Narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal, Once Broken Faith by Seanan McGuire is the tenth audiobook in the urban fantasy series October Daye. High King Aethlin Sollys of the Westlands has called a grand convocation to discuss the cure for elf-shot. Tempers, murder and danger keep Toby & her allies busy in this newest installment…

Once Broken Faith
by Seanan McGuire
Series: October Daye #10
Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal
Length: 11 hours and 28 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Politics have never been October “Toby” Daye’s strong suit. When she traveled to the Kingdom of Silences to prevent them from going to war with her home, the Kingdom of the Mists, she wasn’t expecting to return with a cure for elf-shot and a whole new set of political headaches.

Now the events she unwittingly set in motion could change the balance of modern Faerie forever, and she has been ordered to appear before a historic convocation of monarchs, hosted by Queen Windermere in the Mists and overseen by the High King and Queen themselves.

Naturally, things have barely gotten underway when the first dead body shows up. As the only changeling in attendance, Toby is already the target of suspicion and hostility. Now she needs to find a killer before they can strike again—and with the doors locked to keep the guilty from escaping, no one is safe.

As danger draws ever closer to her allies and the people she loves best, Toby will have to race against time to prevent the total political destabilization of the West Coast and to get the convocation back on track…and if she fails, the cure for elf-shot may be buried forever, along with the victims she was too slow to save.

Because there are worse fates than sleeping for a hundred years.

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There is never a dull moment if your name is October Daye. Queen Windermere of the Mist hosts the convocation. Filled with political intrigue, suspense, murder and plenty of twists, McGuire held me captive from beginning to end.

Everyone who is anyone is in attendance and everyone has an opinion from the Sea Queen whose sister created the curse to kingdoms from the south. The discussion had just started when King Anthony Robinson of Angels, the Kingdom to the South, was found dead. Soon the castle is on lockdown and the king tasks Toby with finding the murderer. But rumors begin as some believe that the killer is Toby.

The tale that unfolded was full of reveals, magical relics and near-death experiences. McGuire had me on edge the entire time as Toby, Tybalt and the others find themselves in great danger. I loved watching Toby piece together clues, interview everyone and shock the royals.

The eighteenth audiobook will release this year, and I will say each book is better than its predecessor. I cannot wait to listen to the next one, The Brightest Fell.

Mary Robinette Kowal narrates the series and has become the voice of these characters. From her pacing to the unique voices, she enhances my enjoyment and truly brings the stories to life.

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Once Broken Faith by Seanan McGuire, Narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal, delivered with non-stop suspense as Toby is tasked with solving a murder. #audiobookreview #OctoberDaye #urbanfantasy
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/once-broken-faith-by-seanan-mcguire.html

Heart Warrior by Annie Gibbins stands as a captivating anthology of short narratives written by a diverse group of women, delving into themes of love, loss, and invaluable life lessons. These tales not only recount the trials they’ve faced but also spotlight the resilience that emerged from their journeys. With a candid and inspiring tone, these accounts are shared with the intention of kindling strength in the lives of fellow women across all spheres.

What distinguishes this book is the collective voice of formidable females that fills its pages. This chorus of voices offers readers a relatable tapestry of experiences. The authors’ recollections of moments marked by courage, fortitude, and unwavering determination beckon the reader to reflect on their own path and find the essence of a Heart Warrior within. The array of perspectives not only enriches the narratives but also guarantees a diverse and engaging read.

The pages of this book echo with motivational verve, brimming with gems such as, “Embracing vulnerability is a testament to one’s greatest courage.” Such nuggets of wisdom offer solace and insight, serving as guides for navigating various challenges. Annie Gibbins masterfully crafts scenes with her words, as evidenced in the opening chapter, where she paints a vivid picture, “Amidst the summer sun’s dance on tranquil gumtrees, the mellifluous serenade of kookaburras graces the twilight.” This lyrical imagery draws readers into her world, setting the stage for the knowledge and stories that unfold.

With a universal resonance, Heart Warrior: Tales of purpose-driven women making the impossible possible, no matter what, ensures every reader finds a piece of themselves within its pages, along with an arsenal of tools to confront life’s trials. Its essence firmly cements the sisterhood among women, encouraging mutual support. This book isn’t merely a recommendation but rather a literary lifeline that extends the embrace of female camaraderie.

Pages: 120 | ASIN : B0CBX5VCFZ

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/25/heart-warrior/

Mental Health Mayday: A Firefighter’s Survival Guide from Recruitment to Retirement by Gregg Bagdade is a revelatory investigation into the oft-neglected mental health tribulations that firefighters face throughout their professional journey. This book has been a valuable, enlightening beacon for a novice like myself, presenting an empathetic narration of the adversities and victories these brave souls encounter.

Bagdade, a veteran firefighter, employs his intimate knowledge of the profession to delve deep into the unique stressors associated with it. He discusses the exacting aspects of firefighting, examining both the physical requirements of the occupation and the emotional strain it places on firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who grapple with trauma, loss, and the imperative to preserve lives. Bagdade successfully humanizes these daily warriors via personal anecdotes, illuminating the mental toll this honorable profession can impose.

The book’s undeniable strength lies in its candid and captivating writing style, paired with a pragmatic approach. Bagdade communicates his insights clearly and effectively while offering practical solutions and resources to address mental health challenges. He underscores the significance of self-awareness, debunking the stigma tied to mental health in the profession and advocating for firefighters to reach out for help when necessary. This theme extends beyond the firefighting context, resonating with anyone working in a high-stress environment.

Bagdade courageously tackles the organizational and cultural issues within the firefighting community that potentially exacerbate mental health challenges. He champions systemic transformation, advocating for the bolstering of support structures and mental health programs within fire departments. This broader discourse elevates the book from being just a survival guide to a clarion call for action and awareness regarding mental health in firefighting.

I recommend this enlightening book to anyone interested in the subject, particularly those considering or already in high-stress professions like firefighting.

Pages: 117 | ASIN : B0CC6RZHV4

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/25/mental-health-mayday-a-firefighters-survival-guide-from-recruit-through-retirement/

Alexandra Haden-Douglas’s novel, The Four, offers a thrilling journey through the freshmen year of high school, where a young witch, a siren, a demon goddess, and a vampire come together. Their adventurous saga sees them navigating through life, embracing their growing powers, and forging an unbreakable bond of friendship and love. Set against the full moon’s mystique and the backdrop of mundane reality, the story delves into their shared experiences.

The narrative takes an intriguing twist as they embark on a rescue mission to save their friend from the dark fairy world. The adventure that unfolds is rife with obstacles, demanding that The Four embrace their differences and lend each other unwavering support.

Set in scenic New Orleans, Haden-Douglas artfully captures the city’s essence and blends it seamlessly with her fictional universe. The storyline is a rich tapestry filled with unpredictable plot twists and heartwarming depictions of friendship and resilience. Although the narrative progresses quickly, Haden-Douglas’s vivid and graphically descriptive writing style ensures the reader is effortlessly able to keep pace with the mythical creatures and fantastical elements of The Four.

The characters in the novel are engaging and relatable, enhancing the book’s allure. With their varied personalities and distinctive abilities, Haden-Douglas has crafted a diverse and unique cast that resonates with readers. The realistic dynamics between the characters and their unwavering support for one another add layers of depth, making them all the more captivating.

What sets this novel apart is its strategic pacing and the overarching lessons it conveys. The character development and the emotional connections within the story stand out, contributing to its profound impact.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Four by Alexandra Haden-Douglas. Though it is rooted in the realm of fiction, it beautifully imparts the timeless lesson of embracing one’s uniqueness and maintaining a sense of self as one discovers their place in the world. It’s an utterly realistic message wrapped in a fantastical package, making this book a must-read for those looking to be both entertained and inspired.

Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0C37PJZ9S

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/25/the-four/

Stella and the Magic Stone follows a young girl visiting her grandfather who wants to find a magic stone to help him heal after an accident. What was the inspiration for your story?

Stella and the Magic Stone is primarily inspired by my childhood. Stella’s world is familiar to me in many ways. When you have had the opportunity to live in a scenic village in the Finnish lake district, it touches you for the rest of your life.

In the Stella books, I wanted to describe the safe experience that Finnish children have traditionally been able to experience in their environment. The possibility to move around alone and make your own decisions is perhaps more comprehensive than in many other countries or cultures. I understand that not all of Stella’s activities are suitable elsewhere, so she is not meant as a role model. I just tell readers about Stella’s life and environment as it might be inspirational.

Various experiences related to nature have always been important to me and have also inspired this book. There is summer with thunder, berry-picking, and playing in the middle of the forest – everyday activities for most Finnish children.

Another inspiration for this book comes from the relationships between children and grandparents. I think they can play a significant role in each other’s lives. That’s why I wanted to focus on an extraordinary period of the accident and its effects on the girl and her grandfather.

Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your story? 

Stella and the Magic Stone is an important book for me, with many personal experiences behind the story.

As mentioned earlier, Stella’s activities and the surroundings of the events have a solid connection to my own childhood.

I must also admit that the book’s main character carries two versions of myself with her. The first one is the independent little girl riding the little red bike in the home village and the roads around it, and the other one is the adult worried about her seriously ill father.

I was surprised by the power with which the story, my childhood memories, and my worries as an adult intertwined in this fairy tale. In writing the story, I went back to my childhood activities with my father – even though he turned into the main character’s grandfather in the fairy tale.

The situation related to the creation of this book, where I finished the manuscript and put the last point at the end of the text, was a special moment in another sense as well. At that particular second, in real life, I received a call from a doctor from the hospital where my father had just survived a major operation and was transferred to the recovery room.

Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?

A child’s relationship with nature and trust in its power is a central theme in this book, although the main theme is the deep connection between the girl and her grandfather.

When my book came out, some adults pointed out that miracles seem to play a significant role in the story. I think that’s precisely what fairy tales are often about – miracles that lift our experiences above everyday life and encourage us to trust ourselves even when we face difficulties.

For me, the miracles of the fairy tale represent hope and faith in the extraordinary power of love. I like to bring in nature experiences because, at least for me, nature has often offered help in many ways in difficulties. It can sometimes provide a refuge or a friend and support. The magical details nature offers – like the magic stone the girl found in this book – can become a symbol of life forces and give us faith in survival.

However, the most important message of this book is that affection and love between two people – the girl and her grandfather – are patient. From that, the girl in the story gets the strength to visit her unconscious grandfather’s hospital bed again and again. 

Even in a fairy tale, I don’t want to claim that the stone healed the grandfather. But I want to show how important it was that Grandpa could feel and sense the girl’s visits on some level. It certainly helped him to regain consciousness and recover.

Where does the next book in the Stella stories go, and what adventures will she have?

I have already written two other books about Stella – Stella and the Berry Bay and Stella and Her Spiky Friend. And more stories about this active girl’s adventures are ready in my head!

In the second one, Stella and the Berry Bay, her life takes a surprising turn when the family moves to another town. Moving away from their old home takes place in a difficult moment because Stella has imagined going to a familiar school with her friends. Now everything has changed: a new home, a new school, and new friends. But together, we can get through this, too!

In the third book, Stella and Her Spiky Friend, the girl meets interesting people in a new environment. In addition to her hedgehog friend, she gets to know the strange pharmacist whom the other children are afraid of.

My Stella books continue along the same line of encouraging children. In these stories, children have much freedom to act independently in a safe environment. I also describe cooperation between different people and people of different ages.

In real life, I learned a lot about this kind of interaction in my childhood. Seeing how different people could cooperate and work together was useful for my upbringing. The community also included those whose actions could not be accepted or who harmed others. Mostly, though, problems were solved together. Small towns and country villages are good teachers!

Author Links: Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/25/hope-faith-and-the-power-of-love/

Stone Cold follows a man working in counter-terrorism whose girlfriend is shot, causing him to go on a revenge-filled hunt for the terrorists responsible. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?  

1st Stone Cold is the sequel to “Sticks and Stones,” A Cameron Stone Action Thriller. “Sticks and Stones” has all of their backstories and gives them depth into where they came from and their own unique abilities. My inspiration for the story “Stone Cold” is that I and several associates have experienced many things worldwide within the security world (I will leave it at that). Continued training both in the academic and physical realms helps minimize worst-case scenarios. In the two books involving Cameron and friends, I introduce those worst-case scenarios in a fictional way. 

What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?

Each character is unique in both good guys and bad. Each has their abilities and emotional thresholds, as we all do. Like most books, you have heroes and villains.

Other ideas as mentioned above, are my experiences. 

One of the stand-out features of this novel is the action scenes and martial arts explanations. What is your experience with martial arts that allowed you to portray these moments so well? 

My experiences in the Martial Arts span close to 5 decades now. My art, ” Hogoshin-do, “The Way of the Protector,” is mentioned in the book. I can draw from many disciplines I have trained in. I have and continue to train for some good, realistic fight scenes.

I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?

The third book is being worked on as we speak. I may bring the reader to other countries again. Ahhh we shall wait and see…

Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/25/heroes-and-villains/