Tag: Book Spotlight Page 8 of 33

BBNYA SEMI-FINALIST SPOTLIGHT: Upscaled by Joseph John Lee

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Joseph John Lee’s, Upscaled! This book has been gathering e-dust in my library for a little more than a year now (but hopefully not for long), and I’m eager to dive in. 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.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 badge

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.

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Book Details:

Title: Upscaled by Joseph John Lee
Genre: Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy
Age Category: Young Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook/Hardcover
Length: 201 Pages
Publication Date: August 23, 2024
Cover of Upscaled by Joseph John Lee

About the Book:

It begins and ends, as things do, with a girl throwing a birthday party for a dragon. Or it would, if things were ever that simple.

Generations ago, the Inquisition of the Priory of the Thrice-Dead Prophet decided that dragons were a great evil and it was their duty to banish them from the land of Nóra. The dragons weren’t (they just grew tired of the bother and migrated north), and the Inquisition didn’t (they just pretended otherwise), but that’s beside the point.

Though evidence of dragons still existed, it remained within the realm of smugglers, ne’er-do-wells, and people with too much time and money on their hands . . . until a hatching egg finds its way into the hands of a young girl named Ailís.

Now, with the first newborn dragon seen in generations in her company, Ailís finds herself beset by merchants, brigands, Inquisitors, and a greedy governor, and all she wants to do is throw a birthday party for her dragon.

And you thought planning a party for your kids was tough.

Book Links:

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

About the Author:

Joseph John LeeJoseph John Lee is the fantasy author responsible for unleashing The Spellbinders and the Gunslingers trilogy and The Dragons of Nóra series, and has been a semifinalist in Mark Lawrence’s annual Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off. A true product of New England, he prefers Dunkin’ over Starbucks, sometimes speaks with a Boston accent, and does not say the word “wicked” in casual conversation as much as one may think. He currently lives in Boston with his wife, Annie, and their robot vacuum named Crumb.

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: Vampire Mall Cop: Damien vs. the Entrail Eater by Molly Blake

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Molly Blake’s, Vampire Mall Cop: Damien vs. the Entrail Eater! 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.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 badge

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: Vampire Mall Cop: Damien vs. the Entrail Eater by Molly Blake
Series: Vampire Mall Cop, #1
Genre: Fantasy, Action Adventure, Comedy
Age Category: Middle Grade
Format: Paperback/Ebook/Hardcover
Length: 221 Pages
Publication Date: August 6, 2024
Cover of Vampire Mall Cop: Damien vs. the Entrail Eater by Molly Blake

About the Book:

All Damien Bryant wants is to spend the rest of his undeath on his peaceful Alaskan homestead. He’s perfectly happy with his animals for company, the occasional climber’s blood for sustenance, and no vengeful, stake-wielding KGB agents anywhere. But his routine gets shaken up with the arrival of Ben Caedrys, a lone traveler who is unlike any other climber he’s encountered before. Not only does Ben communicate with fairies and have arcane sigils and enchanted artifacts at his disposal, but he also knows a frightening amount about Damien’s past. Things that Damien would rather stay buried.

In order to keep this information secret, Damien must leave his secluded little mountaintop for a haunted magic shopping mall in Portland, encounter creatures like chimera helicopter pilots, fish men, and giant dragons of death, and fight a troublemaking member of his own family.

Book Links:

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

About the Author:

Molly BlakeMolly has been writing stories since she was seven years old, and telling them since she was even younger. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found tending to the various plants, fish, and invertebrates in her collection of aquariums, and playing with (or even reading to) her two lizards..

Website ~ 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: Vessel: Bonded Earth Book One by Samantha Jo

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Samantha Jo’s Vessel, Book One in her Bonded Earth Series! 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.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 badge

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: Vessel by Samantha Jo
Series: Bonded Earth, Book One
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook/Hardcover
Length: 314 Pages
Publication Date: August 17, 2024
Cover of Vessel by Samantha Jo

About the Book:

One power divided among the many.

Two visions of the future.

A struggle to launch humanity to its greatest heights or tumbling into its darkest days.

As a Vessel of the Third Order, Calen serves The New Colonies as a ritual worker, blessing the soil to bring forth bountiful harvests. Yet there is more to her abilities, if only she can escape the cruel hands of her bonded partner, Brother Stokely.

When she learns of Stokely’s plans to take her power for himself, Calen abandons her duty and begins a desperate journey to safety. Soon joined by a warrior scholar who vows to protect her, she must set aside her suspicions and form a tenuous alliance. She knows Stokely hunts her, and the skills of such a warrior may be needed in the days to come.

Only Calen discovers that Stokely has found another to take her place. A young woman with gifts like her that he will exploit for unimaginable power. She can choose her own freedom, fleeing with this stranger while averting her eyes from her partner’s horrific plot. Or she can confront the demon who has haunted her for far too long by finally harnessing her true abilities. Yet if she fails, Stokely will become unstoppable, and Calen will be but another one of his victims.

Book Links:

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

About the Author:

Samantha JoSamantha Jo is an award-winning author with aspirations of becoming an undeniable voice in the world of fantasy. Inspired by her love of nature and storytelling, she graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in biology and many creative writing courses under her belt. Her passion for the natural world shines through in her debut novel, Vessel: Bonded Earth Book One. Samantha lives in Ohio with her co-nerd and husband, their four semi-feral children, and a barnyard menagerie.

Website ~ 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: Worth It by Amy Nielsen

I’m very pleased today to welcome The BBNYA Semi-Finalist Spotlight Tour for Amy Nielsen’s, Worth It! 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.

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award 2025 badge

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: Worth It by Amy Nielsen
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Issue-Driven
Age Category: Young Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 350 Pages
Publication Date: May 24, 2024
Cover of Worth It by Amy Nielsen

About the Book:

Seventeen-year-old Angela Carter intended to pick out prom dresses with her best friend and fill out college applications during her senior year. But her father abandons the family, and her addict mother kicks her out. The now pregnant teen’s new normal is keeping her pressure cooker older boyfriend, Dale, from erupting.

When an intoxicated Dale loses control of her car one night, Angela fears she’ll never hold her unborn child. Desperate for what little stability he provides and for fear of his retaliation, Angela lies to the police when questioned about the accident. Her lie not only protects him from a DUI but also conceals a darker secret—what happens behind the closed doors of their single-wide trailer.

Set in Central Florida in the late 80s, Worth It is a story of courage, redemption, and the power of becoming your own hero.

Book Links:

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

About the Author:

Amy NielsenAmy Nielsen spent nearly twenty years on the other side of the writing aisle as a youth librarian, sharing her love of books with eager readers. Daily immersion in story took root, and she penned her YA debut, Worth It, behind her circulation desk. She is also the author of It Takes a Village: How to Build a Support System for Your Exceptional Needs Family and Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Amy currently works as a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. When not reading or writing, she and her family can be found boating the waters of Tampa Bay with a canine co-captain in a mermaid life vest. You can find Amy at http://www.amynielsenauthor.com and on X @AmyNielsen06.

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

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Maria’s Shadow by D.L. Cary

I’m very pleased today to welcome The Write Reads Blog Tour for the first volume of D.L. Cary’s The Veil Chronicles series Maria’s Shadow! I’m less-than-pleased to mention that the tour ended yesterday, and this post was supposed to go up on the fifth of the month. My apologies to Mr. Cary and The Write Reads for that. In addition to this Spotlight, I’ll be sharing my $.02 about this book soon. But as I said, the Tour’s over now, so if you take a look at the feed for https://twitter.com/WriteReadsTours or The Write Reads on Twitter or The Write Reads on BlueSky, you’ll see bloggers who had interesting things to say about it on time.

Maria's Shadow by D.L. Cary Tour Banner

Book Details:

Title: Maria’s Shadow
Series: The Veil Chronicles
Genre: Thriller
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook/hardcover
Length: 241 Pages
Publication Date: April 23, 2025
Maria's Shadow by D.L. Cary

About the Book:

Maria’s Shadow by D.L. Cary is a gripping thriller that follows Maria Hernández, a young Salvadoran woman ensnared by the sinister Saffron Veil after chasing a Hollywood dream. Trapped in a California mansion, she escapes with a dangerous secret, pursued by the powerful Senator Edward Grayson. As Detective John Jefferson uncovers a web of corruption in North Carolina, their paths converge in a high-stakes battle against a shadowy cabal. Packed with suspense, betrayal, and relentless pursuit, this novel explores courage and sacrifice against overwhelming odds.

Book Links:

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

About the Author:

D.L. CaryD.L. Cary is a Christian suspense and clean-thriller author who loves delivering pulse-pounding intrigue without the profanity or graphic violence.
His debut series, The Veil Chronicles, drops you into covert conspiracies and spiritual warfare while championing themes of redemption, justice, and hope. If you enjoy inspirational fiction, redemptive suspense, or spiritual thrillers you can share with the whole family, you’re in the right place.

He calls Alabama home, where he lives with my best friend (and wife), Heile. Before that, they lived in North Carolina. Finishing up their crew is a rambunctious group of dogs and cats, with Alex, an orange tabby, being the newest addition.

Every page he writes is fueled by faith and by readers who crave values-driven stories where hope endures, and justice prevails.

Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Twitter [source: his Goodreads page, I’m not sure that’s actually him] ~ TikTok ~ Goodreads


My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided (including the book).

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: How to Survive in a Scale-up Business by Vidya Murali

I’m pleased to host this spotlight for Vidya Murali’s recent release, How to Survive in a Scale-up Business. From what I can tell, I wouldn’t understand most of the book, but their publicist asked nicely. So why not help bring this to the attention of someone who is interested in business writing?

Book Details:

Title: How to Survive in a Scale-Up Business: Master the Human Skills Needed to Thrive in Young, High-Growth Businesses by Vidya Murali
Format: eBook/Hardcover/Paperback
Length: 166 pg.
Publisher: Routledge
US Publication Date: August 20, 2025
Cover of How to Survive in a Scale-up Business by Vidya Murali

About the Book:

Working in a scale-up is exciting, but it can also be exhausting. This book is your emotional survival kit for succeeding in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment.

Scale-ups attract ambitious, driven and hardworking individuals seeking excitement, ownership, freedom and greater rewards. However, these opportunities often come with challenges. Understanding the emotional and behavioural patterns commonly seen in scale-ups – and learning from others’ experiences – can help you move from struggling to thriving.

In this book, author Vidya Murali brings together:

  • A personal scale-up suitability checklist to help assess and understand whether scale-ups are the right environment for you based on your skills and preferences
  • Guidance on what to look for when interviewing, and how to set yourself up for success in the first 90 days
  • Insights, frameworks and coaching questions to tackle toxic patterns commonly seen in scale-ups
  • Real-life case studies from scale-up leaders with lessons and strategies
  • Practical strategies for introverts, highly sensitive people, ethnic minorities and people with ADHD and/or dyslexia to thrive in scale-ups
  • Tools for building your emotional skills to progress and thrive in scale-ups – including if you lose your job or face a mental health breakdown

A must-read for anyone transitioning into scale-ups or already working in one, this book will be of immense interest to graduates seeking their first full-time role, professionals transitioning from corporate environment, leaders – including founders – as well as HR professionals and coaches.

Book Links:

Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ Bookshop.org

About the Author

Vidya Murali has been working in the UKu2019s leading tech businesses, including Amazon and high-growth scale-ups such as Deliveroo. Having grown up in India before moving to the UK in 2006 and completing her MBA at the University of Cambridge, Vidya brings a unique perspective as a woman of colour and an introvert navigating high-growth and fast-paced business environments. She experienced significant anxiety in the wake of the pandemic, which prompted her to reflect on what matters most and prioritise her well-being. During this time, she started practising mindfulness meditation and began supporting others through coaching and mentoring. She now holds a leadership position and supports her colleagues and clients as they navigate the exciting u2013 yet chaotic u2013 environment of fast-moving scale-ups, helping them navigate the challenges and seize opportunities, and thrive.

LinkedIn


Thanks to Ambition Public Relations Limited for the request to feature this!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe

I’m very pleased today to welcome The Write Reads Blog Tour for Adam Holcombe’s, A Necromancer Called Gam Gam! Now, I read this back in 2023, so in addition to this Spotlight, I’ll be reposting what I said then–I’ll also be reposting what I said about the first two short stories in the series, “The Knight Revenant” and “Nugget’s Tenth Life“. But it’s not just re-runs here today, nosiree Bob! I have A Few Quick Questions with Adam Holcombe coming up in a little bit, too! (these links will actually work when the posts go up). If you take a look at the feed for https://twitter.com/WriteReadsTours over the next few days, you’ll see a lot of bloggers who had interesting things to say about it. A Necromancer Called Gam Gam was the 2nd Place Finalist for the 2024 Book Blogger’s Novel of the Year Award, so you know there’s a lot of good to be said about it–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 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

BBNYA Finalist Badge 2024

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. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

A Necromancer Called Gam Gam Tour Banner

Book Details:

Title: A Necromancer Called Gam Gam
Genre: Fantasy
Age Category: Adult
Format: Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 110 Pages
Publication Date: May 30, 2023
Cover of A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe

About the Book:

A grandmotherly necromancer seeking resolution for her past with the help of her loyal entourage: an undead cat and a spectral knight.

A girl on the run from the Eternal Empire for the mysterious power she possesses.

When a chance encounter pulls them together, Gam Gam will do what it takes to protect Mina from the rogue sergeant hounding her–including raising the dead. As long as they’re dressed for the occasion.

Book Links:

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

About the Author:

Adam HolcombeAdam Holcombe daylights as a programmer and moonlights as an author. After spending years toying with the idea of writing, he decided to fully commit and work toward releasing his first novel. Then Gam Gam got in the way, and his first novel became his first novella. The novel will come later. When he’s not locked in a cold basement, typing away, he can be found hanging out with his wife, his dog, and his tortoise or playing D&D or board games with friends.

BlueSky ~ Patreon ~ Instagram ~ TikTok ~ Goodreads


My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

PUB DAY SPOTLIGHT: War Song by Michael Michel

I’m excited to help Michael Michel spread the word about today’s publication of the relaunched prequel novella in his Dreams of Dust and Steel series, War Song. A sequel novella is due in a couple of months, and what better way to tide yourself over until Book Three than by reading a couple of novellas that help introduce the world?

Book Details:

Title: A Graveyard for Heroes by Michael Michel
Series: Dreams of Dust and Steel, #0
Format: eBook
Length: 103 pg.
Publisher: Chainbreaker Books
US Publication Date: August 7, 2025
Cover of War Song by Michael Michel

About the Book:

Admar’s future is a path paved with broken glass.

Each step forward living under Scothean tyranny cuts away another piece of his humanity–right down to the bone.

But even a meager life as a miner is better than a pointless death. A sister, a mother, a lover, all lost at the uncaring hands of the Scoths, have left him with nothing but memories and ash for comfort. While stories like his are all too common, they still aren’t enough to stoke rebellion among the oppressed.

If Admar is to find hope amid the brutal occupation of his homeland, he’ll have to question how deep his convictions go. For with every crack of the enemy’s whip, he’ll know torment. With every swipe of their axes, he’ll know suffering. And every moment he refuses to act will drag him further from his destiny.

Maybe there are no more heroes left…

Or maybe they’re waiting to be made.

 

Book Links:

Amazon

About the Author

Michael MichelMichael Michel lives in Bend, Oregon with the love of his life and their two children. When he isn’t obsessively writing, editing, or doing publishing work, he can be found exercising, coaching leaders in the corporate world, and dancing his butt off at amazing festivals like Burning Man. His favorite shows are Dark, The Wire, Arcane, and Norsemen. He loves nature and deep conversations. Few things bring him more joy than a couple of hours playing table tennis.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

PUB DAY SPOTLIGHT: You’ll Never Walk Alone by Troy Lambert

I’m excited talk about today’s release of (literary local) Troy Lambert’s You’ll Never Walk Alone. It looks like a quick, intense read for the thriller fans out there. Here’s a little more about the story to get you interested.


Book Details:

Title: You’ll Never Walk Alone by Troy Lambert
Format: eBook/Audio
Length: 26 pg.
Publisher: TUnbound Media
US Publication Date: July 25, 2025
Cover of You'll Never Walk Alone by Troy Lambert

About the Story:

Face Your Fears. Embrace the Unknown.

In the heart-pounding thriller, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” nurse Grace Whitmore is caught in a storm—both outside and within. As she trudges through rain-soaked streets after a long hospital shift, every shadow threatens to pull her back into a childhood terror she’s tried to forget.

When Grace senses an unseen presence tracking her steps, paranoia and dread begin to twist her reality. Is it her imagination, or is there truly someone lurking in the dark? Each echo of footfalls drives her deeper into a maze of fear and doubt.

Just when she believes she’s found safety behind her apartment door, a returned badge on her doorstep throws everything she thought she knew into question. Was the night’s pursuit merely a figment of her mind—or a misunderstood gesture of goodwill?

As tension mounts with an inexplicable sound from her home, Grace’s journey morphs into a battle of wits and survival. Will she overcome the haunting shadows of her past, or will the true threat emerge from where she least expects?

Discover the gripping tale of suspense and psychological intrigue that will keep you questioning every flicker of light and shade.

Book Links:

Author’s Audio/eBook Bundle Page ~ Author’s eBook Page ~ Other Retailers

About the Author

Troy LambertTroy Lambert writes thrillers and mysteries that keep readers up past midnight. With a mind for puzzles and a taste for the twisted, he crafts stories that are gripping, emotional, and unforgettable. When he’s not writing, Troy is podcasting, teaching, or spending time with his loyal dog. Dive into his books and discover why readers can’t put them down.

Website

PUB DAY SPOTLIGHT: Shield of The Mothership by JCM Berne

I’m excited talk about today’s release of Turn 7 of The Hybrid Helix series, JCM Berne’s Shield of The Mothership. SF readers, Super-hero fans, Space Opera fans, and people who like to read good books in general should check it out. Here’s a little more about the book to get you interested.


Book Details:

Title: Shield of The Mothership by JCM Berne
Series: The Hybrid Helix, Turn 7
Format: Hardcover/Kindle/Paperback
Length: 477 pg.
Publisher: The Gnost House
US Publication Date: July 22, 2025
Cover of Shield of The Mothership by JCM Berne

About the Book:

Sometimes the enemy of your enemy is still your enemy.

Rohan swore he’d never work for the il’Drach again, never again be called Lance Primary, never again kill or risk the lives of his friends on behalf of the Empire.

But when the safety of the sector is at risk, when inaction could lead to the death of every living thing in the galaxy, he has to work with what he has.

Even if what he has is allies he can’t trust, a mission he doesn’t understand, and the growing suspicion that things are only getting worse.

Book Links:

Amazon ~ Author’s Website

About the Author

JCM BerneJCM Berne has reached middle age without outgrowing the notion that superheroes are cool. Code monkey by day, by night he slaves over a hot keyboard to prove that superhero stories can be engaging and funny without being dark or silly.

Website ~ Bluesky ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ YouTube

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