#escapistbooktours

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] THE HERO INTERVIEWS (THE HERO DIARIES #1) // ANDI EWINGTON

It's my pleasure to be hosting a stop on the book tour for THE HERO INTERVIEWS by ANDI EWINGTON today with ESCAPIST TOURS!!! This is a fantasy comedy following Elburn Barr, a Loremaster who once dreamed of being an adventurer, following in the footsteps of his parents and chasing down his missing brother who had left to become a Hero, as he sets off on a quest of his own to interview and chronicle heroes, villains, and everyone in between - everyone who contributes to the adventuring scene. Read below to find out more and check out my review for this book!

My review:

5/5 stars

This (mis?)adventure is riotously funny, fully fantastical, with a writing style that keeps you turning pages and chuckling and a whole assortment of interesting characters being interviewed, with some endearing recurring ones like a talking dead-adventurer skull and a skinny unassuming-looking 'Barbarian' whom you wouldn't think could do much smiting and smashing but manages to make a name for himself, as well as many references harkening back to all the ones we've already met and encountered and foreshadowing future encounters, threading them all together. I had such a fun time reading this!

While at first glance you may think the interviews are disparate, there's an underlying, some-may-say sinister, plot/conspiracy that Elburn stumbles into and slowly (unintentionally) uncovers throughout the interviews that we get to piece together.

It's written, of course, in the style of an interview, peppered with (short) footnotes that add to the humor as Elburn gives his observations and shares his private thoughts and opinions, giving us an insight into his character - personality, family, motivations - as well as contributing to the worldbuilding - little tidbits of factoids - that don't distract from the story but serve to enhance it )and, for the discerning reader, injects funny satirical references to our modern world and pop culture... like Blue Ticks....) I, for one, really enjoyed these footnotes!

The ending was a nice and heartwarming surprise, and was laid out quite well with scattered clues. This book may contain subtle political commentary that, while maaaybe bleak, we eventually learn that what makes one a Hero isn't just going off on countless quests and adventures and exploring dungeons and vanquishing evildoers (or clearing out rat-infested cellars!) and washing it all down with a pint of ale in a tavern, that it's not just conquests and exploits and chasing fame and fortune, as is oft portrayed in adventure stories/media. A true hero lies in the everyday.

And of course, I'd be so excited for the next book, to see where Devlin Stormwind's Elburn's adventures take him next!!!

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About the Book:

The Hero Interviews by Andi Ewington

Series: The Hero Diaries

Genre: Fantasy Comedy

Intended Age Group: 15+

Pages: 925

Published: December 1, 2022

Publisher: Forty-Five Limited (Self Published)

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Book Blurb:

Heroes… you can't swing a cat without hitting one. You can't even hatch a nefarious plan without some adventuring party invading your dungeon to thwart you. So, it stands to reason they're a force for good—right?

Well—yes and no…

Elburn Barr is a Loremaster who has turned his back on his family's tradition of adventuring and stepped out into the realm of heroes to interview a whole smörgåsbord board of fantastical characters from stoic, swear-shy Paladins through to invisible sword-carrying Mime Warriors.

Through his transcribed journal, he'll take a cheeky peek at the truth lurking behind the hero myth—and everything associated with them. Across his many encounters, he hopes to uncover his brother's fate—a brother who has been missing for ten summers after brazenly setting out to forge a heroic name for himself.

Will Elburn discover what really happened to his brother, or will he fail in his quest and become another casualty of the adventuring trade?

The Hero Interviews is a departure from the usual swords and sorcery yarn—it's a sometimes gritty, sometimes amusing, but completely bonkers look at the realm of heroes.

See Also:

(This is our attempt at a bit of fun. We ask our authors to come up with a few short, clever, possibly pop culture laden, descriptions of their books just to give a little taste of what’s to come for readers.)

Goodness Gracious, Great Balls of Fire! • You Talkin’ to Me? • So, Mr. du Lac, How Long Have You Been Dead?

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Book Links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Interviews-Andi-Ewington-ebook/dp/B0BFMBQXLR/ 

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hero-Interviews-Andi-Ewington-ebook/dp/B0BFMBQXLR/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62951981-the-hero-interviews 

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Content/Trigger Warnings:

Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader): 

Mention of an Orc Suicide-Watch

Toilet humor (poo jokes, etc)

that Barbarians punch Camels (in reference to Conan the Barbarian

Cats eating Mice (A Wild-Shaped Druid)

 Self-satisfying Treants

Some slapstick violence

Drug references

Ale references

Alluded to (things only mentioned in passing or hinted at):

Toilet humor

Sexual encounters

How a blind monk "sees" (using an herb)

Herbal use (drugs)

Drinking (ale)

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Author Bio & Information:

Andi Ewington is a writer who has written numerous comic titles including Forty-Five45, Campaigns & Companions, S6X, Sunflower, Red Dog, Dark Souls II, Just Cause 3, Freeway Fighter, and Vikings. Andi lives in Surrey, England with a plethora of childhood RPGs and ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ gamebooks he refuses to part with. He’s usually found on Twitter as @AndiEwington.

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Check out other stops on the tour for this fantastic book below!

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] STARLIGHT JEWEL (GIFTS OF THE AULDTREE #1) // E.L. LYONS

Welcome to my stop on the tour for STARLIGHT JEWEL, the first book in an adult dark fantasy trilogy by E.L. LYONS, hosted by ESCAPIST BOOK CO.

Axly, the Starlight Jewel of the title, is a human-sprygan hybrid, a highly-skilled trained seductress, thief, and assassin -- and a traitor to everyone she loves. To keep her human brother with a dangerous gift safe from falling into the wrong hands, she treads down darker and darker paths and has to contend with divided loyalties, romance, and discovering the light within herself.

The strength of the book for me lies in its mythology of sprygans and hybrids - their anatomy, their culture, their magic and gifts (see the pictures below!) - as well as its compelling characters - in particular, Axly and her complexities, Grim (see the artwork of him and his dog Cleatus above) and his unwavering sense of duty and his impact on Axly as they get closer, pulled apart, and re-collide time and time again. The sprygans are interesting creatures, yet despite having our protagonist be half-sprygan and more connected to sprygans than perhaps any other character in the book, they still retain an aura of mystery as we slowly uncover more about them and their gifts throughout the story. I did think the story could've also used more focus on the plot, as I found it to be meandering and tangential at times, but if approaching it from a lens of character study and a story revolving around themes of loyalty, self-discovery, (found) family, and the lengths one will go to for love and finding meaning in one's actions and sacrifices, the book definitely delivered.

Book Information:

Starlight Jewel by E.L. LyonsSeries: Gifts of the Auldtree Trilogy

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Intended Age Group: Adult

Pages: 493

Published: September 13, 2022

Publisher: Self Published

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Book Blurb:

Axly, the Starlight Company's premier seductress-thief and assassin, will do whatever it takes to keep her human brother hidden. The secrets of his origin could tear their world apart, and keeping them has driven her to lies and murder. Her people, the sprygan-human hybrids that live under the city of Minalav, aren't keen on allowing their most skilled asset to roam free. A job with a human offers a chance to get her brother out of danger, but it comes at a price. Divided loyalties, duty, romance, and the twisted hands of fate intertwine in this epic fantasy adventure.

Gifts of the Auldtree is a world of mythology, glamor, mud, blood, civilizations in conflict, and hints of distant powers. In the center of this is the mysterious Starlight Jewel of Minalav.

See Also: 

(This is our attempt at a bit of fun. We ask our authors to come up with a few short, clever, possibly pop culture laden, descriptions of their books just to give a little taste of what’s to come for readers.)

Run Forest, Run! • SapQuest • Forgot Your Ax

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Where you can find the book:

Amazon (Paperback, KU, Ebook): https://a.co/d/6cV7fpG

Barnes & Noble (Hardcover w/ dust jacket, US only): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starlight-jewel-el-lyons/1142255152

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62347148-starlight-jewel

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About the Author:

​E.L. Lyons holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Regent University. She's worked as a pool manager, beauty department manager, relief counselor at a youth shelter and as a live-in caregiver. She hopes to finish her next novel from a loft overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lyons_Pen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyons_pen/

Website: https://lyonspen.com/starlight-jewel/

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Content/Trigger Warnings:

Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader): 

Graphic violence

Suicidal ideation

 Classism and ableism (this is woven throughout the book, the hybrid society is structured based off inherited genetic traits including appearances, linguistic capabilities, and abilities)

Child abduction

An unnamed guard dog is killed quickly

Alluded to (things only mentioned in passing or hinted at):

Child abuse and neglect (some questionable practices regarding training children are alluded to in the structure of the hybrid society, and abuse/experimentation on a human child is mentioned in passing in reference to a human child)

Torture

Not-so-graphic violence. 

Note from the author:

There are certain elements of the book that are implied or mentioned in passing that some readers may find disturbing, including sprygans and humans mating, which renders human women catatonic due to the nature of sprygan minds. This is explained briefly but not graphically. Prostitution is also a thread in the book, but it’s also just alluded to and talked around. 

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Check out other stops on the tour below:

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] SEA OF SOULS (SEA OF SOULS SAGA #1) // N.C. SCRIMGEOUR

"The men are the monsters, and the monsters men."

Welcome to my stop on the book tour for SEA OF SOULS, book 1 in a dark fantasy series involving selkies and blood-drenched seas by N.C. SCRIMGEOUR, hosted by ESCAPIST BOOK CO.!

This was such a darkly spellbinding read following strong-willed fish-out-of-water Isla, a girl who ran away from home to follow her heart to the seas in search of belonging, a girl with the sea in her blood, as she makes a deal with the dangerous selkies who have longed terrorized her homeland of Silveckan to aid them, after the death of her mother which brought her home from the seas and a selkie attack that claimed the life of her father, uncovering long-kept secrets along the way that will upend everything she thought she knew. Along with her estranged brother and a brooding bodyguard with secrets of his own, she finds herself on a journey of discovery, unraveling a tale of identity, belonging, sacrifice, family, and love amidst blood, gore, and endless horrors and secrets.

Every character was special and integral to the story, and the bonds forged between them treacherous as the currents of the selkie-filled seas, navigating betrayal and belonging, and what it means to truly love and to sacrifice. As Isla aids a selkie in a quest to retrieve a stolen pelt, she learns more about the selkies and their lore and finds a kinship with them, realizing that perhaps selkies and humans are not so different after all.

The writing was as smooth and inviting as the sea itself, vivid and darkly beautiful, every word pulsing with the heartbeat of an ocean, with every deftly-placed clue coming together in a riotous ending - or, it may be more apt to say, a new beginning - that will leave you wanting to plunge yourself into the depths of more.

Isla's character growth and the full-circle moments of her finding the crux of her identity, the pieces of her she's been searching for for seven years slipping into place, are so satisfying. As we embark on a scintillatingly tumultuous new beginning at the end of the novel, I can't wait to see where the rest of this series takes us, especially exploring more of the selkies and magic and more.

An easy 4.5/5 star read for me ✨

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Interested in the book? Here are the links for you to get your hands on your own copy:

Universal Link: https://mybook.to/SeaOfSouls

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/145923932-sea-of-souls

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Book Information:

Sea of Souls by N. C. Scrimgeour Series: Sea of Souls Saga Genre: Dark Fantasy/Folklore Fantasy Intended Age Group: Adult Pages: 413 Published: August 4, 2023 Publisher: Alcruix Press (Self Published)

(for CW/TWs, see below)

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Book Blurb:

Dark be the water, and darker still the creatures that lurk within…

Free-spirited Isla Blackwood has never accepted the shackles of her family’s nobility. Instead, she sails the open waters, searching for belonging on the waves.

But when tragedy calls Isla home, she realises she can no longer escape the duty she’s been running from. Selkie raiders have been terrorising the island’s coasts, and when they strike at Blackwood Estate, Isla is forced to flee with her hot-headed brother and brooding swordmaster.

To avenge her family and reclaim her home, Isla will have to set aside old grudges and join forces with an exiled selkie searching for a lost pelt. The heirloom might be the key to stopping the bloody conflict—but only if they can steal it from the island’s most notorious selkie hunter, the Grand Admiral himself.

Caught between a promise to the brother she once left behind and an unlikely friendship with the selkie who should have been her enemy, Isla soon realises the open seas aren’t the only treacherous waters she’ll need to navigate.

As enemies close in on all sides, she must decide once and for all where her loyalties lie if she wants to save what’s left of her family—and find the belonging she’s been searching for.

See Also: 

(This is our attempt at a bit of fun. We ask our authors to come up with a few short, clever, possibly pop culture laden, descriptions of their books just to give a little taste of what’s to come for readers.)

A Compass that Doesn't Point North • Under the Sea • How Dangerous Can a Seal Really Be, Anyway?

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About the Author:

​N. C. Scrimgeour is a science fiction and fantasy author whose books focus on character-driven stories in vibrant worlds, from folklore fantasy to space opera.

After completing her Masters in English Literature, she went on to work in journalism and marketing and communications while pursuing her passion in writing.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing story-driven RPGs, watching and reading all things science fiction and fantasy, and getting outdoors with the dog for a good walk!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scrimscribes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scrimscribes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scrimscribes 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scrimscribesGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21463940.N_C_Scrimgeour

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Content/Trigger Warnings:

Alcohol/alcoholism

Amputation

Animal death (fictional/in-world creatures)

Assault

Attempted murder

Blood

Bodies/corpses

Body horror

Bones

Child death (off-page, mentioned only)

Classism

Death

Decapitation

Emotional abuse

Forced captivity

Gore

Gun violence

Hallucinations

Hunting

Injury

Murder

Physical abuse

Poisoning

Pregnancy

Prejudice (fictional/in-world)

Profanity

Self-harm (ritualistic)

Skeletons/skulls

Violence

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Check out the other stops on the tour here!

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] THE SWORD OF WRATH AND MERCY // NC KOUSSIS

VENGEANCE CUTS A BLOODY PATH.

Hi!! Today I'm pleased to be hosting a stop on the tour for THE SWORD OF WRATH AND MERCY, a (grim)dark adult fantasy novel by NC KOUSSIS, with ESCAPIST BOOK TOURS. I'll be sharing my thoughts on the book so far and some gorgeous artwork.

I'm about a third of the way through the book so far, and its gripping lore/worldbuilding, intriguing and badass characters -- such as Selene, our one-armed warrior whom we go through a every emotional high and low with, whom we are taken on a training journey with, root for, feel for, be awed by -- and the relationships between the characters (as well as the character arcs I can see them having) have me flipping the pages. And of course, being grimdark, there is no shortage of gore, violence, everything that comes with it (see list of CW/TWs below). As we flip between Selene's and Tristain's (the biological child of Selene's warden) POVs and their individual journeys to kill or be killed and the struggles and betrayals they have to contend with, the vengeance they seek, we are sure to have nonstop action and breathless excitement.

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About the Book:

The Sword of Mercy and Wrath by NC Koussis Series: The Swords of Dominion Series Genre: Dark Fantasy/Grimdark Intended Age Group: Adult Pages: 400 Published: March 20, 2023 Publisher: Self Published

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Interested? Here's where you can find the book ->

Book Links:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY 

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY 

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BTPQF7ZY 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/80272063-the-sword-of-mercy-and-wrath

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Content/Trigger Warnings:

Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader): 

Alcoholism

Amputation

Animal death (off-screen)

Blood (gore)

Bodies/corpses

Body horror

Bones (human)

Classism

Death/dying

Decapitation

Domestic abuse (physical, verbal)

Drinking (heavy and recreational)

Forced captivity

Graphic sex

Hospitalization

Hostages

Kidnapping

Medical procedures

Murder (committed and attempted)

Needles

Poisoning

Pregnancy

PTSD

Serious injury

Skeletons

Skulls

Slurs

Torture

Violence

Vomit

Warfare

Weapons

Alluded to (things only mentioned in passing or hinted at):

Slavery

Genocide

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About the Author:

NC Koussis was born in Perth in 1993 to Greek and Gamilaroi ancestry. He has moved all around Australia, settling in Newcastle for the moment, where he lives with his wife, son, and staffy dog, Nala. He’s been writing fantasy books since he was a little boy, after falling in love with Lord of the Rings, Realm of the Elderlings, and Deltora Quest. He decided to publish a book in 2019, and it only took him three years. The Pyres of Vengeance is his upcoming novel. He considers himself an enthusiastic amateur of medieval history, historical battles and tactics, and food. When he’s not writing, he’s making sourdough bread and working on a PhD in neuroscience.

Webite: https://nikitaskoussis.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NCKoussis 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nckoussis/ 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nckoussis  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NCKoussis

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Check out other stops on the tour!

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] THE SPARROW AND THE OAK TREE // JAMIE JACKSON

Today, I'm pleased to be a host on the tour for THE SPARROW AND THE OAK TREE by JAMIE JACKSON, hosted by ESCAPIST BOOK TOURS! This is an adult fantasy romance, with magic, romance (heavy on the romance!), a spirited horse, and... zombies? Check out my review for the book below, as well as a link to find other stops on the tour for more exciting content!

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Book Blurb:

Unicorns don't exist, and dragons aren't real, but the Fae are. And they are to be feared.

Or so the tales say.

As the sole sorceress within the Lion King's court and kingdom, Isolde is valued for her power, provided she fulfills the king's commands.

Her task? Deal with a child who has emerged from a forest no one has returned from in over one hundred years. As Isolde works to fulfill her order, accompanied by her nameless guardian, she'll encounter a creature she's only heard of through myth and legend...

When he kidnaps her.

See Also: 

(This is our attempt at a bit of fun. We ask our authors to come up with a few short, clever, possibly pop culture laden, descriptions of their books just to give a little taste of what’s to come for readers.)

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies Goes Medieval

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Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sparrow-Oak-Tree-Jamie-Jackson-ebook/dp/B0BM8BR346/ 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sparrow-and-the-oak-tree-jamie-jackson/1142798365 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63347302-the-sparrow-and-the-oak-tree

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My review:

3.5/5 stars

This book has a very cozy cast of characters, mainly revolving around 3 (4 if you count the horse named Horse!) -- Isolde ("Sparrow"), our Sorceress; Tristan ("Oak"), our Fae; and Bear, Isolde's guardian with a mysterious past with the Fae.

As a fantasy romance, it leans more heavily towards romance, where the love story between Tristan and Isolde is the crux of it and unfolds like a sweet (and tragic) whirlwind; it deviates from the Celtic legend and reminds me much more of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The story is fast, with emphasis on developing the romance, and I felt this made the other characters and other plot elements fade into the background. For instance, we have Bear, who has had dealings with the Fae before, and these are alluded to, yet it's not too deeply delved into, which is a shame as I thought it could have added more to his characterization, to endear him as a solid character to us and not someone who's just comic relief-ish/the more solemn and serious character who keeps everyone on track and fixated on their goals. He's a more realistic and grounded character, with depth to be uncovered, while Tristan and Isolde are more reminiscent of dreamers in love.

There's also magic, deals with the Fae -- as one would probably expect from a Fae story -- and, in a turn of events, zombies. I thought that the action could've been more detailed/intense and with more worldbuilding, but the romance was really well-developed that what occurred at the end did make my jaw drop.

If you're looking for a bittersweet love story with hints of magic and action, this is the book for you!

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Book Information:

The Sparrow and the Oak Tree by Jamie Jackson

Series: N/A, Standalone

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Intended Age Group: Adult

Pages: 385

Published: February 14th, 2023

Publisher: Self Published

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Content/Trigger Warnings:

Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader): 

Blood and gore

Harsh language

Sex and sexual situations

Alluded to (things only mentioned in passing or hinted at):

Sexual assault

Possible animal harm (the horse is unharmed)

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Author Bio & Information:

Jamie writes books with words in them. She lives in Charlotte NC with her husband, three feral children and two badly behaved dogs.

Find her at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VillainLeaning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villainleaning/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@villainleaning Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/villainleaning

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Check out other stops on the tour below for more exciting content!

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] NO SAFE HAVEN (MALITU #2) // JAMES LLOYD DULIN

I'm thrilled to be hosting a stop on the book tour today for this just-released adult dark fantasy book NO SAFE HAVEN, book 2 in the Malitu series by JAMES LLOYD DULIN, with ESCAPIST BOOK CO. I'm thrilled to be sharing my thoughts on this series so far; for more information on where you can get the book, what it's about, and other content you can check out on this tour, see below!

"NO HEART FOR A THIEF, NO SAFE HAVEN, ONLY A GRAVE WILL DO"

What you get in this series:

Magic

Found family

Colonialism and resistance

Wit, heart, and humanity

In this world, magic and colonialism intertwine. Magic exists in the spirit-marked, bestowed upon by the seven great spirits of Ennea, where those with the gift can call upon one (or two) of the elements, each associated with a virtue -- forgiveness, guidance, patience, etc. These magic wielders are called Dancers, and the way they harness their magic is described definitely lets you understand why they're called so -- moving with the grace and connection of dancers, yet also with their passion and vigour when they use their magic to fight. Spirit Thieves (Malitu) -- as one of our protagonists Kaylo is -- are reviled for their ability to 'steal' magic. When colonisers possessing crystals that can steal their magic arrive, the natives of Ennea quickly become subjugated, and the way this is explored, the many different facets of colonialism we see -- linguistic subjugation, mission schools, physical indenturement, etc. -- was done so well.

I flew through the first book, NO HEART FOR A THIEF, and NO SAFE HAVEN within a few days. The series' narrative is compelling and riveting in flipping between current events and storytelling. In the present day, we follow middle-aged jaded Spirit Thief Kaylo -- the once Hero of Anilace, now reclusive and living alone in a forest -- and fifteen-year-old Tayen, a Shadow Dancer mired in her desire for anger and vengeance after her entire family was murdered by the oppressors and taken in by Kaylo as an apprentice after he saved her life, as they live and train together and get drawn into events reminiscent of Kaylo's past, which we get told to us through his narrative recounting of events to Tayen -- her price to pay for his training her. The power of stories and what we can learn from them as a theme meshes well with this form of narrative.

With a complex cast of characters, each with their own pasts and paths that are inextricably intertwined, said compelling storytelling, and riveting action-packedness, it's no wonder I flew through the books!

The series ultimately charts themes which are further explored in NO SAFE HAVEN from the first book to do with the power of stories and how they play a role in culture, history, and (self-)identity, the choices we make and their consequences and how these shape us, action vs inaction, family -- both blood and forged -- grief, loss, and anger vs forgiveness, power, and above all, enduring strength in finding love and hope amidst all this dark devastation -- a reason to fight, to hope for a better life for one and all fellows.

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/No-Safe-Haven-Malitu-Book-ebook/dp/B0CFTBVQH9/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193551687-no-safe-haven 

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Book Blurb:

Anger will not be quenched by blood alone.

The Missing, a rebel army that is little more than a rumor, may be Kaylo’s only path to exact his vengeance against the empire that claimed his home and killed his family. If it means a chance to balance the blood he owes, he will steal spirits and become the Missing’s tool, as long as they aim him in the right direction.

Eighteen years later, a war is raging between factions for control of Ennea. With Tayen, Kaylo, and Nix caught in the middle of a power struggle—Kaylo will have to find a way to fulfill the promise he made to Tayen, Nix must face the consequences of her betrayal, and Tayen will have to choose between vengeance and her spirit. When blood is owed, virtues will be challenged.

See Also: 

(This is our attempt at a bit of fun. We ask our authors to come up with a few short, clever, possibly pop culture laden, descriptions of their books just to give a little taste of what’s to come for readers.)

Joel and Ellie face colonialism and genocide with swords, magic, and heavy sarcasm rather than mushroom zombies with guns, grenades, and heavy sarcasm. 

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Book Information:

No Safe Haven by James Lloyd Dulin Series: Malitu Genre: Dark Coming of Age Fantasy Intended Age Group: Adult Pages: 495 Published: October 24, 2023 Publisher: G&D Publishing (Self Published)

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Content/Trigger Warnings:

Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader): 

Graphic violence

Violence towards children, including torture

Racism

Ableism

Colonialism

Child soldiers

Death of loved ones

Kidnapping

Slavery

Survivor's guilt

Grief

Trauma

Religious manipulation

Alluded to (things only mentioned in passing or hinted at):

Drug addiction

Genocide

War

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About the Author:

James is a nerd with a head full of stories and limited time to put them on the page. 

He grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, spending an excessive amount of time at a local community theater where he developed his affinity for storytelling. This affinity grew into a deep admiration for language and spoken word poetry while studying mathematics and education at the University of Michigan. A few hundred mediocre poems and lackluster performances later, he decided his dream of writing a novel might not be as ridiculous as he once thought. He firmly believes that art—even silly books about magic, or maybe especially silly books about magic—has the ability to tell stories that sink beneath the surface.

Author website: https://www.jamesdulin.com/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/JamesLDulin 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jameslloyd27/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesldulin 

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Check out other stops on the tour here:

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] WISDOM LOST (TUMBLR RISING #2) // MICHAEL SLITER

It's my stop on the book tour for WISDOM LOST, book 2 in the epic fantasy/grimdark Pandemonium Rising series by MICHAEL SLITER today with ESCAPIST BOOK TOURS! I hosted a stop on the tour for book 1 Solace Lost a while back, so I'm pleased to be back with another tour for book 2 and to share some pretty epic art and my review for it!

Book Information:

Wisdom Lost by Mike Sliter Series: Pandemonium Rising #2 Genre: Epic Fantasy/Grimdark Intended Age Group: Adult Pages: 592 Published: 2019 Publisher: Dragyn Press (Self Published)

(see CWs/TWs below)

Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Pandemonium-Rising-Michael-Sliter/dp/0999802135

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/44222680

Book Blurb:

Ardia is fractured, torn apart by civil war initiated by deceit. Florens has fallen, and the rebel army of Lady Escamilla has been scattered by the Feral. Little stands in the way of the Rostanians and their ruthless rulers seizing the entire country. Amidst this rising conflict, four people seek to stem this tide. Or, to simply survive. 

Fenrir, also called the Bull, Coldbreaker, Dukeslayer, and sometimes bastard, has the worst kind of luck. Instead of being dead, pierced by a dozen swords, he finds himself under the control of the most horrible person he knows: his father. And an unwelcome family reunion is made more unpleasant as clandestine and legitimate powers vie for the rule of Rostane. 

Meanwhile, Hafgan Iwan breaks an oath to himself—that he would never return home. The hallowed Wasmer city of Hackeneth is not welcoming, particularly as a new god has usurped the old ways. Hafgan is torn between the world he once knew and the one he has created for himself. 

Leading the exhausted and haphazard remnants of a rebel army, Lady Emma Breen seeks allies across the border, in the crumbling city of Farrow’s Hold. But when faith clashes with politics, can a faithless former handmaiden hold them all together? 

And Merigold Hinter travels across oceans to the fabled Agricorinor with a wish and a warning. The wish? That she may understand her powers and take revenge. The warning? The Feral are coming, and they will tear out the throat of the world.

My review:

4/5 stars

This book picks up right where Solace Lost (book 1) ends off, and is so much more expansive of the world and the characters and the magic, with the stakes ramped up and more personal, more action and immersiveness. We again follow the different characters -- the jaded Fenrir, the mage Merigold, the warrior Hafgan, the army commander Emma -- each on their own journeys through the story, which start to converge as the story progresses, and we have them more fleshed out, getting to learn more of their backstories. New characters are introduced, old ones re-introduced, and the world is getting more expansive as we move beyond the borders of Ardia, and we learn more about its lore.

Merigold, the mage

Ingla, the Blue Adder

The story is told in chapters from the different characters' POVs interspersed with these 'interlogues' which delve more into world's mythological lore from the mouth of a goddess herself, and are a nice refreshing addition to the storytelling from book 1!

I was thrilled to be learning more about each character, and especially the magic, which we were introduced to in book 1 with Merigold and her tenuous but growing grasp of it, with Merigold learning how to harness her power to reach greater and greater potentials, and how the magic works, and other (intriguing!) mages are introduced too. There is more action, more blood, more everything, and I think that's what makes this a great, exciting, immersive sequel of a book!

Author Bio and Information:

Michael Sliter was born in the deep wilds of Cleveland, Ohio, where he fought off at least two siblings for scraps of pizza. His bedroom, growing up, was a monument to fantasy, containing a stack of worn and well-read books, a medieval Lego civilization spanning half the room, and a very real sword circa World War II.

Though always fascinated with the written word, Michael ended up with only a minor in writing, instead majoring in Psychology (Hiram College, OH). He later went on to complete his M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (Bowling Green State University, OH)—overall spending a larger portion of his life than strictly necessary in school. Following, Michael was a psych professor for a time, and then moved into the real world to help organizations hire the right people.

He attempted to write some childish fantasy novels in the past, all abandoned as derivative refuse. It wasn’t until his daughter was born that Michael decided to begin writing in earnest, and he published Solace Lost, the first book in the Pandemonium Rising series. Since, Wisdom Lost (Book 2) and Valley of the Free (novella in the same world) have been published.

Today, you can find Michael back in the Cleveland area, where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two dogs. They are quite tolerant of his writing, reading, video game, and racquetball habits.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeSliter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichaelsliter Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17838702.Michael_Sliter

Content/Trigger Warnings:

Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader): 

Ableism

Abusive relationship

Ageism

Alcoholism

Amputation

Animal violence/death

Blood (gore)

Bodies/corpses

Body horror

Bones (animal/human)

Bullying

Child abuse

Childbirth

Classism

Death/dying

Death penalty

Decapitation

Domestic abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, verbal)

Drinking (heavy)

Drug use

Fatphobia

Forced captivity

Graphic sex

Hospitalization

Hostages

Kidnapping

Medical procedures

Murder

Murder (attempted)

Needles

Poisoning

Pregnancy

Prostitution

PTSD

Racism

Rape (attempted)

Serious injury

Sexism

Sexual abuse

Skeletons

Skulls

Slavery

Slurs

Smoking

Swearing

Torture (sexual)

Violence

Vomit

Warfare

Weapons

Alluded to (things only mentioned in passing or hinted at):

None

Want more content? Check out other stops on the tour below:

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] PENCHANT FOR DARKNESS // J. ELIZAGA

The tour for PENCHANT FOR DARKNESS, a sci-fi/paranormal thriller novella by J. ELIZAGA with ESCAPIST BOOK TOURS has officially begun and I'm thrilled to be hosting a spot on the tour today!!

Book Information:

Penchant for Darkness by J. Elizaga

Published: August 2020

Series: N/A

Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal Thriller

Intended Age Group: Adult

Pages: 155

Publisher: Certification Channel LLC (Self Published)

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Content/Trigger Warnings:

Shown on Page (things clearly told to the reader): 

Infidelity

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Book Blurb:

A wormhole to hell is one man’s path to destiny.

After seven years struggling to conceive, Miles and his wife, Richelle, escape to an island getaway to try one last time. But instead of enjoying paradise, Miles is swept up in an ancient battle between formless demons and beings from another world. When Miles fights a malevolent entity attacking Richelle, secrets are revealed, ones that cross the universe between Earth and planet Kalumegn.

Three mysterious beings discover Miles’s dormant extraterrestrial abilities. Calling him an Anomaly, they prepare his body and mind for war, for his destiny is about to be fulfilled. To protect his wife and the child they may have, Miles joins the aliens on Clos Friga, a hell planet of chaos holding their common enemy. Lucifer is more dangerous than the fallen angel of legend, and his sinister fascination with Richelle threatens all Miles holds dear. One man must fight an otherworldly battle…or the war for Earth itself may be lost.

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Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Penchant-Darkness-J-Elizaga-ebook/dp/B08F7B5V4B

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/penchant-for-darkness-j-elizaga/1137495732

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My review:

4/5 stars

Thrilling in its sci-fi/paranormal take on the Lucifer vs the archangels, yet warm and cozy in being a tale about the things you would do for the ones you love. The writing is precise, without wasting any words, and so it works very well in crafting this novella.

One line that really stuck out to me:

She's the bravest woman in the universe. Half her heart really saved our asses.

Poignant and heartwarming in the simplicity of its prose, devastatingly impactful in its context.

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Author Bio & Information:

J. ELIZAGA is a fan of science fiction and science mysteries. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, she peered over her father’s shoulders as he watched TV shows such as In Search Of, and Carl Sagan’s Cosmos during the 1970s. 

J. used to write stories but had set aside her hobby for college and career…until she attended a writer's conference in San Francisco in 2010. The experience unsealed a door in her mind that she thought had long closed. She continues to work in information technology by day, and makes time to write stories about humans who face extraordinary circumstances and discover their superhuman abilities. 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jelizaga1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.elizaga/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jelizaga1/

Website: https://www.jelizaga.com

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**GIVEAWAY**

Prize: A Paperback Copy of Penchant for Darkness!

Ends: October 5, 2022 at 11:59pm EST

Link to giveaway:

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Check out other stops on the tour below!

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] SORROW'S FOREST // KAITLIN CORVUS **w/ INTL GIVEAWAY**

hello!!! today, i'm so so excited to be a host on the book tour of SORROW'S FOREST, a NEW ADULT DARK URBAN FANTASY novel by KAITLIN CORVUS!! this is the first book in an intended duology.

**there will be an INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY, and i will be posting my REVIEW of this book, as well as a fun little playlist that i made inspired by the tone and feel of the book and its characters :)**

BOOK INFORMATION

SYNOPSIS:

At twelve years old, Mackie King had done something no one had ever done before: he had snuck into the forest, where Queen Sorrow reigned and had unintentionally stolen one of her devils while she slept in a death-like sleep.

In as little as an hour, the devil named himself Blue, fit almost seamlessly into the Kings’ life, and the Township of Lakeview.

Now, Mackie and Blue are grown, Queen Sorrow has awakened, and she wants her devil back.

In a fit of uncontrolled rage and desperateness, she snatches any that match Blue’s likeness. When their identities are revealed, she ruthlessly casts the bodies aside. Each murder is met with the town’s hopeless ignorance. A dark enchantment is sweeping over the land, dulling the minds of the townspeople to the supernatural violence.

Mackie has always been resourceful, but it will take every bit of ingenuity he and Blue have to thwart Queen Sorrow and her minions, save the town, and free themselves from the shadow of the bittering

forest.

COMPS:

Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black • Broken Things by Lauren Oliver • The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS:

Shown on page:

 Violence

 Death

 Homophobia

 Vomiting

 Death of children

 Child abduction

 Drug and alcohol use/abuse

 Harsh language

 Sexual content

 Sexual violence

 Toxic relationships

 Scars

 Blood

Alluded to:

 Animal cruelty

 Imagery of dead animals

 Homophobia

 Spousal abuse

 Child abuse

 Mention of couples arguing

 Mention of broken bones

BOOK LINKS:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B469DJX6/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0B469DJX6/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60891841-sorrow-s-forest

REVIEW:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was a very beautiful, haunting, atmospheric book. Dark and fantastical yet all-too-real, with characters that will inadvertently tear your heart out - in a good way. To me, it's a bittersweet love story - love in all its forms - ensconced in a gritty, tension-filled tale with evocative writing. We have our Blue and Mackie, two boys as opposite as can be, but intrinsically wound together; personally, I much prefer Blue, but I think having this told from Mackie's point of view works very well, as we follow him along in his confusion and fear and tentative hope and loss. I think this toes a line between urban fantasy and magical realism, and does it really well; I greatly enjoyed all the bits taking place in and around the forest, with the creatures of the forest, and loved all the descriptions of these creatures, some strangely beautiful, some grotesque and haunting, and all chillingly good. If you love a character-driven story, urban fantasy/magical realism, dark and atmospheric stories, and books with LGBT themes, definitely give this a read.

(here's a beautiful illustration of my beautiful boy Blue 🥺)

Aaaaand here's my playlist!

**GIVEAWAY (ends 31 July)**

If you'd like more fun content, such as character interviews, check out other stops on the book tour below! :)

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR] PINK GUITARS AND FALLING STARS // LESLIE O'SULLIVAN (*w/ INTNL GIVEAWAY*)

Today, I'm thrilled to be hosting a spot on the book tour for PINK GUITARS AND FALLING STARS, the first book in fantasy romance series Rockin' Fairy Tales, by LESLIE O'SULLIVAN, hosted by ESCAPIST BOOK TOURS.

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About the book:

Pink Guitars and Falling Stars by Leslie O’Sullivan

Series: Rockin’ Fairy Tales #1

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Intended Age Group: Adult

Pages: 300

Published: January 6, 2022

Publisher: City Owl Press, Mystic Owl Imprint

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Book Blurb:

Zeli’s signature pop diva sound and image are nothing short of magical—literally. Her fame comes with hidden costs, a curse that could ruin her voice forever.

Aspiring indie musician, Justin MacKenzie, is determined to kick it to the top of the Rampion Records’ Summer Number One professional vs. amateur singing competition. 

The favorite to beat in the annual televised contest is none other than the label’s smoking hot superstar, Zeli, whose crazy extensions flow the length of a football field. Those ridiculous extensions, coupled with her bubblegum brand of pop are an affront to everything Justin loves about music, until a stolen kiss blazes into a romantic encounter.

Once inside Zeli’s world, Justin discovers things are not as they seem. In their quest to allow the real Zeli to step into the spotlight, the pair must confront the mysterious force behind the dazzle of Rampion’s success. If these star-crossed lovers can’t rally their own magic to defeat the darkness, they will lose everything—including each other.

See Also: 

Rockstars Falling from the Sky • Bubblegum Rock Does Rock • Did You Think to Bring a Ladder?

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Book Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Guitars-Falling-Stars-Rockin-Fairy-ebook/dp/B09N6KRQ15/

Publisher Direct: https://cityowlpress.com/product/pink-guitars/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59760181-pink-guitars-and-falling-stars

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My review:

5/5 stars

A thoroughly original and inventive romantic fantasy with a zany-dreamy writing style and a fresh spin on the Rapunzel fairytale. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes music competition, with bubblegum pink pop princess diva Zeli entrapped and enthralling, indie rock musician and B.A.S.E jumper Justin -- Zeli's lucky star -- seeks to not only win the music competition that will catapult him to stardom, but also Zeli's heart and freedom. This book reads like glitter and stardust, like a song of the heart set free and realising every dream. It's unafraid to take liberties with its fairytale inspiration, and weaves fairytale and reality so seamlessly together, poetic and fever dream-ish all at once, with captivating characters and a steamy swoony romance, full of yearning and tenderness too. So devastatingly enjoyable, this is one dream of a start to a fascinating, sexy-sassy-funny, original series of Hollywood fairytale retellings.

Some quotes I loved:

"Through closed lids, a single teardrop flows to the tip of her rounded nub of a nose. Does she cry water or rosy pearls? If I captured that tear with the tip of my tongue, would it taste like cotton candy?"

"I'm star-bound, blasting into the night twice as high as the rest of the troupe. The world is black except for a waxing sliver of moon, pink spotlights on a bubblegum diva, and seven yellow stars falling from a Zeli sky."

"Even though I know it's best to shed soft feelings for Zeli, the ribbons strangle me."

"Oh that I were breath drifting across those dear lips so that I might touch them again."

"Our duet unzips my soul and gives Zeli an all-access pass to places inside me marked off limits, my vulnerability, my heart."

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Author Bio & Information:

Leslie O’Sullivan is the author of Rockin' Fairy Tales, an adult romance series of Shakespeare/fairy tale mash ups set against the backdrop of a fictional Hollywood music scene. Coming in September 2022 is her Behind the Scenes contemporary romance series that peeks into the off-camera secrets of a wildly popular television drama. She’s a UCLA Bruin with a BA and MFA from their Department of Theater where she also taught for years on the design faculty. Her tenure in the world of television was as the assistant art director on “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.” Leslie loves to indulge her fangirl side at cons.

Find her at:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/LeslieOSullivanWrites

Website: https://www.leslieosullivanwrites.com

Newsletter Sign Up: https://www.leslieosullivanwrites.com/about-5

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/leslieosullivanwrites/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieosullivanwrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeslieSulliRose

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leslieosullivanwrites

FB Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/acompanyofreaders

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**GIVEAWAY**

Prize: A Signed Paperback Copy of Pink Guitars and Falling Stars & Swag Pack!

Ends: October 2, 2022 at 11:59pm EST

Rafflecopter link:

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To check out other stops on the tour:

[fairrryprose]

[BOOK TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT] SOLACE LOST // MICHAEL SLITER

it's book tour week for this wonderful adult epic fantasy novel Solace Lost by Michael Sliter, hosted by Escapist Tours !!! i'm so excited to be part of this ! stay tuned for my stop on 8 september which will come with a giveaway ☺️☺️ be sure to visit the other stops for all kinds of wonderful content ! ;)

in the meantime, check it out on

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39326498-solace-lost

Amazon:

see you on 8 september ! :)