Fantasy adventure

Hi,

I hope you’ve had a great week with lots of fantastic reading. I have to admit, I've really enjoyed my latest read, The Astral Library, and have moved onto Hemlock and Silver by T Kingfisher. Which has started with a poisons expert, and a scene that gave me flashbacks to "The Apothecary Diaries" a show that I watched with my eldest last time they came home for a visit. Of course, besides taking poison in their role as poison experts, the characters are very different, so I will tell you how that goes next week.

In writing news, I've separated out my inventor's story from the demon in the library story that I'm calling Mostly Armless for now. I'm hoping to get the short introductory story written quite quickly, it is really for everyone who has enjoyed the Sylvalla Chronicles — so quickly go read it! Before I give you too many spoilers! I will do my best not to, but it's a little tricky with the latest project.

This week:

• Dragon out and about...at home:
• What I'm reading: The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
• Sci Fi and Fantasy promotions
• The cats: Maisie and Herbert

Dragons out and about (at home) — Gorma

Gorma's a dragon from the second age. Small, unobtrusive and undoubtedly a lovely birthday surprise. She's a bit of a conosiour of shiny things, so here she is, sneaking away through the fallen whekī leaves with her crystal ball. No, Gorma, nobody is going to steal that crystal ball, it hasn't been magical since before the second age.

Okay. Fine. Maybe one of the wizard's in the cabinet will. and I'm not sure that some of them aren't evil, so perhaps it was a good call.

WHAT I'm Reading: The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

Yup, I knew I had to read this book - it has a library in it - so thank you for bumping it to the top of my reading list. And it didn't disappoint. The premise is great. Broke person has had their life stolen and has to hide in the Astral Library. She is told to pick a book to hide in. But things are going wrong in the library and the people its been protecting.

It's fun wandering through various novels, most favouritely Sherlock Holmes. And all in exquisite, period appropriate wear, thanks to the main character, Alix Watson's friendship with a social media savvy tailor.

My favourite character is, of course, the librarian. I mean, I don't want to give away why she's so cool. But rest assured, she is.

Amazon

Goodreads

Toussi has spent every day of his life staring out at the vast ocean. He loves his island home, but he is well aware that there is a vast world beyond it. On land and sea the Hollow Wars rage without end. If that weren't enough, some see times of despair as a window of opportunity. By machination or divine luck, the boy will find his destiny intertwined with chaos.

This novella serves as a companion piece for the Pantheon series but stands all on its own. Lovers of fantasy, epic adventure, and hard hitting action will find themselves glued to the page.

Convergence of Elements

Herbert and Maisie

Both of them discovering coats to lie on. The joy of winter!

Aw, Herbert is enjoying staying inside and being warm.

Maisie guarding my computer which is in my backpack.

Happy reading!​
​A.J. Ponder