Review: Astray Mage (Catenarian Chronicles #2) by TC Marti

 

Astray Mage

Catenarian Chronicles #2

by TC Marti

Published: March 2, 2026

Publisher: Phoenix Rising

Genre: Elemental Magic, Action, Suspense

Blurb:

She thought crossing one spirit brought closure. Now she’s caught in a web that could cost her mind—or her life.

Kaija escaped a haunted semester with her soul intact. Starting fresh at Linna Yliopisto should feel like freedom—new friends, a growing reputation, even a guy who’s actually breathing for once.

But peace doesn't last.

When Kaija stumbles on a secret buried deep within the school’s elite society, everything unravels. The people she trusted? Liars in expensive shoes. The system meant to protect her? Just another tool for control. And if Kaija dares to speak out, she won’t just get silenced—she will get reprogrammed.

Literally.

Forced to choose between staying silent or risking a fate worse than death, Kaija must decide how far she’ll go to expose the truth in a society where the magic is real, and so is the manipulation.

Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

Astray Mage is an excellent addition to the Catenarian Chronicles series crafted by TC Marti. From the very first page, Astray Mage immersed me in its universe. To be truthful, it might have been even earlier than that—more like when I first encountered the initial book in the series, Cursed Mage, or perhaps even before that with the prequel, Deceived Mage.

The characters are truly wonderful individuals who support one another. They consistently have each other's backs, embodying a familial bond. While I enjoyed all the characters, I must confess that Kaija and Lilja stand out as my favorites. I adored how Kaija cared for Lilja, assisting her in ways others might not have. Kaija possesses a generous spirit and immense patience.

The world-building is among the finest I’ve encountered. I could vividly imagine everything I was reading, as if I were part of the narrative. I particularly enjoyed witnessing the students learn to harness and control their magical abilities.

Kaija is visited by a spirit girl who shares a tale and seeks her assistance. Kaija uncovers a secret hidden deep within the school. She must unravel this mystery before it’s too late and others are harmed.

The intrigue and tension kept me glued to each word as I endeavored to uncover what the individuals behind the school were desperate to conceal. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Catenarian Chronicles series to discover what awaits Kaija and her companions.

Don't miss out on grabbing a copy of Astray Mage today for another enchanting magical adventure!

Check out all the books in the Catenarian Chronicles I’ve read.

Deceived Mage, Prequel

Goodreads

Amazon

Cursed Mage #1

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Astray Mage #2

Goodreads

Amazon

Connect with TC Marti

Website ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ BookBub

 

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Teaser + #Giveaway: Just Look at Those Boots by Sherry Roberts @RABTBookTours

Children's Western

Date Published: 02-26-2026

Publisher: Solander Press

A.J. is so excited about his new cowboy boots. He wears them on the first day of the school year. Mom said it was for only one day and then back to his regular boots or sneakers. During recess, A.J. plays in an exciting game of kickball. His boots get very messy during the game.

When he gets home, Jon, the farm hand, see the boots and tells him to clean them up then get into his work boots. Jon tells him to give Lady Star a ride because she’s waited all day for him.

On the ride, A.J. heads to the shallow pond out in one field. While A.J. daydreams, Lady Star sees the pond and decides to get there fast. A.J. loses control of Lady Star and finds himself thrown into the pond. Daydreaming on the ride means A.J. has additional chores when he returns to the barn.

In this second book, Sherry Roberts continues to tell stories inspired by her father’s childhood during the 1930s and 1940s in Northeast Oklahoma. For those who enjoy stores of the American West, as well as history, Just Look At Those Boots, is a must-read. 

Excerpt

“Hi, Benji. Ready for a new school year?” I ask as I sit beside him on the bus. 

“I like summer better.” He shrugs as he lets me know his feelings. It’s the first day, and Benji looks like he just got out of bed. Of course, Benji always looks like he just got out of bed. His hair is going every which way, and his shirt is wrinkled like he slept in it. He probably did. “Why are you late?” 

“Been one of those mornings when everything was going wrong. Sadie made a mess while I was milking her, and I had to change clothes. 

Then Jon saw me daydreaming as I was walking to the bus. Of course, Lady Star was at the rails with him. I had to go over to give her a nose rub. So, yeah, I guess I was daydreaming a bit.” I shrug my shoulders. 

 Benji laughs. “You’re always daydreaming. What was it about this time?” 

“I was thinking about the first day of school. I want it to be a good year. Also, I was looking at my new boots.” 

“Wow, I didn’t notice. Those are great. When did you get them? Won’t they hurt if you wear them all day? You haven’t really worn them in yet.” 

Benji talks like this. He asks questions but forgets to give you time to answer any of them. 

“Benji, stop.” 

Benji takes a breath. I look at my boots again. “I got them on Saturday. I wore them all Saturday and Sunday while working around the farm. 

They don’t hurt. They’re still stiff but it’ll get better. I like wearing them, and Mom said it was okay to wear them today but maybe not every day.”

 

About the Author

 

Sherry Roberts is an award-winning children’s book author. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Louisville. She has written multiple award-winning fiction picture books such as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…A First for Gus, Hello, Can I Bug You?, Gabriel and the Special Memorial Day, What’s Wrong with Barnaby, and The Best Reading Buddy. She also has written two non-fiction award-winning picture books, Sonnet, Sonnet, What’s in Your Bonnet? and A Visit Through the Wetlands. These two were illustrated with her photography. Sherry’s newest picture book, Amica Helps Zoe, was featured in Kirkus e-newsletter June 2025 as Indie Pick and received a Get It: Recommend review.

As a former middle school teacher, Dr. Roberts decided to write her first middle-grade novel (ages 8-13). Her debut novel, The Galaxy According to CeCe, is the first book in a three-book series. It was officially released on February 24, 2024. Book two, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Mysterious Dr. Pruitt, was released August 2024. Book three, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Stars Align, released February 2025.

Sherry’s next venture is a chapter book series (ages 6-8). The first book, Just Call Me Pardner, was released August 1, 2025. The series is about a young boy in the 1930s on a small farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and is inspired by stories of her father’s childhood in the 1930s. Book 2, Just Look at Those Boots, launches in early 2026, with Book 3, Just Don’t Give a Girl a Frog, launching in November 2026.

Dr. Roberts has also written many articles that appear in various academic journals, along with three textbooks. Personal Financial Literacy is in its fourth edition (Pearson). She is an associate professor of Marketing in Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/JustLookatThoseBoots

Amazon

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Cover Reveal: Marked by the Alpha by Sheritta Bitikofer @moonstruckwrite @XpressoTours

Marked by the Alpha
Sheritta Bitikofer
Publication date: June 11th 2026
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

An alpha with a storied legacy. An independent woman rebuilding after grief. Forbidden desire—for only one is human….

After her mother’s death, photographer Erica Barrett, buys a home she and her mother obsessed over during her childhood in the quaintly historical town of Tolstone. Her magnetic next door neighbor intrigues and disturbs her. The sensual pull feels otherworldly.

Wolf shifter Dominic Beaumont never wanted to be the prime alpha of the sanctuary city, Tolstone, but when his father dies, he’s forced to step up as pack leader and prime alpha over all the wolf packs sheltering in his town. Erica’s arrival is dangerous. The attraction is fierce and instant, but duty comes first.

When revelations about Erica’s past and parentage create chaos, and she questions everything she thought she knew about herself, Dominic is her strength. But as tension builds in the pack, and his leadership is challenged, love becomes a risk that could cost him his authority, his people, and everything he’s sworn to protect.

Perfect for readers craving illicit wolf-shifter romance filled with fate, secrets, rebellion and an alpha willing to risk everything for love. 

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

Author Bio:

Sheritta Bitikofer writes paranormal romance with a particular fondness for wolf shifters and witches. Her stories are driven by one guiding belief: love inspires courage. Through fierce romances, unbreakable pack bonds, and the magic of covens and family, her characters fight for the lives—and loves—they deserve. Sheritta lives in northwest Florida, where she drinks far too much coffee and joyfully balances life as a wife and mother while crafting her next heartfelt paranormal love story.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter

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