Source: Author via The Write Reads

#TheWriteReads blog tour | “Time-Marked Warlock” (The Chronos Chronicles, Book One) by Shami Stovall

Posted Wednesday, 10 June, 2026 by jorielov (Narrator) Annie Ellicott, (Narrator) Jeff Hays, (Narrator) Justin Thomas James, Shami Stovall, Soundbooth Theater, The Chronos Chronicles, Time-Marked Warlock 0 Comments

Acquired Book By: I found out about this novel via The Write Reads who was hosting a blog tour for the sequel Chronos Warlock in (2025). I had intended to finish reading and listening to the audiobook for the blog tour – however, the tour was postponed and delayed, and I had things going on in my life at the time which prevented me from finishing my time with Adair Finch. I have the first two novels in print and in audiobook courtesy of the author – and it has been a long journey towards rectifying my time spent in these novels as my heart has been itching to finish them as I love the world within them but personally I’ve been going through a heck of a lot since I first signed on for the blog tour. Including losing my father after a long bout of medical crises and having my Mum facing her own health issues that were difficult to go through as well. This story and the series within it – has been a mainstay of curiosity for me and one that I’m thankful I can finally share with my readers and others who visit me alike. I’m grateful for the patience of The Write Reads and the author for giving me extra time with this novel, too!

I received a complimentary print and audiobook copy of “Time-Marked Warlock” direct from the author Shami Stovall in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

Why I wanted dearly to read & listen to this audiobook:

I originally announced the arrival of “Time-Marked Warlock” and “Chronos Warlock” on my #bookstagram feeds in March of (2025). I sort of fell hard for the premise of this series – it felt like the kind of quirky Urban Fantasy & Magical world I wanted to visit and settle inside as those are the kinds of stories which are my cuppa of the last several years. From Jeannie Wycherley’s Wonky Inn and Wonderland Detective Agency to Ms Chris’s Tipsy Fairy Tale Trilogy – you could say, if its quirky, humourous and dearly magical – odds are in good favour I’ll be wanting to devour it! Laughs.

Plus, I’ve had a keen fascination with time and how time can become bent in stories as well – including reading the trifecta of time across Contemporary, Historical and SpecFic realms: time travel, time bent and time shift narratives. Each style being a bit different from each other and carry their own uniqueness to the table of how a story can be told, experienced and explored. To have a series rooted in ‘time’ felt like it was perfect for me.

It isn’t oft I get to read a book in print whilst listening to the audiobook – it is a special treat whenever that is able to be done and in this case, it added to the dimension of the story. Plus, it is wicked to have a ‘cast’ and theatrical performance of the story vs having an individual or duo narrator team performing the story. I enjoy both styles of audiostories but this one in particular was lovingly unique and enjoyable.

Also, it should be noted, I’ve been talking about this novel and series for awhile now – if you take a look at this WWWWeds post of mine and this post via my #bookstagram!

Time-Marked Warlock
by Shami Stovall
Source: Author via The Write Reads

Adair Finch is the most powerful warlock in the world, and one of the best private investigators for hire. He has dealt with corporate vampires, murderous werewolves, and even fae royalty. Everything was perfect until he lost one case—the case where he also lost his brother.

So Finch retired. From magic. From PI work. From everything. Bree Blackstone, a twelve-year-old witch, doesn’t know or care about any of that except Finch’s reputation. In the middle of the night, she bangs on Finch’s door. Her mother has been murdered, and now the assassin is after Bree as well.

Reluctantly, Finch agrees to help, only to discover something sinister has been brewing in town while he ignored the world... He’ll need to dust off all his old skills and magic before it’s too late.

"Fans of the Dresden Files and the Iron Druid Chronicles will definitely enjoy Stovall's creation." - Jason Cordova, national bestselling author

Genres: Science Fiction, Amateur Detective, Urban Fantasy

Places to find the book:

Add to LibraryThing

ISBN: 978-1957613895

ASIN: B0DCCH3LPM

Published by Soundbooth Theater

on 20th August, 2024

Format: Audiobook | Digital

Length: 9 hours and 38 minutes (unabridged)

Pages: 372

About BBNYA

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and
score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 (17 in 2025) finalists and one
overall winner. If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official.

NOTE: This year, (2026) is my first year as a panelist! Per my announcement!

The Chronos Chronicles series:

Time-Marked Warlock (Book One) *audio

Chronos Warlock (Book Two) *audio

24-Hour Warlock (Book Three) *audio

Time God Warlock (Book Four)

*the first three novels are available in audiobook!

Published by: Soundbooth Theater (@soundbooththeater) via Instagram

About Shami Stovall

Shami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators.

Posted Wednesday, 10 June, 2026 by jorielov in Action & Adventure Fiction, Amateur Detective, Crime Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Supernatural Creatures & Beings, Supernatural Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Witches and Warlocks

A #SciFiSundays #25PagePreview Review | “Hive” (Madders of Time, Book One) by D.L. Orton

Posted Sunday, 18 May, 2025 by jorielov D.J. Orton, Hive, Madders of Time series, Rocky Mountain Press 0 Comments

Acquired Book By: I was truly intrigued by the premise of HIVE when Dave @ The Write Reads first told me about the story. There was a fuller history of the publication of the novel and the series it belongs to as well. There is something wicked about time travel stories – I am properly addicted to seeking them out and to sorting out how the travelling works in each universe an author utilises the concept of travelling in time. Everyone has their own portal, and everyone has their own vision for it which makes it wicked unique. Thereby with an appetite of curiosity for what the story would involve and how it would be carried out, I signed up for the blog tour.

I received a complimentary copy of “HIVE” direct from the author DL Orton in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

Hallo, Hallo dear hearts!

I initially was planning to share a full review of HIVE for this blog tour – however, due to circumstances outside of my control, this month (ie. my Mum’s hospitalisation and surgery) – I found myself losing track of time. The hours the day of her surgery went by in such a flash – my mind and heart just wasn’t locked into my work either – which I hadn’t thought anyone was noticing outside of myself, as my rhythm was just off. Except to say, before the midway point of my shift my kind boss asked if it would help if I went home early that day – it turnt out to be godsend but he didn’t know it then. Ever since that day – it feels like I’ve been running on autopilot and trying to keep my head above water.

I found that between juggling my two jobs and being a caregiver at home isn’t as easy as some might believe it to be whilst still trying to find enough time to rest and have downtime from work too. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been running low on energy and sleep and this past week alone – I felt like a proper zombie because each day bled into the next and sleep was not my friend. I was hopeful to read a bit at night after work, but I was so tired that after just a bit of dinner, I was half asleep already! Oy. Thereby, I knew I wouldn’t be able to post a complete review for this novel – at least, not in time for the blog tour.

I’ve been enjoying reading it – slowly but surely – and decided to offer a bit of glimpse into what the story is about and how it is has resonated with me whilst I’m in the throes of the opening! One reason I enjoy writing these #25PagePreview mini-reviews is that I get to give a first impression of a story right in the midst of discovering the fuller scope of where a novel can take me. I find that if an author can hook me into their story emotionally and visually within those first pages – I’ll feel properly anchoured to carry-on into the finality of the book. If I don’t feel that anchoured into a story in the beginning, it is harder for me to continue to read it. I’m sure most might agree with me on that.

For me, I’ve found my threshold of knowing about a story – if I’ll continue to read it – happens within the first twenty-five pages irregardless of how long or short a novel is – those are the moments in the story that make/break it for me as a reader. Similarly, for an audiobook – it is the first twenty-five minutes. Apparently, I’m a bit consistent when it comes to page vs minutes! Laughs. And, so, what I’m looking for as I begin any story – is how the author sets the stage – how they open up the world they’ve created for us to find and discover and most definitely – what are their characters trying to tell us to convince us to take that journey with them? Descriptive narrative is key but also are wickedly rounded characters and a feeling of a world in search of a visitor to find it. I want to feel as though the story has lived to the brink that by the time I arrive inside – it is fully illuminated and ready to be seen.

The following are my initial impressions of HIVE and the start of the Madders of Time series.

HIVE
Subtitle: Madders of Time (Book One)
by DL Orton
Source: Author via The Write Reads

What if saving the future meant rewriting the past?

In a dying world overrun by microdrones, humanity's last survivors cling to life inside the Eden-17 biodome. Isabelle Sanborn knows her time is running out, but one desperate plan might give humanity a second chance. With the help of Madders, an enigmatic AI built from the memories of a brilliant physicist, Isabelle sends Diego Nadales—the love of her life—35 years into the past. His mission? To change the course of history and prevent their world's collapse.

When Diego arrives in the vibrant yet fragile Main Timeline, he's forced to confront ghosts of the past, including a younger, ambitious version of Isabelle. As he battles to shape a better future, Diego must navigate a delicate web of relationships and events without destroying the very fabric of time.

Brimming with suspense, heart-pounding action, and a poignant love story that transcends time, Madders of Time - Book One is a breathtaking science fiction adventure. Award-winning author DL Orton weaves a tale that explores sacrifice, resilience, and the timeless power of love.

Fans of The Time Traveler's Wife and Dark Matter will find themselves captivated by this unforgettable journey through parallel worlds and intertwining destinies.

The clock is ticking. Can love survive the collapse of time itself?

Prepare to lose yourself in the first installment of the Madders of Time series—a story that will keep you turning pages and leave you hungry for more.

Genres: Science Fiction, Time Travel Fiction

Places to find the book:

Add to LibraryThing

ISBN: 978-1941368329

Published by Rocky Mountain Press

on 6th May, 2025

Format: Paperback Edition

Published by: Rocky Mountain Press
Follow them via Insta: (@rockymountainpress)

Available Formats: Paperback and Ebook

Converse via: #SciFi, #ScienceFiction and #TimeTravel
as well as #TheWriteReads & #HIVE

About DL Orton

The BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, D. L. ORTON, lives in the foothills of Colorado where she and her husband are raising three boys, a golden retriever, two Siberian cats, and an extremely long-lived Triops. Her future plans include completing the books in the BETWEEN TWO EVILS series followed by an extended vacation on a remote tropical island (with a Starbucks).

When she’s not writing, playing tennis, or helping with algebra, she’s building a time machine so that someone can go back and do the laundry.

Ms. Orton is a graduate of Stanford University’s Writers Workshop and a past editor of “Top of the Western Staircase,” a literary publication of CU, Boulder. The author has a number of short stories published in online literary magazines, including Literotica.com, Melusine, Cosmoetica, The Ranfurly Review, and Catalyst Press.

Her debut novel, CROSSING IN TIME, has won numerous literary awards including an Indie Book Award and a Publishers Weekly Starred Review. It was also selected as one of only 12 Great Indie Stars by BookLife’s Prize in Fiction.

Posted Sunday, 18 May, 2025 by jorielov in #25PagePreview, #SciFiSundays, #TheWriteReads, Blog Tour Host, Cli-Fi, Climate Change, Dystopian, Environmental Conscience, Environmental Science, Science Fiction

A #WyrdAndWonder Wednesday | “Buddy the Knight and the Queen of Sorrow” by Peter David

Posted Wednesday, 26 February, 2025 by jorielov Buddy the Knight and the Queen of Sorrow, Peter David, Self Published 2 Comments

Acquired Book By: I started hosting blog tours with The Write Reads in 2020 and prior to hosting with Dave (who runs the tours and has built an incredible community of the socially bookish behind it) I was following their feeds via Twitter. I took an unexpected hiatus from hosting their tours until Summer, 2024 wherein I reconnected with Dave and started to get back into the tours as they were available to join. I love finding new Independent publishers as much as I love finding new niches of fiction and Non-Fiction alike in which to absorb a story or style of narrative I haven’t yet come across and through hosting for The Write Reads I am finding my journey of discovery is regularly heightened to travel into new spheres of where story can take us all.

I received a complimentary copy of “Buddy and the Queen of Sorrow” from the author Peter David in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

Why this particular story impressed me and why I wanted to read it:

I was particularly attached to my stuffies growing up as I believe most children are as they find the comfort and friendship in stuffed animals. I had such a wide variety of stuffies, too, including my teddies – each of them were their own unique personality and had their own distinctive names, too. I still have most of them today – though, sadly, not exactly with me as their packed away. Whilst deciding how to feature the novel socially for the blog tour – I took inspiration by other book bloggers who were showcasing the book alongside their own teddies. And, mine will reflect a new addition to my shelves as well as a few friends who also give me loads of smiles by being present in my readerly life.

The concept of the story is what truly gave me courage to read the novel as I was quite intrigued by how the author set the tone and the narrative to begin. I also knew that he might be mistaken quite a lot for the ‘other’ Peter David of whom I had the pleasure of meeting once at a Trek convention and one of who wrote some of my favourite stories in the world of Trek. I was also wicked happy to find a #newtomeauthor of Middle Grade Fantasy as that is one of my focuses whenever I am seeking out new Fantasy novels to read.

In fact, I try to hone in on new voices in both Middle Grade and Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy. I have quite a few I’m reading at the moment – leftover from last year when my work hours went bonkers and time elapsed off the clock before I could fully tuck into the stories. Those will be featured in the coming weeks as March starts to arrive and I’m able to finally settle into the novels I received at the close of (2024).

I wasn’t sure what I would find within the pages of Buddy the Knight and the Queen of Sorrow but as I started to read this story, I found it quite wondrous indeed! It is as if David was able to peel back the layers of time and entreat us all a reprised visitation to our own childhood wherein toys and stuffies and teddies occupied our hours with endless imagined play and the curious adventures we took them as we lived our lives. It is a testament to the joy of being a child whilst firmly still embracing the innocence of childhood as an adult, too. It has poetry and lyrical prose as much as it has heartwarming sequences of brave courage. There is a bit of everything in this novel but what leaves you the most JOY of all is having taken the journey David envisioned us all to undertake. And, that is the best blessing of all, truly.

I found a particularly wicked good interview with Peter David about this novel, too!

Buddy the Knight and the Queen of Sorrow
by Peter David
Source: Author via The Write Reads

Buddy is no ordinary teddy bear.

He’s a Knight, crafted by The Nameless Wizard himself, and sworn to protect his Person, 10-year old Mieya, from all the Things-That-Go-Bump-In-The-Night.

When Mieya is cursed into a magical sleep, it’s up to Buddy and his friends Esteban the Bard, Sasha the Warrior-Princess, and Copper the Butterfly to journey across The Realm-Under-The-Bed and find the one responsible.

But this is no ordinary Quest. The Realm is a dangerous place, filled with jungles, deserts, lightning storms, and Monsters. But worst of all is The Queen of Sorrow who waits for them in her dark castle in the crags. To break her curse, Buddy will need more than his skill with a blade, Esteban’s witty songs, or Sasha’s ferocious might.

He’ll need Heart.

Genres: Children's Literature, Middle Grade, Fantasy Fiction, Middle Grade Fantasy

Places to find the book:

Add to LibraryThing

ISBN: 979-8227115102

Published by Self Published

on 30th August, 2024

Format: Paperback Edition

Pages: 168

About Peter David

A native son of Massachusetts, Peter has been living in the Deep South for over 25 years. By day, he’s an insurance professional, saving the world one policy at a time. But at night, well, no one really wants to see him fighting crime in his Spider-Man onesie.

Instead, Peter develops new worlds of adventure influenced by his love of science fiction, mysteries, music and fantasy. Whether it’s running role-playing games for his long-time friends, watching his beloved New England sporting teams vie for another championship, or just chilling with a movie, his wife, two boys, one puppy and three cats, Peter’s imagination is always on the move. It’s the reason why his stories are an eclectic blend of intrigue, excitement, humor and magic, drawn from four decade’s worth of television, film, novels and comic books.

Posted Wednesday, 26 February, 2025 by jorielov in #EnterTheFantastic, #TheWriteReads, #WyrdAndWonder Wednesday, 21st Century, Animals in Fiction & Non-Fiction, Blog Tour Host, Children's Literature, Fantasy Fiction, Jorie Loves A Story Features, Juvenile Fiction, Middle Grade Novel, Modern Day, Organised Blog Tours, Portal Fantasy, Post-911 (11th September 2001), Supernatural Creatures & Beings, Supernatural Fiction, Witches and Warlocks

#TheWriteReads Blog Book Tour during #SciFiMonth | Introducing “Skyfleet” (March of the Mutabugs) by Victoria Williamson a new #MiddleGrade Sci-Fi adventure!

Posted Tuesday, 26 November, 2024 by jorielov Andrews UK Limited, Skyfleet, Tiny Tree Books, Victoria Williamson 0 Comments

Acquired Book By: I started hosting blog tours with The Write Reads in 2020 and prior to hosting with Dave (who runs the tours and has built an incredible community of the socially bookish behind it) I was following their feeds via Twitter. I took an unexpected hiatus from hosting their tours until this Summer, 2024 wherein I reconnected with Dave and started to get back into the tours as they were available to join. I love finding new Independent publishers as much as I love finding new niches of fiction and Non-Fiction alike in which to absorb a story or style of narrative I haven’t yet come across and through hosting for The Write Reads I am finding my journey of discovery is regularly heightened to travel into new spheres of where story can take us all.

I received a complimentary copy of “Skyfleet” from the author Victoria Williamson in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.

Hallo, Hallo dear hearts!

I am wicked thrilled to say, I have a lovely new release to share during #SciFiMonth this year which tackles a subject in clear view of a category of stories that befits the idea of ‘outside my comfort zones’ as it involves BUGS. I foolishly thought the bugs were altered bugs or alien bugs or some kind of bug I’ve NEVER heard of previously – never in my life did I once think that the ‘mutabugs’ in the story were actually mutated *cockroaches!* (shudders) I’m not sure about you – but for me personally? Next to spiders, those are my least favourite bug to encounter! Ick.

I felt this was also a keenly insightful story which can resonate with readers who are also interested in Cli-Fi and Environmental stories in Science Fiction. As even though the climate of this world was suddenly altered through radiation, the radiation itself stole the natural environment of its own kind of harmonic cycles of life. As described by Williamson in the story as altering the life of the plants and insects – I oft wondered if other aspects of this world were also keenly altered by the crash and the aftereffects of having that kind of radioactive presence so volatile and near communities where settlers were resettling? Those were the kinds of thoughts running through my mind as I first entered the story and was eager to see where Williamson would take the story. Would she address those other concerns or just focus on the mutabugs?

This novel arrived with a full ‘reader’s kit’ by the author – who graced us with our own miniature plane, set of non-radiated seeds (as food in this world is scarce since the meteor strike!) and a whole bunch of lovely surprises! Mind you, I could have survived without finding the little bag of ‘bugs’ included by I understood why they were present. I’m just not a ‘bug kind of gal’ and that little bag was hiding in the kit so when I pulled it out – I admit, it gave me half a fright!

Being a part of this blog tour was a blast – I look forward to sharing photos of what I received on my #bookstagram feeds as I share this review socially. I truly appreciate the time and energy the author put into giving us all a wicked good #bookpost in celebration of the book’s release and of spending time tucked into her story. If you know of a reader who loves bugs and planes and children who have the courage to stand up to adults – this is definitely a story, you’ll want them to read!

As you’ll find on my review below – it was a wicked good read and one that you can easily do in one sitting as the story is fast paced and has an ending that you’ll have to read to believe!

Skyfleet
Subtitle: March of the Mutabugs
by Victoria Williamson
Source: Author via The Write Reads

When the skies turn deadly, a young heroine must rise from the ashes...

Twelve-year-old Amberley Jain has faced incredible challenges since the crash that took her parents and paralysed her legs. Now, with her best friend Ricardo Lopez about to be sent away and a swarm of mutated insects closing in on the Skyfleet base, the stakes have never been higher. Something monstrous is driving the mutabugs north from the contaminated meteor site known as the Cauldron, and the only plane capable of stopping it - the Firehawk - lies in pieces in the hangar.

Determined to honour her parents' legacy, Amberley hatches a daring plan. With Ricardo's help, they stow away on a supply train, trading his most treasured possession for the parts needed to repair the Firehawk. After secret test flights, the legendary jet is ready for action. Now, Amberley and Ricardo must confront the deadly swarm and save their home, discovering their inner strength and the true meaning of friendship along the way.

Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs is a thrilling tale of adventure and resilience, perfect for middle-grade readers.

Genres: Children's Literature, Middle Grade, Science Fiction

Places to find the book:

Add to LibraryThing

ISBN: 978-1837917044

Published by Tiny Tree Books

on 24th October, 2024

Format: Paperback Edition

Pages: 198

Published by: Tiny Tree Books (@tinytreebooks) via Insta

an imprint of Andrews UK Limited

Available Formats: Paperback and Ebook

Converse via: #MGLit, #MiddleGrade
as well as #TheWriteReads & #Skyfleet and #SciFiMonth

About Victoria Williamson

Victoria Williamson grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, and has worked as an educator in a number of different countries, including as an English teacher in China, a secondary science teacher in Cameroon, and a teacher trainer in Malawi.

As well as degrees in Physics and Mandarin Chinese, she has completed a Masters degree in Special Needs in Education. In the UK she works as a primary school special needs teacher, working with children with a range of additional support needs including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities and behavioural problems.

She is currently working as a full-time writer of Middle Grade and YA contemporary fiction, science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on creating diverse characters reflecting the many cultural backgrounds and special needs of the children she has worked with and building inclusive worlds where all children can see a reflection of themselves in heroic roles.

Victoria’s experiences teaching young children in a school with many families seeking asylum inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of redemption and unlikely friendship between Glaswegian bully Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | LibraryThing

Posted Tuesday, 26 November, 2024 by jorielov in #TheWriteReads, Blog Tour Host, Cli-Fi, Climate Change, Dystopian, Environmental Conscience, Environmental Science, Science Fiction