#bookreview of The City of Stardust Georgia Summers #netgalley #fantasy

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy of this debut by Georgia Summers.

The Blurb

Curses are made to be broken.

‘ENTHRALLING TO THE LAST PAGE’ SHELLEY PARKER-CHAN

Filled with magic, stardust, and a shockingly dark heart, this is a stunning standalone fantasy perfect for fans of The Ten Thousand Doors of JanuaryThe Starless Sea and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

For centuries, Everlys have seen their brightest and best disappear, taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers, for a purpose no one understands. Their tormentor is a woman named Penelope, who never ages, never grows sick – and never forgives a debt.

Ten years ago, Violet Everly’s mother left to break the curse, and never returned. Now Violet must find her mother, or she will be taken in her place.

Her hunt leads her into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods, and monsters bent on revenge. And into the path of Penelope’s quiet assistant, Aleksander, who she knows cannot be trusted – and yet to whom she finds herself undeniably drawn.

Tied to a very literal deadline, Violet will travel to the edges of the world to find her mother and the key to the city of stardust, where the Everly story began . . .

My Review

This was a very enjoyable read from a debut author. The blurb drew my interest straight away and I really liked the simplistic beauty of the cover, which fits the story perfectly.

From the first page, I knew I would like the story and it didn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of intrigue at the beginning when you have to keep reading to uncover the mystery along with Violet. As she grows up and the story develops secrets are revealed, trust is broken and Violet must face up to her fate or do all in her power to change it. Her journey of discovery drags you along and the final confrontation is satisfying.

There is a certain strangeness to the world Georgia Summers has created which reminds me of Neil Gaiman.

I’m looking forward to more books by this author.

I’m especially looking forward to meeting her at my local Waterstones later this month! I’ll have to try and think of some questions for the Q&A and will hopefully post more about the night here.

You can pick up a copy of The City of Stardust on Amazon and add to your Goodreads shelf.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories

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Books I purchased during the #IndieApril sale #fantasy by #indieauthors

During the #IndieApril book sale I could not resist picking up some new books. I haven’t read any of these authors before so I’m looking forward to checking them out. Here is a taste of what attracted me to these books…

The Traitors We Are – In a world where writing disappears when the author dies, 22-year-old Cael Oberlan watches the last gasping breaths of his best friend. He pulls a scrap of paper out of his pocket as his friend’s signature fades. Cael only wants vengeance for his friend and to create a reality where he no longer has to bow before any man. However, the nagging suspicion that his father, who started this war, hasn’t given him the whole story about his role in this conflict threatens to unravel everything he ever thought he knew about himself and the people he is fighting to free.

As nephew of the King, 24-year-old Emil Trestinsen should be a hero. He should already hear his name echoing in celebration in the streets of the capital. In a young life already full of disappointment, a lack of recognition for ridding the kingdom of “Ruinous” Lorcen Oberlan may prove to be the final push he needs to seize his destiny. He will prove his worth to his family and his nation. He will end this rebellion and take his rightful place as the next governor of the rebels.

When 18-year-old Merily Oberlan receives letters from the frontlines, and the top one is blank, she is devastated to realize one of her loved ones has died in battle. She is determined to help bring an end to this bloody war and be strong for her people, a cultural and religious minority in the kingdom of Harfal.

What started as a simple rebellion transforms into a complicated web of lies, betrayal, and difficult decisions no one should have to make. It is a race against time and death as handwriting continues to disappear, erasing the contracts and historical records necessary for peaceful negotiations.

Winds of Destruction – Ancient pacts have been broken and powers greater than anything is about to be released and threatens to swallow the world. Life wants vengeance and the Wind freedom. The Spirits will fight for their justice and only the thunderous Storm can lead them to victory.But the war her ancestors have started is too much for her to handle alone. To break the Lord of Life’s dynasty and set the Spirits free she needs help from her uncle; a long-lost war hero now wasting the remnants of his broken life in ale. Once he was the Lord of Winds, but the Wind, people whisper, cannot be killed.

Broken Sky – Dorian Valmont is the sorriest excuse for an aeronaut the crew of skyship Phoenix has ever seen.

Forced to flee his home to protect his magical inheritance from the machinations of his ambitious stepfather, awkward misfit Dorian finds himself poorly suited to the rigors of life in the sky. But when an exiled dragon finds him, injured and desperate for help, Dorian learns it’s not enough merely to run away. Dorian must learn to fight back.


Caught between forces that seek to use or destroy him, Dorian must train and adapt if he wants to survive. But if he can, he might just hold the key to restoring the world’s faltering magic — or destroying it once and for all.

Flames over Frosthelm – An Investigation Gone Awry Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves. Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city. After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried.Flames Over Frosthelm is the first novel about the Inquisitor’s Guild, the investigative arm of the government of Frosthelm, a medieval city-state where criminals thrive, nobles scheme, and dark secrets lurk. Expect intrigue, mystery, swordplay, adventure, politics, romance, and the strong bonds of friendship. And a little magic along the way. Described as Princess Bride meets CSI, this new novel is a tale of classic adventure with a healthy dose of humor.

Devil’s Deal – When two angels break their deal with the Devil, he comes for the one they’re trying to protect.

16-year-old Eleonora Santos works through the summer break so she can visit her family in Italy when she graduates. With the new school year around the corner, her focus is back on homework and enjoying life with her tight group of friends. But on their first day back, she finds them fawning over two new guys in their class—Ben and Danny.

Not a day goes by before Nora’s life is turned upside down. Her best friend now hates her, and the boys seem eager to get to know her. Despite their charming efforts, she’d rather have her best friend, not a boyfriend.

When Nora discovers Ben and Danny are not who they claim to be, and their nefarious deal goes wrong, Nora is caught in the middle.

To fix their mistakes, she must face the Devil and betray herself—or pay with her life.

Silver Mage – NEW EDITION – The dragons once sacrificed everything to destroy their enemy. They failed. Now the burden of that failure falls on the man they have called to reforge what their war destroyed – the link between the races and the magic that holds the world together.

Touched by elemental Fire, Aarin is driven by his need to return the dragons to Andeira. But the dragons vanished three thousand years ago, taking their magic with them, and their ancient partnership with mankind is now no more than legend. Even the memory of the magic they shared is fading, and Aarin’s obsession has made him an outsider even to his own people.

But when he is confronted by a magic he thought long lost, he suddenly finds himself in conflict with powerful forces intent on preventing the return of the dragons at all costs. And, deadlier still, the machinations of an age-old power that would sacrifice anything to see them returned, even the life of the man they have waited thousands of years to find.

Beset on all sides, Aarin must sort friend from foe and unravel the mysteries of a past long forgotten. Because, to survive, he must first discover the secret of why the dragons left – and what they risked everything to destroy. A classic epic fantasy adventure, Silver Mage is the standalone first novel in the Long Dream sequence.

City of Masks – When a royal conspiracy topples the noble House Falco, Sofia must take up the burden of her father’s mantle and assume guardianship of his Greatmask. Yet the sentient bone mask, powerful enough to Compel those around her, will not speak, and Sofia, the first female Protector in a hundred years, is left defenceless.

Hunted by the king, she is driven from the palace and must fight for survival, alone in the cold streets of Anaskar. There, she crosses paths with Notch, a bitter mercenary with problems of his own. Accused of murder, Notch is trying to clear his name while hunted by the city’s robed assassins, the very people who are now searching for Sofia.

To take back their city and cast down the tyrant on the throne, Sofia and Notch must face the blades of Anaskar’s assassins, the rage of a mighty sea beast, and the mysterious Lupo, a man with a Greatmask of his own, who has masterminded vicious terrorist attacks on the city that spurned him.

Their struggle threatens to tear the city – and the kingdom – into shreds.

No Heart for a Thief – We are the stories we tell ourselves…even the lies.

The Thief, a great spirit, and her descendants have abused their ability to steal magic for centuries. When Kaylo starts to hear the song of other people’s magic, he must learn to hide from his people as well as the invaders. A gift or a curse, Kaylo may be able to save his people from the Gousht Empire that claimed their land with this stolen magic.

Eighteen years later, Kaylo still prays to the spirits, but not out of loyalty or love. He knows better than to rely on those selfish bastards for anything. While hiding in the forest from his foolish acts of rebellion, he encounters a girl, Tayen, being pursued by two soldiers of the empire. Against his better judgment, he risks facing the consequences of his past to intervene.

When Tayen attempts to run off seeking vengeance for her family, he offers to train her to wield her magic and a blade. If he can’t convince her to relinquish her need for vengeance and stave off the demons of his past, he’s going to get them both killed.

Spirit of the Dragon – Every dream comes at a price.

Twins Genshu Masanori and Genshu Hidekazu watched in horror as a woman was kidnapped from the annual Midsummer Festival. Delving into the case, they discover she wasn’t the first victim of the sorcerer who took her, nor will she be the last.

But fighting to rescue the woman will mean breaking ancient clan laws against warfare.
By embarking on this rescue mission they will sign their lives away to the prestigious Tsukiko Academy… regardless of the rumours about the dark secrets harboured within the school grounds. Yet embracing their future as warriors is only the beginning.

As the twins unravel the sorcerer’s sinister plan, they come to the horrific revelation that if they can’t find him in time, the game of life and death he whispers about might be the last anyone ever plays…

Jump into the world of Yumihari, a land filled with spirits, dragons, monsters, and characters who wield elemental magic. If you love epic fight scenes, mystery, monsters, and mayhem you will love Spirit of the Dragon!

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I can’t wait to dive into some new fantasy worlds. How about you? Have any of these books caught your eye?

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories

You can follow me on

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Visions of Zarua 99p during #indieaugust #fantasy #epicfantasy

During #indieaugust I’ve decided to keep my standalone fantasy, Visions of Zarua, at the discounted price of 99p worldwide.

What readers are saying about Visions of Zarua

‘There’s everything in this story, good v evil, romance, crime, mystery, passion & fabulous magic, all put together in a wonderful writing style.’ Amazon reviewer

‘Intriguing characters, strong structure, high stakes, memorable world. The Visions of Zarua packs a punch in delivering all of these. A superb story that fantasy readers will definitely enjoy!’ Amazon reviewer

‘…this was a thoroughly enjoyable sword and sorcery based epic fantasy. There are some great new creatures in this book and some interesting magical premise to check out and some highly relatable characters.’ Amazon reviewer

If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, now is a great time to sample my writing. Here are a few of the snippets I shared during the blog tour a few years ago…

Visions of Zarua is also available in audiobook, which will be heavily discounted if you buy the ebook first. Double bargain!

And if you’ve read Visions of Zarua and loved the characters, you can check out the prequel story in Fantasy Short Stories also only 99p on Amazon. Kalesh and a few other familiar names make an appearance.

Have a happy weekend.

***

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

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Paperback release Fantasy Short Stories #new release #fantasy #shortfiction http://mybook.to/fantasySS

Just a quick post today to announce the publication of my fantasy short story collection in paperback.

The ebook came out in April and has received some lovely reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I decided it was time to publish a paperback so those readers who prefer that format do not miss out on the origin stories of some of the characters from my fantasy worlds.

Readers loved Garrick in Silent Sea Chronicles and I loved writing Garrick the Protector set 10 years before the start of book 1 The Lost Sentinel.

Readers never had a chance to meet Kalesh in Visions of Zarua, so again I loved being able to introduce him to the world in The Guardian.

Finally, we have War Wounds which is an introduction to some of the characters who will feature in my new series Starlight Prophecy. I can’t wait to get working on this.

For now, here’s the all important link to Amazon Fantasy Short Stories

I’ve updated the blurb to a more succinct version too. Let me know what you think.

A collection of stories featuring characters from Visions of Zarua, ‘Silent Sea Chronicles’ and a glimpse into the new series, ‘Starlight Prophecy’.

The Guardian

With an assassin picking off wizards one-by-one, can Kalesh keep his students off the assassin’s radar long enough for his order to stop the killer?

Garrick the Protector

In a land that persecutes magic users, Mara’s mystical abilities puts her whole family in danger. Can her cousin, Garrick, get her to safety in the Turrak Mountains before the Assembly catches up with them?

War Wounds

When months of bloody battle unleash a sixth sense buried inside Calder, all he wants is to go home to his wife. But can he pick up his old life when the powers within him have been awakened?

Each story gives readers a tantalising glimpse into the fantasy worlds created by Suzanne Rogerson.

What readers are saying about Fantasy Short Stories

‘If you’re looking for some fantasy to jump into, these bite-sized stories will give you a good taste of something new – and if you’ve read these books already, these will give you some backstory of your favourite characters.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘…a gripping little slice of what promises to be a gripping web of plots, intrigue, and mystic arts for those who venture on to read Rogerson’s full-length works.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘If you enjoy fantasy with a touch of magic, and some really intriguing storylines, I would highly recommend this collection of short stories.’ of fantasy stories.’ Amazon reviewer

‘Entertaining! Interesting! Fast paced! Easy flow! Interesting characters! Page turner!’ Goodreads reviewer

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

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You can also join my Newsletter for writing updates and news of promotions.

Part two – Fantasy Short Stories blog blitz #amreadingfantasy

I have some more reviews and spotlight posts to share during the blog blitz for my latest release. Here are a few stand out lines from the reviews.

Reviews in Heels – ‘…If you’re looking for some fantasy to jump into, these bite-sized stories will give you a good taste of something new – and if you’ve read these books already, these will give you some backstory of your favourite characters.’

Pooled Ink Reviews – ‘…Quick paced, flowing prose, it was a delightful dip into these characters’ stories…’

Insatiable Readers – Spotlight post

Chicks, Rogues and Scandals – Promo

Sadie’s Spotlight – Book Promo

Scintilla – Review ‘…Rogerson has effectively pulled me into her worlds.’

Rosie Writes – ‘…sympathetic characters in worlds that feel realistic and consistent. The stories are dramatic and satisfying…’

Thanks to all the reviewers and bloggers who have taken part so far. I’ll be back later to share the rest of the posts from today.

I hope the review snippets have inspired you to check out more info on the blogs.

Fantasy Short Stories – available on Amazon.

Today is the one Day Blog Blitz for Fantasy Short Stories

Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for arranging this one day blog blitz. Throughout the day bloggers will be sharing reviews and posts about my latest publication – three stories set in the fantasy worlds of my books.

I will be sharing links to websites. Here are a few that have posted so far. Click the links to see the post in full.

Mai’s Musings ‘…Suzanne is a master world builder, and this collection of short stories featuring fascinating insights into much loved characters made me want to go back and read her entire back catalogue again…’

M J Porter Author ‘…If you enjoy fantasy with a touch of magic, and some really intriguing storylines, I would highly recommend this collection of short stories.’

The Strawberry Post ‘… such a brilliant compilation of short stories which can be enjoyed whether you’ve read the author’s previous work or not!’

Bibliophileverse ‘…My favorite one is The Guardian, found the plot very interesting.’

B for bookreview – Spotlight post

If you’re ready for stories about an assassin killing off wizards, a mystic on the run, or a soldier struggling with the unexpected aftermath of war, you can find out more on the Amazon and Goodreads book page for Fantasy Short Stories.

I’ll be back later with more links.

New books – Fantasy Adventure books by various authors. Free ARC’s available

ARC’s of Fantasy Short Stories is up for grabs along with lots of other fantasy adventure books by various authors. There are plenty to choose from and all that’s asked in return is a review on the usual sites.

Take a look at these fantasy adventure you’ll love

I’ve had a couple of great reviews so far, but I’d love to see my origin stories get some more coverage.

Margaret on Goodreads says – ‘Entertaining! Interesting! Fast paced! Easy flow! Interesting characters! Page turner! Read! Enjoy!’

Cara on Amazon says – ‘An assassin killing mages. A young man charged to protect his cousin when her magic breaks through in a world where magic is a crime. A soldier desperate to return to his wife. Each of these stand alone stories is vividly told and I enjoyed reading them.’

Dina on Goodreads says – ‘This is one of the best selection of short fantasy stories that keeps you entertained from start to finish. It’s a must-read.’

Check out Fantasy Short Stories for yourself on Goodreads and Amazon

Or request your ARC from Book Sirens

New review of The Lost Sentinel #fantasy #bookreview

I haven’t done this for a while, so I thought I’d share this great new review that’s been posted by The Voracious Reader. She read The Lost Sentinel as part of the judging panel for BBNYA 2021.

The Lost Sentinel reached the final and came 12th overall meaning I get to display this cool badge.

‘What an epic fantasy! There’s danger, magic, persecution, and hope.’ Check out I’m a Voracious Reader for the full review.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

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You can also join my Newsletter for writing updates and news of promotions.

1 Day Blog Blitz 20th June open for sign ups now #fantasy #shortstories

Rachel’s Random Resources is setting up a 1 day blog blitz on 20th June and is open for book bloggers and reviewers to sign up to take part.

Check here for more information.

First review on Goodreads ‘This is one of the best selection of short fantasy stories that keeps you entertained from start to finish. It’s a must-read.’

Please help me celebrate the release of this new book and join the blog blitz for a special day of reviews and book spotlight posts. Sign up here.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

Twitter   Goodreads   BookBub   Amazon   Facebook Instagram

You can also join my Newsletter for writing updates and news of promotions.

ARC reviewers wanted for my new Short Story collection #fantasy #shortstory

On 8th April I published a short story collection related to the worlds of my fantasy novels. It reached 23 in the new release chart and number 4 in the Anthology and Short Stories Hot New Releases!

At the time of release I didn’t get around to arranging a blog tour. This won’t be happening until 20th June run by the very helpful Rachel’s Random Resources. More details on this will follow.

In the meantime, I am looking to get a few reviews up on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub etc. Please let me know if you would like a ARC copy.

Can our heroes escape assassins, magic-hating authorises and destiny? Three origin stories to whet your fantasy appetites.

Blurb

A collection of stories featuring favourite characters from Visions of Zarua and ‘Silent Sea Chronicles’, plus a glimpse into the new series, ‘Starlight Prophecy’.

The Guardian

With an assassin picking off wizards one-by-one, Kalesh visits Cassima, a former student, hoping to persuade her to re-join the Royal Wizards and use their protection to keep her family safe.

Kalesh’s newest charge, Paddren, has strange visions which link to a past event known only to a select few. The knowledge hidden in Paddren’s visions is invaluable so Kalesh must guard the boy at any cost.

Can Kalesh keep his students off the assassin’s radar long enough for his order to stop the killer?

Garrick the Protector

Fifteen-year-old Garrick is helping at his uncle’s farm when his cousin’s illegal use of magic threatens the family’s safety.

Mara is in immediate danger from the Assembly who deem all magic as a threat. The only safe place for her is the Turrak Mountains where exiled mystics have found sanctuary alongside the island’s Sentinel.

Can Garrick get Mara to safety before the Assembly catch up with them?

War Wounds

Conscripted to fight off invaders, Calder finds the months of bloody battle unleash a sixth sense buried inside him.

Finally released from duty, he travels home and encounters a mysterious woman who insists his life is destined to serve a higher purpose. Calder rejects her claims, wanting only to return to a simple existence with his wife.

But can Calder pick up his old life when the powers within him have been stirred? And why does he feel such misgivings about his return?

All three stories give readers a tantalising glimpse into the fantasy worlds created by Suzanne Rogerson.

Fantasy Short Stories is available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited, purchase for only 99p, or free ARC copies available to reviewers.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance

You can follow me on

Twitter   Goodreads   BookBub   Amazon   Facebook Instagram

You can also join my Newsletter for writing updates and news of promotions.