The Starlite Heist by Ember Holt is the second novel in the Fae Prison: Earth. Brigid, a powerful member of the Verance High Court, sends Maeve, a rare phoenix shapeshifter, to investigate missing cargo.. We see a shift in the romance department as Maeve comes into her powers. Find out why this fantasy series is so addictive.

The Starlite Heist
by Ember Holt
Series: Fae Prison: Earth #2
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:

Stolen shipments, political intrigues, and bonded male posturing. Is Maeve getting closer to the truth, or is she just a pawn in the Fae games?

Maeve is a rare phoenix shapeshifter caught in the middle of a dangerous power play. For better or worse, her High Court patron, Brigid, thinks Maeve is the best suited to handle critical missing shipments. Despite the dangers, Maeve is more than ready to explore the realms to solve this mystery, but Corvin has other ideas.

He refuses to let her integrate with the Fae culture and is fiercely protective, quick to assert his dominance whenever Maeve is approached by other males. Bonded or not, how is she supposed to do her job if she can’t talk to anything with a d*ck, especially when their main point of contact is one?

Dantefor Blaze is a charismatic playboy, and delights in pissing Corvin off, making Maeve’s situation even harder. As Maeve gets closer to solving the mystery, she finds herself torn between her loyalty to Corvin and her growing attraction to Dante. If Maeve isn’t careful, she won’t just lose her heart in the search for truth, but her magic and her freedom, too.

If you’re looking for an Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity steamy romance full of magic, new worlds, and a mind-bending mystery, look no farther than The Starlite Heist.

{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-08-30T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “The Starlite Heist by Ember Holt is the second novel in the Fae Prison: Earth. Brigid, a powerful member of the Verance High Court, sends Maeve, a rare phoenix shapeshifter, to investigate missin”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/the-starlite-heist-by-ember-holt.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “The Starlite Heist”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Ember Holt”,
“sameAs”: “https://www.emberholtwrites.com/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4.5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}

This exciting story follows Maeve as she unlocks her shape-shifting abilities and learns about the Chimeran world. It is important to read this series is the order of release. For audio fans, I recently learned these are coming to audio as well.

Maeve and Corvin are bonded mates, but he is becoming possessive because of the virus he carries. We see a shift in the romance in The Starlite Heist. The story is well done and perfectly paced. I liked the new characters, especially Dantefor Blaze. He’s a charming playboy in charge of the warehouse that didn’t receive the lost shipments..

We get a forced proximity romance that had plenty of sizzle and “enemies to lovers” banter that curled my toes. I don’t think we are looking at a love triangle and hope it stays that way. The author weaves together romance, a missing cargo case, Maeve’s training, and the Chimera world to create a captivating story..

The shapeshifter’s abilities can be accessed much like skill levels in Jumanji: The Next Level, where a screen pops up, sharing new skill learned and origin. For example, Maeve is a jackal, but also a rare phoenix with some snake and other abilities, all which give her magic abilities, like healing. It’s clever and the phoenix ability puts her in great danger.

The missing cargo case wraps up, but Holt once again left me eager for the next book as our friends are in peril. Fans of fantasy and paranormal romance will want to slip into this world.

Amazon*

*available in kindle unlimited

The Starlite Heist by Ember Holt delivered twists as Maeve adds new skills sets and suffers a deva blow. #bookreview #FaePrisonEarth
Click To Tweet

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/the-starlite-heist-by-ember-holt.html

In Patrick McEntegart’s Crossmaglen Paddy Said, readers are invited to explore a beautifully articulated and thought-provoking tale that promises to leave an enduring impression. This masterfully crafted historical novel, grounded in real events, invites the reader into an immersive experience that transcends the mere act of reading.

With a perceptive eye, McEntegart unveils the stark realities encountered by the Irish under British dominion, weaving a compelling narrative that leads toward their triumphant resistance against suppression. Laden with action, humor, and tragedy and infused with the quintessential Irish wit, the story not only entertains but ignites a passion for justice.

The novel unfolds the journey of Paudric Moore, who embarks from America to the Irish town of Crossmaglen to interview Paddy, a fifth-generation native. Through this narrative, the author aspires to provide a genuine portrayal of Crossmaglen’s unique culture and history, kindling a spark in those with an interest in universal equality and justice. Set primarily in 1971, with concluding elements reaching to the present day, the novel artfully blends the past with the present.

A notable aspect of McEntegart’s writing lies in his stream-of-consciousness approach. Eschewing a conventional plot, he concentrates on the story’s emotional resonance and underlying message, a feat accomplished through exquisite language and poetic flair. The inclusion of photographs enriches the experience, allowing readers to viscerally connect with the historical backdrop. Uniquely, the novel draws parallels between events in Crossmaglen on August 15th, 1971, and the significant episode in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 5th, 1770.

McEntegart’s passion for his hometown of Crossmaglen permeates the text, manifesting through fragments of songs, poetry, and local anecdotes. He captures Irish humor and the distinct pronunciation and writing style with an authenticity that resonates with readers.

For those intrigued by Irish history and culture or simply looking to be transported to another time and place through the magic of storytelling, Crossmaglen Paddy Said offers a remarkable literary journey. Its well-balanced blend of historical insight, emotional depth, and cultural richness makes it an invaluable addition to the bookshelves of readers seeking both enlightenment and enjoyment.

Pages: 204 | ASIN : B0C7HKZX5S

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/30/crossmaglen-paddy-said-3/

In Nirvana Express, author S.P. Somtow embarks on a highly personal journey, recounting his transformational experience of becoming a monk in Thailand. This special edition is poignantly dedicated to his father’s memory, who passed away in May 2023 and had himself been a monk at Wat Somanas.

Unlike his father, who was steeped in the traditions of Buddhism and the Pali language, Somtow was relatively unfamiliar with both the spiritual philosophy and the Thai culture when he made the seemingly impulsive decision to follow in his father’s footsteps. What emerges from this backdrop is a rich narrative detailing his daily life and duties in the monastery. From the solemnity of an Ordination Ritual to the humble act of carrying a begging bowl, from learning the art of detachment to the discipline of meditation, Nirvana Express provides a vivid glimpse into monastic life.

I approached Nirvana Express with both eagerness and anticipation, driven by my own fascination with spirituality and philosophy that has developed over the past few years. The idea of becoming a monk had long intrigued me, and I found in Somtow’s work a kindred spirit. Far from disappointing, this book is a comprehensive and enlightening guide to the physical environment, practices, and contemplative depths of monastic existence.

Somtow’s prose is both poetic and evocative, weaving sensational descriptions that stimulate the senses and the mind. Sentences like “Coruscating, scintillant rainbow rivers spiral and twist and whirl” left me enraptured, feeling almost as though I was floating through a dreamlike landscape.

Beyond the aesthetic beauty of his writing, Somtow’s intellectual depth shines through. His insightful perspectives on the contrasts between Buddhism and what he identifies as “the world’s great religions” mark him as both a deep thinker and a well-read individual. His contemplations on the synergy between Buddhism and modern scientific principles, such as the Third Law of Thermodynamics, added further intrigue.

The author’s voice resonates clearly throughout the text, creating an intimate connection with the reader. As Somtow explores one monastic practice after another, he candidly shares his emotions and reflections, allowing us to accompany him on this profound spiritual journey.

Nirvana Express is more than a detailed account of one man’s quest to become a monk. It is an engaging discourse on Buddhism, emphasizing the universal values of compassion and acceptance. Whether you’re a seeker on the spiritual path or simply curious about the monastic life, this book offers a memorable, engrossing, and thought-provoking read that promises to stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Pages: 245 | ASIN : B07GC889CG

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/30/nirvana-express/

Ruby the Stingray is three years old and has all the emotions that come with being an active youngster. She reacts quickly and without first thinking. Ruby is learning, though. Her parents are diligent and intentional with their lessons on controlling reactions to emotions and remembering to think before she speaks. Being little is certainly hard, and Ruby is in the perfect position to help her little brother navigate the same emotional waters. From accidents to dangerous situations, Ruby does a wonderful job keeping herself calm and thoughtful and passing her knowledge on to her brother.

Ruby the Emotional Stingray, by Christal Majestic, is a unique children’s book written with parents and toddlers in mind. Majestic’s main character, Ruby, is typical of every little one who reacts with intense emotion and tends to lash out before giving themselves think-time. She is the ideal character for the 2-5 age group. Young children and emerging readers will find the author’s memory tools for remaining calm easy to remember and even easier to use. Majestic’s story provides parents who may be at their wit’s end with a wonderful strategy that can be immediately employed.

Majestic’s illustrations are precious. Sweet, expressive faces against bold but simple backgrounds dominate the pages. Readers will find themselves focused on Ruby and the other characters’ faces as they grapple with each trying situation. Majestic clearly understands the importance of conveying emotion through both text and illustrations.

As a mother, I would love to have had a book like this when discussing self-control and how to remain calm in stressful situations with my little ones. Majestic’s contribution to the parenting genre is invaluable. I will, without a doubt, gift Majestic’s fantastic story to my friends and coworkers who are currently fighting the good fight with their headstrong toddlers.

Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0BFVCL9M2

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/30/ruby-the-emotional-stingray/

The Silent Hen follows the lives of a fearless Virginia spy and a young Jewish girl as they navigate the complexities of WWII and the aftermath of 9/11, in a poignant story of love, bravery, and the resilience of the human spirit. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

During WWII my mother and father both served in OSS, the forerunner to the CIA. Like the characters, Lucy and Gordon, they married in Cairo, Egypt. I was born shortly after the war, and my younger brothers and I picked up on our parents’ interests in foreign relations. Although they kept secrets about their wartime service, our dinner table conversations were often about strategies for promoting civil rights and foreign and domestic justice. It was not unusual for refugees from different parts of the world to stay in our home while they looked for places to resettle. I took the thread of one of my mother’s rare stories, that of a little girl she befriended in Cairo, and decided to blend that with the testimony of a Holocaust survivor who had been helped by a Muslim family. The story at the beginning of The Silent Hen of Lucy taking a trolley into Washington, DC, and getting in an Army truck to sneak back to her hometown for OSS training is something that happened to my mother.

The characters of Lucy and Bella are both captivating and complex. How did you develop their personalities throughout the novel?

That’s a good question. My main career was as a psychiatrist, and I have never been able to stop myself from trying to understand people. I ask my characters the same kinds of questions I tried to teach my patients to ask themselves.

The theme of resilience amid adversity is a powerful aspect of The Silent Hen. How did you balance the novel’s darker themes of loss and sorrow with threads of hope and idealism?

I guess that’s Pandora’s box, isn’t it? There was a time when my field, psychiatry, emphasized uncovering primitive emotions, which would be the equivalent to opening a box of traumas. In psychotherapy, bringing unconscious darkness to consciousness was never enough to sustain recovery. As in the Greek myth, in which the last thing to fly out of Pandora’s box was hope, recovery from trauma requires hope. I suppose these ideas work their way into my writing, especially in these current times of international conflict that so much resemble the times in my book. If individuals persist in caring for one another despite our conflicts and failings, I think we have a chance. One of my brothers has worked trying to promote reconciliation between Christian and Muslim groups in a war-torn area, and I wanted to write a novel that captured that spirit calmly enough that people could take it in.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

Another good question. I’m working on a mystery novel set in Tidewater, Virginia, about a woman psychiatrist, her foster daughter, and the problems that ensue when they run afoul of a militaristic NGO located nearby. I’m not sure when I’ll be done, but I have other projects going on at the same time.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/30/i-seek-to-understand-people/

Rogues of the Crosslands: Azoria’s Blade follows an eleven girl who is the sole survivor of an attack on her village and vows to hunt down those that caused this destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Azoria was created as a character for a tabletop role-playing game with my friends. When COVID hit, we quit playing in person, which inspired me to begin writing in lieu of gaming. As her character evolved, however, her meaning became deeper. She’s a child who was raised by an overprotective dad, deep in the safety of the wildwoods. She’s repeatedly told ‘don’t go past the creek’, which kind of becomes a continuous theme in Azoria’s Blade. Then, she’s unexpectedly exposed to the violence of the outside world she was being protected from. It reminds me of the children (and adults) who were enclosed from the world during COVID, but none of us escaped unscathed. Children missed school and social interactions; while adults became generally more angry and entrenched in their ideologies. We all returned to a different world. I feel like no matter how much we protect our little ones, the inevitable violence of real life is waiting for them in some manner.

Azoria Dash was just a child when her village is attacked by Orcs; she has to grow up fast and find a way to not let her hate destroy her. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

One of my favorite fantasy movies is Conan the Barbarian. It’s a great story of revenge and redemption. In that movie, you meet Conan (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger); who is so physically imposing, there’s no doubt he’ll become victorious. In my story, I wanted to create a character that was the opposite, almost to the point of laughter. In fact, she fits as the least capable person anyone would depend on as a heroic protagonist. She’s a young girl who’s unsure of herself, short-tempered, short in stature, scrawny, and immature. Azoria also fails a lot due to her lack of good decision-making. Her failures create a more endearing, relatable, and believable heroine to root for.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The title itself, Azoria’s Blade sounds like it’s all about Azoria. However, it’s the character building around her that truly enriches the story’s depth. The supporting cast is chock-full of individual motivation and trauma. I sprinkle many problems throughout the adventure that I believe most readers can relate to. There’s teamwork, family, loss, loneliness, personal growth, racism, PTSD, addiction, and mommy and daddy issues. Besides the primary storyline, there are several other mini-victories to cheer for along the way.

When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?

I can’t wait to release Reign of the Sorceress Queen, which should be in early 2024. There’s a ton of new discoveries, twists, and turns that’ll truly immerse fans of Azoria’s Blade. I’ll provide more details to the follow-up soon, but I’ll just caution readers to buckle up. 

With respect to Azoria’s Blade, we have so much to share! I’m not just releasing a book, I’m creating an interactive experience. First, the Kindle version of Azoria’s Blade will be available September 18, 2023 and the hard prints will be released the same week. I’ve also created an art companion guide which is full of the beautiful character renderings that we’re sharing with fans weekly on instagram and facebook. I’m also creating character trading cards with stats for collectors, book fans and roleplaying enthusiasts alike. 

Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/30/an-unlikely-hero/