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: indie
Mom’s Day Out at the Great Valley Bookfest – it was awesome!
Two weekends ago I had the awesome opportunity (thank you, my dear husband!) to go to a local book festival for a few hours BY MYSELF and it was amazing. I truly could have stayed there ALL DAY LONG. I met and chatted with some interesting local authors, bought some indie books (I’ve already finished two of them!), and picked up some used books from the Friends of the Library sale (I was there for the closing of the Bookfest and all the used books were free!). I also have some ideas for next year’s Bookfest: 1) bring business cards (duh!) – I missed out on some great opportunities to leave my info with authors; 2) sign up to offer a workshop on editing; 3) block off the whole day and go earlier so I can sit in on some of the speakers. So much potential!
I took some pictures, but then my phone broke and I got a new one soooo they’re not accessible at the moment. Instead, I will share some links! First, the Bookfest itself:
The mission of the Great Valley Bookfest is to create a family-friendly festival that celebrates literacy and promotes the written word in the heart of California’s Central Valley. It benefits the following local literacy organizations: Friends of the Library; Great Valley Writing Camps; Give Every Child A Chance; and San Joaquin County Office of Education (SCHOOLS)
Next, some of the books I picked up and authors I met:
Britt Nunes – Etched – I met Britt Nunes, her twin sister, and her adorable baby nephew at the Bookfest and bought her first book, Etched. While it wasn’t flawlessly executed–it read like a first book–it was interesting and engaging, and I enjoyed it very much. When I finished it, I bought myself the e-book versions of the sequel and the prequel, and I look forward to reading more from Britt Nunes in the future! Find her here: brittnunes.com
Susan Lowe – Josie – I met Susan Lowe and her husband, and just had to buy the book — which I read in one day! It is the story of Josie, Susan’s mother, and her experiences as an ethnic German in post-WWII Yugoslavia. It’s spectacularly well done and I’m thankful to have met Susan and had the opportunity to read her book. Find more info here.
Major Mitchell – The Dona (historical fiction)
Kathy Goosev Howell – The Perfectly Purple Sneakers (picture book)
Brian Weisfeld – The Startup Squad – Find Brian here: www.thestartupsquad.com
I met a lot of other authors whose books I did not buy that day, but I’ll certainly be looking out for – and maybe I’ll see them again at next year’s Bookfest! 🙂
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 