Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Thursday, February 6, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: The Three Stones of Ebon by David and Keiko Mello - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Today, we've joined an AWARENESS TOUR already in progress making the blogosphere rounds with The Children's Book Review. The star of the show is a Children's Fantasy book that whisks you away to a land unknown to face challenges untold in order to break the spell (of sorts) they've been under. Curious? Well then, let's get to the story at hand!

The Three Stones of Ebon

David and Keiko Mello

Illustrated by

Keiko Mello

Ages 8-12 | 264 Pages

9781948529228

Strive Publishing (2023)

About the book...

Eleven-year-old Jack knew the old lady down the street was kinda weird. But things get even stranger when she sends him a gift that transports Jack and his cat, Lucky, into the wondrous world of Sturgus, a land of prophecies, pirates, magical creatures, and talking cats. Aided by Abigail, a student of magic, Jack and Lucky must evade a cursed assassin and find the three stones that will wake Ebon, king of the flying horses and rightful protector of Sturgus, before the evil wizard Pale corrupts the land forever.

Amazon

Bookshop.org

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Looking for high flying adventure with a mysterious start, magical creatures, and friendship that crosses time and place? Look no further because this story has it all.

Imagine being unexpectedly dropped into a legend unfolding in a land unfamiliar and you're the shining star. Now imagine your fated path to "greatness" requires you to face adversaries the likes of which you've never seen with powers beyond your wildest dreams, all while trying to out maneuver an evil force you've never met, have no ties to or anything against personally... except for the darkness you've been told they've brought to the beautiful land in which you've landed, of course. Do you, and your trusty best kitty friend, try to help, or do you simply try to get back home ASAP? For Jack and Lucky, there was only one answer, and it wouldn't be easy, but it would be the stuff of legends...

While not a lengthy take, the authors give readers enough time to grow with the story, allowing the magic to take hold and really whisk you away. You don't doubt for a moment that they'll accept the challenge laid before them, or that they'll succeed despite being simply of young boy and his faithful cat. You can't help but get caught up in the adventure as rights are wronged and villains are shown what's what. You get to "meet" a magical menagerie of creatures, and experience the magic that flows so freely through the lands... even as you discover some of the secrets here are connected to Jack's home! Those real world ties make it THAT much more enchanting.

All in all, an adventure waiting for the right reader to come along and experience a tale you won't want to end! A great read for kiddos looking to step into the world of Fantasy, as well as older fans of the genre reaching for a lighter tale to wile away an evening. Either way, you can't go wrong!

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

David Mello grew up on army bases throughout the USA and Germany. His love of comic books, stand-up comedy, and rooting for the underdogs shaped his writings, from short stories to mini ‘zines and various adventures in revolution. When he isn’t writing, David usually has a camera in hand.

Keiko Mello, born Keiko Welch, hails from an interracial family in Minneapolis’s Northside. As Keiko grew up, she used drawing, dancing, and playing drums in rock bands to ground herself. She and David met in 1997 in Seattle and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Today, David and Keiko are slow-travel digital nomads. Their latest project as STAY MELLO CREATIVE is crafting the second book in a planned trilogy; the working title is The Adversary of Ebon.

For more information, visit https://www.staymellocreative.com/.

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GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for your chance to win a signed hardcover copy of The Three Stones of Ebon. The grand prize winner will also take home an adorable Ebon-themed plush toy animal!

The Three Stones of Ebon: Book Giveaway

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Special thanks to author Bianca Schulze for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by David and Keiko Mello. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this author, her other works, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Crafty Moms Share

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Friday, January 31, 2025

The Starlit Path

Interview with David and Keiko Mello

Monday, February 3, 2025

Get Outside and Read

Instagram Post about The Three Stones of Ebon

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Country Mamas With Kids

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Friday, February 7, 2025

Froggy Read Teach

Instagram Post about The Three Stones of Ebon

Monday, February 10, 2025

The Fairview Review

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of The Three Stones of Ebon

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Q&As with Deborah Kalb

Interview with David and Keiko Mello

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Rockstar Book Tours presents... THE EXCHANGE & OTHER CALAMITIES by Mallory McCartney - COVER REVEAL + GIVEAWAY!

Today, Mallory McCartney, Anuci Press, and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover for THE EXCHANGE & OTHER CALAMITIES, her Horror Anthology book which releases July 22nd! Check out the awesome cover and enter the giveaway!

On to the reveal!

THE EXCHANGE & OTHER CALAMITIES

Mallory McCartney

Pub. Date: July 22, 2025

Publisher: Anuci Press

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Goodreads

Evil lurks in the darkness, clawing its way towards unsuspecting victims…

A woman living with fibromyalgia finds an artifact that unleashes a reality she never thought possible… at a steep price.

Two high school seniors take part in a tradition that brings them face to face with the monstrous truth behind a haunting dark urban legend.

The face behind a popular Youtube ghost hunting show travels to the scene of a horrific event to find fresh horrors await there.

Fate takes a bite out of a young woman who ventures into the wilderness to grieve her mother.

Best-selling author, Theo Anderson, takes part in a sleep study that turns her into the very thing she fears.

Hold your breath as you immerse yourself in five harrowing stories written by best-selling author, Mallory McCartney. Fans of her gripping Black Dawn Series will be kept on the edge of their seat by this horror collection inspired by real life events!

"Mrs. McCartney has boldly taken her first foray into horror, and I'm proud to say it's ridiculously fun. I've read my fair share of horror, but McCartney writes in a way that made even my stomach turn at points. It takes a lot of skill to successfully create an atmosphere suitable for the horrific things happening throughout this book, but she does it here and then some, making you feel like you're smackdab in the middle of it all. By the time I turned the last page I felt like I'd been put through the wringer, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next." -Patrick Delaney author of Witch 13, The House that Fell from the Sky

Excerpt:

“I shut the mirror with a click and froze. Fear dripped through me, starting at the crown of my head and dousing my body so completely, my mind went blank. A scream lodged firmly in my throat—I couldn’t utter a sound. Fire and ice raced through my veins, churning my stomach, and bile rose in my throat.

Fingers had appeared from thin air, and they grew and morphed into inky claws. They curled over my shoulder and gripped it hard. Then, with pallid skin, the rest of the intruder appeared.”

“The creature’s grip only hardened.

My eyes rolled back. My lungs screamed for oxygen, for release. In our reflection, which I caught in blurred moments, my face was purple, my mouth hanging open in a silent scream. The creature pulled me closer. Its other arm wrapped around my waist. Where before it had no defined eye sockets, there now sat two massive orbs.

And they burned red.”

“Something moved to my left. My steps faltered, and my response faded. It was the middle of the day, but in the hallway, the shadows deepened. On the wall in front of me, the painting was of a man wearing a collared shirt and a serious expression. His gaunt cheekbones made his eyes look more sunken. The bland yellow background with nothing in it drew the viewer in, but cast a greenish hue to the whole picture. He looked sick. The whole painting did.

My bottom lip trembled and I bit it so hard, the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

Stepping closer to the painting, I watched as blood—real blood—poured from this man’s eyes, words appearing to write themselves along his chest:

You are mine now.”

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

About the author...

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband, their dachshunds Link, and Leonard and their sphynx cats Luna, Legolas, Ivy and Lily. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds or bingeing her favorite horror movies.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

Ends February 11th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... SQUASH, THE CAT: STUCK IN THE MIDDLE by Sasha Mayer - REVIEW!

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY wishes to...

😺 SQUASH, THE CAT: STUCK IN THE MIDDLE 🐈

Sasha Mayer

Random House Studio

About the book...

Squash and Maggie are partners in crime, and nothing can come between them—until Pirate Lou. Soon Pirate Lou is the one Maggie wants to spend her time with, and jealousy gets the best of Squash. He feels left out, and it’s no fun to be stuck in the middle. But getting rid of Pirate Lou might damage his friendship with Maggie. Is there a way for the dynamic duo to become a trio?

😻 AVAILABLE NOW 🐈‍⬛️

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

There's a new cat in storybook land (or rather new to me as this is his second book!), and she's got a lot to say! First and foremost, she loves her best friend Maggie, and how they do EVERYTHING together. Absolutely everything! From playtime to nap time, and everything in-between, they have their differences, but they stick together like glue... until one day, a new face makes an appearance. A pillow-y pirate face, to be exact... and he's a lot less opinionated than Squash, leaving her feeling all kinds of left out, and allowing that certain green eyed monster a chance to rear its less than gorgeous face. Can Squash come to terms with the new friend that's been introduced? Or will Squash find a way to make Pirate Lou walk the plank into oblivion? 😸

I admit, I had my doubts at first, but Squash unexpectedly finds her way from jealousy to friendship. How? Well, after all the intrusions to her "we time" with Maggie, during one of her excursions to dissolve this friendship triangle back into a straight line, she ends up in a situation she didn't expect, and the connections we forge in times of "hardship" can become steadfast. 😉 You'll have to read it to find out, but between the fun story and the wonderful illustrations, the cat's out of the bag on this storybook that shouldn't be missed!

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Special thanks to Sarah at Random House Children's Books for the chance to bring this title to you as well as the digital access for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. This title is available now wherever books are sold.

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

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... ALL BETTER NOW by Neal Shusterman - REVIEW!

Celebrate the release of Neal Shusterman's latest YA lit addiction with Simon Teen...

😊 ALL BETTER NOW ☹️

Neal Shusterman

SIMON TEEN

About the book...

A deadly and unprecedented virus is spreading. But those who survive it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen before: utter contentment. Soon after infection, people find the stress, depression, greed, and other negative feelings that used to weigh them down are gone.

More and more people begin to revel in the mass unburdening. But not everyone. People in power—who depend on malcontents and prey on the insecure to sell their products, and convince others they need more, new, faster, better everything—know this new state of being is bad for business. Surely, without anger or jealousy as motivators, productivity will grind to a halt and the world will be thrown into chaos. Campaigns start up to convince people that being eternally happy is dangerous. The race to find a vaccine begins. Meanwhile, a growing movement of Recoverees plan ways to spread the virus as fast as they can, in the name of saving the world.

It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their agenda. Three teens from very different backgrounds who’ve had their lives upended in very different ways find themselves at the center of a power play that could change humanity forever.

😷 AVAILABLE NOW! 💉

🙂 🙃 🙂 🙃 🙂 🙃 🙂 🙃 🙂

From the cover to the content, I was hooked! It takes place in a world and time not unlike our own; in fact, it's pretty much our own (maybe even a little less unbelievable considering the current political climate and fallout, but I digress)...post COVID-19, and a new pandemic to deal with that leaves wreckage of some kind (death) or another (emotionally stunted, yet happiness and contented turned up to a gazillion watts) in its wake.There are those that want to further it (think natural selection and super-spreaders), those that want to avoid it, and those that see it as an opportunity. Which side will win? Does ANYONE truly win? I'd like to say so, and yet... I'm not so certain.

The ending is a bit of a tangle because there are so many loose bits to tie up, however the journey to get to that point 👉.... worth every page. Seeing what the virus did to people, it was quite the double-edged sword. Would one really want to be replaced with a "sunny side always up" version of themselves? Would we still BE ourselves? After all, it's our experiences that make us who we are, so without the ability to feel the spectrum of those events and moments, would our contentment be real or only FEEL real? Would it even matter anymore? I mean removing the worries, anxieties, and struggles sounds like a weight lifted... but I think I'd hope to be in Mariel's proverbial boat. It's a little lonely, but REAL.

Following each character's trajectory from beginning to end was incredible, at times confusing, and many more times SURPRISING! The twists and turns, hidden agendas and open plans of attack, and ultimately THAT ENDING, will keep you turning pages, second guessing, and reevaluating your predictions until the very end. A great addition to the author's body of work, and a high recommendation for #YAlit fans that love when fiction and reality cross paths in a severe way!

🩸Given the choice, which would YOU choose?

😃 Bring on the happy!

😷 Mask me up!

🙂 🙃 🙂 🙃 🙂 🙃 🙂 🙃 🙂

Special thanks to Thad at Simon & Schuster for the copy for review and the chance to bring this title to you! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now wherever books are sold.

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

Monday, February 3, 2025

RRR presents... The Paris Bookshop For The Broken Hearted by Rebecca Raisin - REVIEW!

Hi friends!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we play host to a stop along the Rachel's Random Resources tour starring the latest release from author Rebecca Raisin. Prepare to be whisked off to the City of Lights as our leading lady tries to find her footing in life and love once again. Ladies and gents, the star of our post and today's featured title...

The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted

Rebecca Raisin

About the book...

Can you ever swear off love, in the city of love?

Coco is having a hell of a month. She’s lost her boyfriend and her business, been forced to uproot her daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris, and now an infuriatingly handsome stranger is yelling at her for acting like a tourist… Right underneath the Eiffel Tower.

Storming away from him – and swearing off men for life – she decides she’s going to take the first job that comes her way.

Then, as if fate hears her, later that day she stumbles into a little bookshop – but not any old bookshop. This one comes complete with a café, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, and just a little hint of magic in the air. So when Coco’s offered a job selling books there, it feels like the perfect fit.

There’s only one problem… propping up the bar in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day…

A totally romantic, bookish and gorgeously escapist romantic novel, set in Paris in Springtime. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Sarah Morgan.

---> SNAG YOUR COPY TODAY. <---

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From the moment I saw this one, I knew I had to indulge. I've read Rebecca Raisin's work before (check my site for other posts!), and enjoyed every moment. She really knows how to write from the heart, and while the tales are filled with a myriad of emotions, you can always count on the ending being just the right fit for the story shared. Such was this case for this latest release...

I really liked Coco, and for the most part her daughter. I felt like she was dealt a bad hand, but she didn't shy away from the choices that needed to be made. She took her life, and that of Eloise, in her hands, and set a path that would get them to a better place in the meantime so she could sort out the long term. Once the bookshop was introduced, I had THAT many more reasons to fall in love 🥰. I mean seriously, it isn't just a haven for books, but for those that love them! From the special features to the curious design, as the author was describing the books and crannies, my mind was creating a visual aid in the likes of which I wish resulted in an actual place! (Can you imagine? *sigh*) But I digress...

Through thick and thin, Coco was there for those she held dear, and while her heart took a beating at times, she was willing (if not somewhat reluctant) to try again. Yes, she swears off dating, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and opportunity generally knocks when we've just locked the door. 😉 In the end, it was a wonderful addition to her body of work, and a welcome read to while away a weekend. Highly recommended for fans of the author, or those looking for a great contemporary read filled with love, heart... AND books!

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About the author...

Rebecca Raisin writes heartwarming romance from her home in sunny Perth, Australia. Her heroines tend to be on the quirky side and her books are usually set in exotic locations so her readers can armchair travel any day of the week. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous heroes who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them–just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with.People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once-in-a-life time love.

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ebook for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, 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 to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

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

Thursday, January 23, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: Sharing is Caring, Dragon! by Bianca Schulze, Illustrated by Samara Hardy - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi friends!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! We've made friends, learned to tell the truth, discovered how to be ourselves, and learned to not wake certain LARGE scaly friends unexpectedly. Now, it's time to learn one of the BIG lessons with our friend Dragon...sharing is caring!! Let's join the AWARENESS TOUR already in progress with The Children's Book Review as we shine the spotlight on the latest addition to the series...

Sharing is Caring, Dragon!

Bianca Schulze

Illustrated by

Samara Hardy

Ages: 3-7 | 32 Pages

9781956560497

Clever Publishing (2024)

About the book...

Dragon is on her way to the library to return her borrowed books and check out her favorite book. But when she gets to the bookshelf, she realizes the book she wants isn’t there! Sir Fiero has checked it out and is starting to read it when Dragon grabs it from his hands. Will Dragon learn to be patient and wait her turn to read the book?

Amazon

Bookshop.org

Barnes and Noble

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Once again we embark upon a storybook journey that educates and enlightens while inviting readers to play. The lovable characters we've grown to love are at it again with a tale that's not only based around a pearl of wisdom, but is also bookish to boot! That's right! The lesson on sharing shines through when Sir Fiero and Dragon want to read the SAME book at the SAME time, but their beloved library only has one copy! (~the horror~) When push comes to shove, and the book ends up in another’s hands, they begin to realize that the story, the magic, the enjoyment belongs to one and all... and it's much better shared to show how much we care!

From the charming story to the always adorable illustrations, the entire Dragon series has been A-MAZ-ING, and this release compliments the others perfectly. Young ones will get caught up in the show as well as the calls to participate, while older readers will smile at the little bits of stories past scattered throughout 😉. I've loved every instalment in this series and can't wait for readers everywhere to join in the fun!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bianca Schulze is the founder and editor of The Children’s Book Review—a resource devoted to children’s literature and literacy—and hosts The Growing Readers Podcast.

Bianca is also the author of Don’t Wake the Dragon (translated into 20 languages), now a six-book series, and 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (an Amazon Editors’ pick for Best Nonfiction for Kids). A passionate advocate for children’s literature, Bianca serves as the Webinar Coordinator for the SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter and is an active member of The Authors Guild.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Bianca now lives near Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and three children, where she continues to be a reader, reviewer, and devoted children’s book lover.

For more information, visit biancaschulze.com.

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Samara Hardy is the illustrator of Don’t Wake the Dragon and Who Loves the Dragon? An experienced illustrator and designer, she has created artwork for clients worldwide for greeting cards, stationery, homewares, children’s books, and more. She lives in Surrey, England.

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~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win one of three signed copies of Sharing is Caring, Dragon!, along with the board book edition of Who Loves the Dragon? and a set of Dragon Love Cards!

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Special thanks to author Bianca Schulze for the chance to bring this title to you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by The Children’s Book Review. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this author, her other works, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 13, 2025

The Children’s Book Review

Virtual Book Tour Kick-Off

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

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