Michelle L. Levigne's Blog, page 50
April 16, 2022
Off the Bookshelf: THE SIEGE OF MACINDAW, by John Flanagan
The Ranger's Apprentice Series, book 6Whew! The last book, Sorcerer of the North, left us hanging with Alyss a prisoner of the traitor Lord Keren, and Horace in disguise, on his way to join Will and offer any help he might need.
Our heroes, whom we first met as orphans setting out to find their destinies, are adults now and charged with serious responsibilities. The brutal Scotti are poised to invade the kingdom of Araluen, using Castle Macindaw as their base of operations, and Keren plans to take his profits and run off to a far away kingdom where he will live in comfort and no one will care that he betrayed his own kin, his duty, and his king.
Keren and the bullies he brings in to replace the loyal guardsmen of Castle Macindaw have no idea what they're up against, with Will the Ranger, Horace the knight already making a legend for himself, and clever Alyss, the courier. Plus a ship full of stranded Skandian warriors looking for a good fight, and the healer Malcolm who uses the legend of an ancient, cruel sorcerer to protect his little village of castoffs from society. Science and imagination and Ranger cleverness combine to use the superstitions and arrogance of others as weapons against them, and defend Araluen from the disaster that could result from one seemingly insignificant castle on the northern border falling into enemy hands.
April 14, 2022
New release sample: THE UNWELCOME WAGON
"You're a good boy," Cilla told Kai later, when he walked her and her cousin to the door. They were the last to leave when the group dispersed for the night. She tugged him down by his collar so she could plant a kiss on his forehead, then chuckled and rubbed her lavender lipstick off with the ball of her thumb. She ended on a sigh. "I don't know why some smart, lucky girl hasn't snatched you up already."
"Because the girls around here are too smart?" he quipped.
"Not smart enough." Melba shook her head. "All three of you need someone wonderful in your lives. Start another dynasty to run this town before that young snot runs it into the ground."
"Might want to be careful how loud you say that," Kai offered. He glanced up and down the street.
There were still a few cars in parking slots in front of the various restaurants and shops that were open late. He flinched when he saw a Cadburn black-and-white, then he recognized the dent in the bumper. That was Officer Shrieve's vehicle. Of course. Shrieve was a distant cousin of the Tweeds, and he always showed up to escort them home on Guzzler meeting night. The Tweeds refused to drive in nice weather, even though they lived four long blocks away. They were eighty-plus years old and insisted they had gotten to that age because "we don't coddle ourselves." He would drive a hundred yards behind them during the entire walk to their duplex, with his lights off, and they would pretend they didn't see him. Then on Sunday they would have some incredible bakery to give him on their way to church.
Kai loved the people of Cadburn. Most of them, anyway.
"Let him try something," Melba said, punctuated with a snort. She winked at him. "He used to be bearable. When that sweet Deirdre was still alive. We always hoped she'd make a decent human being out of him. Ever since that Ashley came into his life … Well, they're perfect for each other. One of these days, he's going to finally go too far, and he'll be too proud to admit he was wrong. Then he'll be gone."
"Big arrogant booby of a bully," Cilla added.
"Uh, do you know …?" Kai touched two fingers to his eye, then his lip.
The elderly cousins shrugged. They hadn't heard what had brought on Curtis' latest injury. That just meant whatever it was had happened quickly and recently. Sooner or later, the reason for the beating would make the rounds of the wagging tongues of Cadburn, and Kai would hear it. Too late to retaliate. Again.
April 11, 2022
New release sample: THE UNWELCOME WAGON
Most of the meeting was spent just talking and catching up on each other's lives. There were fourteen official Guzzlers, but only five met tonight. The others were busy with last-minute chores for the street festival. Set-up would commence tomorrow, starting with the official placement of the barricades along Center Avenue. Kai anticipated extra business in the coffee shop from the workers setting up the booths, and then the people who would be occupying those booths, when they took breaks from the August sun and heat. He already had dozens of water bottles jammed in all the refrigerators getting cold. The water would be free, as a good will gesture. And not just because he knew those who came in for water would be tempted by the pastries and sandwiches and candy he offered, or browse in the bookstore side of the shop. When he was feeling especially crabby, he was willing to admit that the good will gesture irritated Cadburn and his group of cynics and sourpusses. Knowing that was reward enough.
Even though he thought it might turn out disgusting, Kai whipped up a concoction of frozen crème de menthe, swirled into the glass with chocolate and peppermint syrups, with chocolate whipped cream on top, and sprinkled with crushed peppermint sticks. He hoped no one would ask how old the peppermint sticks were. They had actually been on a shelf in the back room, waiting to be tossed. Olivia, his chief barista, had found them during the regular ridding of the storage room. He had saved them just because he knew Curtis liked anything peppermint, especially if they were green-and-white striped. The timing was perfect.
His choice was also perfect. The syrups didn't melt together into a disgusting brownish-reddish-greenish mess when he put them into the glass.
Curtis' eyes got wide and his mouth dropped open like a little kid. He even bounced in the booth seat a few times when Kai put the glass in front of him.
April 10, 2022
BOOK LAUNCH PARTY TONIGHT! Please come!
If you haven't seen the invitation or information, here it is.
8pm EST TONIGHT
On Zoom
A book launch party for THE UNWELCOME WAGON.
You can win Starbucks gift cards and ebook and audiobook copies of THE UNWELCOME WAGON.
Bring your favorite decadent coffee drink recipe. Maybe we'll make up some recipes ourselves, and name them -- who knows? Your recipe, and appropriate credit, could appear in an upcoming adventure!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84310933118?pwd=cHI1VFFTclB0U0FFc3F5SnlZeGNOQT09
Meeting ID: 843 1093 3118
Passcode: 494444
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,84310933118#,,,,*494444# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,84310933118#,,,,*494444# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 843 1093 3118
Passcode: 494444
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcBMWlICin
April 9, 2022
Off the Bookshelf: THE KEEPERS: THE BOX AND THE DRAGONFLY, by Ted Sanders
AudiobookNarrated by Andrew Elden
Horace is a bookish boy who notices things, and when he sees a sign with his own name on it, he gets off the bus to investigate. This launches him into a world of mystery and secrets, ancient struggles, and danger. At first, his fears seem to guide his choices and actions, and he fights to understand, using his intelligence and curiosity and often ignoring very good, wise advice.
But we wouldn't have this fascinating story of friendship and daring and growing and learning if Horace didn't make mistakes and learn some important lessons the hard way.
He meets a girl named Chloe as they both join, almost unwillingly, a group of people involved in an ancient struggle to protect the lives and freedom of ordinary Humans. Horace and Chloe become un-ordinary when they accept gifts that tap into their abilities and bond with their minds and hearts. Horace is given a box that lets him see a day into the future. Years ago Chloe was given a dragonfly that lets her go "thin," to walk through solid objects. They become Keepers, and this book is just the beginning of their adventure, the dangers they face, the pain and fear they endure, the sacrifices they make, and the lessons they learn as they become part of the ongoing war to defend the Human race.
April 7, 2022
BOOK LAUNCH PARTY on ZOOM! and New release sample: THE UNWELCOME WAGON
Curtis remembered Sybil. He remembered everyone who had lived in the apartment building. He remembered incredible things, funny stories and tragic. The problem, in Kai's estimation, was that Curtis was an incredibly polite man. Or perhaps inhibited was the more accurate word. He didn't share his stories until he was asked. Many people held the general opinion that Curtis wasn't just slow, he was stupid, and had very little worthwhile to offer the world. So they never asked, and never learned all the things he could teach them about their own hometown.
Kai believed differently. He and his cousins took Curtis under their wings when they settled in town, and he had rewarded them with an almost embarrassing intensity of loyalty. That hadn't earned him any points with the bullies and politicians like Cadburn and his sidekicks. Chances were good that Roger was behind this latest assault on Curtis to get back at the cousins or someone else who valued the big, elderly man. Not that Trustee Cadburn would ever soil his hands with violence, but he would be behind it.
The worst part in all this? Kai couldn't ask Curtis which Cadburn minion had hit him. Curtis had an unbreakable, aggravating sense of loyalty to the Cadburn family. He wouldn't say anything mean about any of them. Even if it was true. Even if his testimony would help to convince people that all Roger's skills in running the township so efficiently didn't make up for what a rotter he was and a miserable excuse for a pseudo-human being.
So tonight, Kai silently apologized to Curtis for anything he might have done lately to rile Roger, by whipping up the most incredible frozen coffee confection extravaganza to cheer the big, friendly, bashful old man.
That was the official reason for the meeting after all. The Guzzlers met every third Thursday to help Kai come up with new coffee or tea or frozen drinks for Book & Mug, or find names for the ones he had invented since the last meeting.
OKAY
READY FOR A BOOK LAUNCH PARTY?
Please come to the book launch party for THE UNWELCOME WAGON
This Monday, April 11
8pm EST
We'll have some door prizes and contests -- a chance to win Starbucks gift cards (because, hey, Book & Mug is a coffee shop!) and free ebook and audiobook copies of THE UNWELCOME WAGON.
We'll talk about planned upcoming titles, and how about your favorite decadent coffee recipe? Or maybe you'd like to create a coffee recipe, and name it, and maybe have it appear in an upcoming adventure?
Here's the address and other contact information. Hope to see you there!!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84310933118?pwd=cHI1VFFTclB0U0FFc3F5SnlZeGNOQT09
Meeting ID: 843 1093 3118
Passcode: 494444
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,84310933118#,,,,*494444# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,84310933118#,,,,*494444# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 843 1093 3118
Passcode: 494444
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcBMWlICin
April 4, 2022
New release sample: THE UNWELCOME WAGON
Curtis Bridgewater came to the Guzzlers meeting at Book & Mug that evening with a black eye. The Tweed cousins, Cilla and Melba, fussed over him. Kai fought not to smile as the big, shuffling man visibly wobbled back and forth between feeling foolish and lapping up the cooing attention like a puppy.
That pretty much described Curtis, one of the town's characters. An earlier era, less politically correct, would have kindly labeled him "slow." The mockery and people taking advantage of him would have been much more open, even encouraged in some circles. Kai had decided Cadburn was just the sort of town he wanted to live in when he had met Curtis on that first visit and saw how the "challenged" people were treated. What a lot of people didn't realize, and Eden had discovered first, was that Curtis knew everything about everyone. Especially the history of the township, going back several generations. Maybe further. Curtis, his father, grandmother, and her siblings, had been something like family retainers for the Cadburn family. That translated into them handling maintenance and managing the three Cadburn buildings on Center Avenue, and various other properties once owned by the family. Including the grand old apartment complex where a woman who called herself Sybil Orwell had lived. That was the last of many names Eden had been able to uncover for the woman who might have tossed the cousins into the foster care system and then figuratively threw away the key. As far as their investigations had revealed, Sybil -- if that was her real name -- had trashed every bit of documentation that would reveal their identities and help them find their real families.
April 2, 2022
Off the Bookshelf: SORCERER OF THE NORTH, by John Flanagan
Ranger's Apprentice Series, Book 5Our hero, Will, is on his first assignment as a fully trained Ranger. It's been several years since his last adventure, and he's developed something of a reputation, even if he isn't quite aware of it. The territory he's assigned to has had it good for a while, it's safe and sleepy and supposedly far away from the reach of enemies.
Or so Will thinks. He does well in his first crisis, and he's settling in, when he's uprooted and sent far north on a secret assignment. A castle on the border of Scotti territory is on unsteady ground, the people in the surrounding villages afraid, everyone jumping at shadows, with its lord ill and at death's door, and rumors of an ancient sorcerer who has returned to exact his revenge on the ruling family.
Nothing is as it seems, in this assignment -- starting with Will, who must travel in disguise, as a musician. He must carry out his assignment of determining what is really going on, without some of his familiar weapons, without the mystique of the Rangers as a weapon and tool, and possibly all alone. When one thing after another goes wrong, what can he do to not just find the truth, but survive?
This one leaves us hanging, waiting to find out how Will will succeed in Book 6, The Siege of Macindaw.
March 31, 2022
New Book Launching TODAY!
Releasing TODAY
In ebook, paper and audiobook.
THE UNWELCOME WAGON
Book 1 in the Book & Mug cozy mystery series.
Saundra Bailey has a rough few first days after moving to Camden Township to be the new children's librarian. First a strange man who smells of cheap cigars tries to get into her apartment, then she’s caught between two Welcome Wagon teams, which results in her feeling rather unwelcome. When Cigar Man later tries to steal her purse, she meets Kai, owner of Book & Mug, a coffee shop and bookstore. Cigar Man tried to break into the building Kai owns with his cousins, Eden and Troy, after trying to hire Eden, an investigator, to find lost family documents.
As Saundra settles into her new job and home, she learns about the political and social feuds and alliances in town. Then Cigar Man breaks into the Book & Mug building in the middle of the night, falls from a fire escape, and dies. The hunt is on to figure out what he was looking for, who was the other man with him when he fell, and whose side the mysterious accomplice is on.
Head Trustee Roger Camden, descendant of a founding father, has a growing list of grudges against the cousins and gets in the way of their investigation. Their building used to belong to his family. He accuses them of being in league with Cigar Man, who apparently was seeking Camden family documents. The foursome scramble to put together clues and identify Cigar Man’s accomplice before he hurts more people and makes more evidence and clues vanish.
March 28, 2022
New release sample: ANGELA'S KNIGHT
"Why?"
"Do you care what damage you do to a bar of chocolate when you eat it?" Asmondius nodded slowly when Maurice swallowed down a surge of nausea at the mental image that provided. "At least with a magical despot, he wants to keep his new territory as much in one piece as possible, because he will need to use it in the future. Or in more mercenary terms, he wants to preserve as much profit as possible."
He sighed and put down the empty hot fudge jar. "Well, lad, I can't say I'm glad to have this to think about, but I am glad you were worried enough to consult me on this. We will put our heads together back home and see what we can do from our side of reality. You'll contact your friends and get to work on this?"
"You betcha."
A moment later, Asmondius vanished in a soft shower of green and blue sparks, taking everything with him except the plate of uneaten cookies and the fifth jar of untouched hot fudge sauce. Maurice smiled crookedly at that. Things had to be pretty serious for Asmondius to leave that for him. As in, provisions for a siege.
