Author Interview: Sophie Guellati-Salcedo, Ph.D.
Expanded Awareness: A Health Psychologist's Inquiry into AI and Consciousness
Read the article →| Category: | |
|---|---|
| Author: | C. B. Lyall |
| Publisher: | Hazel Publishing Company, LLC |
| Publication Date: | July 30, 2019 |
| Number of Pages: | 248 |
| ISBN-13: | 9781736002704 |
The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall is a compelling YA fantasy that delivers a complex tale of magic, political intrigue, and personal identity. The story follows Wilf Gilvary, a teenage boy living in Hong Kong, who discovers he is the son of a powerful wizard. After a series of dramatic events, Wilf is thrust into a hidden magical realm called Mathowytch, where witches and wizards clash in a deadly war that threatens to wipe out witch magic. As Wilf battles to understand his true nature, he must deal with treacherous alliances, confront his fears, and decide whether to accept his magic or reject it altogether. Losing his father has been hard, but when his friend contracts the virus, he must make a difficult choice. Accept what he is or suffer more losses.
Lyall masterfully develops a cast of memorable characters,
notably Wilf, whose internal struggle with his identity and powers forms the
emotional underpinning of the story. Myra, his stepsister, offers a
foil—steadfast and protective, yet torn between her loyalty to her family and
her secret plans. Ermentrude Wakefield, a powerful witch with a complex moral
compass, is mentor and antagonist, exemplifying the ambiguities of magic and
authority. The richly described setting shifts from bustling Hong Kong streets
to the shadowy, mystical city of Mathowytch, creating a vivid contrast between
the mundane and the magical. Wilf’s refusal to accept his magic, the political
machinations of the Wizard and Witch Councils, and the deadly Pulch Virus,
which symbolizes the destructive potential of unchecked power, are the points that
fuel the conflict. The Virus of Beauty is a captivating read that leaves
you eager for the next installment in the series — balanced, deft, and hugely
imaginative.
Hand-picked reviews our authors and readers are loving right now
Essays, author interviews and publishing advice for curious readers and writers.
By The Book Commentary ·
You open the book admitting you never wanted to be a leader, and when your VP promoted you, the entire onboarding was “Congratulations. Don’t fuck it up.” Twenty-plus years later, what did you actually need to hear in that conference room, and what would you say now to someone getting that same call this week?I should...
Read the article →
Expanded Awareness: A Health Psychologist's Inquiry into AI and Consciousness
Read the article →
By Romuald Dzemo
For avid readers, being aware of these trends can enhance your reading experience, broaden your horizons, and, let’s be honest, help you sound like a literary genius at your next book club meeting.
Read the article →
By The Book Commentary
This guide ranks the ten most effective marketing tools available to authors in 2027—from review services and award programs to advertising platforms and owned-audience engines—and shows you how to stack them into a single, self-reinforcing system.
Read the article →
By The Book Commentary
With over two million books published every year, how do readers decide what to buy—and how do authors break through the noise? The secret lies in trust. Discover how Editorial Book Reviews, ethically leveraged paid book reviews, and prestigious Author Award C...
Read the article →
By Editors, The Book Commentary
In an increasingly competitive market, editorial book reviews give independent authors the credibility, marketing assets, and retail appeal needed to succeed.
Read the article →Sign up for email updates covering blogs, offers, and lots more.