ZENDAR: A TALE OF SAND

Look at this wonderful review by Ashmita! Make sure to love her blog post!! Thank you so much for the review. ❤

the fictional journal

AUTHOR: K. T. MUNSON

RELEASE DATE: 22 AUGUST, 2022

genre: FANTASY

MY RATING:

★★★★

Synopsis:

Living in the great capital of Zendar, Sol, Nitya has always longed for something more than her family’s merchant lifestyle. She craves adventure—or at least hopes something remotely exciting could happen. When her best friend, Juni, secures them both positions in the palace’s kitchen, Nitya gets to experience a different world than she ever imagined—especially after a young soldier catches her eye.

Her world will never be the same.

Review:

This book, rather a novella, is a marvelous introduction to Munson’s fantasy world – Zendar. It instantly pulls you in and compels you to turn the pages. It follows the life of Nitya, who is young, naive, and bored with her everyday life. She craves excitement and adventure until one day she suddenly gets the opportunity to work as a maid…

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Ocean Breath: A Poetry Book by Tatum Hamernik

Overall:
A very enjoyable read. I liked the way the poetry was broken into four sections. There was a lot of focus on love, heartbreak, and emotions. There was an enjoyable raw edge to many of the poems. The types of poems were different in tone and tempo, some were simple rhymes, while others felt like spoke word style. The art added an additional interesting visual dynamic that I liked. There were some very strong literary devices and imagery in some of the poems, but was lacking in others.

If you need a poetry book that focuses on love and deep emotions wrapped around that, this is an excellent choice.

Rating
4 stars

This is a solid 4 stars and an excellent body of work. I would certainly read more by this author in the future, based on their potential, I expect their body of poetry to only grow and improve.

Where did I get a copy?
Author provided me one in exchange for an honest review. This review is voluntary.

Happy Release Day!!

That’s right. Zendar: A Tale of Wind and Sand is officially out! Originally I was going to raise the price to the planned price of $3.99, but this year (pardon my language) sucked. So I’ve changed my mind, it will be $2.99 until the end of the year.

You can get it from Amazon:

Amazon!!

Thank you to everyone who is still supporting me and my writing habit. I appreciate it!

I hope everyone is staying safe.

Hungry Eyes by Skye Bailey

Summary

James has always relied on himself for everything. He paid his way through school by taking crappy, low paying jobs. He always put his all into everything he did and never took anything for granted. But that didn’t matter, he was still laid off. But when one door closes, another opens. Now he had no ties to the ghetto town he lived in. He always wanted to be on his own, free to go wherever the wind took him. He settled himself up in the mountains; clean air, nature, and living off the land. What more could he want? Apparently, a lot more. He didn’t know what he was missing until Esme fell into his arms. But just when he thinks things couldn’t get any better, the unthinkable happens.

“She shouldn’t want this. She shouldn’t be feeling like this. Something about the mountain man seemed familiar to her. He kissed her with passion and desire. He’d kissed her like there was no tomorrow; like he’d been hungry for her.

“Something happened at that moment. He knew he wanted her, this broken woman who’d fallen into his life. Something primal echoed in his heart; like a need to protect her and love her. He never wanted to let her go.”

She wanted to take his pain away. She couldn’t even begin to imagine how much this poor man had suffered. If she had to be Esme for him to find some peace and move on…She would be his Esme… 

Characters

Esma is an interesting character, naive and immature. She is quite young when it starts which was a little off putting, but the author is careful to craft it so it’s a little easier to take. James by contrast is a difficult character to pin down. Part tragic, part romantic, and a little questionable on the decision making skills, but very real. As always this author delivers very tangible characters.

Plot

Engaging and gripping. Although it may seem like certain parts of the story will never be told, you eventually get the full story of the events that lead up to the climax. It is gritty and has explicit content that may be triggering for some. My biggest issue with the plot wasn’t the first half, but the far-fetched second half. I just couldn’t buy the thin reason that led to the second half of the book. Although very good, it just defied logic. Don’t even get me started on the bear…

Overall

Despite the someone flimsy plot in the second half of the book, overall it was a quick and enjoyable read. The characters suffer, it brings up very real topics and dangers to young women today. It should serve as a warning to those who just want to fit in and lose their virginity. Not all men are bad, but they aren’t all good either. Overall a gritty read that you’ll enjoy more if you throw logic to the wind!

Rating

3.5 stars (rounded up)

An unconventional romance that is equal part warning and fantasy.

Where did I get a copy?

The author send me one. This is a voluntary review.

Before the Origin by F.S. Bala

Summary

Much has changed. Climate change has inspired a new generation of discrimination – one where the mutation of a hereditary gene has become the greatest crime. The others – a minority kept silent for years are now up to something sinister.

Agent Amy Taff has moved through the world unnoticed until the recent disturbances in an otherwise perfect utopia require her expertise. Desperate to make her mark, Amy is hurled into a world of mystery and magic, deeply rooted in ancient African folklore. Discoveries that threaten her life and could not only change her reality but hold far-reaching implications for everyone on the face of a lone continent. Follow her into an epic tale that begins with accepting a new job at Scythe. Where it ends could swing the scales of balance toward life or death.

Characters

There are an assortment of characters. Two primary ones are Ash and Amy. Amy is “deaf” to the mind control of mutants and Ash is hiding in plain sight. Although both characters were interested for some reason I couldn’t really get invested in either of them. There is also a host of supporting characters. A times it was difficult to tell whose point of view we were in as it felt there was some head hoping.

Plot

This plot was really well done. This book as an interesting plot, but it is really important to pay attention because most times each chapter jumps around from character to character and time to time. What makes it even more complicated is the introduction of a mythological aspect.The plot and wanting to see the story through to the end was the main reason I kept reading. I just had to know – only to find out this appears to be the first book in a series.

Overall

Although there were interesting characters and the plot was a maze of complexity that I normally enjoy, it was difficult to orient myself because of the lack of descriptive settings. I would have greatly enjoyed the book more if as much care that had been taken with the interesting plot was applied to the world building. There is a clear divide between the technological advances of the different groups. The version I received had a map at the end of the book (I didn’t see one in the beginning), which would have helped with this.

The author had a lot of imagination and I could see the potential in the storytelling style. The way they blended the different genres while also touching on African folklore was engaging. I do not know if I would read the second book in the series but I would be willing to read a second book by this author. They have a clever way of delivering plots that are shifting and dynamic.

Rating

3.5 stars (rounded down)

Follow the clues, piece the prophecy together, and discover the truth behind the myth. A fascinating plot that makes one keep reading!

Where did I get a copy?

From the author. This is a voluntary and honest review.

Announcements!

Hello everyone! I’m excited to announce some upcoming changes, additions, and events happening in the coming month. I’ll have another announcement in a few weeks with more information so stay tuned!

Booksprout.

For those of you who haven’t read my work or know someone on Booksprout, send them over there for Zendar: A Tale of Sand copy. Thank you in advance for your support!

Get more information HERE. There are only 20 copies so they’ll go quick!

New Book Release.

I’m announcing the release of the second book in the Zendar Collection in early December. I’ll be releasing the pre-order in the next week or so – so stay tuned.

For now I’ll announce it’s official name, Zendar: A Tale of Wind and Sand

Upcoming Events.

November 28, 2020: Virtual Holiday Book Festival at 7:00am – 3:00pm ASKT

December: Possible Con? More to follow.

Online Shop.

I am in the process of finalizing my online shop to purchase books and even have them autographed! This is me trying to adapt to the strange new world we live in. I miss seeing all of you in person and hopefully we get back there soon but in the meantime I’m offering an online option to get books sent directly to you.

I even have book merchandise like The Gate Trilogy Magnet (see the picture) and Unfathomable Chance Sticker. If there is something you’d like to see in the shop for book merchandise – let me know (I am open to ideas!).

Titanic: Sunkin Tales – A Summary of an Anthology

Hello everyone – a little different post today then normal. I was a part of an anthology group and decided to read the whole book to talk about all the wonderful stories within!

Snapshot Information

William’s Discovery by Kasandra Sheckles

“Love thought lost is found.”

Wholesome story of discovery and second chances from a young man looking for answers.

The Unsinkable Girl by Page Clendenin

“Evil doesn’t drown, it waits.”

Epic horror in the depths of the ocean waits for the living to release them from their watery tomb.

Bridge Through Time by A.S. Wilkes

“Memories are sometimes like fire and other times like smoke.”

Jonah has forgotten so much, but as the fateful day approaches his memory returns with a vengeance.

An Angel for Addie by K.T. Munson

“Are guardian angels real?”

A young girl on the greatest ship survives because someone is watching over her…maybe an angel?

Voyage of the Damned by Chandra Trulove Fry

“Same story new mythical twist.”

Romance, check, mythical creatures, check, sinking of the Titanic – you bet!

The Ship of Nightmares by Jeff Ducker

“Don’t let go and don’t give up.”

A story of a father and daughter’s struggle to survive.

It was an enjoyable weekend of reading all my fellow writers in this anthology. I stepped out of my comfort zone for this one but it was a load of fun!

Want to read a copy? Amazon

If you get a chance to read it please let me know what you thought! With so many unique stories it felt like I received multiple books all in one volume!

Beautiful Life: A Dark Tragic-Romance Series (Beautiful Series Book 3) by Skye Bailey

Summary

“Will you let me in? I can make you forget the past, at least for tonight.”

He reached up to caress her face and kiss her. “Let me love you, Crystal. I need you. You need me. We need each other. We’re both broken souls. Maybe we can be broken together and make each other whole,” he said wiping her tears. He’d show her that she didn’t need to be afraid of the dark inside of her. She wasn’t like them. She didn’t have anything to worry about letting it out.

Her head told her to resist and to fight him but her heart and emotions told her to let herself go. She was lonely and desperate and exhausted from fighting. She wanted to feel some kind of comfort. Travis was offering her physical love and comfort in his own way and even though she felt it was wrong, she needed it desperately. So she gave in. She opened up her body and soul and gave herself to him. She would figure things out later when she could think more clearly. But not tonight. Tonight, she would let him love her and would not resist him.

Note: This is the third and final book of the Beautiful Series Book 3

**Please Note: This series deals with sexual abuse, rape, trauma, explicit and graphic non-con sexual situations that may be triggering for some readers. If such things offend you, please find a lighter read. 

Amazon

Book Overall

With each book it became harder and harder to like Crystal. Her selfishly impulsive nature and the way she would take a backseat in her own life, made it hard to respect or even like her. Despite that she was impressive how she’d pick herself back up and keep going. She may run away, but she bounced back. She wouldn’t complain and throw up her hands, she did try, to be better, to get better.

If you like Beauty and the Beast, you’ll like this modern parable. This is a very adult version that wasn’t shy about its steamy scenes. There were aspects of the story that felt off (some of the pregnancy and child birth facts) but overall had this raw feeling to it. You felt like you were having someone tell you there story it was so visceral at times. It’s darker themes are not to be taken lightly and although everyone suffers, the ending is almost fairy-tale like – most end up happy… you’ll have to read to see what I mean.

Series Overall

This is a very intense series. It was important to be in the right frame of mind to read it, as it has a lot of darker themes and is very descriptive in those moments. In may ways it shows you what a healthy relationship(s) should be and when they only seem healthy…or when they just plain aren’t. The main character gets to experience (more than once) the ugly side of bad men, obsessive men, and even those who only see her as property/a thing. This book would be even more powerful if it had a good editor give it a once over – which I would highly recommend to the author. I can say the series as a whole seems to end well, and overall most outstanding items are resolved, but it is a long hard journey to get there. It isn’t a normal ever after, but it is a happy as can be expected ending.

Rating

4 stars

I’m ignoring many of the faults in the book and instead focusing on the very powerful themes and scenes that make up this darker, tragic romance story.

Where did I get it?

Author send me a copy. This is a voluntary and honest review.

The Legend of Skaluni by Bruce E Arrington

Summary

Skaluni, an archetypal outsider with unusual powers, comes of age in his village. He becomes someone the villagers never would have expected, and though he faces constant rejection, he chooses to put others before himself, with increasingly fantastic results. But with the end of the world at hand, will he use his ability to help in time of great need?

Amazon

Overall

This short story was so richly written it was easy to enjoy in one sitting. The creativity and modern day quandaries were not hard to miss. The underlying tone and unique setting made it feel like a lost mythology. This has a coming of age story mixed with adopted family themes. The main character, Skaluni, is a powerful but outcast character whose charm is in his boyish desires. He wants to fit in but eventually realizes he just wants to belong – even if it is with Kalaj his caretaker.

Overall a fantastic little read with an unexpected but not unpredictable ending.

Rating

5 stars

Well worth the time and the read. I thoroughly enjoyed this little mythic fantasy. If there was more, I’d certainly read it.

Where did I get it?

Author sent me a copy – this honest review is voluntary.

Zendar Prequel Announcement!

Surprise!!! I wrote a Zendar prequel that is free!

For those of you who have read the first Zendar: Get a sneak peek right before Azel and Aleron’s story.

For those of you who haven’t: Get a taste of Zendar for FREE (on Smashwords)!

Smashwords

Summary

Zendar is a world of sand and strife.

Living in the great capital of Zendar, Sol, Nitya has always longed for something more than her family’s merchant lifestyle. She craves adventure—or at least hopes something remotely exciting could happen. When her best friend, Juni, secures them both positions in the palace’s kitchen, Nitya gets to experience a different world than she ever imagined—especially after a young soldier catches her eye.

Her world will never be the same.

Also thank you to Maheen Sana – the artist – who crafted all of the Zendar books. Isn’t it beautiful??

Expect more Zendar updates in the near future! If you take the time to leave a review for any of my books, thank you so much for your continued support and feedback!