It’s the time of summer vacations and travel is slowly, slowly opening back up!
But the act of traveling is kind of weird when you think about it. You have this sense of being on a great adventure while stuck in cramped spaces for hours with very little sleep and a good deal of stress. It’s not all ‘pony rides in May sunshine,’ as Bilbo would say. So, you need just the right book to keep that adventuresome spirit up till you reach your destination.
Here’s a mini review on a few fast-paced, action-packed, adventure reads to keep you entertained while you await your own.
Kenan
Kenan is first in the Katiller series by Karis Waters (aka Katie Phillips of Katie Phillip’s Creative Services). An Action Rom-Com featuring Turkish hitmen, a trio of plucky American girls, and the road trip from hell that became your favorite family vacation.
Macario’s Scepter
Macario’s Scepter is first in the Magian series by M.J. McGriff. A Fantasy Adventure featuring pirates, a treasure-hunting nun, sisterhood, and sea serpents! I particularly enjoyed the twist on the twins trope.
Renegade Skyfarer
Renegade Skyfarer is first in the Stones of Terrene series by R.J Metcalf. A Steampunk featuring an amnesiac, an airship crew, dragons, and soulless creatures known as the Void Born. Lots of mystery and twists in this one! And the finale, Blood Bond, just released two weeks ago! If you’re a binger like me, you won’t be kept waiting 😉
Hi, everyone! I’ve been out for a while, so I just want to give a quick life update. Work is out for the summer and I just got back from a trip to Italy!
We spent about a week with lovely friends in Belluno and took day trips to the Dolomites (part of the Alps) and Verona! Highlight for me was, of course, Juliet’s house. Even though it was crazy crowded. I even tried a coffee. It was ok with enough sugar but I think I’ll stick with tea. Their hot chocolate, however, is amazing!
Now that I’m back, I’ve got to really crunch down on the writerly things. I’ll be giving my first pitch for To Slay a Curse at Realm Makers conference in about a month, and there’s tons of stuff to get ready by then. I’m freaking out a little, but really excited.
Now, on to what you’re really here for: books! I did get through two great indie reads during travel time and just want to give a mini review here.
If Wishes Were Curses by Janeen Ippolito
Janeen’s new series has all you could want in an Urban Fantasy: shifters, snark, mystery, and mayhem! What’s more, the sequel Wish You Weren’t Here just dropped!
Blurb: So, I accidentally killed a shifter. On purpose. With genie powers I shouldn’t be able to use, thanks to my curse-mark. In my defense, the damn grizzly was threatening civilians and might have been a vampire as well. Pittsburgh is safer without him. Only the Fae court doesn’t believe my story, and the shifters are out for blood. Now I’ve lost my job as a romantic investigator, and I’m on death row. My only hope is an oddly outgoing vegetarian vampire lawyer who seems strangely familiar. Too familiar. Almost like we’ve met before, and this whole thing was a set-up to take us both down. Wishing won’t get us out of this mess. But my forbidden wish magic just might.
The Electrical Menagerie by Mollie E. Reeder
If you like The Greatest Showman and Sherlock Holmes you will love this steampunk adventure! Can’t wait for the sequel slated to come out later this summer!
Blurb: The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt. Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively–but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially–but none of the scruples. To save their show, Carthage & Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, The Electrical Menagerie’s bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians–but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there’s more at stake in this contest than the prize. Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide…and it’s the lies Carthage & Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything.
Overall, both were thrilling fast-paced reads great for on the plane, at the beach, or just whenever!
Writer Rae Graham 