Disclosure – All reviews and opinions, are my own. If you make a purchase through my referral links, I may earn a small commissions from Amazon, and/or other retailers at no extra cost to you.
It’s cover reveal time for one of my favorite fantasy series of the year! H.E. Bauman’s 3rd novel in the Under Darkened Skies series, is titled “Amid Twisted Chaos” and the cover by @Miblart on Instagram is absolutely gorgeous! If you’re a fan of fantasy novels with elemental magic, realistic FMCs, cinnamon roll soldiers, and slow burn romance, this series is an absolute must-read!
Earlier this year, I spilled all my thoughts on the first book in the series (check it out here), and today, I’m beyond excited to share the cover reveal for the third installment.
Check out the blurb to Amid Twisted Chaos
An enemy’s foe makes a dangerous friend…
With the Paragon’s target on their backs, Astrea and Varojin find themselves temporarily exiled from Talmaris for the safety of its people. Not content to wait until trouble finds them again, Astrea convinces Varojin and their guards to trek with her through the Novarian mountains in search of answers that will avert destruction.
Arriving at an abandoned Paragon site, the group finally gets a lead on the question that’s stumped them for months: what does Emperor Aelius want with the meteorite he found in the Badlands, and what does it have to do with void magic?
But upon returning to Talmaris with news of their discovery, Astrea and her friends receive an ultimatum from the Emperor. If they refuse to halt their investigation, they’ll suffer the consequences. So, with few choices and fewer allies, Astrea’s only option is take the conniving Victor Nazarov up on his nefarious offer of support.
But thwarting the Emperor’s evil intentions means breaking into the Helosian Empire and stealing an elusive artifact. And Nazarov’s help will cost Astrea dearly…
And Now for the Amid Twisted Chaos Cover reveal!
I told you it was gorgeous! The entire series looks so good together and I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy of Amid Twisted Chaos to add to my collection.
Have you Read any of the Darkened Skies Books?
Check out my review of Book 1 of the Darkened Skies series, HERE
Need to catch up on the series before Book 3 releases in February? Grab Your Copy of The UDS Series below
Amid Twisted Chaos is set to hit the shelves on February 19, 2024. Pre-orders are now available, so secure your copy to dive into the next chapter of this incredible series.
And for the Kindle Unlimited enthusiasts (like me!), don’t worry! All books in the Under Darkened Skies series are available on Kindle Unlimited, making it even easier to get caught up quickly on everything Astrea and the gang have been up to.
Disclosure – All reviews and opinions, are my own. If you make a purchase through my referral links, I may earn a small commissions from Amazon, and/or other retailers at no extra cost to you.
We’re back with another cover reveal and I hope you’re excited as I am! Remember when I chatted with Fay Bec last year and we chatted all about her debut novel, Hidden Beneath the Embers? Well, the second book in The Dark Curse Series is on its way, and it’s called “Seeking Beyond the Flames”! If you loved the first book, get hyped because this one’s going to take you on another wild ride through a world of magic, darkness, and a whole lot of romance.
Prepare Yourselves!
Remember Davyna, the fiery protagonist who set the throne on fire? Well, it seems like her story is far from over. In this sequel, she’s back in action, dealing with the consequences of her past actions and fighting to save her realm from impending chaos. But with everything she’s already gone through, I doubt it’s going to be easy! Check out my Hidden Beneath the Embers review.
Check out the blurb to Seeking Beyond the Flames
“Freedom comes at a cost, and Davyna was willing to pay.
After burning the throne, she felt like her game of hide-and-seek was finally over, and she could move on. But after a strange encounter, she rushes back to Valyner and realizes that this game is far from over. Now, she must face the consequences of her actions that threaten her realm’s very existence.
In a race against time, she must confront her inner demons to save her people, and seek the answers she needs to stop the impending war.
Loss will be her friend.
Betrayal will be her follower.
And love will be her fight.
But will her light triumph over the darkness inside? Or will she lose herself and accept that she was destined for Hell all along?”
And Now for the Cover reveal!
It looks so good! I loved the original Hidden Beneath the Embers cover, and the 2.0 Rerelease cover was gorgeous! But the Seeking Beyond the Flames cover, by Quirky Circe, is my favorite in the series so far!
Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to follow Fay on all of her socials and website to stay up to date on all things Seeking!
Disclosure – All reviews and opinions, are my own. If you make a purchase through my referral links, I may earn a small commissions from Amazon, and/or other retailers at no extra cost to you.
Today, I have a special treat lined up just for you! Indie author interviews are back and I had the amazing opportunity to catch up with indie author, V.B. Lacey, the creative mind behind the elemental magic debut novel, Long Live.
Trust me, you’re going to love her, and the story and characters she’s created! We’re diving into the world of Iona and uncovering the magic behind her writing process. So, grab your favorite beverage and cozy up because this one’s a real page-turner!
1. Congratulations on the release and success of “Long Live”! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the story and its characters?
“Thank you! Honestly, this question always stumps me a little, because I don’t have a specific anecdote or “lightbulb” moment to share. I’ve always wanted to be an author and have had snippets of stories and themes floating in my head over the last few years. One that kept calling to me was the idea of the elements of nature having personalities: what would they look like? Act like? Dream of? Be scared of? And from there, the elementals created themselves in my head, and the rest fell into place.”
2. “Long Live” is described as a New Adult fantasy romance novel. What drew you to this genre, and how did you approach blending these elements in your story?
“I mostly read NA fantasy romance, and I’m a believer in writing what you love. While the content of Long Live is appropriate for a YA/younger audience as well, the characters are adults in their early 20’s-30’s, because that’s what I identify with most right now and it was easy to draw on my own experiences and emotions to bring it all together.”
3. What was your favorite part of the writing journey for “Long Live”? Any memorable moments or milestones that stand out to you?
With the actual writing aspect, learning my characters was definitely my favorite part. I wrote 5 points of view, which is incredibly daunting, but each character was so vivid and loud in my head that it was easy to step into their shoes and tell their individual stories. A moment that stands out to me is the night I finished my first draft—I took a video and saved it so I’ll always remember that feeling. There’s nothing like standing at the top of the mountain and seeing how far you’ve come!
4. As an indie author, you have control over every aspect of your book. What aspects of self-publishing did you find most rewarding, and which were the most challenging?
All of the hype leading up to release day was so rewarding and encouraging—the cover reveal, the excitement over ARCs, and seeing Long Live start to pop up on my feed was unreal and very humbling.
The newness of this entire journey for me was challenging across the board, with trying to figure out marketing strategies, what resources to use, what to do when things started to fall apart, etc. I’m thankful to have made several wonderful connections with other authors who were there to offer support and advice when I needed, because without them, I probably would’ve had a breakdown!
5. Could you share some of the challenges you faced during the writing and publishing process, and how you overcame them?
One of the biggest challenges for my mental health in the entire process was the beta reading stage. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt starts to creep up when you hand your draft over to new people for the first time. I had to grow thick skin and remember that feedback is important, and that my book may not be for everyone. Along the same lines, once ARCs were out in the world and after pub day, I had to set a rule for myself to not look at reviews online—reviews are for readers, and it always did more harm than good to my mental health when I saw negative comments or critiques. Having a solid foundation of supporters and fellow indie authors to lean on was huge for overcoming the bad days.
6. “Long Live” is your debut novel. How did you feel when you held your book in your hands for the first time? Can you describe that moment?
I took a video of me opening the package with my first proof, and there really is no feeling like it! It was emotional and exciting, but also felt like a long time coming, and I have such a deep attachment to it that it felt like saying “hello” to an old friend.
7. Can you give readers a glimpse into the world you’ve created in “Long Live”? What makes it special and unique from other fantasy romance novels?
This world consists of 4 island kingdoms, each with their own unique landscapes and culture that I dip into a little bit in book 1. It’s a seemingly magicless world, until the main character learns of a history of ancient magical beings that used to live among the humans, and we slowly see more of those elementals and what their immortal lives have looked like. The magic is nature-based and ties very closely with their individual elements. I know elemental magic isn’t a unique idea and tons of amazing books include it! I hope that I added my own flare by tying their personalities so strongly to their elements and weaving the chaos and beauty of nature into their character traits.
8. Readers often enjoy knowing more about the characters in a story. Do you have a favorite character from “Long Live,” and if so, why?
It’s hard to choose, because I love them all for very different reasons! I think Aidan, the fire elemental, has always been one of my favorites because of his sense of humor and the way he views the world. He’s got a tough exterior, but is a complete cinnamon roll who loves a good dirty joke. But he’s got this complexity to him because, unlike the other elementals, there’s a part of him that fears his fire—and exploring the idea of needing that fire while also worried about how volatile it can be was fascinating.
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the dark god. But…spoilers. 😉
9. What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from “Long Live” after they’ve read it?
The main female character, Isla, goes through a lot of anxiety and internal conflict over her decisions and things that have happened in her past. I think healing and coping with these dark thoughts is a major theme of both Long Live, and will be even bigger in the sequel, Forever Reign. The idea of corruption and power is also seen a lot with the elementals and their struggles. Many of these characters have dark pasts and have made huge mistakes that they didn’t think they could come back from, so the theme of forgiveness and change is one I really played into with them.
10. “Long Live” is a New Adult fantasy romance novel, a genre known for its passionate and emotional storytelling. Can you share a particular scene or moment in the book that was emotionally significant for you as an author, and why it had such an impact on you?
There were 3 times that I cried while writing this book. One was during chapter 5, where Isla recalls how she felt after her mother died and the process of grieving that she went through. I’ve never lost someone so close to me, so figuring out how to accurately depict what was going on inside her head was difficult and emotional. The second time was in chapter 29, still one of my favorite scenes to date (and we might be getting some artwork for soon…). This is where Kai and Aidan are opening up to each other about the sins of their past, and it was both heartbreaking and healing to write about such deep desires of Kai’s heart and the burdens she carried, and then having them come together and forgive each other with so much love was beautiful. The third time was the last chapter…but that’s a spoiler, so you’ll have to read and find out! But I was a wreck writing that scene.
11. What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you can give us a sneak peek of?
I’ve recently finished the first draft of the sequel and final book in the duology, Forever Reign! This is set to release on April 23, 2024, and I’m so excited to finish their story. After the Elementals of Iona, I plan to write a Wizard of Oz meets Hunger Games fantasy standalone that’s been on my mind for months. I have big plans for this one!
12. Can you share a fun or interesting behind-the-scenes tidbit about the creation of “Long Live” that readers might not know?
Hmm…a small tidbit is that I changed several of the main characters’ names! Isla was originally named Leigh, and Brielle was originally Ava. I never felt that either of those names quite matched their personality, so I changed them when I was almost completely done with the first draft.
13. Finally, how can readers connect with you further, stay updated on your work, and get involved in your writing community?
Follow me on social media! My username is @vblacey.books on TikTok and Instagram. I have a newsletter that goes out once a month and gets exclusive access to cover reveals, new art, early chapters, and more. You can sign up for that here: Newsletter Signup Link
Nothing could have prepared Sebastian and the elementals for what occurred on the beaches of Iona three months ago. In the aftermath of loss and betrayal, they’re left to pick up the shattered pieces of their lives, recovering in their separate corners of the world. That is, until the long-lost kingdom invites them back to their shores for a festival of peace.
Isolated to the spirit plane, Isla Vasileia has received a quest from the ancient gods.
Ever since Isla took the magic from the elementals, the balance of nature has been greatly altered. Violent disasters have wreaked havoc across the kingdoms, decimating villages and tearing families apart. To bring the world back into balance, what was taken must somehow be restored.
When Isla finds herself back on the beaches of Iona, she reunites with Bri, Sebastian, and the former elementals, and they are thrust into a world of secrecy, fear, and lies. Danger lurks around every corner, but so does new love and a chance for a happy ending. Isla is once again caught in a game amongst gods, racing against fate and time to save the kingdoms from destruction, forced to make a decision that will change her world forever.
One way or another, the end will come for all.
Tropes Include:
elemental magic
found family
“who did this to you”
ballroom scene
he falls first
“stay with me”
multiple POVs
no spice but heavy tension
witty banter
political intrigue
“touch him & die”
Forever Reign is the heart-pounding conclusion to the Elementals of Iona duology by V.B. Lacey. Book 1, Long Live, is available now, and Forever Reign will be released on April 23, 2024. It’s available to pre-order now on Amazon.
***I received an advance review copy of The Throne of Broken Gods from Rose & Star Publishing and the author, Amber Nicole, but am leaving this review voluntarily***
Disclaimer – This is an adult fantasy romance. Triggers include loss of a loved one, grief, profanity, sex, death/murder/gore. Please make sure to be mindful of your triggers.
Blurb
“Then, Samkiel, you will know this is how the world ends.” But it was not this world. No, it was mine. It was Dianna.
The world quakes in fear as the last shred of Dianna’s humanity is ripped from her. As it should. Grief consumes Dianna, burning away any semblance of good within her and threatening the budding relationship between her and Liam. Now, Liam must pull her back from the brink of complete damnation before time runs out.
My Review
First off, thank you so much to Rose & Star Publishing and Amber Nicole for an eARC of this chaotic masterpiece.
After the heartbreaking cliffhanger in Book 1, Dianna is on a bloodthirsty rampage, seeking to destroy any and everyone who played a part in what happened to her sister Gabby. Her emotions were all over the place, and she truly started to become the monster everyone believed her to be. But I absolutely loved Dianna as the villain. Through everything, Samkiel never once gave up on her, even though she was constantly pushing him away, attempting to unalive him, and destroying everything in her path while seeking her revenge.
Side Characters for the Win!
I fell in love with the side characters through their POVs. And watching Dianna work through her grief, feelings of betrayal, and moments of vulnerability, while trying to develop relationships with members of The Hand and figure out her feelings for Samkiel really brought out all of the feels, and left me wanting to climb into the book and take away her pain.
Although both book 2 was LONG, (I’m talking 700 pages long), Amber thoroughly immerses you into the story and the characters’ world, making it incredibly difficult to put the book down and adult.
Prepare Yourself
Book 2 picked my heart up off of the ground after book 1s cliffy and proceeded to shred it to pieces before slowly putting it back together again. And right when things started falling back into place and my heart felt somewhat whole again, plot turns hit, leaving me with more heartache, another cliff hanger and so many questions. So grab your tissue box, and prepare yourself for another emotional ride.
Have you read The Book of Azrael yet? If so, are you ready for the pain of The Throne of Broken Gods? Let me know in the comments below, and we’ll chat soon!
Disclosure – All reviews and opinions, are my own. If you make a purchase through my referral links, I may earn a small commissions from Amazon, and/or other retailers at no extra cost to you.
Last year I had the pleasure of interviewing author, Fay Bec right before the release of her debut novel Hidden Beneath The Embers. It’s been almost 6 months since HBTE was published, and Fay just released an updated version, aka Hidden 2.0! This exciting update includes a new gorgeous cover, added scenes (like 27k words worth of extra goodness, and yes there is some added spice!), as well as some fun interior changes. Check out the follow up interview with Fay to get to know a little more about Hidden Beneath the Embers, as well as the 2.0 version!
Enjoy!
Let’s start with getting reacquainted with Hidden Beneath the Embers and the amazing characters!
Which one of your characters are your favorite? And why? Least favorite character, and why? Fay – My favorite character has to be Davyna. But that could be because I see so much of me in her. Ahh, there are a few…but I’d say Persephone takes the number 1 slot there!
What is your favorite scene? Fay – Fallen Court ball. Epecially after the updates to this second edition.
What part of the book was the hardest for you to write? Fay – The The last 10-15 chapters. Those were so emotional, and I battled with how to end the first book. I had a different path I was considering, but when it came time, I went with plan B, which wasn’t easy to do, knowing how it would set up book two.
What is Kade’s favorite thing about Dy? Dy’s fave thing about Kade? Fay – Kade’s: Dy’s determination. Davyna’s: His untamed will to fight for the things he loves.
I loved the sexual tension between Dy and Kade. And when they finally fully gave into each other, it was perfection. Were the spicy scenes hard or awkward for you to write? And did you have a plan on those scenes before you wrote them, or did you just let the scene flow and let the characters take the lead? Fay – So Hidden was my first book and first time writing spice. It felt weird at first, lol, and trust me, that chapter alone was edited many times. But I let them lead it. I knew where it would happen and the lead-up, but other than that, I panstered that scene, much like the bonus chapter in the second edition…which I can say is WAY spicier than the encounters we see in HBTE.
That was one hell of a cliffhanger ending! Can you share a tiny look into what your plans are for Dy and the sequel? Fay – All I can say is we are not done with Dy learning things…there is more out there hiding, and we know Dy. She can’t help but seek out the truth. But can she handle what is coming?
SomeHidden 2.0 Deets!
It’s been almost 6 months since Hidden released, how do you feel having your first novel out in the world? Does it still feel sort of surreal? Fay – Still feels surreal. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like I really did it. But authors are typically moving on to the next book soon after publishing. Not all, but I’ve seen it a lot online. And your mind doesn’t focus on the one that is out because there is so much more you want to write, and you go back into writing mode and then editing. It’s a crazy process, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Creating these characters and bonding with them through all their trials is so fun. And at the end of the day, if it touches one person out there to relate to them, it’s worth it.
Now that Hidden is published, what does life as an author look like for you? Do you focus on one WIP at a time, or do you have a few different stories that you’re bouncing between? Fay – Life as an author has been crazy since HBTE came out. But I work most days of the week with writing, organizing things for future books, and marketing. I have been working on two other books, which has been a little hard to manage, but I’m excited about both books.
What was your main reasoning behind relaunching Hidden? Fay – After writing my second book, which is in editing now (Caged in crimson), I learned much more about my writing style. I got to talk to many readers and friends in the bookstagram community about HBTE and took their advice on how I could help make her shine brighter. And I just felt pulled to go back to Hidden. My team and I went through the book, adding over 27k words, new scenes, and more depth that I love! With Hidden being a series, I wanted the first book to reflect more of my writing style and what I have learned since publishing the book the first time back in October.
Did you dive straight back into Hidden or did you start working on other stories? Or did you let yourself celebrate and take a bit of a break before getting back to work? Fay – LOL, so…I was actually writing caged in crimson around the time of the release of HBTE. I wanted to write in a different genre, and initially, it was just supposed to be for practice. But it turned into a book. Shortly after that, I got into book two: seeking beyond the flames, and I am still working on that first draft.
What are you most excited about with the re-release? Fay – The fact that there is more depth in this story now. Along with some scenes that were added. I wanted to play up the emotions in the plot and really bring Davyna’s story to life. And I think my team and I really did that. Also, I’m so in love with the new cover and can’t wait to see the rest of the series in this theme.
I don’t know about y’all, but I can’t wait to start rereading Hidden Beneath The Embers, and diving into those extra scenes! Hidden 2.0 is out NOW on Amazon and available on Kindle Unlimited!
Be sure to connect with Fay on her website and socials below, so you don’t miss out on the fun and of course keep up with any upcoming book news!
