Recently I’ve seen quite a bit about Young Adult (YA) fiction claiming it is a lesser cousin of adult fiction. I couldn’t disagree more. Some of the best books I’ve read have been YA books and I’m delighted to welcome M.J Mallon to Linda’s Book Bag today to tell me about her YA release.

Staying in with. M.J. Mallon

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Marjorie. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Thank you so much for inviting me Linda I really appreciate it.

My pleasure. Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it? 

I have chosen The Curse of Time Book One Bloodstone because it’s my debut novel.

What can we expect from an evening in with The Curse of Time?

We can expect an intriguing evening with The Curse of Time. Take a seat, grab a drink and let me entice you to find out more about my YA Fantasy debut novel, The Curse of Time.

Here’s what Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor) says:

“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!”

(That makes The Curse of Time sound very appealing Marjorie. I bet you were thrilled with that response.)

It’s the first in a series of three intended books. All three will focus on the power of a magical crystal –Book One introduces you to the blood cleansing power of the Bloodstone.

The Curse of Time series features three fascinating Chronopage clocks invented by Dr John C Taylor, OBE: Book one: showcases the grasshopper, Book Two: the medieval fly and Book three: the dragon. All three images courtesy of Dr John C Taylor.

There are many intriguing elements within the narrative which will take you on a mystical, magical journey. Expect an abundance of light and hope in the beautiful, magical crystals that Amelina discovers. But with light elements of darkness, shadows, and sadness linger nearby. Meet Esme, a young girl captured in the mirrors of Amelina’s house. Discover Amelina’s dad – the victim of a terrible curse. Mysteries abound, and magical gifts bring art to life. The Curse of Time is a coming-of-age story. Fifteen-year-old Amelina must cure her father of a terrible curse that has struck at the heart of her family’s happiness.

(This sounds as if it’s going to be a brilliant series Marjorie.)

What else have you brought along and why? 

I’m bringing along some very special guests.

My friend, artist Carolina Russo who lovingly painted two of my characters: Esme The Mirror Girl. And Eruterac, The Creature. Carolina’s blog is here.

(Oh – welcome along Carolina!)

Imagine what it would be like to chat with the mirror girl, Esme. She hasn’t had it easy. In her recent past poor Esme self-harmed whilst trapped in a cycle of self-hatred. Now a captive, she is no longer able to self-harm but her mood swings continue.Will Esme escape the double prison of her self-harm and the mirrored prison that she is locked in?

(Crikey – now I want to know more!)

The Creature’s coming too! He might want to sit next to you. Perhaps he might hold your hand but if he does he will drop a few bugs, worms, and the like in your lap. Does he scare you?

(Erm. He does. And I’d really rather he didn’t drop worms. I’m not keen on things without legs…)

Also why don’t you cuddle my black cat character Shadow? If you dare! Shadow is friendly but he doesn’t like to be picked up. He is the most powerful cat I have ever met but he has the kindest heart too. I adore the idea that looks can be deceptive. Do you agree?

(Aha. Shadow is MUCH more my kind of guest than The Creature. If you look round you’ll see cat items all round my home. He does look friendly, but maybe I’ll just stroke him first.)

The image of Lily (aka Shadow,) comes via my friends blog here.

I’ve brought along Amelina because well it would be wrong of me not to. She’s my main protagonist and I love her very much. She has had a tough life too. Who wants to be stuck in a terrible situation? She copes by writing Tanka, short-form poetry, she paints, and plays guitar. Amelina is a soulful girl who develops powerful skills using magical crystals.

(Amelina sounds far too talented for her own good. But she’s still welcome too!)

Then there is Ryder. The enigma. Who is he? And why is there smoke coming out of his mouth? Is that just a smoke-screen? Read The Curse of Time to find out whether he is a loveable character…

(Ooer! I hope that’s NOT cigarette smoke as I can’t abide cigarettes. If so, he’s going to have to stay in the garden as far away from the house as possible.)

The photos of Ryder and Amelina were created by my daughter Georgina Mallon.

Gosh – that’s quite a collection of things you’ve brought with you Marjorie. It’s been a breathless evening staying in with you and not just because of that weird smoke from Ryder! I’ve really enjoyed finding out all about The Curse of Time. Thanks so much for being here and chatting to me about it.

Thanks for having me Linda.

The Curse of Time

Fifteen-year-old Amelina longs for someone to confide in.  Her once carefree mother has become angry and despondent. One day a strange black cat and a young girl, named Esme appear. Immediately, Esme becomes the sister Amelina never had.

The only catch is that Esme must remain a prisoner, living within the mirrors of Amelina’s house.

The Curse of Time is available for purchase here.

About M. J. Mallon

M. J. Mallon is a debut author who has been blogging for three years at her lovely blog Kyrosmagica. Her interests include writing, photography, poetry, and alternative therapies. Marjorie write Fantasy YA, middle grade fiction and micro poetry – haiku and tanka. She loves to read and has written numerous reviews here.

You’ll find Marjorie on Facebook and can follow her on Twitter @Marjorie_Mallon.