REVIEW - Compendium of Magical Things - pretty gosh darned magical

Date read: 23rd February 2019

My rating: 5*

Genre I reckon: Non-fiction, spiritual guidance

Buy link: Amazon





What a joyful book! I follow Radleigh’s wonderful readings on Instagram, so as I read this fabulous compendium, I could hear his voice in my head. If you don’t know; Radleigh sounds so joyous there’s almost a permanent giggle in his voice.

As to the content; it has a brief outline of many different divination tools which you can use to contact Spirit/Source/God/Divine (Radleigh rather obligingly frees you to choose the name you prefer).

As he points out, it is an introduction into each, as they all would demand a very large book on their own to go into great detail. But there’s sufficient information to give you an insight and a great start.

Radleigh’s humour is apparent throughout, and it’s more a conversation with the author than a dry, boring manual. It really is quite a fun read. I know; I just said that about a non-fiction book; wonders will never cease!

He makes it OK to think about it. I know so many people put off some things such as tarot, as they’ve watched too many movies. But Radleigh’s friendly explanations seek to reassure people a) the connection is divine b) not necessarily religious (particularly in context of meditation).

As a Reiki Master myself, I was having a conversation with a Methodist about my practice. She had difficulty trying to see past the source of the energy I channel. It’s Universal energy, but her beliefs meant she could only see this as claiming to be her version of God, and that somehow made it sacrilegious. And that’s OK; as Radleigh is keen to highlight, we’re all allowed our own views. Trying to keep an open mind enough to explore other options is very exciting though, so I think we both urge you to try.

Now, I’ve explored most of the things discussed in this book already, and am well-acquainted with my chosen ones. However, I still found this compendium useful. I’ve been prompted to revisit some things. For instance, I looked back through my birth chart, which now makes a lot more sense to me. And I looked up my numerology as well – kinda wish I hadn’t read the Name Essence though; tough times ahead, but forewarned is forearmed, and I can now prepare. Baton down the hatches!

So, you’ve seen the cover read the blurb, and some reviews. Should you read this one? You sure should!
Look, you’re obviously curious about things such as angels/tarot/astrology, so what are you waiting for? At least discover what your options are. And Radleigh explains in a way you will understand in his own wonderfully witty way.

Still not sure? See what your pendulum says ;)

Romance Sub Genres

It only just occurred to me I've not addressed the different types of romance on this blog. Shameful, considering I write in several sub-genres of it myself.

I'm glad that the stigma of reading romance is dispersing, but many still think of the Fabio covers of days gone by. And bless Fabio and his long wavy hair and fine chest. But we have diversified since.

Romance is a mahoosive genre, covering many kinds of love. Which is what I love to explore, incidentally; I'm fascinated with how varied love can be.

So, Amazon lists these sub-genres:

Action & Adventure, African American, Anthologies, Clean & Wholesome, Collections & Anthologies, Contemporary, Fantasy, Gothic, Historical Romance, Holidays, Inspirational, LGBT, Medical, Military, Multicultural & Interracial, Mystery & Suspense, New Adult & College, Paranormal, Romantic, Comedy, Science Fiction, Sports, Time Travel, Westerns

And when you click on each of these you can drill down further into sub-sub-categories.

Not only that, but you can filter by 'romantic heroes'. Fancy a book about spies or cowboys? Aristocrats, doctors or pirates?

Or consider the theme. International, amnesia wedding, love triangle and second chances all are included in your menu of options.

Good grief! It's enough to make your head spin.

So, let's explore some ideas...

Contemporary Romance is a rather broad one, and simply put, means it's set in the modern day; the here and now. However, modern includes anything from the 1950s to today. And it can be split into many groups. Fundamentally, you'll find modern issues and an essence of realism here.

Romance Writers of America (RWA) describe Romantic Suspense as “romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.”

Elements of suspense, such as kidnapping, crime or intrigue are included, but the romantic relationship is still the primary focus.

For books with an emotionally and optimistic ending, try heading to Inspirational Romance. Aww, the sub-genre of warm fuzzies. Usually includes some sort of spiritual development. Tends to have less sexual content.

I've pictured Self Love here, but is also fits into Chick Lit, which is usually set in the city where the MC tackles work, love and life balancing. It got a bad name sadly, so it less frequently seen now. Tsk!
And the one it's listed under is actually Romantic Comedy - does as it says on the tin.

Then you have things that go bump in the night reside in Parnaormal Romance. This is no longer the realm of werewolves and vampires, although these remain understandably popular. It can include many fantastical beings, such as angels, demons, pixies, faeries, shapeshifters, ghosts and more.

What you will discover in these pages is world building; you may not be in Kansas, or even Earth any more 😉

Looking for a bodice ripper? Yes, these can be located in Historical Romance. BUT many others are also waiting. For a start, there's a variety of nations to select from. Fancy a bit of Rhett Butler in the USA or Mr Darcy in England? And don't forget India, China, Africa - all the countries.

There are, of course, lots of options to select from. Regency is but one (which I am currently writing, so do look out for that one), and is actually a sub-genre in its own right. But WWII, Medieval, Tudor, Viking, Celtic and Ancient History are also included. So many centuries - basically, anything before 1950.

Erotic Romance - not to be confused with erotica, which is very hardcore. 

Yes, there is sexual content, and raunchy at that. But the development of the character is through that sexuality. There should still be rigorous plot and well-endowed, err... well-developed characters. (sorry, couldn't resist 😁). Actually, my book Dark Love sits in this category, despite me displaying it in Contemporary above. 

LGBT is happily a rapidly expanding sub-genre. As you'd expect, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships occur in these books. I'm listing it as a sub-genre, but technically it is more of a clarifier in any of the above categories. Having said that, Amazon have got it listed as a sub-genre in romance, so yay. 

And no, I have no idea why my images suddenly went 'historical' for the last two sub-genres 😖 I think it's just where my head's at currently. It's hard to live in the now when I'm so immersed in 1814. Not that I need an excuse; they're lovely images. 

Well, that's some of the big ones covered. I could go on all day; this is so much fun. But then I may never stop and you'd get ever so bored.

I hope this is useful and inspires you to take another look at romance books.



What's your favourite?
Tell me in the comments or message me.



Always in love and light,
TL

Psst... should you wish to peruse my own offerings in this genre, please feel free to visit my page on Amazon  or follow the link to your preferred store
~ And my social media links are tabbed along the top of the page.

REVIEW - Four O'Clock Alice - jump into the rabbit hole!

Date read: 12th February 2019

My rating: 4.5*

Genre I reckon: Dark Folklorey Deity 

Buy link: Amazon





Ooh, this is quite different and new. And it's not often I get to say that.
What a joyous find.

It's branded as a Gothic Fantasy, but tbh it's not quite dark enough for me to declare it as such. It's not scary. Perhaps a little chilling in places. It's deceptively sweet, actually. And therein lies the wonder.

A lovely little girl named Alice lives with her parents, enjoying a very nice life...lalala (*skips happily*).
Oh, but you know it doesn't stay that way (*maniacal laugh*).

Why does Alice have to get home by 4 o'clock every day without fail?
Well, there's a very good answer for that.

And then things start to die. Oh dear!? What can be the cause?

There is a secondary story nicely woven between, which was a bit jarring at first, but once I got used to it it all became clear.

I love how I was kept wondering who was good and who was bad for the majority of this book.

It reads like a sort of Tolkien-esque, dark fairytale. Woods galore, and strange beings.
There's hints of Alice in Wonderland, but really only very slightly. Don't think this is a re-telling.

This is apparently a debut novel; a very impressive start. This author shows great promise. Definitely one to watch.