Morgan's Musings
Just my rambling, plus whatever book I've recently read!
In anticipation of the upcoming launch of Slippers and Songs, Sealed with a Curse is presently available at no cost on Smashwords, utilizing coupon code CR22E.
My Brodyr Alarch first came to life in Sealed with a Curse, which shows them in a not-so-good light. It is during Selene and Con’s story that you see a glimmer of who they might be... A kingdom in mourning… Six Princes turned dark in their grief… One maiden holds hope to save them. Selene, the Swan Herder for the kingdom of Melthkior, once filled her days in the company of the Royal Family. She grew up as a companion for the Princes of the kingdom, and they enjoyed close friendships. But when the Queen died during the birth of her sixth son, everything changed. The King fell into mourning, and the Princes turned dark and cruel in their grief. Now, as a maiden, Selene must endure the brutal mockery and abuse from those she once called friends. Her only allies are her beautiful swans and those on the kitchen staff who love her. Until the mysterious Conway appears and seems determined to be a part of her life. Conway is fascinated by the girl with the silver hair and dismayed by how she is treated. He welcomes her into his heart, and Selene slowly begins to trust what she feels is real. Can Conway show her a different way of life, or will she stay stuck in a cycle of suffering? And when the Gods become involved, a curse strikes the six Princes of Melthkior. Will Selene choose to help them, or leave them to their fate? #Fantasy #Romance #WelshGods #BrodyrAlarch #BrothersGrimm #FairytaleRetelling
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A HUGE thanks to Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! for hosting my exclusive cover reveal of Slippers and Songs! In the realm of Holmfirth, far from Melthkior, Princess Tesni finds herself ensnared in a curse that compels her to dance tirelessly through the night. She must navigate a delicate balance between her royal responsibilities and the ceaseless rhythm of her relentless dance. Tesni yearns to be perceived as more than a coveted reward to be claimed for breaking the enchantment.
Summoned by Tesni’s father, Prince Brenin finds himself irresistibly drawn to Tesni’s captivating personality and quiet strength, by the genuine beauty that emanates from her. In the velvety embrace of deepest night, Brenin becomes Tesni’s silent guardian, accompanying her to the realm of the Otherworld. There, he answers riddles posed by the mysterious Taliesin. Will Brenin uncover the secrets that tether Tesni to her unending dance, winning not only her freedom but also her heart? Will the silent whispers of their burgeoning affection be allowed to grow? Or will Tesni remain forever entwined in the dance of the Otherworld that holds her captive? Slippers and Songs is a Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale retelling and the first book in the Brodyr Alarch series, where Brothers Grimm stories entwine with the fascinating mythology of the Welsh Gods. BOY OF SHADOWS overlaps with Stone of Shadows, but this time we hear from Tristan. What a story he has to tell! I loved the overlap! Seeing it through Tristan's eyes made it much more real, especially when you get an inside view of just what Tristan went through. My heart broke for him when he realised how many people had known what was going on and no one had acted on his behalf. The relationship between Will and Tristan continues to grow, already being exactly what Tristan needs. The caring and compassionate nature of Will means he does everything he can to help. Their relationship doesn't feel out of balance in any way, because I know Tristan would do anything to help Will. I loved the new characters--especially Orson and Liam. I'm hoping to see more of them in the future. The pacing was perfect and it was an absolute page-turner. I'm so happy the author returned to this world. An outstanding book that I read in one sitting, as it was just too good to put down. ** same worded review will appear elsewhere ** * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. * Camilla Vavruch has enjoyed writing since she was a child, and her first longer story was an eight-page short story about two children who ended up on a desert island. Despite the small number of pages, a lot happened to those children. Since then, she has written a lot. Several novels reside in her drawers, while her fanfic in fandoms such as Harry Potter, NCIS and House, became widespread and gained a lot of popularity. While she studied medicine, she also wrote and illustrated medical notes, ones that still circulate among and help the students. Today, Camilla works as a doctor at a health care center in Linköping, Sweden, but still spends what little free time she has on writing – on her blog Cosmonomics (Swedish), on her novels, or on books to help others.Camilla Vavruch has enjoyed writing since she was a child, and her first longer story was an eight-page short story about two children who ended up on a desert island. Despite the small number of pages, a lot happened to those children. Since then, she has written a lot. Several novels reside in her drawers, while her fanfic in fandoms such as Harry Potter, NCIS and House, became widespread and gained a lot of popularity. While she studied medicine, she also wrote and illustrated medical notes, ones that still circulate among and help the students. Today, Camilla works as a doctor at a health care center in Linköping, Sweden, but still spends what little free time she has on writing – on her blog Cosmonomics (Swedish), on her novels, or on books to help others. Eve Darrow seeks to take the throne in a kingdom where women aren’t permitted to rule. QUEEN OF EARTH & STONE is the first book in the Crescent Queens series, and I honestly can't wait to read more! The prologue gives a nice introduction to the world, and the rest of it is explained as the story continues. Eve is our FMC and she is determined not to marry. This doesn't go down well with the council of advisers who seem determined to run the show. I loved the scene where she tells them of her intentions. Plus that one sentence that is just a mic-drop! - "I believe No is a full sentence." LOVED that!! Callan is our MMC and he is the mystery with secrets. He has been called to help protect her when her life is threatened. This is a fast-paced story, faster in some places than others, which can lead to it feeling slightly jerky in places. Part of that, for me, was the relationship between Callan and Eve. There was no build-up, or getting to know each other. Callan has seen her before - BOOM! Eve thinks he looks nice - BOOM! And then there's the whole yes/no that goes back and forth. I would have preferred to see them get to know each other a bit more. Yes, it could be cliché, the bodyguard and the princess, but at least there would have been something other than insta-love. On the whole, I thought this was a great read that has kept my interest and made me look forward to continuing the story. If that is how it has left me, I'd say that it's a success! Definitely recommended by me. ** same worded review will appear elsewhere ** * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. * I am an avid reader and writer of fantasy romance, a collector of too many pens, a part-time coffee enthusiast, and full-time mom.
Writing has been my passion since childhood and has always been an outlet for me creatively. I live in western North Carolina where I was born and raised. Queen of Earth and Stone is my debut novel, and passion project that rekindled my dream to be a full-time author. STONE OF SHADOWS is a standalone novella that I am really hoping will become a prequel novella to a series. This world is fascinating and I was drawn into it from the very beginning. Will is a 'street rat,' living on the breadline and doing what he can to support his family. Tristan is the Overster's son and heir, living a life of luxury as far as Will can see. That all changes the day a dragon comes to town and tries to snatch Tristan. Will saves him and is taken instead. His adventure leads him back home with a prize, and he learns that life is not as simple as he thought. Originally, I gave this story 4 stars as I wanted more! Told from Will's perspective, I wanted to hear Tristan's side of things. I wanted more about the world they live in. I wanted more about Will's family. I wanted more about that mysterious stone and its powers. I just wanted... more! However, that didn't seem fair as I am supposed to be reviewing what I've read, not what I want. So, for that, I can only give 5 stars, but I really do hope the author returns to this world so I can at least catch up with how Will and Tristan are getting on. 😁 A great novella that I absolutely recommend! And take a look at that beautiful cover! This is an author I want to read more of. 💙 ** same worded review will appear elsewhere ** * A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. * Camilla Vavruch has enjoyed writing since she was a child, and her first longer story was an eight-page short story about two children who ended up on a desert island. Despite the small number of pages, a lot happened to those children. Since then, she has written a lot. Several novels reside in her drawers, while her fanfic in fandoms such as Harry Potter, NCIS and House, became widespread and gained a lot of popularity. While she studied medicine, she also wrote and illustrated medical notes, ones that still circulate among and help the students. Today, Camilla works as a doctor at a health care center in Linköping, Sweden, but still spends what little free time she has on writing – on her blog Cosmonomics (Swedish), on her novels, or on books to help others. I’m excited to announce my books will be promoted as part of a special sale on Smashwords to celebrate Read an Ebook Week 2023 from March 5-11. Be sure to follow me for more updates and links to the promotion for my books and many more! #ebookweek23 #Smashwords
#BookoftheMonth - After the Summerland (The Witches of Spring Hill, #1) by Patricia A. Proctor28/11/2022 Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy Blurb: Teen triplets are shocked to discover they are the reincarnation of three witches living on sacred land. The land magnifies their abilities, making them more powerful witches – and targets. They aren’t the only ones aware of the power the land gives . . . Chloe, Kaiden, and Rowan Alexander can’t wait to meet the new triplets that have just arrived in town. They are determined to find out if they are anything alike. The attraction is instant, though they soon discover they share more than just being fraternal triplets – in fact, Brianna, Cian, and Xavier Silvan are also witches with a secret of their own. They must overcome their distrust of each other and join together to fight a much stronger witch, who wants the sacred land for more than the power it gives. It’s a paranormal coming of age story where the teens discover the purpose of their existence, explore their new powers, new relationships, and overcome family secrets, all while becoming stronger witches. They must learn quickly so they can protect themselves and the people they love from the force of dark magic bearing down on them. My Thoughts: AFTER THE SUMMERLAND is the first book in The Witches of Spring Hill series and we start off in the past. That gives us a little history before we come back to the present, with the triplets now sixteen, and new witches moving into town. This was an enjoyable story with mystery and mayhem aplenty. The big bad was there causing trouble and without any hook to make you feel sorry for them. That went to Xavier as he tried to protect his siblings and figure out just what was right. If I had one complaint, it would be when they talked about their powers. I like it when it's spelled out for me, so I don't have to guess what those powers are. For Kaiden just to tell me his are coming in didn't really help. I went back a few pages just to make sure I hadn't missed anything, only to find out a couple of pages later just what those powers were. And why was it "Rowan, of all people," at the end? I enjoyed watching the teens grow during this book although I personally think they had it a touch too easy. If only coming into power was that easy and straightforward for everyone. All in all, an easy Young Adult story that wraps up nicely. I've always loved the written word, and in my heart, I knew I wanted to spend my life surrounded by books. My first series, The Witches of Spring Hill was born from a vivid dream that came to life in unimaginable ways.
My intention as a writer is to evoke in my readers that same gratification and pleasure that I have after reading an amazing book. By the end of my books, I hope that readers feel that same connection to my characters as I did when I wrote them to life. Genres: Historical, Fantasy, Literary Fiction Blurb: France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world. But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name. My Thoughts: This book was recommended to me by a very good friend, so thank you, Julia! Starting off in historical France, we meet Adeline LaRue, or Addie as she prefers to be known. Trapped in the times and the restraints of being a woman, Addie hopes to become an old spinster, or live out in the woods the same as her friend, Estelle, who tells her of the Old Ways. One warning she gives to Addie is to never pray to the Gods after dark, as the ones who answer will not be the ones you want. When she is forced to marry, she makes a desperate plea, not realising the sun has gone down. Her plea is answered but the cost is high. We stay with Addie as she learns to be a corporeal ghost, disappearing from people's memories the minute she is out of sight. The only constants in her life are a leather jacket, a wooden ring, and Luc. She travels through time, unable to write her name, text on a phone, send an email, be on a photograph - you get the idea. She figures out a way to make her mark on the world in different ways. I found this story to be very intriguing and loved the hints of the way the story was going that were dropped throughout. The writing is lyrical and very descriptive, full of emotions. However, in places, the story seemed to drag. And the 'romance' between Addie and Henry was about as exciting as watching paint dry. I don't believe she was in love with him at all, rather being in love with the idea of being with someone who remembered her. Addie herself is a confusing character. I liked parts of her, but not all, so just as in real life, I guess. I imagine wandering through the years as a ghost would turn the most optimistic of people dour, but she was too conniving, too sly, at times. Machinations for no apparent reason apart from just because. A thoroughly enjoyable and intriguing story that I have no hesitation in recommending. You may have to stick with it through the slower parts though. VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades of Magic series, the Villains series, the Cassidy Blake series and the international bestseller The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Her work has received critical acclaim, translated into over two dozen languages, and optioned for television and film. First Kill – a YA vampire series based on Schwab’s short story of the same name – is currently in the works at Netflix with Emma Roberts’ Belletrist Productions producing. When she's not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.
Genres: Upper Young Adult, Fantasy Blurb: Carved from ice with blades of fire, the rigidly feminist state of Serenia breeds heroes. Unimaginably perfect, Amara the Magnificent, the legendary Ultimate Warrior is their greatest. Five years since Amara’s mysterious disappearance, her daughter, Maryan, struggles to escape her mother’s formidable shadow. Shunned by most, her only friends are oddball characters from the edge of society. The Queen sees Maryan as an asset to the nation, a pawn to play with and a pretty bauble to appease the neighbouring king, but lurking beneath the surface, an ancient terror plots to wipe out Maryan’s bloodline. Friend, lover, and more, Amara’s Daughter is a turbulent, rite of passage story tracing Maryan’s growth from naive schoolgirl to the woman destiny needs her to be. My Thoughts: AMARA'S DAUGHTER is the first in the Shudalandia series and we are introduced to this new world by tagging along with Maryan (the legend's daughter) as we learn about how things work, with friends and enemies, and everything in between. Some of the segues between scenes or people are a bit disjointed, which left me floundering until I got my bearings again. Also, some of the characters are hinted at being a major part of the story but then fizzle out, without really giving the reader any connection to them. Oh the whole, this was a great fantasy read that I would definitely say was upper young adult due to the sexual nature of some scenes. Living in Cheshire with my wife and our two dogs (Milly and Molly,) I’ve run a successful computer consultancy for many years. The business continues to thrive and I feel blessed that people pay me to solve complex problems for them.
One day, we hope to spend a portion of our year on the Greek islands, where I would love to spend most days writing, but for now, I’m content that with three adult children, I’m being presented with grandchildren at a fabulous rate. I still remember the wonderful effect when a teacher read CS Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It was years later I discovered there were more Narnia books. Norse and Greek myths held me until I met Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings has been a favourite read for over thirty years. This was enhanced by the zany view of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld and the saga of Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. Not all my reading is classic fantasy. In recent years I’ve enjoyed Kim Harrison’s Hollows books and Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock. New writers bring the joy of reading to new readers. And it's LIVE!!!
Woohoo! My Brothers Grimm fairy-tale retelling with the old Welsh Gods is now live. I didn't realise it would be so much fun! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. A kingdom in mourning… Six Princes turned dark in their grief… One maiden holds hope to save them. Selene, the Swan Herder for the kingdom of Melthkior, once filled her days in the company of the Royal Family. She grew up as a companion for the Princes of the kingdom, and they enjoyed close friendships. But when the Queen died during the birth of her sixth son, everything changed. The King fell into mourning, and the Princes turned dark and cruel in their grief. Now, as a maiden, Selene must endure the brutal mockery and abuse from those she once called friends. Her only allies are her beautiful swans and those on the kitchen staff who love her. Until the mysterious Conway appears and seems determined to be a part of her life. Conway is fascinated by the girl with the silver hair and dismayed by how she is treated. He welcomes her into his heart, and Selene slowly begins to trust what she feels is real. Can Conway show her a different way of life, or will she stay stuck in a cycle of suffering? And when the Gods become involved, a curse strikes the six Princes of Melthkior. Will Selene choose to help them, or leave them to their fate? Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60580281-sealed-with-a-curse Smashbomb Link: https://smashbomb.com/s/sealed-with-a-curse Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/SealedwithaCurse |
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