BOOKS
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Fire. Blood. His brother’s hand smashing his face to the ground.
These are Jiangxi’s final memories of Beijing from 1751. A bloody coup against the Dragon Throne thrusts the emperor’s youngest son into a forced voyage across the China Seas. When his ship arrives on the shores of a California that never was, Jiangxi is among thousands sold into slavery. Shackled to a tribal confederacy spanning the North American continent, Jiangxi’s journey becomes inextricably linked to the whims of Onas, the powerful Elder who controls his freedom and his fate. When Jiangxi gets caught up in a battle to liberate the slaves, he has to choose how much he’ll risk for the ones he loves. His choice will change not only the course of his own life, but also the future of the two most powerful nations in the world. $18.95 paperback / $9.49 Kindle Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble & Woodhall Press |
~ Excerpts, Awards & Reviews ~
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The New Empire won silver in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. |
The New Empire received a 5-star rating from Reader Views, which called it, "A highly imaginative and well researched alternative history."
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Readers' Choice Book Awards gave it a 5-star "Highly Recommended" review and wrote: "Thoroughly researched, with a gripping and believable plot, rich characters and excellent world building, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy alternative history novels."
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I'm so honored to have The New Empire as a fantasy finalist for the Foreword INDIES Awards! 
"A skilfully plotted alternate history novel with a strong, memorable protagonist. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!"
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Readers' Favorite Book Awards awarded it 5 stars and wrote: "Author Alison McBain perfectly captures the spirit of the historical novel with such credibility, atmosphere, and detail that I can readily imagine the alternate universe where this history is playing out right now."
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A glowing review by marssie Mencotti at Windy City Reviews, who said of The New Empire: "This is more than mere historical imagination; it is a tour de force in historical and sociological skill. ... McBain’s book leans towards the Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood), as it fights against and yet abides by the rules of its fictional history, thus examining personal and societal freedom and slavery from within and without."
"To say this is a rollercoaster of a book is an understatement. The book takes history and turns it on its head, but does so beautifully and it is crystal clear that Alison McBain is not only a talented writer, but also has a great imagination when it comes to building an alternate world with aspects of history thrown in. There are so many fascinating aspects to this book that it is difficult to list each and every one, but intriguing, fascinating and emotional are only some of the words that can be used to describe this novel. For fans of science fiction and historical, don’t delay in downloading this one to the e-reader. It is a wild ride, and one that will linger in the mind for a long while after putting it down!"
Author Jon F. Zeigler gave The New Empire a 5-star review and that it was "very highly recommended."
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Fantastic review by Robert Runté from The Ottawa Review of Books. From the review: "The tone and style of the novel reminded me somewhat of Matthew Hughes magnum opus, What the Wind Brings. Both are historical novels on the literary end of the spectrum, both are sympathetic portrayals of flawed individuals responding to the conflicting worldviews of the 'other', and both revolve around issues of slavery, colonialism, and leadership. I highly recommend them both."
"The world-building is what stands out in this book. It is a very well-crafted and imaginative story. The alternative history story brings out all the elements of intrigue and diversity. ... I recommend this book to those who like self-discovery stories and coming-of-age tales."
Author Jerry Harwood's 5-star review of The New Empire mentioned that, "It reminded [him] a lot of the world building in The Man in the High Castle" and said he would "highly recommend."
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BookTrib reviewed The New Empire: "McBain builds a believable world by mixing factual ethnology such as Native American religion, wampum belts, Iroquois longhouses and the Iroquois tradition of matriarchy. ... The New Empire uses the question 'What if?' to rewrite the past and expose readers’ minds to the wide-open future."
5 stars from Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. She wrote: "It was a very remarkable and inspiring story... This is one of those books that grabs you from the start and pulls you in. Breathtaking! Compelling!"
Author Anthony Avila wrote a 5-star review of The New Empire and called it "a must-read historical fiction novel of 2022."
A lovely review at Wildwood Reads that mentioned, "The premise for The New Empire was so intriguing to me, and it was executed quite well. ... McBain brought her world to life while still respecting the history that was already established."
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FREE to start reading on Pocket FM!
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The Impossible Guy
A sweetheart romance available on Pocket FM, a streaming service with over 80 million+ listeners worldwide. Take one stubborn woman, two gorgeous men, and a house with a zillion problems to fix. To go with her impossible house, all Madeline needs is The Impossible Guy.
Madeline Doyle is looking for a fresh start after her boyfriend dumps her, so she moves across the USA with plans to open a bed and breakfast inn in a small East Coast town. After the first few weeks of problem after problem, the last straw is a flood in her basement. Enter Anthony Dimare, contractor extraordinaire and one of the hottest guys Madeline has ever met. He agrees to fix her pipes, but part of the unwritten contract between them is a sizzling attraction. But for every step forward, he takes a step back—heated one moment and giving her the cold shoulder the next. And he's not the only guy who rides to her rescue. When working on her business permits, the town's inspector Clark Wilkinson arrives to assuage her fears about getting her B&B open. A recent ex-pat from Britain, he immediately asks her out on a date. Who could resist a sexy accent like his, especially when he's the complete package? Attractive and appealing and so very helpful. Madeline swore off men after her ex dumped her, but with two attractive men on the line, she’s torn. Anthony's kisses make her senses short circuit, yet Clark's charm is irresistible. Who will she end up with—and will the other guy find a love of his own? |
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Enchantress of Books and other stories
A collection of fantasy short stories by award-winning author Alison McBain. What happens when Cinderella makes a deal with her devil of a godmother? Or when a princess has to face being rescued by a completely unsuitable hero? Or when a living body of water becomes a woman and falls in love?
Find out in this new collection of fantasy short stories by Alison McBain. This book contains fourteen of Ms. McBain’s most popular flash fiction and short stories, including her award-winning short “Grandmother Winter.” Also included are five brand-new stories, including “Enchantress of Books,” inspired by the collection's beautiful cover art created by the talented Richard Ong. So wave a wand, make a wish on the moon, and prepare to delve into these nineteen fantastical adventures! |
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~ Excerpts, Listings & Reviews ~
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The Beast doesn't always wait for Beauty. Sometimes, Beauty is the Beast.
Princess Mirabella is betrothed to a repulsive old man a year after her mother's death. She refuses the marriage, only to find out her betrothed is a sorcerer as well. He takes his revenge by transforming her into a savage and frightening beast, giving her an ultimatum: she has three years to solve the mystery of her curse—or die. Exiled to her mother's estate to hide the scandal, Mirabella learns that the sorcerer was not alone in keeping secrets. Her grandfather was murdered before Mirabella was born, and her mother's death is looking less and less as if it came from natural causes. The only point in common to all their ruined lives: her father, the king. Faced with a conflict between saving her family and saving her own life, the choices Mirabella makes will change the future of the kingdom—and magic—forever. $11.99 paperback / $2.99 Kindle Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble & Walmart |
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My book at top right on the shelf! At the library local to my parents-in-law in upstate New York.
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~ Excerpts, Awards & Reviews ~
4th round finalist at AllAuthor.com's September 2018 Book Cover of the Month Contest. Excerpt from The Rose Queen available to read HERE.
Listed at the Underground Book Reviews. |
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