Michelle L. Levigne's Blog, page 191
January 14, 2011
Review -- Seasons in the Mist
I'm delighted to start my semi-regular (meaning there's no predicting when they'll show up) book reviews with a superb time-travel romance by my good friend, Deb Kinnard.
Seasons in the Mist follows historian Bethany Lindstrom as she walks down a chilly hallway in the ruins of a Cornish manor, and comes out into the history she's been studying.
And she learns that all the books in the world can't prepare a modern woman for the culture shock of everyday, little things -- food, clothes, hygiene, chores -- as well as the social strata.
I admit, I have trouble with time-travel stories, just because of those pesky laws of physics -- especially the one that says something can't be two places at the same time. The molecules that make up Bethany's present body also existed somewhere else centuries ago, so ... don't use your scientific imagination too much. It can lead to disturbing images.
Anyway ... Deb covers that question admirably, and simply, and elegantly. So that the question really doesn't come up.
After all, if the One who made all matter sends you back through time, don't you think He's going to cover little problems like that?
And Bethany definitely has been sent back through time for a mission, but like Dr. Sam Becket of Quantum Leap fame, she doesn't figure out what that purpose is until she steps down the hallway, back to her own time, and realizes that a few small details have ... changed.
The heartbreaking question for Bethany is if she'll be allowed to return to the time and the man she has grown to love.
Go check out the dozens of rave reviews for Mist on Amazon. You'll agree. Deb did a superb job, making her historical era real, sometimes even uncomfortable and smelly! Real enough that I writhed for Bethany, and there were times I didn't want to put the book down, because I had to know how she was going to get out of this little -- or big -- mess.
Read it. And look for other books by Deb Kinnard. No matter what era she's writing in, you'll love her characters, laugh with them, ache for them, and cheer for them.
January 12, 2011
The Zygradon Chronicles at OneTrueMedia.com
My newest book trailer.
In April, thefifth and final Zygradon Chronicles book, "Rift War," will be released. From Uncial Press -- www.UncialPress.com
Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com
In April, thefifth and final Zygradon Chronicles book, "Rift War," will be released. From Uncial Press -- www.UncialPress.com
Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com
Smile, Jane. Smile!
The continuing adventures of Bondservant. Jane Bondservant.
When we last saw our heroine, she was at work in the school office, and saw the car of her nemesis, Dr. Jose Noway, drive up in front of the school.
See Jane.
See Jane hold very still.
See Jane wonder where she put her super-silent, ultra-compact stunner gun.
(Because of course, she wouldn't dream of bringing a deadly weapon into a school building. She must put the safety of the students first, even if those same students need a serious lesson in respect for their elders and not talking with their mouths full.)
See Jane smile as Dr. Noway comes through the door.
What is this?
Dr. Noway has two young children with him.
Two little girls.
"Hello," Dr. Noway says. "Can you help me? I want to register my nieces to attend this school."
See Jane smile.
See Jane keep her hands on the counter, when she wants to reach for the nearest weapon or the fire alarm.
Dr. Noway has nieces?
Jane did not even know Dr. Noway had a family.
"Welcome," Jane says. "If you want to take a seat, I will go find the proper paperwork."
See Jane walk casually to the next room, when she really wants to run for her life.
What will Jane do next?
Check back here later for the next installment of the continuing adventures of Bondservant. Jane Bondservant.
When we last saw our heroine, she was at work in the school office, and saw the car of her nemesis, Dr. Jose Noway, drive up in front of the school.
See Jane.
See Jane hold very still.
See Jane wonder where she put her super-silent, ultra-compact stunner gun.
(Because of course, she wouldn't dream of bringing a deadly weapon into a school building. She must put the safety of the students first, even if those same students need a serious lesson in respect for their elders and not talking with their mouths full.)
See Jane smile as Dr. Noway comes through the door.
What is this?
Dr. Noway has two young children with him.
Two little girls.
"Hello," Dr. Noway says. "Can you help me? I want to register my nieces to attend this school."
See Jane smile.
See Jane keep her hands on the counter, when she wants to reach for the nearest weapon or the fire alarm.
Dr. Noway has nieces?
Jane did not even know Dr. Noway had a family.
"Welcome," Jane says. "If you want to take a seat, I will go find the proper paperwork."
See Jane walk casually to the next room, when she really wants to run for her life.
What will Jane do next?
Check back here later for the next installment of the continuing adventures of Bondservant. Jane Bondservant.
January 9, 2011
Best Book?
I'm so psyched!
THE WOLF THAT WAS is up for Best Book over at Long and Short Reviews.
They really like the book!
There's voting Saturday and Sunday over the various reviewers' choice for Best Book, and my book is among them. I hope you'll go over and participate. EVERY weekend, Long and Short Reviews does this. It's a chance to let your voices be heard, and learn about great new books at the same time.
Here's what Lily had to say:
Have you ever read a book that isn't really the genre you like best, but you'll give it your best try, only to find it's fabulous and can't put it down? I did and it's called The Wolf that Was.
... The reader is immediately drawn into an imaginary but magical world and to the main character, Tirian, ... The author's descriptive powers are honed to perfection when all she needs to say about a character is that he "hid inside a deep purple cloak like clotted blood" and the reader knows just what this one is up to.
...
The deceptively easy writing details an intrinsic, perfectly planned plot that entwines the characters in an emotional quest to find out if Bran can be cured and whether Tirian does hold magic. This age-old technique of seeking an answer is the theme of many ancient tales, yet this one is infallible in its unique setting and wonderful, vibrant characters, their strength and quirks and turns it into an unforgettable fable.
Since we're on the subject of characters ... Their endearing traits lie in their loving, caring, courageous natures. The chemistry between the two is glittering and you're left right to the end to find out if either of them recognize it fully. Even the villains of the piece are not totally unlikable – you can smile at their antics and skullduggery at times, yet you always hope (but are never sure) that their cruelty, arrogance and basic nastiness will end with their comeuppance.
The magical characters, who are spell-binding with powers beyond belief, mostly appear in the middle and towards the end of the book when the pace really picks up to the climax which left me biting my nails in terror at how it might all end.
What a fabulous world to live in – if you can escape the evil so-and-sos. How wonderful to feel "the magic buzz against the soles of [your] feet and fingertips, and tingle against [your] scalp"...
The Wolf that Was will appeal to shape-shifter, fantasy-lovers and also to those new to the genre because it is just so well written with profound underlying themes. It was one of those stories you never want to end and so you savor each page slowly so that it doesn't end too quickly.
THANKS, Lily!
Thanks, Long and Short Reviews.
THE WOLF THAT WAS is up for Best Book over at Long and Short Reviews.
They really like the book!
There's voting Saturday and Sunday over the various reviewers' choice for Best Book, and my book is among them. I hope you'll go over and participate. EVERY weekend, Long and Short Reviews does this. It's a chance to let your voices be heard, and learn about great new books at the same time.
Here's what Lily had to say:
Have you ever read a book that isn't really the genre you like best, but you'll give it your best try, only to find it's fabulous and can't put it down? I did and it's called The Wolf that Was.
... The reader is immediately drawn into an imaginary but magical world and to the main character, Tirian, ... The author's descriptive powers are honed to perfection when all she needs to say about a character is that he "hid inside a deep purple cloak like clotted blood" and the reader knows just what this one is up to.
...
The deceptively easy writing details an intrinsic, perfectly planned plot that entwines the characters in an emotional quest to find out if Bran can be cured and whether Tirian does hold magic. This age-old technique of seeking an answer is the theme of many ancient tales, yet this one is infallible in its unique setting and wonderful, vibrant characters, their strength and quirks and turns it into an unforgettable fable.
Since we're on the subject of characters ... Their endearing traits lie in their loving, caring, courageous natures. The chemistry between the two is glittering and you're left right to the end to find out if either of them recognize it fully. Even the villains of the piece are not totally unlikable – you can smile at their antics and skullduggery at times, yet you always hope (but are never sure) that their cruelty, arrogance and basic nastiness will end with their comeuppance.
The magical characters, who are spell-binding with powers beyond belief, mostly appear in the middle and towards the end of the book when the pace really picks up to the climax which left me biting my nails in terror at how it might all end.
What a fabulous world to live in – if you can escape the evil so-and-sos. How wonderful to feel "the magic buzz against the soles of [your] feet and fingertips, and tingle against [your] scalp"...
The Wolf that Was will appeal to shape-shifter, fantasy-lovers and also to those new to the genre because it is just so well written with profound underlying themes. It was one of those stories you never want to end and so you savor each page slowly so that it doesn't end too quickly.
THANKS, Lily!
Thanks, Long and Short Reviews.
January 5, 2011
See Jane
See Jane.
See Jane work.
Jane is at the copy machine.
See the piles, and piles, and piles of papers the teachers want copied and collated and stapled for their first week of school.
See Jane fight not to kick over the piles, and piles, and piles of papers -- and maybe some of the teachers.
Have you ever felt trapped in a place and among people who don't know the real you? The you capable of great and wonderful things?
Imagine how much worse it is for Jane, who really does have proof that she can do great and wonderful things ... but she's not allowed to tell anyone.
That's the problem with a secret identity, because plain Jane Smythe is really Bondservant. Jane Bondservant. Agent 777. Moving through the shadowy world of academia and suburbia, searching for opportunities to help the downtrodden, the ignored ... the kids who came to school without tissues or lunch money and the teachers who waited until Sunday night before school started again in the new year before they put together their lesson plans and handouts and pop quizzes.
(Yeah, like their students really studied during Christmas break? Give ME a break!)
It's a thankless job, but someone's got to do it.
What's this?
Outside the office window, Jane sees a familiar, sinister, vintage (circa 1980) black Lincoln cruise around the circular drive in front of the school.
Can it be?
Is it really?
Noway?
(That's Dr. Jose Noway, actually.)
Has Dr. Noway found her? Has he discovered her secret identity?
Will Jane finish her copying work and get all those papers stapled before all havoc breaks loose inside the school office?
(It's not funny. You know how much mess dozens of loose papers can create if they get thrown around by a semi-pseudo-nuclear ray gun in the hands of an egotistical maniac?)
(And if you do know, where exactly did you get that experience? We need to talk, bub!)
Stay tuned for the next installment of the continuing adventures of Bondservant. Jane Bondservant.
See Jane work.
Jane is at the copy machine.
See the piles, and piles, and piles of papers the teachers want copied and collated and stapled for their first week of school.
See Jane fight not to kick over the piles, and piles, and piles of papers -- and maybe some of the teachers.
Have you ever felt trapped in a place and among people who don't know the real you? The you capable of great and wonderful things?
Imagine how much worse it is for Jane, who really does have proof that she can do great and wonderful things ... but she's not allowed to tell anyone.
That's the problem with a secret identity, because plain Jane Smythe is really Bondservant. Jane Bondservant. Agent 777. Moving through the shadowy world of academia and suburbia, searching for opportunities to help the downtrodden, the ignored ... the kids who came to school without tissues or lunch money and the teachers who waited until Sunday night before school started again in the new year before they put together their lesson plans and handouts and pop quizzes.
(Yeah, like their students really studied during Christmas break? Give ME a break!)
It's a thankless job, but someone's got to do it.
What's this?
Outside the office window, Jane sees a familiar, sinister, vintage (circa 1980) black Lincoln cruise around the circular drive in front of the school.
Can it be?
Is it really?
Noway?
(That's Dr. Jose Noway, actually.)
Has Dr. Noway found her? Has he discovered her secret identity?
Will Jane finish her copying work and get all those papers stapled before all havoc breaks loose inside the school office?
(It's not funny. You know how much mess dozens of loose papers can create if they get thrown around by a semi-pseudo-nuclear ray gun in the hands of an egotistical maniac?)
(And if you do know, where exactly did you get that experience? We need to talk, bub!)
Stay tuned for the next installment of the continuing adventures of Bondservant. Jane Bondservant.
January 1, 2011
Meet Jane
Happy New Year!
Let's start off the new year right -- with something fun and new and experimental.
Right here on the Living Proof blog, you can follow the adventures of ....
BOND.
Well, actually it's BONDservant.
Jane Bondservant.
Agent 777
If it sounds familiar ... well, kinda-sorta.
We're going to have fun. We're going to be silly.
We're going to borrow heavily from a lot of cultural icons such as the aforementioned libidinous, more-lives-than-a-house-full-of-cats English secret agent. And others. We'll figure out who we'll rip off ... err ... borrow from, as we go along.
For now, here's something to think about.....
Bondservant. Jane Bondservant.
* Secret identity -- librarian at a small private church school in the heartland.
* Marital status -- single, and while she doesn't exactly love it, she's realized it's a lot better than the alternative.
* Superior -- O (because face it, M is in England, and it's too long of a commute to report every week)
* Support -- S, because Q is too busy keeping a Brosnan-wannabe out of trouble
* Nemeses -- Dr. Jose Noway and Silverfist (not as expensive, but a lot heavier than Goldfinger)
* Mission -- To be revealed later!
I hope you'll come back and follow Jane's adventures and maybe post some suggestions as we go along!
Happy New Year
Let's start off the new year right -- with something fun and new and experimental.
Right here on the Living Proof blog, you can follow the adventures of ....
BOND.
Well, actually it's BONDservant.
Jane Bondservant.
Agent 777
If it sounds familiar ... well, kinda-sorta.
We're going to have fun. We're going to be silly.
We're going to borrow heavily from a lot of cultural icons such as the aforementioned libidinous, more-lives-than-a-house-full-of-cats English secret agent. And others. We'll figure out who we'll rip off ... err ... borrow from, as we go along.
For now, here's something to think about.....
Bondservant. Jane Bondservant.
* Secret identity -- librarian at a small private church school in the heartland.
* Marital status -- single, and while she doesn't exactly love it, she's realized it's a lot better than the alternative.
* Superior -- O (because face it, M is in England, and it's too long of a commute to report every week)
* Support -- S, because Q is too busy keeping a Brosnan-wannabe out of trouble
* Nemeses -- Dr. Jose Noway and Silverfist (not as expensive, but a lot heavier than Goldfinger)
* Mission -- To be revealed later!
I hope you'll come back and follow Jane's adventures and maybe post some suggestions as we go along!
Happy New Year
December 19, 2010
The Commonwealth Universe at OneTrueMedia.com
New book trailer -- check out all the titles available in the Commonwealth Universe!
Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com
Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com
December 16, 2010
Have Yourself a Faerie Little Christmas
The sequel is here!
The sequel to Divine's Emporium, HAVE YOURSELF A FAERIE LITTLE CHRISTMAS takes us to Maurice's one-year anniversary in the funky, weird little town of Neighborlee, Ohio.
Exiled to the Human realms for 2 years for being a little too enthusiastic about punishing the bullies and bad boys, Maurice hasn't been lonely or bored. Despite being shrunken down to 5 inches tall, with shrunken magic to match, and wings stuck on his back no self-respecting Fae would wear to a costume party, Maurice has been busy helping Humans with what limited magic is at his disposal.
Now is the time for some Christmas magic to be granted to Maurice.
And to the Fae who come to Neighborlee, looking for some answers, some Christmas magic, some freedom, and even love.
Now available at Uncial Press.
And check out the Cyber Launch Party tomorrow, sponsored by Author Island.
I'll be giving away a navy blue T-shirt with the gorgeous cover art for Faerie Christmas.
Come chat and talk about Neighorlee, Divine's Emporium, and what you think will happen to Maurice next year, after getting caught under the mistletoe ...
The sequel to Divine's Emporium, HAVE YOURSELF A FAERIE LITTLE CHRISTMAS takes us to Maurice's one-year anniversary in the funky, weird little town of Neighborlee, Ohio.
Exiled to the Human realms for 2 years for being a little too enthusiastic about punishing the bullies and bad boys, Maurice hasn't been lonely or bored. Despite being shrunken down to 5 inches tall, with shrunken magic to match, and wings stuck on his back no self-respecting Fae would wear to a costume party, Maurice has been busy helping Humans with what limited magic is at his disposal.
Now is the time for some Christmas magic to be granted to Maurice.
And to the Fae who come to Neighborlee, looking for some answers, some Christmas magic, some freedom, and even love.
Now available at Uncial Press.
And check out the Cyber Launch Party tomorrow, sponsored by Author Island.
I'll be giving away a navy blue T-shirt with the gorgeous cover art for Faerie Christmas.
Come chat and talk about Neighorlee, Divine's Emporium, and what you think will happen to Maurice next year, after getting caught under the mistletoe ...
November 27, 2010
NaNo, Book of the Day, and Cyber Launch
LOTS, LOTS, LOTS going on!
First of all:
It's official.
I am a NaNoWriMo 2010 Winner!
Just uploaded my rough draft of Never Moon a Werewolf to the official word count validator. I came in at just over 72,000 words!
Not bad. Not what I've managed in previous years, but considering everything going on this November ... not bad at all!
Second of all:
Yep, it's time for BOOK OF THE DAY.
Today, at Author Island, my humorous romantic suspense novel, JUST PEACHY , is the book of the day. It's the sequel to PICTURE THIS and HOW TO BURY A MILLIONAIRE .
The sequel, LIAR, LIAR. HEARTS ON FIRE will be featured in a Cyber Launch Party on Wednesday, December 1.
LIAR, LIAR is being released by Amber Quill Press in e-book format on Wednesday, and in print format on December 15. Check it out -- a treasure hunt in a weird old isolated mansion in the hills -- where every clue is from a Marx Brothers movie!
First of all:
It's official.
I am a NaNoWriMo 2010 Winner!
Just uploaded my rough draft of Never Moon a Werewolf to the official word count validator. I came in at just over 72,000 words!
Not bad. Not what I've managed in previous years, but considering everything going on this November ... not bad at all!
Second of all:
Yep, it's time for BOOK OF THE DAY.
Today, at Author Island, my humorous romantic suspense novel, JUST PEACHY , is the book of the day. It's the sequel to PICTURE THIS and HOW TO BURY A MILLIONAIRE .
The sequel, LIAR, LIAR. HEARTS ON FIRE will be featured in a Cyber Launch Party on Wednesday, December 1.
LIAR, LIAR is being released by Amber Quill Press in e-book format on Wednesday, and in print format on December 15. Check it out -- a treasure hunt in a weird old isolated mansion in the hills -- where every clue is from a Marx Brothers movie!
November 24, 2010
New Release!
It's here!
Just released this morning:
THE WOLF THAT WAS
sequel to Bitter Sweet
at Mundania Press
Tirian is the daughter of the village wise woman, but instead of inheriting her mother's magic, she has been told all her life that she IS magic. Then her mother dies, battling an evil enchanter, and Tirian is left in charge of the 5 villages her mother looked after. She manages fairly well without magic ... until Bran comes to the 5 river villages: a man bound together with a wolf, both of them struggling for domination with the phases of the moon, and both falling in love with Tirian.
When the fears of the villagers threaten their friendship, Tirian and Bran set off in search of a cure for him, and for answers to the mysteries and questions that have tormented her all her life. Their quest takes them to Stonemount, where evil King Fallon is having trouble with his new queen, Sorcha ... and events are set in motion that will change the history and the magic of their world for generations to come.
