December 2021 | Austin Macauley Publishers

The Best Adventure and Fantasy Books to Read Before 2021 Ends

When you read a book, you imagine yourself in a fictional world where you are the brave protagonist fighting evil, slaying mighty magical creatures and conquering kingdoms. Our minds are always drawn towards fantasy novels and adventure books, and we enjoy imagining different scenarios. There are thousands of books that you can read; however, finding a good book with well-driven ideas and a creative storyline can be difficult. Austin Macauley has always provided readers with engaging books by outstanding authors.

To be able to share a good fantasy book, writers have to put themselves in the minds of the readers so that they can picture different perspectives and document the most appealing option. The fantasy genre is filled with hundreds of thrillers with different storylines ranging from crime thrillers, murder mysteries, fictional worlds and creatures and many more.

We at Austin Macauley have compiled a list of Fantasy & Adventure novels to read by the end of the year. These novels are a mix of both reality and fiction, engaging readers and keeping them focused on what’s coming next.

These adventure and fantasy novels are guaranteed to keep you on your toes and keep your interest glued to the story. They are a combination of both fantasy novels and adventure books filled with amazing battles, incredible creatures, and realistic worlds that you always wanted to visit.

Let’s dive into the world of fantasy and adventure filled with magic, mysteries, and murders with our top picks that you will surely enjoy.

Night Catchers

We start our picks with an incredible fantasy book written by Katherine Rich that takes us into the life of Aya, a young girl that recently moved to the remote countryside of England with her step-brother. Adjusting to the new setting is a challenge for her. She stumbles upon the dark world of good and evil.

The writer beautifully captures the encounters of Aya with all the mythic beasts and legends that you can imagine in a fantasy world. Roaming the dangerous world like in a video game, she has to fight her way up to face the ultimate evil.

The power that only Aya possess can awake the ancient spirits of the underworld, which will help save her world from destruction, but can she do it in time? Let’s see. Get your copy of Night Catchers now.

The Forbidden Tree

An epic fantasy novel, The Forbidden Tree by Bin Jarad follows Hajar in a world of betrayal, broken promises, and the disloyalty of the Leo family of the Scourthon Isles.

Hajar, the princess of many qualities has to embark on a journey one last time to take revenge for her father’s assassination. In this journey, she is not after the crown but wants to bring an end to those who were involved in the murder of her father.

Hajar is faced with the dilemma on her quest as she also has to reunite and make unwanted alliances with the ruling Ostegaard families that still have a dark grim past. Hajar must confront the Scorpio family about their broken oath in the book of blood that led to all these events.

Get your copy of the excellent fantasy novel here.

Tales from Al Baha

Tales from Al Baha brings stories from the cities of Ghamed and Zahran, comprising of the childhood memories of different individuals from the last two decades in a small village of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

These popular tales are in the form of short stories to engage culturally diverse audiences and create a sense of connection between the readers. These short stories are both fictional and modern stories that the author Muhammad Ahmed Al-Ghamdi gathered over forty years.

Order your copy now.

Shrink It

AlShaima Taleb Hussein is an excellent writer when it comes to portraying the impacts of technology on our children. In this novel, she humorously uses her creativity to illustrate the influence of technology in the modern world.

The novel portrays Ahmad’s journey when he comes across a strange but intriguing ad for an app called Shrink It. The app had a warning message to be responsible and not install if one is not brave enough.

The App prompted curiosity in Ahmad, and he installed the application without reading its description. What happened next shocked Ahmad as he found himself under an unexpected event where he must find ways to return to his normal form.

This novel also describes the carelessness of today’s generations, their irresponsibility and excessive use of technology, and the impacts that come with it.

The book is available for order.

The Sahara Spy

The Sahara Spy portrays the hardships that Sara faced during her quest to find answers about a gruesome crime. The investigation led her to a tangled web of events and clues, all in a classic adventure challenge.

Her quest takes her to the troubled town of Al Rashid, where she faces her ultimate challenge. With her determination and passion, Sara and her team start their journey to find the truth. With all that’s going around her, will she be able to find it?

This adventure novel by Faadumo Farhan inspires the youth to find justice and take action for what’s right. Her work has always been an inspiration for the younger generation.

Get your copy of The Sahara Spy now.

The Secret in The Scrolls

After being forced to work in the ministry, Zara has become highly organized. It was a normal day with the usual schedule, including a meeting with the health minister.

The events of that day led Zara on an adventurous journey following ancient scrolls, secret lairs, and tombs with her newly-found friends. She embarked upon a journey, to not only find answers, but also to find her true self.

With each clue, they come closer to the ancient burial site of the machine that could obliterate or preserve their world. The choice was up to them to decide. This journey also paved the way for Zara to find her true self.

The Secret in the Scrolls is Sara Adnan’s debut book. Her love for ancient history has provided the readers with an excellent adventure novel.

Get your copy of The Secret in the Scrolls now.

Who Is There?

Curiosity leads to learning new things, and books are a great way to encourage kids to learn and explore. Zain Alsharif has beautifully illustrated the adventures of Salem, which rose from his curiosity. It took him to places he never thought he would go and meet people he never dreamt of meeting.

This adventure novel starts with a mystery. Playing in the garden with his sister, Salem hears an unfamiliar voice coming from the trees. In search of the voice, he goes towards the trees. This leads to a unique experience and adventure of Salem that he will always remember.

Zain Alsharif is an aspiring writer who aims to make an impact on children with his stories and provide them with a unique learning experience.

You can order your copy of the book here.

Mr Shabhon and the Closet

Imagination sparks creativity, and with a creative imagination, a child can achieve happiness. This book teaches children to expand their imagination, using it to create happiness, fulfil their dreams, and make the world a better place.

The story is about a young boy with a closet in his room, using his creative imagination to embark on an adventure and experience things that he dreams to achieve someday.

Ibtisam Al Wardi brings a story of children with imaginative adventure challenges. With creative imagination, they can achieve what they dream and use their dreams for things they cannot achieve.

This book can be a perfect gift for a child with a creative imagination. Order now!

These amazing adventure and fantasy books will surely illuminate your mind, and take you on an experience that you will not forget. Austin Macauley has always tried to provide its readers with a unique and memorable experience.

If you are interested in fantasy novels, adventure books, sci-fi adventure challenge books or any of the other genres, you can check out our book section. If you think of yourself as a good writer, submit your work. You can also send it online by filling our Online Submission Form.

For more exciting news, books or event details, visit us at Austin Macauley and be the first to know about our new releases. You can also join us on our social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Everything You Need to Know About Historical Fiction

Human beings have always been connected to their past in one way or another. The quest to stay connected with our history has given birth to the genre of historical fiction. This genre, with its imaginative powers, cast a spell on its readers. Whether it’s the pre-pharos era, the evolving medieval period, or the modern tech-inspired fast life, homo sapiens (the scientific name for humans) have always possessed a curiosity to dig deep into their past. Resultantly, historical fiction became one of the topmost read genres.

What Exactly is Historical Fiction?

You must be wondering what this genre is all about? Is it based on real events or fictitious? Let’s take a plunge.

According to Dictionary.com, historical fiction is defined as:

“The genre of literature, film, etc., comprising narratives that take place in the past and are characterized chiefly by an imaginative reconstruction of historical events and personages.”

Let’s make it simpler.

Historical fiction must be based on events, figures, or places set in the past. Among many good things about this genre, the best thing is, you can add your imaginative elements to the main plot as much as you wish. It doesn’t necessarily need to be all true; that’s why there is reason to call it fiction.

The Origin and History of the Historical Fiction

1. Classic Chinese Historical Fiction

The history of writing historical prose dates back to the Chinese classic book, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which was set in the 3^rd century. Chinese historical fiction concerning the 7^th century to 16^th century dominated the world of literature. Their other famous classics, Water Margin and Journey to the West are also based in the distant past.

2. Classic Greek Historical Fiction

Classical Greek authors were also famous for their historical fictional work. The most popular classic book, The Tale of Genji, was written before the 11^th century.

3. Classic Arabic Historical Fiction

The popularity of historical fiction didn’t only remain confined to the West, but it also fanned out the warm Arabian deserts. The Lebanese author, Jurji Zaydan, became a prolific historical fiction writer. His 23 books of the same genre played an important role in shaping the historical perspective of modern Arabs. Jurji influenced the minds of people and educated them about their history. Among his books, Fleeing Mamluk and Virgin of Quraish are the most popular ones.

4. Modern Historical Fiction

Modern historical fiction, with its foundation in the early 19^th century, became widely read. The credit goes to the Scottish author, Sir Wales Scott, whose literary masterpieces are incredibly famous among European readers.

In the 21^st century, historical fiction is in its blooming phase. A number of established and new writers are on their paths to success.

What are the Subgenres of Historical Fiction?

Like any other genre, historical fiction also has its own subgenres. Let’s have a look.

1. Historical Mystery

This thrilling subgenre is based on crimes or murders committed in the distant past. A special name given to this subgenre, historical whodunit, is now widely known and accepted by publishers and libraries. It took birth since the popular historical mystery novel, Cadfael Chronicles, by Ellis Peter.

The editor of the Publishers Weekly Keith Kahla states, “The historical mystery has become a critically acclaimed, award-winning genre with a toehold on the New York Times bestseller list.”

2. Historical Romance

Another prominent subgenre of historical fiction is historical romance. Over the years, it has always remained the most-read subgenre. The history of writing historical romance dates back to Georgette Heyer’s The Black Moth. Her famous novel, Regency, was inspired by Jane Austen’s novels.

3. Historical Fantasy

This historical fiction subgenre is also widely read. Many prominent writers have contributed to its success. Among them are David Gemmel, Julliet Marilier, and Poul Anderson. David Gemmel’s book, Greek Series, is based on the life of the great military leader, Alexander the Great. The plot has some historical events and elements of fantasy, especially supernatural powers.

4. Children’s Historical Fiction

This subgenre is quite popular among children because of the blend of history and fantasy that it presents. Often these books come in series to keep the imagination journey of children on track. Exploring different historical periods and figures is a peculiar trait of these books. American Girl and Magic Tree House series are some famous children’s historical fiction.

5. Other

Historical Fiction, because of its wide range of subgenres, has many contributions to literature. Some other subgenres include but are not limited to, historical gothic, meta-fantasy, comics and graphics, and documentary fiction.

Tips to Write Historical Fiction

Here are top tips on writing historical fiction:

Research, research, and research. Get all the information and try to keep it accurate.
Add fictional characters. Tap into your creative edge and add some influential fictional characters to your plot.
Be careful about the language and historical details of different historical periods and cultures.
Keep it interesting. Eliminate lengthy elements and dialogues from the book.
Connect it with the modern age so readers can relate to it.

How Far Should a Writer Dwell into the Past to Write a Historical Fiction Book?

After having a good idea about historical fiction, this question must have clicked in your mind. Well, there are different parameters. Let’s see what experts say.

The Historical Novel Society draws the definition as “written at least fifty years after the events described”.

On the other hand, critic Sarah Johnson defines historical fiction as “set before the middle of the last [20th] century … in which the author is writing from research rather than personal experience.”

Contrastingly, Lynda Adamson states, the “generally accepted definition” for the historical novel is a novel “about a time period at least 25 years before it was written”

Now it’s up to you what definition you follow. After all, it’s all your brainchild.

Are There Any Awards for Historical fiction?

The good news is, there are awards of appreciation for the highly acclaimed novels. There are a number of literary awards dedicated to this wonderful genre of literature. Let’s have a look.

James Fenimore Cooper Prize
Walter Scott Prize
Geoffrey Bilson Award
Langum Prize for American Historical Fiction
Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction
Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

Tips for Choosing a Good Historical Fiction Book

The book should

Fulfil the criteria of historical fiction
Provide information that resonates with the true event of the past
Present a perfect blend of history and fiction
Skillfully unfolds events
Provide easy to read information

What Are some of the Best Modern Historical Fiction Books?

Without any doubt, classic historical fiction books are masterpieces. However, over time, with language advancements, they have become difficult to comprehend. In such a situation, book lovers look for modern historical fiction books. We have come up with some of the best ones. Let’s have a look.

The Royal Falconer

This thrilling historical mystery book is set in the medieval period. The plot revolves around a Norman woman, who after the death of her husband sets on the journey back to her home in France. Little did she know that journey will turn into a nightmare. She gets subjected to conspiracy, theft, and finally a murder trial.

There comes a twist when the king’s royal falconer arrives. Will he prove her innocence or increase her miseries? To find out, grab a copy here.

Narrative Techniques in the Book of the Thousand and One Nights and its Impact on World Fiction

This must-have historical fiction book presents a critical analysis of the literary masterpiece, The Thousand and One Nights. This book has immensely influenced the world of literature. It also critically appraises metafiction and prominent Western fictionists. Further touching the legacy of the American critic John Barth, it also takes into account the work of other famous writers. Order your copy here.

Bin Arraf

This is an intriguing historical fiction novel about a girl named Alia. She embarks on a journey to Badia. Along the way, she sees different signs with hidden meanings. Let’s follow her on her path to curiosity and learning. Get your copy here.

Why Historical Fiction Is the Best Genre?

Unlike other genres, it keeps us connected to our golden history. A touch of fiction with history makes the far-gone eras more fascinating.

As Anais Nin says, “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection.”

Here are the top five benefits of reading historical fiction.

It educates us about our glorious past.
It gives an in-depth insight into the minds who shaped the world.
Some valuable and powerful lessons can be learned from these historical events.
Familiarity with past events boosts our knowledge.
It allows us to read about personalities who became beacons of the change.

We will sum up the discussion with the words of Antony Beevor.

“The power of historical fiction for bad and good can be immense in shaping the consciousness of the past.”

Austin Macauley is a leading book publishing company headquartered in the UK, US, and UAE. We are currently accepting manuscripts, and you can submit your manuscript to us for review. For online submission of the manuscript, click the Online Submission Form.

Get connected with us on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Tips for Authors to Write a Captivating Book Blurb

Ever wondered why some of the books do not get the recognition they deserve despite all of the scholarly work inside them? You’ve guessed it right, “The Book Blurb”.

It is true when they say, “First Impression is the Last Impression.” While you have to maintain a good first impression in every aspect, the book blurb is no different. It is the lynchpin for the success of your book – a make and break point that cannot and should not be taken for granted. If you are successful in writing an enthralling blurb, chances are high that your book captivates the readers scrolling through the aisles for a perfect read.

Since the book blurb plays an instrumental role in defining the success of your book, let’s have a glance at what it is.

What Is a Book Blurb?

The blurb is regarded as a preamble of a book. It is a brief yet informative account of the book that appears on the back cover (traditionally, it used to be inside). In today’s publishing market, when more books are purchased online than in brick-and-mortar stores, you’re more likely to come across blurbs on any digital retailer’s product page. Any information that best describes the book and intrigues the audience should be included in it. The main goal of the book blurb is to draw readers in and entice them to buy the book. And guess what? You have only 100-250 words to impress the audience.

Blurbs are an important aspect of book marketing since they are meant to encourage consumers to purchase the book. A blurb is successful if it makes the reader want to read more; if it bores or overwhelms the reader, it needs to be changed.

Constituents of a Good Blurb

The recipe calls for an ingredient, so does a good blurb need its components. Following are some of the vital integrants that make a well-written blurb.

Understandable:

A book goes on a journey around the globe. You never know who will pick up your book in which corner of the world. Keeping in mind the wide range of readers who would be interested in your book, it is usually better to make your blurb as simple as possible. Intricate language, jargon, and specialised terminology – all are going to add complexity to the blurb. This will restrict the readership of your book. The blurb should be written in layman’s dialect unless your book is aimed at a specific audience.

Concise:

When your blurb is too long it gets boring. Not every reader has a significant amount of time or patience to read all of the lengthy stuff. That is why it is highly recommended to keep it as precise as possible. This would save much time for the readers and altogether would make your blurb enticing.

Well-Researched:

Before you sit back and start writing a blurb for your upcoming book, you need to do a thorough analysis of already written blurbs. This should help you figure out what work fits best for your book, as well as offer you an idea of what other authors are writing and what readers are expecting. Moreover, you will be able to have a fair idea about the most preferred style for the book blurb in your genre.

Stir Emotions:

Your blurb will be able to stand out if you are writing for a targeted audience. It should appeal to the emotions of a certain category of readers you’re writing for. Case in point; if you’re a sports coach who wants to make it big by offering valuable insights and knowledge in the form of a book to people who can’t come to the ground, you can do so. You must ascertain that the blurb relays the book highlights that the niche actually desires. Is it, for example, stamina-boosting advice? Is it a question of endurance? Agility? Mention how your book will assist them in achieving their objectives, whatever it is.

Start With Hook Statement:

The readers will be drawn to the book by the hook statement. They won’t read the remainder of the blurb if your opening sentence is uninteresting, and they won’t buy the book either. Always begin with a dramatic statement or one that establishes your authority. You should choose your book description phrases carefully to lure them into reading the rest of the blurb.

Define Characters and Conflict:

Cognizant of the fact or not, readers scan the synopsis to see if they want to spend time with your core characters. A good blurb should also offer readers a sense of who the protagonist is. Because your readers will be spending several hundred pages with the central character, they need some kind of reassurance that they will enjoy reading about his or her life.

Similarly, the major plot in your book is what propels it forward. If everything goes flawlessly for your main character, readers will become bored quickly. The conflict in your work (what comes in the way of your main character’s aims) is what keeps readers reading because they want to know how the conflict is resolved. Undoubtedly, the purpose is to pique the interest of potential readers and make it impossible for them to put the book down after reading the blurb.

A Good Conclusion:

When it comes to a blurb, a good conclusion is the icing on the cake. The conclusion leaves the last and most recent impression to the one who is reading the blurb, so make sure it is well written. A well-written conclusion will add more to the intrigue of the readers and it will eventually compel them to read the book.

All of the abovementioned elements are an integral part of a good book blurb.

Mistakes to Circumvent

Underneath are some of the common mistakes that you need to avoid while writing a book blurb.

Opening With Overused Phrases or Words:

Most of the people start with banal words or phrases that diminish the impact of their blurb. As we have previously discussed the significance of the hook statement, you need to avoid such trite utterances.

Writing the Summary of the Book:

This is the most repeated mistake, especially by the authors in their nascent stages. They give away too much in the blurb and leave little to no room for imagination. Writing a summary and a blurb are two different things and they need to be distinguished. It should only provide enough information to arouse readers’ interest and end on a painful nail-bitter that will compel them to purchase the book.

Giving Away Everything:

Beware of adding any sort of spoilers in your blurb. If you fail to establish the stakes, and conflict resolution is disclosed, readers might lose interest. If the suspense is gone, no one would bother to read the book.

Self-Complacency:

It is true when they say self-praise is no recommendation! Boasting about your work and ranking yourself up among others is a false practice. You need to realise that you are not the judge, readers are. Never praise your work as it delivers a bad impression.

Improper Use of Keywords:

The author should capitalise on the potential keyword searches. Most of the time, people tend to ignore this crucial ingredient. That is why their work could not stand among the others’ and make up to the top. Each genre has a certain set of keywords. Making proper use of them will get your work to appear higher up in the online bookstores’ searches.

Never Write in Third Person:

Many a time, authors tend to write the blurbs in the first person. Often travel memoirs’ or success stories’ blurbs are conflated to be written in the first person, however, this is a false practice. The rule of thumb is that all of these should be written in the first person.

As indicated earlier, a book blurb is a cornerstone for the success of any book. By paying heed to all of the aforementioned Dos and Don’ts, your blurb will prosper. Also, you will find an escalation in the reading audience, as well as your book, will rank among the best-selling.

If you are an aspiring writer, you can submit your manuscript to us for review. You can also make a quick and easy submission through the online submission form.

Did you find this blog interesting? Are you looking forward to having some more useful writing tips? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep yourself informed about every important aspect of writing.
Let us know if you have any other tips for aspiring writers. We would love to hear from you.

If you want to know more about how to become an author with us, then click here to get all the details.