My YA Fantasy Golden Healer, Book 2 in the Curse of Time series is on OFFER in the Smashwords Sale!
Only .99c!
And Book 1, Bloodstone is free too in most stores, including Smashwords.
A wonderful opportunity to read book 1 & 2. I’m currently working on book 3!
Golden Healer is on limited time offer at Smashwords until January 1st.
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, 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.
Free/0.99p some territories, Amazon kindle. FREE ebook Smashwords & various shopfronts.
My YA Fantasy:
Bloodstone Book 1 in The Curse of Time series ‘Bloodstone is anything but a simple narration, but a captivating and imaginative young adult fantasy that seamlessly blends elements of magic, secrets, and coming-of-age in a dysfunctional family.’ Author & Poet Dan Costinas
Golden Healer Book 2 in The Curse of Tine series ‘I am captivated by MJ Mallon’s descriptive writing which dazzles the reader; and she truly develops the potential of her imaginative ideas: chocolates that cast spells; a bossy front doormat; a magic paintbrush that can create illness through a white icy mist over a portrait; the Grasshopper who steals time; a magical environment that can open up your worst nightmares or your most enchanted dreams. Packed with surreal events and powers, this story is often a mind-bending read.’ Author SC Skillman
My poetry & anthologies available at Amazon:
Shh Purely Poetry
‘I really enjoy this author – her books always make me smile and this one is no exception. There is something for everyone here in this quirky and evocative collection of poems!’ Author Chantelle Atkins.
The Hedge Witch & The Magical Poet
‘This beautiful collection of poetry & flash fiction draws the reader back to nature & leaves you feeling satisfied, breathless & strangely calm.’ Author Amanda Griffith Jones.
Mr Sagittarius Poetry & Prose ‘ This is an exquisite collection of poetry, prose and photos reflecting upon the joy, comfort and peace that is to be found in the natural world and in a beautiful garden. Author S C Skillman
Do What You Love ‘ A small and perfectly formed collection about finding your way in life. Do What You Love is simply lovely.’ Linda’s Book Bag.
This Is Lockdown ‘ This Is Lockdown is a compilation unlike any other, documenting the thoughts and feelings of the main author, M J Mallon, and many other contributors, with regards to the Pandemic Lockdown of 2020, that affected the whole world’ Author Ritu Bhathal
Lockdown Innit Poems of Absurdity ‘I loved the poems, they captured the spirit of the times, the vagaries of human behaviour, the poignant signsof a society in change.’ Author Richard Dee
About the story: It’s a personal anecdote about a small, white terrier with black markings that I encountered while walking in Tavira, Portugal. I describe the dog’s journey as it scurried across a road, narrowly avoiding vehicles, leaving a lasting impression on me, allowing my imagination to take a new turn!
My YA fantasy Bloodstone, Book 1 The Curse of Time: (mental health rep, female protagonist, coming of age, dark elements, curse, crystal wielding magic, mystery, ya, fantasy.)https://books2read.com/u/bOyrgW
Please note – The following books are FREE 7th to 9th December as my KDP period didn’t end until 5th Dec!
The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet , FREE 7th to 9th.)
Mr Sagittarius Poetry & Prose, FREE (7th to 9th.)
Do What You Love, FREE 7th to 9th.)
These are FREE Too!
Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity, FREE
This Is Lockdown. FREE.
Here are some review quotes from each of my books on offer, or FREE to download in the sale.
My YA Fantasy: YA Fantasy Bloodstone Book 1 in The Curse of Time series ‘Bloodstone is anything but a simple narration, but a captivating and imaginative young adult fantasy that seamlessly blends elements of magic, secrets, and coming-of-age in a dysfunctional family.’ Author & Poet Dan Costinas
My poetry & anthologies:
Shh Purely Poetry ‘I really enjoy this author – her books always make me smile and this one is no exception. There is something for everyone here in this quirky and evocative collection of poems!’ Author Chantelle Atkins
The Hedge Witch & The Magical Poet ‘This beautiful collection of poetry & flash fiction draws the reader back to nature & leaves you feeling satisfied, breathless & strangely calm.’ Author Amanda Griffith Jones.
Mr Sagittarius Poetry & Prose ‘ This is an exquisite collection of poetry, prose and photos reflecting upon the joy, comfort and peace that is to be found in the natural world and in a beautiful garden. Author S C Skillman
Do What You Love ‘ A small and perfectly formed collection about finding your way in life. Do What You Love is simply lovely.’ Linda’s Book Bag.
This Is Lockdown ‘ This Is Lockdown is a compilation unlike any other, documenting the thoughts and feelings of the main author, M J Mallon, and many other contributors, with regards to the Pandemic Lockdown of 2020, that affected the whole world’ Author Ritu Bhathal
Lockdown Innit Poems of Absurdity ‘I loved the poems, they captured the spirit of the times, the vagaries of human behaviour, the poignant signsof a society in change.’ Author Richard Dee
My YA fantasy Bloodstone, Book 1 The Curse of Time: (mental health rep, female protagonist, coming of age, dark elements, curse, crystal wielding magic, mystery, ya, fantasy.)
My YA fantasy Bloodstone is included in the Fantasy/Sci Fi Category in the Stuff Your Holidays with Books -Stuff Your Kindle Event November 28-December 2.
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.’A smartly plotted YA fantasy adventure with a strong cast of characters.
A RED RIBBONWINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
My YA fantasy Bloodstone, Book 1, & Book 2, Golden Healer, The Curse of Time: (mental health rep, female protagonist, coming of age, dark elements, curse, crystal wielding magic, mystery, ya, fantasy.)
The Curse of Time series is on offer at Smashwords! Book 1 Bloodstone is free!
Book 2 Golden Healer is currently .99c!
Are you looking for a captivating, imaginative series with a rich and mysterious world that blends fantasy, time, and emotional depth in a way that’s truly unique and compelling for teen and young adult readers?
With a fresh and lyrical storytelling voice the symbolism woven throughout the narrative gives the book a rare literary dimension. Readers are not just entertained, they’re invited to reflect, dream, and connect deeply with characters who face challenges far beyond the ordinary.
The sale continues, hurry! Grab yourself a bargain!
Thanks to fellow poet Amy Garratt for recommending my poetry book, Shh Purely Poetry along with @ally_author A generation of sunflowers both of which are on .99p offer:
Thank you to Aline P. MORA for mentioning my books amongst fellow fantasy authors:
My YA fantasy Bloodstone, Book 1 The Curse of Time: (mental health rep, female protagonist, coming of age, dark elements, curse, crystal wielding magic, mystery, ya, fantasy.)
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.
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.
‘A smartly plotted YA fantasy adventure with a strong cast of characters.
A RED RIBBONWINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
A magical invitation, that doesn’t tear up, urges Amelina to go to Crystal Cottage to seek out the hidden secrets of her family.
Amelina Scott knows her family isn’t what you call normal and neither is her house. No one she knows has a girl trapped in the mirrors.
When she receives an invitation to visit Crystal Cottage, she doesn’t know what to make of it. Is it a prank? Is it a trick? She decides to ignore it and throws it in the trash. Only it doesn’t stay in the bin. She tries to cut it up but it doesn’t cut. It sings, it dances, it is somehow alive. She finally decides to travel to the Crystal Cottage to see what happens.
Along the way, she meets Ryder and discovers magic (both light and dark) is all around. She 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 fantasy adventure I enjoyed from start to finish.
From the first page, I connected with Amelina. She’s a delightful heroine. I could relate to her on so many levels. Everything from her curiosity to her reactions to her emotional state rang true.
While it’s tricky these days to write an original fantasy story, M.J. Mallon wrote one of the most original fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. 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. The world-building is intricate and riveting. The characters are engaging and easy to connect with.
Overall, Bloodstone is a brilliant story and when I finished, I wanted to read it all over again. If you’re a fantasy reader, you need to read Bloodstone. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it. My thoughts are all my own.My Rating: 5+ stars
Welcome to the Advent Calendar Story Train, hosted by Ari Meghlen where you can read through 24 stories under the theme Surprise.
My story…. is inspired by this little gal Chalkie.
Little Chalkie often comes to the tai chi class that I attend in Portugal whilst I am there. Here she is looking up at us. She’s quite an inspiration…
WHAT CHALKIE SAW!
A leaf landed at my feet, crunching it underfoot. It made me smile. It was as if the trees had joined in, dropping their colour at my feet.
Tai chi in the sun. No expectations, just join in and be present. If you’re late, it isn’t a problem. If you forget a move, it doesn’t matter. There’s nothing rigid about tai chi. It flows like a river.
The class is human, but there are dogs too, the littlest of which is a beige coloured gal named Chalkie. She’s a rascal, jumping up the legs of participants, hoping for a pat. Sometimes, she disappears to Le Santo cafe! Sniffing the flowers and meandering about until she comes back.
Sometimes she snorts at us, indignant at our time wasting. If she could speak, I’m sure she’d say stupid humans, what are you doing?
She’s her own enemy, incapable of experiencing the calming effect of tai chi!
Instead, she anticipates the coming moment. Expectation reaches a climax at the end of the warmup when we all roar, pretending to be tigers. That sets her off. Every time! Barking, she banishes a multitude of tiger demons.
I’ve always wondered why… Why does this tiger caper set Chalkie off? When we pound our chests, or rub our knees, or blow bubbles why doesn’t she react?
Today, I forgo coffee to investigate further. I say goodbye to my fellow tai chi folk. Now, alone, I pick a spot beside a broad tree which has several individual branches. One of which points ahead, one right and one left, just like the instructors whispered instructions to turn right,à direita, left, à esquerda or ahead, à frente.
I pause. What a pretty tree. A tree I’ve never noticed before. Its pink blossoms are stunning, but it’s the tree trunk below which captures my attention. It looks like a carving of a reclining figure. How have I never seen this before?
It surprises me with an unexpected movement. How odd. Did I imagine it? Trees don’t move. Or do they?
Perhaps the energy from the tai chi has transformed the nature that lives here.
I must discover what little Chalkie sees…
During the next class, I make an excuse to watch, pretending that I’ve injured my knee. I wait with bated breath. The leaves on the trees rustle, the roar is loud, but Chalkie’s frenzied barking is even louder. She races the full breadth of the park. And I see it. A momentary sighting. The tree trunk stirs, becoming a young girl, her long dark brown hair flowing with curves. And then she’s gone!
Later that evening, I walk to the park alone, going past Le Salto restaurant I make a silent plea to the tree: please reveal your astounding secrets.
Instead of my usual position, I stand within a short distance of the tree. As I begin the warmups, I notice the moon is full and high in the sky. I root my feet into the earth and roar with all my might to summon the young girl again. The moon trembles, as if it might fall into my hands, leaves shake, the flowers open their petals. The base of the tree trunk stirs, a wooden hand appears, and then a foot.
With a loud popping sound, the maiden of the tree is standing before me.
“You released me!”
Astounded by her presence for a moment, I don’t respond.
A tear falls from her eyes and then another and another. “I am free,” she exclaims. “Please, help me. You are the first person to discover my presence. Chalkie has tried to alert you to my entrapment, to no avail.”
Entrapment! I move to get a closer look at her. She’s no illusion. But she is crafted of wood.
“Please hurry! Knock on my bark to release me from the spell!”
For a moment, I wonder if I’m hallucinating. Or whether I’m dreaming. But even though the experience is surreal, I believe her.
“Knock where?”
“Here,” she says, pointing at her wooden chest. “My heart.”
I tap it lightly.
“Harder, with purpose. Please. Now!”
I pound on her chest.
Her cheeks become rosy, and her eyes bright. She gently pushes me away and continues pounding her chest, with her wooden fists. She is roaring now.
As I wait, I observe her miraculous transformation from a woman of wood to a living human.
Now aware of her nakedness, she blushes. Gathering fallen leaves and flowers; she adorns herself with a floral dress.
She hugs me. “Thank you, thank you, so much.”
As she steps back, her tears water the ground. A flower grows. She steps down and picks it up, handing the orchid, my favourite flower, to me.
“A magic flower for you,” she says, with a heart-warming smile.
I return her smile. “Where will you go now?”
“I will return to the hills where I once lived. No one will remember me, so much time has passed. I will live a life of freedom amongst nature and for that I will be grateful.”
“I promise we’ll find the wicked person who did this to you!”
Her lip trembles… but her eyes tell me she doesn’t know who did this to her.
“You mustn’t find out, or you’ll be in danger. Trust me! Faraway, in the hills, amongst the tree folk I will be safe from harm.”
I nod, hearing the wisdom in her words. “I’m reluctant to leave such wickedness unpunished, but… I will respect your wish. I’m sad to see you go, but glad you’ll be free.”
Chalkie never forgot the girl of wood. She continued to bark at the tiger’s roar. Perhaps she was raging at the evil so and so who had trapped the maiden in the tree. I’ll never know for sure. But every day thereafter, she sniffed the tree’s bark as if checking that the trapped girl was really gone. Satisfied, she’d wag her tail before following her master on her next grand adventure.
end…
Thank you for reading today’s story. The next one will be available to read on December 4th, titled “Nightingale Knitting Group Ladies Club“. This link will be active tomorrow when the post goes live.
If you missed yesterday’s you can go and read it here.
I’m in the HALLOWEEN HAUNTFEST Indie Visible Sale.
Here are my titles on free kindle offer:
My ya fantasy book Bloodstone is one of many of brilliant books featured in the Halloween Hauntfest organised by Indie Visible events, on Instagram, Hayley Anderton.
Lots of books on sale, some of which are free, or .99, 25th to 28th October! So check Indie Visible’s Website!
More about the Halloween Hauntfest via my Instagram. @mjmallonauthor
Bloodstone, Book 1 in the Curse of Time series
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.
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. ‘A smartly plotted YA fantasy adventure with a strong cast of characters.
A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
My poetry books are on sale during the Halloween Hauntfest 25th to 28th October.
The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet and Mr Sagittarius Poetry & Prose. Both of which will be on free kindle offer for the duration of the event.
Blurb – The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet
The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet is a collection of poetry and flash fiction celebrating the beautiful vulnerability of the forest kingdom.
It begins with the poetic tale of the kind-hearted Hedge Witch, Fern, who discovers an injured stranger in desperate need of her woodland spells and magic.
The sweet pairing learn from each other and through Fern’s guidance, Devin embraces the power of magic to leave behind his troubled past to become The Musical Poet.
Also, I am offering the following kindle poetry books for free during the event too:
Shh, Purely Poetry
Blurb
A compilation of sensual, love and relationship poems. Quirky, unusual and evocative.
Shh, Purely Poetry is a collection of poetic pieces about love, sensuality and relationships with sections entitled: love as fuel, (food and coffee love,) the summer and winter of love, strangers in love, quirky aspects and nature as sensuality.
Inspired in part by daily prompt poems written for the 365poetrypromptchallenge, observations of places, people and my travels.
Early Reviews A beautiful collection of sensual poetry based on love and relationships of all kinds. As many of these pieces come from word prompts, it’s interesting to see these different voices/narratives come to life. There are some observers, some voyeurs, some sapphic, some with varying innuendos, some in mourning for lost love and some enthralled in a new beginning. I enjoyed the use of rhyming schemes in poems such as ‘Gotta stick together ladies’, the alliteration in ‘Blooms of Blossoming Bliss’ and repetition in ‘War Talk’. The imagery throughout is wonderfully conveyed and makes each poem vividly its own tale. A unique and thoughtful collection that easily connects to a reader, and I would thoroughly recommend! (I also enjoyed the ‘Blackpool Funny Girls Drag Show’ as I attended the afterparty of The Book Party and the conga was brilliant!!!) Review Quote Amy B Garratt.
A loving collection of poetry that delicately weaves in relationships at many stages. Many are sensual, full of texture and images, and some offer unique takes on human interaction. Here are a few beautiful passages: “The Sweetness/The longing/Each kiss deeper/different and the same/Like I belonged to more than him/Like I belonged to the poetry.”—Dining on Poetry, “…beautiful calligraphy to highlight/tiny ink splodges to add character/tear drops to remind me of sad days.”—Love Hidden In the Margin, and “She is fair and I am dark/Slight and I am robust/We fill our together/completing our silhouettes.”—Silhouettes. “Shh, Purely Poetry” is meant to be savored more than once by lovers of sensuous and thoughtful poems. Review Quote D. L. Finn
A beautiful and loving collection of poetry that discusses love and relationships of all kinds. It’s fun, sensual, full of imagery and very unique. This collection of poems contains many pieces that are derived from word prompts, so it was really interesting to explore all the different narratives that were weaved throughout. I believe this is a collection of poetry that is super sweet and meant to be savoured (see what i did there? 😉) My personal favourite from this collection was “The Universe is Ours” Review Quote Book Sirens
M J’s compelling poems celebrate the colour of sensuality, the power of love, the sweetness of desire, and the four seasons of romantic relationships. Vivid imagery and evocative language capture the essence of sensuality, while awakening the senses and igniting the imagination – the partner’s body is often explored like a treasure map, with descriptions of carnal beauty and the pleasure of touch, celebrating the irresistible pulchritude of the human body and the joy of physical connection:
“I can still feel her lips on mine Salty like the caramel snack That she turned down for peanuts. My hands caress her breasts They sit up pert. Asking – no begging to be touched.” ~ fragment from ‘Valentine’s In Chocolates’ Review Quote Book Sirens
Do What You Love : (author type poetic memoir)
Do What You Love is a personal poetry collection celebrating how the fates may have a part in all that we do.
With special poems and short reflective moments inspired by family, flowers and nature, love, scrumptious morsels, places I’ve visited, lived and intend to live in, the friendships and hopes I have for the future.
The overarching theme is to live a life well lived… And to do what you love.
float along with me create clouds of sweetest joy to do what you love hold fate’s hand as we venture near and far on life’s journey
ARC reviews:
★★★★★ 5 stars Oh what a lovely book, filled with poetic gems and beautiful prose! I enjoy reading MJ Mallon’s poetic fiction, where she ties poetry with prose, and have read several of her previous books written similarly. Do What You Love is almost autobiographical in a sense that she has taken her memories and written them in poetic form, and the fictional, almost fantastical element is where she meets the three sisters of fate through her journey of reminiscences, and they talk about her different memories. It’s not linear, but no conversation ever is, is it? Memories jump from the more recent to the older ones as they come tumbling into your mind. I felt a keen connection to the poems about her daughters, and the autumn trees. Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. A lovely book with a personal touch. Ritu – But I Smile Anyway.
★★★★★ 5 stars I’ve read this author’s work before: young adult novels, poetry and flash fiction, and I love her imaginative handling of the magical, the phantasmagorical and surreal. This short book is no exception to the quality of MJ Mallon’s output. I found her exploration of her past life captivating.
We may consider that the inclusion of often very personal material in a compilation of this sort would make it difficult for the outside reader to find a way in. This is not true at all of MJ Mallon’s poetry and prose: in many places, I related so much to what she writes, especially about a daughter ‘flying the nest’ to a faraway country. I particularly loved the device MJ Mallon uses to draw all this together: she presents it as a conversation with Atropos, one of the three Fates in Greek mythology: the Morai.
Atropos presides over the past. I thought this worked extremely well as a central metaphor. It had me googling the three Fates, and reading all about them: Clotho, who spins the threads of life, guardian of the present; Lachesis, who measures the length of life with her measuring rod, and is guardian of the future: and Atropos, who is the guardian of fate and destiny, and who chooses the manner of death by snipping the threads of an individual’s life.
MJ Mallon has had a fascinating and varied life experience: born in Singapore, she spent her childhood in Hong Kong and her teens in Edinburgh. She now lives in Cambridge. Every culture she has lived in, I believe, has influenced her imagination, her interests and her approach as a writer. In this book, we find a compilation of words and images which draw us in: poignant, sensitive, delicate, playful, as she opens up for us her past and present relationships, the places she has loved and spent time in, and her thoughts and feelings about it all.
A highly recommended book for you. Review by Sheila Robinson
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 