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.

View all my reviews

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

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Enter the Giveaway:

THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie Book Tour Giveaway