Today I’m really happy to share this 4 star review of The Lost Sentinel from Sofia on her blog A Book. A Thought.
via Double Short Reviews: The Lost Sentinel by Suzanne Rogerson & Freefall Summer by Tracy Barrett
To celebrate the upcoming release of my new book, The Sentinel’s Reign, I wanted to run a giveaway for Book 1 in the Silent Sea Chronicles – The Lost Sentinel.
Please enter for the chance to win either a signed paperback or an e-book. There are up to 7 ways to win!
Here’s the link to the Rafflecopter giveaway running until 30th May 2018. Please reblog and share this with everyone you know.
The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?
I will contact the winners by email after 30th May 2018. Good luck!
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The Sentinel’s Reign is due out on 29th June 2018, but you can pre-order your copy here. It is book 2 in the heroic fantasy series Silent Sea Chronicles.
At present I don’t have plans to run a blog tour, but I would love as many bloggers as possible to post about The Sentinel’s Reign before, during and after its release. Please get in touch and I can send you the promotional bits beforehand.
I am also looking to send out ARC copies if anyone would like to review Book 2 in the series (books should be read in order, but please get in touch to discuss).
My last request for help is that I am tweaking the blurb, so I would love your help to make this really appealing to new readers.
Blurb
The new Sentinel’s reign is doomed to failure unless Tei can prevent the Kalayan people from plunging into war.
With the new Sentinel initiated and the magic restored on Kalaya, the future is thriving for Tei and the exiles. But Rathnor’s plans for war soon escalate and thwart any chance of a peaceful life.
Brogan’s position on the Assembly becomes tenuous as rumours circulate that he is an exile spy.
Farrell is recovering from an attempt on his life and is more determined than ever for his people to build a home on Stone Haven. But the council have their sights set on Kalaya and Farrell struggles to steer them away from the temptation of war.
As trouble festers within and outside forces gather against them, can the exiles keep their hold on the magic, or will this spell the end of Kalaya and its people?
The Sentinel’s Reign is a heroic fantasy. If you like character-driven adventures then you will love The Sentinel’s Reign.
This is the second book in the Silent Sea Chronicles and should be read in order.
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Thank you for your help. I will be running a belated paperback and e-book giveaway for Book 1 – The Lost Sentinel in the next few days so keep an eye out for news of that.
The Sentinel’s Reign – Book 2 in the Silent Sea Chronicles will be published on 29th June 2018. You can preorder it here!
Blurb
The new Sentinel’s reign is doomed to failure unless Tei can prevent the island and its people from plunging into war.
With the new Sentinel initiated and the magic restored on Kalaya, life is looking good for Tei and the exiles. But Rathnor’s plans for war soon escalate and thwart any chance of a peaceful life.
Brogan’s position on the Assembly becomes tenuous as rumours spread that he is an exile spy.
Farrell is recovering from an attempt on his life, and is more determined than ever for his people to build a life on Stone Haven. But the council have their sights set on Kalaya and Farrell struggles to steer them away from the prospect of war.
As trouble brews within and outside forces gather against them, can the exiles keep their hold on the magic, or will this be the end of the island of Kalaya and its people?
You can preorder on Amazon here
Add it to your Goodreads bookshelf here
Now this is the moment I have been waiting for! Here is the beautiful cover of The Sentinel’s Reign…
I love it, I hope you do too. Let me know in the comments.
And if you missed Book One in the series here’s the details.
The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?
I’m been very busy working through edits over the last few weeks so my reading has been a bit slow.
I thought I’d use WWW Wednesday for a reading update and to get me focused again. You can take part too by answering these questions;
What are you currently reading, What have you just read, What will you read next and link your blog post to ‘Taking on a world of words‘ You can also see who else is taking part.
What I’m currently reading
Sparrow by Michael Morpurgo
I needed something short to read and my daughter suggested this. I haven’t read any Morpurgo before, but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s based on the Joan of Arc story.
I am also reading an ARC for Jesper Schmidt – How to write fantasy book descriptions, but I don’t have the cover to display just yet. 25% in and so far, so good. I think this could really help fantasy writers.
What I’ve just read,
Here’s my review of Ninja School Mum
What I’m reading next.
Last time I took part in WWW Wednesday I had hoped to finish a couple of trilogies, but I’d forgotten about my monthly book group reads. With my lack of time I’m having to reconsider what books I can fit in. In the next month I need to read Senlin Ascends, which I’m really excited about as it was my choice for book group.
And I still hope to read book 3 Magic Borne to finish Ian Troy’s story,
![51eMvOZ8IdL._AC_US218_[1]](https://suzannerogersonauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/51emvoz8idl-_ac_us218_1.jpg?w=584)
In the next few days I will also be reading my own book The Sentinel’s Reign (book 2 of Silent Sea Chronicles) prior to its publication at the end of June. Cover reveal and pre-order links coming very soon!
I think that is plenty of books to be getting on with. What are you reading?
Here is a recent review of The Lost Sentinel on Nana’s Fantastical Reads. Please go check it out.
The Lost Sentinel by Suzanne Rogerson is an independently published fantasy book that sparked my interest. I was intrigued by the concept of a magic that connects the people to their land and the consequences that ensue when the magic-wielders are being persecuted. Sadly, it wasn’t easy for me to connect to the characters and understand their development since we have three perspectives and a lot of time jumps that make the connection difficult.
Goodreads summary:
The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?
Kalaya is controlled by the Assembly – set up to govern but now under the control of Rathnor, who is intent on persecuting those who have magic, many of whom have taken refuge in the Turrak Mountains.
Tei has been raised…
View original post 1,069 more words
I am reviewing Ninja School Mum by Lizzie Chantree.
The Blurb
Obsessive-compulsive school mum, Skye, is a lonely elite spy, who is running from her past whilst trying to protect the future of her child. She tries hard to fit in with the other parents at her son’s new school, but the only person who accepts her unconventional way of life is new mother, Thea.
Thea is feeling harassed by her sister and bored with her life, but she suspects that there is something strange about the new school mum, Skye. Thea has secrets of her own and, although the two become unlikely friends, she hesitates to tell Skye about the father of her own child.
Zack’s new business is growing faster than he could have dreamed but, suddenly, he finds himself the owner of a crumbling estate on the edge of a pretty village, and a single parent to a very demanding child. Could he make a go of things and give his daughter the life she deserved?
When three lives collide, it appears that only one of them is who they seem to be, and you never know who the person next to you in the school playground really is.
My Mini Review
The cover is very cool. I love the colour contrast and the silhouette. It drew me in to find out more and the premise of the story really appealed. Who can resist a spy story!
There is a lot to like about this book. The characters are colourful and have plenty of secrets between them. Skye, Thea and Zack are well drawn and likeable, though you know they have secrets and you have to read on to find out what is really going on.
The spy part of the plot is important, but perhaps not featured enough. I would have loved to relive some of the backstory through flashbacks.
One of my favourite parts were the unusual business ideas; Skye starts up a self-defence class for children to avoid the school bully, while Zack runs Cloud Climb on his estate, which also sounds like a great idea if you like heights!
For me there were a few issues with this book. The chapters are told from each character’s viewpoints, which I liked, but I did find there were times when we head hopped between characters thoughts. This confused the narrative and I was sometimes left wondering who had been thinking what.
There is a lot of back story that needs to be revealed to the reader, which is understandable for the plot and as I mentioned above I think we could have used a few flashbacks to get the information across in a more involving way. I also thought some of the scenes in the present could have been shown more as there was too much tell and character reflection on things that had just happened. I think the book could have, and should have, been longer – I certainly wouldn’t mind spending longer with these characters and really get to know them better.
There are a few twists towards the end, some of which took me by surprise – always a good thing. But for me the ending was underwhelming and I would have liked something more dramatic for these great characters.
I rate this book 3.5 stars. Why not check it out on goodreads and see what others have to say.
Today I’m really pleased to share the cover reveal for Ian Gregoire’s book, The Exercise of Vital Powers. This is the second edition of his book and will be available to preorder very soon.
I think you will agree the cover is stunning and could well be in the running for my favourite cover of the year. So here it is…
The Blurb
Some Lessons Must Be Learned The Hard Way
Since its inception, The Order has been dedicated to the prevention of the misuse and abuse of magic. For seven decades this mandate has guaranteed peace and stability throughout The Nine Kingdoms. But a potential threat to the peace has emerged, and its source is much closer to home than the leadership of The Order may realise.
Arrogant, manipulative, confrontational and angry. Undesirable qualities in a person at the best of times, but more so in a young woman born with the power to bring kingdoms to their knees. Kayden Jayta, precocious apprentice of The Order, is all these things and more, yet wholly unwilling to acknowledge and rectify her many troubling traits.
Unbeknown to anyone, Kayden’s resolute determination to join the ranks of The Order is born of a secret that puts her priorities at odds with the precepts of the organisation, setting her inexorably on a collision course with the most powerful institution in The Nine Kingdoms.
If Kayden is to be dissuaded from walking the path she has chosen, averting tragic consequences in the process, two unanswered questions must be answered: What is the dark secret guiding Kayden’s actions? And, why has a legendary figure within The Order, with a secret of her own, taken undue interest in Kayden’s future?
Expected Publication
The Exercise Of Vital Powers is due to go on sale from Monday 2nd July 2018, in ebook and paperback editions. Pre-orders will be open in June via all the usual online retailers.
Background about the book
Ian Gregoire’s debut fantasy novel was self-published with no fanfare in the spring of 2017. On a whim, he entered the book into the SPFBO competition organised by Mark Lawrence two weeks later, and was just as surprised as everyone else when The Exercise Of Vital Powers was selected as Kitty G’s first semi-finalist. The book subsequently garnered a number of positive reviews, culminating in a place on the longlist of nominations for Best Self-Published Novel in the inaugural BookNest Fantasy Awards.
Originally written and published as a stand-alone novel, the soon to be released second edition of The Exercise Of Vital Powers is now book one of a five book series called Legends Of The Order. Readers who missed out the first time around will now have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the book’s precocious protagonist before she returns in the sequel, coming soon.
About the Author
The reclusive Ian Gregoire is a taciturn introvert residing somewhere in London, where he was born and raised. Of all life’s diversions, reading and writing are the only ones he ever deemed worthwhile enough to be passionate about. This eventually led to his belated decision to pursue his true calling in life as a fantasy and science fiction author. His debut novel, The Exercise Of Vital Powers, is just the first of many books he intends to inflict upon an unsuspecting world.
On the occasions he steps out of his reading and writing comfort zone, Ian has a fondness for computing, melancholy music, retro gaming, and Asian Cinema. Ian also loves peace and quiet, something that is in frustratingly short supply in his life.
Ian can currently be found (or not) living the life of a hermit somewhere in London, continuing his quest to become your future favourite fantasy and science fiction author. To find out more about him and his ongoing publishing journey be sure to visit his official online hangouts.
Website | Blog | Newsletter
Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Last.fm | Pinterest | Tumblr
If you still need to be convinced to pick up this book, here’s some praise for the first edition;
“I don’t know what I was expecting, really, but I don’t think I was expecting such an engaging, well thought out story from a self-published debut novel I had never heard of before…” Kristen (Superstardrifter)
“I don’t pretend to be the most well read person, but I found this to be completely unique, and I loved it! I felt very engaged right from the start, and somehow became even more engaged by the end.” Kim (The Writing Process)
“I love reading about flawed characters, and the development that Kayden shows through the course of the novel is impressive.” Rachel (The Perspicacious Bookworm)
“Overall, TEOVP, being a debut work, is a good book that every fan of character-driven fantasy should try to read.” Lukasz (Goodreads)
“Gregoire has done an amazing job of creating a feeling of tension throughout, while leaving us guessing as to what will happen next, or even how the outcome will turn out.” Dianne (Tome Tender)
“…this book was sneaky amazing.” Angelica (The Effervescent Bookworm)
Today I am excited to share my review of The Sand Scuttler, which has just gone on sale today. I received a ARC copy from the author ahead of its publication (1st May 2018).
The Blurb
Ripped from her mother’s arms and forced into slavery, the beautiful Jakira is soon sold. Destined to become her new master’s bed slave when she matures, she’s put to work in the kitchen.
But whilst Jakira is being branded, she discovers she can tame fire.
Determined to gain her freedom and find her mother before Jakira comes of age, she uses her magic to ask the bloodthirsty God for a miracle.
When this fails, a desperate Jakira goes in search of a mysterious creature, the last of its kind, who lives deep in the vast desert. Known as the Sand Scuttler, it can bestow great power on the one it deems worthy.
For centuries it hasn’t met that one, until now.
Set in the same ruthless world as the grimdark, epic fantasy novel Melokai (In the Heart of the Mountains #1) and twenty years before, The Sand Scuttler tells of the early life of Ammad’s mother Jakira.
I’ve decided to take part in this book tag for a change to try and keep my reading on track. The book meme is hosted by Taking on a World of Words
Three questions; What are you reading? What have you just read? What will you read next?
What I’m currently reading…
I picked up Ninja School Mum during its recent blog tour as I really like the cover and fancied something different to read.
I re-read the first few chapters of Visions of Zarua before starting to submit to agents and decided I should read the whole thing again. If it’s not too big-headed to admit, I still enjoy my own writing and still love the characters.
What I’ve just read…
I read an ARC copy of The Sand Scuttler and will be sharing my review in May. In the meantime, I would definitely recommend it to fantasy fans. It’s currently on pre-order.
All the Birds in the Sky is my book group choice and after 294 pages I decided to DNF this book. I just didn’t care enough for the characters and not enough seemed to happen. Once I’ve heard what the others in the reading group have to say, I may change my mind though.
What I will read next…
![51eMvOZ8IdL._AC_US218_[1]](https://i0.wp.com/suzannerogersonauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/51emvoz8idl-_ac_us218_1.jpg?w=288&h=288&crop=1&ssl=1 "51eMvOZ8IdL._AC_US218_[1]")
![51maxfmh73L._AC_US218_[1]](https://i0.wp.com/suzannerogersonauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/51maxfmh73l-_ac_us218_1.jpg?w=288&h=288&crop=1&ssl=1 "51maxfmh73L._AC_US218_[1]")
I decided this year that I would commit to finishing a few trilogies. These two in particular I’ve been looking forward to reading.
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Don’t forget to head on over to Taking in the World of Words and check out who else is taking part in this weekly event.
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