Katharine Wibell’s lifelong interest in mythology includes epic poetry like the Odyssey, Ramayana, Beowulf, and the Nibelungenlied. In addition, she is interested in all things animal whether training dogs, apprenticing at a children’s zoo, or caring for injured animals as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. After receiving degrees from Mercer University in both art and psychology … Continue reading
The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz Genre: Contemporary Fantasy Age category: Middle Grade Release Date: February 23, 2010 Review Although I do have the “retro review” label on this one, it is a much newer book than I expected when I saw the style of illustrations and read the first few pages. So many … Continue reading
Child of Destiny The Rising Saga Book 1 by M.K. Adams Genre: YA Fantasy A young orphan on the run from the King. A warlock with the power to protect her. And, the fighter holding them together. The Rive, a realm ruled by the iron grip of a war-hungry King, is on the brink of … Continue reading
Dungeon Critters by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel Age category: Middle Grade Release Date: September 29, 2020 Review Dungeon Critters is a fun-filled graphic novel that may take its inspiration from the standard tabletop RPG but ultimately creates into a fun and original world that stands on its own as well as … Continue reading
No Ordinary Boy by Tracey Mayhew Genre: Fantasy Age category: Chapter book Release Date: October 1, 2020 Review This is UFM’s first review of a book younger than middle grade. I’ve been reading a lot in this age category lately, both for my own research as I attempt to write a book in it and … Continue reading
Hi, everyone! I’m very excited to host a special preview of the just-released pirate fantasy novel, OF SKY AND SEA by Antoine Bandele. You can read the blurb and excerpt below, plus enter the giveaway for a $10 gift card and your own e-copy of the book! By Sea & Sky The Sky Pirate Chronicles … Continue reading
Story magic by Laurel Gale Genre: Fantasy Age category: Middle Grade Release Date: August 3, 2020 Review Story Magic by Laurel Gale has one of the more unique magical systems I’ve read about in a long while. In this world, spells are cast by calling upon invisible creatures known as “listeners” and enticing them to … Continue reading
A Violet Fire by Kelsey Quick Genre: Fantasy Age category: Young Adult Release Date: December 9th, 2019 Kelsey Quick is a novelist, artist, and businesswoman who loves her husband, huskies, and video games. Since the age of two, Kelsey has been bound and determined to create. From traditional impressionist paintings, to digital comic creation; from … Continue reading
Literary fantasy is one of those genres that many aspire to write but very few can pull off. So when I have the opportunity to read a piece of literary fantasy that lands so well–describing a unique setting with a masterful hand and exploring a difficult part of human history or experience–I’m always grateful. The … Continue reading
The Lightning Thief was first published in June of 2005. Since then it’s pretty much become a staple of middle grade fiction and a required part of the conversation if you’re going to chat about literature that incorporates Greek mythology. The first time I read this book to see what all the fuss was about … Continue reading
Carol Anne Douglas is an author who has loved Shakespeare since she watched A Midsummer Night’s Dream when she was a child. She identifies with the character Nick Bottom because she wants to play every part, which only a writer can do. She is an avid reader of Arthurian and Shakespearean literature. Her previous fantasy … Continue reading
Fighter Fred and the Dungeon of Doom by Jason A. Holt Genre: Fantasy, Humor Age category: Adult Release Date: August 1, 2019 Review This book left me feeling…conflicted. Amused, but conflicted. On one hand, it made me laugh out loud quite a few times. On the other hand, I feel if the book were stronger, … Continue reading