REVIEW: Magic By Any Other Name By Alison Levy

Young witch flees family abuse, seeks own happy ending

“A multi-layered and intoxicating fantasy that explores the adverse effects of emotional abuse and the courage it takes to break away and pave your own path.” 

-Lenore Borja, author of “The Last Huntress”

Greensboro, NC – Wander the world with Georgette and her magical friends in this tender and hopeful fantasy story from award-winning author, Alison Levy. Magic by Any Other Name: The Witch’s Odyssey (Nov 7, 2023, SparkPress) follows one young witch’s difficult decision to leave her toxic family and seek a better life for herself. With the help from a diverse group of magical creatures, Georgette confronts the demons of her past in order to pave a way for a brighter future.

CIBA-winning author of the Daemon Collecting series, Alison Levy returns with a new whimsical and cozy  fantasy series taking readers on an enchanting exploration of the world and within yourself. Loosely based on the heartbreaking yet empowering family decisions Alison made for herself, Georgette’s story will resonate with young readers choosing “no contact” and creating their own found families.

Ivy Nichols O’Reilly has grown up in a wealthy family full of magic, fantasy creatures, and emotional abuse. When her narcissistic mother arranges an unwanted marriage for her, Ivy decides to leave her life of privilege behind and flees across the country with her best friend, a Wood Nymph named Mei-Xing. Along the way, she encounters a number of different magical creatures all on their own journey of purpose. But in order to grow into her new identity, help her new friends, and develop a healthy relationship with a man she’s beginning to care for, Georgette will have to confront the privileges that have shielded her from the pain and ugliness of the magic community in which she was raised—and find the strength to overcome the trauma of her childhood. Perfect for fans of The Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Such a great ya novel by Alison Levy. I have read and reviewed a few by her and I never come away disappointed. She is a wonderful author that knows how to create a wonderful set of characters in these great fantasy worlds that just pull you into the story.

This  novel is no different, it pulls you into a world of magic and mystery and family abuse from a young witches point of view. You meet a nymph , a were hyena, a Valkyrie and many other magical characters along the way in a world full of humans.

Georgette aka Ivy is on the run from her abusive witch family with her friend and they fall into this crazy situation and she just cant leave without helping which throws her down the rabbit hole of bad situation after bad situation.

Such a whirlwind of a story but I loved it.

 5 stars

Alison Levy lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her husband, son, and a variety of pets. When she’s not writing or doing mom things, she crochets, gardens, and walks her collies. Find out more on her website.

An Interview with

Alison Levy

1. What is one takeaway you want readers - particularly those who can relate to Georgette - to have upon completing the novel? 

   I’d like readers to understand that a found family is a real family. Blood relations who

make unreasonable demands or mistreat you all in the name of “family” are not entitled

to control your life. It is okay to step away from people who don’t have your best

interests at heart. A true family is not made from DNA, but from love.

2. How do the fantastical elements in your story help you address topics such as family trauma and mental health with a unique perspective?

By telling Georgette’s story through a veil of fantasy, I hoped to emphasize how

alone she feels as she flees her family. Breaking away from an abusive family can be

incredibly isolating, even with a strong support network around you. Because her family

is already separated from general society by their magic, Georgette has even less

connection to the wider world than the average person. Overcoming her upbringing is

that much harder for Georgette since she can’t fall back on typical social safety nets.

3. How did writing help you overcome some of your own personal family trauma?

I started writing this book shortly after my final contact with my narcissistic parent, the

last interaction I had with him before going no contact. It was a difficult, emotional time in my life when I was coming to terms with the fact that a lot of my family relationships were not healthy and never had been. Writing Georgette’s story was a way to help me process what I was going through and help me figure out how to move forward. Georgette is not an autobiographical representation but she shares some key characteristics with me that made her a useful means of exploring my trauma.

4. What are some challenges you faced while writing Georgette’s story?

My book features a diverse cast of characters, drawing on mythologies and

cultures from all around the world. I was very conscious of the fact that I’m a cis white

American woman writing about characters from other ethnicities and backgrounds. I did

a lot of research on related issues and topics to make myself as knowledgeable as

possible while developing these characters. Doing so has led me to confront some

privileges I wasn’t fully aware of for most of my life. I’ve done my best to write my

personal growth into the story.

5. Can you tell us about the relationships Georgette has in the book that help her navigate her healing journey as she works through her family trauma?

Mei-Xing (a Wood Nymph): After Georgette helped Mei-Xing escape from her birth

family, Mei-Xing became her rock, supporting Georgette through this challenging time of her life. Ishak (a Werehyena): Through Ishak, who she initially declined to help in his time of need, Georgette learns to recognize the privileges that her upbringing afforded her.

Nico (a curandero): Nico becomes Georgette’s de facto therapist and is the first person to

give her the terminology she needs to contextualize her abusive childhood. Neil (her love interest): Dating a good man like Neil shows Georgette that not all close

relationships are inherently manipulative. Kazimiera (a Vampire): Georgette’s problematic employer who shows her the dark side of the magic community that her family avoided.

REVIEW: Vengeful Realm: Book One: The Scales Of Balence By Tim Facciola

“It is difficult to overstate the storytelling prowess of author Tim Facciola.” — Independent Book Review


Peace bought by blood seldom lasts, for vengeance knows no end. The same is true for mortals and Gods alike. Decades, centuries, eras may pass, but the cycle remains. As war and revolution rise again, Zephyrus finds himself at the center of it all. Chosen by the Gods, hailed as a prophet of liberation, and forged as a weapon to break the kingdom and restore balance to the realm, hope rests squarely on his shoulders.


If only he could remember…


Enslaved as a gladiator and thrust into a prince’s game of espionage, Zephyrus has only two clues to help unlock his shattered past: a prophecy foretelling destruction, and a letter to the enemy king, promising peace. Now Zephyrus must survive the dangers of the gladiatorial arena, the cunning fury of the Prince’s enemies, and the Gods’ torment if he is to find the truth of his identity and fulfill his fate. But to have any hope of breaking the cycle, first he must secure his freedom—and not just from his slavers.


Within this vengeful realm, a queen protecting her kingdom, a prince defending his father, and a gladiator slave haunted by a prophecy each contend for their own brand of freedom. But the Gods have an agenda of their own, and they'll use any vessel—patrician, plebeian, or slave—to see it done.


The scales must be balanced. By peace. Or by blood.


“Arena-set action sequences shine … but even more impressive is the constant political maneuvering, as characters mingle with enemies while plotting against them. There is, of course, plenty of mystery, and Facciola amps up excitement with signs of magic, appearances from gods, and betrayals.” — Kirkus Reviews


“A sprawling cast of vivid characters and a meticulously crafted realm, with exposition and world-building unraveling seamlessly alongside the plot…an original work of fantasy that doesn't trod familiar ground” — Self-Publishing Review

This is a really great first book in this series. It takes a bit to get into the storyline, but all these different characters and how they align together from so many different views and walks of life is wonderful.

It has everything, magic, gods, deception, deceit, murder, war, conflict, false accusations, heroes, gladiators and many other things that make this a great epic fantasy.

Zeb is by far the superior character in this book, no memory but has these strong upheld beliefs and a wonderful code of honor that not even his memories being stripped away can take from him. He is such a heroic character and I love how Tim builds him throughout the book,

A lovely riveting story with multiple points of view to leave u wanting and waiting for more.

4 stars

When Tim isn’t writing epic fantasy, he can often be found in his garage-gym or in the mountains where he lives. A virtual fitness professional by trade, he integrates his creative passions into movement, training with maces, clubs, staves, and swords to unlock his inner gladiator.

More than writing, reading, gaming, playing music, hiking, and paddle-boarding, Tim loves story. If he’s not working on his own story, he’s helping others develop theirs as an author coach.

Living in Arizona with his wife, Colleen, Tim continues writing epic fantasy novels while exploring different storytelling mediums so he can inspire others to hope. To live. And to believe.

 

REVIEW: The Gancanagh's Bride By

 It had been day once.

Long before the endless night overtook the country of Whynne. Before King and Queens declared their rule, before the Seelie and Unseelie had been driven to the woods.

When Caelan, the last Gancanagh was young, and the war of Whynne had only just begun.

Before he roamed the woods, trying to protect what little of fae society was left. Before humans and Seelie intermingled.

Legend says that the last Gancanagh had been in love with a mere human girl, one who broke his heart and turned him into the monster that those in Whynne feared.

But legends are often wrong.

                                           

                                                 REVIEW

This was a wonderful little novella about a fae man and human woman falling for eachother it goes through a lot of the fae and celtic historical and is fairly accurate I was very impressed with the authors authenticity for the information.

You read about them going through trials individually and together and it is a great story.

REVIEW: Claim Me By Blair Presley

He’s a 6’5 hot Republican with a body of steel and a dark side. She’s a climate scientist on the wrong side of the issues. How will they ever make it work? I need her. I have to have her. With long blonde hair, a luscious mouth, and a determined attitude, Charlotte Martin is all wrong for me. But I know what I want, and it’s her. I’m the famously scary Republican senator from Idaho. She’s the climate scientist intent on changing my mind about global warming. We’ll never work. But then, why can’t I stop thinking about her? I always win in the end, and I will win her. I don’t give a fuck what her politics are. They won’t separate us. That’s a promise. Charlotte Martin moves to D.C. to comprise a climate bill that will change the world and convince Republicans and Democrats alike of the devastating effects of global warming. What she’s not expecting is to come face-to-face with Easton Fowler, 6’5 of pure muscle. He’s scary, sure. But he’s nothing Charlotte can’t handle. She arranges a little surprise to convince him of the negative effects of global warming on the planet. That, combined with her work with the Democrat Senator Bradford, makes Charlotte feel like she’s on top. But nefarious forces are at play in Washington. And it will take everything Charlotte has to get her bill completed. For his part, Easton is sure he’s never met anyone quite like Charlotte, and he knows he can’t let her slip through his fingers, even though he’s destined to date a Republican socialite. What will fate have in store for these two? Can their connection last in a town full of sharks, where every move is calculated and spied on?

This was a very wonderfully written romance/political novel about an extremely stubborn and powerful republican senator and the bleeding heart scientist that softens him.

They are complete polar opposites and I love how the author plays on the opposites attracts.

As much as I loved this book a few things could have been better for the ending. I would have love to hear what happened with his re-election and how the opposing senator that he fought with came out after everything.

All and all it was a wonderful book.

4 stars

REVIEW:The Lioness and The Rat Queen By Noah Lemelson

Award-winning steampunk fantasy gets thrilling 2nd book

Los Angeles, CA – After winning a First Place award in the OZMA Book Awards for Fantasy Fiction for his debut dieselpunk fantasy, “The Sightless City,” (July 20, 2021, Tiny Fox Press), Noah Lemelson is back with the newest, gripping continuation of his  steampunk-apocalyptic-noir trilogy, “The Lioness and the Rat Queen” (August 29, 2023, Tiny Fox Press).

“Sure to entertain any fan of gritty speculative fiction.” 

– Publishers Weekly

A city burning, a murderous tycoon on the run, and three vigilantes out for revenge…

 

Marcel never thought his investigations would lead to this; his once-friend Lazarus Roache turned slaver and cruel puppet master. For the good of Huile, and to salve his conscience, Marcel must take Roache down, even if that means following him into the desolate and savage reaches of the Wastes.

 

Yet when winds of the Wastes grind their hopes of justice to dust, the three must make common cause with the hardened “Lioness of Vastium,” a disgraced Principate General who wants Marcel’s head just as much as Roache’s. To survive and take down the tycoon, they must find a way to fight as one–but blood begets blood, and old vendettas cannot stay long buried in the blasted soil of the Wastes.

“The Lioness and the Rat Queen”

Noah Lemelson | August 29, 2023

This was a wonderful second book to The Sightless City. This is a story that pulls you into the well written adventurous environment. This story is long and pulls you in to where you just cant stop reading this book. One of my biggest problems with books nowadays is that they dont last as long or are as long as I like. This book isn't one of them I loved it.

I see both sides to each of the main characters and I have feelings on their problems and personality but I do love Marcel. He tugged at my heart strings with his struggles and his turmoil throughout this story.

I cant wait to see more in this series.

Amazing author and storyteller. I will be looking for more from this author in the future.

5 stars

                                                                             

Praise for

The Sightless City

"A gripping mystery with an exceptionally fleshed-out world."

“Take one step into The Sightless City  and you’re pulled into a crackling adventure of intrigue, danger and mystery until the very last page. Lemelson builds an intricate steampunk fantasy world and sets it ablaze with haunting characters and deep moral questions. It’s a thrilling debut!”

-Amanda Silver, writer and producer of Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Jurassic World

“Lemelson melds industrial revolution with powerful magic; and, like all revolutions, this one isn't a tea party."

-- Dave Higgins, author of Seven Stones: The Complete Series

“Stellar worldbuilding and quick pacing. This is sure to entertain any fan of gritty speculative fiction.”

"With one foot in the seemingly magical and the other in SF, The Sightless City hits that same sweet spot that Tamsyn Muir mines so successfully in Gideon the Ninth. Lemelson revives and updates the gestures of science fantasy to make it a truly 21st century form. Funny, dark, irreverent, and endlessly entertaining, The Sightless City is a rustpunk wonder and a first-rate debut."

     -- Brian Evenson, award-winning author of Song for the Unraveling of the World and The Warren

“Feast your eyes on Sightless City, a world no one had ever seen until Noah Lemelson transported us to his exotic crossroad of fantasy, dieselpunk, and sci-fi.   It’s a book for all ages: past, present, and future.  At the same time.   Venture inside and this new author will be a part of your future.”

-- Gary Goldman, screenwriter of Big Trouble In Little China, Total Recall, Navy Seals

Noah Lemelson is a short story writer and novelist who lives in LA with his wife and cat. Lover of Science Fiction, Fantasy, New Weird, and Punk. He received his BA in Biology from the University of Chicago in 2014 and received his MFA in Creative Writing from the California Institute of the Arts in 2020. He has had several of his short stories published in both print and online magazines, such as Allegory, Space Squid and the Outsider’s Within Horror Anthology.

An Interview with

Noah Lemelson

1. How did you write the evolution of the story you began in The Sightless City? What inspired the continuation of your characters’ journey?

The story started as one big book, before being split into a trilogy, so I always knew where they were headed. My first vision for this story was these four characters, around a campfire, hunting a single man. A big part of the The Sightless City was setting up our "heroes" (I use the term loosely), explaining their relationship to Lazarus Roache, and laying the groundworks for this haphazard quest for revenge, so it's fun to finally get to see them making their way (mishaps and all) through the Wastes. On a character level, I was excited to explore Sylvaine's struggles with her powers, and the possibility of losing them, as well as Marcel wrestling with the moral implications of his past actions, particularly when faced with the titular Lioness and The Rat Queen.

2. How can fiction alter one’s own self narrative?

I think fiction allows us to look at the world through someone else’s eyes, and that’s a skill that can be turned inward. Different perspectives let us realize that the way we think about anything, including ourselves, is just one possibility, not the be-all-end-all truth. We all live in our own stories, partially written by us, partially written by others, while we can’t always control the way we fit into other peoples’ narratives, I think we do have some control on how we tell our own story. Fiction lets us practice that skill.

3. How did you decide to set your story in a steampunk fantasy world against the tumultuous backdrop of a partial apocalypse?

For whatever reason, I find industrial decay to be utterly fascinating, and even beautiful in its own way. I think that’s one reason why places like Chernobyl are so fascinating, places marked by civilization but no longer controlled by it. Traditional fantasy loves its ruined temples and forgotten cities, I think it’s interesting to take those same tropes and bump them up a couple centuries.

4. Could you explain your “realistic” approach to writing magical characters?

Though the term magic is never used in the book (besides once in a derisive aside), several characters have abilities or powers that are… basically magic with a fancy name. It’s a fun fantasy to imagine problems that magic could solve, but I think it’s often more interesting to look at what magic can’t solve. Self-doubt, moral quandaries, societal inequalities, relationship difficulties, magic has its limit. Its like anything else, skills or powers in one part of life don’t necessarily translate to others, and I think many of the most interesting stories about magic characters, be they literal wizards, super-heroes, or realty-defying inventors, is to look at where their magic is no longer enough.

5. What exactly is the Calamity, and how did that event influence the ongoing wars and discrimination throughout the book?

The details of the Calamity aren’t discussed much in the book, but in short it was a massive disaster caused by the misuse of ætheric weaponry that turned a big chunk of the continent into desolate Wastes. It’s one of those events that is so big that it paradoxically just kind of blends into the background. For most people it’s just a fact of history, an explanation for a reality that is their mundanity. Yet, like most facts of history, it can be trotted out to win political debate, or to excuse terrible acts. The Calamity is always someone else’s fault, an everlasting causa belli, a parable to support whatever argument is currently being made.

6. What inspired you to create this world?

Honestly I always loved the expanded universes for other novels, games, movies, and a not small part of my motivation came from a desire to have a world of my own, where my imagination wasn’t bound by what other people already wrote. As for why it became what it became, that’s a harder question to answer. I’ll say this, it started with the Wastes, and worked its way out.