Book Review Alert: Legend of Tal: A King’s Bargain by J.D.L. Rosell

Reviewed: March 28th, 2024
Released: June 1st, 2020
Genre: Epic Fantasy

The legend of Tal Harrenfel is sung across the Westreach—and with each telling, the tales grow taller. But though his king declares him a hero, Tal has never claimed to be more than a man…

After three decades of fighting warlocks, killing mythical beasts, and hunting enchanted treasure, Tal has had enough. Running from the deeds of his past, he retreats to his home village under a different name and meets an unlikely companion: Garin, a village boy who dreams of making a name for himself and seeing the world beyond their sleepy town.

When Tal receives a mysterious visitor, both he and Garin are thrown into a journey across the kingdom. Soon, they become embroiled in the plots of monarchs, on the frontlines of an ancient war, and at the mercy of a fabled sorcerer.

Now Tal must live up to his legend, and Garin discover his own power, to survive the forces pitted against them…….Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Shards of Glass by Michelle Sagara

Reviewed: January 13th, 2024
Released: November 23rd, 2023
Genre: Epic Fantasy

The Academia, once an elite proving ground for the rulers of the world, has been frozen for centuries. Now its strange slumber has ended, and a new Chancellor, an orange-eyed dragon, has reopened its lecture halls and readied its dorms. In order to thrive once more, however, the Academia needs fresh blood—new students with a passion and talent for learning.

One such student, Robin, has the perfect recruit in mind: his friend Raven, an orphan who lives in the dangerous Warrens. Robin grew up in the Warrens, and he wouldn’t have made it if not for Raven. He knows she’ll be safe at the Academia, where her unusual gifts can be appreciated.

But when students start turning up dead, the campus threatens to collapse completely. Raven and Robin will not let that happen to their new home…if they can survive long enough to figure out who—or what—is trying to kill them. Read My Thoughts…

Thank you for all your support in 2023!

It’s that time of year when you look back at what you achieved last year and plan for the new year.

But before I do that I just want to say thank you to everyone who has read my books and left a rating/review. Your support makes writing so fulfilling, and your enthusiam for my characters makes me want to write more! I hope you signed up to my newsletter (If you haven’t scroll down!) and downloaded the bonus novella I wrote in the world of Remargaren as my Christmas gift to you.

I also want to thank the kind person who gifted me a subscription for my annual website fees. I am so happy you enjoy the content I post to my blog and on my website and I am thrilled that you chose to support my writing journey. I don’t know who you are, but I thank you so very much for your support.

If anyone is interested in supporting my writing efforts, I do have a Patreon, which is limping along without any subscribers, so I haven’t been posting much lately, but once someone subscribes, and peeks at all the content I posted last year, I will be much more active in 2024, I promise! Patreon levels start from £2 per month, so you can choose how much you donate.

Anyhow, back to what I achieved in 2023, and what’s in store for 2024?

I published four books! Yes four!! and two novellas and one audiobook.

  • 23rd January: SoulBreather
  • 23rd February: Sentinals Banished
  • 7th June: Men of Magic and Myth (MM Anthology- Novella: Familiar Troubles)
  • 10th June: SoulBreather-Audiobook
  • 15th June: DragonBound
  • 11th October: Sentinals Destiny
  • 23rd December: Sentinals and Guardians, Novella 2.5 (Free for Newsletter subscribers)

My books won Awards!!

  • Sentinals Justice: Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal – Epic Fantasy
  • Sentinals Justice: Global Book Awards: Gold Medal – Sword and Sorcery
  • SoulBreather: Global Book Award Silver Medal – Fantays Myth & Legend
  • SoulBreather: Readers’ Favorite Finalist Medal– Fantasy/Sci-Fi
  • SoulBreather: Readers’ Favorite Five star Review
  • Sentinals Across Time: Finalist for the 2022 CIBA OZMA Book Awards for Fantasy Fiction
  • Sentinals Across Time: Readers’ Favorite Five star Review

It has been a busy year, a highlight of which was going to Miami to be presented with the Gold medal for Sentinals Justice.

So what’s in store for 2024? Well I have plans for four more books!

  • A standalone dystopian fantasy. Cover reveal to follow soon! Planned release Spring 2024
  • OblivonGate – Book three of the SoulMist series. On preorder. Planned release date July 1, 2024.
  • Sentinals prequel-Part I. Release date TBC
  • Sentinals Prequel-Part II. Release date TBC

Other goals:

  • I am planning out a new epic fantasy series.
  • Online shop on website – make it easier to buy signed paperback and audio direct from me!
  • Create a Booktok store
  • Develop plan to crack wide sales
  • Audio for Dragonbound

So plenty to keep me busy outside of the day job! 

2024 is a year full of opportunity and a lot more writing. I look forward to sharing the results with you throughout the year. Once again – Thank you for all your support, I hope you stay with me as we continue this amazing journey.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator

Sentinals Across Time receives Readers’ Favorite Five Star Review

For immediate release:

Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Fantasy – Epic book “Sentinals Across Time” by Helen Garraway, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/173993444X.

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

“Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Sentinals Across Time is a work of fiction penned by author Helen Garraway in the epic fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres, and it forms the fourth novel in the Sentinal Series. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience. We find ourselves immersed in the vibrant, ancient world of Remargaren, a realm saturated with magic and filled with high-fantasy adventures. Jerrol, torn between duty and family, becomes stranded across land and time due to a conspiracy involving Lady Leyandrii and the Oath, threatening the Birtolian Empire. As he navigates the unfamiliar landscapes and cultures, Jerrol is faced with the challenge of preventing the impending devastation of the gentle Birtolian people.

Author Helen Garraway has crafted a captivating fantasy experience, immersing me in a richly detailed world filled with intricate characters and a finely woven tapestry of magic and lore. Garraway’s storytelling is tender and emotive in all the right places, allowing the reader to empathize with Jerrol’s predicament and root for the preservation of the Birtolian Empire. I was impressed by the different angles of culture, lore, politics, and social structures, which allowed Jerrol to tackle themes like duty, sacrifice, and the consequences of wielding magic, creating a compelling and immersive read. The pacing was also well crafted to intersperse these explorations with lots of actions and interesting twists, which leaves plenty of space for these poignant moments to shine but keeps us captivated for the next big action shift. Overall, for an intricate and imaginative novel that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, I would highly recommend Sentinals Across Time and the series in general to fantasy readers everywhere.”

You can learn more about Helen Garraway and “Sentinals Across Time” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/sentinals-across-time where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers’ Favorite LLC 
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202 
800-RF-REVIEW 
support@readersfavorite.com
https://readersfavorite.com

You can find the complete Sentinal Series in ebook or on Kindle Unlimited or purchase the print copies from a vendor of choice:

Book One: Sentinals Awaken

Book Two: Sentinals Rising

Book Three: Sentinals Justice

Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery

Boook Four: Sentinals Across Time

Book Five: Sentinals Banished

Book Six: Sentinals Destiny

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator

Collecting the Readers’ Favorite Gold medal for Sentinals Justice!!

Last month, I travelled to Miami, to attend the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards to collect my gold medal, which I won for Sentinals Justice, in the Epic Fantasy category.

Sentinals Justice is the third book in the Sentinals series which is now complete.

Lost guardians. Tensions brewing in the frozen north. Can a goddess-appointed champion prevent a looming war?

Jerrol Haven’s last run-in with evil has left deep scars. Recovering from the torture that damaged him mentally and physically, the guilt-ridden commander searches for the whereabouts of one of his captured allies. But he feels the chance to rescue the awakened sentinal slipping away when his king requests his aid in peace negotiations at a remote and unstable border.

Accompanied by his beloved, Jerrol arrives at his destination only to discover the enemy’s corruption running rife. And after he’s cut down by a shocking betrayal, the skilled soldier’s destiny plunges into bloody chaos.

Can he overcome his failures to forge a desperate victory?

Sentinals Justice is the thrilling third book in the Sentinal epic fantasy series. If you like courageous characters, action-packed suspense, and gritty battles, then you’ll love Helen Garraway’s emotional rollercoaster ride.

SoulBreather, the first book in the SoulMist sereis was a finalist in the Fantasy/Sci Fi category.

The event, held at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon hotel, offered the chance to meet other award winning authors, and to be presented with your award up on stage.

I was fortunate to be joined by my daughter who flew in from Canada to join in the celebrations.

Readers’ Favorite also had a stall at the Miami Book Fair where all the award winninig books were available for purchase. All proceeds went to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

You can find the complete Sentinal Series in ebook or on Kindle Unlimited or purchase the print copies from a vendor of choice:

Book One: Sentinals Awaken

Book Two: Sentinals Rising

Book Three: Sentinals Justice

Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery

Boook Four: Sentinals Across Time

Book Five: Sentinals Banished

Book Six: Sentinals Destiny

If you would like to read an ARC for my future novels, then sign up to my ARC team via the link in my linktr.ee. All I ask is that you leave an honest review on the week of the launch to as many platforms as you can!! (Amazon/Goodreads/Bookbub)

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator

Indie Ink Award Voting now open!!

Voting open for two weeks only from December 15th, 2023.

Books by marginalized authors, self-published books, and books by small presses often get overlooked. The Indie Ink Awards is a unique event that brings together the writing community to celebrate books that have made an impact on us. This is our way of highlighting the future we want to see in books–by uplifting those that shine.

We have two categories: the “Best In” awards and the “Writing The Future We Need” awards. The “Best In” awards should exemplify the chosen category. We are looking for exceptional inclusion and diversity in works nominated for “Writing the Future We Need” awards.

You can vote for one of my books in the following categories which readers nominated my books for. You have one vote per category:

Sentinals Across TimeBest book cover and cover artist, Best friendship, Best mentor character, Best setting, This Book Made Me Hungry/Thirsty
Sentinals AwakenBest book cover and cover artist, Best friendship, Best mentor character, Best setting, This Book Made Me Hungry/Thirsty
Sentinals BanishedBest book cover and cover artist, Best friendship, Best mentor character, Best setting, This Book Made Me Hungry/Thirsty
Sentinals JusticeBest audio narration, Best book cover and cover artist, Best friendship, Best setting, Side Character MVP
Sentinals RecoveryBest book cover and cover artist, Best friendship, Best mentor character, Best setting, Side Character MVP

I hope you vote today! You need an Indie Story Geek account to vote.

Find out how to create an account and vote here.

Once you have an account you may click on the book image to go to the book page to vote.

The ten books from each award with the most votes at the end of the year will move on to the finalist stage, where our reader judges will read and score them from February until August.

You can find the complete Sentinal Series in ebook or on Kindle Unlimited or purchase the print copies from a vendor of choice:

Book One: Sentinals Awaken

Book Two: Sentinals Rising

Book Three: Sentinals Justice

Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery

Boook Four: Sentinals Across Time

Book Five: Sentinals Banished

Book Six: Sentinals Destiny

If you would like to read an ARC for my future novels, then sign up to my ARC team via the link in my linktr.ee. All I ask is that you leave an honest review on the week of the launch to as many platforms as you can!! (Amazon/Goodreads/Bookbub)

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator

Book Review Alert: Whispers of a WorldBreaker by Corey Ratliff

Reviewed: November 8th, 2023
Released: June 12th, 2022
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Format: ebook (KU)

Aric’s job is simple; assist the elves as they moved dragon eggs across the kingdom.

When an orc raid leaves a dragon in peril and her egg vulnerable, the responsibility falls into Aric’s hands to complete the mission. But when the dragon hatches, Aric’s life is thrown into disarray.

Accused of being the world breaker of an old prophecy by the elves, sought after by the ever-growing orc clans as vengeance against the elves, and desired by the human kings and queens for power, Aric will stop at nothing to protect his new dragon. It may be the only thing that can turn the tides of the war.

Can Aric fight fate and save the world, or is he destined by the whispers of a world breaker? Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: A Breaking of Realms by Jasmine Young

Reviewed: November 5th, 2023
Released: October 2nd, 2023
Genre: Epic Fantasy

The Realm-Building Enterprise is open to all. On the continent of Elondria, anyone may become the next legendary dragon rider by building the greatest towns, cities, and even kingdoms.

Skálda Branwright dreams of leaving the Longcold and becoming the first Dragonlord to build an official realm. Only no dragon egg has ever hatched for her.

But when a wild hatchling falls to her from the skies, begging for rescue, she must decide whether to relinquish her dreams and become the worst criminal of all – a rogue rider. One with the potential to restore mankind’s sovereignty from the brutal dominion of elves.

The Realm-Building Enterprise was meant to unite all races, until it became a means for elves to control the continent.

But this is no ordinary dragon. By the time Skálda realizes what she holds in her hands, it is much too late.

She never meant to steal a hatchling. She always meant to build a realm. She never wanted to break the continent.

A Realm-Breaker is coming. Read My Thoughts…

Podcast Alert: Words & Pictures Podcast featuring Helen Garraway

When: October 30th, 2023
Where: Words & Picture Podcast
Episode 66

Join me as I chat with DJ Bowman-Smith on her podcast, Words & Pictures.

We talk all things books and writing, from world building to romance to helping and supporting other authors.

Listen to the podcast here:

or hop on over to the Words & Pictures Podcast on Podbean, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

This is a podcast for all writers and artists who are involved in the book business. Each week, author and artist DJ Bowman-Smith will have a brief chat about her own working week and then introduce a guest to talk about writing and the art authors use to promote their words. It’s about inspiration and business. Aesthetics and exploring the creative mind.

Find Helen Garraway here: Helen Garraway – USA Today Bestselling Fantasy author

Her Amazon page: Amazon.co.uk: Helen Garraway: Books, Biography, Blogs, Audiobooks, Kindle

Her linktree: https://Linktr.ee/HelenGarraway             

And find her in person signing books at Norden Farm Christmas Festval in Maidenhead on December 2nd, 2023. 

Find DJ: www.djbowmansmith.com

Also mentioned: Book Dragon: https://the-bookdragon.com 

Alliance of independent authors: www.allianceindependentauthors.org

Sentinals Destiny is Live!!

Book Six of the Sentinal Series – Final book in the series completing the set!

Release Day: October 11th, 2023

It’s Launch day! Sentinals Destiny is live! I am so excited to share the last installment of the Sentinal series, the sixth book. It seems unreal that in three years I have released a complete Epic Fantasy series! And another beautiful cover from Jeff Brown Graphics.

Sentinals Destiny

Birlerion’s leave of absence is up and it’s time for him to return to work. Before he has time to sit behind his desk, or discover the source of the brooding threat that is hovering over him, he is sent off to Terolia to negotiate with the families for a bride. The succession must be protected and it’s time for Anders to marry.

As he travels through the deserts, he realises that it is the Veil that is hunting him, and it wants his blood. But no one will listen to his concerns about the Veil. The healers believe he is struggling to adjust after his recent traumas. Their arguments are persuasive and overrule saner minds.

Betrayed by those he loves, driven by an oath invoked by the king, and with only Jaredion and Leyarille to protect him, Birlerion goes on the run across Vespiri, Terolia and into the islands of Birtoli, the home of the Oath. If he doesn’t discover a way to stop the Veil from killing him, it will not only be his life that is lost, it will be all of Remargaren that is destroyed.

Book six of the Sentinals Series, Sentinals Destiny, is the final book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

The Complete Sentinal Series:

Book One: Sentinals Awaken

Book Two: Sentinals Rising

Book Three: Sentinals Justice

Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery

Boook Four: Sentinals Across Time

Book Five: Sentinals Banished

Book Six: Sentinals Destiny

If you would like to read an ARC for my future novels, then sign up to my ARC team via the link in my linktr.ee. All I ask is that you leave an honest review on the week of the launch to as many platforms as you can!! (Amazon/Goodreads/Bookbub)