Recknor’s Paladin – Beginning Of Arrogance by Bryan Cole

Posted on January 17, 2024 by fundinmental

MY REVIEW

I can see where the title came from and it fits the book perfectly. Once, you meet Krell, you will know what I mean. He comes from no where, had nothing, but maybe that was Recknor’s plan. Recknor is the god of the seas and skies. Paladins are champions of the gods, but Recknor thinks they are nothing but trouble. If that is the case, why did he choose to raise a paladin?

A holy warrior going out to work his will on the world.

Krell is naive in the ways of the world. Deserted on a desert island after the first shipwreck, he had to learn to fend for himself. Olgar was on the dock when he was rescued the second time. Hmmm…is this all part of Recknor’s plan?

Krell is such a fascinating character. He does not see himself as a leader, though there are those that will follow him, does not seem himself as a lover, though there are those that would give themselves to him freely, only sees himself as himself. Others see him as arrogant, stubborn, prone to act without thinking, never shying from danger, but diving right into it. I loved when he got his first understanding of the difference between the haves and the have nots and his sense of justice is awakened.

There are many laughs to be had at his expense over his arrogance and stubborness. I laughed right along with the characters, of which they all played a pivotal role in Krell’s life.

“You think we can survive?”
“Of course he does. His arrogance makes it impossible for him to see any other outcome.”
:”I am here to be Recknor’s sword, to keep his followers alive, and to slaughter his enemies”

We have monstrous beings, ocotpus bats, sea devils, orcs, halflings, fey, magical talents, and a battle to be won. The sea devils made me think of the blob with teeth and claws. We even have a dragon named Fortis, who has bonded with Krell. Can you imagine a tiny dragon curling up in your lap conveying his feelings of happiness to be with you to you? He is only ten inches tall right now, but what will happen when he is full grown? He brings treats, like a cat, to Krell’s doorstep. How cute is that?

I have visions running through my mind of what is to come from their bonding and the ongoing story and I can hardly wait to get to the next chapter in their lives. I see so much coming and I am going to love watching Krell grow into the man Olgar and Recknor believed he would become. Krell is a fabulously written character that grows and develops along with the story. He has come to realize he can make his own family, choosing and meeting those who will come to lay their life down for him as he would for them. So many varied, high strung, strong personalities.

Krell’s story is far from over and I look forward to seeing him again in Futility Of Defense by Bryan Cole.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Paladins are nothing but trouble. Stories about paladins are everywhere, noble warriors riding magic steeds into battle against terrible foes. Champions of their gods. Heroes to everyone, except those who already have everything. Paladins are notorious for upsetting the balance of power, to the detriment of any who don’t worship their deity.

So when Krell is called to service by the capricious god of the seas and skies, ReckNor, those with wealth and power can’t help but be concerned. ReckNor hasn’t called a paladin in years, and his nature is ever-changing and erratic. The fact that Krell is also an uneducated nobody with a stubborn streak as wide as the sea turns their concerns into fear.

All of which matters less than the threat clawing its way from the waves, ready to turn the ocean red with spilled blood…

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, High Fantasy
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2022 by TellWell Talent
Series: Beginning Of Arrogance, Book I

ABOUT BRYAN COLE

Bryan Cole is a long time fan of the fantasy and science fiction genres, having grown up reading and watching everything he could find in those domains. He has had a long career in the enterprise software space, delivering countless presentations and technical sessions to customers all over the world.

His love for stories about heroes, villains, magic, and dragons has never dimmed, and in 2022 published his first book is Beginning of Arrogance which is a story about what it means to be a paladin in a world where the gods are manifestly real.

Bryan is a complete optimist on the outside, believing that anyone can accomplish any task they set themselves to. He’d suggest that he’s a great example, since his first published book came out of nowhere to all of his friends and family!

It was a strange journey that led him to writing, but decades of building business presentations gave him a surprising amount of practice in crafting words and conveying emotion (an often overlooked aspect of selling), and he finally made the time in 2022 to take the hundreds of pages of random notes, stories, and adventure ideas he had and committed them to the page.

“Being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. Being brave means you are scared, really scared, badly scared, and you do the right thing anyway.”

― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

Pick up a pen (or sit down in front of your keyboard) and write! Everyone has a story and you never know what you can create if you don’t try!

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Giveaway – Bad Girls Drink Blood by S L Choi @XpressoTours @sl_choi

Posted on May 6, 2022 by fundinmental

Bad Girls Drink Blood
S.L. Choi
Published by: City Owl Press
Publication date: May 17th 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

Part sun fae, part blood fae, all abomination.

There is only one hybrid fae in existence, and that dishonor goes to Lane Callaghan.

After a life spent dodging slurs, threats, and assassination attempts, Lane gave her past the one finger salute and ditched her former fae home for good. The detective agency she and her sisters run on the edge of Las Vegas continues to limp along, with Lane doing more debt collecting and intimidating than investigating, but anything to pay the bills. Between working for low-lifes to bring down even lower-lifes, eating cheesy poofs by the bucket, and flirting with the criminally attractive bartender where she conducts business, life is good.

That ends when a routine job goes sideways, leaving Lane with a sack full of stolen sun shards—the source of sun fae power. Without the shards, the sun fae face giving up their magic completely, or risk death if they use their power. Considering they would rather see her dead, good riddance, as far as Lane’s concerned—except her father and adopted sister are sun fae. Lane must choose—return home to save the fae bastards that almost killed her, or let them burn.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Better luck next time, hybrid.

Fury roared through me. My ears burned and scalp tingled.

“What the hell is that?”

I spun with a snarl. My fangs elongated instantly, painfully.

Teddy’s tall, lean frame bent over my shoulder as he read the napkin. My body thrummed with the surge of unspent adrenaline and possibly the intimate proximity. I flexed my fingers, curled them, flexed again.

“It’s nothing.” I snatched the napkin and jammed it into my jacket pocket. I’d deal with how exactly that woman knew I was a hybrid later. That was a secret for me and my sisters, and I aimed to keep it that way.

There was only one hybrid, and I was the unlucky genetic winner. It wasn’t for lack of fae mixing, that was something they did often and copiously, but offspring were always of one race. It kept their magic powerful, and if fae worshiped anything, it was power. My existence wasn’t an exalted position.

“But—”

“It’s nothing,” I stressed, my gaze steady on his. I meant business.

“Okay, okay.” He tipped his forehead toward my face. “You should holster those things before you hurt someone besides yourself.”

Crap, not again. All at once my lip became a persistent throb, reminding me of the pain from my fangs punching out. I dragged a finger along the edge of my mouth. It came away sticky, warm, and wet. When startled, I had zero control of the things. It was embarrassing.

Teddy tucked a clean napkin into my palm and pulled me close to whisper, “You shouldn’t be wasting blood when you refuse to drink it.”

His hot breath warmed my neck and tickled my ear. The heady mixture of woods, earth, and vanilla—Teddy’s distinct scent—filled my nostrils, made me dizzy. Something melted and puddled in my core. My gaze fastened on the way my dark red hair danced with his bourbon-brown strands. The way they both brushed against the hard line of muscle leading from his neck to his shoulder.

Damn it.

That delicious scent shouldn’t be so strong. My olfactory sense was the same as any other fae, unless I’d smelled their blood. Then again, with the amount of brawls Teddy broke up in this joint, he was bound to have bled at some point.

I stepped away and scowled in a desperate attempt to hide my reaction. “And you should mind your own business.” What was wrong with me lately? I’d known the guy for years, but recently Teddy seemed more flirt than friend. I felt disgustingly girly when he got near.

“Whatever you say, sweet fangs.” He chucked a knuckle under my chin, letting it linger long enough to turn the gesture from playful to intimate.

I rubbed my chin on my shoulder. This was Teddy. He couldn’t possibly be flirting. He’d known me since I roared into Interlands at fifteen with way more balls and bravado than sense. More importantly, I wasn’t his type—empty headed and easy.

He swaggered toward the end of the bar, and some mysterious magnetic force pulled my appreciative gaze to the way he filled out his denim. My view disappeared as he stepped behind the counter. When I looked up, Teddy watched me with a knowing grin. I bared my fangs. He laughed.

I growled under my breath and turned to leave as he circled the bar and headed for the spot across the counter from me.

“Why take these jobs, Lane? They’re bad. You’re so much more than this.”

Teddy’s earnest words stopped me, and I looked back. His bottomless black gaze gripped mine.

My chest tightened. Teddy didn’t know how misplaced his faith in me was. I grabbed a freshly filled tumbler full of amber liquid from the bar.

“Hey!” The owner of the drink turned, opened his mouth to say more, and laid eyes on me. I raised my brows in a dare. The guy wisely spun to face the bar and tapped the counter, ordering a new drink for himself.

“Because I’m really, really good at it. Besides, haven’t you heard?” I slammed my confiscated drink. The taste of gasoline chasing cinnamon scorched a path down my throat. My nostrils burned and eyes watered. I shoved down the sensation and flashed a smile filled with a whole lot of fang. “I’m a bad girl.”

Author Bio:

S.L. Choi is an urban fantasy author with a deep love for humor, fast-paced action, and hit-you-in-the-heart feels. She grew up imagining goblins living in the rocks outside her bedroom window, while fairies flew through the flowers. Now she puts those stories to paper. When not writing, she is either photographing the beautiful New England area, hiking, gaming with her equally nerdy husband, or attending to the small furry overlords who rule them both.

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Giveaway 1:
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Enter here!

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Dragons, Unicorns and Bianca by Meg Dendler @MegWelchDendler

Posted on February 17, 2022 by fundinmental

I love dragons and this fabulous cover for Bianca and the Journey To Ryuugito is adorable. But, what is that pink thing I am seeing? Is that a Unicorn?

If any of you guys have a youngster that will be reading this, or having it be read to them, I would love to know what they think.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Let’s start off by saying…I LOVE that cover front and back. What is that pink unicorn doing there?

I have been reading and reviewing more children’s books than ever and the Bianca series by Meg Dendler fits in that genre, recommended for 4 – 18 year olds (Amazon). I think different ratings would apply to different age groups within the recommendation. This is a book you would read to the younger ones and want a little more sophisticated for the older ones. I loved it, so…what to do?

It is filled with clean adventure. We have dragons, unicorns, faeries, a water sprite, flutterpurrs (how cute a name is that?)…

Bianca has earned some independence from her father. She is still new to being out of the castle, so she doesn’t know all the ins and outs of social interaction, especially when it comes to royalty. After all, who wants to sit at dinner and not be able to talk at all, to tell of her last adventure in Book I? She is 14 and wants to share. She has questions that, the only way she will get answers to, is to be able to ask them?

Well, all that and I haven’t even looked at my notes.

Ooooo, we have a baby dragon. Princess Bianca the Brave and Percy the Merciful will be put to the test when a handsome visitor makes an appearance. He is requesting their assistance with a dragon egg in a far off kingdom. So over the mountain and through the woods they will go.

I can hardly wait to go on the next adventure with Bianca and Percy. And…will the baby dragon be a part of it? What ya thinkin’ Meg?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bianca: Journey to Ryuugito by Meg Dendler.

GOODREADS BLURB

Princess Bianca the Brave and Percy the Merciful have settled into a comfortable life together as Bianca steps out of her sheltered, over-protected past. But a handsome visitor from a distant kingdom disturbs their peace. A rare dragon egg has been discovered, and it will hatch in a matter of days. Can Percy and Bianca keep the new dragonet from pillaging the kingdom of Ryuugito? And are they truly prepared for the journey to reach this egg and the dangers waiting for them along the way? With Percy by her side, Bianca will have to prove she is as brave and fearless as her kingdom now believes her to be.

This is the sequel to “Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meg Dendler has considered herself a writer since she won a picture book contest in 5th grade and entertained her classmates with ongoing sequels for the rest of the year. Beginning serious work as a freelancer in the ’90s while teaching elementary and middle school, Meg has over one hundred articles in print, including interviews with Kirk Douglas, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. She has won contests with her short stories and poetry, along with multiple international awards for her best-selling “Cats in the Mirror” alien rescue cat children’s book series. Meg is also an editor with Pen-L Publishing and works with independent and self-publishing authors to polish their manuscripts for publication.

Meg and her family (including four cats and her dog, Max) live in Arkansas. Visit her at www.megdendler.com for more information about upcoming books and events and all of Meg’s social media links.

In the first book of the Cats in the Mirror series, “Why Kimba Saved The World,” feisty house cat Kimba learns that she is really part of an alien race and has to pick sides between her loyal human family and her feline destiny. The second book, “Vacation Hiro,” came out in November of 2013. These first two books in the Cats in the Mirror series have been honored with Silver Mom’s Choice Awards, and “Why Kimba Saved The World” won a Bronze Moonbeam Children’s Book Award as “Best First Book.” Book 3, “Miss Fatty Cat’s Revenge,” released on September 12, 2014. A companion book to her Cats in the Mirror series, “Max’s Wild Night,” was published in May, 2015, and Book 4 in the Cats in the Mirror series, “Slinky Steps Out” joined the pack in the spring of 2016. An adult book, “At the Corner of Magnetic and Main,” was released by Pen-L Publishing in September of 2015.

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MY MEG DENDLER REVIEWS

Bianca

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Gaslamp Faeries Series by Ren Ryder

Posted on June 22, 2021 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The father had taken Kal in. He had ‘the sight’. But, when he saw monsters from the other side, they saw him.

Kal made contact with a fairy and knew he would need to battle the Ourboros into submission to save his sister, Sammie. Her life weighs on his shoulders and he must save her.

There’s No Such Thing As Monsters by Ren Ryder was not what I expected, but isn’t there always a battle between good and evil when monsters are involved?

It was hard for me to connect to the characters, but I could seen some of the scenes playing out inn a Harry Potter, Supernatural sort of way. Some scenes seemed familiar, but isn’t that usually the case. I have read so many books, it’s hard to come up with a new approach to evil in a monster’s world.

I don’t have Book II, but I do have Book III, The Monster At The End of Its Road. We have a lot of magical monsters in this book, and I’m counting on there being a lot more in the next.

I enjoyed my time in New London and am looking forward to another visit.

GOODREADS BLURB

Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them have sharp teeth and beady red eyes.
New London. A thriving metropolis at the forefront of technological advancement and a shining gem of civilization.
Faeries. Whether they come off cute and cuddly or downright predatory, they all bring misfortune or are heralds of it.

Experience is a harsh taskmistress, but her lessons sink the deepest. Having been taught the lesson at great cost, Kal’s rules for dealing with faeries are simple: don’t talk to them, don’t look at them, don’t give them the time of day.

So when the Other Side comes knocking one fateful, stormy day, Kal, at first, pretends not to notice. Was forgetting this rule his folly?

His way of life is in great danger. His little sister, Sammie, a natural mage, is taken by Ouroboros, a criminal organization made up of raving lunatics that profit off the misery and suffering of others, and have everything to do with all the crimes of magic in New London.

Kal will go to any lengths to save his sister, even to his death. Accompanied by his sylph companion, a mischievous pest, Kal dives deep into the dark underbelly of the city, but are his hands enough to dig his sister out from the muck?

The Monster at the End of its Road (Gaslamp Faeries Series, Book 3)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Well, I missed Book II, but I am happy to say, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of The Monster at the End of Its Road by Ren Ryder. We have magical action from the opening pages, Kal and Bell fighting for their lives against vampires and other magical creatures.

When he came face to face with his sister…well…I wasn’t expecting that and I loved it. He is determined to save her…no matter what.

Some things smack of the real world, like the division between the rich and everyone else. Kal can’t walk away from setting New London free from the Ouroboros, picking up unusual magical creatures along the way. He won’t have to do it alone.

Action! Action! Action!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Monster at the End of Its Road by Ren Ryder.

GOODREADS BLURB

Kal may be on his way to becoming a monster, but with Bell at his side, at least he’s in good company.

New London circa 1912. A few short months have passed since they stabbed Kal in the back and cast him into the abyss.

Ouroboros. A criminal organization with deep pockets and deeper connections that infest the highest ranks of the nobility. Ouroboros specializes in trafficking, crimes of magic, and deals in all that is immoral or illegal. Dark forces are brewing, and Ouroboros stands in the eye of the storm.

New London is a city that never sleeps… until now. Storefronts are closed, windows are shuttered, and doors are barred while dark entities terrorizing the streets at night bring indiscriminate death to all. And in broad daylight, a serial killer continues to wreak havoc on the magical community.

Kal will take Ouroboros apart brick-by-brick if he has to, while Sammie has so deeply entrenched herself with the enemy that there’s little hope of their relationship returning to its roots.

In a cruel twist of fate, Fin Macool gets his dearest wish granted, and he leaves Kal’s side. Alone, will Kal & Bell be able to defeat the sea of enemies arrayed against them?

ABOUT REN RYDER

My name is Ren Ryder. I’m twenty-six years old, sober, a neurodivergent Aquarius-introvert with a ton of anxiety, and my truest passion in life is writing. Since I wrote There’s No Such Thing As Monsters, I rescued six cats, got my first tattoos, and dyed my hair crazy colors. When I was younger, Fantasy gave me as many worlds as I needed to escape to until I could come back to face the world again. Now I hope my own writing shines a light for others, a light carried by my characters and the worlds they live in.

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My Cup Runneth Over With Magical Creatures – Mythicals by Dennis Meredith @explainresearch

Posted on October 22, 2018 by fundinmental

Continue reading →

Excerpt: Of Ice and Air by Carlie M A Cullen

Posted on November 25, 2015 by fundinmental

Of Ice and Air is Carlie M A Cullen’s latest fantasy novel.

What do you think of the gorgeous cover?

You can check out my review here.

Add me to Goodreads

EXCERPT

He opened the door to a large stable-like room, but much more comfortable for the animals. In each stall were large fluffy blankets and individual food bowls. The centre had what appeared to be a congregation area which had matting on the floor. Some of the strange animals were sleeping in their stalls while others were in the centre appearing to be conversing in some way.

“Can they talk?” she asked as she watched them.

“In a way. They have their own language which our most talented linguists have tried to learn and translate without success. However, they do understand us and will react to anything we say to them.” They descended the steps and stood on the matting. “Before you make your choice,” the king continued, “I want to show you the Blenorai Kai. They are the elite of the breed and are the only ones allowed to carry members of the royal family. When a Blenorai is chosen, the Kai train them extensively until they are qualified for the title. Once you bond with a Blenorai, they are yours for life and will accept no other rider.”

They walked through a door and found even more luxurious appointments for the beasts. As soon as they saw the king enter, they stopped what they were doing and stood to attention.

“Stay exactly where you are for a moment and don’t move. Understand?”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

He walked around the room and patted each animal on the head. One particular beast got a little more attention than the others and Kailani surmised it was the king’s own mount. “Blenorai Kai, this is my granddaughter, Kailani. She must not come to any harm. She is about to choose her own mount. He or she must be trained as quickly as possible. Now, please acquaint yourself with my granddaughter.” The huge, pure white beasts with the head and mane of a lion, the body of a long-haired bear, a lion’s tail with wicked-looking spikes on the end, and armour on their bodies formed an orderly queue and approached her. The first one stared at her face and she was taken by the beautiful violet colour of its eyes. He then sniffed her all the way to her feet then moved away. This continued in the exact same format until each one had smelled her.

“Which one was my mother’s mount?”

The king strode forward and stopped in front of the beast. “This one. His name is Yashtig.”

Kailani reached forward and stroked his mane. “Hello Yashtig. I’m Princess Garalia’s daughter, Kailani. I wish you could speak my language so we could talk about her. I may have need of your services soon for the benefit of my mother. Would you be prepared to help me?” The beast nodded his head. “Thank you. I will call on you as soon as my mount is ready.” Again, Yashtig nodded.

“Come, Kailani. Let us choose your mount so the training may begin.” She moved toward the door looking closely at the size of each, their leg muscles, and any other attributes she felt were crucial. In a way she thought it might be a test, to see if she had a good eye and could pick the best of the bunch. She didn’t much care about that though, as she knew her intuition would help her.

Once back in the first room, King Jaanis cleared his throat and all the animals stood to attention. “This is my granddaughter and today she is choosing her mount,” he announced. He then turned to her and said, “Feel free to wander around them, touch them, feel their muscles, look at their spikes, whatever it is that helps you decide. Take your time as your decision is probably one of the most important you will ever make in your life.”

ABOUT OF ICE AND AIR

On her 21^st birthday, Princess Kailani’s father tells her that when she was a baby, her mother was abducted. She also learns she has family in another world.

Defying her father, she travels from her Cloud Castle home to the ice kingdom of Idenvarlis where Kailani’s instincts drive her to find the mother she doesn’t remember.

Gifted with the magic of two worlds, and skilled in the use of weapons, she journeys into unknown and dangerous territory. Despite her determination to rescue her mother, she’s forced to overcome new fears and find a way to cope with all she encounters.

However, a person in authority will stop at nothing to prevent either of them returning.

Kailani faces isolation, wild beasts, rogue soldiers, and more as she battles to return to the Ice Palace. With the stakes so high, can she make it back alive?

ABOUT CARLIE M A CULLEN

Carlie M.A. Cullen Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.

She has always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. Author of the Heart Search trilogy and Of Ice & Air, she writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.

She also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

Stalk Carlie:

Website / Twitter: @carlie2011c / Facebook / Linkedin / Amazon / About.me

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My Reviews for Carlie’s Heartsearch Vampire Trilogy but first a little tease:

Trailer for Book I, Heartsearch Lost, where it all started:

Review of Heartsearch: Lost, Book I by Carlie M A Cullen

Heartsearch: Found: Book II by Carlie M A Cullen

Review: Heart Search: Betrayal by Carlie M A Cullen

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

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

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If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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

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New Release & My Review: Of Ice and Air by Carlie M A Cullen

Posted on November 21, 2015 by fundinmental

Of Ice and Air is Carlie Cullen”s new novel and I am so happy to be a part of the kickoff.

Take a gander at this beautiful cover and I believe you will get an idea of what is in store for you. Read on and see if it reflects your thoughts.

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MY REVIEW

Of Ice and Air is an amazing fantasy novel with a cast of characters to love and hate and critters and worlds that stretched my imagination. Carlie Cullen has the ability to spin a tale that captures me in its web, unable to break free. She is an author that has a prominent place on my must read list.

Imagine if you can two worlds, one of Ice and one of Clouds. One a world of sharp angles, the other of curves. In one world the creatures fly, in the other world they run…very fast.

Kailani is the star of both worlds, a princess with one foot in the Cloud Palace and the other foot in the Ice Palace. She is headstrong and confident, some would say reckless.

On her twenty first birthday, Kailani embarked on a journey to solve the mystery of her mother’s disappearance. She stepped through a magical door, leaving her world of Clouds and into the danger of Ice. I have a feeling she is destined for great things and I am so very eager to find out what they will be.

I knew bad things were coming from the opening pages and I was eager to find out what they would be.

I love a strong, female protagonist, and I have every confidence that Kailani will solve the mystery. She will need to hone her magical skills, as well as her ability to fight with swords, knives and fists. She relies heavily on her intuition, which speaks to her loud and clear.

Being from a royal family, I can see some of the problems that will arise. Jealousy, treachery and greed are never in short supply. Danger and death confront her at every turn. I know the star of the show cannot die, can she? Every time her life is threatened, I fear for her safety and wonder how she will survive. I know things cannot go easily, what will attack, who will attack, who will get injured and who will die.

I love letting my mind run free, to live in the fantasy of odd creatures and magical abilities that make all things possible. I rode the Blenorai with her, over the ice, through the Lost Mire and the Silent Forest to the Land of No Souls.

The adventure is long and treacherous, fraught with danger. She fights, surviving with the help of magic and her animal companions, the Blenorai.

Carlie Cullen creates strong characters and original worlds that awe and amaze. Her heroine will fight bloody battles against man and monster alike. Kailani is a warrior princess in every sense of the word.

The ending seemed a bit abrupt, but I can live with it. The story is finished and I got the ending I wanted. How can I be upset with that? I think I feel this way because I did not want the story to end. I love a book that makes me want more…more…more.

I received an ARC Of Ice and Air by Carlie Cullen in return for an honest review.

5 Stars

ABOUT OF ICE AND AIR

On her 21^st birthday, Princess Kailani’s father tells her that when she was a baby, her mother was abducted. She also learns she has family in another world.

Defying her father, she travels from her Cloud Castle home to the ice kingdom of Idenvarlis where Kailani’s instincts drive her to find the mother she doesn’t remember.

However, a person in authority will stop at nothing to prevent either of them returning.

Kailani faces isolation, wild beasts, rogue soldiers, and more as she battles to return to the Ice Palace. With the stakes so high, can she make it back alive?

ABOUT CARLIE M A CULLEN

Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.

Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.

She also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

Stalk Carlie:

Website / Twitter: @carlie2011c / Facebook / Linkedin / Amazon / About.me

Wattpad / Goodreads

My Reviews for Carlie’s Heartsearch Vampire Trilogy but first a little tease:

Trailer for Book I, Heartsearch Lost, where it all started:

Review of Heartsearch: Lost, Book I by Carlie M A Cullen

Heartsearch: Found: Book II by Carlie M A Cullen

Review: Heart Search: Betrayal by Carlie M A Cullen

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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Teaser Tuesday #46 – Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki

Posted on August 11, 2015 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki

I am currently 27% into Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki. I was intrigued by the premise, a writer and his muse.

I love the “sweetness” of the cover. I feel as if she is waiting for just the right moment to reach out to him. And when she does…

Mortal-Musings-Cover Add me to Goodreads now.

TEASER

All he saw was Alexandra, weaving through flowers that reached to her as though ready to whisper all their secrets. Not exactly right for a mystery novel..

(27% on Kindle)

SYNOPSIS

Muse Alexandra has had it with the arrogant, ungrateful humans she is obligated to inspire. When the internal ranting of her latest charge pushes her past reason, she disregards the rules and forces her own words through his fingers, and is instantly entrapped in mortal form. With no magic, no identity, and no resources, Allie has no alternative but to navigate the mortal realm, depending entirely on her reluctant host while discerning what exactly caused her transformation — and how to reverse it.

Brett doesn’t have a chance to consider the words that mysteriously showed up on his screen; he’s too distracted by the stunning woman who appeared in his office out of nowhere. Before his brain can catch up, Brett’s uninvited guest becomes enmeshed in his everyday life. Her artless innocence gradually lessens his suspicions. Most importantly, the writer’s block that’s been plaguing him dissolves under the fantasies the naively beguiling Alexandra inspires.

All too soon, the forced proximity sparks a confounding awareness neither writer nor muse are able to resist.

Cover linked to Amazon. I am an affiliate.

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What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Friday 56 #24 – FREE Read – Dragon Eye by Anna Simpson

Posted on September 5, 2014 by fundinmental

The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.

The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find any sentence, or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

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DRAGON EYE by Anna Simpson

Two blue moons ride the darkened sky, one the ghost of Dragon Eye.

This is a very short read and a prequel to Mexmur by Anna Simpson.

If you love fantasy and dragons and have 5 or 10 minutes, this is a MUST READ.

The king didn’t care what Rescer had to do to Rory, the young female dragon.

He just wanted his riches.

Rescer had a plan. I am afraid for him….and Rory too.

Would he set her free, or will the king kill them both?

I love Rescer. He has been with Rory since she looked like a deformed lizard.

I couldn’t help but let slip a girly giggle at that.

I am ROYALLY pissed at the king and nothing can change that.

If I could, I would put a curse on him.

OMG. A fabulous and tearful ending.

My heart dropped and I read on with tears in my eyes.

Then my heart soared on the wings of the dragon.

It totally blew me away and I have tears in my eyes as I write this.

I cannot believe Anna packed so much punch into this awesome short.

I love dragons and Rory is a very young dragon that I want to watch grow up.

You can meet her again in Mexmur, a part of the Portals fantasy anthology.

5 Stars – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

GET IT HERE NOW FOR FREE

If the freebie is over, you can get it here, on Amazon

Mexmur is included in the fantasy anthology, Portals.

Click on the cover for your Amazon copy.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon!

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Portals: A Fantasy Anthology Book Blitz Giveaway

Posted on June 5, 2014 by fundinmental

Happy Book Birthday to Portals!

(Grab your copy from Amazon by clicking on the cover)

Portals

Genre: Fantasy Anthology (mixed sub genres)

Release Date: June 5, 2014

Keywords: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Urban Fantasy, Steampunk, Short Stories, Picture Prompt

Description

No matter what world you call home, or what your station in life, there are just some paths that weren’t meant to be tread.

Ordinary World by Laurie Treacy

Imagine a new neighbor moves next door, a creepy guy who gives fifteen year-old Amy Silva the willies? Amy wonders what the stone archway in the backyard is for. Her life becomes even more stressful when her family reveals they’re witches.

Could Amy’s new neighbor have anything to do with a local girl’s disappearance or be a threat to her magical loved ones?

Maronda’s Quest by Christy Thomas

The Grand Wizard has decreed Maronda enter the Portal of Life to embark upon a quest of great importance, but despite her Ma’s claims it is a blessing, premonitions of danger persist.

Lenox works to prove his worth to wed her, his true love, but it appears a wizard plots to remove him from Maronda’s life forever. To secure their future together, Lenox decides to accompany her on the quest, even if forbidden. He must ultimately choose between using his dragon fighting skills which could lead to his death, or give Maronda her greatest desire.

In the end, it’s Maronda who must learn to live with the consequences of his decision.

Mexmur, the Huntress by Anna Simpson

Long ago a dragonkeeper betrayed his charges. To bring back magic, to set things right, Mexmur is sent through the portal.

Can she succeed armed with only a poem, talon and blade.

Entrance of Lost Souls by Echo Shea

A guardian to the entrances between worlds, Gladys has been called to bring a little girl back from Fairyland. Passing through the Entrance of Lost Souls is no fun, neither is hunting down a deranged banshee, but what is a guardian to do?

And, is the banshee really kidnapping the girl…or saving her from something else?

Where Once were Hearts by Havva Murat

After losing both his parents, his entire fortune and his childhood sweetheart, Master Bartholomew Battlesby sets out into the wilds of Northern England to make the acquaintance of his only surviving relation, the landed recluse, Mr. Horatio Grimsby who has an eerie penchant for both tinkering and clockwork. But, on finding his relation dead, with a gaping hole in his chest, and the beautiful, but scornful, Miss Evangeline Witherop ruling in his place, Bartholomew learns there is more than one way to lose your heart.

Can Bartholomew reignite the spirit of love and mercy within Miss Witherop, or will he suffer the same fate as his poor, heartless cousin?

The Lunatic Queen by Michael Siciliano

The land of Mershinka has been thrown into perpetual night. Their King is dead and a moon witch, known as The Night Queen, rules from the royal palace in Grosnov. An endless fog shrouds the land, killing crops and starving the populace. Cold-eyed enforcers put down rebellions while volksa, twisted wolf-creatures, roam the mists looking for prey. Many have given up hope and wait for the inevitable end. All seems lost.

Two teenagers, Pavel and Tamara, devise a plan to kill Vazya the Night Queen when the moons Kainsk and Seresnya are down, end the stifling enchantment, and bring the sun back to their dying land. But, they need a watch to tell time, a compass to guide them through the mists, weapons to fight off Vazya’s minions, and all the courage they can muster.

Purchase Links

PRINT

Roane Publishing / Createspace / Amazon

Digital

Roane Publishing /Amazon / Amazon (UK) / Barnes and Noble (Coming Soon)

Kobo (Coming Soon) / Smashwords / Bookstrand

OR, click on the cover below.

Tour Schedule

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos

Book Blitz and Tour-wide Giveaway

Paperback copy of Portals and a $10 Amazon gift card.

Ends 7/03/2014

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter, and announced on the widget. Winner well be notified by emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Roane Publishing’s marketing department.

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