Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Book Highlight: Beneath the Hallowed Hill



Anne Le Clair travels to Glastonbury with her fiance, Egyptologist and mystic Michael Levy, to investigate a house she has inherited from a mysterious aunt...only to find trouble waiting. One of Avalon's sacred twin springs is failing. Together, Anne and Michael try to restore the water flow, but discover there is much more at stake: the Illuminati master Alexander Cagliostro has activated an ancient crystal tower, tearing a hole in time that threatens so much more than one sacred spring. Meanwhile, in ancient Atlantis, Megan, priestess of the Crystal Matrix Chamber, flees the destruction of her world carrying with herself a vital artifact. (Book 2 of the Power Places Series)


Excerpt:


Something woke Anne. She listened for a sound, but heard only the ticking of an old clock downstairs. She rolled over and snuggled down under the duvet, but sleep did not return. Rather than toss and turn, she crept out of bed, careful not to wake Michael. In the closet among Cynthia's clothes, she found some old jeans and a shirt. At the window, the dark sky held a faint promise of light. Birds twittered in the apple orchard. The earth lay suspended in that silent moment before the tides swing toward morning. Anne made her way down the stairs, avoiding the squeaky step, and found a woolen cloak and clogs next to the back door. She slipped them on and walked through the dark backyard. A rickety wooden gate opened onto the gentle green slope. Above her, Anne could just make out the long finger of St. Michael's Tower. She climbed the wet grass to the steps running up the hill. She stopped to catch her breath at a convenient bench, waiting until the ache in her ribs subsided, then pushed to the top and sat against the old stone tower facing east, waiting for the sun to rise. She closed her eyes for a minute and sank quickly into deep silence.


From the west side of the tower, a lone voice lifted in a wordless chant. She opened her eyes and half turned to see who else had left their warm bed to climb the Tor and greet the dawn, but instead of the tower, she found herself leaning against a tall standing stone. Anne leapt to her feet and backed away.


"Good morning, Cynthia," a voice called from behind her.


Anne whirled to find an older man walking up the last slope of the Tor, his breath steaming in the chill.


The chant cut off mid phrase. Anne turned back to look for the singer and almost rammed her nose into St. Michael's Tower.


"You're up early," the man said.


"What the..." Anne turned back to the newcomer. He wore a woolen cloak similar in make to the one Anne had grabbed from the back porch, but his was a darker brown, almost matching his hair.


"Oh, you're not...I thought..." He came to a halt.


"I'm Anne, Cynthia's niece."


He stood close enough now for Anne to see wisps of silver in his beard. She pointed behind her. "Did you hear someone chanting just now?"


"You heard chanting." It was a statement.


"Yes. And I thought..." She pointed to the tower, then shook her head. "Never mind."


"You thought?"


"The tower disappeared and I saw a standing stone."


He nodded. "Some people see a ring of stones, some just the one."


Anne gave him a closer look.


"When is Cynthia coming back?"


She hesitated. "You haven't heard?"


He shook his head. "Sometimes we are out of touch for months at a time, but we always seem to find each other again."


She took a deep breath. "I'm afraid Aunt Cynthia died late last year in New York."


"Died?" He stepped toward her. "But, such a vital woman."


"It was sudden. A heart attack." No sense telling the world it had been murder.


The man stared at her, eyes wide. Then he shook his head. "Cynthia and I were . . . neighbors." He offered his hand and Anne shook it. "My name is Garth."


"I'm sorry to bring you this news."


He ducked his head and leaned on his walking stick. Finally, he looked up and studied her face. "Anne." He shook his head. "I don't recall..."


"She and my mother were estranged. Cynthia probably never mentioned me."


"Ah, so you're the one."


"Excuse me?"


"The niece she had so much hope for."


Anne stifled her surprise. "So I'm told."


"You've taken up residence?"


Anne nodded. "I inherited the house. We - my fiance and I - we came to see about it. Visit Glastonbury."


"And you're an early riser?"


"Actually something woke me. Probably jet lag."


"I felt it, too." He turned back to the east and gazed out across the downs. The bright curve of the sun lit the horizon. The fields greened under his gaze.


Garth turned back to her. "I hope you and your fiance will come to dinner. I would like to hear more about Cynthia's passing. Perhaps I can help you know her better."


"We'd be delighted."


"It was good to meet you." He walked into the middle of the tower, his shoulders bowed.


Purcahse Beneath the Hallowed Hill at:





About the Author:


Theresa Crater has published two contemporary fantasies, Beneath the Hallowed Hill & Under the Stone Paw and several short stories, most recently “White Moon” in Riding the Moon and “Bringing the Waters” in The Aether Age: Helios. She’s also published poetry and a baker’s dozen of literary criticism. Currently, she teaches writing and British lit in Denver. Born in North Carolina, she now lives in Colorado with her Egyptologist partner and their two cats. Visit her website at http://theresacrater.com

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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Book Highlight: Marley: The Other Christmas Carol

Damned!
Marley’s soul was lost, doomed to wander among the ranks of humanity, generation after generation, without the powers to be humane. The curse of his chains was a heavy one, and there were many a time in which he found the weight of said chains to be unbearable. So this must be perfectly understood: Marley was without hope.
Marley’s lot was indeed a sad one. Misery was his meat, and despair was his drink. Nothing of the earth was his except for the cold fingers of the grave. And it was there that Marley would never retreat. The grave was death! Marley had no powers such as those given to other earth-bound spirits. He was a wraith – a wanderer. However, upon saving the soul of a dear friend, he was given a haunting. In this haunting, Marley’s powers could not be equaled. However, one foot off the haunting’s property, and his soul would find itself in endless damnation.
Marley found himself trapped, staring out a window, into an ever-changing world. A world he would never again become a part of. A world of love, laughter, sorrow, and pain, he would always be a stranger to.
Waiting and waiting. Hoping to prove himself worthy.
Excerpt:
The house was infamous, and there were stories. God, were there stories.
One told of a bookkeeper said to be among one of the original owners, who had an experience with spirits that changed his life overnight. Another dealt with a crippled man, during the First World War, who constantly complained of rattling chains in his attic. In his ownership, he never once had a decent night’s sleep.
The house had a reputation, and it came as a shock that a family of Americans were about to move in. Americans!
Kathy Kringle loved an adventure. Not in her wildest dreams did she ever think that she would be moving to England.
She jumped from her seat, holding onto her Manny Mouse doll, leaving the moving van, and started heading off toward her new home. What an adventure! Not only was she moving into a new home, she was moving into a new country. Strange things met her at every turn. Different things. Things she couldn’t understand, such as why the English drove their cars on the wrong side of the road. She made a mental note storing it for later. Kathy thought it was her duty, when she found the time, to write a letter to the King of England, helping to correct that mistake. Cars belonged on the right side of the road, not the left.
Kathy looked down at her doll, which really never left her sight, and asked, "What do you think, Manny?"
Manny appeared to be completely indifferent to the whole affair.
"I know what you’re thinking," Kathy continued. "But Dad’s a good painter. After a few coats of paint, the house will look as good as new." She paused, smiling with relief. "We’re home."
And what a home it was.
Not at all like the studio apartment she knew back in Los Angeles, California.
This house was a castle. Two stories tall, with an attic. The house was huge. Dim oblong windows, wooden peaks, and heavy iron gates greeted her curious eyes with an empty stare.
"Jeez!" Kathy mused.
Two doors slammed shut behind Kathy.
"Kathy, don’t get dirty."
"Okay, Mom." Kathy tucked Manny under her arm and started to rush off toward her new home. Kathy rolled her eyes, thinking that her mother was too protective. "Mothers," She muttered.
Dan Kringle watched with fatherly pride as his daughter darted off through the knee-high snow, wishing to explore her new world. His daughter’s red scarf bobbed up and down, dragging between bright yellow snow boots, as she disappeared from sight.
"Sure beats Los Angeles," he said.
Purchase Marley: The Other Christmas Carol at:
About the Author:
Donald Allen Kirch lives in Kansas City, Missouri. He is an avid reader of history, Sherlock Holmes Mysteries, and the paranormal. He has a degree in Radio and Television Arts, and is listed in "Who’s Who in America." He is the author of a monthly article that appears in "Suspense Magazine" entitled "Stranger Than Fiction: True Stories of the Paranormal." After spending two weekends in the famous "Sallie House," a "haunted house" featured on the Fox TV-series Sightings, in Atchison, Kansas, he is one of the only authors of his genre who can claim to have been attacked by a ghost!

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Book Highlight: Enchantments

Enchantments is an allegorical tale told in prose and verse.
Though born and raised in the elvin land of E’alowen, E’lienna, daughter of Lady Claire, a human, and Gle'anden, prince of elves, longs to better understand her human lineage. She sets out from E’alowen and into human lands. There, she visits the wizened Mage of Dur, a long-time friend to her parents and all elvinkind. She discovers that the wizard is secretly working to help bring about a new age throughout the land of humankind. For he reveals to her that a babe, born of a king, has been secretly hidden away until such time when he is grown so that he may fulfill a prophesy made long ago of a king of men who will grow to rule the land with justice and mercy.
Through her quest to find out more about her mother’s past and about this king of men, E’lienna uncovers the mystery behind a tragedy that befell her family years ago and, in the process, discovers that the worlds of men and elves are much more deeply entwined than either have believed.
Excerpt:
Prologue
My name is E’lienna. I am daughter to a human woman and an elvin prince. Both bloods flow within my veins, the human and the elvish. This very thing it is which brings up longing deep within me, a longing in my heart and mind to find my own place in both worlds.
Born into a time of change for elf and humankind alike, I have always sought out answers far beyond my elvin kin’s embrace. Many stories tell of how the worlds of men and elves are weaving. This is my own story. So listen, if you’ve mind to hear, and I’ll recount my tale to you in that fashion keeping with the long-held elf tradition; poetry and prose entwining.
The Beginning
While moon shines bright and full, I ride out from my elvin wood, E’alowen, and under hood and cloak, I keep myself quite hidden. After I have ridden under summer’s silken stars for three nights and three days, I finally come upon the village where the wizard dwells. I’ve come to visit him.
I reach his cottage just at dusk and knock upon the door three times. He opens it and clearly is astonished by my visit.
“E’lienna!” says the sage. “Child, what brings you here?”
“Good Mage,” say I, “I am no child. Sixteen years have crowned me. I have come in hope of finding answers to a mystery which will not be explained to me by either of my parents. So please, good sage, will you engage in sharing what you know? For you are wise and friend to both my father and my mother.”
“Do they know that you are here?” he asks, and strokes his beard.
“Of course, good mage!” I answer truly. (Elves don’t lie or trick.) “It was they who told me you might offer clarity! Now will you let me in?”
And so the wizened Mage of Dur ushers me inside. His cottage proves a simple hut, yet comfortable and cozy.
“Sit. Please sit. And have some tea,” he says, upon my entering.
He serves it on a wooden tray, in two clay cups, all painted brightly. Then he sits himself across the large old wooden table, smiles and cocks his head.
“Now, pray, tell me why you’ve come.”
I pull a locket from the bag which hangs about my waist and open it to show, inside, two portraits, small as thumbnails.
“Sir,” I say, “I want to know whose picture this might be.”
On the left, my mother smiles, her sixteen year-old face all rosy. On the right, another girl stares out from sullen eyes. Their faces seem so similar. Hair and eyes, chin and cheek, both share all the same fine features. Yet they could not be more different—one a joyous angel, filled with light and magic, one an angry, brooding creature, shadowed, bleak and tragic.
I set the locket down before him. Even before looking, he begins to nod his head then sighs and closes his dark eyes as if he knows already who the woman must have been.
“No wonder Claire sent you to me,” he finally says, “and I agree it was a good thing that she sent you here. For this tale is a tale of grief—for her and your poor grandmother. Because you ask this task of me, I’ll tell you what I can.”
He pauses. I wait. Then he takes a long and heavy breath.
“How shall I begin? This portrait, E’lienna, is of your mother’s sister.”
“Mother has no sister!” I exclaim.
“Now, good child,” he says, “you must allow me to explain. And without interruption! As I said, I’ll tell you what I’m able. But I warn you, E’lienna, this is not a fable! This is sorrow. This is pain. Now, shall I start, again?”
The air hangs still, a silent weight that seems quite palpable. I swallow back my sudden feeling of dismay and answer, “Yes, dear mage, continue on, I pray. I will hold my tongue, I promise. ‘Til the end of it.”
Purchase Enchantments at:
About the Author:
Susan M. Botich writes science-fiction and fantasy. She is also a freelance writer, poet, songwriter and performing musician. She has lived all over the United States from California to New York, Alaska to Hawaii, Washington to the Midwest of Iowa and Minnesota and even the high desert of Northern Nevada. She and her husband have recently made Bend, OR their home.
Susan is an eclectic reader, having interests that bridge physics and metaphysics, social and spiritual issues, and multiple genres of fiction. She simply loves to read a good story. She became a science-fiction and fantasy fan as a teen. She has always been an avid reader but turned her focus to story writing after marriage and family in her early thirties.
Susan has recently published her science-fiction novel, The Dream Star, as well as a fantasy verse-novel, Enchantments. Both books are available through amazon.com in both Kindle and print edition and barnesandnoble.com as a Nook book. Readers may also buy her books through her website www.susanbotich.com.

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Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Book Highlight: The Lurker War

In this sequel to “The Misadventures of Ka-Ron the Knight” an evil force is growing in the “Nown” world, causing peaceful nations and kings to wage war on one another for no apparent reason. Returning home after her adventure “Karen” has accepted her new identity, having been changed into a woman, marrying her faithful squire Jatel. In her absence, Idoshia has become a fallen and conquered nation controlled by the Xows! The Royal Family are prisoners in their own castle, and a political opportunist named Hector has seized power. In the elfin lands, an ancient evil has been released causing all free-loving people to take up arms against their beloved king.. Building up a great alliance, Karen of Teal, former Errant-Knight to the kingdom of Idoshia, becomes her people’s one and only hope. Battling Elves, vampires, an escape from prison, sea creatures, and an army of the dead, no horror is more unimaginable than what would later be called “THE LURKER WAR!”
Excerpt:
Karen of Teal, formally an Errant-Knight to the Kingdom of Idoshia, lay blissfully in her bed, barely conscious. Her body relaxed to the constant pitch and roll of her room, as her mind made note of the humming of the Argo’s fantastic sky machines. Her night was one of the most fantastic she had ever experienced, for she had become a bride. As a woman, she was experiencing life from a different point of view, and had become quite used to it. This acceptance was remarkable, considering she had once been a man.
Upon hearing a set of footsteps above her, on the main deck, Karen opened one eye surveying her cabin. She spotted shadows moving through the cracks of the wood, and heard muffled voices ordering themselves about. The suns were starting to raise midpoint in the course of time, and she felt a small pang of embarrassment that she had been sleeping so late. Then again, the last couple of phases had been exhausting. Her wedding dress and undergarments lay scattered upon a nearby chair. She giggled slightly, remembering how desperately she had wanted them off the evening before.
Then, Karen felt the weight upon her chest.
"To the gods! No!" she whispered, reaching up in a panic.
Karen’s concern could be understood. The last time she had felt such a weight, she had been known as Ka-Ron, a brave knight - a man. She had fallen victim to the wrath of a Wicca Master, who had blamed Ka-Ron for the sad death of her daughter. A daughter Ka-Ron had sworn to protect from all worldly evil. In her wrath, Kai, the Wicca Master, and mother of the unfortunate woman created a most evil curse - a curse worthy of destroying a knight’s life forever. Ka-Ron became a woman. And, in time, the woman became Karen.
However, this time, the woman’s fears were false. She breathed a sigh of relief, when upon reaching up towards her chest, to discover Jatel’s head lying between her breasts. She laughed, realizing that all was indeed quite normal.
Purchase The Lurker War at:
About the Author:
Donald Allen Kirch lives in Kansas City, Missouri. He is an avid reader of history, Sherlock Holmes Mysteries, and the paranormal. He has a degree in Radio and Television Arts, and is listed in "Who’s Who in America." He is the author of a monthly article that appears in "Suspense Magazine" entitled "Stranger Than Fiction: True Stories of the Paranormal." After spending two weekends in the famous "Sallie House," a "haunted house" featured on the Fox TV-series Sightings, in Atchison, Kansas, he is one of the only authors of his genre who can claim to have been attacked by a ghost!

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Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Book Highlight: Under the Stone Paw


Anne Le Clair, a successful, young attorney, has always managed to remain free from her family's gothic past - until now. When she inherits her eccentric aunt's antique necklace though, she finds no escape from its secrets. Anne is immersed in a crash course of forbidden wisdom, secret societies, and her family's own legacy. She soon discovers that her aunt's necklace is one of just six powerful "keys" that, when combined with the other five at the appointed time, unlocks the legendary Hall of Records. But the shadowy Illuminati is working behind the scenes to uncover the same powerful secrets - and make them their own.

Excerpt:

"So you have this whole secret life I know nothing about?" Anne quipped.

Thomas was quiet.

"Oh, my God." Anne put down her drink and stared at him. "You do, don't you?"

"Let's just say I know more about the family than you do. But you knew that already, dear sister."

The main course arrived, and Anne began methodically cutting up her steak, wondering how to breech this gap between them.

"Why do you persist in eating that stuff?" he asked. "You know how much heart disease there is in our family."

"It's from Argentina. No chemicals. Besides, we die from assassinations, don't we?"

Thomas frowned. "Cynic."

"So, if you knew Cynthia so well, why didn't she leave you her whole estate?"

"She left me her library, all her papers and research."

"Everybody knows you love those dusty family archives."

"Besides, some things have to go through the female line."

Anne sat forward. "Like what? What does that mean, anyway?"

Thomas considered her. "Do you really want to know?"

"Of course. Oh, you are so exasperating. Why do you all have to be so mysterious?"

"Who else is being mysterious?"

The waiter came to ask if everything was acceptable, and Anne was saved from further comment.

After a moment, Thomas asked, "What is it you're not telling me?"

"You're the one hiding things."

"Annie." Thomas took her hand. "This is your big brother talking to you. What's the matter?"

Anne looked up at the amber eyes fixed on her.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Why have you never told me about your relationship with Cynthia before now?"

"Because Mother insisted I leave you out of it, and when you got older, you made it clear you weren't interested in learning more of the family, uh," he hesitated, "legacy. I respected your wishes."

Anne considered this. It was true that when Thomas had tried to talk about his ideas or tell her a family story, she resisted, even ridiculed him. He often flew off to explore the musty libraries of some minor branch of a noble family or an obscure metaphysical organization, but she never listened when he told her about an enticing find. It never excited her. It only served to annoy her that this brilliant man wasted his talents on such pursuits. She'd accepted her mother's view of things as a child and never really questioned her rational worldview. "I guess there's a lot I don't know about you."

Thomas set his glass down and looked across the table at Anne. "I've often wished that was different."

Now the words tumbled out. "I had these weird dreams last night, and Aunt Cynthia left me this odd necklace as a gift with a very peculiar note."

Thomas glanced around. The tables nearest them were empty. "Tell me what happened. I want to hear about the note and the crystal. Please. This is very important."

"How did you know it was a crystal?"

Thomas ignored the question. "Tell me what happened.

Anne relayed the story of the crystal necklace, the note from Cynthia and the faces she'd seen sitting before the fire. When she finished, Thomas studied her for a long time. "Say something. You're making me nervous."

"Actually, that might be an appropriate response to this development."

"What do you mean?"

Thomas squared his shoulders. "You need to make a decision and you need to make it quickly. You've always told the family you wanted nothing to do with our legacy." Anne started to speak, but he interrupted her. "Hear me out. If you keep this crystal, then you'll have to learn what it's for and how to use it."

"Use it? It's just a necklace."

"It is far more than a necklace, my dear sister. You've already had a vision using it."

"Vision? I fell asleep on the couch."

"Oh, right." He looked around again, then lowered his voice. "If you don't want to take on the responsibility of being the keeper of this crystal, then you must give it to Grandmother Elizabeth immediately. If you keep it like some bauble in your jewelry case, your life may be in danger."

"My life?"

"Quiet." Thomas looked around again.

Anne lowered her voice. "Make sense. How can a necklace threaten me?"

"I'm sorry, Anne. I want to tell you, but we can't talk about this here."

Anne sat back in her chair. "What's the big deal?"

"Are you staying at the estate after the party?"

"I always do."

"Good. We can talk Sunday. I think Grandmother will want to join us. Is that okay with you?"

"What is the big deal?" Anne repeated more emphatically.

"I'll tell you then. Meanwhile, just leave the necklace in its case."

Anne sighed.

"And don't tell mother."

"For God's sake…"

"Please." Thomas watched her earnestly.

"Oh, all right. But I think Mother is right. The family has damaged your common sense."

"Good. Now I've got to scoot."

Purchase Under the Stone Paw at:



About the Author:

Theresa Crater has published two contemporary fantasies, Beneath the Hallowed Hill & Under the Stone Paw and several short stories, most recently "White Moon" in Riding the Moon and "Bringing the Waters" in The Aether Age: Helios. She's also published poetry and a baker's dozen of literary criticism. Currently, she teaches writing and British lit in Denver. Born in North Carolina, she now lives in Colorado with her Egyptologist partner and their two cats. Visit her website at http://theresacrater.com

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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Book Highlight: The Hunter's Rede


Lorth of Ostarin is an assassin trained by a wizard unknown to his kind. He is paid very well to employ both the primeval darkness of a hunter and the ordered light of a mage, an uneasy combination he does not question until he returns home after a long assignment and trips into a turbid river of war, politics and the violation of all he holds dear. Lawless and adept, he picks no sides and takes no prisoners. When his wolfish ways get him imprisoned for crimes he did not commit, he discovers the deeper source of his ability and falls in love with a priestess who frees him to his fate. But the rift in his heart widens under the forces of love, loyalty and the occupation of his realm by a warlord who honors neither hunters nor wizards. To reclaim his homeland, Lorth must bow his head to death itself, a sacrifice that will transform him into the most powerful hunter the land has ever known.


Excerpt:


Warm rain caressed the babargon trees that crouched on the rise overlooking the Anglorean outpost deep in the Tarthian jungle. In a land with no winter, the autumnal equinox had just passed; the new moon hung like a stagnant pool above the woolen cloud cover. As night stole the last of the light, fog settled into the shadows, muting voices, hiding movement and sinking its teeth into the imaginations of tired, wounded warriors.


An assassin gazed upon the captain's tent with the patience of a praying mantis. He did not need light to know where it stood. Unseen and unknown to all but the few who paid him, his tall, lean body draped between the weeping trees, he waited, his mind caressing the glimmering watch-web he had cast around his post to warn him of any unwitting intrusion.


In his homeland of Ostarin far to the north, they called him a hunter. Here, they called him kav'tib, which in their fluid tongue meant warlock, in no good terms. Icaros, the wizard who had raised him after the earth took his mother away, once said, "There is more to being a wizard than pretty tricks! The Keepers of the Eye know the minds of gods."


The hunter was far from that. But his tricks, such as they were, proved good enough for the Tarthian nobility. They had hired him for being lawless and without loyalties, a servant of the Old One, the primeval, feminine force of cycles, birth and death who knew all things even beyond the timeless ramparts of gods. Even so, he would not be the most skillful, highest paid assassin in Sourcesee without the things Icaros had taught him. He knew things beyond his multifaceted training as a warrior, things only wizards knew.


For seven years, he had hired out his services to the warlords of Tarth, an empire of wet, wooded lands that had as many boats as carts, a desolation of brackish marshes, towns on stilts, jungles dripping with moss and the warm, fragrant nectars of constant rain. All manner of life grew here, every kind of creature that crept, slithered, swam or flew, humans notwithstanding. These were bronze-skinned, tall, with rounded noses and deep-set eyes the color of swamps, eyes that knew the mysteries of things that flowed. Dominated by the Great Reson Fen near the borders of Anglorea, Tarth was known for its concoctions, everything from rich, heady drinks to narcotics, medicines—and of course, poisons.


Purchase The Hunter's Rede at:





About the Author:


F.T. McKinstry grew up studying music and classical literature, and at a young age developed a deep love for fantasy and the esoteric, of which she was an avid reader. J.R.R. Tolkien was her most powerful influence. With a background in computer electronics and software development, she wrote and illustrated technical documentation for many years, during which time she created the fantasy world of Ealiron. A passion for fairy tales and a lifelong study of mythology, plant and animal lore, Celtic legend, shamanism, psychology and mysticism provide inspiration and scope for her work.

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Monday, June 11, 2012

Review: Osric's Wand


"Osric's Wand: The Wand Maker's Debate" by Jack D. Albrecht Jr & Ashley Delay

File Size: 475 KB
Published: August 28, 2011/September 21, 2011
Language: English
ASIN: B005JQ9D8A
Paperback: 204 pages
ISBN-10: 1466269472
ISBN-13: 978-1466269477
Purchase: Kindle, Amazon Paperback, Barnes&Noble Paperback
Website: www.OsricsWand.com

Osirc’s Wand is a story about a young man who comes from the Vigile clan. At the beginning of the story, it’s duty as usual until a peace meeting among all the races goes horribly wrong. Osirc and company then goes on a journey filled with adventures and many old conspiracies and a prophecy is uncovered.

The characters were well developed and likeable. The world building was pretty good, but there may need to be may need to be some more emphasis on the backstory about why the rules and laws are the way they are and more about the “gifts of magic”. A few times there was something brought into the story that I didn’t see was essential to the story or there wasn’t any explanation of what that particular thing was or why it was important in its mention. A couple of the key characters that appear later in the story are introduced to us with their own side story, but they sort of come out of the blue and were complete strangers. At first, as a reader, I was wondering how they fit in or whether or not they were important until I followed them along until their side story unfolds and they meet up with Osric and company. The introduction to the dwarf was a bit jarring.

The action was pretty good once the journey had begun, but there was a bit too much description and fine detail in the environment where the action was taking place that seemed to slow down the pacing of the story quite a bit. At the beginning of the story it was hard to get into at first since I had to wade through all the extra details.

Overall though Osirc’s wand is an enjoyable story that will capture your imagination and the characters are endearing.



Reviewed by: A.K. Taylor

A free copy of this book was furnished by the author for review, but providing a copy did not guarantee a review. This information is provided per the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission.

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Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Book Highlight: Crystal Shade: Ageni, Vol 1

"Thousands of stars could tell thousands of stories."
Seven year old Grace always dreamt of becoming a guardian angel; like those who guarded and guided her people and prepared to bravely fight in a dreaded mythical event, the Crystal Shade - which never came. It's not like Grace ever wanted to see Demons. Or wants to know what evil and darkness is - things that no one ever faced on her world and as the legends says, the Crystal Shade carries within -, nor does she want to die to be reborn as a guardian. But she thinks the mysterious life of angels is so noble, a fable that it sounds exciting - until it actually happens.
Crystal Shade: Angeni, Volume 1 explores the early life of a young daydreaming soul who is destined to reveal the forgotten past of her home world and to seek the answer to the eternal question; what the legendary Crystal Shade really is.
Excerpt:
“Thousands of stars could tell thousands of stories,” whispered the old man with a gentle smile. “I hope others also see the story of our beautiful star.”
Decades creased the countenance of the weary old man. He propped himself at the balcony, the silky wind ruffling his grey hair. His aged eyes never tired of the stars that pierced the infinite night sky. But despite the enchanting skyscape, his soul, which desired endless peace, was restless. He had one final promise he had made ages ago still unfulfilled; to share the past with those living in the present. A long held secret, a story to tell. Sorrow embraced him, as he knew as the sun rose to greet a new day one unheard story would pass along with him to vanish for eternity. And the time was close.
His sigh as soft as the night breeze, the old man pulled his robe tighter around him before he wandered away from the balcony. Slippered feet chafed against the cold stone floor as he shuffled to the middle of the large hall. Images of fighting angels and demons in the agony of their long forgotten war adorned the eleven immense columns surrounding a strange chrono device.
Thousands of energy orbs formed the mass of a majestic miniature galaxy under the tip of the long tapered crystal shard. Each star, a shiny orb, in this chrono device shone its story, its own truth in sapphire, orange, red, green, and purple orbs were just a few among countless colors without a known name. Clear and bright, the shard hovered untethered over the middle of this tiny world like some large mystical sundial.
The little galaxy gracefully turned between the stalwart columns. So peaceful and magnificent, its true purpose was hidden behind its enchanting mask. The shard’s polished surface mirrored the tired face of the old man who watched the device with endless respect. His eyes focused on the shadow of the sundial, which slowly crept around the crystal shard. The shadow didn’t come from the sun, which slept beyond the horizon as night stood silent sentry outside. It came from the shard itself. Even now, some of the orbs within the crystal’s untouchable dark shadow slowly changed color.
The old man closed his eyes. He was still in the hall, but his mind was far away in a forgotten world.
Majestic golden and silver colored eagle shaped crafts appeared in the bright blue sky to fly in formation under the brilliance of the sapphire sun; its eternal glow reflected from their metal bodies and sectioned wings. The crafts dove into battle against hideous dark flying creatures. Like dozens of sleek predatory birds, they fought against the evil web-winged serpentine enemies. Hunted down one by one, the metal bird craft were ripped to pieces and their wrecks left to explode in the hot white sands, where yet another battle raged.
Among the white dunes, brave winged warriors, evil demons, and humans in their shiny armor battled desperately with their crystal weapons to challenge death itself.
Purchase Crystal Shade: Ageni, Volume 1 at:
(Retailer link collection is also available there for 11 additional retailers, including Amazon, Smashwords & Barnes and Noble. Paperback is also available via Amazon US and Createspace.). The episodic release of this book, Crystal Shade: Episodes is also available here. Crystal Shade C-Store
Official website (Check it out to see what this world is all about): www.crystalshadeageni.com
Bonus:
Readers also may download a free 26 pages long introductory PDF, Crystal Shade: Introducton. Check it out HERE
About the Author:
Based out of Budapest, Hungary, Istvan began his writing and art career at a young age. His strengths include Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thrillers, as well as Spiritual, Romantic, and Political works. At the beginning of his career, two companies entrusted Istvan to create and write the stories of two of their video games. Since 2007, working parallel on several different projects, Istvan mostly developed and worked on the Crystal Shade franchise and wrote Crystal Shade: Angeni. As an artist for hire, he has created illustrations, character art, short CGI animations and marketing materials for various projects as well as for his own works, Crystal Shade: Angeni, 7 Post Meridiem, Nightfall and other unannounced projects. In 2007, Istvan produced his first short movie "15 Minutes of Fame", in which Istvan was the screenwriter, director and storyboard artist. "15 Minutes of Fame" won 3rd Place at the UPC-AXN Film Festival 2007.

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Monday, June 04, 2012

Review: The King's Bastard


"The King's Bastard: King Rolen's King Trilogy, Book 1" by Rowena Cory Daniells

File Size: 886 KB/849 KB
Print Length: 640 pages
Publisher: Rebellion Publishing Limited (July 13, 2010)
Language: English
ASIN: B004SAE54K
ISBN-13: 978-1849971782 (Ebook)
ISBN-13: 978-1907519017 (paperback
Purchase: Kindle, Nook, Paperback, Mass Market Paperback
Website: www.corydaniells.com

This is what fantasy is all about! I was immediately sucked into the world created by Ms. Daniells. I fell in love with the main character, Byren, almost immediately and was rooting for him through the whole book.

I was so sad when the book ended - a cliffhanger that left me literally screaming to know what happened next. I felt the author left off at a bad spot of the plot line - almost in the middle of the climax. I would have preferred, even with things left open, to have it stop at a more quiet part of the story line, rather than the middle of the action. It was simply an abrupt stop.

However, I loved this book. It has a bit of everything in it - politics, magic, love, friendship, treachery, intrigue, adventure - and the list goes on! I couldn't stop turning the pages, wanting to know what happened to the main characters of the story, praying they didn't have one more bad thing happen to them. I highly recommend this book to fantasy readers everywhere -really anyone who loves a great book!




Reviewed by: Anastasia V. Pergakis

A free copy of this book was furnished by the author for review, but providing a copy did not guarantee a review. This information is provided per the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission.

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Friday, May 25, 2012

"The Sword Bearer" Giveaway Winners!



“Sword Bearer” tells the story of Jonran who, under the burden of a highly technological world, finds an opportunity to escape through a magic portal. After passing through, he awakes to find himself on a more primitive planet and his body has been transformed into that of an ancient race of a long forgotten people.


Jonran is quickly captured and taken into slavery where he befriends a skilled yet questionable thief who helps him through the many trials of slavery. After their eventual escape, their paths split and Jonran stumbles alone into the protected elven lands where he falls in love with an elven woman, while his friend finds a future with a resistance force fighting a corrupt human government.


As they both seek an end to the violence, Jonran is led on a journey to a magic sword and on a quest to help a wizard to free his master, who is locked in battle with an evil invading army. That sword, combined with the crystals of the Elemental Lords, is the only hope to push back the enemy horde and save the world.


Will Jonran have what it takes?


Author of "The Sword Bearer", Charles Landreth held a giveaway for his wonderful book last week. Today we have the winners! You can read the interview with Charles HERE.


AND THE WINNERS ARE...


Fawn M


Mike Scarborough


Congratulations everyone!


To claim your prize, please email us at sciyourfiblog @ gmail.com. We will get you in touch with Charles so we can get your contact information to send you your signed copy of "The Sword Bearer".

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Friday, May 18, 2012

Author Interview: Charles Landreth

“Sword Bearer” tells the story of Jonran who, under the burden of a highly technological world, finds an opportunity to escape through a magic portal. After passing through, he awakes to find himself on a more primitive planet and his body has been transformed into that of an ancient race of a long forgotten people.
Jonran is quickly captured and taken into slavery where he befriends a skilled yet questionable thief who helps him through the many trials of slavery. After their eventual escape, their paths split and Jonran stumbles alone into the protected elven lands where he falls in love with an elven woman, while his friend finds a future with a resistance force fighting a corrupt human government.
As they both seek an end to the violence, Jonran is led on a journey to a magic sword and on a quest to help a wizard to free his master, who is locked in battle with an evil invading army. That sword, combined with the crystals of the Elemental Lords, is the only hope to push back the enemy horde and save the world.
Will Jonran have what it takes?
Purchase Sword Bearer at:
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m 41 years old and have been married for almost 21 years. Most of those have been happily. LOL Seriously, though, my marriage is one of the achievements I’m most proud of, as you just don’t see many making it that long these days. My family consists of my loving wife and five rescue animals that do a great job of tearing up just about everything of value that we have. I’ve been a software tester for the past 14 years and that is what I’m currently doing to pay the bills. Sword Bearer is my debut novel and I hope that someday I can stop testing software and write full time.
If you could change one thing in this world, what would it be?
If I could change anything in this world, it would be to make it where those in power were not corrupted by their positions. There are plenty of things that need changing, but if you’re limited to one you want to do something that will have a fundamental effect. My opinion is that this is a basic human flaw that gets in the way of some really great accomplishments time and again.
You find a magic lamp, give it a rub and a genie offers you three wishes. What are they?
My wife has dealt with chronic pain for many years, so my first wish would be to make her pain free. Wish number two, that all people would be a bit more tolerant of others. The last would be that the first two could not be twisted in some way that would be different from the intent of the wish. You have to watch out for tricksters. LOL
Why do you write?
There are several reasons I write. What really pushes me though is the impact reading has had on my life. Although I was a good kid most of my childhood, during my teens I did get into some things that could easily have led me down some dangerous paths. Although I had been playing Dungeons & Dragons for years, it was my senior year in high school when I read my first fantasy novel. After that I was hooked and spent more and more time reading, which kept me from going out and getting into trouble. I’m a different person today thanks to a good book.
What elements of your writing do you want to develop?
I would say character development. I feel that I can tell a good story, and my characters can hold your attention, but I want to make sure that the reader really feels for the characters and can see their personalities in their words and actions. As a reader, being able to feel that way is what draws me in and provides that escape from the day to day.
Will books disappear altogether in future?
At some point I could see print books giving way to digital, but the concept of books will always be there. The human race has told stories since we first developed a way to communicate. The format may change, but the stories will continue.
Does your mood affect your writing? If so, how?
Definitely. I have to be in a good peaceful mood most of the time. When I write I have to be able to visualize the story. I can’t describe it to you, if I can’t see it myself. I can’t write when I’m angry because it clouds my mind. I generally find that I can use those experiences to flesh out certain unsavoury characters to make them more villainous when needed.
Describe the process you took to write Sword Bearer.
It may sound simplistic, but the key for me was using an outline to structure the story. I found that without one the storyline wandered and every “good idea” that crossed my mind tried to get into the story. It also gave me something to work toward, before that I was just writing in the moment and had just a general idea of where I wanted to go with the story.
The general steps were:
  1. Determine general plot, characters & settings.
  2. Create a General Outline.
  3. Create a Detailed Outline (with supporting documents)
  4. Create 1st Draft.
  5. Edit/Re-Draft
  6. Format the Final Copy
What is the target audience for your book?
I was actually targeting the experienced fantasy reader. I didn’t spend a lot of time explaining what an elf was, or what a dwarf looked like. This let me concentrate on the storyline and the more unique aspects in my book. I depended on the reader to already have a concept in their minds of some of the more common races in fantasy novels. That being said, with more fantasy movies hitting the market even people that are new to the genre enter with much more knowledge than we did 30 years ago.
Quick fire:
  • Favorite Song?: “Amnesty is granted” by Sammy Hagar
  • Favorite Book?: The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams
  • Favorite quote?: “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” – Albert Einstein
Charles Landreth, a software tester living in Dallas, Texas, has been a fantasy buff from an early age. First experiencing fantasy from years of Dungeon & Dragons adventures, he expanded his story telling with influences from bestselling authors such as Tad Williams, Raymond E. Feist and many more. Being an avid reader, he draws on a diverse group of styles to create The Seeds of a Legend series.
GIVEAWAY
Leave a comment below for a chance to win one of five signed copies of Sword Bearer!
Deadline is 11:59 pm EST, May 24, 2012.
Winners will be announced on May 25 with instructions how the winners can claim their signed copy!

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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Book Highlight: The Misadventures of Ka-Ron the Knight

Cursed to live as a woman!
Ka-Ron of Teal, Errant-Knight to the Kingdom of Idoshia, is the bravest warrior under the crown. His exploits are legendary. His sword is feared by all in battle. His love is greatly sought after by women. He is a legend.
Then, one day he wakes to find that all that has changed. Cursed to live out his life as a beautiful woman, he and his faithful squire Jatel set out to find the Wiccan Master who has cursed him.
As a woman, Ka-Ron enters a battlefield more treacherous than war. Love in any form carries with it great risk. What is a man to do, when he must live as a woman?
Ka-Ron now must face disgusting Xows, Sea Pirates, Dragons, Elves, Vampires, Dwarfs, lost undersea civilizations, and pregnancy. No life, however adventurous, can compare to THE MISADVENTURES OF KA-RON THE KNIGHT.
Excerpt:
You are still a wonder to me, Kym." Ka-Ron said, parting from her. "And you will be fond in my hearts until they stop beating. That, I give you my oath on."
An awkward pause filled the space between the two. Kym stared, watching almost on autopilot, as Ka-Ron turned, clamping his armor onto his body. The knight tried his best to ignore the tears starting.
"Fond?" Kym wept.
Ka-Ron eyed his sword, sheathing it. "I am quite fond of you, indeed."
"But I love you...Ka-Ron," Kym whispered. Her tears were all too painfully clear, and did not pass the attention of the brave knight. His constant irritation was beyond Kym’s understanding, which appeared to add more degrees to her suffering. "I love you," she repeated.
"I am sorry," Ka-Ron said, solemnly. For he truly cared about this woman’s feelings. "I am a man of war." He tried to explain. "I fight so that others may have what I plainly cannot."
"And, what is that?" Kym’s words dripped with pain and sarcasm.
"For a woman such as you, by their side," Ka-Ron explained. "I make that possible. I make that a right for others to enjoy."
"And you cannot?"
Ka-Ron paused for a long time. "No."
"Why?"
Ka-Ron laughed a huff of disbelief. "Kym, would you want to bond with a man who, at any moment, could be called on by King or Priest to protect lands half-way across the globe, and who may never return?" Ka-Ron paused. "This is no way to reward love. This is not the way of a true man who loves his family. True, there are those who take the risk, but, I will have no one for whom I care pay the price. This is my mindset, dear woman. I am a knight, and a soldier of my King’s will. This fact is not only my lifestyle. It is also my first and truest of loves."
Kym grabbed Ka-Ron’s sword hand, her eye makeup clearly ruined by the tracks of her tears. "I would be willing to accept your risks, your dangers, and the whim of your king or priest. Love does not come with a guarantee, Ka-Ron. If you vow to protect those who seek its fruits, you of all people know that life rarely has a happy ending. All one needs is courage, and you have that in abundance!"
Ka-Ron, looking into the torn eyes of his childhood love, almost caved in. With all his heart, he wanted to sweep Kym off her feet, pledge his love, and to do nothing more than to spend the rest of his life in loving bliss, caring and providing for his lady fair. But in his hands, he held his sword - the eternal struggle of the peace-loving warrior.
"Kym, I remember the torment... the hell... my mother went through as my father lay dying in battle... "
"Your mother and father gave birth to a noble son," Kym interrupted. "Can we do any worse?"
"Kym... " Ka-Ron huffed, clamping the last of the buckles and leather strings of his armor. "I will love you... always."
Hearing these words, a dangerous hope invaded Kym’s features.
"But I will do it as a man in battle," Ka-Ron continued, "hoping that one day you will find a good and honest man, who will love you in ways that I clearly cannot."
"But... "
"Enough!" Ka-Ron’s voice rose in frustration. "I have said what nature of man that I am, woman. That is sufficient!"
A deadly silence filled the room, and, for a moment, Kym neither said nor did anything. Like a pale ivory statue, she just looked up at Ka-Ron. Then, as if a veil of evil had passed over her features, she started to smile. This action, more than any other, had caused Ka-Ron’s mind to fill with fear.
"I will change your... views." Kym stipulated.
Purchase The Misadventures of Ka-Ron the Knight at:

About the Author:
Donald Allen Kirch lives in Kansas City, Missouri. He is an avid reader of history, Sherlock Holmes Mysteries, and the paranormal. He has a degree in Radio and Television Arts, and is listed in "Who’s Who in America." He is the author of a monthly article that appears in "Suspense Magazine" entitled "Stranger Than Fiction: True Stories of the Paranormal." After spending two weekends in the famous "Sallie House," a "haunted house" featured on the Fox TV-series Sightings, in Atchison, Kansas, he is one of the only authors of his genre who can claim to have been attacked by a ghost!

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Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Book Highlight: The Wolves of Solomon

England, 1307 . . .

Templar Knight Galeren de Massard is sent to investigate an incident where a nun claims to have been attacked by “a man who became a wolf.” When Galeren meets Catherine, he instinctively knows that her attacker was Esquin de Floyran, an old foe, and that his return is dangerous for the increasingly unpopular Templar Order.

Out for revenge, De Floyran has betrayed his brotherhood’s secret to the French King who has long sought to discredit the Templars. When he discovers the truth of their nature, he vows to destroy the Order and have the Knights burned to the last.

When hundreds of Templars are arrested in France and Catherine is taken by De Floyran, Galeren resolves to rescue her and save as many of his brethren as he can. Alone, he journeys to France and into the heart of danger to face his enemy and risk everything to save his race from destruction.

Excerpt

“Shit,” he swore. The men had quickly climbed on their mounts and were slowly following them. The rain began to fall in earnest.

“What?” Catherine asked nervously.

“They are following us,” Galeren said.

“What do they want?”

“You,” he said solemnly and immediately felt her tense.

“Me? You’re so sure?”

“Well they don’t want me and I don’t look worth robbing. Believe me, men in that state are not wont to let a woman like you pass them by.”

“But I’m with you,” she protested.

“They care not about that. There are five of them and one of me.”

“What are we going to do?” she asked. Galeren could sense the unease within her.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let them hurt you,” he said with conviction. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes,” she breathed, turning her head to look at him. His eyes were intense yet had a thread of calm within them. However, over his shoulder she saw the men closing in on them and she quickly turned her attention back to the road ahead.

“You must do exactly what I say and keep to it. Whatever happens, don’t look; you won’t want to see it. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Catherine said as the men caught up to them. Two trotted ahead of them and turned to block their onward passage, while the others stayed behind to secure the rear.

“Can I help you?” Galeren said. His voice was steady and strong but Catherine couldn’t prevent herself from shivering. The leader of the group, or the one who had chosen to speak for them, smiled and lent forward in his saddle, his face becoming streaked with grimy rivulets as the rain pelted it. He cast his gaze approvingly over Catherine, then fixed his eyes on Galeren.

“Save yourself a beating and give us the woman and we promise to give her back to you in one piece when we’ve finished with her.” The others laughed at this and Galeren tightened his grip around Catherine to reassure her.

“I don’t think there’ll be much left of her when you’ve finished,” Galeren remarked keeping his eyes on the leader who nodded his agreement and flashed Galeren with another toothy grin.

“You’re probably right but that’s the chance you’ll have to take to save your own skin.”

“I take no chances,” Galeren said coolly. “This woman’s skin is more precious to me than my own, so the answer is no. I now offer you a choice,” he continued as a dark mask fell over his face and a snarl formed on his lips, “take your group of filth and turn about, or I promise there’ll not be much left of you when I’ve finished.”

The leader laughed at this and the others joined him, though he was a little unnerved by the lone knight’s cool confidence.

“Gutsy,” he said and looked about him at his men. His eyes did the talking, indicating to Galeren what their next move would be. The tension grew and Catherine could feel her heart beating out of her chest.

“But I don’t fancy your chances,” the man finished and Catherine heard the scrape of steel as it left a scabbard and felt Galeren’s hand on her side. He gave her a good firm shove and she flew out of the saddle.

“Get down and cover your head!” he screamed, as she hit the sodden dirt. She did, just as Red reared up over her, his hooves crashing down beside her head. More hooves circled her and she heard more swords being drawn and then someone scream out a warning. A horse whinnied in the agony of injury and she felt the earth shake as it crashed down onto the ground, trapping the screaming rider beneath it. In the chaos and screams she heard flesh tear and felt the splash of something warm and wet cover her hands, but she dared not look up. The screams went through her as she heard more tearing followed by thudding, like the ground was being pelted with something other than the rain. Though she had heard swords drawn, she heard no clash of steel against steel, only tearing, thudding and blood curdling screams.

And there was another sound, strange, out of place and terrifying. It was the snarls and guttural cries of an animal. Her heart almost stopped, as she realised that it was an animal she recognised. She could not hear Galeren’s voice through the fray, only the awful screams of the mercenaries and terrible ripping sound. Despite Galeren’s commands, Catherine felt compelled to look upon the scene, dreading that her instinct would prove true.

Slowly, she looked up, and to her horror saw what she had feared. It was a wolf, a huge white wolf, drenched in blood. Its teeth were bared in a terrifying grimace as it launched itself at one of the men. The man stood, his sword raised in defence, ready to bring down his attacker. He did not stand a chance. The wolf flew gracefully through the air and the man swung his sword in a feeble attempt to fell it, but he was too slow. The wolf slammed into his chest, knocking him to the ground and its jaws, wide and ready, clamped shut on his forearm.

Catherine shuddered as she heard the crack of bone, followed by tearing and then a pop as the man’s arm was ripped from its socket. His cries were inhuman. The wolf tossed the arm from its mouth and it hit the ground just inches from where Catherine lay, the sword still firmly gripped in its hand. Stood on the writhing mercenary’s chest, the wolf wasted no time in finishing him. Its teeth now took the man’s throat and tore with such force that his head was all but separated from his body.

Catherine covered her mouth to prevent herself from crying out, but the wolf sensed it was being watched and turned its gaze upon her. Catherine saw Galeren then; his eyes were fixed furiously on her. She knew it was him; though it may not have been his body, it was his eyes. Though she recognised them, they were unlike those she was used to looking into. They were wild, they were animal. The huge white wolf began to pad towards her, its teeth bared. Was he going to attack her?

Purchase The Wolves of Solomon at:


About the Author

Rebecca Blackhurst was born in Essex in 1972 but grew up in Bahrain and southern Spain. Possessing an incurable wanderlust, she travelled the globe for years before settling back in the UK to complete a degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences and PhD in Astrobiology.

Growing up on a diet of science, science fiction and fantasy, Rebecca has scribbled down stories and ideas for years but only after moving to New Zealand, for a change of lifestyle, has she been able to get her teeth into writing.

When she isn't writing, Rebecca makes natural soaps and skin care products as "Soapernatural" and sells her wares at local arts and crafts markets and fetes. Having a passion for wolves, Rebecca has two German shepherds and can often be heard howling into the night with her pack.

The Wolves of Solomon is her first novel, but she has recently published the sequel, Wolf. Driven by her characters, she has just started a third book in the series, the prequel to The Wolves of Solomon.

Contact Rebecca at her website or on Facebook.

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Friday, April 20, 2012

Author Interview: A. K. Taylor


The Indians and the Crackedskulls are locked in the turmoil of war and presently in a stalemate.

Her enemies, Raven and Bloodhawk, have come up with a scheme to up the ante and break the stalemate into their favor. Neiko later finds out that a land she thought she had only imagined is actually real and contains a legendary and otherworldly evil within it. Not only that, she becomes trapped there and must escape the world, the people within it, and the sinister evil within.

Neiko must find her way back home and turn the tables on her enemies. Can she come back home and escape the evil that seeks to claim her?




Purchase Neiko's Five Land Adventure:
Tell us a little about yourself.

I really love being outdoors. That’s where I am when I am not at my computer writing. If it was feasible, I would have my writing desk outside. I enjoy beekeeping, just about any science, and outdoor sports and activities, archery, and target shooting (in the backyard). I wrote my first book when I was 16. I did short stories and poems before that. I also love to draw and color, so I am a bit of an artist as well. I am also a musician that played the French horn since middle school. I never pick anything easy to do; I seem to love to be challenged or I get bored. I’m addicted to action and chocolate.

What are your pet peeves (dislikes) in life?

Not too much of a fan of disorder or disorganization in any sense of the word. I don’t really like being spontaneous. I hate getting to anything late—if anything, I like to be early.

What is the best gift anyone has ever given you?

I guess it would be my laptop computer. That is what I write and do everything on. It was given to me by my husband when we were dating. It was something I always wanted and I wanted to be able to “write on the go”. I really do that.

Why do you write?

I write because I love doing it, and it is a way to channel my vivid imagination. Through writing I can share my imaginative ability with others, definitely with kids and teens…and some adults who appreciate imagination.

Does your mood affect your writing? If so, how?

Oh yeah, it does. It shows up in my writing whether I want it to or not. My sentence structure, word choice, and other things reflect my mood. When I go back for a proofread, I can remember how I felt when I wrote this and change it (if necessary) of how it’s ‘supposed to be’ or add/take away content. Sometimes my mood changes and when I get started I get into the ‘zone’. When I am in a good mood and the zone, that’s when I do my best. If it’s just not working that day, I put it aside and do something else. The last thing I want is contrived writing! I don’t like it that way!

The best thing about being a writer is…

…that I can do what I like best which is writing. I write a lot. I can write a lot of things, but for my books I pretty much stick to fantasy/science fiction action adventure. I can write just about anything, except romance. I lean too much toward the action adventure sort of things in regards to fiction since that’s what I like as a reader. I like a little romance since it can also drive the adventure, but I don’t want to focus on that as much. I like to build worlds with people and animals with my imagination and transfer them to paper or the computer.

The worst thing about being a writer is…

…not being understood by some people including family. They don’t really understand what it takes to be a writer or understand what I am doing half the time. It can be frustrating sometimes since they think I don’t do anything. Sometimes I wished I could trade places for a day.

In one sentence, what is your book about?

A war and a series of unfortunate events let’s Neiko find out that what she thought she imagined is real and she gets trapped there and must escape…

What gave you the idea for this story?

The story was based on my own child adventures in the woods and the backyard. I had the idea of combining the worlds and the thought of “what would I think if I found out that they were real?” came to mind. From this idea it just grew from there. This book is a just a gateway and a glimpse of what is to come later on.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about a year and I half. I would have finished sooner, but since I was in high school, I had to work around school, homework, and band practice, and family. I didn’t really have “friend interruptions”.

Describe the process you took to write it.

Since I was just a teenager I had to teach myself how to write a book. I lived in a small town so there were no workshops or writers groups, and I didn’t know anyone else to talk to. Teenagers rarely or don’t go to things like that. I studied how other books were written and applied basic grammar rules and researched dialogue in the books and a teacher taught a little about it in school. After that I took that knowledge and my ideas and just did it. I would brainstorm and then write that down. Developing characters, settings, and the character’s voices were easy for me since I had been doing that in play already the narration took a little time to find, but I figured it out. I even drew the characters and colored them so I took character development to a new level. Even when it was finished it was far from perfect. I made changes over the years until I finally published it. I almost never did.

What is the target audience for your book?

Middle grade and young adults (ages 7-14)…I must add in the adults who are big kids at heart as well since they like it as much as the target audience does.

What have people said about your writing?

People have said my writing is interesting, action packed, original, inspired imagination, and vivid. Adults have even mentioned that my writing has taken them back to their childhood and reminded them about their own imaginations.

How do you want your readers to feel when they finish your book?

I want them to love to go on another adventure with Neiko and her friends. I want them to remember the characters, even though there are a lot of them. MG and YA really like the host of unique and memorable characters, and that’s the way it was when I was that age. I want them to hate who they’re supposed to hate and love who they’re supposed to love. I would like readers to tell me who they love best and why.

What’s your next writing project?

My next writing project, as far as this series is concerned, is Escape From Ancient Egypt which will be released sometime this year. Something happens in Neiko’s Five Land Adventure that leads to this one. What happens in this story will have consequences on down the road and each story is tied together. I hope to also participate in IBC anthologies and I have a small nonfiction book coming out sometime this year. I will also begin writing Book #5 Trapped in Ancient Qari as well.

GIVEAWAY

Leave a comment below for a chance to win one of five Kindle copies of "Neiko's Five Land Adventure"!!

Deadline is 11:59 pm EST, April 27, 2012.

Winners will be announced on April 28!

A.K. Taylor is a YA fantasy/science fiction adventure writer who has been writing since age 16. Taylor also draws her characters and designs her covers and illustrations which she also began at 16. Taylor has also written a nonfiction piece about self promotion. Learn more about A.K. at her facebook page, on twitter, or at her book blog.

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