Tour: THE LIGHTEST OBJECT IN THE UNIVERSE by Kimi Eisele

5 Hopeful Stars!

Apocalyptic--Post-Apocalyptic

Over several decades I've perused a cornucopia of books categorized as pre-Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic, and post-Apocalyptic. I think it's only been in the last two decades or so that an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse), whether of human design or due to a Solar Flare/Coronal Mass Ejection of the Sun, is the cause. Many of these books are extremely depressing, hopeless, even horrifying. Few are hopeful: THE LIGHTEST OBJECT IN THE UNIVERSE is a shining light of hope and courage in the morass of Apocalypse. What can we do in the face of Society's collapse? Persevere. Hope. Love.

Tour: ODDMIRE BOOK 2: THE UNREADY QUEEN by William Ritter

Review: 5 Stars

If you loved THE CHANGELING,  Book 1 in the ODDMIRE Series,  you will delight in this sequel. From a woman who only wishes to live alone, to her daughter who becomes Queen, to a father of one son or two who left work alive only to disappear--the story will rivet even as it riffs on once worn tropes and concepts.

The ODDMIRE Series is intended for middle-grade readers but readers of all ages can revel.

Description of THE ODDMIRE BOOK 2: THE UNREADY QUEEN

Human-raised brothers Tinn and Cole join forces with Fable, daughter of the Queen of the Deep Dark, to stop the fighting between the people of Endsborough and the creatures of the Wild Wood before violence turns into all-out war. 

Human and goblin brothers Cole and Tinn are finding their way back to normal after their journey to the heart of the Oddmire. Normal, unfortunately, wants nothing to do with them. Fable, the daughter of the Queen of the Deep Dark, has her first true friends in the brothers. The Queen allows Fable to visit Tinn and Cole as long as she promises to stay quiet and out of sight—concealing herself and her magic from the townspeople of Endsborough.

But when the trio discovers that humans are destroying the Wild Wood and the lives of its creaturesfor their own dark purposes, Fable cannot stay quiet. As the unspoken truce between the people of Endsborough and the inhabitants of the Wild Wood crumbles, violence escalates, threatening war and bringing Fable’s mother closer to the fulfillment of a deadly prophecy that could leave Fable a most Unready Queen.

In this second book in the Oddmire series, the New York Times bestselling author of Jackaby takes readers on an adventure full of monsters, mayhem, and magic.

More about William Ritter:

William Ritter is an Oregon author and educator. He is the proud father of the two bravest boys in the Wild Wood, and husband to the indomitable Queen of the Deep Dark.The Oddmireis Ritter’s first series for middle-grade readers. He is also the author of the New York Times bestselling, award-winning Jackaby series for young adult readers. Visit him online at rwillritter.wordpress.com and find him on Twitter: @Willothewords.

Tour: ODDMIRE: BOOK 1 THE CHANGELING by William Ritter

Review  5 Stars

William Ritter has a deft talent for exploring "fairytale fantasy." In this new series by the author of the JACKABY Series,  he explores and actually,  rejuvenates, some common fairytale concerns and tropes, while engaging his readers and making us empathize with the characters and making us yearn for the next in series.

Goblin Kull desires only that his tribe successfully return to the Old Ways, and to restore magic to the world. The blessing, rare, of a newborn goblin Changeling, must be the secret! So Kull acts, goes to substitute the Changeling.....but, umm, which of the two babies IS the Changeling??!

Designed for middle-grade readers but delightful for all!

Praise for THE ODDMIRE BOOK 1: CHANGELING:

"Funny, exciting, and ultimately epic. Wow. I can't wait for the next one."

—Adam Gidwitz, New York Times bestselling author of A Tale Dark and Grimm

“William Ritter draws readers ages 8-12 into an enchanted forest prowled by all manner of sinister and peculiar beings… Suspenseful and sometimes droll, ‘Changeling’ is a promising start to a planned series.”

—Wall Street Journal

“Set in a magical world filled with incredible creatures from folklore, this fast-paced fantasy will keep readers turning the pages as they follow the twins through the dark and mysterious woods. Unique characters with complex personalities will give readers insight into the feelings and actions of not only Tinn and Cole and their mother, but the creatures—both good and evil—they encounter on their journey. A captivating series opener.”

—Booklist, STARRED review

“William Ritter takes familiar pieces of lore and infuses rich new life and magic into them. The characters ofChangeling, both human and magical, are complex and multi-faceted: wildly brave single mothers, rowdy sensitive boys, goblins yearning for forgiveness and redemption and a Thing whose power is limited by its own insecurities. Wonderfully written, with powerful messages of love and the importance of family, Changeling is a bold start to a promising series.”

—Shelf Awareness, STARRED review

“Fans of Michael Buckley’s ‘Sisters Grimm’ novels will delight in this fast-paced, page-turning fantasy…A must-buy for any collection and a title that will lead readers to other classic titles used as source ­material.”

—School Library Journal

“Ritter (the Jackaby series) crafts a well-paced adventure filled with whimsy and peril, in which the bonds of family and love prove stronger than any spell or curse. With memorable characters—especially the irrepressible protagonists, who make a delightful team—and an atmospheric setting, this is a strong series opener.”

—Publisher’s Weekly

“A tale of maternal and brotherly love that's never mawkishly sentimental. A delightful series opener.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Review: LORDS OF DECEPTION by Christopher Fuchs

4 Stars

An exciting reader's hook commences a compelling epic fantasy. A medieval type setting offers scope for thrilling action,  adventure,  and character development. As a rogue scholar determines to change the march of history, a young nobleman of integrity navigates politics and weaknesses of those in power.