Stuff your own stocking
That sounds more suggestive than I expected
Is the holiday spirit burning bright or being a drag?
I have to admit, the best part of getting older is not having to buy christmas presents for everyone. We all just buy ourselves what we want throughout the year. Unfortunately only half the family is on board with that.
I hope last weeks snippet of Nyssa’s Yule celebration with her family was a reminder that everyone, hero or not, deals with family drama during the holidays. I also hope that you enjoyed it as it was a fun little scene to write.
Now if you are looking for an early Christmas present for yourself, here are some amazing books by my author friend Jay S. Willis that are on sale now.
These are my signed copies (with the older cover of Blood is Thicker than Magic). Dream of Sphere’s is in my stack of TBR but I’ve added my personal review of Blood is Thicker below.
The Arcana Chronicles
A teen coming of age urban fantasy series that focuses on positive friendships and the powerful bonds of family
An ancient family feud. Strange magic. Can one uncertain boy heal an eldritch rift?
Thirteen-year-old Daniel Waldera is struggling with life's changes. Realizing he has feelings for his best friend is hard enough, and the idea of confessing them to her is even more terrifying. But when he's attacked by an evil spirit and turns a flashlight into a lightsaber to vanquish it, the young teen faces a whole new level of confusion.
Discovering he's heir to powers from both his grandfather and his dad, Daniel finds himself caught in the middle of a long-running family rivalry. And with his best friend afraid of his growing abilities, fulfilling a prophecy is the last thing he wants.
Can Daniel defeat his own fears in time to become the master of magic he was born to be?
My review:
Thirteen year old Daniel is dealing with all the joys of becoming a teenager - school, friendship, developing feelings for his best friend and dealing with loss after his grandfather passed away. Though unlike all the other kids he is being stalked by an evil spirit he believes is Death which no one else can see. Accidentally turning a flashlight into a lightsaber he destroys the creature, in a panic he confides in his other grandfather who explains the truth. Both his families come from two feuding magical bloodlines and he is meant to ensure peace between them. Daniel is the first person who might have the ability to wield both types of magic, and tip the balance in their fight against each other when he chooses a side.
A true coming of age story for young teenagers. I loved that magic did not saturate the world, that it was far more fragile. There was a balance that needed to be found which mirrored in all young people’s lives as they become adults. I also loved the small town feel of this novel, that everyone knows each other and had their whole lives. The story of this novel plus magic made feels so much more personal. The friendships between Daniel and his friends were lovely, they had genuine relationships and were open and (mostly) honest with each other. No drama here. While the story might focus on Daniel's family legacy, his friends are always there to support him even if they have no idea what is going on.
The themes of maturity, friendship and change run strong throughout the novel and I really enjoyed this uplifting tale. There was a spark within each character and they came across as real, flawed people.
This was a fun, fast, and light read. If you are looking for a gift for a young teenager this is a great book for them. (Also for the adult reader, who MG/YA) Check out the series here.
The Sphere Saga
An expansive coming of age, epic fantasy series where loyalties are tested, friendships are forged, and one’s beliefs are not always what they seem.
Book One:
Three thousand years of tradition torn asunder. When the truth comes out, will a hero emerge to pick up the pieces?
Dashira Eisenheart takes ultimate comfort in her community. So she’s thrilled when her brother ascends to the coveted order chosen to protect the world from safely sealed-away, millennia-old, dangerous magic. But her faith in her beloved parents’ loyalty cracks after she spies her mother sneaking about town to meet with the enemy.
Striving to stay focused on her own academic studies, Dashira becomes caught in family tensions that soon reach a boiling point. And as her father’s Brotherhood and her mother’s rebel group head toward a cataclysmic clash, the young seeker finds herself trapped by conflicting choices.
Will she face her fears and accept her role in a grand destiny?
Intrigued what will happen? Learn more about the series.
May you drinks be hot, and your book boyfriends even hotter.
May you dinners be peaceful, and your family doesn’t mention politic (but they always do *sigh*).
May it snow, unless your in the southern hemisphere then enjoy the beach.
May you eat way too much, and have the perfect excuse to lay down and read.
Have a wonderful holiday however you celebrate.
Ahhh these sound great! 💜 Thank you for the heads up, adding to my TBR now.