Tag: review

Musical Games @Evie_author #ARC #Campaign #musicalgames #kinlochseries #steamyreads #contemporaryromance

Welcome to Musical Games –  Book 4 in the Kinloch Series

Book Information

  • Title: Musical Games
  • Author: Evie Alexander
  • Publication date: January 27th 2023
  • Release platforms: eBook, print book and Kindle Unlimited
  • Universal link: mybook.to/MusicalGames
  • eBook ISBN: 978-1-914473-06-7
  • Print Book ISBN: 978-1-914473-07-4
  • ASIN: B0B65JP5FT
  • Page count: 336
  • Genre/subgenre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy
  • Musical Games on Goodreads
  • Musical Games on Bookbub
  • Musical Games on Amazon

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Author Information

Evie Alexander

Evie Alexander is an award-winning author of sexy romantic comedies with a very British sense of humour. A self-confessed ‘method writer’, Evie has taken it upon herself to live a full and messy life, from which romantic and personal failures become fodder for her laugh-out-loud plotlines.

Imaginative, passionate and frequently called ‘bonkers’ by her friends, Evie’s interests include reading, eating, saving the world, and fantasising about people who only exist between the pages of her books.

Her novel Highland Games won Best in Category in the The CHATELAINE Book Awards for Romantic Fiction and Women’s Fiction 2021.

Evie lives in the West country with her family, where she pens her steamy stories from the Smut Hut.

Follow her blog for musings about the writing process, book reviews, and details about her stories, and follow her across social media for even more. https://eviealexanderauthor.com/musical-games/

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Content

Tagline:

He’s never been kissed, and she’s about to rock his world…

Blurb:

Bubbly actress Sam is on the brink of the bigtime — all she needs is one lucky break. But when she drops everything for the chance to meet Hollywood’s biggest star, she blows it by blurting out a lie.

Now, she’s got ten days to write an album with a man who wants nothing to do with her.

Shy electrician Jamie has never set foot outside Scotland — or his comfort zone. Then beautiful and vivacious Sam gatecrashes his world, and he’s unwillingly swept up in her grand plan. But though Jamie has the voice of an angel and the body of a god, he’s never even kissed a girl… and fame is the last thing on his mind.

As the songs emerge, so do feelings — but Sam’s determination to reach the top is matched only by how fast her lies are catching her up.

When the duo are offered the opportunity of a lifetime, the spotlight illuminates their glaring differences. Can Sam and Jamie face the music, or will fame tear them apart?

Musical Games is a steamy, slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, laugh-out-loud, dual POV romantic comedy. Featuring an extremely hot virgin hero and a big-hearted heroine with a runaway mouth — there’s no cheating, no cliff-hanger, and you’re guaranteed a happy ever after (HEA).

Tropes:

Grumpy/Sunshine; Male Virgin; Cinnamon Roll Hero; Opposites Attract; Forced Proximity; Love/Hate; Small Town; Scottish Highlands; Hollywood; Steamy

Keywords and phrases:

romance; romantic; contemporary romance; romcom; romantic comedy; comedy; standalone; love story; HEA; happy ending; happily ever after; scotland; scottish romance; scottish highlands; castle; funny; sweet; sexy; steamy; heat; funny; hilarious; laugh-out-loud; feel good; humorous; humor; opposites attract; grumpy/sunshine; musical; hollywood

Hashtags:

#musicalgames #kinlochseries #contemporaryromance #romcom #steamyreads #scottishnovel #bookrelease #booklaunch #comedy #eviealexander #kindleunlimited #romanticcomedy #scottishlovestory #romanticcomedybook #laughoutloud #newrelease

My review

Musical Games is part of the Kinloch series, and this is book 4. I have only read Musical Games and it reads well as a standalone novel.

This author can write sexy scenes! The sex is detailed, but tastefully done, giving sizzling heat and tenderness to this 18plus romantic story and the developing love between actress Sam and electrician Jamie.

Scottish hunk Jamie is inexperienced, and at 27, is still living at home when lively Sam turns his life around making him reassess his virgin status! Furthermore, she introduces him to the potential of an exciting music career as a singing duo.

Initially, I thought Musical Games (a steamy romantic comedy,) was somewhat instalove for my taste but Evie Alexander’s warm- hearted tale won me over and I really enjoyed this.

The characters are well written, and engaging, the on off love plot of attraction/love/uncertainties is relatable, simple and effective.

Musical Games is an entertaining, sexy and amusing romance (I loved the part about his mum finding her big Jim!) And the ending wraps everything up in a lovely smiley way. Recommended for sexy romance fans.

My rating: 4.5 stars

A new author to me and I am glad I signed up to be an advanced reviewer. ARC copy gratefully received and all opinions are my own.

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

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

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

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#Readers Golden Healer is featured in a Book Sirens #mustread #ya #fantasy bundle & entry in #cover #competition in Allauthor! @booksirens @allauthor

@booksirens

My YA fantasy Golden Healer is featured in Book Sirens Young Adult Fantasy ARC’s you’ll love.

https://booksirens.com/bundle/young-adult-fantasy-arcs-you-ll-love-december-2022-batch/Z16HL44

And also… it is in the running for the Allauthor competition. – to vote for the cover:

Vote for The Cover: https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/14263/

When I last looked it was ranked #25 so do give it some love!

Book Overview

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 readers.


5.0 out of 5 stars Captivated by the surreal events and powers of this magic story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 May 2022Verified Purchase
Having read the first book in this trilogy, I had a number of questions about the world of magic MJ Mallon had conjured up in this tale of Amelina and the spiritual and mystical powers she faces, both positive and negative. Golden Healer answered several of my questions and clarified Amelina’s world for me. It opened up realms both terrifying and beautiful, as Amelina journeys on, aided by her allies, and threatened by repugnant spirits.

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.

I found myself drawn in by Amelina and her predicament, navigating her parents, her quirky aunt Karissa who bestows dangerous magical gifts, her friends Jade, Ilaria and Joselyn; the tragic and fascinating Esme, trapped in the mirror; and the evil Ryder, Shadow Sorcerer, who appears so charismatic and charming on the surface to others.

I was intrigued by the changing viewpoints within the story: mostly first person in the mind of Amelina, but at one point in the viewpoint of her father Mark, and then switching to third person near the end.
The idea of the Crystal Cottage continues to fascinate me, and the law that states “only spiritual and magical individuals may approach the crystals safely.” A true Krystallos of the mightiest power, we learn, must be female, intuitive, a fierce protector, and kind of heart. This role is Amelina’s. Her aunt Karissa is an Ice Krystallos and her father Mark a Fire Krystallos.

Alongside the magical dimension in the story we are carried forward in the real world of school life and volatile emotions and shifting relationships between the teenagers: Emily and Jade, both infatuated with the handsome Ryder; the new rapport Amelina discovers with Kyle; and the conflict this creates with Esme, over her own feelings for Kyle.

There is intense jeopardy in this story for Amelina; gifted with the master crystal Golden Healer, she receives the power to transform everything, right all wrongs and overcome evil; but only at great peril to herself. The risk is high in this treacherous spiritual realm; will she make the right choice?

I also loved the beautiful and cryptic ‘tanka’ poetry that opens each chapter, which is described as a ‘puzzle piece’.

With a dramatic and truly disturbing end, MJ Mallon’s readers can only wait in dread and hope for the final book of the trilogy!

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

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

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Robbie’s Inspiration – Poetry book tour: Do What You Love by M.J. Mallon #review #poetry #bookreview #readingcommunity

Thank you so much to Robbie for this blog tour post and review of my latest poetry, flash fiction collection Do What You Love.

Robbie is a huge supporter of the indie community, a wonderful author and poet who reviews extensively. I appreciate her valued opinion so much.

Do read at source and connect with Robbie: https://wp.me/p7Uxin-57v

Robbie’s Review

This is a beautiful and personal account through poetry, prose and photographs, of the emotional highs and lows of the poet’s life. The poet is accompanied on her walk down memory lane by the three sisters of fate, the Morai: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos with whom she engages in conversation about the particular moments in time highlighted by the poems.

While the poems are personal, their themes are universal which makes them relatable to the reader and facilitates emotional engagement with the particular set of circumstances detailed in the various syllabic poems. The poems are accompanied by beautiful photographs, many of which are nature orientated. I particularly liked the Botanical Gardens Cambridge UK.

One of my favourite poems in the collection is My Daughters. Perhaps this one appeals so much to me because my own sons are standing on the cusp of adulthood and will soon be flying the nest. This is a short extract:

“Now the drama’s nearly over. I tremble.
Expecting the next crisis to come
rippling around the lake.
The waters swaying. It’s stiller now.
They’re wiser.”

This is a book that is best savoured slowly over a glass of wine. 

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

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

Colleen’s Review Recommendation:

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

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

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

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

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

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Discussing Do What You Love with MJ Mallon | Linda’s Book Bag

Thank you so much to Linda Hill for this wonderful chat and review about my new book: Do What You Love. Do pop over to her blog to share in with some dim sum, cake and chit chat!

Source: Discussing Do What You Love with MJ Mallon | Linda’s Book Bag

Linda’s review:

A small and perfectly formed collection about finding your way in life.

Do What You Love is simply lovely. Marjorie Mallon bases her collection on an iterative image of and conversation with the Fates as well as the concept of doing what a person loves and she affords the reader a personal insight into her life and family as she does so. I really recommend reading her author introduction in advance of the rest of the book because it sets the scene so beautifully.

Given that this is a very personal book, I was concerned that it would be too specific to the author. Not a bit of it.  There’s a wide range in Do What You Love that encompasses poetry, prose and photography so that there really is something for every reader. I particularly enjoyed the variety of writing style. The first entry, Fragility Of Your Flame, feels very traditional in style, reminiscent of traditional fables and this is continued throughout the collection, giving balance to the shorter entries as the author imagines conversations with the Fates that enable her to reflect on her life and family.

There’s such a range of emotion in Do What You Love. Parents will experience the pain of letting go of their children even whilst they might be immensely proud of them. Marjorie Mallon illustrates love, joy, sadness, pride, the impact of nature on an individual and so much more. Her sense of place and history comes through with just a tweak of her pen and she so celebrates a childlike sense of awe and joy that she helps readers connect (or indeed reconnect) with their own happiness. I especially enjoyed the entries about trees because the author reignited my love of nature.

Do What You Love is a highly personal collection to Marjorie Mallon, but at the same time as giving readers a glimpse into who she is and where she has come from, she gently guides readers to contemplate their own lives, to live more positively and to appreciate each moment. This is such a wonderful message. and a much needed one in today’s world.

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Sunday Book #Review and Book Launch #Promotion – Do What You Love by Marjorie Mallon – #NewRelease – DGKayewriter.com

Thank you so much to Debby Gies for this wonderful 5 star review of my latest release, Do What You Love.

MJ Mallon has written a heartfelt book with memories, prose, and poetry, incorporated with stories of life, love, family, and nature. In some of her stories, she is in conversation with the fates: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, the three Moirai representing the cycle of life – birth, life and death, past, present and future. We will read shared conversations about meeting her husband, her homeland of Scotland, stories about children that grow up and leave the nest, and nostalgic stories of growing up with her parents. There are many beautiful images MJ intersperes amid her stories.

Stories from the heart is what I would classify this book – poignant moments that left indelible imprints on the author and will touch the reader, a reminiscing through life and new adventures. This book is a wonderful slice of life celebrated and spoken by the author through beautiful written words.

Debby Gies

Favorite Quote: Long lasting marriages must be friends…”

Source: Sunday Book #Review and Book Launch #Promotion – Do What You Love by Marjorie Mallon – #NewRelease – DGKayewriter.com

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Smorgasbord Book Reviews – #Photography #Poetry #Flash – Do What You love: Fragility Of Your Flame Poems, Photography and Flash Fiction by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally for this wonderful 5 star review. Delighted!

This is a delightful poetic and reflective collection of poetry, photography and flash fiction. In the company of three sisters of fate, the Morai: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, the author travels back in time to showcase meaningful moments of love, family, adventure and places close to her heart.

The three mythical sisters allow for interaction and exploration behind the meaning of events, meetings and connections to nature. This makes the collection very intimate and also heart-warming as the reader is reminded of their own special moments in life.

As with other collections by Marjorie Mallon nature is a key element to the narrative with flowers and trees in particular receiving their moment in the spotlight.

Family is also given the prominence it deserves, with parents and childhood memories celebrated. The love and pride for the achievements of daughters are touched by the sorrow of an inevitable parting of ways, despite the knowledge that both have inherited strength and talent that will enable them to thrive.

This is a gentle recollection of exotic places, nature, family, memories and excitement for new adventures in the sun of Portugal. The reader is left with a sense of hope and a reminder of their own lives and moments they treasure. Recommended.


Read the article at Sally’s blog:

Source: Smorgasbord Book Reviews – #Photography #Poetry #Flash – Do What You love: Fragility Of Your Flame Poems, Photography and Flash Fiction by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

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Book Review: ‘Do What You Love – Fragility of Your Flame’ by MJ Mallon #poetry #flashfiction #review by @scskillman

Thank you so much to S. C. Skillman for this wonderful 5 star review of my latest poetry, flash fiction and photography book Do What You Love which is currently on preorder on Amazon.

Releases 25th November.

REVIEW:

I have 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.

https://scskillman.com/2022/10/31/book-review-do-what-you-love-fragility-of-your-flame-by-mj-mallon/

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The Necromancer’s Daughter #review #blog tour #excerpt October 5th 2022. @Dwallacepeach

Thrilled to support Diana in her blog tour for The Necromancer’s Daughter which I loved!

From Diana: Today I thought I’d share a snippet from Chapter 9 when Aster’s life takes a terrible turn:

In silence but for her heart’s pounding, Aster poured the tea and handed a wobbling cup to each man. As she knelt on the mat at her father’s knee, she stared at her pale hands. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders in a wild white froth. When she was a little thing, her father had called her his snow fairy, but in truth, she was nothing so delicate or whimsical. In contrast to the sunny complexions of Verdane, she was as ashen as death. 

The king waited for her compliance, but how could she agree? Desperation marred his reasoning. She knew nothing about ruling, nothing about courtly manners or intrigue, or the tenets that underlay the Red Order’s intolerant faith. The kingdom’s powerful would trample her into the ground and seal her grave. 

Blurb:

A healer and dabbler in the dark arts of life and death, Barus is as gnarled as an ancient tree. Forgotten in the chaos of the dying queen’s chamber, he spirits away her stillborn infant, and in a hovel at the meadow’s edge, he breathes life into the wisp of a child. He names her Aster for the lea’s white flowers. Raised as his daughter, she learns to heal death.

Then the day arrives when the widowed king, his own life nearing its end, defies the Red Order’s warning. He summons the necromancer’s daughter, his only heir, and for his boldness, he falls to an assassin’s blade.

While Barus hides from the Order’s soldiers, Aster leads their masters beyond the wall into the Forest of Silvern Cats, a land of dragons and barbarian tribes. She seeks her mother’s people, the powerful rulers of Blackrock, uncertain whether she will find sanctuary or face a gallows’ noose.

Unprepared for a world rife with danger, a world divided by those who practice magic and those who hunt them, she must choose whether to trust the one man offering her aid, the one man most likely to betray her—her enemy’s son.

A healer with the talent to unravel death, a child reborn, a father lusting for vengeance, and a son torn between justice, faith, and love. Caught in a chase spanning kingdoms, each must decide the nature of good and evil, the lengths they will go to survive, and what they are willing to lose.

***

My review

The Necromancer’s Daughter by D. Wallace Peach

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a beautifully written fantasy book. Stunning prose, engaging characters and a simple but effective plot weave a rich tale of the love of a daughter for her father, and the concerns and morality of awakening the dead.

I loved it from start to finish. There is conflict, uncertainty and excitement, heartfelt scenes, and tender moments in this story.

Aster is a lovely character who the reader can’t help but warm to. The love interest between her and Joreh isn’t overstated, neither does it dominate the plot, instead their relationship gently grows as the story unfolds. I also love her father, Barus.

I was so glad how the story conclusion held such a complete awareness and understanding of love and life in such a sweet fulfilling way. I better say no more for fear of spoiling it for you!

I was also interested to read the inspiration behind the story – a retelling of the story of Kwan-yin from Chinese mythology. And the dragons… they were larger than life! And boy did they like their apples!



View all my reviews

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Author bio:

A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life when years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books. She was instantly hooked. 

In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography. 

Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes. 

***

Links:

US: https://www.amazon.com/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach/dp/B0B9FY6YZJ

IN: https://www.amazon.in/Necromancers-Daughter-D-Wallace-Peach-ebook/dp/B0B92G7QZX

Amazon Author’s Page: https://www.amazon.com/D.-Wallace-Peach/e/B00CLKLXP8

Website/Blog: http://mythsofthemirror.com

Website/Books: http://dwallacepeachbooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dwallacepeach

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-necromancers-daughter-d-wallce-peach/1142003172

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-necromancer-s-daughter-1

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-necromancers-daughter/id6443278849

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1160370

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

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

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

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Latest Book Reviews Golden Healer @NNP_W_Light @bakeandwrite @tracy_traynor #bookreview #ya #fantasy #series #writingcommunity

Thank you to Book Influencer N.N. Light for this review for Golden Healer, Book 2 in The Curse of Time series

The author is a magician with words. She crafts scenes of sublime fantasy that are clear and easily pictured in the mind of the reader. The gift of description is also present. The scenes are very easy to understand, and the reader is swept into the story.


There is a real ‘arryesque feel to these stories. If you were a fan of the original wizard and his gang then you will be drawn to Amelina and her crew. Ryder is the ultimate character. The author was so able to capture the inner feelings of this character. It wasn’t more than a few pages when I loathed the existence of that waste of air.


Fans of the first book will simply love this book. This book carries on the craftily created story and takes it along an energetic ride to the end. Fans of this series will simply not be able to wait until they get their hands on the much-anticipated third book.


Rating: 5 stars

Read the review on N. N. Light blog: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/golden-healer-br

Thank you to Robbie Cheadle for this wonderful review for Rosie’s Book Review Team:

Robbie Cheadle

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing fantasy creatures and gorgeous depictions wrapped up in an unusual storyline Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022

Verified Purchase

Golden Healer is the second book in The Curse of Time series and continues this unique fantasy story with its unusual and intriguing storyline. Book one ended with a happy environment after Amelina’s father was finally restored to his family at the correct age and Esme disappeared from the mirror, presumably to a better place. Book two starts with small but obvious indications that all is not as it seems and the issues involving both Amelina’s father and Esme are not adequately resolved.

The beginning is a bit slower moving as the author skillfully unwinds the reader’s beliefs that all is well and hammers cracks into the happy environment. The stage is set beautifully with fascinating and intricate scenes and dreams spun like a spiderweb from the author’s pen. Amelina’s first dream travel in this book has catastrophic results as while she is away from her body her bloodstone is stolen and this accelerates the cracks in her home environment.

This book is not an easy read and you have to concentrate as you read in the same way you would while reading a classic novel. It is worth the effort as the descriptions and concepts are outstanding and beautifully depicted.

There are a few stand out scenes for me in this book, as follows: the grasshopper in the meadow, the clowns in the café, and Aunt Karissa’s chocolates. For me, these were unbelievably imaginative and full of mystery.

Aunt Karissa features plays a small role in this book, introducing some welcome lightness and humour as Ryder’s darkness and power continue to grow. The reader learns a bit more about Ryder and his origins and homeland.

Another memorable feature of this book is that each chapter or puzzle piece starts with a tanka poem that hints at what is to follow in the chapter. The author is also an excellent poet and the poems were a lovely addition.

A few memorable quotes from this book:

“The grasshopper monster propelled time forward in a steady, slow, rocking motion, as if he was devouring our lives in seconds, minutes and hours as we gazed upon him.”

“Hello my beautiful reflection. You came! You always come when I need you the most. I have been so anxious listening to the troubles of this family which has become my family. What have you been doing? I see sweet flowers covering the red cuts on your left wrist.”

“”She opened the wrapper with trembling fingers. Inside, there was a small, round milk chocolate. It grew in her palm. the chocolate split into two halves, one half dark, and the other half white. In the centre, a dividing line moved form side to side as if whipping up the chocolate angrily.”

In conclusion, I would like to add that when I was a girl of 10 years old, I discovered the books written by Eva Ibottson. Every book of hers I read was a complete delight to me with its amazing fantasy creatures and gorgeous depictions of the lives of hags in dribbles and wizards in towers surrounded by mist. Throughout my adult life, I have search for an adult author who can invoke the same magical worlds and belief in magical creatures that I discovered in Miss Ibottson’s stories, and in this series by M.J. Mallon, I do believe I finally found an adult equivalent.

Thank you also to Tracy for this recent review:

happy reader

4.0 out of 5 stars YA Fantasy full of mystery and magicReviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 August 2022

Verified Purchase

This author is an artful storyteller, she has a light touch and a wonderful expressive language. It reminded me of Alice in Wonderland with all its fabulous, often dark, larger than life fantasy.

Amongst all the mayhem and mystery, Amelina must use the magic crystals to save them all from the Shadow Sorcerer. To do so she must face her fears and trust the advice from Merlin, Leanne and my favourite character (dead, worm filled) Erutace.

This is a delightful tale from start to end. YA fantasy fans who like slightly dark fantasy will love it. How much time will the Grasshopper steal, and can Esme me be set free from behind the mirror?

Note: some of the storyline touches on suicide, self-harming and anorexia. All carefully woven into a positive message of accepting who you are, not being afraid and embracing your true self.

Buy Link for Golden Healer Book 2 The Curse of Time: https://books2read.com/u/mgjY67

Buy Link for both books in the series from Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B097TZL7LR?ref_=dbs_p_pwh_rwt_anx_a_lnk&storeType=ebooks

Buy Link for both books in the series from Amazon US:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097TZL7LR?ref_=dbs_p_pwh_rwt_anx_a_lnk&storeType=ebooks

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