Book Review: Blood of Truth and Traitor by Aria Ashbrook

Hello, friends! It’s been years since I’ve posted, I know. Apologies and all that. Life happens and raising kids and managing a career took center stage. BUT! I’m back for a book review of a beloved series I found called Hirathean Path series by Aria Ashbrook. The third book of the series (4th if you include the novella) is Blood of Truth and Traitor and it is set to be released on September 22nd! I was provided with an arc copy for a fair and honest review, so I want to give a shout out to Aris Ashbrook and Book Funnel for giving the opportunity. Please note this is not a stand-alone novel. If you missed the previous books, please go back. I promise you it’s worth it. Links are below:

Veil of Web and Ruin (Prequel Novella) Web of Vows and Vengeance

Vows of Blood and Deception Blood of Truth & Traitors

Where do I start? Fair warning: spoilers are included. This book is a long one. Not that I’m complaining but it’s long in a good way. The story of Rose Kultavaris continues with her usual gang of misfits and of course some new characters, some you want to strangle and others you want to hug.  Let’s start with the Blood. We know from the previous books, Rose was searching for Issen people (who were sworn enemies of her kingdom). She didn’t have a choice since she found out she and her siblings have Issen magic. And now she needs her enemies help to master her new-found powers. Fans of the series (me included) were waiting patiently for the next book to learn what Rose’s future would look like after the first two books. When reading this series I felt an understanding of Rose and her character. She is a fierce, angry, strong female character who is laser-focused on getting what she wants or needs rather and then once she gets it…reality sets in. And usually what she wants doesn’t align with the gods demands. Many times I wondered if she’d ever get a long-deserved break but it never seems to come. Alas that’s the joyful part of the story-telling no doubt.

At the start of this book, we were waiting to see what Rose’s heritage would bring. As the long-lost princess of Issen lots of questions came to mind like why was she lost? What about her mom who died? Was she lost too? Stepping into the hidden Issen city, Rose was met with supporters and doubters. Straight away, she meets her Grandfather (her mom's dad) who happens to be king. That revelation leads to even more questions. But first before she can get the help or answers she seeks, she must enter into the Veil: a three part series of mythical tests that Rose must successfully complete or else she dies! While attempting these tests, she begins to learn more about the city, her ice magic and slowly begins to piece together where her destiny lies.

Rose’s grandfather started off as a disappointment but eventually he grew on me. In Issen, Rose had her trusted gang with her: Kyor, Benny, Ruben, Caz and Thessa. With the sworn blood oaths taken, you had to wonder how much they really trusted one another. They each have had their past transgressions and there were a few times where I wondered if one of them would double-cross one another. That didn’t happen thankfully. That said, Ruben, one of favorite characters, died. That honestly shook me. Did he really need to die? Maybe he will return as a Rotting? I don’t know. It made me sad though. 

Anyway, Rose must complete the Veil in order to lead the Issen people – which she doesn’t really want. Still she needs their help so she tries desperately to pass these mystic tests. Each time, learning more and more about herself. While spending time with her grandfather and studying her heritage and managing her magic, she discovers there are other Issen people vying for the Issen throne. Despite the vitriol she experiences from several Issen folks, she focuses on the task at hand and ends up uncovering hidden secrets about several characters including Kyor’s sadistic father (the Morathkian King), the back-stabbing Priestess, relentless Gods & Goddesses and even her dead mother. I'm not gonna lie; it was a lot but... so so good.

If you have read the previous books, you have to wonder about Prince Kyor and his motives. I finally got a sense that he wasn’t going to abandon Rose again like he did before. Then again, he is his father’s son, but let’s hope he is in it for the long haul. Anyway, I can go on and on. The book was fantastic – a must read – just like the series. It is a dark fantasy series with added spice from The Rose and Kyor which doesn't disappoint. If you're looking for your next series with exceptional story-telling, get your copies today and enjoy. Blood of Truth & Traitors is out soon.  I loved it and you will too! 

XXOO Mina B.

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Book Hop

Hello, my friends! I hope everyone is doing okay. I'm sending prayers to you and your loved ones that you stay safe and healthy. Please comment below and let me know how you're doing.

For me, I've had some issues with my dog pre-COVID-19. He had a scuffle with a raccoon and had to have surgery. It was nasty and touch-n-go there for a while. While recovering from the surgery, we noticed his wound wasn't healing and, in fact, was severely infected.  Did you know sometimes that happens? It can come from the surgery or the animal, but it can be deadly. Anyway, it's been challenging. While dealing with this pandemic, I've been nursing my best bud, Spike. He's slowly getting better, though.

Today, I'm participating in an Easter Hop, even though Easter is over.  I know it seems a bit strange, but since everything is a bit weird these days, just go with it. Please join me and participate in this year's easter book hop, hosted by Mary from BookHounds

To enter my Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop...

For the Hoppy Easter Giveaway Hop, I'm giving away one (1) FREE $10 Amazon Gift Card. See the details below on how to enter.

Enter To Win!

+2 Subscribe via email
+2 Like me on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+1 Comment
+1 Tweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)

The giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Apr 15th - 30th midnight. The contest is open to international participants.

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See who else is participating.

Hopefully, everyone stays well during this time. If you find yourself with additional time, share with me a project you're working on? What book are you writing/editing? What book are you reading? Comment below and let us all know!

Mina Burrows

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Book Hop

It's time for the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Book Hop! Woohoo! It's perfect timing, too, since most of us are quarantined or self-quarantined due to the bizarre Coronavirus. Who knew, huh? As our communities and countries deal with the pandemonia of this pandemic, I hope all of you have the luck of the Irish, and Saint Patrick watches over and keeps you safe.

With all the extra time, there is no better time to read and or write, so join me as I participate in the annual Lucky Leprechaun Book Giveaway Hop hosted by Mary from Bookhounds. This year over 30 blogs are participating, so you might get a chance to chase your pot of gold with this giveaway.

For the Lucky Leprechaun Hop, I'm giving away one (1) FREE $10 Amazon Gift Card. See the details below on how to enter.

Enter To Win!

+2 Subscribe via email
+2 Like me on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+1 Comment
+1 Tweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)

The giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Mar 15th Mar 31st, midnight. The contest is open to International participants.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See who else is participating.

Hopefully, everyone stays well during this time. If you find yourself with additional time, what project are you working one? What book are you writing/editing? What book are you reading? Comment below and let us all know!

Mina Burrows

Book Buzz: David Day's An Encyclopedia of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien's World

Are you a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien? Are you a fan of mythology and or mystical creatures? Have you ever wondered where Tolkien got his inspiration? If you're a true Tolkien fan, you may have even read a  biography or two or perhaps watched last year's movie about his early years and time during WWI.  

Some of my favorite books are high fantasy ones like Tolkien's The Hobbit, George R.R. Martin's Game of Throne series, or Robin Hobb's Assassin's series. So many of the best-selling high fantasy novels stem from of Tolkien's original creative genius. He was such a master at the mystical and David Day's An Encyclopedia of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien's World takes Tolkien's iconic mythological interpretations and creations and organizes it in a beautiful leather-bound dictionary of sources. This incredible resource has nearly a thousand breathtaking illustrations. Below is more about the book.

About the Book

A comprehensive, illustrated guide to the history, lands, and inhabitants of Middle-earth. 

The fantasy world of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth contains a rich assortment of people, cities, and creatures—as well as a deep, intertwined history that spans thousands of years. In this beautifully illustrated, leather-bound volume, best-selling author and Tolkien scholar David Day presents four decades of research and writing on the lands and inhabitants Middle-earth. Sections of this A-to-Z dictionary are devoted to discussion of the battles, history, beasts, and heroes of Tolkien's stories, and are accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. This comprehensive volume on Tolkien's world also includes an appendix of three primary legends that served as sources for Tolkien's creations—the Volsunga saga, the Nibelungenlied, and Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle—and more than 200 black-and-white illustrations.

This work is unofficial and is not authorized by the Tolkien Estate or HarperCollins Publishers.

About The Author

David Day is the author of five major books on the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, including Guide to Tolkien's World: A Bestiary and A Guide to Tolkien. Together with Tolkien: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, these books have been translated into sixteen languages, and have sold in excess of two million copies. A Canadian living in Toronto, Day has also published over thirty other books of mythology, history, fantasy, fiction, and poetry, for both adults and children. 

As I mentioned in an early post, this book is awe-inspiring. I felt humbled just receiving it and even more blown away after reading it. If you're a reader and want a deeper understanding of Middle Earth and the mind of Tolkien, then David Day's book will give you that and so much more. If you're a writer and you have a penchant for writing high fantasy, then this book is an outstanding resource, giving incredible insight into Tolkien's mastery and creativity. 

Get your copy of David Day's latest Tolkien book here and learn more about David's other best-sellers here.

Make it a great week!

Mina B.

Romance is in the Air - Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! I love this holiday. Who doesn't love a good romance story? Any romance fans out there? What about closet romance fans? Whatever your taste is in books is (Romance, Mystery or Horror - perhaps all three!) I hope you get a spare moment to catch up on some reading.

Source

To celebrate this special holiday, I'm participating in the Romance is in the Air Giveaway hop.
It's hosted by Mary from BOOKHOUNDS, and if interested in grabbing some lovely prizes, enter to win by visiting all the participating blogs.

I'm giving away one (1) FREE $10 Amazon Gift Card to (1) winner, so that they may pick to their heart's content. See the details below on how to enter:

Enter To Win!

You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…

+2 Subscribe to my Wicked Blog List
+1 Follow me on Facebook
+1 Tweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)
+1 Comment on this Post - Tell me your favorite love story!

The giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Feb 14 - Feb 29th, midnight. The contest is open to international participants.

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Want to see who else is participating? Visit BOOKHOUNDS and check out all the links and hop on by.


Mina Burrows

Best of 2019 Giveaway

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday. Mine was good, but now that January is halfway over, I can hardly remember December. I'm happy 2020 is here. As I mentioned previously, I'm reading a ton of fantasy lately which is in a word is awesome!!! One book I want to mention is An Encyclopedia of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien's World by David Day. This book is awe-inspiring. I felt humbled just receiving it. Right now, I'm in the middle of reading it, and when I'm done, I plan on writing a post about how amazing it is. If you can't wait until then, read more about it here and the link above. What a way to start 2020 off!

Source

Best of 2019 Giveaway 

To celebrate the New Year, I'm participating in the Best of 2019 Giveaway Hop hosted by Mary from Bookhounds. There are nearly 40 blogs participating in this blog hop and you will have from now until the end of the month to enter to win some cool stuff.

I'm giving away one (1) FREE $10 Amazon Gift Card. See the details below on how to enter.

Enter To Win!

You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…

+2 Subscribe to my Wicked Blog List
+1 Follow me on Facebook
+1 Tweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)
+1 Comment on this Post

The giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Jan 15 - Jan. 31st, midnight. The contest is open to International participants.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See who else is participating.

Mina Burrows

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop 2019

Happy Holidays! Ready for Christmas? I am! Anyone have travel plans or is family visiting? Did you finish your holiday shopping? I still have a ton of Christmas shopping to do but I'm sure I'll get it done. So much happens during the last month of the year, it almost always feels like a blur.

Source

As we finish out this year, I'm curious about what you all thought of 2019. Was it a good one for you? It was blah for me but I'll try to make it better in 2020. Before the new year hits us, I hope you all enjoy the holiday break and have time to read a good book. And if you're reading anything good, please share. Or if you have a book launching, share that with us as well.

About the Hop:

To celebrate Christmas and the end of the year, I'm participating in the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop hosted by Mary from Bookhounds. There are over 40 blogs participated in this blog hop and folks will have from now until the end of the year to enter and possibly win some great stuff.

I'm giving away one (1) FREE $10 Amazon Gift Card. See the details below on how to enter.

Enter To Win!

You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…

+2 Subscribe to my Wicked Blog List
+1 Follow me on Facebook
+1 Tweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)
+1 Comment on this Post

The giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Dec. 21st - Dec. 31st, midnight. The contest is open to International participants.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See who else is participating.


Happy Holidays!
Mina Burrows