Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Summer Book Fair 2023 – #Poetry Balroop Singh, Harmony Kent, #Flashfiction #Poetry M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally for this lovely feature – summer book fair promotion for Balroop, Hamony and my collection The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet.

From Sally’s blog:

The first book today is a collection of poetry by Balroop Singh I recommended in June 2022 Hues Of Hope: Selected Poetry

About the collection

Hues Of Hope is the collection of readers’ favorite poems from my poetry books. These poems explore the hope that lies within our heart, hope that whispers each morning to look at the horizon, hope that inspires us to look beyond the chaotic world and take the next step to vanquish the fears that try to fetter us. It promises to take us to an oasis of peace, unravels magical moments of joy, as beams of love calm our senses. It even guides us through dark alleys to show the streaks of light that shimmer through the clouds.

One of the recent reviews for the collection

Hues of Hope is a collection of poems to savor. Each descriptive verse captures aspects of the virtues of life: beauty, hope, or love. Readers travel through time and mystery and then settle into their own hearts. Singh shares herself, and that is the ultimate gift of the poems. The few lines below are from a poem called Magic of Senses. They offer a glimpse of the magic this poet creates:

Far away an emerald lake
Entwined with the horizon,
A perfect magic to touch and feel
The eternal Link that connects.

Peace and beauty knotted forever
Aspens enhance the joy of wilderness
The orchestra of wind whispers
An air of musical mirth. 

Head over to read the reviews and buy the collection: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A selection of other books by Balroop Singh

Read the reviews and buy the booksAmazon US – and : Amazon UK – Follow Balroop : Goodreads – blog:Balroop Singh on WordPress – Twitter@BalroopShado

Another poet that I can recommend having read all three books in this series is Harmony Kent and… Life & Soul (Book 2 in the Soul Poetry series)

About the collection

Life & Soul is the second book in the Soul Poetry Series by acclaimed author Harmony Kent.

This beautiful collection of over fifty poems will take the reader through the highs and lows of everyday life via contemporary poetry in a range of styles and themes. Within these pages, you will find reflections on the Lonely Soul, the Seeking Soul, Brief Soul, Friendly Soul, and the Loving Soul—states of mind and living and longing we each experience over the course of a life.

Life & Soul offers something for lovers of poetry from all walks of life.

One of the reviews for the collection

ADG 5.0 out of 5 stars As good as the first  Reviewed in the United Kingdom 

This second installment of Slices of Soul is just as thought provoking and insightful as the first offering, with some wonderful prose and feeling created within its pages. I felt the authors sense of loneliness and struggle, as well as betrayal, and I liked the journey towards hope and love in the later stages. It was also intriguing reading the short autobiographical segment where we really get to know what defines the author. Strong poems for me were Wild and Free, Still Laundry to Get Done and The Group, and I loved the phrase ‘My favourite hello my hardest goodbye my whole reason why’.

This short collection is quick to read but also one to take your time with. The Zen influences and personal touches are what made it stand out for me. 

Head over to read the reviews and buy new collection : Universal Link

A small selection of other books by Harmony Kent

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon UK – And : Amazon US – Follow Harmony:Goodreads – Website:Harmony Kent – Twitter: @Harmony_Kent

The final book today is another I can highly recommend. The flash fiction and poetry collection The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet by M.J. Mallon.

Source: Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Summer Book Fair 2023 – #Poetry Balroop Singh, Harmony Kent, #Flashfiction #Poetry M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

About the collection

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 trouble past to become The Musical Poet.

Poetry/flash fiction titles in section one of the collection include:

The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet, Rain Forest Love, A Forest Baby Boy, A Forest Baby Girl, A Modern Witch, Rock of Mine, Chester Don & I, The Network of Trees, More Trees Not Less, Two Boys Watching War, Mum Climbing Trees, Let’s Play, The Scorched Tree, Owl’s Holiday Home, A Man’s Holiday Home, A Child’s Excitement, The Teddy In The Woods, Run! The Organutans, All Hallow’s Eve Candy Girl The Forest Bash, Dreaming At Halloween, A Face on Bark, Golden Willow Tree, Rainbow – Parasol of Light, Lollipop Sunshine Tree,

In Section two I pay tribute to the following poets:Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Evangeline, Ruby Archer, King Forest, Bliss Carman, Woodland Rain, Emily Dickinson, Who Robbed the Woods, Rupert Blake, Stopping by The Woods on A Winter Evening,Oscar Wilde, In the Forest.

With my poetry: The Forest Weeps, The Forest King, Raindrops and Childhood Dreams, The Woodland Treasures, Winter Woodland Moon, Child Me.

One of the reviews for the collection

D.L. Finn 5.0 out of 5 stars If you love poetry, magic, and forest this collection is for you!  Reviewed in the United States 

A unique and beautifully written collection of poetry and fiction weaved magically together. I love trees and nature, so a forest setting pulled me right in. Section one starts off with “The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet.” A whimsical tale of an injured man, Dale, found by a magical woman, Fern, who takes him in to heal. It was great to see a couple more poetic pieces continue this sweet journey. Section two offered poetry based on some famous poems. The beautiful imagery captivated me throughout this book.

I appreciated all the poetry and prose, especially “The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet” but here are more favorites, “Rock of Mine,” “The Forest King,” and “The Scorched Tree.” It was great to see a couple of samples that I enjoyed from “Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose” included. If you love poetry and flash fiction, especially the forest and magic, this is a collection you won’t want to miss. I plan to add the print version to my bookshelves so I can keep enjoying it. 

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK– And:Amazon US

Read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon US –And: Amazon UK – Website: M.J. Mallon – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter@Marjorie_Mallon

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Fantastic Reviews! The Curse of Time Series: Golden Healer and Bloodstone #Reviews #YA #Contemporary #Fantasy #Series

I’m thrilled to announce that there have been some fantastic new reviews recently for Golden Healer and Bloodstone. I’ve been so thrilled with the latest review for Golden Healer that I created a graphic on Canva to share the news!

The latest 5 star review of Golden Healer from Sheila, author S C Skillman rocks! Many thanks to Sheila and all the reviewers for taking the time to read and review.

Sheila

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 2022

Verified 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!

Buying Link for Golden Healer:

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

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

And Fabulous reviews for Bloodstone…

Mike Kernan

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and compelling Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 March 2022

Verified Purchase

I’ll start with a confession – this is the kind of book I would normally run a mile from. But I ended up loving it and that is a tribute to the skill and imagination of the author.

The whole otherworldly realm of fantasy and magic and special powers and talking animals and general disregard for the rules of reality is just not my bag. Bloodstone has all of that in abundance – a magic paint set, power-giving crystals, a house with a personality, a character trapped in mirrors, a cat that may not be a chatterbox but definitely feels more human than feline. Never mind the author’s trigger warnings for her young readers, I had plenty of my own.

And yet, within the first few pages I found myself sucked into the life of Amelina along with her strange, disturbed family and their equally bizarre surroundings. I remained captivated throughout because when you put genre aside, what you have here is a terrific tale written with pace and insight, and compelling characters you cannot help but care about for better or worse.

Amelina is such a believable teenager – vulnerable yet brave, lost at times, bold at other times. Ryder is a puzzle – is he the hero he appears to be on the surface or is there something darker lurking there? Esme is the one you will want to save and protect. Watching over it all, the enigmatic Shadow.

I was quickly won over by the way the oddness of the characters and the set-up was acknowledged. On the rare occasions when I have dipped my toe into the fantasy genre, a big gripe has been the way the reader is expected to accept outlandish concepts as just the way things are (or perhaps that’s just me). But right there, on the opening page, Amelina is almost wearily hinting that she is the normal one – perhaps the only normal one – in her strange existence.

I can see how Bloodstone would not only entertain young adults but make them think about important issues, like how you can be surrounded by people yet still feel lonely, how you should look out for others who might be struggling, how people aren’t always what they seem. But a major strength of the book is that these powerful messages are not waved in the reader’s face but drip fed gently without getting in the way of the story.

I only read Bloodstone because it was recommended in a book group and I have learned a little about the author, but it has shown me the value of getting out of your reading comfort zone once in a while.

Sim S

5.0 out of 5 stars A GEM of a storyReviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 April 2022

Verified Purchase

Bloodstone is book one in the Curse of Time series. I was drawn in by the amazing cover art and the intriguing title.

This book is full of whimsy, magic, and mythology—giving me strong Philip Pullman, Frank L. Baum, and Lewis Carroll vibes. It kind of reminded me of films like The Labyrinth or Never Ending Story with that sense of alternate reality.

The story can be quite “trippy” at times with the main character, Amelina’s many dreams and hallucinations. You definitely have to suspend all belief and logic when reading, and just let the story take you. Because of this I did find parts hard to digest.

However, there was consistency throughout and that was Mallon’s writing. The writing itself was clear despite the story jumping in parts, and the addition of poetry and lyrics made it a different and more artistic read. Almost as if it were a piece of Amelina’s art itself.

It’s clear a lot of research went into this story too with the many references to folk lore, art, and crystals. And for that it’s impossible not to give Mallon 5 stars.

If you like magic and fantasy, this is one for you.
It also leave plenty of questions for the follow up.

Julia Sutton

Mar 20, 2022 Julia Sutton rated it it was amazing

AN ENCHANTING FIVE STAR READ

Bloodstone is a fantasy novel aimed at the Young Adult market. I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few Young Adults books but I’ve never read within the fantasy genre before. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It tells the tale of 15 year old Amelina who lives with her parents and her cat in a melancholy household. Her father vanished for years and since his sudden reappearance seems devoid of joy or happiness and her irate secretive mother seems unable to face up to what is happening around her.
Amelina’s only solace seems to be in her music and crystals. This is one girls quest to overcome the problems within her family and restore harmony within her world.

On her journey we meet a variety of magical characters. There is Esme, a girl trapped within the mirror, an enigmatic boy called Ryder who Amelina finds herself drawn too and an elderly woman who lives in an enchanted Crystal Cottage. Added to this unusual mix are her 3 school friends. They all have a part to play in Amelina’s destiny but appearances can be deceptive and Amelina soon realises that some characters may not be as altruistic as she first thought.

This is a very well written novel. The author certainly has a flair with description and the imagery is beautiful. Bloodstone is also very interesting, I found myself mesmerised by the storyline. I particularly liked how the author has woven her own concepts of fantasy and magic, combining them with references to popular myths and legends. There are moments within this novel which were completely surreal, it reminded me of Alice In Wonderland and there is a poetic, almost dreamlike quality to the writing.

As well as brilliantly highlighting teenage emotions, it also explores the complexities of friendship, and the introspective narrative touches on topical mental health issues.

Bloodstone is a very impressive debut novel. I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants an original, magical read. Five stars from me.

Lynda Checkley

4.0 out of 5 stars Good YA fantasy/Magic bookReviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 May 2022

This is the first in The Curse of Time series a YA fantasy/magic book and it’s safe to say I’ve never read this genre before. It took me a while to get into it as my common sense head kept kicking in but, about one third of the way in, I realised I was page turning wanting to know what happened next. It’s very well written with an interesting cast of characters led by 15 year old Amelina Scott who lives with her parents, a black cat and Esme, a girl who lives in the mirrors in their home in Cambridge. Yes you read that right!

Briefly, Amelina’s father has returned home after being missing for some time but he is changed and they are no longer the happy family they were before. Amelina wants to find out the truth about her fathers disappearance and the change in her parents personalities. On her journey she meets attractive Ryder, but is he what he seems to be? As she realises that she has unusual powers her understanding of her family situation grows.

As well as the fantasy elements such as potent crystals and a magical paintbox given to her by her Aunt, some real issues such as toxic relationships, mental health and self harm are addressed but are dealt with in a sensitive manner. I’m still not 100% convinced that fantasy is for me but I really did enjoy this book and I will make further forays into this genre. My last word, I know this is classified as YA but I’m more OAP so it’s definitely an adult read as well. Oh and my last last word I just love the cover of this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chanatkins

4.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced magical fun Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2022

Verified Purchase

I found this to be an action-packed, fast-paced, thoroughly enjoyable read. I think all ages will get something from this book, and it’s a great start to a series. Amelina is an interesting teenage protagonist who lives in a house surrounded by mysteries. What happened to her dad when he mysteriously disappeared, and why was he so altered and strange when he reappeared? Why is there a girl trapped inside the mirrors of the house? And who is the enigmatic Ryder? As well as trying to survive and solve these mysteries, Amelina must also contend with the usual teenage angst and drama, such as not getting on with her mother and worrying about fitting in with her friends. A great read with plenty set up for the next book!

Thank you so much!

Also my publisher Next Chapter is featuring Bloodstone in the Contemporary Fantasy eBook category on their blog: https://www.nextchapter.pub/blog/new-fantasy-ebooks

And… some news. Since, I have now joined Tiktok I have now decided to add all my social media and buying links to one place. This is a work in progress but have added most of my links now: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

Multiple Platform Buy Link Bloodstone – in kindle, paperback, hardback.

https://books2read.com/u/bOyrgW

Audiobook

UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Bloodstone-Audiobook/B09SK9GFB1/

US: https://www.audible.com/author/M-J-Mallon/B074CGNK4L

If any of my blog readers would like a free copy of either book or an audiobook of Bloodstone, ( I have a limited amount of free codes,) please let me know. Always looking for new reviews!

Professional Review copies of Bloodstone available here:

ProlificWorks Giveawayhttps://claims.prolificworks.com/free/zamECb9a

BookSweeps Reader Magnethttps://www.booksweeps.com/free-ebooks/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1/

BookSweeps Sweephttps://www.booksweeps.com/join/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1/

StoryOrigin Reader Magnethttps://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/59f339e0-bae0-11ec-9429-03bc8087bcb0

StoryOrigin Review Copy Linkhttps://storyoriginapp.com/reviewcopies/f019203e-badf-11ec-bf98-f3e3906b0f3a

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#New #Release Golden Healer – (Curse of Time Book 2) Blogging Promo – Thank you! #Reviews #Interview #Features #YA #Fantasy #Book #Series

Thank you to Mary for the above feature in the Munster Bookshelf! What a fabulous boost.

My impromptu blog tour is drawing to a close so it seems a good time to say a thank you to my author and blogger friends who have spread the word on this particular tour for my new release Golden Healer. I am intending to do a review only tour with a Blogging Tour/PR company soon but for now… Do pop over to their blogs, read their books, enjoy their content. They are all awesome authors, bloggers, book enthusiasts and great people to know!

Many thanks to…

Richard Dee for his 5 star Book Review and Spotlight: https://richarddeescifi.co.uk/book-review-ghealer/

Richard Dee 5 star review:

I was lucky enough to beta read an early version of this novel, it carried on from where the first left off, straight into Amelina’s world of crystals and magic.
It was good to catch up with the familiar faces, Amelina’s parents, her cat, Esme, Ryder and all the others. As you might have expected, her life is still just as complicated and exciting as before. But now she has a new purpose.
There’s plenty of angst to deal with, as Amelina juggles being a teen with her new-found destiny as a Krystallos. Her relationships will be tested, people will not be what they appear.
Through it all, she sticks to her new purpose. Emotions abound, expertly described and dealt with as Amelina’s fortunes wax and wane.
The mystical symbolism and magic in the story are brilliantly depicted.
Not only that, each chapter has a short poem to introduce it, giving clues and guidance as the plot develops.
A rollercoaster ensues, in more ways than one. I hope that a third part of this fascinating tale is on the horizon.
Highly recommended. 

Vicsta Dolan for her 5 star Review:

Review quote: I absolutely love the way MJ Mallon uses her descriptive writing to make me feel in in the places, I can hear the sounds and feel the depth of the darker sides of the book.

As I felt with the first book I think these books would make a great set of films. A big 5 stars from me. 

Denise Finn for reading and reviewing and sharing my release in two blog posts!

“Golden Healer” picks up where the first book left off with Amelina maneuvering through her teen years while embracing her magic as a Krystallos. Some of my favorite parts were the interaction with the girl in the mirror and Amelina and her dad. Not only did the plot take the reader on a rollercoaster, but there was also an actual one in the story. Many good characters all played into finding out more about the darker side, or shadows. Ryder is a character who could have an empathic side if he allowed it, but I did like how he developed in the story. Crystals and music added depth to Amelina’s learning quest. Her friendships are still strong and are tested with Ryder involved. There are some beautiful poetic parts, and I love the poetry at the beginning of each chapter. Although this book answers many questions, it also opened the door to new ones. I look forward to more stories from these characters. Review D. L. Finn.

Ritu Bhathal for this celebratory blog post and for reading and reviewing:

https://butismileanyway.com/2022/02/09/golden-healer-by-marjorie_mallon-blogtour/

It feels like an age since I read the first book in The Curse of Time series, but it was great to pick up where we left off, with the continuing story of Amelina and her mystical powers.
This time, she is a little wiser, and is aware of the powers given to her, and wary of certain individuals, such as Ryder, who has his own dark secrets.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout the story.
I felt so sorry for poor Esme, trapped in the mirror, and I wanted to shake Jade, until she realised the error of her judgement.
But, I can feel another story coming as the ending was definitely not a Happily Ever After!
Review – Ritu Bhathal

Colleen Chesebro for her coffee klatch post! https://colleenchesebro.com/2022/02/04/colleens-coffee-klatch-welcome-m-j-mallon-marjorie_mallon/

Sally Cronin for her new book on the shelves post: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2022/02/07/smorgasbord-bookshelf-new-book-on-the-shelves-ya-fantasy-golden-healer-the-curse-of-time-book-2-by-m-j-mallon/comment-page-1/#comment-557345

Sheila Robinson for introducing… Golden Healer: https://scskillman.com/2022/01/25/introducing-golden-healer-new-ya-paranormal-fiction-by-mj-mallon-out-now/?fbclid=IwAR1bcOaFhVP0h6RKfsPDzu-L-basHXe3SNmfqyDjplPPqOjp8H7LCqWk-Io

James Cudney for his wonderful Book Alert.

Thank you to four lovely ladies for sharing the news… Shelley, Miriam, Darlene and Aurora.

Shelley Wilson: https://shelleywilsonauthor.com/2022/01/28/newrelease-golden-healer-by-marjorie_mallon-ya-fantasy/

Miriam Hurdle: https://theshowersofblessings.com/2022/02/07/new-release-golden-healer-by-marjorie-mallon/

Darlene Foster: https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2022/02/05/book-launch-for-golden-healer/

Aurora Alexander:

Then what next… a guest post, author interview and amazing feature from these awesome guys and gals Pete, Chantelle and Eloise.

Pete at Beetley Pete: https://beetleypete.com/2022/02/04/guest-post-marjorie-mallon/ via @beetleypete

Chantelle Atkins: Indie Author Interview: M.J. Mallon

Eloise De Silva: https://eloisedesousa.wordpress.com/2022/02/11/golden-healer-the-curse-of-time-series/

An unexpected one from Felicia Denise! So kind.

https://nesiesplace.com/2022/02/05/newrelease-golden-healer/

Lovely feature from dear Willow Willows who I have had the pleasure of meeting in person along with Eloise, Ritu, Sally and Shelley at the blogging bashes of old. https://willowdot21.wordpress.com/2022/02/14/marjorie-is-here-to-talk-about-her-lastest-book-golden-healer/

ARC copies are still with reviewers so there will be reviews forthcoming. I know some lovely folk are reading at the moment!

New book babies are always nerve racking! But, feeling happy that it is out there. It has taken a long time to create. The pandemic didn’t help. Writing dark fantasy during a pandemic isn’t the easiest thing to do!

Love ya!

Authors Links:

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L

Buy Link Bloodstone (multiple platforms): https://books2read.com/u/bOyrgW

Buy Link Golden Healer : (extended distribution links coming soon) https://books2read.com/u/mgjY67

Next Chapter Publishing Author Page:https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon – https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon 

Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

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

Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

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Book Sprout – Bloodstone (The Curse of Time Book 1) #marketing #ideas #writingcommunity #payingitforward

Now, that my publisher Next Chapter has decided to go wide, it seems like a sound decision to offer my YA Fantasy Bloodstone to potential reviewers on Booksprout, which is a garnering reviews site, with 40,000 reviewers. I’m trying it out and will be comparing Booksprout to Book Sirens which I have already been using for some time.

My author page on Booksprout: https://booksprout.co/book/97046/bloodstone-a-paranormal-fantasy-adventure-the-curse-of-time-book-1

To download an ARC review copy: https://booksprout.co/arc/83725/bloodstone-a-paranormal-fantasy-adventure-the-curse-of-time-book-1

Booksprout appeals to me as it links to many book buying sites, that BookSirens doesn’t, (Sirens only has Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub,) whereas the sprout offers the possibility of reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Google Play, Kobo, Smashwords as well as Goodreads and BookBub. Obviously, not all reviewers will post to all sites and you are limited in number to how many you can choose but still… it seems like a good option.

Also, it seems fairly easy to use. They claim that you can set up an ARC in ten minutes. I didn’t time myself but it seemed quick!

Also, the Sprout offers a free service – first 20 reviews for one ARC for free. Only downside is basic ARC Freeloader protection on the free version – there is a way to check a reviewer’s email for ARC reviewer’s blocks. This tool debugs why a particular reviewer may not be able to download your ARC. It will display any known or potential blocks that would prevent them from doing so.

So, try the free version at your peril. You can upgrade at a click of a button to pay for the full service including total piracy control. This starts at $10 a month for up to 50 reviewers per ARC.

Oh, and beware if you get any emails saying a reviewer couldn’t download your ARC. Ignore, or point them in the direction of the Sprout… all this is handled by the Sprout, this is a red flag.

Another reason for trying to increase my readership and reviews is the imminent release of Book 2, Golden Healer. The finished manuscript is awaiting edits with my publisher, the cover is done – and looks spectacular… cover reveal soon.

Let me know if you would like to be part of my release Team! For Book 2, Golden Healer.

If you are interested in reviewing Bloodstone on Booksprout, or perhaps if you’ve already read Bloodstone and are willing to add your reviews to sites such as Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Google Play, Kobo, and Smashwords, etc, please do! I need all the help I can get and am happy to pay it forward.

I do believe that Bloodstone and The Curse of Time series deserve a wider audience, like so many indie and small press books. And I hope you might help me to achieve that aim.

With regard to paying it forward, I recently starting a Bookstagram review account where I share my reviews. I’ve written close to 200, so not sure how long this will take me to catch up! So, please do follow, like and share to help me grow this and to encourage me to do so! I will mainly be sharing independent, small press authors with a few traditionally published favourites too. Plus some quotes celebrating my love of books, etc…

My new Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

Once I’ve tried out the sprout and concluded my thoughts on the sirens I will give you the lowdown on my observations. And, I still have to try Voracious Readers… Next!

So, if you have any experience with any of these review garnering sites please comment below.

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Bloodstone Reviews, The I-Ching and Clocks! – Word Mongery and Musings

Thank you so much to Cynthia Morgan for featuring me at her awesome blog Word Mongery and Musings.

Do pop by to read the blog post in its entirety… I’m talking about reviews, The I-Ching and Clocks!

The variety of responses to Bloodstone have been varied, and thoughtful.. No two people will read a book and have the same opinion. That is the beauty of writing, reading and reviewing. Books are e…

Source: Bloodstone Reviews, The I-Ching and Clocks! – Word Mongery and Musings

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The Mad Life of A Writer – Bloodstone (The Curse of Time Book 1) #newrelease republishing #YA #fantasy #holiday #woes #covid #stresses

An author’s life can get somewhat manic at times. Recently, I travelled up to Edinburgh to see my family. I was so looking forward to a break, a chance to unwind, spend time with mum, dad, my brother, friends and my MIL.

Here I am with mum and dad in the beautiful botanical gardens in Edinburgh.

Whilst on holiday the inevitable happened, I had this feeling it would. My publisher Next Chapter asked me to check all the files for publishing! And to do this within five days.

This wouldn’t have been too bad if there was one file but there were 9 in total including clear print, (which I have no clue what this is for?) epub, mobi, large print, hardback, and a range of different sizes too.

All very impressive, beautifully formatted and edited but a little voice cried out but… I’m meant to be on holiday… this will take me forever!

Forget it sucker. Writers don’t ever get holidays.

Next up, what next? My eldest daughter Natasha has been ill for a couple of days and it turns out she and her friends have covid. What? So, crank up my worry notch ten thousand paces. I couldn’t see her for 10 days – most of my holiday. She was alone in her flat in Glasgow and was running out of food. Crank up the worry notch even more. Luckily, the kind guys on reception took her online order up to her flat and left it for her by her door.

Apparently the first four days of her covid experience involved nasty coughing, temperature, vomiting and other nasties. Thank goodness she is well now.

After the fellows at Track and Trace gave her the all clear I popped over to Glasgow to see her and stayed in her student flat. That was an eye opener – I didn’t sleep for two nights. There was a fantastic reggae party going on somewhere – I wish I’d been invited – I loved reggae as a youngster! And the sea gulls were joining in too, squawking merrily. The upstairs flat were doing some kind of odd manoeuvres in the middle of the night. Natasha slept through it all – obviously used to it – exhausted post covid with ear plugs in.

Nevertheless, Natasha and I still managed to have a couple of days fun in Glasgow.

We went to Hanoi Bike Shop, a tasty Vietnamese restaurant where we tried the surprise menu with extra spice! We didn’t know what was coming but it was great and fun to try new things.

We went for a walk afterwards…

Natasha’s moving to Edinburgh (she’s starting her teaching job in August – whoop, whoop so proud to have a Secondary English teacher in the family, and delighted that my youngest daughter Georgina has been awarded her degree a 2.1 in Fashion with Business Management.)

I offered to help take some of Natasha’s endless coats and books through. My suitcase handle decided not to work all the way from her flat to the station. We missed the train by a few minutes, (no way was she able to run as she was still a bit weak after covid,) so we waited for the next one. As soon as we sat down the suitcase handle decided to pop up! I asked some advice from the train staff about the validity of my ticket and he called me pal – this is Glaswegian style for mate, like hen (which is a common colloquialism in parts of Scotland,) this brought back memories of my student days in Glasgow!

Now, here’s the thing, we are told to keep apart, mask up, etc, etc. But the train was packed! There were two young girls on board who thought showing off their perfectly applied make up counted as more imperative than wearing a mask. And there was a guy too – unmasked, but no make up – I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt perhaps he had an exemption?

So, long story short I’m back home now. Back at work. What else can happen? Oh, a small matter of losing 22 reviews on Amazon…

Republishing my debut has had its problems. Sneaky metadata and a title change has caused Amazon to treat this new edition like an all new spanking new book but without the benefit of a new book’s promotion.

And this message from BookBub: The new edition of Bloodstone (The Curse Of Time Book 1) has now been added to your profile. I want to share that previously published works are not eligible for New Releases for Less or New Release Alerts. I’m sorry about this.

Laughing hysterically! Not to worry, I’ve got this.

I like a challenge.

So, please… I’d love some help with reviews…. and you can call me whatever you want…. hen, chick, pal, whatever.

Bloodstone is available for free on kindle unlimited… and on Amazon outlets. Here’s the link:

MyBook link: http://mybook.to/bstmm
Amazon Preview Link: https://amzn.eu/iwyO8p3

UK link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloodstone-Curse-Time-Book-1-ebook/dp/B097QZBKNY/

US Link:

Thank you to all those who are helping out with the review shenanigans. The reviews are starting to come in… And to future reviewers thank you too. Where would we be without you?

Any reviewers who would like a copy please get in touch at marjma2014@gmail.com

The impromptu blog tour will be starting in a few days time. More about that soon. If you would like to join in with hosting me on the tour let me know in the comments.

Thank you so much for these recent promotions and author interviews:

In conversation with Alex Pearl: https://booksbyalexpearl.weebly.com/m-j-mallon.html

Julie at a Little Book Problem https://alittlebookproblem.co.uk/2021/06/30/desert-island-books-with-marjorie-mallon/

It’s just as well I have a sense of humour… and am determined to make this work.

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IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? (March 8, 2021) – Carla Loves To Read @CarlaLoveToRead

A lovely blog post from Carla Loves To Read. Source: IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? (March 8, 2021) – Carla Loves To Read

It’s the start of another week. It’s Monday! What are you Reading is hosted by Kathryn from Book Date, this is a weekly event to share what we’ve read in the past week and what we hope to read, plus whatever else comes to mind.  I have several books on the go, and some others I hope to get to, so here goes.

To read more… What Are you Reading… click on the It’s Monday source link above.

Many thanks to Carla for including This Is Lockdown amongst this great celebration of reading!

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Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Author Updates – #Reviews #Anthology M.J. Mallon, #Thriller Carol Balawyder, #Mystery James J. Cudney | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thanks to Sally for this wonderful mention for This Is Lockdown: a 5 star review from Sarah Northwood.

And wonderful reviews for James Cudney and Carol Balawyder. Awesome. I’m in great company!

Source: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Author Updates – #Reviews #Anthology M.J. Mallon, #Thriller Carol Balawyder, #Mystery James J. Cudney | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

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