Tag: Teen and YA coming of age books

‘Ruby & Onyx’: A Comprehensive Review of Summer Grace’s Latest Work

‘Ruby & Onyx’ is a coming of age fantasy novel by Summer Grace.

Summer Grace is a debut author, with “Ruby & Onyx” as the first part of a series. Summer is passionate about writing stories that inspire as much as they entertain, and she hopes that this book will inspire more women to believe in themselves and embrace their inner strength. (Amazon, 2024)

“Ruby & Onyx” – Trapped in the remote village of Carcera, Radya dreams of an impossible life: a life outside of the magical barrier, a life of love and adventure, and a life free from the menacing red eyes haunting her nightmares. Those delusions are just dreams, until those red eyes turn corporeal and reveal a fate foretold from ages past. Forced to reckon with an arranged marriage to the Prince of Mendacia, who irritates her as often as he quickens her pulse, Radya must navigate an unfamiliar world of magic, lies, and deception. The closer she gets to the truth, the more people get hurt. Each revelation comes at cost, threatening to ignite a war between Kingdoms and lovers. Will Radya choose this new life, despite the profound repercussions? Or will she follow her dreams, which connect her to yet another life unknown?

Review:
The story begins with Radya noticing a strange man on the other side of the barrier that surrounds the small village where she grew up. She knows he shouldn’t be there and he’s asking too many questions and without any warning, he rushes the barrier, only to be reduced to ashes. This experience haunts here and one day, out of nowhere, she is whisked away to a castle in a faraway land and given an ultimatum. Within 30 days, she must decide if she wants to go through with an arranged marriage or risk war among the neighboring kingdoms. The people she thought she knew turn against her and she can’t trust what she sees and hears. Regardless of what she chooses, her life will never be the same.

“Ruby & Onyx” is a captivating contemporary romance that examines the complexities of love and identity. The prose is both haunting and lyrical, immersing readers in the characters’ emotional landscapes: “Despite how annoying he is, I can’t help but notice his beauty. But even the scales of a snake’s skin can be alluring.” Radya’s journey of self-discovery and healing is portrayed with depth and nuance, while the rich character development and vivid descriptions of the setting enhance the overall reading experience. The author skillfully balances moments of intense drama with lighter, more intimate scenes, ensuring a well-rounded narrative that resonates on multiple levels. Despite being brief, the romantic scenes are intense without being graphic or vulgar.

Overall, “Ruby & Onyx” is a beautifully crafted tale that explores themes of love, loss, and self- discovery. Whether you’re drawn to stories of strong-willed heroines or tales of love set against a backdrop of danger and intrigue, this book will not disappoint. It’s a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who appreciate a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is romantically fulfilling.

“Before I can run, before I can stop what’s about to happen, our hands meet. The second they do, an explosion of sound and color booms around us, and the room melts into a blur like watercolors washing away.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘My Samurai: The Way of the Warrior’ by Masaki

‘My Samurai: The Way of the Warrior’ is the new YA novel by Masaki. Photo: Masaki, used with permission.

Masaki has worked as a therapist and educator with young adults from many countries around the world. His latest novel and his creative writing are a reflection of that work and a desire to help youth live with purpose and passion, fulfilling their unique potential, and embracing the hero’s journey. If you like fantasy, mythology, quests, and gripping stories, you will love “My Samurai: The Way of the Warrior.” The first in a series of Young Adult novels by author Masaki, this fast-moving tale is full of memorable characters, suspense, humor, twists and turns, tragedy, and triumph. Set in futuristic, dystopian, and mythical worlds, the story serves as a reminder that a hero lives within us all. (Masaki, 2023)

** For a limited time, from Friday April 21 00:00 to Saturday April 22 23:59 PST, you will be able to download it for free as part of a free e-book offer. Click here for your free copy. **

“My Samurai: The Way of the Warrior” – Your life is working out and making sense, until one night you discover an ancient warrior standing on guard outside your family apartment. What is up with that? And what do you do, especially when nobody else can see him? Nineteen-year-old Eddie Sato does not have any answers either. Life is hard in the Freezone; a scorched and broken part of the city, afflicted by The Dry and run by a corrupt organization. Eddie does not need any more problems or anything changing. But far reaching change has just arrived. His life will never be the same again. As the rebellious Freezoner pushes back, unseen forces propel him onto a mystical path, known as the Way of the Warrior. Shuffling forward, Eddie begins his training. At the same time, an extraordinary, mythical realm opens up, where he discovers his ancestors and a menacing shapeshifter who serves a destructive deity from the underworld. When those closest to him are attacked, the reluctant warrior is faced with a terrible decision. Should Eddie try and save the life of someone he loves, or should he let them die to help prevent the destruction of humanity? Nothing can prepare you for this journey.

“As a non-reader, this book took me on a surprise adventure, it was funny, punchy, and relatable.” – @abuvrubys

‘My Samurai: The Way of the Warrior’ by Masaki. Photo: Masaki, used with permission.

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