Book Birthday Review: The Centaur’s Wife by Amanda Leduc

When I say this book is unlike anything I’ve ever read, I really mean it. A crazy mix of scifi apocalypse and green fantasy, this story combines the two pretty seamlessly. And that’s something I can’t say I’ve read before. A meteor shower that takes out the human world as we know it, centaurs that live on a magical safeguarded mountain, and the most effortless mass murdering of characters I’ve ever read, this book was strangely very stressful and also very calming at the same time to read. Can you say you’ve read anything like that before?

5/5 Stars 320 pages
Published February 16th 2021 by Random House Canada

Right in the middle of this crazy world is Heather, a girl who’s known struggles all her life. Born a little different, her dad was always there for her, telling her fantastic stories of the mountain and it’s creatures. After losing him in a freak accident that caused him to fall off of that mountain, everyone thought she was crazy for saying that there were centaurs living up there. She never ended up leaving her home town, becoming an artist and making money that way. There’s also Tasha, a doctor, Annie, her wife and nurse, Elyse, a sick girl fighting her way through this apocalyptic nightmare, and B, Heather’s husband whom she has twin girls with right at the beginning of the novel just briefly before the meteors take everything out. And weaved in between the chapters are intricate fairy tales, depicting life and death, and everything in between. This book is truly beautiful and a piece of art, in my opinion.

A wild ride from start to finish, this book was everything I could have asked for and more. I say this a lot, but from the description alone I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was sucked in from the moment I started, and I think it’s another one of those books that will be stuck in my head for a long time after I’ve put it down. It had so many twists and turns and stressful moments, like just trying to survive in a world that’s trying to choke you out and starve every human it can find to death, families fighting, food is running out, and everything these characters have known has crumbled. On top of that, Heather has twin baby girls in this new horrifying world, a husband she barely knows and frankly only married so that her children would have a father, and she’s being haunted by not only the people in her town but the life she once knew with her father, and the creatures she knows exist on the mountain but must stay a secret.

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I really found like although the world was so different from our own, everything was so easy to imagine, and I really enjoyed getting to know the fairy tales that Heather was taught as a child for myself. The characters were so lifelike despite these massive differences, and really faced the challenges that they were forced to deal with like anyone would really, even though they had their own demons to deal with while that was happening. A world where plants are very obviously trying to take over, poisonous and scary ones, but I think it really shows that humans are able to persevere through almost anything, though there was a very low percentage left at the end. It was still something.

Really what I’m trying to say is that this book is absolutely one of my new favourites. I would love to grab a copy for myself on my bookshelf so that I can re-read it any time I want, because I think it’s just so timeless, that sometime in the near future I will want to re-read it. And if you know me, you know that I’m not usually like that with books. I recommend it to anyone looking for a story of hardship with a fantastic twist on it, who like scifi and apocalypse and mythical creatures, mixed with fairy tales. I would say it’s definitely not something for kids despite that, and there are some “mature” scenes with depictions of sexual coercion that could possibly be triggering for some people. But that being said, they’re very brief and easy to skip over if you are someone who is triggered by things like that.

If you’d like to grab a copy, you can do so here, through my Amazon Associates Link.

And if you’d like to keep up with the author, you can here on Twitter!

Thanks for reading! Hope you’re doing well and reading awesome books like this.

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A Love Across Time by Genevieve Jane Review

I know what you’re thinking, another fairy tale retelling? And honestly, I’m thinking the same thing. This one, however, is a bit different than the others I’ve read, though it wasn’t my new favourite. It was an okay read, one that I had trouble getting into fully, and that’s why I only gave it two stars.

2/5 Stars 327 pages Published November 2nd 2020

Following two people, Kathryn, in a few years past Canada, and Jacob, in a few years in the 1800’s in Germany, we get to learn their two stories. Kathryn, not abused but simply neglected by her too busy parents, going to school and finding herself after their death, and eventually finding a romance for herself in Jake, a professor at her university. And Jacob, after losing his first love, trying to find himself again despite a curse a witch has placed on him, causing him to lose love after love until he finds the true love of his life, however many years that may take, and when he deserves it.

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I don’t know why, because it goes through all of the fairy tales I enjoyed as a kid, but it just was kind of boring for me. The way that things were described kind of made me think they weren’t a big deal, when thinking back on them, they were a huge deal in the book. Everything seemed kind of flippant, and by the end of them, I feel like I didn’t connect with the characters. And that’s really the biggest problem I had with this book. It just wasn’t for me.

Overall, I think if you’re looking for a fresh take on a romance novel full of fairy tale retellings, than maybe you might like this one more than I did.

If you’d like to grab a copy, you can do so here, through my Amazon Associates link.

Thanks for reading! Hope you have a great day and are doing well.

Bandits and Ball Gowns (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #5) by Christina Bauer Blog Tour & Excerpt

Bandits and Ball Gowns
Christina Bauer
(Fairy Tales of the Magicorum, #5)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: November 10th 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

One Prince Finds True Love … And Risks It All

Elle Cynder has fallen hard for Alec, the ‘prince’ of Le Charme Jewelers. Time for some happily in their ever after, right?

Not so much.

While the new couple shares joyful moments–and sizzling kisses–serious trouble is brewing. Elle’s evil stepmother, Marchesa, schemes with none other than Alec’s twisted father, Legend. Their plan? Destroy Elle and Alec, along with everything the young lovers hold dear, including Bry, Knox, and Wilhelm.

Another Royal Freezes His Heart … But For How Long?

As a prince of the dark fae, Jacoby focuses on one goal: avoid assassination. Marrying Elle would certainly aid in that cause, considering how she’s both a Cinderella life template and a powerful fae warden. Even better, Jacoby doesn’t truly love Elle. In court life, deep romantic attachments only mean certain death.

Then Jacoby notices Elle’s youngest stepsister, Agatha.

For the first time in his life, Jacoby’s cold heart warms with true affection. The elven prince struggles to ignore his feelings, but it might be a losing battle. And what would the prince’s newfound emotions mean for Elle and Alec? Could Jacoby really stand by and watch another’s true love be destroyed?

Buckle up for a wild ride as Cinderella’s time-honored story gets some all-new twists.

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Author Bio:

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Stalk Christina On Social Media – She Loves It!

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And now, here’s an excerpt from the book for you to check out!

Elle

Stomp… stomp… stomp… 

Another morning, another mob of enchanted humans are marching outside my apartment, shouting “Elle, Elle, we want Elle!” 

Not a surprise. 

Lately, supernatural stalkers have been drawn to me like subway rats to a dropped Egg McMuffin. No question why, either. It’s because I’m Magicorum, meaning I’m one of the lucky folks whose future is locked into a fairy tale life template. In my case, that’s Cinderella. Sadly, there’s a reason it’s called the Grimms’ Fairy Tales and not the Chipper Funtime Fables. When magic’s in the mix, stuff turns ugly. Humans become enchanted. Shouting is involved. I’m forced into odd footwear. You get the idea. 

Not that I worry about it too much. I take my Cinderella-ness, kick it in the ass and call it a bitch. Boom.

Rolling over, I peep through the glass pane and scan the sidewalk below. Since my apartment is twenty stories up, I’ve got a perfect view. Sure enough, about thirty humans mill around the concrete. They aren’t alone. 

She waits, too. 

Skye. 

And I’m the only one who can see her. A heavy sense of dread settles into my bones. 

To me, Skye appears to be about my age—meaning eighteen—and she’s made of mist and magic. When solid, Skye resembles a sheriff from the Old West who has blonde hair, black chaps and a six shooter. When she’s hazy, Skye looks like… 

A shiver runs across my shoulders. Can’t think about that now.

Sensing my attention, Skye locks onto my line of vision. I could look away, but that’d be admitting that Skye gets to me. Which she doesn’t. Mostly.

Hold her gaze, Elle. 

Every morning, Skye finds a new and decidedly strange way to greet me. Today, she crosses her eyes while sticking out her tongue. 

Gah. On second thought, maybe I should’ve looked away. This woman is nuttier than cashew pie.

Faerest by Brianna Bennet Book Blitz; Info, Excerpt & Giveaway

Faerest
Brianna Bennett
Publication date: November 10th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Retelling

Mystery has surrounded Sydney White for as long as she can remember. Her mother’s death puzzled even the hardiest of investigators, but eventually, they just stopped trying. So, when Syd is presented with the opportunity to finish a degree in faery anthropology that her mother began over twenty years ago, she leaps at the chance to learn the truth. However, truth is often stranger than fiction, especially when the lines between faery and human are eroding each day. Syd will have to navigate unthinkable deals, a prince in peril she swore she would never speak to again, and an organization only known as Coventry.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Strangely, she could still feel the careful caress of his skin on hers, which of course transitioned into other memories about their final night together. ‘No, we’re not going there.’ she told herself firmly, shaking her head as if that would knock the memories from her brain.

Once she fully came back to the present, she found that Sal had already chosen a track and the timekeeper was counting down. ‘Focus, Syd. Dinner is on the line.’ she told herself, the controller’s smooth plastic familiar and comforting.

Princess Peach, Syd’s favorite character, took off when she accelerated, cruising to the front of the pack efficiently.

She made use of all of the boosters, and she was lapping everyone else within minutes. ‘It feels good to get behind the wheel again, so to speak.’ She thought, and soon enough she found herself embracing the thrill of competition.

While Sal and Syd faced off, Jamie sat between them. Each time someone got ahead of Syd on the track, the lights would strobe ever so slightly, but as soon as she reclaimed first place, they stopped.

He glanced over at Sal and caught Sal looking at him out of the corner of his eye. Jamie’s mouth went dry, and he forced himself to focus on the game. Three rounds later, Syd shot up and cheered for her win.

“YES!” She looked down her nose haughtily at Sal. Jamie watched the scripted awards ceremony unfold, Princess Peach on the top tier, Bowser in second, and one of the computer-controlled racers in third.

“Looks like you’re buying dinner!” she crowed triumphantly.

“I can’t believe I just lost to a princess,” Sal said after a beat, and Syd smirked victoriously.

“There’s your first lesson in Mario Kart and in life: Never underestimate the princess.”

Author Bio:

Fanfiction was where it all began. It gave me the opportunity to stretch my creative muscles and work out crucial lessons in the craft. I spent several years writing for free, which helped me understand the realities of the writing world early on.
​
Once I got to college, I did the one thing that most advisors tell you not to do: I majored in what I was passionate about, not what would be most practical. ​
​
After graduating from college with a degree in Professional Writing, I took a year off and then enrolled in a double Master’s program. In the 3 years that followed, I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could about all areas of writing and publishing.
​
Nowadays, I’m a medical receptionist, soon-to-be self-published author, Medium blogger, writing coach, and podcast host. I live and work in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

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Slippers And Thieves (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #4) by Christina Bauer Review

4/5 Stars 362 pages
Published October 2020
by Monster House Books

Has it really been two years since I read the third book in this series? It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long. Either way, I’m back reviewing another one just in time for the new one to come out in November!! I’m so excited. I love these books because they’re so delightfully cartoony in the best way possible. The characters are kick ass with their powers and just their lives in general, and this book is no exception to that rule. I had a lot of fun reading this, and I can’t wait to start the next one in a couple weeks.

Unlike the last books, this one follows Bryar’s best friend, Elle, and her partner Alec. Both Cinderella templates, Alec is a powerful warlock and a warden, and likewise Elle, though she has a little more trouble with school, being that she’s the warden of Fae magic, and an enchanter. The problem being that she has no fairy wings, because her parents removed them when she was a baby to protect her. The other students love to tease her and always pretend that she’s easy to forget, even though she’s probably much stronger than any of them. The chapters alternate between Alec and Elle, giving the story a much needed and refreshing take, and letting you see both sides of what’s going on with the characters.

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The author begins with a bit of an explanation, though I don’t really think it was necessary. This story begins when the two are fifteen, showing their lives before their eighteenth birthday and the events that lead up to creating the people that they are today. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters like that, because it had been so long since I last read one of these books, I needed that refresher. I really came out of this book feeling like I learned a lot more about them, and also the world that they live in.

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This time, the characters don’t go on any kind of big adventure outside of New York. All the events that take place in the book are inside the city, and occasionally in the land of the Fairies, and interacting with the Queen of Hearts. I thought that the two blended really nicely together, and one of the things I really enjoy about this series is how seamlessly these kind of old worn out fairy tales are brought back to life in modern times with kick ass characters. I just can’t get enough. Aside from the school situation, Elle has to deal with her evil stepmother and horrible step sisters, the death of her parents, how to come to terms with her magical powers, and the fact that Alec’s going to be forced into a loveless marriage in almost no time at all. I think that if you’re into young adult fiction with a touch of romance and a whole lot of magic and fantasy aspects, than you’re going to love these books, and I highly recommend checking them out. They’re probably my favourite series from the author, and I can’t get enough.

If you’d like to grab a copy, you can do so here, through my Amazon Associates link.

And if you’d like to keep up with the author on social media, here’s a link for that!

Thanks for reading! Hope you’re doing great.

Puppet by Pauline C. Harris Review

Have you thought about Pinocchio lately? Neither have I. But this retelling of the story sheds new light on it, following an orphaned sixteen year old girl who finds herself with superhuman powers, as she’s whisked into a world she would have never been able to imagine, and she’s forced to do things she would never have been able to do in her daily life.

4/5 Stars 246 pages
Published October 2014 by Patchwork Press

Penelope prefers to be called Pen, because she thinks her full name sounds like an old lady name. She’s had a sad life in an orphanage, wishing for her own family and even pretending that the man running it is her father. She steals to feel something, and then she’s caught, and forced to stay and work there five years after turning eighteen. That is, until Jed and James come into the picture.

Jed is a mad scientist in all senses. His son James, however, is very normal, and seems to be against his fathers experiments. Pen just gets dragged into it all because she just wants a home for herself, and an out of the only world that she knows. The price is that she’ll lose her human strength in exchange for superhuman almost robotic like strength, and eventually, the ability to lie.

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

I never expected this book to be what it was actually about, and when I read the description I was really intrigued. I haven’t read anything like this before, and I was pleasantly surprised. Pen is a really relatable person despite her superhuman strength and speed. And the adventure she’s forced into is really exciting, I didn’t want to stop reading it once I started, and finished it in about a day.

Though this isn’t my absolute favourite book, I didn’t have any problems with it, and all the questions I had were answered by the end of the book. Though I do think that there could have been more explanation for some things, I don’t think it was necessary, and I did really enjoy reading it. If you’re looking for something really different to bring your outside your normal reading routine, then I recommend checking out this book for sure.

If you’d like a copy to check out for yourself, you can grab a copy here, through my Amazon Associates link!

And if you’d like to follow the author, you can do so here!

Thanks for reading! Hope you’re having a great day.