Blog Archives
Return of the Nutcracker Prince
Return of the Nutcracker Prince by Jasmine C. Caldwell presents a captivating continuation of the classic Nutcracker Ballet tale. Set a decade later, the narrative follows a grown-up Clara Stahlbaum as she grapples with her parents’ plans for an arranged marriage to a disagreeable suitor. Her childhood memories of a magical Christmas Eve begin to blur with reality when she reunites with Prince Klaus, now confined to the form of a wooden nutcracker soldier. Together, they embark on a mission to save his realm, the Land of Sweets and Toys, from the menacing Mouse King.
Caldwell’s novel stands as a testament to the enduring allure of holiday magic and fantasy. Readers need not be familiar with the original ballet to become immersed in this imaginative extension, making it an accessible read for those new to the story. The book skillfully weaves a tale of romance and enchantment between Clara and Klaus, set against a whimsically detailed Land of Sweets backdrop. The author’s vivid descriptions of this fantastical world – complete with chocolate mines, cinnamon trees, a river of lemonade, and gingerbread houses – are particularly noteworthy, inviting readers to step into Clara’s shoes and explore a world of wonder.
The narrative’s exploration of fantasy is coupled with a well-crafted romance, appealing to adult readers with a penchant for magical holiday tales. Caldwell skillfully tailors the story to adult readers, imbuing it with a depth and complexity that resonates with a more mature audience. The nuanced interactions between Clara and Klaus add layers of sophistication. This mature approach offers a fresh perspective compared to the original ballet, which has a broader, family-friendly appeal. The narrative’s pace, including detailed accounts of Clara’s time in the Sugar Plum Palace, allows for a thorough exploration of Caldwell’s enchanting world, inviting readers to savor every aspect of this magical realm.
Return of the Nutcracker Prince revives the spirit of a beloved classic through a modern lens, balancing the nostalgia of the original ballet with fresh, creative elements. Caldwell’s narrative is an invitation to revisit a cherished fairy tale, offering a new perspective on the enchanting world of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.
Pages: 265 | ASIN : B0CMGSJSXW
LIGHT of the MAGOS: The Spark Within
In LIGHT of the MAGOS: The Spark Within, T.A.C. Wilson crafts a world that balances the familiar and the fantastical, weaving a narrative where magic is as much a part of life as the air the characters breathe. Set on a planet where the mystical and the mundane coexist, the novel explores the dichotomy between two distinct groups within this magical society: the Intellects, inheritors of magical prowess, and the Gifted, a growing faction advocating for the democratization of magical education.
The story centers around Colby, a newcomer to the International School for the Gifted and the Intellects. His journey, alongside his friends, is set in a school where magic is the norm, bringing unique challenges and dangers. The plot thickens with Faith’s brush with mortality, propelling the narrative into a complex web of family rivalry, where Colby becomes an unwitting pawn. Faith’s newfound knowledge becomes pivotal in unraveling the family feud, adding depth to her character.
Wilson’s narrative is rich with literary and historical echoes, drawing parallels to classics like Romeo and Juliet, yet it distinguishes itself with a modern twist. The novel deftly integrates elements of magic, fantasy, and technology, making it resonate with contemporary readers. The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader engaged with its quickly unfolding events. The author combines a harmonious blend of the magical and the everyday, creating a captivating world that appeals to a wide audience. Wilson’s character development shines in her story with relatable and compelling personalities that further enhance the reader’s experience.
Targeted at young adults, LIGHT of the MAGOS: The Spark Within satisfies those who revel in fantasy, romance, and intricate family dynamics. Wilson’s debut novel is a testament to her ability to craft a story that is both engaging and fulfilling and leaves readers eager for more.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0CJ463L4Y
Learning From the Past
Conquering the Darkness follows a man hurt in battle who wakes up without his magic or memories in the middle of a war that could destroy the land. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was all about learning from the past, and I had to bring Jasce to a dark place so that he could eventually rise above it. Starting the book with Jasce working in a forge in Balten, a frozen wasteland, seemed like a perfect way to begin his journey.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
Forgiveness is a theme throughout this book as well as self-worth. Many of my characters had to struggle through situations that would push them in these areas and question what they believe, just like we do in life. I wanted them to recognize their weaknesses and wrestle them out with the love and support of those around them.
What was one of the hardest parts in Conquering the Darkness for you to write?
Definitely the ending as this is the final book in the Darkness Trilogy. I needed to wrap everything up in a satisfying way and also leave options for some spin-off stories. This isn’t good bye to my characters, just see you later.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I don’t have anything in the works right now but I’ll definitely keep you posted on what’s next.
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Without his magic or his memories, Jasce Farone finds himself in the frozen realm of Balten, suffering the lingering wounds from his last battle and haunted by a woman he can’t recall. Jasce tries to be the man everyone expects him to be—the one they remember—but the spindly fingers of revenge wrap around his heart while a past he’s never confronted escorts him further into darkness.
When a disturbing message arrives from Orilyon, the race for the three remaining Stones of the Heart of Pandaren begins. Jasce will need to trust those who fight by his side while battling the demons within if he wants to preserve magic and prevent tyranny from spreading throughout the land. If he succeeds, then a chance at love and peace is within his grasp. If he fails, Drexus will unleash hell on everyone who stands in his way.
Can Jasce fight the battle within while waging war against a threat that could destroy everyone he ever loved?
Conquering the Darkness
Both Jasce’s mind and body are racked with pain. He is suffering in every way imaginable. He has been stripped of his powers, his mother is dead, and he is responsible for his father’s death. To rub salt in his wound, he has lost his memories. When he isn’t fighting through constant pain, he dreams of finding and defeating Drexus, the one person responsible for the shambles that is now his life. There is but one thing he needs to bring an end to Drexus once and for all–he needs the Creator Stone. But is Jasce willing to do what it takes to obtain it?
Conquering the Darkness, by Cassie Sanchez, is a multi-faceted fantasy that follows Jasce, a tormented soul, as he sets his sights on destroying the man who has stolen everything from him. Jasce is a masterfully drawn main character toward whom readers will immediately be drawn. From the first pages of Sanchez’s novel, his pain is almost palpable, and the desire to see him find happiness once and for all is overwhelming.
While Sanchez has gifted readers with a fantastic fantasy narrative, she has adeptly managed to create relatable characters whose angst and self-loathing bridge the reader/character divide. The relationship between Jasce and Princess Irina is filled with tension on multiple levels and will satisfy readers who require an element of drama and romance in their fantasy novels.
I have always been drawn to books and movies that tie in journals and diaries. There is something exceptional about an author who can construct the thoughts of a character who is only a memory to the characters we as readers actually meet in the text. The appearance of Amycus’s journal early in the text was a pleasant surprise, and I found myself looking forward to how Sanchez connects his words to Jasce’s developing storyline.
Conquering the Darkness, by Cassie Sanchez, is the ideal blend of engaging narrative and compelling exchanges between characters. At just over 400 pages, Sanchez’s book is lengthy but a quick read due to the fast-paced action and likability of the cast of characters. I don’t often find a book difficult to put down, but Conquering the Darkness is definitely one with which I struggled to settle on a good stopping place. I would love to see more from Sanchez’s fantastic collection of personalities.
Pages: 410 | ASIN : B0CLLBG5N1
Carousels and Paris
A Tryst in Paris follows a woman visiting a carousel who is swept into a time-shifting vortex and transported back to 1900 where she must help a stranger prove his innocence. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My love of Carousels, a French film pioneer, and YouTube videos of the 1900 Paris Exhibition, along with a friend’s passion for vintage coin purses, inspired Book One of The Carousel Time Traveler, A TRYST IN PARIS. The premise began with the idea of Mirabelle, in Paris to shop for antiques, finding an aged invitation to meet at the Luxembourg Carousel in a vintage coin purse advertising Alice Guy’s silent film La Fée aux Choux. When on a whim Mirabelle decides to visit the Carousel at that appointed time, it sweeps her back to 1900 Paris. The silent video in which a woman falls off the moving sidewalk of the 1900 Paris Exhibition prompted me to land Mirabelle on it, leading her to meet sexy, dangerous Jacques into whose life she is drawn and with whom her heart connects.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Mirabelle’s loyalty and attachment to her mother relay mine toward my own late mother. Also, I enjoy being dressed comfortably, and I would feel as Mirabelle does when she wears the form-fitting fashion of 1900.
Mirabelle’s love of film history mimics my own. I am a devotee of Turner Classic Movies and love reading biographies of actors, writers, producers, etc., of the “Golden Age of Hollywood’s Big Five Studios”.
Bernadette’s tendency to talk first and think later is a trait I have yet to tame in myself, though as I age, I am finding myself a bit more circumspect.
Overall, each of the main characters (Mirabelle, Jacques, Bernadette, Susette, as well as Mirabelle’s mom and godmother) try to make right choices in order not to callously or selfishly hurt others, which is a guiding principle I try to live by.
What draws you to the city of Paris, making it the perfect location for your story, and what is it about the time period of the 1900’s that appeals to you?
I first visited Paris while on a creative writing residency, and its beauty empowered my creativity. When writing With Kisses from Cécile, I learned quite a bit about post WWI Paris. I was drawn to study the city before the war, during La Belle Époque. The year 1900 marked the start of the 20th Century and the introduction of inventions that changed our lives, including two that factor heavily into my story: automobiles and motion pictures. The 1900 Paris Exhibition was a spectacular event that showcased the dawn of the new century. The many available silent films on the internet of 1900 Paris transplanted me to Paris 1900 and its Exposition, glorious fashion, and events including the Olympics.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
A RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS, tentatively scheduled for a Fall 2024 release, will see Mirabelle again traveling back in time to Paris 1925, where she becomes entangled in solving the murder of a swindler who has ruined the lives of those endearing people she met in 1900.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Upon meeting dangerously sexy Jacques Thibaut, Mirabelle believes she has found her man. His life’s purpose as a stellar police detective has been derailed by accusations of his plotting with anarchists to overthrow the French government.
If she proves Jacques to be innocent, his life will be reset to its rightful providence. He will win back his job and those who once believed in him, including the woman he planned to marry.
Mirabelle’s determination to complete her mission kindles passion between them. But their falling in love will jeopardize everything, for his true destiny does not include her. Besides, even if her heart desires, she cannot remain in 1900 Paris . . . can she?
Join Mirabelle Montgomery and her adventures as a time traveler in Paris of the past. A Tryst in Paris is Book One of The Carousel Time Traveler series.
The Neighbors
In this evocative tale, we’re introduced to Zoe, a dedicated maternity nurse who finds solace in structure and a meticulously curated routine. Her cautious demeanor hints at a shadowy past that has made trust a scarce commodity in her life. Yet, as she forges an unexpected bond with her enigmatic neighbors, Jensen and Terrence, we witness her gradual embrace of love’s transformative might.
This paranormal novel intriguingly juxtaposes the familiar trope of vampires with a fresh lens. Jensen and Terrence, despite their supernatural lineage, are neither overwhelmingly menacing nor dripping with charisma. Instead, the author paints them with strokes of vulnerability and human nuances. Such an interpretation not only lends depth to these characters but also leaves readers with tantalizing, unanswered questions, stirring curiosity rather than exasperation.
In this world, reality gracefully bows to the wondrous, encouraging readers to relinquish their skepticism and wholly immerse in its imaginative embrace. Certain plot points, like Zoe’s peculiar potato consumption or Jensen’s journey to self-acceptance, may appear offbeat, but they accentuate the distinctiveness of the relationships they forge. These moments underscore the message that healing from trauma is profoundly individual, defying comparison.
There are moments of high drama, epitomized by the relentless pursuit of Anthony. To elevate the narrative’s coherence, I think a touch more foreshadowing and nuanced character arcs culminating in the climactic scene in Zoe’s chamber would have been welcome.
In a genre brimming with tales of the undead, this novel distinguishes itself from the mundane. It eschews overt clichés, delving deep into the intricate webs of trust, love, and change. It’s a departure from the archetypal vampire narrative, offering a refreshing and heartening angle that establishes it as a mesmerizing read.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0CBX4GG7Y
A Tryst in Paris
In A Tryst in Paris, author Anne Armistead whisks readers away on a captivating journey through time and emotion. Mirabelle Montgomery, after an enchanting visit to a carousel in Paris, suddenly finds herself transported to the Paris of 1900. Entrapped in this bygone era, she’s given a critical task: rectify the tarnished fate of an unknown man before she can return to her time.
Enter Detective Jacques Thibaut—a figure shrouded in mystery, his reputation in tatters after being accused of conspiring with anarchists against the French government. Could he be the man Mirabelle is destined to aid?
Armistead crafts a tale that is as rich in romance as it is in suspense. Readers will be drawn into the swirling dance of Mirabelle and Jacques’s relationship, oscillating between deep affection and the tantalizing question: Is Jacques truly the one Mirabelle seeks?
The narrative’s pacing is impeccable, a harmonious blend of romance, mystery, and sprinklings of fantasy that ensures readers remain riveted. The portrayal of historical Paris is evocatively detailed, transporting readers through its atmospheric streets and inviting them to lose themselves in another world. While I enjoyed the story, I would have enjoyed a deeper dive into the fantasy elements. Nonetheless, A Tryst in Paris promises an exhilarating escape, making it a must-read for readers who yearn for romance intertwined with the magic of time travel.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0CDR4W8F7
Futility of Defense
In the wake of the epic battle at Swamp Hold, Krell and his allies find themselves in a world where heroism has earned them accolades, but the tide of conflict is far from receding. As the designated paladin of ReckNor, Krell’s mettle is truly tested by the menacing sea creatures and the intricate dance of politics and alliances. Bryan Cole’s Futility of Defense masterfully weaves a tapestry rich in character and color, offering readers a glimpse into the harrowing battles against fearsome beasts while delving deep into the protagonist’s interactions with friends and adversaries.
Cole’s vivid depictions of combat are nothing short of mesmerizing. Imagine being entrenched in battle, surrounded by monsters, all the while strategizing to unveil the greater powers at play. Fans of the fantasy genre will find themselves entranced by the myriad of magical and supernatural elements skillfully interwoven into the narrative. This book is a veritable treasure trove of fantastical wonders, from teleportation to gods, prophecies, and dragons.
A particularly riveting subplot is the novel’s foray into the realm of politics. Krell’s interactions, especially his charged exchange with a Watford magister concerned about the use of magic, add layers of depth to an already multifaceted story.
While I enjoyed the book, I felt that sometimes the dialogue can feel protracted, while certain characters, such as Cullen, the human navigator of ReckNor’s Bounty, seem underutilized, making sections of the narrative feel less engaging.
Futility of Defense stands out due to Cole’s adept intertwining of action, fantasy, and a hint of romance. The intricate political landscape further heightens the novel’s allure. It’s a compelling read, boasting a blend of strengths that make it nearly impeccable and an absolute delight for diverse reasons.
Pages: 605 | ASIN : B0C9XBWJ8H
LITERARY TITAN 