The Old Dragon's Head by Justin Newland

Book Details:

​Book Title:  The Old Dragon's Head by Justin Newland
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  257 pages
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Supernatural Thriller 
Publisher:  Troubador Publishing Ltd.
Release date:  November 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 +M. Mild sex and cruelty. Mature themes.

Book Description:

The Great Wall of China may be constructed of stone and packed earth, but it is home to a supernatural beast – the Old Dragon. Both wall and dragon protect China’s northern borders from Mongol incursion. Just beyond the fortress of Shanhaiguan, the far eastern end of the wall protrudes into the Bohai Sea – that’s the Old Dragon’s Head.

​Bolin, a young man working on the Old Dragon’s Head, suffers visions of ghosts. The local seer suspects that he has yin-yang eyes and other supernatural gifts. Bolin’s fief lord, the Prince of Yan, rebels against his nephew, the Jianwen Emperor. In the bitter war of succession, the Mongols hold the balance of power. While the victor might win the battle on earth, China’s Dragon Throne can only be earned with a Mandate from Heaven – and the support of the Old Dragon. In every era, a man endowed with the powers of heaven – the Dragon Master – is born. Only he can summon the Old Dragon, providing he possesses the dragon pearl. It’s the year 1402, and neither the Old Dragon, the dragon pearl, nor the Dragon Master, has been seen for twenty years. Bolin’s journey of self-discovery is mirrored by that of old China, as both endeavour to come of age. When Bolin accepts his destiny as the Dragon Master, heaven sends a third coming of age – for humanity itself. But are any of them ready for what is rising in the east?

Buy the Book:
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B&N ~ Waterstones
Chapters ~ Kobo ~ BookBub
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Meet the Author:

JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical fiction and crime, to supernatural thrillers and mystery. His stories deal with the themes of war, religion, and evolution and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe.

Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he found his way to the creative keyboard and conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.

Next came the historical fantasy, The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

His next historical fantasy, The Coronation (Matador, 2019), speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.

His fourth, The Abdication (Matador, 2021), is a supernatural thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.

His work in progress is a two-book series, The Island of Angels, set in Elizabethan England, and is an epic tale of England’s coming of age. The first novel, The Mark of the Salamander, travels with Sir Francis Drake across the wide open seas of discovery from 1577-1580 and is due to be published in September 2023. The second, The Midnight of Eights, culminates in the repulse of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

He regularly gives talks to historical associations and libraries and enjoys giving radio interviews and making podcasts. Born three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

Win a signed copy of THE OLD DRAGON HEAD by Justin Newland (one winner) (INT, ends June 6)

THE OLD DRAGON HEAD Book Tour Giveaway

Clarissa by Jean Jacobsen + Guest Post

Book Details:

Book Title:  Clarissa: A Clean & Wholesome American Historical Romance by Jean Jacobsen
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+) ,  324 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Jean Jacobsen
Release date:   Feb 2020
Content Rating: G: Wholesome

Book Description:

Tragedy brings them together. Will love tear them apart?

New York City, 1832. Clarissa Tanner is carefree and lighthearted until the sudden death of her parents. Forced to pay off family debts or lose her horse farm, she's given one choice: auction off her beloved horses or reluctantly enter 1830s New York Society social season to face the dreaded marriage market.

Nicholas is a man on a mission, searching for his missing brother. Fearing Liam may be the victim of foul play, Nicholas needs to keep a low-profile while conducting his search. He takes a position as a dance instructor, providing refresher lessons to the beautiful but distracted Clarissa.

​Clarissa and Nicholas find a connection through grief and movement as they fight their attraction to one another. Will they give in to their desires and find true love or will family obligations keep them apart?

Buy the Book:
Amazon 
Bookbub

Guest Post by Jean Jacobsen: An Up-and-Coming Voice in Clean, Wholesome 19th-Century Historical Romance

The historical romance genre has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with readers craving stories set in a bygone era. 

With the release of her debut novel, Clarissa, Jacobsen has proven that she is a promising author to watch out for. Her books feature strong heroines and roguish heroes, capturing the essence of the 19th-century setting and its societal norms in page-turning adventure tales.

The series, Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley, starts with Clarissa who popped into Jacobsen’s head and wouldn’t leave her alone until she wrote her story. Dastardly deeds run rampant in this fast-paced story of Clarissa Tanner and Nicholas Granger coming together to make an exciting story.

Clarissa must auction off some of her beloved horses to pay off debts left by her deceased father. Here is a quote as they prepare for the auction and find some horses have become ill.

“So far, we have five horses here with similar symptoms. Are there more from the racetrack?” asked Baines.

Clarissa released a big sigh she didn’t even know she had been holding. “I’m afraid we have at least one more, Ladies Folly.”

“Oh, Baines-why is this happening to us, and now, just before the auction?”

“Coincidences don’t just happen. Someone or something set this attack in motion, and I won’t rest easy until I find the cause. You can count on that, lassie.” 

Jacobsen’s stories are about love, loss, and hope, always with a happy ending.

Meet the Author:

Jean Jacobsen is an award-winning storyteller of Sweet, Historical Romance. Featuring strong female characters, roguish heroes, and 19th Century adventure tales. She pens stories that transcend the heart and always have a happy ending. Because of Jean’s deep passion for history, she includes real events from the time period, making her stories come to life as they transport you to a by-gone era. Join her on the next adventure.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ bookbub ~ goodreads 

Enter the Giveaway:

Win a $25 Starbucks Gift Card courtesy of the author of Clarissa: A Clean & Wholesome American Historical Romance (USA only) (ends Jun 2)

Clarissa by Jean Jacobsen Book Tour Giveaway

Snow Storm by Mike Alger + Author Interview

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  SNOW STORM by Mike Alger
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +) 
Genre:  Mystery / Thriller
Publisher:  Publish America
Release date:   July 2002
Content Rating:  PG - I wavered between G and PG…there’s no explicit language, but there is some mild-violence.

Book Description:

He smiled. “Kidnapping? Naw… you don’t have to worry about that. Oy’m not here to kidnap you. Oy’m here to kill you.”

You ever had one of those days? You know the kind. You wake up one morning, and all of a sudden an internationally feared assassin wants you dead? I hate it when that happens. And what do you do when the forecast for your friendly neighborhood TV weatherman looks like murder?

​KRGX meteorologist Greg O’Brien is having one of those days. He just hopes it’s not his last.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Audible 
Add to Goodreads

Author interview with Mike Alger

“I of course know you as an author… Is that your only job?“

No, my “real“ job is chief meteorologist for KTVN-TV in Reno Nevada. I’ve been doing that for over 35 years now.

“Where did you come up with the idea behind Snow Storm?”

It’s funny, it’s actually based on an experience that I had working for a radio station on the side here in Reno. One day the station decided they didn’t want me anymore, but were very mysterious about the reasons behind it, even to the extent of forbidding any of the employees to talk to me. Having an overactive imagination, I built a novel’s worth of ideas into what was really behind giving me the boot, and Snow Storm was born. 

“So the concept was born out of a real life incident…what about the smuggling and Cartels and the like…did any of that really happen?”

(laughs)… No, I think the meat of the story all pretty well came from the depths of my overactive imagination. Although I did find out that a similar technique was used way back in the prohibition age when commercial radio was in its infancy. So maybe it’s more realistic than I thought.

“So you are a television meteorologist, and the main character is also one. I don’t suppose that was an accident?”

(Laughs again)… No, no accident at all. I figured it would be easier to write about what I know… Plus, TV meteorologists are always getting tangled up with Colombian drug cartels… So I thought it would be more believable that way.

“Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Snow Storm?”

Well, if you are expecting Faulkner, you will probably be sorely disappointed. But I think it’s a very fun read, with characters that I hope you will enjoy, and a plot line that keeps moving. Thanks so much for being willing to tell your audience about Snow Storm. I hope whoever picks it up or listens to it will have as much fun as I did.

Meet the Author:

One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California; Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children.

​
connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~  twitter

Enter the Giveaway:

Win an audiobook copy of SNOW STORM by Mike Alger (3 winners) (USA only) (ends Jun 2)

SNOW STORM AudioBook Tour Giveaway

Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev

Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  446 pages

Genre: Adventure 

Publisher:  North Raven Books 

Release date:  March 27, 2023

Content Rating: PG for romantic elements

English language translation by Stephanie Jaeger 

About the Book: Do you believe in the power of love and ancient magic to overcome the obstacles of the heart and the wilderness?

Dive into an enchanting journey of love, adventure, and mystery set in the captivating wilderness of Canada.

In The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains, Chuck and Lyla find themselves drawn together by their shared love for the Canadian wilderness. However, while Lyla embraces the strength the mountains provide, Chuck returns to his hometown a bitter man, determined to sell his inherited fur-trapper route, and leave once more.

When a lucrative offer from a cunning businessman and a chance encounter with the enigmatic Wahleeah enter the picture, Chuck's plans for a swift exit are thrown into disarray. As the possibility of staying in his hometown starts to feel like an adventure rather than a punishment, Chuck finds himself embroiled in a whirlwind of emotion, danger, and intrigue.

Lyla, appointed by her Native American tribe as the protector of wild horses, faces her own challenges. With a tumultuous relationship and her dreams of transforming the wild horse territory into a protected reserve on the line, a mysterious figure named Lonefeather Jones enters her life, igniting a magical spark within her. But will this newfound magic be enough to overcome the setbacks and jealousy that threaten to tear her world apart?

As secrets are uncovered and lives intertwine, the Willow Ranch residents find themselves facing trials that will test their courage, love, and loyalty. With legends of the First Nations woven into the narrative, this tale of ranch life and the untamed beauty of the Canadian wilderness will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Unravel the mysteries of the Rocky Mountains and immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of The Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains.

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Buy @ Amazon UK / Amazon US

My Review: Shadow Crow of the Rocky Mountains returns to Willow Ranch and the breathtaking wilderness surrounding this place. Lee and Lyla are now settled into their Canadian lives, but I felt for most of this novel that Lyla might have taken on more responsibilities than she could realistically cope with. I was impressed with her desire to protect the wild horses in the valley, especially as one is so strongly linked to her, yet her determination to go it alone often seemed to be her downfall. She's quite an independent character which sometimes works in her favour, but there were other moments when I felt she really needed to take a step back and accept help. I loved the scenes where Lyla was trying so hard not to bite back at Nick's mother too. This ghastly woman was so spiteful and I was amazed Lyla stuck it out for as long as she did.

Chuck's story is the other main focus of Shadow Crow Of The Rocky Mountains and, to be honest, I wasn't as enamoured by this. I felt Mike was too transparent and I could not really understand why Chuck was determined to believe the best of that man, other than it suited what Chuck thought he needed to do. I did get to spend more time in the gorgeous Alberta wilderness through Chuck's adventures though so I enjoyed that!

Meet the Author: Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.

Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.

Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.

Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.

Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ youtube ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway!

Win signed copies of the Willow Ranch Book Series (four books) (USA and Canada only) (ends May 26)

https://gleam.io/uMyCL/willow-ranch-book-series-tour-giveaway

Lyrics For The Loved Ones by Anne Goodwin

I received a review copy of this book from its author.

A Book with a Vegetarian Character

Synopsis: After half a century confined in a psychiatric hospital, Matty has moved to a care home on the Cumbrian coast. Next year, she’ll be a hundred, and she intends to celebrate in style. Yet, before she can make the arrangements, her ‘maid’ goes missing.

Irene, a care assistant, aims to surprise Matty with a birthday visit from the child she gave up for adoption as a young woman. But, when lockdown shuts the care-home doors, all plans are put on hold. 

But Matty won’t be beaten. At least not until the Black Lives Matter protests burst her bubble and buried secrets come to light.

Will she survive to a hundred? Will she see her ‘maid’ again? Will she meet her long-lost child? 

Rooted in injustice, balanced with humour, this is a bittersweet story of reckoning with hidden histories in cloistered times.

Advance praise

‘a smartly constructed, engaging and compassionate story about family, humanity and 'lost loss' ALISON MOORE, Booker prize shortlisted author of The Lighthouse

‘one of the best books I've ever read … a very funny and a hugely emotional read’ ALEX CRAIGIE, author of Someone Close to Home

‘vividly illuminates recent inequalities, with humour and humanity’ CAROLINE LODGE, Bookword

‘I’m reeling from the sheer brilliance of this book’ VERONIKA JORDAN, Bookchatter@Cookiebiscuit

‘the author writes with intelligence, understanding and sensitivity’ ANNIE ELLIOTT, Left on the Shelf Book Blog

‘runs the whole gamut of emotions … one of the most memorable and heart-wrenching protagonists I’ve met’ OLGA NÚŇEZ MIRET, psychiatrist, author and translator

‘a well written, chatty book, with great characters’ EMMABBOOKS

Add @ BookWyrm and Goodreads

Buy @ Amazon UK / Amazon US / Books2Read / Google Play

My Review: I was so happy to be offered a review copy of Lyrics For The Loved Ones, the third of Anne Goodwin's trilogy following the life of Matilda Windsor. In this novel, Matilda is approaching her hundredth birthday, still living within the care system that has, in various incarnations, been her home since she was a young woman, and that she ultimately was unable to live without. I still felt a strong sense of the unfairness of Matty's life in this book, but I also loved seeing her finally able to bloom to a degree as her gift for public recitation is harnessed during the Covid lockdown. 

Care homes are generally closed worlds to those of us not directly connected to them, so being able to witness exactly what the staff and residents had to deal with through the pandemic was really shocking for me. Even though Matty's astute interpretations of what is happening did bring a lightness to the situation, I was grateful to Anne for her sensitive and sympathetic portrayals. Even her language helped to bring readers into the care home itself with, for example, family members being 'Loved Ones'. The Cumbrian setting is also beautifully represented.

Lyrics For The Loved Ones doesn't just focus on Matty however, as several narrators take turns bringing their experiences to the fore. I did occasionally lose track of whose story I was following, but I did like the device of having this chorus of voices each adding their own perspective. It was entertaining for me to try and anticipate, ahead of time, how they would eventually connect to each other. Some are easier to work out than others! Parent-child relationships, when those children have grown to be adults, are an integral theme and the differences I encountered added an interesting depth to the story, especially as I wasn't sure until late in the book, who would turn out to be Matty's lost Loved One.

I think Lyrics For The Loved Ones would work as a standalone read as well as it does as part of the Matilda Windsor trilogy. Matty herself is a lovely character to spend time with and I loved being part of her world.

Meet the Author: Anne Goodwin’s drive to understand what makes people tick led to a career in clinical psychology. That same curiosity now powers her fiction.

Anne writes about the darkness that haunts her and is wary of artificial light. She makes stuff up to tell the truth about adversity, creating characters to care about and stories to make you think. She explores identity, mental health and social justice with compassion, humour and hope. 

An award-winning short-story writer, she has published three novels and a short story collection with small independent press, Inspired Quill. Her debut novel, Sugar and Snails, was shortlisted for the 2016 Polari First Book Prize. Lyrics for the Loved Ones is her fourth novel.

Away from her desk, Anne guides book-loving walkers through the Derbyshire landscape that inspired Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.

Chris Crossed Murder (a Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery) AudioBook

Book Details:

Book Title:  Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 10 hours, 13 minutes
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   Mar 21, 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

Girl On The Run (The Doktor's Daughter) by Nancy McDonald

Book Details:

Book Title:  GIRL ON THE RUN (The Doktor's Daughter) by Nancy McDonald
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  174 pages
Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher:  Iguana Books
Release date:   September, 2021
Content Rating:  G. It's middle grade. No foul language. No sex scenes.

Book Description:

It's 1933 in Berlin. The Nazis have seized power, and for thirteen-year-old Amelie Meyer life is changing in ways she never could have imagined.

​Her new teacher is picking on Jewish students, her friends are starting to shun her for not joining their Aryan youth group and her father is getting remarried. As tensions mount at home and school, Amelie embarks on a perilous journey - with nothing less than her whole future at stake. 

Buy Now:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
 Barnes & Noble ~ IndieBound
Abe Books ~ Books-A-Million
Add to Goodreads

Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains by Natascha Birovljev

 

Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  372 pages

Genre: Adventure 

Publisher:  North Raven Books 

Release date:  March 27, 2023

English language translation by Hilary Whiteley and Anna Fin.

Synopsis: Have you ever felt the call of the wild, beckoning you to a place where the beauty of nature takes your breath away?

Get ready to be swept away by the powerful and heartwarming tale of Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains. This story of love, family, and friendship will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Follow the journey of siblings Lee and Lyla Meyers as they leave their lives in Germany behind and return to their roots in the Canadian Cowboy Country. Nature sets the tone in this breathtaking setting where freedom requires courage, and the magic of love between untamed hearts can be found around every corner.

As Lyla and Lee rediscover their family and their roots on the Willow Ranch, they are welcomed by the stunning Rocky Mountains and the unforgettable horses that roam freely. The beauty of the wilderness is nothing short of magical, but danger lurks around every corner. The siblings are tested in ways they never could have imagined, and their courage is put to the ultimate test.

New love relationships blossom and the bonds of family are renewed, but a dark family secret threatens to tear everything apart. Lyla and Lee are willing to risk everything to save their beloved ranch and the family they have grown to love.

Shadow Horses of the Rocky Mountains is a breathtaking adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. If you believe in the power of love and the strength of family, this book is a must-read. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of the Canadian wilderness and the wild spirits that call it home.

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Buy @ Amazon UK / Amazon US / B&N / Indiebound 

My Review: Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains is set on a Canadian ranch within the beautiful wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. This location gave a wonderful atmosphere to the novel and I loved how Natascha Birovljev incorporated the natural environment into her storytelling. It was almost as if this became a character in its own right. I felt that the Rocky Mountains were very important to the story. It would not have felt the same without this backdrop. 

For the central characters, brother and sister Lee and Lyla, returning to the place that they hadn't seen since childhood - early childhood in Lyla's case - turns out to be a life-changing experience. I got the impression they initially only meant to stay for a few weeks, but I could completely understand why that changed. I don't think I would have wanted to leave either! While the family dynamic is fractured and complicated, the relationships and interactions between the characters are portrayed convincingly. I did wonder at the beginning if a couple of people - Nick, for example, might be too flat over time, but I was mistaken as, once his situation was explained, I could understand his hostility.

I really enjoyed the time I spent on the ranch and within the wider community whilst reading Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains. The novel has a strong message at its heart about overcoming past mistakes and how the truth will always come out eventually. It is also a pleasantly entertaining story with interesting hints of mysticism. I am now looking forward to diving straight into its sequel to find out what happens next.

Meet the Author: Natascha Birovljev is a storyteller at heart and author of the “Willow Ranch” book series.

Growing up in Germany, horses were always part of her life. After getting her Master degree in Religious Studies and German Literature, adventure was calling and she traveled to Alberta. She fell in love with the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains and immigrated from Germany to Canada in 2005.

Here she worked the first years as a guide for horseback vacations, exploring mountain trails and spending the summer months in tent camps in the wilderness.

Inspired by her adventures and connections to ranchers, cowboys and First Nation communities, she started writing her books. Natascha lives on her ranch in Alberta with her horses and dogs.

Her stories show her fascination with the beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness and her love for the people she encounters.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ youtube ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway!

Win signed copies of the Willow Ranch Book Series (four books) (USA and Canada only) (ends May 26)

https://gleam.io/uMyCL/willow-ranch-book-series-tour-giveaway

Magical Elements of the Periodic Table by Sybrina Durant + Guest Post

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically By The Metal Horn Unicorns by Sybrina Durant
Category:  Middle-Grade Non-Fiction (Ages 8-12),  42 pages
Genre:  This is actually both fiction and non-fiction - Non-Fiction Children's Earth Sciences Books (Books) Fiction - in Children's Dragon, Unicorn & Mythical Stories
Publisher:  Sybrina Publishing
Release date:   Feb, 2023
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Are your kids ready for the magic of science? The Metal Horn Unicorn Tribe and their techno-magical unicorn friends from Unimaise are the perfect group to familiarize them with metals and other elements in the Periodic Table. Their theme is No Metal, No Magic...and No Technology.

Alumna starts out this elemental alphabet book by introducing the very necessary metal, Aluminum, on her element page. Dr. Zinko rounds out the alphabet by presenting facts and other fun information about the metal, Zinc, on his. Other members of the Metal Horn Tribe, plus some of their magical elemental friends, will give some great insight into the properties of 23 additional pure metals from the periodic table.

There is one special unicorn in the book whose horn and hooves are an alloy created by combining Copper and Zinc. Cornum, the Brass-Horned unicorn will reveal some interesting things about that metal.

Readers will love learning some magical and sciencey facts with the Metal Horn Unicorn Tribe. A unicorn-themed periodic table, trading cards representing each of the 26 unicorns and their elements plus fun lesson cards and more are also available as printable downloads. Kids will have fun singing along with the No Metal, No Magic song, too. Learn more about all the elements in this book at https://www.sybrina.com/muapt

Buy the Book
Amazon (paperback)
Amazon (kindle)
Barnes and Noble (hardback)

Guest Post by Sybrina Durant: All That Glitters

Most of the elements in the Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically By The Metal Horn Unicorns glitter and shine when light hits them just right. 

An object is shiny because of something called reflection. Reflection occurs when photons of light bounce back at our eyes from the atoms in the object. Many things can be shiny – glass, diamonds, rock and even plastic but metal is the most shiny of all objects. Aluminum, Silver, Copper, Gold, and Mercury have the brightest shine of all metals. Why are they more shiny than glass or plastic? The reason is because metal transmits and conducts electricity. Simply stated, electricity increases the reflection of light even when the object is not exactly electrified. 

Luster is the term for how shiny a particular metal is in its pure state. Luster occurs because electrons on a metal’s surface are excited to high energy levels as it absorbs energy. Once the energy levels become high enough, the electrons begin releasing the energy. Energy is released in the form of light making the metal look shiny.

Just because all metals are shiny, that doesn’t mean they are all equally valuable in price. For instance, the very shiny Rhodium is currently the most expensive metal to purchase. Have you even ever heard of it? It is a member of the Platinides (the platinum family, or the platinum group), that is comprised of six metallic elements; platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium. Along with gold and silver, they are considered the noble or precious metals. All these metals, except for gold, are shiny and white in color.

Gold is currently trading for just under two thousand dollars an ounce. Compare that to about twenty four thousand per ounce for Rhodium. Wow! What a difference.  

Osmium is a metal that stays shiny, even at high temperatures. Jewelers are currently using Osmium crystals that shine like diamonds. Even though it shines so brightly, it is only worth about four hundred dollars an ounce.

Why is one element so much more expensive than another? Simply put the higher the demand, the lower the supply, the higher the price. Rhodium is very rare and currently, it is mostly used in catalytic converters for cars. That’s one of the reasons cars have become so expensive these days. Gold, while rare is not that hard to come by, while Osmium is very rare but used for very few things.

Osmium is pretty cool, though. After all, it’s the metal associated with the unicorn named Osm who stars in one of my previous books, Journey To Osm – The Blue Unicorn’s Tale. He also introduces the element page for the letter Q in the Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically By The Metal Horn Unicorns book.

   

The fantasy-based unicorn characters in this periodic table book encourage kids to engage with their imaginations while learning about chemistry. It will help students develop a deep knowledge about elements of the periodic table. There are fun and educational companion activities available for download to help the students retain the scientific knowledge in the book. These include Unicorn Elemental Trading Cards, a Unicorn Periodic Table Bingo game, and my favorite - Create Your Own Unicorn Elemental. These interactive activities are all great ways to spark curiosity and get kids excited about science!

Meet the Author:

Sybrina Durant is a unicorn author/entrepreneur. In addition to books, she offers unicorn-themed activities, t-shirts, and more. Plus, she has pulled together a collection of nearly all the unicorn books available today from hundreds of authors. They are categorized on her website by Little Kid, Middle Kid, and Teen Unicorn Books.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway!

Win an autographed copy of Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically By The Metal Horn Unicorns by Sybrina Durant plus trading card set for the 26 unicorn elementals (one winner) (USA only) (ends May 19)

Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Spotlight Book Tour Giveaway