curse of Time
(Bloodstone, #1)
by M. J. Mallon

The author sent me an ARC of this book (epub format) in exchange for an honest review.

My rating:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (5 stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s 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 pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.

Genre(s):Kindle eBooks > Children’s eBooks
> Science Fiction, Fantasy & Scary Stories > Fantasy & Magic > Coming of Age
> Science Fiction, Fantasy & Scary…

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Launch Party!!!! The Curse of Time #1 Bloodstone – Kindle E-Book

On-Line Book Launchfilled with

At last! It’s my launch party today for my kindle e-book and I can’t believe it – I am beyond thrilled.

Welcome!

Come in and let me share with you some news.

I’ve been keeping a very special piece of art tucked away to reveal to you today!

It’s a wonderful portrait that Carolina Russo of Yesterday After created for me of my character Esme.
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What are your impressions of Esme? The tears in her eyes convey her sadness but the golden hair of the mysterious girl facing her (no spoilers!) is bright and vibrant, suggesting hope. Carolina has done an amazing job, I can’t thank her enough for all her hard work in creating this stunning artwork for me. Collaborations makes me so happy. That is why I love writing and blogging so much. I would never have ‘met’ Carolina otherwise. It’s so wonderful to be able to collaborate with talented and creative individuals like Carolina who live so far away.

More news! Tina Fotherby at Famous Publicity is in the process of arranging a meeting between little old me and the inventor of the Corpus Christi clock, http://www.johnctaylor.com/the-chronophage/

Isn’t that beyond awesome? I am speechless. Dr John C. Taylor has been so generous, allowing me to use images of his incredible creation The Corpus Christi Chronopage on my social media and my book cover.

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Look at a close up of this bug of a fellow below… (courtesy of Dr. John C Taylor) – My interview with The Grasshopper – The Curse of Time

Corpus Christi Chronophage Detail

I am very fortunate to have such a creative younger daughter, Georgina who has done an amazing job of photographing two models depicting my two main characters – Amelina, and Ryder.

Amelina – modelled by Elise Hackney

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Ryder – modelled by Joseph English.

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I have had the joy of collaborating with https://samanthamurdochblog.wordpress.com/  Samantha happens to have a black cat supermodel Lily who looks just like the black cat Shadow in my book.

 

 

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Isn’t Lily amazing?

Samantha loves crystals and so do I! Her son Alex Marlowe took this stunning photo of a Bloodstone crystal that features on the spine of my paperback (the paperback is still to be released.)

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I can’t thank my good friend Colleen Chesebro enough for all her kindness. She started off beta reading and then took me under her fairy wings to do a full scale edit. Thanks also to my beta readers – blogging friend Graeme Cumming  – first draft beta reader and my eldest daughter Natasha Mallon for all her help too.

Below are the links to the kindle e-book – The Curse of Time – #1 Bloodstone.

If you’d like to leave a review, I’d be thrilled if you would.

My Amazon UK Author Page

My Amazon US Author Page

My Amazon Canada Author Page

So let’s get in party mode, perhaps have a drink or two…

Whatever your tipple…

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or a cup of very special tea?

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Perhaps a cake? Ritu at But I Smile Anyway  is a legendary baker, hint, hint… xxx

A big thank you to all my lovely friends who have featured me on their blogs leading up to the book launch and those who will be featuring me, thereafter. Your support and help mean so much. 

Features and Excerpts to date:

An early introduction by my good friend Vashti – https://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/2017/06/12/spotlight-m-j-mallon-author/

Plus Dan with his pre-author Q and A: https://danalatorre.com/2017/05/08/author-profile-23-questions-with-marje-from-kyrosmagica/

Many thanks to Sheila – https://scskillman.com/2017/08/22/the-curse-of-time-a-guest-post-by-m-j-mallon-author-of-the-curse-of-time-book-1-bloodstone/

My mate Beaton – https://becomingthemuse.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/of-a-book-tour-the-curse-of-time/

Warm-hearted Marcia – https://marciameara.wordpress.com/2017/08/05/excerptweek-the-curse-of-time-by-marjorie-mallon/

Huge supporter of authors Sally Chronin, who really has been sharing my new book so widely I can’t thank her enough. Here is one such example: – https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2017/08/01/sallys-cafe-and-bookstore-new-on-the-shelves-the-curse-of-time-by-m-j-mallon/

Today’s special release day post by Allan Hudson at South Branch Scribbler:  http://allanhudson.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/guest-author-marjorie-mallon-of-england.html

 

Author Spotlights on the subject of Self-Harm:

A big thank you and hug to Adele – https://firefly465.wordpress.com/2017/08/09/marjorie-mallon-curse-of-time-1-the-bloodstone/

Another hug to Christy Birmingham – https://whenwomeninspire.com/2017/08/21/self-harm-fiction-writing-guest-post/

 

Author Guest Posts with Poetry as a theme:

A big thank you to Charli – https://carrotranch.com/2017/08/22/raw-literature-haiku-tanka-and-a-debut-novel/

And fellow Scot Seumas who like me has a fondness for the Far East, and has a way with words! Such a charming fellow – https://seumasgallacher.com/2017/08/22/marjorie-mallon-poet-and-authoress-extraordinaire-come-be-entranced/

My lovely friend Ritu shared my jokey piece of poetry about inspiration – https://butismileanyway.com/2017/08/25/marjorie-mallon-poetic-inspiration-thecurseoftime-blogtour-author/

My original story written about friendship, rainbows and crystals  shared via my very special friend Colleen who has helped me so much I can’t begin to thank her enough:  http://colleenchesebro.com/2017/08/24/fairies-myths-magic-author-spotlight-guest-posts-rainbow-child-by-mj-mallon/

Some of the posts that I’ve  already started planning that will be forthcoming after the release and in September/October 2017:  Chris Graham at The Story Reading Ape, (inspiration,) Sacha Black (my marketing plans,) my fellow rainbow girl Debby Gies – D G Kaye Writer (a question and Answer post,) the huggable Hugh at Hughs Views and News, Eloise De Sousa, Helen Jones at Journey To Ambeth,  Gloria McBreen at We Are Holistic, and Esmé at Cook and Enjoy, etc.

UPDATE: Since the release on 26th August, thank you to: Christoph Fischer for his post on 29th August.

Thank you for all the reblogs, kind comments, and to the lovely bloggers who have been so supportive to me, I can’t thank you enough.

Particular thanks goes to Amalia at Aquileana for being so kind and sending me a personal message of support.

So no more waffle.

It’s time to PARTYYYYYY!!!!!!! Come and add your links, comments, photos, thoughts, music, (we need a play list!)

Join the fun here and on my Facebook Party and Instagram!

 

Launch Party Playlist:

 

 

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My Kyrosmagica Review of Dead Flies And Sherry Trifle

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Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s summer 1976 and hotter than Hades
Harry Spittle, nineteen, is home from university, aiming to earn some money to go on holiday and maybe get laid. He expects he will be bored rigid, but the appearance of old family friend, Charlie Jepson, his psychopathic son, Claude, and predatory wife Monica changes that. As his parents’ marriage implodes, Harry’s problems mount; before he knows it he’s in debt up to his ears and dealing in drugs. Things go from bad to worse when he is stabbed. He needs money fast, but now his job is at risk, his sister is in trouble and he has discovered a family secret that could destroy all he holds dear. The only way out appears to require that Harry joins forces with the local criminal mastermind. Can Harry survive to see out the summer? Can he save his family? Can he regain some credibility and self-respect? Most importantly will he finally get laid?

My review:

Thank you to Geoff LePard for providing me a signed copy of Dead Flies And Sherry Trifle in exchange for an honest review.

I am reviewing this as part of  Make August An Amazon Review Month

This is a laugh… and that pleases me enormously. I love to laugh. It’s a little-hearted, coming of age story which will undoubtedly relate to you – if you’re a teenager – or will take you space hopping back to your teenage years if you’re a bit older….Boing Boing. C’est Moi!

I didn’t work in a hotel as a teenager but I did have a spell where I worked in my local hairdressers. Let’s just say that I met some colourful characters, who took great pleasure in taking me out for a drink at the local pub after work, ha ha!! Vodka, was their tipple. So Harry Spittle’s work colleagues and his University enemy Stephen McNoble, ( who has serious anger issues,) really don’t seem so far from reality for me! Neither does the drug taking… but that’s another story.  The cardboard girlfriend Amanda… well I never! Can’t say I’ve ever come across that kind of companionship before. But, yes, I was quite a wild teenager… the quiet ones are always the ones to watch out for. Don’t show my mum this review!

If you’re female and reading Dead Flies And Sherry Trifle you’ll find yourself crawling into the deepest recesses of a teenage boy’s brain – his name is Harry Spittle –  and the experience will enlighten, amuse, and engulf you with what it means to ‘want to get laid.’ The main character is somewhat obsessed with a certain part of his body! Which probably accounts for about 99% of the male population below the age of 21… and a huge proportion of those above 21 too!! But, like all well rounded characters he does have some redeeming features too.  He does love his Grandmother! And he isn’t too bad a brother to his poor sister when she gets into a spot of bother.

Be prepared for cheeky sexual references… hopeless fails,  madcap behaviour, family life, a mystery, and a few rough diamonds!

I discovered my teenage daughter sneaking a peak at Dead Flies And Sherry Trifle – ahem… Now, I’m worried. She just accepted a part-time waitressing job at Cambridge university… EEK, who will she meet? This book brings on serious anxiety, it should carry a health warning! It’s a fast, easy, entertaining read with a diverse range of characters to keep you interested. Flies do play a tiny part. Buzz buzz. Trifle is my favourite pudding. The title is just about as nutty as the contents.

My only slight bugbear had to be with the revelation about Harry Spittle’s sister. This part of the story seemed to get engulfed by all the other shenanigans and her mother and father didn’t quite respond in the way in which I thought they would.

My recommendation – read if you like to take life and all its weird foibles a trifling unseriously.

Authors Website: https://geofflepard.com/

 

My rating

4 stars.

DISCLAIMER: “As of 13th September 2017 we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”  

My opinions are my own and any reviews on this site have not been swayed or altered in any way by monetary compensation, or by the offer of a free book in exchange for a review. 

Amazon UK kindle buying link: http://amzn.to/2h6btAf

Amazon UK Paperback buying link: http://amzn.to/2jtfDDg

 

Bye for now,

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