Book Tour: Calico Thunder Rides Again by T. A. Hernandez

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 read Calico Thunder Rides Again as part of the Book Bloggers’ Book of the Year Award 2020 panel. It was a finalist and beat nearly a hundred other books submitted as part of the contest. Congratulations to the author for making it into the top ten of a great selection of books.

Circus-themed stories always get to me a little. In a good way. And when a circus has dragons and griffins, I want to go there. Sadly, this circus isn’t doing well. The previous owner made a shady deal with the mafia and now his son has to pay up, which means selling off acts and animals.

I absolutely love the colourful characters of the circus. All, except for the main character. While we do learn a bit about his background as a rodeo dragon rider, I feel like he’s only responding to what happens, having almost no agency.

I give Calico Thunder Rides Again three stars. While the secondary characters are amazing, the lack of personality in the main character irked me throughout the story. Still, if you’re looking for an easy to read, fun fantasy story, this might be a good choice.

I received this book to read and review as part of the 2020 BBNYA competition and the BBNYA tours organised by the TWR Tour team. All opinions are my own, unbiased and honest. Please check back later for more reviews of other finalists.

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 2021 BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website www.bbnya.com or twitter @bbnya_official and follow this link to enter! Please make sure to carefully read our terms and conditions before entering.

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