Tuesday, March 19, 2024

The Pheeworker’s Oath by Adam Gaylord - SciFi, Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery ~ @AuthorGaylord @MirrorWorldPub ~ Read an #ExclusiveExcerpt

 

Welcome to the -Week Virtual Book Tour Schedule for The Pheeworker’s Oath by Adam Gaylord - SciFi, Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery 
March 17-22, 2024)


About The Pheeworker’s Oath:

Humans don’t belong on this world. The refugees who crash-landed on the Atipok homeworld can’t see or touch phee, the elemental power which flows through rock and stone like living rivers of light. From the moment of his hatching, healer Takey has manipulated phee to heal, bending strands to his will to mend muscle and bone for both human and Atipok alike.

But when the Atipok queen is murdered and her death blamed on an orphaned human child capable of pheework, the first of her kind, a rift is torn between the two races that could spell the end of humanity. Anti-human factions seize power and the Atipok army is on the march. Can Takey survive long enough to unravel the strands of conspiracy, protect the child, and broker a peace to avoid genocide without betraying his own people or himself?

Read an Exclusive Excerpt:

I looked the girl over, then shook my head. “Setting aside the very real chance of death by dehydration, she’s more than just physically trapped. She’s trapped within her own mind. Unless her parents were secretly pheeworkers, which I doubt, then she’s had no training. She needs a guide to coax her out of her own head or she might destroy herself.” Small bumps arose on the girl’s naked skin. I pulled a blanket from the nearby debris and draped it over her. The poor thing was just a nestling. I couldn’t help but feel bad for her, which might explain why I didn’t take the time to consider the implication of my next words. “There is another option. I can take her to Salitat and get her the help she needs.”

Hassan’s thick eyebrows arched skyward. “I didn’t think humans were allowed in Salitat.”

“They’re not,” I conceded, equally surprised by my offer. “It will be a risk.” That was an understatement. Anti-human sentiment had been increasing. To bring a human to Atalan could easily be construed as treason. I would be putting us both in danger. “But I don’t think she has any other options.”

Hassan sighed, massaging his temples with one large, calloused hand. “Very well, I’ll pull together a few men and we’ll—”

I help up a hand. “No one else. Only the girl.”

“But I can’t let her go alone,” Hassan protested.

“She won’t be alone.”

“You know what I mean. I can’t just let you take her.”

“Then she will stay, and she will die.” I didn’t like being so blunt with Hassan. He was a caring man and a good leader, but the situation was grim. I shouldn’t have made the offer in the first place and there were no other options.

I could see conflict play on the human’s features. He looked around, like he was searching for another way. “Crap,” he said finally. “Gimme a minute.” He stomped off in the direction of his people.

I watched him, mulling over another consideration I hadn’t shared. In the thirteen solars since their crash landing, other than some initial hostilities and the Battle of the Red Plain, humans and Atipok had managed a tenuous peace. We mostly kept to our own, them in their adobe villages, us in our stone cities. But there were a few individuals, such as myself, who worked to bridge the gap. I felt it was my duty as a healer to help them. I’d taken an oath to do so. And over time I’d developed a certain respect, even a fondness for their ways. But my time with them had also revealed their tendency toward violence. They loved their weapons. I rarely saw an adult human who wasn’t carrying a plasma pistol or rifle. Even now, Hassan carried one of each, a pistol on his hip and a rifle across his back. Such things were unknown to us before their arrival and while they were no match for skilled pheework, humans still managed to kill each other on a regular basis. I sometimes wondered how readily they would abandon their makeshift towns in favor of our great stone cities if not held at bay by their fear of phee. If this girl represented a new trend, if humans gained the ability to pheework, it would completely change the balance of power between our species.

I had to present this girl to the queen.

Hassan returned looking no less frustrated. “I asked around and nobody seems to know if she has any other family. Her group’s been on their own for the last couple years, really sticking to themselves. She’s all alone now.” He looked down at the girl. “My guys think I should decide but…”

“You think it should go before the council,” I finished for him.

“Unfortunately, yes.”


Genres: 

SciFi, Speculative Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery

Book Tour Schedule: 

https://saphsbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2024/03/book-tour-schedule-for-pheeworkers-oath.html

Praise:

From Aimee Ogden, Nebula Finalist:

A compellingly alien protagonist, who also has the deeply-held and familiar belief that a better world is possible. 

In THE PHEEWORKER'S OATH, neither compassion nor cruelty are traits limited to humankind. There are no easy answers to the complexities of human refugees building a new home for themselves on a different world--but it is easy to care about the compellingly alien Takey, and about his deeply-held and familiar belief that a better world is possible. 

From Rachael Jones, WFA Finalist & Tiptree Award honoree:

The Pheeworker's Oath is a timely science fiction tale about a stranded human colony dependent upon the Atipok, aliens with near-mystical abilities that allow them to control their environment and their very bodies. It is a fascinating examination of how manipulative leaders harness fear of the other to gain power, and how the only way to break that power is to find kinship with the very beings you've been told to fear. This adventure story showcases timeless themes and intriguing worldbuilding. Come for the cool alien powers, stay for the lizardlike Atipok--but don't you dare call them Lizards!

Purchase Links:

MIRROR WORLD PUBLISHING:

Paperback: 


Meet the Author:


Adam Gaylord (he/him) lives in Colorado with a wife that is smarter than him, their two monster children, and a very handsome dog. When not at work as an ecologist, he’s usually writing, baking, drawing comics, or some combination thereof. Look him up on GoodReads or find him on Twitter/BlueSky @AuthorGaylord.

Connect with Adam Gaylord :

Twitter:
https://amzn.to/4acJJPB

Goodreads Author Page: 

Friday, March 15, 2024

#Review ~ Chasing a Highland Dream by Lisa Hobman ~ @LisaJHobmanAuth #Romance @BoldwoodBooks

Chasing a Highland Dream

Can you live your dreams and also find your destiny?


About the Book:

Since having to drop out of her design degree, Bella Douglas has been unlucky in just about everything life has thrown at her.She’s lost more jobs than she cares to remember and to top it off she’s still single, despite her Granny Isla’s best attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the Scottish Highlands. Currently PA to her best friend, aka, Lady Olivia MacBain, at Drumblair Castle, Bella is yet to find a role that sets her soul on fire. But when disaster strikes for Olivia, Bella steps into the breach to rescue her bestfriend from a fate worse than a bad interior designer.

When Bella and her Granny find themselves homeless, they relocate to the castle where a handsome new neighbour brings mystery, intrigue and a spark of romance.

Is Bella finally on the track to find true happiness? Or do more catastrophes lie ahead? And does true love hide where you least expect it?

My Review:

Chasing a Highland Dream is the second book in the The Highlands series by Lisa Hobman.

Chasing a Highland Dream is an emotionally-rich novel. The characters are well-written, 3-dimensional, and complex. I enjoyed Bella and the way the author portrayed her character. She is sensitive, loving, strong, and determined. I love how she puts herself out there when Olivia's design firm backs out of a contract. 

I enjoyed the author's writing style, the story, and how everything came together. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and kept thoroughly engaged. The author wove a masterpiece together, filled with romance, love, anxious moments, tenderness, frustration, and disbelief. I was captivated by this wonderful story. 

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Release Day #Review ~ Sherlock Bones and the Horror of the Haunted Castle by Tim Collins ~ A Puzzle Adventure #MiddleGrade ~ Illustrated by John Bigwood


Book Details:

Publisher: ‎ Buster Books (March 5, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 192 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1780559224
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1780559223
Reading age : ‎ 7 - 9 years
Grade level : ‎ 2 - 4
Goodreads

About the Book:

Sherlock Bones, the world’s greatest dog detective, and his trusty sidekick Dr. Jane Catson are back for another crime-solving adventure.

When a wealthy dog spots a ghostly figure haunting her kennel in the Catpathian Mountains, she come to Bones and Catson for help. Bones is convinced there are no such things as ghosts ... but even he’s at a loss to explain the creepy sounds and strange goings-on that he and Catson encounter after a night in the crumbling kennel. Things get even more spooky when Bones is suddenly called back to London, leaving Catson to crack the case on her own. Can Catson unmask the ghost and escape the haunted kennel in one piece?

The fourth book in Buster’s Sherlock Bones mystery fiction series features 28 puzzles – including spot-the-differences, number chains and tangled line games – that are woven into the action, so the reader feels immersed in the exciting detective plot. Told across 14 chapters, this thrilling story is perfect for middle-grade readers.

My Review:

Sherlock Bones and the Horror of the Haunted Castle is the fourth book in the Sherlock Bones Puzzle Quest series. Sherlock Bones and his trusty sidekick, Jane Catson, are called to a kennel in Translyvania to investigate a ghost wandering the halls. Filled with puzzles and games, this book is a delight for all ages, but is specifically for middle grade readers.

I love the spin on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Loves of anything Sherlock Holmes will find this series fun, full of adventure, and entertaining.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:


Amazon links are review links.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

#Clothing #Review ~ 2-Pack Women's Summer Casual Dresses ~ Beach Cover up Tank Dress with Pockets ~ Plain, Round Neck Sundresses #DressWithPockets

 Did you see what that title says?!

These dresses have POCKETS! 


You can get this 2-pack of dresses (purple and navy) on Amazon

These dresses are perfect as swimsuit coverups. In both of the pictures, I have my swimsuit on (also purchased from Amazon). 

 The dresses can also be worn in a casual manor, for dinner, or just for lounging around. 

I ordered a small and both fit perfectly.

This blog uses affiliate links.


Tuesday, February 13, 2024

#Review ~ Something like Love (Chicago Grizzlies, #3) by Piper Rayne ~ Now Available!! #valentineprlm @valentine_pr_ #chicagogrizzlies #somethinglikelove #piperrayne #sportsromance #footballromance



I want to.
I can’t.

I’ve been friends with Cooper Rice from the moment we met. He was just as famous a decade ago on our college campus as he is now being the star quarterback for the Chicago Grizzlies.

But he’s not only talented on the field, he’s also the gorgeous football star women fawn over, posing in underwear and razor ads.

Here’s a secret those women don’t know—Cooper Rice isn’t a playboy. He’s the kind of man who wants to settle down with a family. He’s content ordering pizza and massaging my feet after my long shift as an emergency room doctor. He listens to me as if he’s as invested as I am in my patients. He has never let me down.

This is exactly why I refuse to live without Cooper in my life. Eight years ago, I made him promise me that we’d never cross that line. And just like I knew Cooper would, he’s held to that promise.

Despite our best efforts, our relationship is evolving, shifting into new territory and I find myself unsure if I want Cooper to keep that promise. Ignoring the obvious could tear us apart, but so could giving in, meaning there’s a chance I’ll lose Cooper forever no matter what decision I make.

My Review:

Something Like Love is the third, and final, book in the Chicago Grizzlies series by Piper Rayne. I enjoyed Ellery and Cooper’s story. Best friends for a decade, Elle and Cooper find themselves at a crossroads. The authors did an excellent job penning this book with emotion and realism.

I loved the interactions between Elle and Cooper. This book is emotionally rich with well-written characters. I loved everything about the story, the characters, the setting, and the romance. I love how the authors created a story that flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged. The writing style and story took my breath away.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:



Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!



Audio narrated by Aaron Shedlock & Emma Wilder


Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3y6pEtx

Something like Love is a football, friends to lovers story and is the third and final book in Piper Rayne’s Chicago Grizzlies series.

Start the Chicago Grizzlies series with Something like Hate!


This blog uses affiliate links.


Tuesday, January 30, 2024

#Mystery #Review ~ Sleight of Hand (Maisie Doss Mystery, Book 1) by Tonya Kappes #TonyaKappesBooks


Sleight of Hand
Maisie Doss Mystery
Book 1
Tonya Kappes

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0CL8P2C63
Publisher:‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ January 18, 2024
Print Length: ‎ 194 pages


About the Book:

Maisie Doss knew the weight of secrets all too well. Once a troublemaker in her small Kentucky town near Cincinnati, she struck a dangerous bargain to become a confidential informant for the police. But when betrayal led her to send a family member behind bars, the lines between right and wrong blurred. Unable to bear the weight of her actions, she fled into the secluded heart of Appalachia, praying her past wouldn't catch up.

For a time, the hills kept her secrets. Determined to atone, she tried to lead a quiet life, but old habits die hard. When Maisie stumbles upon a mystery that begs her attention, she can't resist diving in. Yet, this isn't just any crime; it's tangled with threads from her concealed past. And as fate would have it, a detective from her old life discovers her hidden refuge.

Now, he presents her with a chilling Return to her role as a CI and face the ghosts of her past or find herself behind bars.

In a game of cat and mouse, where trust is a luxury Maisie can't afford, she must use every sleight of hand she knows to outwit the law, uncover the truth, and keep her freedom.

From Tonya Kappes, the Queen of Southern Charm and Whimsical Whodunits...

Immerse yourself in the allure of the South, where the tea is sweet, the mysteries are deep, and the humor is downright sinful. Tonya Kappes, celebrated for her delightful mix of southern charm, captivating mysteries, and wickedly funny humor, introduces a brand-new amateur sleuth that's bound to become a reader favorite.

Dive into the Maisie Doss Mysteries and get ready for a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and laughter. If you've loved her previous series, this new addition promises all the signature Kappes charm and then some. Join Maisie as she dances on the edge of danger and digs deep into the heart of the South's most intriguing crimes. It's a journey you won't want to miss!

My Review:

Sleight of Hand is the first book in the new Maisie Doss Mysteries by Tonya Kappes. As a fan of her books, I went into this one not knowing what to expect. It's not your normal cozy mystery. It's much darker and less Dottie-esque. It took me a bit longer to read than other books/series in the author's catalog due to the complexity of the characters and plot.

Maisie is a very complex character with a complicated past and a seemingly twisted future ahead of her. As a CI for the FBI, Maisie is on the run, hiding from her past because of the implications to her family. When a mystery pops up in her refuge, Maisie can't help but get involved. Unfortunately for Maisie, that curiosity puts her right back in the crosshairs of the detective who has been actively tracking her down.

This book was fantastic. There are a few continuity errors but I was able to look past them. Sleight of Hand is an edge of your seat kind of mystery. There are twists and turns that take the reader on a wild ride. The author also tosses in a domestic issue with an old friend and side stories with her family. The author set the mystery up well and I was shocked at how everything played out. Well done!

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:



Wednesday, January 3, 2024

#Review ~ Another Outer Banks Christmas by Christina Sinisi ~ Contemporary Christian Romance #Romance @ChristinaSinisi


Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0CLKYWH89
Publisher: ‎ Anaiah Press
Publication date: ‎ November 10, 2023
Print length: ‎ 178 pages

Goodreads

About the Book:

As the daughter of missionaries, Kerrie Alexander has lived on Hatteras—an island in the Outer Banks—longer than any other place she’s been. When her parents inform her the family is slotted to go overseas again, she balks. Her life on the island—her job, her friends, even the handsome hero in her Sunday School class—makes her want to put down roots. But to do so, she’ll need to find a place to live, face being on her own separated from any close family—something she’s never done before.

Firefighter and EMT Wade Hampton can face pretty much any emergency, except his matchmaking grandpa threatening him with disinheritance if Wade doesn’t get married in just three months. Not that Wade objects to the idea of marriage, but how does a guy who has no problem running into burning buildings find the courage to ask a girl like Kerrie out for a date? She’s a role model for everything good, and he comes from a rough and broken home. Not to mention, Christmas is right around the corner!

My Review:

Another Outer Banks Christmas is a sweet Contemporary Christian Romance novel. The story is heartwarming and a joy to read. The characters and setting are wonderful. I loved the interactions between Kerrie and Wade. 

Kerrie is part of a large family headed by missionary parents. They've been in Hatteras for a while now but then Kerrie's parent spring on her that they are scheduled to move overseas. Kerrie makes the decision to stay where on Hatteras, but it won't be easy. She has very little time to make living arrangement and come to terms with adulting away from the warmth and protection of her family.

Wade Hampton is a local firefighter and EMT on the island. When his grandfather springs an ultimatum on him - marry or be removed from the will - Wade faces a conundrum. He's been dancing around Kerrie for a months. Little did he know his grandfather is a scheming little matchmaker. The ultimatum was a mechanism to force Wade to get out of his own way and take a chance on asking Kerrie out.

The book pulled me in and kept me engaged from the start. I had a hard time putting it down. I loved how the book doesn't shy away from giving the male characters real emotions. 

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating: