This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Lauren Lee Merewether, a Texas native, is a historical fiction author. Her debut novel, Blood of Toma, received 4 stars from Foreword Clarion Reviews and 5 stars from Readers Favorite as well as an Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal Nomination and Finalist Designation in the Indie Book Awards in Historical Fiction. It was also a Finalist in the Readers Favorite Young Adult- Thriller category.
Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Blood of Toma by Lauren Lee Merewether is a historical event/era fiction book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy stories about ancient Mexico during the time of the Aztecs and who do not mind violence. High Priestess Tomantzin is the daughter of the Tlatoani and the New Fire sacrifice, meaning that in the coming months she would die for her people. Yet, High Priestess Tomantzin’s life took a drastic turn when she witnessed her father being murdered before her eyes and chose to flee from what could be her own death into the jungle. Her decision to flee forever changes her life as she is forced to choose between vengeance, her own life, and her people.
Blood of Toma by Lauren Lee Merewether is a well-written book that stayed true to the time period while still weaving an intricate story filled with suspense, mystery, sacrifice, and adventure. High Priestess Tomantzin quickly became my favorite character due to the amount of compassion she felt towards her people to the extent that she was willing to sacrifice her own life and happiness for them. When Tomantzin was forced to flee from her home, I rejoiced at the idea that she might not have to sacrifice her life, and I felt for her when she started to feel love even though her position and his very identity made their love forbidden. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and when I finished it I was left hoping that the author would write more historical fiction from this time period!
