Tag: author  Arden Powell

Review: The Potion Gardener (Flos Magicae) by Arden Powell

Rating: 4🌈

Whenever Arden Powell decides to dive back into the Flos Magicae universe they created, the results are always going to be narratively interesting, full of unexpected surprises, magical elements, and incredible moments of emotional growth. Whether the person’s thoughts are turned inward towards self examination, or outside towards their new surroundings and the possibilities that may arise from their new situation, we see clearly what they are thinking and feeling. And then it’s reality intruding, in a magical world, and hard choices to make.

The story and its elements has a natural flow to it, however fantastical the nature of the world and wild some of the aspects to the details.

In this case, Arden Powell’s magical world follows the story of the idle, wealthy young person, Flora Mulberry. Flora, who’d announced to the family at a very young age that they were a boy (it had been ignored), was fleeing London and a two romantic involvements.

This is the story of how Flora found he was or always had been Florian Mulberry on his magical journey to fulfillment and a new future. That Florian finds it stranded on a farm owned by an Irish potion witch in Hertfordshire is a fantastic element. Kells and her grumpy little dog, Grim,are my favorite characters of the story. Kells is beautifully straight forward, a great character who can be so easily visualized, with Grim by her side, working in her lab and potions or in her sheds in the gardens. She’s real and grounded in her natural world.

It’s Florian I often find myself having issues with. One of the reasons, many reasons, Florian is fleeing their old life is because Florian has become romantically involved their two best friends. One a woman and the other a man. The three of them are longtime friends and Florian has been, sort of, having romantic relations with both to the point that their families are expecting engagements. So Florian was supposed to choose and it would have hurt the other, not that that person would know. So, knowing that they’ve disappeared before for a time and no one, meaning family, has had cause to raise alarm, Florian flees.

Powell does a sensitive, and layered job of letting the reader understand the jumbled inner thoughts and emotions that the person who becomes Florian has before they embark upon their journey that sees them end up in a shed.

We absolutely get their state of mind, and the impetuous decisions that see them asking Kell to let them stay and learn about farming and hard manual labor. Something they’ve never done before. This physical and mental (and emotional) adjustment to their state of mind as well as the magical one to their body, is a terrific aspect of the book. Love it and the slowly growing relationship between Florian and Kells.

But what of those other friends? While all this is going on, those were abandoned to their fears and absolutely not knowing what happened to the person who, at the very least, was supposed to be their best friend . This is addressed in a few inadequate sentences towards the end and then they are dismissed.

It makes me think less of the character and the plot overall. Why have them there if this is how they are going to be treated? The friends and that history isn’t explained or fully understood. It’s a few sentences at the beginning. And the same at the end. And only serves to make Florian look a tad selfish.

So The Potion Gardener (Flos Magicae) by Arden Powell isn’t my favorite of the intriguing Flos Magicae series but it’s always an interesting and thoughtful read.

Include this on your TBR list.

Flos Magicae series and related universe books:

◦ The Bachelor’s Valet

◦ A Novel Arrangement

◦ A Thief and a Gentleman

◦ Of Socialites and Prizefights

✓ The Potion Gardener

✓ The Botanist’s Apprentice

✓ Winter’s Dawn

✓ The Solstice Cabin

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Potion…The Potion Gardener (Flos Magicae) – Kindle

Blurb

Desperate to escape a messy romance, Florian Mulberry flees London: tipsy, panicked, and without a plan. It’s while hiding in a rural garden shed that he meets Kells, a potion witch, who agrees to shelter him in exchange for manual labor until he gets his life together. Leaving his pampered London existence to work on a secluded cottage farm is a shock, but Florian throws himself into it with passionate determination.

And it’s not just gardening he’s passionate about. In no time, Florian falls head over heels for his skillful, hardworking mentor.

There’s just one problem. Florian is only disguised as a boy, and the enchantment hiding his real body is going to wear off. Florian’s main concern is how to explain himself when it happens. He’s definitely not a girl, but he’s not entirely a boy, either. With all the magic in Kells’ garden, there must be a way to achieve his ideal androgyny.

However he looks, Florian will have to face his past if he wants a future with Kells. Even if he avoids London forever, eventually his past is going to come looking for the girl he used to be.

The Potion Gardener is a low-stakes, low-angst cozy fantasy novella in the Flos Magicae series, a collection of queer romances set in an alternate 1920s world with magic. Featuring a trans, nonbinary lead, a butch cis lesbian love interest, a scruffy terrier with anxiety, and a great deal of gardening. All the Flos Magicae stories are standalones, and can be read in any order.

Review: The Solstice Cabin (Flos Magicae) by Arden Powell

Rating: 4🌈

Arden Powell has been writing such an amazing selection of books for the Flos Magicae series. All have been crafted with a certain subtlety, the world building and any foundation information is such that the reader has to cobble together the hints scattered throughout the book or from the odd statements in dialogue to try to understand the societal framework the novels take place in.

Sometimes it frustrating, other times it flows perfectly within the magical quiet flow of the narrative. Here, it’s a bit of both.

We start off in 20th century Toronto. A ugly city, where homosexuality is a severe crime punishable by long term imprisonment or even death. There’s magic and magic wielders but those with major powers seem to be few . Or not heard of within the lowest orders of the working class. If you’re truly without magic, then your prospects are dim.

Non magical David, who works, like his parents did, for the big distillery in Toronto, barely has any money to his name. Again much like his parents who scraped to feed him.

We come upon him as he’s fighting his way through the blizzard, up towards Manitoba, looking for a friend who disappeared months ago.

The backstory comes out in bits and pieces throughout this tale, as David, and Amaruq, the friend he’s been looking for, struggle to communicate.

I mean struggle. There’s a lot of silence, started conversations that go nowhere. Snow. Freezing temperatures. A sense of deep pain and fatigue that surrounds them both. There’s a ghost. Whether he’s real or not, that’s left up to each reader to decide.

But Powell makes it all feel believable, even down to the magical elements. The stumbling blocks they’ve raised between themselves, the misconceptions. It’s as much due to the times and circumstances in which they lived rather than who they actually were.

I could have done more with the ending and a vast spiritual experience that occurred than what was left on the page. I felt it was way too brief for the magnitude of the events.

But that seems par for the course with the stories within this series.

I find my imagination keeps returning to different aspects of this couple and the story. That is a huge plus for me in any story. And another reason I’m recommending The Solstice Cabin (Flos Magicae) by Arden Powell.

——

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Obsidian Island by Arden Powell

Rating: 3 🌈

Based on the description, Obsidian Island easily fits into the historical gothic horror genre that’s wonderfully scary stuff to read. Especially if it’s well written, with a subliminal message of dread building along with suspenseful actions flowing through the storylines. Coming from the author of the wonderful Flos Magicae Universe stories, I had high expectations.

Obsidian Island comes close as it contains so many of the classic elements of the genre. There’s a shipwreck, a mysterious island full of wildly unimaginable plants and animals never seen anywhere before, and disquieting dreams that invade the minds of those within the island’s territory.

Obsidian Island’s biggest weakness lies not in its storylines but in one of its main characters. That’s the explorer biologist Emery Lapwing.

Emery is part of a crew of college friends that are sailing together on The Achillean, a frigate captained by a man he’s adored secretly for years, James Rawlings. Along with them are a ship’s doctor, Deaton, a man with his own demons, and a baker, Lucian.

There’s a considerable amount of unannounced romance and passion for the people within that quartet of men, more so given the nebulous time frame of 1800ish England. Definitely when same sex relations could see you imprisoned.

But the characters don’t come with much history or depth of personality. That’s a issue because it’s hard to care about them, especially when the author has set one up to be such a idiot.

Lapwing consistently runs towards danger here. It doesn’t matter that his fellow shipmates/friends are telling him it feels wrong or something isn’t right, off he charges. He disregards every type of warnings that come his way. There’s ominous dreams, obvious and subtle portent signs of death, even when a bird tries to pull him back to the shoreline away from the weird interior, does he listen? No. Also the bird is the size of a human and befriends him immediately. Huh.

Instead its into a deep, dark, unexplored cave when the tides are incoming. Or run to a looming tree that’s blood red and smells of death.

Honestly, the author’s endowed Emery with the common sense and survival skills of a kumquat.

As the others follow him into increasingly horrifying situations, only towards the end does it enter his mind that perhaps he’s to blame for every wrong move, and he’s got everything all wrong. Ya think?

I’m not sure why Powell’s narrative is so focused on such a character. He’s not one to connect with. The poor decisions he makes puts everyone in near death situations that he makes little apologies for until the last moments.

The romances, such as they are or can be for that era when it’s illegal, come briefly towards the end of the book and consist of chaste kisses.

James, Deaton, even the baker, Lucian , are far more relatable characters then Emery in their emotional reaction to the island, the strange things they see, and the ominous scenes before them.

There’s a ludicrous element with a sea monster. But perhaps that’s in keeping with the island.

The rating teetered between 2.5 and 3 here. Powell’s imaginative elements on the island, the butterflies and caterpillar idea was intriguing, but something was lost in the animal carryover. There’s a hole in the process there when you catch it.

Then there’s the ending. Powell didn’t stick the ending, imo.

It involved Emery, of course. He’s not just an explorer but a biologist. So supposedly he knows about seeds , water, reproduction, destruction.

Apparently not.

Or maybe he’s just a another TSTL character. Doing TSTL things.

Like he did the entire story.

Obsidian Island by Arden Powell isn’t one of those stories I’m recommending unless you’re a fan of this author or a die hard collector of this genre.

Great cover though.

https://www.goodreads.com › showObsidian Island by Arden Powell – Goodreads

The storm should have killed them. The tropical paradise where they wash ashore just might.

Emery Lapwing is only interested in two things: exploring the natural world, and pretending that he’s not in love with his closest friend, Captain James Rawlings of The Achillean. The first is easy: James will sail him anywhere he wants to go. The second, Emery has been doing for the past ten years.

Emery’s routine is shattered when he and James are swept overboard in a lightning storm. When the storm passes, they find themselves on the glittering pink beach of an unmapped island where no one has ever walked before.

The island seems like the perfect place to recuperate as they wait for rescue, brimming with miraculous new species to be discovered. And a thousand miles from civilization, it’s all too easy for Emery to imagine kissing James. In London, it was unthinkable—a kiss between two men meant the gallows if they were caught. On the island, it means risking James’ friendship when they most need each other to survive.

But attraction isn’t the only peril they face. The island hides a dangerous secret, and James and Emery aren’t the only castaways falling under its spell. Monstrous creatures stalk their every move and something is taking root in their dreams, luring them deeper into the island’s deadly, tropical heart.

The island offers Emery everything he has ever dreamed of. But all dreams require a sacrifice. And the island is hungry.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: The Botanist’s Apprentice ( Flos Magicae #1) by Arden Powell

Rating: 4.25🌈

The Botanist’s Apprentice is the first in Arden Powell’s Flos Magicae series about a world where magic and magical studies exist, if somewhat uneasily.

A slow burn romance builds around the shared love of two mens passion and study of deadly plants. That’s such a fascinating idea that’s gets even more marvelous when the author creates a few charismatic, albeit horrifying deadly flora to add into the story as a main element.

Eli Katz is all young enthusiasm, , his intense passion for and research about deadly plants have led him to the very man and his well known greenhouse that can help him achieve his dreams. Powell ‘s Katz is believable, adorable in his intensity, and grounded in the way he views his new surroundings and Mr . Robert Lord-Harding. It’s both with the highest respect. And , to himself, acknowledging a growing attraction.

Robert Lord-Harding starts off as the lonely stiff researcher, who upon realizing he’s met a kindred spirit , starts to share his passion, watching with a quiet joy.

I love this aspect of the story. The beginning of their journey together as he opens his amazing greenhouse to Eli for the first time…

This story is short but has some unexpected moments and elements to it. Ones that brings chills, a gasp or two, and a lovely epilogue.

I started this trilogy with the much darker Winter’s Dawn so wasn’t expecting the lightness , joy of magic, or a slow burn romance. Even with killer plants. I always appreciate a deadly bit of flora!

Love it! Highly recommending this and the much darker bookend to this trilogy, Winter’s Dawn. Now to finish it up.

Flos Magicae:

🔹The Botanist’s Apprentice #1

🔹The Batchelor’s Valet #2

🔹Winter’s Dawn #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Botanist’s Apprentice (Flos Magicae, #1) by Arden Powell – Goodreads

Recent college graduate Eli Katz is desperate to continue his studies in the field of magical botany. When a family friend arranges an apprenticeship for him with the most famous botanist in the country, Eli leaps at the chance without asking questions.

Robert Lord-Harding is a reclusive bachelor with an interest in dangerous plants. What he’s not interested in is another apprentice—especially not after the scandal of his last one. But, intrigued by Eli’s research, he offers Eli the chance to prove himself and earn access to his greenhouse.

Ever the keen student, Eli thrives under the attention. And if Lord-Harding is younger and more attractive than Eli had imagined, and if his teaching methods are more hands-on . . . Well, it’s not the first time Eli has had a crush on an instructor. It doesn’t mean he has to act on it.

But Eli and Lord-Harding aren’t the only ones in the greenhouse. A carnivorous plant that emits pheromones to lure men into its deadly embrace has been watching them flirt for weeks. Its pollen is irresistible, and it has certain effects on male physiology that make it impossible to ignore. Eli and Lord-Harding might be able to resist their attraction to each other, but resisting the man-eater is something else altogether.

The Botanist’s Apprentice is an 18,000-word standalone fantasy short with an HEA.

Review: Winter’s Dawn (Flos Magicae #3) by Arden Powell

Rating: 5🌈

What an extraordinary story. It takes place in an alternate England, where magic and its users are to be strictly regimented, constrained by laws and prevailing ruling opinion. Anything or anyone with opposing viewpoints or uses of magic are quickly apprehended, accused of treason, and sent off to the impenetrable Blackwood Gaol to “await “ trail.

Magical, depressing Blackwood Gaol, who’s dampener’s prevent any of its prisoners from using their magic. Runes inscribed onto manacles, or embedded into the very walls themselves, seem to crush the very essence of magic within those jailed there.

We start with the journey of Dr. Thomas Brighton, imprisoned,accused of using dangerous magic . He’s a professor of theological magic but now he’s being thrown into a single dark cell in Blackwood. In an instant he’s gone from esteemed introverted college professor to someone who has lost everything.

It becomes a intimate portrait of a man in isolation, learning what it means to be deprived of nutrition, stimulation, references of times. We see it lead to bouts of depression, poor health as the cold and non existent meals tear at his physical condition, especially the loss of the magic that’s always been such a essential part of him. It’s raw, gritty, and real.

The person in the cell next to him? Winter, convicted of treason and murder. First a disembodied voice , then a hand, through a tunnel.

The relationship these two people build is at first tenuous. Especially when Thomas finds out that Winter is unapologetic about their murder sentence.

But isolation has let Thomas have more time to think about all those preconceived notion’s he’s held , about magic, and non-binary Winter is about to have a few more revelations to come.

The story builds , towards a February execution date for Winter and a increasingly questionable trial date for Thomas, as they talk, learn about each other’s magic and history.

I thought this was just a masterpiece of speculative fiction. The universe is created, the people clearly seen in those cells, for all the walls around them, and the HFN ending just amazing.

There’s two previous stories I haven’t read . I will get to those asap.

Meanwhile, put Winter’s Dawn (Flos Magicae #3) by Arden Powell on your Must Read List. It’s incredible.

I’m highly recommending it.

Flos Magicae:

The Botanist’s Apprentice #1

The Batchelor’s Valet #2

Winter’s Dawn #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showWinter’s Dawn (Flos Magicae, #3) by Arden Powell – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Thomas Brighton, a professor of theoretical magic, has been accused of treason. Imprisoned in the bleak Blackwood Gaol as he awaits his trial, he is cut off from his magic and his studies: a fate worse than death for the scholar who has devoted his life to academia. His only company is Winter, the mysterious prisoner in the neighbouring cell. As Thomas’ trial drags nearer, their whispered conversations are the only thing keeping him from giving in to boredom and despair.

Winter is a radical, a murderer, and a traitor to the crown. Everything Thomas fears and looks down on. But as Blackwood continues to crush his spirit and his magic, Winter might be his only ally. And Thomas might be Winter’s only chance of escape. Because if Blackwood and its guards don’t kill them both, the hangman’s noose surely will.

Winter’s Dawn is a 24,000-word fantasy novella with a male lead and a nonbinary love interest. It is part of the Flos Magicae series, set in an alternate 1920s universe with magic. All the stories are standalone historical fantasy romances and can be read in any order

In the Spotlight Tour and Giveaway for A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love by Arden Powell

A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love by Arden Powell
Riptide Publishing
Cover By: Shayne Leighton

Sales Links  Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Arden Power here today on tour for the new release A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love.  Welcome, Arden.

🎼

Hi, I’m Arden Powell. I’m here to share writing tips, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes notes about my new release, A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love. Comment on my blog tour for a chance to win a $20 Amazon.com gift card!

 

About A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love

What he wanted was a music career. What he needed was love.

When Kris Golding leaves his dusty Kansas hometown for a fresh start in New York, he thinks an apartment and a job are waiting for him. But when he finds neither, rather than admit defeat, he takes his chances busking—and meets Rayne Bakshi of international rock band The Chokecherries. Rayne needs a new guitarist, and gives Kris his first break since leaving home.

Rayne wears makeup and glitter and thinks nothing of kissing Kris in front of twenty thousand screaming fans for the attention. Instantly infatuated, Kris begins to question whether he might have a crush on Rayne—could he be bisexual? But since Kris originally claimed to be straight, Rayne’s wary of getting involved offstage.

As their tour gains momentum, Kris’s sexuality becomes the least of his troubles. Between his conservative brother hell-bent on “rescuing” him from his life of debauchery, a peacock that may or may not be the avatar of a cult god, and a publicity stunt that threatens to upend the band, Kris is definitely not in Kansas anymore.

 

About Arden Powell

Arden graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with an Honours degree in English literature and the realization that essay writing is just another form of making up stories. They also came away with an overriding and all-abiding love of semicolons, to the general dismay of their editors.

Arden lives in Ontario with a dog, a fellow human, and an unnecessary number of houseplants.

Connect with Arden:

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of A Summer Soundtrack for Falling in Love, one lucky person will win a $20 Amazon gift card! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 2, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!