Tag Archives: High fantasy

WHEN A MOTH LOVED A BEE (Destini Chronicles 1) by Pepper Winters

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WHEN A MOTH LOVED A BEE (Destini Chronicles 1) by Pepper Winters -review tour

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 3, 2023

“It’s taking everything I have not to touch you. Not because I want to make you mine but because every part of me screams that you already are.”

A pack of wolves hunt a girl who takes her last breath by a river’s edge.
She is found and nursed back to health by the kind-hearted Nhil people.
She has no memory.
No past.
And is given a choice that could change her forgotten life forever.

A pack of wolves adopt a man who begs for death in the grasslands.
Blood revives him. Flesh strengthens him. All while the alpha watches him as if he knows who he is.
He has no memory.
No past.
And yet…he’s drawn toward the smoke of a faraway clan.

And in that smoke, he finds a girl with the same mark on her thigh, the same empty mind, and the same forgotten language on her lips.

He’s convinced they know each other.
She’s certain they are strangers.
But the more time they spend together, the more tangled the truth becomes.
Their forgetfulness was deliberate.
To keep them apart.
To keep them lost.
To keep them from claiming their true power.
Because in that power exists a terrible choice.
A choice that could destroy the world…
…or each other.

••••••

REVIEW: WHEN A MOTH LOVED A BEE is the first instalment in Pepper Winters’ adult DESTINI CHRONICLES high fantasy series focusing on Girl aka Runa, and Stranger aka Darro.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Runa and Darro) WHEN A MOTH LOVES A BEE follows in the wake of the discovery of two injured and damaged souls, without memories of what happened or why. ‘Girl’ is rescued by a group of people who call themselves the Nhil, a ‘clan’ with affinity to fire, and as such their leader sees something in Girl that calls to his power. Meanwhile, the Stranger is discovered by a pack of wolves, wolves who will nurture and heal our story line hero but something is missing in both Girl and the Stranger, and not until they meet across the lands do they realize the part that is missing, is the other. The Nhil have plans for our heroine, plans foretold by the fires but the Nhil’s plans for Runa aka Bee are adversely affecting the Stranger, now called Darro aka Moth. Darro believes Runa is his mate, and refuses to allow anyone or anything to keep them apart, even if the cost is the death of everything and everyone.

WHEN A MOTH LOVED A BEE is a slow building, detailed, complex, complicated and ‘long winded’ (close to 1000 pages) story of power and magic; life and death; light and dark, love and loss. The saga is told in secrets and riddles; going around in circles as the ‘voices’ warn Runa and Darro without outright revealing the truth, as well as quite a bit of repetition, replaying many scenarios, recapitulating previous plot points. The premise is intricate, exhaustive and intriguing-the elements and nature (including animals) play a large roll in the lives of the characters; the romance is heart breaking and emotional; the characters are numerous, powerful, controlling and charismatic. WHEN A MOTH LOVED A BEE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Pepper currently has thirty-one books released in nine languages. She’s hit best-seller lists (USA Today, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal) thirty-seven times. She dabbles in multiple genres, ranging from Dark Romance to Coming of Age.

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She’s an #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. She’s also honoured to wear the IndieReader Badge for being a Top 10 Indie Bestseller.

After releasing two books with Grand Central, Hachette (Ruin & Rule and Sin & Suffer) Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work.

For all film and foreign rights please contact Erica Silverman at Trident Media.

Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian and Turkish. 

STALK Pepper: Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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Where The Night Consumes (Blood of Eith)by Gillian Grant-a review

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Where The Night Consumes (Blood of Eith 2)by Gillian Grant-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2022

When the lands they travel are as deadly as the enemies they face.

Bound together by friendship and the need to survive, the Wandering Sols loyalties are tested as their journey leads into the lands of eternal night. Evren Hanali, Gyda, Abraxas Kain, Arke, Solri Amet, and Sorin Trinity have no idea what’s coming for them.

Lured back to the Reino Terminan by the horrible news of her clan’s fate, Gyda finds herself under the thrall of the same unknown necromancer who now controls her undead kin. Her only hope is her new friends, but there are so many things she never told them.

Rescuing Gyda from a fate worse than death forces the ragtag team of adventurers to the very brink. But not only do the Wandering Sols have to save their friend, they’re going to have to confront a past that’s been haunting her and the secrets she kept. Their journey through the icy tundra is almost as dangerous as the enemies who are lurking in the shadows.

In the war against darkness itself, the biggest risk is exposing your secrets to the light of day.

•••••

REVIEW:WHERE THE NIGHT CONSUMES is the second instalment in Gillian Grant’s adult BLOOD OF EITH dark, high fantasy, adventure series focusing on twenty-three year old, half-elf, hunter Evren Hanali of Orenlion, and her ragtag team of misfit warriors who call themselves the Wandering Sols. WHERE THE NIGHT CONSUMES can be read as a stand alone but for back story and history I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from third person perspective (Evren) WHERE THE NIGHT CONSUMES follows Evren Hanali and the Wandering Sols, in the wake of their latest contract, a job in which they came face to face with the walking dead. A suspected necromancer in the far north is reanimating the dead, and another group known as The Ashen Bond has been tasked with uncovering the truth. Refusing to sit by idly, half-giant Gyda of the Wandering Sols, who had previously lost her entire clan to The Long Night, offers her services to The Ashen Bond but in doing so sets into motion a journey where not everyone will return. Hoping to bring Gyda back into the fold, Evren and the Wandering Sols go in search of Gyda, only to discover they are ill-prepared for what comes their way.

Most of the previous story line characters return including Sorin Trinity, goblin Arke, dwarf warrior Solri Amet, elf Abraxas Kain, Professor Elend and half giant Gyda. We are introduced to The Ashen Bond: Drystan, Sahar Al-Fasil, Nerezza Quill, and Vox, as well as Keres, and a young but powerful Vasa named Gail.

WHERE THE NIGHT CONSUMES is a detailed, complex and fascinating tale of adventure reminiscent of Lord of the Rings™ franchise; the varying facets of Dungeons and Dragons™, but most especially this instalment of the Game of Thrones™ fantasy saga wherein the story line delves deeply into a ‘whitewalker’ esque style of army and power. Evren, the Wandering Sols, and The Ashen Bond must face down an army of the ‘walking dead’, an ice-cold, frozen army of soulless men and women, who are of one mind, an army trapped in the ice and snow, protected by a monster of unspeakable terror.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Gillian Grant was born in Texas and grew up enthralled with fantasy stories of all kinds. As she got older, she often traveled with her family and imagined wild adventures while exploring the mountains of Colorado and the glens of Scotland. Back home in Texas, she took her love of fantasy to the next level and sat a group of friends down to play Dungeons and Dragons. From there, they built the world her first novel, Where The Shadows Beckon was set in. When she’s not writing, Gillian is normally juggling too many D&D campaigns, grooming dogs, and imagining her next adventure. She still lives in Texas with her two cats.

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WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON by Gillian Grant-a review

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WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON (The Blood of Eith 1) by Gillian Grant

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date January 4, 2022

As a hunter, Evren Hanali of Orenlion has probably seen it all and done even more, even though she likes to fade into the background. She prefers a solitary existence, doing the jobs she’s commissioned for and not much else. But fate has other plans. It seems she has a destiny—one she is only beginning to unravel. And unlikely companions and exotic places are only the beginning of her journey.

When circumstances beyond her control—and gravity—send her plummeting to what she fears may be her death, walking away unscathed opens a world of possibilities. Somehow, she becomes the leader of a motley crew of allies with a shared mission. Only it’s not clear what anyone’s end goal is, and trust is hard-earned. Still, the merry band of adventurers finds solace and friendship along the way—not to mention dangers galore.

In the instance of the Yawning Deep, as above is not as below. Add magic and mayhem to the mix, and Evren has the fight of her life on her hands. When one hard-fought win leads to revelations of lies, deceit, and murder, Evren and company must be willing to fight for what they believe—and each other.

Or die trying.

•••••••

REVIEW: WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON is the first instalment in debut author Gillian Grant’s high fantasy series THE BLOOD OF EITH focusing on half-elf, hunter Evren Hanali of Orenlion, and her ragtag team of misfit warriors.

Told from third person perspective (Evren) WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON follows hunter, half-elf Evren Hanali as she seeks temporary refuge in the underground city of Dirn-Darahl where she will meet Vasa Sorin Trinity, and his magical friend Arke, the goblin but their descent into the depths of Dirn-Darahl is met with a deadly explosion finding our trio on the fifth level, a level that holds the city’s most dangerous criminals. Upon their rescue, Evren, and her new companions she meets along the way, are task by the King’s second in command General Heliodar, with returning the Seeker, dwarf Goriryn Karas, an escaped political prisoner, whose search for his cousin, takes the team into an underground world of elves, giant worms, magical creatures and more.

We are introduced to a large number of colorful and eccentric characters including Sorin Trinity, goblin Arke, dwarf warrior Solri Amet, Seeker Goriryn Karas and his cousin cartographer Temsen Cartack, elf Abraxas Kain, Poig, warrior and half giant Gyda, Nobleman Malrus Ekan, General Heliodar, and Herald of Light elf Viggo of Andovine.

WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON is a journey into the fantastic of magical beasts, betrayal, vengeance, and war. As Evren begins her trek into the underground world of elves and gods, our heroine will discover deceit and treason are but the starting point to a war between the differing factions of elves, dwarves, and surface worlders.

For fans and readers of the Lord of the Rings™ franchise, and the varying facets of Dungeons and Dragons™, the familiarity is overwhelming down to the names of several characters including Herald of Light Viggo (snicker). The premise is detailed and complex-the world building is intricate, comprehensive and familiar; the characters are numerous, rich and often recognizable.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

 

 

Review:

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a fantastic fantasy novel, which is her first foray into High Fantasy. After finishing the book last night, I was thrilled, as I loved every moment of this story, and discovered that this is the beginning of a wonderful new series.   

We meet our heroine, Penellaphe (Poppy), from the start, as she is secretly in a bar, hidden by a mask, to check out the men and women enjoying each other’s company. Poppy does not have a normal life, as she is the “Maiden”, who is the chosen one, as her destiny is to Ascend to her place with the gods.  She has a year before she ascends, and lives mostly in solitude, with only her guards and her maid.  Despite her circumstances, Poppy is a strong, smart, independent heroine, and has been secretly trained by her lead guard how to fight and defend herself if needed. When she is hiding in a room in the bar, she meets a handsome stranger, who will in time change everything about her life. 

Hawke, our hero, becomes one of Poppy’s main guards, when one of them is killed in an attack by Descenters, who want to kill Poppy.  In a short time, Poppy will quickly realize that Hawke is the man she met at the bar.  Hawke was such an awesome character, whom you could not help fall in love with.  He was determined to win over Poppy, and nothing would stand in his way; even if he was very protective of her.  I loved Poppy and Hawke together, as the chemistry between them was sizzling.   Poppy tries very hard not to fall in love with Hawke, as he constantly teases and makes advances on her.  Wonderful couple, but do they really have a chance to be together?

Armentrout does an amazing job with this world-building, with gods, royalty, the mystery of ascension, as well as those the war against those they need to fight, such as Descenders, Atlantians, Cravens, Wolvens etc.  I do not want to tell too much more, as it would be spoilers, and this is too good to ruin it for you.

From Blood and Ash is an intriguing fantasy story, in a world filled with secrets, betrayals, suspense, action, mystery, passion and a wonderful cast of fantastic characters.  The last half of the book was mind-blowing, with tense violence, danger, constant action, heart wrenching and surprising twists.   In the forefront of this story is this wonderful romance between Poppy and Hawke; which will change everything about Poppy’s life as she learns the horrific truths along the way.  Who does she trust?

Bravo to Jennifer L. Armentrout, who has written such an amazing high fantasy, that kept me glued to my seat, unable to put the book down. From Blood and Ash was also a fun, enjoyable, as well as intense story line that had a bit of everything.  I am so happy to know that there will be another book, and possibly more in a series that is not to be missed.  I recommend you read From Blood and Ash, as I cannot wait for the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Own a copy

 

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Andre, The Kingslayer by Aubrey T. Copeland-Review and Interview

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Andre, the Kingslayer by Aubrey T. Copeland-Review and Interview

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 3, 2019

The year is 1427. The Great Revolution has been raging for eight long years, effecting every aspect of life in the Isobellian Empire. Countless are dead, and thousands of families have been torn apart. But the Empire still has hope to be freed.

Andreas Bellbrook is the Kingslayer: a prophesied hero destined by fate to steal the legendary sword Excelsior from the Black King Tiberius. With it, Andre will end the war by killing the Black King despite his immortality.

But Tiberius has grown wise to the Kingslayer’s destiny, and will stop at nothing to see him killed.

Soon, Andre is swept into a war that he wants no part in, and the only way for him to survive is to join the national resistance and steal the legendary sword with their aid. Before long, Andre’s life will depend on their victory.

••••••••••

REVIEW:“The war was almost over.
After eight long years of endless battles, the king would soon be dead. The reign of Tiberius would be known as the darkest in the history of the Empire. Never before had a king been so hated, and never had such hatred been so deserved. But thanks to a man named André (also called “the Kingslayer”), the Black King Tiberius would soon be a memory…..”

Wow!!
That was really good. Although the footnotes that were added after each chapter, were a little confusing at first, but explained much without writing it into the story, so you could skip the footnotes and not really notice too much.

After eight long years the bitter war would soon be over. The most hated king in the Isobellian Empire was Tiberius. He was a cruel and vicious ruler.

Andre is professed to be a kingslayer. (Either a slayer of kings or going to be a slayer)

We then face a long and deadly gave of cat and mouse, Andre must find a special sword in order to kill the “Black King” looking forward clues as to the whereabouts of the sword, all the while avoiding the imperial knights looking to end the legend.

It’s really well written and flows seamlessly from one chapter to another.
The battles are described well. And we get that sense of urgency. Andre needs to find the sword. And he needs to fight the black knight

The supporting characters are written about well. We have a few, that seem more important, a princess that needs to be saved.

It has magical elements in the story also. Wizards, wands and spells. A ring that give the wearer immortality. And a sword that can kill a King!!!

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

TRC: Hi Aubrey and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the recent release of ANDRE, THE KINGSLAYER.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please
tell us something about yourself?

Follow: Twitter/Amazon Author Page/Instagram/

Aubrey: I am a writer from central Arkansas, who is always down for a good book and a nice beverage. I love animals. I love the simple things. And yes, that includes writing. 🙂

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Aubrey:Honestly, it was probably J.R.R. Tolkien. If he had never been published as a fantasy writer, it’s likely I never would’ve written a single word of fiction. So, you can blame my work on him, though only indirectly.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Aubrey:The biggest challenge was the editing process. It is so difficult to find an editor that’s worth the money. Aside from that, another challenge was funding the book’s publication (since I am an indie author). Self-publishing a book that’s a quality product isn’t an easy task. That’s for sure.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of  Andre, the Kingslayer?

Aubrey:It’s a high fantasy that focuses on a man named André. He is the subject of a prophecy that says he will end Isobellia’s civil war by stealing a religious artifact (a sword called Excelsior), and by killing the Black King Tiberius with it. In order to do this, André must befriend all sorts of interesting characters, but I’ll keep you in suspense on what kind of characters exactly.

TRC: Do you have plans to write a series focusing on the adventures of Andreas Bellbrook, the Kingslayer?

Aubrey:I don’t currently plan on writing a series. I have an idea for a sequel, but it’s so obscure at this point that it may not ever happen.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning Andre, The Kingslayer

Aubrey:That’s an interesting question. I spent virtually no time researching or plotting the book before I wrote the book, but I spent a ridiculous amount of time editing it after the fact. During that time, I did research that I should’ve done at the beginning to make the book better. The whole process took about thirteen years, which is ludicrous because it’s not a huge book.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Aubrey:I do. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but we all do it. So yes, the cover image is a crucial part of the book as a whole.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Aubrey:I’ve never really thought about it in those terms. Usually, I just come up with an idea and see where it goes. So, I suppose I do a little bit of both, depending on the story.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Aubrey:I think you need to make the reader want to know more information. In a way, you should strive to make them curious about what is going on. I think that curiosity sells. If you can make them curious, you’ll make them want to keep reading.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Aubrey:I can’t write while listening to music. As someone with a severe case of ADHD, I find it way too distracting. So, no music has ever influenced the storyline of my books or my characters.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Aubrey:That writing a book is easy. In a way it’s very easy, but writing a book well—which is key—is quite difficult. If it was an easy task, I think more people would do it.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, knows about you?

Aubrey:I can blow bubbles with my tongue! 😀

TRC: Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

Aubrey:That’s a tough one. There are so many good writers out there. I’ve always enjoyed J.K. Rowling and Brandon Sanderson, but I’ll go with J.R.R. Tolkien because he influenced the entire genre in which I am writing.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Aubrey:Still trying to figure out my next project! Let’s wait and see, shall we?

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Aubrey:The only thing I can add is a big thank you for taking the time to conduct this interview. It makes my job easier.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food Pizza 😀

Favorite Dessert Ben and Jerry’s

Favorite TV Show Smallville!

Last Movie You Saw Ad Astra

Dark or Milk Chocolate Milk

Secret Celebrity Crush Scarlett Johansson

Last Vacation Destination The Rocky Mountains

Do you have any pets? I have three cats and two dogs. 🙂

Last book you read The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson

TRC: Thank you Aubrey for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of Andre, the Kingslayer. We wish you all the best.

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