Maria Vermisoglou

Ink & Incantation: An Enchanting YA Anthology Featuring Books & Libraries, #1), my second read from author E.V. Everest. After reading Seven Crowns (Bellaton, #1), I was up for another read from this author. Enjoyable, well-written collection of 33 YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy short reads from a group of well-read authors with links to that author at the end of their contribution. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).… (meer)

WHAT A DELIGHTFUL STORY, ALTHOUGH I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW STUDENTS WERE EATING, STUDING, AND SLEEPING UNDER WATER, SUCH IS FANTASY! I did not like how the king and Yuri's brother's treated him, I was glad the the king sent him to Gifted Blood Academy where he was so excited to get away from him unloving family that he had to really try hard to not show his excitement! As the third prince of Liquiris, there was no love shown by his family and he often stayed in his room. I felt sorry for Yuri as his first day did not go well and a few students picked on him. As Yuri finally came into his own, he had to reveal his powers that he has suppressed as students went missing!… (meer)

This anthology of fantasy stories is historical because the stories take place in different time periods.
There are nine stories and that means there is something for everyone. "Maiden of Embers" explains the explosion of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii. I have always loved the story of Pompeii. "Excal'byr" explains the beginnings of Excalibur. "In Leap of Faith a woman, wounded in the heart by a man trusts no man. It isn't until she meets a stranger and takes a leap of faith into another world that she learns about true love. In "Rise of an Empire" we see the final battle before Rome falls. Then we travel with the remaining soldiers as they travel north to try to re-establish their empire. "Misted Love" was one of my favorites. It is the classic tale of a woman of high breeding falling in love with a man of a lower station in life. When her family's finances take a downward turn her father makes a decision to save his own wealth. He will sell his daughter to the one man she detests. This story pretty much explains the fog of England. I won't say too much because I don't want to give anything away. "Paradoxeffair" is one that felt familiar but fresh at the same time. We have a young man who has run off to join the circus only to learn it isn't what he thought. No one can leave the circus until their contract is up and only if other conditions are met. Most of the people of this circus are true "freaks or have natural magic". The magician has magic that was taught and yet it was enhanced by this special circus run by an evil mermaid. One of my favorites was "The Heart of the Phoenix King". This is the retelling of the disappearance of the people of Roanoke. Let's just say it is full of betrayal and revenge. "The Apprentice of Amadan Dubh" is written by an author I am very familiar with. Kandi J. Wyatt often writes stories of Dragons and other worlds. I was extremely pleased to find something completely different and refreshing. In a small village a mage takes on an apprentice. The apprentice has always wanted to use his power for good. But, what happens when his master decides to use his magic and his apprentice's magic to get rich? What is the line between right and wrong, good and evil? Maybe your tastes run more toward the time period of Pirates. In "The Heart of the Coast" a young boy whose father was responsible for the death of Blackbeard finds that his father despises him. When given the opportunity to run away to sea he does, promising his one remaining brother he will see him again. But Blackbeard's curse may have more to do with how his life changes than he ever understood.

I have truly found some new authors to check out. I have always loved anthologies because you get to sample different author's work as well as have stories with a common theme. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book.… (meer)