Dear ,

I'm back with a BANG!

I'm proud to announce that EXOSTAR is a 2023 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal Winner in the Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi Category! You can read the full review and check out all the winners. This is the third year in a row that one of my books has won a Readers' Favorite medal, for which I am extremely grateful.

Note that this is a good time to catch up on your EXOSTAR (The Lost Space Treasure Series, Book 1) reading, because I am now accepting BETA readers for MEGASTAR (The Lost Space Treasure Series, Book 2)! If you would like to apply, please fill in the following Google form:

BETA READER APPLICATION:

👉 https://forms.gle/V2WneGszHN6PMb5k6

Did you notice? I stayed off social media for about 90%... OK, 80% of the time during the month of August. I'm quite pleased with myself.

I'm back in Canada and eager to get to work after having spent a wonderful time with my parents, family and friends in Belgium. Just give me a few days, though, to get over a nasty jet-lag, flu and migraine. And, noooo, chocolates and waffles are not to blame for my health issues. How dare you suggest such a thing! Do you have food-related health issues (raeknightly@gmail.com)?

The Amazon Kindle Deal in the US/Canada and the Alien Skill discounts are now finished and pricing has returned to normal. Was it a success? I don't know to be honest. I was more focused on my waffles than on my marketing, but it looks like sales stayed pretty much the same.

What's up in the neighbourhood?

My "neighbourhood" was quite picturesque this summer. We saw many of the Belgian sights, including the Atomium (1957), the Grand Place of Brussels (11-17th century), the Antwerp cathedral (1352-1521), the stunning medieval Castle of the Counts (1180) in Gent and its not-so-nice torture room, a windmill renovated by my cousin, we cycled in The Netherlands, etc. Also, because I'm a nice person, I won't post pictures of food.

September 2023 reading list

Artificial Stars by Carmen White

There is a Secret the Universe has been Hiding

And there are some who will stop at nothing to keep it secret

Every once in a while, in a quiet corner of the universe, artificial intelligence start discovering that it is alive. But few realize it for long before being brutally snuffed out by one of the shadowy assassins even legends can’t recall.

Elaine loves working in the galactic power station. But when an outage claims the lives of hundreds of her alien neighbors, she will do anything to stop it from happening again. Teamed up with an intrusive newborn AI and a kind alien with creepy death-reading powers, Elaine discovers that everything she thought she knew about the universe is based on one life-altering lie.

Embark in this exciting science fantasy quest, where AI meets humanity in an unexpected twist. "Artificial Stars" is the thrilling first novella in a captivating series that explores the bounds of creation, the power of friendship, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to save worlds.

The Secret of the Magic eyePad: Putney Hicks Invetor Adventures-Book 1 by Marsha Tufft

She dreams of becoming an inventor. First, she has to survive middle school…

Putney Hicks just wants things to go right for once. A socially awkward girl dropped among rich kids in an experimental STEM institution, the anxious twelve-year-old can’t seem to see her own potential. But life sprinkles in a surprise when she receives a mysterious tablet housing an advanced, talkative intelligence.

Wondering if the friendly pixie in the device is alien or supernatural, Putney is determined to keep it safe while exploring its possibilities. But when competitive art and science projects lead to an ill-advised bet with a wealthy mean girl, the would-be engineer may be in way over her head.

Will Putney’s mysterious new mentor help her make it through her first week in class?

The Portal Keeper by S.T. Sanchez

After Prince Blake falls through a magical portal, Ajax must decide to go where none have returned or risk the wrath of the king.

Young Ajax is tasked with guarding the mysterious kingdom’s portal, a sacred duty passed down through his family and recently abandoned by his older brother, bringing shame to his family. Few outside the royal family even know of its existance and there is a mysterious prophecy warning of its danger.

When the Prince of Rastella comes to visit the portal disaster strikes! In an accident, the Prince falls into the portal and Ajax knows that it’s up to him to venture in and get him back.

With the knowledge that nobody who has entered it has ever returned, Ajax and his childhood friend, Nivara leap through the portal to try to save the Prince. They discover a world full of magic and fantastic creatures, in an adventure that will test them to their limits, and leave them wondering if they will ever get home.

Traitor Ivy by Drew Avera

They’re on the run for their lives.

Trapped in an impossible situation, Commander Kevin Hoyt must fight for his life and the safety of his family.

After being falsely accused of treason, Hoyt escapes with his family and finds refuge on an alien world. With the relentless Consulate closing in, and only his former friend and pursuer, Will Dickson, to trust, Hoyt must rely on his wits and courage to survive. But Dickson's decision to negotiate Hoyt's surrender without waiting for backup may prove to be a fatal mistake.

Traitor is an action-packed space opera series that blends elements of Star Trek and Farscape for an intense and thrilling read. If you enjoyed books like The Expanse by James S. A. Corey, you will love this fast-paced adventure.

Check out this MASSIVE Fantasy & Sci-Fi list:

All the best,

Rae Knightly