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The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker

  I received an ARC of this book.  I originally noticed it because of it's beautiful cover, which led me to read the description and request the ARC. When Dreams Aren't What You Expect Them To Be The Scarlet Alchemist is a fantasy that is set in a China like world when alchemy is real.  You get a taste of Chinese culture in a fantasy setting.  Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist to help her family beat poverty.  She fights her way up to achieve her dream, only supported by her cousins and a powerless prince, as everyone one else tries to continuously tear her down. Only for reality to come crashing down on her hard.  Without spoiling the story, it's a page turner where you simultanously root for Zilan, want her to save the world, while totally understanding both the good and bad choices she makes to survive.  It's an interesting fantasy that really plays on the readers' emotions as Zilan faces many moral choices that determine who she becomes. I look forward
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The Golden Solution by Anna Mittower

  Philliya's Neighborly Assistance Philliya's shop is once again at risk when a new neighbor brings trouble to her door. Without a moment's hesitation, Philliya investigates with her trust companion to come up with a golden solution that is somewhat legal to help her new friend and keep her customers. It's always enjoyable to see Philliya's thought process as she needs to come up with out of the box solutions for some interesting, and sometimes all too common, problems. Another great magical story that makes you wonder what will happen next. All I know is that I'd like to have Philliya on my side the next time I've got to deal with a creep. Go Philliya! Interested? You can buy it on the author's website and check out more in the series. https://store.annamittower.com/b/aDpSz?fbclid=IwAR1kjJ8EkOnleu4D5yonhvu5_M6PMbdZtYz8paUS6JarPmVsAf85yMWBRKg

The Beastly Perfume by Anna Mittower

"The Beastly Perfume" by Anna Mittower is another fun adventure where Philliya has to once again use her wits to solve a problem, but with a dangerous twist that she has to go out in the field herself to be successful, putting her life in danger. Traveling with her newest companion whom she has yet to name, Philliya gets more of a hands on experience than she bargains for. Even more adventure than the previous books in the story, it still has the problem solving cunning that we have come to expect from our quirky sorceress. As a cosplayer, who wouldn't enjoy Philliya's ever changing style and quirky personality.  As a teacher, these short stories are engaging and fun.  I look forward to reaching more in the series. ' #bookreview #salonofenchantedbeauty #beastlyperfume #annamittower

Orson the Great by Colm McElwain

I received an advance reading copy of this book for review. I'd probably rate it a 4.5, but there are no halfs for reviews.  Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/152594094-orson-the-great Orson the Great by Colm McElwain delves into the history of magic through the life of Orson Whitlock as Orson discovers the world of magic and family tradition.  Without spoiling too much, Orson must hone his skills and become the best magician or the fate of the magic world is at risk.  It’s a lot of pressure for a young man, but he has the support of his family and trusty sidekick Agatha to keep him on the right path as he faces Daxton the Destroyer and conspiracies in the fight for magic. The story is simply written with a good amount of fun details and magical background that will appeal to readers who enjoy young adult fiction.  McElwain brings the magic into Orson the Great without actually spoiling the tricks of the trade and keeping the magic real.  At some points, you can

The Veridian Entanglement by Anna Mittower

The Quirky Sorceress Is Back In An Even More Engaging Story As someone with little free time, it's nice to be able to pick up a story that can be read in a single sitting. After reading the first of Philliya's adventures, I had preordered this story immediately upon completion and it did not disappoint. Whereas the first story had a slower start due to world building, this one gets straight into the action. Philliya is once again in need of money and selling green hair potions to make ends meet. Until a dangerous illness spreads, imitating her potions effects of turning hair green. Without spoiling too much, Philliya must retrace her steps to clear her name, or she will have a much harder time making ends meet. Follow Philliya as she searches for the root of the problem so she can return to making money and stay out of trouble. Lots of action in this quick, hour read with the quirky sorceress. I've already preordered the third book as I'm excited to see what other adven

The Sleepless Beauty by Anna Mittower

Quirky Sorceress Has A Sense of Humor If you have read the previous short stories, you are already aware of Philliya and her unique ways of solving issues that arise, even if they don't have anything to do with her and she owes the person nothing.  What was supposed to be a routine beauty care potion, perhaps with a prank thrown in, turned into a research driven quest to find out why her customer couldn't sleep (don't want to say too much and spoil the story).  Using the resources at hand, or more like her brother's resources, Philliya finds out some fun information that will likely affect her journey to come.  Fun, quick paced story, though not a lot of direct action if that is your thing. I'm excited for the next installment and to see what new adventures await Philliya and those around her. The short story is set up in a way that each story can be a single one shot of mini adventures of Philliya, though there are advantages to reading the stories that come before

The Salon of Enchanted Beauty by Anna Mittower

A quirky fantasy that leaves you wanting more... A friend recommended this short story and I must say, it draws you in. With a quirky sorceress who has a knack for not following the norms of society, you instantly fall in love with Philliya and wonder just how she is going to solve her problems so she can live the life she wants to live. Without spoiling the story, Philliya opens up shop but struggles to get customers. Finally snagging one, she must solve their quite serious problem or her dreams of being a successful shopkeeper is ruined. The main character is the loveable, perky younger sister who is bound to cause her older brother loads of issues in the future. The short story is set up in a way that each story can be a single one shot of mini adventures of Philliya, which is nice for those who don't want a large reading commitment due to lack of time (looking at my infant...). It's a quick ready, around an hour for me, where the sorcery practically comes alive. I've al