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#mcfrankauthor – @tea-books-lover on Tumblr
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I'll have tea with that book, please

@tea-books-lover / tea-books-lover.tumblr.com

Alina, Poland ♥ bookworm ♥ Christian ♥ introvert (ISFJ) ♥ Disnerd ♥ tea lover ♥ happy wife and mommy ♥ owner of 2 cats My main account is tea-books-lover-main.
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Review: ‘Save Me’ by @mcfrankauthor

'Now it's two stories unfolding. My story with Ari and my story with Greece. (...) Two love stories.'

Actually, there's a third love story going on: mine with this book. It’s been five years since I first fell in love with ‘Lose Me’ by M.C. Frank -  the story of Wes and Ari: a British movie star and a half-Greek stunt actress, who meet on a beautiful Greek island while shooting a modern adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Now all the feelings that flooded me while reading LM came back, as I was reading the author’s newest book: ‘Save Me’, which presents Wes’ point of view. It was a delightful experience to get into this young man’s head - and by ‘delightful’ I mean: heartbraking, poignant, making me laugh, cry and fall in love with this character all over again. Wes seems to have everything: money, fame, beauty, he's even nominated for the Academy Award, but it all comes with a price. As they say, money can't buy happiness, and the pain can't be drowned in alcohol. His life starts to change when he meets Ari and saves her life, but it turns out she's not the only one who needs salvation. Obviously I loved this book and this one sentence could sum up my whole review, but there's a couple of things I want to write. First of all, 'Save Me' completes 'Lose Me' perfectly, filling all the blank or blurred spaces. For example, in LM we see that Wes is going through a major transformation, but only from SM we learn what was the whole process like, what caused it, how hard was Wes' inner struggle. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading both of them, because only together they become one beautifully crafted, full story. Secondly, SM is a story about many different kinds of love: the romantic one, the family love and the thirst for it, the Love that transforms people's hearts, but also about falling in love with Greece. Through this book the author draws attention to the problem how her country and its people are seen by the rest of the world.  It's truly heartbreaking to see how one of the greatest nations, whose cultural and scientific achievements still influence the modern world, is being ridiculed and hated by the western culture. I'm ashamed to admit I wasn't aware of the scale of the problem, so I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn. Thirdly, I'm a huge fan of M.C. Frank's writing style and SM was no exception - it was beautifully written. The emotions of the main character felt so real, I believed his every word. Every part of the story: the romance, action, setting, dialogues or inner monologues prove that Frank is an excellent writer. I loved revisiting Wes and Ari's story, meeting them again, getting to know Wes better. I only wish the book was longer, so I could spend more time with them! But what are rereads for, right? ;)

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Review: ‘Frosted’ by M.C. Frank

I like to read books from different genres, for example: YA sci-fi, historical romance, contemporary NA, retellings of classic stories and legends, but I rarely encounter an author who feels comfortable in all of them and creates equally wonderful stories, no matter if they’re set in the past, the future or in our era. Well, M.C. Frank does. Each new book she publishes is an unforgettable adventure, full of emotions, romance, complex and relatable characters, and important matters bigger than them. Her newest novel: ‘Frosted’ is no exception and I adored it from the first sentence to the end of the Author’s note. 

Set in the Regency era, ‘Frosted’ is a story about the ice-cold lady Stella DeWinter, hiding all her secrets (and herself) behind the closed doors of her house, and Captain Timothee Vaughn - a pirate with the face of a Greek god. What these two could possibly have in common? 5 years ago they were engaged, but the wedding never happened. Now Vaughn is about to get married against his will, and he’s in a desperate need of a miracle - that’s when Stella reappears in his life. Is it true what they say, that a line between love and hate is very thin?

First of all, I loved how this novel was constructed. The author throws us right into the centre of events, just before Vaughn’s wedding, and only when we’re dying to know what happened between Stella and Timothee 5 years earlier, she takes us back to show us how these two met and fell in love. And what a lovely story it was! Whenever Frank writes about two people falling in love, it’s always deeply moving and beautifully written. But, as it usually is, they have to go through a lot before they’re allowed to be happy. 

Both Stella and Timothee are loveable characters, perfect in their imperfection, and each of them goes through a major transformation. I’ve become really attached to both of them and reading their story was an emotional journey - I felt their pain, I cried with them, my heart was breaking along with theirs and I wished for nothing more but to see them happy, because they deserved it after all the suffering life has brought them. But don’t worry - it’s not all sad, there are funny bits as well. One time I almost laughed out loud in the bus while reading. And you shouldn’t think that this novel is boring just because it belongs to the historical romance genre - it’s not all ballrooms and high-society events, but it also has its fair share of action, dangers and pirate ships ;)

I’ve always admired M.C. Frank not only for her amazing writing skills and her wit, but also for the natural way she manages to weave into her stories matters that are vital to her, like her faith or her Greek heritage. From this novel I’ve learned about the Greek Revolution, resulting in Greeks winning their independence from the Ottoman Empire, and I’m really grateful for this history lesson. It looks like Greece and Poland have more in common than I thought. 

I could go on and on, but I’ll try to make it short: read it! Especially if you’re a fan of Jane Austen or Bridgerton, and you’re looking for a new heart-wrenching novel to stay in your heart for long. 

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Happy Release Day to ‘Frosted’ by @mcfrankauthor​!

Have you read/watched Bridgerton lately and now you're looking for some new, exciting read, set in Regency era? Search no more, because 'Frosted' is officially out! 

Read the description below: Can two people hate each other more than these two? She has a heart of stone. He is the notorious pirate every lady swoons for. They have vowed never to meet again. Captain Timothée Vaughn Heart: Broken Face: Gorgeous Tone: Acidic Pirate: Yes, he is Marital Status: Forced into an engagement Willing to: Break his own arm to escape his wedding tomorrow. Lady Stella DeWinter: Heart: Frosted Face: Angelic but sad Tone: Silent Secrets: Many, but one in particular. A very dark one indeed. Marital Status: Jilted Captain Vaughn right before their wedding, five years ago. Willing to: Do anything to meet Timothée one last time. Question: Why? (on earth) Meeting place: The Frosted Ball.

What follows: Chaos. Noisy ballrooms. Starry skies. White flurries. Hungry kisses. Haughty stares. Frozen lakes. Shaking breaths. The truth. Finally. Frosted is a heart-wrenching romance about a pirate and an ice-cold lady who seem to have hated each other for years, inspired by winter-themed fairytales like The Snow Queen and The Steadfast Tin Soldier. It is set in a witty, glittering Regency world made up of a little bit of Jane Austen, a little bit of Georgette Heyer, and a lot of a modern heart yearning for romance, passion and a tall gentleman with a smoldering gaze. This is a broken tale of beauty, dark secrets and love lost. Frosted is the new enemies-to-lovers Regency novel that will melt your heart.

I can't wait to read it! Also the cover is absolutely gorgeous 😍😍

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Happy release day to ‘Sleep Robin Hood’ by M.C. Frank!

My review:

‘This is the land of traitors and betrayal. Where fear, hunger and threats reign instead of the king. This is the land of no hope’.

Robin Hood and his not-so-merry companion return in the third installment of The Outlaws series by M.C. Frank. As long as the evil Sheriff rules the land, there’s no peace for them even in their beloved Sherwood forest. There are friends to rescue and enemies to defeat, but who can survive when the long-hidden secrets get revealed?

If I were to describe this book with one word, it would be INTENSE. It’s not very long, but it’s certainly abounding in action: there’s an archery competition, a dramatic escape from the Sheriff’s dungeon, there are sword fights, blood, tears, betrayal, and much more. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, you keep worrying about the characters, wanting to know what happens next, but on the other hand - being scared to read the next chapter.

The intensity doesn’t apply just to adventures Robin, Ru and their friends are going through, but - what I personally loved the most - to their inner struggles as well, to memories haunting their minds, the feelings motivating them, but also holding them back. A big part of the book contains of Robin and Ru’s inner dialogues, which I absolutely don’t mind, because it adds an incredible depth to those characters and makes me love them even more. I love how strong they both are, despite their brokenness, and how they care for the others more than for themselves. They remind me of the verse from 2 Corinthians: ‘We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed’.

I said it many times before, but I’m gonna say it again: M.C. Frank is an amazing writer. The way she writes about emotions moves me deeply and makes me forget the characters she created aren’t real. If you ever wondered if writing can be called art, just read one of her books.

‘Sleep Robin Hood’ is a beautifully written, engaging and moving story about justice, forgiveness, love and betrayal. I can’t wait for the next book from this series to come out, but I already recommend them all wholeheartedly!

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Review: ‘Sleep Robin Hood’ by M.C. Frank

‘This is the land of traitors and betrayal. Where fear, hunger and threats reign instead of the king. This is the land of no hope’.

Robin Hood and his not-so-merry companion return in the third installment of The Outlaws series by M.C. Frank. As long as the evil Sheriff rules the land, there’s no peace for them even in their beloved Sherwood forest. There are friends to rescue and enemies to defeat, but who can survive when the long-hidden secrets get revealed? 

If I were to describe this book with one word, it would be INTENSE. It’s not very long, but it’s certainly abounding in action: there’s an archery competition, a dramatic escape from the Sheriff’s dungeon, there are sword fights, blood, tears, betrayal, and much more. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, you keep worrying about the characters, wanting to know what happens next, but on the other hand - being scared to read the next chapter. 

The intensity doesn’t apply just to adventures Robin, Ru and their friends are going through, but - what I personally loved the most - to their inner struggles as well, to memories haunting their minds, the feelings motivating them, but also holding them back. A big part of the book contains of Robin and Ru’s inner dialogues, which I absolutely don’t mind, because it adds an incredible depth to those characters and makes me love them even more. I love how strong they both are, despite their brokenness, and how they care for the others more than for themselves. They remind me of the verse from 2 Corinthians: ‘We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed’.

I said it many times before, but I’m gonna say it again: M.C. Frank is an amazing writer. The way she writes about emotions moves me deeply and makes me forget the characters she created aren’t real. If you ever wondered if writing can be called art, just read one of her books.

‘Sleep Robin Hood’ is a beautifully written, engaging and moving story about justice, forgiveness, love and betrayal. I can’t wait for the next book from this series to come out, but I already recommend them all wholeheartedly! 

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‘Every Wrong Right’ by M.C. Frank - review

‘Every Wrong Wright’ is the next book from the Outlaws series by @mcfrankauthor​, featuring the world’s most beloved robber - Robin Hood, along with his merry companion, like you’ve never seen them before. The action starts right where the first book: ‘Everything I Do’, ended (though I highly recommend reading the novella ‘Hood’ in between, as it contains important information about Robin’s past, which sheds more light on events presented in EWR) -  the outlaws are on their way to complete an important mission, willingly risking their own lives to help the poor, oppressed by the ruthless Sheriff. Ru has been accepted as on of them, but still no one has a clue what -or who- she's really after. She's running out of time and whatever choice she makes, some wrongs can never be made right. 

If someone asked me to describe this book using just one word, it would be: EMOTIONAL. I’ve loved Robin and Ru since book one, they’re both such complex characters who suffered too much and I wish with all my heart for a happy ending for them, so it was painful to read what they’re going through, but I love it when a book tortures me like this. The POV alternates between those two characters, so we can see what’s going on in their heads and hearts, and let me just tell you - there’s a lot going on! Feelings of guilt, pain and hatred are mixed with love, tenderness, hurtful memories and fear for their loved ones. M.C. Frank has mastered the art of writing about emotions in such a beautiful and believeable way, it's easy to forget those characters aren't real. I was also amazed how she managed to push their relationship forward, even though Robin still doesn't know who Ru really is. I think it was my favourite chapter! 

I said it in my previous two reviews, but I have to say it again - I love how Frank portrayed the whole group of Robin’s companions, how the word ‘friends’ doesn’t even begin to cover their relations. They’re like a family, an extremely close family, which members deeply care for each other, where they always have each others’ backs and would give their life for one another without a second thought. Their conversations, both playful and serious, are some of my favourite parts of this book and the whole series. 

While inner struggles of Robin and Ru play a huge role in EWR, the book is not devoid of action, so if you like medieval-style fight scenes, you won’t be disappointed. The book also shows that not every battle is fought using swords and arrows, but sometimes words can be a powerful weapon, too. 

‘Every Wrong Right’ is truly a great book, which not only breaths new life into the legend of Robin Hood, but also conveys a beautiful message, especially important in those strange times we’re living in. I recommend the whole Outlaws series with all my heart and I’m impatiently waiting for the next book!

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‘Hood’ blog tour!

 I’m happy and honored to participate in a blog tour with @mcfrankauthor​‘s newest book - ‘Hood’. It’s a novella, book 1.5 in The Outlaws series, which retells the story of Robin Hood and his merry companion.

The synopsis

“We are probably going to die today,” said John. “I’m aware,” Robin replied. “But then again, we’re constantly going to die.” “So what you’re saying is,” Alis hissed behind them, “that you’re used to being about to die.” “More or less,” Will Scarlet replied, rare laughter in his voice. “The excitement is gone.”

Meet Robin Hood's band of outlaws. Their story starts with Christmas, a lost love, a hungry town and a robbery.

In this Outlaws novella, Robin Loxley is a tortured young man mourning the loss of his title, his lands and his first love. Tonight, with the help of his close friends, he will get a new name that will live in history, a cat that could care less that Robin happens to be the most brilliant archer in medieval England, and a chance to prove himself by rescuing a lady from a fire.

But this is no ordinary lady...

And that is no ordinary fire...

HOOD is a prequel novella to the beloved bestselling Outlaws series by M.C. Frank.

My review

Have you ever wondered where the alias Robin Hood came from? M.C. Frank has the answer for you, in her ‘Hood’ novella, which belongs to The Outlaws series. The first installment - ‘Everything I Do’, breathed new life into the character of the famous thief and his merry companion, and in ‘Hood’ we get the chance to get to know them a little better. 

This novella takes place a few months before the events in EID, but I think it’s better to read it after, when you’re already familiar with Frank’s versions of those beloved characters. For me it provided a better, deeper experience.

In ‘Hood’ we get to spend one day with Robin and his friends - no ordinary day, but a Christmas Eve. They go on a quest to do what they’re famous for - to help the poor, but the day turns out to be far more eventful than they expected, reminding Robin of painful events from his past. 

Once again I was enchanted by Frank’s beautiful writing, perfectly adjusted to the time period she’s set her story in. But what I loved the most were the interactions between the Robin’s companion - they’re so close they seem to read each other’s minds, and together they work as one body, each part of which has its own role. Their situation is far from perfect, but still they like to laugh and tease each other, like a true family. 

Another part I loved was Robin’s memories about a girl he loved. They're painful, but so beautiful and pure! Whenever M.C. Frank writes a romantic scene, I swoon and my eyes get teary from all the feels! As a believer, I also noticed a few gems in this story that warmed my heart.

'Hood' is a fast-paced, adventure-packed novella about friendship, fighting injustice, lost love, and about a legend being born. Robin Hood truly is a prince of thieves - he managed to steal my heart twice! 

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This are the aesthetics I created for @mcfrankauthor‘s book ‘Everything I Do’ - an amazing reimagining of the Robin Hood story. 

You can read my review HERE.

The author is currently hosting a giveaway - you can win a hardback copy of the aforementioned book! The details can be found in THIS POST.

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Book review: Everything I Do by M.C. Frank

The legend of Robin Hood - the outlaw living in the Sherwood forest with his merry companions, stealing from the rich to feed the poor - is one of the most famous legends in the world. Since his first appearances in medieval ballads, Robin has been the hero of countless tales, plays, books and movies, and to the present day he keeps inspiring authors all over the world. One of those authors is M.C. Frank ( @mcfrankauthor )- she created an unforgettable retelling of his legend, unlike any other I encountered.

Despite his young age, Robin Hood carries a great weight on his shoulders. Deprived of his title and his family estate, burdened with guilt and responsibility for his people, he made the Sherwood Forest his home, along with a small group of outlaws - his friends, his little family he’d do anything for. Each of them would gladly give their life for Robin, but when the danger comes, it’s not any of his companions who saves him, but a strange young boy named Ru. He joins the outlaws’ camp and for the first time ever he starts to feel free. There’s just one problem: the boy isn’t a boy at all, but a female assassin, trained especially to kill Robin. She’s determined to fulfill her task, but when the assassin falls in love with her victim, it takes much more than an opportunity to take away his life.

I've been a fan of M.C. Frank's work for a long time, so I was certain her newest book will be an emotional adventure - and so it was! Once again she created a gripping, unique story, full of raw emotion and unforgettable characters.

If you're familiar with the Robin Hood legend - as I'm sure you are - you'll recognize most of the characters’ names, like Little John, Will Scarlet, Brother Tuck or Maid Marian, but I've never seen them portrayed with such depth and complexity. They all have their tragic backstories we learn about, but honestly each of them deserves to be a hero of their own book - I'd be happy to read them! And probably crying a lot, but mostly happy ;) One of my favourite things about this novel is how a group of such different people became more than friends - a family. Again it proves to be true that bonds formed in times of distress are the strongest.  

The narration alternates between Robin and Ru’s point of view. They’ve both experienced unspeakable cruelty in the past, which left them scarred for life - both physically and mentally, and defined the way they think, feel, and how they see themselves. I think the author did a great job with these characters - even though it was painful to read at times, I loved having an access to their thoughts and emotions, like Robin’s deep care and sacrifice for others while believing he doesn’t deserve to live, or Ru’s internal struggle between her thirst for revenge and feelings she’s not allowed to have.

The characters aren’t only awesome as individuals, but there’s also great dynamics between all of them. They know each other so well (especially Robin and Will), they truly love each other and even when the circumstances are hard, there’s still teasing and laughter between them, and I think it’s beautiful. The relationship between Robin and Ru is a material for another two pages, so let me just tell you: there’s no insta-love in this book, but a delicious, slow-burn romance, the kind that makes you think: “Just kiss already!” and “Don’t kiss, don’t ruin this sweet torture just yet!” at the same time.

I could go on for a long time, so I’ll just shortly sum it up: ‘Everything I Do’ is a captivating, emotional, adventure-packed and beautifully written retelling of Robin Hood’s story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you laugh, cry, sympathize with the characters and wish the second book of the series was already out. Let the most famous robber steal your heart - he surely stole mine!

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

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‘Everything I Do’ by M.C. Frank is coming!

Are you familiar with the name Robin Hood? I bet you all are! M.C. Frank has given him a new life in her newest book: ‘Everything I Do’, coming out on April 17th.

Read the synopsis:

A robber and a princess. A girl disguised as a boy. A medieval reimagining of the legend of Robin Hood packed with adventure, sacrifice and romance. Robin Hood, hidden deep in the Sherwood Forest, is fighting to restore the crown to its rightful king, surrounded by faithful friends, green leaves and clear skies. Burdened with secrets, betrayal and an incredible responsibility, he struggles to stay alive and keep the starving people fed. One day, a boy saves him from the Sheriff’s poisoned arrows. Robin, impressed by the slender youth’s courage and skill, takes the boy with him to the forest. Only, the boy is not a boy. In the castle of Nottingham, a maiden who used to be a princess is forced to obey the wishes of a tyrannical Sheriff. She dons on male clothes and trains to become a fierce assassin, vowing to catch the greatest criminal in the kingdom. But when she saves Robin Hood’s life nearly losing her own, she is rescued by the outlaws. When Robin and the “boy” meet, two worlds collide, resulting in unimaginable danger and intense romance. Who will survive when they learn each other’s secrets? What happens when the assassin falls in love with her victim? Filled with danger, intrigue and slow-burn passion, this is a Robin Hood story unlike any you have ever read before! 

Watch the official book trailer:

Read the interview with Robin himself!

Have you ever wished to ask your favourite book character a few questions? I have, so I did! Check out below what Robin has to say ;)

1. How would you describe yourself in 5 words? Archer, robber, count, brother, friend.

2. What's the most important thing for you? Everything I do is for her.

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Probably dead, the way things are going.

4. What animal would you compare yourself to? A proud stag. Fast, beautiful and smart.

5. What's your biggest motivation? First and foremost, I want to keep my friends alive and safe. But ultimately, what keeps me going is the hope that the King shall return one day soon.

6. If you could turn back time and change one thing about your past, what would it be? So many things, if only you knew... But it's hard for me to talk about my past sins. 

8. What's your biggest dream? My people, safe and fed, ruled by me, living in my own homestead, in my rightful lands.

9. I know you don't have time for such pastimes now, but in general do you prefer books or music?   What are these 'books' you speak of? We only have scrolls of holy documents, and those are kept safely in the monasteries. I enjoy music a lot, especially around the fire in my camp. 

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Happy release day to ‘Salt for Air’!

Today is a very important day: ‘Salt for Air’ by @mcfrankauthor is out! I absolutely loved it and I want to share my review with you!

Have you ever been bullied? Do you know what it means to be lonely? Have you ever used books as an escape from reality? Are you a member of some fandom? Or maybe you just like reading unique, emotional stories that make you turn page after page, even after your bed time? Either way, ‘Salt for Air’ by M.C. Frank is a great choice for you!

For 17-year-old Ellie life is far from being a teenage dream - she’s an orphan, she doesn’t have any friends, she’s constantly bullied by other kids from school. The only things that keep her sane are books and writing her own fanfiction story about mermen and underwater kingdoms. She starts to seriously doubt her sanity though, when a bunch of bullies tries to drown her in a school toilet, but she gets saved by an emerald-eyed merman. And it’s not even the craziest of all the things that are about to happen in her life. Turns out she’s not the only one who needs to be saved…

M.C. Frank is one of my favourite authors of all time, so I was certain I won't be disappointed by her newest book, ‘Salt for Air’. Obviously I was right - it was a delicious adventure from the beginning to the end. I cried, I laughed, and then cried some more, once again admiring Frank’s exquisite writing skills, the world she created and the characters she brought to life.

Ellie, the protagonist, is one of those characters I’d love to be friends with, especially considering how much she needed one. She's a bookworm, she loves fanfiction, she has a Sherlock poster on her wall and she speaks fluent sarcasm - what's not to like? Her difficult life situation and the amount of pain she experienced made me feel so sorry for her and I wish I could just hug her and protect her from all hardships. The entire story is written from Ellie’s point of view and even though it's not everyone's cup of tea, I personally enjoy that kind of narration. I loved being in her head - even though it's a dark and sad place, she also has a great sense of humor and her inner dialogues made me laugh many times.

With Ky, the emerald-eyed boy, I had a more complex relationship. I didn't like him too much at first, he seemed arrogant and selfish, but as he was slowly changing for the better, my attitude towards him was also changing. I think the character development is one of the strongest points in every Frank’s story, and I'm glad SFA was no exception. Ky isn't the only one who's changing as the story continues - Ellie also goes through a major development and learns a lot about herself in the process.

‘Salt for Air’ is the perfect mix of a fantasy and a contemporary book. The main part of the plot is based on Greek myths, so there’s a lot of otherworldly creatures and events, but the author also puts a strong focus on real problems like bullying, dealing with grief and loneliness, and the extremely difficult situation of modern Greece. Speaking of Greece, I love that the story takes place there and the protagonist is a Greek girl, because it seems that the majority of books set in Greece is about Americans coming there on vacation, and there’s nothing about the real, everyday life in this country in them. So I'm glad I could learn a lot while reading ‘Salt for Air’.

M.C. Frank has already proven that she’s not a fan of cliches and she likes to turn things around, so when you’d think there’s an overused trope appearing in the story - boom! - it turns out to be completely different than you expect, and I loved it. It would be hard to pick one favourite thing about SFA, but I know what would definitely make the top 3 - the fact that there's so much more about this book than just a fantasy story about a girl and a merman. But I won't give you any details, I think every reader needs to discover that deeper meaning by themselves.

If I wanted to write everything I'd like to say about ‘Salt for Air’, it would not be a book review, but an essay. Let me just sum it up: it's a captivating, valuable read, evoking a wide range of emotions, and sending out a powerful message. It belongs to the fantasy genre, but it feels so real and relatable at the same time. I highly recommend it and I hope you let M.C. Frank take you for this magical adventure.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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reblogged

The Mermaid Diaries (6) - Character Flaws Tag for Ellie

Doing this tag for Ellie, the nerdy heroine of my Greek mythology mermaid fantasy, Salt for Air

I was tagged by the lovely @rosecorcoranwrites to do the Character Flaws Tag

 Rules: Bold the flaws that apply to your character.

absent-minded | abusive | addict | aggressive | aimless | alcoholic | anxious | arrogant | audacious | bad liar | bigmouth | bigot | blindly obedient | blunt | callous | childish | chronic heroism | clingy | clumsy | cocky | competitive | corrupt | cowardly | cruel | cynical | delinquent | delusional | dependent | depressed | deranged | disloyal | ditzy | egotistical | envious | erratic | fickle | finicky | flaky | frail | fraudulent | guilt complex | gloomy | gluttonous | gossiper | gruff | gullible | hedonistic | humorless | hypochondriac | hypocritical | idealist | idiotic | ignorant | immature | impatient | incompetent | indecisive | insecure | insensitive | lazy | lewd | liar | lustful | manipulative | masochistic | meddlesome | melodramatic | money-loving | moody | naive | nervous | nosy | ornery |  overprotective | overly sensitive | paranoid | passive-aggressive | perfectionist | pessimist | petty | power-hungry | proud | pushover | reckless | reclusive | remorseless | rigorous | sadistic | sarcastic | senile | selfish | self-martyr | shallow | sociopathic | sore loser | spineless | spiteful | spoiled | stubborn | tactless | temperamental | timid | tone-deaf | traitorous | unathletic | ungracious | unlucky | unsophisticated | untrustworthy | vain | withdrawn | workaholic

Tagging: @charvaughn-writes​ @authorjoeypaul @ekinsellaauthor @readcommendations @glorious74​ @justanotherwriteress​ @velutluna​ @sophialikestowrite​ @maxgraybooks​ @friesian-girl​ and anyone else who wants to do it! I can’t wait to read your posts.

Ellie aesthetic, created by @mcfrank_author . Please do not use without credit.

The following isn’t part of the tag, but since the release of Salt for Air is right around the corner, let’s celebrate it by explaining its main character’s faults in detail, shall we?

We shall.

Here is what I bolded on the list above, along with a little explanation of how this applies to Ellie, a seventeen-year-old fanfic writer, who has been bullied most of her life.

Addict –> Have you heard of the song “Addict with a Pen”? Ellie is “addicted” to good books and writing. She is borderline clinically addicted to one or two fandoms as well, but aren’t we all?
Anxious –> Ellie is a very good student, or she used to be before her life fell apart, but she’s suffered from anxiety attacks since the bullies started to attack her viciously in Elementary School. She’s been struggling with anxiety at school a lot, and it’s seeped into the rest of her life.
Bad Liar –> I’m sure Ellie would see that as something to be proud of rather than a flaw. She was raised by the best dad in the world, and he taught her by example how to be a decent human being.
Blunt –> Ah, another “flaw” that Ellie is proud of. She tells it like it is, even if she is incredibly shy. Her inner voice never sugar-coats things, and when she’s given the chance to give her opinion, you’ll get nothing but the truth from her. It won’t be put in the nicest way, but the truth it will be.
Cynical –> She is extremely cynical, but who wouldn’t be, after the life she’s been through? However, she tries to be optimistic and brave.
Delusional –> Ellie believes she is delusional for a good part of the beginning of Salt for Air. I mean, who wouldn’t, when a hot dude claiming to be an exiled mer prince shows up in your bathroom and demands that you help him save his kingdom? Is she though? Well, I can’t tell ya. The book is coming out sooooon though.
Dependent –> She grew up with a single parent, and having few friends, because of the all the bullying she went through, so she was somewhat dependent on him. With her dad being gone now, however, that’s a moot point.
Depressed –> Ellie is not clinically depressed. (I have reserved that questionable honor for the MC of one of my future novels. How exciting.) BUT, she is grieving the loss of her dad and is sad a lot of the time. Well, as sad as you can be when you open your bathroom door and see a guy who looks, smells and feels like the sea. Majestic, gorgeous, and terrifying.
Deranged –> Wouldn’t you feel deranged if you saw a merman in front of you? Ellie does.
Envious –> Ellie is envious of everyone who still has their parents alive and with them. That simple. 
Guilt Complex –> Ever heard of survivor’s guilt? It’s what tortures the relatives of terminally ill patients. She used to wonder why it was her dad who got sick and not her. And even now that she’s accepted that he’s gone (kind of) she still wonders what she did wrong, or what she could have done to keep him here. She knows it’s irrational; it’s the grief talking. But still, it’s there.
Gloomy –> Some nights get really long and lonely. But she’s usually writing furiously on her laptop (about, you guessed it, MERMEN! Fanfiction, no less) to chase the blues away. She’s never one to dwell too much on the morose.
Gluttonous –> She was never gluttonous per se, but she was overweight as a younger kid. It’s one of the main reasons that the bullying started. *sad face*
Gullible –> She has lived a protected life (as every teen should) and hasn’t been exposed to the kind of evil and danger she is going to be in Salt for Air. So yeah, in a sense she is gullible and unaware of the darker corners of this world. However, she is very smart and, for a person who has no one to talk to (at least right now) she… well, I can’t tell you, because SPOILERS.
Idealistic –> I always thought that writers, or most of them, are somewhat idealistic, in the sense that they want to create a world and then put it to rights according to their ideals. Does that make sense? Anyway, I put that into the motivation behind Ellie’s writing. She is powerless to change all the horrible things that have happened in her life, but when she sits at her laptop… the weak win and good triumphs. And isn’t that what we all seek?
Insecure –> She is extremely insecure about herself, due to years and years of being told that she’s “fat” and “gross” and “should just die”. She’ll never let it show, though. Never.
Melodramatic –> Ah, the drama. She is, very melodramatic, even though she keeps accusing Ky of it. But gosh does she enjoy it.
Moody –> She isn’t moody now, but she used to be for a long period of time, due to all the tough times and ups and downs she went through with her dad’s illness. She’s stronger now, and much more stable in her moods, even though she doesn’t realize it.
Naive –> She’s as naive as a normal seventeen-year-old girl. She isn’t clueless. But she is still a teen. She knows things. But other things… not so much.
Perfectionist –> It’s a struggle for a perfectionist to deal with things going horribly wrong in real life, and that’s why she tries to be a straight-A student. Or at least she did, back when it mattered. 
Sarcastic –> THAT IS NOT A FLAW. THAT IS HER GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.
Timid –> She is painfully shy. And guess what? There are few things more conspicuous than walking to school with a merman in two. Just saying. Poor girl, what am I putting you through? *strokes her hair*
Unathletic –> She’s horrible at sports. That, along with being a complete (and proud) nerd, not to mention a whovian, has resulted in major bullying. She doesn’t get picked last. She doesn’t get picked at all. (Which makes the basketball court scene my personal top favorite scene that I’ve ever written in my life.)
Unlucky –> Ummm yeah? And it gets worse.
Unsophisticated –> That’s one of the things I love most about her. She gives zero thought to what she’ll say or how she’ll appear to others. She has about her the sophistication that reading diversely and a lot gives a person (something you can acquire no other way), but she hasn’t reached that point where she will take particular care of the words she picks to use, or how she’ll dress to impress. And when a certain someone tells her she’s effing gorgeous, it’s all her. Until the mirror scene. Someone, please stop me from posting spoilers all over the place. 
Workaholic –>  Most nights, she writes until 6 am and sleeps one or two hours before getting up to go to school. Does that make her a workaholic or an addict? Back to the top of the list again.

S A L T  FOR  A I R  NEWS:  I have been bursting with excitement to share the little mermaid-wannabe girl you see in the photo above, and it’s finally time! . This is Ellie from Salt for Air as a bookmark. Like it? She is wearing a coral dress in grecian style and has golden laurels woven around her hair. (Which isn’t red, but somehow the light makes it look reddish.) . She might or might not be getting ready to promote a new Salt for Air giveaway, once the current one is over on Aug 31st. Would you like to win her? Let me know if you’re interested in winning bookmarks in a future mermaid giveaway!

I LOOOVED reading all those things about Ellie! I think my favourite is: 

“Sarcastic –> THAT IS NOT A FLAW. THAT IS HER GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT.”

Can’t wait to read the book and get to see how all of these flaws, or simply characteristics, are displayed in her story!

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