I've got two news for you relating to my novel Rise of a Heroine: Resurgence, a.k.a Miranda Kane (my main character).
So, I'm using Inkitt, a publishing platform similar to Wattpad, to post my novel online and land a publication contract with said platform.
Unfortunately, I've been neglecting it those last few months… BUT FEAR NOT! I am back in the ring with the 7th chapter now posted and ready for you to read!
Also, I made a vow to myself and you that I'd now upload a new chapter on Inkitt every two weeks. So, be prepared (*cue Scar's theme song from The Lion King here*)
Also, if you're wondering why I'm using Melissa Benoist in all my GIFs, it's because of this choice of face claims and here's a bonus graphic.
When I was offered the chance to review this book, the first in the Kit Melbourne series, not only was I thrilled but it would be nearly a euphemism to say I jumped on it. An urban fantasy with a strong young woman with an intriguing, magical plot, a promise of action and a pretty good time?
How could I say no?
*I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Kater Cheek!*
Blurb
A sorcerous jewel. A mysterious uncle. Can a barista keep her magical heirloom safe from murderous crooks?
Kit Melbourne longs to quit her brother's coffee shop to pursue her artistic dreams. And despite the temptation to sell the sought-after enchanted gem she inherited from her uncle, she promises her family to protect it at all costs. But when her brother's tea-leaf reading predicts her imminent death, she's terrified to discover those who want it will kill to make it theirs.
Forced to dig into her late relative's murky past, Kit is doubly shocked when she learns the artifact's mighty power cannot be transferred unless its caretaker is dead. But despite her command of karate and fierce vampiric allies, her attackers show no sign of giving up their relentless lethal pursuit.
Has Kit's vow not to sell sealed her doom?
Witch's Jewel is the first book in the engrossing Kit Melbourne urban fantasy series. If you like strong female leads, high-stakes action, and nail-biting plots, you'll love Kater Cheek's enthralling tale.
The Positive Sides
Oh my God, the introduction! The very first sentence is intriguing, gripping, and full of mystery. Thatâs the first thing I notice (besides the gorgeous and colourful cover, that is)! The writing is smooth, entertaining, light, and funny but honest and dark at moments. I really enjoyed reading this bookâitâs like a nice breeze on a warm summer day. As for the dialogues, they hit me as natural with the real expressions we use to tell things and it flows. Itâs rather lovely and engaging.
Moreover, I love Kitleyâs honest, friendly, and sassy voice. She injects jokes and cynicism here and there, which are loads of fun to read. Plus, I find entertaining how Kit isnât always honest because sheâs desperate for money as sheâs broke. She might not be morally ambiguous, but sometimes sheâll take advantage of others or situations so she can have nice things, you know? Like food, for example. It was different from what Iâm used to reading (and sick of as well!), but so refreshing! I really love the main characterâs flaws and I can relate to her better. In addition to this, the way the subplots are all there, pushing the main plot is fantastic. This book reads so well!
As for the bindi, the magic jewel, I love how the things Kitley sees with it increase in intensity and clarity. It makes for good twists and turns that made me laugh and smile a few times. I also love that the author, Kater Cheek, uses creatures from foreign folklore like Kappa and Rusalka, which adds a nice diversity to the supernatural. She even explains why there are creatures from folklore and how come theyâre here if theyâre from overseas and frankly that was priceless. Weâd all ask that and the way it was answered made me laugh in a beautiful way: I giggle snorted. Fabulous!
May I add something? I took this note in my Kobo, directing it personally to Kitley, the main character: âOmg gurl! Youâre so oblivious to Fenwick! I ship them!â Isnât that beautiful?! Come on, itâs sweet. I wanted to throw this note at Kitleyâs head so bad, but alas. The romance really drew me in with so many feels and Iâm not one for romance in stories. But it was very well laid out with a sad starting point I can relate to too well: too many bad heartbreaks and unrequited love.
Truthfully, I havenât been this invested in a book and characters for a long, long while. Precisely a year, when my grandparents became ill and my grandma died. So this book is definitely a breath of fresh airâmuch needed in my case. And I am thankful for it. It made me smile, laugh, and anticipate the reading.
The Negative Sides
The only thing about this book is its middle. Itâs not sluggish per se, since most of the subplots come together (and itâs brilliant!), but it was at a slower pace than what I prefer. Iâm not taking any star off because of it, itâs more of a personal preference, yet I figured it was worth mentioning. Letâs move on!
In Conclusion
I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for the refreshing heroine, the gripping story, the pleasure I had looking forward to reading it, and the way I continuously thought about the story and its charactersâeven when I wasnât reading! It gave me something to look forward to in a hard time, and I am grateful. The author also gave us a thrilling action-filled fantasy book with tastes for everyone, in my opinion. Finally, I loved it so much I am going to purchase the paperback version to place much lovingly into my âfavourite booksâ bookshelf. I recommend it to those who love action, fantasy, different heroines (and quite strong!), and a touch of romance.
What are you waiting for? Go on and read Witchâs Jewel to find out what Kitleyâs going to do with the bindi⌠and what happens to her.
I watch YouTube a lot (guilty as charged, dang) and love to learn through tutorials and how-to videos. I didn't venture into book reviews BUT Authortube caught my eye as an aspiring author myself… And I must mention Miss Kate Cavanaugh is my new obsession (Whoa! I mean in a "I'm watching all of her videos non-stop" and not like a creep, okay? Okay!)
Most importantly, she just saved my Heaven's Army: Down to Earth series with one of her methods.
How did she contribute to saving my cherished story?
And also, why do I appreciate Kate's videos so much?
I'll first list all her qualities and what makes her videos the best, in my opinion. Then, I'll introduce you to the specific video which helped me and what I realized and what I proceeded to do. Lastly, I'll explain how it works and what's new on the horizon for me and my story as well as this seemingly innocent technique. All interspersed with images and wishing Miss Cavanaugh the best (and please, do make other awesome videos so I can binge-watch them, oki-please??)
Ready?
What About That Kate Cavanaugh?
I'll be blunt here: her videos are the best and the most inspiring I've found because
* She's hilarious both in what she says and how she edits her videos
* She's so lively it's sweet and entertaining and cannot not move you into action (talk about motivational!)
* She finds different angles to tackle the eternal struggles for writers and explores various methods
* She has an amazing series where she writes like a famous author (using their own routine!) and it's both extremely funny and useful to see what works and how you can tailor it for you!
* She's honest and kind and enthusiastic
* Kate deals with writers's problems, her own progression, tips and tricks, "I tried writing like…", honest talks about writing and money (and so on), and amusing topics like "Sh*t writers thinks // Coffee Shop Edition".
If after such compliments you still don't want to take a look at her videos, you… Who the heck are you, then?! (Just joking. Nah.)
The Life-Changing Video
There is one video that affected me more than the others in terms of resounding with me and the potential technique. If there is one thing you need to know about me before I go into explanations, it's that even though I read eBooks and own three ereaders, paper is always the best (and it smells SOOOO enchanting).
So, what video am I talking about, the one that changed the course of my problems with Down to Earth and helped me beat writer's block with this story?
Well, here it is:
And the Lightbulb Was Turned On!
As for the issue with my story, I was stuck. The plotting never seemed good enough, and Iâd had terrible feedback and gratuitously mean comments. So, nothing I ever did worked (plotting and character-wise), and I was pretty hurt. So, sadness took over.
I spent months working this issue overâŚ. Okay, Iâm lying. Years. But then, a week ago I watched Kateâs video and it hit me!
I have to print the goddamn story like a book (or at least, as professional-looking as I could right now)! And I did. Like she says, it doesnât cost much (it was $32 for me at Staples) and it looks GORGEOUS what with those white spirals, protector sheet and hmmmmm all those sheets with written words on them. My words.
While itâs beautiful, do you want to know whatâs best about it?
It works!
The Innocent-Looking But Powerful Technique
It might not seem much and youâll probably go âWell,
You just had to print it to advance.ââ
But nah uh! Printing it out is only half of the issue solved. What makes it work is having it look professional and not just sheets you took out from your home printer and stapled together. The answer lies in its appearance and practicality.
Okay, sure, itâs easier to do with your home printer. But itâs less striking, and most importantly, less inspiring. And thatâs the trick. You need to hold your story (completely drafted or not) and feel closer to your goal. You need to look at it and go: âWow, I did that?!ââ With the protector, colour cover and spirals, youâll feel itâs going somewhere and, I hope, have your confidence renewed! Desire and drive to get somewhere with that story will come at your beck and call after that!
âBut what did it give you honestly?ââ
Well, since you asked, Iâll answer it in the next section!
I See the Horizon!(And Glimpse at What It Holds)
I envision my completed novel, at last. The feel of just-printed pages and the smell of just-fresh ink. And at last, written in big, bold letters at the very last page: "The End".
This might be in a little while, but now it's much clearer and tangible for me. I see and feel it. I *know* I will reach that vision.
And in the end, isn't it what counts?
Thank you so very much to you for reading and to Kate Cavanaugh for inspiring me with every upload. Please go and check out her channel.
Yes, yes, yes. Remember my Nightshade series? Well, the first chapter of Nightshade: The Death Stone (first volume) is FREEfor you all on Inkitt! YES!
Here’s the blurb:
Rosellia Rowland-Lovelace lives three lives at the same time: in three different dimensions! A teenager raised in Montreal by a poor mother, she misses her deceased father and struggles with serious heart issues. But that doesn’t stop her from exploring the worlds beyond… Until some black-hooded men come and kidnap her. What is the Death Stone they’re talking about? And who are the Nightshade they want to find? Speaking of the devil, a Nightshade rescues her. From then on, Rosellia agrees to become one of them and enjoys her time in other worlds now that her powers are known. But what if she can find the Death Stone before everyone else? Will she be able to bring her father back with its resurrection powers?
Ad Librum Aeternam 