Thank you so much to Brenda for this wonderful review of Bloodstone. Truly makes me so happy!
Bloodstone: The Curse of Time by MJ Mallon is a captivating and unique young adult novel that blends contemporary fiction with elements of fantasy and mystery, resulting in an engaging and imaginative reading experience.The story follows the life of fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott, who finds herself swept into a world full of secrets and ancient prophecies after the disappearance of her father. As she delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her family, Amelina discovers her own hidden powers and begins to unravel the secrets of the bloodstone. In a race against time, she must navigate her way through a web of riddles and challenges, while also facing personal dilemmas and forging unexpected alliances.
Brenda Marie Fluharty is a Spiritual Life Coach, dream interpreter, a past-life therapist, a freelance writer, blogger, poet, art lover, pet owner, and author. Brenda is a Reiki Grand Master and energy healer. She has studied several Spiritual practices. Brenda has a Master’s Degree in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics. Brenda loves to share her knowledge, wisdom, and life experiences through her writing. She has been blogging for over 20 years. She is the author of several dream journals and Writing Through the Soul. View all posts by Brenda Marie Fluharty
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?
Christie is happy in her life… or so she tells herself. Despite a tragic childhood, she has built a satisfying career and loves her city apartment. But deep down she yearns for a simpler life. Family. A garden. And a place to heal her heart.
The decision to attend a funeral in a town she’s never heard of throws her safe world into disarray, exposing the cracks in her life. As she deals with the fallout, Christie moves into a rundown cottage she’s inherited and there, makes a discovery.
Fifty years ago, a heartbroken young artist waited each dawn on a jetty for his true love to return. And each night, he wrote her a love letter.
What Christie uncovers will change her life forever.
This is a beautiful tale of love – sometimes lost, sometimes found and sometimes both. This is also a book with a mystery to solve which keeps your interest in the story. The author did an amazing job writing this book. The characters were well developed, the story was unique, and the descriptions helped you to feel the emotions, smell the scents, and visualize the persons, places and objects. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy romance with a bit of mystery and a HEA. Karen Thurmer.
NEW COVERS ON ALL IN THIS SERIES AUGUST 2021. Recommended reading order: The Stationmaster’s Cottage Jasmine Sea The Secrets of Palmerston House The Christmas Key
Even though I don’t usually read romance, saga, historical fiction novels, I really enjoyed this so much.
It was the mysterious aspect, the fantastic characterisation, sense of place, the dawning realisations, sexual tension, secrets, cute cottage and the mysteries regarding the deceased grandmother, Dorothy, and the painting – all of these managed to draw me in. And keep my attention. From the opening chapters, oh, how I hated the lead character Christy’s fiance Derek! He was a total toad and even in the moments when you thought perhaps he wasn’t as bad you were soon whisked off by the narrative skill of the author to a deeper understanding of his intentions. And conversely, I loved Martin!
Great read, moving, a little soppy in parts but highly recommend for romance saga and mystery lovers and all those who enjoy fantastic storytelling. The ending is terrific.
Listened to on audible, and the narrator did a fantastic job too. Also, have the kindle version.
Phillipa writes from the heart about love and life with all its joy and sadness. She believes in happy endings and the power of hope and resilience, no matter what the situation. She grew up around wild beaches and misty cliffs, always with a horse or dog as her companion. Now she lives in regional Victoria, Australia on a small acreage close to a mountain range. Her great loves, apart from writing, are her family of two young adult sons and her husband, their Labrador, music, reading, research, fine wine, and an oversized vegetable garden. Phillipa is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors, Sisters in Crime (Aust), Writers Victoria and more.
Next Audiobook review Jacqueline Evans Nostra Dame, A True Story.
Marje @ Kyrosmagica
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Wow, this captured my attention from the beginning with such an intriguing prologue and kept me enthralled throughout.
17 year old Harper is determined to solve an eighteen year old crime mystery, with Abigail being the first in a series of murder victims, in a small town. Abigail’s sister Emily says she is missing and ‘Something took her.’
Harper is a great character, brave, determined and so well written. I really enjoyed reading about her and felt sympathetic to her plight. And her family dynamics added an extra layer of interest in this story.
There are many warnings, and dreams which would make most teenagers run a mile but Harper stays resolute in her intention. She meets some seriously creepy characters along the way including the beguiling Gideon and his creepy brother Elijah.
Many mysteries are revealed towards the end of the book explaining why she was so compelled to dig deeper putting her own safety at risk. And there are some loose threads to be further explored in the second book.
Denver Falls crosses genre boundaries, being both a crime/murder mystery with a definite supernatural/paranormal feel to it with the mention of Shadow people, wraiths, the scene in the forest, the underground mine, and the weirdly dated poetry book and what follows. At the drunken bonfire the (Natives) issue a creepy warning to the kids to scare them off as they … ‘Anger the forest,’ says old man.
I loved the scene with Harper dancing under the moon with Gideon and I enjoyed the romantic aspect of the story.
The ending is complete but allows for a nice introduction to the second book in this series, with hints at what is to come.
Highly recommended. 5 stars, fantastic debut novel. Definitely my kind of read!
I’d also like to mention that the narrator of the audiobook did a fabulous job and really brought the tale to life. 5 stars to her too!
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In the cosmic realm of Eternity, there’s only one private eye to hire when your world gets turned inside out—Angela Hardwicke.
Darla Fyne, a college freshman and galaxy design savant, is suffering from a nervous breakdown—or is she the victim of an urban legend known as the Scarlet Raj?
As Hardwicke follows the intersecting worlds of art galleries, college dorms, and a semi-secret clan that patches up tears in the Universe, her investigation will either uncover a hoax gone wrong or a plot that could shift the balance of power across the entire realm. If only she can fight through her own paranoia to tell the difference.
In Russ Colchamiro’s new Sci-Fi mystery Fractured Lives, Angela Hardwicke is confronted by a PI’s worst nightmare—dark secrets from her past
Book review
It’s the first time I’ve reviewed for Blackthorn Book Tours and I was very impressed with the quality and imaginative breadth of this story. I really enjoyed Fractured Lives and found it different, original and engaging. It is the second in (The Angela Hardwicke Mysteries) but I didn’t find any difficulty following the story. Though, do start at the first in the series – Crackle and Fire (The Angela Hardwicke Mysteries Book 1).
It was interesting to see how the author Ross Colchamiro meshed together a sci fi tale with a private investigative vibe. Awesome!
The story is about Private investigator Angela Hardwicke who begins to uncover the unusual goings on at Wrolen, a special Art and Engineering school for gifted students. At the beginning, I thought this was a missing daughter type story but soon realised there was much more to this sci fi private investigator tale. Darla hasn’t disappeared in the literal sense but it appears as if her soul has. There are fascinating mentions of a shattered glass self portrait, multi galaxy projects, and the mysterious Scarlet Raj. Is she real or a student prank?
And touching secrets are revealed too!
Great characterisation, and confident storytelling.
This book was so me! Loved it, and would definitely recommend this author’s writing, especially if you like metaphysical type stories with excellent characters and story line.
Easy to rate. A compelling 5 stars.
Thank you to the author and to Blackthorn Book Tours for a copy for review. Opinions are my own and unbiased.
Age range: This is an adult book but suitable for mature teenagers age 16+
Trigger warnings: None
About Fractured Lives
In the cosmic realm of Eternity, there’s only one private eye to hire when your world gets turned inside out—Angela Hardwicke.
Darla Fyne, a college freshman and galaxy design savant, is suffering from a nervous breakdown—or is she the victim of an urban legend known as the Scarlet Raj?
As Hardwicke follows the intersecting worlds of art galleries, college dorms, and a semi-secret clan that patches up tears in the Universe, her investigation will either uncover a hoax gone wrong or a plot that could shift the balance of power across the entire realm. If only she can fight through her own paranoia to tell the difference.
In Russ Colchamiro’s new Sci-Fi mystery Fractured Lives, Angela Hardwicke is confronted by a PI’s worst nightmare—dark secrets from her past
Praise for Fractured Lives
“Colchamiro’s heroine is a blunt, wry gumshoe battling her own demons.” —James McCrone, author of Emergency Powers
“I didn’t think Russ Colchamiro could surpass his previous novel. Fractured Lives proved me wrong. It takes readers into the workings of the universe and shows them the workings of the soul.” —John L. French, author of the Bianca Jones series.
“A tale of mystery, intrigue and suspense… in a unique and fascinating world.” —Hildy Silverman, former editor of Space & Time magazine
About the Author
Russ Colchamiro is author of the Sci-Fi mystery Crackle and Fire the first novel in his ongoing series featuring intergalactic private eye Angela Hardwicke. Russ is also the author of the rollicking time travel/space adventure, Crossline, the SF/F backpacking comedy series Finders Keepers: The Definitive Edition, Genius de Milo, and Astropalooza, is editor of the scifi mystery anthology Love, Murder & Mayhem, and co-author of the noir anthology Murder in Montague Falls.
Russ has also contributed to several other anthologies, including Tales of the Crimson Keep, Pangaea, Altered States of the Union, Agents of the Abyss, Camelot 13, TV Gods 2, They Keep Killing Glenn, Thrilling Adventure Yarns, Camelot 13, Footprints in the Stars, Devilish and Divine, Badass Moms, and Brave New Girls.
Russ is a member of the Mystery Writers Association and Crazy 8 Press, and hosts Russ’s Rockin’ Rollercoaster podcast, where he interviews best-selling and up-and-coming Sci-Fi, fantasy, crime, mystery, and horror authors.
He lives in New Jersey with his wife, two ninjas, a black lab, Jinx.
This is the third book in the Abby Renshaw series and my first introduction to author Jack Massa.
I’m so glad I discovered this author. Jack Massa’s magical writing is really up my street. I loved the character of Abby (who is on the cusp of eighteen but not your ordinary girl!) and all the subsidiary characters including her loveable grandma. Even Abby’s car Veronica has a character of its own as she names it too!
It’s a quirky tale – think frog monster – so if you like quirky you will like this. There is magic, two different magical societies, sigils, tarot, seances , astral projection, psychic abilities, ‘egregore (thought forms,) etc, with some lovely touches of humour.
To add to the story mix there is also a murder on campus and a Nazi ghost. Abby’s blossoming romance and an ex in the picture – better not say anymore for fear of spoiling it for you.
All in all a well written, engaging book, with a great heroine to cheer for.
There is an interesting author’s note at the end of the book about the locations: ‘Harmony Springs is fictional, although based on some actual places in central Florida.’ ‘Lock Tower is based on the real Bok Tower in Lake Wales… ‘
All sounds fascinating I like narratives that are based on real places and people.
I received a copy from the author and happily give my unbiased review – M J Book Reviews
After a near cataclysmic worldwide event shook the foundations of society and unleashed numerous supernatural hazards onto the Earth, twins Quincy and Lilly just want to lead their lives as normally as possible. However, this proves to be quite difficult. The twins are the heirs of legendary horror writer and occultist W.A. Swansong, who has been declared a prophet now that many of his gruesome creations appear to really exist.
When a mysterious inheritance falls into the twins’ hands, a strange and violent secret organization becomes hell-bent on finding them. Quincy and Lilly are forced to flee their hometown of New Orleans, leading them on a wild, supernatural chase throughout the southern United States. With only a handful of allies and a trapped Fire Vampire named Tim, the twins uncover a great mystery tied to their inheritance, the source of ll pandemonium, and even the true origins of mankind.
My review:
Many thanks to the author for an ARC copy. Apologies for taking a while to review.
I loved this. I loved how crazy it is… The characters of Lily and her twin brother Quincy are awesome, as is the Fire Vampire, Tim. I especially liked Tim and his character arc was just brilliant. It’s a very fast-paced read and there are times where you shift from the twins to Sean’s scenes and you kind of go, whoa… hold on there… whose this? And what’s about to happen now? This took a bit of getting used to… But, I guess it’s intentional. It’s the kind of novel that will have you gripping your seat, or howling with laughter.
The strengths of The Swansong Conspiracy lie in the characterisation, (particularly via the dialogue,) the humourous and engaging plot and the well written action scenes. The banter between the twins is spot on. There are also some amazing descriptions in the book and the story is unusual and weird but in a good way.
So, a definite recommend for me especially if you would like to read something a little less ‘normal.’
While reading The Swansong Conspiracy I kept on having this sensation as if an animated reel of all these ghostly, strange, horrific and dangerous characters was going on in my head. I can see The Swansong Conspiracy transferring well to film. Great debut, Mr. Vossen. Highly imaginative. I’m impressed.
My rating: 5 stars
Author Bio:
Nick Vossen was raised on blockbuster films from the 80s and 90s as well as fantasy and sci-fi novels, comics and games. No matter the medium, his love for storytelling grew ever larger. Having always had a fascination with the fantastical and weird, he quickly grew fond of authors such as Terry Pratchett, H.P. Lovecraft, Neil Gaiman and many more. During the winter of 2017 Nick released an anthology of short, weird fiction entitled The Fissures Between Worlds, which delves into the strange places on Earth where time does not flow as it should. It was received quite favourably, and so Nick’s desire to tell more stories grew. He has since been privileged to appear in several other anthologies, magazines and short story compilations and has quite a few projects still in the works. His biggest fascinations and inspirations are old forgotten woodlands, the deepest depths of the oceans and the unsettling, uncanniness of retro futurism.
Nick graduated in Media- and Culture studies at Utrecht University in The Netherlands. He is currently working as a freelance creative writer and author. He also frequently works on projects in the Dutch indie-film industry, putting his talents to use in art-direction, set-dressing and of course screenwriting. His first novel, The Swansong Conspiracy (book 1 of the Eldritch Twins series) is set to be released at the end of 2020 by Parliament House Press. The book will offer a unique blend of coming-of-age comedy, supernatural horror and mystery.
“Hi, you in crowded stressed old London from me in the peaceful perfect Cotswolds. Massive change of plan. I’m in love. Craig’s gorgeous, sexy, intelligent. Paradise here. Staying forever.”
Juliet, concerned that her younger sister has fallen for the charismatic Craig, leader of the Wheel of Love, sets off for the Cotswolds to investigate the mystery.
She arrives at Craig’s community hoping to rescue Zoe. But romance, mystery & suspense await her as intrigues, liaisons & relationships flare, flourish or fizzle out quickly in this close circle of men & women; & despite her reservations Juliet is drawn into the Wheel of Love – with completely unforeseen consequences.
My review
Mystical Circles by S.C. Skillman is a mystical novel which explores relationships between men and women in an unusual cult community.
Its strength lies in the depiction of a whole host of characters who are all strange to a degree. I particularly enjoyed Craig the charismatic leader but was quite perplexed by the author’s lack of investment in the character of Zoe who Juliet, (her sister and the main protagonist,) is supposedly intent on saving from the clutches of cult leader, Craig.
There is very little interaction between the two sisters. Instead the world building and characterisation centres upon the odd quirks and habits of the rest of the characters. Perhaps this is an intentional decision on the part of the author. I tend to think that maybe it is. If you read Mystical Circles you’ll realise that Juliet’s initial ‘real’ reasons (both personal – her sister and professional – her work as a journalist,) become less urgent than her need to perhaps understand herself and her own motivations and desires.
It is a difficult book to review without including massive spoilers so I will say just this, the revelations at the end of the book took me by surprise and also seemed quite forced. But, having thought about it deeply I realise that the author was most probably illustrating that life can be confusing and changeable and partnerships are driven by more than passion. With two choices do we decide to take the safe, or the more dangerous path? Or, is the decision taken away from us?
Either way the ending was indeed strange but overall I enjoyed Mystical Circles for these reasons:
I am questioning my own spiritual life at the moment and books that make me reflect upon life stay in my memory long after I’ve finished reading them.
I believe there is a sequel – A Passionate Spirit and more to come from S.C. Skillman.
My recommendation: If mysticism, the meaning of life and philosophical questions appeal then dive in but if you prefer a fast-paced narrative this might not be for you. This is a slow, thoughtful read with much to recommend it.
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)
Meet Andorra Pett; with her trusty sidekick, she’s taken over a derelict cafe. On a mining station. It just happens to be orbiting Saturn! She’s hoping for a fresh start, away from all the drama of her old life. It’s a chance to relax and start again in a place where nobody knows anything about her or her past. But the cafe holds a secret, and secrets have a habit of coming out; whether you want them to or not. And being accident prone doesn’t help. The more you try to pretend that you know what’s going on, the worse it gets. Andorra’s plans for peace and quiet get lost amid the revelations and skulduggery and she soon realises that the fate of the whole station lies in her hapless hands. In space, you can still trip over your feet; the question is, will you land upright?
My review:
This is about as different as it gets in terms of sci/fi murder mystery sleuthing. For a start it is set on Saturn in a café frequented by miners, with lots of gossip and dodgy goings on and a body hidden in a freezer. It is imaginative and I like imaginative!The author himself has described it as an ‘Agatha Raisin in space.’
Who killed the previous owner of the ‘Ucky Strike Cafe’ which has lost its L?
It seems that Andorra might be the one to find out. There is a light-hearted feel to this novel and plenty of moments that made me laugh right from the start:
Also there are some interesting, (exclamation, exclamation,) revelations LOL… that I didn’t see coming at all and who would have guessed the culprit? Not me…
Andorra comes across as a likeable character who is looking for love and (sometimes tries too hard to find it .) Can she find love now she has escaped the hurts of her past? The supporting characters are believable and the story is well-written and engaging.
Even though it is Sc-fi it is a cozy Sci-fi, so don’t let that put you off if that might.
Do check out Richard’s website. He has written an enviable collection of books and is a fantastic supporter of independent authors with his Indie Showcases.
My recommendation: Read it! 5 stars. Enjoyable read.
What if vampires were not the undead, but rather the dying? What if there were two factions among vampires: the sustained and the unsustainable? And what if those factions were at war with one another over the life of a young woman who promised them a future? Vampyrie brings the myth of the vampire into the realm of possibility. Phoebe Angelina Delaney is a reluctant genius and compassionate hothead. She finds herself in a pitch-dark underground and doesn’t remember how she got there. Did she drink too much alcohol and wander off in a stupor, or was she kidnapped by a malicious element determined to make her life a living hell? Sir Michael Alan David is a vampire – an enigma, charismatic and mysterious, who weaves in and out of Phoebe’s life. Does he intend to use his title as a ruse to draw her closer to an unearthly fate, or is he a cloak-and-dagger knight in shining armor? Too many secrets have been kept for too long. Phoebe must unravel the mystery in order to survive. Two major characters from the author’s first novel, Plateau join forces with Phoebe to battle the demons in Vampyrie.
My Review
Right from the beginning I really enjoyed Vampyrie Origin of The Vampire and found it to be a new and mysterious slant on the vampire story which has always fascinated me. This interest kept me reading throughout. It was a confident, well written story with excellent plotting, characterisation, dialogue and setting. I particularly enjoyed the martial art slant with Master Po and the emphasis on friendships and family relationships.
On a personal note I would have liked more detail of the rogue’s in battle (and wouldn’t be adverse to more gore,) in the battle scenes but that’s just me! Ha ha. At times long passages of dialogue made me impatient for the forthcoming battle! Yes I can be a bit bloodthirsty!
This novel would really appeal to readers who like vampire stories where the emphasis is less on the sexy lore of the vampire. Instead challenge your perceptions with this unique, and thoughtful read – questioning the legend, secrets and the nature of the choices we make with regard to good and evil. There are revelations to keep the reader on his or her toes too.
Definitely recommended reading. My rating: 4 stars.
