Book Review - Estranged #2: The Changeling King by Ethan M. Aldridge + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Changeling Edmund Carter resumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below after spending years pretending to be human. However, not all of the underworld inhabitants are happy about his return to the throne. Ed is still adjusting to his new human life in the World Above. His birth parents are kind and accepting of him but, he misses his sense of purpose as a knight.

When a new threat threatens the lives of everyone in the World Below, Cinder must rely on his friends and family to assist him. However, Cinder discovers a dark secret at the end of their journey. Will Cinder be able to protect his family and kingdom against all odds?

The graphic novel was illustrated in beautiful watercolor paintings. I enjoyed the first book in the series and the second one didn't disappoint. We got to see the characters learn about themselves and how they fit in with their world. They also learn the importance of friends and family is not only people who are related by blood. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

Series: Estranged (Book 2)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (October 1, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006265389X
ISBN-13: 978-0062653895

Praise for ESTRANGED Series

“A splendid tale of faery magic and adventurous siblings, all told in gorgeously rendered watercolor panels: this is exactly my kind of thing.” —Ben Hatke, author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Zita the Spacegirl trilogy

“It’s got dragons. It’s got drama. It’s got depth. And it’s got me impatiently awaiting Ethan M. Aldridge’s next eye-popping adventure.” —Tim Federle, award-winning author of Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate!

“A compelling story about finding identity in a world where magic dangers lurk just around the corner. I loved Estranged!” —Molly Ostertag, author-illustrator of The Witch Boy

“As richly imagined in the full-color illustrations, the worldbuilding is both accessible and as familiar as those genre stalwarts… this should easily resonate with preteen and teen fans of both Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Worthy of inclusion in any fantasy collection.” —School Library Journal

“[F]un, daring, and dark...with themes and art that fall into the realm of Neil Gaiman, Michael Ende, and Jim Henson. Coupled with the beautifully toned watercolor art, the interdependence of and tension between the two protagonists makes this book stand out.” —Publishers Weekly

“The deliciously captivating start to this adventure series will leave readers hungry for more.” —Booklist

Enter a world of faerie magic and epic adventure in this spellbinding sequel to Estranged—a rich fantasy graphic novel perfect for fans of Amulet.

After years of pretending to be human, the changeling Edmund Carter has assumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below. But not everyone at the royal palace is happy about his return.

Meanwhile, Ed is adjusting to human life in the World Above. His birth family treats him with a kindness he never knew growing up in the Fay court, but Ed misses the sense of purpose he had as a knight.

When a mysterious new threat emerges in the World Below, Cinder must call on Ed and their older sister, Alexis, for help. But nothing can prepare them for the family secret that awaits at the end of their perilous quest.

With over two hundred pages of gorgeous watercolor paintings, The Changeling King invites readers on an epic journey through a magical world—one they will not soon forget.

You can purchase The Changeling King at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Ethan M. Aldridge 

Ethan M. Aldridge is a bestselling author and illustrator. He is the creator of the fantasy graphic novel ESTRANGED (a Junior Library Guild selection, Indie Bestseller, and YALSA Great Graphic Novel For Teens), and it's follow up THE CHANGELING KING (coming fall 2019).

Ethan was raised in a small town in Utah. Growing up, Ethan’s favorite things to draw were monsters and whatever dinosaur he liked that week. He now does more or less the same thing for a living. Ethan lives in New York City with his husband, Matthew, and their dog, Kitsune.

Ethan has had the pleasure to create work for HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Random House, and EA Games.

        

WEEK ONE - REVIEWS

DECEMBER 9th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 10th TUESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
DECEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY JeanBookNerd PODCAST
DECEMBER 11th WEDNESDAY Wonder Struck REVIEW
DECEMBER 12th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
DECEMBER 13th FRIDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 

WEEK TWO - REVIEW & CREATIVE INSTAGRAM PICTURE
DECEMBER 16th MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
DECEMBER 17th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW
DECEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 19th THURSDAY Life Within The Pages REVIEW
DECEMBER 20th FRIDAY For The Love of Fictional Worlds REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - Witchlight by Jessi Zabarsky

Photo Credit - Amazon

Lelek is a witch on a mission. As she makes her way through the city, she kidnaps a peasant girl, Sanja. As they continue to travel together, the pair becomes closer. The duo travel to different cities to find the missing half of Lelek's soul so, she can regain her magical powers. As they continue the journey together, they both search for ways to be whole again.

The graphic novel was beautifully illustrated.  I thought the storyline was interesting but, I felt like the writing was a bit choppy. I found myself lost a few times while I was reading. I wish the characters were a bit more developed.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley + Listicle - Magical Powers

Photo Credit - Amazon

Magician in training, Micah Tuttle is still learning the ropes while he is living and working at the Circus Mirandus. The circus is filled with magical acts like fire and light shows, strong men performing amazing feats, magical animals, and magicians from every corner of the world. Micah feels like he needs to prove he belongs here. 

Everything seems to be going well when a dangerous enemy from the past is threatening the circus. Micah has to work to figure out his own magic while trying to help protect the circus from malevolent forces.  Will Micah be able to help the other magicians to fight off the evil forces?

This book was deliciously fun and an entertaining read. I love how Micah was able to grow into his own and his magic.  While I enjoyed the novel, I was a bit disappointed that Micah wasn't more involved in the final battle.  Overall, the book was an enjoyable read and I can't wait to read more books from the author.

Topic - Fun Circus Names & Abilities -

I thought it would be a fun treat to create a few imaginary circus names and their magical powers! After all, who doesn't love a fun + silly name?! Leave your favorites in the comments!

- Ivy Flowers - the ability to grow flowers from every surface
- Snow Melt - the ability to turn water into snow
- Tsumani - the ability to control water
- Fire Eater - the ability to control fire because they ate too much hot sauce
- Whirlwind - the ability to control wind
- Creepy Curlie Charlie - a man with the ability to control insects
- Reptile Ralph - a man with the ability to control reptiles
- Flaming Aces - the ability to transfer energy to objects
- Hairy Albert - just a really hairy guy
- Gwen the Gnome - a woman with good luck
- Vesper the Sand Maker - a woman who can tell stories with sand
- Fierce Bob - security protection
**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley + Listicle - Circus Character Names

Photo Credit - Amazon

Micah Tuttle knows magic is real. He needs to believe in magic if he is going to save his dying Grandpa Ephraim. When his grandfather takes a turn for the worst, his great-aunt Gertrudis steps in to help take care of Micah and Grandpa Ephraim. Micah believes the stories of the magical Circus Mirandus of the invisible tiger protecting the circus, a woman who flies with birds, and the Man Who Bends Light. One day, Grandpa Ephraim lets Micah on a secret, the Circus is real! And the Lightbender owes Grandpa Ephraim a miracle. Micah believes the miracle will save his grandfather except, the Lightbender doesn't want to keep his promise. With the help of his friend Jenny Mendoza, Micah will need the Lightbender to keep his word.

Ah, this book...I loved it! I love books with themes of magic and circuses. It just makes me feel even though the world is crumbling around you, believing in something will make it better. Most of the characters were lovable though flawed. There was a scene that was slightly disturbing about a child having their belief questioned and then they got hurt. However, I found the book enjoyable and can't wait for the sequel!

Topic - Fun Circus Names -

I thought it would be a fun treat to create a few imaginary circus names! After all, who doesn't love a fun + silly name?! Leave your favorites in the comments!

- Ivy Flowers
- Snow Melt
- Tsumani
- Fire Eater
- Whirlwind
- Creepy Curlie Charlie
- Reptile Ralph
- Flaming Aces
- Hairy Albert
- Gwen the Gnome
- Vesper the Sand Maker
- Fierce Bob


  **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Babysitters Coven by Kate Williams

Photo Credit - Amazon

Esme Pearl is a seventeen-year-old who has a babysitters club with her best friend. She knows that it's lame to have a club with only two members but, it's her only option other than getting a real job.  However, Esme is going to need all the cash she can get when a series of unfortunate events leaves a path of destruction behind her.

Her new classmate, Cassandra Heaven is supermodel hot. However, she has a rebellious streak and dresses like she found her clothes in the trash. When Cassandra wants to join the babysitters club, Esme is surprised. 

The duo realizes that they have more in common with each other than they imagined. They are about to find out that being a babysitter has a different meaning than they thought. They will discover that they have superpowers that will enable them to save people from monsters. 

The novel started off as a fun read but, quickly went downhill. I found the plot to be very basic and predictable. I didn't find any of the characters likable and some were downright annoyingly extra. Overall, this felt like a gimmicky novel instead of a "serious" read.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Tidelands (Fairmile #1) by Philippa Gregory

Photo Credit - Amazon

 In 1648 in England, there is a civil war between the king and his people. The struggle reaches every corner of the kingdom, even the remote tidelands. Alinor is a  poverty-stricken midwife and a healer. However, people around her believe she practices magic. They believe she is friends with faeries. 

On one Midsummer's Eve, Alinor decides to walk among the graveyard under a full moon to look for her abusive husband's ghost. Instead, she crosses path with James, who is on the run and looking for refuge. Alinor decides to help James but, little does she know that she is leading her heart into danger.

To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked up this novel. However, I do know that the novel had an interesting premise but, it was unnecessarily long and boring. I felt like maybe 200 pages of the novel was just fluff. The last few pages are when the story finally progresses but, I felt it was more of a cliffhanger for a second novel. Overall, the novel had a good plot but, it was too much fluff to be enjoyable.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Dragonslayer by Duncan M. Hamilton + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A long time ago, dragons once rule the lands and there was heavy demand for brave dragonslayers. However, the dragons have long died out and the need for dragonslayers died with them.  Guillot dal Villevauvais was once an illustrious famous knight of the King's personal guard and now, he a drunken disgrace.

When a quest to look forgotten power awakes a dragon, Gill is called upon to help slay the dragon.  He is astonished and worried when he called upon by Prince Bishop to kill the dragon  He is no longer the heroic person and must call upon his past experience to help guide him.  

On his way to the Capital, Gill comes across a young barmaid, Solene who is about to be burned as a witch by an angry mob. He had seen enough innocent people being punished wrongly and decides to save her. He soon discovers that Solene is a powerful mage but lacks experience and control. However, magic is considered to be forbidden but, Prince Bishop believes magic will help destroy the dragon and better the lives of the people. Together will Gill and Solene be able to defeat the dragon?

I love reading the "Lord of the Rings" novels. While this book has elements of a great fantasy novel, I felt like something was missing.  felt like there was a lack of explaining the world the characters lived in. There was no story behind the different cities and villages that would have helped add to the story. I did enjoy that the novel included the perspective of both the dragon and the human characters.  The novel did include a lot of gore, sword fighting, and adventure but, overall the novel wasn't for me.

 **Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Tor Books (July 2, 2019)
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Sold by: Macmillan
Language: English
ASIN: B07CRFSDLS

Author of one of BuzzFeed 's Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013

Do you have what it takes to be a Dragonslayer? In this epic, adventure fantasy series, an unlikely hero, Guillot dal Villevauvais, must overcome his disgraced past as a failed member of the King’s guard and hunt down a ferocious beast thought long extinct. A dangerous quest, led by the swordsmanship of Gill, the magical powers of Solène, a barmaid nearly burned to the stake, and the goodness of Prince Bishop. From the critically acclaim fantasy author Duncan M. Hamilton, this fast-moving series is a must-read for fans of epic, sword-and-sorcery adventures.

In his magnificent, heroic, adventure fantasy, Dragonslayer, Duncan M. Hamilton debuts the first book in a fast-moving trilogy: a dangerous tale of lost magics, unlikely heroes, and reawakened dragons.

Once a member of the King's personal guard, Guillot dal Villevauvais spends most days drinking and mourning his wife and child. He’s astonished—and wary—when the Prince Bishop orders him to find and destroy a dragon. He and the Prince Bishop have never exactly been friends and Gill left the capital in disgrace five years ago. So why him? And, more importantly, how is there a dragon to fight when the beasts were hunted to extinction centuries ago by the ancient Chevaliers of the Silver Circle?

On the way to the capitol city, Gill rescues Solène, a young barmaid, who is about to be burned as a witch. He believes her innocent…but she soon proves that she has plenty of raw, untrained power, a problem in this land, where magic is forbidden. Yet the Prince Bishop believes magic will be the key to both destroying the dragon and replacingthe young, untried King he pretends to serve with a more pliable figurehead.
Between Gill’s rusty swordsmanship and Solene’s unstable magic, what could go wrong?

You can purchase Dragonslayer at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Credit: Jason Clarke

Duncan M. Hamilton is the Amazon best selling writer of fantasy novels and short stories, including The Wolf of the North and the Society of the Sword trilogy. He has Master’s Degrees in History and Law, and practised as a barrister before writing full time. Duncan is particularly interested in the Medieval and Renaissance periods, from which he draws inspiration for his stories.

He lives in Ireland, near the sea, and when not writing he enjoys sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, cycling, and skiing.

His debut novel, ‘The Tattered Banner (Society of the Sword Volume 1)’ was featured on Buzzfeed’s 12 Greatest Fantasy Books Of The Year, 2013.

Duncan is a member of The Society of Authors, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). He is represented by DongWon Song of Howard Morhaim Literary.

      

WEEK ONE

JULY 1st MONDAY BookHounds EXCERPT 

JULY 2nd TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW

JULY 4th THURSDAY Lauren's Bookshelf REVIEW

JULY 4th THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

JULY 5th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
JULY 5th FRIDAY Book Briefs REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JULY 8th MONDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

JULY 9th TUESDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW 

JULY 9th TUESDAY Rose's Book Corner EXCERPT

JULY 10th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

JULY 10th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

JULY 11th THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW

JULY 12th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW

JULY 12th FRIDAY Port Jericho REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ivy and Tabitha are twin sisters but, only Tabitha was lucky enough to be blessed with magic. Ivy likes to believe that she is okay with not having any magical abilities but, deep down she is envious of her sister. She wishes that she can be like her gifted twin sister instead of being a mediocre private investigator.

When a gruesome murder occurs at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy is bought in to help solve the murder. Ivy is reluctant to accept the case because her estranged twin sister teaches there. While investigating the murder, Ivy is pulled into the world of deadly secrets and dangerous power. Ivy desperately wishes she was a part of this magical world. Will be Ivy be able to solve the murder without losing herself or her sister in the process?

When I first saw this cover, I knew this book was for me but, sadly it wasn't.  I felt the novel focuses mostly on Ivy trying to become something she wasn't then the "magic" aspect. She had this self-pitying attitude that was annoying. I wish she was more confident in herself and her abilities. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. It felt like a letdown after being tension built up earlier. Overall, the novel had great potential but, it kind of fizzes out to a "meh" feeling.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Fatima is a royal concubine in the royal court of Granda, the last emirate of Muslim Spain. Hassan, her best friend, is the palace mapmaker. Hassan has the power to draw maps of places he has never seen and bend the shape of reality. When representatives from the Spanish monarchy arrive to negotiate the sultan's surrender, Fatima becomes friends with one of the women, Luz. However, she didn't realize that Luz will see Hassan's gift as a threat. Fearing for their lives, Fatima and Hassan escape the palace. Will Fatima and Hassan be able to escape Luz?

At first, I thought this novel was going to be a historical fiction novel but, it slowly became a fantasy novel instead. The novel was written beautifully in the beginning but halfway in the book, I started losing interest in the book. I felt like the story was a bit slow and boring. I found the parts with Vikram, the jinn to be the most interesting part of the story.  After finishing more than 75% of the book, I lost interest in the book and couldn't finish it.

**Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**  

Book Review - The Adventurers Guild #2: Twilight of the Elves by Zack Loran Clark & Nick Eliopulos + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Zed and his friends managed to save Freestone from being destroyed, but, the fight has just begun. A dark power has risen up in the elven city which has caused their dead to rise again. As the elves flee to Freestone, the natives are filled with resent towards the elves as resources become scarce. The leader of the elves, Queen Me'Shala, reaches out to the Adventurers Guild with a mission to take back the elven city.

Zed with his friends take on the mission to tackle the powerful magic taking over the elven city. The friends will have to rely on each other if they want to destroy the evil forces. However, Zed and his best friend, Brock are keeping secrets from each other. Will they be able to trust each other to complete the mission?

I found this book to be a fun and interesting read. It reminds me a bit of Warcraft and Lord of the Rings.  However, this is the second book in the series and while it could be read as a stand-alone, I think it would be best to read the book in order. Overall, a fun read for anyone who loves fantasy novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.** 

About the Book:

Title: TWILIGHT OF THE ELVES (The Adventurers Guild #2)

Author: Zack Loran Clark & Nick Eliopulos

Pub. Date: November 13, 2018

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 384

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks

I should probably start at the beginning, Zed wrote, when things first went wrong?

Zed, Brock, and their friends may have saved Freestone from destruction, but the fight against the Dangers is far from over. No one knows what to expect next from the dark power that forced the elves to abandon their city. And the influx of elf refugees in Freestone strains resources and brews resentment among the townspeople. Things have shifted between best friends Zed and Brock, as well, with their friendship crumbling under the weight of the secrets they're keeping from each other.

When tensions reach an all-time high, Queen Me'Shala, leader of the elves, approaches the Adventurers Guild with a mission. She wants a small group of adventurers to go behind the king's back on a covert mission to save her city, and Zed, Brock, Liza, Jett, Micah, and their elven friend Fel join the quest. To face a powerful form of magic thought to be extinct, the adventurers will have to learn how to rely on each other and fight harder than ever before.

Don't miss this second installment of Zack Loran Clark and Nicholas Eliopulos's Adventurers Guild trilogy, where the stakes are raised, the action is breathless, and the dangers will stop even the bravest of hearts.

About Zack & Nick:

ZACK LORAN CLARK and NICK ELIOPULOS grew up in Florida and now live in New York. Best friends, they get together to play Dungeons & Dragons every week. Zack fervently hopes that magic is real; Nick desperately hopes that monsters are not. The Adventurers Guild is their first novel.

Website | Zack Twitter |Nick Twitter |Facebook

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of TWILIGHT OF THE ELVES, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2836/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

11/12/2018- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

11/13/2018- Oh Hey! Books.- Review

11/14/2018- Texan Holly Reads- Spotlight

11/15/2018- Do You Dog-ear?- Review

11/16/2018- Two Points of Interest- Review