Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Sikkim: Top 10 Places to Visit

Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Sikkim: Top 10 Places to Visit
Tucked away in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, the northeastern state of Sikkim in India is a gem waiting to be explored. With its pristine landscapes, captivating monasteries, and diverse flora and fauna, Sikkim offers a truly mesmerizing experience for every traveler. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, Sikkim has something to offer to everyone. In this blog post, we will take you through the top 10 places to visit in Sikkim, India.
1. Gangtok:
The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, is a bustling town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Explore the bustling MG Marg, visit the Enchey Monastery, and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas from Tashi Viewpoint. Don't forget to experience the peaceful ambiance of the Rumtek Monastery and enjoy a cable car ride to the picturesque Saramsa Garden.
2. Tsomgo Lake:
Located at an altitude of 12,400 feet, Tsomgo Lake is a stunning glacial lake that remains frozen during winter. The turquoise waters of the lake against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains create a breathtaking sight. Indulge in yak rides and savor local snacks as you soak in the serene beauty of this natural wonder.
3. Nathula Pass:
For the adventurous souls, a visit to Nathula Pass is a must. Situated at an altitude of 14,140 feet, this mountain pass connects India with Tibet. Enjoy the panoramic views, visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, and witness the Indo-China border trade.
4. Yumthang Valley:
Known as the "Valley of Flowers," Yumthang Valley is a paradise for nature lovers. Located at an elevation of 11,693 feet, this picturesque valley is adorned with vibrant blooms during spring. Immerse yourself in the beauty of rhododendrons, primulas, and other alpine flowers as you take a leisurely stroll through the valley.
5. Pelling:
Nestled amidst the majestic mountains, Pelling offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visit the Pemayangtse Monastery, explore the ruins of Rabdentse Palace, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range. The Khecheopalri Lake and the Kanchenjunga Falls are also worth a visit.
6. Ravangla:
Situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet, Ravangla is a quaint town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Tathagata Tsal, also known as the Buddha Park, and witness the colossal statue of Lord Buddha. Take a peaceful stroll through the Rayong Sunrise Viewpoint and enjoy the beauty of the sunrise over the snow-capped peaks.
7. Lachung:
Lachung is a picturesque village located in North Sikkim, known for its pristine beauty. Explore the Yumthang Valley, indulge in hot spring baths, and visit the Lachung Monastery. The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, filled with a variety of rhododendron species, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
8. Zuluk:
For offbeat travelers, Zuluk offers a unique experience. Situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet, this small village is known for its breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas. Enjoy the winding roads, visit the Thambi Viewpoint, and witness the beauty of the sunrise from the Lungthung viewpoint.
9. Rumtek Monastery:
Located near Gangtok, the Rumtek Monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Sikkim. Admire the stunning architecture, explore the tranquil surroundings, and witness the rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. The monastery also hosts the sacred Kagyat Dance during the Losar Festival.
10. Namchi:
Nestled in the southern part of Sikkim, Namchi is a charming town that offers panoramic views of the mountains and the Teesta River. Visit the towering statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse Hill, explore the Char Dham complex, and indulge in a serene atmosphere at the Solophok Chardham.
Sikkim, with its enchanting beauty and serene landscapes, is a destination that will leave you spellbound. Whether you seek adventure, spirituality, or tranquility, the top 10 places mentioned above will provide a memorable experience. From the bustling capital city of Gangtok to the tranquil monasteries and breathtaking valleys, Sikkim offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to the pristine Himalayan state of Sikkim.
Kindly contact us at +919775304444 or you can visit us at the link below: https://tours.tripmaza.com/packages/?&q=sikkim%20darjeeling

​
https://preview.redd.it/ffgvvckhkk4b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=3d721fadedcb02f5505564a5ea18099e3b9cd724
I grew Billie Jang(a premade sim from San Myshuno) up to young adult and gave her the unflirty trait, and she does not live with her parents anymore, and she works in the social media career; however, when I played her family, which consists of her and her roommates again, I found that she became flirty because of a clothing item, which is apparently the hat, and I decided to use this chance to make her get a boyfriend and get married.
Maybe others can also try this item to make their unflirty sims flirty when needed.
Also strangely, unflirty sims usually have a strong recluse to expressing romantic love, but the choice of "Declare love publicly" is the same as other sims, this is kinda unexpected, as we'd expect unflirty sims to be very reluctant to express love publically. Below is the evidence:
https://preview.redd.it/e4ff2if3lk4b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=89f720768a77450eae9051db0ef52f533cb78fb3
Btw, being unflirty does not really preclude WooHoo and having children as of now, since you can be WooHoo partners with someone without having real romantic relationships with them.
Btw, the house Billie Jang now lives is downloaded from the gallery of ashleekf, which is called Dusty Turf, and I place it in its land namesake in Oasis Springs, but the furniture was set up by myself.
Moreover, the hat I mentioned above is a basegame item, and is available in CAS. Here I use Eva Capricciosa, another premade sim from Windenburg, as an example. She has been married in my gameplay though:
https://preview.redd.it/q7la441ntk4b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=54fc3f478dffa52aafd30e24dd35ccd7f3f7602a
And the effect is as below:
​
https://preview.redd.it/0841o59xtk4b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=62593a45d1cfffe558daab6f7fe762c3a58a3223

​
https://preview.redd.it/y71r0t8gdk4b1.jpg?width=2069&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28b6c1617e39d6e9d534b7ae5a49457ee7814c23
You can find the original blog post, complete with all the shiny covers, here.
If you would like to be kept up to date with the upcoming lists, please subscribe to my newsletter by clicking this link. I don’t send out letters too often, pretty much once a month when this list goes out… and occasionally if I release a book or something.
As always, this is not a comprehensive list, but only includes all the books I have heard about so far.
If you have a fantasy novel you are self publishing in June or beyond, let me know by filling out THIS FORM, and I shall add it to the page. There are but 3 requirements:
1) It must be a self published fantasy novel.
2) It must have a Goodreads page.
3) It must have a cover.
--

1st June – The Pyres of Vengeance (Swords of Dominion #2) by N.C. Koussis

Epic Fantasy, Grimdark
After losing everything she knew, Selene struggles to keep hope alive. Terrifying threats from the capital test her in ways she never thought possible.
Richter can’t destroy himself or the corruption that lives in his body. He won’t let anything stop him from his mission, though – to kill every other werewolf on the Continent.
The Order of the Golden Sword cares not for the laws of men. They’ll do anything to wipe the lycanthrope haven of Palerme from existence. But no one has ever faced an army of werewolves before.
Goodreads
--

1st June – Tristan’s Regret (The Return of King Arthur #3) by Jacob Sannox

Urban Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Historical Fantasy
In the 5th century, Tristan and Isolde are at the mercy of the scheming Morgana Le Fay, who seeks to undermine King Arthur’s alliance with Cornwall. The consequences of their actions echo down the centuries and, in 2021, Arthur, Tristan and the Knights of the Round Table desperately hunt the last remaining followers of Malagant, an immortal ally of the dead sorceress. Will Arthur finally live up to his own legend, and can anything put an end to Tristan’s regret?
Goodreads
--

1st June – The Exile of Zanzibar (Railroad to Zanzibar #1) by Daniel Maidman

Epic Fantasy, Historical Fantasy
Claire built a device to fold space and time. It had a flaw…
When the smoke clears, she finds herself halfway across the world, thousands of years in the past, and no device in sight.
In bronze-age Florence, war has lasted for generations. All Claire wants to do is get home, but she’ll need help from the locals. She wins an ally in Marcus Diophantus, a pickpocket turned soldier turned general, who hopes to turn into something more than just her champion. Together, they broker peace between Florence and its enemy.
If Marcus is going to help Claire, he’ll have to survive. Peace has upset the balance of power in the capital city. The king stands increasingly alone against: the Constantines, a commercial enterprise as much as a clan, who aim to profit from peace as they have from war – the warrior nobles, descended from the founders of Florence and quick to turn against a weak throne – and Reburrus, the high priest of Florence, convinced Claire answers to hostile foreign gods. As the city comes to a boil, Claire and Marcus – and Marcus’s formidable army – will have to decide where their allegiance lies.
Claire becomes a reluctant participant in a savage campaign. While Marcus leads the battles, she tries to gain control of the unimaginably powerful Ctesiphôn – a ghost tower in the heart of Florence, shrouded in magic and myth.
Goodreads
--

1st June – Captain (All that Glitters #2) by Shalaena Medford

Grimdark, Gaslamp
Mere weeks have passed since Tsingsei “Song” Gould’s world fell into ashes. Now she must accept her role as captain of the Stars’ Bounty.
The crew returns to the skies to do what they do best: piracy. They travel the world, visiting new countries and finding an adventure wherever they go. In the frigid south, Song finds there are answers to her questions about kijæm…with a caveat. In the trading country, she gains confidence in her notoriety. In the exotic west, she makes a terrible mistake.
However, one of Song’s dearest friends has become a wanted man, and they must find a way to free him of the price on his head. Will she commit the highest crime in the world, or will she lose him to the gallows?
Goodreads
--

1st June – Buzzard’s Bowl (Tragedy of Cedain #2) by John Palladino

Epic Fantasy, Grimdark
Cedain continues to collapse.
Ashmount’s destruction shatters the Magicai while the culprits responsible continue sabotaging the world. All the while, the next season of Buzzard’s Bowl begins and Edelbrock, in his constant fight for survival, desires a vengeance he can only find in the arena.
Seradal and Villic find themselves in the middle of a war between Remeria and the Camel Clans, and may end up on opposing sides, while the threat of Calrym looms over all of them.
At the behest of the woman he loves, Demri finds himself thrown into the Elkavich, a not-so-secret order of Magicai who are intent upon fixing the world.
Ashen, a former urchin rescued by a noble with selfish aspirations, works to dismantle the nobility of Calrym.
Death is assured to all who walk the world, the only unknown is when they will perish.
Goodreads
--

1st June – On Winds of Ruin (The Deimachy #2) by Lincoln Law

A friendship betrayed. An unfamiliar land. The winds of ruin blow.
Roisin is still reeling from events at the end of A Crown of Blood. She feels lost, broken and alone in the world. Torn with what to do next, Roisin chooses to make the fateful trip across the Skybinder border into enemy territory in the hopes of gaining new allies for the fight against the Soulmongers. At her side is her fox companion, Vulpo; the last of the Bloodsingers, Mei; and a Skybinder of questionable allegiance named Giack.
However, Roisin’s actions draw the attention of the Skybinder nobility, entrapping her into political machinations with deadly outcomes.
Piritta, newly reborn Soulmonger, is tasked with the search for the final member of the Soulmonger Triumvirate to lead the army to victory.
And Kaori, leader of the Soulmongers, is given her own task, granting her more power than she could have ever imagined.
The choices these young women must make will tear them apart, fracture them all, leaving cracks for something darker to seep in. And in the end, only the one with the strongest resolve will endure.
Goodreads
--

1st June – The Nameless Restaurant by Tao Wong

Urban Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy
There is a restaurant in Toronto. Its entrance is announced only by a simple, unadorned wooden door, varnished to a beautiful shine but without paint, hidden beside dumpsters and a fire escape. There is no sign, no indication of what lies behind the door. If you do manage to find the restaurant, the décor is dated and worn. Homey, if one were to be generous. The service is atrocious, the proprietor a grouch. The regulars are silent, brooding, and unfriendly to newcomers. There is no set menu, alternating with the whim and whimsy of the owner. The selection of wine and beer is sparse or non-existent at times, and the prices for everything outrageous. There is a restaurant in Toronto that is magically hidden, whose service is horrible, but whose food is divine. This is the story of the Nameless Restaurant.
Goodreads
--

4th June – Gold, Lock and Key (Grimdark Fairytales #1) by E.J. Doble

Grimdark
“All it needs, is a bit of tenacity… and three little bears.”
Goldie, an outlaw and contract hunter of the Baron’s State, accepts a new assignment from her employer to find an old cabin in the woods, home to three ‘shapeshifters’ who can morph into bears. Considered to be little more than a myth, Goldie assumes at first that the shapeshifters are an exaggeration – but with the sizeable bounty her employer is offering, she soon realises there may be more truth in it than she realised.
And that isn’t the only thing on her mind: she discovers her main rival – a manipulative and incredibly cunning trapper named Southey – has also taken on the contract, and will be contending for the same bounty she so fervently desires. Having waited many long years to have her revenge and outsmart Southey for past mistakes, Goldie sees the new contract as a perfect opportunity to do so. All she has to do is play her cards just right.
And kill three bears…
Goodreads
--

4th June – Waybound (Cradle #12) by Will Wight

Progression/Cultivation, Epic Fantasy
Years ago, Lindon left his home as a powerless Unsouled. Now, he goes to war with the most powerful beings in the world over the future of Cradle itself.
The Weeping Dragon has a grudge to settle, and Lindon intends to take out the Dreadgod with his friends by his side. But rival Monarchs know his plans, and they won’t let things end so easily.
If Lindon does win, he will ascend to the heavens. But he may not find a safe haven there either.
In the worlds above, Suriel and Ozriel face off against the Mad King to determine the new shape of the cosmos. The victor will decide the fate of countless universes.
Whether he wins or dies, Lindon will soon leave this life behind.
Goodreads
--

6th June – Champions of Light (The Light Series #1) by Althea Damgaard

Epic Fantasy
Rhoanda runs away when her father betrays her trust by arranging her marriage without telling her. She had freedom to be herself, unlike her sisters, but in the end, she should have expected this. Winter still hangs on in the mountains, unlike the beach she left, and it could be another month until the pass to the west opens. Her funds run out and the city guard catches her stealing. Instead of a cell, they take her to the Cathedral of Light, which rivals a fortress. There she learns the truth about the Light while trying to hide who she really is. Her parents, who embrace the Dark, have the power to take over the mountain kingdom and could use her as the excuse to do so.
Sergeant Vern can’t shake his desire to drink nor his anger at the Lord of Light for the disease that crippled and killed his sister at a young age. The cathedral lets him work with the class of deviants under his alias, but time is running out. The worse spring thaw of the century arrives and despite the great Cathedral of Light, the Dark has found a deep root in the kingdom. Worse, prophecies of the spiritual war manifesting in the physical come true as a mural changes before their eyes and its images step into their lives. Vern needs to accept the truth that sets him free of the curse cast upon his family so he can step into his true role. A truth that his sister professed about the Light through all her pain unto her last breath when angels took her home.
Will their faith in the Light be enough to overcome their trials and save a kingdom?
Goodreads
--

6th June – imPerfect Curse (The imPerfect Cathar #2) by C.N. Rowan

Urban Fantasy
I’m exhausted. Done in. Needing a stiff drink and about a week’s sleep. But that’s not going to happen.
Because Franc is dying, struck by a curse placed on him by the Sistren Of Bordeaux, one of the most powerful groups of Talented in France. And because of our deal, it’s on me to find out what the hell is going on, and how Franc has offended the Sistren. Apart from by simply existing, of course.
Except a simple trip to Bordeaux turns into a living nightmare as the past comes back to not just haunt me but to kick me square in the nuts, and I’m sent to the one place no Talented ever wants to go. Where those with magic either vanish or get ruined, left as nothing but empty husks.
This time, it might not be the world at risk.
It might be my very soul.
Goodreads
--

6th June – Lira by Armanis Ar-Feinial

Grimdark, Horror
Lira is an innocent little girl, struggling to survive in a cruel, heartless world. As her father dies, she is left to fend for herself. Each day is a desperate and exhausting search for food, scouring through the Abyss, the only home she knows. Acute awareness does not always protect her from the very real risk of cannibalization or worse– being abducted. This is a horrifying reality that no child should have to face in a brutally poetic tale
Goodreads
--

6th June – Girl Squad Volition (Volta Academy Chronicles #2) by Maya Lin Wang

Progression/Cultivation, YA
Magical girls, mystery, and martial arts!
After transforming for the first time, Wren starts class at Aurin Academy, a floating school where students from across the dimensions train to defend the sovereign planets of the Kiloverse from the Cosmic horrors beyond.
From learning to fly, to discovering her magical aptitude, to dealing with a trident-wielding water Volta who inexplicably wants her dead, to navigating the fraught politics of her first mission with the squad, Wren has her work cut out for her!
Goodreads
--

13th June – Fat Witch Summer – Lizzy Ives

YA, Cozy Fantasy
Dumplin’ meets The Craft in this body-positive fantasy novel for fans of summer road trips, female friendship, and magic.
Sixteen-year-old Thrash doesn’t enchant eyeliner over her lids or clear her acne with magic. She is plus-size, but she doesn’t hate what she sees in the mirror—that’s the realm of her mother, Osmarra, a slim and elegant Glamour witch. When Thrash unexpectedly breaks a mirror with her mind, she discovers she has a knack for magic and will receive one of the three sanctioned Gifts: Glamour, Growth, or Sight. The only problem is that mothers choose the Gifts, and Osmarra is convinced that the Gift of Glamour will fix her daughter’s looks.
When Thrash fails to persuade Osmarra to accept her as she is, a trio of cool witches who call themselves The Lunes offer her an out. Their leader, fiery and charismatic Cresca, recruits Thrash for a road trip to New Salem University, where the girls plan to steal their own Gifts. As Thrash crosses the magical Thirteen States of America, Osmarra hot on her heels, she discovers bewitched diners, haunted tourist traps, and a secret about the Gifts that will change the Thirteen States forever.
Goodreads
--

16th June – When the Stars Alight (The Essence of the Equinox #1) by Camilla Andrew

Gaslamp
A maiden of the stars. A monster from the shadows. A collision that rewrites their worlds.
Princess Laila Rose is a fallen star in human form. A beloved guardian to humanity. Yet in spite of these fantastical origins, she has never much believed in prophecies. That’s why when a demon of apocalyptic legend is presented to her in a block of ice, she feels fascination rather than fright.
Curiosity kindles into mutual desire once he breaks free of his captivity. Far from the rampaging beast of mass destruction everyone expects—he is monstrously handsome, deviously articulate and alluringly mysterious, a prince among his kind. Eager to discover his origins, Laila travels from her idyllic seaside realm into a land of unspeakable horrors, relying on her wits to survive her journey. She arrives aiming to establish peaceful contact with the aid of the besotted prince.
However, it becomes clear that the heartless demon king does not desire peace at all, only war and conquest. When diplomacy fails, Laila turns to the king’s suave and manipulative bastard son in the hopes that she can inspire both him and his trueborn brother to go against their father. But soon it is her heart she must keep from being torn between their centuries-old dangerous rivalry.
Goodreads
--

16th June – The Orb and the Airship (Turrim Archive #1) by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Steampunk, Cozy Fantasy
A rogue airship captain. An ambitious youth. A clash of powers beyond their imagination.
With scholarships to a prestigious military school, Grayden and Wynn are thirsty for adventure. But the night before they leave, they discover the mysterious Dalmir and his arcane orb in the forsaken tower outside of town. The old man, who seems to have a wealth of knowledge of what came before and yet so little of the now, insists on accompanying them as they travel to the academy.
Meanwhile, all pirate Captain Marik wants is to keep to the skies, take his due, and care for his crew. Then a straightforward pillaging mission on a ship of fresh academy students leads to betrayal from one of his own and an unlikely friendship forged by necessity.
Yet this new alliance stirs up ancient foes and a conflict too terrible to ignore. Despite Grayden’s inexperience and Marik’s skepticism, working together with Dalmir is their only option.
The fate of the world depends on it.
Goodreads

--

17th June – Molten Flux (Flux Catastrophe #1) by Jonathan Weiss

Epic Fantasy, Sci-Fantasy
As the freshest conscript aboard the walking fortress of Revance, Ryza forges a name for himself in battle. The enemy are the smelters, bandits that trade in reanimated corpses. But for Ryza, the bloodshed represents a path of redemption for an upbringing he’s just escaped.
His prowess with a rifle draws the interest of the Locusts, a clandestine faction within Revance’s ranks. It turns out that not all aboard the fortress seek to stamp out the plague of molten flux, the mysterious liquid metal that fills the bodies of the dead and makes them walk again.
Some seek to profit.
The reanimated corpses —known as autominds— are used to control enormous contraptions of magnetically enchanted metal, forming the backbone of The Droughtland’s factories. The only thing stopping the smelters from expanding their illicit industry is Revance.
The Locusts make Ryza an offer. Either help overthrow Revance to do the smelter’s bidding or reveal his father’s legacy as the very thing Ryza now fights against.
The former is unthinkable. The latter means death.
Ryza resolves to infiltrate them and expose the mutiny, plunging him back into the murky underworld of the smelters, testing his convictions, and even leading him to the ancient origins of molten flux itself.
Goodreads-
--

18th June – Enchanted Flames ANTHOLOGY (Enchanted Anthologies #3) by Various Authors

YA
If you play with fire, you might get burned…
Dig into this magical collection of short stories and discover among the embers ten fiery fantasy tales to set your heart ablaze.
Sneak past the ancient dragon as you steal from his hoard of gold and escape with the crown jewels. Journey deep into the Salamander Kingdom and follow the wyverns as they help the woodwitch to find the cure. Walk over earth scorched by a post-apocalyptic sun on a quest for survival, and find out why the firebird only eats golden apples. Watch the phoenix rise from the ashes and root for the golden dragon to woo his demigoddess in the Magic Kingdom.
Goodreads

--

20th June – Guild of Magic (NYC Questing Guild) by Jon Auerbach

Urban Fantasy
Joining the Guild was only the beginning. Now Jen’s next quest could spell life or death.
Jen Jacobs thought she was in over her head when she first discovered the secret Quest Board and the world of alchemy and magic hiding just out of sight in New York City. But after a ghost from her mentor Beatrice Taylor’s past nearly kills the two of them, Jen finds herself on the cusp of joining the fabled Guild. Except now Beatrice has gone missing, leaving Jen alone to face the shadowy organization and its 11 members by herself.
If that wasn’t enough, the Guild’s chairman forces Jen to complete yet another dangerous quest to prove that she belongs: stealing a long-lost vial of Dragon’s blood that is the key ingredient to recreating the legendary Philosopher’s Stone.
As Jen’s past mistakes begin to catch up with her, she’ll need to muster all of her ingenuity to survive in the cutthroat world of ancient Relics, magical dynasties, and a possible immortal secretly directing things from behind the scenes.
Goodreads
--

21st June – Hierachy of the Unseen by B. Pigeon & Fell A. Marsh

Epic Fantasy
Demons and humans are locked in endless struggle.
This is an intrinsic fact of nature. The demons believe their salvation lies in bleeding humanity of the life-force called light, while the humans are equally determined to defend it.
Within the sprawling empire of Lu-nevet, the two sides have settled into an uneasy peace, employing less violent tactics. But this peace can only hold for so long.
The state religion of Lukeira sends devout demon hunter Mitzli deep into the borderlands to bless the victims of demonic pranks. Once they arrive, however, they find unexpected signs of violence. They team up with irreligious hunter Veleiry to investigate—and the destruction the two uncover is an ominous sign of what’s to come.
Meanwhile, shiftless demon Kor falls under the scrutiny of his vampiric commander, Mant—meaning he must actually do the work of tormenting humans, rather than taking credit from his now-ex-partner Yez. Slowly, he begins to realize that the demons’ strategy is shifting, and may be heading down a path he cannot follow.
Mitzli and Kor will have to betray their respective factions if they want to put an end to the violence before it escalates. But the two of them, both outcasts among their own kind, are the only ones who know the truth. How can they protect the world if no one will listen?
Goodreads
--

27th June – Temper the Dark by L. Ryan Storms

Epic Fantasy, YA
Servant girl Alaris Kahlanik finds out about her family’s gift the hard way when she discovers her ability to dreamwalk after being condemned to the Cells. With thoughts of escape, she uses her newfound ability to spy on the emperor and his secret search for something important. Nothing the emperor wants could possibly be good for the people he rules, and so whatever the emperor is looking for, Alaris must find first.
Throlani Guardsman Kagan Liis has served the Empire since Emperor Patuk’s reign began eight years ago. He can also communicate with a vicious oracle referred to only as the Darkness. When the Darkness tasks Kagan with investigating the Servant girl in the Cells, Kagan takes on a special mission that will require more than his usual interrogation methods of brute strength and intimidation.
From vastly different echelons of the same tribal society, Alaris and Kagan are surprised to learn they share one important goal—ensuring the best for the people of their island nation. Alaris discovers what the emperor is looking for — a dragon! But warning a senile dragon against impending danger is no easy task. Together, Alaris and Kagan must save a forgetful dragon and a divided nation…which may mean giving up any hope of saving themselves.
Goodreads
--

30th June – Quin of Light (The Quins of Sarcaren #1) by Mark Parker

Epic Fantasy, YA
The quins of Sarcaren have awoken. . .
Auri. Gifted with power over lightning that fascinates and frightens her in equal measure, power she must bring to the fore when horror strikes her people.
Torren and Aaran. Twins with growing mastery over the physical and the mental. A potent mix of brains and brawn, both vying for the approval of the kingdom’s greatest warrior.
Koshi. Beset with sickness caused by the fire that threatens to burn her from the inside.
And Caetan. The youngest prince of Sarcaren who bends water to his desire but whose will and words are shackled by a devastating sorceress.
Alone, they pose little threat. Separated at birth – mere pawns to be used by the city of Sarcaren as an unknown enemy rumbles in the north. Alone, they are mere children caught in a dangerous and confusing world of betrayal and fear.
Together, they are bound by a curse that will one day kill them all.
Together, they will devastate kingdoms.
Goodreads
--
Space for more...

​
Protesters stage a sit-in at the Capitol building in Denver.
Hundreds of White women gathered at the Colorado Capitol Monday morning, with more expected to show up throughout the day, to use their “privilege” in a silent sit-in to demand Gov. Jared Polis ban guns and create a gun buyback program.
The sit-in also comes amid a national debate over gun control and nearly two months after Polis signed into law four gun control bills, including one to expand the state’s red flag law.
Protesters gather in Denver to call for strict gun laws.
Here4TheKids, a movement created after a mass shooting in Nashville in March left six people dead, including three children, calls for primarily White women to peacefully sit-in until Polis, a Democrat, signs an executive order banning guns. It was founded by two women of color, Saira Rao, who is South Asian American, and Tina Strawn, who is Black. Both are mothers.
Strawn told CNN the movement calls for White women to be at the forefront of the sit-in because, “we know what happens when we show up with demands.”
“We know what happens when we show up in large numbers to fight for our rights. We’ve been doing it for generations. We’re always the ones whose bodies are in the most danger and at the most risk,” Strawn, an author and owner of the “Speaking of Racism” podcast said.
“So, it appealed to me very much that this was actually a time where we are asking Black folks and other marginalized and vulnerable communities to sit this one out and allow the White women and their privileged bodies, their privilege, and their power to show up. It’s time for them to show up,” Strawn added.
The movement has garnered support from the entertainment industry, including from White actresses Amy Schumer, Michaela Watkins and Lake Bell.
Watkins, who showed up at the Colorado Capitol early Monday morning and plans to stay until late in the evening, told CNN her initial response to the call to action for mainly White women to participate was, “What? Just White women? That sounds just exclusive,” but she understood what the founders meant.
“White women, statistically, have been the least likely to be arrested, assaulted by police officers and so we just said, ‘OK.’ If marginalized communities have been just traumatized over and over and over again I guess we just come together,” Watkins told CNN as cars drove by and honked in support of the protest. “We are the biggest voting block in this country. We do have power, we just forget that and we have been conditioned to forget that.”
She also said, “For me, it was very confronting, it was like, ‘I am an activist, but am I really willing to put myself on the line?’” when asked what was her response to other White women who feel uncomfortable with the movement.
“If someone says, ‘I don’t understand why I have to be there,’ they don’t have to be here. But if you feel you are over it, over this incredible horror that we are facing, literally every single day, then you should come here.”

‘This is apolitical, it affects everyone’

There have been at least 276 mass shootings in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter. Colorado has suffered several mass shootings since the deadly Columbine High School shooting in 1999, including a shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs in November.
In 2021, firearms accounted for nearly 19% of deaths for those aged 1-18, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wonder database, and nearly 3,600 children died in gun-related incidents that year. The gun violence, particularly school shootings, has Wolf Terry, a volunteer with the movement who is also White, nervous for her five-year-old, who is autistic.
“If my child is even in a lockdown drill he will not be able to stomach it, to handle it, to participate in it without having a meltdown,” Terry, told CNN. “If there was an active shooter at his school he would be the first to be shot alongside his classmates because he would be loud and he’d be scared and he wouldn’t be able to control his response to the situation. And so every day, that’s what sticks with me … this is apolitical, it affects everyone.”
The executive order Here4TheKids has proposed for Polis to sign calls for the governor to “ban the use, loading, possession or carrying of all firearms in Colorado, including but not limited to firearms for personal protection, hunting, law enforcement or any otherwise lawful purpose” and create a statewide gun buyback program.
A spokesperson for Polis said the governor’s staff has met with the organizers of the group and “have expressed concerns that the requests being made are either unconstitutional or require legislative action.”
“The Governor takes the weighty responsibility of executive action and the trust Coloradans placed in him to govern responsibly seriously, and will not issue an unconstitutional order that will be struck down in court simply to make a public relations statement – he will continue to focus on real solutions to help make Colorado one of the ten safest states,” the spokesperson said in a statement to CNN. “These individuals’ calls to improve safety and prevent gun violence through their specific requests for an executive order banning all guns would simply be unconstitutional.”
Both Rao and Strawn said lawmakers have failed to curb gun violence and when asked if the new gun control laws in Colorado were a start, Rao said “no” because despite current state laws aimed to prevent them, gun deaths still persist.
“State legislation does not work. Why? Because guns can cross state lines, you can print guns on 3D printers,” Rao said. “State legislation is not working. It’s just not working, it doesn’t matter what it is.”