Book Launch Review and Interview - The Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So

The Groundworld Heroes

Author: Adrian So
Publication Date: 6 August 2024
Genre: MG Fantasy / Adventure

Book Description:

"An original voice and a fun, funny adventure underground." 

Adam Rex, NYT Bestselling Author of THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY

When Groundworld is on the brink of extinction, it takes one mole with courage to save the day.

When Benjamin, a junior mole digger, witnesses a human invasion of his homeland, he must find his long-lost courage and unite two culturally distinct realms to fight the intruders and save his kind from extinction. What perils lie before him as he ventures into the unknown? Can Benjamin go up against a rough bunch of illegal animal trappers before it's too late? 

Meet the Groundworld heroes as they defend their country's sovereignty and save their fellow citizens from capture and extinction. 

Perfect for fans of Kate Dicamillo and Roald Dahl.

Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK

REVIEW

SUMMARY

The Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So is an engaging adventure set in the imaginative underground realm of Soiland. The story follows Benjamin Mole, a Junior Digger who has experienced significant personal loss. His mother died during childbirth, and his father was killed by humans, leaving Benjamin to navigate life as a shy and lonely mole, struggling with his job and social interactions.

Soiland, a vibrant subterranean world inhabited by diverse animal species, faces an existential threat from vengeful humans who previously had their crops harvested by the Groundworld vegetable collectors. As the human invasion begins to cause catastrophic damage to Soiland, President Hare orders an evacuation to save the inhabitants. Benjamin, who was initially left behind, witnesses his friend Connor Meerkat being kidnapped by the invaders. Determined and courageous, Benjamin embarks on a daring mission to rescue Connor and defend his homeland. The narrative is rich with clever names and titling that reflect the characteristics and lifestyles of the animal characters, adding a layer of charm to the storytelling.

MY THOUGHTS

This book is a delightful and heartwarming read, perfectly suited for fans of middle-grade adventure stories, reminiscent of the works of Kate DiCamillo and Roald Dahl. Adrian So has crafted a world that feels both fantastical and relatable, with Soiland serving as a compelling backdrop for the tale of bravery and friendship.

Benjamin Mole is a well-developed protagonist whose journey from a timid and isolated mole to a brave hero is both inspiring and endearing. His personal struggles and growth make him a character that young readers can easily connect with. The supporting cast, including President Hare and the loyal Connor Meerkat, add depth and diversity to the story, making the underground world of Soiland come alive.

The book's clever use of names and titles to reflect the species and characteristics of the animal inhabitants is a charming touch that adds to the overall appeal. The themes of courage, unity and the fight against extinction are handled with sensitivity and imagination, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, The Groundworld Heroes is a beautifully written adventure that captures the essence of bravery and the importance of standing up for one's community. It's a perfect read for children and anyone who enjoys a heartwarming adventure with memorable characters and a richly imagined world. This book fits comfortably into the middle-grade fantasy adventure genre and is a testament to Adrian So's storytelling prowess.

VERDICT

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: Author

Author Interview

1. Tell a little about yourself. What you do when youíre not writing? What are your aspirations for the future?

My name is Adrian So, and I'm from Winnipeg, a mid-sized, freezing city smack dab in the middle of the Canadian prairies. When I'm not writing, you will probably find me either playing soccer (or football, not to offend the British audience), grinding on a video game, or goofing around with my friends. As for aspirations for my future, I actually don't want to be a full-time author because a) it doesn't look like I can sustain myself just by being an author and b) I'm not that kind of guy who can be locked up in a room, typing on a laptop for hours on end. So I think I want to be a lawyer instead when I'm older.

2. Who are your favourite authors of all time?

There are many authors that I'm a fan of, but there are only a handful that I consider as my favourites. They are Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Alan Gratz, Andy Stanton, Gordon Korman, Kenneth Oppel, and Eric Walters. 

3. When and why did you start writing?

I developed an interest in stories a long time ago, when my brother used to make them up and tell me about them. I would do the same, and we'd go back and forth, and it became a habit that we followed for years. I believe that was what spurred my love for storytelling. But I haven't really gotten into writing until 5th/6th grade. That was when the pandemic hit and schools were shut down, sending all of us back home. I grew bored of online learning and had nothing to do, so every day I would write a short story on a piece of loose leaf, until I got an entire folder full of loose leaves. 

4. Give us some backstory behind The Groundworld Heroes. Where and when did you write it?

In 7th grade was when I wrote my first complete book, THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES, which I spent 3 months writing, and I did that by committing to write 200 words every day (which is a very low word count to a lot of writers). I got the idea for it when I was doing some yard work with my dad and my brother. I wondered, How many animals live under our patches of lawn and what if I wrote a book about underground animals? So I just took the ball and ran with it and cranked out a couple chapters. 

5. What was your favourite part of writing The Groundworld Heroes?

My favourite part of writing THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES must be writing about the villains. I find writing them more enjoyable than writing my protagonists. This is because I have the freedom to make them as evil, as hideous, as clumsy as I want. There is no limit when it comes to writing them and it feels oddly satisfying.

6. Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

I do see myself in my characters and there are a few character traits that we have in common. For example, I have felt uncertainty, like Benjamin Mole, I have a bit of insanity, like the villains, and I sometimes eat carrots, like Mr. Hare. But I don't base my characters off of myself, at least not intentionally. But subconsciously, I might have incorporated pieces of myself when I'm crafting these characters.

7. If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?

If I could choose a superpower, I would choose to be able to teleport. I'm basically invincible if I have that ability, I can go anywhere at any time I want, without ever having to pay a penny or having to sit in a plane or a car. 

8. Which fictional character would you like to take to dinner and why?

If I could meet any fictional character, if you're including TV shows/Movies, I'd love to have dinner with Stewie Griffin from Family Guy because he seems funny and dangerous and intelligent.

9. Do you write as you go or do you have the book planned before you start the first draft?

I write as I go. I can't write with a plan because it looks like I can never follow it, and I don't feel motivated enough to write knowing that I'm confined to my own plans. So many of my greatest scenes wouldn't ever be written if I'm a plotter, so I'm sure I'm not plotter material, and will most likely remain a pantser for the rest of my author career.

10. What advice do you have for beginning writers?

My advice for beginning writers is to write, no matter how bad your manuscript is. My first manuscript is absolute crap, and it took me upwards of eighty revisions to get it into the final draft. Also, don't worry about how much time it takes for you to get it into the final draft, it took me about two years to get to that stage, and some authors take even longer as well.

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Echo on the Water by JA Huss

The Echo on the Water

Author: JA Huss

Publication Date: July 25th, 2024

Genre: Adult Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

Rosie Harlow is desperately seeking… well, she’s not sure. A romance would be nice but so would a dinner conversation with her pre-teen son. Too bad her boy is way too busy growing up to pay his mama any attention. Rosie never meant to swear off men and she’s not frigid—you don’t become a single mom at fifteen by being frigid—but this dry spell of hers has gotten out of hand and something must be done.

Enter Amon Parrish. Back in high school Amon was voted most likely to get caught with his pants down. He was a trouble maker. The quintessential bad boy. But twelve years away from home, traveling the world and working with Collin Creed doing super-secret (and somewhat illegal) things, changed all that. These days Amon Parrish is a brand-new, stand-up man.

And, to Rosie’s surprise, a romantic man as well. Because he has decided to court her. And this is not just any ordinary courting, either. It’s… well, a page ripped right out of a bodice ripper.

But everyone in Disciple, West Virginia has a secret in their past.

Even the cheerful, perpetually optimistic, and seemingly innocent, Rosie Harlow.

The Echo on the Water is a swooning plate of small-town fiction served up with a side of spice. It honors the themes of friends to lovers, found family, and is filled with bigger-than-life, morally-grey characters against a backdrop of the weird and wonderful.

INSIDE THE PAGES YOU WILL FIND:

Small Town Secrets

Charming Alpha Male

Friends to Lovers

Touch Her and Die

Morally Grey

Found Family

THIS BOOK WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE AT NOOK, KOBO, AND APPLE ON PRE-ORDER and will release two days early at those distributors. It will go into Kindle Unlimited on the stated release day of July 25, 2024.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Wormwood by D.H. Nevins

Wormwood

(Wormwood, #1)

Author: D.H. Nevins

Publication Date: October 10th, 2011

Genre: YA / Adult Dystopian Fantasy / Romance

Book Description:

Angels. Demons. Love. Deceit.

“Nevins should be at the top of the New York Times Best-sellers List with this series.” – Amazon Reviewer

Tiamat and his brothers, a legion of one hundred half-angels, have orders to end all of humanity. Yet in a moment of weakness, Tiamat risks his life to rescue a hiker named Kali from the very destruction he initiated.

Kali, thrust from the surety of her world into the boundless hell of Tiamat’s, must try to find a way to survive on the Earth’s vast, devastated landscape. Plagued by a legion of Nephilim bent on sending her on, she is forced to trust Tiamat – the one being who could prove to be her greatest enemy.

“OMG … Fabulous. Unputdownable. 5 stars” – Fundinmental Reviews.

“A new kind of tormented romance that is absolutely captivating.” – Carlyle Lasbuchane, USA Today bestselling author

Only 99c for a limited time!

Buy Links:

Amazon | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Storm and Flame by Mallory Wanless

Storm and Flame

(Enchanted, #1)

Author: Mallory Wanless

Publication Date: September 22nd, 2022

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

Elena has always been a disappointment. Her magic is practically non-existent and now, on her sixteenth birthday, she is expelled from magic school by the strict headmistress–also known as her mother. Cast out into the world of the magically inept with only her familiar for company, Elena feels lost and alone until she meets a strange boy in the woods.

Quinn is a thief, a hunter, and a hothead. His unexpected friendship with Elena awakens a fiery side in him–quite literally– and uncovers new and surprising magical abilities. Except men aren’t supposed to be capable of magic.

With Quinn’s help, Elena carves a safe new life as a barmaid, but when she is attacked, her powers awaken with shocking ferocity. Elena’s explosion of magic creates a power surge that attracts the attention of magical investigators, sent to uncover and contain the source of the power surge.

But the awakening of their powers kickstarts an ancient prophecy. Will they be able to escape those that hunt them? Can they fulfill the prophecy, destroy the turmio and save magic from being destroyed once and for all?

Content warning: the story mentions incidents of child abuse, sexual assault, and birth trauma. May not be suitable for some readers.

Storm and Flame is the first in a completed trilogy. A found family low-spice series perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval series, Margaret Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns, and Phillip Pullman’s Golden Compass.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Blog Tour Spotlight - The Flying Barons of Negriponte by James Calbraith

In the ruins of a fallen Empire, the first ever female pilot takes part in a flying boat race to free her people from the foreign oppression…

The Flying Barons of Negriponte

(The Aether Empire Book 1)

Author: James Calbraith

Publication Date: September 20, 2023

Pages: 134

Genre: Historical Fantasy / Candlepunk

Book Description:

They killed her father. They took her ship. But nothing will stop Ikaria's vengeance.

Forty years since Constantinople fell to the Venetian flying citadels, high-altitude Aether racing is the favoured pastime of bored, wealthy Latin nobles. Ikaria, proud daughter of a legendary Aether engineer and one of the best racing pilots in the Aegean, is determined to uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious disappearance at the end of the last Grande Regatta of Negriponte.

Driven by the thirst of vengeance and pursuit of engineering excellence in equal measures, Ikaria vows to win the next Regatta herself - and to find out what really happened to her father. But there's a catch: a new Imperial edict bars her, and anyone not of noble blood, from taking part in Aether races. To her rescue comes Sire Mikhael of Chiarenza - an enigmatic handsome young Greek turncoat in the service of new Latin masters. His motivations unclear, the source of his funds and supplies a secret, Ikaria nonetheless agrees to accept his help: together, they set out to challenge the supremacy of the six Hexarchs, the infamous Flying Barons of Negriponte.

Pick up your copy of The Flying Barons of Negriponte at

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Rumble and the Glory by JA Huss

The Rumble and the Glory

Author: JA Huss

Publication Date: June 27th 2024

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

Deep in the hills of West Virginia, three small towns have found a way to flourish in the face of extreme poverty. Disciple runs a side-show tent revival that brings in millions of dollars a year. Bishop flaunts traditional ways in the vein of Colonial Williamsburg, luring weary city people to the slow-living lifestyle. And Revenant offers them an experience of sin filled with tattooed bikers and live-music dive bars.

It’s a sacred trinity that worships the almighty dollar and everyone plays their role like a well-trained Broadway actor. But these hills have secrets, and so do the people.

Collin Creed is a killer, but he’s Lowyn’s killer. And after a twelve-year separation, she wants him back. To the untrained eye, Lowyn is the good girl to Collin’s bad-boy reputation. But to those in the know, she’s just like everyone else up in these hills—not as wholesome and pure as she looks.

*****

The Rumble and the Glory is a cinematic and spicy second-chance romance wrapped up in a cloak of mystery and suspense. It honors the themes of found family, redemptive anti-hero, and is filled with bigger-than-life, morally-grey characters against a backdrop of deceit and deception.

TROPES:

Morally Grey

Enemies to Lovers

Found Family

Anti-Hero

Small Town Secrets

Buy Links:

Amazon | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Every Scar Tells a Story by Rayna York

Every Scar Tells a Story

Author: Rayna York

Publication Date: June 15th, 2024

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

They say time heals all wounds, but they never mention the scars left behind.

Serena McNeal, outgoing and ambitious, is ready to escape her small town as soon as she graduates high school. Knox prefers to live in the shadows, finding comfort in his anonymity. As their worlds collide and the ghosts of Knox’s troubled past resurface, more than their newly-created bond will be tested. Because now, every decision made could be the difference between sharing a future together or facing a reality where neither one survives.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Break My Bones by Rachael Tamayo

Break My Bones

(Deadly Sins, #1)

Author: Rachael Tamayo

Publication Date: June 6th, 2024

Genre: Adult Thriller

Book Description:

Three years ago Brooklyn James ran for her life with her toddler in tow. Now, her estranged husband, Cain, is back. Brooklyn will be forced to decide, will she run once again, or stand her ground and face the devil himself?

Brook is the manager of a popular Dallas Nightclub, mother, and wife. Three years later she and her daughter are back on their feet and things for her are going better than she imagined when she was forced to run for her life from her husband Cain and ended up homeless with a toddler to protect. Despite her current success, spending every waking moment watching for his inevitable return has taken its toll on the young mother.

Cain James has been released from a three-year stint in prison, and has hooked back up with his lifelong best friend, Donovan. With money in hand due to a substantial inheritance after his father’s death, and the support of the man that has always helped him when he needed it most, he’s got a plan to win back his wife, by any means necessary.

As Cain becomes a man undone by obsession and descents slowly into madness, Brook must watch virtually helplessly and decide, will she run from him again, or stand this time, risking everything?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Need You Now by Maria K. Alexander

Need You Now

(A Pelican Bay Novella)

Author: Maria K. Alexander

Publication Date: June 2nd, 2024

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary, Romance

Book Description:

Can two lost souls reunite in time to save her shop and their hearts?

Abby O’Connell returned to Pelican Bay to start a new chapter of her life. With the revitalization of the hurricane-ravaged beach town, it’s a perfect time to open the bath and body product shop she’s always dreamed of. But with her place looking more like a construction zone, the risk of not being ready for opening day is high. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, she takes a fall on the beach, only to be rescued by her sexy surfer ex.

Connor Maguire was always the party guy. In recovery from a substance abuse disorder, he’s gotten his act together and now is a partner in a home improvement business and co-host of a reality TV show. Surfing has always been a way to escape his worries while becoming one with the waves. When he witnesses a woman fall on the beach, the last person he expects is the girl whose heart he broke ten years ago.

With a week until the grand opening of her shop, can he use his renovation skills to bring her shop and their hearts to life without risking his hard-earned recovery?

Buy Links:

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Pity Parade by Whitney Dineen

Pity Parade

(Pity Series, #4)

Author: Whitney Dineen

Publication Date: May 23rd, 2024

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Trina Rockwell here. You know, your favorite TV host from Midwestern Matchmaker?I have a I am without a doubt, the unluckiest dater in the history of the entire world. I’m not even embellishing. I’ve inadvertently dated a mobster, a dead-beat dad, and a guy who puts salt on watermelon. What’s next, pineapple on pizza?As my past relationships reads like the who’s who of court jesters, it’s no wonder I’ve refused my producers desire to spotlight me as one of the singles on a new show they’re putting together.

The problem is that Midwestern Matchmaker just got canceled and unless I agree to their terms, I’m out of a job.

In order to keep doing what I love doing—matching midwestern singles, I either need to suck it up and parade my dating life on national television or I need to get married—STAT.

Guess which one I’m putting my money on?

Buy Links:

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BOOK REVIEW: The Taste of Storm and Brine (The Talisman Series Vol 5.5) by Brett Salter

The Taste of Storm and Brine

Series: The Talisman, Book 5.5

Author: Brett Salter
Publication Date: 27 February 2024
Genre: YA Fantasy / Adventure

Book Description:
The inevitable, all-out war for Earth is inching ever closer, and luckily, we have The Alliance to defend us from the Darkbrand army. But what about other parts of the world? The Alliance, as talented as they are, can’t be everywhere all at once. And the Darkbrands don’t just pop up in the most convenient places. They are indiscriminate and random, as well as dangerous and smelly. So, expanding The Alliance’s circle of allies seems like a good idea, right? Well, one certain water dragon seems to think so, anyway. Starboard, The Sentry of the South, is a loyal and stout defender of The Den of Oceania. He’s even met most of The Alliance members face to face. But after a brush with death, can he convince his fellow water dragons to join The Alliance’s claws… Um, I mean cause? Will The Den of Oceania ever be able to trust the humans completely? Or arrrrrr their hopes for survival destined to be swept out to sea by the coming storm?

Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK

SUMMARY

The Taste of Storm and Brine, a novella in the Talisman Series, serves as a bridge between the events of books 5 and 6. The story follows Starboard, The Sentry of the South, a water dragon who is determined to expand The Alliance’s circle of allies to better prepare for the impending war against the Darkbrand army. The Darkbrands are a pervasive and destructive force, threatening not just the land but also the oceanic territories. Starboard, having met most of The Alliance members, embarks on a mission to persuade his fellow water dragons to join forces with humans, despite their longstanding mistrust. The narrative explores Starboard’s character in depth and introduces new characters such as Tampa and Driftwood, who bring unique personalities and dynamics to the story. The novella captures the tension and urgency of preparing for an all-out war while highlighting the challenging alliance-building efforts between humans and dragons.

MY THOUGHTS

This book was a brisk and engaging read. It was refreshing to see a focus on the dragons, particularly Starboard, a character who has been part of the main series but hasn’t been deeply explored until now. This novella dives into his backstory and motivations, making him a more relatable and compelling character. The shift in focus from humans to dragons was unexpected but welcome, providing a new perspective on the broader conflict and how it is affecting the world at large. The nonstop action kept the pace lively, ensuring there were no dull moments, which is particularly beneficial in a shorter narrative. Starboard’s humorous and engaging nature added a delightful layer to the story, making his journey all the more enjoyable to follow.

I appreciated the inclusion of Tampa and Driftwood, who stood out as distinct and memorable characters. Their interactions and the challenges they face highlighted the diversity and complexity of the dragon community, which is a nice contrast to the human-centric view in the main series. While I did miss some of the familiar characters from the main series, the novella compensated by deepening the lore and providing insights into the dragon-human dynamics. The portrayal of the inherent mistrust between the two species was particularly well-done, reminding readers of the deep-seated conflicts that The Alliance must overcome. This aspect is often glossed over in the main series, where cooperation against a common enemy tends to overshadow underlying tensions.

Overall, this book is a worthy addition to the Talisman Series. It enriches the narrative by exploring new facets of the story and setting the stage for future developments. Despite missing some beloved characters, the novella’s focus on the dragons and their perspective adds a fresh and exciting dimension to the series.

VERDICT

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Another Side of the Heart by C.H. Lazarovich

Another Side of the Heart

Author: C.H. Lazarovich

Publication Date: September 29th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Book Description:

One summer. One dog. One chance encounter.

When Mary Devere encounters a young woman the same age as her dead daughter, Mary connects with her, only to discover that the young woman’s father is Antonio, Mary’s first love. Mary finds herself questioning the sacrifices she made to live the life she thought she should, and the difficult choice she made as a teenager that changed her life’s course.

Easy to read. Easy to love.

In a touching, emotional and moving account of a woman in midlife, Mary finds herself navigating her grief surrounding the loss of her only child, questioning her sacrifices to live a life she thought she should, and confronting the memories of the choice she made as a teenager that changed her life’s course, all while placing her back in the arms of Antonio.

From Readers’ Favorite 5-Star author C. H. Lazarovich comes the moving story of a woman’s awakening.

Buy Links:

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - If You Loved Me by Brianna Remus

If You Loved Me

Author: Brianna Remus

Publication Date: April 26th, 2024

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

My parents would lose their minds if they found out their precious daughter lost her virginity to the town’s notorious bad boy and ex-convict.

Ranger Adams might have been a dangerous pariah after he was released from prison, but he was the only man I wanted. And after I convinced him to take me on a date, I got exactly what my body…and heart desired.

I spent my entire life trying to get away from my parents’ overbearing grasp. They’ve tried to control every part of my life, even down to the man I was supposed to marry. That was the price of being born into one of the South’s richest families.

The second I had a chance to get away, I did. Ten years of pissing them off and making my dreams come true was worth the sacrifice. No fun. No relationships. And no sex.

My life had been all work until Ranger came back into town. Everyone whispered about what he’d done to land in prison. But I didn’t care.

He was rough around the edges, wild, and free.

And I wanted every bit of what he was willing to give me.

Buy Links:

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Darkness Falls by A.E. Faulkner

Darkness Falls

(Nature’s Fury, #1)

Author: A.E. Faulkner

Publication Date: 31 March 2019

Genre: YA Dystopian

Book Description:

Our family trip to the beach ended before it even began. Mother Nature made sure of that.

Our parents…gone in an instant. It’s just me and my sister. 100 miles from home. No car. No phones. No money. Down to our last crumbs of food.

But just when we figure out what to do, she vanishes.

Mother Nature reached her breaking point and everyone’s paying the price. I have a feeling she isn’t done just yet.

But guess what? Neither am I.

Can Quinn survive the dark side of humanity and outrun nature’s fury? Click Buy Now to find out.

Buy Links:

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BOOK REVIEW: Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing by Jack Callaghan

Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing

Author: Jack Callaghan

Publication Date: 6 October 2023
Genre: YA Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

Book Description:
The 'Zombie Apocalypse' is over and has been for some time.

As the country tries to recover from the chaos, Zombies and Survivors live in as close to harmony as they're able, but old divisions continue to bubble beneath the surface.

Ronnie Thanatos isn't a very good Zombie. He suffers from the usual trappings that come with being a member of the undead, but he isn't tough, he isn't cool, and he certainly isn't scary.

Zombies are supposed to be scary, aren't they?

When he learns of the existence of a mysterious man of science, who is believed to have started the Zombie outbreak, Ronnie sets off on a journey towards the country's former capital, the dreadful and benighted 'Necropolis', in search of answers.

Joined by his faithful friends Nate and Bridget, Ronnie travels across the desolate landscape, meeting strange and interesting people, putting his courage to the test, and learning the importance of everyone being 'different but all the same'.

Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK

SUMMARY

Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing transports readers to a post-apocalyptic world where the zombie apocalypse has concluded, leaving behind a fractured society where zombies and survivors attempt to coexist. At the heart of the narrative is Ronnie Thanatos, a lovably awkward zombie who defies stereotypes. Alongside his companions Nate and Bridget, Ronnie embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the outbreak. Their journey takes them through the desolate landscapes of Necropolis, where they confront both external threats and internal struggles.

MY THOUGHTS

Jack Callaghan's Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing injects new life into the zombie genre by shifting the focus from the initial chaos to the aftermath of the apocalypse. The characters are the heart and soul of this tale, with Ronnie, Nate and Bridget captivating readers with their distinct personalities and heartfelt interactions. Ronnie, in particular, stands out as a refreshingly unconventional protagonist, challenging preconceived notions of what it means to be a zombie.

The narrative's exploration of themes such as acceptance, friendship and identity adds layers of depth and complexity, elevating the story beyond a mere adventure. Readers are invited to ponder the meaning of humanity and the importance of embracing diversity in a world ravaged by disaster. Callaghan's writing strikes a delicate balance between humour and poignancy, eliciting both laughter and tears as the characters navigate the challenges of their harsh reality.

While the book excels in character development and thematic depth, there are some minor drawbacks to consider. The pacing occasionally falters, with certain sections dragging on longer than necessary, resulting in a slower progression of the story. Additionally, the formatting, particularly the inclusion of multiple dialogues within a single paragraph, can be confusing at times, disrupting the flow of the narrative.

However, these shortcomings are outweighed by the book's many strengths. Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing is a captivating read that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It is a testament to the power of friendship, resilience and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

VERDICT

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Author

Cover Reveal & Giveaway - LightFall by Elsa Jade

LightFall

(The Dreadmarked Dragon, #1)

Author: Elsa Jade

Publication Date: April 8th, 2024

Genre: Adult Fantasy / Romance

Book Description:

He is the Dragon Prince, chained by the ghosts of sacrificed auras to a savage dragon. From solitary confinement in his obsidian tower, he flies out with the dragon to fight the demon horde—cursed by fate to give his soul and someday his life for the Living Lands.

Me… I’m nothing.

Or not quite nothing. I’m a good thief, clever with my great-grandfather’s animdao blade and my wayward tongue, which has kept me alive when no one else could be bothered—but which only get me in trouble when the Dragon Prince rescues me. He wasn’t rescuing just me, of course. There’s a fine lady and a brave soldier and a shy little shepherd, and also a holier-than-me cleric and a king, and some people who didn’t deserve to be rescued, truth be told… Neh, it’s a long story.

But every day is getting shorter, the nights colder as winter comes and whispers swirl of demonic verges splitting across the kingdom, freeing more ghastly spawn from the Lost Lands and threatening all that is bright and beautiful.

If that isn’t bad enough, the mystical binding on the dragon has begun to fray, and the scars that wound the Dragon Prince are bleeding where no one else but me can see. When only a Devouring will sate the monster’s hellish hunger, one waver off the path of auric purity will doom the Living Lands. Awful place for a thief, really.

Now the prince is threatening me as if this is my fault—although it may be partly my fault because I’ve never been able to keep my fingers to myself—and we’ll have to find our way through ancient tomes and fabled talismans and terrible battles before the kingdom crumbles. But I might be falling too—falling for the dreadmarked prince. He did save me, after all, so I might just save him in return.

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Enter the exciting world of the Living Lands in LIGHTFALL, book one of The Dreadmarked Dragon duology, an epic adventure romantic fantasy, where noble intrigue and demonic war are equally fatal, where one touch in the dark may lead to desire or damnation—and love might be most dangerous of all. For fans of slow-burn romantasy who thought The Lord of the Rings needed a few more kisses.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US | UK

About the Author

Paranormal romance and science fiction romance for everyone who howls at the moon or looks up at the stars to dream. Learn more about Elsa Jade and the worlds of the Mating Season, Mating Fever & Intergalactic Dating Agency -- and sign up for the New Release Alert -- at http://elsajade.com

Latest News: See the profiles of the sexy aliens of the #IntergalacticDatingAgency in the free sneak peek at Instafreebie. http://instafreebie.com/book/15688

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