#bookreview ~ Child of the Kindred: The Rienfield Chronicles: Book 2 @Mtmagee1013M #fantasy

Child of the Kindred

(The Rienfield Chronicles: Book 2)

By

M.T. Magee

 

Enter the realm of Rinefield, where love, danger, adventure and romance awaits you. Their world is changing and a new era has begun. Princess Laurel finds her kingdom of Gwenlais, torn and shattered from a bloody siege. Her people now looking to her, to help them rise above the ruin and misery inflicted upon their once peaceful and sheltered realm. Laurel and her beloved Prince Caleb, must find a way to unite their kingdoms, as never before. The enemy from a distant land makes a bold and savage attempt, to thwart the unity of the two kingdoms of Gwenlais and Heathwin. The odds have never been greater against the realms or the two lovers that hold the kingdoms together. Will their people and their love survive all they have lost? Will new life rise from above the ruins?

What did I think of the Book?

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and sometimes war is inevitable...

Princess Laurel is being held captive by the cruel and wicked, Warrick. Her beloved kingdom, Gwenlais, has been overcome with Warrick's men. There is blood on the street as Warrick's army plunders the kingdom. Laurel's only hope is that her husband, Prince Caleb, will bring the army of Heathwin to liberate Gwenlais. But time is running out for Laurel. Her life is in Warrick's hands, and Warrick is not in a merciful mood.

Well, M.T. Magee certainly kept us waiting for the second part of The Reinfield Chronicles, but boy, was it worth the wait!!

Filled with drama, war, love and hate, Child Of The Kindred did not disappoint. With elegant prose and characters that jumped off the page, this is a world that is very easy to get lost in.

Although both Gwenlais and Heathwin are fantasy kingdoms, it doesn't feel that foreign. I could envisage the grandeur of the Highlands of Scotland and the beauty of Ireland as I read. It is certainly a magnificent backdrop for a compelling read.

The characters are fresh and very real in the telling. Like before, with book 1, I loved the characterisation of Aiden, who despite being a secondary character is so much fun to read about. He is definitely my favourite character in this series thus far. I also adored Queen Alana. She is beautifully portrayed.  Queen Alana is a very loving, but strong woman. I liked her.

What I really liked about Child Of The Kindred is the realism, despite it being a fantasy world. When something bad happens to one of the characters they don't just brush themselves off and act like it never happened, they suffer, and sometimes it takes a long time to get over the event. I thought this especially applied to Laurel, Marina and the children. But despite the suffering their is also much humour in this book. I found myself crying and laughing almost at the same time! Not many books can pull that off! Well done, Ms. Magee.

If you are looking for escapism with a heavy dose of romance, then this is the series for you. Although on the blurb the author states this isn't a standalone, I think it wouldn't take a reader much to catch up with the story. But saying that, I do recommend starting with book one because it would be a shame to miss out on such truly unforgettable characters.

I Highly Recommend.

Links for Purchase

Amazon US

Amazon UK

About the author

My name is M.T.Magee I write bestselling YA Historical Medieval Fantasy that is beautifully romantic with whispers of Gaelic legend. On Mar. 31st The Treasure of Gwenlais received the 2015 Silver Medal Winner of Ireland's Drunken Druid Award Finalist for IAN Book of the Year Award 2016 for First Novel on Aug. 31st. On Sept.1st 2016 I received the Finalist Award for Readers' Favorite Book Awards Voted #1 On Listopia's Best Fantasy Romance (not urban).

I live in New England on our small farm with my husband and son. We raise an assortment of silly goats, quiet rabbits, far too many ducks and chickens, and a high strung Border Collie cross named Gronk.

 

#bookreview ~ Alice in Brexitland #political #satire @LucienDYoung

Alice in Brexitland

By

Lucien Young

Lying on a riverbank on a lazy summer’s afternoon – 23rd June 2016, to be precise – Alice spots a flustered-looking white rabbit called Dave calling for a referendum. Following him down a rabbit-hole, she emerges into a strange new land, where up is down, black is white, experts are fools and fools are experts...

She meets such characters as the Corbynpillar, who sits on a toadstool smoking his hookah and being no help to anyone; Humpty Trumpty, perched on a wall he wants the Mexicans to pay for; the Cheshire Twat, who likes to disappear leaving only his grin, a pint, and the smell of scotch eggs remaining; and the terrifying Queen of Heartlessness, who’ll take off your head if you dare question her plan for Brexit. Will Alice ever be able to find anyone who speaks sense?

What did I think of the Book?

A strange thing happened to Alice on the 23rd June 2016...

Seven-year-old Alice is lazing about on a riverbank with her sister when she sees a white rabbit. The rabbit seems to be in ever such a hurry. Alice foolishly follows David Camerabbit. He leads her down a rabbit hole and Alice finds herself in a very strange and confusing world.

Loosely based on Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland, Lucien Young has created the somewhat disturbing world called Brexitland. Here, our young heroine meets some very questionable characters, who say one thing but mean another. However, there is one question on everyone's lips. Should we vote to stay in the EU or should we vote to leave?

Alice in Brexitland is a satirical look at British Politics and the events leading up to, and immediately after, the vote to leave the European Union. It is what it is and that is a parody, it is very tongue-in-cheek! Very funny. It reminded me greatly of watching an episode of Have I Got News For You. There are some brilliant one-liners that made me laugh out loud.

The only problem I see with this book is that it going to age real quick, so if you are thinking of reading it, then read it now. It is a real fast read that you can indulge in over a cup of Earl Grey. Check it out if you have the chance.

* I received a copy of this book from the Publishers, via NetGalley,

 for review consideration*

 

Links for Purchase

(Available for pre-order.

Released 1^st June 2017)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

#bookreview ~ Legacy (Book #3, the Fire Chronicles) #Fantasy @Susiwright1

Legacy

(Book #3, the Fire Chronicles)

By

Susi Wright

'Think true, fly free and use your powers wisely.' Lord Thunis (Gaian philosophy) - much easier said than done...

Even in the idealistic realm of the Lord of Fire, growing up isn't easy; even more difficult for Essie and Ardi, who possess volatile talents no-one yet understands...

Their coming-of-age is forged by the unforgiving hand of Destiny. 

Can they play their part and survive their own magic?

Despite suffering a mysterious illness, Lord Luminor's benificence must now stretch beyond the bounds of the Known World.

Beyond the Impossible Mountains, Morvian allies suffer unspeakable atrocities at the hands of a barbarian horde. Without assistance from the Ancient Realm, it might be impossible to rescue many of their number.
Driven by destiny, courage and love, Luminor's intrepid daughter, Espira, must reconcile with her rebellious brother, Ardientor, summoning nascent powers to join the quest.

It is time for her to come of age, and regardless of her many talents, she will not escape the agony of love and loss.

There are precious lives to be saved, the Alliance to uphold, and Luminor's life-long vision, his legacy, awaits fulfillment...
The Legacy of the First Fire.

.

What did I think of the Book?

A wonderful coming of age story set in a fantasy world…

The Alliance ensures peace and protection. So when one of the Alliance's allies, the Morvian, are threatened by a brutal, carnivorous species, then Lord Luminor summons the army of the Known Kingdoms and sets out across the Impossible Mountains to come to their aid. The journey is fraught with danger, and Lord Luminor's powers are not as strong as they once were thanks to a mysterious illness.

Essie, daughter of Lord Luminor, has been hiding her true powers from everyone, for like her brother she is half human. An unknown. But while she embraces her powers, albeit secretly in some cases, her brother struggles with his. When he looks upon his sister, he feels resentment and jealousy.  He wants to have what she has. He wants it all. But will he be able to keep control of his anger in these desperate times of war?

Susi Wright has captured the essence of this fantasy world with her use of descriptive prose and rich dialogue. The world this book is set in comes across so vividly that it was very easy to get lost in the pages and time flew by while I was reading.

Legacy: Book #3, the Fire Chronicles is a coming of age story. Essie is an incredibly well-drawn character. She wants to do right by everyone, even her enemies. She is a genuinely lovely young lady. I also enjoyed the gently love story that accompanies this character. I think Ms. Wright has portrayed her beautifully. Well done.

The backdrop of this story is stunning, and I was happy to get lost in the world that Ms. Wright has created. I enjoyed the story, the plot, and the characterization.

If you like fantasy worlds with good vs. evil, then you are going to love Legacy: Book #3, the Fire Chronicles. This book works perfectly as a standalone, in fact, I haven't read the other two books, and by the end of Chapter 1, I knew exactly what was going on. I will certainly be looking to read the rest of the books in this series.

I Highly Recommend.

Links for Purchase

Amazon US

Amazon UK

About the author

Susi was born in London and grew up in the United Kingdom, with a passionate interest, and majoring in, literature, languages, history and art, before emigrating to New Zealand. She travelled Australasia extensively, before spending 20 years as a free-lance professional Australian wildlife and equine artist, expressing her love of nature and animals, while raising a family, on their self-sufficient farm in rural Queensland, Australia. Always an avid fan of fantasy and fiction, she now lives in Toowoomba, writing and illustrating her fantasy worlds to share with others.

#bookreview ~ Henry (Book #3 Of The Tudor Trilogy) #HistFic #Tudors @tonyriches

Henry

(Book Three Of The Tudor Trilogy)

By

Tony Riches

   

Bosworth 1485: After victory against King Richard III, Henry Tudor becomes King of England. Rebels and pretenders plot to seize his throne. The barons resent his plans to curb their power and he wonders who he can trust. He hopes to unite Lancaster and York through marriage to the beautiful Elizabeth of York. With help from his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort, he learns to keep a fragile peace. He chooses a Spanish Princess, Catherine of Aragon, as a wife for his son Prince Arthur. His daughters will marry the King of Scotland and the son of the Emperor of Rome. It seems his prayers are answered, then disaster strikes and Henry must ensure the future of the Tudors.

What did I think of the Book?

King Richard III is dead. Long live the King...

Henry Tudor has a secret. He never wanted to be king. But now, thanks to his family's ambition, and victory at Bosworth, Henry finds himself King of England.

Henry wants to bring peace to this war-torn country. The only way to do this is to unite the House of Lancaster with the House of York and thus put an end to this madness. Henry's marriage to Edward IV's daughter, Elizabeth, would unite the land. But this is a time of great uncertainty as well as unrest. Henry soon comes to realize that it is not just his throne that is threatened by the whispers of York rebellion, but his young family as well.

Henry (Book Three Of The Tudor Trilogy), opens at the close of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 and ends with Henry's death in 1509. I have read several interpretations of Henry's life before, but Henry (Book Three Of The Tudor Trilogy) keeps very close to the history. It doesn't sensationalist Henry, for better or worse, as others authors have done. I really like the way Tony Riches has portrayed King Henry. He is a very well-rounded character and totally believable. Bravo, Mr Riches.

I thought Henry's relationship with Elizabeth was beautifully portrayed. Mr. Riches shows that what started out as a political alliance soon grew into a love match. Henry clearly adored her and his children, and this came across in the telling.

I loved the portrayal of Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby. She's depicted as Henry's rock, the one he could turn to, especially after his Uncle Jasper's death. I was pleased to see that Mr. Riches didn't follow the modern trend of portraying Margaret as this power-crazed mad woman. Yes, she was certainly fundamental in her son taking the throne of England, but once Henry was crowned, Margaret became a valued member of the court and Henry's inner circle. Margaret always seemed to know what needed to be done. But as efficient as she was, Mr. Riches also portrayed Margaret as a loving grandmother, and she seemed to care very deeply for her daughter-in-law.

I think The Tudor Trilogy series is fabulous and you don't need to read them in order if you don't want to. It is a must read for readers who love the Tudor era.

 I Highly Recommend.

Links for Purchase

Amazon UK  

Amazon US

About the author 

Tony Riches is a full time author of best-selling historical fiction. He lives in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the fifteenth century, with a particular interest in the Wars of the Roses and the lives of the early Tudors. For more information about Tony’s other books please visit his website tonyriches.com and his popular blog, The Writing Desk and find him on Facebook and Twitter @tonyriches.

Cover Reveal ~ Desperate Knight (Book #2 of The Knights of Kilborne) #Historical #fantasy @kilbourneknight

 I just had to share the cover reveal of Desperate Knight. The art work is amazing, isn't it? I am a big fan of this series and it is one I Highly Recommend. Don't forget to enter the giveaway ~ scroll down for more details...

DESPERATE KNIGHT

Book 2 in the Knights of Kilbourne series

by award-winning fantasy/romance author

Keith W. Willis

http://www.keithwillisauthor.com/

Coming summer 2017 from Champagne Books

http://champagnebooks.com/

No time… No plan… No options…

No one said saving the world would be easy. 

Morgan McRobbie and Lady Marissa duBerry swing back into swashbuckling action, facing old enemies, new threats, and a diabolical conspiracy. Not to mention a more personal battle, one with hearts and pride at stake.

As the pair escorts Prince Robert to the dwarf king’s court, a fiendish scheme is unfolding, intended to hurl men and dwarves into a devastating war. Morgan ends up sidetracked by a kidnapped dwarf and a centuries-old feud, while a mysterious wizard’s revelations shake Marissa to her core, throwing into question everything she thought she knew about her past and future. And the advent of a rival for Marissa’s affections threatens any hope of a happy ending—if they survive.

Once again the desperate knight and indomitable damsel must hazard everything on a single throw of the dice, gambling on untested allies and unimagined weapons to save their world. And the odds have never been worse.  

Praise for TRAITOR KNIGHT (Book 1 of Knights of Kilbourne)

“…well-told story with a witty heroine, a noble-yet-flawed hero, and a colorful set of secondary characters. And a dragon! Let's not forget the dragon!” –Tegan Wren, author of Inconceivable

“…a witty and action-packed page-turner that takes the classic fantasy land and adds depth, character, romance and political intrigue to brilliant effect.”  -- SFF World

“I recommend Traitor Knight to anyone looking for a good fantasy with just a dash of romance.” – Long & Short Reviews

 

Links for Purchase

Amazon

Champagne Books 

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Giveaway

 

 Clink on the link and enter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!!

RAFFLECOPTER

                 

                        

About the author

Keith W. Willis graduated (long ago) with a degree in English Lit from Berry College, Georgia. He now lives in the scenic Hudson Valley/Adirondack region of NY with his wife Patty. Keith is certain those rumbling noises attributed to Henry Hudson's crew are really just the dragons grumbling. He began writing seriously in 2008, when the voices in his head got too annoying to ignore. When he’s not making up stories he manages a group of database content editors at a global information technology firm. TRAITOR KNIGHT (Champagne Books) is his first published novel, and has won awards for both fantasy and romance. The second book in the Knights of Kilbourne series, DESPERATE KNIGHT, is slated for a summer 2017 release.

You can find Keith:

On the Web:    http://www.keithwillisauthor.com

On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/keith.willis.581 (personal)

                          https://www.facebook.com/TRAITOR-KNIGHT-191368320972613/ (books)

On Twitter:     https://twitter.com/kilbourneknight

#bookreview ~ The Rogue of Islay Isle #Highland #Romance @HMcCollumAuthor

The Rogue of Islay Isle

(Highland Isles Series)

By

Heather McCollum

Cullen Duffie, a Highland warrior and charming rogue, is the new chief of Clan MacDonald. Determined to prove he’s not his father, Cullen works to secure his clan against the English. When a woman washes onto Islay’s shores, Cullen protects her from his uncles’ schemes.

Waking up not knowing who she is or where she comes from, Madeleine is at the mercy of the man who found her. Unable to speak from the swelling around her throat from a rope tether, she learns as much as she can about the new world around her and the powerful, sword-wielding Highlander who has sworn to protect her.

Through dreams and flashes of her past, Madeleine begins to rebuild her memories. But the more she recalls about the horror she escaped, the more she realizes the jeopardy she is bringing to Islay, Clan MacDonald and the Highlander who has captured her heart.

What did I think of the book?

How far would you go to save the woman you love?

Being the chief of Clan MacDonald brings with it prestige and great responsibility. Cullen Duffie feels like he is balancing on the edge of a sword as he tries to shoulder the responsibility of leadership. Not only that but there is a silent threat of war between England and France. If there is even a whisper of Clan MacDonald swearing allegiance to the French cause, then King Henry will not be forgiving.  The last thing Cullen wants is to be found harbouring a mysterious French woman who was washed up on the beach. But harbour her he must, for she is in desperate need of refuge and he can not, in good conscience, turn his back on her.

Oh, I did enjoy this book. The Rogue Of Islay is one of those books where you want to shut out the world, curl up under a blanket and just read!  Heather McCollum transported me back to 16th Century Scotland, and for a while, I was more than happy to stay there!

Madeleine "Rose" came across as a very strong heroine, despite all the terrible abuse that she has had to endure. She tries desperately hard to piece together her memories, even though she fears what she might discover about herself when she remembers. I thought her character was beautifully drawn and very real in the telling.

Likewise, Cullen was drawn with great skill. He has to do right by his clan, but he also has to do right by the woman that he has rescued. Cullen is honourable and not one to be swayed by persuasive arguments. It would have been very easy for him to abandon Rose, but he would never do something like that. So despite great opposition from his uncles, he stays steadfast in his decisions. He has promised Rose his protection, and that is the end of the matter.

The romance between Rose and Cullen was tender at times, passionate at others. Their love story is wonderful to read about and, more importantly, convincing!

The plot really speeds up so much towards the end of the book that it was simply unputadownable.

If you are looking for your next Highland Romance, then look no further than The Rogue Of Islay by Heather McCollum. You won't be disappointed.

I Highly Recommend.

Available for Pre-order

Amazon US

Amazon UK

About the author

Heather McCollum is an award winning, historical and contemporary YA paranormal romance writer. She earned her B.A. in Biology from the University of Maine, much to her English professor's dismay. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and was a 2009 Golden Heart Finalist. Ms. McCollum has four full length historical, paranormal romances released in both electronic and digital formats. She also has one short novella released in electronic format.

When she is not busy writing and answering calls of "Mom", she can be found educating women about ovarian cancer. She is a teal warrior herself and just finished slaying the ovarian cancer beast.

She currently resides with her very own Highland hero and three spirited children in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.

More information about Ms. McCollum and her books can be found at www.HeatherMcCollum.com

#newrelease #bookreview~ The Shadow Queen #Historical #histfic @anne_obrien

Today I am delighted to announce the release of…

The Shadow Queen

 

The Shadow Queen is the story of Joan of Kent, a tale of treachery, power-hungry families and legal subterfuges, in which Joan, a woman of considerable charm and beauty, played a central role at the Plantagenet Court.

‘What would enhance the pattern of my life further? One word slid into my

mind. A seductive word. A dangerous word, perhaps, for a woman. Power.’

From her first clandestine marriage Joan of Kent’s reputation was one of scandal and rumour.  Her royal blood made her a desirable bride, but her ambition and passion could become a threat to the stability of the Plantagenet dynasty.

Joan knew what she must do to survive, the political games to play, the alliances she must make, even if one man will always own her heart.  But would her ambitions bring her happiness?

A dramatic story of love and loyalty and of the cost of personal ambition, this is the story  of the woman who would ultimately seek power as the mother to the ten year old King Richard II, from the shadows of the throne.

The Shadow Queen breathes life back into this remarkable medieval woman, Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent of Kent.

 Links for Purchase

On sale in Waterstones, WHS and all good bookshops a well as on Amazon

About the author

Anne O’Brien was born in West  Yorkshire. After gaining a BA Honours degree in History at Manchester University and a Master’s in Education at Hull, she lived in East Yorkshire for many years as a teacher of history.

She now lives with her husband in an eighteenth-century timber-framed cottage in the depths of the Welsh Marches in Herefordshire, on the borders between England and Wales, where she writes historical novels.  The perfect place in which to bring medieval women back to life.

Visit me.

Website: https://www.anneobrien.co.uk

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

Twitter: @anne_obrien