<![CDATA[Alainna MacPherson - Blog]]>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:52:58 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[ARC Readers Check your Email]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 15:40:21 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/arc-readers-check-your-emailThe time has come! If you signed up to be an ARC reader for Piercing the Horizon, check your email, junk too, for your link to download your copy on BookFunnel. #arcreaders #cruelprincevibes #iceplannetbarbariansseries

ARC Readers

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]]><![CDATA[ATTENTION ARC Readers!]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:37:29 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/attention-arc-readersThe time has come! If you signed up to be an ARC reader, this post is for you. Those who requested the first two books to read for free, you should have already received an email with a link to download both books. If you haven't received them, and you KNOW you signed up, please check your spam/junk folder and then message me if you still can't locate them. Book 3 will be sent out in a few days. We're putting the finishing touches on formating and book covers. Book 1 and 2 will have a rapid release prior to book 3, as well for their new covers.

Thank you to all of your reviewers for taking the time to write your thoughts and feelings about the books that you read. It really helps us indie-authors.

Here's a sneak peek at the new cover of Book 1, Beneath the Surface.

]]><![CDATA[What's Happening Now?]]>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:59:00 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/whats-happening-nowWhat am I working on now, you ask? Book 1 in my first-ever dark academia called Nerium Academy.

I'm about 1/2 in now, and I love it so much!

FMC is 18-year-old Gracelynn, who finally makes it to the cloaked school for Others, fulfilling her grandmother's dying wish. Only, she doesn't have an acceptance letter or tuition money, and the guy who finds her seems to have staked some sort of claim on her. As well as his two friends. Things were already weird before she arrived, but suddenly they've gotten a little more so since. And now Penn, Jagger, and Massey have to figure out what the hell is going on while trying to solve the mystery that is the newest student.

If you enjoyed Zodiac Academy by The Twisted Sisters and Elemental Fae Academy by JR Thorn, I think you'll love this one. Stay tuned for some sneak peeks. :)

]]><![CDATA[Breaking News!]]>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 18:20:19 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/breaking-news

I have officially sent the manuscript of Piercing the Horizon to my editor! We're on the countdown for ARC sign-ups!

If you haven't signed up and would still like to, there's still some time. For those who haven't read the first two books, they are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you don't have KU, email me. and I can get you a private download.

ARC SIGN-UP

Read Beneath the Surface

Read Through the Shadows

]]><![CDATA[New Hangout]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:54:13 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/new-hangout

This just in, there's a new hangout for me and my friends to share our books, what we're reading, answer questions for other writers, share resources and services we've used and had success with. Come on in and join us! Both Readers and Authors welcome!

]]><![CDATA[Almost Finished!]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:04:56 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/almost-finished

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ARC reader that said "The book would have been much better without that mention at the back of the book. Today I finished the last chapter of the last book of the Surface series. My alien romance that was supposed to just be about two species trying to survive, in different ways, turned out to be about a struggle of racism, a centuries-long cover-up, genocide (very lightly), and even a pandemic. The book was finished in February and went out to ARC readers in March. Right before COVID was even a real concern. Before quarantines. And before the murder of George Floyd.

Upon its release, I had a mention at the back of why Black Lives Matter, including names of those who had died (that I could find) at the hands of police in recent years. I didn't advertise it, I didn't tell anyone about it, but got one review from an ARC reader that said "The book would have been much better without that mention at the back of the book.

That I should remember that there were also Irish Slaves." I replied to her with a single sentence that said "Thank you for reading, but I'll keep the mention as you might be the target market needing it's reminder."

I didn't have the energy or drive to finish the last book for a few years, as you can already tell, but I did during the time of ICE harming and killing US Citizens, Black and White. A president ignoring the constitution and violating human rights on the daily.

I really hope I did the story justice and satisfied the readers, though. As much as this is a dystopian, sci-fi and fantasy series, it coincidently aligns with the crap that we're facing now, and that is intimidating.

And so, I end this post by saying, thank you for reading and supporting me. Sharing posts, leaving reviews, and word of mouth goes a long way to help me as a writer. ♥ ♥ ♥

]]><![CDATA[the Book Mash]]>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:14:31 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/the-book-mash

Not sure if I shared it here, but The Book Mash Podcast did a BLOG BOOK REVIEW on A Shield of Blood and Honor. If you haven't heard their podcast yet, CHECK THEM OUT!

]]><![CDATA[sneak peek - Piercing the Horizon]]>Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:51:07 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/sneak-peek-piercing-the-horizonIt's time for a sneak peek of Piercing the Horizon! Exclusive to blog/newsletter subscribers/pack readers. you're all the first ones to read the first chapter (unedited). click here to read.

Please note: You do not have to sign up for anything, but it will ask you for an email before opening. this is strictly for pirating reasons. by entering your email, I'm able to see when people share to pirating sites.

reminder: ARC Sign-Ups for Piercing the horizon are now open.

]]><![CDATA[reviews are growth]]>Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:54:00 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/reviews-are-growthBelow is a review done by a Reedsy reader. Is it a good review? Yes. Does it offer constructive criticism? Also, yes. These are the kind of reviews I truly appreciate. It offers me insight into what the reader enjoyed about the book and what aspects could be improved on. This was a new animal for me, writing this book. The murder investigation, the dating app, stalker male character. So I expected to see some sort of issues, and now I know where I can make changes for the next book.

All of that said, here is the full review for you all to read, and THANK YOU to the reviewer, Satabdi Mukherjee. To see more of her reviews on Reedsy, CLICK HERE.

Alainna MacPherson’s A Shield of Blood & Honor is the first entry in her Vlathe City Series, a dark‑edged urban fantasy novel that blends mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue.

The story follows Ros, a woman striving to build a life without compromising her moral compass or revealing the secrets she carries—secrets that, as the book frequently reminds readers, “aren’t just mine to keep.”

When a mass murder suddenly pushes her into the spotlight she has tried to avoid, Ros becomes entangled in a dangerous web of investigations, personal history, and reluctant alliances.

The book’s premise is immediately compelling: Ros is forced to rely on a stranger to help keep her past hidden even as other “unfortunate events” unfold. Her best friend also signs her up for a dating app, injecting an unexpected dose of humor and chaos into an otherwise tense plotline.

As Ros juggles nightly dates, an intense investigator on her tail, and the hunt for a killer, the novel develops a layered narrative that oscillates between action, supernatural politics, and interpersonal drama.

"However, the novel is not without its weaknesses. "

One of the strengths of the novel is its world‑building, which is original, engaging, and full of potential. The highlights of the book are its action‑packed pacing, accessible prose, and compelling supernatural elements, making it entertaining and unpredictable.

The presence of dragons, magical dynamics, and morally gray characters adds texture to the setting, making Vlathe City feel like a gritty, enchanted urban sprawl where danger is constant and loyalties are questionable.

However, the novel is not without its weaknesses. There are issues with continuity and pacing, particularly in the opening chapters. These early chapters occasionally cause readers to pause in confusion rather than stay immersed in the story.

Also, the male lead’s overly controlling behavior early in the book is putting off—selecting Ros's food and drink, tracking her through hacking, and falling into “insta‑love” within minutes. While this behavior tapers off, it remains a divisive aspect of character development that may not appeal to all readers.

"The book balances humor and tension, and its supernatural elements add flair without overwhelming the human story at its core."

Despite these flaws, A Shield of Blood & Honor offers an entertaining, fast‑paced urban fantasy experience. Ros is a relatable protagonist forced to confront uncomfortable truths while navigating danger, romance, and self‑preservation.

The book balances humor and tension, and its supernatural elements add flair without overwhelming the human story at its core.

Overall, MacPherson’s novel will likely appeal to fans of character‑driven urban fantasy with romantic subplots and high‑stakes mystery. While some structural refinements could strengthen the narrative, the book’s imaginative world‑building and emotional tension lay a promising foundation for future installments in the Vlathe City Series.

For readers seeking a fresh urban fantasy with grit, secrets, and a touch of chaos, this debut is worth exploring.

]]><![CDATA[Room shuffle and arcs]]>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:32:45 GMThttps://www.alainnamacpherson.com/blog/room-shuffle-and-arcs

I've moved offices! Did I get a new location? Nope. Did I give up the room I was in so my daughter could have her own room? Yes. Where did I put my office then, you ask? Why, in the corner of the second living space we have that is attached to the kitchen. Pros! All three kids have their own space now. Cons! They still insist on being in mine and there's no longer a door.

The sacrifices of a SAHM, am I right?

What have I been up to other that The Room Shuffle? I've been trying to finish writing Piercing The Horizon, book 3 in the Surface series. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's a sci-fi/dystopian romance. If you're interested in learning more about it, here's Book 1: Beneath the Surface.

ARC sign-ups are currently open. Release date isn't until April, but I realize that many readers probably haven't read the first two books and I want to give people time to do so. To be an ARC READER for Piercing the Horizon, CLICK HERE! For those who DO NOT have Kindle Unlimited, you can let me know on the form and I can send you private links to read the books free.

Today, I hope to get 3K words written on PTH. I am at the part just before the climax of the story. I am so excited about how this whole series has come full circle. I say this because I didn't even know how it was going to end until a few weeks ago, even though I wrote the first book in 2020. It just so happened that the story is still relevant. Which is extremely infuriating.

In case anyone was wondering, yes, this book is very political. All of my books are in some form or another. I have a platform, even if it's small, and I will continue to use it to fight for what's right. Even if it is just to tell stories to spread awareness.

It's also FULL of spice. ;)

That's it for now. I hope to get back in the habit of doing blog entries again. It's just been busy since school started for the kids again. I hope everyone is staying warm during this huge cold front and has a great Sunday!

Read Books 1 & 2 Now on Kindle Unlimited

Book 1

Book 2

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