Introduction
Roll up, roll up! Welcome to my spotlight post on Calico Thunder Rides Again by T A Hernandez.
I received this book to read and review as part of the BBNYA (Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award) tours organised by the @The_WriteReads tours team. All opinions are my own, unbiased and honest. BBNYA is an annual competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors. If you are an author and wish to learn more about the 2021 BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website (https://www.bbnya.com/) or our Twitter account, @BBNYA_Official. If you would like to sign-up and enter your book, you can find the BBNYA 2021 AUTHOR SIGN UP FORM HERE. Please make sure to carefully read our terms and conditions before entering.
If you are a book blogger or reviewer, you can apply to be part of BBNYA 2021 by filling out this form (also remember to read the terms and conditions before signing up)! BBNYA is brought to you in association with the Folio Society (If you love beautiful books you NEED to check out their website!) And the book blogger support group TheWriteReads.
Calico Thunder Rides Again My Thoughts
As this is a spotlight post, I am sharing my impression having read only the prologue and 1st chapter of this book. I read completely blind, with no idea of what it’s about or even what genre it is. It opens with a circus performance, presented from the POV of a man who is accompanied by a boy. The circus atmosphere really creates an impression! My own memories of the circus came flooding back as I read the description of the trapeze artists performing above a fire. But this is no ordinary circus! Two griffins and a dragon then come on stage. At this point I’m super excited for the magic!
The man and boy go to introduce themselves to the circus owner and we learn that something nefarious and enchanted is afoot. I’m intrigued by the prologue and launch straight into chapter 1! I don’t want to give any more of the plot away but I’m enjoying it so far. I liked the pace of the story and it was easy to read, I’m curious about the characters and about the dragon Calico Thunder. There’s a glossary at the start which introduces the magical world. I promised to do a spotlight review based upon my first impressions of reading only to the end of Chapter 1. I’ve broken off reading to write this post but I can’t wait to get back to reading… so I will definitely finish this book and likely very quickly!
Calico Thunder Rides Again came 7th in the Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Awards 2020. It is out now in ebook, paperback and hardback (affiliate links):
Cover Blurb for Calico Thunder Rides Again
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the Most Fantastic Show on Earth…
Three years ago, the Ban changed everything, outlawing certain forms of magic and bringing about the rise of powerful crime syndicates. Now, speakeasies in every city sell illegal charms and jinxes, and bootleggers traffic restricted potion ingredients across the country. But even in this changing world, the magic of the circus still acts as a wondrous escape and provides entertainment for all.
Jake Strickland owns one such circus, inherited after an accident ended his career as a rodeo dragon rider. He also inherited the circus’ financial troubles, but since the show became his, he’s slowly managed to turn it into a profitable business once more. Or at least, that’s what he thought.
When a dangerous mobster comes to collect an old debt, Jake resorts to desperate measures to get the money before a strict deadline. With lives and livelihoods at stake, he battles the clock, his responsibilities to the circus, and a longstanding personal grudge that has festered for years. Can he pay back the mob before it’s too late?
If you enjoy fantasy novels, why not check out my review for the brilliant Amari and the Night Brothers.
Great spotlight!