About the Book:

Title: What the River Knows 

Author: Isabel Ibañez 

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: November 14, 2023

Pages: 416

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Historical Fiction 

Synopsis:

Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who frequently leave her behind.

When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old-world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.

With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own.*

I loved this book so much and it was one of my top reads from 2023! It’s been compared to The Mummy and Death on the Nile, and it totally gave me those vibes! I loved the setting in Egypt and felt like I was transported there to the past though the beautiful writing. Isabel took me on an unforgettable adventure! 

If you love witty banter, romance and ancient Egyptian history I think you will enjoy this one too! It had such an astonishing finish, and I CAN NOT WAIT for book two!  

About the Author:

Isabel Ibañez is a USA Today, Indie, Sunday Times, and #1 New York Times bestseller and the author of the Secrets of the Nile duology, Together We Burn, Written in Starlight, and Woven in Moonlight, which is listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time and was a finalist for the William C. Morris award. She is the proud daughter of Bolivian immigrants and has a profound appreciation for history, traveling, and writing stories where her characters are often running for their lives. She currently lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with her family, their adorable golden doodle, and an overwhelming number of books.

About the Book:

Title: The Unmaking of June Farrow 

Author: Adrienne Young 

Publisher: Delacorte Press 

Release Date: October 17, 2023

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fantasy 

Synopsis:

A woman risks everything to end her family’s centuries-old curse, solve her mother’s disappearance, and find love in this mesmerizing novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Spells for Forgetting.

In the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow is waiting for fate to find her. The Farrow women are known for their thriving flower farm—and the mysterious curse that has plagued their family line. The whole town remembers the madness that led to Susanna Farrow’s disappearance, leaving June to be raised by her grandmother and haunted by rumors.

It’s been a year since June started seeing and hearing things that weren’t there. Faint wind chimes, a voice calling her name, and a mysterious door appearing out of nowhere—the signs of what June always knew was coming. But June is determined to end the curse once and for all, even if she must sacrifice finding love and having a family of her own.

After her grandmother’s death, June discovers a series of cryptic clues regarding her mother’s decades-old disappearance, except they only lead to more questions. But could the door she once assumed was a hallucination be the answer she’s been searching for? The next time it appears, June realizes she can touch it and walk past the threshold. And when she does, she embarks on a journey that will not only change both the past and the future, but also uncover the lingering mysteries of her small town and entangle her heart in an epic star-crossed love.

With The Unmaking of June Farrow, Adrienne Young delivers a brilliant novel of romance, mystery, and a touch of the impossible—a story you will never forget.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

I have been a fan of Adrienne Young since her debut, and she has not disappointed me yet! She has become an autobuy author for me.

This book was amazing and one of my favorite reads from 2023! This book captured my heart and it was hard to put down. I just wanted to read it in one sitting!

If you love magical realism, love stories that transcend time, mystery, small towns, and strong female characters, then I think you will love this one too! I have been thinking about this one since I read it!

Highly recommend!

About the Author:

Adrienne Young is the New York Times and international bestselling author of the Sky and Sea duology, the Fable series, and Spells for Forgetting. When she’s not writing, you can find Adrienne on her yoga mat, on a walk in the woods, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

For information on release, appearances, ARCs, giveaways, and exclusive content, sign up for the newsletter at https://adrienneyoungbooks.com/

Instagram: @adrienneyoungbooks

About the Author:

Title: Our Divine Mischief 

Author: Hanna C. Howard 

Publisher: Blink 

Release Date: October 17, 2023

Pages: 384

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

A sweeping YA fantasy inspired by Scottish history and folklore, Our Divine Mischief takes readers on a journey told in three voices: a determined heroine, an outcast young man, and a wish-granting canine. Their adventure spans an island fishing village to the king’s court in a story about identity, belonging, and the love between a human and her dog.

The Goddess Trial is designed to push young people to their edge and mark their coming of age, but Áila LacInis is ready for whatever it brings. She sets sail from her small fishing village to the island of the goddess Yslet, fully expecting a divine encounter, but what she finds is … nothing at all. The goddess is completely absent, and the only thing on the island is a dirty, mangy dog. Suddenly, everything Áila has ever known and believed is upended and her future becomes shrouded in uncertainty.

Hew already completed the Goddess Trial and received the designation of Unblessed. He is an outcast in the village, until he is tasked with assisting Áila through a series of Ordeals the town elders designed to compensate for her failed Trial. For the first time, he has hope he can make something of his life.

Orail isn’t quite sure who or what she is. She remembers little before Áila’s arrival on the island, and now all she knows is that she’ll never leave Áila’s side. But as she begins to realize and remember, she discovers powers—and an identity—she never could have imagined.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author/publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own.*

I was introduced to Hanna C. Howard when her debut came out, and so I immediately wanted to read her sophomore novel, Our Divine Mischief! It did not disappoint, and I really enjoyed it.

This book takes us on an adventure in an imaginary 18th century Scotland. It was beautiful and atmospheric, and a place I would definitely want to visit. I loved the mythology that was interwoven into the story as well. 

Áila is a great female protagonist, but Orail her dog that grants wishes is the character that truly captured my heart! 

This story was about family, friendship, finding yourself, and more. If you enjoy fantasy, adventure and sweet romance than you will want to pick this one up. 

About the Author:

Hanna C. Howard started writing books in the fourth grade—and they were always about dogs. Her tastes have expanded since then, but her favorite stories still tend to have a dog in them somewhere. When she isn’t writing or reading with a pot of tea nearby, she prefers to be in her rambling cottage garden, conjuring beauty and nurturing compost. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her husband, three young hobbit children, and their athletic rescue mutt. Her first novel, Ignite the Sun, was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Our Divine Mischief is due out in October of 2023.

About the Book:

Title: Christmas in a Castle

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Scribbling Pens 

Release Date: November 27, 2023

Pages: 73

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance 

Synopsis:

Miss Mary Perkins is governess to the strong-willed Stringham sisters while waiting for her beloved Mr. Trevor Wallace, a curate, to receive a living so that they can afford to marry. When he loses the promised position, her young charges decide to give their governess a husband for Christmas. The Stringham sisters write a fake letter from the duke inviting Trevor to stay at the castle, lock the pair in the dungeon, accidentally poison a chaplain, and cause a great deal of mayhem with mistletoe. Despite the girls’ well-meaning mistakes, will Mary and Trevor finally have the wedding of their dreams?  “Only the Stringham girls would try to matchmake in a dungeon,” Mary said with a little snicker that was positively adorable. “And if you ignore the torture artifacts, it is a rather romantic location with firelight.”

Review:

This is the perfect, cozy Christmas novella. It was an absolute delight to return to the Stringham family home for the holidays! 

The practically perfect in every way, Miss Mary Perkins, is the governess to the Stringham sisters. She has been waiting to marry Mr. Trevor Wallace, a curate, trying to make a living so they can afford to marry. When Trevor loses his promised position, the Stringham sisters decide to give their governess a husband for Christmas. 

The sisters go through a lot to help Miss Perkins and Trevor. Despite all the girl’s mischief, will Miss Perkins and Trevor have a happily ever after?

I love the Stringham sisters, and it was so much fun to see them up to their shenanigans again. I also enjoyed seeing Miss Perkins and Trevor’s story. I found myself laughing out loud throughout. Fans of Samantha Hastings and the Stringham’s will not want to miss this beautiful story that I enjoyed to the very end! 

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

Tour Stops and Giveaway:

Win one of 3 Paperback Copies! Enter daily as you visit each stop. 

11/27 https://hollysbookcorner.home.blog

11/28 www.ashleighsbookshelf.com

11/29 singinglibrarianbooks.com

11/30 https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com

12/1 https://www.instagram.com/my.bounteous.bookshelf

12/2 https://www.instagram.com/larameefox

12/3 abbigailraineb.wordpress.com

12/4 https://www.instagram.com/hiding.in.the.pages

12/5 https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com

12/6 https://www.instagram.com/minreads15

About the Book:

Title: Return of the Queen 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Scribbling Pens

Release Date: October 2, 2023

Pages: 314

Genre:  Fantasy 

Synopsis:

Four royals.
Three countries.
Two wars.
One prophecy.

The Heir. Princess Elea should be the Queen of Urka, but her uncle usurped the throne while she was away in Sania. Is her small goddess gift enough to fullfill an ancient prophecy and save her throne?

The Spare. Princess Nora takes her cousin Elea’s place when they are captured by Captain Batard, the illegitimate son of the King of Kaul. She has been blessed with the strength of ten men, but can she survive?

The Captain. Gerard has known no home but the sea. His mother abandoned him and his royal relatives refuses to acknowledge him. He is nearly killed by one princess and gives his heart to the other.

The King. Matteo is the new King of Sania. He is willing to go to war to save the princess he loves, even if he doesn’t know her true feelings for him.

Review:

*I received an e-arc for review from the author. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

I really enjoyed this fantasy by Samantha Hastings! This is not her typical genre, so I was super pumped to read this one. It has such a stunning cover, and I was pulled into the story right from the beginning. I loved the world building and the folklore and how Samantha tied everything together with so many original elements. 

Two princesses named Eleanora, with the same goddess blessed purple hair.

Princess Elea is the heir, and should have been the Queen of Urka, but her uncle took the throne while she was away in Sania. Will her small gift from the goddess be enough to help her fulfill the prophecy and take back her throne?

Princess Nora is the spare and the cousin of Princess Elea. Nora takes her cousin’s place when they are captured by Captain Batard, the illegitimate son of the King of Kaul. She has been blessed by the goddess with the strength of ten men. Will it be enough?

Captain Batard has known no home but the sea. His mother abandoned him, and his royal relatives will not acknowledge him. He is nearly killed by one princess but gives his heart to the other.

Matteo is the new king of Sania. He is willing to go to war for the princess he loves, even if he doesn’t know if she loves him in return. 

The four face many hardships as they fight battles for their lives, for their countries and for their freedom. 

I loved the multiple points of view and getting to know each character and what made them tick. I got to know them well and enjoyed going on the journey with them. One of the best things about these characters is that they are all flawed, so it makes them more realistic. It was good to see the growth they each had throughout the story. 

If you enjoy fantasy, folklore, found family, magic, action, adventure and a touch of romance you will want to pick this one up! 

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

Follow the Book Tour & Enter the Giveaway:

Visit each stop for a chance to win one of 3 Paperback copies of RETURN OF THE QUEEN!

October 2

Holly’s Book Corner: Review            

October 3

Mindy Reads: Review              

October 4           

So Many Pages: Review          

October 5           

Singing Librarian Books: Review + Excerpt                     

October 6           

Korbie the Ravenous Reader: Review               

October 8           

Why Not? Because I Said So: Review + Excerpt     

October 9           

Hiding in the Pages: Review                     

October 10        

Ashleigh’s Bookshelf: Review       

About the Book:

Title: The Voice Upstairs 

Author: Laura E. Weymouth

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books 

Release Date: October 3, 2023

Pages: 320

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal 

Synopsis:

In 1920s England, a working-class girl who can see spirits works with a lord’s son to solve mysterious deaths at the local manor home in this eerie historical mystery perfect for fans of The Haunting of Bly Manor and Downton Abbey.

Wilhelmina Price has a dubious reputation in the village of Thrush’s Green. Ever since her mother’s untimely death, she has been able to see a person’s spirit leaving their body days or hours before they die. Wil has never been able to prevent these deaths, so her unusual skill has made her an outsider to most except her lifelong friend, Edison, the youngest son of Lord Summerfield. But when a maid at the Summerfield’s estate dies in the same mysterious way as Wil’s own mother, Wil takes on a housemaid’s position to investigate whether these women might, in fact, have been murdered.

There is nothing Ed Summerfield values more than his friendship with Wil, which is why he’s desperate to disguise how hopelessly in love with her he’s become—and his belief that he may be haunted by the ghost of his older brother, Peter. Because if Wil, with her supernatural powers, can’t see the same evidence of hauntings that Ed does, he worries he may actually be losing his mind.

Together, Wil and Ed must dig deeper into the Summerfields’ hoard of secrets, though the truth won’t give itself up without a fight that could prove deadly to the both of them, as they face cunning adversaries among the living and the dead.

Review:

*I received an arc from the author for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Don’t sleep on this beautifully atmospheric, gothic mystery with ghosts, by Laura E. Weymouth! This book has been comped to The Haunting of Bly Manor and Downton Abbey, and I understand why with the manor home and the differences between the working class and the wealthy shown.  I don’t know why this book hasn’t been hyped up more, because I absolutely loved it! It’s the perfect read for spooky season. 

The story takes place in 1920’s England where a housemaid works with a lord’s son to solve a mystery at the stately manor home, The Grange. 

Wilhelmina “Wil” Price can see ghosts. Ever since her mom died, Wil has been able to see a person’s spirit leaving their body days or even hours before they die. To her dismay, she has never been able to stop these deaths, and her “gift” has made it difficult to have any friends. Her only friend is her childhood companion, Edison Summerfield, the son of Lord Summerfield. When a maid at the Summerfield Estate dies in the same way as her own mother, Wil takes on a job at the Grange to see if she can figure out if they may have been murdered. 

Ed Summerfield values his friendship with Wil more than anything, and he’s been trying to hide the fact that he’s in love with her. He’s also been hiding from her that he believes his older brother, Peter, has been haunting him. He’s worried that if Wil can’t see Peter with her supernatural powers, then he may actually be losing his sanity. 

Together, Wil and Ed must uncover the secrets of the Grange, discover the truth, and face adversaries among the living and the dead. 

I adore Wil and Ed and found myself very invested in them and I am thankful the book was told from both points of view. I was rooting for them throughout the story. The mystery was at the heart of the story, but I did enjoy the romance, not going to lie. 

Full of twists and turns, I found myself guessing until the very end. Run to your bookstore or local library and pick this one up, I highly recommend! 

About the Author:

Laura Weymouth is a Canadian living in America, and the sixth consecutive generation of her family to immigrate from one country to another. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, she now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, along with her husband, two wild-hearted daughters, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animal friends.

About the Book:

Title: Baby Llama Drama 

Author: Kate Watson

Publisher: Little Biks Creative 

Release Date: September 21, 2023

Pages: 305

Genre: Romance, Sweet Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance 

Synopsis:

Embittered single dad Duke has sworn off love forever. Unfortunately, his daughter just met the mother of her dreams. I have it all. I work my dream job doing animal-assisted therapy, I live with the four best friends in history, and I own an actual pair of Louboutins. I should be content. Right? Except, ever since an adorable toddler begged me to be her momma, I want more, and an insta-family is my only chance at motherhood. Unfortunately, her absurdly hot NFL star dad isn’t quite as enthusiastic about me as she is. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d think he was avoiding me. At least until his nanny leaves abruptly mid season. Now, he’s knocking down my door, pleading with me to help watch the little girl I’ve already fallen in love with. And the more he knocks, the more I’m in danger of falling for him, too. Never get married. Seriously, people, don’t do it. If you never get married, your influencer wife can’t abandon you and your baby during the middle of your cancer treatments. It doesn’t matter that you kick cancer’s butt or come back to the NFL stronger than ever. Love is for suckers. Which is why meeting the intriguing, far too intuitive Millie Campbell is so frustrating. Isn’t it enough that she’s drop dead gorgeous? Does she also have to be the mother of my daughter’s dreams? Love is a brutal sport, and I have no intention of playing it ever again. But if I do get back in the game, Millie needs to know one I play for keeps. Baby Llama Drama is a sweet and swoony closed door romcom with sizzling chemistry, delightful banter, and an adorable llama. It features growth, grown ups having real conversations, dry shampoo, an unhealthy amount of Diet Coke, and of course, a happily ever after. Content This book deals with themes of loss, abandonment, anxiety, imperfect parenting, pregnancy complications, and chronic illness.

Review:

*I received an e-arc for review from the author. Thanks for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own.*

This second book in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series was just as wonderful as the first book! Kate Watson is great, and I can’t wait to read more in this world. This one was a breath of fresh air and had me hooked from the beginning. The story dealt with some difficult topics, but it didn’t feel dark to me.

Single dad Duke and NFL player has sworn off love forever, although his daughter Lottie has found someone she wants to be her Momma! After his influencer wife abandoned him and his daughter during his cancer treatments, he’s sworn he’ll never get married again. 

Millie is working her dream job doing animal assisted therapy, she lives with her four best friends, and she owns some amazing shoes. After a chance meeting with Duke’s daughter Lottie, who begged her to be her mom, she’s been wanting more, and this may be her only chance at motherhood. Unfortunately, Duke hasn’t been as enthusiastic about Millie as Lottie has been. 

When Duke finds himself in desperate need of a Nanny, Millie is the only qualified person available (love the forced proximity trope!). An attraction is definitely there between them, will it grow to something more?

I loved Millie and Duke’s story, and thought they were perfect for each other.  It showed how messy and broken people can be, and how they can find happiness once again. Lottie is just adorable! I loved the positive way in which Millie and Duke worked together to help her with her separation anxiety. 

Trigger warnings: themes of loss, abandonment, anxiety, imperfect parenting, pregnancy complications, and chronic illness.

If you like a book with sizzling chemistry, strong friendships, family, football, strong banter and llamas, you’ll love this one! 

About the Author:

Kate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.

She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, “The Heart People,” for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she’s written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.

She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.

About the Book:

Title: Strawberry Fields for Never 

Author: Kate Watson 

Publisher: Little Biks Creative 

Release Date: June 8, 2023

Pages: 288

Genre: Adult Romance, Sweet Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

She’s the desperate CEO hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern orchard. He’s the stubborn heir determined to see her fail.

All’s fair in love and farming.

As CEO of my marketing firm, my friends’ careers rest on my shoulders. And my shoulders—and company—are failing. Rebranding a famous farm is my final chance to fix what I’ve broken, and nothing can get in my way.

But flirting with a gorgeous farm worker can’t hurt. Right?

We have an instant—and hot—connection…until he tries to sabotage my every move. Turns out, this hunky local is actually Tag Carville III, the wealthy new heir to Sugar Maple Farms. When he finds out why I’m really visiting his sleepy Southern town, he goes from ally to enemy so fast, it takes my breath away.

My new nemesis clearly has his own agenda, and it’s in direct opposition to mine. I will save this farm and my company, even if he seems determined to stop me. Even if our fighting feels more and more like flirting.

Even if I’m starting to fall.

But in the battle over heart and home, only one of us will win.

Strawberry Fields for Never is a laugh-out-loud closed-door romantic comedy with sizzling chemistry, enemies to more, and a swoon-worthy guy who falls first. And, of course, a happily-ever-after.

Review:

Don’t hate me, but this is my first Kate Watson book! I’m so excited that I finally read one of her books, because it did not disappoint and was just what I needed. I actually read this one on kindle unlimited after receiving an e-arc of book two and realizing this is a series! I’m so glad my friend helped me to realize this, because although these books can be read as standalones, they do revolve around different characters in the books, and it makes sense to read them in order.

Jane is a desperate CEO from Chicago who works with her team of best friends, the Janes, that’s been hired to rebrand a sleepy Southern Orchard. She’s supposed to get the current caretaker of the farm to fall in love with the farm again.

When Tripp meets Jane at the airport, there’s an instant connection and chemistry between them. Things change when he realizes the true purpose of Jane’s visit. You see, Tripp is the caretaker of the farm! 

As they learn how to work together to fix up the farm with differing agendas, sparks fly! 

The romance between Jane and Tripp is so swoony and adorable! I loved the banter between them. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments, but there were also some touching moments, as Jane and Tripp have difficult backgrounds. I loved that therapy was talked about in this book in a positive light. I absolutely loved Jane’s group of friends and I wish that I had a group of girls like that who are so uplifting, supportive and trustworthy. 

Trigger warnings: losing a loved one and neglectful parents

If you like enemies to lovers, small town, he falls first, closed door romances, I think you’d enjoy this one! I highly recommend. 

About the Author:

Kate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.

She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, “The Heart People,” for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she’s written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.

She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.

About the Book:

Title: Sunbolt (The Sunbolt Chronicles #1)

Author: Intisar Khanani

Publisher: Snow Wings Publishing

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Pages: 153

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Paranormal

Synopsis:

The winding streets and narrow alleys of Karolene hide many secrets, and Hitomi is one of them. Orphaned at a young age, Hitomi has learned to hide her magical aptitude and who her parents really were. Most of all, she must conceal her role in the Shadow League, an underground movement working to undermine the powerful and corrupt Arch Mage Wilhelm Blackflame.

When the League gets word that Blackflame intends to detain—and execute—a leading political family, Hitomi volunteers to help the family escape. But there are more secrets at play than Hitomi’s, and much worse fates than execution. Betrayed and captured along with her charges, it will take everything Hitomi can summon to save them–and herself.

Fans of Robin McKinley and Tamora Pierce will love this action-packed story of one girl fighting monsters both human and not. Pick up Sunbolt now and set off on a high-stakes adventure through the gorgeously diverse world of Intisar Khanani’s Sunbolt Chronicles.

Review:

*I received an arc from the author for review. Thank you! All thoughts are my own*

I was so excited to dive into Sunbolt after reading the prequel novella, Shadow Thief. Sunbolt did not disappoint! Intisar Khanani’s writing is beautiful, and she just makes her worlds come alive. There’s a wonderful main character, and we meet some amazing side characters, that really contribute to the story.

Hitomi has grown up on the streets of Karolene. She was orphaned at a young age and has had to hide her magical abilities and who her parents really were. Most of all, she has had to hide her role in the Shadow League, an underground organization that is trying to overthrow the corrupt and very powerful Arch Mage Wilhelm Blackflame.

When the league gets word that Blackflame plans to detain and execute a leading political family, Hitomi volunteers to help on the mission. But there are more secrets at play than Hitomi could have imagined. Betrayed and captured with her charges, it will take more than Hitomi bargained for to save them and save herself.

If you love books with a strong female MC, action, adventure, magic, and folklore, I think you’ll enjoy this one. I highly recommend and I can’t wait to read book two!

About the Author:

Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to publishing her novels, Intisar worked as a public health consultant on projects relating to infant mortality and minority health, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (Thorn, The Theft of Sunlight), and her indie epic fantasy series, The Sunbolt Chronicles.

To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar’s monthly author newsletter.

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