The Iron Crown by L.L. MacRae - Spotlight

Continuing the series of spotlights celebrating semi-finalists in the Book Blogger Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA), today I’ve got an exciting fantasy adventure for you!

And I just LOVE this book cover!

Let me introduce you to… *drum roll*

 

The Iron Crown by L.L. MacRae

 

Book info

Publisher: Self-Published

Length: 568 Pages

Genre: Epic Fantasy, Adventure, Adult

Publication date: 28 May 2021

 

Book blurb

Fenn’s first and only memory is finding himself in the middle of a forest, face to face with a dragon spirit mocking him, all knowledge gone apart from his own name.

Lost and confused, his only hope for answers is Calidra—a woman living on the edge of the world with her partner. Forced to return home when her father dies, Calidra has put off facing her estranged mother for seven years, and she begrudgingly helps Fenn, forging papers for him so he can avoid the Queen’s Inquisitors.

But her mother is the least of her worries when they discover an ancient enemy is rising again. It should be impossible with the Iron Crown in power—and Fenn is terrified he might unwittingly be playing a part in the war’s resurgence.

Surrounded by vengeful spirits and powerful magic, Fenn’s desperate attempt to find his way home might well alter the fate of Tassar, and every power in it.

Add The Iron Crown on Goodreads.

Find the book on Amazon Canada, Amazon US, and Amazon UK.

 

About the Author:

Lauren is a fantasy author of character-driven stories and epic adventure. Her books usually contain dragons, bucket-loads of magic, and are typically fun and hopeful.

She lives in a tiny village in the English countryside, has a degree in Psychology, and was a professional copywriter before going full-time as an author—swapping corporate copy for magic and dragons!

 

About BBNYA:

This year, the Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the 50 books that made it into Round Two with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title. BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 10 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

 

Check out more BBNYA spotlights on Nadaness In Motion

All the Whys of Delilah’s Demise by Neve Maslakovic

Becoming Animals by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby

Earthlings: The Beginning by Ray Star

Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera

Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson

Ascension of the Phoenix by Jessica Piro

By the Hand of Dragons: Rook by Alexzander Christion

Don’t Think a Single Thought by Diana Cambridge

The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus

Dragon's Reach by J.A. Andrews 

The Oracle Stone by Talli L. Morgan

Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera - Spotlight

It’s been a while since I read and reviewed a middle grade novel. Today, I’m featuring an upper middle grade novel that’s also a semi-finalist in the Book Blogger Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA).

Meet….

 

Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera

 

Blurb

All stories are true. All legends are real. Emma Wilkins must face the monster in the woods for the fate of the world.

Emma Wilkins is eleven years old and lives on Belle Street. Determined to help her new friend, Jake Milligan, she embarks on a mission to find the boy's missing father.

Awaiting Emma in the shadows of Glenridge Forest is a world of magic, secrets, and creatures of myth and legend returning from exile.

On her way to an impossible confrontation, Emma must conquer her fears and find the courage to face the monster in the woods. At stake are the fates of those she cares about most and that of the entire world.

 

Publisher: Self-Published

Length: 207 Pages

Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade

Publication date: 8 April 2020

Find the book on Amazon Canada, Amazon US, Amazon UK.

Add Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera on Goodreads.

 

About the Author:

Born in El Salvador during the civil war, Jon Herrera immigrated with his family to Ontario, Canada at the age of eleven. Settling in the Niagara Region, Jon attended university, graduating with a degree in Physics and Mathematics.

He has always had a keen interest in creativity in its many forms. His writing is the result of a love for fantasy and science fiction. A long-time sufferer of anxiety and depression, Jon uses his perspective and experiences to ground his work.

Check out more spotlights from BBNYA on Nadaness In Motion

All the Whys of Delilah’s Demise by Neve Maslakovic

Becoming Animals by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby

Earthlings: The Beginning by Ray Star

The Iron Crown by L.L. Macrae

Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson

Ascension of the Phoenix by Jessica Piro

By the Hand of Dragons: Rook by Alexzander Christion

Don’t Think a Single Thought by Diana Cambridge 

The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus

Dragon's Reach by J.A. Andrews

The Oracle Stone by Talli L. Morgan 

Discover more middle grade novels on the Nadaness In Motion blog

The Beast and the Bethany by Jack Meggit-Philips

The Beast and the Bethany: Revenge of the Beast by Jack Meggit-Philips (Book 2)

Looking for Dei by David Willson

Magora: The Gallery of Wonders by Marc Remus

Magora: The Golden Maple Tree by Marc Remus

Ronaldo, the Flying Reindeer by Maxine Sylvester

Tales of the Forest by Johanna Sarah Aldridge

Earthlings: The Beginning by Ray Star – Spotlight

Continuing the series of spotlights for the Book Blogger Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA), today I’m featuring a different kind of science fiction novel.

Those who know me or who have been following this blog know: I adore fantasy books. And this one is no exception. So without further ado, I’m spotlighting…

 

Earthlings: The Beginning by Ray Star

 

Blurb:

Peridot has lived a sheltered life, raised by an overprotective mother on a remote island, the ways of the world remain a mystery, until the arrival of a young boy Euan, and she finally learns the truth.

Peridot and her family are magick-born.

Not magic from stories and fables, but real magick from the days of old. The ability to control earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.

Leaving the safety of her home, Peridot discovers a world unlike any she could have fathomed possible. Humanity is enslaved, a cruel dictator rules the land, and an uprising is on the horizon.

Peridot’s magick may be the helping hand needed to save humanity from their doomed fate if she can only learn how to control her gifts in time. Within Peridot’s grasp is the chance to save the world, and earth knows, the world needs saving.

Add Earthlings by Ray Star on Goodreads.

 

Some book details:

Publisher: Chronos Publishing

Length: 364 Pages

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Publication Date: 12 August 2021

Find Earthlings: The Beginning by Ray Star on Amazon (Canada), Amazon UK, Amazon US

 

About the Author:

When Ray isn't writing, she is happiest spending time with her children, partner, family and friends, walking with her dogs and spending time in nature, or visiting schools to teach #WritingForNature workshops.

A firm believer of magick, Ray can often be found stargazing under the moon with a tarot deck in one hand and a strong cuppa in the other.

Join Ray on socials via @RayStarBooks.

 

About BBNYA:

This year, the Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the 50 books that made it into Round Two with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title. BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 10 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

 

Check out more spotlights from BBNYA on Nadaness In Motion

All the Whys of Delilah’s Demise by Neve Maslakovic

Becoming Animals by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby

Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera

The Iron Crown by L.L. Macrae

Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson

Ascension of the Phoenix by Jessica Piro

By the Hand of Dragons: Rook by Alexzander Christion

Don’t Think a Single Thought by Diana Cambridge

The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus

Dragon's Reach by J.A. Andrews  

The Oracle Stone by Talli L. Morgan

Becoming Animals by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby - Spotlight

As part of the Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) round 2 spotlights, today, I’m excited to feature a unique story.

Meet….

Becoming Animals by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby

 

Here’s a bit about the book:

 

Blurb

Humans have always wanted to know what goes on inside the minds of other animals. But what if humans could become animals?

Toby’s father leads a team of neuroscientists directly connecting the brains of humans with those of animals. And Toby is a prodigy at throwing her mind into the animal subjects in his lab—she’s the best there is.

But Toby suffers from cystic fibrosis and she’s not likely to live into adulthood. Could a radical plan to embed her consciousness into an animal allow Toby to survive? And what does it mean to live without a human body?

Can Toby and her father solve the problem of fully merging two beings before she takes her last breath? Will the government succeed in stopping their efforts before they are done? It’s a race against death and into the minds of animals.

Add Becoming Animals via Goodreads.

More book info

Publisher: Createspace

Length: 361 Pages

Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult

Publication Date: 26 December 2017

Find Becoming Animals by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby via Amazon (Canada), Amazon US, and Amazon UK.

 

 

About the Author

Olga Werby got her B.A. from Columbia University in Mathematics and Astrophysics and worked at NASA on the Pioneer Venus Project as a programmer. She received her masters from U.C. Berkeley in Education of Math, Science, and Technology and went on to earn a doctorate in education.

Together with her husband and business partner, Christopher Werby, they conceive, design, and create products, ideas, websites, and exhibits. Along the way, they write science fiction together.

Keep up with the Nadaness In Motion blog for more spotlights.

More spotlights as part of the BBNYA spotlights series:

All the Whys of Delilah’s Demise by Neve Maslakovic

Earthlings: The Beginning by Ray Star

Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera

The Iron Crown by L.L. Macrae

Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson

Ascension of the Phoenix by Jessica Piro

By the Hand of Dragons: Rook by Alexzander Christion

Don’t Think a Single Thought by Diana Cambridge

The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus

Dragon's Reach by J.A. Andrews 

The Oracle Stone by Talli L. Morgan

All the Whys of Delilah's Demise by Neve Maslakovic - Spotlight

 

In 2022, I joined the Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) as a judge.

We’ve completed the first and second round of excerpts. And to support authors who have not made it to the third and find round, book bloggers like me are running a series of spotlights during November.

My first spotlight for you is…

All the Whys of Delilah's Demise by Neve Maslakovic

Book blurb:

Life under the Dome of New Seattle is grim unless you’re one of the Tenners, the city’s ten most popular residents. 

When a deadly accident puts Scottie under close scrutiny, she must use her brain chip to help prove her innocence — or be exiled to the frozen wasteland outside the city gates. 

"Neve Maslakovic's story is a standout... Scottie's journey reaches into the reader's heart" - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review.

Add the book on Goodreads.

A bit about the book

Publisher: Cosmic Tea Press

Length: 342 pages

Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery

Age Category: Upper Young Adult, Adult

Publication date: 16 March 2021 

Grab the book via Amazon.ca, Amazon (US), or Amazon (UK).

About the author:

Neve Maslakovic writes mysteries set in speculative worlds. In her books, no place is safe from the criminal element—including an academic time-travel lab, a parallel universe, and a Seattle of the future.

Neve’s life journey has taken her from Belgrade, Serbia to a PhD at Stanford University’s STAR Lab to her dream job as a writer.

She lives with her husband, son, and highly energetic goldendoodle in the Twin Cities, and is currently hard at work on a new series.

Connect with author Neve Maslakovic via her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.

About BBNYA:

The Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

Check out more semi-finalist spotlights as part of the BBNYA 2022 tour:

Becoming Animals by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby

Earthlings: The Beginning by Ray Star

Emma and the Minotaur by Jon Herrera

The Iron Crown by L.L. Macrae

Miss Percy's Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson

Ascension of the Phoenix by Jessica Piro

By the Hand of Dragons: Rook by Alexzander Christion

Don’t Think a Single Thought by Diana Cambridge

The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus

Dragon's Reach by J.A. Andrews  

The Oracle Stone by Talli L. Morgan

The Ghost and the Stolen Tears by Cleo Coyle - Spotlight

 

Today, I’m featuring a spotlight for Cleo Coyle’s latest paranormal, slightly historical, cozy mystery The Ghost and the Stolen Tears.

This post was meant to feature a book review but due to time constraints – and some kindle issues – I’ve not had a chance to review this book.

My first read for Cleo Coyle was The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait, book 7 (!) in The Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series.

I'm hoping to read this book some time this year or in 2023. If I do, I'll update this post with a link. 

For now, check out Coyle’s latest book, The Ghost and the Stolen Tears.

 

Book: The Ghost and the Stolen Tears

Book 8 in The Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series

Author: Cleo Coyle

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publication date: 4 October 2022

Publisher: Berkley

Number of pages: 288 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

ISBN-10: ‎ 0425255484

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0425255483

Digital ASIN: ‎ B09PZV5F9S

 

Synopsis:

Norma is a modern-day nomad. Living out of her van and teardrop trailer, she revels in self-reliance, solitude, and reading in the glorious peace of nature. Jovial, wise, and scrupulously honest, she's become an uplifting presence in the little town of Quindicott, Rhode Island, where bookseller Pen is thankful to have her part-time help.

But it's Norma's other job, working as a housekeeper at the Finch Inn, that gets her into terrible trouble. Norma is accused of stealing jewels from a guest's room: the legendary Valentino Teardrops, an antique necklace and earring set, inherited by a young socialite.

Pen doesn't believe Norma is guilty of the crime—though the evidence is distressingly strong. And when the spirited Norma vanishes before her arrest, Pen turns to another spirit...

Jack Shepard, PI, may have been gunned down decades ago, but his memory hasn't been ghosted. Back in the 1940s, those same Valentino Teardrops starred in a bizarre case of betrayal and murder. From the look of things, history is about to repeat. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful.

 

About Cleo Coyle

CLEO COYLE is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the long-running Coffeehouse Mysteries—now celebrating eighteen years in print.

They are also authors of the nationally bestselling Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, previously written under the pseudonym Alice Kimberly. Alice has worked as a journalist in Washington, D.C., and New York, and has written popular fiction for adults and children.

A former magazine editor, Marc has authored espionage thrillers and nonfiction for adults and children. Alice and Marc are also both bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together.

Connect with the author(s) via their website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, and Bookbub.

Keep up with the rest of the blog tour via Lori Great Escapes. The tour includes book reviews and spotlights.

24 October – Spotlights at Angel's Guilty Pleasures & Lady Hawkeye & a book review at  The Plain-Spoken Pen

25 October – Spotlights at Nadaness In Motion & Sapphyria's Book Reviews

26 October – Spotlight at Hearts & Scribbles & a book review at Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

27 October – Book reviews at Diane Reviews Books & Christy's Cozy Corners

28 October – Book reviews at Books a Plenty Book Reviews & Cozy Up With Kathy

29 October – Spotlights at StoreyBook Reviews & Brooke Blogs

30 October – Spotlights at FUONLYKNEW & Maureen's Musings

31 October – Book review at Elza Reads & Spotlight at Literary Gold & I'm All About Books

1 November – Spotlights at Celticlady's Reviews & #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

2 November – Spotlights at BookishKelly2020 & Readeropolis