Rockstar Book Tours presents... A THUNDERING OF MONSTERS by S.A. Patrick - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the A THUNDERING OF MONSTERS by S.A. Patrick Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my review, take a chance and enter the giveaway, then click on over to the other sites participating for more bookish fun!

Title: A THUNDERING OF MONSTERS (Songs of Magic #2)

Author: S.A. Patrick

Pub. Date: April 2, 2024

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 400

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/A-THUNDERING-OF-MONSTERS

The spell-slinging, shape-shifting, and epic fantasy adventure concludes in Book Three of the Songs of Magic trilogy!

After confronting the evil Hamelyn Piper, Patch Brightwater, his dracogriff friend Barver, and an army of Pipers have been transported to a mysterious island where they find themselves trapped with monstrous beasts. Meanwhile, their shapeshifting friend, Wren, has been captured by the nefarious villain and is working hard to escape a pair of magic-dampening manacles.

Clad in his suit of impenetrable black armor, with traitorous dragons on his side, the Piper of Hamelyn hunts for a mythical amulet to achieve true immortality. But Erner Whitlock, an apprentice in the Piper’s Custodian Elite, is on the verge of discovering yet another foe with even more sinister plans . . . Can Patch and friends reunite in time to prevent destruction from raining on the world?

S.A. Patrick’s Songs of Magic trilogy is a brilliant retelling of one of the darkest legends of all time, "The Piper of Hamelyn." Combining folklore with the very best of modern storytelling, the books will delight young fantasy fans who are hungry for perilous quests, friendships forged on the road, and an inventive magic system that thrills the imagination.

 Buy the complete series now!

 

This was the epic conclusion to a fantastic trilogy that we didn't even know we were looking for!  If you haven't had a chance to start this one from the beginning, I highly suggest you do because there is SO MUCH high flying fun, dastardly doings, magical mishaps, and dangers to dodge, you DON'T want to miss a moment.  Seeing this ragtag group of friends come together to fight the ultimate evil, when merely once upon a time they weren't even strangers to one another, but individual lives going about their business unaware of the others existence.  To go through everything they've already gone through and continue pushing past the adversity, obstacles, and downright death PROMISES being thrown their way...it just goes to show that ULTIMATE POWER does not make a true hero (or heroine).  It's the size of their heart, their commitment to the cause, the way they treat others, and how they handle the ups and downs that life gives them.  Could Patch have thrown in the flute AGES ago?  Sure...and everyone was rooting for him to do it even, but that small inner voice that told him it wouldn't be right, that he could DO something to help the greater good even if there weren't hoards of people behind him, and the vague hope of a dream in front of him...that voice along with the little family these guys created won out, became his "theme music" so to speak, and kept him going.  The could be said for his band of friends...from Wren to Barver and back again.  They all needed something, were reaching for someone, and in this motley crew they found it and more.

If you're a fan of high adventure, fantasy, and friendship, this is the book, nay the series for you!  Don't miss out on the tale within, the lessons to be learned, and the dreams to be shared.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

About S.A. Patrick:

S. A. Patrick was born in Belfast. When he was a child, he wanted to write video games, become and author, and have magical powers. The first two came true. If he ever does get magical powers, he hopes people like dragons and griffins because there will suddenly be a lot of them around. He lives in England.

Goodreads | Amazon

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of A THUNDERING OF MONSTERS, US Only.

Ends April 23rd, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Rockstar Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on this horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more..

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/8/2024	@darkfantasyreviews	Excerpt
4/8/2024	MoonShineArtSpot	Excerpt/IG Post
4/9/2024	GryffindorBookishnerd	IG Review
4/9/2024	@thepagelady	IG Review
4/10/2024	@callistoscalling	IG Review
4/10/2024	onemused	IG Post
4/11/2024	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post
4/11/2024	@dana.loves.books	IG Review/Tiktok Post
4/12/2024	Log Cabin Library	Review
4/12/2024	@stargirls.magical.tale	IG Review

Week Two:

4/15/2024	jlreadstoperpetuity	IG Review/Tiktok Post
4/15/2024	@pagesforpaige	IG Review
4/16/2024	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
4/16/2024	Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
4/17/2024	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
4/17/2024	The Book Critic	Review/IG Post
4/18/2024	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
4/18/2024	Lifestyle of Me	Review
4/19/2024	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review
4/19/2024	The Momma Spot	Review

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Rockstar Book Tours presents... TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK by Sarah L. Thomson & Vin Vogel - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Certainly thrilled to be hosting a spot on today's tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. We're featuring a new Middle Grade Fiction book whose title hits the story on the head perfectly! Check out my review post, make sure to enter the giveaway, and then head over to the other sites participating in the tour!

 

 TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK

by Sarah L. Thomson & Vin Vogel (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: April 18, 2023

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 240

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/TWO-FRIENDS-ONE-DOG-AND-A-VERY-UNUSUAL-WEEK

Take Pippi Longstocking’s joie de vivre, blend it with a 21st century urban setting, toss in a dog named Otto for good measure and what do you get? This joyfully carefree story about two unlikely friends.

It’s a pair of silver sequined sneakers that unexpectedly flips Emily’s comfortable, predictable world upside down. Or, more precisely, it’s the girl wearing them.

The shoes belong to Rani, who moves into Emily’s apartment building—and her life—with absolutely no one but her dog Otto. (Her research scientist mother is away in Patagonia.) And that’s only the first rule that Emily watches Rani break without hesitation.

But it’s not just that Rani breaks rules. Most of the time, she doesn’t seem to know the rules exist. Why can’t she bungee jump off their building? Or bring an ice cream truck to school?

For steady and orderly Emily, Rani’s approach to life feels impossible . . . and more than a little irresistible. But is there a place for her in Rani’s world? And should she find a way to make space for Rani in her own?

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I honestly found this story rather fascinating. Emily and Rani (and Otto!) are fast friends, but they certainly have their differences. Where Emily prefers not to stand out and go with the flow, Rani isn't afraid to let her true colors show, and can't think of much worse than not being herself. The thing is Rani is a powerhouse with a seemingly unending battery that keeps her going, and going, and going. She's not like the other kids that Emily's met, and while it can be fun to spend time together, it can also be confusing.  Emily's never certain if she's stepping too far out of line to support her friend, or if she's being untrue to her friend in order to follow what society dictates is the norm. 

Though I didn't wish for Emily to struggle, it was refreshing to see her think AND feel her way through the situations. It made it more real, more in the moment, because what would, or better yet, what should you do, was never a given, but decided on based on the info she had at the time. She didn't want to get into trouble, but she also didn't want Rani to either, and the thing is, more often than not, her unusual approach to the world worked in her favor...it was really just those unwilling to look beyond the chaotic nature of it all to the heart of the intent and outcome that held issues with her line of thought. Rani was Rani...intelligent, unique, and filled with a great of gold. I was ever so grateful that she had her amazing pup, Otto, but also that these two gals had each other. 

In the end, it was a lovely story about accepting others, keeping an open mind, and always being true to ourselves. Rani could have tried acting like Emily, or any of her classmates, but that wouldn't have made her shine as brightly as she does when she's her true self. The only thing I wished for was a section that talked more about Rani's uniqueness, perhaps from a real world prospective, so that readers could get their minds around the wonder that she was, but even without that backstory, she was remarkable, as was Emily (and Otto!). A great pick Middle Grade Fiction fans of all ages, and a fun start to your summer reading. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

About Sarah L. Thomson:

Sarah L. Thomson has published more than thirty books for young readers, including prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, picture books and novels. Sarah worked as a children’s book editor before becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Portland, Maine. Learn more about her work at sarahlthomson.com.

 

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Vin Vogel:

Vin Vogel is an award-winning Brazilian author-illustrator and the creator of A Home for Leo and the Yeti picture book series. He has illustrated over fifty books for young readers. After living in New York City, he returned to his hometown of Rio, where he lives with two cats and a dog. Visit him at vinvogel.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~ Giveaway ~~~

1 winner will receive a finished copy of  TWO FRIENDS, ONE DOG, AND A VERY UNUSUAL WEEK, US Only.

Ends June 13^th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via Peachtree Publishing Company, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or plan a trip to your local brick and mortar store!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/29/2023	YA Books Central	Excerpt/IG Post
5/29/2023	The Momma Spot	Excerpt
5/30/2023	The Chirpy Bookaholic	Excerpt/IG Post
5/30/2023	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
5/31/2023	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
5/31/2023	@evergirl200	IG Review
6/1/2023	Review Thick And Thin	Review/IG Post
6/1/2023	@allyluvsbooksalatte	IG Review/TikTok Post
6/2/2023	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post
6/2/2023	Nerdophiles	Review

Week Two:

6/5/2023	Not In Jersey	Review/IG Post
6/5/2023	@stargirls.magical.tale	IG Review
6/6/2023	Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
6/6/2023	@enjoyingbooksagain	Review/IG Post
6/7/2023	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post
6/7/2023	Carly Sunshine Books	IG Review
6/8/2023	@froggyreadteach	IG Review
6/8/2023	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post
6/9/2023	Jenguerdy	Review/IG Post
6/9/2023	Author Z. Knight’s Guild	Review/IG Post

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Rockstar Book Tours presents... A VANISHING OF GRIFFINS by S.A.Patrick - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

So very thrilled to be hosting a spot on the  A VANISHING OF GRIFFINS by S.A. Patrick Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my review post, make sure to enter the giveaway, and then check out the rest of the sites for more bookish fun!

 

A VANISHING OF GRIFFINS (Songs of Magic #2)

by S.A. Patrick

Pub. Date: May 2, 2023

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company

Formats: Hardcover,Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 400

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/A-VANISHING-OF-GRIFFINS

The epic, middle grade fantasy continues in Book Two of the Songs of Magic trilogy!

Having upset the Hamelyn Piper's dastardly plan to build an army through songs of mind control, 13-year-old Piper, Patch Brightwater, must foil the escaped villain's next sinister plot: assembling a suit of immortal armor. Accompanied by Wren, a girl cursed to live as a rat, and Barver, a fire-breathing dracogriff, Patch seeks the aid of old friends, legendary heroes, and a near-dead sorcerer.

Embark on another adventure with the motley trio as they clash with pirates of the Eastern Seas, uncover secrets of the griffins, and dabble with magic to undo past wrongs and forge their own offense before it's too late.

S. A. Patrick’s Songs of Magic trilogy is a brilliant retelling of one of the darkest legends of all time, "The Piper of Hamelyn." Combining folklore with the very best of modern storytelling, the books will delight young fantasy fans who are hungry for perilous quests, friendships forged on the road, and an inventive magic system that thrills the imagination.

 

Grab book 1, A DARKENING OF DRAGONS now!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dragons, and griffins, and dracogriffs, oh my... and that's without nary a mention of witches, sorcery, magical Pipers, diabolical schemes, and pure evil. So, do I have your attention now?

It was great being back amongst these friends again, even if there was so much trouble brewing and so much more danger still to come. I thoroughly appreciated the story recap at the beginning because although I read the first book, it's been a while, so that little intro made it all come rushing back to the forefront of my mind and I was ready for adventure once again. That being said, while it affords you a refresher, if certainly recommend reading book one, A DARKENING OF DRAGONS, before diving into this one... it'll just flesh everything out that much MORE. Anywho...

Striding into danger with these friends was a pleasure, and that's not something I say lightly! Patch always underestimates himself, and without a doubt is his harshest critic, but he has such a true heart, and is so very brave, even when fear takes hold of his actions. Wren is so much more than whatever form she possesses, smarter than many, but not prideful,  as could be assumed, and with such a penchant for magic. Barver may not be human, but his magical mixed lineage gives him enough hardships of his own and yet he's his own creature. Even when pressed, he holds not with one side or the other, but with what's right, and his friends... and that's just the tip of the iceberg!

It's a wild and magically infused story great for Middle Grade Fantasy fans who aren't afraid to take on evil to save the world, so long as they've got their friends by their side. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

About the author...

S. A. Patrick was born in Belfast. When he was a child, he wanted to write video games, become an author, and have magical powers. The first two came true. If he ever does get magical powers, he hopes people like dragons and griffins because there’ll suddenly be a lot of them around. He lives in England.

 

Twitter | Goodreads

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of  A VANISHING OF GRIFFINS, US Only.

Ends June 13^th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer or plan a trip to your local brick and mortar! 

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/29/2023	The Chirpy Bookaholic	Excerpt/IG Post
5/29/2023	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
5/30/2023	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt
5/30/2023	@katherinebichler	TikTok Post
5/31/2023	@evergirl200	IG Review
5/31/2023	YA Books Central	Excerpt/IG Post
6/1/2023	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post
6/1/2023	Nerdophiles	Review
6/2/2023	Nonbinaryknightreads	Review/IG Post
6/2/2023	celiamcmaahonreads	Review/IG Post

 Week Two:

6/5/2023	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post
6/5/2023	Jaime_of_gryffindor	IG Review
6/6/2023	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
6/6/2023	@stargirls.magical.tale	IG Review
6/7/2023	@froggyreadteach	IG Review
6/7/2023	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post
6/8/2023	Confessions of the Perfect Mom	Review/IG Post
6/8/2023	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/9/2023	nolareads504	IG Review
6/9/2023	@get.outside.and.read	IG Review

Until next time, remember... if it looks good, READ IT!