Genres:
Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Novella

Blurb:
The water beckons…

Illista and her sister fled their homeland when invaders killed their parents and tried to enslave the girls’ innate water magic. Now disguised as servile Waki, Illista serves the Segra people on the dusty high plains, far from the warm oceans of her childhood.

One night, lured by the siren song of the Segra’s sacred lake waters, Illista sheds her Waki disguise for a swim and becomes witness to a murder attempt on the Segra chief’s only son and heir.

War looms…

Joral’s marriage to the daughter of another tribe will seal the peace between the warring nations and strengthen both halves of the Segra people against invaders from the West. When he is poisoned and nearly drowned on the night of his betrothal, a mysterious sprite of a woman saves his life.

Was the attempt on his life the workings of a rival, or was it tied to the sudden arrival of Western mercenaries who seek the missing water witches?

A secret revealed…

When Joral discovers Illista’s secret, will he sacrifice her to secure peace for his people? Or will he follow his heart for the sake of a water sprite who may be the Segra’s only hope for restoring the rains to the drought-ridden land? ​

My Thoughts:
CALL THE RAIN is a fast-paced novella that could easily lead to a full-length novel or even series. The world-building is good enough that you can see the different locations and types of people - some of whom have magic and some don't. 

Illista and her sister are the last survivors of a tribe that was decimated by a warlord who wanted their powers for his own. They have disguised themselves as a different race, one that blends in. That has worked so far but it appears their past has caught up with them.

There is a hint of romance here but it takes a backseat to the rest of the story. It is only at the end that it really shows its head. There are some parts that aren't fully delved into - either purposefully or accidentally, I'm not sure - which left me with questions.

​I found this to be an easy read that whisked me away to a different land that I would like to return to one day... if only to find out about Illista's sister and her sorcerer! 

Genres:
Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Blurb:
A girl with an unknown destiny.

A boy from a hidden world.

When Celeste starts at a new school in a small, Kansas town, she hears whispering voices, has vivid nightmares, and swarms of blackbirds follow her every move. She is oddly drawn to aloof Rylan, the other new student who has his own secrets.

The exact moment she turns seventeen, she wakes to a bedroom full of strange creatures, purple light emanating from her hands, and Rylan breaking in through her bedroom window.
He knows what she is . . .

Intriguing and deeply romantic, RUA is page-turning YA novel with a supernatural twist.

My Thoughts:
RUA is the first book in the Rua series and I'm still waiting on what the connection is between Celeste and the meaning of the word!

We start of with Celeste having just moved to a new town, an occurrence that happens frequently enough that she is not bothered about not having close friends. On her first day, she is befriended by Tink -- her new gay best friend who has a healthy interest in Wicca. A good thing for Celeste because things are about to get strange.

I love reading Celtic-based fantasy but all too often it is Irish-based Celtic fantasy, which this was. Still, there is enough information here to tease the imagination whilst certainly not overwhelm the reader.

The story itself is nicely wrapped up for this instalment, whilst leaving the overall story arc open and definitely leaving you wanting more. I have a number of questions that simply need to be answered!

A good YA read that will hopefully lead onto bigger things.

Genres:
Young Adult, Fantasy

Blurb:
Lily Mauve's parents move her 1700 miles across the country to the town of Salem and into the 400 year old family home. It's here Lily discovers the extensive magical history of the Mauve family, learns about her own powers and falls deeply in love with her new best friend's brother. She meets family she never knew she had, but she quickly grows to love them. She allies with vampires, creatures she thought were made up. Everything is tipped upside down when one of her new friends is hurt at the Homecoming dance because of who she is, and when the attempts on Lily's life start she realises fear is no longer an option. Her Uncle eventually lets slip the true meaning of her Grand-mamar's prophecy and Lily's world changes. She wants to go quietly, save the people she loves but her rare mental connection with Ava means Ava knows her every thought, and she won't let her go. But ultimately, she must fight for the safety of those closest to her, even when lightning strikes and her family's world is shattered. ​

My Thoughts:
​A MAGICAL HISTORY is the first book in The Mauve Legacy and I found this to be a great read. I found it completely refreshing that someone could move to a new school and fit in! Yep, and even be a cheerleader. The social outcast has been done to the hills and back and I loved that Lily knew what she wanted and went for it. 

The pacing is fairly fast but it works for this story. Lily is a brilliant character and spoke many a word of wisdom. She is ably supported by a cast of amazing supporting characters too. Jerome, I'm looking at you! 

It isn't all sweetness and light though. I knew something would happen but didn't know what. And when it did, it hurt! 

The ending will definitely leave you wanting more but it is a cliffhanger, so be warned. Absolutely recommended by me.

Take a look at this gorgeous picture of Nixie from Wraidd Elfennol - as drawn by Ty Siriol!!

Nixie definitely approves!

​#FanArt
#WraiddElfennol

​Promotions Manager, Ava Reese, has all she ever wanted, but her past haunts her. Can Ava and her best friend, Paige, put Ava’s dreams to rest, or will the past destroy everything Ava has so carefully built?
                       
#Contemporary
#ShortStory
#FREE on #KU

This time last year, Hiraeth had just gone live! 

It was my contemporary, magical realism, set in beautiful North Wales - Beddgelert specifically, although I also mention various other places, such as Beaumaris, Porthmadog, and the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Steam Train. I've visited all of these places and travelled on that train so to say this was a work of love is correct!

I also tried to weave in myths and tales of Wales' history which wouldn't be complete without a mention of Merlin or the Welsh red dragon! I love all my books but I will admit to Hiraeth living in a part of my heart!

Have you read it? Did you enjoy it? If so, what was your favourite part? And has it inspired you to visit Beddgelert or the beautiful surrounding Snowdonia landscape?


​
Will Ellis accept her lost responsibility or will Luke fade away before she figures it out?
 
‘Hiraeth is a Welsh word for homesickness or nostalgia, an earnest longing or desire, or a sense of regret.’
 
#MagicalRealism
#NorthWales
#Dragons
#Hiraeth
#KU

It's hard to believe What a Latte Books is two years old already! I hope you have enjoyed Laura and Simon's story.


​Reading through the pages of a book that disappears and reappears at will, that matches Laura’s life in so many ways, makes her yearn for the unattainable. Can love be found between the pages of a book?
 
#Contemporary
#MagicalRealism
#FREE on #KU

Genres:
Young Adult, Time Travel, Fantasy

Blurb:
Gemma Hart never knows when her father is going to whisk her back in time. Her toes start tingling and she has a few minutes to find a secret haven where she can disintegrate and appear in another time and place. While “across the line,” her training and skills are put to the test as she completes a mission that will change history for the lucky few her father has selected.

Gemma's parents are adamant that secrecy is paramount to her family’s safety. If people knew what they were capable of, they could be "used and abused", as her mother always says. Afraid she might accidentally utter the truth and break the ancient oath of her people, Gemma spends her school days as a loner. Only one thing can throw her sheltered life askew... Harrison Granger.

Harrison never expected to talk to the strange Hart girl, but after a brief encounter he can't stop thinking about her. He begins a campaign to chisel away her icy veneer and is met with unexpected consequences. As he slowly wins this girl over, he enters a surreal world that has him fighting to keep his newfound love and his life.

My Thoughts:
​GOLDEN BLOOD is the first book in the Time Spirit Trilogy and we are introduced to Gemma and her time travelling family. She is called a freak at school and keeps to herself, but it is only because she made a terrible mistake when she was only thirteen. It has made her very wary about letting anyone in. Even more so when you consider her secret life. Harrison has been the outsider and is determined it won't be the same at this school. Even if that means dodgy the bully brother of the girl who won't leave him alone. He is intrigued by Gemma and wants to know her better.

This was a great read with a suspension of reality. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the siblings, although I didn't like the parents at all (which was the idea!) There were a couple of points that stood out, that jarred me out of the story, but I was quickly able to move on and continue reading.

The relationship takes time to develop between Gemma and Harrison but, once they do, it's pretty much insta-love declarations, even if it's not to each other. There are some pretty big signs leading you to the next book, including the appearance of a new character within the last few pages. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing with the twists and turns that comprise Gemma's story!

This #Epic #Fantasy series is full of #myth and #magic, #action and #adventure, and even a touch of #romance, with a strong Welsh theme.
 
Step inside the World of #WraiddElfennol today and see which element calls to you. Available in #KU