Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – New Book on the Shelves – #YA #Magic #Mystery – Bloodstone (The Curse Of Time Book 1) by M.J. Mallon

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Delighted to share the news of M.J. Mallon’s re-release of  Bloodstone (The Curse Of Time Book 1) –  Book 2 is following shortly.

About the book

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who is imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house.

When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden path where she encounters Ryder: a charismatic, perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set and some crystal wizard stones, can Amelina discover the truth about her family?

A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Bloodstone is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology or the world of the paranormal.

One of the five star reviews for the previous edition on Goodreads.

Aug 18, 2020 Sarah Northwood rated it Five Stars

This magical young adult story is brimming with fresh imaginative ideas avoiding tropes often associated with fantasy. I was impressed with the unique vivid visual descriptions which brought both the settings and characters to life and the wonderful standard of writing throughout the story. A magical mystery unfolds for the main character Amelina, who makes discoveries during the plot, so we can enjoy seeing her grow in confidence and skill.

The story involves complex content which was difficult to follow initially but becomes more understandable as the story develops. The introduction of the antagonist, Ryder, really helps us to root for Amenlina. He is well written, and I enjoyed that he wasn’t given the typical look of a baddie but rather slowly and disconcertingly reveals his darker side, inserting himself between Amelina and her friends. I can see this being the start of a fabulous young adult series and hope there are more books to come! 

Head over to buy the book: Amazon UK –  And:Amazon US

Books by M.J. Mallon

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website:M.J. Mallon – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon

 

About M.J. Mallon

My alter ego is MJ – Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheros!

M J Mallon was born in Lion city Singapore, a passionate Scorpio with the Chinese Zodiac sign of a lucky rabbit. She spent her early childhood in Hong Kong. During her teen years, she returned to her father’s childhood home, Edinburgh where she spent many happy years, entertained and enthralled by her parents’ vivid stories of living and working abroad. Perhaps it was during these formative years that her love of storytelling began bolstered by these vivid raconteurs. She counts herself lucky to have travelled to many far-flung destinations and this early early wanderlust has fuelled her present desire to emigrate abroad. Until that wondrous moment, it’s rumoured that she lives in the UK, in the Venice of Cambridge with her six-foot hunk of a rock god husband. Her two enchanting daughters have flown the nest but often return with a cheery smile.

Her motto is to always do what you love, stay true to your heart’s desires, and inspire others to do so too, even it if appears that the odds are stacked against you like black hearted shadows.

Favourite genres to write: Fantasy/magical realism because life should be sprinkled with a liberal dash of extraordinarily imaginative magic!

Next Chapter Publishing YA fantasy series. Bloodstone – The Curse of Time Book 1
And the 2nd in the series to be published thereafter…Golden Healer – The Curse of Time Book 2

 

Thanks for dropping by today and it would be great if you could share the news of the release of the new release from M.J. Mallon. Thanks Sally.

65 thoughts on “Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – New Book on the Shelves – #YA #Magic #Mystery – Bloodstone (The Curse Of Time Book 1) by M.J. Mallon”

  3. Thanks so much Sally and thank you also for including Sarah Northwood’s 5 star review. I’m back from work later in afternoon and will repost/share more then. In a few months time I hope to be a full time author more news on that soon!

    Liked by 2 people

  5. This sounds like a good read. I love stories of magic. And the girl trapped in mirrors is a fascinating idea.
    I used to live near Cambridge, UK. and so it will interest me to see how. She describes it. The odd thing in the bio, though, is the reference to the city as the Venice of Cambridge. I wouldn’t refer to it as Venice.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks Viv and it does look like a good read. We lived at the bottom of the M11 and were in Cambridge quite often and on the river and I would say to some visitors when all the punts are on the water and going under the bridges that there is and air of Venice especially in a fictional setting..xxx

      Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you, it is magical and quite a dark fantasy in parts. The reference in my bio to the Venice of Cambridge is meant in a jokey sense. I like to keep my bio light-hearted. There is nowhere quite like Venice, but with the punts and the Chronophage grasshopper clock Cambridge has its own special character which inspires magic!

      Liked by 2 people

      • Thanks for explaining. It did get me confused. I take your point about the punts.
        Believe it or not, I once saw someone do the standard jokey thing of getting stuck on the pole as the punt glided away. That was on the backs near King’s College in the days when you used to be able to just walk in.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. I used to live in Cambridge itself and spent many a happy time on the river being punted under the bridges. One of them is called The Bridge of Sighs, even though it’s not a replica, and so I can understand the reference to Venice. I read a book called Killing Time in Cambridge recently and part of the enjoyment was the recognition of many of the places in it. I fear my Kindle’s girth is about to be put under more strain! xx

    Liked by 2 people

  10. I love books that explore time (though it wasn’t mentioned in the blurb). Einstein and I don’t believe it’s linear, more of a construct that is fungible if you know how to fung it (I made that word up).

    Liked by 2 people

  11. The book cover and blurb drew me in before I read the review. I’ve added this to my long TBR list! Thank you for sharing, Sally, and congrats to Marje!

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Congratulations, Marje, and thank you, Sally, for showcasing Marge and her writing. I’m heading to Amazon. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

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