Zombierella by Joseph Coelho

Zombierella is the first in the Fairytales Gone Bad series which is a three part twisted classics retelling series. 

Zombierella starts off much like the classic Cinderella with an invitation from the prince to the 3 day ball.  However while home cleaning the night of the ball, she slips down the stairs and dies! Death visits her and brings her back to life. Zombierella is whisked way in her mushroom carriage to the ball where she meets the Vampire Prince.

This was a fun way to retell a classic story with a creepier twist. I liked the illustrations throughout. I wasn't fan of the emphasis on the stepmother not being her biological mother and instead her fake mom. But I like how the author turned that around at the end. The illustrations throughout are great and I love the attention to detail on the textures of the girls hair. 

Interview with Author Janelle McCurdy

Welcome Back, Booklovers! You know I love chatting with authors on here. And I got to chat with Janelle McCurdy, a debut author who wrote the new middle grade fantasy series The Umbra Tales. And if you're a gamer make sure to check out her game reviews too!

I read that you started writing and querying at 16 years old. What inspired you to start your journey as an author so young? And was your family fully supportive of your decision?

I've always wanted to be an author, and nothing really inspired me to start early, I just knew at 16 I definitely wanted to be an author, so I just started working towards it. I worked part time, alongside going to school so I could afford to go to writers workshops and other events that would help me with my writing craft. It also helped me understand the process of becoming an author and what I needed to do to get there.

Thankfully, my family fully supported my career choice, which meant everything to me. My mum has been my rock throughout the whole process and I wouldn't have gotten to where I am today without her support. She’s been there throughout the ups and downs of this journey.

What inspired you to start writing The Umbra Tales series?

Two things actually inspired my Umbra Tales series.

The first and biggest one was through gaming, and the second came from my fascination with stars and the universe. I wanted to incorporate the things I loved together in one amazing book series, and so The Lightcasters was born and the trilogy began.

How do you keep all the facts straight about the world you’ve built in this series?

I have this thing called a Book Journal/Map, which is a huge document that has every single detail about my book world. It's like a digital scrapbook and makes it ten times easier for my editors and I to stay on top of things. I'd definitely be lost without it.

Have you gotten to see the reaction of Black British readers to your book?

Yes, and it's been amazing. I've gotten the chance to go to a few events so far and honestly it's been so much fun and so many children seem to enjoy my book. It really means a lot, especially when I hear so many children want to become authors too. I'm so excited for the new generation of Black British authors.

Is there a song that you think describes Mia?

Yes! "Barricades" by Hiroyuki Sawano, but Samuel Kim's "EPIC version". It's a song from Attack on Titan and captures the mood of Mia throughout my book. I've actually written a few scenes to this song too!

You describe yourself as a fully-fledged gamer. What are your favorite games? 

Some of my favourite games are Tekken, Resident Evil 7, Black Ops 2, Outlast, A Plague Tale: Innocence, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Tomb Raider: Legend, and of course all the Pokemon games.

Has your love of video games inspired your writing?

Definitely, especially for The Lightcasters. I wanted to write a book that could capture the essence and magic of gaming. I want my readers to love my characters like they would a character they play in a game. I want them to be invested in the journey and the adventure at the same time. A few games actually helped spark my original idea for The Lightcasters, such as Final Fantasy, Resident Evil 7, Tomb Raider and Pokémon.

Is there any IP you dream of writing for?

Yep! I'd LOVE to write for Tekken, Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy, Attack on Titan, Resident Evil (Especially about 7 and 8), Cyberpunk (Especially Edgerunners) and Doctor Who.  

If you could travel anywhere in the world to host a book event where would you have it held?

100% Japan. It's my favourite country, I love the culture, the food and the language. It would be a dream to host a book event there.

Are you working on anything new you’re able to/want to shout out? 

I'm currently working on Book 2 of the Umbra Tales series, which I'm really excited about!

I also write game reviews on my website too at Janellemccurdy.com!

Thank you so much for having me!

You can follow Janelle at @JanelleLMccurdy on Twitter and @janellemccurdyy on Instagram 

Books With Black Witches

Welcome Back, Booklovers! Because Halloween is fast approaching I wanted to post post some books with Black witches just in case you're looking for a last minute read.

Wildseed Witch

Hasani’s post-seventh-grade summer to-do list is pretty simple: get a bigger following for her makeup YouTube channel and figure out how to get her parents back together. What she does NOT expect is that an emotional outburst will spark a latent magical ability in her. Or that the magic will be strong enough to attract the attention of witches. Or that before she can say #BlackGirlMagic, she’ll be shipped off on a scholarship to a fancy finishing school for talented young ladies.

Les Belles Demoiselles is a literal charm school. Here, generations of young ladies from old-money witch families have learned to harness their magic, and alumnae grow to become some of the most powerful women across industries, including politicians, philanthropists, CEOs, entrepreneurs—and yes, even social media influencers. Needless to say, admission to the school is highly coveted, very exclusive . . . and Hasani sticks out like a weed in a rose bouquet.

While the other girls have always known they were destined to be witches, Hasani is a Wildseed––a stray witch from a family of non-witches, with no background knowledge, no way to control her magic, and a lot to catch up on. "Wildseed" may be an insult that the other girls throw at her, but Wildseeds are more powerful than they know. And Hasani will learn that there are ways to use magic and thrive that can never be taught in a classroom.

Bad Witch Burning

Katrell can talk to the dead. And she wishes it made more money. She's been able to support her unemployed mother--and Mom's deadbeat-boyfriend-of-the-week--so far, but it isn't enough. Money's still tight, and to complicate things, Katrell has started to draw attention. Not from this world--from beyond. And it comes with a warning: STOP or there will be consequences.

Katrell is willing to call the ghosts on their bluff; she has no choice. What do ghosts know of having sleep for dinner? But when her next summoning accidentally raises someone from the dead, Katrell realizes that a live body is worth a lot more than a dead apparition. And, warning or not, she has no intention of letting this lucrative new business go.

Only magic isn't free, and dark forces are coming to collect. Now Katrell faces a choice: resign herself to poverty, or confront the darkness before it's too late.

How to Succeed in Witchcraft

Shay Johnson has all the makings of a successful witch. As a junior at T.K. Anderson Magical Magnet School, she’s determined to win the Brockton Scholarship—her ticket into the university of her dreams. Her competition? Ana freaking Álvarez. The key to victory? Impressing Mr. B, drama teacher and head of the scholarship committee.

When Mr. B asks Shay to star in this year’s aggressively inclusive musical, she warily agrees, even though she’ll have to put up with Ana playing the other lead. But in rehearsals, Shay realizes Ana is . . . not the despicable witch she’d thought. Perhaps she could be a friend—or more. And Shay could use someone in her corner once she becomes the target of Mr. B’s unwanted attention. When Shay learns she’s not the first witch to experience his inappropriate behavior, she must decide if she’ll come forward. But how can she speak out when her future's on the line?

The Witchery

Haelsford, Florida, is a hellmouth. Or at least, that’s what Logan, a new witch struggling to control her powers, thinks when she arrives at Mesmortes Coven Academy. She is immediately taken under the wing of the infamous Red Three: Iris, a deathwitch, who wants nothing more than to break the town’s curse; Thalia, the talented greenwitch, on the run from her religious family and a past that still haunts her; and Jailah, one of the most extraordinary witches at the academy whose thirst for power may lead her down a dark path.

With the Haunting Season approaching, Wolves will soon rise from the swamp to kill, and the humans and witches must work together to survive the yearly onslaught. However, the history between humans and witches is long and bloodied, with the current truce hard-won and hanging in the balance. And this year, the stakes couldn’t be higher as two boys from Hammersmitt School prepare to make their first sacrifices to the witches in exchange for protection. But when students start turning up dead, Iris, Thalia, Jailah, and Logan realize they’ll have to harness their powers and stop the Wolves themselves. Yet old dangers lie in wait, and the cost to break the curse may be greater than any witch or human could ever know...

The Ravens

At first glance, the sisters of ultra-exclusive Kappa Rho Nu—the Ravens—seem like typical sorority girls. Ambitious, beautiful, and smart, they’re the most powerful girls on Westerly College’s Savannah, Georgia, campus.

But the Ravens aren’t just regular sorority girls. They’re witches.

Scarlett Winter has always known she’s a witch—and she’s determined to be the sorority’s president, just like her mother and sister before her. But if a painful secret from her past ever comes to light, she could lose absolutely everything . . .

Vivi Devereaux has no idea she’s a witch and she’s never lived in one place long enough to make a friend. So when she gets a coveted bid to pledge the Ravens, she vows to do whatever it takes to be part of the magical sisterhood. The only thing standing in her way is Scarlett, who doesn’t think Vivi is Ravens material.

But when a dark power rises on campus, the girls will have to put their rivalry aside to save their fellow sisters. Someone has discovered the Ravens’ secret. And that someone will do anything to see these witches burn . . .

Witchful Thinking

Lucinda Caraway loves living in Freya Grove, the mystic seaside town where charms, hexes, and magical beings of all kinds are the norm. She spends her days teaching high school history and her nights reading tea leaves and tending to her conjure garden. It’s a good life . . . but she can’t stop wishing for more.

Until one night, that wish turns into a spell, and suddenly Lucy can’t say no. Not to a public karaoke performance. Not to running a 10K. And, most alarmingly, not to her high school crush, Alexander Dwyer, who needs her help unjinxing his new house—which just happens to be right across the street from hers.

Alex has spent the last ten years traveling the world on adventures Lucy has only ever dreamed of, and he’s planning to leave again as soon as his house is safe to sell. But until Lucy can unhex herself, she and Alex are stuck together. And with so much magic in the air, maybe the next spell Lucy casts will be the one that convinces him to stay.

 

Hexes and Ohs

Rosalind Fletcher is a witch but that's not her only secret. Her one-of-a-kind wedding cakes are infused with a loving spell that produces long-lasting marriages where the men never stray, the women don't nag, and none of the blissful couples end up in divorce court.

What happens when a bewitched cake falls into the hands of the wrong person? Like her worst enemy Ace Benedict, who accidentally eats a sample meant for his clients? Well...all hormones break loose!

Surrendering to Ace's lustful appetites proves far easier than finding an antidote, for the conflicted low country witch with a sweet tooth for the blond tight end.

Can Rosalind alter the bewitching powers of a hundred-year old spell before things get out of hand? Will she let her conscience guide her to a remedy or will her heart lock them both in a sham?

The Conductors

Hetty Rhodes and her husband, Benjy, were Conductors on the Underground Railroad, ferrying dozens of slaves to freedom with daring, cunning, and magic that draws its power from the constellations. With the war over, those skills find new purpose as they solve mysteries and murders that white authorities would otherwise ignore.

In the heart of Philadelphia’s Seventh Ward, everyone knows that when there’s a strange death or magical curses causing trouble, Hetty and Benjy are the only ones that can solve the case. But when an old friend is murdered, their investigation stirs up a wasp nest of intrigue, lies, and long-buried secrets—and a mystery unlike anything they handled before. With a clever, cold-blooded killer on the prowl testing their magic and placing their lives at risk, Hetty and Benjy will discover how little they really know about their neighbors . . . and themselves.

Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking by Raquel V. Reyes

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I've been enjoying cozy mystery series this fall and I was excited to continue the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery Series. I am here for the mouthwatering food and the drama.

One of the things I like about this series is how it highlights how Caribbean culture is so interconnected through food. Whether the island speaks Spanish, English, or Kreyol they have so many staple vegetables that are the same throughout. Miriam being a food anthropologist is fascinated by the similar dishes and is quick to share the origins of some of them. Some recipes are included at the end but there are a few dishes I looked up to try and recreate as well.

I really enjoyed the girl squad she had surrounding herself that consisted of cousins, friends, and her sister-in-law. Especially now that's she's settled in since the move. Her son is in daycare, her relationship with Robert is stable again and her cooking series have really taken off. Her mother-in-law is still a pain especially when she puts her in charge of the woman's group gala. But she also has other family members around to keep her grounded. And I liked her Tia and the Santeria rituals as well as Miriam exploring other religions outside of Christianity. 

There were some parts where we got a little too much explanation on issues within the community such as colorism and anti-Blackness.

The mystery felt a little more complicated with so many power players involved. I definitely did not figure out everything. And I was a little scared for Miriam since the Russian mafia was entangled in this. She was moving extra reckless at some points. But this book did something different in that the inciting incident isn't out outright murder but an attempted murder.

While I would usually say you can read a cozy mystery series out of order this is one of the few times I insist you read book 1 first as it references events from that book including who the murderer was and their are parts that tie in.

Overall it was a good read. I cheered for Miriam standing her ground when it came to her awful mother-in-law, chastised her when she made stupid moves, but still rooted for the gala to go well.

Frizzy by Claribel Ortega and Rose Bousamra

Welcome Back, Booklovers! So Frizzy was put on my radar by Kiara Valdez over at First Second who edited this graphic novel.(In case you missed it I previously did an interview with her. Which you can check out here.)  I've been trying to read more graphic novels and comics because one of my favorite childhood series is a comic. And there's so many unique stories you can tell through this medium. So thanks to First Second/Macmillan for this finished copy.

Frizzy is the story of Marlene, a young Dominican girl with big curly hair. Her mother drags her to the salon every Sunday to "tame" her curls by blowing them out. But Marlene secrets hates the salon days and she hates how her family always compares her to her perfect cousin. She dreams of the day she can let her curls be free and forms and plan to copy a hairstyle from Youtube.

The artwork truly does the heavy lifting here. It immediately sets the tone. Having grown up in a very Catholic Caribbean household the pictures of Jesus on the walls in the house reminded me so much of my mother's house growing up. I especially got a laugh out of Judging Jesus.

A lot of us have gone through this experience. I remember my mother insisting my hair needed relaxers because I didn't know how to take care of it. It was supposed to make it easier to manage. I remember Dominicans girls from the cosmetology class offering to give me a blow out. The days I fried it with the flat iron only to try and make curls with the curling iron to give my flat lifeless curls some body. That cousin with the "good" hair who made you feel bad about yours.

I liked that the text pointed out that the anti-Blackness and push for straight hair as acceptable was something passed through generations. And I loved the full circle moment at the end which reminded me so much of my own natural hair journey. I only wish I had an auntie as cool as Tia Ruby to help me through the trial and error of finding products that work.

Interview with Author S.K. Ali

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I am back with another author interview! Today's interview is with the lovely S.K. Ali who's new book Love From Mecca to Medina releases October 18th, 2022.

What inspired you to start writing? And what is your favorite part of the process?

Falling in love with stories at an early age inspired me to try my hand at writing my own when I was in my tweens. My favorite part of the writing process is when all the pieces I envision for a story click into place. That’s when the craft of writing turns into the art of storytelling.   

In Love from Mecca to Medina we follow established characters Adam and Zayneb. Do you like getting to revisit characters and continue their love story? 

Yes, definitely! They are so distinct from each other that writing them allows me to feel like I’m writing two stories (which is something exciting for a writer who is always ready to move on to a fresh new project, even in the midst of finishing a book). And with Adam and Zayneb, I wanted to make sure that readers got closure on their love story. The first book, Love from A to Z, didn’t elaborate on this part and this was an opportunity for me to write the ever-after. 

Were you inspired by your own pilgrimage story?

Choosing to set this story in Mecca and Medina meant revisiting my own memories of visits to these cities, and the emotional experiences of my pilgrimages when I was young. It also meant researching, via YouTube and TikTok, what it’s like for young Muslims today to do the pilgrimage. And I found that the awe hasn’t changed. Like arriving in Mecca, and the feeling of first sighting the Kaaba, the site two billion of us around the globe turn toward when we pray, is mystical and feels otherworldly, and I tried my best to capture that through my words. 

Do you get nervous about the perception when writing a book so interconnected with your faith and culture?

It’s easy to feel self-conscious about this due to prevalent Islamophobia, which casts suspicion on someone writing positively about being Muslim, when the norm is to write the opposite. But I don’t succumb to this feeling because I recall reading so many books where faith, mainly the Christian one, was intrinsic to a character’s journey, whether it’s Little Women or Anne of Green Gables (and these stories are, to this day, adapted again and again for screen) and so many more, and no one bats an eyelash. And I love these books and others where characters got to be free with sharing their religious identities. Why should I get worried about perceptions when I’m doing the same thing these beloved authors did to be authentic to their characters? 

What genre do you love reading the most vs genre you love writing the most?

From when I was young, I’ve always loved reading (and watching!) mysteries and thrillers but I’ve yet to try to write one. I don’t know why it comes easier for me to write romance when I hardly read any. (I do watch rom-coms from time to time, though!)

Is there any type of author panel you’d love to be invited to speak on?

A panel on writing or other “authory” stuff! The sad truth is that marginalized authors rarely get to speak about the writing process or the craft of story building or anything else that communicates we’re professionals in this industry. We’re often asked to speak about our pain or identity issues or why we’re “grateful to be published”. And, to this I say, just let me be a plain ol’ author sometimes? And also believe that I didn’t “just” get published because of “diversity”? (I think I also know a thing or two about storytelling.)

What’s the best thing you’ve heard a reader say about any of your books?

This is a hard one to answer because I feel like they’re all the best things I’ve heard. I’m often moved to tears when I read notes from young people grateful to see themselves in stories. I cry because it’s such a simple act — to be witnessed to be human too — that they’re grateful for, and I wish there were more instances of such affirmations for all who feel othered. Yesterday, a high school sophomore shared with me that every time they need a bit of comfort in their day, they pick up Love from A to Z, and they immediately find it in the pages. Of course I teared up on hearing that. 

What advice would you give to upcoming writers?

Continuously learn the different writing processes of published authors (they’re captured in interviews all over the internet) and try different ones out; you’ll never know what works best for you until you try. And then, when you find a great one, don’t be afraid to try yet another one. Each will add to your repertoire of skills as a writer. 

Are there any upcoming writing projects you’re able to talk about?

I’m changing gears and working on a speculative fiction project next. That and an adult rom-com! 

You can follow S.K. Ali on Twitter @SajidahWrites, Instagram @skalibooks, Tik Tok @skalibooks. 

National Farmer's Day Recommendation List

Welcome Back, Booklovers! It's National Farmer's Day and I thought it would be good to highlight some of books with farming and gardening mentioned. Even though I'm not an outdoor girlie I love to visit orchards during the summer and fall seasons. And there's nothing like a good farm to table meal. And you can often find me at the farmer's market. I'll also say I wasn't quite sure what the difference is between a farm and a ranch but after some research I'm going with the definition that says: A ranch refers to a specific type of farm that focuses on raising and herding hoven animals, typically cattle or sheep.

Amara's Farm

Amara is hosting a potluck for friends on her farm, and she needs help finding her pumpkins to serve a tasty dish. What do we know about pumpkins? They're large, round, and orange—and, wait a minute, is that a pumpkin? No, that's an apple. Where, oh, where could those pumpkins be? Can you help Amara find them in time for her potluck?

Uncle John's City Garden

Visiting the city  from her home in the suburbs, an African American girl sees how a few packets of seeds, some helping hands, and hard work transform an empty lot in a housing project into a magical place where vegetables grow and family gathers. It’s the magic of nature in the heart of the city!

Something About You

Kentucky farm girl Kyla Coleman grew up believing in the power of healthy living choices to enrich and transform lives. Pursuing her PhD while working at her cousin’s bed-and-breakfast and organic farm leaves little time for a personal life. Until Kyla meets a very handsome and incredibly astute out-of-towner, Miles Parker. There’s something about the baseball legend turned food industry entrepreneur that instantly captivates her despite their wildly opposing views.

His quest to end world hunger has long been Miles’s passion. And Kyla’s the first woman who shares his special altruistic dream. But she’s strictly hands-on, and soon Miles is finding it hard to be hands-off around the enchanting, whip-smart country girl. As mutual desire leads to a scorching affair, a business opportunity drives a wedge between them. Can Miles persuade Kyla that he’s worthy of her trust in order to create a meeting of minds and hearts?

The Cowboy's Claim 

Chloe Daniels is determined to land the role of a lifetime. Even if she’s terrified to get on a horse! And the last thing her reluctant teacher, Tristan Tillbridge, wants is to entertain a pampered actress. But the enigmatic cowboy soon discovers that Chloe is as genuine as she is gorgeous, and he’s determined to make her his. Will this unlikely pair discover that the sparks between them are anything but an act?

His Until Midnight

When Tessa Noble takes the stage at a charity auction after a sexy makeover, her best friend Ryan Bateman must place the winning bid. It’s definitely not because he’s jealous. Their weekend getaway is a ploy for positive press… or so the rancher tells himself. But soon things take an unexpected turn from platonic to passionate, catapulting the couple from friends to lovers…

Christmas Data Breach by K.D. Richards

Welcome Back, Booklovers! Whenever I'm in the mood for something fast-paced and action packed with a touch of romance, I run to romantic suspense. I'm playing catch up on the West Investigation series. 

Mya is a cancer researcher who may have discovered a breakthrough treatment. But once word gets out Mya is targeted and her lab is set ablaze. After thwarting a kidnapping attempt, Mya goes to her ex husband Gideon for assistance. Gideon works for a major security firm and is determined to protect her at all costs. 

Of the first three books in the series, this is my second favorite one. I'm a big fan of action and mystery. Here you have Mya's teammates getting killed and someone hunting her down to make her the next victim. Plus we all know big pharma is all about the money and there's plenty of motive for someone to steal Mya's work and get rich. Mya and Gideon have great chemistry together and second chance romance is a favorite of mine because I love reading about people reconnecting. 

Despite the title don't expect any Christmas besides a brief mention of Christmas lights. This book could've been set during any time of the year. I would've actually liked to see Mya and Gideon spend Christmas together. But despite that we still get many great moments between the two.