A.L. Butcher's Blog

Two missions, one conspiracy, zero room for mistakes- orfeelings.

Against the Red Sky:Mission X

by Kristen Illarmo

Genre: YA Science Fiction Thriller

Enzo Cruz knowssacrifice. After a failedmission to assassinate the billionaire behind the Mars colony—and the loss ofhis grandfather—he’s ready for redemption. His new target? The Mars AscendanceAcademy shuttle. His orders: infiltrate, sabotage, escape.

As the youngestoperative in Terra Primera, Enzo’s talent with explosives could tip the balancein Earth’s fight for survival. But inside the Academy, nothing goes toplan—especially when Maddie Westing enters the picture.

Maddie has dreamedof joining her mother on Mars since she was ten. Now she has her shot: one ofthirty elite students in the Academy’s inaugural class. But being the niece ofthe colony’s powerful founder comes with strings—and shadows.

When Enzo’smission collides with Maddie’s quest for truth, both teens are thrust into aconspiracy that threatens Earth and Mars alike. Loyalties will be tested.Secrets will be exposed. And the greatest danger may not come from the skies—itmay lie in their hearts.

In thisheart-pounding YA thriller, survival means risking everything—including thepeople you thought you hated most.

For fans of The Hunger Games, Red Rising, and AuroraRising—Against the Red Sky delivers explosive tension,star-crossed loyalty, and a high-stakes rebellion that could destroy twoworlds.

What readersare saying:

“This YA novel is one long dopamine hit, an insightfulsaga with crush-worthy protagonists. Enzo, pulled between his ecoterrorismworld and a gnawing realization that there may be flaws to his organization’smethods, is a vibrant, well-executed character. Maddie’s journey parallels hisin many ways, and her resolve, spirit, and appealing energy make her equallyentertaining. Their two paths collide, and Illarmo delivers a twistyexamination of greed, loyalty, and the dark motives that drive people when pushedto their limits.” Rated 10 out of10.

-The BookLifePrize

“This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and Ihave read over a hundred so far! This is a nail biting, page turningmasterpiece that will completely have you mesmerized and under its spell by thefirst few chapters!” ARC reviewer

“Great, fast-paced fun story with lots of twists and turns
that kept me turning the pages. It has elements of academy, romance, scifi, andthriller that kept me up late reading.” ARC reviewer

**Order from the author and get extra goodies!**

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Kristen Illarmo is a New Orleans-based author of young adultscience fiction and fantasy. Her action packed, character-driven storiesexplore the ripple effects of real-world choices, set in decaying societies andwith tangled family dynamics. Her debut duology, Kirasu Rising, was featured atthe 2023 Louisiana Book Festival.

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Follow the tour HERE for special contentand a giveaway!

Against the Red Sky: Mission X

What would you do if you woke up a different age and gender?

Switched

by Angela Lam

Genre: Dystopian Cyberpunk SciFi Fantasy

A global phenomenon is rewriting the laws of biology,causing men over fifty-five and women between eighteen and forty to suddenlyand inexplicably switch their ages and genders. No one understands it, and noone can stop it.

Maxine thinks she can stay on the sidelines, supporting her brilliantboyfriend-turned-girlfriend Jo—an audacious biotech pioneer, who’s breaking newground with brain-to-brain communication. But when the transformation strikesMaxine, her reality is flipped upside down.

Now facing an unexpected future, Max must grapple with their identity,struggling to align who they were with who they have become. Can they reclaimcontrol over a life that’s no longer theirs, or will they be swept away by thechanges they never asked for?

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Angela Lam writes across all genres, from romance (The Womenof the Crush series) to memoir (Red Eggs and Good Luck) to thrillers (NoAmends) and science fiction (Switched). Sometimes, she writes under a pen nameto keep things interesting (The Heroic Adventures of Madame X). The rest of thetime, she is busy exploring mixed-media art and teaching others what she knows.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!

Switched

Dark fairytales. 

Forbidden magic. 

A cursed prince youshouldn’t fall for…but will.

Wicked Prince ofMirrors

Wicked Princes Book 1

by Angela J. Ford

Genre: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy

He’s the kingdom’smost dangerous prisoner. She just accidentally helped him escape.

When forbidden magic awakens within Princess Esmira, sheknows she must flee—or be executed. Hoping to escape through the palace’shidden tunnels, she instead discovers a chamber of ancient mirrors. Mist coils.Magic stirs. One touch shatters the glass—and frees Prince Methrin, the WickedPrince of Mirrors.

Cursed for vanity, bloodshed, and a betrayal that nearlydestroyed the realm, Methrin was exiled to the mirrorverse long ago. Now he’sback—immortal, furious, and dangerously compelling. He claims the stories aretwisted lies, the crown was stolen and the true monster escaped. Only Esmira’sraw, unstable magic can stop it.

Forced to flee together, bound by forbidden magic, Esmira ispulled into a world of illusions, broken prophecy, and a prince who seesthrough every mask she wears. As their connection deepens, so do therisks—because the monster Methrin once unleashed still haunts the realm… andit’s hunting again.

Wicked Prince of Mirrors isa complete stand-alone romantasy novel with a “happily ever after.” Perfect forreaders who long for forbidden magic, cursed princes, mirror realms steeped inillusion, and slow-burn romantic fantasy.

Wicked Prince of Mirrors is Book One in the Wicked PrincesCollection. A series of standalone fantasy romance novels.

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]“The premise isfantastic, with strong character development and an engaging start that pulledme right in.”

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]“This is a great readduring spooky season. There’s danger and monsters afoot.”

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]“With a storyline thatkeeps you reading and characters you root for, this book is one I’d re-read ina heartbeat.”

Amazon * Author’s Site * Bookbub * Goodreads

Head over to the author’ssite for signed hardcovers, paperbacks, special edition, swag & more!

[image error] [image error] Checkthem out here! [image error] [image error]

Angela J. Ford is a bestselling fantasy romance author whowrites high-stakes epic fantasy and swoon-worthy fantasy romance novels filledwith atmospheric worlds, diverse characters, and satisfying happily everafters. Her stories feature fast-paced plots, rich descriptions,edge-of-your-seat suspense, and enchanting magic, often with a musical twist.With over 30 published books, Angela’s imaginative storytelling has capturedthe hearts of fantasy romance readers worldwide. As an avid reader herself, Angelacan often be found with her nose in a book.

Visit her website for signed hardcovers, exclusive bookboxes and luxe bookish candles.

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Follow the tour HERE for special contentand a giveaway!

Wicked Prince of Mirrors

An inspiring storyof determination and grit . . .

Where Birds Land

by Mary Ruth Barnes

Genre: Native American Women’s Fiction

An inspiring story ofdetermination and grit . . .

Ella McSwain is a Chickasaw womanraising her family amidst evolving turmoil within the budding state ofOklahoma. After Ella is left with an unusable plot of land, she finds herselffighting for her family’s rightful allotment. Faced with crooked businessmen,land grifters, and grueling court battles, can she summon the strength topersevere against all odds?

In this stand-alone companion to Little Bird, Mary Ruth Barnes crafts anengaging family saga that spans from Indian Territory to Oklahoma statehoodagainst the backdrop of the state’s changing landscape.

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Mary Ruth Barnesgraduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from North Carolina State with high honorsand a Master’s Degree from Montana State. After college, Barnes taught highschool and college English, Art and Computer Science for 14 years. Barnes hasreceived numerous awards for her art and writing on the state and nationallevel from 2011-2022. Barnes recently published her first novel “Little Bird”with the Chickasaw Press about her great-great-Grandmother’s journey in IndianTerritory. “Little Bird” won two 2022 Ippy awards, receiving gold for the coverdesign and silver for best Midwest regional fiction. Barnes is extremely activein her community through Rotary (a member since 1996), P.E.O. (PhilanthropicEducational Organization), and Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association. She isalso a current member of the National Watercolor Society.

In 2022, Barnes was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame andCapitol Hill High School Hall of Fame for leadership in her community. She alsowon the 2022 “55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans” award for making a difference inthe lives of others. In 2019, Barnes won the Women in the Arts Recognitionaward from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.And in 2015, Barnes was selected as the Chickasaw Dynamic Woman of the year.

Barnes has had many short stories and watercolors featured in severalissues of the journal of Chickasaw History and Culture, Ishtunowa. She was alsohonored as a Chickasaw Artist in the July 2015 issue of the Distinctly Oklahomamagazine. Her story of inspiration leading to painting and drawing was featuredin a book by Allison Fields, Chickasaw Artisans. In 2017, Barnes was selectedfor the registry of Native American Artists located at the Heard Museum inScottsdale, AZ. While traveling and vacationing in South Texas with her art,Barnes was interviewed and featured in the RV Wheel Life Magazine for the 2017issue. Barnes retired from a career as the Director of Planned Giving forAmerican Cancer Society in 2017, where she raised over 35 million dollars forcancer research. Her artwork “Fight of Hope” is currently featured in theCancer Journal of Native American Research and is on display in the surgerywaiting room of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. Her watercolors can alsobe found at several locations across the State of Oklahoma, including theArtesian and the Welcome Center located in Davis. 

She has been a long-time equestrian, Barnes and her husband, Mike liveon a ranch in south central Oklahoma. They have two sons, Wiley and SelbyBarnes, and six grandchildren. Both sons work for the Chickasaw Nation. Mrs.Barnes enjoys traveling with her husband in retirement.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!

Where Birds Land

Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back andends up in a freak show traveling the South in the 1930s. Is he an angel or adevil? What does it mean to be different? 

Boy With Wings

by Mark Mustian

Genre: Historical Fiction, Magical Realism

“Vibrant andalive, the kind of book where the blood pumps mightily.” —Kristen Arnett,NYT bestselling author of Mostly Dead Things
 
What does it mean to be different?

When Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back in the 1930sSouth, the locals think he’s a devil. Determined to protect him, his motherfakes his death, and they flee. Thus begins Johnny’s yearslong struggle to finda place he belongs. From a turpentine camp of former slaves to a freak show runby a dwarf who calls herself Tiny Tot and on to the Florida capitolbuilding, Johnny finds himself working alongside other outcasts,struggling to answer the question of his existence. Is he a horror, a wonder,or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life?

Following Johnny’s journey through love, betrayal, heartbreak, and severalmurders, Boy With Wings is a story of the sacrifices andfreedom inherent in making one’s own special way-and of love and the miraclesthat give our lives meaning.

Winner, Grand Prizefor Fiction, Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Winner, da VinciPrize for cover art

Winner, Bronze Medalfor Historical Fiction from Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY)

Finalist, HawthorneAward for Fiction

Finalist, Cross-GenreFiction, International Book Awards

Finalist, LiteraryFiction, National Indie Excellence Awards

Shortlisted, ShelleyWard for Paranormal Fiction

“…a magical, highly imaginative tour de force… Boldly original and unexpectedlyprofound…“
—Readers’ Favorite Reviews

“Mustian’s story is a study in acceptance, diversity,kindness, and the possibility of marvels in life… Vibrant with discovery, Boy With Wings is a winner.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Boy with Wings is a lyrical, mesmerizing blend of the magical—feathered wings—withsocial realism…”
—Historical Novel Society Reviews

“…riveting… Anevocative historical novel that celebrates distinctive individuals in theDepression-era South.”
—Foreword Book Reviews

“In this imaginativenovel filled with magical realism, religion and morality are turned insideout and upside down.”
—Southern Literary Review

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Mark Mustian is the author of the novels “TheReturn” and “The Gendarme,” the latter a finalist for the DaytonInternational Literary Peace Prize and shortlisted for the SaroyanInternational Award for Writing. It won the Florida Gold Book Award for Fictionand has been published in ten languages. The founder of the Word of SouthFestival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, his new novel,“Boy With Wings,” is the winner of the Grand Prize for Fiction fromNext Generation Indie Book Awards and has received numerous other honors,including winning the Bronze Prize for Historical Fiction from IndependentPublishers Book Awards (IPPY) and being named a finalist for the HawthorneAward for Fiction.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $30 giveaway!

Boy With Wings

A kingdom divided will burn

Rising Ember

The Ember Crown Book 1

by Sara Wright

Genre: YA Dystopian Fantasy

Dangerous games. Kill or be killed. Can shesurvive a king’s ruthless arena?

Clarissa craves an escape. An orphan forcedinto criminal acts with other kids by their caretaker, she longs to break freeand become a healer. But when an archenemy provokes a deadly confrontation, theseventeen-year-old awakens hidden powers in an explosive and fiery defense.

Seized by soldiers and taken to the capitalalong with her only friend, Clarissa trains alongside other slaves to fight inthe royal army. But surrounded by mysterious strangers and running low ontrust, the desperate captive fears graduation day will be her last.

Is Clarissa destined to die in chains?

Rising Emberis the thrilling first book in the Forbidden Chronicles YA dystopian fantasyseries. If you like strong-willed heroines, nail-biting drama, and cleanslow-burn romance, then you’ll love Sara Wright’s action-packed adventure.

Buy Rising Ember to ignite destinytoday!

**Get signed& special editions with maps, bookmarks & sprayed edges at Sara’s Store!**

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Sara Wright isthe author of The Progenitor Chronicles and Forbidden Chronicles,a YA dystopian fantasy series packed with rebellion, elemental powers, andclean slow-burn romance.

She currentlylives on Earth, her favorite vacation planet, with her husband and their veryopinionated fur baby. But most days, she’s off exploring shattered kingdoms,star-spanning civilizations, and the occasional multiverse with her lifelongcompanions: Imagination and Creativity.

Raised on bedtimestories and fueled by a steady diet of fantasy, sci-fi, and a sweet topping ofromance, Sara now writes tales for readers who crave action, heart, and hope.When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cycling, hiking, or singing dramaticallyto songs she swears are soundtracks to her books.

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!

Rising Ember

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

The Shining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book II (c) A. L. Butcher

“So, you cannot find the way out, how…unfortunate. Many have wandered into this place, to become my playthings,” the voice laughed nastily. “I find myself hungry, craving sustenance. These pathetic minions provided a mere snack. A game, I think, is in order. It has been some while since there was so much delicious entertainment in my halls!”

“Ignore it, he is Faekind,” Archos snapped before he paused and shifted his Focus, calling up his Astral Sight.

Searching the paths and mists of the Arcane Realms for the creature, he felt the chill of the arcane winds as they billowed around him. He felt the dark shadow before he saw it, felt the force pushing back into him.

“Get you from here, creature, these realms are mine!” Archos growled to the air around him.

The laugh echoed. “So the Lord of Magic is territorial, is he? You invade my captivity, come to steal and destroy what was brought to me.”

Archos crossed his arms. “The destruction is of your own doing, creature, for you defile this place, feeding on the fear and the misery. You think I cannot feel it, all around? The others are mine, they belong to me. Heed that warning, fae.”

The fae laughed his terrible laugh. “Is that so? Perhaps we shall see, Storm Lord. Those women, the red-haired witch and that terrified blonde who holds so many secrets, they will soon belong to me. The forest elf, she is no more than a snack. So many memories, such pain and fear between them. You will watch them become mine.”

Blurb:

Who rules in this game of intrigue where magic is forbidden, and elves enslaved? Journey where beliefs shatter like glass, truth is unwelcome, and monsters from ancient times abound: share the romance and revenge, magic and passion, and the wages of greed in a world of darkest fantasy.

(18 rated)

Universal Link https://www.books2read.com/ShiningCitadel

https://books2read.com/ElUltimoBosque

Cuando los humanos vienen a talar el último bosque, se llevan una desagradable sorpresa.
Un corto y oscuro cuento de fantasía sobre la ira de la naturaleza.
#Fantasía #CuentoCorto #distópico

Edición de audiolibro

https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/el-%C3%BAltimo-bosque-the-last-forest-unabridged/id1613866047

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/El-Ultimo-Bosque-The-Last-Forest-Audiobook/B09V8F2W4V

https://www.amazon.com/x/dp/B09V8DWK2K

The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I

In a dark world of secrets and lies, forbidden magic and deadly vengeance, freedom is relative. Dare you seek it?

In a dark world where elves are slaves and magic carries death? Dare you stand with the mages?

In a dark world beset by tyranny and lies, can love and magic entwined bring freedom? Dare you venture forth?

Dark adult fantasy with sizzling sorcery, romance and revenge #Fantasy #Darkfantasy
* Contains adult sexy scenes, violence, and strong themes.

Ebook, print, large print, audiobook and hardcover.

https://www.books2read.com/Lightbeyondstorm1