Perplexity

About the Book

Book: Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book Two)

Author: Chawna Schroeder

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.

Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.

Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently.

As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.

 Review: 

In this book you are entering a world of political intrigue, mystery, and puzzles as Xander and Yosi must each battle things that are bigger than them that are at work. I enjoyed the faith component in the story and Xander and Yosi depending upon the Creator for help and wisdom.

I loved the cover for its beautiful patterns. It drew me ion and complimented the story. 

This is the second book in the trilogy, and I needed to read the first book to understand fully what was going on in the story. I would advise you to read Illuminary before reading this story.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

 

 

 

More from Chawna

Cracking the Cover Code

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it.

We’ve all done it.

We try not to, but the reality is that a book’s cover does influence us. Things pleasing to the eye attract us. Our interest is piqued by the mysterious. Color palettes and designs offer clues about the type of story within. Whether we’re buying online, browsing a bookstore, or selecting our next read from our shelves, the cover often sways our decision.

Thus, covers are designed to draw the interest of those who would most enjoy the story, and Perplexity is no different. So, is this novel for you? Perhaps taking a closer look at cover’s design will answer the question.

The first thing you might notice about Perplexity’s cover is it colors, especially if you’re familiar with Illuminary, which is book one in this series. Whereas Illuminary was bold and vibrant to reflect its India-inspired culture, Perplexity obviously has a much cooler and muted color palette. This reflects the wintry season of this story, both physically and emotionally. The snowflake motif emphasizes this.

This should tell you immediately that if you’re wishing for an upbeat comedy, this isn’t it. You probably need to find a much different cover (and book) than this one. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful read, dealing with slightly heavier topics, Perplexity might be worth a second look.

Now alongside the snowflakes, you might notice a bunch of gears. Those reveal inventions and technology are important to the setting of Perplexity. Gears are also a popular cover motif for books in the steampunk genre. Their subtle use in the design therefore implies a light steampunk element—a world with a Victorian vibe and steam-powered technology.

So are you not a fan of the Victorian era? Do you prefer to read about the real, contemporary world? Perplexity probably shouldn’t be your next read. But if you’re a fan of Jules Verne or fiction that mixes the fantastical with the historical, Perplexity might be your cup of tea.

The third major element of the cover are the odd objects tucked throughout the art work, like a hidden-object picture: An automobile, a pocket watch, a beaded bracelet, an envelope, a carousel horse, a crow, a key. Seven items, which seem completely random and unrelated. Yet they were carefully selected for the cover from a myriad of objects. What does it all mean? Ah, that is the hint of the puzzles the characters must unravel and the mysteries they must solve.

Not a puzzle fan? Hate trying to solve riddles? Then it’s time for you to search elsewhere for a book. But if you love escape rooms, National Treasure, and Amazing Race, your brain might just love unlocking all Perplexity has to offer.

So there. We’ve cracked the code of Perplexity’s cover, a code that tells us of a thoughtful story with a light Victorian/steampunk vibe and puzzles galore. Now it’s time for you decide: Does that sound like a story worth cracking into?

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 21

For the Love of Literature, April 22 (Spotlight)

Book Looks by Lisa, April 22

The Bookish Ledger, April 23 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 25 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 27 (Spotlight)

Guild Master, April 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, April 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30

Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Spotlight)

Vicky Sluiter, May 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/zK7oW/perplexity-celebration-tour-giveaway

There Comes a Midnight Hour

Description: 

Cloaked in the shadows at a midnight masquerade, a killer lies in wait. Dancers waltz to and fro—completely unaware of the danger lurking in their midst.

Paris 1888

Mira Blayse had always dreamed of going to Paris, but she never imagined a murderer would lead her to the City of Light. Reunited with Byron, the two of them delve into the heart of Parisian society, determined to ensure that justice is served, no matter the cost.

Yet, as they uncover the intricate web of deception woven by the Order of Circe and their operatives, Mira finds herself ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With tensions mounting and secrets unraveling on every side, the key to unlocking the truth lies in the identity of one of Circe’s leaders—the enigmatic Number Three. But in a world of false faces and hidden agendas, can Mira uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Review: 

I love the dynamic sleuthing duo of Mira Blayse and Byron Constantine! As the two continue their search for an unstable killer and member of the secret criminal organization, Circe, I was totally a part of their investigation. I loved the search for clues and the people and places they encounter. Pages were turning at a high rate of speed for me. 

Things to love: 

the masquerade ball

the catacombs

danger 

correspondence

continued courtship

plot twists

I highly recommend reading this third book in the series but do so in order. There is a lot of backstory you will need to know in order to follow the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! This is a book that lovers of Sherlock Holmes or historical mysteries will want to add to their collection. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book through BookSirens. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Beyond the Horizon

 

About the Book

Book: Beyond the Horizon

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

She’s desperate to keep her job.
He’s desperate for solitude.
What is God’s plan in this complicated situation?

Ruby Shepherdson has worked hard to secure her job as a reporter for The Horizon Herald. After a costly mistake, Ruby’s unforgiving boss gives her an ultimatum to either interview the handsome and reclusive Jake Lynton—or lose her job. But each time Ruby has attempted to obtain an interview, Mr. Lynton has refused. Why would anyone who has saved the lives of four people deny recognition? And why does she find herself drawn to the man?

Jake Lynton just wants to be left alone. Haunted by the past, he runs from both guilt and God by leaving home and somehow finding himself in Horizon, Idaho. His hopes of living as a recluse are foiled when a pesky, but beautiful reporter insists he allow her to interview him about a good deed gone awry. Despite Jake’s efforts, Ruby Shepherdson persists, soon endearing herself to him while somehow remaining endlessly annoying.

Jake’s story isn’t the only one Ruby seeks to publish. When rumors of ill dealings come to her attention, she sets forth to uncover the truth—truth someone does not want revealed. As danger emerges and an unanticipated enemy determines to keep Ruby silent, will Jake fit the pieces together in time to rescue her? Or will he lose the woman who has found a place in his heart?

My Review:

When Princess Esther is forced to flee her kingdom and seek refuge with her mother’s family, she has to trust God that he’ll protect her. The trip is not without its difficulties and dangers, but thanks to those who help her, she arrives safely. She is befriended by the kind and fiercely loyal, Reia, who not only helps her find her family’s village but also chooses to make the long and arduous trip of returning to the castle.

This Medieval tale reminded me of the Biblical story of Esther, but with a couple of twists. I enjoyed how Taren plays a role in aiding Esther and confronting the dastardly Malon. Esther is going to make a great queen when the time comes having been through trials and hardships. She understands those in need and has lived among the villagers for an extended period of time.

Things to enjoy:

good vs. evil

strong FMC

lovable side characters

Biblical references

canine companion

I enjoyed the plot and look forward to seeing what will happen to Esther. This is a terrific book for teens through adults and one that I recommend reading.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Just Read Tours. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers.

More from Penny

Thank you so much for joining me for the Beyond the Horizon blog tour. I am super excited to share Ruby Shepherdson’s story with you and can’t wait for you to meet newcomer Jake Lynton. Below is an excerpt from the first chapter. Happy reading!

 Horizon, Idaho, 1895

 For a moment, she was the world-famous reporter, Ruby Shepherdson, author of the latest award-winning article.

Ruby closed her eyes and imagined seeing her name below the numerous articles and stories she submitted to Mr. O’Kane, the editor of The Horizon Herald. The editor from the prestigious Boise City Chronicle, who was just happening to visit his mother in Horizon, would peruse the pages of The Horizon Herald and become engrossed in one of Ruby’s engaging articles. He would then invite her to submit a monthly story to his well-read publication.

But alas, such a fanciful dream would have to wait.

Ruby resumed scrubbing one of Papa’s shirts on the washboard. There was no fictional editor from The Boise City Chronicle visiting his mother in Horizon. And until Ruby’s shipment of her Smith Premier typewriter arrived from the R. Altman & Company in St. Louis, Missouri, she would continue to dip her pen in ink and handwrite each and every composition she submitted to the cantankerous man who’d become her boss just one year ago last week.

Not that she minded tending to everyday chores, including laundry on Mondays, for she didn’t. As a matter of fact, Ruby’s highest aspirations were to marry someday and be a wife and mother. But until the Lord saw fit to allow a suitable gent into her life, she would continue on the path of writing.

Ruby hung the shirt on the line and proceeded with washing the next item when she noticed a buggy rounding the curve to their farm. She stood tall and placed her hands on her lower back to stretch the tightness from hunching over the washboard. A closer perusal indicated Wilhelmina, one of Mama’s best friends, was paying them a visit.

Wilhelmina, a permanent smile on her round face, folded Ruby into a hug. “It’s so nice to see you. Your ma and I are planning some new recipe ideas, but first, I was asked to deliver a message.”

It didn’t surprise Ruby that Mama and Wilhelmina would be experimenting with recipes. After the Bible, Mama’s favorite book was Recipes from Augusta’s Kitchen, a book she’d purchased when she and Papa first married. “A message?”

“Yes. Tabitha said to tell you that your special purchase has arrived.”

The air caught in Ruby’s lungs. “My special purchase? It has arrived?”

“That’s what she said.”

Not caring how unladylike it might be, Ruby let out an enthusiastic squeal, threw up her hands in excitement, and danced a little jig.

“Might be that you are thrilled to hear this news,” teased Wilhelmina.

“Oh, yes. Not only thrilled but exhilarated. I’ve waited forever for this momentous occasion.”

Blog Stops

Madi’s Musings, December 10

lakesidelivingsite, December 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Pens Pages & Pulses, December 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Pause for Tales, December 16

Book Looks by Lisa, December 17

Cover Lover Book Review, December 18

She Lives To Read, December 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 21

Mary Hake, December 21

For Him and My Family, December 22

Holly’s Book Corner, December 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54115

Mortal Queens

 

About the Book

Book: Mortal Queens

Author: Victoria McCombs

Genre: YA Fae Fantasy

Release Date: February 6, 2023

They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night…

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first. 

My Review: 

I have never read a fae story before and didn’t know what to expect. Would I like it or not? I am pleased to say that I loved the world and intrigue of the fae world that Thea, a human, finds herself ruling for the next two years. 

The Otherworld of the faes is very different from ours. Thea quickly learns that deception is prized and alliances are key to gaining respect and power. As Thea learns more about this kingdom she is ruling, the wiser she becomes in dealing with her subjects. She discovers that everything is not as it seems and I found myself suspicious of e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. This was an intriguing story with many characters and schemes that I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. 

I received this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Victoria McCombs is the author of YA fantasy books such as The Storyteller’s Daughter and The Royal Rose Chronicles. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and three children. Her days are filled with coffee, reading, golfing, board games, and homeschooling the littles.

 

 

 

 More from Victoria

There are several parties thrown in the fae realm, so today I’ll be sharing a party favorite recipe! I’ve had strangers reach out years after a party to ask for this recipe, and it’s so simple to make!

Cucumber Party Sandwiches

Ingredients:   One French loaf (the thinner, the better. It will be topped with a cucumber.)

1-2 cucumbers

8 oz cream cheese

½ cup mayo

1 package dry Italian dressing

We’d always buy the French loaf in a roll that you bake like crescent rolls, however I’ve struggled to find them recently, so I just buy the premade bread. However you acquire your bread, you’ll want it cooked and sliced into inch thick pieces.

Cut medium-thick slices of cucumber

Combine the cream cheese, mayo, and dry Italian dressing.

Spread the mixture over the bread, then top with cucumber. May garnish with pepper if desired. Done!

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, February 24

Texas Book-aholic, February 25

Wishful Endings, February 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 27

Book Looks by lisa, February 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 29

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 1

Blogging With Carol, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 4

Hannahbandanarama, March 5

Fiction Book Lover, March 6 (Spotlight)

Exploring the Written Word, March 6

Simple Harvest Reads, March 7 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Guild Master, March 8 (Spotlight)

Inspired by Fiction, March 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a259/mortal-queens-celebration-tour-giveaway

Full of Wonder

 

About the Book:

Everything changed because of one crazy girl…

Roofer Marco Mendez always thought there was only one woman for him: his high school crush, Lillian Harrison. But when he receives her wedding announcement in the mail, he must accept his loss and move on. Following his best friend’s advice, he meets Jose’s cousin and asks her to pretend a temporary relationship and attend the wedding as his plus-one. With a charade so simple, nothing could ever go wrong…yet little does he know what a mess he is getting himself into.

Rosalina Torres has zero interest in a relationship at present. She has enough on her plate keeping her growing dog-grooming business running, without the added distraction of a man in her life. Despite that, when her cousin asks her to go on a dinner date with his best friend, she agrees, with the peace of mind nothing will come of it. But when a conversation gets out of control, she finds herself stuck in a most incredulous ruse.

With each fake date, the lie starts to feel a little more like truth. But when the agreement comes to an end, what will it take for Marco and Rosalina to admit their true feelings? How can they overcome the obstacles created by their deception? And in the end, can God take their mess and turn it into something good, eventually filling their hearts with wonder?

My Review: 

This is a really cute fake dating story with Marco Mendez and Rosalina Torres. At first you think they are never going to make it to the three week “dating” period in order to attend the wedding of Marco’s longtime friend and secret crush Lillian. But, something wonderful happens as they get to know each and realize that letting down your guard and trusting can lead to love.

My favorite part of the story was when Marco helped Rosalina with her dreams of owning her own business. Marco was such a sweetheart and showed her how much he cared.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.