Tag Archives: #blogtour

Blog Tour: Veils and Vampires by Cee Bee

Veils and Vampires
CEE BEE
(Vampires of the Daemonverse, #2)
Publication date: October 14th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

***By popular demand! New launch date of Fall 2023 across all retailers!***

Highlander meets Twilight with a dash of Fifty Shades of Grey in this vampire romantasy…

Caelin MacGregor is an ancient king with a new love. Ages ago, I ruled a clan of vampire raiders. We were allies to the Vikings and enemies of the Rus. That life ended when the bloodkin plague wiped out all our women, including my beloved vampire bride, Elisava. A thousand years have passed. My heart remains empty. Then I see a human woman named Lexa. For the first time in ages, I feel true desire, respect and love. Could Lexa actually be a lost bloodkin lady … or is she a horrible trick from Pyri, the ancient fire goddess of the Rus raiders?

Lexa Uznetsov has a plan. To save my sister, Sash, I took on my father’s debt to Konstantin the Rus, leader of the New York Bratva. As a result, my life became a never-ending (and incredibly illegal) stakeout for the mob. After years of scheming, I’ve finally come up with a solid escape plan: find all three pieces of the infamous Veil Pendant. Once I reassemble this magical item, I’ll have the power to cure my sister … as well as the ability to say buh-bye to Konstantin. Sure, legends warn that reforming the Veil Pendant may bring about some nastiness called Pyri’s doomsday. Yet if it saves Sash, I’m willing to risk anything.

“Veils and Vampires is amazing! It has action and adventure and a little spicy. Enough that it makes you drool and want more. Honestly a totally different take on modern day vampire soulmates. I devoured this book in one sitting.” – Teresa, Goodreads

Vampires of the Daemonverse
1. Violins and Vampires
2. Veils and Vampires
3. Vixens and Vampires
4. Valor and Vampires

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Author Bio:

Author Christina “CEE BEE” Bauer has sold more than 1M copies across her 45+ epic fantasy books for young adults. She’s recorded (and narrated) eight of her books into audiobooks, as well as led the translation of her novels into four different languages. USA Today has called her work “must-read paranormal fantasy.” Bauer is an autism advocate and quirky loudmouth whose writing style really isn’t for everyone. But if you like stories with complex worlds inhabited by chicks who kick ass and take names, then read on!

Christina lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. She loves to connect with her fans at ChristinaBauerAuthor.com.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Instagram / TikTok / LinkedIn

My Blurb (3/5 stars)

Firstly, I just love these covers. They remind of tarot cards and gorgeous ones at that. I’m not into tarot cards as such but I do love the art. This series are fast easy reads because you just have to keep going to find out what’s happening next especially with the slow burn!

The novel is told from 2 POVs (Caelin and Lexa) and at times, overlaps in time and/or incident but with their own thoughts which could be repetitive but there wasn’t that many and was handled quite well that I didn’t mind it so much. I love fated lovers trope and as this one reaches across the ages, I’m even more in love with this pair.

My only complaint was that the spice happened a little too quick for me lol. I am left wanting ;p

My thanks to Xpressobooktours for including me on this tour and providing an ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

INTL GIVEAWAY! (A copy of Veils and Vampires and more)
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Blog tour: Dauntless by Elissa A. Bonnin – a review + GIVEAWAY (US only)

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Dauntless
Elisa A. Bonnin
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 2nd 2022
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

A teen girl must bring together two broken worlds in order to save her nation in this lush, Filipino-inspired young adult fantasy novel from debut author Elisa A. Bonnin.

“Be dauntless, for the hopes of the People rest in you.”

Seri’s world is defined by very clear rules: The beasts prowl the forest paths and hunt the People. The valiant explore the unknown world, kill the beasts, and gain strength from the armor they make from them. As an assistant to Eshai Unbroken, a young valor commander with a near-mythical reputation, Seri has seen first-hand the struggle to keep the beasts at bay and ensure the safety of the spreading trees where the People make their homes. That was how it always had been, and how it always would be. Until the day Seri encounters Tsana.

Tsana is, impossibly, a stranger from the unknown world who can communicate with the beasts – a fact that makes Seri begin to doubt everything she’s ever been taught. As Seri and Tsana grow closer, their worlds begin to collide, with deadly consequences. Somehow, with the world on the brink of war, Seri will have to find a way to make peace.

“Dauntless captures the best parts of every action-packed fantasy—breathtaking scenes of power and victory that push the limits of human tenacity. This is a triumphant tale of courage and self discovery that will make you believe in your own strength.” —Kyllie Lee Baker, author of The Keeper of Night

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Author Bio:

Elisa A. Bonnin was born and raised in the Philippines, after which she moved to the United States to study chemistry and later oceanography. After completing her doctorate, she moved to Germany to work as a postdoctoral scientist. A lifelong learner, Elisa is always convinced that she should “maybe take a class in something” and as a result, has amassed an eclectic collection of hobbies. But writing will always be her true love. Publishing a book has been her dream since she was eight years old, and she is thrilled to finally be able to share her stories. Dauntless is her first novel.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

My Blurb (3/5 stars)

Dauntless was just so much fun to read. The lush world combined with dangers lurking inside and outside plus superheroes!! And everyone, who wanted to work for it, CAN be a superhero or rather a Valiant. Such a great name instead of ‘superhero’ and a group of Valiant is known as Valor – again such great naming convention!!! Let’s not even get into the names of the characters. Told from 2 perspectives, Seri, who began as practically a nobody but got roped into being an assistant to the Commander, and Eshai, the legendary Commander. Together they fought off attacks, explored the unknown, found respect & friendship in each other and be braved enough for love. While it wasn’t quite unputdownable for me, I have really enjoyed this world which is full of surprises and enough action AND romance to keep the read exciting for me.

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Review: A Dance with Fate by Juliet Marillier

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A Dance With Fate (Warrior Bards #2) by Juliet Marillier

An accident. A forfeit of freedom. A descent into danger.

Liobhan, the young warrior and bard, has lost her brother to the Otherworld. Even more determined to gain a place as an elite fighter, she returns to Swan Island to continue her training. But Liobhan is devastated when her comrade Dau is injured and loses his sight in their final display bout. Blamed by Dau’s family for the accident, she agrees to go to his home, Oakhill, as a bond servant for one year.

But Oakhill is a place of dark secrets. The menacing and enigmatic Crow Folk still threaten both worlds and while Brocc battles them in the Otherworld, Dau must battle his own demon – despair.

When Liobhan and Dau begin to expose the evil at the core of Oakhill, they place themselves in mortal danger. For their enemy wields great power and will stop at nothing to get his way. It will take all the skills of a Swan Island warrior and a touch of the uncanny to give them any hope of survival . . .

Published 28 July 2020 | Publisher: MacMillan Australia | RRP: AUD$32.99

Buy it at: Dymocks | Booktopia | A&R | Abbey’s

My Blurb (4.5 / 5 stars)

I feel like I’ve waited too long to get back into this world and yet, it was less than a year ago (just!). I re-read The Harp of Kings before I read this just because I wanted my stay in this world to be longer. I loved that Liobhan and Dau grew so much in the first book and was keen to find out where their next journey will take them to.

In The Harp of Kings, we found out that Dau’s childhood was a terribly scary time that nearly drove him to his death. In A Dance With Fate, we see Dau facing his fears and grew to become stronger and wiser but not alone. As always, his loyal friend, Liobhan, is there with him and for him.

A twist of fate saw Dau blinded and his future bleak. And yet that same twist of fate brought Liobhan to be with him to face his blackest fear. Liobhan’s keen sense of justice and deep friendship for Dau cannot see her standing by when she can see Dau will be alone and friendless where he’s going. Yet, at the same time, she would be brought lowest but because who and what she is, there are many who are pulled to her to render aid and support.

I love the deepening friendship between Dau & Liobhan in this book. However, this is Dau’s story more than anything and I loved it even more as he’s developed into such a magnificent man. Brocc is still around and there were a smattering of his POVs in this book. While I find those to be a bit of an annoyance (they broke the main storyline of this book), I do understand that his arc is an overall one for the trilogy and I hope the next book will see him finding what he is looking for.

As always, such a comfort to read Marillier’s and I never wanted to leave. In fact, the book is still sitting on my soon-to-read TBR because I’m contemplating a re-read already. Truly while she does not spare her characters from pain, they grow so beautifully that it’s a comforting to know that whatever it is you’re going through, you’ll be stronger at the end. Her words of wisdom is a balm in this (our) bleak time.

My thanks to MacMillan Australia for having me on this tour and paperback copy of book in exchange of honest review

About the author

Juliet Marillier was born in New Zealand and grew up surrounded by Celtic music and stories. Her own Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a major influence on her writing.

Juliet is the author of twenty historical fantasy novels for adults and young adults, as well as a book of short fiction. Juliet’s novels and short stories have won many awards. She is a member of the druid order OBOD (the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.)

Find Juliet on: goodreads | website | facebook

Blog Tour: Defy the Sun by Jessica Fleck + Giveaway (INT)

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Defy the Sun
Jessika Fleck
(The Offering Series, #2)
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: March 10th 2020
Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy, Young Adult

In this electrifying YA dystopian sequel to Beware the Night, Veda is captured and leveraged against her best friend, who fights for the opposing force.

Civil war has come to the island of Bellona. Veda Adeline believes in the Night. She’s joined the underground revolutionaries, led by Dorian Winters, and they’re determined to overthrow the ruling Imperi and find justice for her people.

Nico Denali, Veda’s childhood friend and maybe-something-more, is one of those ruling Imperi, and he’s just been named heir to the most powerful man above ground.

As the war intensifies, Veda and Nico are leveraged against each other: Veda is above as a hostage of the Imperi and Nico is below, taken by the Night. There’s no way Dorian is letting such a valuable hostage go.

The island will burn unless Veda and Nico can come together to rip everything apart. But Nico and Dorian will never trust each other, and Veda’s heart might be the biggest casualty.

Praise for Defy the Sun

“Jessika Fleck’s duology is a lyrical adventure with a twisting vein of romance throughout. I was both enchanted and haunted till the very end!” —Erin Beaty, author of the Traitor’s Trilogy

Beware the Night

“Jessika Fleck delights with a new fantasy novel set in a world where the Sun reigns supreme and the Night is your enemy—literally. Brims with secrets, betrayal, and a genuinely believable love triangle!” —Pintip Dunn, New York Times bestselling author of the Forget Tomorrow series

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My Blurb (4 / 5 stars)

Defy the Sun picks up pretty much immediately right after Beware the Night so this is definitely one of those series you must read in order and you really do want to have to both books before you dive in because it really feels like 1 big book although one big change in this installment is that we have Nico’s POV as well as Veda’s and it’s just beautiful.

It is now all out war between the Day and Night and both sides are suffering losses they could barely afford. Nico and Veda and some others want this war to end before their whole world burns however as Nico and Veda are in position of power now, the burden mostly falls on them. But as they are separated, how are they to collaborate to end this blasted war?

To be honest, this novel is rather heavy in romance and while I expected that, I had to work hard to not hold against the love triangle issue. You’ll note I whinged about that in the last book, well… it got a bit worse in this book until it got better. Thankfully, Veda’s got a good head on her shoulders and at the end, everything worked well.

Defy the Sun was a riveting read; I was on tenterhook, not only because of the resolution of the love triangle, but also for the resolution of this world’s division. I really couldn’t guess how it could be resolved and , at 85%, had my doubts that it’d be resolved in this book! But the explosive ending totally worked and I’m left with a peaceful heart.

Thank you Swoon Reads and Xpresso Tours for including me in this blog tour & ecopy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts

GIVEAWAY (International)

Follow below Rafflecopter link to enter to win a print copy of Defy the Sun (ends Mar-19)

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About the author

Jessika Fleck is an author, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter — she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. Until then, she continues collecting vintage typewriters and hourglasses, dreaming of an Ireland getaway, and convincing her husband they NEED more kittens. Her YA debut, THE CASTAWAYS (Entangled TEEN), is now available. Her next YA novel, BEWARE THE NIGHT (Swoon Reads/Macmillan) releases March 12, 2019.

Find author on: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Blog Tour: The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier -a Review + GIVEAWAY

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The Harp of Kings (Warrior Bards #1) by Juliet Marillier

Bard. Warrior. Rebel.

Eighteen-year-old Liobhan is a powerful singer and an expert whistle player. Her brother has a voice to melt the hardest heart and is a rare talent on the harp. But Liobhan’s burning ambition is to join the elite warrior band on Swan Island. While she and her brother are competing for places in this band, they are asked to go undercover as travelling minstrels. For Swan Island trains both warriors and spies.

Their mission is to find and retrieve a precious harp, an ancient symbol of kingship. If the harp is not played at the upcoming coronation, the heir will not be accepted and the kingdom will be thrown into turmoil. Faced with plotting courtiers, secretive druids, an insightful storyteller and a boorish Crown Prince, Liobhan soon realises an Otherworld power may be meddling in the affairs of the realm. When ambition clashes with conscience, Liobhan must make a bold decision – and the consequences may break her heart.

Published 27 August 2019 | Publisher: MacMillan Australia | RRP: AUD$29.99

My Blurb (4.5 / 5 stars)

All I knew was that it’s a new book by Juliet Marillier. I. Must. Read. It. I didn’t really bother finding out what the book was about so you can just imagine my pleasure to find out when I started reading that it’s set in the same universe as that of Blackthorn & Grimm’s because I really loved that trilogy.

The opening scene was exciting with a fight in the rain and being told from the perspective of Liobhan, it was easy to fall into the story & liking her. When perspective changed (there are 2 others, Brocc & Dau), I wasn’t quite sure whether I was keen on the other 2 povs so it became a bit slow because I was reluctant to read these 2 but impatient to get on onto the next Liobhan’s chapters. I think you all know this struggle with multiple povs. You find a favourite and tend to stick with them. There are some novels that I just can’t get used to multiple povs but this isn’t one of them.

Even as I struggle with uncertainties with multiple characters, the tale itself progresses rather quickly and in the end, it was a rather fast read because I found that I could barely put it down. I enjoyed the dynamics between these 3 characters, Liobhan being the centre piece but I love how close the siblings are (Liobhan & Brocc) and the development of Dau’s character and therefore, his relationship with Liobhan.

The Harp of Kings is really a comfort read for me so I’ve really enjoyed it. Points taken off only because I didn’t feel the pull right from the beginning and one particular incident in the novel that I just didn’t click with. Otherwise, I love this Otherwordly tale.

I adore these Celtic infused stories by Marillier. I love how she combines my love for historical fantasy and mystery so this was a perfect read for me. If you loved Marillier’s recent works, you’ll enjoy this read too. This new series, Warrior Bards, promises to be one full of music, many stories, and intriguing mysteries.

My thanks to MacMillan Australia for having me on this tour and paperback copy of book in exchange of honest review

GIVEAWAY

Courtesy of Macmillan Australia, I’ve got 1 paperback copy of The Harp of Kings to giveaway!

To enter, simple leave a comment with most recent historical fantasy book you have read (or are currently reading) and include a random sentence/short paragraph from it. I will draw the winner on the evening of Monday, 9th September 2019. You may also wish to enter via Insta and/or Twitter and/or Facebook as well as commenting on this post however there is only 1 copy up for grabs.

Please note this giveaway is limited to ANZ residents only.

About the author

Find Juliet on: goodreads | website | facebook

Blog Tour: Bright Burning Stars by A.K. Small -a Review

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Bright Burning Stars by A.K. Small

Kate and Marine have trained since childhood at the Paris Opera Ballet School where they formed an intense bond after respective family tragedies. Their friendship seems unshakeable until their final year when only one girl can be selected for a place in the Opera’s company. The physically demanding competition takes an emotional toll, and their support for each other starts to crumble. Marine’s eating disorder begins to control her life as she consumes less and dances more, and Kate discovers the depths of depression and the highs of first love as she falls for the school heartthrob—who also happens to be Marine’s dance partner.

As rankings tighten and each day is one step closer to the final selection, neither girl is sure just how far she’ll go to win. With nuance and empathy, the intense emotions of teenage years are amplified in Small’s debut as the girls struggle with grief, mental health issues, and relationships, all set against the glamorous backdrop of Paris.

Published 21 May 2019 | Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers | RRP: USD$17.95

My Blurb (4 / 5 stars)

I couldn’t help myself… A glance at the cover and I’m gone! Yep, I’m definitely reading this one – I just A.D.O.R.E. ballet. When I read the description, I doubted whether this is something I’d like but I still had to try. The bit I didn’t like was that it hinted at a love triangle and that it’ll take over the whole book but it did NOT and boy, I was so thankful!

Bright Burning Stars was so much more than just a love story or even boys. It delved much deeper into the psyches of these two girls who are passionate about dancing but are in a very stressful competitive situation. Their friendship of many years are challenged to the breaking point and their health are at risk to the point of destruction. This was a rather dark read.

Thankfully, this book is told in dual perspective, Kate Saunders and Marine Duval. I am very glad for Marine’s because I think I might have thrown the book if all I had to read was Kate’s point of view. Both Kate and Marine have had their share of childhood grief and each has their own issues in this story but Marine as a character is one you can easily sympathise with while Kate may just make you cry (after wanting to shake her).

As I read Bright Burning Stars & tried to guess the ending (who does that!?), I was reminded of Centre Stage (movie). The more I think of it, the more I see similarities between the 2 but enough differences to exist. Nevertheless, if you love this book, go watch Centre Stage!! And vice versa 😉

My thanks to Algonquin Young Readers for having me on this tour

About the author

A.K. Small was born in Paris. At five years old, she began studying classical dance with the legendary Max Bozzoni, then later with Daniel Franck and Monique Arabian at the famous Académie Chaptal. At thirteen, she moved to the United States where she danced with the Pacific Northwest Ballet for one summer in Seattle and with the Richmond Ballet Student Company for several years. She’s a graduate of the College of William and Mary and has an MFA in fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she’s not writing, she spends time with her husband, her puppy, and her three daughters, and practices yoga. Bright Burning Stars is her first novel.

Find her on: goodreads | website | twitter | facebook | instagram

Blog Tour: The Dysasters by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast -a Review

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The Dysasters (The Dysasters #1) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

P.C. and Kristin Cast, the #1 New York Times bestselling authors of the House of Night phenomenon, return to the scene with The Dysasters—the first action-packed novel in a new paranormal fantasy series.

Adoptive daughter of a gifted scientist, Foster Stewart doesn’t live a “normal” life, (not that she’d want to). But controlling cloud formations and seeing airwaves aren’t things most eighteen year olds can do.

Small town star quarterback and quintessential dreamy boy next door, Tate “Nighthawk” Taylor has never thought much about his extra abilities. Sure, his night vision comes in handy during games, but who wouldn’t want that extra edge?

From the moment Foster and Tate collide, their worlds spiral and a deadly tornado forces them to work together, fully awakening their not-so-natural ability – the power to control air.

As they each deal with the tragic loss of loved ones, they’re caught by another devastating blow – they are the first in a group of teens genetically manipulated before birth to bond with the elements, and worse… they’re being hunted.

Now, Foster and Tate must fight to control their abilities as they learn of their past, how they came to be, who’s following them, and what tomorrow will bring… more DYSASTERS?

Published 26 February 2019 | Publisher: Pan MacMillan | RRP: AUD$18.99

My Blurb (3.5 / 5 stars)

It seems, these days, it’s the market for teens with “special” abilities. They are so much fun to read though. I mean who doesn’t want to have a superpower?! Realistically, it’s really quite frightening thing to have (after all, with great power comes great responsibility). Scientifically, you really have to put that on the shelf and read just for fun ;)\

The main highlight of this book for me was the illustrations (see example below). Isn’t it just beautiful? They are peppered throughout the story and it’s just so good to have the characters drawn out on paper. It basically just added an extra dimension to the book. The action bits and the sweet parts made them a whole lot more exciting.

There were many ‘oh no’ and eye-roll moments in the first 2 chapters. I was finding it a little bit difficult to like these 2 characters, Foster and Tate as they are not only polar opposite of each other but also feels like their characters were exaggerated. There were so much anger and trust issues with Foster but Tate, omg, where can I find this perfect guy? Or rather his perfect parents/family? He seems to have been the only lucky one in that department. It was very unique though as to date, no one else, has his great family. In fact, it just seems too perfect.

When the action starts, however, this book was really quite fun to read. It was really enjoyable to see them coming to their abilities and how!

I do believe fans of House of Night series or even Twilight series may love this book. The only reason that I didn’t love this book but only just enjoyed it is because it was just too much cheese for me. Mind you, I’m nearing the big four-oh so I may be a tad bit cynical lol. I think this book may be perfect for teens who like their romance with their action story.

My thanks to St Martin’s Press for having me on this tour (and the Netgalley copy) and thanks to Pan Australia for paperback copy of book (arrived unsolicited but with impeccable timing!).

About the author

#1 New York Times & #1 USA Today bestselling author P.C. Cast was born in the Midwest, and, after her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. PC is a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, Booksellers’ Best, and many, many more. Ms. Cast is an experienced teacher and talented speaker who lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable pack of dogs, her crazy Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses.

Find PC on: goodreads | website | twitter | facebook | instagram

Kristin Cast is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling author who teams with her mother to write the wildly successful House of Night series. She has editorial credits, a thriving t-shirt line, and a passion for all things paranormal. When away from her writing desk, Kristin loves going on adventures with her friends, family, and significant other, playing with her dogs (Grace Kelly and Hobbs the Tiny Dragon), and is currently obsessed with her baby.

Find Kristin on: goodreads | website | twitter | instagram

Blog Tour: Wind Rider by P.C. Cast -a Review

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Wind Rider (Tales of a New World #3) by P.C. Cast

The third novel in the compelling ‘Tales of a New World’ series by New York Times bestselling author P. C. Cast.

Mari, Nik, and their newly formed Pack are being hunted. Thaddeus and the God of Death will stop at nothing until they are obliterated from the earth. But Mari and Nik have one goal: to reach the plains of the Wind Riders in order to band together to stop Thaddeus from destroying all that Mari and Nik hold dear.

But will the mysterious Wind Riders accept the Pack, or will Mari and Nik and their people be rejected by the mighty Riders and be forced to flee for their lives? And what happens when a rogue Lead Stallion gets too close to the Pack, rejecting all Wind Riders and turning to a stranger for companionship instead?

‘While many fantasy series style themselves as epic, this one may actually be worthy of the description.’ School Library Journal

‘Cast … easily engages the readers and keeps them wanting more … a wild journey of power, unlikely relationships, betrayal and acceptance.’ Gold Coast Bulletin

Published 30 October 2018 | Publisher: Pan Australia | RRP: AUD$18.99

My Blurb (3.5 / 5 stars)

Please note this is a review of book 3 of Tales of a New World trilogy, click here for Moon Chosen’s (book 1) review or here for Sun Warrior’s (book 2) review.

Wind Rider follows on directly from the ending of Sun Warrior and if you’ve been following the tale, you’d know exactly where they are going. The tile also kinda gave that away! The first chapter of this book, however, did not open with the Pack but rather introduced a very interesting new perspective; River -daughter of a Wind Rider. Every few chapters, there is a chapter about River and I absolutely adored her adventures!

Nik & Mari and their Pack continued their journey to find a new home they can settle into. As they travel through dangerous territories, led by Antreas and Bast, the Pack bonded through working together and helping each other as they struggle through the unfamiliar and threatening surroundings. I did feel that these chapters dragged a bit. It just took them forever and a day to reach their destinations. Whilst their adventures could be an exciting read, I felt there was something forced and therefore, a bit awkward. There were bits where Mari felt proud of her Pack of one thing or another (it happened multiple times) and while I understood the need to highlight just how well the Pack is getting along, I feel like the author needed to justify the direction Mari has taken?!

Death had established himself in the Tribe of Trees. We read his terrible deeds through the perspective of Ralina, a Storyteller of the Tribe of Trees. Death kept her close at hand as he wished his godly feats to be told in stories through time. I found Ralina to be most admirable character. She chose to stay to help the her people and her strength, courage, and canniness will ensure that the world will hear of how the horrific destruction Death swept throughout the lands.

I have definitely enjoyed the secondary perspectives a lot more. They didn’t give me the awkward feeling Mari’s did. I’d like to read more about them & their struggles. Plus all romances that sprung all around were rather cute! I want to read about those too.

It was strange that the end of this book did NOT actually complete the story. Despite the note, “third novel in the compelling ‘Tales of a New World’ trilogy“, which should mean that this is the finale, the story definitely did NOT end. Without giving too much away, I don’t believe the climax has yet been reached so I’m confused. Are we expecting a spin-off trilogy or something? I don’t know… so, it’s rather unsatisfying since I expected a well-rounded finish to this tale and I do want to finish this tale so I hope for at least another book to be coming soon.

[Edited: I’ve just been informed this ‘trilogy’ is now actually a quartet. So there is one more book to look forward to!]

Thanks to Pan Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review.

About the author

PC was born in the Midwest, and, after her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. PC is a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, Booksellers’ Best, and many, many more. Ms. Cast is an experienced teacher and talented speaker who lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable pack of dogs, her crazy Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses.

Find Christine on: goodreads | website | twitter | facebook | instagram

Review: Sun Warrior by P.C. Cast

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Sun Warrior (Tales of a New World #2) by P.C. Cast

The second novel in the epic ‘Tales of a New World’ trilogy by New York Times bestselling author P.C. Cast.

The battle lines have been drawn.

Once from rival clans, Mari, an Earth Walker, and Nik, a Companion, now find themselves fighting to save each other and their people from destruction.

Thaddeus has betrayed his own people, killing Nik’s father and destroying their entire clan. But he wants more. He wants the power he believes Mari has stolen from him and his people, and he will do anything to get it back, even if it means destroying everything in his path. There is only one way to stop Thaddeus, and it means a harrowing journey for Mari and Nik into the heart of darkness.

“P.C. Cast builds an engaging world and cleverly smudges the line between fantasy and speculative fiction . . . the world and the slowly rising tension of the story are spooky, compelling and fun.” Good Reading

Published 30 October 2017 | Publisher: Pan Australia | RRP: AUD$18.99

My Blurb (3.5 / 5 stars)

Please note this is a review of book 2 of Tales of a New World trilogy, click here for Moon Chosen’s (book 1) review,

This book made me totally heartsick. I was heartsick for my pug who died a few years ago. We’ve yet to adopt a new dog though we have been talking it over a lot this year. But it would have been perfect to have a four-legged companion or two to cuddle while reading this book.

Sun Warrior picked up immediately after the end of Moon Chosen (book 1) and we found Nik & Mari escaping from the fire & chaos. Without giving too much away, a lot of bad things have happened near the end of book 1 which made it impossible for Nik & Mari to live peacefully in this area. This big book expanded on the consequences of the previous bad things and add to that the even more big bad awful things that are about to unfold in book 3, Sun Warrior. Unfortunately, it does feel like a filler book where a lot has happened but nothing really happen…

There were certain choices made in this book which I questioned and hoped they’d be explained in the next book. I found it also a little strange and maybe even irksome that all the power seem to be in Mari. I keep hoping something to happen to Nik but errr, he just seems hopeless?! I get the matriarchal society and equality etc etc etc but all the power appears to be Mari’s… I am glad that I waited to read this book because it raises a lot of questions I’m hoping to be answered very soon.

Whilst this trilogy is mostly told from Nik’s & Mari’s POVs, there are a few other minor POVs just so we know what’s happening in other locations. I actually found these characters to be a lot more interesting! Maybe cuz they sounded a little crazy from my point of view; they are what this story dark.

I have mostly enjoyed Sun Warrior though it’s a rather long read and I wished I had a dog I could cuddle up with (especially when any of the four-legged companions were hurt!). It wasn’t a hard read but did feel a little like a filler, an in between book. Hopefully, book 3, Wind Rider, will fulfil all promises made in Sun Warrior.

Thanks to Pan Australia for copy of book in exchange of honest review.

About the author

Find Christine on: goodreads | website | twitter | facebook | instagram

Blog Tour: Black Jade by Kylie Chan

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Dog Eared Publicity is pleased to bring you Kylie Chan’s BLACK JADE virtual book tour September 26 to October 21!

Inside the Book:

Title: Black Jade
Author: Kylie Chan

Release Date: September 27, 2016

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Genre: Paranormal

Format: Ebook/Paperback

From the international bestselling author of The Dark Heavens and Journey to Wudang series..

The Heavenly defenses struggle to hold against the combined might of the Eastern and Western demon hordes. The God of War Xuan Wu is now at full strength — but is his might enough to safeguard the realm when half the Heavens are already in their hands? John and Emma fight a last-ditch desperate struggle to conserve their kingdom and their protect their families.

But will the kingdom ever be the same again?

Meet the Author:

Kylie Chan married a Hong Kong national in a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony in Eastern China, lived in Australia for ten years, then moved to Hong Kong for ten years and during that time learnt a great deal about Chinese culture and came to appreciate the customs and way of life.

In 2003 she closed down her successful IT consultancy company in Hong Kong and moved back to Australia. She decided to use her knowledge of Chinese mythology, culture, and martial arts to weave a story that would appeal to a wide audience.

Since returning to Australia, Kylie has studied Kung Fu (Wing Chun and Southern Chow Clan styles) as well as Tai Chi and is now a senior belt in both forms. She has also made an intensive study of Buddhist and Taoist philosophy and has brought all of these together into her storytelling.

Kylie is a mother of two who lives in Brisbane.

Visit her at http://www.kyliechan.com

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Tour Schedule

Monday, September 26 – Book featured at Books, Dreams, Life

Book featured at 3 Partners in Shopping

Tuesday, September 27 – Guest blogging at Centeno Books

Wednesday, September 28 – Interviewed at I’m Shelf-ish

Thursday, September 29 – Book featured at A Title Wave

Friday, September 30 – Book featured at Bound 2 Escape

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Monday, October 3 – Book featured at CBY Book Club

Tuesday, October 4 – Guest blogging at Voodoo Princess

Wednesday, October 5 – Interviewed at The Writer’s Life

Thursday, October 6 – Guest blogging at The Dark Phantom

Friday, October 7 – Book featured at Book Cover Junkie

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Monday, October 10 – Book featured at Mello and June

Tuesday, October 11 – Book featured at The Hype and the Hoopla

Wednesday, October 12 – Guest blogging at Tien’s Blurb

Thursday, October 13 – Book featured at My Bookish Pleasures

Friday, October 14 – Book featured at The Review From Here

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Monday, October 17 – Guest blogging at Write and Take Flight

Tuesday, October 18 – Interviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt

Wednesday, October 19 – Book featured at Harmonious Publicity

Thursday, October 20 – Book featured at Celticlady’s Reviews

Friday, October 21 – Guest blogging at Tez Says

Guest blogging at Curling Up By the Fire

Guest blogging at Centeno Books

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Tien's Blurb

My reading blurbs

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Blog Tour: Black Jade by Kylie Chan

Inside the Book:

Meet the Author:

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Tour Schedule