Welcome to the tour for Covalence, the first book in a new YA Dystopian series by Andie L. Smith! Fans of Divergent, The Giver, and The Uglies will love this one!
Covalence (The Bonded Series #1)
Publication Date: October 2024
Genre YA Dystopian
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Forbidden romance
He fell first
Ensemble cast
Girls in STEM
Strong FMC
Seventeen-year-old Mineral Vyotto always planned on running away from the City and its annual Covalence Ceremony-a tradition forcing her to Bond with another of her Kind. In a hidden cavern outside the City gates, she starts collecting parts and Building a plane so she can bolt before the Ceremony takes place.
But when Covalence is moved up and she’s almost caught by the Officials, Mineral finds herself and her fate at the hands of Amory Thames-an arrogant, opinionated Orderly with powerful parents who could ruin her chance at freedom. With only four weeks to escape the City before the Ceremony, Mineral and Amory must work together to find a way out-even if it means keeping Society’s biggest secret to themselves and putting the lives of everyone they love at risk.
A glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.
At sixteen, Honora “Nora” Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in all of Walstad. Her family controls all the money–and all the magic–in the entire country. But despite being the center of attention, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead in an alley, the family throne and fortune are suddenly up for grabs, and Nora will be pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz, the ultimate magical competition for power that determines the one family heir.
But there’s a surprise contestant this time: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When Lotte’s absent mother retrieves her from the rural convent she’d abandoned her to, Lotte goes from being an orphan to surrounded by family. Unfortunately, most of them want her dead.
And soon, Nora discovers that her mother’s death wasn’t random–it was murder. And the only person she can trust to uncover the truth of what happened is a rakish young reporter who despises everything Nora and her family stand for.
With everyone against her, Lotte’s last hope is hunting for the identity of her father. But the dangerous competition–and her feelings for Theo, one of the Holtzfalls’ sworn protectors–turns her world upside down.
Incredible tests, impossible choices and deadly odds await both girls. But there can only be one winner.
Alwyn Hamilton was born in Toronto and spent her childhood bouncing between Europe and Canada until her parents settled in France. She grew up in a small town there, which might have compelled her to burst randomly into the opening song from Beauty and the Beast were it not for her total tone-deafness.
She instead attempted to read and write her way to new places and developed a weakness for fantasy and cross-dressing heroines. She left France for Cambridge University to study History of Art at King’s College, and then to London where she became indentured to an auction house. She has a bad habit of acquiring more hardcovers than is smart for someone who moves house quite so often.
Alwyn’s New York Times-bestselling debut, the YA fantasy REBEL OF THE SANDS, was published by Viking Children’s Books in the US and Faber Children’s Books in the UK, and in 14 other territories. The trilogy continues in TRAITOR TO THE THRONE and HERO AT THE FALL. Alwyn was named the 2016 Goodreads Choice Award winner for Best Debut Author.
My thoughts: With fairytale elements, this is both a murder mystery and a fantasy in which four cousins must compete to be named their grandmother’s heir, after the mother of one of them, Nora, is killed.
Nora joins forces with a journalist, August, to try to solve the mystery of her mother’s murder – that’s being called a mugging gone wrong, but doesn’t make sense.
Her aunt has produced an illegitimate daughter, Lotte, which complicates the succession trials, and Lotte, who is smarter than some of them realise, wants to find out more about her family and forms an alliance with Nora, discovering that at least one of her relatives isn’t a terrible person.
Meanwhile a resistance to her family’s wealth and power is getting stronger and starting riots in the streets, prompting reprisals from the authorities.
The Holtzfall family founded the town, and with their magic protected people from the creatures of the forest. But generations later, they’re now incredibly wealthy and corrupt. They hold too much power and the growing pressure against them is close to explosive as the inheritance trials the cousins are in demolish parts of the town and add fuel to the fire.
I loved Lotte and Nora, and rightly detested fhe rest of their awful family. Their grandmother is a monster and the rest are spoilt, entitled and selfish. But considering that each generation has been raised to see their siblings (and cousins) as competition, as well as being over-privileged in a place where no one ever questions their family’s dominance (at least not openly), it’s not surprising.
The story was clever, filled with references to the original Grimm versions of the stories we know so well. It’s a chunky book and I was surprised it was the first in a series, as opposed to a standalone at this size. I’m definitely intrigued to see where it goes next, considering the events of the closing pages.
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
Welcome to the tour for the third book on the Heroes of the Empire series, The Emperor!
The Emperor (Heroes of the Empire #3)
Publication Date: November 24, 2024
Genre: Young Adult/ Epic Fantasy
Character Driven
Found Family
Slow Burn Romance
Foretold Prophecy
War For The Throne
Unlikely Allies
Unique Magic System
Morally Grey Characters
Chosen One
“Because this is your destiny.”
The crown prince of the Empire, Honzio Hartinza, has become a prisoner within his own palace. Uluzar control has overtaken Hearcross, and with the Tariqin threat remaining too, the battle is far from over. To restore order, Honzio allies with a Savorian warrior and darkness itself in the form of a despised adversary, but it’s belief in himself that will be key to saving his land, people, and crown.
Velamir chooses between his great love and best friend, leaving Jax’s fate in Coralie’s hands until he can track down Natassa’s captors. His desperate search leads him to Devorin. In the icy kingdom, he encounters a group proclaiming him the hero they’ve been searching for and learns the last words of a father he barely knew, whose own past reveals the course of Velamir’s future and knowledge that could end the war and bind the lands forevermore.
Natassa evades her abductors and finds refuge with the Elders. She seeks the order’s aid in battling her shadows, but when she’s forced to wield them to her advantage, she learns of a pact made with them long ago. The shadows want something from her. The Golden Phoenix, the Elders call her, telling her of a prophecy. Natassa must accept her role in it and cross one of two paths: risk everything to destroy evil for good or open the portal to a realm of spirits and burn the world to ashes.
We are thrilled to share the second epic installment in the Heroes of the Empire series, The General by Israh Azizi!
The General (Heroes of the Empire Book 2)
Publication Date: November 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy
THE EMPIRE IS CRUMBLING, AND THE FATE OF A KINGDOM RESTS IN THEIR HANDS.
Tropes:
Morally Grey Characters, Mistaken Identity, Royal Intrigue, Multiple POV, Chosen One, Slow Burn Romance, Found Family, Warring Kingdoms, Forbidden Love, Hidden Powers, Character Driven
Mordon dedicated his life to his father; his only dream was to prove himself worthy of Verin’s general. But with the ruthless Tariqin attack comes a brutal awakening. Captured by enemy forces and dragged into a war camp full of the people he was trained to kill, his hopes of proving himself worthy are dashed to pieces. When the enemy offers him a chance for a grand future, he’s faced with a test that stretches him beyond his limits.
Coralie’s burden has never been heavier. After the Dark Lord Prolus’s recent assault and her uncle’s declining health, it is up to her to keep her kingdom together. The inevitable return of the Tariqin army lurks at their doorstep and her time is running short. Coralie turns to the newest residents of Verintown for assistance. Branded traitors and hated by many in the castle, they may very well be her downfall. Using their pledge for change in her favor, she tasks them with a mission most would consider a death sentence.
Two determined warriors separated by a river of blood. Mordon must risk everything to become the man he yearns to be, and Coralie must fight to become the queen she was born to be.
A whirlwind romance inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off about four friends whose hearts are broken and mended over the course of an epic senior skip day—from the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules!
Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be an inseparable trio before their love lives became a tangled mess. For starters, Grace is secretly in love with Everett, who used to go out with Isa before breaking her heart in the infamous Freshman Year Fracture. And, oh yeah, no one knows that Isa has been hanging out with James, Grace’s brother—and if Grace finds out, it could ruin their friendship.
With graduation fast approaching, Grace decides an unsanctioned senior skip day in Philadelphia might be just what they need to fix things. All she has to do is convince Isa to help her kidnap Everett and outmaneuver James, who’s certain his sister is up to something.
In an epic day that includes racing up the famous Rocky steps, taste-testing Philly’s finest cheesesteaks, and even crashing a wedding, their secrets are bound to collide. But can their hearts withstand the wreckage?
K.L. Walther was born and raised in the rolling hills of Bucks County, Pennsylvania surrounded by family, dogs, and books. Her childhood was spent traveling the northeastern seaboard to play ice hockey. She attended a boarding school in New Jersey and went on to earn a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia. She is happiest on the beach with a book, cheering for the New York Rangers, or enjoying a rom-com while digging into a big bowl of popcorn and M&Ms. And listening to Taylor Swift on repeat, of course.
My thoughts: I loved this, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of my favourite films (I’m a massive fan of the director John Hughes) so I was hoping for a great read, and I got one.
A gender swapped, set in Philadelphia not Chicago, 21st Century update of Ferris, with multiple narrators that is very funny, smart, charming and great fun.
Grace is student president, a brilliant student, popular and well thought of, so her deciding to take the day off, is completely out of character, and dragging her studious, going to an Ivy League, best friend along for the ride, even more so. Isa doesn’t ever skip school or a test, so hopefully their lies hold up. Kidnapping long time friend Everett while dressed as the Phillie Phanatic, is not even the craziest thing they do all day.
Grace’s brother James, formerly the final corner to their square, is furious when we works out what’s going on, and even though he keeps the secret, he’s determined not to completely miss out on the day’s hijinks. He just has to avoid the school principal first.
I had a ball reading this, and I spotted all the Ferris Bueller references (I think!)
*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.
We’re proud to present the cover for the next witch tale in the Bird Girl Witches series, Winter Murder!
Winter Murder (Bird Girl Witches Book 2)
Expected Publication Date: April 16, 2025
Genre: Genre: YA Fantasy/Mystery
Tropes:
The Supernatural, Gothic Vibes, Witches, Animal Familiars, Mediums, Ghosts, Murder Mystery, The Chosen One, Hereditary Magic, Supernatural Detective, Summoning Evil, Ancient Curses, Magical Systems, Seances, Haunted Mansions, Poltergeists, Creepy Settings, Foreboding Atmosphere, Mysterious Things Are Happening, Backing into Darkness, High Stakes, Coming of Age, Family Secrets, First Kiss, First Crush, Ancient Secrets, Body Switching, Fantastical Creatures, Alternate Dimensions, Good vs Evil
In Winter Murder book two of the Bird Girl Witches series, ghosts have invaded Talus Hall and renowned 15-year-old medium Francesca LeGentil is just the person to exorcise them.
But she’s also been secretly hired to investigate a murder which happened next door at Talus Manor, a place where evil has taken root ever-more deeply.
Delving into the cursed history of the duelling Durr-Iggsby’s, Francesca uncovers a pattern to the persecution, tying it to the roots of the Dorojenja.
But when her sleuthing awakens a more ancient evil, no one in The Korvids is safe.
Starting now till February 15th, The Atlas Cliffs series (ebooks only) is on sale! Wandering Souls (book one) is free, Seeking Haven (book 2), is $0.99, and Braving Storms (book 3) is $1.99!
We’re also giving away all 3 signed books plus merch to one lucky winner in the US or Canada!
ABOUT THE SERIES:
The Atlas Cliffs series is a completed upper young adult to new adult, supernatural fantasy trilogy. These books are for readers who loved the soul mate vibes of shows like Vampire Diaries, but with witchy magic and ghosts, found family, and a strong FMC who must learn to trust after betrayal. If you adore the trope where the love interest calms her inner storm, you will discover a second chance, friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance woven within the pages, starting with Wandering Souls, gaining momentum in Seeking Haven, and ending with an emotional conclusion in Braving Storms.
We’re thrilled to present the cover for Aurora’s Amulet by Angela van Liempt, a prequel in the Atlas Cliffs series!
Aurora’s Amulet (Atlas Cliffs Series)
Expected Publication Date: May 1, 2025
Genre: YA Supernatural Fantasy
Cover Designer: @heygigicreatives
A life bound to magic and a mystical amulet from a century old witch. But in a hidden world divided by light and darkness, her gift is not without sacrifice.
Maddie Harlow lives a quiet life in the coastal town of Atlas Cliffs with the love of her life and their son. She keeps her supernatural abilities a closely guarded secret until she must bury more than her magic…
Aurora’s Amulet is a dual point of view between Maddie Harlow and Enid Morana, along with a glimpse into Aurora’s beginnings, with witchy magic, encounters with familiar characters—dead, alive… and once upon a time alive. This story unravels the mystery of where Drew Harlow’s internal struggles and heartache started, with a new understanding of how she became the strong young woman she is throughout the Atlas Cliffs series.
We’re getting ready for the release of book 3 in the HOTE series by touring all the books in the series over the next few months. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on The Cavalier!
Heroes of the Empire: The Cavalier #1
Publication Date: November 22, 2022
Genre: YA Fantasy
“For Fans of An Ember in the Ashes”
Tropes:
Multiple POV, Morally Gray MCs, Chosen One, Royal Intrigue, Warrior Training Academy, Hidden Powers, Mistaken Identity, Doppelgängers, Slow Burn Romance, Found Family
She calls the Empire home. He pledges to bring its downfall.
Death is Velamir’s close acquaintance. As a student in the Chishman academy, he cannot escape the brutal war. When he’s sent on a mission with three fellow academy cadets, Velamir returns to the Empire, the land of his birth. Calamity befalls the group as they trek through enemy territory, and Velamir learns a part of his past that makes the mission far more personal. Burdened with the deaths of the unavenged and the chance of losing his own life, Velamir must decide if revenge is worth the cost.
Natassa knows her role well: The silent and obedient girl. The one who looks away from the torture her father, the emperor, inflicts on the Empire’s inhabitants. The princess. But she’s a shackled prisoner, and somewhere under the mask is a spark of rebellion. When she learns of her father’s intention to marry her to a man she loathes, Natassa crafts a risky plan of her own—one dangerous enough to get her killed.
Two searching hearts. Two perilous paths. Velamir must find the courage to face his past and Natassa must find the strength to face herself before the war consumes them both.
Happy publication day to author Aileen Erin! Infestation is now available!
Infestation (Days of Iron and Clay Book 2)
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy
Good v. Evil
Found Family
Angels & Demons
Slow Burn Romance
YA Dark Fantasy
“Invocation is a brilliantly crafted, action-packed romantasy thriller you won’t be able to put down.” – Erin Michelle Sky, Author
SAMANTHA
I never thought I’d willingly walk into Hell again, but I did.
I survived and am back where I belong—at home. But Gabe, my demon-dead friend, is still missing. And the guilt is crippling me.
While I’m laughing and happy with my boyfriend, Gabe is suffering. While I’m resting and healing, Gabe is being endlessly tortured. But every plan I come up with is a suicide mission. And despite what it sometimes looks like, I’m not ready to die.
So, when my werewolf friends ask me to help their pack with a problem, there’s no way I can say no—even if I’m not ready to jump into another fight. There’s a mysterious evil the werewolves can’t track, and they need me to help them kill it.
It’s the perfect distraction. The only problem? Phoenix, a mortal, wants to go with me.
Even though he’s proven he can handle the supernatural, I can’t help but think nothing good can come from him getting an even better glimpse of how not normal my work life is. But I can’t say no to him; all I can do is pray Phoenix is still by my side when this is over.
PHOENIX
My life pre-Samantha was turmoil. Soccer career, over. Family life, devastated after the loss of my grandmother. Dating? Laughable. Every relationship fell apart because the door in my heart had been shut tight. I was unknowingly holding out for the one girl who had completely changed my world.
Samantha is it for me; my heart knew it before I did. I’d go anywhere as long as it’s with her.
But her guardian angel, Eli, said something to me that makes me think something truly terrible will happen to Samantha. And I’m not about to let that happen. I’ll do anything to keep her safe.
“I absolutely loved this book, it blew my mind…I laughed, I cried, I swooned…it’s a heartfelt epic adventure! – Sheila Kay, Author
AUTHOR NOTE: The Days of Iron & Clay is a spin-off the Alpha Girls Series, but can be fully enjoyed alone and is best enjoyed in order! Infestation picks up right where Invocation left off. Be sure to read Invocation first!
ramblingmads 