REVIEW: Ignatius And The Battle At Dinas Affaraon (Ignatius Series Book 2)By D. A. Mucci

Unlikely warrior returns in action-packed fantasy series Good Morning America calls “terrific”

Independent Press Award winner releases anticipated Book 2

Farmington, CT – Emergency Room physician-turned-fantasy writer D.A. Mucci returns with the highly anticipated second book in his YA fantasy series: “Ignatius and The Battle at Dinas Affaraon” (October 5, 2022, St. Bart’s Publishing). Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts heralded this fantasy adventure series as “just terrific,” and reviewers have praised the breathtaking detail of a “magical world full of fantastic beasts, some of which are not what you typically expect.”

The first book in the series, “Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw”, won an Independent Press Award and was well-received by YA fantasy fans. Now in the second installment of this acclaimed series, Iggy forges a sword from a meteorite–but will it be the weapon to save them?

As the obsessive Emperor Mallak plans to kill Iggy for his crystal amulet, Iggy remains entirely focused on becoming a master smith. Well, almost entirely–he is distracted by his crush, Raraesa, and can’t help but hope that she notices his newfound fighting skills (and fighting physique). There’s just one problem: a dark wizard, a Death Knight, and five thousand soldiers have been tasked with hunting him down. 

Where will he hide? The mysteries of the Nostaw Warrior still haunt Iggy. There must be a repiceason he was given the sword, and he prays it will help him return to his place and time in Pennsylvania–but right now, home seems farther away than ever. Will he find he answers he’s seeking on the Island of Cambria? He doesn’t have much time to figure it out–an  battle is looming, and it will change Iggy’s life. 

Fans of coming-of-age YA fantasy with relatable teen protagonists, fantastic beasts, mysterious powers and incredible worldbuilding will love Iggy’s story.  In Mucci’s newest novel, readers  will meet exciting  new characters, dive deeper into the rich world of Skye, and hold on tight as twists and turns abound.

“Ignatius and the Battle at Dinas Affaraon”

D.A. Mucci | October 5, 2022 | Fantasy |  St. Barts Publishing  

Paperback | 978-1-7372778-4-2| $9.99

Ebook | 978-1-7372778-5-9 | $4.99

I have the first book on my shelf at home which I absolutely adored so im glad I was requested to read this one as well. It was so worth the read.

My favorite scene or part is him forging the sword out of a piece of meterite. I love that it makes for such a uniqueness to the storyline and really pulls you into it.

 The second book of the Ignatius series did NOT disappoint! Questions were answered with new plot twists. It’s a fantasy journey well worth taking.

The characters come to life and pull you into their magical web. The lands are so vividly written you feel as if you are there...... or wish you could be. Life lessons learned though the ventures. And cheers to Rareisa for her desire to teach women to care for themselves. Bravo to all the heroic characters and to the author that brought them to light.

Mucci’s writing quickly grasp your attention and allows your own imagination to view his characters, landscapes, towns, and creatures in both his novels. Once you pick up the book you can’t break away. 

About the author:

After 40 years as an Emergency Room physician, D.A. Mucci turned to writing fantasy fiction in his spare time as an enjoyable escape from the pandemic stress. Mucci’s two adult children inspired his love of the fantasy genre during their younger years. His first book in the IgnatiusTM series was well received,winning an Independent Press award, that he now spends most of his time writing and only part-time with patients in the Emergency Room.

Mucci calls both Connecticut and Florida home, and with his wife Jeanne by his side, he's constantly dreaming up new, fantastical creatures, daring escapades, and witty one-liners. He looks forward to writing more adventures for Iggy in this series, and hopes they provide readers the same delightful escape it brought him during the pandemic when Iggy’s adventures began. Learn more about the author and get excited for more adventures at damucci.com.

Follow D.A. Mucci on social media

Facebook: @D.A.Mucci  | Instagram: @d.a.mucci 

Praise for the Ignatius Series

“He has written a YA fantasy adventure novel that is just terrific.” 

–Robin Roberts, Good Morning America

“D.A. Mucci does such a great job of creating a universe that is entirely fantastical yet believable and relatable. Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw has an almost Harry Potter-ness to it in that we are guided into this world through the eyes of a character who is learning of it the same as the reader and who is a character very similar to its target audience. But, it is also entirely different in a good way. I have honestly not taken to a fantasy novel as much as this one in quite a long time. The author is an excellent storyteller and writer.”

–Kate Leboff, Cornell Press

“Right from the start this story is breathtaking in how much detail surrounds the kingdom of Skye... a once luscious and beautiful place that had been filled with animals and people. Now it's a kingdom with no beating heart. In desperation for a hero, a teen named Iggy finds himself becoming the hero these people need. Mastering a set of growing magic skills is a challenge but mastering the skills in handling the towering secrets that are claiming Skye is something else altogether. A wondrous journey in a finely painted world. Highly recommended.”   –Lori, Goodreads review

“The author managed to create a quite intriguing magical world full of fantastic beasts, some of which are not what you typically expect from beasts - they are mighty warriors, living in seclusion, whose abilities in battles are legendary. The world building is really nice and takes your imagination to amazing places. Combine this with an awkward, introvert and insecure boy who gets swallowed into the greatest adventure of his life, one which is too big for him to understand at a time, but he grows and shows his worth and true power. Definitely recommend this book.”

–Lia, Goodreads Review

INTERVIEW: D. A. Mucci

 About the author:

After 40 years as an Emergency Room physician, D.A. Mucci turned to writing fantasy fiction in his spare time as an enjoyable escape from the pandemic stress. Mucci’s two adult children inspired his love of the fantasy genre during their younger years. His first book in the IgnatiusTM series was well received,winning an Independent Press award, that he now spends most of his time writing and only part-time with patients in the Emergency Room.

Mucci calls both Connecticut and Florida home, and with his wife Jeanne by his side, he's constantly dreaming up new, fantastical creatures, daring escapades, and witty one-liners. He looks forward to writing more adventures for Iggy in this series, and hopes they provide readers the same delightful escape it brought him during the pandemic when Iggy’s adventures began. Learn more about the author and get excited for more adventures at damucci.com.

An Interview with

D.A. Mucci

1. How did you go about expanding the world you created in Book One? 

Though the four lands within my fantasy world remain, as the plot and characters expand in Book 2, more locations within the Kingdom of Skye and Dinas Affaraon are revealed to the readers.  

2. What was the process like in writing the sequel? Did you take a break in writing or are you just continuously writing the next one?

I took a break writing after Book One, just long enough to engage with my new readers on social media and in person. Then, I moved right along to continuing Iggy’s adventures in Book Two. This is my first time writing a sequel. When writing a second book I had to make sure that readers new to the series would find the adventure exciting and could relate to the characters previously introduced. I have a new appreciation for authors that write sequels so seamlessly. 

3. Though Iggy is the star, you’ve also created new languages and nearly 50 different characters. Which are some of your favorites?

I love the Madam Trinity character. She doesn’t appear to have it all together, but underneath the crazy facade you know she is an extremely capable, intelligent and formidable person to have on your side. 

I wanted a very diverse set of characters so readers of all ages had someone to relate to.  Iggy is the geeky character, while rebellious Lecque fights for what he feels is right. Ansel is the strong mentor Iggy needs. Kylian is one of the strongest male characters, holding true to his principles while being imprisoned for years. Allistair is the most powerful man in Matreach and has a physical disability.

And there are strong female characters along with Madam Trinity, each strong in their own unique way: Raraesa is physically a strong sword fighter with a soft side she doesn’t often show. Trafalga has a bohemian carefree look with a gift that will help save many and guide Iggy. Nyreada is the strong, brave personality who is typically quiet unless she sees unethical practices. And Scathatch is known for being the best warrior that oversees all, helping in a stealthy critical manner. 

I wanted to include different languages to highlight Iggy’s special ability to learn them, to showcase his intelligence. While this intelligence was ridiculed in a typical middle school and high school setting, language is one of Iggy’s strengths, and he will use it along the way to accomplish his quests. 

4. What advice would you give to writers who feel like their time to write a book has expired?

At 68 years old I’m writing a story that caters to Young Adults. There is no age limit for using your creativity and imagination. 

5. Without giving spoilers, can you give readers any sneak peek into the rest of the planned series? Will we meet new characters, visit new places, etc.?

In Book 3, the Resistance group’s efforts strengthen as many in the Kingdom of Skye work to curb Mallak’s growing power. Madam Trinity has to face decisions made in her past, leaving her to fulfill a task she dreads. Iggy continues on to another quest to help him gain the power and knowledge he needs to help himself get back to the place and time he calls home. While the Kingdom of Skye, Matreach and Dinas Affaron will still be featured, we learn more about Cambria in Book 3. 

6. What was your experience working full-time in an emergency room during the height of the pandemic and writing the first book? 

As a physician for almost 40 years, most of them in an Emergency Room setting, you see all kinds of ailments, accidents and death. While no two cases are exactly the same, experience and knowledge helps you decide quickly what action you’ll take to save a life or manage an urgent health condition. Then a pandemic hits that you don’t have a set of experiences to rely on to truly help you manage patients, and treating patients becomes a whole new level of stress as you make your best guess and read the latest medical news to help you treat those patients suffering significantly. All as you are praying none of your protective gear reeks so you don't bring exposure home to the family you love.

These stressful circumstances pushed me to bring this fantasy world to fruition. Most of us binge watched shows during the pandemic, and I simply needed a different outlet after a while to feel like I was doing something to help others escape and relax for their stress. What started as a stress outlet has turned into a passion, helping others escape into a book as they need to.

SPOTLIGHT: Ignatius and The Battle At Dinas Affaraon By D. A. Mucci

 Unlikely warrior returns in action-packed fantasy series Good Morning America calls “terrific”

Independent Press Award winner releases anticipated Book 2

Farmington, CT – Emergency Room physician-turned-fantasy writer D.A. Mucci returns with the highly anticipated second book in his YA fantasy series: “Ignatius and The Battle at Dinas Affaraon” (October 5, 2022, St. Bart’s Publishing). Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts heralded this fantasy adventure series as “just terrific,” and reviewers have praised the breathtaking detail of a “magical world full of fantastic beasts, some of which are not what you typically expect.”

The first book in the series, “Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw”, won an Independent Press Award and was well-received by YA fantasy fans. Now in the second installment of this acclaimed series, Iggy forges a sword from a meteorite–but will it be the weapon to save them?

As the obsessive Emperor Mallak plans to kill Iggy for his crystal amulet, Iggy remains entirely focused on becoming a master smith. Well, almost entirely–he is distracted by his crush, Raraesa, and can’t help but hope that she notices his newfound fighting skills (and fighting physique). There’s just one problem: a dark wizard, a Death Knight, and five thousand soldiers have been tasked with hunting him down. 

Where will he hide? The mysteries of the Nostaw Warrior still haunt Iggy. There must be a repiceason he was given the sword, and he prays it will help him return to his place and time in Pennsylvania–but right now, home seems farther away than ever. Will he find he answers he’s seeking on the Island of Cambria? He doesn’t have much time to figure it out–an  battle is looming, and it will change Iggy’s life. 

Fans of coming-of-age YA fantasy with relatable teen protagonists, fantastic beasts, mysterious powers and incredible worldbuilding will love Iggy’s story.  In Mucci’s newest novel, readers  will meet exciting  new characters, dive deeper into the rich world of Skye, and hold on tight as twists and turns abound.

“Ignatius and the Battle at Dinas Affaraon”

D.A. Mucci | October 5, 2022 | Fantasy |  St. Barts Publishing  

Paperback | 978-1-7372778-4-2| $9.99

Ebook | 978-1-7372778-5-9 | $4.99

About the author:

After 40 years as an Emergency Room physician, D.A. Mucci turned to writing fantasy fiction in his spare time as an enjoyable escape from the pandemic stress. Mucci’s two adult children inspired his love of the fantasy genre during their younger years. His first book in the IgnatiusTM series was well received,winning an Independent Press award, that he now spends most of his time writing and only part-time with patients in the Emergency Room.

Mucci calls both Connecticut and Florida home, and with his wife Jeanne by his side, he's constantly dreaming up new, fantastical creatures, daring escapades, and witty one-liners. He looks forward to writing more adventures for Iggy in this series, and hopes they provide readers the same delightful escape it brought him during the pandemic when Iggy’s adventures began. Learn more about the author and get excited for more adventures at damucci.com.

REVIEW: Blue Flame :Daemon Collecting Series By Alison Levy

Award winning author returns with thrilling sequel

Delve back into Rachel Wilde’s thrilling world of Daemons 

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Chanticleer International Book Award winning author, Alison Levy, returns with her electric second installment in The Daemon Collecting Series. “Blue Flame” (Oct. 11 2022, SparkPress) continues with the adventures of headstrong and tenacious protagonist, Rachel Wilde. 

Rachel comes from a dimension that exists adjacent to ours. The people there have structured their society around daemon collecting: they locate, catch, and repair malfunctioning daemons (creatures out of phase with our world that tempt people to do good or evil). 

While introducing Leda Morley, last of an ancient line of gatekeepers, to the ins and outs of her daemon-collecting work, Rachel Wilde encounters something far more dangerous than any daemon: a young boy who stands alone against an unseen yet terrifying enemy that has invaded his home—an inhuman creature who, hellbent on revenge for a minor slight, intends to harm the boy’s oblivious family. Meanwhile, Leda’s brother, Simon, is feeling left out of his maternal family legacy but is coping partly by helping Rachel’s friend Bach—a previously homeless man with unusual mental abilities—get his life back on track.

In the midst of all of this, Bach unintentionally but serendipitously makes contact with a capable otherworldly being who, with great reluctance, agrees to help Bach and his friends take on the dangerous creature that’s just become their problem to solve. Together, this group of unlikely allies must put aside their differences to save an innocent child, and his family, from a monster—before it’s too late.

This author is wonderful but its also hard for me to get right into this book as she has a specific writing style. This in no way deters from her talent and the greatness of this series.

 

I would recommend reading book one, Gatekeeper first to understand the dimensions and the characters.  I was glad to continue with many of the characters' stories from the first book and go deeper into their backstories.  Rachel continues to be strong and fierce, with Leda's help she begins to break down her unyielding personality.  Through Leda's human eyes, a better understanding of the Arcana and it's social structure is shown.  Leda's thirst for knowledge and gentle nature unravels some of the mysteries of the Arcana and smooths some of Rachel's edges. I was elated to learn more about Bach's history, see him move forward with his life, get a grip on his gift as well as learn of its origins. The being that Rachel and Leda discover in Blue Flame is surprising and interesting to learn about.  I loved that the point of view switched to these special beings and they were very interesting to read.

This was a really wonderful second book in this series and I was so excited I was approached to read this second book. Cant wait to see what else this author will do or come up with in the future.

                                        

Alison Levy lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband, son, and a variety of pets. When she is not writing or doing mom things, she crochets, gardens, walks her collies, and works on home 

improvement projects.

Her books feature female characters who are strong but flawed, making them more relatable. They stay rooted in everyday life while world-building in their fictional cultures. Intolerance of differences has become widespread in recent years. Gatekeeper encourages readers to look beyond what they consider normal and see through foreign eyes, a message that I hope will appeal to many in today’s climate.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Blue Flame By Alison Levy

 An Interview with

Alison Levy

    

1. Can you tell us a little about how you started writing and what led you to this book series now?

I wrote a story for an English assignment in 6th grade, a time in my life when my anxiety was particularly bad.  My English teacher, Mrs. Webb, pulled me aside to praise my story and tell me what a good writer I was.  It gave me a desperately needed shot of confidence.  I’ve been writing ever since.

I’ve actually been trying for years to write this story the way I imagined it.  I started and discarded two previous versions that I just wasn’t feeling.  This time, I think I got it right!

2. How has writing impacted your life and your struggles with anxiety?

Living with anxiety, for me, is like having a tiger in the house: the tone of my day is dependent on the tiger’s mood.  If the tiger is active, everything I do revolves around it; I can still get things done but if I do the wrong thing, it bites, and then I’m incapacited.  Some days the tiger sleeps or wanders out of the room, but I’m always conscious of its presence and waiting for it to strike.  Writing is hugely therapeutic for me.  When I write, I can tune out the real world and dive into my creation.  When my mind is fully engaged in creating, the tiger disappears.

3. What was the process of creating the world that your characters live in? Where did this story start?

This story started with my main character, Rachel Wilde.  Rachel sometimes feels like the embodiment of an anxiety-free me; she’s brazen, resilient, sharp-tongued, and hard-headed.  Throwing her into a difficult situation that would turn me into a pile of jelly and imagining her working through it is very empowering for me.

4. Your undergrad education was in anthropology — how did that influence your writing?

Anthropology teaches that we as human beings are products of the society we live in.  Our day to day activities are not a universal experience; what is normal and mundane to us is exotic or bizarre to others depending on where we come from.  I love inventing new cultures that are exotic and bizarre to the reader but normal and mundane to my characters. 

 

5. What did you do differently in your writing process of Book 2 and what do you hope readers take away from this book?

One comment I got on my first book was that the villain lacked complexity (I did this intentionally but it’s a totally fair criticism).  I took that into account for this book and tried to give the antagonist more depth.  This time around, I crafted a character who does horrible things because of an immense amount of societal pressure; he wouldn’t necessarily choose to inflict harm on others but in this circumstance, his culture inflicts negative social consequences on him and his loved ones if he fails to do so.  I enjoy creating and writing about different cultures so this felt like a natural evolution of my world building.  As always, I hope readers take away an appreciation for the many ways in which culture and society affect our lives and our personalities.  For this book in particular, I hope readers come away wanting more!

6. What is next for the Daemon Collecting Series?

Just finished the first draft of Book 3 and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone!  Coming up in the series, expect to learn more about the history of the Arcana and why it has been interwoven with our dimension for thousands of years.  Expect to see the hidden terrorist group stepping into the light.  Expect to see Simon and Leda connect with lost relatives and find themselves in a dangerous situation.  Expect to see Bach struggle with his abilities and have an encounter with another oracle that turns his life upside down. 

SPOTLIGHT: Blue Flame: Deamon Collecting Series By Alison levy

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Award winning author returns with thrilling sequel

Delve back into Rachel Wilde’s thrilling world of Daemons 

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – Chanticleer International Book Award winning author, Alison Levy, returns with her electric second installment in The Daemon Collecting Series. “Blue Flame” (Oct. 11 2022, SparkPress) continues with the adventures of headstrong and tenacious protagonist, Rachel Wilde. 

Rachel comes from a dimension that exists adjacent to ours. The people there have structured their society around daemon collecting: they locate, catch, and repair malfunctioning daemons (creatures out of phase with our world that tempt people to do good or evil). 

While introducing Leda Morley, last of an ancient line of gatekeepers, to the ins and outs of her daemon-collecting work, Rachel Wilde encounters something far more dangerous than any daemon: a young boy who stands alone against an unseen yet terrifying enemy that has invaded his home—an inhuman creature who, hellbent on revenge for a minor slight, intends to harm the boy’s oblivious family. Meanwhile, Leda’s brother, Simon, is feeling left out of his maternal family legacy but is coping partly by helping Rachel’s friend Bach—a previously homeless man with unusual mental abilities—get his life back on track.

In the midst of all of this, Bach unintentionally but serendipitously makes contact with a capable otherworldly being who, with great reluctance, agrees to help Bach and his friends take on the dangerous creature that’s just become their problem to solve. Together, this group of unlikely allies must put aside their differences to save an innocent child, and his family, from a monster—before it’s too late.

“Blue Flame”

Alison Levy | Oct. 11, 2022 | SparkPress | Fantasy

Paperback | ISBN: 9781684631711 | $16.95

Alison Levy lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with her husband, son, and a variety of pets. When she is not writing or doing mom things, she crochets, gardens, walks her collies, and works on home improvement projects.

Her books feature female characters who are strong but flawed, making them more relatable. They stay rooted in everyday life while world-building in their fictional cultures. Intolerance of differences has become widespread in recent years. Gatekeeper encourages readers to look beyond what they consider normal and see through foreign eyes, a message that I hope will appeal to many in today’s climate.

Follow Alison Levy on social media: 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

In an interview, Alison can discuss:

• World building and craft for fantasy writers

• How she uses writing to cope with anxiety and advice for others with anxiety 

• How the fantasy genre as a whole has influenced her writing

• Her connection to the characters, and how she delicately weaves in mental health and family dysfunction topics to her writing

• What she hopes readers will take away from this story and what’s to come for Rachel Wilde and The Daemon Collecting Series 

Praise for Gatekeeper

Book One in the Daemon Collecting Series

“A compelling, yet endearing, read about a very resourceful inter-dimensional cop Rachel who deals with broken daemons, homeless oracles, linguists, and serial killers with her own style of grace and tenacity. You might not see your own world in quite the same way as you look for the hidden passageways just out of view.”

– Ellen Clary, author of Pursuits Unknown: An Amy and Lars Novel

“Alison Levy offers us a lens that penetrates the facade of a recognizable world to reveal a thought-provoking analog. Ideas of right and wrong, intention, human value, and justice are all reconsidered. The story leaves the gate at a dead run and never lets up. Written in a clear and incisive style, Gatekeeper was a pleasure to read, and happily, suggests more to follow.”

– Patricia Minger, author of Magic Flute

Advance Praise for Blue Flame

Book Two in the Daemon Collecting Series

Alison Levy’s 2nd installment of the Daemon Collecting Series is a dark and whimsical adventure with a colorful cast of characters you’ll be eager to keep tabs on. Masterful storytelling and exceptional worldbuilding. A unique, action-packed Urban Fantasy series with grit, wit, and a whole lot of heart. Levy has created a truly original series in a genre that doesn’t see much originality these days. Her colorful cast of characters (and creatures) will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

• Lenore Borja, author of The Last Huntress (Mirror Realm Series Book I)