New SVR Kickstarter: Bouncing Back.

03 Nov 2025 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Author news, book tours Tags: , , , , , ,

I’m a little late telling you about this Kickstarter but I forgot to schedule this post and then ended up having a busy weekend.

The Kickstarter is for Bouncing Back by Amber Gabriel. It’s the second book she’s written for H.L. Burke’s superhero universe. If you backed the DOSA Files II & III Kickstarter you would have received her first book Stretched Thin as a Stretch goal.

Now, not in a short story; not in a novella! Snarky villain with a heart, Rubber Bandit, returns for a NEW full-length superhero novel by Amber Gabriel, presented by H.L. Burke.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dosafiles/a-new-superhero-novel-the-rubber-bandit-returns

The award-winning Supervillain Rehabilitation Project universe is sttttrettchinnnng out with a new full-length novel, written by author Amber Gabriel and presented by SVR Universe Creator, H.L. Burke.

Elam Bentley, aka the former Rubber Bandit, got his butt kicked in Refined, crashed into non-villain life via accidental acts of heroism in the DOSA Files Volumes I & II, and helmed his own solo adventure, going undercover in Stretched Thin.

Now he faces his biggest challenge: his own nature.

Can this former villain truly give up his life of crime? Will other heroes even accept him after all the bad he’s done in his life? And what is he going to do about his growing attraction for his new team leader, a stressed out hero and single mother who has every reason NOT to let him into her and her daughter’s life?

Be the first to get your hands on Bouncing Back, a fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt story about righting wrongs and finding redemption.

Kickstarter rewards will include signed copies, an early order of H.L. Burke’s next superhero romance, Conveniently Married to a Superhero, signed paperbacks, an epic sticker inspired by Ginger, the seizure alert dog featured in Bouncing Back, unique swag, and more.

Help us hit stretch goals and get Stretched Thin and Bouncing Back BOTH in awesome audio with narration by Realm Award Finalist Rena Gail.

To the Kickstarter

Because I was late, now you get the benefit it being fully funded so you know going in that you will be spending money. Also you get to help contribute towards stretch goals which is always a nice thing.

Tiers: Rewards

$5-ebook of Bouncing Back

$15-ebook & sticker, art print, printed newspaper swag

$15 Paperback

$20 Ebook/Paperback

NEW: $25 Adopt a dragon set. Includes a copy of Cora and the Nurse Dragon by H.L. Burke with a handful of dragon themed goodies. (Perfect Christmas gift for young readers.)

$30 ebook/paperback/sticker/newspaper, art print

$50 Stretched Thin, Bouncing Back, Special Ginger Art Print, Sticker, and Newspaper

$350 Personalized Cameo in a future SVR Book

Notice that some of the reward tiers have a newspaper included.

This is an in-world newspaper with article style stories from the SVR universe.

I, C.O. Bonham, have contributed at least one such story. If you want to read about what went down at the book fair you’ll need to back a tier that includes the newspaper or any physical tier and then add it as an add-on.

Back the Kickstarter Now

Stretch Goals:

NEW: $900 will unlock an additional sticker design for all physical backers

$1000 will unlock the Streatched Thin novella in audio. Read by Rena Gail.

$1600 will unlock the ability to produce Bouncing Back in audio. Read by Rena Gail.

Also for your peace of mind you should know that this project is entirely human made. Everything from the writing to the art is free from AI input.

Message from H.L. Burke:

The SVR Universe is my passion project, an interconnected world of diverse, loveable characters that allows me to tell stories of heroism, family, and hope. Bouncing Back continues this tradition, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Amber Gabriel and I are collaborating once again on BOUNCING BACK, a new Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Universe novel starring Elam Bentley, aka Rubber Bandit. Amber’s expanded Elam’s story, bringing him onto a superhero team where he must make amends for past crimes while learning to work as a hero.

Note: this is probably the most religious story in the universe so far. While faith elements have always been a part of the SVR stories, this one has an explicit faith journey and other religious elements.

Take me to the Kickstarter, NOW!

New SVR release and Anthology Sale!

09 Sep 2025 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , ,

NEW RELEASE! The Supervillain’s Bodyguard. 

A funny, heartfelt new superhero romance that takes you cross-country on a race for survival. Featuring a brand new match-up, this time of a normie guy and a superpowered gal. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Even a supervillain needs a protector sometimes.

Recently separated from the US Army, Caspian “Cas” Knight is having a hard time readjusting to life in his small hometown. His plans are delayed when he’s called to a high school mentor’s funeral out of state. Bumping into his mentor’s daughter and having immediate sparks wasn’t what he planned for his weekend. Getting in between her and a group of attacking supervillains? Even less so.

Jael Wilder has spent years hiding her unwanted superpowers from forces on both sides of the law. Her powers are dangerous, and a recent surge of them cost her the one person who ever looked out for her. Now pursued by both government agents and criminal interests who want to use her as a weapon, she has one goal: find the scientist whose experiments turned her into a monster and make him feel the pain he caused her.

Thrown together, Jael and Cas take off on a cross country journey, fighting for survival. As they develop a tentative trust, and an even stronger attraction, Cas’s determination to keep her safe solidifies. However, with her uncontrollable powers making every touch potentially deadly, is a life together even possible? Or will their connection bring him only death?

 The Supervillain’s Bodyguard is the 8th book in the Superhero Romance Project series but features a new couple and can be read on its own. 

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3UtmdrW

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237693164-the-supervillain-s-bodyguard

Love superheroes? Love romance? Read it as a standalone or catch up with the series in Kindle unlimited .

Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7Z8815Q

All Cover Art by KM Carroll. Layout by Jennifer Hudzinski

Want more more super hero stories for super cheap!

3 epic anthologies featuring 27 awesome superhero stories, on sale for 99c a piece! Get the DOSA Files Now through September 10! 

Fun hack: grab the audio of volume one for less than five dollars when you by the ebook for ninety-nine cents.

The best part is that the first two volumes feature stories written by me!

Grab the set here: https://amzn.to/3JhtOrg

The Author/Publisher:

H. L. Burke has written more books than she can count—because she’s written a lot of books, not just because she can’t count very high. 

Easily distracted by shinies, she has published in many subgenres including fantasy romance, Steampunk, and superhero, and always creates story worlds with snark, feels, and wonder. 

Married to her high school crush who is a retired Marine, she spends her time writing, spoiling her cats, and supervising her two supervillains in training (aka her precocious daughters). 

Originally from Oregon, but currently living in a forest in West Virginia, she wilts without trees and doesn’t mind the rain. She is a fan of delicious flavor, a follower of the Light, and a believer in happily ever after.

Author Site:

hlburkeauthor.com 

Game Changer Release Day!

27 Jun 2025 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours Tags: , , , , , ,

Book 2 in the Young Adult Superhero series Supervillain Legacy Project, GAME CHANGER, IS
HERE!!!


This story continues the tale of Oliver, Ruby, and Curran, the Camp Sable teen team, but this
time the stakes are a lot higher and actual lives are on the line.
https://amzn.to/4jtttOX

Growing up is hard. Growing up with superpowers? It’s … a lot.


What would you sacrifice to save your father?
At only seventeen, Oliver Ortiz-Shelby has led his friends to victory in the Sable
Games, marking him as the most promising superpowered youth in the
country. With superhero teams offering internships, colleges promising
scholarships, and the general admiration of his peers, his future is brighter
than ever—until a supervillain attack threatens to upend everything.
When a banquet hosted by an up-and-coming superhero and politician turns
into a firefight, innocent lives are lost. The top suspect? Oliver’s beloved father,
reformed supervillain Switch.

Oliver knows his father would never return to the villain life, but with evidence
mounting against Switch, even his friends begin to doubt him. Realizing the
authorities have made up their minds, Oliver decides he has no other choice.
He’s taking matters into his own hands, even if it means leaving everything
he’s worked so hard for behind.

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231327798-game-changer
Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4jtttOX
Author Site:
https://www.hlburkeauthor.com/supervillain-rehabilitation-project
Series:
https://amzn.to/3G2Wq5S

Looking for your next Superhero obsession? Get GAME ON Free 6/26-6/30. An underdog teen
team story featuring epic superpowers, friendship, and family bonds.
Get book 1 FREE then grab book 2’s New Release to have it waiting when you’re done.
https://amzn.to/3G2Wq5S

Book 1, Game On:
https://amzn.to/4jaQC9h

Book 2, Game Changer:
https://amzn.to/4jtttOX

Black Friday Book Sale and A Casual Facebook party

28 Nov 2024 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours Tags: , , ,

Yesterday was Thanksgiving day in the U.S. so you know what that means… Today is black Friday, AKA, everything is on sale day.

Yes even my books. You can pick up the ebooks of Daisy Dunlap and the Cartoon Carnival or Runaway Lyrica for $0.99 before tax.

The sale starts today November 29th, 2024 and runs through Monday December 2nd, 2024.

You can find mine and hundreds of other books at: https://blackfridaybooksale.com/

I’m also selling signed books. If you are interested in a signed paperback of either Runaway Lyrics or Daisy Dunlap then just fill out this google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCHE8gdTY0AAMwcTkja58PPxWFmbqOOvIsGSgAOUQDzQ9w7w/viewform I’ll sign them pack them up and mail them out.

Facebook Event!

If you want more bookish fun check out the Facebook Re-Release party for Pam Halter’s YA fantasy novel, Fairyeater. There will be guest authors and giveaways.

Check out her book here: http://www.pageantwagonpublishing.com

If you preorder her book and share a screen shot at the party you can be entered into the grand prize at her Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/604828858562794/?active_tab=discussion

That’s all I have for you today. Now go click some links.

What sale are you excited for this weekend?

Double Release Day!

27 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours Tags: , , , , , ,

Today is a day to celebrate not one but two new books being released into the world.

Book one is Original Thoughts by my writing friend, Elisabeth Warner. Original Thoughts is the third book in her Internet shutdown series.

I don’t want to share the burb from Book three because it will give you spoilers. So here’s the blurb for book one, In Real Life:

In 2100, America has its own Internet, and Lin’s only companions are her AI assistant, Tobi, and the hosts of the Nothing but News podcast keeping her up to date on what’s going on in the outside world. But when the Liberty party shuts down the Internet and arrests anyone with questionable social media activity, Lin moves back in with her parents to hide from the patrol officers. Hope is a far cry from her now.Until her ex-husband shows up.As a professional hacker, Don can delete Lin’s personal archive and wipe her slate clean, making her as good as dead. When she winds up in a place called the “Community,” Lin discovers that connection, and survival, are possible without the Internet.

Original Thoughts on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CWL1CL5T

The Internet Shutdown series on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CJPN7G8H

Book Two is The DOSA Files anthology, the book in which I have a short story.

If you love epic tales of heroism, humor, and heart, you’ll adore this collection.

Featuring stories from:
H.L. Burke, Sarah Pennington, Amber Gabriel, Karen Eisenbrey, Rena Gail, Jake Tyson, K.M. Carroll, C.O. Bonham, Michelle L. Houston, and Jenelle Leanne Schmidt.

Available on Amazon now! Get your copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5JS32QJ

Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212327283-dosa-files

DOSA Needs Your Help!

The Cryptographer is targeting DOSA and scrambling their communications. We need your help to solve the codes and unscramble the messages.

Scattered throughout the various blog posts are six clues. Find them all and solve the puzzles to get a secret passcode. That passcode will give you entry to this form: https://forms.gle/55fAGSXAyyjDEFCw9

You have until July first to enter so don’t delay.

Check out the other stops on our blog tour to decode all the encryptions and enter to win!

https://www.hlburkeauthor.com

https://jenelleschmidt.com

https://cobonham.com/2024/06/21/dosa-files-blog-tour-inspiration-for-my-story-and-secret-code/

https://authorambergabriel.com/blog

https://corinnejet.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/hl-burke-exclusive-interview/ 

http://creatingforcreator.wordpress.com

http://kmcarrollblog.wordpress.com

https://www.rachaelritchey.com

https://kareneisenbreywriter.com/blog

DOSA Files blog tour: Inspiration for my story and secret code!

21 Jun 2024 4 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in book tours Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

It’s my Birthday and to celebrate I am going to talk about something I wrote! As you know I had a story accepted in the upcoming DOSA Files Anthology of superhero stories.

Superhero fans rejoice! The DOSA Files: Tales from the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Anthology is launching June 27th.

If you love epic tales of heroism, humor, and heart, you’ll adore this collection.

Featuring stories from:
H.L. Burke, Sarah Pennington, Amber Gabriel, Karen Eisenbrey, Rena Gail, Jake Tyson, K.M. Carroll, C.O. Bonham, Michelle L. Houston, and Jenelle Leanne Schmidt.

About the Book:

10 Authors, 10 Stories, Endless Ways to Save the Day!

The Award-Winning Supervillain Rehabilitation Project series expands with this new ten-story anthology of exciting superhero (and villain!) tales.

Enter a world of superpowered heroes… and villains. Of epic adventure and hope.

In this collection you’ll find tales of humor, action, and suspense. Meet brave heroes, quippy villains, and desperate vigilantes.

All featured stories are PG or lower, making this a great read for all ages, but especially for fans of superhero fiction, heartfelt moments, and snarky humor.

Featuring New Superhero Stories from Award Winning authors as well as exciting new voices in the genre.

Are you ready to save the day?

Available on Amazon June 27th! Get your copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5JS32QJ

Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212327283-dosa-files

My Inspiration for “Letting Off Steam.”

My story “Letting Off Steam” is a very fan service filled story filled with cameos from established SVR characters. But did you know it actually ties into another novel in the universe? Power Through is book three in the Supervillain Rescue Project. (The one with Marco on the cover.) From this book, I borrowed the setting, the villian, and of course Marco.

The truth: I just really wanted to write a story with Marco in it.

The more interesting version of the story behind the story:

As soon as Heidi mentioned that she wanted to open up her superhero universe to other authors, I knew I wanted to be included. I have read all the SVR books and had a wish list of all the things I wanted to know more about or include in a story.

I knew I was going to use Marco and an early draft actually had the story almost entirely from Marco’s POV. But once I realized that Violet was the more important of the characters I slowly took away Marco’s POV to make room for hers. But the more I wrote Violet, a.k.a. Valve, the more I figured out who she was and the more this became her story.

For Violet’s backstory, I took a cue from Stephen King. I always thought that Carrie was not a horror story but a superhero origin story in which the person chooses the wrong path. Why does Carrie become the villain? Because she has no support system or safe place to go. Her home life is just as bad as her school life.

So Violet also needed to have nowhere to go. Her dad hates sables and school is only survivable by pretending to not exist. There’s also the whole girls attacking her in the locker room thing too.

Next I needed a villain, and I needed one that would have a good reason to visit the abandoned steampunk park without knowing that someone was already living there. Who better than the man who used to use it as a lair. I also included Seth Wallace’s sister who appears in Captured by a Supervillain book three in the Supervillain Romance Project series, because I wanted the satisfaction of the two villains named Wallace actually interacting with each other.

But the real reason I wrote this story is — I really wanted to use the abandoned steampunk park as a base for a vigilante steampunk superhero.

My favorite part of the story was fleshing out the Jules Verne theme park. I went through the original descriptions and tried to make sure nothing I added contradicted them while also not repeating anything. After fleshing it out I really want to go there.

I used to work at an amusement park when I was younger. I pulled a lot of the feeling of walking through an empty park from that experience. Amusement parks are so different when you’re alone. They’re suddenly too big and too quiet and you feel so small walking through them.

The DOSA Files: Tales from the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Anthology is available on Amazon June 27th! Get your copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5JS32QJ

Add it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212327283-dosa-files

DOSA Needs Your Help!

The Cryptographer is targeting DOSA and scrambling their communications. We need your help to solve the codes and unscramble the messages.

Scattered throughout the various blog posts are six clues. Find them all and solve the puzzles to get a secret passcode. That passcode will give you entry to this form: https://forms.gle/55fAGSXAyyjDEFCw9

If you succeed DOSA will give you a chance to win a library of books written by the DOSA archivists.

One lucky puzzle solver will win a mini-ebook library of titles from our authors. (Winners chosen July 1st, 2024)

OR

One lucky puzzle solver will win a mini-paperback library of titles from our authors (US shipping only).

Decrypt Message Two:

ᛏᚺᛁᛜᛊ ᚨᚱᛖ ᚷᛖᛏᛏᛁᛜ ᛊᛖᚱᛟᚢᛊ, ᛊᛈᛖᚲᛟᚨᛚ ᚨᚷᛖᚾᛏ. ᚹᛖ ᚨᛏᛏᛖᛗᛈᛏᛖᛞ ᛏᛟ ᛊᛖᚾᛞ ᚨ ᛗᛖᛊᛊᚨᚷᛖ ᛏᛟ ᛚᚨᛚᛖᚺ ᚨᛊᚺᛖ, ᚺᛟᛈᛁᛜ ᚺᛖᚱ ᛏᛖᚲᚺ ᛈᛟᚹᛖᚱᛊ ᚹᛟᚢᛚᛞ ᛒᛖ ᛖᚾᛟᚢᚷᚺ ᛏᛟ ᚢᚾᛞᛟ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚲᚱᛁᛈᛏᛟᚷᚱᚨᛈᚺᛖᚱ’ᛊ ᛗᛁᛊᚲᚺᛁᛖᚠ, ᛒᚢᛏ ᛁᛏ ᛊᛟᛗᛖᚺᛟᚹ ᚱᛖᚹᚱᛟᛏᛖ ᛟᚢᚱ ᛗᛖᛊᛊᚨᚷᛖ ᛁᚾᛏᛟ ᚨ ᚱᛁᚲᚲᚱᛟᛚᛚ ᚨᚾᛞ ᛊᚺᛖ ᛒᛚᛟᚲᚲᛖᛞ ᚢᛊ. ᛁᛟᚢ ᛗᚨᛁ ᛏᚱᚢᛚᛁ ᛒᛖ ᛟᚢᚱ ᛟᚾᛚᛁ ᚺᛟᛈᛖ. ᛏᚺᛖ ᛊᛖᚲᛟᚾᛞ ᛚᛖᛏᛏᛖᚱ ᛟᚠ ᚦᛖ ᛈᚨᛊᛊᚲᛟᛞᛖ ᛁᛊ ᛟ.

Check out the other stops on our blog tour to decode all the encryptions and enter to win!

June 20th:

https://www.hlburkeauthor.com

https://jenelleschmidt.com

June 21st:

http://Cobonham.com (You are here, obviously!)

June 22nd:

https://authorambergabriel.com/blog

June 23rd:

https://corinnejet.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/hl-burke-exclusive-interview/ (post goes live 6/23/2024 6:30 AM PST)

June 24th:

http://creatingforcreator.wordpress.com

http://kmcarrollblog.wordpress.com

June 25th:

https://www.rachaelritchey.com

June 26th:

https://kareneisenbreywriter.com/blog/

June 27th:

https://Whichwaywriting.com

Don’t forget: once you’ve solved all the clues and discovered the passcode you can enter to win one of two epic prizes here: https://forms.gle/55fAGSXAyyjDEFCw9

Game On: SVR the next generation.

26 May 2024 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Dive In Review, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,


I’m back with even more SVR news. The Anthology Kickstarter is closed and We are getting the Audio version! Thank you to everyone who backed it. If you did back the Kickstarter then you may have seen a new SVR book available as an add on. That book just released today and it’s all about the next generation of teens in the SVR universe.

NEW RELEASE!
From the Award Winning Superhero Universe by H.L. Burke comes a brand new Young Adult
Series set in the world of the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project.
Follow the next generation of young superheroes as they compete to prove themselves, forge
new friendships, and strengthen family bonds.
The book is now available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. Buy it now to experience the
continuing saga of the Powell family.

Game On
Supervillain Legacy Project Book 1
The Department of Super Abled has announced the first-ever teen competition: a multi-stage
challenge to find the next great superhero talent … and Ruby Powell wants in.
The daughter of superheroes, fifteen-year-old Ruby has spent her whole life waiting to be old
enough to start saving the day. When the Sable Games are announced, she sees her chance.
Step 1, convince her superstar mother to lead her team. Step 2, prove herself the most valuable
member of her team and win the hearts of the viewing public. Step 3, win the game and set
herself up as DOSA’s next big thing.
The son of a supervillain, Oliver Shelby has a lot to prove. When his application is rejected due
to his history of heart issues, it looks like he’ll be sidelined. The Powells’ new underdog team
might be his last chance. All he has to do is fudge the paperwork about his extensive medical
history and hide the huge surgical scar on his chest. No big deal, right?
With some teens willing to play dirty for the top spot, Oliver and Ruby’s team struggles to stay in
the running. If Oliver’s secret gets out, will they even be allowed to compete?

Author Bio
H. L. Burke is the author of multiple fantasy novels including the Supervillain Rehabilitation
Project Series, the Spellsmith & Carver Steampunk series, and Ashen. She is an admirer of the
whimsical, a follower of the Light, and a believer in happily ever after.
Author Links
www.hlburkeauthor.com
https://www.instagram.com/burkesdragons/
https://www.facebook.com/hlburkewriter

My Review

Author H.L. Burke has done it again. That’s right, even more superhero books. Game on is the first book in a new series featuring the next generation of heros, AKA the children of the characters from her previous series.

Usually, I like to tell people were to start reading but there are too many books in this universe and Game On has a shiny #1 on the cover so I guess well go with that. Besides, nearly every previous character makes a cameo so I can’t even go by who is in the book. Still there is an inate joy in seeing character grow and change over time.

On that note, I really loved getting to know the new cast of characters, especially Oliver. He was introduced in Burke’s most recent release Wishing on a Supervillain and it was interesting getting to see him all grown up.

Game On is a different kind of superhero book though. Instead of a villain to fight or a world to save, This is a sports book. Camp Sable’s Team needs to win the game and defeat the rival team to win the first ever Sable competition. I don’t normally read sports stories, but as always, everything is better with superpowers.

Buy Links
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1NXMW2R

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211316346-game-on

Additional Extras:
The Cover as a jigsaw puzzle https://im-a-puzzle.com/share/4261384c891ac41

Thorns at Sunrise Release Day! And a Review!

23 Mar 2023 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Cover Reveal Tags: , , , , , ,

Today is the release day for a fantastic fairytale retelling.

A young queen. Her imaginary friend. A kingdom on the verge of death.

She believes she’s crazy.

Queen Usilea has a secret–and he lives in her mind. Ever since she was six years old, her imaginary friend has been her closest companion, and her arranged marriage has been a great dread. When she learns her betrothed and the royal family have suddenly died, she feels obligated to attend the funeral in the foreign land of Absteph–and perhaps learn more behind their mysterious passing.

He only wants the truth.

Petar endures great pain to protect those he does not remember. His only solace is a shadowy woman who he loves–even though she denies that he exists. When a terrible tragedy occurs in his kingdom, that mysterious woman is his only hope of bringing justice to light. For the cage that imprisons him grows harsher every day, and he is losing the fight.

But there are thorns at sunrise.

Brought together on the barest thread of reality, Usilea and Petar must discover what really happened to the royal family. But Petar’s time is running out. Soon not even a Mender like Usilea will be able to save him.

This YA romance features a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty in an original fantasy world on the brink of doom.

Amazon Kindle*: https://amzn.to/3XzECTH

Thorns at Sunrise autographed paperback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/thorns-at-sunrise-autographed-paperback/

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

My Review of Thorns at Sunrise:

Thorns at Sunrise is the second book in a series of unique fairytale retellings from author Janeen Ippolito.

While the first book Met by Midnight was a loose take on Cinderella, Thorns at Sunrise sets out to tackle Sleeping Beauty. If the Prince had been the sleeping one. Although the girl is now, the hero Thorns at Sunrise maintains a balance between both POVs and avoids the easy “girl power” narrative. Urlisa and Petar have a healthy relationship and the feels are there for those who came for the romance.

Like Met by Midnight, Thorns at Sunrise also includes original poetry, that compliments the prose.
The author is also a poet in her own right and I wondered which came first, the story or the poem?

If you live for fairytale retellings, this is one series you won’t want to miss. Met by Midnight and Thorns at Sunrise share characters, so I recommend reading them in order for maximum enjoyment.

I was blessed with an early review copy from the author, the above review is my fair and honest evaluation of the provided work.

In addition, special edition hardbacks of Met by Midnight and Thorns at Sunrise are also available.

The special edition hardbacks will feature all-new illustrated covers by Kristen Hildebrand/Magpie Designs. 

Thorns at Sunrise autographed hardback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/thorns-at-sunrise-autographed-hardback/

Met by Midnight autographed hardback: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/met-by-midnight-autographed-hardback/

Met by Midnight (book 1 of the series) Amazon Kindle*: https://amzn.to/3HrV8zA

Author Bio:

Janeen Ippolito writes about misfits who defy expectations, whether in fairy tale, steampunk fantasy, urban fantasy, humorous paranormal romance, or poetry. She also spreads wordtastic joy in her work as a fearless book strategist, nonfiction author, and coach. In her spare time, she swordfights and posts cute animal memes.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @JaneenIppolito (https://twitter.com/JaneenIppolito)

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Broken Mirrors release week: Through a Shattered Glass

23 Dec 2022 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours Tags: , , , ,

So long time readers will remember how when I published my book Runaway Lyrics it was part of The Frosted Roses group promotion. Well, this year the Arista Band of FairyTale Re-tellers is back with six Snow Queen retelling in their Broken Mirrors collection. I do not have a book in this collection but one of my frosted sisters, Sarah Pennington, is back with a topsy-turvy Wonderland/Snow Queen mash up.

Through a Shattered Glass

Book Description:
Drop the mirror and you break the world in two.

Alys hasn’t set foot in Wonderland in years. Not since the White Queen’s mirror shattered; not since her best friend, Kai Hatter, was killed; not since Alys fled back to her own world with a shard of enchanted mirror in her eye. She’s done her best to set aside the past and move on — until a red-painted rose appears in her room, and the portal opens once more.

Simultaneously desperate for hope and terrified of what she might find — or cause — Alys ventures back through the mirror. But the Wonderland she finds is not the same one she left behind, and though Kai is less dead than she thought, he still might be past saving. To make matters worse, the mirror shard is still in Alys’s eye, and Wonderland is all too susceptible to its corrupting power.

Only Alys can save the land and friend she loves — but if she’s not careful, she might be their doom instead.

A dark portal fantasy remix of The Snow Queen and Lewis Carroll’s Alice duology.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFVSH518

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62669175-through-a-shattered-glass

Author Bio:

Sarah Pennington has been writing stories since before she actually knew how to write, and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She is perpetually in the middle of writing at least one or two novels, most of which are in the fantasy and fairy tale retelling genres. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys knitting, photography, and trying to conquer her massive to-be-read list.

Find her online at: Author Site || WordPress Blog || Blogspot Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Amazon 

Sticker Promo:

Anyone who preordered Through a Shattered Glass or who purchases the paperback on release day can submit a proof of purchase to receive a set of character art stickers featuring art by the lovely Chloe Grace (@chloegraceartist on Instagram). One set of stickers per person; proof of purchase must be submited by end of day on December 26.

Link to request stickers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBj-_REBIbaXY0ZjaAchJsjRLddu9Mq3KycXAAbmeVJVE1Ew/viewform?usp=sf_link

As a special treat, Sarah is sharing a fun fact about her book to whet your appetite. If you like Tea you’re definitely going to want to read this.

Fun Fact:

Given that one of the most famous scenes of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is, of course, the Mad Hatter’s tea party — and given my own tendency towards writing stories where food is a plot point — it should be no surprise that tea also plays a significant part in my take on Lewis Carroll’s classic. Alys’s first meeting with Kai Hatter is, as in the original, at a tea party, and they continue to bond over tea (and riddles) as they grow up together. Some would even say that it’s one of the foundations of their friendship.

So, if tea is so important . . . what kind of tea is it? And what are Alys and Kai’s favorite teas?

Alys and Kai share a preference for black tea over green, though they also enjoy herbal teas (or tisanes, as Kai would point out is the proper name). Both of their favorites are blends developed and perfected by Kai himself. Alys’s preference is for a summery blend of blueberry, cinnamon, and vanilla flavors mingled in black tea leaves — add just a touch of honey to make the perfect cup! Kai, for his part, is proud of all his tea blends and is happy to share any of them, but the one he loves most brings together delicate rose petals and almost flavor with chai spices. While it took the longest out of any of his teas to perfect, he thinks it was well worth all the effort!

Dive-in Review: Absolution

23 Nov 2022 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Dive In Review Tags: , , , , ,

Hello welcome back. Today I am taking part in a blog tour for a new book called Absolution. My contribution is a review post. Absolution is the sequel to Amok that I featured here last year.

About Absolution

Release date: 24 November 2022

Published by: Teaspoon Publishing

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63103167-absolution 

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If cursed is the hand that kills, then it wouldn’t matter if that same hand stole, would it? 

Tulen feels doubly cursed, forced to serve the bratty princess of Impian as punishment for her crimes. When said princess embarks on a pilgrimage, Tulen grabs her only chance to offer a sacrifice at the holy city of Suci—and maybe, finally, feel clean again.

Sultan Mikal has set his face towards Suci—and certain death. Nothing about his Penance is clear, except the fact that if he fails, Terang will fall along with him. 

When Tulen’s pilgrimage intersects with Sultan Mikal’s quest to fulfil the Covenant of Salt, Tulen faces a difficult dilemma: What is her absolution worth in the face of the sultanate’s very existence?

Dive-in Review: Absolution

Absolution the book concludes Absolution the series, a trilogy of stories set in a fictional and fantastical version of southeast Asia. The stories and setting feel like they could be historical in some long forgotten part of our world.

Absolution follows Tulen, a young woman who has a special gift, which she uses in all the wrong ways. I really felt for Tulen. She is so relatable in her guilt. Tulen is sure she has committed an unforgivable crime, but the problem is, she’s the only one who believes she’s guilty. She dwells on it constantly always regretting her actions, never willing to forgive herself.

Since Absolution is a direct sequel to Amok, Mikal is back though not the POV character. He is on a mission to restore the covenant that was broken by his father. He is journeying in secret and it’s really fun knowing who he is while Tulen has no clue. I really like the way these two interact with each other. They are extremely shippable.

This book is the most spiritual of the three books in the Absolution series. Amok was mostly about having faith through adversity. The Tale of the Hostage Prince was about the importance of staying firm in your beliefs even when it might cost you everything. But Absolution takes it to the next level. It’s got so many themes, such as listening for the voice of God, forgiveness—even of oneself, and the most important lesson of all—leave the goat behind. (You’ll get it when you read it.)

the author gave me an ARC of this book for the purposes of review. My review here is my own honest opinion of the provided work

Absolution releases tomorrow.

Absolution pre-order links:

Amazon*: https://amzn.to/3TRFeCi

Other retailers: https://books2read.com/AbsolutionNovel 

Ebook pre-order price: USD $2.99 /

Absolution is the third book in Anna Tan’s Absolution series but even if you missed the first two books I feel like this one stands well on its own. But the first two books really are worth checking out. And right now you can get all three for $2.99 each.

Find Amok here*: https://amzn.to/3Fw7pCD

Find Tale of the Hostage Prince here*: https://amzn.to/3sGQRAj

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Tan grew up in Malaysia, the country that is not Singapore. She is interested in Malay/Nusantara and Chinese legends and folklore in exploring the intersection of language, culture, and faith. 

Anna has an MA in Creative Writing: The Novel under a Chevening scholarship and is the President of the Malaysian Writers Society. She can be found tweeting as @natzers and forgetting to update annatsp.com.

Where to find Anna online:

Website: https://annatsp.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/annatsp

Facebook: http://facebook.com/annatansp

Twitter: http://twitter.com/natzers

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