Review: Desperate World (EMP Aftermath #9) by Grace Hamilton

Desperate World

EMP Aftermath #9

by Grace Hamilton

Published: May 20, 2026

Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic 

 

Blurb:

All they want is a safe haven. They’ll have to fight to get it…

Dr. Laurel Rivera, Bear and their small band of survivors have left their home, fleeing into the wilderness near Lake Superior. With children to protect, they’re forced to make ruthless choices, as they run a gauntlet of desperate survivors willing to kill for vital supplies.

Then Mae collapses.

Pregnant, feverish, and slipping fast, she needs medication Laurel doesn’t have—and can’t make. The only remaining supply belongs to another group: armed, organized, and determined to protect what’s theirs at any cost.

Stealing the medicine could ignite a war they won’t survive. Walking away will condemn Mae and her unborn child to death.

As time runs out and enemies close in, Bear and Laurel must decide how far they’re willing to go to save one life—and how many others they’re willing to damn in the name of survival.

Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

A sorrowful beginning, having everything returned to you in such a manner. It felt akin to awakening from a dreadful disaster and having to relive it all once more. My heart ached for Mae and the struggles she was facing.

Then they were forced to abandon their home, gripped by fear of who or what might be pursuing them. The Rossis are still in pursuit, searching for Laurel, eager to seize their medical supplies and likely anything else they possess.

With the Rossis hot on their heels, Laurel and Bear feel they have no option but to gather the group and flee. They decide to head to an island on Lake Superior, believing it will offer them a safe and isolated existence.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Desperate World, particularly about their preparations for the journey, especially with the children contributing in every way they could. I adore narratives that feature children and families. I could vividly picture the kids on the beach, assisting with the boat repairs. I could almost hear the gentle sound of the waves lapping at the shore.

Then Mae falls ill while pregnant. Laurel suspects she might have gestational diabetes. Concern fills Laurel as they lack the necessary medicine to help Mae. The only way to obtain the required medication is through theft. Acquiring the medicine could ignite a conflict. Laurel and Bear are torn about the best course of action. Should they instigate a war to save one individual, or should they prioritize the welfare of the entire group?

I eagerly anticipate diving deeper into this world, the EMP Aftermath series, or at least I sincerely hope more installments are forthcoming. I am excited to follow the journeys of Laurel, Bear, Kate, Mae, Trent, and the rest to see where their paths lead next.

I wholeheartedly recommend Desperate World to all fans of post-apocalyptic tales. Be sure to grab a copy today!

Check out all the books in the EMP Aftermath Series I’ve read.

Broken World #1

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Chaotic World #2

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Dangerous World #3

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Divided World #4

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Collapsed World #5

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Lawless World #6

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Sabotaged World #7

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Plagued World #8

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Desperate World #9

Goodreads

Amazon

Connect with Grace Hamilton

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

Read More

Book Blitz: Princess and Scruffy by Sean O’Leary @RABTBookTours

Children's Book

Princess, a graceful cardinal, and Scruffy, a lovable silvery-gray squirrel, discover an unlikely friendship in the forest. As the seasons change, Scruffy must face his greatest fear and learn that courage often begins with a friend by your side.

A tender forest friendship story about courage, trust, and overcoming fear.

 

About the Author

Sean O’Leary is a local Utah author whose work spans dystopian thrillers, heartfelt children’s stories, and reflective literary nonfiction. From dark futures to woodland friendships, his writing is driven by imagination, emotional depth, and the belief that every story should leave a mark. Backstory: Nearly four decades ago, what would one day become Princess and Scruffy began not as a children’s book, but as a love letter. When Sean O’Leary was first dating the woman who would become his wife, he put his feelings into story form. In his heart, he saw himself as Scruffy—the hesitant, lovable squirrel learning to climb beyond his fears—and her as Princess, the graceful cardinal who drew him toward courage, wonder, and love. What began as an intimate letter between two people slowly took on the shape of a fairy tale, revised and cherished across the years of their life together. Then, two years ago, with the arrival of his first grandchild, the story found its true home. Sean wanted to leave behind more than a book; he wanted to preserve a living piece of family history—a bedtime story born from the love he felt for the child’s grandmother, now transformed into a legacy for the next generation. Brought vividly to life through the enchanting illustrations of Turkish artist Hatice Bayramoglu, Princess and Scruffy is both a woodland fable and a quiet love story that has endured for 38 years.

Contact Links

Mastodon

Bluesky

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

YouTube

LinkedIn

Purchase Link

Amazon

Read More

Teaser: Audit This! by Anne Kane @AnneKane @RABTBookTours @changelingpress

 

Interracial Romance, Mystery & Suspense

Date Published: May 22, 2026

No matter how you add the numbers, Nick is one hunk of an auditor!

When government tax auditor Nick finds himself obsessed with the work of romance author Khloe Matters, there's only one thing to do. Audit her! But getting a closer look at the author in her own home just makes him switch his obsession from the writing to the writer.

When he accompanies her to a writers' festival, things heat up in a hurry. Neither of them is being entirely honest, and as the weekend progresses so does the hilariously tangled webs of deceit as each of them seeks to further their own agenda.

 

EXCERPT

"What do you mean you're disallowing ninety percent of the expenses I claimed?" Khloe tried not to scream at the smug smile on the auditor's face. Hard to believe her libido had jumped to attention when he'd first showed up at her door. Just went to show how bad a judge of character she was. "You can't do that. They are all legitimate business deductions."

"Really?" The man raised one of those perfect brows. "Care to explain how a trip to Spain qualifies as a business expense? You're a writer. You don't have to leave the house. You don't even have to get dressed."

Khloe gritted her teeth, taking a deep breath to calm herself down before she answered. She knew his name. Nicholas Carver. She just didn't think a government auditor deserved such an impressive name. Calling him a dumb-assed bean counter probably wouldn't help her situation, though.

"Although I have not claimed any clothing expenses, I assure you I do have to get dressed. My neighbours are a conservative bunch. I do have to leave the house occasionally, and I generally make a point of putting some clothes on before I do. That trip was for research." Well, duh, what else would it be? Maybe this guy got all the looks and none of the brains. "My last mystery novel was set in Madrid during the running of the bulls. I needed to be there to get the feel of the place and understand the atmosphere, how the crowd reacted. I wouldn't stay in business long if I didn't pay attention to the little details. Readers can smell a mistake a mile away, and if I lose their trust I'll be working at the grocery store for a fraction of what I make writing."

The auditor snorted. "Quite the drama queen, aren't you? I might accept the research excuse if the tone came through in your work, assuming we're talking about a published manuscript. Do you have a copy of that alleged book?"

The sceptical tone of his voice, not to mention his use of the word "alleged," set Khloe's teeth on edge. How dare he sit there in his perfectly pressed suit and make her justify every item on her tax return? Oh right. He was the almighty tax department auditor! Maybe it would help if she curtseyed or kissed his ring or something.

She smiled sweetly. "Of course." Turning, she ran her fingers along the spines of the books on the shelf. Plucking Bullfighter's Downfall out, she handed it to him. It took quite some effort to keep her smile from turning into a snarl. "I hope you enjoy it. It spent two months on the New York Times Best Sellers list."

He took the book, his brows rising at the cover picturing a couple in a passionate embrace against a backdrop of the famous bull run. Turning the book over, he read the back cover before looking up at her. "Romantic suspense? You're one of those kinds of authors?"

Okay, he might be the big-shot auditor, and he had the ability to make her life, not to mention her finances, a living hell, but he had no right to use that tone of voice when describing the genre she loved.

"Exactly what do you mean by that?" She straightened up to her full five feet five inches and glared down at him. "If you mean one of those authors who can take two characters, introduce them to each other and make them fall passionately and fervently in love while they dodge bullets, murder, mayhem and other nasty plot points, then yes. I'm one of these kinds of authors. And in case you don't believe me, you might want to ask the thousands of readers whose buying habits have put me on the New York Times Best Sellers list time and again."

"No need to get defensive. It's hardly War and Peace but I'm sure it's a very nice story."

It took all of her willpower not to grab the heaviest book on the shelf and smack him over the head with it. War and Peace indeed! "Have you ever tried to read War and Peace?" She took a step forward, gratified at his flinch. "My books are meant to entertain people and take them away from their everyday lives, not bore them to death."

He had the grace to look uncomfortable. "Well, no, I haven't actually read it. I'm more of a John Grisham fan. Lots of war but not much peace."

She felt the tension in her gut relaxing a bit. He wasn't quite the pretentious prig he looked like. Actually, if she took an honest look at him, he resembled the cover models for some of her steamier books.

And that gave her an idea.

 

About the Author

Anne Kane lives in the beautiful Okanagan Valley with a bouncy little rescue dog whose breed defies description, a cantankerous Himalayan cat, and too many fish to count. She spent many years trying to fit in and act normal, but finally gave up the effort. She started writing romance in 2008, and her fate was sealed when she won a publishing contract with Red Sage Publishing and just a month later Changeling Press accepted her first submission. Since then she has published more than thirty stories in a variety of sub-genres, all with a happily ever after.

She has two handsome sons and six adorable grandchildren and enjoys spending time with them whenever she can. Her hobbies, when she’s not playing with the characters in her head, include kayaking, hiking, swimming, playing guitar, singing and of course, reading.

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter (X)

Goodreads

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Pre-Order Today

Read More

Blurb Blitz + #Giveaway: TWINKLE OF DOUBT by Patricia Leavy @PatriciaLeavy @GoddessFish

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Patricia Leavy will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Blurb:

For fans of Colleen Hoover, this inspirational follow-up to Shooting Stars Above continues the love story between internationally best-selling novelist Tess and counterterrorism agent Jack as they both fight to overcome their deepest fears.

Tess Lee is a wildly successful and world-famous novelist whose inspirational books explore our innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Jack Miller is a federal agent who has spent decades working in counterterrorism—a violent world that has left an inevitable residue on his psyche. Two years into their marriage, as Tess and Jack both heal from past trauma, their epic love, fostered by their ability to truly see one another, has brought them profound happiness. When an anonymous threat is made against Tess’s life, however, everything changes. Will they learn to lean on each other, or will they fall apart into the darkness?

In Twinkle of Doubt, the second Celestial Bodies Romance, Tess, Jack, and their chosen family explore the nature of doubt and the struggle to feel worthy of love.

 

Purchase TWINKLE OF DOUBT on Amazon, She Writes Press, Simon & Schuster , and The Celestial Bodies Romances

 

Read an Excerpt

The next morning, Tess and Jack were snuggling in bed. Jack was playing with Tess’s hair and teasing her. “I’m serious. You’d look good in a tiara; maybe you should have gone for that royal.”

“First of all, everyone looks good in a tiara.”

“That’s your first of all?” he said, tickling her mercilessly.

She giggled uncontrollably until he stopped.

“Okay, I should have said, ‘In no particular order.’ But my other points were that royalty is absurd, and that man was dull and uptight. And furthermore, Omar is out of his mind. He wasn’t in love with me.”

“Well, that’s where you lose all credibility. I trust Omar on this one. It’s impossible not to fall for you.”

She slid her hand behind her head, pulled out her pillow, and walloped him in the face.

“You did not just do that,” he said through laughter.

“That’s what you get for saying such silly things,” she said, now lying flat on the bed.

“Hey, I’m just grateful you’d give up a crown and palace for a guy like me,” he said.

“Jack, there are no guys like you. There’s only you.”

He leaned over, caressed her face, and kissed her.

“Give me my pillow,” she said.

“Oh, now you want it back?” he teased, holding it in his hand as far away from her as he could stretch. “You’re gonna have to come and get it.”

She started to crawl over him when his cell phone rang. “Ah, you’re in luck,” he said, handing her the pillow. “It’s Bobby.”

“See if they want to go to the movies with us later,” Tess said, propping herself up against her pillow. “If Gina’s there, we can persuade you two to see a romantic comedy and not one of those killing spree monstrosities.”

Jack laughed and answered the phone. “Hey, Bobby. What are you guys up to later? Save me from a chick flick.”

About the Author:

Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an award-winning, best-selling author. She is also the publisher and CEO of Paper Stars Press. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College. She has published more than fifty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than one hundred book awards. Her novel Shooting Stars Above was featured on People “10 Romance Books to Read After Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry” and was the 2025 Firebird Book Award First Place Winner in Contemporary Novel, Romance, and Summer Beach Read. Patricia has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” In 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established “The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research.” Patricia lives in Maine. In addition to writing, she enjoys art, reading, and travel.

Connect with Patricia Leav

Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ X (Twitter)

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon/BN GC

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Read More

Book Blitz: 101 Laws of Power by John “Doc” Fuller @MeetJohnFuller @RABTBookTours

Prison Lessons. Corporate Power. Street Truth.

 

Self-Help, Motivational, Business

Date Published: April 25, 2026

 

101 Laws of Power is a bold, category-defining leadership manifesto that fuses hard-earned prison survival wisdom, corporate strategy, street psychology, and modern influence into one unforgettable framework for winning in life and business. Written with raw authority and sharp insight, it offers readers 101 practical laws on leverage, respect, discipline, negotiation, reputation, and resilience—positioning the book as The 48 Laws of Power for a new era shaped by authenticity, adversity, and execution.

 

About the Author

 

John "Doc" Fuller is an author, speaker, and strategist whose life story embodies resilience, reinvention, and earned authority. Having overcome profound adversity and transformed hardship into wisdom, he now channels those experiences into powerful lessons on discipline, influence, leadership, and personal growth.

Known for his direct style and real-world perspective, John Doc Fuller bridges the worlds of street intelligence, business strategy, and mindset development—offering readers insight that is both practical and hard-earned. His work challenges people to break mental limitations, build respect, and create leverage in every area of life.

As the author of 101 Laws of Power, John Doc Fuller delivers a modern blueprint for navigating competition, mastering self-discipline, and rising with purpose. His mission is simple: help others turn setbacks into strength and obstacles into opportunity.

 

Contact Links

Website

X

LinkedIn

Instagram

BookBuzz

Purchase Link

Amazon

Read More

Book Blitz: The Old Norse Saga by C. Beskow and E.P.W. Tell @RABTBookTours

Part one: Birds of Ásgarðr

 

Fantasy / Norse Mythology

Date Published: November 13, 2025

A child of man treads the path of Hel. The sun blackens, stars fall into the sea, and as fire licks the life-giving tree, the heavens themselves shall cleave.

Following an ominous prophecy from the world tree herself, rivalling species come together to form a treaty. In order to stop an outbreak of war, they agree to a mutual hostage exchange, sending their most promising children to grow up amongst potential enemies.

An insecure þórr is brought to live amongst the rough giants of Jǫtunheimr, granting Ásgarðr the cunning Loki in his stead, whilst a proud elven empress sends her uncontrollable heir to be hidden away amongst the Vanir gods in exchange for the arguably more valuable twins Freyr and Freyja.

Meanwhile in Miðgarðr, where humanity resides far away from the lives of gods, a young girl's nightly hunting trip is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious divine child.

In an intricate tale where numerous life-strings collide in an interwoven search for family, identity, and purpose, can the smallest of mortal actions alter the destiny of even the greatest of gods?

After a decade long deep-dive into ancient mythology, Viktor Rydberg wrote one of our world's earliest fantasy epics in 1887. Reimagined today by C. Beskow and E.P.W. Tell, his tales of the Old Norse World come to life once more.

 

About the Author

Born in Southern Sweden, not far from where his debut novel Birds of Ásgarðr begins, E.P.W. Tell developed a keen interest in history. His article "The Curmsun Disc: Harald Bluetooth's Golden Bull?" then sparked a fascination for Norse Mythology, leading him into Viktor Rydberg's extensive research on the subject. Thereafter, the Old Norse Saga began taking shape.

Recognising the need for a strong literary partner, Weman Tell initiated a collaboration with C. Beskow, who turned out to be the ideal co-author for the ambitious project. After five years of working together, Birds of Ásgarðr emerged as the first of four books in the Old Norse Saga series.

Weman Tell's professional career is just as notable. He holds a Master's in Economics and a Bachelor of Laws. For ten years, he worked as Chief Financial Officer at Svenska Bio (Swedish Cinema chain) for the legendary manager Peter Fornstam, with whom he continues to maintain a close relation. He's also fond of sports, serving as Strength & Conditioning coach for Swedish fencing and acting as General Secretary of the Swedish Multisport Federation.

His varied experiences, combined with his deep passion for history and Norse Mythology, has shaped the foundation of the Old Norse Saga, granting Birds of Ásgarðr a distinctive new voice in historical fantasy literature.

Growing up in the company of books, C. Beskow spent a large chunk of her childhood roaming the forests in search of adventures, huddling up each night with a bedtime story. As she reached adulthood alongside an ever-growing collection of cluttered notebooks, she decided to turn her extensive imagination into a career worth pursuing.

Fascinated by the visual aspect of storytelling, Beskow was initially drawn to film and television, and hence began her writing journey on the island of Gotland, learning how to write for the screen. In 2016, she started her own company, working on everything from translations and transcriptions to tv-pilots and ghostwrites.

When first approached by E.P.W. Tell, ancient mythology was but a fascinating childhood interest, but as the Old Norse Saga called for a deep dive into the subject, Beskow found herself falling in love with its wild world and intense characters. What more, the extensive research led to some rather intriguing ties to her own family history as C. Beskow does not only have ties to the renowned children's book author Elsa Beskow and the once equally popular author Elisabeth Beskow.

 

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Purchase Link

Amazon

Read More

Cover Reveal: Mack’s Horribly Hellacious Ghost Town by AJ Sherwood @sherwood5792 @XpressoTours

Mack’s Horribly Hellacious Ghost Town
AJ Sherwood
(Mack’s Marvelous Manifestations, #5)
Publication date: June 12th 2026
Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance

Apprentices, and two ghost towns, and almost-demons oh…no.

Mack doesn’t mind the apprentice part of this job; in fact, finding Gwyn is delightful, though he hates she grew up in such a haunted town with parents who don’t believe she’s a Medium.

Mack really hates the old mining ghost town is locked down with weird energy and none of the ghosts can see them, which makes passing them difficult.

Mack especially hates that in Black Rock there’s an almost-demon ghost inciting other ghosts to cause a mob, how is that allowed to be a thing?!

Who you gonna call for help when you’re the experts? Mack wants to know for a friend. (Him. He’s the friend.)

Tags:
Mack has found hell on earth, this was not on his bucket list, Accidental apprentice acquisition, Lachlan is back!, ghost gangs, chaos magician, Seiji is a new bonk bro, wedding, almost demons lurking, too much water and limestone for a medium’s peace of mind, uncharted haunted mines make Lachlan’s day, Eli is her usual scary self, Mack goes Wild West, Brandon can see ghosts here, that’s not a good thing, Brandon gets to have an apprentice too and can’t be happier, ghost pranks, Mack has picked too many battles, he’s putting some back, Ghost-hunting squad–assemble!

Tropes: MM Romance, Multicultural Romance, Ghost Town, Ghost Medium, Age Gap, Apprentices, Wedding, HEA

This is the fifth and final book in the series following a plot crossover with the Jon’s Mysteries Series. While it would be best to read the books listed in the below order, you can read Mack’s Horribly Hellacious Ghost Town without having read “Book 4” with minimal confusion. To read in series order, Book 1 – Brandon’s Very Merry Haunted Christmas, Book 2 – Mack’s Perfectly Ghastly Homecoming, Book 3 – Mack’s Rousing Ghoulish Highland Adventure, Book 4 – Jon & Mack’s Terrifying Tree Troubles, and Book 5 – This title.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

Author Bio:

AJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.

She currently resides in Michigan with aforementioned dogs and cats. Being in snow country gives her the excuse to stay inside and watch bl dramas, which suit her perfectly.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Group / Facebook Page / Instagram / TikTok

—

Read More

Book Blast + #Giveaway: Her Silence by S. T. Ashman @GoddessFish

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. S.T. Ashman will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Blurb: 

Nicole gets the call at 4 a.m. Her daughter Lacey was found in the woods beside her friend's dead husband. He was stabbed forty-four times. Lacey is barely alive. Covered in his blood. And completely mute. 

She hasn't said a word since. Not to the police. Not to her husband. Not even to Nicole. 

Nicole had Lacey at seventeen and swore her daughter would have a good life. Now Lacey is sitting in a cell, and Nicole's three grandchildren are left behind with a father who is losing it. 

But Nicole knows her daughter. She isn't a cold-blooded murderer. Guilt didn't silence her. Fear did. Whatever happened in those woods scared Lacey more than prison. 

So Nicole starts digging. But some secrets don't save people. They destroy them. 

 

Preorder HER SILENCE on Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble

 

Read an Excerpt

"I heard a noise." Dylan's voice came from behind me.

I turned, still holding the bottle. He noticed it before I could hide it.

"What's the date on it?" he asked, unfazed.

It took me a second to catch up. "Oh. Umm. Let me see." I squinted at the label. "The stamp says the bottle is ten years old."

He nodded. "Then it's an old one."

I looked at Dylan in a mix of admiration and sadness.

Admiration for how mature he was. Standing there like that. Calm and composed.

Sadness because that bottle was a reminder of darker times. When Brian's parents died in their sleep from a carbon monoxide leak, it shattered the family. Brian fell into drinking, unable to cope with the loss.

It was Lacey, as always, who held everyone together and helped him through it.

"I'll throw it away," I said.

Dylan nodded again. "I better get back to Ethan and Lila."

He turned and headed back upstairs. I followed on his heels and tossed the bottle into the kitchen trash just as the phone rang.

Brian.

As if he knew we'd just been talking about him.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey, it's me. Did you talk to Lacey?"

"Yes, she called me when she was finishing up her shift to check in on the kids. Is everything all right up there?"

"Yeah … just … just wanted to see how you guys are doing."

His tone wasn't alarming or overly sweet. Just neutral.

"We're good. Let me get the kids on the phone—"

"No, no. I'll talk to them later. Amanda … she needs my help with something."

About the Author:

S. T. Ashman is an American-German author who calls the beautiful U.S. Seacoast home. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she spent years working as a psychotherapist in the criminal justice system. The work gave her a rare window into the human mind, both the beautiful and the deeply shadowed. It's no wonder readers often say her characters feel real enough to step off the page.

When she's not crafting her next twisty tale, you'll find her chasing after her kids, nose-deep in a book, or curled up late at night with a horror movie and a husband who always falls asleep on the couch before the scary parts.

Connect with S.T. Ashman

TikTok ~ Instagrm ~ Facebook ~ Website

Goodreads giveaway

Link to ARC on Netgalley

Giveaway:

$20 Amazon/BN GC

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

Read More

Book Tour: Tilly and The Wisdom Trials by David Tra @critterquestaca @RABTBookTours

Children’s Fantasy Adventure, Educational Fiction / Learning Adventure,

Date Published: February 27, 2026

In this imaginative and heartwarming picture book, Tilly and the Wisdom Trials introduces young readers to a world hidden beneath the prairie - a place where learning is a magical adventure and knowledge is the key to unlocking ancient secrets.

Tilly, a clever and kind-hearted young badger, discovers a mossy wooden gate hidden among vines and roots, setting her on an unexpected path: the legendary Wisdom Trials. With her loyal companions, the Brainy Bunch, she journeys through a series of challenges that test more than just book smarts. From riddle gates and logic tunnels to kindness puzzles and courage quests, each trial demands wit, empathy, and commitment.

Written in lyrical rhyme and brimming with wonder, Tilly and the Wisdom Trials is the first book in the Critter Quest Academy Collection - a series that blends adventure, problem-solving, and joyful learning in an underground world of whimsical crifters. Ideal for fans of The Questioneers and The Tale of Despereaux, this story celebrates curiosity, resilience, and the magic of a mind set on discovery.

 

About the Author

David Tra is a computer scientist, educational game developer, and children’s author who creates story-driven learning experiences that blend games, books, and curiosity. He is the creator of Critter Quest Academy, an interactive educational platform and book series that turns problem-solving into adventure.

David previously developed the educational math games El Mathador and Treasure Math, helping students build confidence through play. He is also the author of The Star of Shanraz, a novel for teen readers. His latest work focuses on the Prairie City Adventures and Critter Quest Academy books, beginning with Tilly and the Wisdom Trials, the featured launch title that introduces young readers to a whimsical underground world where questions, puzzles, and curiosity guide the journey.

Contact Links

Website

"X"

Bluesky

TikTok

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Read More

Book Blitz: Welcome to the Wonderful World of Not Giving a F*uck by Oliver Turner @RABTBookTours

Nonfiction / Self-Help

Publication Date: October 9, 2025

What happens when life strips away everything you thought defined you?

In Welcome to the Wonderful World of Not Giving A Fck*, Oliver Turner delivers a bold, brutally honest, and deeply motivational guide to self-love, spirituality, resilience, and personal empowerment. This Amazon Bestselling book is a fresh and unapologetic take on personal growth for readers who are tired of living for everyone else’s approval.

Blending humor, raw truth, and hard-earned wisdom, Oliver Turner shares the mindset shifts that helped him survive life-threatening health battles, devastating personal loss, emotional isolation, and years of rebuilding from the ground up. Faced with emergency surgery, homelessness, broken relationships, and severe physical injuries, Turner discovered one life-changing truth: sometimes the greatest freedom comes from letting go of fear, guilt, overthinking, and the need to please others.

This concise yet powerful read is packed with real-life insight, motivational encouragement, and practical perspective for anyone struggling with anxiety, burnout, self-doubt, toxic expectations, or feeling stuck in life. Through relatable storytelling and sharp, no-nonsense advice, readers are challenged to stop apologizing for wanting more and start creating a life rooted in confidence, peace, purpose, and financial independence.

Whether you are rebuilding after hardship, searching for personal freedom, or simply ready to stop caring about things that drain your energy, this book serves as a reminder that your life belongs to you — not to the opinions of others.

Perfect for fans of motivational self-help books, mindset transformation, spiritual growth, emotional healing, confidence building, and personal development, Welcome to the Wonderful World of Not Giving A Fck* is an empowering wake-up call for dreamers, overthinkers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to reclaim their voice.

If you are ready to stop surviving and start living boldly, this book is for you.

In This Inspirational Self-Help Book, You’ll Discover:

● How to let go of people-pleasing and fear of judgment

● Powerful lessons in resilience, healing, and self-trust

● A fresh perspective on confidence, spirituality, and personal freedom

● How to protect your peace and focus on what truly matters

● Motivation to rebuild your life after hardship or failure

● Encouragement to pursue purpose, joy, and financial independence

Start your journey toward self-love, empowerment, and unapologetic living today.

 

 

 

About the Author

Oliver Turner is a writer, creative entrepreneur, motivational voice, and the Amazon Bestselling author of Welcome to the Wonderful World of Not Giving A Fck*, a bold and empowering book focused on self-love, spirituality, resilience, and personal growth. Known for his raw honesty, sharp humor, and unapologetic perspective on life, Oliver inspires readers to break free from fear, self-doubt, and the pressure of living according to other people’s expectations.

Drawing from real-life experiences filled with adversity, healing, and transformation, Oliver Turner’s work resonates with readers searching for confidence, emotional freedom, and a renewed sense of purpose. After surviving a life-threatening medical crisis, enduring homelessness, devastating personal loss, severe physical injuries, and years of emotional rebuilding, Oliver turned his pain into purpose by sharing the mindset and spiritual lessons that helped him keep moving forward.

His writing blends motivational storytelling, practical wisdom, spiritual insight, and modern self-empowerment strategies to encourage readers to stop overthinking, trust themselves, and live more authentically. Through his relatable voice and candid approach, Oliver challenges people to reclaim their energy, protect their peace, and pursue lives rooted in confidence, creativity, healing, and financial independence.

Beyond writing, Oliver Turner is involved in creative business ventures, digital platforms, and entertainment projects designed to inspire transformation and authentic living. His mission is simple: help people let go of fear, embrace who they truly are, and move boldly toward the life they deserve.

Whether speaking through his books, creative projects, or personal message of resilience, Oliver Turner continues to connect with audiences looking for motivation, healing, self-discovery, and the courage to finally put themselves first.

Contact Links

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Purchase Links

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Read More