Grave Witch : An Alex Craft Novel, Book 1 by Kalayna Price Genre: Urban Fantasy Reviewed by: Jen719 Alex Craft is a grave witch, a witch who has the ability to raise a person’s spirit or “shade” after death. She runs her own company called Tongues for the Dead, where she raises shades to help murder victims find justice. Her younger sister, Casey, contacts Alex out of the blue in hopes of hiring her to look into the murder of Governor Theodore Coleman. Governor Coleman was shot two weeks prior by faes and now his body has recently turned up and no one knows where his body has been. His body is found covered with ritualistic symbols and is one of many other bodies that
has been found with these tattoos recently. These bodies are also contaminated with a soul-draining spell that soon infects Alex after she is attacked by a shade that she has raised. The book just seems to grab you from the first chapter and you have to hold on until the conclusion of this novel. I was having to play a little bit of catch-up to orient myself with the characters in the beginning, but that was solved after a few chapters. You get nonstop action that will keep you guessing who the killer is until the end. I’m under the impression that Grave Witch is the start to an Alex Craft series and I can’t wait to see where Kalayna Price goes with these characters and the interesting love triangle.
Features •
Great Reads by The NOR Staff.......................................4
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Romance by Mary Eason.............................................11
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Urban Fantasy and the Paranormal by Roxanne Rhoads ....................................................................................19
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Dark Streets by Bill Shears..........................................22
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Cooking Up A Storm With Kyrainse............................27
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Author Interview by Tammie King..............................30
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SFF Insider by Shartyrant............................................40
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Tantalizing Tidbits by The Book Nerd..........................43
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History Bits by Lilyraines.............................................49
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Teen Reads by MonicaBBB..........................................52
Great Reads
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The Midnight Guardian By Sarah Jane Stratford It’s 1938, and the tentacles of Hitler’s terrifying Third Reich have commenced their stranglehold on Europe. The Nazi empire will soon be clean of all bloodlines deemed tainted or undesirable…including vampires. London’s ancient tribunal of vampires is aghast at the destruction taking place on the Continent. Though vampires try not to interfere with human politics, Hitler’s terrible plans force them into action. They resolve to send five of their most formidable vampires to Berlin— millennials that have lived over 1000 years and whose age and wisdom make them close to invulnerable— to infiltrate, disrupt, and destroy the growing Nazi war machine. Poison Kissed By Erica Hayes
Beyond the veil of magic, a fairy otherworld pulses with glamour and dark beauty...It’s a place where passions run deep and dark — and death is just one kiss away... The Demon Hunt By Kris Greene
Soul-sucking demons. Half-human killers. Doomsday prophesies. No, this isn’t a late-night movie on cable TV. This is Gabriel’s life—or least, what’s left of it—ever since he discovered his true destiny as a warrior knight in the battle against darkness. Once an ordinary college kid studying lost legends in books, Gabriel now finds himself face to face with actual demons. As a warrior, he has no choice but to fight them. And if he screws it up, the world is toast…
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Great Reads
The Moses Expedition by Juan Gómez-Jurado After fifty years in hiding, the Nazi war criminal known as the Butcher of Spiegelgrund has finally been tracked down by Father Anthony Fowler, a CIA operative and a member of the Vatican’s secret service. He wants something from the Butcher—a candle covered in filigree gold that was stolen from a Jewish family many years before. But it isn’t the gold Fowler is after. As Fowler holds a flame to the wax, the missing fragment of an ancient map that uncovers the location of the Ten Commandments given to Moses is revealed. The Law of Nines By Terry Goodkind
Turning twenty-seven may be terrifying for some, but for Alex, a struggling artist living in the Midwest, it is cataclysmic. Something about this birthday, his name, and the beautiful woman whose life he has just saved has suddenly made him-and everyone he loves-a target. A target for extreme and uncompromising violence... Intelligence By Susan Hasler
A team of Intelligence agents try to prevent an impending terrorist attack, but are thwarted by bureaucratic hurdles in this darkly humorous debut written by a former CIA agent
Night Owl Reviews™ WEtap Media, LLC ™ 2459 SE TV HWY, #153, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 NightOwlReviews@gmail.com Editor-In-Chief: Tammie King Director of Marketing: Tammie King NightOwlReviews@gmail.com © Night Owl Reviews 2010 These are just a small portion of the reviews that Night Owl Reviews has available on our website. For a full listing and the most up to date reviews visit our website www.NightOwlReviews.com. Reviews are provided by our review staff. Reviewers get books via NOR and we get books direct from the publishers, authors and publicists. Reviews are based on reviewer thoughts.
Q & A With Author Joanne Rendell
Question:
Please tell us your latest news!
Answer: I’m excited to announce the release of my third novel, OUT OF THE SHADOWS, which tells the story of a woman who thinks she is related to Mary Shelley, author of FRANKENSTEIN.
Q & A With Author Adrienne Barbeau
Question:
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Answer:
Well, I really wanted to call it “Friends for Dinner” but my publisher thought that might be a bit too subtle. And although I think the cover is really striking, the blue eyed vampire doesn’t bear much resemblance to my 450 year old Armenian scream queen.
Romance by Mary Eason What follows The End – The Sequel Romance!
Don’t you hate it -- you turn to the final page of a romance novel and read the words, The End. If it’s a truly great story, I hate to let the characters go. I want to know more. What happens after the end? And what about all those great secondary characters? As a reader, I love the sequel because it allows me to reconnect to my favorite characters. It’s like going home and catching up. And for the writer, well, there aren’t too many romance writers who wouldn’t want a popular series with its inherent built-in readership and mounting sales with each new installment. However, writing a successful and satisfying sequel, series, or trilogy isn’t as easy
as it may seem to the nonwriter. There are so many pitfalls one faces that don’t apply to a stand-alone book, especially in romance. If you consider mystery series, the hero or heroine’s personal life and romantic entanglements are generally very sketchy as compared to the actual puzzle s/he needs to solve. The characterization of the heroine/hero and returning characters deepens with each installment. We learn a bit more about them as they crack new cases. In romance, with its emotion-laden plots and generally HEA ending, readers expect the loose ends to be wrapped up on the last page. Although we don’t see it, we assume the heroine/ hero get married or stay
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committed. A series changes that. A writer has to generate new conflict. That generally means something has to threaten the romantic bond – and that’s very tricky to pull off successfully. It takes a deft touch and seamless plotting to pull off a sequel, series, or trilogy readers will enjoy. There’s always the threat of jarring your audience and their feelings for your characters when you continue a plot and push it in a new direction. So, let’s take a look at some upcoming sequels that are sure to spark your interest. One Good Knight (Five Hundred Kingdoms Series #2 by Mercedes Lackey
Available in eBook 7/1/2010 Harlequin When a dragon storms the castle, what should a (virgin) princess do?
Why, turn to her studies, of course! But nothing practical-minded Princess Andromeda of Acadia finds gives a definitive solution. The only Traditional answer, though, is soothing the marauding dragon by a virgin sacrifice. Things are going fairly smoothly with the lottery--except for the women chosen, of course-until Princess Andromeda herself is picked! But facing down the dragon doesn’t go quite as planned, and now, with the help of her Champion, Sir George, Andromeda searches for the
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dragon’s lair. But even--especially--in the Five Hundred Kingdoms, bucking Tradition isn’t easy. It takes the strongest of wills, knowledge, quick wits and a refusal to give up, no matter what happens along the way.... Sins of the Flesh by Fern Michaels Available in eBook 09/1/2010 Kensington Publishing
When Reuben Tarz and Daniel Bishop met, they were hardly more than boys, brought together by their connection to beautiful, worldly Marchioness Michelene Fonsard, known to all as Madame Mickey. Twenty years later, Reuben is a Hollywood mogul
and Daniel has become a renowned Washington D.C. lawyer. Life has rewarded both with riches, success, and beautiful wives, if not always contentment. Out of the blue, an urgent telephone call from Mickey summons Daniel to France to rescue Philippe, the son Reuben never knew existed, and bring him to America. Philippe’s arrival will be the catalyst that changes everything unearthing old secrets and betrayals and forging surprising new bonds. And with each revelation comes that rarest of gifts: a chance to learn from the sins of the past and forge a path to happiness at last… Return to Paradise
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by Simone Elkeles Available in Paperback 9/28/2010 Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.
The Sequel to Flux Bestseller Leaving Paradise! Maggie and Caleb just went through the worst year of their lives. Hit by a car and starting life over with a limp, Maggie never thought she would forgive Caleb. But she did-and fell in love. What they shared was real. But Caleb wanted to be free from the past-and a terrible secret: he wasn’t the one who hit Maggie. So he left Paradise-and Maggieforever. When Maggie and Caleb run into each other in a different town, they can’t deny their true feelings. Will Maggie let Caleb get away again? Or will Caleb face the truth and
return to Paradise?
Simple Deceit : A Mennonite Community’s Way of Life Is Threatened by Outsiders by Nancy Mehl Available in Paperback 12/1/2010 Barbour Publishing In this sequel to Simple Secrets, there is nothing simple about deceit and how it threatens to tear apart the Mennonite community Gracie has come to love. Dragon Storm - PRINT by Bianca D’Arc Available in paperback September 7, 2010 Samhain Publishing
Their love will span the ages…and two very different worlds. Dragon Knights, Book 6
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Caught in a magical storm and deposited on modernday Earth, twin dragon princes Darius and Connor are looking for a way home. Instead they find something most unexpected—their mate. The one woman who holds both their hearts in the palm of her healing hand—along with secrets about her origins that link their shared destinies.
When Josie patches up the injured man on her doorstep, her snowcat instincts tell her he’s much more than a man. And so is his brother. She also knows her dragon lovers cannot fly free on Earth. The only way to return them to their rightful place is to face the failures of her past, and leave the safety of her Oregon cabin to seek her estranged grandfather’s counsel. There she learns
the painful truth: returning Darius and Connor to where they belong could mean giving up everything. Even her only chance for true love. But fate has other plans for the trio. Magic swirls all around them. Whether it is for good or ill, only time will tell…
I hope I’ve given you some great suggestions for “catching” up. So, what are you waiting for – get REstarted! All the best…
Mary Eason www.maryeason.com
Mary Eason is the author of books such as “A Night to Remember” and “Root of All Evil”. You can find Mary online at http://www.maryeason.com.
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Urban Fantasy and the Paranormal by Roxanne Rhoads
Roxanne Rhoads is a story stumpet, tome loving tart, and lover of all things paranormal. She is also a freelance writer and the author of erotic paranormal romances.
Urban Fantasy Reader Likes & Dislikes There’s been a lot of discussion lately about what readers love and hate in the urban fantasy genre. Many seem to agree that the world building is what draws them to the genre, it’s the “real world plus” the paranormal extras that make it exciting. During a recent #UFchat on Twitter (every Saturday evening @UF_Chat, read past transcripts at http:// ufchat.wordpress.com ) user
HC_Palmquist summed it up best with this tweet: “I love the ability to immerse paranormal into the modern world. To use the familiar but make it weird.” Another thing readers seem to love is ass-kicking heroines that aren’t too whiny or stuck on themselves. They love that these women can use weapons but (writers and cover artists take note here) the leather-clad thing is over. Readers are tired of chicks in leather pants, seriously, over it. Cover artists- readers are over the tramp stamp tattoo
cover images as well. Strong heroes are a plus but don’t go overboard with the broody, alpha, caveman. Readers want strong heroes that compliment the heroine not one that tries to control her. Other complaints readers have focused on included: too many sex breaks (meaning the sex that didn’t fit into the story), covers that had nothing in common with the book, blurbs that had nothing to do with the book, and fantasy stories thinly veiled as urban fantasy (i.e swords and magic in another dimension that briefly end up in this world). So, what are your urban fantasy likes and dislikes?
What draws you to the genre? What pushes you away? And what new releases are you looking forward to this month? September has some great new releases including Cruel Enchantment by Anya Bast, Siren Song by Cat Adams, Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews, Left for Undead by L.A. Banks, Masques by Patricia Briggs, Poison Kissed by Erica Hayes, Eat Prey Love by Kerrelyn Sparks, and Venom by Jennifer Estep. On my wishlist… definitely Kerrelyn Sparks’ Eat Prey Love- got to love the title’s play on words and I love the cover, you gotta see it.
A key technique of suspense in all media is the use of dramatic irony. This is the method where you, the reader, know things that the characters in the story do not. It’s the narrative device where, you might say, the author colludes with the reader against the characters. Watch for it, in books, and in movies. Hitchcock made heavy use of it. It’s no mystery that Norman Bates is a threat to anyone who happens by the Bates Motel. And it’s the basis for every Columbo TV episode,
where the murder happens in plain sight of the viewer and Columbo slowly puts the pieces together. And though it’s been promoted as a mystery series, Columbo stories were not mysteries at all, but exercises in dramatic irony. This might seem a strange lead-in to Alan Furst, but au contraire. Furst is the author of a series of suspense/ espionage novels that have the dramatic irony built in. The books have few links with one another, other than a particular Paris restaurant, which inevitably makes a brief appearance
http://kite.infinitybound.com
in each, and the fact that they all are set before, at or near the beginning of World War II in Europe. What they have in common is a dramatic irony that surges like a tsunami. Furst’s heroes are not necessarily reluctant ones, nor are they hounded by some dark past or tortured present in the noir style. They have an honorable core and are faced with the approach of a war that any reader who is interested enough to pick up the books knows is coming. The characters, who are usually not professional spies, have to choose, in or out, as tyranny overruns a continent, including the more obscure corners of
it where Furst’s espionage tales tend to unfold. In Furst’s latest, Spies of the Balkans Costa Zannis is a police official in Salonika, Greece who creates an escape line for Jews from Germany to Turkey. We all know what happened around that neighborhood in World War II, first Italy attacks Greece then eventually Germany does too. Throughout the book this is not a known fact to the characters, but Furst skillfully, and stealthily builds to it. By the way, the Furst books are a series in that they are bound by timesetting and style, but for that, and the aforementioned Paris restaurant,
http://kite.infinitybound.com
the Brasserie Heininger, (and one shadowy minor and occasional character S. Kolb.) the characters do not appear in multiple stories. And so the books can be read in any order. We’d recommended, though, that you save Night Soldiers for last. It is different in that it follows a character from a young lad to his complete immersion in the Soviet spy apparatus, and so is a bit larger in scope. QUOTE OF THE MONTH: From Spies of the Balkans. When the Germans make their move on Greece, Zannis is contacted again by a British spy and wonders: “Now what? But in a general way,
he knew. The newspaper stories told the tale: when political tides shifted, certain deepwater creatures swam to the surface.” SCI-FI SUSPENSE SEARCH: In our first “Dark Streets” column we mentioned how pan-genre suspense stories are. Since then we’ve been reading around for an excellent example of a science fiction with the power to grip that has little to so with its technology or way out setting. We thought we had a likely candidate in The Turing Option by Harry Harrison and Marvin Minsky but it turns out not to be so. This one has an
http://kite.infinitybound.com
intriguing premise, especially in light of the emerging idea of the singularity (http://mindstalk. net/vinge/vingesing.html), the merging of humans and machine. Though it starts out strong -- with a deadly raid by unknown forces to steal the secrets of a super-advanced artificial intelligence lab – it lets that momentum fizzle fairly quickly and sinks into an oddly non-fascinating techo-medical dissertation on the methods for plugging a machine AI into the brain of the researcher who invented it. After that it seems to go out of its way to avoid any menace in that situation. Eventually the story gets around to
refocusing on the original thieves. The stilted dialogue contributes to the steadily draining drama. How many times can people say “it’s early times” and not be referring to whiskey? If it’s a habit of one character that’s on thing. But nearly every major character in this book utters that phrase at least once. We’ve read few books with more squandered potential. Suspenseful sci-fi? They’re out there. The Turing Option isn’t one of them. Bill Shears is the author of Kite, a science fiction comedy set in Earth orbit. You can find Bill online at: http://infinitybound.com
http://kite.infinitybound.com
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Cooking Up A Storm
With Kyraninse
Title: Perfect Waffles Weldon Owen Inc. Rating: 4 Stars Pardon the pun -- but have vor of a nice cleaver. Forget you ever waffled over the microplane, much less whether or not to get a a bulky hunk of metal and waffle maker? cords. For those of us with After all, pancakes are limited kitchen almost as good space, particufor some, just larly those city as good for dwellers who others, and a use their ovens certain segas storage for ment of the pots because world considthere simply ers them better isn’t any extra than waffles. room, it may Surely the seem like the added hassle height of folly to get a of wondering where to mono-use item. Even the store the darn thing can’t garlic press, which I swear be worth getting a waffle by for Chinese dishes, iron for. might get tossed out in faHowever, if someone
has very kindly gifted you with a waffle iron, or you simply can’t do without the idea of having a waffle iron for those lazy Sunday mornings that just wouldn’t be the same with pancakes instead -- Perfect Waffles would probably suit you right down to the ground. A disclaimer for those who are still shaking their heads at the folly of it all: Reading through this book just might persuade you that a waffle iron should go on the wish list. It’s a pretty comprehensive selection of recipes and ideas. For breakfast, you can have the classic waffles, or you can pick between cornbread waffles, whole wheat cinnamon and raisin waffles for the healthconscious, or oatmeal and
banana waffles for those who like their breakfast with a bit of flair. If you’re thinking about brunch because the notion of getting up early to make waffles for breakfast makes you want to just dive back under the covers, there’s smoked salmon waffles with dill and onion or ham, pepper, and onion waffles. The book also very helpfully adds in recipes for sauces that you can make to go over the waffles to give them a bit of a kick. Garlic and basil sauce for the shredded zucchini and cheddar waffles sounds divine, for example. Then, we get into the snack section. There’s a recipe for blue corn waffles that can be served with salsa, or Parmesan and basil chips that can nibbled as is or dunked
into a side of Basalmicmarinated tomatoes. Too hot to heat up the oven? Need a quick dessert that won’t have you slaving for hours after work? There’s a handy collection of dessert ideas such as pumpkin pie waffles, or tropical coconut and rum waffles. For Christmas weekend, perhaps gingerbread waffle ice cream sandwiches are in order? This book makes me want to forget about steal-
ing my mother’s waffle iron once in a while and go directly to nab one for myself. After all, if I can make breakfast, brunch, and perhaps even a light lunch plus dessert with that waffle iron -- it’s not quite as much a mono-use item then, is it? Kyraninse lives on the East Coast and enjoys cooking and reading.
The I Hate to Cook Book Philosopher’s Chowder. Skinny Meatloaf. Fat Man’s Shrimp. Immediate Fudge Cake. These are just a few of the beloved recipes from Peg Bracken’s classic I HATE TO COOK BOOK. Written in a time when women were expected to have full, delicious meals on the table for their families every night, Peg Bracken offered women who didn’t revel in this obligation an alternative: quick, simple meals that took minimal effort but would still satisfy.
Author Interview CINSEARAE S.
http://bloodtouch.webs.com
by Tammie King
Please tell us your latest news? I’m very happy to say the audience for my magazine, Dark Gothic Resurrected, continues to grow and be recognized, especially overseas. Although DGR is a haven for first-time and newbie writers of the horror/paranormal/dark erotica/Gothic genres looking to get their feet wet in the publishing world, it’s also a place for up-and-coming and established authors, as I offer free promotion of their latest releases in the “Batty Bookshelf” section of the magazine, and/or interview them. And not just
authors, either! If anyone is doing something awesome in any of those genres, be it music, art, photography, or anything creative, I showcase them in the ‘zine. DGR comes out tri-annually, each issue running approximately 187 pages. Needless to say, there’s a lot of creepy talent out there, lol! It also
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makes me happy to hear back from the contributors about how nice I treated them and how good the issue that they appeared in looked, lol! I’m a onewoman-band when it comes to putting it all together, but I enjoy every moment of it! Any author who would like to know more about how I promote them in the Bookshelf or would like to get interviewed in the future can find out at the magazine’s website, http://bloodtouch. webs.com/darkgothicmagazine.htm I also released my very first dark fantasy/historical novel, BOLEYN-Tudor Vampire. Period novels are something I never ever thought I’d write, so I was pretty surprised at myself after completing it. I was really enamored with Showtime’s ‘The Tudors’
and watched the previous seasons quite a few times, lol! My favorite season, naturally, was the second season, which focused on Henry and Anne Boleyn. After watching it a couple times, my muse started bugging me about writing a ‘dark revenge’ story for her. I’m sure Anne Boleyn ‘puritans’ would hate such an idea, and I wouldn’t expect a book like this to appeal to everyone--expectations like that would be insane--but my muse would not leave me alone about it! Anne was beheaded, therefore, there was no ‘coming back’ from that. But my muse--again-reminded me it was only fantasy, lol. And so, I began my ‘alternate reality’ for Anne, having her hung instead of beheaded. Despite her being very religious, she denounces God right before her hanging, and rises from
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her grave days later, very confused and bewildered as to what has happened to her, but with revenge on her mind. She resurrects her brother (albeit a zombie) and Mark Smeaton, her good friend and court musician, comes back as a ghost. She also enlists the help of her former lover Thomas Wyatt--once he gets over the shock of her return, lol. She has a list of those she plans her revenge on--her father, for his abandonment, Charles Brandon, for being Henry’s accomplice, and lastly, Henry himself. She plays a lot of cruel and revolting tricks, and a twisted love affair between her and Thomas develops, while a few darkly humorous moments are scattered throughout the story. It’s gotten quite a few interesting reviews, to say the least!
If anyone is curious, they can download a 2-chapter preview, see a trailer and read the reviews at http:// bloodtouch.webs.com/boleyn.htm
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Other than revenge being a dish best served cold, hell hath no fury like a queen scorned!
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? There were a couple of things I had changed or shift around during the editing process, but other than that, I think the finalized story came out pretty well.
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Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? I’ve always loved Stephen King’s works for the simple fact that he can take a seemingly ordinary situation, day, event, etc. in someone’s life and turn it into something so unexpectedly weird, odd, and creepy as hell. With his stories, nothing is impossible. A couple of my favorite stories by him that are a perfect example of this are Pet Sematary, Rose Madder, and The Shining. If I had to chose from the more ‘classic’ works, it would be Edgar Allan Poe, most definitely, as he wrote horror that was more psychological compared to the blood-andgore of today. Do you have a specific
writing style? I’m more of an ‘urban fantasy’ gal, lol. I’m very much into the here-and-now when it comes to characters, dialogue, and situations. Current events are often referenced in any of my books. The characters pull no punches--some of them are sassy, funny, downright evil, loveable, quirky--each one has their own personality, and sometimes even I find it amazing how I can keep up with each one, lol. Do you see writing as a career?
I would LOVE to see it as a full-time career one of these days. It’s not a hobby for me though, as I love writing, and dedicate a lot of time to it, as well as Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine.
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Do you have any advice for other writers? Write what you know, and what you love. Writing is a passion. Learn about the business from all angles. It’s more than just ‘writing a story’. Find respectable writing groups and join them, and learn from others as well as make friends and allies. Network, network, network! Avoid any and all negative people and naysayers like the plague! And don’t take negative reviews to heart. It’s just one person’s opinion in a ginormous ocean of other reviewers as well as readers. Find your niche, and the folks who enjoy that particular niche. Carve out your own if you have to! And most of all, NEVER, EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!
How does your family feel about having a writer in the family? Do they read your books? Well, I keep A LOT of my writing to myself. They know I write, but I haven’t let any of them read my stuff, lol. It’s not like I’m shutting them out on purpose or anything, but I’ve always kept a lot of things to myself. Plus, I’d feel funny letting them read something of mine that had curse words or sensual situations, lol!
What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both? With my urban paranormal books, I think I pretty much fly by the seat of my pants. In my heart and mind, I can see and feel the story devel-
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oping as it goes. My characters work everything out for me, more or less, lol. It’s like seeing a movie in my mind’s eye, and I’m just typing down everything. With Boleyn, though, it was a little different. Certain scenes came to me in bits and pieces and out of sequence. It made me have to outline some of the events and situations; to make sure I had the timelines in which they happened straight. I have another book I’m working on situated in the early 20th century (think horse-and-buggies being phased-out by motorcars) and I had a very good friend help me out with a lot of specific details concerning that time. Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee,
blanket, paper, pen and a comfy place. I have one room in my home where I do the majority of my writing. I’m usually typing either very early in the morning or late at night, when the world’s crazy energies are at their lowest and I can enjoy the absolute silence. Sundays are a really good time to. If it’s in the morning, I usually have a cup of coffee to wake my brain up a bit; if at night I usually have a glass or two of red wine to help loosen up my muse, lol. I might listen to a bit of atmospheric, instrumental music then, too. I cite any music by Nox Arcana, Midnight Syndicate, A Murder of Angels, or Delerium. I also keep paper and a pen in various locations in my house, especially by my bed. My
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muse has been known to strike at any given time, and I need them nearby before I lose the thought they give me. I also keep both in my bag whenever I’m out traveling! No writer should ever be without those two essential items!
(Thank you so much for the interview Tammie! This was fun!) Author Biography:
Dark Paranormal Romance/Horror author Ms. Cinsearae S. is the creator of The ABRAXAS Series and BOLEYN-Tudor Vampire. A digital artist and still-photographer, she is also Editor/Publisher of Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine--a top ten finalist in the Preditors & Editors Readers Poll for 2008 and
2009 and winner for “Best Magazine Art“. She also received the Author’s Site of Excellence Award in December 2007 from P & E, and is a Cover Artist for Damnation Books. An avid fan of ‘old school’ horror movies (Freddy, Jason, Michael, Pinhead, etc.), Halloween is her favorite time of the year. She has always been drawn to the flipside of life--the supernatural, odd, bizarre, Gothic and ‘darkly beautiful’ always being an inspiration to her.
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SFF Insider
by Shartyrant
Science Fiction & Fantasy News & Reviews Stuff Of Legends by Ian Gibson is one of those fantasy books that makes fun of it’s own genre. Jordan the Red, the former big hero (think Conan) has retired and wants nothing to do with Eliot, his guardian or anyone else. However, Eliot is determined that he wants an adventure with the legend and drags Jordan along for the ride. The book is very humorous and reminds me of Pratchett’s Discworld and Jim Hine’s Goblin Trilogy. The only weakness of the book is that occasionally the author goes overboard on telling you what happens before it happens. Otherwise, a very
enjoyable debut work. I give it 4 stars as it will be placed on my keeper shelf.
Masques by Patricia Briggs is actually a re-issue of her debut fantasy novel issued in 1993 that has been slightly expanded & revised. It is the first book in the Sianam series (a loosely woven series of books that have different lead characters, but set in the same world). In this novel, the arch mage, Ae’Magi, is slowly over taking the land. Aralon, a spy and descended from a shape changing race for the city of Sianam ends up joining in with the rebellion that is trying to stop him with her
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mysterious companion, Wolf. The story is enjoyable and very different from her popular Mercy Thompson series. Aralon is not perfect and despite her shape-changing powers, not the best fighter in the world which was a nice touch. Wolf is just as enjoyable though I figured out most of his secrets before the big revelations at times. While the book was a tad predictable for fantasy readers, it is still a nice, relaxing story with enough action and suspense to keep a reader interested. I am highly looking forward to the upcoming sequel, Wolfsbane. Another keeper and I give this one 4
stars.
Tracato by Joel Shepherd has one of the blandest covers for a fantasy book I have come across. It is book three in the Trial of Blood and Steel series. The city of Tracato has been the center of enlightenment for humans as the serrin have occupied human lands. With old rivalries stirring, the city now faces its greatest threat to its survival. Sasha must assist her mentor despite the fact that her loyalties are divided as she has one royal sister siding with the feudalists and another marrying one of Tracato’s most powerful foes. Plus, an army from her homeland is marching to make war upon the city. If she joins her homeland’s army, she
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will have to fight her lover and possibility eliminated the serrin civilization itself. Filled with complicated politics and religion with lots of intrigue, betrayals and sword play. It is a book full of the pain and agony of war and the choices a person makes. I would give this one a 4 star rating with the additional warning of read the previous books in this quartet first before reading this one.
The Wolf Age by James Enge is the third book in the Morlock Ambrosius fantasy series. The series details the journey of Morlock Abrosius. Wuruyaaria is a city of werewolves whose raiders range over the land capturing human beings for slaves or meat. It is also a place where
a lone immortal maker wages a secret war against the gods of the Coranians while at the same time a faction of outcast werewolves are planning to change the balance of power in the bloody election. Then two threats few had foreseen and none had understood clash putting all in danger as a monster from the north is on a mission to poison the world while the stranger, Morlock Ambrosius, arrives. It is a very dark serious tale that will appeal to fantasy readers that like their fantasy with a darker tone to it and not full of fluff. Morlock is an interesting character and I look forward to reading more. I give this one a 4.5 star rating with the warning that it helps to have read the previous two books.
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Tantalizing Tidbits The “WOW” Factor by The Book Nerd Like most people, I’m intrigued by a good movie, an engrossing novel or a thought-provoking song, but lately there seems to be some slim pickings for any of them. Every so often, however, I do run across the “WOW Factor” and it’s worth sharing. You may have your own goodies that make you sing praises, but here are some of mine. FAVORITE ALL TIME MOVIES
True Lies with Arnold Scrwarzeneggar BEFORE he got into politics. This “spyful” keeper had action aplenty; a real love story we could all relate to and humor that was actually funny. Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts and the sexy Richard Gere. I don’t know about you, but I sort of liked the idea of running away
from a guy you just know you have nothing in common with and saving all that divorce money. Come on, if the guy claims to love you and has no idea of how you really like your eggs cooked, what’s the use? Funny and ponder worthy.
Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell. Man I watched this movie over and over. The colorful furniture, the witty repartee and the “to die for” fashion is truly whimsical
The Ugly Truth with Katherine Heigl and the very hot Gerard Butler was so outrageous that I had to tell my friends about it. To top it off, I thought it was laugh out loud funny and well worth the eight times I’ve watched it. How to Marry a Millionaire with bombshells Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe. Another classic
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filled with fun fashions and lofty ideas, I fell in love with everything about this movie. Definitely one for your movie shelf. Eagle Eye – this movie is full of nonstop action from scene to thrilling scene. I was nibbling nervously on popcorn throughout the entire movie wondering how it was going to end, and the plot was out of this world! Shia LaBeouf rules in this one.
The Bourne Ultimatum is a spy movie from the spymaster himself, Robert Ludlum. It’s not quite as good as the detailed book, but it comes awful close to making picturesque sense of the written word. A roller coaster ride you won’t want to get off, this is another keeper and Matt Damon IS Jason Bourne.
This last one may have you scratching your head and saying, what in the world is wrong with that chick, but I can’t help myself. Staying Alive with John Travolta is my guilty pleasure. When John turns down one of his many groupies, she glaringly tells him, “men like you are just exercise”
and he rolls his eyes in distaste before walking off. We know he’s way too good looking to care, as we anticipate what he’ll do next. I liked the dance scenes and the plot of the movie, and shyly admit to seeing this one at least 11 times! Last, but certainly not least is the new Star Trek. You know, the one with the young people, as we find out how James T. Kirk ended up commanding the Enterprise, and we find out how he and Spock become friends. A very good movie with a riveting, action-filled plot.
As you already know, I read a ton of books, but sadly, all are not created equal. There are quite a few that have me cry all the way through or grin like a Cheshire cat in all the right places. These books are worth your time to check out if you haven’t already read them sometime in your life. Well ahead of her time with the steaminess factor, Kathleen Woodiwiss roped me in with Shana in 1977. I wasn’t really supposed to be reading it, so of
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course, that made it even more naughty, but it certainly traveled with me wherever I went. Brilliant!
Wicked Lies by Shayla Black is the first book about BDSM I ever read and it was so realistic and well-written that I was hopelessly drawn to erotic romance forever more, becoming very intrigued with this lifestyle and all it entailed. I’ve never heard one complaint about this book. EVER. She’s written other books, but this by far, is her best work.
Allison Brennan is an inventive suspense writer and I’ve read most of her books, but she hit pay dirt with Fatal Secrets. I stayed up all night to finish this book because it was soooo good. There are three romance authors that I’m absolutely convinced couldn’t write a bad book if they tried. Victoria Dahl, Louisa Edwards and Toni Blake know what the heck they’re doing! I think God gave them pens when they were born, said “you are gifted” and they ran with it. Because of this, it’s really dang hard to pin
down one favorite book from and of these authors, but since you’re pushing me to do so, A Little Bit Wild by Dahl, On the Steamy Side by Louisa Edwards and One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake. Complex , yet cravable characters, intelligent , witty conversations , and blistering emotionalisms, each of their stories have meaning and always end up with special spots on my bookshelves.
Always looking for a nifty bargain, I do visit book exchanges and book fairs. Consistently, there is one author’s work I can NEVER find. Can you guess who it is? If you guessed the infamous JR Ward you go to the head of the class. Readers simply don’t give up her books, so if you’re trying to find one of the books you’re missing from the Brotherhood Series, you’re going to need your magnifying glass. SERIOUSLY. That or very deep pockets. I love all her work and it’s hard to narrow it down, but Lover Awakened is a good one that caused me to cry and cry again. If I picked it up to read today, I’d experience those same deep feelings.
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Honestly, I never in a trillion years would have picked this book up had I seen it in a bookstore, but it was assigned as a review. Let me tell you that I fell head over heels in love with Jonah as the angel in A Mermaid’s Kiss by Joey W. Hill. He oozed alpha masculinity, dominance, sensitivity and over the top sensuality, and it was doubly more interesting to see those character traits in an angel. I read this in 2008, causing me to go out and get everything Joey W. Hill has ever written. Whether she’s writing about vampires, angels or mermaids, she’s not afraid to go deep and dark, endearing me to her forever.
Not everyone can get into the deeper side of a BDSM book, but Signed, Sealed and Delivered by Sierra Cartwright hits the mark. Erotically gifted with an excellent take on this alternative lifestyle, this book is intense and knows how to explore the power of exchange and all that it means. When Christine Feehan dared to write about the magnificent vampire men of the Carpathian
Mountains, she absolutely hit pay dirt. Possessive, erotic, handsome and unique, these men were to be adored. She’s written a ton of books in this series, but Feehan reached inside herself as she created the tortured Jacques, and the doctor Shea, who loved him in spite of everything in Dark Desire. If you contemplate how deep love can reach, this is the book to read. It proves that anything can be overcome, and I consider this book a true classic. For those into suspense novels, you can never go wrong with David Baldacci, Matthew Reilly, James Rollins and Robert Crais. Brilliant storytellers with the ability to make you really wonder, “what if” then taking you on a thrill a minute ride, any book they write rocks. If you were born on another planet and have never heard of the incomparable Robert Ludlum, I just shake my head in disappointment and disbelief. Where in the world have you been? The creator of all things Bourne and all kinds of other cool spies, no one else can ever
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come close to mastering his skill. The Matarese Circle, The Bourne Identiy and The Icarus Agenda are just a few “must” reads. Early Susan Elizabeth Phillips brings along her wittiest dialogue every in Natural Born Charmer. I read this book 4 times because it gave me the romance I craved, the laughter I needed and the emotional characters I wanted to create a fantastic book.
The Walk is one of those novels I probably wouldn’t have noticed in a bookstore, but one day for some strange reason, I spotted this small book in the library and was drawn to it. A love story, a life story and a travel story, this book will change your life and make you think.
Finally, this is an oldie but a goodie and a book that everyone should read at least once. Whitney My Love, by Judith McNaught, is the ultimate love story, making you dream of perfection. So one day if you’re at a boring
dinner meeting at work and want to liven things up a bit, break out your own list of favorite movies and books. But if you’re into some naughty reading, like I am, you may want to keep those yummy ones under your hat. You don’t want to tell all your business do you? Unlike me, those people know who you are and where you live. (lol) Oops! Almost forgot. For those who have been living vicariously through me for the past few months because my life is just so fabulous, L-O-V-E is the word of the day. Yep the wonderfully sexrated alpha man I’ve been dating has moved up a notch and I know you’re dying to hear the deets, but we’re simply not talking…yet. Hugs,
The Book Nerd
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History Bits by Lilyraines Scotland, whether it’s the history, culture or people, can be a fascinating country to learn about. Another aspect that might interest someone is learning more about their ancestry if they happen to be of Scottish “extract”. One good book to start with for either of these two points is the Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia by George Way of Plean and Romilly Squire. What is nice about this particular volume is that it provides an overview of
how clans came about, their structure, tartan history, and a background on heraldry. The majority of the book, as the title denotes, is devoted to individual clans. The only caveat to this is that the clans mentioned are those that are members of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs as of 1994 (when the book was first published). There is a small add-on after the main index of clans that lists a few more clans that met the Council’s requirements for a clan when the book was re-issued in 1998. What each clan page includes is a description of
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the coat of arms, the crest, motto, supporters (usually either humans or animals that “support” a shield by holding it up), the standard and badge. There is also a history of the clan that includes its’ origins (factual and “mythos” where applicable), geographical location, and its rivalries. Another thing I like about the volume is the book’s appendices. These include a list (with blurbs) of important dates in Scottish history from 400 to 1886, a list of monarchs through the Union of Parliaments, a glossary of heraldic terms, and a list of names and the clans they are associated with. One appendix that may prove to
be of interest to the budding genealogist is the one that provides an article on genealogy in Scotland and the places to start looking. The places include looking at parish registers; such statutory records as birth certificates, wedding certificates and death certificates; poll tax records; the census; testaments; and the register of sasines (which are acts of taking possession). Other books that may be of interest:
Scottish Highlanders in Colonial Georgia: The Recruitment, Emigration, and Settlement at Darien, 1735-1748 by Anthony W. Parker Provides an overview of the emigration of men and their families from the Highlands to George between 1735 and 1748. The Highlanders
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were perfect for what the trustees who were setting the colony up wanted: They were familiar with hardships, they came from a militant background, and they were willing to become farmersoldiers.
I have read Mr. MacLean’s Scotland (which provides a general history of the entire country) and think this would be a good book as well.
According to the book blurb, this specific book recounts the history of the Highland clans from the Celts to Robert the Bruce, talks about the wars of independence (including the Jacobite Risings in the 1700’s to the Clearances in the following century), and also takes a look at the time from Mary, Queen of the Scots, to the present day. It also provides and insight into the motivation and character of the clans. While I have as yet to read this particular book,
Provides a comprehensive and very readable look into different Scottish customs and traditions. The book draws on historical and modern sources for 400 years worth of customs revolving around childbirth and infancy; love, courtship and marriage; and death.
Highlanders by FitzRoy MacLean
Scottish Customs: From the Cradle to the Grave by Margaret Bennett
I hope you found at least one history book to check out this month.
Teen Reads by MonicaBBB You would have to be blind not to notice the plethora of baby blue, red, and black littering the Internet, blogs, and bookstores as the third and final book in the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins was released this past month. I have not had the opportunity to read these books but I have heard many very emotional responses ranging from ‘amazing’ to ‘I threw the book at the wall’. One thing I have come to realize is that this series stirs an emotional response from every single person who reads them. What I want to know is it in response to the books themselves or to the possibility our society could turn
into something similar. Now as many of you know, the Hunger Games is a dystopian series, but what is a dystopia exactly? A dystopia is a usually futuristic society, which has turned into, developed into, a sort of anti-utopia. Basically twisting the idea of a perfect world into what is considered perfect by mainly those who are in charge or looking from the outside. Dystopian literature has been around since the early-to-mid 1800’s. Many famous novelists have ventured into the world of dystopian literature to include many who started their careers there, authors like George Orwell (most famous for the book ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’).
You are probably thinking, “Why do I care about this? I am here to get some great new teen reads to check out.” Here is where I reward you for reading on and give you some great dystopian novels that will surely light you up just like The Hunger Games did. ‘The Giver’ by Lois Lowry is one the best dystopians of all time. It follows a twelve-yearold boy around a society that appears as a utopia but is truly in essence a dystopia. The following books in this trilogy are: ‘Gathering Blue’ and ‘Messenger’. ‘The Uglies Series’ by Scott Westerfield is an
amazing series about a teenage girl who goes against society and their need of conformity. It is an excellent series and starts with ‘Uglies’ then continues ‘Pretties’, ‘Specials’, and ‘Extras’. The final recommendation is ‘The Forest of Hands and Teeth’ followed by ‘The Dead-Tossed Waves’ both by Carrie Ryan. These books take place in a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombies. Yes, zombies. Great dystopian novels have been around for a while, take a look around and discover more for yourself, after you finish ‘Mockingjay’, of course. MonicaBBB is a lover of books and more books!