Realms Magazine has Officially Released!

Hello, Travelers!

Do you know the significance of May 1? Well, if you've been following us for a while, you should know it's a special date because it's the release of the first issue of Realms Young Adult Fantasy Literary Magazine! Join us in celebration of thirteen titles, various works by several artists, and of course, the team that put it all together! A special thanks goes out to our creator, Daphne Tuccitto, our editorial consultant, Lara Bessette, our layout designer, Brandon Griggs, and our cover artist, Laura Hackney.
          May 1 is also a special day because it's our editorial consultant's birthday (but you didn't hear that from us!). Happy birthday, Lara!
          If you like the design work you see in our magazine, please be sure to check out Brandon's website and refer him to people you know! We are so proud of his work and absolutely love it. And, if you are impressed by the cover art by Laura Hackney, we highly encourage to look at her other works on her website.
         The magazine wouldn't have been possible without the following contributors:
       
          (writers)
          Elizabeth J.M. Walker, "The Sea Rider"
          Brittany Valdez,  Dragon's Roar, Part One "Stained"
          Kimberly Hunt, "Change"
          Alex Carrigan, "The Follower"
          J.N. Race, The Lost Remnant, "Chapter Seven"
          Madelaine Formica, "Revenge"
          Whitney Emeigh, "Mira 'the Marred' "
          Grace O'Rourke, "A Dash of Illusion"
          Lara Bessette, "The Fateful Swim"
          Cam M. Sato, "Grim Grimoire"
          Marshall Highet, Modified, "Chapter One"
          Kaitlin Hillerich, "The Parade of Painted Elephants"
          Daphne Tuccitto, "The Raven King"

          (artists)
          Lauren Tyrell
          Kirstie Guerette
          Leanna Crossan
          Laura Hackney
          Noah Drayton
          Micaela Jawor
          Alex Germek

          Thank you to everyone who has turned this dream into a reality. If you are interested in reading the magazine, click here for issue no. 1. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr for updates about the magazine and our contributors.

          Now go forth and find the fantastical fixes for your supernatural cravings!

Realms

Realms Review: 'Extraordinary'

Yesterday, we just finished reading Nancy Werlin's incredible storytelling in Extraordinary. For those of you who love tales of the realm of Faerie, read on. You won't be disappointed by the intricate the plot and twist at the end of this beautifully written story.
          The story follows the fate of two best friends, Phoebe and Mallory, and takes place in Boston, MA. Except, Mallory's not exactly human. She's a faerie sent to the human world on a mission and that mission involves preparing Phoebe for an ominous something. Then, when Mallory's brother, Ryland, arrives out of the blue, their friendship is tested. For Phoebe, the answers to her problems lies at the heart of one question: what does it mean to be extraordinary?
          We at Realms would like to give Extraordinary 3.5 out of 5 stars. Now that seems low, but hear us out. Personally, we were not fans of the writing itself. It was slow at times, despite being lovely language, and this is the only reason we rate it why we do. The plot was phenomenal, the hook was enticing, and just when you think you've predicted the ending, Werlin flips the story on its head.
           If you love reading for the sake of the story, we recommend Extraordinary. However, if you're into "juicier" writing, then you may want to pass on this one. We leave the choice up to you!

Realms Review: 'The Foretelling'

Imagine a world where women ruled the lands, where women went to war with men and won, taking prisoners and killing the rest. In The Foretelling, by Alice Hoffman, women are feared by men, but the protagonist, Rain, is curious about her role in this tribe of Amazon-like women.
          Due to the traumatic circumstances surrounding Rain's conception and the brutal birth Rain's mother, the chief, went through, Rain's mother rarely looks, let alone speaks, to her daughter. As the daughter of the tribe's leader, Rain is determined to learn her role and be a great leader like her mother. But, more importantly, she tests her boundaries to prove she's worthy of her mother. Determined to be accepted, she accomplishes amazing feats, but also tests the limits of her own culture, even making contact with a boy outside her tribe.
          Despite The Foretelling being listed as a children's book in some stores, we strongly believe that this is actually a young adult novel for several reasons. The protagonist is a teenager, though quite mature for her age due to her culture's expectations of her. The story has several coming-of-age elements to it, as well, and there is a lot of dark content. The book also released before the YA category (target audience) took off in publishing. If released today, we're 99% certain it would be released as a YA title.
          Hoffman weaves a story that imbeds itself in your heart as you root for the main character and long to see what happens with Rain's various relationships with those around her. And a little bit of magic, woven in so carefully that it seems a normal everyday thing, never hurts, especially to us fantasy-lovers. We rate The Foretelling with five out of five stars for Hoffman's incredible storytelling, diverse characters, and ability to make it a truly unforgettable tale.

Realms Review

Cover Reveal!

Hello, Travelers!

We hope you are having a fantastic start to the month of April. Play any funny pranks? Or did the mischievous elves play pranks on you?

Even though today's a day of jokes, we're not kidding you by revealing our spectacular magazine cover for the first issue of Realms (pictured below). We are eternally grateful to our friend and cover artist, Laura Hackney, and amazing graphic designer, Brandon Griggs.

Realms Young Adult Fantasy Literary Magazine, issue no. 1

We are proud to announce that we have thirteen titles in this issue, including a wide array of short stories, poetry, and novel chapters. This issue also features several talented artists, who have added to the otherworldly atmosphere we have strived to create.

May 1, 2015 is only one month away! Spread the word and we will continue Realms for years to come. Thank you so much to our contributors and supporters. You have transformed fantasy into reality.

Realms