Hello Readers! I’m happy to be part of blitz tour for Gray Genesis by Alan McDermott. Check out details about this thriller in this post.
Gray Genesis by Alan McDermott Genre : Fiction / Thriller
Tom Gray is back in his most explosive adventure yet!
Afghanistan. As the war on terror intensifies, Taliban leader Abdul al-Hussain has plans to turn the tide in his favour. His objective: a US virologist named Miriam Dagher. She’s about to pay a visit to the land of her birth, and al-Hussain has her in his sights.
Out to stop al-Hussain is Sergeant Tom Gray, SAS veteran and leader of 8 Troop. His team are tasked with disrupting Taliban operations, snatching high-profile targets and wreaking havoc on enemy supply lines. Their missions are routine, until the Taliban unleashes a new breed of warrior.
Gray Genesis is a prequel to the million-selling Tom Gray series, a familiar blend of intrigue, camaraderie and explosive action.
Alan McDermott has an eclectic work history, with roles ranging from developing software for the NHS to shovelling custard powder in a food packing factory. He tried his hand at writing in 1990, but after completing half a draft, he started a new job and threw it in a drawer. It wasn’t until 2010 that he picked up his pen again, and published his first novel, Gray Justice, in 2011. Gray Resurrection and Gray Redemption soon followed, and his success as a self-published author attracted the attention of Thomas & Mercer an Amazon publishing imprint. They commissioned three more books in the Gray series, plus a spinoff called Trojan. In 2014, Alan gave up his day job to become a full-time writer, and has written three books in a new series (Run and Hide, Seek and Destroy and Fight to Survive) featuring CIA assassin Nolene Driscoll. He also has a standalone thriller called Motive, which has a new lead in Ryan Anderson.
Hello Readers! I’m happy to shine spotlight on Empire’s Exile, third in Empire’s Legacy trilogy by Marian Thorpe, as part of blog tour organized by Rachel’s Random Resources. Check out more about this historical fantasy and tour wide giveaway in this post.
Empire’s Exile by Marian L Thorpe Publication Date: July 2019 Genre: NA / Adult historical fantasy (no magic) or alternate world adventure Potential Trigger Warnings: Rape. Warfare: animal and human death. Wolf attack. Danger to children.
Synopsis:
“We cannot shape the circumstances to fit our lives, only our lives to fit the circumstances. What defines us, as men and women, is how we respond to those circumstances.”
Exiled from the Empire as a traitor, Casyn’s words echo in Lena’s mind. Determined to find Casil, the legendary city of beauty and learning, she travels into long-unknown lands. Her experiences in the first winter leave her scarred and afraid, but resolving to heal, and supported by an unexpected love, she continues her search. A chance meeting with envoys from the Empire and Linrathe, desperately seeking help from Casil, forces her to a difficult decision. Struggling to keep faith with her choices, facing the almost-certain destruction of her land and her people, Lena’s journey takes her to a deeper understanding of loyalty, sacrifice, and the dimensions of love.
Not content with two careers as a research scientist and an educator, Marian L Thorpe decided to go back to what she’d always wanted to do and be a writer. Author of the alternative world medieval trilogy Empire’s Legacy, Marian also has published short stories and poetry. Her life-long interest in Roman and post-Roman European history informs her novels, while her avocations of landscape archaeology and birding provide background to her settings.
Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of Empire’s Legacy, the complete trilogy (Open Internationally)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
Hello Readers! I’m happy to shine spotlight on Empire’s Hostage, second in Empire’s Legacy trilogy by Marian Thorpe, as part of blog tour organized by Rachel’s Random Resources. Check out more about this historical fantasy and tour wide giveaway in this post.
Empire’s Hostage by Marian Thorpe (Empire’s Legacy trilogy #2) Publication Date:July 2017 Genre: NA / Adult historical fantasy (no magic) or alternate world adventure
Synopsis:
For fifteen months, the Empire and the northern people have been at war, but a truce is finally at hand. As part of this treaty, Lena, now a Guardswoman on the Wall, is asked to stand as a hostage, to go north to live and learn among the people of Linrathe. But not everyone there will welcome her. As Lena learns more of the history of both her land and the north, a new threat emerges, one that will test her loyalty to its limits, and in the end, demand a price she could not have envisioned.
Not content with two careers as a research scientist and an educator, Marian L Thorpe decided to go back to what she’d always wanted to do and be a writer. Author of the alternative world medieval trilogy Empire’s Legacy, Marian also has published short stories and poetry. Her life-long interest in Roman and post-Roman European history informs her novels, while her avocations of landscape archaeology and birding provide background to her settings.
Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of Empire’s Legacy, the complete trilogy (Open Internationally)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
The Falconer’s Apprentice by Malve von Hassell Publication Date: May 30th 2015 Publisher: namelos publishing Genre: Historical Fiction / YA Pages: 224 Stars: ★★★★☆
“That bird should be destroyed!”
Andreas stared at Ethelbert in shock. Blood from an angry-looking gash on the young lord’s cheek dripped onto his embroidered tunic. Andreas clutched the handles of the basket containing the young peregrine. Perhaps this was a dream—
Andreas, an apprentice falconer at Castle Kragenberg, cannot bear the thought of killing the young female falcon and smuggles her out of the castle. Soon he realizes that his own time there has come to an end, and he stows away, with the bird, in the cart of an itinerant trader, Richard of Brugge. So begins a series of adventures that lead him from an obscure castle in northern Germany to the farthest reaches of Frederick von Hohenstaufen’s Holy Roman Empire, following a path dictated by the wily trader’s mysterious mission.
Andreas continues to improve his falconry skills, but he also learns to pay attention to what is happening around him as he travels through areas fraught with political unrest. Eventually, Richard confides in Andreas, and they conspire to free Enzio, the eldest of the emperor’s illegitimate sons, from imprisonment in Bologna.
The Falconer’s Apprentice is a story of adventure and intrigue set in the intense social and political unrest of the Holy Roman Empire in the thirteenth century.
*** Note: I received e-copy this book from Henry from Odyssey Books and PR manager for author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Henry and author. ***
The Falconer’s Apprentice was a historical and cultural adventure of falconer’s apprentice that take place in Holy Roman Empire in the thirteenth Century. The book was about Falconry, trade, life on road through Europe during the period of political unrest, humanity and compassion. A coming of age story of young boy who discovers a path of his life through this travel.
Writing was easy and engaging. It was not flowery and was pretty simple narration of the world and adventure yet it had that attraction that never let me lose a grip on story. The setting of Medieval Europe in 13th century was amazing. It was third person narrative divided in 9 parts, each containing equal number of chapters. Synopsis describes the story perfectly.
First few chapters set the base of the story introducing main character, Andreas, his life at castle Kragenberg in Germany as an orphan boy, working as kitchen boy, in mews as falconer’s apprentice, taking lessons from his uncle. Life was rough for him, he was often bullied by pages and other kids but he loved falcons and was grateful for getting work. His relationship with characters at castle was great. They didn’t show much affection to him but they loved him and helped him as much as they can.
When Count Cuno’s son ordered to destroy Adela,- a female Peregrine, Andreas’ favorite falcon- he stole Adela and planned to move out of castle. He got his opportunity when Richard, the falcon trader, arrived at castle. The next thing he was out on the road in Richard’s cart. When Richard discovered his presence, instead of kicking him out and back to Castle Kragenberg, Richard took him in. I was curious to see what he wanted from Andreas, a free helper or something else.
Andreas was just 14 yrs old when he left castle but he grew a lot in his journey. He was hardworking, passionate, compassionate, and clever. I didn’t understand why he had doubts about his life, he was good at falconry, he could be a great falconer. But during the journey he saw and learned many things that changed his perception. He discovered more about himself, life and what he wanted to achieve. As it was third person narrative with less dialogues, I couldn’t read his mind or feeling but I rooted for him.
Richard was great character and stern teacher. At first I found him mysterious and suspicious but he surprised me by teaching Andreas all that he knew and learned from his life of travel- falcons, trade business and trade routes in Europe. When his part in big scheme revealed he surprised me even more by giving choice. This character grew on me and amazed me more than once.
What I loved most about this book was history and plethora of information. Each section in the book started with a piece from Frederick von Hohenstaufen’s book, The Art of Falconry. In each section there was a bit more about Falconry along with Andreas’ experience with all the topics- different species of falcons and who can keep them, how falconer should train falcons, basic principles, how to feed them and treat them, their schedules on travel, how they are captured and how they should be released. It was all fascinating.
The culture, tradition and laws were equally fascinating. I enjoyed stories about Barbarossa, conflicts between Guelphs and Ghibellines, battle between Lomabard League, Frederick II and his son, and tortellini.
There was no romance or brutality. There was a mere mention of attempted rape and social differences between rich and poor but nothing detailed that makes the book perfect for readers of all age. There was no action or drama or anything suspenseful yet I found it gripping and loved reading characters’ journey.
I enjoyed Andreas’s travel and how he evolved by the end of the book. I liked the way it ended and what he decided to do with Adela and with his life.
Why 4 Stars-
I couldn’t know characters, especially Andreas, that deeply. I couldn’t say for sure how characters felt about their situation and about other characters in the book.
Overall, it was interesting historical book with amazing characters and their journey.
What do you think about the book and my review? Have you read this book already? Are you going to add it to TBR? Have you read a book set in 13th Century or set in Medieval Europe?
Hello readers! I’m sharing my review of The Bus Ride as part of the blog tour organized by Rachel’s Random Resources. Many thank to Rachel and author for tour invite and providing e-copy for review. Check out more about this humor filled adventurous bus ride.
The Bus Ride: A Zany Busnapping Adventure by Joanie Chevalier Publication Date: January 16th 2020 Genre: General Humor; Travel Adventure Fiction Pages: 83 Stars: ★★★★★
When Devon discovers his car stolen, he must find transportation to get to his destination before the deadline to get what’s rightfully his: the urn containing one-fifth of his deceased momma. He hops on Bus No. 255 and changes the course of the route. As the passengers’ personalities and needs emerge, they go from being strangers to a bonded family within hours as they fight for each other, and themselves… in more ways than one. Funny and sentimental, this story will grab your heart as you cheer everyone on Bus Route No. 255, maybe even the busnapper.
Meet the passengers on Bus No. 255, an unlikely group of people who have no choice but to try to get along and survive when their bus gets busnapped. Meet Devon, who has a deadline he must meet, or risk losing what’s his; Doug, a dreamer of a better life, but first must face a sad truth; Frankie, a life full of loneliness, but unexpectedly becomes a hero; Gloria, a woman who finds validation in the most unexpected place; Autumn, a girl who desires a family, and a sense of belonging; Dave, a man seeking justice and equality, learns to love himself as he is; and the Garcia family, whose family ties brings them to the brink of danger. Follow these passengers as they each fulfill their destinies, together.
*** Note: I received e-copy this book as a part of blog tour, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Rachel and author. ***
The Bus Ride was a humorous busnapping adventure that revolved around a bus driver, a busnapper and 5 other passenger and a family. It was about unlikely friendship, never stop trying to live better life and what you desire, let other help you, and confronting problem.
Writing was great. Joanie’s storytelling style was captivating that pulled me in characters’ story from the very first page. The Bus Ride was third person narrative from multiple perspective that changed in every chapters. Whole story take place in one day started at early morning with Doug taking his bus through route no. 255 and ending at night with a life changing adventure.
All characters were eccentric, dealing with their only problems, frustrated with life, lonely, and wanted to live their dream. When one of the passenger took over the bus and changed the route, instead of being worried and frightened they just went along with it! I chuckled at their bizarre situation and reaction. I kept thinking what if it was real hijacking, would they react the same way!
It was fun the way they were given their nicknames. The Real-bus driver, The Fake-bus driver, The Lonely Boy, Spyman, Muffintop mama, and The Bold girl. We know most of the characters by their real name and their story earlier while some characters’ names and their stories were revealed later in the book. Even though synopsis has mentioned all the real name it was fun to discover who was who, what they were going through and what role they played in this adventure.
Devon’s car was stolen and he needed to meet the deadline to get what rightfully his and so he faked hijacking the bus. He wanted to show his family he was not loser. When they reach his destination it was so amusing to read how his brothers reacted. At the same time I felt for Devon.
Doug, the real bus driver, who worked overtime to pay bills and meeting his wife’s demands, had anticipated his day a normal and the usual tiring but it unusually turned out to be adventurous and shocking. When Devon took over the bus he saw it as an opportunity to get some sleep he desperately needed. He dreamed a better life but lacked confidence and courage to confront his problems. I loved how his confidence returned with help of others. His insight about not blaming a person for their action at the end was great.
Frankie was 12 years old lonely boy who unexpectedly became hero at the end. His story was most interesting. I felt sad for him. His decision was reckless at the beginning but he made it right by doing right thing.
Dave was mysterious spyman who was on one day leave, sought justice and equality in his department. He didn’t expect the work free leave would turn out adventurous and would help him to prove his worth and accept what he really was.
Gloria was loving and motherly to all passengers. I loved her crossword puzzle hobby. She wanted a family that she found on this trip.
Garcia family was a surprise. When they were first introduced as a family illegally entering in US, I didn’t know how they were related to the bus and in this adventure. I didn’t expect them the way they made their entry. They were most eccentric of all. I laughed at their unique entry and the mayhem it caused and that mama turning into ninja was most hilarious. I liked the way they found their way back once they saved a family member they came for.
Last was Autumn’s story. She was typical foster teenager who struggled to fit in foster family and in school. But she was bold and knew how survive in the world. At the end, she learned to love and found a true family she never had.
I loved the way they all developed at the end. This little, a day’s, adventure changed their life and their view, helped them to live their dream. End was good and the epilogue was most interesting.
Overall, it was fun, entertaining and enjoyable busnapping adventure. I highly recommend this to all readers who love short stories and entertaining travel adventure.
Joanie Chevalier is a multi-genre Indie Author; Founder & Editor of RAC Online Magazine: Promoting and Encouraging the Reader/Author Connection; and Founder of Our Indie Author Room FB Group, a place where writers in all stages of their career go to learn, inspire, and teach.
Joanie loves the outdoors and nature, reading and supporting fellow indie authors. Her writing is a blend of everything she likes to read: suspense, horror, crime, psychological, non-fiction, and a good short story. She thinks her two Chihuahuas look adorable in sweaters.
Giveaway to Win a Signed copy of The Bus Ride: A Zany Busnapping Adventure (Open INT)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
What do you think about the book and my review? Have you read this book already? Are you going to add it to your TBR? Which is your favorite Travel Fiction?
