#BBNYA2020 Blog Tour: Calico Thunder Rides Again by T.A. Hernandez @BBNYA_Official @foliosociety

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?

I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't affect my opinion of the book or influence the content of my review.

What did I think about it?

I don’t usually choose to read books or stories that are suitable for under 18s. However, being on a judging panel means reading genres outside of your usual choices.

I was given the opportunity to read Calico Thunder Rides Again as part of this blog tour. I like fantasy stories, the front cover is fun, the story’s description piqued my interest and of course, I love finding new-to-me authors. Therefore, I started reading this one with an open mind.

T. A. Hernandez is a new-to-me author.

Hernandez’s writing style instantly impressed me. The descriptive prose she used throughout and how she set up the scenes was intelligently done. The fact that she showed us rather than telling us her characters’ personality traits confirmed her skill. I was also pleased with how realistic her characters felt – even the fantastical animals had personalities!

T. A. Hernandez grabbed my attention from the very first chapter.

The plot had a definite “race-against-time” feel, with many frustrated growls interwoven throughout. I felt for Jake Strickland and journeyed with him on his frantic struggle to protect those under his care. However, there’s so much more to this tale than that. It gave me all the aspects that I look for in an engaging story. There was a gripping adventure, humour, danger, a sprinkling of romance, character growth and a world I wanted to explore.

Calico Thunder Rides Again gave me ALL the feels. I laughed, cried and shook my fists in frustration at the injustice. My heart warmed at the sense of love and loyalty. The world and characters that Hernandez created were brought to life in my imagination: I hope we get the chance to visit again.

Has my review of Calico Thunder Rides Again encouraged you to find out more? Click on any of my links to check it out yourself.

Keep reading to find out more about the book’s author, T. A. Hernandez, and the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award.

About T.A. Hernandez

T. A. Hernandez is a science fiction and fantasy author and long-time fan of speculative fiction. She grew up with her nose habitually stuck in a book and her mind constantly wandering to make-believe worlds full of magic and adventure. She began writing after reading J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings many years ago and is now happily engaged in an exciting and lifelong quest to tell captivating stories.

She is a clinical social worker and the proud mother of two girls. She also enjoys drawing, reading, graphic design, playing video games, and making happy memories with her family and friends.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Keep reading to find out more about the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award.

What’s the BBNYA?

BBNYA is a yearly 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.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read my spotlight post about Calico Thunder Rides Again. It was a firm favourite with many panellists. Will you be tempted to pick it up?

Before you go, don’t forget to check out the other finalists in the BBNYA 2020.

Bye for now,

Flora x