Book Review: Threads of a Prophecy: Where Heroes Are Born and Curses Unfold

Threads of a Prophecy by Stella Smith is a gripping fantasy novel that weaves together prophecy, rebellion, and forbidden magic. Set in the fractured land of Astralan, the story follows Lumina, a gifted seer tormented by visions of civil war and betrayal. She reluctantly joins forces with a cursed assassin, a rebel princess, and a dwarf craftsman to challenge the ruthless Fae overlord Zerothan. Strengths: Compelling World-Building: Smith crafts a richly detailed universe filled with political intrigue, ancient curses, and mystical forces. Complex Characters: Each protagonist has a unique backstory and personal struggles, making their journey emotionally engaging. Fast-Paced Plot: The novel maintains a strong momentum, balancing action with moments of introspection. Weaknesses: Predictable Tropes: While the story is engaging, some elements—like the reluctant heroes and the prophecy-driven quest—may feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers. Dense Lore: The depth of Astralan’s history and magic system can be overwhelming at times, requiring careful attention. Overall, Threads of a Prophecy is a thrilling read for fans of epic fantasy, especially those who enjoy themes of destiny, rebellion, and unlikely alliances. If you’re looking for a novel with immersive storytelling and high-stakes adventure, this one is worth picking up!

THE WEB OF TIME- A BOOK REVIEW

The Web of Time by Flavia Brunetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

📚 The Web of Time by Flavia Brunetti — A Lyrical Tapestry of Time, Art, and Courage 🌍🕰️
What happens when time begins to unravel? In The Web of Time, debut author Flavia Brunetti weaves a spellbinding tale that is as timely as it is timeless. This young adult fantasy transcends borders—both real and imagined—blending myth, memory, and magic into a story that pulses with purpose.

At the heart of the novel is Anna, a young girl with a writer’s soul, and Jack, a gifted artist. Together, they set out on a quest to restore the fragile balance of time. But this isn’t just another hero’s journey—it’s a deeply evocative voyage through ancient cities like Rome, Tunis, and Tripoli, guided by a constellation of deities who represent Kindness, Art, and Language.

As Anna and Jack race to reopen the Great Portals—sacred doors tied to human creativity and compassion—they learn that saving time is less about fixing the clock and more about rekindling connection, identity, and hope. Each portal becomes a metaphor for the forces that hold civilizations together. And in this delicate dance between mythology and modernity, The Web of Time shines.

Brunetti, a humanitarian and global storyteller, infuses each page with rich cultural textures and heart. Her lived experiences echo through the narrative, reminding us that stories shape worlds—and perhaps, even time itself.

If you love books that blend deep philosophy with vibrant fantasy, and tales that call young readers to imagine a better world, this one is for you.

✨ The Web of Time is not just a book—it’s an ode to resilience, creativity, and the power of language.

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THE WEB OF TIME - INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

 

INTERVIEW

 

1. Do you have another profession besides writing?

I do. I’m also a humanitarian aid worker. Part of why I’ve traveled and lived in different countries over the years is because of that job, and those experiences are absorbed into my writing, sometimes not on purpose!

 

2. How do you balance your time as an author with your other work?

Balance is something that I often struggle with, not only dividing my time as an author and with a job, but also ensuring I make time to do other things that nourish me, like reading, or spending time with my friends, or taking a long walk along the Aurelian Walls here in Rome.

 

What works for me is making lists, because that helps me to get everything out of my head and onto a piece of paper, so I don’t feel I have to keep everything at the forefront of my mind. That list also includes things like, take a break, watch a show, finish reading that chapter, have a lovely dinner. And then I have a new rule about not giving myself a hard time when I can’t get through everything! If there are things I have to get through but that I’ll tend to drag my feet about, like editing, I use the advice I got from a friend some time ago: I just start, promising myself that I’ll do it for ten minutes to start with and that’ll be a win. Most of the time, getting started really is the hardest part, as trite as that sounds, and much more often than not once I’m in the swing of things I’ll keep working through it.

 

3. Writers often use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

I always have a notebook with me and I grew up scribbling, but these days, if I’m honest, I’ll often jot things down in my notes app on my phone because it’s so much faster. Then, I’ll move it to my laptop to expand on the idea. I’ll always read my last version out loud to myself because I think hearing things helps process differently. In all of this, I miss the paper element, and I think paper itself is the most powerful thing, but I have to admit I often fall into the “it’s so much faster to type” category. I do always keep a notebook still with me and my agenda is a physical one I write in, but I’ve even noticed recently my writing hand gets tired much faster these days because I’m less used to physical writing. So I have a commitment to change this back to writing, at least shorter pieces, more on paper!

 

4. What is your next project?

When WOT is out, you’ll find me hard at work on the sequel. The book can stand alone, because as a reader, I tend to love series that intertwine but also wrap up their individual storylines, but the world we’re meeting in this first book isn’t done with me yet, and I hope the readers will feel the same!

I’ll be sharing as I start to work on research for the second book (which, right now, is set to take place in Egypt, in a place we already see in this first book, but that’s all I can say!) You can find me on Substack and Instagram to talk WOT, places and how we define ourselves by them, cultural cross-pollination, and the occasional is-curly-hair-better-than-straight-hair convo.

 

5. Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?

I snack all the time! I’m a big proponent of “a little treat”. I love sweets but have some blood sugar issues so I try to always pair protein with it, so my go-to snack is often a piece of parmigiano and some cookies to much on.

THE PERFECT MOTHER - INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

INTERVIEW 

 

1. Can you talk a bit about the main themes of the novel?
At its core, "The Perfect Mother" delves into the complexities of motherhood and the indomitable spirit of a woman driven by love and desperation. It's also a story about secrets—the ones we keep to protect others and ourselves—and the inevitable consequences when those secrets are unearthed. Another key theme is identity, both lost and rediscovered, and how our past shapes our understanding of who we are.

2. How did you approach the research for this book?
I delved into articles, books, and documentaries on child abduction cases, focusing on the psychological aftermath for families and the investigative process. I also spoke with law enforcement professionals to ensure the procedural aspects were accurately portrayed. It was important for me to approach this sensitive topic with respect and authenticity.

3. Can you share a challenge you faced while writing this novel?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the tension and suspense inherent to a thriller with the emotional depth and nuance of the characters’ journeys. I wanted to ensure the plot was compelling without overshadowing the characters' emotional development, which required a lot of rewriting and fine-tuning.

4. Was there a character or part of the book that was particularly meaningful to write?
Writing the interactions between Dawn and her son, Daniel, was both challenging and meaningful. Capturing the complexity of their relationship, marked by years of separation and misunderstanding, required a delicate balance. Their reunion scene was particularly powerful for me, symbolizing both loss and hope.

5: The relationship between Dawn and Evelyn is intricate and intense. How did you approach writing their dynamic?
Writing Dawn and Evelyn's relationship was a delicate balancing act. I wanted to capture the tension and unpredictability that comes with their situation, all while exploring the emotional depth and complexity of their characters. Their interactions are a dance of suspicion and intrigue, layered with moments of genuine connection that blur the lines between friend and foe.

THE PERFECT MOTHER

 

Book Title:  THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Twisted Thoughts Publishing
Release date:  May 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: My book has a few "f" words, one or two religious profanities and a few crude terms. There is no sex, but there is violence. Mature themes include pregnancy loss.

Book Description:

The perfect neighborhood. The perfect family. The perfect crime.

When Dawn Harrington moves to the quiet, picturesque town of Meadowbrook, she’s hoping for a fresh start. A place where no one knows her name. Where she can leave behind the whispers, the heartbreak, the gaping hole left by the son who vanished from a park nearly twenty years ago. But secrets have a way of following you.

A few blocks over, Evelyn Harper has spent years crafting the perfect life—an adoring husband, beautiful children, a home straight out of a magazine. But when she sees Dawn standing in her driveway, Evelyn feels the first stirrings of something she hasn’t felt in years.

Fear.

Because Dawn isn’t just any new neighbor. She’s a woman with a past. A past that collides violently with Evelyn’s own. 

At first, Dawn and Evelyn circle each other warily—neighborly smiles masking something far more sinister. But as Dawn starts asking questions and Evelyn begins watching her every move, the game between them becomes something far more treacherous.

As their carefully built lives begin to crumble, one of them will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

The other will stop at nothing to keep it buried.

Because some lies can be forgiven. Others demand blood.

The Perfect Mother is a spellbinding psychological thriller about deception, obsession, and how far a mother will go for the truth. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn, and Shari Lapena, this is one twisted suburban nightmare you won’t soon forget.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
(release date May 16)

Meet the Author:

Desiree Moodie has been writing since before she could talk — seriously. As a kid, she spent weekends scribbling on notebook paper and stapling the pages together into makeshift books.

Now, she crafts dark, twisty stories featuring morally complex characters and impossible-to-put-down plots. Her writing is influenced by her travels, old-school noir films, and pro-wrestling (yes, still). She loves difficult women, villains who might just have a point, and snappy dialogue.

When she's not writing, Desiree is watching reruns of Perry Mason, working on her Lauren Bacall impression, or pulling Tarot cards. She’s got a soft spot for readers who love clever, gritty stories with a little bite — so don’t be shy. Drop her a line (just not in all caps).

Keep up with her at desireemoodie.com

connect with the author:  
website  ~  X/twitter  ~  facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

---

Enter the Giveaway:

THE PERFECT MOTHER

THE PERFECT MOTHER- A BOOK REVIEW

The Perfect Mother by Desiree Moodie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Book Review: The Perfect Mother by Desiree Moodie
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Publisher: Independent | Release: May 2025

How far would you go to uncover the truth about your child? In Desiree Moodie’s chilling novel The Perfect Mother, the facade of perfection cracks wide open, revealing the raw, obsessive grief that lurks beneath.

Dawn Harrington has spent nearly two decades haunted by the disappearance of her son. When she relocates to Meadowbrook for a second chance at life, she’s drawn to the charismatic and composed Evelyn Harper—the epitome of motherhood. But as their friendship deepens, Dawn senses something is off. Whispers of the past collide with the present, and the truth hides in the shadows of Evelyn’s curated perfection.

Moodie masterfully builds suspense, layering secrets, lies, and fragile identities. With sharp prose and unnerving emotional depth, The Perfect Mother explores the terrifying question: what happens when your version of the truth is the only thing keeping you alive?

This psychological thriller will keep you up at night, second-guessing everyone. Moodie’s book stakes its claim with an unforgettable blend of tension and heartbreak.

#ThePerfectMother #DesireeMoodie #PsychologicalThriller #BookReview #GetUrBook #MustRead #ThrillerReads #GrippingFiction #MothersAndMysteries #IndieAuthorLove #Bookstagram #BookLovers #SuspenseBooks #NewRelease2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐
#GetUrBook recommends this for readers who love:
✔️ Unreliable narrators
✔️ Twisted mother-child dynamics
✔️ Dark secrets in small towns



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HER RECKLESS NIGHT

Her Reckless Night by Nichole Ruschelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Her Reckless Night by Nichole Ruschelle – A Fiery Rivals-to-Lovers Romance
📖 Title: Her Reckless Night ✍️ Author: Nichole Ruschelle 📅 Published: May 12, 2025 📚 Series: Nurses of Rose Valley (Book 5)

🔥 One Night Was Supposed to Be Enough… Until It Wasn’t!
Nichole Ruschelle delivers another fast-paced, emotionally charged romance in Her Reckless Night, the fifth installment in the Nurses of Rose Valley series. If you love rivals-to-lovers, intense chemistry, and high-stakes hospital drama, this novella is a must-read!

💔 The Story
Allison Hayes and Preston Bardot are fierce competitors—two hospital executives constantly battling over staff, patients, and prestige. Their rivalry is legendary, but when Allison finds herself vulnerable, Preston is the one who steps in. One reckless night of passion was supposed to be just that—a fleeting moment. But as emotions run high and their undeniable attraction deepens, they realize that walking away might be the biggest risk of all.

💡 What Makes This Book Stand Out?
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers Tension: The push-and-pull dynamic between Allison and Preston is electric. Their fiery exchanges make every interaction thrilling and unpredictable.
✅ Fast-Paced & Addictive: At just 88 pages, this novella wastes no time. The romance unfolds quickly, making it a perfect binge-read.
✅ Emotional Depth: Beyond the passion, both characters grapple with personal struggles—Preston’s pressure to uphold his father’s legacy and Allison’s fight for professional recognition.

📌 Final Thoughts
Ruschelle crafts a steamy, high-stakes romance that will leave readers craving more. While some might wish for a longer story to explore the characters’ relationship in greater depth, the intensity and emotional payoff make Her Reckless Night a compelling read.

💬 QOTD: Do you enjoy rivals-to-lovers romances? What’s your favorite book in this trope?

🔖 #BookReview #RomanceReads #EnemiesToLovers #HerRecklessNight #NicholeRuschelle #NursesOfRoseValley #MustReadRomance

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Just Another meet cute

Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

✨ Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen – Book Review for GetUrBook
Have you ever wished that life worked like a rom-com—complete with clumsy encounters, accidental rescues, and a whole lot of heart? Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen delivers exactly that—but with a twist you won’t see coming.

When seventeen-year-old Nina Riley nearly falls off a mountain trail, her real-life disaster turns into the perfect “meet cute” when a stranger named Ian Nguyen comes to her rescue. But before she can even thank him, he disappears—leaving behind nothing but a name, a T-shirt, and a memory that refuses to fade. What follows is a charming teen sleuthing mission, as Nina tries to find Ian... only to discover his identical twin, Ryan.

What should have been the end of a sweet moment becomes the beginning of a tangled (and hilarious) web of mistaken identities, family secrets, and unexpected feelings. Nguyen’s storytelling sparkles with humor and warmth, giving us relatable characters and heartfelt moments that will make your heart flutter and your cheeks hurt from smiling.

If you love stories that blend witty banter, cultural identity, sibling dynamics, and a fresh take on YA romance, this one’s for you. Nina’s voice is instantly lovable, and the chemistry—oh, the chemistry—is swoon-worthy without ever feeling forced.

📚 Whether you're a teen rom-com fan or just in the mood for something light, feel-good, and full of personality, Just Another Meet Cute will brighten your TBR list.

💬 Favourite Quote:
"There are meet-cutes… and then there are meet-chaos. This was definitely the second."

🔖 Final Verdict:
✅ Wholesome
✅ Hilarious
✅ Romantically irresistible



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THE GIRL OF MANY CROWNS

The Girl of Many Crowns: The true story of a runaway queen and a powerful knight who defy an empire by D.H. Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🕊️GetUrBook Review: The Girl of Many Crowns by D.H. Morris 🏰👑

Step into the shadowed corridors of 9th-century Francia, where alliances are forged with rings, and crowns are worn with both grace and defiance. The Girl of Many Crowns by D.H. Morris is not just historical fiction—it’s living, breathing history told through the eyes of one remarkable young woman.


At its heart is Princess Judith, daughter of King Charles the Bald, whose life unfolds like a medieval tapestry—woven with power, sacrifice, and forbidden love. From her youth as a pawn in royal diplomacy to her bold defiance of her father’s will, Judith’s journey is one of agency against the tide of empire. Forced into two strategic marriages and threatened with a third, Judith makes a choice that could cost her everything—choosing love over loyalty, passion over obedience.


D.H. Morris brings extraordinary depth to this story, not just as an author but as a descendant of Judith herself. That bloodline connection shows. The political nuance, religious fervor, and raw emotional undercurrents of the time are rendered with striking clarity. Baldwin “Iron Arm,” her protector and eventual love, becomes the emotional fulcrum of the novel—symbolizing hope in a world of calculated power plays.


What sets this book apart is its respect for historical truth without sacrificing narrative soul. The world is richly detailed—cathedrals rise, kingdoms fall, and women like Judith stand resilient in the chaos. Fans of The Pillars of the Earth or The Lady of the Rivers will find familiar depth here.


This is not just a novel. It’s a tribute—to courage, to rebellion, and to the quiet power of a woman who wore her many crowns not for glory, but for love.


⭐ Verdict: 5/5 for history lovers and readers craving an untold legend of love and legacy.


#TheGirlOfManyCrowns #DHMorris #HistoricalFiction #RoyalReads #WomenInHistory #MedievalRomance #BookReview #GetUrBook #MustRead2025 #Bookstagram #HistoricalNovel #JudithOfFrance #EpicReads #iReadBookTours #books #authors #TheGirlofManyCrowns @newclassicpublishing #DHMorris


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THE GIRL OF MANY CROWNS

"Touch of the Elegrian – The Sci-Fi Book That Will Keep You Up at Night"

Touch of the Elegrian by Cheryl A. Arko
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Touch of the Elegrian by Cheryl A. Arko – A Thrilling Sci-Fi Debut That Redefines First Contact
Genre: Science Fiction Publisher: March 2025 Themes: First Contact, Prejudice, Redemption, High-Stakes Survival

🚀 Touch of the Elegrian is a gripping sci-fi adventure that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about human-alien relations. Author Cheryl A. Arko delivers intense worldbuilding, compelling characters, and a mystery that unfolds at breakneck speed.

Plot Summary
Enter the world of Erys, a telepathic Elegrian haunted by his father’s dark past—the failed first contact that shattered trust between his species and humans. Erys has spent years trying to repair the fragile alliance between their worlds, but when sabotage threatens innocent human children, he finds himself facing the ultimate moral dilemma: Expose the traitor among his own kind or uphold the treaty that has barely held civilization together.

Teaming up with a brilliant yet hostile human engineer, Erys must race against time to uncover the conspiracy before lives are lost. The novel explores prejudice, survival, and the burden of legacy, delivering a story that keeps readers hooked until the very last page.

What Makes It Stand Out?
🔥 Unique Sci-Fi Concept: The idea of an alien species struggling to repair their place in interstellar diplomacy is fresh and gripping. 💡 Deep Characters: Erys is not just a hero—he’s flawed, layered, and emotionally conflicted, making him instantly relatable. 🎭 High-Stakes Suspense: Every decision matters, and the mystery drives the tension to exhilarating heights. 📖 Fluid Writing & Immersive Worldbuilding: Arko crafts a story that feels cinematic, pulling readers into a complex universe of politics, danger, and hidden truths.


✨ RATING: ★★★★★ (An instant sci-fi classic!)



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Arcanum: Whispers in the forest

Arcanum: Whispers In The Forest by Kelly O'Hearn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌿 Whispers from a Forgotten Life | Book Review of Arcanum: Whispers in the Forest 🌿

Have you ever had a dream so vivid it felt like a memory?

Kelly O’Hearn’s Arcanum: Whispers in the Forest isn’t just a book—it’s an unraveling of the soul. A sequel that surpasses the mystical pull of In the Temple Shadows, this second chapter in the Arcanum series sweeps us into the lavender-scented hills of Provence, where past lives whisper through petals and perfume.

We follow Sarah Fuller, the perfumer with a heart split between Manhattan skyscrapers and the haunting call of a life once lived. What begins as a search for a rare French rose becomes a spiritual reckoning—an awakening to the echoes of a medieval maiden who once walked the same land. As her visions grow more vivid, Sarah is forced to confront the fragility of her present: a faltering marriage, a waning sense of purpose, and a longing that even time cannot silence.

What makes Whispers in the Forest stand apart is its deep-rooted connection to the divine feminine, memory, and reincarnation. Through lyrical prose and richly sensory descriptions, O’Hearn turns fragrance into language, and dreams into guideposts. This isn’t a simple romantic escape—it’s an aromatic journey through time, emotion, and the alchemy of healing.

This book isn’t asking you to believe in past lives—it’s inviting you to feel the echoes of your own.

🔮 Arcanum: Whispers in the Forest is for lovers of mysticism, historical romance, and soul-deep storytelling. If you believe in signs, synchronicity, or the power of the unseen, Sarah’s story will feel like it was written just for you.

✨ Must-read for fans of dual timelines, tarot, soulmates, and magical realism.

#GetUrBook #BookReview #WhispersInTheForest #KellyOHearn #ArcanumSeries #PastLives #SpiritualFiction #BooksOfInstagram #MysticalReads #HistoricalRomance #PerfumeAndMemory #SoulJourney #WomensFiction #BookLovers #booksthatmakeyou



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"Heliotrope by Palmer Pickering: An Epic Fantasy Rooted in Magic and Heart"

Heliotrope by Palmer Pickering
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌿 Book Review: Heliotrope by Palmer Pickering | GetUrBook 📚

Some stories don’t just invite you into their world—they root you there. Heliotrope by Palmer Pickering is one such immersive tale. This epic fantasy masterwork gently draws you in with the serenity of a farm and a man’s yearning for peace—but soon plunges you into the throes of a rising rebellion, long-buried magic, and the power of chosen family.

At the heart of Heliotrope is Teleo, a battle-worn warrior seeking solace in stonework and soil. But fate doesn’t allow him rest for long. When a young fugitive & a royal heir tumbles into his quiet life, Teleo is swept into a tide of political turmoil, ancient magic, and dangerous loyalties. What begins as an act of sheltering a runaway becomes a fierce battle to protect the remnants of a once-glorious legacy.

Pickering’s writing is lush and patient—this is not a tale that rushes. Like laying each stone in a grand wall, the world-building is meticulous. Every character is shaped with care, especially Teleo, whose depth, sorrow, and strength anchor the narrative. The novel balances cozy, grounded moments with bursts of sharp action, rich lore, and emotional depth. It's a book about fighting not just for survival, but for what truly matters.

💫 If you love fantasy that embraces both heart and sword—where found families heal old wounds and ancient powers awaken with purpose—Heliotrope is a must-read.

📌 Perfect for fans of character-driven epics, slow-burn fantasy, and immersive world-building.

#Heliotrope #PalmerPickering #EpicFantasy #FantasyBooks #BookReview #GetUrBook #Bookstagram #InstaBookReview #FantasyReads #BooksWorthReading #SlowBurnFantasy #FoundFamily #MagicAndMasonry



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L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, Volume 41 by L. Ron Hubbard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


🚀 Book Review: L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41

🌌 Twelve new voices. One galactic leap into tomorrow’s science fiction and fantasy.

🔖 #GetUrBook #WritersOfTheFuture #SciFiAnthology #FantasyDebuts #GalacticReads #SpecFicSpotlight #FutureClassics #NewVoicesInFiction

Strap in for a literary hyperjump—Writers of the Future Volume 41 is not just an anthology, it’s a portal into parallel worlds, coded fates, and mythic resurrections. Curated by Jody Lynn Nye, this stellar collection amplifies the voices of tomorrow’s sci-fi and fantasy trailblazers—each selected through one of the most respected contests in speculative literature.

🧠 “Kill Switch” by Robert F. Lowell simulates a pulse-pounding ethical dilemma between human autonomy and artificial override, cloaked in sleek cyberpunk noir.
⚡ “Thirty Minutes or It’s a Paradox” by Patrick MacPhee is a temporal joyride—blending humor, chaos theory, and time loops tighter than a quantum knot.
🌿 “Karma Birds” by Lauren McGuire offers lyrical eco-fantasy, where rebirth takes wing through a myth-soaked, post-collapse lens.
🌀 “Slip Stone” by Sandra Skalski grounds magical realism in a world of shifting realities, with consequences that ripple far past the page.

Each of the twelve stories comes alive with vivid artwork by breakthrough illustrators—true to the anthology’s dual mission of championing both literary and visual creativity. The bonus fiction by L. Ron Hubbard, Tim Powers, and Sean Williams adds veteran star power and depth to the constellation.

💫 Plus, insightful craft essays (including “It Don’t Mean a Thing” by Robert J. Sawyer and “An Artist’s Path” by Tom Wood) give aspiring creators coordinates to navigate the ever-expanding creative universe.

✨ Final Verdict:
⭐ 5/5 stars — Volume 41 is a warp-speed sampling of the next generation of speculative fiction. Whether you seek tech-laced thrills, alternate timelines, or myth-fused futures, this collection delivers like an interstellar beacon for readers and writers alike

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A Girl of Many Crowns By D.H. Morris

MAGICAL, BEAUTIFUL BRUGES by D. H. Morris

The Girl of Many Crowns begins and ends in Bruges, an exquisitely beautiful Belgian city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the ninth-century Bruges, where the novel begins, was a far cry from what it has now become. When the book begins, Bruges is part of Flanders, a province of Francia. A once-thriving Roman center of trade, Bruges with easy access to the North Sea, had been overrun by Vikings so often that it was only a shell of its former glory. The fortress within the town was but a ruin and there were very few residents within its boundaries. Curiosity took me to Bruges in 2005 as I was researching the story of Baldwin Iron Arm and Judith of Francia, which is the basis for The Girl of Many Crowns. I wished to see if there was anything from the ninth century remaining in the city. At the end of the book, Baldwin and Judith plan to rebuild the town and settle at the site of the former fortress where the river Reie encounters the North Sea. That spot is now the impressive Burg Square. Canals have since been built to transport people and goods, and the architecture of the ninth century has long been replaced by thirteenth-century buildings. However, the city still retains its charming medieval personality which makes it a perfect movie set. In fact, PK, the first Bollywood movie filmed in Belgium was set in Bruges. Riding leisurely in a boat along its pristine canals, I wondered if the first Count and Countess of Flanders, Baldwin and Judith, envisioned the stunning transformation of their city. I also wondered if the city still remembered them. As I walked along a cobblestone path, peering into quaint shops featuring decadent Belgian chocolates and baked goods, I spotted a chocolate bear that transported me to the story that had happened more than one thousand years earlier. Here was my first evidence that Bruges still valued their early medieval history. The chocolatiers of Bruges had honored Baldwin’s slaying of the bear that tried to attack Judith on their wild flight from a French castle. That first revelation was not the only nod to their story. The brewers of Bruges also paid homage in their Bear of Bruges beer. And I spotted small monuments or plaques related to Baldwin and Judith here and there within the city. A magical story deserves a magical setting. I did not write The Girl of Many Crowns until many years later, but the memory of this beautiful city still warms my heart. I truly fell in love with the city that begins and ends my story on that magical visit to Bruges.