of blades and thorns

the official blog of author grace a. johnson

Grace A. Johnson

Nov 17, 2022
7 min

the day hath arrived

Bound and Determined… What if we added more? What if we totally ditched what I was going to do, and completely redid everything? I’m liking this idea. Say Xavier did indeed decide to captain another ship. Say Rina is tested to the max. Say we still don’t give up on Keaton. Say we slap in a couple of slave traders, slaves, pirates, naval officers, and temptations. What do you think? I’m liking this. Three years and six months ago, I opened up a document and started typing. I t

126 views36 comments

New Release: After Our Castle by Kellyn Roth

Grace A. Johnson

Oct 20, 2022
3 min

New Release: After Our Castle by Kellyn Roth

Y'ALL. Ivy Knight McAllen's not-so-happily-ever-after is FINALLY HERE! Not that any of us were looking forward to Ivy going through more problems and sadness, but c'est la vie. I would say there are at least a few sweet, calm, fluffy moments in this book, but I had the honor of editing it, and GUYS. My heart did not make it through unscathed. Every chapter just rips it out more. So y'all read at your own risk. about the book And they lived … well, happily ever after. A year i

41 views6 comments

Release Day: The Glass Road by Alyssa Schwarz

Grace A. Johnson

Oct 11, 2022
2 min

Release Day: The Glass Road by Alyssa Schwarz

Happy, happy release day to The Glass Road, a contemporary Christian romance by Alyssa Schwarz! I've read some lovely reviews for her first book in the Prescott Family Romance, and I can't wait to give her series a try! about the book Austin Wright had bigger dreams than to inherit his grandfather’s old property, but with the help of his nephew and a few volunteers, he decides to reopen the idyllic summer camp of his youth. Following her accident at the first triathlon of the

29 views11 comments

Coming Soon: Dragonbreath and Prejudice by Erica Richardson

Grace A. Johnson

Oct 5, 2022
3 min

Coming Soon: Dragonbreath and Prejudice by Erica Richardson

Pride and Prejudice and...Dragons? Forget zombies, folks. Erica Richardson, author of the Peregrine series and The Cottonwood Chronicles, is releasing a YA fantasy retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but the twist this time is dragons! about the book Elablaze Blairwane would much rather scrub scum from dragon scales than learn to dance at a great feast. As the caretaker of her family's prized dragons, Ela has her head in the clouds and her hands on the scrub brush, which she us

79 views26 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Oct 4, 2022
5 min

Author Interview: Lillian E.

That's right, folks! Another fantastic young author is making her debut! Meet Lillian E, author of A Thousand Stars! Her debut novel is a historical-esque middle-grade fantasy adventure following a young girl by the name of Hopeful! Wanna learn more about her and her upcoming release? Just keep on reading! our interview What first inspired you to write? I’ve always loved to write since I was little. Telling stories, and then writing down little tidbits; it's always been super

211 views10 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 30, 2022
2 min

New Release: Iron by Madisyn Carlin

Happy, happy release day to this intense and exciting Christian fantasy Cinderella-retelling...IRON by Madisyn Carlin! I'm so excited to share all about Madisyn's latest release + the epic giveaway going on! (*coughs* I totally double-booked again, y'all.) about the book Enforcing justice comes with a price. Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s effo

52 views8 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 30, 2022
2 min

New Release & Giveaway: Judgement Call by E.B. Roshan

I'm pleased to share with y'all not only romantic dystopian suspense author E.B. Roshan's latest release in her Shards of Sevia series...but ALSO an epic EXCLUSIVE giveaway just for y'all! Let's not waste any time diving right in! about the book Kiva is handsome, generous, and very much in love with recently-widowed Preen Enda. But the thought of becoming his wife fills her with dread—especially when men from her past—men who know too much—begin appearing in her peaceful town

53 views11 comments

Author Interview: Marisa, Jaiden, & Kaytlin Phillips

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 16, 2022
7 min

Author Interview: Marisa, Jaiden, & Kaytlin Phillips

These sisters three are three of the loveliest, most talented people you'll ever meet! Rissy, Jaidie, and Kayti Phillips have quickly become sweet friends and amazing authors, and I am SO excited to introduce y'all! Our interview (my first time interviewing a group, so I got to use y'all in every question...y'all know I enjoyed that *winks*) is not only interesting, it's also so uplifting! I know y'all will enjoy! And stick around to learn more about their new book, Unfortuna

91 views18 comments

Coming Soon: Identity by Annabelle Batie

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 14, 2022
2 min

Coming Soon: Identity by Annabelle Batie

No, Identity is not a boring self-help nonfiction book to guide you to your "true self"... It's an epic Christian YA fantasy romance all about (you'll never guess)...MERMAIDS!!! Augh, I dunno about y'all, but I adore mermaids, and I know we're all gonna adore this intriguing short novel by young author Annabelle Batie! about the book Maria Brooks is just a plain orphan girl with a mysterious past. On the day of Maria’s sixteenth birthday, everything seems normal. From being r

69 views21 comments

Coming Soon: Dìlseachd – A Stolen Crown by Cheyenne van Langevelde

Grace A. Johnson

Jul 29, 2022
2 min

Coming Soon: Dìlseachd – A Stolen Crown by Cheyenne van Langevelde

Y'allllllll. This absolutely amazing author is quickly climbing to the top of my list...Cheyenne van Langevelde is writing the stories I've always wanted to read - exploring old worlds and ancient times in a new way - and I cannot wait to dive into her upcoming release, Dìlseachd – A Stolen Crown! Wondering why? Just keep on reading! I know that blurb will pull you right in, just like it did me! about the book A TIME OF DARKNESS Six years since the Danes invaded Scotland, sla

61 views8 comments

Cover Reveals: Iron and Roses, Thorns, & Curses

Grace A. Johnson

Jun 24, 2022
3 min

Cover Reveals: Iron and Roses, Thorns, & Curses

I've got something for y'all I like to call a double whammy. That's right. Not just one cover reveal...TWO! No, neither of them are of Bound and Determined (yet!), but they are for two fantastical fairytale retellings releasing this year! I'm a part of the Feathers and Roses: All Things Fairy Tale Dual Cover Reveal, hosted by Jen’s Author Assistance, which means I get to share about Jenavieve's own debut novel, Roses, Thorns, and Curses, AND Iron by Madisyn Carlin (which are

84 views22 comments

Review: Calligraphy Guild by R.M. Archer

Grace A. Johnson

Jun 16, 2022
5 min

Review: Calligraphy Guild by R.M. Archer

Warning: So, in light of the catastrophe that is my latest review, I have decided to restructure my reviews again to make my views clearer, rants calmer, and feedback more constructive. Please bear with me as I get all this sorted out—thank you! (Thanks to Kristianne Hassman for the idea!) Stars: 4 Synopsis: The best days of Lai Duyên’s life have just begun...or have they? Only days after becoming a member of her local calligraphy guild, Duyên’s guild is visited by the guardi

100 views11 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Jun 7, 2022
8 min

Author Interview: M.C. Kennedy

A Wolf's Rose, M.C. Kennedy's Christian YA fantasy novel, is officially out in the world! In honor of its release, I've joined M.C.'s blog tour (which I'll be sharing all about in just a moment)... In fact, I get to have her on for an exclusive (I love that word) author interview! Without further ado, please welcome the lovely Miss Kennedy! What first inspired you to write? I’m the second of four kids, and I always had to do what my older brother was doing. When we were in el

24 views6 comments

Grace A. Johnson

May 30, 2022
6 min

Review: Shadowed Loyalty by Roseanna M. White

*Warnings* #1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out. Stars: 5 Synopsis: When criminal charges are brought against her father, mob boss’s daughter Sabina Mancari sees the world of the Mafia for what it truly is: dark, deceptive, cruel, and self-serving. She also begins to see her fiancé—th

57 views18 comments

Coming Soon: A Wolf's Rose by M.C. Kennedy

Grace A. Johnson

May 9, 2022
2 min

Coming Soon: A Wolf's Rose by M.C. Kennedy

I am SUPER excited to share with y'all an upcoming release by M.C. Kennedy, a young, up-and-coming Christian fantasy author! Her novel, A Wolf's Rose, is the first in The Feyfolk Trilogy (which is part of the Chronicles of Rinnil), and is a clean YA fantasy that releases June 3rd, 2022! If you're looking for an entertaining, high-stakes read with just a hint of romance, then A Wolf's Rose is sure to please! (Let it be noted that there is some magic content, though. H.S.J. Wil

42 views3 comments

Grace A. Johnson

May 2, 2022
7 min

New Release: Deceived by Madisyn Carlin

I dunno about y'all, but I am STOKED for Madisyn Carlin's debut novel, Deceived, which is a new adult Christian allegorical fantasy! Before I share my review of this book, I'd like to introduce it to y'all AND direct y'all to the many opportunities to receive some epic bookish goodies! (Oh, and keep an eye out for my upcoming interview with the lovely author!) BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!! Madi is also here to share all about doubting your writing with us! Her thoughts are so inspiri

83 views12 comments

Review: Refuge from the Storm by Kristina Hall

Grace A. Johnson

Apr 22, 2022
3 min

Review: Refuge from the Storm by Kristina Hall

Stars: 3.5 Synopsis: Even though Tony Dorence has returned home from prison, alive only by the grace of God, he, his sister, and his friends are plagued by many more trials that threaten their lives and their faith. Will they stand strong in the face of doubt and persecution? Ooh, boy. This...this long-awaited (I waited a day...still too long) sequel to Fled for Refuge (one word: cliffhanger) was both everything I wanted and nothing like I’d hoped. If that’s confusing, don’t

46 views8 comments

New Release: Refuge from the Storm by Kristina Hall

Grace A. Johnson

Apr 18, 2022
2 min

New Release: Refuge from the Storm by Kristina Hall

Y'all...the sequel to Fled for Refuge by Kristina Hall is HERE!!! I just finished reading this intense Christian dystopian novel, and I can't wait to share my review...but FIRST, allow me to introduce y'all to Refuge from the Storm! (Pst...read through this post for more posts AND an epic sale on the first book!) about the book Doubt. Persecution. Forgiveness. Tony Dorence should be dead. But after months in prison, he’s home. Yet even at home, he’s not safe from trials that

36 views6 comments

Review: Fled for Refuge by Kristina Hall

Grace A. Johnson

Apr 8, 2022
4 min

Review: Fled for Refuge by Kristina Hall

Stars: 4 Synopsis: In a world that hates Christianity and everything it stands for, the lives of Tony Dorence and his sister Merri begin to crumple amid the persecution of the government and the betrayal of those they know and love. When everyone else lets them down, will they too succumb to the pressure of the world or will they choose to stand and fight for what they believe in? Kristina Hall has done it again, folks! She’s jumped into a new genre, new world, and new cast o

50 views8 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Apr 2, 2022
5 min

Review: The Reflections by E.K. Seaver

Stars: 4 Synopsis: The day Em Gades received the summons letter that she, of all the nine thousand people left on earth, had been chosen to compete in The Reflections, she had no idea what she’d be up against. When she arrives a few days later, she’s met with a corrupt government, danger on all sides, willful murder, betrayal, and more questions than there are answers. Y’all, it seems like just yesterday that I was signed up to beta-read The Reflections, and yet it’s been a y

73 views8 comments

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