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Monday, 18 September 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Echoes of the Past by Ashley Packard

Echoes of the Past
Author: Ashley Packard
Publication Date: September 20th, 2023
Genre: Adult Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Book Description:
Anna Wilson is faced with the prospect of starting her first job out of university. She worked hard for this coveted position not for the prestige, but because it paid well, would make her parents proud, and most importantly, the location was close to her grandmother, her only remaining family.

Accepting this job was a seal of fate according to Anna’s grandmother, who grappled with the guilt that Anna planned her life around her.

After graduating from university, Anna’s world gets turned upside down when she receives the devastating news her grandmother passed away, leaving behind an unexpected inheritance, a chest full of old postcards, and tickets for a trip her grandmother planned leaving in a few weeks.

Anna battles the difficult decision – to stay with the job she accepted, or embark on a journey that could uncover truths about herself and the untold stories of her grandmother’s past.

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Friday, 15 September 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Six Feet Under by Elice Nange

Six Feet Under
(Sin and Sinuosity, #3)
Author: Elice Nange
Publication Date: September 12th, 2023
Genre: Adult Romance / Suspense

Book Description:
Everything has a price. A price we all pay — in life and in death.

Determined not to follow in his father’s footsteps, Oscar Hyun carved out his own path in life. On the surface, he has everything. Money, power, and prestige. Except for one thing — his elusive soulmate.

Or so everyone says.

Fueled by the saying ‘once bitten, twice shy,’ he’s busy enough as it is and has no time for such trivial matters.

Until she waltzes into his life.

A woman whose reputation precedes her as the illegitimate daughter of one of the deadliest Mafia families in the Midwest. A woman who leads a privileged and sheltered life, and one he should have no business getting involved with.

Courtney Sotelo.

An innocent she is not. Nor is she the naive tomboy everyone thinks she is. That part of her is long dead, snuffed out of existence by the scars from her past. And in its place is something dangerous. Something deadlier.

A weapon.

His soulmate in more ways than one.

Like him, she wants what she wants — consequences be damned.

Note: This book can be read as a STANDALONE in the Sin and Sinuosity series.

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Monday, 11 September 2023

Blog Tour Spotlight - Crimson Scimitar by S.P. Grogan

 

Action-adventure-romance-political-terrorist-thriller of American television culture versus the War on Terrorism—the Awakening Epic of Our Times…

Crimson Scimitar: Attack on America 2001-2027
Author: S.P. Grogan
Publisher: Addison & Highsmith Publishers
Pages: 680
Genre: Current Historical Fiction / Action / Adventure / Thriller

Book Description:
Crimson Scimitar by S.P. Grogan is an expansive action-adventure terrorist thriller that tells the ‘what if’ story of the al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden. What if, in 2011, instead of being killed bin Laden is captured and put on trial, what would American justice look like, and would the outcome be as expected? What if prior to his capture he and al Qaeda were planning to launch on America worse than 9/11? Who could stop it? In Crimson Scimitar is the chase to capture bin Laden, the ‘Trial of the Century’, the diabolical Crimson Scimitar plot in action, and climactic ‘gun battle at the bridge.’ Author S.P. Grogan’s writing seamlessly blends the political War on Terrorism events of 2011 into a realistic landscape that features strong women characters, an eccentric multi-millionaire, reality television stars, SEAL members on the attack, battling defense and prosecution lawyers, CIA agents, the President of the United States, and an ambitious jihadist who will begin a violent transformative journey. More intriguing is how the terrorist plot was crated that will lead to stock market manipulation, attacks on amusement parks, and nuclear waste poisoning. And amid it all there are romantic challenges that must be faced to create strong bonds to fight against evil. Crimson Scimitar is labeled as the ‘Awakening Epic of Our Times’, reminding readers that a 9/11 could happen again and that we must be vigilant.

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Monday, 28 August 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Cusp of Redemption by Olivia Preya

Cusp of Redemption
(The Cusp Series, #2)
Author: Olivia Preya
Publication Date: August 28th, 2023
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Crime

Book Description:
Salvatore de Marco

It was always about her.
Taking care of her.
Making sure she had everything she needed.
School. Apartment. Living expenses.
I took care of it all. For her.
And I’ll never regret the decisions I made to keep the smile on her face.

But she left me once, and I’ll be damned before I let her leave again. As the Cafarelli family enforcer, I can provide her with more than I could before–money and protection. I’ll do everything in my power to protect her from whatever demon made her run the first time. But what if it turns out the demon was me?

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that our connection is undeniable; I can feel how hot she is for me.
Even if she won’t admit it.
Yet.


Naya Okpara

It took a long time to get to where I am now.
From foster kid to private investigator, I do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Even if that means working for the Cafarelli family.

I thought he was long gone—a distant memory tainted by a figure from our past. But time and distance did nothing to ease my hunger for his touch. Nor did it erase the betrayals that shattered me.

When the man who lights my skin on fire appears before me, I’m forced to face the realities I spent years avoiding. Now, Salvatore and I are working for the same family, and I can’t let the connection of our past ruin my future.

But what if he is my future?

Cusp of Redemption is book two of the Cusp series but can be read as a standalone. It has a guaranteed HEA, swoon-worthy anti-hero, and badass heroine. This is an interracial mafia romance containing explicit sex scenes, graphic violence, and is recommended for readers 18+.

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Monday, 21 August 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Fighting for the Truth by A.B. Medley

Fighting for the Truth
(Finding the Truth, #4)
Author: A.B. Medley
Publication Date: August 18th, 2023
Genre: Adult Romance / Suspense

Book Description:
You’ve always been mine to love and to hate…

Small towns have a way of making you face your past.

And there’s two sides to every story.

Hawk and Brittney met as kids in a time when they both needed someone.

Their worlds were already in a state of unrest when an unexpected betrayal stripped them bare.

Words of hate were uttered and promises broken, leaving them bitter enemies.

One is left fighting for the truth, while the other is left with nothing but a dream.

But time and distance can’t separate them forever and fate seemingly intervenes.

Lines blur as they realize things may not have been what they seemed, and old feelings are resurrected.

But amid salvaging their connection comes another fight.

Hawk’s murky past catches up to him and Brittney is thrust in the middle, leaving him no choice but to fight once more to save the girl he realizes he’s always loved.

Even if it means destroying her dreams and wrecking her heart.

Fighting for her is the only thing that matters, and this is one battle he won’t lose.

Winner takes heart.

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Monday, 7 August 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Rogues And Redeemers: A Zasra Press Anthology

Rogues And Redeemers: A Zasra Press Anthology
Publication Date: August 8th, 2023
Genre: Adult Fantasy

Book Description:
It would take such a selfless act, to reverse what you have done… from “Turning A New Leaf”

I didn’t become the frog. The frog became me… from “A Frog Among Princes”

Justice served with a dash of poison was justice served well… from “Path Of The Righteous”

Descend into the darkness or rise up to the light as you explore eight original stories themed ‘Corruption’ and ‘Redemption’. You’ll find something for everyone, from dark magic, covert ambition, and war to ghosts, royalty, and beasts!

~

A. M. Dilsaver — The Devil In The Ashes

Born of lust and fueled by hatred, Aschelle is determined to make her stepmother pay for the cruelties of her childhood. With the prince throwing a ball to seek a wife, victory is only a wish away…

Barend Nieuwstraten III — Turning A New Leaf

When a plan to summon and trap a demon to gain power goes fatally wrong, a bargain must be struck to ensure the summoner does not leave the exchange empty handed.

Christiana Matthews — The Bequest

Gemma doesn’t believe in ghosts–until she meets her dead grandfather, Jock, and uncovers a family secret. In order to move forward with her life, she must persuade Jock to move on as well.

Christiana Matthews — A Frog Among Princes

When Prince Robert refuses to marry a magician’s daughter, he’s turned into a frog in retaliation. Years later, he must seek out the mage in order to save a friend.

Eleanor Owen — The 205th

As a marionette soldier, Faith-7 is given a chance to redeem the condemned soul inside of her by fighting against a heretical empire.

Emma O’Connell — Happy Ending

Waking in a sea of dead bodies, Jacob realises that he has no idea what happened to him. But can he really trust the girl who says she can help?

Ine Gausel — Remnants Of Light

Silencer Osvalt Fell is haunted by his past. To move on, he must learn to let go, even if it breaks his heart.

S. K. Sayari — Path Of The Righteous

Tanith, Imperial Official by day, covert vigilante by night, believes in justice—no matter the means. She must outwit those who suspect her before she loses everything.

Illustrations appear in the print version only.

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Monday, 31 July 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Year of the Fledgling by Linda Kage

Year of the Fledgling
Author: Linda Kage
Publication Date: July 29th, 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy / Romance

Book Description:
Theron, the Eradicator, has one job: to protect the people of Starcast by killing the deadly creatures that attack them. That’s it.

Being an Eradicator comes with a heavy price, however, for he’s strictly prohibited from having any kind of personal contact with the villagers.

But one night, he sneaks into the town’s harvest festival, anyway, and meets the lovely, young healer’s apprentice.

As Theron grows close to her, it becomes harder to tell what’s more dangerous: risking a fatal injury while battling dark ones or risking fatal punishment by beginning a secret dalliance with a forbidden girl.

In either case, doom seems to be the only outcome, and tension mounts as love and danger blur across the reach of this fantastical, seaside landscape.

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Monday, 24 July 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Saving Piper Moonlight by Joann Keder

Saving Piper Moonlight
(Piney Falls Mysteries, #2)
Author: Joann Keder
Publication Date: July 13th, 2020
Genre: Adult Thriller

Book Description:
Piper has lived her entire childhood on the run. She’s about to uncover the deadly reason why…

In the second book of the Piney Falls Mysteries series, Piper Moonlight is tired of constantly looking over her shoulder, afraid of the remaining Fallen Branch cult members. She decides the best place to land is in Piney Falls, Oregon, where the cult originated. At least everyone there knows her story and she’ll be safe.

When she arrives, she finds employment under the watchful eye of Cosmo Hill, also a former Fallen Branch member, at his bakery. Cosmo doesn’t trust Piper or her story. He enlists the help of his fiancé , marketing wonder and super sleuth Lanie Anders to uncover the truth of Piper’s past.

Lanie and Cosmo soon discover there are still shocking secrets buried within the layers of the former cult. As those secrets come to light, those who keep them will stop at nothing to stay hidden. The ugly truth of Fallen Branch will force Lanie, Cosmo and Piper to make unthinkable choices to save themselves and the life they know in Piney Falls.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Lifestyle by Kasey Fallon

Lifestyle
(Trust Fall, #1)
Author: Kasey Fallon
Publication Date: July 27th, 2023
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:
On the outskirts of Philadelphia, the LifeStyle Club caters to individuals with certain… tastes. The only club of its kind, LifeStyle is more than happy to offer possibilities for all.

A born Dominant, owning LifeS with his three best friends suits Grayson perfectly. His new fight arena is just the thing LifeS needs. All he needs is a fighter.

Lexi hasn’t needed anyone since she was twelve. Plagued with PTSD, she runs her own gym, sets her own rules, and lets no one bring her down. But Lexi has a secret. One that threatens to control her… unless she can find a Dom that will.

All she needs is a Dom.

All the stalker sees is her.

Welcome to the LifeStyle.

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Monday, 17 July 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Rose of Florence by Angela M. Sims

The Rose of Florence
Author: Angela M. Sims
Publication Date: March 23rd, 2023
Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Book Description:
Prologue (1460):
Gianetta is born in a farmhouse in Fiesole. Her mother dies in childbirth. The unnamed father is distraught but leaves her in the care of her grandmother and returns home.

The Story (1478):
Gianetta grows up and moves to Florence, where she is in service to a wealthy family of textile merchants – the Rosini. They are friends to and supporters of the powerful Medici clan. In the small, tight-knit group of staff, we meet Eleonora (cook), Luigi (Signor Francesco Rosini’s private assistant), Antonio and Lucia and our hero, Matteo. Gianetta and Matteo are in love and have a happy, peaceful life with the kind and generous Rosini family. They enjoy entertaining at Palazzo Rosini, where the Medici and Botticelli are frequent visitors.

Following the suspected poisoning of Lorenzo de’ Medici and near death of Giuliano de’ Medici, both within the Rosini family home, there is suspicion that there is a traitor in the house and speculation as to who it might be.

In Botticelli’s workshop (where Matteo worked previously), there is discussion about unrest in Florence with rumours in the city that Medici days in power are numbered, and there may be trouble at Easter.

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Monday, 10 July 2023

Blog Tour Spotlight - Becoming Flawesome by Kristina Mand-Lakhiani

Being described as “10 years worth of therapy in one book,” Becoming Flawesome is a celebration of our whole selves, warts and all, and the glory that is to be found in living in our truth…

Becoming Flawesome
Author: Kristina Mand-Lakhiani
Publisher: Hay House Publishing
Pages: 280
Genre: Nonfiction

Book Description:
Perfection. We all dream of living by it, feeling it, being it…

And it is in the name of perfection that we demonise our flaws, make ourselves ‘less-than,’ and render ourselves vulnerable to the shame of not being good enough.

We live in a society that subliminally encourages us to wear metaphorical masks, slay our inner sadness, and ignore our imperfections, or as Kristina refers to them, her ‘dragons.’ Even within the world of personal development and spirituality, toxic perfectionism lurks in the shadows. 

In Kristina’s upcoming book Becoming Flawesome #BecomingFlawesome, she reflects on her own story, her battle against perfectionism, and what it took for her to return to what she now deems to be her most authentic self. Being described as “10 years worth of therapy in one book,Becoming Flawsome is a celebration of our whole selves, warts and all, and the glory that is to be found in living in our truth. 

Every chapter is closed with reflection points and exercises to encourage the readers to dive deep into the essence of who they truly are, what their values are, and how to navigate an oftentimes overwhelming world. 

In this book, Kristina breaks the mould as she takes the reader on a journey through:

  • The dark, controversial side of ‘personal growth,’ and the insecurities that thrive on it
  • Self-care vs self-love, and why you need both
  • What authenticity actually is, beyond the buzz
  • The ‘Hermione Syndrome,’ and how to diagnose if you’re secretly suffering from it
  • How to create aligned lifestyle habits that stick
  • Why the more you judge others, the more you judge yourself
  • Societal masks, and how to remove them from your psyche 
  • Imposter syndrome in the world of high-flyers 
  • Emotional literacy: how to cope with strong, painful emotions healthily 
Buy Links:


Book Excerpt  


The Key to Living an Imperfectly Authentic Life

Introduction

Let’s Begin

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a good book has to start with a proper introduction.

And by “proper” I mean that it has to prime the reader for the journey, raise excitement and set expectations, explain the process, and make reading the book an experience both profitable and smooth. After all, we are about to spend some time together on this journey.

Therefore, I was not surprised when on the first meeting with my publisher I was asked if I would consider writing a proper introduction to my book. You see—the original manuscript started with a story of me pondering my future book while standing in the shower, warm water running down my back, and my finger absentmindedly drawing random patterns on the fogged-up glass.

I started this book during the long years of successive COVID confinements, and I was planning to self-publish it because I wanted the freedom to make decisions about the book—how to write, what to write, what stories to include, what kind of experience to offer to my reader. So, naturally, it wasn’t following any universally acknowledged truths or conventions.

Yet, by the time I had to present my book-baby to the world, I felt that I wanted to give it the best possible future, and I had to face the big decision between my heart and my brain: Will it be self-published (heart), or will I work with a traditional publisher (brain)? Going the traditional way meant facing more choices between my quirky and obstinate self-expression and conventional ways of doing things.

This book is about finding your way back to yourself, about understanding who you really are, accepting your dents and scratches, your quirky uniqueness and even your flaws. It is about thriving in being unapologetically you, most flawesomely.

This book has been through the hands of several editors ever since I put the last stop on its original manuscript. This journey has been both emotional and transformative for me. I had to face my biggest dragon by far—my obstinate need for pure self-expression—over and over again.

When do you follow convention, and when do you stick to your own principles and values?

There is no simple answer to this question, except: you have to learn to balance.

If you follow all the rules that your peers expect you to follow, you bet all there is on a slim chance of the grand prize, but you do it at the price of your own unique self-expression. At times, I felt like I had to “sell my soul to the devil” for a chance at success.

But if you obstinately stick to your own unique quirks and principles, you might end up being unheard and misunderstood so universally that there is no point in writing a book. For it is the readers who make a writer. Without the readers, a book is just a private diary.

Reader, will you judge me if I tell you that this book is a delicate balance between convention and my own uniqueness? Of course, I want you to succeed. But I cannot give you the proper introduction to my book because every book is a journey. This book has been my journey, and

now it is yours. I walked my path to my true self, to understanding what makes me truly me . . .

and what of that unique quirkiness is simply noise. You see, your flaws and your dragons are there for a reason—they make you who you are, but they also hold the key to your biggest value, to your mightiest strengths, if you choose to look your dragons in the eye.

Now I am hoping that you will take this journey with me to your unique destination—to finding the path back to you. I will be your companion on this journey, but it is yours to take.

So why wouldn’t I tell you what’s ahead? Imagine if Gandalf told Bilbo Baggins that on his journey, he would encounter trolls, go through a perilous enchanted forest, and face a dragon in a far-away mountain. Wouldn’t that be a bit of a spoiler?

I want you to take this journey back to you without any spoilers, with an open heart, and trust that the destination is going to be worth your effort. Because becoming flawesome is the best gift you can give to yourself.

So, if you are ready, let’s begin!



More...



 

About the Author

Kristina Mand-Lakhiani is an international speaker, entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and mother of 2 kids. As a co-founder of Mindvalley, a leading publisher in the personal growth industry, Kristina dedicated the last 20 years of her career from teachers like Michael Beckwith, Bob Proctor, Lisa Nichols, and many more. 

She started her career in a government office in her native Estonia and, by her mid-20s, achieved a level of success mostly known to male politicians at the end of their careers. It was shortly after that Kristina and her then-husband Vishen founded Mindvalley. From a small meditation business operating out of the couple’s apartment in New York, the company quickly grew into a global educational organization offering top training for peak human performance to hundreds of thousands of students all around the world. 

Kristina believes life is too important to be taken seriously and makes sure to bring fun into every one of her roles: as a teacher, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world traveller. Kristina helps her students to virtually hack happiness by taking them through her unique framework - “Hacking happiness” - a unique framework of balancing your life, taking in every moment, and paying close attention to the small daily choices.  

Kristina is also the author of three transformational quests - "7 Days To Happiness", "Live By Your Own Rules.” and "The Art of Being Flawesome". Kristina talks about personal transformation, authenticity, understanding and accepting oneself, and a path to happiness.

In July 2023, with the help of Hay House Publishing, Kristina releases her very first book - "Becoming Flawesome" #BecomingFlawesome. In her book, Kristina shares her own journey from being on top of a personal growth empire like Mindvalley to stepping aside, conscious uncoupling from her husband, and walking her path towards being more honest with herself.

Author Links:



 

 
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Monday, 3 July 2023

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Wasted On You by Colleen Charles

Wasted On You
Author: Colleen Charles
Publication Date: June 30th, 2023
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:
I’m not good for her, but I can’t resist her anymore.

Elowyn, the new girl next door, is sweet, kind and radiates joy. My past makes it impossible to feel like that, but just being near her eases something in me that I can’t explain. When I see a strange man outside of her door making her uncomfortable, I have to get involved.

Turns out, her ex is there to make trouble, and if that’s what he wants, I’m more than happy to give it to him. As I wrap my arm around her, I feel a connection that’s undeniable.

As Elowyn leans on me, I realize that the shadows of my past can’t hold me back any longer. She ignites a fire within me that I never knew existed. We’re drawn together, like magnets, unable to resist the pull.

But with her ex still lurking around making threats, she’ll never truly feel safe. I vow to protect her, to be there whenever she needs me. For Elowyn, I’ll face my darkest fears to see her light shine again.

*****

Dive into this sizzling romance where a man with a troubled past finds love and redemption through the love of the woman who’s captured his heart. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their way, or will their love story end before it can truly begin? Discover the passion, the danger, and the healing power of love in “Wasted On You” by USA Today Bestselling Author, Colleen Charles.

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Wednesday, 28 June 2023

BOOK REVIEW: Kian of Swisgurth by A.J. Adam

Kian of Swisgurth
Series: Epic Journey of an Extraordinary Boy, Vol.1
Author: A.J. Adam
Genre: YA Fantasy Adventure / Sci-Fi
Publication Date: 3rd February 2023

Book Description:

KIAN OF SWISGURTH - An Epic Journey of an Extraordinary Boy!

No matter what the future holds, you can always take solace in your favourite fantasy books! 

Let's meet a remarkable young boy named Kian and find out, through the YA fantasy book’s pages, if he has what it takes to rule his home planet, Swisgurth.

An ancient king and an alien race had a catastrophic conflict 100,000 years ago, and the aliens have since been keeping a close check on Earth to ensure no new king has risen to power. But they had no idea that the king's pregnant wife had teleported herself to Earth, where unborn Kian awaits his time to fulfil the prophecy on his home planet of Swisgurth.

He is far from the average boy.... He is The KIAN OF SWISGURTH!

Kian was no ordinary boy; it was impossible to keep his identity a secret from alien race. When they finally learned the truth, it all went upside down in space. It's safe to say that the alien leaders spared no effort in their quest to destroy Kian. After a long journey, our hero arrived on a new planet. He met interesting people, learned about his past, and discovered the prophecy foretold he would become Emperor of Swisgurth.

TAKE A BREAK FROM THE REAL WORLD!

A.J. Adam wrote adventure book "Kian of Swisgurth" with an exceptional world in mind to take the reader on an amazing adventure. This YA thriller book will take you to a vivid, fascinating world with a wide range of characters and intricate plots - a reason to stay up past bedtime. The young adult book follows the fantasy tradition; it drops the reader into a richly detailed world and gradually reveals its background, culture and history through the protagonist's growth, epic adventures, and explorations.

IN THIS UNFORGETTABLE BOOK, YOU'LL FIND:

  • Characters: Kian - the protagonist, Lizardian starship, Sussi starship's commander, Dahlia and more
  • Written by: "Kian of Swisgurth" is an intense and captivating fantasy book for Young Adults is written by A.J. Adam.
  • Written for: This historical fantasy fiction book, loaded with excitement, enchantment, and anticipation, is written for young adults and the forever young-at-heart.

A THOUGHTFUL YA BOOK GIFT TO INSPIRE SMILES ALL AROUND!

The YA fan is a complex individual with too many feelings and an insatiable desire for more and more books. Whether the teen in your life has a mountain of books waiting to be read or enjoys reading but has trouble finding something good to read, this fantasy adventure novel makes a terrific gift for the holiday, birthday, or Christmas.

Stay true to your shelf - bookshelf!

This young adult mystery novel has everything: politics, power, defeat, victory, and suspense, and it's worth adding to your TBR pile.

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BOOK SUMMARY

After her daughter, Aaliyah, and husband, Jake, get in a terrible car crash and end up in a coma and on life support machine, Dahlia finds herself having a recurring dream that keeps pulling her to Antartica. Could there be a cure in Antartica that could help save her family? Desperate for answers and to find a way to keep her family alive, Dahlia recruits a group of trained specialists, including her pregnant sister, Lola, and heads to Antartica for answers. What they find in Antartica, however, is something beyond their wildest imagination. Incased in a 100,000 year old ice is the body of a woman. A pregnant woman. Was Dahlia's trip to Antartica on a whim or was it fate? Dahlia's life takes a drastic change when the woman awakens from her deep slumber. Just what exactly has she stumbled upon?

WHAT I LIKED

There was certainly a lot of intrigue about the story that pulled me in from the get-go. It was a very dramatic introduction to Dahlia's world and very unexpected with the car crash incident. I was not expecting this to be the situation, so it was very interesting that there was so much substance in the opening chapters. From the blurb, I had expected Kian's POV throughout the course of the story, so having it begin with Dahlia was an interesting angle, and I understood why, and I actually liked it as we got to get a little insight into Dahlia and Lola as they would eventually play key roles in Kian's life.

I liked the Clark Kent / Kal-El vibe that Kian brought to the story. Kian is clearly different to other humans and showcases his strengths and abilities from a very young age. I liked the relationship dynamics between him, Dahlia and Lola. It's clear they care deeply for him and while knowing how special he is, they still approached him with caution due to his age and not wanting to overwhelm him with the information surrounding his true origins. I liked that they nurtured him when needed and supported and guided him in becoming an independent person. I liked how Kian became more and more aware of his surroundings as he aged and how it affected him mentally in the sense that the older he got the more out of place he felt in his world. Again, I was reminded of Clark Kent as he tried to juggle between trying to be human and realising the advantage and danger he posed to others due to his strengths and difference.

We got to explore Kian's home planet in some aspect, which was nice as throughout the first half of the book, the story centred around one location. We were introduced to a few new characters and got to learn a lot more about Kian's origin and the dilemma he's faced with as the Swisgurthians look to him as the person they've been awaiting to save them from the chokehold of the evil Emperor.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

I am very picky when it comes to telling instead of showing as it dampens my imagination. There was a lot of telling as opposed to showing in this book, and I couldn't visualise the world being portrayed for the most part. Even when Kian entered Swisgurth, I couldn't picture the world and didn't get to see how it operated as it was mostly told to us. Visual storytelling was very limited in this book, and it affected the way I connected with the story and the characters. I like to make my own determination on characters, and I felt I wasn't afforded that luxury with this story, which made it hard to connect with the characters on an emotional level, so I ended up not really caring much about what happened to them, which was a shame as I felt there was a lot of potential with these characters as their background was intriguing. It just wasn't explored in much depth to allow me to form a connection with them.

Another issue that affected the development of the story, I feel, was the fact that for the majority of the book, the story was centred around one setting, which sometimes placed a limitation on character and plot development as we only saw Kian interacting with Dahlia and Lola for the most part. I also anticipated that there would be more action. I don't know if it's the book cover that gave me that impression or the blurb, but I thought there would be a lot more adventure and action, so that was a little disappointing.

There wasn't much fluctuation in ambience throughout the book, which made it appear very monotone. While I felt the story took on a different energy once Dahlia and the crew found the frozen pregnant woman, it wasn't long-lasting. It didn't feel as if the story started until more than halfway through the book, and then it just felt rushed the last few chapters that I didn't get to embrace the action and the chaos of what was taking place in Kian's life and the dangers afoot.

VERDICT

This was an interesting story with a lot of potential. However, it needed better execution as I didn't form a connection with the characters as I would have liked to. Still, I did enjoy what I read, so I think it was worth the read.

RATING:


Source: Author