Friday, December 30, 2022

Book Blast and Giveaway: Siba The Eternal Quest by B Singh



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

An epic journey of adventure, heroism, and self-exploration through the eyes of a teenage boy named Siba.

Siba’s life takes an exciting turn when his pet parrot takes him to a magical forest. He explores the mysterious forest-dwellers and the precious ancient wisdoms of the fantasy world when a sudden tragedy jeopardizes life on earth. To save the world, he must embark on a legendary journey to the Pole Star.

Siba encounters many mythical creatures and numerous thrilling challenges that jolt him to his core. They leave burning questions in his mind about the world and his own existence. He must dive into the dark labyrinths of his mind, for the last hope of saving humanity seems to be hidden there.

Can he solve the mysteries of the mystical world and his inner world? Can he complete his journey to the Pole Star and save the world?

A perfect blend of fantasy, mysticism, and spirituality that explores the answer to the eternal question – Who Am I?


Read an Excerpt

After hiding Celine, as Siba moved out of the crack, he saw the dragons were attacking his friends. They swooped and snatched the snow leopards with their steel-like claws. Streams of fire turned the ice into clouds of steam. Watching the snow leopards slaughtered and torn into pieces, Siba ran toward them to help. As he reached there, one dragon blocked his way and spewed fire at him. Siba ducked. The stream of fire hit the black armor but didn’t burn it. Siba was surprised to find himself unscathed. He remembered the armor was made from the dragon’s skin.

He got up at once and climbed the glacier. But his leather slippers slipped on the molten ice, and he fell inside a shallow crevasse. He felt a sharp pain in his right arm. He looked at it. His arm was injured and bleeding. He took his feathers out but couldn’t flutter with his right arm. He struggled with one hand but couldn’t balance to fly out of the hole.

After a long struggle and several attempts, Siba emerged out of the crevasse. But by that time, the dragons had already left, and their dance of death was over. Many snow leopards died. Many more were injured. Ajax emerged from one crevasse with one leg badly injured.

Musa shouted, “They are gone.” Several other snow leopards emerged out of the glacier from all directions. Holding his bleeding arm, Siba arrived there in tears.

About the Author:B. Singh grew up in a small city, Chandigarh, located near the foothills of the mighty Himalayas in northwest India. Since his childhood, he has always had an inquisitive mindset. He doesn’t settle for the pre-existing answers if they don’t make sense to him. Instead, he explores, experiments, and finds the answer himself. He has traveled across India from north to south not only for his education but also to explore different cultures and values. To continue his journey of exploration, he moved from India to Canada. After graduating from the University of Windsor, Canada, he conceived the idea of compiling his learnings in the form of a spiritual fantasy book. This well-crafted and awe-inspiring adventurous journey into a fantasy world is full of chiseled gems of wisdom that will enrich the lives of every human being on earth.

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Thursday, December 29, 2022

Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: gods on Trial: The Series - Beyond the Father by Opeshum Patroz

 


gods on Trial: The Series - Beyond the Father

by Opeshum Patroz

 


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GENRE:   SciFi 

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BLURB:

“Beyond the Father” sets the scene for the 8-book Sci-Fi Epic “gods on Trial: The Series,” delving into life’s determination to transcend all limitation.  Set on the planet Xżyber, citizens of the Sub-Median Region, imperfectly reborn into metal, oppress those who are organic.  Elsewhere, in the Central Kingdom, religion supports royalty’s brutal domination of the lowest class.  War over scarce resources is coming, revolution within each region is brewing, and none know of the eccentric god who created them. This being watches, has fascinating conversations with his often-wiser companion, occasionally learns, and rarely intervenes.  The many levels and threads of struggle distract nearly all from a far greater threat.  Meanwhile, the young Prince Anglid’s vision quest into the unexplored Area X may ultimately change everything.  However, just when you think you know the direction of the story, the author has yet another surprise.

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EXCERPT:

“Fleet number, rank, and make?” asked the assignment officer at GATE 11, on the central floor of Team Command.

“44772PX, cadet, 40% Non-Mollard,” the next in line replied, quickly.

“Cleared. Report to HAS 4 in Field 8,” the assignment officer abruptly responded. “Next? I need Fleet number, rank, and make!”

“23619RX, cadet, 30% Non-Mollard,” replied the next in line.

“You’re cleared. Report to HAS 1, in Field 10,” said the assignment officer. “Next!”

“Thank you, yes! I’m next,” responded another cadet, rushing up to the window. Her rucksack slid off of her shoulder, where the stub of a missing arm stuck out just beyond the sleeve of her shirt. “Here are all of my papers,” the cadet said, spreading out a pile of disheveled notes.

“Hold it! I just need a fleet number, a rank and your make. I don’t need your life story,” snapped the officer.

“Of course. I’m 24005RX . . . sub-cadet, 100% Non-Mollard.”

The assignment officer studied the cadet disapprovingly. “100%—non-Mollard,” he repeated, carefully scanning the cadet’s face. “Didn’t know they still let your kind in. And who is your commanding officer?” he demanded.

“Umm . . . Officer Liara, sir. And my name is Purvi,” continued the sub-cadet.

The assignment officer pushed the papers back at Purvi and frowned. “I don’t need all these papers,” the officer scowled. “And I don’t need your name!”

“I see. Thank you, sir,” Purvi responded, retrieving her papers. But then she paused. “But, you’re a Non-Mollard too, aren’t you?” she pressed. “In which case . . . well, it’s just so hard connecting with anyone here. My whole fleet is mostly Mollard, and . . .”

“Why are you still talking?” the assignment officer interrupted, while entering something into his database. “You’re cleared for HAS 12 over in Field 3.”

Realizing her gestures were unwelcome, Purvi quickly repositioned her rucksack and turned to walk away. But then she turned back around and reapproached the window, consumed by what had become a theme in her life—the burning desire to challenge what she felt was wrong. “Why are you so full of hate when you are still part flesh yourself?” she challenged.

Shocked, the assignment officer slowly looked up to meet Purvi’s bold stare and revealed the circuitry behind his colorless, prosthetic eyes. “How dare you talk to me that way, you little ‘scunt!” he seemed to growl through clench teeth. “How dare you even open your mouth to speak to me without being asked a question? You remind me of everything that shouldn’t be. You’re an unfortunate arrangement of flesh and mineral—with a mouth!” Growing even more impatient, the assignment officer stood up quickly from his chair. “You are just a waste and a burden to us all. Your kind shouldn’t even be here,” he sneered, leaning forward to make his point. “Make no error in. I am part of the new Xżyber and you’re . . . you’re completely expendable.” His voice became deeper, as did his frown. “Now get out of my line!

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Opëshum has been writing since she was a child, and believes that authors are selected by their characters to bring their stories to the world. Incredibly shy and introverted, Opëshum does not make public appearances. She prefers to remain behind the scenes as the characters in her books take center stage. Her current work, the 8-Book SciFi Epic gods on Trial: The Series™ kicks off with Book 1, BEYOND THE FATHER.  

Opëshum calls Sheridan, Wyoming her home, where she is currently writing Book 2 of this series. She lives in a modest Cape Cod dwelling on 3 acres of land where she lets a robust variety of sunflowers grow wild and untamed, while Aloe Vera and other succulents decorate almost every ledge within her house. An avid writer in the early morning and late at night, Opëshum often works on her manuscripts in rooms lit only by homemade candles.

She enjoys nature walks, full moons, and open spaces where she can stare up at the stars. 

"I live my life in the shadows, and I am shy. For I know that my appearance is not pleasing to the eye." - Opëshum Patroz

Review:  https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/book-1-beyond-the-father-gods-on-trial-the-series-opeshum-patroz

https://twitter.com/1iR3Publishers 

Website: http://www.1ir3publishers.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084210977128 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22660923.Op_shum 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL3YPKWN  ONLY $1.00

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GIVEAWAY:

Opeshum Patroz will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: Sophia Freeman Series by TX Troan

 

Sophia Freeman Series

by T.X. Troan

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GENRE: Middle-Grade Fantasy Mystery 

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BLURB:

Book 1:

EARTH AWAKENED ... SEED PLANTED ... PATH REVEALED.

What begins as a special trip for eleven-year-old Sophia Freeman and her father, leaves her trapped on a mysterious island with a tree boy and fantastical creatures. Later, she learns she is dying from an eternal curse and the only way to prolong her life is to drink the island’s sacred water. Can Sophia and her companions reach the fountain and defeat the guardian before time runs out?







 

Book 2:


THEY MUST RISK IT ALL TO REGAIN THEIR FREEDOM ... OR BE SEALED AWAY FOREVER.

Sophia Freeman and her best friend, Tim Charnal, must beat all contestants in a three-round Beyond Event organized by the mighty arbiters to free him from the penalty of murder and gain the islanders' trust. Entering the hologram and surviving environments filled with everything from hammer-throwing cave giants to a slimy tentacled sea monster, they will need all their courage, wits, and skills. But how are they going to win when magic is forbidden?

 


Book 3:



EVIL RISING ... ISLANDERS MISSING ... AND FRIENDS BETRAYING.

With the increase in deaths of Pandilone Islanders, the arbiters devise a strategy to free the god demon within five days to lift the Eternal Curse. All goes as planned until iron-masked creatures kidnap magic users, weakening the army. To gain reinforcements, Sophia Freeman, Tim Charnal, and rescued Allen Chan must gather all six items to cast the Dream Spell, connecting them with Sophia’s father and his air force. But how can the trio succeed in time while surrounded by enemies and traitors aiming to stop them at any cost?

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EXCERPT:

“So, what’s on your agenda today, my dear?” Grandma asked.

“Dad and I are going to explore his new island after this,” she replied, sitting on the edge of her seat.

“Oh, yes, your father told me about that on the phone last night,” said Grandpa, then gave Sophia a serious look. “My girl, do you know why all the previous owners vanished?”

Sophia shook her head slightly, but kept watching him without blinking.

“Rumors say the place possesses some sort of magical energy. As dusk arrives, the island comes to life: boulders begin to quake, monstrous trees uproot themselves, and mysterious creatures crawl out of their homes. They will do anything to protect their island … especially from humans.”

Sophia’s eyes widened and her hands began to sweat.

“Joe, that’s enough!” Dad ordered. “You’re scaring her.”

“That was very mean of you, Joe,” Grandma added.

Grandpa chuckled. “Well, it looks like I haven’t loss my touch. You’re still that innocent girl that I used to know.”

Sophia sighed with relief. He must have been teasing.

When she was a lot younger, Grandpa used to tell her ghost stories and it would frighten her every time. The all-time best story was about an invisible spirit that watches us from behind since the day we were born. It would one day transfer our soul to a magical place when we are ready to go. He told the little girl it was time for him to go and would never return. She burst into tears and tried to convince him it wasn’t time yet. She stayed with him that whole night and never let him out of her sight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Thuan Doan was born in Indonesia, and grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. 

Thuan has been fascinated by art from a young age, especially fantasy. He would wake up hours before school, sit outside the classroom, and scribble in his sketch book. 

After college, he worked on a series of jobs, including: an advergaming association as a storyboard/concept artist, gaming company as lead concept artist, and graphic designer for various clients.

Thuan conceived his first middle-grade fantasy novel, Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain, during a trip to Gabriola Island, British Columbia in the summer of 2013. Then he took his work and settled in a small town of Enderby, where it’s peaceful and quiet. 4 years later, the story is complete. While book 1, 2 and 3 are being shared with the world, he's writing and illustrating book 4 of the Sophia Freeman series.

Thuan is writing under a pen name of T.X. Troan. “X” stands for Xu, his grandmother’s name who passed away. And “Troan” is a combination of his parents' names.

“No matter how this turns out, I want my family to be a part of this wonderful journey.”

T.X. Troan married Sarah, his original fan and longtime love, in 2016. They live in Enderby with their pack dogs and school of fish! 

AWARDS

★ Entrada Publishing Incipere Award, 2020

★ Readers' Favorite 5 star Badge, 2019, 2021 and 2022

★ Literary Titan Badge, 2020


Book Links:

Author Website

www.txtroan.com

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5M559C1

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/t.x.%20troan

Walmart

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sophia-Freeman-Sophia-Freeman-and-the-Mysterious-Fountain-Book-1-Series-1-Paperback-9781999481308/820434750

Indie Bound

https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781999481308

Book Depository 

https://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=t%20x%20troan&search=Find+book


Social Media:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TXTroan

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/txtroan/

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18815756.T_X_Troan

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GIVEAWAY:

T.X. Troan will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Review Tour and Giveaway: The Peninsula by Amy Craig


The Peninsula

by Amy Craig

 

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GENRE: Romantic Suspense

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BLURB:

Hadley lost her sister to cancer. When an explosion puts her in the middle of a family squabble, Johann asks for a week of discretion to protect his brother. Torn between her research and the loneliness in his gaze, she agrees, but family dynamics upend her understanding of loyalty. 

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EXCERPT:

 “What did you mean by the good nephew?” Hadley unfurled her napkin and placed the cloth in her lap. “How many nephews do you have?”

He swirled the ice in his water and smiled. “Two to be exact.”

“And the bad one?”

“He won’t trouble you.” His expression tightened. “To succeed with your research, you need Johann’s discipline and his deep pockets. He’s the right choice.”

His proclamation unnerved her. Dr. Stefan’s guidance usually came with hints of old-world aftershave, not ultimatums. Uncertainty raised gooseflesh on her skin, and she wondered if a family investor would be too close to home. She refused to start the meeting at a disadvantage. “What happened to peace, love, and horizontal organizational structures?”

Rubbing the condensation off his glass, he shook his head. “That’s not how life works in Germany.” He looked up. “Trust me, my dear, the view is much better from the top.”

His bittersweet smile struck a chord in her heart, but his hidden vulnerability intrigued her. Adjusting her seat, she acknowledged her impending graduation signaled the end of his guidance but hoped their relationship would mature to friendship. What tradeoffs have you made, Dr. Stefan?

The server walked into the courtyard and presented a bottle of cabernet.

Turning, Dr. Stefan scanned the label and nodded. “Very good.”

Wordlessly, the server filled their glasses and accepted two dishes from a busser. “Smoke-tinged artichokes and roasted eggplant skewers.” He placed the dishes on the table and backed away.

She caught his appraising stare, but she looked away and focused on the garlicky yogurt sauce and delicate olives edging the plate. The eggplant glistened with olive oil. Licking her lips, she raised her glass of wine and wondered if she could begin. “Your nephew is late.”

“By design, I’m sure,” Dr. Stefan said. “Johann doesn’t make mistakes.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Amy Craig lives in Louisiana with her family and a small menagerie of pets. She writes contemporary romances featuring intelligent heroines. She can't always vouch for the men. In her spare time, she plays tennis and expands her husband’s honey-do list. Before pursuing writing, she worked as an oilfield engineer, project manager, and incompetent waitress. For more information and giveaways, visit www.amy-craig.com 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/amycraig

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@authoramycraig

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoramycraig

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18011214

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-craig

Website: https://www.amy-craig.com/ 

Buy Link THE PENINSULA:  

https://www.amazon.com/Peninsula-Amy-Craig/dp/1509242538/

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GIVEAWAY: 

Amy Craig will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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My Review: 

The Peninsula is the first book I have read by Amy Craig. After reading this one, it will not be the last.  I enjoyed the mystery and suspense with a few twists and turns that I could not have predicted. I thought the main characters, Hadley and Johann, had great chemistry. I admit that it started off rather slow the first few chapters. I am so glad I continue to read as I quickly was engaged and had to keep reading to see what would happen from scene to scene.

I am giving The Peninsula four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading romantic suspense. I would love to read more by Amy Craig in the future to see where she will take her characters and readers to next. 

I received a digital copy of The Peninsula from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Monday, December 26, 2022

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Judy in Disguise by Jennifer Lynn Cary

About the Book


Book:
Judy in Disguise

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: November 4, 2022

She wants her history to stay hidden…

…He’s trying to break free of his past

But as they reveal themselves to each other, can they carry out their covert mission?

Judy Larkin has been shy to show her true self ever since the worst day of her life. Which makes her the perfect target for her Simon Legree wannabe boss. He knows the right buttons to push making noncompliance next to impossible. But is she really the type of person to do this kind of thing? Especially with the boss’s preppy nephew?

Geoff Spooner has let himself be manipulated for too long but coming out from under his uncle’s thumb will cost him. Is he willing to pay the price? Could be this last demand will be the straw that breaks him free, but what will he lose in the bargain? His self-respect?

It’s 1972. Join Judy and Geoff in this quirky misadventure as they go undercover to discover who they really are, what the cardinal in the sycamore has to say, and what they are truly equipped to do.

You will love this sweet, clean tale inspired by the song “Judy in Disguise” because everyone roots for the underdog.

Get Judy in Disguise today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Judy in Disguise is the first book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

 

More from Jennifer

Have you ever been to a party and had so much fun you hated to leave? That’s how I felt when I finished up The Weather Girls. I fell in love with the characters and the memory lane saunter through my hometown of Kokomo, Indiana.

Then, chatting with a good writing friend, I realized I could have a spin-off series where Ferguson House, the business, and of course the cardinal and the sycamore tree all play a part.

The friends from the original series could drop by the stories, but these would be stand-alones. I also wanted to make these stories fun as well as heartwarming.

Then I had the question–where to get the story inspirations?

The same place I got it for Sunny, Stormy, and Windy—the oldies station.

That’s when I Googled song titles from the 60s that had girls’ names in them. When “Judy in Disguise” popped up, I knew it had to be the first of the new Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. The story ideas came fast and furious.

I am so excited about this new series, and I hope you will be too as familiar song titles get new plot points. Come join me at the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, December 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 18 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Connie’s History Classroom, December 20

Texas Book-aholic, December 21

deb’s Book Review, December 22

Spoken from the Heart, December 23

Cover Lover Book Review, December 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26

Stories By Gina, December 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 29

For the Love of Literature, December 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 30


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23239/judy-in-disguise-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

I found Judy in Disguise to be a fun and delightful book to read. I was intrigued with going back in time to when I grew up in the 1970s and meeting the characters of Judy and Geoff. It was so great getting to know them and seeing them grow throughout. Some of their scenes made me laugh out loud at times and others that warmed my heart. I loved their story that kept me entertained from start to finish. I thought it was great. 

I am giving Judy in Disguise five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I will definitely be looking for more by Jennifer Lynn Cary in the future. 

I received a digital copy of Judy in Disguise from the publisher, was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Friday, December 23, 2022

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Calor by J J Fischer

About the Book


Book: 
Calor

Author: J.J. Fischer

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: December 6, 2022

What if you could edit memories with a single touch?

The world-that-was is gone, lost to everything except living memory . . . but remembering comes at a terrible price. Sixty-two years after the apocalypse, a new society has emerged from the ashes of the old world where highly valued memories are traded and nostalgia is worth dying—and even killing—for.

Enslaved by a cruel master, Sephone Winter is forced to use her rare ability to manipulate memories to numb the darkest secrets of the ruling aristocracy.

Then Lord Adamo appears, speaking of a powerful relic capable of permanently erasing memories and recovering Sephone’s own lost childhood. But not everything about the young lord is as it seems, and soon Sephone must choose between helping Lord Adamo forget his past or journeying deep into the land of Lethe, where the truth about who she really is might finally be revealed . . . and a long desired future restored.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

J.J. Fischer’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals she painstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five, to rather limited acclaim. Jasmine began writing her first proper novel at age fourteen, which eventually became her debut fantasy series, The Darcentaria Duology, which was published in 2021. She is a clinically-trained psychologist but no, she cannot read your mind. When she isn’t killing defenseless house plants, Jasmine enjoys devouring books, dabbling in floristry, playing the piano, and wishing it rained more often. Jasmine is married to David, and together they make their home a couple of hours north of Sydney, Australia.

 

More from J.J. Fischer

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you could selectively edit your memories with a single touch? What would you choose to erase, if anything? What memories would you spotlight?

 

What if you could transplant someone else’s memories into your own mind (and yours into someone else’s)? What would you choose to take? What would you choose to give away?

 

Influencing and transplanting memories is the gift of the female main character of Calor, Sephone Winter. Her gift was inspired by my own career as a clinically-trained psychologist, working with people who frequently have pasts they wish they could forget and who so often struggle to recall the good in their lives amongst all the bad. In neuropsychology we say that our minds stick like Velcro to the negative, but are like Teflon with the positive. And I think that’s very true—it’s hard to be grateful, joyful, positive, and gracious when we live in a fallen world where there’s so much sin, pain, and darkness.

 

Calor is a fantasy transformation of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved 1843 tale The Nightingale (with echoes of the myths of Hades and Persephone). If you’ve never read The Nightingale, it’s worth diving into and it’s not a long story—it’s the tale of a nightingale who sings beautifully for the Emperor of China and is admired by all, only to be replaced with a mechanical, bejeweled substitute. Later on, when the substitute breaks and the Emperor lies dying, the flesh-and-blood bird returns and sings so beautifully that Death decides to spare the Emperor, and his kingdom is restored. The Emperor realizes what a great treasure he has possessed.

 

Calor is set in a futuristic fantasy society where people trade in memories of the world-that-was (essentially, nostalgia) because they can no longer experience it for themselves. They’re either living in the past, craving the “glory days” and immersing themselves in various pleasures, or selectively numbing bad memories, erasing everything which would take them away from the here-and-now, but at the price of their own humanity and self-awareness. You can see the obvious links to Andersen’s The Nightingale—this is a world which has embraced the imitation at the cost of the real. And though this story is fictitious, Calor really holds a mirror up to us as a society because, increasingly, I think that’s what we’re doing in the West. Our pasts are deeply painful and the future is terrifyingly uncertain, so we inhabit the space between—a space devoted to the pursuit of pleasure.

 

As you read Calor, I want to challenge you to think of all the times in your life when you embrace the imitation or the simulation over the real. No, I’m not talking about using fresh turmeric instead of powdered turmeric in your cooking, or throwing away your camera and basking in the mountain scenery out from behind a lens, but you get the idea. How do you rely on the world to fulfill God-shaped needs and longings? Are you dwelling among echoes of the truth rather than seeking the truth itself? To where (or to whom) does your pain drive you, and how can you let it drive you into the arms of your Creator instead?

 

Whoever you are, wherever you are, it is my dearest hope that this story entertains you and blesses you and encourages you, and speaks to your soul in the same way that Andersen’s tale first spoke to me.

 

Cherish the Real,

 

Jasmine

 

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Wishful Endings, December 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16

Through the Fire Blogs, December 17 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 18

Inklings and notions, December 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 20

Blossoms and Blessings, December 21 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, December 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 23

Blogging With Carol, December 24

Rebecca Tews, December 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 27

For Him and My Family, December 28

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, J.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of the book, a signed bookplate, and four character art cards commissioned especially for the book release!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/23237/calor-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Calor is the start to J J Fischer’s The Nightingale Trilogy. It is, also, my first experience in reading their books. I am not a huge of the fantasy genre but I still thought it was a pretty good read. It is a little slower at times than what I am used to but the pace picked up quickly. I was captivated by the characters of Sephone Winter and Lord Adamo. I liked they story. 

I am giving Calor four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fantasy and / or science fiction. I am interested in reading the next book from The Nightingale Trilogy to see what J J Fischer has in store for her characters. 

I received a digital copy of Calor from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Walking in a Winter Wonderbound from Vault Comics Blog Tour and Giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERBOUND from VAULT Comics Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway! 

The Science Fiction, Fantasy, and spooky stories young readers imprint from VAULT Comics! 

Count on a flurry of activity around all WONDERBOUND original graphic novel middle grade titles! 

Here’s a list of all of the titles & authors participating in the tour! Check out each individual blog/Instagram/or booktok (schedule below) for more details on each book!


GHOSTER HEIGHTS by Corey Landsell, Kelly Mellings, & Lisa Larose (Illustrator)

HELLO, MY NAME IS POOP by Ben Katzner & Ian McGinty (Illustrator)

KENZIE'S KINGDOM by Shea Fontana & Agnes Garbowska (Illustrator)

POIKO: Quests Stuff by Brian Middleton

THE BROTHERS FLICK: THE IMPOSSIBLE DOORS by Ryan Haddock & Nick Wyche (Illustrator)

THE UNFINISHED CORNER by Dani Colman & Rachel "Tuna" Petrovicz (Illustrator)

VERSE

VERSE BOOK 1: THE BROKEN HALF by Sam Beck

VERSE BOOK 2: THE SECOND GATE by Sam Beck

WRASSLE CASTLE

WRASSLE CASTLE BOOK 1: LEARNING THE ROPES by Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, & Galaad (Illustrator)

WRASSLE CASTLE BOOK 2: RIDERS ON THE STORM by Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, & Galaad (Illustrator)

WRASSLE CASTLE BOOK 3: PUT A LYD ON IT! by Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover, & Galaad (Illustrator)

 

My Review for Ghoster Heights:

Even though Ghoster Heights is not marketed for adults my age, I still adored it. My heart went out to Ona. She learns some beautiful lessons about herself and others around her, as well. I loved seeing how she was able to find the compassion for others who needed and have a better understanding of what they may be going through without feeling sorry for herself. I liked the nice surprise in the end. 
I loved the illustrations in Ghoster Heights.  Lisa LaRose perfectly portrays Ona’s story and the pictures were a wonderful addition to the book. 
Ghoster Heights is getting five stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of nine and thirteen. 
I received a digital copy of Ghoster Heights from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


My Review for The Unfinished Corner:

The Unfinished Corner is an interesting middle grade graphic novel to read. I have never read about Jewish Mythology before. I was intrigued with this fantasy. I thought it was a pretty good book to read and a unique plot concept.  They are some valuable lessons that can be learned from within the pages. I liked it. 

The Unfinished Corner is beautifully illustrated by the talented Rachel “Tuna” Petrovicz. I adored seeing the vivid pictures as I read the story. They were a perfect addition to the book. 

I am giving The Unfinished Corner four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading fantasy and graphic novels. I am interested in reading more by this author in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of The Unfinished Corner from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win finished copies of every book featured in the WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERBOUND from VAULT tour, US Only.

1 winner will win eBooks of every book featured in the WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERBOUND from VAULT tour from iBooks, International.

Ends January 17th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

12/12/2022

Lady Hawkeye

Feature WRASSLE CASTLE/IG Post

12/13/2022

Mythical Books

Feature KENZIE'S KINGDOM/IG Post

12/14/2022

Sadie's Spotlight

Feature POIKO/IG Post

12/15/2022

YA Books Central

Feature THE BROTHERS FLICK/IG Post

12/16/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Feature GHOSTER HEIGHTS/IG Post

Week Two:

12/19/2022

Little Red Reads

Feature THE UNFINISHED CORNER/IG Post

12/20/2022

The Book View

Review/IG Post

12/21/2022

Sandra's Book Club

Review

12/22/2022

Pickagoodbook

Review/IG Post

12/23/2022

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review/IG Post

Week Three:

12/26/2022

Not In Jersey

Review/IG Post

12/27/2022

Nonbinaryknightreads

Review/IG Post

12/28/2022

@carlysunshinebooks

IG Review

12/29/2022

@pages.for.sanity

IG Review

12/30/2022

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

Week Four:

1/2/2022

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

1/3/2022

@froggyreadteach

IG Review

1/4/2022

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic

1/5/2022

FUONLYKNEW

Review

1/6/2022

See Sadie Read

Review/IG Post