Tag: fantasy adventure series

Review: Daughter of Fahrowen (The Four Towers Book 1) by Leslie J Parsons 

Rating: 4⭐️

Daughter of Fahrowen (The Four Towers Book 1) by Leslie J Parsons is one of those fantasy novels that has many excellent elements and characters as well as moments of wonderful storytelling. 

Three young people, thrown into a unknown fantasy magical world where they have new destinies and paths to journey through, one that takes them, friends in their former lives, in a new dynamic in this world. 

The three best friends start with Lyla Green as the center of the trio. Lyla is an orphan of a famous fantasy author similar to Tolkien, whose work has spread across several media platforms.  Shes a recent graduate of high school and has made several decisions about her life and future. Ones she’s been afraid of sharing with the other two because of their reactions, especially Ren’s.

Ren and her parents were very supportive when Lyla’s parents died and left her alone in the house next door. But Ren’s character is one that isn’t very likable and relatable. She’s selfish, self absorbed, and overbearing. It’s her that Lyla is avoiding and fleeing by selling the house and moving away. 

The young man, Zach, friend and supporter ends as the same but in a different role, one totally unexpected but suited for him personally. 

Parsons has created a strong world and given her characters many difficult challenges to deal with, primarily Lyla as she was ignorant of her background.

I could appreciate the story, the plot and twists but never really connected with the author’s characters. 

It mostly due to the Lyla/Ren dynamic and how Lyla’s character is originally framed out. 

I’m probably not the best reader for this book. For me, there’s just too many things that bother me. Why wasn’t a teenager given better emotional support after being constantly bullied by a girl whose parents are her only source of stability? Where’s the outreach or therapy counselor? 

It’s just no real accountability that the parents have let Ren’s behavior control this situation as long as they did. And it doesn’t help that it’s the entire long book for Lyla’s struggles with Ren’s behavior to still make only a little forward motion.

Daughter of Fahrowen (The Four Towers Book 1) by Leslie J Parsons is a very good young fantasy novel, especially for a new author. I believe that it is an entertaining read and sweet story. 

Young adults who like fantasy fiction might enjoy it. 

Terrific cover. 

Cover designer, Ivan Zann 

Buy link

 Book 1 of 1: The Four Towers 

Blurb 

She just wanted to live an ordinary life. Instead, she became the key to another world’s future.

Lyla Greene is ready to live life on her own terms, free from the shadow of her famous father. That opportunity is ripped away from her when a mysterious portal drags her and two friends into the kingdom of Fahrowen, where cell phones have been replaced by spells and vanity and greed are more common than compassion.

There, she’s told an impossible truth: she’s the long-lost heir to the throne, and the only one who can repair the magical barrier protecting the realm.

Lyla has no idea how to wield the ancient power that’s sleeping inside her, and no interest in becoming anyone’s savior. But walking away could destroy a kingdom that sees her as their only hope. Now she must make an impossible choice.

Will she fight for a world that isn’t hers, or will she turn her back and let it burn?

Perfect for fans of reluctant royalty, unraveling destinies, and epic fantasy with heart.

September 22, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

487 pages

Book 1 of 1

The Four Towers

Review: Wards & Measures: The Glyphwright Chronicles Book 2 by Jeremy Fabiano 

Rating: 5⭐️+

If I could give this book and series a higher rating, I would. It’s just phenomenal. 

I’m just upset that I have to wait for the third book to be released for my journey with these incredible characters to continue. 

Marcus Fairwind and his now partner/friend, Felix Penwright are set to take their journeyman exams after winning through the events of the last novel. Each has gained new levels, acquiring new skills, abilities and magical knowledge that will help them achieve their goals as Wardmakers. Along with their new friends Sarah, Katherine, Ben, and now brilliant 14 year old Rose, Marcus’ young sister who has her own unique skills and talents to bring into play. 

Fabiano shows off a wonderful talent for creating fully realized characters of both genders and ages here. Whether it’s Marcus or Felix, Sarah or Rose, Erasmus (their enigmatic Master) or any of the parents scrambling to understand and support their children, each of these people are believable, breathing, layered beings. People we can connect with and invest in emotionally. 

And we will. For here some of their biggest achievements, problems and adventures lies ahead. 

For what started as a two Grandmasters waging war, now the horrific ramifications are left to those who have to use innovative methods to solve them or all may be lost. 

What follows is a completely absorbing story. There’s so much to this. The magical systems alone is incredible and throughly detailed and minutely executed. FYI, if you’re someone who likes magic done with a ‘wave of a wand’, and then everything explodes. Well, this might not be the thing for you. 

Here different magical applications and approaches are imaginatively and clearly defined and detailed in scenarios by scenarios. It’s fascinating, gripping, sometimes scary, often suspense filled, and life threatening. I couldn’t tear myself away from the book. And the characters in whatever situation they were in. 

The RPG aspect of the story is present as levels that each character obtains but it’s woven into the story in a manner that makes sense and doesn’t require any special attention from non-gamers. 

The sense of found family, community and friends that builds here, especially at the end is so heartwarming. It feels real and satisfying. And even after such a long journey, I wasn’t ready for it to end. 

A fantastic experience and grand adventure. Love this series and group of characters. 

A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author. 

Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design

The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):

  • Ink & Intent  #1
  • Wards & Measures #2
  • Trades & Treaties #3 – Feb 8,2026
  • Vision & Venture #4 – April 8,2026

Buy link:

        Wards & Measures: The Glyphwright Chronicles – Book 2

    

Blurb 

The journeyman exam was supposed to be the hardest thing Marcus and Felix faced this year. Then Erasmus sent for help.

After passing their journeyman examination, Marcus and Felix expected to settle into their new partnership. Instead, Erasmus sends word from the capital: he needs their help in the Eastern provinces. War disrupted the region’s magical infrastructure, and he needs glyphwrights who know how to adapt when traditional solutions won’t work.

The ward networks are failing. Dungeon containment is corrupted. Preservation systems are breaking down. It’s the kind of widespread repair work that hasn’t been needed in five hundred years.

Their royal escort, Prince Adrian, spent years training in combat and protocol to earn his abilities. Marcus’s fourteen-year-old sister can see magical patterns the Prince never will. The resentment is immediate. And somehow, Marcus has to get them all working together before minor failures cascade into disaster.

The Glyphwright Chronicles continues with infrastructure crises, unlikely allies, and the lesson that sometimes the most important work isn’t glamorous—it’s the foundation that keeps everything else standing.

December 12, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

450 pages

Book 2 of 4

The Glyphwright Chronicles

Review: Ink & Intent: The Glyphwright Chronicles Book 1 by Jeremy Fabiano 

Rating: 5⭐️

This is such a fabulous read. Jeremy Fabiano is a new author and I’m so excited to share his book and amazing series. 

After finishing Ink & Intent, the first novel in his fantasy The Glyphwright Chronicles, I can say not only that I absolutely committed to this universe and characters but also to the author as well. (Yes, I’ve read ahead)

I’ve read literally thousands of books in all genres and more authors than I can count. And lately, I’m just not finishing the stories I find lacking. 

But Book 1, Ink & Intent, is incredible on multiple levels. Fabiano is, with great attention to detail and craftsmanship, creating many important pieces of his series at once. And doing so beautifully, believably, and imaginatively.

The author gives us the characters, all extremely multi dimensional, deeply faceted by their own unique personalities, magical abilities and grounded in their environment ,business or family or any combination thereof. And then allows each of them room to develop and grow into fuller, more complex people as their own lives and relationships dynamics change. 

And an important aspect of this is the location of Millbrook, a town so real and lively and well conceived that it acts as its own character. From the many geographical points, the mill and river to the town’s shops and shopkeepers, the reader becomes intimately acquainted and fond of each of them. And their importance to each other storylines and connections to the main characters. 

It’s a tapestry of magical characters as a weaving of magical systems that is constantly evolving in complexity and delightful design. It’s pragmatic, surprisingly intuitive and unlike any I’ve encountered.  

There’s a slight RPG element as the characters have skills and journals that show them as they level up as journeyman. But the adventure(s) and magical abilities are acquired as they are asked to solve various challenges and a multitude of problems. One of such variety that I couldn’t stop thinking about each one and didn’t put the story down until the wee hours. 

Then picked up the next at 3 am. Oh no. 

There’s a no spice romance developing but it’s really all about the friendship and partnership between the two young men, and their older mentors and the Guide who’s fighting innovation. At the moment. 

I can see me adding more to my groaning bookshelf.  

What a fantastic find. A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author. 

Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design

The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):

  • Ink & Intent  #1
  • Wards & Measures #2
  • Trades & Treaties #3 – Feb 8,2026
  • Vision & Venture #4 – April 8,2026

Buy link:

 Book 1 of 4: The Glyphwright Chronicles 

Blurb 

Marcus Fairwind remembers every symbol he’s ever seen. Too bad that talent is useless for a merchant’s son—until he starts treating magic like a supply chain problem.

After disappointing his father one too many times, Marcus begs Millbrook’s irritable glyphwright for an apprenticeship. Erasmus reluctantly takes him on, teaching him glyphwriting—magic through written symbols.

His perfectionist rival Felix thinks Marcus doesn’t belong. The Guild fears what happens when apprentice innovations make master traditions obsolete.

When their experimental ward network actually works, the Guild decides to make an example of them. The challenge: protect the entire Harvest Festival or both apprentices and their masters lose their right to practice. Forever.

Now Marcus and his former rival must save three days of festival chaos—escaping livestock, spoiling goods, and traditions gone sideways. But when the Guild rigs the game against them, the apprentice Marcus once couldn’t stand might be the only person worth trusting.

A cozy fantasy with LitRPG progression elements, first romance, found family, and the revolutionary idea that sometimes your worst enemy is exactly the partner you need.

Pour yourself something warm, settle into your favorite reading spot, and discover why sometimes the most magical thing isn’t saving the world—it’s finding where you belong.

November 7, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

401 pages

Book 1 of 4

The Glyphwright Chronicles

Review: Inked in Ashes: A twisted fairy tale retelling (Inkbound Book 1) by Shannon Mayer

Rating:  5✨

I love stories where the author has twisted known fairy tales into their own interpretations of these beloved characters and takes on their universes and themes. 

Inked in Ashes is author Shannon Mayer’s first novel in her new Inkbound series about a princess hidden in a book of Fairy Tales until the time is finally come for her to make her way back home and save her kingdom. 

From such a simple sounding premise comes an incredible story, starting with a devastating scene of sacrifice, death , and the magic that sends a toddler princess into a book of fairy tales just as her father’s enemy destroys everything around her.  It’s heartbreaking and terrifying as any a prologue. 

Harmony Fallowell is the young woman we meet in a slum town, Hollow, along with her best friend, Moll, trying to get her friend out of going to the ball. Harmony’s got a stepfather, stepmother, and her kids. Yes, she’s not been treated well as an extra mouth or adopted sibling. 

Things go badly at the ball for Moll and then Harmony who is there for her. 

Mayer beautifully pulls in many of the familiar themes and fairy tale staples here, ones that will make the reader nod in acknowledgment.  But those are just a fantastic framework for a deeper story. 

One that has inspired characters, including falcons, violence, gore in action scenes, and some detailed deaths. There’s also an off the page mention of a SA. 

So think Grimm’s instead of Disney and you would be more prepared for the type of characters and scenarios found here. 

The journey that propels Harmony throughout this book is so well written. It combines a number of different elements, all perfectly executed to give the feeling of multiple layers being utilized at the same time to help her develop and become the person needed at the end of her journey. The one needed to save her kingdom. 

How I love this book and characters. Absolutely amazing. 

Molli too. She’s a tremendous character. 

I need Inked in Onyx asap!

Highly recommended!

 Cover by HiJinks Ink Publishing

Inkbound series:

Inked in Ashes #1

Inked in Onyx #2 – June 10,2025

Buy link

 Book 1 of 2: Inkbound 

Blurb 

For fans of Once Upon a Time, and Wicked.

Escape the page, or die trying…

I’ve spent twenty-five years in the Hollow, poor as dirt, cursed with a stepmother who hates me, and dreaming about a faraway land that I don’t understand. Only two things that make life worth living are my falcon, Fetch, and my best friend, Molly.

But when Moll’s plot to land a royal husband at the palace ball goes horribly wrong, I find myself staring at a king with a glass stiletto buried in his chest and a blood-covered Molly standing over him. We’ve got to move…and fast, or we’ll both wind up swinging from the hangman’s noose.

Worse? The palace sorcerer is using everything he can to find the culprit including raising the dead.

More complicated? Duncan…brother to the King, whose eye I’ve unintentionally caught, a man whose secrets might be deadlier than the undead soldiers breathing down our necks, is making me second-guess everything I’ve ever known.

With revolution brewing and a mysterious man calling to me from my dreams, I have no choice but to embrace my fate…

But what if my fate is beyond anything I could ever imagine? What if the only land I’ve ever known isn’t home at all?

What if I’m trapped inside a fairytale, and the only way out…is through?

  • Publisher: Hijinks Ink Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: May 13, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Book 1 of 2: Inkbound

Review: Chosen One Universe: Volume One by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.75🌈

Books:

Sweet Nothings

All or Nothing

Nothing Ventured

I am all in on these series collections. It allows me to read straight through a series of books without stopping, something every binge reader dreams of.

As I said in my review of Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) , I’m in the process of reading all the Chosen One novels. What better way than Chosen One bundles?

This bundle takes me back to the origin of all the series and relationships.

It begins with Sweet Nothings, the prequel novel, that’s the foundation . Here we meet human Sam Baker, alpha Vaughn Jerrick, and some of the most engaging supernatural children ever. The plot, which is heartwarming, romantic, funny, and and totally captivating. It’s also extremely moving. And not without its moments of heartbreak.

Many of the young beings are people that play important roles throughout the overall Chosen Ones series. So this is indeed where it all starts.

The next two stories are completely different. The first couple of Sam and Vaughn are completely monogamous, as you would expect a werepack Alpha mated couple to be.

But All or Nothing and Nothing Ventured are focused on the group of Guardians as they slowly find each other, adjusting to what they are to their roles and new relationships. And what that might mean to the Chosen One when it’s located,the one they are committed to, via a prophecy.

Hint, the Chosen is found but not all the Guardians are counted for as yet.

These are incredibly sexy stories. Also high action and adventure. We are talking Vampire, Dragon, Griffon, …ummm nope. The rest will need to be read.

But the relationship between all of them? It’s only of polyamory. And it’s not only extremely sexy but it works beautifully in as far as the need for their tightly crafted relationships with each other.

Blake has a huge overall series plot thread being crafted that started with Sweet Nothing and continues to build with deadly suspense with each book.

The black magic and villain is hidden to great effect, truly chilling.

I loved both books. It was outstanding seeing Henry, a grownup 21, and well into his powers. Although wasn’t quite ready for his Daddy kink.

That was a issue reading those stories together. For me, he was just the haunted, traumatized orphan I left behind in Sweet Nothings. Oops!

Now he’s 21. I felt like his parent.

Hmmm , yeah, that took a while. Sawyer yes, Henry, too soon. Not anything more than reading the books right after each other.

By Nothing Ventured, I was fine. And loving the polyamory relationship of the Guardians.

Anyway I’m onto the second volume of Chosen novels.

And if you’re a fan of supernatural beings, mythological creatures, magic, Macy Blake, and the Chosen One Universe, here’s a collection for you.

I’m highly recommending it.

https://www.amazon.com › Chosen-…The Chosen One Universe Volume One: An MM Paranormal Fantasy Shifters Series …

❤️Chosen Universe Multi-series Reading Order:

1. Sweet Nothings- Prequel
– The Chosen One

2. The Trouble With Love
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 1

3. Santa Trouble
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 2

4. All or Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 1

5. Nothing Ventured
– The Chosen One, Book 2

6. Hell on Earth
– Hellhound Champions, Book 1

7. Double or Nothing

8. Next to Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 3

9. Hell To Pay
– Hellhound Champions, Book 2

10. Give Him Hell
– Hellhound Champions, Book 3

11. Nothing Gained
– The Chosen One, Book 4

12. Stop at Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 5

13. Sweet Spot

14. All Kidding Aside
– Magical Mates, Book 1

15. Stop Kidding Around
– Magical Mates, Book 2

16. Hell Breaks Loose
– Hellhound Champions, Book 4

17. Logan
– Chosen Champions, Book 1

18. Gideon
– Chosen Champions, Book 2

19. Jamal
– Chosen Champions

20. Cosmo and the King

21. Aleron
– Chosen Champions, Book 3