Category: Blog Series Page 15 of 220

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for by Sarah L. Barnett’s The Chalice of Fortune! So, this book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Pilcrow

Book Details:

Title: The Chalice of Fortune by Sarah L. Barnett
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Age Category: Young Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 263 Pages
Publication Date: September 7, 2024

About the Book:

The Chalice of Fortune is a young adult fantasy adventure set in the 1940’s English countryside during World War II. A fast-paced, high-stakes tale, notoriously difficult to put down, The Chalice of Fortune features ancient riddles, an historic castle (with secret passages), an unlikely (but awesome) heroine, her cousin and their mates, all battling the German war-machine and the ticking of the clock. Can they solve the riddles in time to save the life of someone she loves? Only time will tell.

But did we mention the ghost… ?

The Chalice of Fortune has been announced as the 2025 winner of the Purple Dragonfly Book Award Contest in the audiobook category.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

Sarah is a commercial lawyer in Melbourne as well as a writer, and a single mum to two teenagers and two cats. Her writing has been published in The Victorian Writer magazine and she’s been interviewed on ABC radio and featured in articles in Graziher magazine and Public Accountant Magazine. An experienced public speaker, Sarah has delivered numerous author talks and was featured as a guest speaker at the Melbourne Business School.

Website ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ TikTok ~ LinkedIn

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

Saturday Miscellany—11/1/25

By HCNewton

On November 1, 2025

In Books, News/Misc., Saturday Miscellany

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
bullet The Case for Whole Books: You can’t get better at reading until you care about a text.—Part advertisement for a new book, part critique of what Common Core has done to English classes, part argument for how things should be. All the kind of thing I could read about for hours.
bullet SoA calls for transparency around ‘unsung’ ghostwriters behind celebrity-authored children’s books—an overdue idea.
bullet Sounds like George R.R. Martin’s OpenAI suit is going pretty well for him—(and for other authors, too, but Martin’s name will bring more readers, I guess)
bullet The Infection is Coming…—AJ Calvin talks about the upcoming Kickstarter for The Book of Spores and the book in general.
bullet How to build a reading routine for fall that actually sticks—some good advice here
bullet Yeah, it’s November, but we can still talk about creepy/spooky reads, right? Like Sara Reads did in a few posts: Halloween.1, Halloween part 2., and Halloween part 3.
bullet The Womble has some, too, in: Tis the season of Terror!
bullet Captivating Characters of October—Once again, I’ve forgotten to get anything written for this particular blog party/linkup thing. So I’ll just point to the mothership.
bullet My Blogging Anniversary: The Seven Year Itch—The Witty & Sarcastic Book Club is 7?? (also, how is it only 7?). Regardless, congrats on the milestone!!

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
bullet The Chronicles of Prydain – Fantasy’s Forgotten Epic —I haven’t watched this yet, but I really enjoyed Ezekat’s short video on Prydain, so I can’t wait to dive in. And you know me, this is one of those topics I have to share any think I stumble across that covers it.

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
bullet If I Fall, If I Die by Michael Christie
bullet Indexing: Reflections, Episode Six: Frostbite by Seanan McGuire
bullet Reflecting the Sky by S. J. Rozan
bullet The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss by Max Wirestone
bullet And I mentioned the paperback release of The Burning Room by Michael Connelly

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet Locks & Keys: A Fantasy Anthology by Bill Adams, Tom Bookbeard, L.M. Douglas, Bella Dunn, Dave Lawson, Sean O’Boyle, R.E. Sanders, R.A. Sandpiper, Alex Scheuermann, G.J. Terral—(at least) 8 banger short stories and 2 that are worth your time. Overall, a strong anthology (as I wrote recently)
bullet Supernatural Crimes Unit: NYPD by Keith R.A. DeCandido—I always enjoy time in DeCandido’s worlds, this “When a drug-dealing wizard dominates the city, only one squad can stop them”

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: The City of Mist and Tears by Alex Robins

By HCNewton

On November 1, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for by Alex Robins’ The City of Mist and Tears! So, this book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Pilcrow

Book Details:

Title: The City of Mist and Tears by Alex Robins
Genre: Fantasy
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 339 Pages
Publication Date: December 5, 2024

About the Book:

Keselgraad. A city of iron and stone, rising from the mist-shrouded wasteland to pierce the pallid clouds. A colossal man-made mountain stretching a mile high, from the blood-stained alleyways of the Slums to the crystal-studded spire of the Church of the Mother, whose amethyst shards shine brighter than any star.

Keselgraad. Both a haven and a prison. There is no way in. No way out. For the city is under constant assault from an enemy that is as relentless as it is indomitable; a raging sea of churning white that encircles the crumbling walls in its cold embrace. Only the radiance of the Mother can stem the ravenous tide. Only the shield of her faith can keep her citizens safe.

But there is a secret hidden deep within the ancient, decrepit heart of Keselgraad. It is whispered in the darkness of the underground galleries. Scratched into the mud. Etched into the stone.

The crystals are failing.

Their light is dying.

And without their protection, the Mists will be free to enter Keselgraad. To gorge themselves on the flesh of a thousand helpless souls. To drain the life from every last living being; man, woman, and child.

Until the city becomes a tomb.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

Alex Robins hails from the sunny Loire Valley in western France, surrounded by imposing castles and sprawling vineyards. When not writing he spends his time reading, cycling, and playing the guitar very badly.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Bluesky

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: The Cold Blade of Fear by TF Johnson

By HCNewton

On October 31, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for TF Johnson’a The Cold Blade of Fear! So, this book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Pilcrow

Book Details:

Title: The Cold Blade of Fear by TF Johnson
Genre: Fantasy
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 419 Pages
Publication Date: October 31, 2024

About the Book:

Devastated at the loss of her friend, Piper is dealt a major blow when Caleb and Madelyn are wrenched from her care – and Piper is accused of a murder for which she is not responsible.

To clear her name and fight for custody, Piper must draw on every resource at her disposal to flee Silvaein, pitting all her hopes on a desperate chance for acquittal. But when the clues take her into foreign lands and cultures that are strange to her, she discovers that she doesn’t need to do it alone.

With Alec and Beka by her side, Piper will face her most gruelling challenge yet, bringing her up against an unforgiving environment … and even less forgiving foes.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

TF Johnson spends her days in imaginary worlds swordfighting, defeating monsters, and talking with dragons.

TF Johnson has a degree in Interior Design, which she has never used, is addicted to chocolate and coffee, and would spend her days with her head in the clouds if she had the choice. She has an incredibly understanding husband and an English Bulldog who is the best writing companion ever – Even if she does have a habit of putting her head on the keyboard and leaving it there.

In her spare time, TF Johnson collects books to read, which is a completely different hobby to actually reading them. She has 173 books on her to-read shelf, a number which is steadily growing.

When she’s not reading or writing, TF Johnson can be found trying out new hobbies and spending time with her friends and family.

Website ~ Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: The Cyclopes’ Eye by Jeffrey Haskey-Valerius

By HCNewton

On October 30, 2025

In Book Tour, Fiction, Science Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for by Jeffrey Haskey-Valerius’ The Cyclopes’ Eye! So, this book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Pilcrow

Book Details:

Title: The Cyclopes’ Eye by Jeffrey Haskey-Valerius
Genre: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction
Age Category: Young Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 379 Pages
Publication Date: April 9, 2024

About the Book:

First, they came for his sister’s eye. Now they’re coming for his—and what’s even worse is he deserves it.

Henry has never had anything good happen to him, period. That’s why, after school, he’s going to put on his big-boy pants and confess his love to his best friend—because the universe owes him one, dammit, and he needs a win.

But maybe it wasn’t the best idea to do it on Drill Day—the one day a month that healthcare conglomerate Axiom infiltrates schools across America to select a new candidate to give up one of their eyes, for… research? When the new candidate is selected, Henry’s plans go awry, and he and his friends must figure out how to escape from Axiom. But when the past threatens to eat him alive, things aren’t as easy as they seem.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

Jeffrey Haskey-Valerius (he/him) rarely knows what’s happening. He works in healthcare by day and writes weird fiction and poetry by night. His shorter work has been featured in numerous literary journals and has been nominated for prizes, including Best of the Net. He currently lives in the Chicago area with his unbelievably handsome and perfect dog and cat, and also a human whom he loves. The Cyclopes’ Eye is his debut novel.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

WWW Wednesday—October 29, 2025

By HCNewton

On October 29, 2025

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., WWW Wednesday

Just a couple of days until candy-pocalypse, anyone else dreading the leftovers (and on-sale leftovers at local stores) ruining health/resolutions? Don’t get me wrong–I rather enjoy seeing all the trick-or-treaters and passing out candy. I just wish they’d do a better job of cleaning us out. (if they’d clean us out quickly, so I could actually read something, that’d be even better).

You have enough pre-post banter? Good, me too.

This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words—and shown to me by Aurore-Anne-Chehoke at Diary-of-a-black-city-girl.

The Three Ws are:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Seems easy enough, right? Let’s take a peek at this week’s answers:

What are you currently reading?


The Broken Detective by Joel Nedecky	How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future by Maria Ressa, read by Maria Ressa & Rebecca Mozo

Am cracking Nedecky’s book open later today. I skimmed the cover a couple of weeks ago when I got it, but remember nothing that I read. All I know is that Run Amok books hasn’t let me down yet. I assume the trend will continue.

I saw Ressa interviewed recently and thought “I want to learn more about her.” And what do you know? She has a memoir (that’ll probably shift into something else later on). I think we’re only into her mid-20s right now, and I’m fascinated. Not that surprisingly, given her career in journalism and activism, she’s a strong audiobook narrator, so bonus points for that.

What did you recently finish reading?


Front Desk by Kelly Yang	The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park by Michiko Aoyama, translated by Takami Nieda, read by: Naruto Komatsu, Kenichiro Thomson, Susan Momoko Hingley, Yuriri Naka & Ami Okumura Jones

Last night, I read the very charming (yet honest about race and immigrant struggles in the mid 90s) Front Desk for a reading challenge. I don’t know that it needs two (at least) sequels, and I doubt I’ll get to them, but I was very satisfied with this MG read.

The Healing Hippo has convinced me that Michiko Aoyma and I should part ways. There’s nothing bad about the book, but I just don’t get the appeal.

What do you think you’ll read next?


The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison	Small Favor by Jim Butcher, read by James Marsters

The Goblin Emperor is the last Fantasy Book Club read of the year–and it looks like we’re going out strong. Hope so, anyway.

And it’s time for another installment of “HC scrambles to listen to the existing Dresden Files books before Twelve Months is released.” I’m embarassed to admit that I conflate a lot of Small Favor with the next book, Turn Coat, so I’m eager to get some clarification on it.

How are you closing out October?

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: The Edge of a World by JD Rivers

By HCNewton

On October 29, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for by JD Rivers’ The Edge of a World! So, this book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Pilcrow

Book Details:

Title: The Edge of a World by JD Rivers
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 256 Pages
Publication Date: October 15, 2024

About the Book:

A scholar on a journey. A monster in his veins. An unbending truth.

All Otar ever wanted was being part of a community, but the monster in his veins, bent on killing those Otar touches, makes it impossible. It has already slipped his grasp more than once—with devastating consequences.

His desperate search for a cure for his curse leads him to the Ancients and their mysterious ruins. At a newly discovered ruin, past and present collide, and he finds answers beyond imagination…and perilous danger.

Confronted with the truth about his origin, Otar must decide fast what he will sacrifice to save those he holds dear.

The Edge of a World is a Fantasy Sci-Fi story about self-discovery, defying destiny, and paving your own path.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

JD writes queer speculative fiction where they fall deeply and madly in love while figuring out the world around them.

She collects hobbies as others collect books and has an unhealthy addiction watching competitive cooking shows.

JD lives close to the woods with her husband and the cutest dog in the world.

Website ~ Bluesky

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: The Fall of Selvandrea by T. J. McKay

By HCNewton

On October 28, 2025

In Book Tour, Fiction, Science Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for by T. J. McKay’ The Fall of Selvandrea! So, this book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Pilcrow

Book Details:

Title: The Fall of Selvandrea by T. J. McKay
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction
Age Category: Adult
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 542 Pages
Publication Date: September 26, 2024

About the Book:

“An epic and GLORIOUS tale.” – Timothy Wolff, author of The Legacy of Boulom series

“A deeply plotted and intricate fantasy with sci-fi flair.” – Melissa Cave, author of the Empire of the Stars series

“Mind blown. The extent of this expansive world Tim McKay has created is incredible.” – Trinity Cunningham, author of The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone series

Remember the wolf.

Remember what’s out there in the dark.

Valdaris was a middling artillery captain before his people fell to a conquering rival.

Then he fell further still, snatched from the battlefield by a ruthless cult and cast into the depths of ultimate evil.

Transformed by powers he can’t begin to understand, Valdaris seeks revenge on those who tried to destroy him. Instead, he’ll face monsters beyond his most terrifying nightmares. He joins with allies caught in the chaos of his war with evil, oblivious to his true nature and the darkness closing in on their world.

Full of dragons, monsters, found family, magical weapons, intense duels, and epic battles, The Fall of Selvandrea follows a vigilante’s quest against malice, greed, and the shadow within. Heroes and villains join against the rising dark, and against a tyrant whose schemes may destroy them all.

And from calamity’s ashes, a new power shall rise.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

Tim McKay is an author, editor, and part-time writing professor from Ottawa, Canada. A lifelong pursuer of meaning and joy through the written word — with a small helping of thrills and adventure on the side.

He has degrees in history and public policy, along with a diploma in professional writing, but likes nothing more than hiking in the woods, running along the Rideau Canal, and connecting with the people he loves.

Oh, and reading a good book.

Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Threads ~ Bluesky ~ Facebook

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: The Fated by Katelynsam

By HCNewton

On October 27, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome today’s BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for by Katelynsam’s The Fated! So, this book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Pilcrow

Book Details:

Title: The Fated by Katelynsam
Genre: Fantasy, Literary Fiction
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 334 Pages
Publication Date: January 21, 2025

About the Book:

A mysterious ship.
A promised paradise destination.
A voyage of dreams and nightmares.
Welcome aboard…The Fated.

Every sixteen years a luxurious ocean liner known as The Fated appears at the docks to carry a few lucky passengers to paradise. Yet when people onboard begin disappearing, one woman soon discovers their destination might not be paradise after all.

Amarra Obrel never expects to receive a boarding ticket in the mail. Ever since failing her chance at becoming a concert pianist three years ago, she has spent her days as an elevator operator, resigned to the uninteresting future that seems set before her. When given the opportunity to embark on The Fated, however, she boards with the hope of starting a new life. Yet she soon senses something dark and sinister lurks beneath the ship’s decadent halls, ornate ballrooms, and opulent jazz clubs. When people close to her begin disappearing, she is left with no other choice than to set out and uncover the vessel’s secrets along with fellow passenger Kye-Shin Hura. But instead of providing answers, every discovery leads to more questions—questions about why they were selected for this voyage in the first place and more If not to paradise, then where exactly is The Fated taking them?

With cinematic and haunting prose that blends the genres of fantasy, magic realism, and paranormal, The Fated is the perfect suspenseful and atmospheric read for fans of The Night Circus, Titanic, Hotel Magnifique, and The Midnight Library.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

p align=”left”>As a child, Katelynsam fell in love with stories, and to this day, her passion for creating imaginary worlds and vivid characters has never faded. She wrote her first book at 12 years old, and at the age of 15, she started her long journey towards publishing. After overcoming many obstacles, she is now thrilled to be publishing her stories and sharing them with the world. When not writing, she loves reading, seeking out sunsets, and most recently, learning graphic design to create the covers of her stories. If you would like to hear more about Katelynsam’s day-to-day writing adventures, check out her Dear Writing Diary blog and newsletter on Substack at https://katelynsam.substack.com/. You can also follow her latest writing updates on Instagram (@_katelynsam_).

Substack ~ Instagram

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: The Godsblood Tragedy by Bill Adams

By HCNewton

On October 27, 2025

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Bill Adams’ The Pandora’s Box! It looks to be a very different kind of thing than the book I read co-written by him, but looks pretty cool. This book has made it to the semi-finals, so you know there’s something good going on–but before getting to this Spotlight, let’s start with a word about BBNYA.

BBNYA:

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

Pilcrow

Book Details:

Title: The Godsblood Tragedy by Bill Adams
Series: The Divine Godsqueen Coda
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fantasy, Dark Fantasy
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook
Length: 595 Pages
Publication Date: July 23, 2024

About the Book:

An orphan, without a trueborn name, returns to the city of her birth to uncover her past. Hounded by the servants of the Dark God and dying from the poisonous mist that covers the land, her path leads to one of the magical seals protecting the holy ruin of Eminence.

A father, murdered and reborn, aims to bring down the floating fortress hovering over his homeland. Burdened by loss, he’s willing to sacrifice his soul to free his city and get revenge for the destruction of his family.

A mother, captured and bonded to a daemon, kills in the name of the Dark God so she can free her tortured daughter. Relentless in her vengeance, she hunts the one person who could end her suffering: the man who would destroy her vile master.

A drake, the banished hatchling of a failed advisor, seeks his father’s stolen horns. Untested, he desires to right his father’s wrongs in the eyes of the gods and restore his family’s honor.

As all converge in the occupied desert city where the world’s fuel source is mined, one family’s bond will be tested. Old betrayals will resurface, anger and resentment will flourish, but one thing remains clear: blood rules all.

Book Links:

Amazon Canada ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads ~ The Story Graph

About the Author:

During his collegiate days at the turn of the century, he began to develop his passion for writing, specifically within the epic fantasy genre about unlikely heroes. Aside from writing, Bill loves movies and reading, especially SFF B-movies. He is a master at Scene It. Bill’s few other hobbies include soccer, a good whiskey, a slice of pizza, and growing a beard. It is the little things he enjoys most. Bill currently lives in the greater Chicago, IL area with his wife, goblin (aka toddler) son, & daughter.

Willow Wraith Press ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Bluesky

My thanks to The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 Semi-Finalist badge