The Indie Books & Authors Newsletter #74
New indie releases, news, review and a link to a free book!
Editor’s Note
Content for the Newsletter is always wanted! Send in details of new releases, pre-orders, news items, reviews and free books! Please click here for submissions via Google Forms. Read the T&Cs before you submit.
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Featured Promotion
The Wraith Strikes (Revenge of the Wraith Paladin Book 2) by Paul G Zareith
Rana's revenge quest against the marauders from beyond the skies continues in this grimdark fantasy saga. And he is no longer alone.
While the alien overlords scheme and plot their way out of a prison of their own creation, slumbering ancient powers of the world awaken and friends and enemies from across the realm join forces.
Neither the past, nor the future, is safe in this multi-century power play that unfolds across space and time.
When fate itself is your enemy, nobody knows who is the puppet and who is the puppet master.
Check out the author’s website.
New Releases
Superficial by Diane Billas
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea’s friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Hollow Cry: A Serrulata Saga Adventure by A E Bennett
Only the strongest survive the Ride…
Aurora Verte grew up as a proper lady in the Realm—until her father betrayed the sovereign. Forced to run from her family home, she meets Leora of Mae, a peasant with extraordinary abilities; Roland Shallowbrook, a traveler on the Thieves’ Road; and Leopold, a former White Rider and her half-brother. Together they become The Four and vow to overthrow the Realm’s corrupt leader.
During their journey beyond the Border of the Realm, they come under siege from a violent gang, who attack without warning and kidnap Aurora. She is rescued from their clutches by a rival gang, but fears her saviors might be just as inhumane. With no way to contact the rest of The Four and realizing she is completely dependent on her new captors, Aurora must prove her worth.
She soon realizes that all terrors aren’t human when she is forced to make her first supply run and encounters a group of ‘wretched’—monstrous, undead humans with seemingly unlimited stamina.
Aurora must now not only battle for survival, but discover if she is more than the coddled lady she was raised to be.
This fast-paced adventure is a companion novella to Test of the Four: Book Two of The Serrulata Saga and should be read after that book.
Mirrors Magic & Movies: 1980s Children’s Films Based on Books by N S Ford
Do you love books, movies and the 80s? Then come with me on a delightful and dangerous quest to a world of giants, unicorns, detectives, mermaids and more. There will be spooky music and nightmares, but also friendship, heroes and happy ever afters.
This entertaining and opinionated book dives into ten brilliant children’s movies from the 80s: The Last Unicorn, The Neverending Story, The Black Cauldron, Return to Oz, Basil the Great Mouse Detective, The Princess Bride, The Brave Little Toaster, Just Ask for Diamond, The BFG and The Little Mermaid. How do they compare to the original stories? What’s amazing about the movies and are they better than the books? Which moments are pure movie magic and which scenes traumatised their child audience? Crafted with care by a self-confessed bookworm and movie nerd, this unique book takes you on a fascinating and nostalgic journey through some of the best children’s films ever, from one of the most innovative decades, the 1980s.
Third Loch from the Sun: A Scottish Sci-Fi Adventure by Rex Burke
Secrets come in all shapes and sizes.
Jake has left it late, and the only summer job he can find is on the remote Scottish island of Elsay. Still, that sounds fine – the work isn’t too hard, the pay’s all right, and the scenery is great.
But he soon has second thoughts about staying. His boss, Fraser, is a bit of a rogue, while Fraser’s cute but snippy daughter, Alva, takes against him from the start. And the oddball characters in the local pub aren’t exactly welcoming.
Then Jake stumbles on an extraordinary secret that changes everything that’s known about the universe. A secret he can scarcely believe. A secret that Alva and the island recluse, Ruan Strang, have sworn to protect at all costs.
As the mystery deepens, the questions only mount – and none of the answers make any sense. Plus, Jake’s falling for Alva and she still hasn’t so much as smiled at him.
One thing’s for certain – he’s not going anywhere until the full, fantastic truth is revealed.
From the author of The Wrong Stop comes a SciFi fantasy adventure set on a dreamy Scottish isle. Stuffed with larger-than-life characters, it’s perfect for fans of island mysteries, with crackling dialogue and a will-they-won’t-they romantic edge.
News Round-Up
Submissions open in December for a Brigids Gate anthology, Poisoned Soup.
The Bookstagram Awards results were announced, with many categories including Crime Fiction, YA Author and Poet of the Year.
The Indie Author Halloween Hauntfest, hosted by Indie Visible Services, a promotional event with free and discounted indie books, will take place on October 25-28th.
Book Review
Demon’s Edge by Iain Benson, reviewed by Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook
Despite Demon’s Edge being a high fantasy novel, it begins in Manchester, UK, with a girl called Kara. For the first few pages, I forgot I was reading a fantasy – I was simply invested in Kara’s journey, already willing her to leave her neglectful mother and seek her chance as a musician in London. After an altercation, Kara gets on the bus but her bid for freedom takes a dark turn when the bus crashes – into a desert on another world.
Most of the passengers don’t survive the crash, however, twelve do and it is through them that the story on this unknown planet unfolds. Although Kara is the main character, each person has their own backstory and brings something to the overall narrative as they try to find a way home without getting drawn into a brewing war. The worldbuilding from the environment to the array of creatures is really well done, as is the use of magic. The importance of music is beautiful.
Demon’s Edge is a long novel but worth every single page and I cannot rate it anything other than five stars. I absolutely love it.
If you like rich fantasy stories with magic, dragons, well thought out characters, and no spice, this is unquestionably the book for you.
Free Book
Dead Stream Curse by J R Erickson
Free on Amazon US and UK at the time of composing this edition of the Newsletter.
The Indie Books & Authors Newsletter is compiled and edited by N S Ford, indie author and book blogger.