#BookReview: Out of the Drowning Deep by A. C. Wise

In the distant future, when mortals mingle with the gods in deep space, an out-of-date automaton, a recovering addict, and an angel race to solve the Pope’s murder in an abandoned corner of the galaxy.

Scribe IV is an obsolete automaton, peacefully whiling away his years on the Bastion, a secluded monastery in an abandoned corner of the galaxy. But when the visiting Pope is found murdered, Scribe IV knows he has very little time before the terrifying Sisters of the Drowned Deep rise up to punish the Bastion’s residents for their crime.

Quin, a recovering drug addict turned private investigator, picks up a scrambled signal from the Bastion and agrees to take the case. Traumatized by a bizarre experience in his childhood, Quin repeatedly feeds his memories to his lover, the angel Murmuration. But fragmented glimpses of an otherworldly horror he calls the crawling dark continue to haunt his dreams.

Meanwhile in Heaven, an angel named Angel hears Scribe IV’s prayer. Intrigued by the idea of solving a crime with mortals, xe descends to offer xer divine assistance (whether those mortals want it or not). With the Drowned Sisters closing in around the Bastion, Scribe IV, Quin, and Angel race to find out who really murdered the Pope, and why. Quin’s missing memories may hold the key to the case—but is remembering worth the price?

Haunting, dreamy and beautifully written, Out of the Drowning Deep is perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, Martha Wells, and This Is How You Lose the Time War.

#BookReview: Riftborne (Esprithean Trilogy #1) Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox

He was striking in a cold-blooded kind of way, like his beauty was tinged with poison. Unassuming, alluring even.

I brought my eyes up to meet his.

"Fia Riftborne?" The words dripped from his lips like blood from a dagger.

Twenty years after a rebellion branded her an outcast, Fia Riftborne navigates a city rife with prejudice so deep, it's often deadly. But she harbors a secret, one that would paint an even larger target on her back. A hidden power within her is growing, threatening to destroy everything she's built for herself.

Enter the elusive Sidhe General, Laryk Ashford, who is building a unit of powerful wielders within the Guard to face a growing threat. Wraiths of darkness devour the Western border, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.

When Fia's power erupts, and two daughters of Nobility are seemingly dead, General Ashford offers her a chilling choice: join the Sidhe Guard or face execution.

Because Fia might be the only hope for the Isle's survival.

Torn between surrendering to the chaos or becoming a weapon for those who took everything from her, Fia must confront her growing feelings for the General and face a dark truth that could shatter everything she's ever known.

#BookDiscussions: The Morality of Magic: Heroes, Villains, or Something In Between?

The Morality of Magic: Heroes, Villains, or Something In Between?

Magic—it’s a staple of fantasy literature, conjuring wonder, danger, and impossible feats. But beneath the sparkly spells and ancient incantations lies something deeper: moral complexity. When magic enters the story, it often raises intriguing questions about power, responsibility, and the thin line between heroism and villainy. Let’s dive into how magic shapes morality in some of the most captivating fantasy books and characters.

#BookBlitz for Take Me to the Valley by Kaci Rose @GiveMeBooksPR

Title: Take Me to the Valley

Series: Mountain Men of Whiskey River #8

Author: Kaci Rose
Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Mountain Man/Single Dad/Reverse Age Gap

Brother's Best Friend

Release Date: January 11, 2025

BLURB

He’s her brother’s best friend. She’s never had a thing for single dads or younger men… until him.

Evan

I’ve built my life around two things: protecting my daughter, Skye, and serving Whiskey River as a detective.

Love? It’s off the table.

I can’t have both—it’s not fair to Skye, and I’ve already been burned once.

But when Calista Stapleton—the woman I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember—comes back to Whiskey River, all my carefully built walls start to crack.

She’s my best friend’s sister, and she’s supposed to be off-limits.

But when I’m injured on the job and she steps in to take care of me and Skye, it feels like she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.

Calista

I’ve spent the last decade pouring myself into everyone else—patients, family, responsibilities.

Now I’m back home, hoping to reconnect with my family and start fresh.

But Evan Greer is here, too—my little brother’s best friend, the man I’ve always tried to ignore.

He’s strong, stubborn, and so fiercely protective of his daughter, it makes my heart ache.

When he gets hurt, and my brother insists I move in to help him recover, the fragile line we’ve been balancing on starts to disappear.

Every day with him and his daughter makes it harder to ignore the pull between us.

But he’s my brother’s best friend, and if this falls apart, it won’t just be my heart on the line.

#BookBlitz: Grandpa, My Hero by Kimberly Chang @RABTBookTours

 

Children’s book

Date Published: January 7, 2025

 

Grandpa, My Hero is a touching story of love, resilience, and family bonds. Mia, a spirited young girl, shares a special connection with her Grandpa, her ultimate hero. Together, they create joyful memories until a stroke leaves Grandpa unable to walk or talk like before.

Determined to help, Mia becomes his “assistant,” making therapy fun with games, balloons, and laughter. As Grandpa works hard to regain his strength, their bond deepens, teaching Mia valuable lessons about patience, kindness, and perseverance.

This heartwarming tale celebrates intergenerational love and shows how even in the face of challenges, family connections can grow stronger. Mia learns valuable lessons about patience, kindness, and the importance of caring for loved ones. In turn, Grandpa’s courage and determination inspire her to see challenges as opportunities to grow. Together, they discover that heroism isn’t about strength or perfection—it’s about showing up for each other, no matter the obstacles.

Through vibrant illustrations and a touching narrative, Grandpa, My Hero celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of intergenerational love. It’s a story that encourages children to cherish and care for their elders while showing that even in difficult times, family bonds can grow stronger. This book is a tribute to every grandparent who has ever been a hero in their grandchild’s eyes.