In case you missed this wonderful review of Bloodstone, Book 1 in The Curse of Time series for Rosie’s Book Blog by Robbie Cheadle.
‘Full Of Mystery And Imagination.’ Robbie Reviews #Ya #Fantasy Bloodstone by @Marjorie_Mallon
Robbies Inspiration Book Review Golden Healer
Many thanks to Robbie Cheadle for this comprehensive, thoughtful and illuminating review for Rosie’s Book Review Team.
Robbie’s Review:
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.
Do pop over to Robbie’s wonderful blog to read the post in its entirety: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/2022/07/16/robbies-inspiration-book-review-golden-healer-by-m-j-mallon/
Through The Nethergate #paranormal #urban #fantasy #ya #review @RobertaEaton17 @TSLpub
Blurb
Margaret, a girl born with second sight, has the unique ability to bring ghosts trapped between Heaven and Hell back to life. When her parents die suddenly, she goes to live with her beloved grandfather, but the cellar of her grandfather’s ancient inn is haunted by an evil spirit of its own. In the town of Bungay, a black dog wanders the streets, enslaving the ghosts of those who have died unnatural deaths. When Margaret arrives, these phantoms congregate at the inn, hoping she can free them from the clutches of Hugh Bigod, the 12th century ghost who has drawn them away from Heaven’s White Light in his canine guise. With the help of her grandfather and the spirits she has befriended, Margaret sets out to defeat Hugh Bigod, only to discover he wants to use her for his own ends – to take over Hell itself.
Review
Through The Nethergate illustrates the author’s ability to write an engaging tale which not only entertains the reader but weaves in historical facts against the backdrop of a ghostly setting.
Poor 16 year old Margaret has been recently bereaved, both her parents have died and she is now living with her Grandfather. Soon it becomes clear that she has a gift, the ability to transform ghosts to become more human in appearance.
There follows an age old battle between good versus evil, with characters as examples throughout history, (Heinruch Himmler, Reingard Heydritch and Adolf Eichmann,) and a clever part showcasing the potential danger of technological advances, (the dark web and terrorism,) to the soul of man.
Events unfold with Lucifer, two priests, a black cat, Hugh Bigod, (who has held the ghosts trapped – in his form as the black dog,) haunted bungay characters: Lizzie Bowlynge, Rex Bacon, Katherine de Montacute, Henry Scarle, and the infant serial killer Amelia Dyer, John Collins, Nero, Caligula and the incarnates.
Some historical figures were mentioned briefly while others played a bigger part in the tale. Perhaps a deep connection to a single character is lost somewhat due to the number of characters embodied in the narrative.
Of them all, I particularly was fascinated by the true life story of John Collins and the political discussions in the tale.
The pace and excitement picks up in the second half of the book which I really enjoyed. The ending is fantastic. It is a clever, ambitious, unusual and imaginative tale, just what you would expect from Roberta Cheadle.
Recommended for those who enjoy horror, dark and ghost tales and YA fiction.
https://tslbooks.uk/product/through-the-nethergate-roberta-eaton-cheadle/
About Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Roberta Eaton Cheadle is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.
Roberta has short stories and poems in several anthologies and has two published novels:
* Through the Nethergate, a historical supernatural fantasy; and
* A Ghost and His Gold, a historical paranormal novel set in South Africa.
Roberta has ten children’s books published under the name Robbie Cheadle.
Roberta was educated at the University of South Africa where she achieved a Bachelor of Accounting Science in 1996 and a Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science in 1997. She was admitted as a member of The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2000.
Roberta has worked in corporate finance from 2001 until the present date and has written seven publications relating to investing in Africa. She has won several awards over her 20-year career in the category of Transactional Support Services.
Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
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Smorgasbord Bookshelf – Summer Book Fair 2022 – First in Series – #YA #Fantasy M.J. Mallon, #Romance #Military Jacquie Biggar | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Thank you so much to Sally for featuring myself and Jacquie in her summer book fair with first in series. <3. Do check out the post via the link below and the carousel of my latest blog posts.
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.
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
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…
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and compelling Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 March 2022
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.
5.0 out of 5 stars A GEM of a storyReviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 April 2022
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.
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.
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced magical fun Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2022
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 Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/zamECb9a
BookSweeps Reader Magnet: https://www.booksweeps.com/free-ebooks/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1/
BookSweeps Sweep: https://www.booksweeps.com/join/bloodstone-the-curse-of-time-book-1/
StoryOrigin Reader Magnet: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/59f339e0-bae0-11ec-9429-03bc8087bcb0
StoryOrigin Review Copy Link: https://storyoriginapp.com/reviewcopies/f019203e-badf-11ec-bf98-f3e3906b0f3a
Smorgasbord Invitation Share An Excerpt #YA #fantasy: Golden Healer @sgc58
Thank you so much to dearest Sally for sharing Adele Marie’s 5 star review of Golden Healer… yeah… and an extract… More about this here… on Sally’s brilliant blog do visit!
MJ’s Book Reviews: The Phantom’s Curse by Shelley Wilson #Book #Review #Fantasy #Young Adult
Goodreads Synopsis
An old evil threatens to rise from the depths of the warded city…
Sixteen-year-old Marianne lives a simple life as a healer in the Link, looking after her younger brother since their parents’ exile. Little does she know how everything will change after attending the blessing in the city of Obanac. After her brother is wrongfully imprisoned, Marianne seeks his release from Crawford Reign, the Lord of Obanac. But she’s faced with an impossible choice—the lord wants her in exchange. To save her brother she turns to the daring outlaw Robbie and his friends for help. Along with the help of Theo, the holy man’s son, a daring rescue soon uncovers rumors of an old sorcerer who may still live and whispers of the phantom’s curse—an evil that requires a host and seeks to destroy the world—threatening to resurface.
With the threat of an old evil rising in Obanac and the attacks of the Black Riders throughout the realm, nowhere seems safe. To save the people of the land and everyone she cares about, Marianne must unlock the secret to who she really is and embrace the mage magic that stirs within her.
My review:
The premise of this story is a simple one: fighting the forces of a terrible evil with good magic, the importance of family/ community and mentions of the city folk and the lower towns, giving a privileged and underprivileged vibe too.
At the beginning, the story revolves around two siblings Marian, (who is on the cusp of turning 16 and a healer,) and Newt, (her younger brother,) who live in the lower towns of Obanac.
There are some lovely passages of descriptive writing which I really enjoyed.
After ‘the blessing,’ which happens when children turn 16, Newt (who is accompanying Marianne,) is taken away for allegedly stealing an apple. The protective love that Marianne (Maz,) feels for her younger brother is clear and well portrayed. Maz is distraught and sets out to rescue her brother from captivity.
The love interest in the story, Robbie reveals that the wicked lord – Crawford, ‘sacrifices young girls for dark magic.’
Crawford has his secrets and his plans involving Marianne. Revelations follow and a battle ensues between good and evil.
Evil in the form of.. Crawford, Cassius, the phantam, as well as an undead, unholy army of black riders.
At one point Cassius uses a purple crystal to raise the phantam. There are other magic scenes, one mentions an orange orb. I would have liked a bit more explanation of some aspects of the story, such as the magic system and more development of the growing ‘love’ expressed between Robbie and Marianne.
But the relationships between Marianne, and her wee band of helpers: Xander, Eli, Fergus and Robbie are entertaining to read. Also, I enjoyed the feisty character of Marianne!
And the scene in which Crawford is ‘set free,’ allows the reader to be more sympathetic to the bad guy!
So overall an enjoyable, quick read, perhaps more suited to middle grade, or younger YA. And recommended for those who like short, entertaining stories with a determined female protagonist.
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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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
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Bloodstone – Book 1 Curse of Time – Audiobook Live!!#YA #Fantasy #Audible #Free #Sample #NextChapterPub @NextChapterPB
Now
On
Audiobook
Great news, the Bloodstone Audiobook is live and available to buy and listen to via various paid as well as audiobook subscription options on Amazon. It will also be on Itunes. The narrator Kerri Hiebert did a fabulous job of narrating.
Free Sample links below:
UK:
Audible Free Sample – Bloodstone
US:
US Audible Link Bloodstone (The Curse of Time Book 1)
It has been well received with a great bestseller top 100 rating in Amazon UK under the category Coming of age Fiction For Teens.
Also I have a limited amount of free acx promo codes – US and UK – for those who might not want the free trial but are keen to listen and review. Let me know if you would like one – email me, or comment below.
Blurb
Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who is imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house.
When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden path where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, perplexing stranger.
With the help of a magical paint set and some crystal wizard stones, can Amelina discover the truth about her family?
A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Bloodstone is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology, or the world of the paranormal.
TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.
I hope you are staying safe and indoors if you are in the path of the storm. Take care,
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 Facebook: https://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/
#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 Facebook: https://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/
Smorgasbord Bookshelf – New Book on the Shelves – #YA #Fantasy – Golden Healer (The Curse of Time Book 2) by M. J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for featuring my new book, Golden Healer in her New Book on The Shelves feature. So kind…
Do pop over to read Sally’s post at source and while you’re there, do enjoy her wonderful blog magazine with lots of great authors including Sally, herself!