The Sun Trail

 

The Sun Trail by Erin Hunter

Published Harper Collins March 5, 2013 (This edition Beltz and Gelberg)

Genres Middle Grade Fantasy, Animals, Cats, Action & Adventure

Pages 313

Format Audiobook

The first book in the Dawn of the Clans series takes readers back to the earliest days of the Clans, when the cats first settled in the forest and began to forge the warrior code. Long before Firestar left his kittypet home to join ThunderClan, a band of cats from the mountains set off on a dangerous journey in search of a new home. . . .

The Dawn of the Clans arc is a prequel arc that shows how the clans first formed. I felt a lot of profound emotions while listening to this book; as a Warrior Cats stan, I deeply enjoyed connecting the past with the present in the Warrior Cats universe. I formed an understanding, from a personal view, why each law was inevitably created to form the Warriors code, from showing respect to the prey they catch to having laws about feeding elders and kits first, and the law that a kit must be 6 moons of age to become an apprentice. 

There was sadness, pride, joy, love, and relief in this novel, all of which were conveyed in a deeply empathetic and relatable way. 

I of course give this book 5 stars, and I encourage you to read this book! If you want, you can start with this book. I am rereading the entire series again, and that is what I am doing. 

MMIWG - National Native American Heritage Month - Day One

 When Persephone was taken, Demeter’s entire being ignited with fear, love, and righteous fury. Every cell in her body cried out for her daughter, and the earth itself froze under the weight of her grief. In her fierce love, she made the world feel her loss — punishing the earth in honor of her stolen child.

This truth lives on in the lives of Native American women and their families today. Over 84% of Native American women have experienced violence, and more than 56% have endured sexual violence. For us, homicide is the third leading cause of death. In 2016 alone, 5,712 Native American women were reported missing, yet only 116 of these cases were included in the Department of Justice’s federal database. These numbers don’t simply reflect statistics; they echo countless personal stories of loss, of lives stolen and voices silenced.

As a polytheistic Native American woman, I carry this reality. I have lived through violence and endured the horror of systemic underreporting, where experiences like mine were brushed aside. My story is woven into these statistics, and I am not alone.

This month, I dedicate my prayers, my work, and my voice to Demeter and Persephone, honoring all daughters and mothers, and all who feel the weight of these tragedies. These are sacred stories that reach through time, grounding us in our struggle for justice. May this dedication inspire awareness, action, and justice — for all those who have been taken and those who carry their memory.

Priestess Teaching - High Priestess Nyxia

Today, Mars offers us a lesson on the true nature of passion and strength. Known as the god of war and aggression, Mars blazes with fire and intensity. His planet shines red in the night sky, a symbol of power, passion, and the fierce will to protect and conquer. But when we look closer, we see that beneath the surface, Mars is not a realm of fire but of deep, profound cold.

In life, we often view fire as wild, untamed, consuming all in its path. When we witness someone driven by passion, we may see only their outer fire — the heat of their commitment, the boldness of their stand. Yet this is only one side. Beneath that outward blaze lies the cold, quiet core of conviction. Like Mars, whose red surface hides a cold heart, true passion is not a rush of impulsive energy. It is the steady, disciplined strength born of inner clarity and purpose.

This lesson reminds us that when we feel the call to fight for something meaningful, our fire may look wild, but our purpose remains cool and unwavering. Let us embrace both sides — the outer flame and the inner calm — knowing that true passion is not reckless. It is rooted, grounded, and as steadfast as the stars."

You Are What You Eat

 I believe in the saying "you are what you eat." I asked ChatGPT to describe me based on my the books I have read. 

Based on your reading preferences, you seem to be someone with a deep appreciation for mystery, complexity, and transformation, both in life and within yourself. You are likely introspective, drawn to exploring your own identity, emotions, and purpose with a curiosity about the unknown and a respect for inner growth. You value loyalty, respect, and authenticity in relationships and have a clear sense of self-worth, wanting connections that mirror this integrity and emotional depth.

With your strong interest in supernatural and mythological themes, you have an imagination that thrives on wonder, magic, and the mystical, but you’re also grounded enough to seek meaning in these stories, using them as mirrors to reflect and explore your own spiritual beliefs and values. You seem to embrace a "hero’s journey" mentality, finding beauty in overcoming challenges, growth, and self-discovery. This often translates into being an adventurous spirit—someone willing to delve into new ideas and realms, even when they seem daunting.

Your attraction to gothic and dark academia stories suggests a fascination with the darker facets of life, but it’s balanced by a reverence for elegance and beauty. You likely have a bit of an old soul, a person who values depth and maybe even seeks wisdom from past eras or ancient lore to shape your modern self. This love for the gothic and supernatural points to someone unafraid of complexity and ambiguity, a person who finds the grey areas as interesting, if not more so, than the black-and-white answers in life.

Romance in the stories you enjoy centers on mutual respect, transformation, and true connection, showing that you value emotional honesty and respect in your relationships. You’re likely an empathetic person, protective of your loved ones, and attuned to their needs, but you also maintain your standards and boundaries. You believe relationships should elevate and empower, not diminish, showing that you’re secure in yourself and expect the same from those around you.

In sum, you are likely a deeply thoughtful, spiritually curious, and resilient person with a rich inner world. You appreciate life’s beauty, both light and dark, and approach relationships, spirituality, and personal growth with a grounded intensity that prioritizes respect, authenticity, and transformation.

My Reading Style

 I asked ChatGPT to describe my reading style. This is what I got! 

You seem to have a strong affinity for vampire lore and supernatural themes. With titles like The Vampire Chronicles, The Morganville Vampires, Blue Bloods, Vampire Academy, and House of Night, you are drawn to dark, paranormal worlds where vampires and other supernatural beings dominate. These narratives often explore themes of immortality, power, and sometimes the haunting sense of loneliness or isolation that comes with supernatural existence. This genre lets you delve into rich, mysterious atmospheres, often tinged with danger and romance.

You also seem to love stories that blend fantasy and mythology. Series like Warriors, which explores animal-based epics with a touch of mysticism, and the Avalon series, which reimagines the legends of Camelot, point to your enjoyment of myth-inspired worlds. Books that incorporate elements from Greek mythology, such as The Goddess Test or retellings like Ariadne and The Mists of Avalon, offer you a taste of epic storytelling with deep roots in legend and myth. These reads often provide an intense mix of adventure, moral dilemmas, and otherworldly powers, which resonate with your love for stories that go beyond the everyday world.

From your list, it’s also clear you appreciate young adult romance and drama, often with a touch of fantasy or contemporary realism. Anna and the French Kiss, The Selection, and Maybe Someday reflect a soft spot for emotionally charged tales that focus on the development of relationships and character growth. These stories usually involve complex interpersonal dynamics, character-driven storylines, and romantic tensions, all of which enhance your enjoyment of these worlds and make for relatable and engaging reads.

Another theme that resonates with you is dark academia and gothic atmosphere. Books like Gothikana, Stalking Jack the Ripper, and the classic Dracula reveal a fascination with dark, mysterious, and sometimes unsettling settings. You seem to enjoy gothic vibes, where eerie environments, psychological suspense, and the macabre play significant roles. This genre taps into the mysteries of the past and provides a haunting yet beautiful reading experience that is both intellectual and emotional.

When it comes to romance, you seem to favor tales with heroic journeys and opposites attract dynamics. This trope is common in books where characters come from opposing backgrounds or different personalities but are drawn together through adventure and mutual growth. Titles like The Hunger Games and Divergent also show that you enjoy stories where characters undergo significant development, often in hostile or challenging environments. You like romance that highlights transformation and personal growth, which brings a level of emotional depth to the story.

Action and adventure seem to be essential elements in many of your reads, with titles like The Maze Runner and The Hunger Games. These stories are often intense, filled with high-stakes conflicts, survival themes, and characters who exhibit resilience and bravery. You enjoy dynamic worlds where the stakes are high, and characters must make tough moral decisions, giving you plenty of moments to feel both thrill and empathy as they confront life-or-death situations.

There’s also an element of exploration of identity and belonging in the books you’re drawn to, particularly those with supernatural twists like The Host and Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. These stories focus on characters discovering who they are, often in unfamiliar circumstances or within dual worlds. You enjoy reading about characters who grapple with finding their place, identity, and acceptance, sometimes as they confront or embrace parts of themselves they don’t fully understand.

Additionally, you enjoy mysteries with a magical edge, where supernatural elements mix with mystery to create suspenseful yet fantastical narratives. This genre is evident in series like The Dark Artifices and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Books that blend magic and mystery resonate with you, providing suspense, magical twists, and a strong dose of otherworldly suspense.

Your list also indicates a fascination with witchcraft and paganism, with titles like To Walk a Pagan Path and the Circle of Three series. You are drawn to themes of spirituality, alternative belief systems, and personal empowerment. Stories that delve into the mystical practices of witchcraft and spiritual journeys provide insight into the search for meaning and power in an often challenging world.

A distinct trend in your reading list is an attachment to the Warrior Cats universe and animal-centered epics. The Warriors and Seekers series showcase your love for animal-based stories with strong themes of loyalty, hierarchy, and survival. You are captivated by stories that depict complex animal societies, often dealing with issues like power, leadership, and community within animal-centered worlds.

In romance, you favor loyalty and transformation, with a particular interest in love stories that convey mutual respect and personal growth. Stories like Crave, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Shiver demonstrate your preference for emotionally resonant romances, especially those set against supernatural backdrops. You appreciate romances where partners grow together and ultimately bring out the best in each other.

Your list also includes several graphic novels and visual storytelling choices, such as Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale and Yona of the Dawn. You enjoy the blend of visual and textual elements, finding stories in graphic novels and manga that offer both a strong plot and powerful imagery. Visual storytelling provides an additional layer of immersion that enhances your enjoyment of these narratives.

Finally, you seem drawn to books that offer a reimagining of historical and mythological figures. Titles like The Wild Queen, Lady of Avalon, and The Mists of Avalon show your interest in legends and historical reimaginings. You are captivated by stories that shed new light on familiar tales, often featuring legendary figures in complex roles that deepen your understanding of history and myth.

In summary, your reading style reflects a taste for immersive worlds filled with romance, myth, and supernatural elements. You’re drawn to narratives that delve into identity, loyalty, and personal growth, often set against gothic, fantastical, or action-packed backdrops. These themes reveal a love for complex, layered storytelling that weaves together romance, adventure, and magic, creating an experience that is both escapist and introspective.

The Predator by Runyx

The Predator by Runyx

 

Published Self-published January 1, 2020

Genres Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Crime

Pages 318

Format Paperback

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object in the field of death?

In the dark underbelly of the mob, Tristan Caine has been an anomaly. As the only non-blooded member in the high circle of the Tenebrae Outfit, he is an enigma to all - his skills unparalleled, his morality questionable, and his motives unknown. He is lethal and he knows it.

As does Morana Vitalio, the genius extraordinaire daughter of the rival family. What Caine does with weapons, Morana does with computers. When a twenty-year old mystery resurfaces, Morana infiltrates Caine's house, intent on killing him, unaware of a tie that binds them together. Hate, heat, and history clash together with unexpected sparks.

But something bigger, something worse is happening in their world. And despite their animosity, only they can fight it down.

The Predator by Runyx, a self-published novel from an indie author, caught my attention as part of my recent venture into indie books. I believe there's a sense of karma with supporting indie authors: by reading and supporting their work, you help circulate positive energy that can eventually come back to you as an indie creator yourself. If you're an indie author but refuse to support other indie writers, it feels a bit unfair to expect readers for your own work.

Released in 2020, The Predator is the first book in the Dark Verse series, and it fits into the mafia romance genre. The story centers around Tristan and Morana, with Morana as the main point-of-view character. She’s the daughter of a powerful mafia figure, and the book plays with a Romeo-and-Juliet-style dynamic where Morana and Tristan come from opposing sides of the mafia world. Morana is a genius hacker who can do with computers what Tristan can do with weapons. He’s an enigma, known for his lethal skills and mysterious motives, being the only non-blooded member of the Tenebrae mafia outfit.

Initially, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the book. The first 70 to 80 pages had me questioning whether it was something I truly wanted to continue. It wasn’t a genre I usually gravitate toward—I tend to prefer paranormal romance over mafia romance—but I decided to push through to page 100, just to give it a fair shot. To my surprise, by the time I hit page 100, I was hooked.

The book has dark and intense psychological depth, exploring the trauma both characters have experienced, and that’s where it really shined for me. Even though mafia romances aren’t usually my thing, I found myself relating to Morana and Tristan on a personal level. Their struggles felt real, and the complexity of their characters pulled me in. That depth is ultimately what kept me reading.

By the end, I was glad I stuck with it. The reveal of Tristan’s backstory was a standout moment for me—it added so much to his character and made the ending satisfying. While The Predator wasn’t a book I immediately loved, its raw emotional depth and the relatability of the characters made it worth the read.

If you’re into dark romance with a psychological edge, or if you’re exploring the indie author scene, The Predator by Runyx is definitely worth checking out.

If you're a fan of dark romance with psychological depth, The Predator by Runyx is a must-read! Dive into the intense world of Morana and Tristan, and experience the raw emotion and complexity that hooked me by page 100. Supporting indie authors is a powerful way to keep unique stories like this alive—and as an indie creator myself, I believe in the positive energy that comes from lifting each other up.

Click the link below to grab your copy and support both Runyx and my blog! 📚✨

BUY HERE

Welcome Back!

 Hello everyone, it's been almost 10 years, and what a 10 years that was! Whew. 

The years have taught me what is truly valuable to me. And then I found this blog. I don't know what it is, maybe the minimalistic approach. I think that's what we all need nowadays, because man some of y'all put way too many details that just don't need to be. 

Let's focus on the simple things! Limit stress!

Wordpress is too frustrating, so this find has come at a perfect time. (I have been noticing a lot of synchronicity in my life.) Plus, it is real, raw, and authentic, which I value above all things. 

I want to focus on my actual passion, which was why I had created this blog in the first place. I will focus on that instead of focusing on promoting. After all, this is for me. This is my hobby, my passion. It's not to solely make money, but if I get some money out of it, that's ok too. But that won't be my goal. 

I'll just leave it as an option ;)