Monday, September 9, 2019

ESCAPE FROM THE PAST...THE DUKES WRATH, BY Annette Oppenlander



Escape from the Past: The Duke's Wrath
by Annette Oppenlander

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Young Adult - Time-Travel


BLURB:

"...will grip the reader's total attention from beginning to end. Very highly recommended for school and community library..." -Midwest Book Review

"...an entertaining and fast-paced read that guarantees to thrill any young reader's/gamer's wish to be a hero in faraway time." -Historical Novel Society


When nerd and gamer, Max Anderson, is lured into trying an experimental computer game, he doesn’t realize he's playing the ultimate history game, time-traveling into the past...anywhere...anytime. Survival is optional. To return home he must decipher the game's rules and complete its missions--if he lives long enough. Tofail means staying in the past--forever.  

Now he’s trapped in medieval Germany, unprepared and clueless. It is the year 1471 and he quickly learns that being an outcast may cost him his head. Especially after rescuing a beautiful peasant girl from a deadly infection and thus provoking sinister wannabe Duke Ott. Overnight he is dragged into a hornets' nest of feuding lords who will stop at nothing to bring down the conjuring stranger in their midst.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOTE: The book is only $0.99. 
Annette Oppenlander will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  So make sure you put your name in the hat for a chance to win!  And leave us a comment...we like to know you were here!  Thx for stopping by, TBSP!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Excerpt

Something moved ahead. There at the edge of a clearing cowered the man in rags holding his right elbow. He trembled and now that I was closer, I saw blood dripping from his wrist. The three riders had surrounded him, their blades pointing toward the man’s neck. One rider dismounted, his face shadowed by a half helmet and curled brownish beard, his hands covered by steel gauntlets like lizard scales. The other two sat motionless, waiting. I tried to get a better view of what the horsemen were doing when I looked down. 

And froze. 

I stood on the gnarled root of an oak tree. Surely I imagined things. But those were definitely my Nikes I’d forgotten to take off when I returned home. I moved my foot. Leaves crackled. A twig snapped. Something terrible had happened, something I couldn’t wrap my mind around. I blinked and looked to my right. Trees and undergrowth were losing themselves in the gloom. I remembered the mouse in my right hand, but when I lifted my arm, my fingers came up empty—except for the smear of something sticky on my palm. Blood. I was bleeding. 

Wait. 

The bush next to me was covered in blood. Not mine, I realized with relief. Disgusted I wiped my shaking hands with a fistful of leaves and turned to look behind me. The woods stretched into darkness—shadows within shadows nearly black. 

My room was gone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Annette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past. 

Oppenlander’s bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, won multiple awards, including the 2017 U.S. National Indie Excellence Award. Her historical time-travel trilogy, Escape from the Past, takes readers to the German Middle Ages and the Wild West. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story. Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries, festivals and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she recently returned to her home, Solingen, Germany where she lives with her husband and old mutt, Mocha.

Contact
Website: http://www.annetteoppenlander.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annetteoppenlanderauthor 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aoppenlander 
Pinterest: annoppenlander
Blog: http://www.annetteoppenlander.com/blog/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Annette-Oppenlander/e/B00W8QRTJ4/
Email: annette.oppenlander@yahoo.com 


Buy Links ESCAPE FROM THE PAST
Amazon: 
Kobo




Tuesday, August 6, 2019

I know...I know...

I know...I know...I've disappeared off the face of the earth.  I can't apologize enough..nor do I need to explain what has been going on around here that has caused me to ignore all the years of work I've done to create a ya fantasy book blog.  Life!

So, let's get back on track here.

I'll be in touch.  I think I'm going to start with a book review for an author on the Goddess Fish Production list...I'll get back with details soon.  Thx for hangin in there baby!


Friday, January 4, 2019

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

THE MELDED CHILD, by Jane Routley

                                    
From Goddess Fish Promotions a Virtual Blurb Blitz Tour for The Melded Child by Jane Routley, a Fantasy available now from Bernarra Press/ Clan Destine Press. The tour will run June 25 - July 13.  Follow calendar here   Jane will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn host.
For ten years the peace negotiated by the Tari has held firm. But greedy eyes watch in the distance, coveting the peaceful lands of Yarmar and even the Tari themselves. A new demon master rises bringing pollution and violence. When Yani the Raven is kidnapped, sorceress Marigoth and her companion Ezratah are drawn to Armaya and a trap set by a brutal necromancer and his insane sister. Meanwhile Elena Starchild’s daughter Alyx, heir to the throne of the Mori finds herself wounded and on the run in a forest full of dark magic. And in the company of a bitter Mirayan enemy. Can the insular Tari dreaming in the secret land of Ermora be awoken before the demon fire consumes them? And can a Melded Child bring harmony in clasped hands before it is too late? 





EXCERPT:
Mortal enemies Alex Verday and Serge Madraga are in the land of Ernundra seeking the help of the powerful mage race, the Tari, in their fight against a powerful necromancer.
“What a good idea,” said Jerandine. She put her hands on a big earthenware teapot and there was the sound of water being poured. A moment later, fragrant smelling steam came out of the pot’s spout.  
Impatience gripped Alyx. Every day death angels attacked the Red Seagani and Sweet Life only knew what was happening to her mother. Yet here they were sitting round watching these layabouts discussing the best tea to eat with honey cakes.  
“If they’re not going to help us, we should go,” she hissed at Serge.  
“Let me ask them about Olga before we rush off. And we might as well eat. We haven’t had anything since midnight.” 
He took a cake and bit into it carefully.  
“Mir! That's delicious.” 
Alyx bit into one. He was right. Warm syrupy honey filled her mouth with sweetness. Every other thought suddenly receded.  
“Have some tea,” said Jerandine. “I’ve cooled it for you. It should be just right.” 
Alyx accepted the cup and took a sip. It’s delicious warmth filed her with a relaxed golden feeling. Just the right temperature. Thirstily she drank it down.
***

As she puts down her empty cup she has an odd sense that there is something she is supposed to do. She can’t seem to remember what it is. Does it matter? Probably not!
She smiles at the young man sitting beside her. What is his name? Serge? That’s it. He smiles back at her. A delicious shyness fills her. He is very handsome. 

About the Author:

  

I write historical fantasy with feisty female characters and four of my books have been published Harper Collins, U.S. Two of them won the Aurealis award for Best Australian Fantasy in their year. The Dion Chronicles have now been reprinted in ebook format from Clan Destine Press and in paperback from Ticonderoga Publications. The Three Sisters and The Melded Child are now available from Clan Destine Press in Ebook and from Bernarra Press in hardcopy.

I was born and live in Melbourne, Australia



Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon author page
Barnes and Noble author page
Clan Destine Press author page

Buy links:
Amazon
B&N
GIVEAWAY  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 28, 2018

Thursday, March 22, 2018

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY--YA SERIES, AERENDEN, by Kristen Taber

You won't want to miss out on all the fun and prizes at the launching of the fifth and final book in the ya fantasy series, by Kristen Taber...Aerenden
https://www.facebook.com/events/1451839758257912/

Here's an old post I did to introduce the series and the author check it out...http://benjaminmctish.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-aerenden-series-by-kristen-taber.html

And here's my review of book one:
I can't wait to get my hands on the second book!
This book pulled me in right away. It had a super small lull for about two chapters, then that was it, it totally rolled forward without letting up for one minute. The ending of one chapter that talks about Meaghan's role in the new land, where she has to decide if she is moving forward with her part or not..literally brought tears to my eyes. This is a strong character, I love her.
And the ending had me emotional as well…I was totally invested in the two main characters, I care what happens to them. And the ending reflects this connection for me.

Kristen is a really good writer. She has a poetic style with her word choices at times. Some of the nuances of the other world and the way she describes the rain, or the cold wind, or a plant dying, (I wish I could instantly find a perfect example, sorry), would make me speak out loud..'ohh, that was good.'. I think there were two or three times the use of current terms in the other world, like, 'babysitter', or 'sitting on the couch' that kinda took some of the magic away for me, but not even enough to dispel the bigger picture. This is worth the read…trust me, you won't be able to put it down once you start.


Wednesday, March 14, 2018

THE CHRONICLES OF CASTLEMOUNT --- YA FANTASY SERIES by Siena and Fritz Rollins

Well, this has been a long time coming.  The author came to me with a review request last summer and I actually got it mixed up within my tbr pile and by sheer providence I began reading the first book, A Precarious Beginning, quite by accident one day when I was looking for something else.  I fell in love with the first book and the main character Hyla.  Then I found out that the two authors are father and then, 8 year old daughter...and here we are today.  Since there are two book reviews, a cover reveal and an interview, I'm going to keep my gibberish down to a minimum here.  Note, make sure you read to the end of each review, as there are ebook giveaways to link to on Amazon...and I promise, you'll want to get your name on that list for sure!

Book One - A Precarious Beginning
Ya Fantasy by Siena and Fritz Rollins

  
“There are only two powers in the universe that determine what a person will become in life — luck and willpower.” 

Orphaned at a young age and forced to become a pickpocket to survive, a chance meeting with the King’s Assassin is the lucky break Hyla needs. At the massive fortress city of Castlemount, Hyla discovers she is destined to become a Dragonrider! Training every day to understand her new role and the magical dragon bond, Hyla learns that mingling with the rich and powerful has its own dangers. Will her street smarts keep her alive? Join Hyla in the precarious beginning to her incredible adventure!

“A Precarious Beginning” is a classic tale of insurmountable odds, high adventure, and the power of friendship. It is sure to captivate readers of all ages.


Review:


What a sweet little story...really captured my attention and imagination. LOVE the lead character Hyla...love her! Although there are times when her sentences/responses seem to grown up for a child of her age (and background)..she doesn't always sound like a six/seven year old...but not to the detriment of the story. I don't know how I came upon this book, but I'm glad I did. And to know it was written by a father and his eight year old daughter..how freaking cute is that! Just started book two...

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34870162-a-precarious-beginning
AMAZON GIVEAWAY   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZXVYPDX


Book Two- A Gathering of Liars 



Hyla and Fingers found a new home at Castlemount. They also found a web of lies! 
While Hyla continues her Dragonrider training, and Fingers studies to be a mage, the war with the Kingdom of Achor drags on. They will both soon learn that their greatest threat is not from a neighboring kingdom but from the people within. People they trust are telling lies, and the greatest liar of all holds their lives in his hands!

“A Gathering of Liars” is the sequel to “A Precarious Beginning” and Book 2 in the Chronicles of Castlemount. Father and daughter writing duo, Fritz Rollins and Siena Rollins, continue to weave their magic tale of adventure and magic.


Review:


Okay, so I just this minute finished this book...first of all, imagine my surprise when I turned the page and it read Epilogue! What? Seriously? This book was super quick...AND super fun! And it stopped on a perfect cliff hanger for Hyla. I went right to hunting down the third book and found this second book was just published! So, there you have it...waiting. AHHH!

The story is clever and fantasy driven, as well as emotional and well written (although I was surprised to be reminded that Finn is only 13! Their manner of speech is more grownup than it should be, but again, not to the detriment of the story). This book is even better than the first. Much more settled in the story, more action and intrigue, well developed characters...just a really good series. All the stories behind everyone coming to light...really enjoyed some surprises there.

And I forgot to mention in my review of the first book..I really like the names of everything. The cities, people, ect. So many fantasy books get way too involved in attempting to come up with clever names, and most the time I can't pronounce them, they're over the top, or simply ridiculous. Every time I came to a new name I thought, oh cool, that's a good one. Something worth pointing out in my book.

Very happy to have stumbled upon this series. VERY Enjoyable! And now we wait...damn!


GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34871371-a-gathering-of-liars

COVER REVEAL
Book Three-A Treacherous Path




Well, I suppose I need to start with the obvious.  I read a little bio on your site that tells how you and your daughter began writing together.  I really need you to share this incredible story.
Fritz: Hyla’s story began when Siena was just three years old. Of course, back then, Hyla was not yet pretending to be eight. She was just a three-year-old girl named Siena living on the streets of a nameless city. She would later change her name to Hyla, because she thought it would be too weird to write a story with herself as the main character. In fact, many of the characters in the story would change their names as the years went by. Sir Lancelot, for instance, a name blatantly stolen one night when I was too tired to come up with another name, would later go on to change his name to Sir Chardan. 
The initial story was just of the choosing, but Siena kept asking for more. So, I kept adding on. Hyla grew up, she fought wars, she fell in love. She traveled to an alternate world where she met her namesake, and they fought a dragon battle over Siena’s elementary school. Later they would even fight the dreaded pirate were-elephant, Captain Jack Sparrow. But always, Hyla would come back to the core story of Castlemount and her twin dragons.
This went on for years, until Siena finally told me she wanted to write a book about Castlemount. 
Had you thought of writing a book before your daughter brought this up for you?  Are there other genres that attract you, that you might think of writing…as a duo, or singularly?
Fritz: I’m an avid reader and have always been a fan of both fantasy and science fiction. The only books I’d ever really considered writing before were business books though. Right now the only books we’re planning on writing together are the Castlemount Chronicles, but you never know, we may write something else. I’ve had several ideas for standalone books I might pursue on my own once the Chronicles are finished.
What about Siena, is she planning on continuing on this journey or writing (on her own, or with you), or was this simply a fun project?
Siena: I definitely plan on continuing my journey as an author, both with my dad and without. My dad and I have been working on Castlemount Chronicals and we plan to continue it to a book five. As for my personal career, I've started many stories, but I've yet to find the perfect one that I'd gladly follow to completion.
How do you separate the working relationship from the daily child/parent growing pains?  Did you have disagreements during the process, a set of rules you adhered too, or are you just literally the perfect family?
Siena: We were able to find a relationship in between our regular father daughter one, and our working relationship. We agreed on almost all the major plot elements. It was the smaller details that we had trouble agreeing on.
Fritz: I never approached the first book as something to be published. If the only person who ever read and enjoyed it was Siena, I would have been perfectly fine with that. So, the first book is much more about me writing for her. It made most disagreements moot. If she was happy, I was happy. The only places I put up much resistance was when I’d ask, “Are we being true to the character if they take that action?” Our second book was more collaborative, because we now had to think beyond just one book to the plotline of the whole series.
This one is strictly for Siena. I would imagine you are  a bit of a ‘rock star’ now among your fellow classmates.  What do your friends and schoolmates think of your work?   Is there something special that you share with your mother, aside from being the perfect daughter?  What do you think you’ll tackle next in your life, what are you looking forward too?
Siena: Everybody has a story to tell. Just because I wrote a book first, doesn’t mean that they won’t write books in the future. Only one of my classmates read my books, and he said they were both amazing, and, like many others is waiting anxiously for book three. We're trying to finish the third book as soon as possible, but there are so many variables put into writing it.
My mother and I have had many ups and downs in our relationship, but it all comes back to one thing, we're family.
I’ve found a project that could take my whole life to complete — pursuing a career in the performing arts. I say performing arts, because I don't want to limit myself to only one thing. Having a career in the performing arts generally means you start out pretty young, so I've started with dance classes, piano lessons, and a theater production.
And the final question is always dedicated to..well, to the dedication.  Yours reads: ‘This book is dedicated to all those who have the willpower to succeed and the stubbornness not to give up.’…nice.  What does that mean to the both of you?  And who is Lady Kathryn, Brutus and Cinnamon? 
Siena: That’s like five questions, but here are my answers: having the willpower to succeed means that you’re pushing yourself to do something that you genuinely want to do, and having the stubbornness not to give up means that halfway into your journey, you don't give up, despite what's thrown at you. You continue on until you've reached your goal.
Fritz: I’m a very big believer in parents reading to their children and sharing stories. It’s through stories that we impart valuable life lessons. I started reading and telling stories to Siena before she could even understand what I was saying. In fact, to this day, nearly every night of the week, the last thing we do before bed is I read to everyone for forty-five minutes. There are many lessons that I’ve baked into Castlemount: the power of friendship, the fact that family isn’t about just blood relations, treating others with dignity and respect. The core lesson I wanted to impart to my daughter was that she can do anything she sets her mind to, whether it’s writing a book or becoming a world-class performing artist. It’s a recurring theme in the books, and the underpinning of the entire magical system. Angus sums it up best, “There are only two powers in the universe that determine what a person will become in life — luck and willpower.”

Siena: Lady Kathryn is my beautiful mother in dragon rider form, and Brutus was my mother's canine companion for 16 years before he passed away. Cinnamon is our three-year-old mutt and recently, big sister to our six-month-old puppy, Romeo. Cinnamon and Romeo get along pretty well most of the time, but Cinnamon can get very frustrated with Romeo because of his condition. When Romeo was younger, he suffered from brain damage and giardia (a stomach disease). As he got older he became handicapped: part blind, part deaf, and part anosmic (no sense of smell). Lady Kathryn bonded with Romeo at first sight, so now she takes care of her new little dragon.


Website (join our mailing list): http://www.harpalin.com

Sunday, March 11, 2018

NEW GIVEAWAYS FOR BENJAMIN McTISH!

I decided to keep the magic flowing…for the next five days each ebook is entered in an Amazon giveaway…3 lucky winners for each book!  Enter now, and share with your ya fantasy/adventure lovin friends/family!  Thx for participating!!
BOOK ONE- Benjamin McTish and the Door Through the Grandfather Tree
BOOK TWO- Benjamin McTish and the Wizards of Coranim
BOOK THREE- Benjamin McTish and the Hidden Caverns of Bristonbel

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

FREE for one more day...plus .99 deal on two ebooks!

Book One in the Benjamin McTish series in ebook format is still free for one more day…ending Thursday late afternoon.  You can grab it here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DVUBZU0/ref=series_rw_dp_sw
Books Two and Three are both .99 in ebook format until Saturday the 10th…you can grab them here.  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LVILDTC/ref=series_rw_dp_sw

Monday, March 5, 2018

NEW AUTHORS COMING YOUR WAY



We're back in business here at Thornton Berry Shire Press!  Beginning with a tremendous introduction to father/daughter writing team Fritz and Siena Rollins on March 15th.  This dynamic duo have done a marvelous job creating a super exciting read in the YA Fantasy genre. The first two books are available.  So be sure to mark your calendar, you won't want to miss this one.  Giveaway included.
Check in monthly to see other new (or maybe some of your old favorites), authors of ya fantasy/adventure and more...thx for your support, June

34870162

Friday, January 12, 2018

BOOK CHALLENGE FOR 2018

A new challenge for 2018 from Herding Cats and Burning Soup...I've been doing this for the past couple of years...your turn to join in!  Click link below!

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Charlotte's Library: The Cybils shortlists are here!

Charlotte's Library: The Cybils shortlists are here!: The Cybils Awards shortlisted books in a wide variety of children's and YA categories have been announced!  Congratulations especially ...

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Daughter of Aithne, by Karin Rita Gastreich


Daughter of Aithne
by Karin Rita Gastreich

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A terrific fantasy series from author Karin Rita Gastreich, 
and book tour hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon or 
Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner 
via rafflecopter during the tour.
You will find my reviews of all three books below.
Follow the tour here .  And remember, the more you comment,
the better your chances of winning.  Enjoy the tour today.



 

GENRE:   fantasy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Betrayed by her own prodigy, Eolyn stands accused of treason. As power-hungry nobles dismantle her life's work and honor, the desperate queen forges a risky alliance with the ruthless and cunning Mage Corey. Determined to defend her son's claim to the throne of the Mage King, Eolyn prepares for her last and greatest battle, this time against her own sisters in magic.

Across the Furma River, Taesara of Roenfyn is drawn out of seclusion and into an ever-more vicious game of intrigue and war. Subject to the schemes of a shrewd uncle and the mysterious ambitions of the wizards of Galia, Taesara struggles to assert her own destiny, even as she takes up arms to defend her daughter's inheritance.

In the climactic finale to The Silver Web trilogy, threads of love, honor, betrayal, and vengeance culminate in a violent conflict between powerful women, opposed to each other yet destined to shatter a thousand-year cycle of war.

"An enticing and elegant series finale, filled with magic and turmoil." -KIRKUS REVIEWS


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt

“Speak plainly, my Lord King,” Eolyn said. “I will not be subject to this cat-and-mouse game. If you do not trust me, if you do not believe me, then say so.”

“I trust your heart, Eolyn,” Akmael replied, “but your heart has led you to ill-advised decisions in the past. For this reason, I am not always inclined to trust your judgment.”

“For the love of the Gods! I am not the confused and frightened girl I was when my brother took up arms against you.”

“No, but you must understand the dilemma you have put me in.”

“The dilemma I have put you in?”

“If you knew of Ghemena’s plan and did not inform me, you were party to treason. If you did not know, then your authority over the magas is uncertain. Either way, the magas must remain bound and imprisoned until this conflict is resolved.”

Eolyn blinked and stepped away. “The magas have lived in peace in Moisehén for more than a decade. You cannot let the action of one woman—”

“Three women. The blatantly treasonous act of three women, all devoted students of yours. They have brought war upon us, Eolyn. Who knows how many others among your followers support them?”

“The magas who remain in my service have done nothing to merit suspicion.”

“All magas merit suspicion.” Akmael hesitated at her stricken look. He let go a slow breath and softened his tone. “There is a history here that we have not yet overcome, Eolyn. You, of all people, must understand that. Too many of our subjects still remember the war against my father.”

“And the purges that followed?” she shot back.

“The violence that tore this kingdom apart,” he conceded. “Right or wrong, the magas were left with the blame. We must manage this situation carefully, to protect you and your daughters. To see that justice is done.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book One, Eolyn  


     I read this book (series) during the summer, so I may be a little hazy on the details, however, I know how I ‘felt’ in the end.  
     I really jumped head first into this journey of magic, women and societal perceptions. I loved reading about the beginning of Eolyn.  How she came to be.  Living in the forest and learning about nature, herbs, healing and Magic.  The world building was wonderful.  The life very descriptive.  Very easy to read (except some of the names/cities throughout the series. I don’t like to have to stop and figure out the sound of a name repeatedly.  I want it to flow when I read, and there were quite a few that tripped me up).  Other than that, it was very easy to get caught up in.  I’m telling you, after reading this book I wanted to become a Maga myself.  I was greatly inspired by the ‘laws’ she lived by, and the tremendous moral compass that guided her every move. I want to learn more about plants and their healing abilities, etc. Truly inspiring.
    Then there was her mysterious friendship with the boy who could travel through the ethers to get to her, and how that story unravels.  And the idea of women as important forces of nature and society, and yet the fear it generates in men; and the lengths to which they will traverse to destroy it. Her secret life lived during her time with the Mage Cory and the others…well played. Gastreich has written a very believable cast of characters.  Well developed, individual voices and ideals.
    I was saddened by the events of her romance.  But again, it was all part of the heritage that governed her actions and motives…dictating her choices, no matter how difficult.  This story really had it all.  It was a really great beginning to a series, and I couldn’t wait to move on to the second book.


Book Two, Sword of Shadows

     Again, I read this book (series) during the summer, so I may be a little hazy on the details, however, I know how I ‘felt’ in the end.  
     Okay, so how much can happen to a couple of women in their lives?  Yikes!
     The story begins with the King visiting the forest and Eolyn’s Aekelahr, and the whole situation with the Queen…ahh!…heartbreaking, all of it.  Eolyn and her sacrifice for the better of the whole.
I was nervous to move forward into this second book as several reviews mention rape and violence…not my cup of tea.  However, even though the violence was brutal when the evil needed to be fed, and the war intense, I don’t recall that it didn’t fit the story.  Yes, it caused me to flinch a couple times and think…‘really?’ (especially with the demon stuff)…and yes, there is a situation where rape was implied.  But I don’t believe it was too visual to the detriment of the story. 
     Betrayal with a capital B in this series…Rishona and her cruel uncle Mechnes (see, how do you say that name?), and that truly twisted relationship.  Mage Cory, and where his story changed and led, and his relationship with Eolyn.  All in all it was a decent follow up to the first book…not as magical, in the broader sense of the word, but still got me hooked into moving onto book three.  


Book Three, Daughter of Aithne

     Again, these are my feelings more than my memory of the details since it’s been a while since I read these.
     First of all I remember the book begins with a jump forward ten years.  That really took me for a loop.  I was like..wait…what about all that life to get here?  I need a little more please.  The first book was so languid and slow, growing into the character and her life, allowing you to feel for her, to believe her.  The second book jumped up in pace, but more centered around a specific time. However, the third book just felt like a bit of a rush job to me.   Especially the ending.

     Once again, I felt, geez, are these women EVER going to elevate or catch a break?  Are they always going to be battered?  I wanted something to be right already.  Adiana’s outcome…what!!  That seriously broke my heart.  And the way the Queen’s uncle spoke and thought of Eolyn really bugged me.  I kept yelling..no, you got it all wrong!  This character was so believable and the story so strong, it felt like a real portrayal of someones life.  I didn’t want anyone to say anything bad about her.  So kudos to the author for this accomplishment.  The growing years of family, children.  The King and that amazing love.  It was one of the best love stories in this regard.  And I'm not usually one for romance in my fantasy.  And the King...I loved this King...I loved him as a boy too.
     However,  for me, the ending came completely out of left field.  I didn’t even get it for a minute.  I had to think back, hey wait why don’t I remember ANYthing relating to this whole HUGE experience?  I actually looked back in the book a bit to see if I missed something because this was just so random to me.  But I couldn’t find anything relating to this specific time…so..yeah?  I don’t know what to say about that.  I just put my kindle down and thought..really?  That’s it?  
     To me the book was depressing.  I never got back to any of that ‘magic’ of the first book, or the ‘hope’ of the second.  Although the author can write, and had a terrific premise for this series, as well as creative world building, for me, the last book fell short.  The ending just didn’t work for me, it was a let down from the first books beginning journey into a thoughtful life, and of something wonderful happening to this girl…this girl with so much promise and magic.



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Karin Rita Gastreich writes stories of ordinary women and the extraordinary paths they choose. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri, where she is part of the biology faculty at Avila University. An ecologist by vocation, Karin has wandered forests and wildlands all her life. Her pastimes include camping, hiking, music, and flamenco dance. In addition to THE SILVER WEB trilogy, Karin has published short stories in World Jumping, Zahir, Adventures for the Average Woman, and 69 Flavors of Paranoia. She is a recipient of the Spring 2011 Andrews Forest Writer’s Residency. 

Twitter: @EolynChronicles

Purchase link for EOLYN, Book One of THE SILVER WEB: http://www.amazon.com/Eolyn-Silver-Web-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01B8F4G50/ 

Purchase link for SWORD OF SHADOWS, Book Two of THE SILVER WEB: https://www.amazon.com/Sword-Shadows-Silver-Web-Book-ebook/dp/B01G5L1GEG/ 

Purchase link for DAUGHTER OF AITHNE, Book Three of THE SILVER WEB: https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Aithne-Silver-Web-Book-ebook/dp/B06WCZYRNW/ 

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