Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: A Curse of Mayhem (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #2) by Sunayna Prasad

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for A Curse of Mayhem by Sunayna Prasad. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a guest post from the author. There's also a tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: A Curse of Mayhem
Series: Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #2

Author: Sunayna Prasad

Publication Date: February 15th 2020

Print Length: 173 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

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History, like magic, has a habit of repeating itself.

It’s been six months since thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy left magic behind for good. Or so she thought…

Then the enchanted objects that protected her disappear. Now a skeleton named Errol has cursed her with magical powers that keep getting her in trouble. Suddenly strange things are happening with disastrous effects, and if Alyssa can’t remove the magic, she will lose everything she holds dear.

In order to get rid of her unwanted wizardry, Alyssa will have to boost her bravery and confidence and determine who Errol really is. But every time Alyssa uses an enchantment, Errol is one step closer to getting his flesh back and becoming alive, and he will do anything to achieve his goals…even if it means destroying Alyssa’s happiness.

Originally published in 2016 as “Wizardry Goes Wild” and “The Unruly Curse” in 2019, “A Curse of Mayhem” is book two in the exciting and suspenseful “Magical Missions” series.

Goodreads * Amazon *

Barnes & Noble * Kobo

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EXCERPT:

Lilac-colored smoke poured in through the slight opening under Alyssa’s bedroom window. Alyssa leaped back. She swore the window had been closed when she’d come in here a few minutes ago.

The gas clouded into her room, blocking her sight. It washed onto her, causing her to squint and lean back. She coughed, rubbed her eyes, and opened them. The smoke faded. Someone must’ve pulled a prank, and not just any kind—one that involved…wizardry. 

Alyssa’s breathing sped up. She shut the window and gazed at the huge yard and long driveway. No one was outside—not even Alex, her godfather and legal guardian. 

Perhaps the trespasser had escaped or had hidden somewhere—maybe behind the tree on the lawn or somewhere else on the property. 

Alyssa hurried out, brushing ash from her muted purple shirt. She entered the ground floor and opened the front door. “Hello?!”

There was no answer. 

“Whoever set that smoke off, it wasn’t funny!”

The silence continued.

Despite the freezing air this autumn evening, Alyssa stepped onto the front porch. A piece of paper appeared out of nowhere, making her jump. She picked it up, anyway.

Welcome back to magic.

Her chest tightened. She hadn’t encountered a single instance of wizardry in six months! Plus, she had two objects that were supposed to protect her from such encounters.

She dashed back up to her room and opened the closet door. Tape hung from a shoebox, and the items that she had left in there…were missing.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging. She has also written The Frights of Fiji, formerly titled as From Frights to Flaws. She is passionate about modern life, fantasy, and world-building. Aside from her website, she also has a blog about different creative and entertaining topics, including fiction and writing, called “Sunayna Prasad’s Blog”.

Sunayna has graduated from college in May 2017. She lives in Long Island, NY.

Website * Amazon * Blog *

Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter

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GUEST POST:

- What boosts your confidence when you're afraid or upset? 

A clear face mask

There have been several times I’ve dealt with high levels of anxiety or unhappiness. There have also been moments where I was afraid to do something but got past it naturally. An example includes jumping off heights. As a preteen, I tried pushing myself to jump off the high-dive at a local swimming pool, but got scared and gave up. Ten years later, in my early 20’s, I jumped off a cliff dive with no problem.

Aside from overcoming fears naturally or by maturing, there have also been treatments to overcome anxiety or low moods for me.

The best one happened recently, which is when I ordered a clear face mask in the mail. Ever since the pandemic started and face masks have become required, I have been stressed, anxious, and depressed at times. Not only did I hate living with a bunch of restrictions and a lack of control, but I also felt extremely uncomfortable not seeing peoples’ facial expressions, especially smiles. I know, face masks are for protection and drastically save lots of lives. So, I understand the mandate of wearing them. 

Of course, neither I nor anyone can make others wear clear face masks. But when I first researched them, looking at pictures of people in them made me feel a thousand times better and comfortable.

When I tried on my clear mask, I also felt a lot better. Besides the fact that I could see my mouth, I also unintentionally laughed and smiled. Something about the clear mask boosted my mood, happiness, energy, and positivity. It was if it had some mental and psychological effects on me.

After I tried it on, I felt happier, more energetic, confident, and free of any negative feelings I’ve experienced recently amid the pandemic.

Before that, my low moods and stress were pretty bad. It ruined my physical health and emotional well-being, where I’d feel upset all the time and even regress. It has been many, many years since I admitted my distastes for gifts. But this Christmas, I expressed my dislikes for the presents my mom got me, and she was offended. I felt sorry.

But, perhaps, the clear mask will help with my negative feelings and progress me back to the level of happiness and confidence I had before the pandemic. It really is a medicine for my unhappiness. 

Obviously, I don’t know if clear masks would necessarily make others happier. There will be people who don’t like them at all, and will only wear masks where their facial expressions are hidden. Ironically, the clear masks get some mixed and negative reactions online. But for me, it’s beyond 5 out of 5 stars. 

It would be nice to see lots of people wear clear masks. Maybe it would also help their moods and confidence, too.

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GIVEAWAY:

Sunayna Prasad will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. To increase your chance of winning, leave a comment at a different stop on the tour each day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway