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ARC Review: Moonshadow's Champion

Moonshadow's Champion by Dianna Gunn

Title: Moonshadow’s Champion Author: Dianna Gunn Genre: Dark Fantasy Rating: 5/5 Available: Amazon

Warning: Possible Spoilers for Moonshadow’s Guardian

I received an ARC for this review.

About the Book

In the weeks after the events of Moonshadow’s Guardian, Riana finally has what she’s always wanted: a free life in the human world. No more commands. No more restraints on her will. No more being used as a living weapon. Yet the scars she earned escaping her old life don’t just mark her body. Nightmares haunt her sleeping hours and news of Jacob VIII’s plans to exterminate the telars harry her waking thoughts. If she wants to keep the fragile place she’s built for herself and the peace she secured for Moonshadow, she must decide if she will once again take up her blade—this time against her former master. Elsewhere in Moonshadow, unrest and discrimination have roiled into a deadly storm of force. Revolution is brewing—and even Jacob VIII’s death might not be enough to stop it from sweeping over Moonshadow.

Review

Moonshadow’s Champion is the sequel to Moonshadow’s Guardian and the conclusion to the Moonshadow Rising Duology. Following the events of Moonshadow’s Guardian, Riana now serves Moonshadow directly rather than answering to its ruler, King Jacob VIII. As the king grows increasingly paranoid, he plans a crusade of exterminate the telars entirely while also lashing out at his subjects. Riana is put in the difficult situation of how to deal with a king who seems to be going insane, with the best solution seemingly being a treasonous one. Meanwhile, a new leader has emerged among the telars, a woman named Fiona, who gathers forces and forms alliances behind the scenes. Moonshadow’s Champion is an excellent story. Riana desperately wants to move on from her past and live a life of her own, but keeps getting pulled back into being a living weapon. She expresses deep regrets about her past, which repeatedly comes back to haunt her. King Jacob VII is paranoid and unreasonable, descending into madness that effects even the loyal subjects of his own court. Jacob’s son, Marcus, just wants to do the right thing, but is put into situations where he must do horrible things for the common good. Fiona is stubborn and vengeful, wanting nothing more than true freedom for her people, even if that means wiping out the royal bloodline. All the characters involved are unique and well-portrayed with their own desires and motives. Overall, Moonshadow’s Champion is an entertaining and well-written story. Like Guardian, it is a dark tale, but easily enjoyable by those who prefer lighter fantasy. Dark Fantasy fans will enjoy this book as much as the first. Moonshadow’s Champion is an excellent conclusion to the duology, but fans of Dianna’s work will certainly be hoping for additional stories within the world of Moonshadow.

About the Author

Dianna Gunn is a freelance writer by day and a fantasy (and occasional science fiction) author by night. Her fantasy novel, Moonshadow's Guardian, was released in November 2018.  When she's not writing, Gunn can be found working to develop the indie author community. She hosts the #weeknightwriters Twitter chat at 7PM EST and is a co-host of #ReviewPit, a quarterly event designed to connect indie authors with review bloggers. Read the full article

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Review: The Werewolf's Story

The Werewolf's Story by Fenrir Thorvaldsen

Title: The Werewolf’s Story Author: Fenrir Thorvaldsen Genre: Horror Rating: 4/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

Set. in the modern-day, Wil is a werewolf. I know utter trope, but a different utter trope. The book is from his point of view, and he is an evil psychotic murdering killer who is not a guilt-torn, suffering individual. No, he loves being a monster and definitely has nothing to do with sparkly vampires. This book is not for the faint of heart or the fragile of emotion. This is a brain-crushing, soul-wrenching, body-squirming, emotional wrecking depiction of what an amoral, primal, soul-less, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous, savage being does when it lives amongst humanity. Wil is captured during a holiday in a warzone by the British Army.  They lock him up and interview him with the hope of getting him to work for them. This feeds his ego well, and he regales them with his past and how he became a werewolf. During this debrief, we learn of Fen, his Werewolf soul. How they met, and the bond that they have. Oh, and some of the murders and killing the duo have done. We then see him given an opportunity to work for the service and go through his basic training. Wil finds he enjoys the job, and we see how much he loves being a sanctioned psycho. He has a handler he only knows as the Chief, who did his initial debriefing and tries to limit the collateral damage to Wil's jobs. Usually unsuccessfully.

Review

The Werewolf’s Story is a horror novel.  Taking place in modern day, in a variety of locations, the story follows Wil D. Beeste.  Whether or not this is his real name is up for debate.  The book is told from Wil’s perspective as he shares his life story.  Wil is a werewolf who gets captured by the British army and forced to serve with them.  The timeline seems to switch around ;covering his time working for the British army and possibly events from before and after his capture.  He shares the details of his many hunts and killings over the years. The Werewolf’s Story is rather unique.  It is a novel written in the form of a biography.  Wil is an unrepentant monster in every sense of the word.  He is a murderous psychopath who enjoys what he does and loves being a werewolf.  He loves to psychologically torment his victims before dispatching them in the most brutal way possible.  Wil’s handler, The Chief, is a mysterious character.  Even Wil knows very little about him except that he must report to him.   The Werewolf’s Story is an engaging story, but it is not for everyone.  It is quite violent and the kills are described in gory detail.  If you don’t mind the graphic nature of the book, you’ll likely enjoy it.  Fans of old school monstrous werewolf stories will certainly like it.

About the Author

Fenrir has a love of philosophy, psychology and Stoic ideals. He believes that all people can improve themselves through dedication. Hard work and learning about oneself can lead you to your goals and happiness. His Non-fiction books help promote these ideals. He also has two titles based on his education experience. He is hoping to help the overworked teachers of the world and has been one. He has also recently released his first Novel playing with the psychology of a psychotic character—a psychotic character who also happens to be a Werewolf. He was not forced to write a biography for a real werewolf. That would be a nonsensical notion. Since his late teenage years he is proud that he had managed to maintain his height at a constant five feet ten inches. If only everything in life were that simple. He currently works as a veterinary surgeon in Plymouth, UK, and doesn't think the job is all that bad really. On his days off he spends his time being cruel to pot plants, drinking cups of tea and, occasionally, writing. Read the full article

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IndieApril Review: The Hummingbird

The Hummingbird by Jacob Devlin

Title: The Hummingbird Author: Jacob Devlin Genre: YA Fantasy/Fairy Tale Adaptation Rating: 5/5 Available: Amazon

Warning: Possible Spoilers for The Carver and The Unseen

About the Book

In the explosive finale to the ORDER OF THE BELL trilogy, The Carver must assemble forces from Wonderland, The Woodlands, and from his own home to prepare for the final confrontation against the wicked Ivory Queen.

Review

The Hummingbird is a young adult fantasy novel and modern fairy tale adaptation and the final book in the Order of the Bell Trilogy.  The story follows Enzo and his friends as they return to the New World (our world) for a final confrontation with Avoria.  On arrival, they find New York trapped in a perpetual winter, with a massive citadel rising from the center of the city.  They must fight their way to the fortress and ascend to the highest floor to defeat the evil queen and save all world’s from her tyranny. The Hummingbird is a fun story full of fantastic peril.  Enzo continues developing into a truly worthy leader.  All characters involved, enemy and ally alike, are interesting individuals.  Important decisions must be made, sacrifices performed, and fears must be conquered to defeat the evil queen in a truly epic finale. Overall, The Hummingbird is an excellent story and a fantastic way to end the trilogy.  Fans of fantasy and fairy tale adaptations will love this book and will be hoping to see Enzo and friends again.

About the Author

When Jacob Devlin was four years old, he would lounge around in Batman pajamas and make semi-autobiographical picture books about an adventurous python named Jake the Snake. Eventually, he traded his favorite blue crayon for a black pen, and he never put it down. When not reading or writing, Jacob loves geeking out at comic book conventions and blasting Italian pop rock music in his car. He does most of these things in southern Arizona. Read the full article

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IndieApril Review: The Savior's Champion

The Savior's Champion by Jenna Moreci

Title: The Savior’s Champion Author: Jenna Moreci Genre: Dark Fantasy Rating: 4/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

Tobias Kaya doesn't care about The Savior. He doesn't care that She's the Ruler of the realm or that She purified the land, and he certainly doesn't care that She's of age to be married. But when competing for Her hand proves to be his last chance to save his family, he’s forced to make The Savior his priority. Now Tobias is thrown into the Sovereign’s Tournament with nineteen other men, and each of them is fighting—and killing—for the chance to rule at The Savior's side. Instantly his world is plagued with violence, treachery, and manipulation, revealing the hidden ugliness of his proud realm. And when his circumstances seem especially dire, he stumbles into an unexpected romance, one that opens him up to unimaginable dangers and darkness.

Review

The Savior’s Champion is a dark fantasy novel and the first book in the Savior series.  Taking place in the realm of Thessan, the story follows Tobias, a kind artist who has been forced to put his artistic endeavors on hold to support his crippled sister and his mother.  In order to better support them, Tobias enters the Sovereign’s Tournament, a brutal and deadly competition in which the winner marries the Savior, the ruler of the kingdom.  Tobias must fight to survive the tournament while at the same time developing feelings for a healer named Leila. The Savior’s Champion is a fun and unique story.  Tobias is a gentle soul forced into a deadly completion.  He doesn’t even want to marry the Savior, who he has never even seen, but feels that it is the only way he can afford the medicine for his sister.  Leila is a kind young woman, but mysterious and secretive.  All the characters in the story are unique with different motivations.  Some are friendly and fun despite the situation they are in while others are murderous and cruel, reveling in the carnage of the tournament. Overall, the Savior’s Champion is a great story with a fun premise.  Fans of dark fantasy will be sure to enjoy this book and will be looking forward to future installments.

About the Author

Jenna Moreci is a bestselling dark fantasy romance and writing craft author, as well as a YouTube sensation with hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Her first installment in The Savior’s Series, The Savior’s Champion, was voted one of the Best Books of All Time by Book Depository. Born and raised in Silicon Valley, Jenna spends her free time snuggling up with her charming partner and their tiny dog, Buttercup. Read the full article

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IndieApril Review: The Unseen

The Unseen by Jacob Devlin

Title: The Unseen Author: Jacob Devlin Genre: YA Fantasy/Fairy Tale Adaptation Rating: 5/5 Available: Amazon

Warning: Possible Spoilers for The Carver

About the Book

Through the looking glass and into the shadows... Enzo and his friends may have survived their confounding journey to the enchanted realms of Florindale, but now they find themselves fighting for their sanity and lives while stuck on the other side of the very mirror they set out to destroy. With their families trapped by a former ally with a crippling fear of the queen, Enzo, Rosana, and Zack must play a deadly game in Wonderland, where shadows are on the move, kings are at war, and one of them wants Rosana dead. As darkness hovers over the world, the friends must lean on each other and stop the King of Hearts from following through on Avoria's orders: Break them.

Review

The Unseen is a young adult fantasy novel and modern fairy tale adaptation and the second book in the Order of the Bell Trilogy.  The story follows Enzo, Zach, and Rosana after the events of the Carver has left them trapped in Wonderland.  With Wonderland having fallen on dark times, the three must find their way through the world, alongside two missing allies who have been there for years, while trying to maintain their sanity among the madness.  Their arrival gets the attention of a powerful enemy.  During their adventure, Pino, Pietro, and many others remain in Florindale, trying to find a way to bring the children back from Wonderland while also attempting to rally other allies to the cause of defeating Avoria.  Unfortunately, the king has other plans and seeks to prevent this alliance from forming. The Unseen is a fun story filled with fantastic peril.  Enzo continues his development, getting past his anger from the previous book while also discovering a hidden talent that he shares with his grandfather.  All the other characters in the story, both returning and new, are unique individuals with distinct personalities.  The inhabitants of Wonderland are especially quirky and eccentric in many ways.  The state of Wonderland is portrayed very well.  It is both tragically divided and just as maddening as always. Overall, The Unseen  is an excellent story and quite entertaining.  It presents a unique, modern twist to many fairy tales and classic stories.  Fans of fantasy and fairy tale adaptations will be sure to enjoy this book and will certainly be looking forward to reading the finale.

About the Author

When Jacob Devlin was four years old, he would lounge around in Batman pajamas and make semi-autobiographical picture books about an adventurous python named Jake the Snake. Eventually, he traded his favorite blue crayon for a black pen, and he never put it down. When not reading or writing, Jacob loves geeking out at comic book conventions and blasting Italian pop rock music in his car. He does most of these things in southern Arizona. Read the full article

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IndieApril Review: Hydra's Wake

Hydra’s Wake Review

Title: Hydra’s Wake Author: Daniel Jones Genre: Steampunk Rating: 5/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

It's time to bring back the Creature Feature! Kaiju Hydra Steampunk style! Hydra's Wake is an action-packed SciFi Thriller where survival is at the heart of the story. Get ready for nonstop, fast paced action, and all of the carnage expected of a good creature feature! Strap yourself in, please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times, and enjoy the ride! When dirigible pilot Rogue Whip crashes in the Deep Forest Province of Shell, he takes refuge in an old, abandoned mining camp. However, he quickly discovers the camp is the territory of the four-headed hydra—a rare but vicious creature that mercilessly hunts and kills its victims using its “wake,” an airborne toxin that causes hallucinations. However, the hydra isn’t the only monster out for Rogue’s blood. The sadistic Lord Albert Richtoff has hired a mercenary to take out Rogue, confusing him with a spy by the same name. As his enemies fall under the influence of the hydra’s wake, Rogue rescues a beautiful but mute woman whom Lord Albert abused and left for dead. To rescue her and survive, the hunted now becomes the hunter. But can Rogue kill both the hydra and Albert, or will they destroy him first?

Review

Hydra’s Wake is a steampunk novel.  Taking place on the planet of Shell, the story follows Rogue Whip after he crashes his dirigible.  During his attempts to survive, he comes across a mining camp and learns of the dangerous wildlife on the planet, including the hydra.  Massive in size and with multiple heads that regenerate twice if decapitated, the hydra also emits a gas called the hydra’s wake, which is believed to cause sever hallucinations.  He soon learns that the is being hunted by Lord Albert Richtoff, who believes that Rogue has stolen something from him.  Rogue must now avoid Richtoff and his mercenaries while also trying not to get eaten by the hydra. Hydra’s Wake is a fun and entertaining story.  The world of Shell is presented very well as a dangerous place.  Rogue is a kind man who just wants to survive and get home, but will also help others.  Albert Richtoff is a sadistic monster who enjoys torturing and murdering those he believes have wronged him.  All the other characters involved, including Albert’s mercenaries, are well developed with distinct personalities and motivations.  The hydra is presented as a force of nature and the sense of dread it instills when it is nearby is excellently portrayed. Overall, Hydra’s Wake is a fun and engaging story.  Steampunk fans will enjoy the descriptions of the vehicles and technology.  Fans of kaiju stories will love the way the hydra is presented.  Both will be looking forward to any possible follow ups.

About the Author

Daniel Jones is a Creature Feature author who puts the focus of his stories on a variety of legendary and mythical animals. He was born in California US, growing up in a military family, he lived in several places all around the world; including Japan, Germany, New Mexico, and England. Daniel is an Eagle Scout; an accomplishment he takes great pride in, as well as the oldest of three brothers, and a total child of the 90's. He currently lives in Maryland, USA with his wife Robyn. He has a passion for nature and animals and can often be found wandering local parks, zoos, or aquariums in his spare time. Some fun trivia about him is that his favorite colors are dark green and teal, his favorite animals are Leopards and Rhinos, favorite movies are Tremors, Aliens, and Predator. Read the full article

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Review: Lich

Lich by Doug Ward

Title: Lich Author: Doug Ward Genre: Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Rating: 5/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

A lich is an undead magic user who, through the use of various spells and components, transforms itself into an undead creature. This gives it a semblance of immortality. These creatures are very powerful and evil.  This book will introduce you to one such being. Baron Marasmus Ebendoom and his twisted goblin Skum are building an army of undead. The two plan to harvest the peaceful villagers from the hamlet of Springdale to fatten up their horde.  Sadly, Springdale’s local mage is away. The only one left to stop this horrifying menace is an inexperienced, young wizard named Den. He and a group of misfit adventurers will battle the undead and monsters alike as they gather the magic items they will need to defeat their foe.

Review

Lich is a fantasy novel and the first book in The War of the Stone series.  Taking place in an alternate world, primarily in the hamlet of Springdale, the story follows Den, the apprentice to the wizard Finnious, the town’s local mage.  After Den is attacked by a wandering skeleton, Finnious discovers that the necromancer Marasmus has taken up residence in a nearby tower.  However, since Finnious is already on his way out to help an ally with some other crisis, he puts Den in charge of getting rid of the foul mage, unaware that Marasmus has recently become a lich.  To rid the town of this threat, Den must overcome self doubt in his own abilities and forms a team to take Marasmus down. Lich is a fun fantasy filled with magic, peril, and adventure.  Den is inexperience and lacks confidence in himself, uncertain that he is up for the task of taking on a necromancer.  The other adventurers he encounters are all unique.  The retired female warrior turned tavern owner Bronwynn becomes his greatest ally, along wth a thief named Pinch, a knight named Hank, and a dwarf named Scree.  All three of his new friends have different motivations for helping Den.  Marasmus himself is power-hungry, seeking to gain immortally and ultimate control over life and death.  Even Marasmus’ goblin servant Skum has interesting goals and motivations. Overall, Lich is a fun, entertaining, and well-written story.  The tale reads very similar to a Dungeons and Dragons adventure, which adds to its charm.  Fans of fantasy and D&D will enjoy this book and will be looking forward to future installments.

About the Author

Doug Ward currently lives in Western Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Slippery Rock University. He has a BFA is in Fine Art and spends much of his time doing oil paintings, which incorporate mythology and science, and writing. If you want to get in touch, you can find him at Twitter @authordougward, or check out his fan page at https://www.facebook.com/wardswoods/. Read the full article

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Trial by Tournament Audiobook Now Available

Trial by Tournament is now available on audiobook on Amazon, Audible.com, and iTunes

Read the full article

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Review: The Pork Pie Pandemonium

Pork Pie Pandemonium by Steve Higgs

Title: Pork Pie Pandemonium: Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers Recipe 1 Author: Steve Higgs Genre: Mystery Rating: 4/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

When a retired detective superintendent chooses to take a culinary tour of the British Isles, he hopes to find tasty treats and delicious bakes … … what he finds is a clue to a crime in the ingredients for his pork pie. His dog, Rex Harrison, an ex-police dog fired for having a bad attitude, cannot understand why the humans are struggling to solve the mystery. He can already smell the answer – it’s right before their noses. He’ll pitch in to help his human and the shop owner’s teenage daughter as the trio set out to save the shop from closure. Is the rival pork pie shop across the street to blame? Or is there something far more sinister going on? One thing is for sure, what started out as a bit of fun, is getting deadlier by the hour, and they’d better work out what the dog knows soon or it could be curtains for them all.

Review

Pork Pie Pandemonium is a mystery novel and the first of the Albert Smith’s Culinary Capers series. The story follows Albert Smith, a retired detective living in England, as he takes a culinary tour around the country. His vacation is almost immediately interrupted by an incident in a pork pie cooking class he is attending. Despite the warnings of local police, Albert decides to investigate the incident himself, along with the help of his service dog, Rex Harrison, and the pie shop owner’s teenage daughter, Donna. Together, they follow the clues to solve the mystery and save the shop, all the while getting into more and more trouble. Pork Pie Pandemonium is a fun mystery set in modern day England. Albert Smith is an interesting character. He is friendly, but can also be grumpy and stubborn, insisting on solving the mystery. Donna is eager to solve the caper as well, driven and desperate to save her mother’s pie shop. The story even takes us inside of Rex’s head and hearing the dog’s thoughts on the matter is quite amusing. Overall, Pork Pie Pandemonium is a fun story. The circumstances surrounding the incident in the pie shop are mysterious and more dangerous than initially believed. Rex is quite a character himself, often providing some comedy with his antics, but never to the detriment of the story. Mystery fans and dog lovers will be sure to enjoy this book and will be looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

About the Author

When Steve Higgs wrote his debut novel, Paranormal Nonsense, he was a captain in the British Army. He would like to pretend that he had one of those careers that must be blacked out and generally denied by the government, and that he has to change his name and move constantly because he is still on the watch list in several countries. In truth, though, he started out as a mechanic - not like Jason Statham in the film by that name, sneaking around as a hitman, but more like one of those sleazy guys who charges a fortune and keeps your car for a week even though the only thing you went in for was a squeaky door hinge. At school, he was largely disinterested in all subjects except creative writing, for which he won his first prize at the age of ten. However, calling it the first prize he won suggests that there were other prizes, which is not the case. Awards may yet come, but in the meantime, he enjoys writing mystery and thriller novels and claims to have more than a hundred books forming a restless queue in his mind because they are desperate to be written. Now retired from the military, he lives in southeast England with a duo of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, he doubts he'll ever leave, the beer is just too good. Read the full article

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Review: The Kingmaster

The Kingmaster by C. A. Doehrmann

Title: The Kingmaster Author: C. A. Doehrmann Genre: Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Rating: 5/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

Kyen is a swordsman with a heavy name on his shoulders. Shy and destitute, he’s about to lose the only thing he has left—his best friend. When Finn is attacked and stricken, Kyen pledges his sword to save him. But blades are useless against the Kingmaster, a sinister strategist armed with a dark relic. Kyen must hunt for the last living summoner in Ellunon, the only hope to stop the Kingmaster and heal Finn. Fending off dragons, wrangling a princess (and her unwanted suitor), and surviving the wilds of Ellunon are the least of Kyen’s problems. Every summoner he finds is lost, dead, or powerless. The Kingmaster’s grip is spreading. Finn’s time is running out. When Kyen suddenly finds himself the center of the Kingmaster’s designs, he realizes too late. The stakes are higher than he ever imagined...

Review

The Kingmaster is the first novel in the Arc Legends of Ellunon fantasy series.  Taking place in an alternate world, the story follows Kyen, a renowned swordsman and hero of a great war.  When his friend, Prince Finn, undergoes a bizarre change in personality after a mysterious attack, Kyen sets off on a quest to find someone who can cure him.  On his journey, he teams up with the princess of another kingdom who is searching for the same thing he is.  Along with an obnoxious prince who is trying to court the princess, they face dangers of many kinds, ranging from monsters in the woods to attacks from the Kingmaster himself. The Kingmaster is an engaging tale filled with magic, adventure, and mystery.  Kyen is a bit of a loner who travels with the others reluctantly.  His past is somewhat mysterious and he hides a secret from the others and possibly himself.  The princess is inexperienced, but eager to learn and is far more resourceful than given credit for by the others, especially her suitor.  The unwanted prince is obnoxious and overbearing and is on the journey only because the princess is.  All the characters have unique personalities and motivations. Overall, The Kingmaster is an entertaining and well-well written story.  Fans of sword and sorcery-style fantasy will be sure to enjoy this book.  Everyone will be looking forward to the next installment.

About the Author

C. A. Doehrmann, an avid writer of sword and sorcery fantasy, loves strong characters, deep adventures, and smash-down, drag-out fights. She is excited to share her debut series in the Arc Legends world with The Kingmaster (Book 1 of Ellunon.) You can find her writing at arclegends.com where she shares bonus chapters, side quests, and announcements. Read the full article

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Review: The Ascendants: Bloodlines

The Ascendants: Bloodlines by Christian Green

Title: The Ascendants: Bloodlines Author: Christian Green Genre: Science Fiction/Superhero Rating: 5/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

Worlds are in turmoil. The evil Ashtarian Federation has continued their expansion into multiple galaxies. The Galactic Conqueror, Nazir Katan, leader of the Ashtarian Federation, has learned of a valuable resource on Earth. After centuries of fighting, he believes this resource will give him the advantage needed to defeat the benevolent Genoshian Empire once and for all. Earth finds themselves stuck in the middle of a deadly war that they are ill-equipped to handle. Earth’s only hope is the superhero faction known as The Ascendants. Scattered and fractured by previous events, the Ascendants find themselves outclassed by a much deadlier opponent. The heroes of Earth must unite if they are to have any chance of defeating this galactic force.

Review

The Ascendants: Bloodlines is a superhero science fiction short story and is the first installment of the Age of Living Legends series.  Starting in space with a prologue that sets up the greater threat, the story switches to Earth to introduce the characters.  The story introduces a few of the major characters, with the heroes briefly butting heads with a government agent.  All the characters involved are unique and well rounded individuals.  The story itself is entertaining and ends on a cliffhanger setting up the adventure hinted at in the prologue.  The overarching story seems to be presented in a classic comic book format in written form.  Overall, The Ascendants: Bloodlines is entertaining.  Fans of superhero stories and comic serials will certainly be looking forward to future installments.

About the Author

Christian Green is an avid reader of all things fantasy related. As a writer, Christian focuses on delivering a compelling story and mixing in captivating dialogue. While description is important to him, Christian writes in a way in which the audience can imagine these characters as they see fit. Christian currently lives in Illinois and is constantly reading and writing to improve his skills as an author.  Read the full article

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IndieApril Review: Moonshadow's Guardian

Moonshadow's Guardian by Dianna Gunn

Title: Moonshadow’s Guardian Author: Dianna Gunn Genre: Dark Fantasy Rating: 5/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

All Riana has ever wanted is freedom. Unfortunately, that’s the one thing her kind cannot have. Bound by the curse in her demonic blood for millennia, Riana has tried several times to bend the rules and live out her life in the mortal realm. Now her consistent rule breaking has drawn the attention of Loki, God of Mischief, the main tormentor of Riana’s kind. But instead of punishing her, he offers her the escape she has always desired. All she has to do to is save the kingdom of Moonshadow from a mysterious magical plague. Armed only with the inherent power of her own blood and Loki’s pet dragon, Riana is determined to fight for the right to create her own destiny. However, when her mission forces her to destroy the last remnants of an ancient culture, Riana must ask – what is freedom really worth? Moonshadow’s Guardian is a dark fantasy novel about the meaning of belonging, and the struggle to create a future not defined by your past. Trigger Warnings: PTSD, depression, torture, gore, death.

Review

Moonshadow’s Guardian is fantasy novel and the first of two in the story.  Taking place in an alternate world, the story follows Riana, a demon bound to the gods who wishes to be free.  She seems to get that chance when her patron Loki gives her a contract to fulfill: find the source of a plague sweeping across the kingdom of Moonshadow and end it.  Having worked contracts in Moonshadow before, Riana is familiar with the kingdom, although much has changed since she was last there.  Arriving in Moonshadow with her dragon Rolf, Riana must navigate the politics of the royal Vonstone family, headed by King Jacob VIII, whose own wife and son have been infected.  The king’s undead ancestors comprise many of his advisors, including Riana’s old friend Jacob II.  Riana must contend with her own memories while searching for the source of the plague, hoping to redeem herself for a previous failed mission. Moonshadow’s Guardian is an engaging tale filled with magic and adventure.  Riana has a rebellious streak and a great dislike of Loki, but works tirelessly to fulfill her contract.  Her past is both mysterious and tragic, revealed through flashbacks that shape her motives.  Rolf is an enigma: a fearsome-looking dragon with an innocent personality.  Jacob VIII is desperate to save his kingdom, but comes off as unreasonable in his preferred methods, leading to many arguments with Riana on how to proceed.  All the characters involved are unique and well-portrayed with their own desires and motives.  Overall, Moonshadow’s Guardian is an entertaining and well-written story.  It is a dark tale, but not so dark as to turn away those who enjoy the lighter side of fantasy.  Dark Fantasy fans will be sure to enjoy this book.  Everyone who reads it will certainly be looking forward to the next installment.

About the Author

Dianna Gunn is a freelance writer by day and a fantasy (and occasional science fiction) author by night. Her fantasy novel, Moonshadow's Guardian, was released in November 2018.  When she's not writing, Gunn can be found working to develop the indie author community. She hosts the #weeknightwriters Twitter chat at 7PM EST and is a co-host of #ReviewPit, a quarterly event designed to connect indie authors with review bloggers. Read the full article

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IndieApril Review: The Ancient Ones

The Ancient Ones by Cassandra L. Thompson

Title: The Ancient Ones Author: Cassandra L. Thompson Genre: Dark Fantasy/Historical Fiction Rating: 4/5 Available:Amazon

About the Book

Some things are not meant to die... When David stumbles upon a tragic young woman in a sordid Limehouse pub, he has no idea she’d recognize him as the last vampyre alive, nor that she’d be the one to pull out his story. Yet as he recalls his life from the sweltering vineyards of Ancient Rome to the cold horrors of Medieval Romania - as well as his tumultuous past with the mad and mysterious Lucius - he realizes she is much more than what she seems.  Gothic horror and mythological fantasy blend seamlessly together in this thrilling adventure, breathing new life into vampire lore as it reveals its true origins. The Ancient Ones is a tale of myth, mayhem, and magic…with a dash of romance that bites.

Review

The Ancient Ones is a combination of dark fantasy and historical fiction and is the first book in the Ancient Ones trilogy.  The story begins in London in 1857 as David walks through the city.  When he stops at his favorite pub, he meets a woman who intrigues him, despite clearly being deathly ill.  Interacting with her, David shares his life story with her, which begins thousands of years ago with David as the young son of a Celtic druid before being captured an enslaved in Rome.  He recounts his romance with fellow slave Gaia and his meeting with the vampire Lucius.  Tragedy leads to David’s, then called Davius, turning.  His story continues through the centuries, as he relays his tale to his dying companion. The Ancient Ones is an entertaining story involving vampires and ancient gods.  David’s tale is an interesting one.  He is a well rounded character whose development through the centuries is well portrayed.  Lucius is a mysterious entity with a secret past.  All the characters that get involved through the story are unique and well rounded.  Gods from multiple mythologies play a part at various points and the simultaneous existence of them all meshes well within the world.  Overall, The Ancient Ones is an engaging story.  All of the mythologies involved are blended very well.  The origin of vampires is unique and the David’s interactions with his dying companion between flashbacks are portrayed very well.  Fans of historical fiction, dark fantasy, vampire stories, and mythology will be sure two enjoy this book and will be looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.

About the Author

Gothic horror writer Cassandra L. Thompson has been creating stories since she got her grubby little hands around a pen. When she is not busy managing a house full of feral children (human and canine), you can find her wandering around cemeteries, taking pictures of abandoned things, or in the library doing research.  She has a B.A. in History and a MLIS, but she ignores her degrees to focus on The Ancient Ones Trilogy and run Quill & Crow Publishing House, the quaint and curious press that celebrates dark fantasy, Gothic horror, and dreadfully dark poetry.  Read the full article

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Review: Golden Heart

Golden Heart by P.J. Thorndyke

Title: Golden Heart Author: P.J. Thorndyke Genre: Steampunk Rating: 4/5 Available: Amazon

About the Book

Steampunk and the lost world genre collide in a thrilling adventure that will decide the fate of America... The North American continent has been torn apart by civil war. Steam-powered behemoths stalk the landscape, dirigibles prowl the skies and society stands on the back of a new class of slaves known as ‘mechanicals’. The conflict between the Union and the Confederacy has dragged on for twenty-five years with neither side coming close to victory. Something is needed to tip the balance. Lazarus Longman – antiquarian, explorer and treasure hunter for the British Empire – had heard of the Seven Golden Cities of Cibola, but he never believed they really existed. So when he was ordered to track down the only two men rumored to have seen the fabled land he was skeptical to say the least. His skepticism turned to desperation when he found out that his quarry was Gerard Vasquez; a degenerate gambler, drinker and pistoleer and his companion, Hok’ee; a towering Navajo with a ferocious temper and a mechanical gun-arm. The British want these men delivered into the hands of the Confederacy so that the war can be brought to a swift resolution. But not everybody wants the Confederacy to win. Especially not Tsar Alexander III who has dispatched his own deadly assassin to ensure the Confederates never get their hands on America’s golden heart

Review

Golden Heart is the first book in the Lazarus Longman Chronicles, a series of steampunk books.  The story takes place in an alternate history during the American Civil War.  It follows Lazarus Longman, a British agent who has become disillusioned with his government after a previous mission.  Despite his longing to return home, he takes on a mission from to retrieve a bandit and Confederate deserter named Gerard Vasquez and return him to the Confederacy.  Vasquez is said to possess some object of great value.  Complications arise when a Russian agent named Katarina interferes in his mission, intent on handing Vasquez over to the Union.  Circumstances force the three, and Vasquez’s Native American companion Hok’ee, to team up.  Encounters with both Union and Confederate forces cause multiple betrayals and renewals of alliances as both sides search for the same thing, leading to an epic showdown. Golden Heart is an entertaining story.  The world in which the characters live is well developed and the technology is described very well.  Steampunk-variants of cyborgs and dirigibles are prominent parts of the setting, especially among the Confederate military.  Lazarus himself is a well developed character.  At first, he is weary and just wanting to get the mission over with, but gradually comes to realized that the mission is not all it seams to be.  Vasquez has hidden layers and mysterious motives and Hok’ee has surprising secrets of his own.  Katarina is single-mindedly focused on her own mission, but softens a bit as the story progresses.  All of the other characters, whether Confederate, Union, or other factions, are unique individuals with varying motives and goals. Overall, Golden Heart is an engaging story.  Steampunk fans will enjoy the described technology and the overall setting.  Fans of alternate history stories may also enjoy this take on the American Civil War.  Either way, readers will be looking forward to reading the other installments.

About the Author

P. J. Thorndyke is a writer of Steampunk, Fantasy and Adventure fiction inspired by the trashier side of pop culture like dime novels, pulp magazines, and grindhouse movies. Read the full article

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Future Projects

Here's a look at some future projects, some of which I have announced before and some are just now being revealed. Note that titles are subject to change.

Champion of Valor Saga

More adventures of Pelagius and company Book 0: Skinwalker: A prequel to Assault on Devil’s Den exploring the events that caused Pelagius to question himself. Status: Brainstorming New Announcement Book 3: Siege of the Soul: The continuing fallout of Assault on Devil's Den and Trial by Tournament. Status: Brainstorming

Defenders of Drago Saga

A separate storyline from Champion of Valor following a different set of characters Book 1: The Dragon Crusade: In the kingdom of Drago, dragons are considered sacred. A group of trainee Dragon Protectors uncover a plot by a new group of dragon slayers that threaten both the kingdom and dragons as a whole. Status: Rough draft in progress

Other

The projects listed under this category are either completely standalone or may be part of a saga later on Soul Hunter: The origin story of the Green-Eyed Man. Status: Brainstorming The Elven Supremacy: Follows a character from Trial by Tournament after the events of that story. To avoid spoilers, no other details will be given at this time. Status: Brainstorming New Announcement The Creature Codex: Gartiniel's Tome of Zoology: An in-universe manual of the denizens and creatures of Sarcasca.  Originally written by the elf Gartiniel and updated throughout the centuries by his descendants Status: Brainstorming Read the full article

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Trial by Tournament Update

Trial by Tournament is now available in ebook, paperback and hardcover on Albris, the Apple Books App, Barnes and Noble (online only), Book Depository, Bookmate, Books-A-Million, Books Inc, Bookshop.org, Booktopia, ebooks.com, Indie Bound, Kobo, Powell's Books, and Scribd. Click here for more information and links to all stores. The process for the audiobook has begun. More updates to come as they become avaliable

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Trial by Tournament Now Available on Amazon

Trial by Tournament is now available on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover.  Stay tuned for additional updates

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