Indie, small press and global literature.
Reviews of books I've loved, liked or loathed!
Wednesday, 28 April 2021
Summer with the Enemy by Shahla Ujayli
Tuesday, 27 April 2021
The Between by Ryan Leslie + #Giveaway
The Between
Ryan Leslie
Published by: Parliament House
Publication date: April 27th 2021
Genres: Adult, Horror
While landscaping his backyard, ever-conscientious Paul Prentice discovers an iron door buried in the soil. His childhood friend and perpetual source of mischief, Jay Lightsey, pushes them to explore what’s beneath.
When the door slams shut above them, Paul and Jay are trapped in a between-worlds place of Escher-like rooms and horror story monsters, all with a mysterious connection to a command-line, dungeon explorer computer game from the early ’80s called The Between.
Paul and Jay find themselves filling roles in a story that seems to play out over and over again. But in this world, where their roles warp their minds, the biggest threat to survival may not be the Koŝmaro, risen from the Between’s depths to hunt them; the biggest danger may be each other.
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Author Bio:
Ryan Leslie oversees research for a large health system, where making stuff up is generally frowned upon. His creative outlet has always been writing fiction. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, children's author Lindsay Leslie, and their two sons.
GIVEAWAY!
Search Literary Flits for more:
Books by Ryan Leslie / Horror fiction / Books from America
Saturday, 24 April 2021
Down The Tubes by Kate Rigby
Kate Rigby was born near Liverpool and now lives in the south west of England. She’s been writing for over forty years. She has been traditionally published, small press published and indie published. She realized her unhip credentials were mounting so she decided to write about it. Little Guide to Unhip was first published in 2010 and has since been updated.
Thursday, 22 April 2021
Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman + #FreeBook
Search Literary Flits for more:
Books by Charlotte Perkins Gilman / Fantasy fiction / Books from America
Monday, 19 April 2021
The Many Deaths Of Cyan Wraithwate by Ramiro Perez de Pereda
Wednesday, 14 April 2021
Cancer Awareness Multi-book Spotlight Tour
According to the National Cancer Institute, "In 2020, an estimated 1,806,590 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 606,520 people will die from the disease." It is impossible to meet someone who has not been
touched by this disease in some manner, whether it be physically or emotionally.
When a writer is touched by this disease, the natural reaction is to take pen to paper--or rather fingers to keyboard.
The results will surprise you! The stories are as diverse as the disease.
During the month of April, here at iRead Book Tours, we are featuring some tremendous titles written by or inspired by cancer survivors!

Author: Christine Shields Corrigan
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 256 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Koehler Books
Release date: Oct 2020
Formats Available for review: print-softback (USA and Canada), ebook (mobi file (for Kindle), gifted Kindle copy, PDF, NetGalley download)
Tour dates: May 10 to May 28, 2021
Content Rating: PG-13. My book has some profanity and one non-explicit sex scene with my husband.

With the ghosts of cancer past hovering around her, Chris falls into the same overprotective traps her taciturn Irish-Catholic parents created, striving to keep her family’s life “normal,” when it is anything but, and soldiering through on her own, until a neighbor’s unexpected advice and gift move her to accept others’ help. With fierce honesty, poignant reflection, and good humor, Chris shares a journey filled with sorrow, grace, forgiveness, and resilience, as she winds her way through cancer for the second time. Again offers practical guidance and hope to individuals that they have the strength to forge a path beyond a diagnosis.

Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 249 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Ikhaya Publishing
Release date: November 2020
Format available for review: print (Internationally), ebook (mobi, epub)
Tour dates: May 17 to June 4, 2021
Content Rating: G. Memoir for General Audience.

Jean-Jacque (JJ) had a devastating problem. At age fifty-one, he was diagnosed with stage four cancer and given three years to live. Rather than accept that outcome, JJ did what he always does: he set out to find a solution. Desiring to look beyond traditional treatments and their often harmful side effects, he put his unconventionally wired mind to work. JJ was relentless as he investigated alternative therapies and pursued global trailblazers in cancer research. Moving from the role of patient to patient-researcher, he became a trailblazer in his own right, being sought after for his latest findings. Ultimately, JJ brought together the most innovative international minds at the Rethinking Cancer 2017 conference in Paris. Together, they found common ground, and they continue to create integrative, synergistic approaches to treatment. Today, almost a decade after his diagnosis, JJ has defied the odds and is cancer-free. Recently retired from his career as a commercial airline captain on the Airbus A380, he now devotes himself to sharing his ongoing research with scientists and patients. JJ’s story illustrates how looking at things differently often enables us to see them in a whole new light.
Amazon ~ Book Depository
add to Goodreads

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 186 pages
Genre: Fantasy, Literary
Publisher: Seven Guns Press
Release date: March 31, 2021
Format available for review: print (USA), ebook (mobi for kindle, epub, PDF, audiobook (audible download)
Tour dates: Mar 31 to May 11, 2021
Content Rating: PG: The language is G. There is one scene with the main character punches a bully resulting in a bloody nose. The emotional treatment of grief and the death of a loved one can be somewhat intense.
"Caroline’s story is profoundly sad, and yet hopeful, magical, and yet rooted in reality. There is magic, mystery, and daring adventure." - BooksCoffee

Caroline loses her spark. It takes a great adventure for her to find it again.
Caroline loses her father in a car accident for which she feels responsible. Consumed by grief, she has a difficult time readjusting to a world that has changed so dramatically for her. On the anniversary of her father’s death, a strange window opens in the middle of the small lake behind her house. She climbs up an old oak to peer inside, but falls out of the tree and discovers that the window also serves as a door into a different world.
Enter Mordecai the Gand, a mysterious traveler who befriends Caroline and promises to help her find a way back home since the window she fell through has disappeared. The two set out on a series of adventures that include visiting a tree village populated by a tribe known for eating travelers, running into a witch under a spell of her own making, hiding in a cave with a dragon encased in a wall of ice (prone to melting by campfire), all the while being pursued by a mysterious entity call the Creach which promises to devour Caroline and trap her in an eternity of despair.
As they navigate these adventures and this new world, Caroline slowly discovers that she is meant to help each of the characters she meets. As she battles internally whether to stay or return home to the sadness and grief waiting for her there, she must regain perspective and open her heart to the act of caring and to the joy of love itself. In the end, she must demonstrate great courage, loyalty, and caring as the plot unfolds, becoming the active hero of her own story.

Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-8), 40 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Caitlin E. Bangsund
Release date: March 2021
Format available for review: print, ebook (PDF)
Will send print books out: USA and Canada
Tour dates: Mar 1 to mar 28, 2021
Content Rating: G. This children's book is for everyone.
Caitlin Bangsund is the author of Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days. It is the first in a series based on true life. Caitlin knows the trial and trauma of childhood cancer, childhood disability, and the fear of almost losing her daughter — the star of the series — Macey. She encourages readers to look for the treasures that hide in the rubble and gloom. Life is beautiful chaos and her message is to press on and conquer. Read her stories and help create a world that is full of kindness and acceptance.

Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 64 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Jan 5, 2021
Format available for review: print (USA), pdf
Tour dates: Jan 5 to Feb 1, 2021
Content Rating: G for everyone.
My children were 5 and 7 when I was diagnosed with stage IV oral cancer. It’s a disease that cannot be hidden under clothing. My caregivers were so consumed with me, we didn’t addressthe feelings of our children. I regret not seeking professional attention for them during that time, but we didn’t think of it. If my healthcare providers had recommended it, we would have followed through.
Months after my recovery, my daughter still wouldn’t kiss me. She was intuitive, afraid of losing me and didn’t want to commit to another day of loving me. My son was shopping with his grandma for a birthday card and he found a Get Well card. “Let’s buy this for Mom.” Grandma had to tell him that I wasn’t sick anymore.
When I reached my 10 year cancer-free anniversary, I had to mark it. There was no better way than filling the void for a children’s book to minimize fear and promote dialogue about cancer. ‘M.C. Plays Hide & Seek’ emphasizes feelings children experience and ways to address their emotions in a healthy, comfortable way. It’s everything I wished I had for my children. And, I hope it will be everything you need for yours.
Amazon.com
Eva Grayzel ~ B&N
Tour Schedule:
Apr 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – books spotlight
Apr 6 – Man of la Book - A Bookish Blog – books spotlight
Apr 7 – Lamon Reviews – books spotlight
Apr 8 – Rockin' Book Reviews – books spotlight
Apr 8 - Thoughts in Progress – books spotlight
Apr 13 – Books for Books – books spotlight
Apr 13 - Gina Rae Mitchell - books spotlight
Apr 14 – Literary Flits – books spotlight
Apr 15 – A Mama's Corner of the World – books spotlight
Apr 20 – The Adventures Of a Travelers Wife – books spotlight
Apr 21 – Lisa's Reading – books spotlight
Apr 22 – jayme_reads – books spotlight
Apr 23 - Splashes of Joy – books spotlight
Apr 27 – Sefina Hawke's Books – books spotlight
Apr 28 – Locks, Hooks and Books – books spotlight
Apr 30 – Kam's Place – books spotlight
Monday, 12 April 2021
Come, Thou Almighty by FKAHerSweetness
Sunday, 11 April 2021
It's A Mad World by Susie Kelly
Saturday, 10 April 2021
The Deadly Truth: A Dr Basil Willing Mystery by Helen McCloy
Friday, 9 April 2021
The Other Side of Magic by Ester Manzini + #Giveaway
The Other Side of Magic
Ester Manzini
(Parliament House)
Publication date: April 6th 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
For fans of Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
In a world inspired by 16th century Italy, magic is a common occurrence. Everyone in the realms of Epidalio and Zafiria is gifted with it at birth, but with every spell cast, their power wanes.
Gaiane Asares is the result of an accurate selection by her mother, the queen of Zafiria. She’s infinitely powerful; a weapon of mass destruction kept segregated in a tower and used against her will to conquer Epidalio.
Meanwhile, in Epidalio, Leo was born with no magic at all, a rarity. She lost her home and family when Zafiria attacked, and her resentment toward the invaders still burns.
Gaiane manages to escape her gilded cage, and the two girls cross paths. But when war threatens the land again, their loyalty will be put to the test. Will they manage to overcome their differences in the name of freedom?
—
GIVEAWAY!
Search Literary Flits for more:
Books by Ester Manzini / Young adult fiction / Books from America
Monday, 5 April 2021
#WorldReads - Five Books from Bulgaria
Click the cover images to visit their Literary Flits book review pages.
This month we are going to Bulgaria!
That's it for April's WorldReads from Bulgaria. I hope I have tempted you to try reading a book from this country and if you want more suggestions, click through to see all my Literary Flits reviews of Bulgarian-authored books!
If you missed any earlier WorldReads posts, I have already 'visited'
Africa: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe,
Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, United States of America,
Asia: China, India, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam,
Australasia: Australia, New Zealand,
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Ukraine, Wales.
In May I will be highlighting five books by Ethiopian authors. See you on the 5th to find out which ones!
Sunday, 4 April 2021
The Dragons, the Giant, the Women by Wayétu Moore
Friday, 2 April 2021
Willow Weeps by Louise Worthington
How I got this book:
Louise Worthington is the author of six novels. She writes across genres - psychological fiction, horror and women's fiction.