Where is the year going? Honestly, it only feels like it was yesterday that I set up this site – and already, I’ve read so many amazing books and it’s more than half way through the year!
Well, anyway. It’s month end, and that means it’s listicle time. Although I may not have done as many reviews this month as I usually would, I have still read some utterly astounding books that have been released this month – both on Reedsy Discovery and through books that have been sent directly to me. So, grab a cuppa, curl up and get ready to book mark the following highly recommended books.
1 Vampire Undone – Tamar Sloan.
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The third instalment in Sloan’s Keepers of the Chalice sees Caleb and Madeline fight their way through Purgatory, wrangle with an avenging spirit and dodge the ever present Vampire Council; as well as meet up with much-loved characters from other parts of the ever expanding Keepersverse.
For lovers of Young Adult romance, urban fantasy and all things magical.
(direct form author).
2 Navigating the Storm – Sarah Branson
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Kat Wallace’s tumultuous story continues as she tries to come to terms to with her adoptive father’s death and banishment from Bosch. Her relationship with her Edonese in-laws is not particularly cordial, with her mother-in-law hiring several hit-men to try to take her out. Meanwhile, Kat is still hell-bent on revenge against her former master – the odious Rob Abernathy (who is also out to exact his own revenge on Kat)…
For lovers of dystopian, Sci-fi and swashbuckling, bad-ass women.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
3 Dust of a Moth’s Wing – R. Ramey Guerrero
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I found trying to describe this novel completely. and utterly impossible. There are so many themes, so many characters and so many sub-plots, that summarising this extra-ordinary work is not an easy task. All I can suggest is that you read my review, and then go and get your hands on this book.
For lovers of magic, myths, and epic fantasy.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
4 The Masterpiece – Chiemeka Nicely
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In a parallel world, a young woman embarks on her first solo mission – to discover the truth about the mysterious sixth kingdom of Acirfa. Things do not necessarily go to plan, and the book takes on a slightly surreal turn when she is captured.
For lovers of any type of mythology, African literature and magic.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
5 Into What Splendor – Jack Dublin
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On a farm, the animals have a strange code; the mice raid the farmer’s pantry and distribute the spoils. They’re hunted half-heartedly by the farm cat and the old, wise owl. But when the cat and owl make a bet about who will capture the de-facto ring-leader of the mice, tragic events unwind. A short story that dives deep into themes of loss, grief, survival and friendship.
For lovers of short stories and Animal Farm.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
6 Witches of the North: Winter’s Journey – Nate Oldrin
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Half human-half Witch Chris is desperately in love with Winter, a Witch Princess. He’ll do anything for her, even if his actions end up making him the King of the Northland. The Northland is surrounded by the Aurora, a protective, magical veil which is disorientating to cross – but cross it they must if they’re to place Winter on her rightful throne.
For lovers of magic, witches and LGBTQ+ fiction.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
7 The Shadows We Make – Jo Allen Ash
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A young woman is punished because she refuses to marry a tyrant, and sent to a penal colony on a hostile moon. There she meets an array of other young people, all of whom have been left to fend for themselves in an automated prison. Grace has no interest in staying on the moon, and begins to plan an escape – the only problem is, there are creatures beyond the prison’s walls.
For lovers of action, magic and thrillers.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
8 The Rift: A Bollingbrook Babbler Story – William Brinkman
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What happens when toxic masculinity starts to seep out from the internet into real life? That’s what one young, skeptical journalist has to find out after he tries to hit on a woman in a lift. His reputation takes a hit, and he finds himself thinking that feminists are trying to completely destroy the reputation of ‘all men’. He soon discovers that the group he’s found himself a part of is not quite as innocent as they would have him believe, and his eyes are opened in more than one way.
For lovers of witty observations, feminists and sci-fi.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
9 The Rune That Binds – J. D. Goff
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When a boy on the brink of manhood is the sole survivor of the destruction of an entire village, he joins a nomadic tribe to learn how to fight the evil beings that killed his entire family. The Rune that Binds is filled with raw grief and rage, as well as tackling the confusing time of adolescence.
For lovers of magic, horror and coming of age.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
10 Arcadia – The Complete Collection – A L Stone
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A complete compendium of the entire Arcadia story – Talisman of El, Blackout and Ground Zero. We follow the orphan, Charlie Blake, as he navigates his teenage years along with the terrifying nightmares that seem to precede a horrific murder. Strange things start to happen around Charlie and to him as he battles with his hormones.
For lovers of The Power of Five (Anthony Horrowitz), coming of age and urban fantasy.
(originally reviewed on Reedsy Discovery)
BONUS
The Witch Laws – Sally Altass
So, yeah. I’m gonna put my own book here, because why not? I’ve been getting amazing reviews on Goodreads and Amazon – including one from Lisa Cassidy – an author I absolutely love (who also included it in her monthly news-letter as her monthly book spotlight!).
For lovers of witches, magic and a little bit of mystery.
S. A.
Some of these books have been received from Reedsy Discovery as part of their ARC program. The link to the Reedsy reviews are included in the full review of the book.
(You can also become a reviewer on Reedsy Discovery. Click the link, which includes my referral code.)
I have also been lucky enough to receive some of these books directly from the author(s). If you’d like me to review your book, I would be honoured and promise to treat it with the respect it deserves. Have a look at my Services page to send me a message.