A Creative Christian Fantasy! --"Darkfell" by Amanda Wright—Review

 My Review:

"Darkfell" by Amanda Wright is a creative and unique Christian fantasy! It is reminiscent of classic fantasy stories and allegories like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Ms. Wright’s writing is filled with vivid descriptions and she excels at world building. The characters are wonderful and ones you will find yourself rooting for. I love the classic good versus evil storyline. There is a lot of action and the brotherly relationship between two of the main characters is heartwarming. Thom Darkfell, mapmaker and lover of libraries, finds himself thrown into the adventure of a lifetime and receives powers he did not ask for. Readers will enjoy traveling with Thom and his friends as they journey through different realms to help save the world. Along the way readers meet star people and dragon people.  Will Thom be able to bind the dark realm? I want to give a word of caution that this book is more violent and dark and there is spiritual warfare throughout. Please be sure to read the content warning below. I commend this author for her creative story, and I love that this is another great option for teenage boys!

Content: I give this a PG-13 rating, especially due to the violence and graphic nature of the content. Some examples of the content are: violence and gore; mention of witches and sorcerers; someone curses, but the words aren’t written; mention of hell; spiritual warfare and demons; the word “hell” is used; mention of alcohol; men have their tongues cut out; people eat human flesh; an evil guy kisses a girl against her will. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Book Spotlight--"The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right" by Suzanne Allain

When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

When Arabella Grant’s wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She’d made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart’s content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.

     Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie’s great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she’ll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can’t tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book.

     Bella agrees to the scheme for her dear cousin’s sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she’s the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met “Lord Right,” worries what will happen when she reveals that he’s actually fallen for …the wrong lady.

 

 

Credit: Jonathon Allain 2019

Suzanne Allain is a screenwriter who lived in New York and Beijing before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband.

Purchase link: click here

 

A Clever Retelling that Will Take You Back to Oz--"The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine" by Lindsay Franklin—Review

   My Review:

"The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine" by Lindsay Franklin is a unique portal fantasy story that is a mash up of many beloved fairy tales and stories! It will leave you wanting more and remind you of the power of story.  It is especially perfect for any fans who want to jump back into the land of Oz after seeing “Wicked,” as there are several references to “The Wizard of Oz” and characters in this book even spend part of the story in that mysterious land.  

Emlyn, the main character, is a lovable, sarcastic girl who is dealing with the grief of losing her sister and wants to find out what happened to her. Emlyn loves stories and imagination and finds herself trapped in a world of stories. The world of Rivenlea is so creative. I love that there is a magical library that holds all the stories that have ever been written.  It was so fun to notice all the pop culture and story nods and references as I was reading. Emlyn makes friends who become like family and learns to better use her powers. There is a great message that stories help us better see reality, and they hold, shape, and instruct us. I especially love Frank the Wyvern. The end left me dying for the sequel! Readers, writers, and storytellers will love this unique fantasy!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: people think the main girl has gone crazy (but she really has not); mental health discussions; the main character is dealing with the grief of losing a sister, possibly has PTSD and flashbacks; a character curses, but the words are not actually written.

TW: talk of mental illness; PTSD/possible flashbacks.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I Loved This Next Installment to a Beloved Series! --"The Seaside Homecoming" by Julie Klassen—Review

 

  My Review:

"The Seaside Homecoming" by Julie Klassen is the third book in the “On Devonshire Shores” series. Julie Klassen has long been a favorite author of mine and I’ve devoured all her books.  This series is such a lovely series, and this newest installment did not disappoint. I loved finally getting to meet Claire, the fallen sister, and reading her beautiful story. Claire’s story is that of a prodigal daughter. She made a mistake and had to live in exile with her great-aunt in Scotland. Claire eventually makes her way home to Sidmouth. Will her family accept her back into the fold and break their oath to her dying father? Claire must learn to make her own way as a partner in a boarding house. The proprietor, Mr. Hammond, is a handsome and mysterious man (who has an adorable daughter). Will Claire be able to trust Mr. Hammond? I loved seeing the feelings develop between the two.  We also meet characters from other books in the series and see how they are doing. There is one character who still has a romance thread throughout the story that is not tied up at the end of this book. I am so glad there is going to be another installment, because I am dying to know how her love story plays out. “The Seaside Homecoming” is a tender story of family, love, forgiveness, second chances, reconciliation, and faith. I fell in love with new characters and loved how Ms. Klassen wove Indian culture into the story. The side characters are always superb in Ms. Klassen’s books. This whole series is very reminiscent of “Little Women,” and also gives a nod to “Pride and Prejudice.”  I would recommend you read the series in order, as each story is a continuation and builds on itself. I highly recommend this series!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content:  A woman is a “fallen” woman; someone swears, but the words are not actually written; possibility of abuse; mention that men swim naked at a certain beach; someone is pregnant out of wedlock; mention that someone committed suicide in the past; a man was drunk.

TW: mention of abuse; mention of suicide in the past.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Lovely Conclusion to an Amazing Series! --"The Muse of Maiden Lane" by Mimi Matthews—Review

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews returns this fall with THE MUSE OF MAIDEN LANE (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; November 19, 2024), the final installment of the beloved Belles of London series. Featuring a beautifully rendered friends-to-lovers romance, a fiercely feminist protagonist who refuses to settle for less than her worth—with a swoon-worthy hero more than willing to rise to the occasion—and poignant disability representation in the Victorian era, Matthews delivers the very best of historical romance with her signature blend of sophistication, wit, and achingly romantic tension.

With her unorthodox looks and her family’s dwindling funds, equestrienne Stella Hobhouse knows she is on a steady track to spinsterhood. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society, and her pious brother’s domineering restrictions have her convinced she’ll spend the rest of her days trapped in Derbyshire without a chance at love or freedom. Until she meets aspiring artist Teddy Hayes.

 

Teddy knows true beauty when he sees it, and it only takes one look at Stella for him to be convinced she must be the star of his next portrait. After a bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, he knows the importance of seizing an opportunity before it’s gone, and he’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him. The pair strike up a powerful friendship, and though Teddy seems to be the only person who truly sees Stella for who she is, she can’t risk her reputation to be known as an artists’ model.

 

That is, until Teddy offers Stella an offer she’s hard pressed to refuse. Knowing Stella craves nothing more than her freedom from until her brother’s thumb—and fighting for his own independence from his overly attentive family—Teddy offers Stella a marriage of convenience if she agrees to pose for him. Stella struggles to reconcile her growing feelings for Teddy with his pragmatic offer, but while Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their first meeting, she’ll discover it’s her heart he truly aches to capture.

 

 My Review:

"The Muse of Maiden Lane" by Mimi Matthews is a lovely conclusion to the “Belles of London” series! This series follows four horse loving friends during the Victorian era. This final installment tells Stella and Teddy’s story. Stella Hobhouse has always stood out due to her silver hair. Even though Stella’s hair makes her stand out, it is not always in a good way. She is used to being overlooked by gentlemen because of that very thing, making her somewhat of an oddity. Teddy Hayes is an artist who uses a wheelchair, due to being partially paralyzed by scarlet fever. Teddy sees Stella and is taken aback by her beauty and feels that he must paint her portrait, even though sitting for a portrait is considered scandalous for a lady of that time. Ms. Matthews once again brings her readers well thought out and complex, loveable characters. I instantly fell in love with Stella and her love for her horse, Locket. Stella feels more confident and independent with Locket. Teddy’s character brings great disability representation, while also being a three-dimensional hero that readers will root for. It is refreshing to see a male protagonist who deals with chronic pain. I love how Mimi shows what the reality of life would have been like for someone in a wheelchair and partly paralyzed, especially in that era. There is also a lot of talk about art, artists, and techniques that I found fascinating. Readers of Ms. Matthews’s books will love seeing characters from the previous books in this series as well as from her “Parish Orphans of Devon” series. I especially loved the house party setting and getting so much time with characters from other books. Both Stella and Teddy have things that make them different and considered odd in their society and they want to find independence. Combine these characters with a marriage of convenience plot and you have a winner! I only wish there were more books in the series!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of prostitutes and brothels; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; the words “da*n, “bloody,” “hell,” and “devil” are  used; characters drink alcohol; reference to someone being born out of wedlock and a bastard; talk of someone having a mistress; someone struggles with depression; a man wants his future wife to pose in the nude for him to paint; talk of wedding night and consummation; fade to black scene with kissing and undressing to underwear.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

 Photo credit: Vickie Hahn 2021

Mimi Matthews is the USA Today bestselling author of several historical nonfiction works and award-winning Victorian romance novels. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at www.mimimatthews.com.

Purchase link: click here

A Wonderful Classic Mystery! --"The Burning of Rosemont Abbey" by Naomi Stephens--Review

  My Review:

"The Burning of Rosemont Abbey" by Naomi Stephens is a wonderful classic British mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew! The book takes place in 1956 in a sleepy English village, where everyone knows one another. The village of Wilbeth Green, along with its abbey, Rosemont Abbey, is such a beautiful and atmospheric setting.  I felt transported to the village. Our heroine and amateur sleuth, Louisa Everly, is determined to find out what happened to her twin brother and does not believe he is behind the burning of the abbey. Louisa is stubborn, headstrong, brave and armed with lipstick and taffeta. She sets out to investigate on her own. Readers will love following Louisa as she picks locks, questions locals, pretends to faint and partakes in a high-speed car chase. During her investigation, she runs into an old friend, with shared history, who just happens to be the inspector on the case, Malcolm Sinclair. Malcolm and Louisa butt heads at first, but eventually team up to solve the mystery.  Sparks fly between the two as the investigation becomes more serious. 

I love all the history and fashion woven into the story. Even though Louisa’s sibling, Paul, is missing in the present time of the story, the relationship between Louisa and Paul is still very much front and center. There are lots of memories and flashbacks of Louisa, her brother and Malcolm. There are wonderful themes of forgiveness, class, family and sibling relationships and faith. I especially loved the lesson that the vicar imparts to Louisa about not thinking we are better than others and that the only comparison that really matters is who we are in Christ. This story of Ms. Stephens’ kept me guessing throughout and it was a great surprise at the end. If you love fashion, mystery and history, you will love this story!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a character smokes cigarettes, steals and is drunk; mention of drinking and gambling; a character goes to a place with a bar; the word “da*n” is used; mention of someone possibly having an affair; a man says he was in a compromising position with a woman; a child is a bastard; someone curses but the words aren’t actually written.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Best Book of the Year! --"Lethal Kings" by Victoria McCombs—Review

 

 My Review:

“Lethal Kings” by Victoria McCombs is the second book in the “Fae Dynasty” duology. I loved the first book “Mortal Queens” so much and I was wondering whether this second installment would live up to my expectations. Boy, did it, and more! This finale does not disappoint and wraps everything up perfectly. Althea is a mortal queen thrust into the fae realm. She must learn who to trust, make alliances, play chess, and may lose her heart along the way. Will she stay with Bash, whom she has developed feelings for, when their relationship is in jeopardy? She also must help the other new mortal queen as she starts her reign. Althea must learn to play the game of the fae and to navigate this world of trickery and riddles. I love seeing everything finally connect in this book and learning more about characters from Althea’s past.  It is wonderful to see family relationships come into play in this book and how close Althea is with some of them. It is satisfying to finally find out some answers, such as where the seventh king is and who can obtain his power. There are some hard things that happen along the way (if you have read the book, you know what event I am especially referring to) but the ending is so perfect. I do not know how Ms. McCombs expertly weaves everything together. I would recommend reading the first book in the series before reading this book. This duology is especially great for teens and those who enjoy fantasy and young adult books. I highly recommend this series. “Lethal Kings” is a pulse pounding, unputdownable book! 

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: characters drink alcohol; a side character used to gamble; a married man cheats on his wife.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Witty Austen Murder Mystery! --"Murder in Highbury" by Vanessa Kelly—Review

 My Review:

"Murder in Highbury" by Vanessa Kelly is a murder mystery that takes place in the world of Jane Austen’s “Emma.”  The events in this story take place soon after the events in “Emma.”  This story is perfect for fans of Jane Austen, witty stories, and murder mysteries!  You do not have to have read Austen’s novel to enjoy this charming book, although fans will be delighted with how true to Austen the author stays in “Murder in Highbury.”  Ms. Kelly gives readers a good explanation of events in the original “Emma” book, in case the reader is not familiar with it. As a huge fan of both Austen and “Emma” myself, I loved that reading “Murder in Highbury” felt like I was reading another one of Austen’s works. Ms. Kelly really knows her Austen and has a great grasp on the beloved characters. Everything they do and say in her novels feels so true to their character. “Murder in Highbury” is written with a wit and wry humor and Emma has some great one liners. The mystery is so well done, and I was fully invested throughout. I was able to guess who committed the crime, just before the reveal. Of course Emma would get involved in a murder mystery; and who better to write it than Ms. Kelly? I cannot wait to see what Emma gets up to next!

Content: I give this a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: the words “as*,” “hell,” “bloody,” “dam*ation,” “bastard,” and “devil” are used; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; sexual innuendo; characters drink alcohol, talk of people possibly being lovers; says someone isn’t a virgin.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Charming Romance with a Perfect Gentleman! --"The Gentleman's Confession" by Anneka Walker--Review

 My Review:

"The Gentleman's Confession" by Anneka Walker is such a charming romance! I had a smile on my face as I read this wonderful story. Readers will fall in love with this friends-to-lovers romance and even more so with our hero, Miles Jackson.  Jemma Fielding feels she needs to marry to honor her late grandmother’s dying wish and goes to the Matchmaking Mamas Society. Jemma is matched with someone but feels she does not know anything about love. Jemma decides to go to her old friend Miles for advice. Miles is one of the best male protagonists I have read in a long time. He is such a sweet cinnamon roll. The way he loves Jemma, even when his feelings are not returned, is so romantic. He is willing to teach Jemma about love so she can fall in love with and marry someone else, even though he secretly loves her. He is nicknamed “Mr. Romantic” for a reason! There is even a lake scene with a wet shirt! It is very reminiscent of the infamous lake scene from the Colin Firth “Pride and Prejudice” movie! Be prepared with your smelling salts!

Jemma, our headstrong, lovable heroine is a bluestocking and loves fashion. She also loves to support causes. Miles and Jemma have a group of friends called “The Rebels,” many of whom readers will recognize from previous books. You need not have read the previous books to enjoy this one, but I look forward to reading all the rest of the books in the series! The friendship between the Rebels is so fun and heartwarming. It is admirable how they come together for worthy causes and to fight injustice. There are also lots of historical tidbits in the story including cricket, fashion, and the Chios massacre of 1822. The author writes in a witty way and there are several humorous scenes that I enjoyed.

The author calls this book “romantic, witty and uplifting!”  It surely is all those things, and it is also a clean read. I highly recommend this book!

Content: I give this book a G rating. Examples of the content: the word “devil” is used; there is a rumor that someone was drunk; it says that someone almost uttered a swear word; there’s mention of a woman showing too much of her chest.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

"Ignite" by Kara Swanson Blog Tour (Review) & GIVEAWAY!

 

About the Book

Book: Ignite

Author: Kara Swanson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Can Mara survive in a world where the fire in her veins is worth killing for?

In a frozen wasteland suffocating beneath a dying sun, Mara is a young phoenix raised by her father to explode at his command. He’s the only one who can help her control her fire, and Mara desperately follows his orders to protect their phoenix family from relentless human hunters.

Her sheltered existence is shattered when her family mysteriously vanishes, thrusting Mara into a perilous quest to find them. Along the way, she unravels a devastating truth: her people may not be the innocent victims she’s been taught to believe.

When she comes face-to-face with the kindhearted Eli, she begins to wonder if the humans aren’t the monsters she’s always feared. What if the greatest danger doesn’t lie in the icy world outside—but in the truth of who Mara really is?

Fire and ice collide in this thrilling tale of a phoenix girl born with the power of a dying sun.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review

“Ignite” by Kara Swanson is a moving, powerful coming of age story of a phoenix girl named Mara. Mara has grown up sheltered and controlled. Throughout the story, she embarks on a journey to find out who she really is and what she was made for. Mara experienced a lot of trauma at the hands of those close to her and must learn to use her own voice and control her fire so she does not explode and hurt those around her.   She was always told that she needed to cut off her wings and tamp down her flames because she was dangerous and that was the only way to keep her flock safe. Then Mara meets some wonderful friends who bring healing and teach her that she can learn to control her emotions and flames and can use those very things to heal and protect others.

The story is a powerful allegory of mental health, especially those who deal with issues like complex PTSD. Due to the subject matter, the story is darker and may be hard for those with mental health issues to read at times, as it is so realistic and accurate. I personally found it very healing and empowering to read, as I have struggled with some of those things myself. I also love that Mara deals with chronic pain, something I have also struggled with. There is a great found-family aspect to the book and a lot of spiritual parallels, as the characters often talk about “the light” and “the Creator.” 

No matter what I write here, I do not feel like I can do justice to the beauty of this book. Moving, powerful, raw, healing, allegorical and mental health are a few words to describe this incredible read. I felt the full range of emotions and was encouraged after reading this. I highly recommend this to anyone going through their own healing journey and trying to find their wings.

I give this story a PG-13 rating, especially for the mental health aspects. Some examples of the content are:  a character deals with mental health issues; flashbacks; murder of a loved one; a character seems to suffer from PTSD or CPTSD; says a character curses, but the words aren’t actually written; violence, gore; animals are killed and harmed; talk of child sacrifice; a man was tortured and has no eye sockets; a woman tries to commit suicide; a character is physically and emotionally abused by a family member.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kara Swanson, Enclave Publishing and Celebrate Lit and was under no obligation to post a review.

About the Author

Kara Swanson writes stories about fairy tales and fiery souls. She spent her childhood a little like a Lost Girl, running barefoot through lush green jungles which inspired her award-winning Peter Pan retellings, Dust and Shadow.

She is also the cofounder of the Author Conservatory (authorconservatory.com) where she has the honor of teaching young writers to craft sustainable author careers.

You’ll find Kara with her toes in California sand as a SoCal resident, belting Broadway show tunes on weekend drives to Disneyland with her delightfully nerdy husband, or chatting about magic and mayhem on Instagram.

 

More from Kara

This story is one that has lived a hundred lives, a little like the phoenix it’s about —dozens of iterations and nearly eight years discovering Mara’s story. In this icy world beneath a dying sun, I was able to craft a story of a young phoenix girl who was more terrified of her own fire than the dangers of the frozen wasteland outside her underground hideaway. Who has been convinced by the father she loves that her flame is only capable of pain and damage — until suddenly, he disappears. And for the first time, she ventures out of her hideaway to discover that the frozen world outside is actually dying for her flame. And that the parts of herself that she has feared and run from…that there may be beauty, even there. That she can choose to rise from the ash of a world that doesn’t understand her, and use the fire in her veins to bring warmth and healing.

I hope you enjoy the adventure!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

By the Book , September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Live.Love.Read., September 29

Inspired by Fiction, September 30

The Lofty Pages, September 30

Hannahbandanarama, October 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 1

Faery Tales Are Real, October 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3

Min Reads and Reviews, October 3

Wishful Endings, October 4

Book Zone Reviews, October 5

Simple Harvest Reads, October 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 6

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 8

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 8

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 10

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5450/

"So True a Love" by Joanna Barker Review & GIVEAWAY!

Wow! “So True a Love” is an amazing book! I am so excited to be on tour with Just Read to share my review and a giveaway. See my bookstagram post on September 3rd over at @faerytalesarereal to enter. Instagram

 ⇒ Book Name So True a Love

⇒ Author Joanna Barker

⇒ Publisher Shadow Mountain

⇒ Tagline: Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

Danger and passion collide in a Regency backdrop when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

My Review

"So True a Love" by Joanna Barker is an incredible Regency romantic suspense novel! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it will certainly not be my last. This book hooked me from the first page and held me in suspense as I devoured and savored its contents. Ms. Barker’s writing is superb and keeps one invested in the story. I also love her use of humor throughout. The characters feel like real people, and I was so sad that I had to part with Verity and Nathaniel when I closed the last page. Readers will fall in love with Verity with her cleverness and stubborn streak. Her character reminds me of “Enola Holmes.”  Nathaniel is just a sweetheart, and readers will fall for this Bow Street Runner nicknamed “Sir Chivalry.”  This love story is one of rivals-to-lovers that is done so perfectly. The chemistry between the main characters sizzles off the page. I enjoyed their lively, witty banter. I must not forget their first swoony kiss! The side characters are all so well written and memorable as well. I am glad there is a story about Verity’s brother, Jack. Wily is another favorite. I appreciate that "So True a Love" highlights familial love, especially the love and sacrifices a mother makes for her daughter. I have been looking for more clean, well-written Regency books and I know I have found a winner!

I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content are: a character has tried whisky in the past; a character is said to have been born illegitimately and her parents aren’t married; characters drink alcohol; characters are at a tavern where people drink alcohol and are drunk; a man tries to assault a woman; it says someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; someone else has a child out of wedlock.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Purchase link: click here

"The Nightmare Virus" by Nadine Brandes Blog Tour (Review) & GIVEAWAY!

 

About the Book

Book: The Nightmare Virus

Author: Nadine Brandes

Genre: YA Science Fantasy

Release date: July 16, 2024

Some viruses go after the body. But the Nightmare Virus goes after the mind.

When dream technology goes wrong, a virus spreads across the globe,trapping people in a universal dreamscape. They call it the Nightmare Virus.Cain Cross is determined to find a cure . . . if he can decipher his brother’s chicken-scratch formula notes. But when he gets infected, he has only 22 days until he’s trapped in the mental prison forever. Now, every time he falls asleep, he must fight in a Nightmare Arena until he earns his freedom to live in the “new world” that exists only in the mind.

Then he finds a way to manipulate the Nightmare—to change it by mere thought.

Forced to navigate a world of nightbeasts, mistblades, and half-truths, Cain turns his focus to survival. When the Emperor offers him a LifeSuPod—and access to a cure—in exchange for a dangerous favor, Cain thinks he’s found a way out. But Cain’s new power threatens to take him on paths that jeopardize his very soul.

Will he continue searching for a cure, or will he swear allegiance to the Nightmare? And the bigger question might be . . . will he even have a choice?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

My Review

"The Nightmare Virus" by Nadine Brandes is a young adult sci-fantasy dystopian novel with some impressive spiritual themes! I have read all of Nadine’s books and this one reminded me the most of her “Out of Time” trilogy. It has more of a dystopian, darker feel than some of her more recent books. Nadine always produces such unique, multi-layered stories that pack a spiritual punch. There is a lot of allegory, but the allegory is not obnoxious or in your face, so it can easily be enjoyed just for the great fiction story it tells. I could read it again and I am sure I would catch aspects and layers that I did not catch on this first read through. I love that the main character is a male (we need more of that in Christian fiction) and that it is great for boys, with non-stop action and just a little romance. The plot is gripping, and action packed, and I often could not find a stopping place.

The story is “Hunger Games” meets “Gladiator” meets “Inception” meets “Ready Player One.”  I loved the nods to “Harry Potter,” “Lord of the Rings” and other fandoms throughout the story. Nadine includes great themes such as asking, “Where is the light in the darkness?” and encourages readers to examine how they are using their time. “The Nightmare Virus” encouraged me in my Christian walk and had me thinking about it throughout the day.

God most speaks to me through story, so I loved that this was a great, engaging story packed with Biblical truths (although they never take you out of or distract from the main story)! I have a feeling many of my fellow book nerds will feel the same way about this one!

I give this story a PG to PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: someone’s dad cheated on his mom; a character’s family member dealt with depression; a man curses, but the words are not actually written; someone possibly committed suicide; there is blood, violence, death, and battle scenes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Nadine Brandes, Enclave Publishing and Celebrate Lit and was under no obligation to post a review.

 

About the Author

Nadine Brandes has been known to do wild things (like ride a sleeper train across Russia) in the name of book research. She’s the four-time Carol Award–winning author of seven young adult books and has been a professional fiction editor for over a decade. She is passionate about Jesus, motherhood, and creating with the Creator. When she’s not busy inventing worlds and magic systems, she’s adventuring through Middle Earth with her Auror husband and their four Halfling children.

 

 

 

More from Nadine

“Really, God? Now?” That was my reaction when He told me it was time to sign a contract for The Nightmare Virus less than two years after a global pandemic. “No one wants a book with the word “virus” in its title.”

That was the first of many moments that revealed this book was not my choice to write or publish or even title, but was instead the Lord’s. I’d had the idea for over a decade. And while it had nothing to do with the 2020 pandemic it arose from the concept that this world is not our home. This world is temporary and yet, during our time in it, we—as Believers—know the path to freedom out of darkness.

It was a story I was waiting and waiting to write and share with the world and yet when God said “Go” I argued with Him. I was convinced this was the worst time to try and publish this book. I told Him I’d have no time to write it (as a mama of 3 children in 3 years with another one on the way at the time.) Yet God said, “I’ll make the time.” And He did. He paved the way for this book—both in my imagination and in my practical life—and that’s the best road an author can walk, one where her King has gone before her.

This book is unlike anything I’ve ever written and I know that can be either a very good thing or a very bad thing, haha. But God has made it evident that He has a purpose for this story, not the least of which was to draw me closer to Him while writing it.

As I prepared this blog post I thought I could talk about the characters or themes or plot…but you’ll encounter all of those things when you read it. Instead I chose to share the heart journey behind it. Readers may pick it up because of the title or perhaps they’ll pick it up in spite of the title. No matter how the story finds its way into their hands, I know that it is the Lord who got it there. And I can’t wait to see what sort of sparks come from it.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 31

The Lofty Pages, August 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Through the Fire Blogs, August 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

Blogging With Carol, August 4

Blossoms and Blessings, August 5 (Author Interview)

Inspired by fiction, August 6

Guild Master, August 7 (Author Interview)

Faery Tales Are Real, August 7

Live.Love.Read., August 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 9

Fiction Book Lover, August 10 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 11 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 12

Denise L. Barela, August 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nadine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/2d08f/the-nightmare-virus-celebration-tour-giveaway