BLOG TOUR: Thomas Troll's Travels by Nicolas Starling

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to a stop along the Authoright Marketing & Publicity blog tour for a Children's Fiction release filled with fantasy, fun, and far off places.  It stars a little guy by the name of Thomas who just so happens to be a TROLL.  I know, I know...we're use to hearing about them under bridges, but hey, this is Norway, or at least that's where we start off, and considering it's their homeland, I'm pretty sure connecting structures aren't their only hang outs.  Ready or not, here comes today's ebook of choice...

Thomas Troll's Travels

by

Nicolas Starling

Clink Street Publishing

About the book...

Thomas the Troll comes from Norway. Like most Trolls he is mischievous, naughty and full of adventure.

One day, he has to leave Norway because the troll elders are going to punish him for being so cheeky.  Thomas decides to live in England and has had all kinds of adventures on the way there.  He meets elves, gnomes and brings Ticklefish with him; Ticklefish are great fun and nearly as naughty as Trolls.  Thomas meets pirates a friendly ghost and even thinks he's sees the queen!

Some people think Trolls are a fairy tale. I don't. Do you?

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Thomas the Troll isn't content to just let life pass him by.  No siree, he prefers more sneaky endeavors that seem to get him in A LOT of hot water.  The last one though...stealing all the Troll toffee (not just a sweet tooth satisfier, either)...takes the cake, or rather toffee.  In one felt swoop he goes from prankster and trouble maker to the outcast of the village...basically the "most wanted" number one slot, if he were a human.  Good thing he doesn't mind relocating because that's really his only option.  Good thing he's open to meeting new people and creatures because he's about to.  Good thing he makes friends just as fast as enemies because he's gonna need all the help he can get.  Pillaging pirates, slumbering Trolls and Gnomes, even a Tinkerbell-esque elf that probably would be upset that I just referred to him as a girl fairy, even if his penchant for turning into a winged critter was more often than not, there's a wide cast of characters introduced along the way that leave their mark indelibly on Thomas and friends, passing on messages and morals along the way.

Now, for the tough part.  While it certainly had its moments and fair share of surprises, for me, the magic never really seemed to stick, and the traveling was a bit over the top. Though aiming for the kiddo audience, some of the content and writing begs for a slightly older age group, yet the tale doesn't seem to steer us that direction in concept or plot. I will say Thomas was a sweet troll underneath his mischievous exterior, and what he did for Tracy or even Ronnie, was commendable... I just can't say I was in love.  Who knows...perhaps YOU will be!  All it takes is just the right audience and TADA...instant magic.

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About the author...

Living in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, retired Butcher Nicolas Starling has always enjoyed entertaining people both young and old with his vivid imagination.

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Special thanks to Rachel at Authoright Marketing and Publicity for the ebook for review as well as the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, feel free to click through the links provided above, or seek the out the other stops on the tour going on RIGHT NOW!

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



Zaria Fierce and the Dragon Keeper's Golden Shoes by Keira Gillett

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're taking a look between the pages of the exciting conclusion to the Zaria Fierce trilogy that is sure to have kid lit readers of all ages staying up to the wee hours of the morning just to finish ONE MORE PAGE.  We've looked at book one and book two, but if you need a refresher, feel free to pause your read through of this review, I wouldn't want to spoil any surprises and this one definitely makes more sense if you've read them in order.  If however you are ready to proceed, then I am happy to oblige!  Without further fanfare or gibber, here is today's book of choice..

Zara Fierce and the Dragon Keeper's Golden Shoes

by

Keira Gillett

Illustrated by

Eoghan Kerrigan

9781942750048

About the book...

“Nothing can save you now, Princess.”

How can anyone be tricked twice? Isn’t there even a saying about that? Zaria Fierce is determined to get things right this time and with the Drakeland Sword in her possession she’s ready to take on trolls, dragons, and whatever else may come… but first she and her friends are going to have to figure out just how much trouble they’re in at home.

PURCHASE:  AMAZON

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The gang is back at it again, or rather resuming activities from where we left off. Zaria is learning to trust herself while discovering her magical heritage, and her friends are growing up as well. With all that's transpired and all that's still to come, I was very curious to see if they would be able to put the dragon back in the bottle, so to speak...and if you read the previous book, you know exactly what I'm talking about.  Crafty, evil, sneaky dragon...

Throughout this adventure, Zaria has to conquer not only her fears, but her doubts...something that can be harder and uglier to face.  Lucky for her, she has good, nay GREAT friends, both of this world and the magical one, to help her through...the problem is trusting herself enough to trust them.  The self trust issue also shows itself in her lack of magical abilities because heritage wise, she should be shooting sparks from her fingertips with ease, not bathing in self loathing as she struggles with the most mundane task.  If you've got yourself in a tizzy about her well being, don't...this part will all work out...now whether she'll survive to marvel in the things she's accomplished is another thing altogether.  *dun dun dunnnn...*

In short, it was an AWESOME ending to what's been a wonderful trilogy. Action, adventure, deception, magic, family and friends...all work together to cast a spell of enchantment you won't soon forget.  The moment I opened the virtual cover, it was like greeting old friends, and following them on this adventure was nothing short of a pleasure, no matter how dangerous it got at times (and it DID get dangerous!) or hard some of the goodbyes may have been (*gasp...I've said too much!).  The lessons taught along the way of trusting ones self, allowing friends into your life, and that being brave isn't about being the biggest, meanest, anything, but rather smart with a kind heart, will walk right off the page with even the most disillusioned of readers.  Recommended for kid lit fans of all ages.

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About the author...

Hi! I’m Keira Gillett and I am from Palm Bay, Florida. By day I am a technical publications librarian; by night I’m a children’s author. From an early age my mother instilled a love of the written word, as such I’ve always been an avid reader. It was only a matter of time before I found a way to share that love with others. I hope you enjoy Zaria Fierce and her adventures!

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to author Keira Gillett for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, or the artist (because let's face it, those pictures are AMAZING!), feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now as is the rest of the series, so be sure to click on over to your favorite virtual retailer to grab your copy today!

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