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Posts Tagged ‘fantasy’

Circle Of Nine: Sacred Treasures By Valerie Biel ~ Showcase And Giveaway

Posted: December 9, 2025 in giveaways, YA Fantasy
Tags: fantasy, giveaway, YA

CIRCLE OF NINE

by Valerie Biel

October 27 – December 31, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

CIRCLE OF NINE: SACRED TREASURES

Brigit Quinn thought uncovering her magical heritage was the biggest shock of her life. But a year after learning she’s descended from a legendary Celtic tribe sworn to guard the mystical power of Ireland’s ancient places, the real battle is just beginning. As she trains for her place in the Circle of Nine, Brigit is determined to protect the secrets and sacred traditions of her people. But when a cryptic warning arrives—hinting at a shadowy force hunting the Sacred Treasures—everything she’s fought for is suddenly at risk. If the ancient weapons fall into the wrong hands, The Circle could be shattered forever. Haunted by doubts about her powers, the true intentions of those around her, and disturbing revelations about her family’s past, Brigit must navigate a dangerous path of betrayal, magic, and myth. The enemy is closer than anyone suspects—and time is running out. Can Brigit uncover the truth before darkness claims the Circle? “The first time I summoned a portal, I didn’t understand how I accidentally opened a doorway to another realm. The second time wasn’t a mistake. I was ready—and I stepped through with the grim resolve that my mission must succeed.” —Brigit Quinn

Find CIRCLE OF NINE: SACRED TREASURES on Amazon | KindleUnlimited | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

Praise for Circle of Nine: Sacred Treasures

“Great writing, enthralling plot, fast-paced, and utterly seductive. . . . This is an extraordinary story with a fantastic setting and characters that remind readers of the sacred in them. I enjoyed the way the author explored the struggle between good and evil in this work and how the conflict reaches every aspect of the story.” ~ FIVE STARS from Readers’ Favorite for CIRCLE OF NINE: SACRED TREASURES

Series Details:

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Published by: Lost Lake Press

Find CIRCLE OF NINE series at Amazon & Lost Lake Press

About Author Valerie Biel:

Valerie Biel writes award-winning books for middle grade to adult audiences–stories inspired by her travels and her insatiable curiosity. Her young adult fantasy series, Circle of Nine, was inspired by the myth and magic of Ireland’s ancient stone circles. She’s also the author of HAVEN, a contemporary middle grade novel, and BEYOND THE CEMETERY GATE, a mystery suspense story. She’s a founding member of the Blackbird Writers & a member of Sisters in Crime & the Wisconsin Writers Association. When she’s away from the computer, she’s likely wrangling her overgrown garden, reading multiple books per week, or traveling the world–often on trips for the The World Orphan Fund charity she and her husband run. She calls a (tiny) portion of her family’s century-old Wisconsin farm home, but regularly dreams of finding a cozy cottage on the Irish coast where she can write and write.

Catch Up With Valerie Biel:

ValerieBiel.com Valerie’s Substack Newsletter Amazon Author Profile Goodreads – @valerie_biel BookBub – @ValerieBiel Instagram – @valeriebielauthor Threads – @valeriebielauthor X – @ValerieBiel Facebook – @ValerieBielBooks YouTube – @ValerieBielAuthor Pinterest – @ValerieBiel

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule

Join In:

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Valerie Biel. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

CIRCLE OF NINE Series by Valerie Biel Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Thieves’ Carousel By Briana Chen ~ Author Interview And Giveaway

Posted: November 28, 2025 in Author Interview, Fantasy, giveaways
Tags: fantasy, giveaway

Book Details:

THE THIEVES’ CAROUSEL

by Briana Chen

Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 300 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Z-Choice International
Release date: August 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 +M: Some bad language, violence, and dark themes (implied abuse, self-harm)

Book Description:

What price would you pay to undo a death?

In the shadowed streets of Aspizia, two thieves—Lyo Morandi and Jasper Bray—risk everything to rewrite the past. Haunted by the death of their friend Milo, they set their sights on a forbidden prize: a ring reputed to alter time.

To steal it, they must infiltrate the Thieves’ Carousel, a ruthless exhibition where the city’s most dangerous criminals flaunt their treasures—and fight to keep them. But as Lyo and Jasper descend deeper into the catacombs beneath Aspizia, they uncover a truth far more dangerous than they imagined: the ring’s power comes at a devastating cost.

Loyalties splinter. Betrayal lurks around every corner. Loyalties splinter. As the game turns deadly, they must ask themselves: How far will they go to rescue the past and save the future—and how much of themselves are they willing to lose?

The Thieves’ Carousel is a gripping tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the haunting price of second chances.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads

Interview With Author Briana Chen

You began drafting this story during your undergraduate years. What was it like balancing academic life and writing a novel?

It was a great escape mechanism. Carnegie Mellon can be an intense place, especially balancing an additional major in the School of Computer Science. It took a lot of trial and error, but I eventually learned to carve out small spaces in my day just for creativity. I made a simple rule for myself: ten minutes of writing before bed, no matter what.

To make that possible, I got into the habit of finishing assignments and work responsibilities early. A lot of my friends and I had to become efficient with our time just to stay afloat there. But for me, writing was the part of the day I looked forward to most. It wasn’t just another task—it was a place to log out of the real world and log into the Carousel.

You illustrated your own cover. How has being an artist affected your career as an author?

Being both an artist and a writer means I experience the story through images just as much as words. The lighting, the color palette, the negative space between characters—it’s all there before I write a single sentence. Designing the cover myself felt like completing a full circle. Art taught me patience, attention to detail, and that silence can be part of storytelling too.

Which character was the hardest for you to write—and which one came the easiest?

Hardest: Lyo. He’s charismatic, witty, reckless, and sharp—and it took me some time to think up the verbal comebacks he liked to throw at his opponents.

Easiest: Jasper. We’re the same personality type (INFJ) and I appreciate his love for writing and observing the world. It’s a quiet energy that lends itself to a lot of overthinking.

Do you have any writing rituals or habits that help you stay focused?

I use FocusWriter, which sets me up with a calming background and no distractions. If I’m experiencing writer’s block, I like to draw and paint. Sometimes, switching mediums can help keep the inspiration flowing.

What are your main characters’ bad habits?

Lyo smokes. He’s also a messy guy, and maybe gambles a little more than he should.

Jasper likes to keep his emotions bottled up until they explode. He copes through liquor.

They’re doing so well!

What’s next for you?

Book Two of the Carousel series is coming out soon, and then after that, Book Three. I have a few other stories that I want to refine, but for now I’m focusing on this one. All I can say is that there’s a lot of content coming!

Meet Author Briana Chen:

BRIANA CHEN is an award-winning fantasy author and repeat offender when it comes to falling headfirst into fandoms. She loves morally gray characters, unpredictable plot twists, and books that make her stare at a wall for hours afterward.

She is also a digital artist, gamer, and graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. She currently spends her time battling artist’s and writer’s block—sometimes simultaneously—and pursuing more adventures to add to her hoard of treasure.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads

THE THIEVES’ CAROUSEL Book Tour Giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

A Sabre In The Hemlock By Dreyer ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: November 19, 2025 in Excerpt, Fantasy, giveaways, Romance
Tags: fantasy, giveaway, romance

A Sabre in the Hemlock

By Dorothy Dreyer

(Blade Bound Saga, #2)
Publication date: November 18th 2025
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

With enemies closing in and magic slipping from her control, Celeste draws closer to unraveling a prophecy that could cost her the man she loves—as well as her soul.

In the wake of the carnoraxis attack on Ivystone Citadel, Celeste Westergaard’s battle for her future has only just begun. Trapped under the king’s watchful eye and hiding the magic awakening within her, Celeste must play the role expected of her, all the while uncovering secrets buried throughout Terre Ferique.

As the royal court embarks on a tour to solidify Dante’s claim to legitimacy, whispers of war and treachery follow their every step. The Shadow Tsar’s reach is growing, and the prophecy that fuels his reign foretells the rise of a power that will bring his downfall—one tied to the blood of the fae.

From glittering courts to bloodstained battlefields, Celeste must walk a knife’s edge between duty and desire, deception and truth. Because if the tsar discovers who she really is, he won’t just come for her magic, he’ll come for her soul.

A Sabre in the Hemlock is the thrilling sequel to the award-winning A Dagger in the Ivy, weaving romance, danger, and dark intrigue into an unforgettable tale of power and sacrifice.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

His jaw flexes. “You used your magic again.”

“Dante—”

“You promised you wouldn’t,” he says, voice quiet but taut, threaded with frustration. “You said you’d wait. You said you’d let Ezra figure it out.”

“I never promised,” I snap back, chin lifting. “You asked me not to, but I never agreed.”

“You bled, Celeste.” He leans closer, his voice low, heated. “I could tell something was wrong, even from the water. And what I couldn’t see, Nadya filled me in on.”

Of course she did.

“I had to help you.” The words come out louder than I intend, sharp with the emotion I’ve been burying all day. “They sent armed soldiers after you. You were bleeding underwater. You could have been pummeled by a f***ing tsunami. You don’t get to ask me to sit and watch you die.”

His hands flex, fists clenching just beneath the surface. “And what if helping me had killed you instead?”

I stare at him, my breath shallow. I don’t have an answer—not one that would make him feel better.

He paces a few steps through the water, raking a hand through his hair until it curls wild and damp around his temples. “Gods, you’re so damn stubborn.”

“And you’re so damn arrogant if you think you can tell me when and how I’m allowed to use a power that’s mine.”

He turns sharply, water sluicing off his chest, his gaze fierce enough to stop me in place. He crosses the space between us with quick, sure strides—and suddenly, he’s there, his hands finding me beneath the water, one arm locking around my waist, the other curling so that his hand is tugging the hair at the nape of my neck.

The heat of him burns through the chill. My breath stutters.

“Of course you’d fight me,” he mutters, his voice hoarse against my cheek. “Even when I’m trying to protect you.”

“And of course you’d push me,” I breathe back, “even when I’m trying to save you.”

The air thrums between us, thick with something neither of us is willing to yield. My pulse hammers as his thumb grazes the side of my throat, slow and reverent, like he’s trying to memorize the beat of my heart.

“I told you,” he says, his forehead almost brushing mine, “you bleed for no one.”

“And I told you,” I whisper, “you don’t get to decide that.”

His jaw tightens—and then, in one breath, his lips are on mine.

About Author Dorothy Dreyer:

Dorothy Dreyer is a Philippine-born American living in Germany with her family. She is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy, romance, and horror books that usually have some element of magic or the supernatural in them. Aside from reading, she enjoys movies, binge-watching series, chocolate, take-out, traveling, and having fun with friends and family. She tends to sing sometimes, too, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter

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A Sabre in the Hemlock Blitz

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.