Tag: Fantasy novels

Ancient Secrets, Modern Heroine: A Review of ‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials’

‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials’ is the debut YA novel by Ashlee Vitz. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Ashlee Vitz is a teacher, actor, and writer from Indiana who discovered her Aztec heritage years after being adopted as an infant. This experience was the inspiration that led her to write “Amber Armitage and the Aztec Trials,” her debut novel. She enjoys life in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, performs with Crossroads Repertory Theatre in the summers, and cherishes teaching her students at Center Grove High School. Her debut novel “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is a young adult fantasy adventure that takes readers on a fast-paced journey through ancient Aztec myths, family secrets, and self-discovery. (Amazon, 2024)

“Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” – Amber, an 18-year-old adopted girl from Indiana, discovers her true Aztec heritage through a DNA test that leads her on a thrilling, mystical journey. Raised in a loving home, Amber always sensed something more beneath the surface of her ordinary life. Her world is turned upside down when she meets her biological mother and learns of her connection to the ancient Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. With her newfound powers, Amber must face challenges that blend reality with mythology, uncovering secrets of the past that could change her future forever. Will Amber embrace her heritage in time to stop the resurrection of an ancient power, or will her world fall under the shadow of the Aztec gods?

Review:

“Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” by Ashlee Vitz is a captivating blend of adventure and mythology that follows the spirited Amber Armitage on her quest to discover the mysteries of her family background and her link to the ancient Aztec world. Her journey of self discovery leads to a series of trials that test her courage and intellect.

Vitz’s storytelling is vivid and immersive, bringing the culture and history of the Aztecs to life, while the prose is descriptive and poetic: “…all sporting an image of some kind of creature, most of them with their teeth bared, as though they were only moments away from popping off the wall to make the onlooker their last meal.” The narrative is fast-paced, with each trial presenting new challenges that keep readers engaged.

Amber is a relatable protagonist. Her growth throughout the story is inspiring and authentic as she learns the importance of family, friendship, resilience, and embracing her heritage. The supporting characters are well-developed, add richness to the story, and complement Amber’s journey. Vitz skillfully weaves in themes of bravery and self-discovery, making the novel resonate with a wide audience.

Overall, “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is an enchanting read that will appeal to young  readers and fans of adventure alike. It explores the intersection of personal identity and ancient history and is recommended for fans of YA fantasy, mythology, and coming-of-age stories.

“He would never know it, but his words made a young woman in the woods cry with gratitude that night, and where her tears fell, dead orange and red leaves turned bright green with new-found life.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)’ by Tal Storm

‘Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)’ is the new fantasy novel by Tal Storm. Photo: Tal Storm, used with permission.

Fantasy novels are so exciting to read because they often transport you to other worlds and realms filled with mythical and magical beings. Magic and a quest for power usually play a big part. If fantasy novels are your go to for escapist reads, consider today’s new book release. “Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” by Tal Storm is a dark fantasy story about a young noble girl named Darah Mata. She gets turned into a vampire by her uncle and is forced to learn the dark art of Necromancy. She is tortured for any of her failings and despite the pain, she still yearns for her freedom. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Pick up your copy of “Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” on Amazon and find out what happens to Darah.

Tal Storm is an author, a groundskeeper, and a small engine repairman. When not working on equipment, his mind wanders to another world filled with fun fantasy and sci-fi stories. Now, he wishes to share these tales with everyone who loves to share in the joy of fantasy. (Tal Storm, 2023)

“Death’s Lament (Alleria’s Domain)” – In Alleria, the Tel’eev Ascendency’s war of conquest sent ripples throughout the world. This is true for Darah Mata, who has been turned into a vampire by the machinations of her uncle. Now, she is forced to learn the dreaded magic of necromancy while being tortured for any failings. Will she be able to attain the freedom from this torment that she seeks?

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Necrohamster wearing a dark cloak. Photo: Tal Storm, used with permission.

Book highlight: ‘To Thrive or To Fall’ by Trinity Johnson

‘To Thrive or To Fall’ is a post apocalyptic novel by Trinity Johnson. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Post apocalyptic novels are usually set in the future after a major event changed the world people inhabited. They often explore possible responses to the destruction of the world or society and how they are trying to survive in their new surroundings. That is what makes them so fascinating and one of my favorite genres of science fiction. Today I would like to highlight one such novel: “To Thrive or To Fall” by Trinity Johnson. If you enjoy reading books set in a post-apocalyptic setting mixed with fantasy, science-fiction, action, and romance, then this is a story that you will surely enjoy. It is available on Barnes & Noble.

Trinity Johnson is a passionate author who enjoys writing purposeful books of different genres which are meant to teach and entertain. She is creating BagHead Scoop which is an ever-growing company founded with the belief of increasing the level of happiness through books and animation. There is also BookUp+Chill which is a YouTube channel that showcases book trailers to bring the story and characters to life. Between entertainment and teaching lessons, there is something for everyone. In her post apocalyptic novel “To Thrive or To Fall,” the result of radiation from nuclear war and the impact of a meteorite created a new world and has divided humanity into four kingdoms: Acropolis, Bunker 50, Oasis State, and Xanadu City. (Trinity Johnson, 2023)

“To Thrive or To Fall” – More than 100 years ago, World War III broke out amongst all countries. Nuclear war ravaged the planet and once it finally ended, the atmosphere was left with its radiation. To make matters worse, a meteorite struck the Earth and changed the world as our ancestors knew it. This event was called, ‘The Descent.’

However, something miraculous happened. When the radiation from the bio-weapons used in World War III mixed with the impact of the meteorite, a major chemical reaction spread everywhere, evolving humanity into something more. Now people are divided into four kingdoms: Acropolis which resides in the mountains, Bunker 50 which is made up of bunkers, Oasis State that dwells near the lakes, and Xanadu City which is underground.

Easy-going Fleur Solace from Xanadu and stern Atlas Aslan from Acropolis were close friends as children. But after a terrible misunderstanding, they were forced apart by their nations. Ten years later, the two young adults have become the ambassadors of their kingdoms and must work together to unify their people.

However, with tensions from the past, new personalities, potential traitors, and seemingly orchestrated attacks, will they be able to win against each other and the dangerous political arena?

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https://youtu.be/BK6h70CV9o8?si=jhhBubkMoBkfutjF
‘To Thrive or To Fall’ book trailer
https://youtu.be/wspLpRGQIJM?si=Ptm99nuAsjipc-ZS
Meet the characters of ‘To Thrive or To Fall.’

New book release: ‘Child of Dawn’ by Leslie Ann Lee

‘Child of Dawn’ is the exciting new fantasy adventure novel by Leslie Ann Lee. Photo: Amazon

The beauty of fantasy novels is that they transport us to other world, some with elves, others with vampires, but they are always filled with wonder and magic. Now that the days are getting shorter, why not curl up with a good book and if you love fantasy novels, today’s new release might just cast a spell on you. “Child of Dawn” by Leslie Ann Lee is the story of Dagsbrún and Anda who are completely different but when they meet, they begin an adventure that will change their lives in ways they never imagined. So if you enjoy books filled with magic, adventure, elves, vampires, and romance, pick up a copy today and find out what happens in a story that begins when an elf and a vampire fall in love. “Child of Dawn” is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle version.

Leslie Ann Lee is an author whose love affair with the written word began at the age of six. She graduated with a BA in English and an MA in Literary Humanities and the love affair with writing continues to this day. She sees stories like films played in her head. As of today, she has self-published three other novels, a children’s book, and a non-fiction retrospect of religious life growing up in a conservative church. Early on in her adult writing career, she was recognized for her poetry with several awards and had the honor of having one of her poems published in a state-wide poem anthology. She has also won recognition for a few of her short stories. Her new book “Child Of Dawn” is set in the world of the Vale, which is ruled by elves and vampires and is destined for destruction unless a prophecy can be fulfilled and two individuals who are completely opposite can find something in common.

“Child of Dawn” – The Vale is a place ruled by magic and governed by elves and vampires. They have warred with one another for millennia, forbidden to associate, much less fall in love, until one elf and one vampire do.

Thus begins the tale of their son, Dagsbrún, forced to be carried to another world beyond their barrier of magic, also called the Vale. Here, he is raised by an elven relative. Half-elf, half-vampire, he is hunted because of his need for blood but cannot be killed. He grows embittered and torments himself because he is called a “monster” and a “murderer.”

And then, one day, his gypsy servant brings a girl to his remote castle. A girl, who much like him, is thought to be a curse simply because she is different. Anda is the daughter of a human father and elven mother who crossed over into the human world by accident during a storm. Anda possesses her mother’s magic but does not know how to control it. She is forced to flee for her life, thus arriving at Dagsbrún’s home.

Here, his grandfather, Gammel, the elf who fled with him when he was an infant, reveals to them that they are part of a prophecy that must be fulfilled to save the Vale from destruction. Anda must learn to control and use her magic, and Dagsbrún must learn to face his fear of losing the one individual who sees beyond his darkness.

Together, they cross over into the realm of elf and vampire and embark on an adventure that will take them through both the ethereal land of the elves and the dark wasteland of the vampire. Anda must fulfill her role in the prophecy or die trying. And Dagsbrún must come to terms with a heart that is slowly learning to beat with an undying love.

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New book release: ‘The Spark’ by William Steele

‘The Spark’ is book one in the Beyond the Light Universe series. Photo: Amazon

William Steele is an artist and writer from the Rio Grand Valley in Texas. He is the creator of the Beyond the Light Universe. His debut novel “The Spark” is book one of four in the Beyond the Light series. (Amazon, 2022)

“The Spark” – Art and Science… Magic and Logic… Creation and Destruction…Choice and Inevitability…All are constructs born of an apex sentience, and somewhere out beyond the boundary of our known universe, there exists another apex species that has long since eclipsed us in experience. Their faith in magic has dwindled, and the Era of Egal has passed. By marching forward into the Era of Capitol, and abandoning the magical tether to their planet, the Thearians have decided to meet the trials of evolution head on. They have sealed their embrace of the New Way within the immortal city of Key-Rown, and choose the shelter provided by the great depths of the crystal flower. All have sealed their fate. All but one. This is his message.