There’s something eternally captivating about the circus, and Calico Thunder Rides Again finds a new twist – magic and mythical creatures. It’s an interesting take, and an engaging story. The alternative reality is very believable and well-constructed, so much so that I kept forgetting references to a character being an ogre meant he was ACTUALLY AN OGRE and weren’t metaphorical (ha!). Perhaps my favorite part of the book is when supporting character Grace sees the reality behind the magic business and what it means for the animals – this had echoes of reality and should be a wake-up call for people to pay attention to the industry behind many everyday things judged “harmless.” I give the book 3 stars because it was a solid, enjoyable read but it didn’t “wow” me. *I received a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for participating in the cover reveal!
Tag Archives: fiction
One of my new favorite lines! Fairy Mom says my messy house is USEFUL
I’m reading Fairy Mom and Me by Sophie Kinsella to #2 (she’s almost 6). She has actually laughed out loud at this book and asked me to read – something she’s only ever done with the Mercy Watson/Tales from Deckawoo Drive chapter books, so this is big. So far I think it’s a cute book, nothing amazing but super silly and perfectly written for its audience. I do appreciate books as a reflection of reality, and I think I have just found one of my favorite books lines! This made me laugh out loud – and I’d like to tell you that according to Fairy Mom and Me, my messy house is actually useful:
Our house has lots of useful things, all just where you need them. Like Ollie’s toys all over the floor and a pile of coats on the bench in the hall. There are books everywhere, because you never know when you might want a book. (pg 51-52)
For your entertainment, I have included some photographs (taken this morning) illustrating just how readily available I keep these useful things in my house:
Toys all over the floor:
A pile of coats on the bench in the hall:
Books everywhere:
So no, I will not be winning any awards for a tidy house – but look how easily the kids and I can find what we need!
COVER REVEAL: Calico Thunder Rides Again by T.A. Hernandez
I’m thrilled to be a part of author T. A. Hernandez’s cover reveal for her upcoming book Calico Thunder Rides Again. This is one of the best covers I’ve seen in a while! I also had the opportunity a month or so ago to offer some feedback on the cover blurb (included below) and I’m really excited for the book’s release – I’m looking forward to reading it. SO – check out this perfect cover and read a bit about the book:
CTRA is a fantasy novel set on a magical traveling circus in an alternate 1920s America and features a dragon, a down-on-his-luck cowboy, conniving mobsters, and magical Prohibition and will be published November 5, 2019. Stay tuned for more info on when it’s available for pre-order!
Cover Blurb:
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the most fantastic show on Earth…
Three years ago, the Ban changed everything, outlawing certain forms of magic and bringing about the rise of powerful crime syndicates. Now, speakeasies in every city sell illegal charms and jinxes, and bootleggers traffic restricted potion ingredients across the country. But even in this changing world, the magic of the circus still acts as a wondrous escape and provides entertainment for all.
Jake Strickland owns one such circus, inherited after an accident ended his career as a rodeo dragon rider. He also inherited the circus’ financial troubles, but since the show became his, he’s slowly managed to turn it into a profitable business once more. Or at least, that’s what he thought.
When a dangerous mobster comes to collect an old debt, Jake resorts to desperate measures to get the money before a strict deadline. With lives and livelihoods at stake, he battles the clock, his responsibilities to the circus, and a longstanding personal grudge that has festered for years. Can he pay back the mob before it’s too late? And if so, what will it cost him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T. A. Hernandez is a science fiction and fantasy author and a long-time fan of speculative fiction. She grew up with her nose habitually stuck in a book and her mind constantly wandering to make-believe worlds full of magic and adventure. She began writing after reading J.R.R. Tolkien’sThe Lord of the Ringsmany years ago and is now engaged in an exciting and lifelong quest to tell captivating stories.
She is a clinical social worker and the proud mother of two girls. She also enjoys drawing, reading, graphic design, playing video games, riding her motorcycle, and making happy memories with her family and friends.
Connect with T. A. Hernandez:
Website: www.tahernandez.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/tahernandez05/
Twitter: @ta_hernandez5
Instagram: @ta_hernandez5
Kristin Houlihan, Writer 