Beverly Stowe McClure's Blog: Enter Beverly's World of Writing, page 26

Cyberstorm Pre-release

CYBERSTORM (Review)
By Matthew Mather

What if your life suddenly became a challenge for survival? What if you heard that a foreign computer code, designed to knock out the U. S. energy grid, has been embedded in U. S. power plant control systems? What if the everyday things you take for granted, like water, electricity, and food, are no longer available and you have to scrounge, steal, or get them any way you can? Not a pleasant thought, is it?

Author Matthew Mather’s latest novel, CYBERSTORM, may answer these questions for you. And you may wish you hadn’t asked. Mike Mitchell thought he had problems with his wife Lauren’s parents. That was before he heard reports that websites had been hacked and defaced, and a code designed to knock out the U. S. energy grid was embedded in power plant systems. Rumors suggest that China is responsible. People are dying too from what is suspected as bird flu. Soon Mike, Lauren, and their two-year-old son, Luke, along with their neighbors are scrounging for food, heat, and water, while trying to figure out what is going on and who is responsible. With the passing days and no answers, just starving people, Mike discovers just how far some will go to survive. Imagine killing for a handful of peanuts. Some of the scenes are rather gory, though they do show how desperation can bring out the worst in people and also the best.

I read mostly books for young adults and children because that’s what I write, but CYBERSTORM caught my attention and once I started reading the book I was glad I did. The scary thing, in my opinion, is that the events in the novel could be possible. Think how much we depend on our computer network, and how our world would change if some power gained control of the banks, businesses, and even our government. Matthew Mather’s book gives the reader a glimpse at what it might be like to face a cyber attack. CYBERSTORM is also a story of family and friendships and how things are not always what they seem. I recommend it and believe you’ll enjoy the read as much as I did.
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Learn more about Matthew at http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.c...

Finn Finnegan Review

Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Fáilte. Welcome to a world of knights and magic, goblins and apprentices. A world where crows signal danger and warriors search for a lost Spear needed to save the Tuatha De Danaan (mythical Irish warriors) from the mythical Amandán creatures. Did you know all this adventure is going on in our very own world? Yes, it is. Beware of the people next door. They may not be exactly who you think they are.

In Award Winning Author Darby Karchut’s latest novel for teens, FINN FINNEGAN, thirteen-year-old half human, half De Danaan, Finnegan MacCullen (call him Finn please) is beginning his apprenticeship with Knight Gideon Lir, of the Tuatha De Danaan, who have fought with the Amandáns for thousands of years. Told in alternating points of view between Finn and Gideon, along with journal entries, the author gives us a great glimpse into the minds of both mentor and apprentice as they face the Amandán that are growing in strength and boldness.

After following Griffin and his adventures in Darby Karchut’s Griffin Series (still one book to go), I knew I had to meet the characters in her new series, FINN FINNEGAN. Finn is everything I expected him to be. “Cheeky” (Gideon’s words) and hot-tempered, also sympathetic and loveable. In other words, a teen boy, um, with magical powers. Beautiful imagery places the reader in each scene. For instance, “…the sun spilled over the rim of the earth.” Wow! Puts you right there, doesn’t it? Through Finn’s eyes, I witnessed the new day. I chanted the Song along with Finn while he held his late father’s moonstone meant to reveal the Amandáns’ true form.

Based on Celtic mythology, FINN FINNEGAN is the story of a boy in search of courage and the truth about himself. You’ll laugh with Finn. You’ll cry with Finn. You’ll feel his frustration when he makes mistakes. You’ll see Gideon’s love for his apprentice. FINN FINNIGAN is also a story about good and evil, family and friends, and how far one will go to protect those they love. The author includes a glossary of words and phrases. (See my greeting in the first paragraph.) Author Notes gives additional information about the sources behind the characters, songs, and places. There’s even a sneak peek of Book Two GIDEON’S SPEAR. Darby Karchut’s tween novel would make a great addition to school history classes and libraries, as well as your personal library. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy and for readers who enjoy a good book with delightful characters so human they might be your neighbors. Except for their special abilities, that is. But you never know. The author has another winner with Finn.

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View all my reviews

SCBWI Newsletter Interview

I'm so excited. Carolyn Krecklow, Editor of the SCBWI Northeast, Northcentral Texas, Newsletter interviewed me for the Winter Issue. If you're a member of SCBWI, please stop by and read not only what I have to say about blogging, but some other great articles too. Here's the link:

http://www.scbwi.org/Resources/Docume...

Thank you.
Happy Reading

Meet Maggie Lyons

Hi, Everyone,

My special guest today is Maggie Lyons. She graciously answered my questions about her life and her writing. She is quite the interesting author. Stop by and see if you don't agree.
http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com

INTERVIEW AND CONTEST

Hi, Everyone,

If you have a chance today, stop by Tribue Books and read Nicole's interview with me about my latest YA Novel, Life on Hold, from 4RV Publishing. http://tributebooksreviews.blogspot.c...

I'm also giving away a $10.00 gift certificate to Amazon. Hope to see you there. Good luck.

BOOK BLAST

Good Morning,

If you have a chance stop by my Book Blast for a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate to Amazon.
http://bookblastpromotions.blogspot.c...

Thanks. Good luck.

Twilight Times eBook Sale

Do you enjoy reading eBooks? Do you like a bargain? If so, my publisher Twilight Times Books is having an eBook sale. Pick up a few copies while you can.

100 ebooks with five star reviews are on sale from Twilight Times
Books. Priced from $1.99 to $3.99 now via our ebook distributors: Amazon
Kindle http://amzn.to/eYYy6s, Barnes & Noble Nook
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Twili..., eReader.com,
Fictionwise.com, OmniLit.com, Sony, etc. until Sept 30th. Historical,
literary, mystery, SF, YA and more.
http://amzn.to/eYYy6s
http://twilighttimesbooks.com/

Check out my Award Winning YA Historical Novel Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines while you shop.

Happy Reading

Recommendations by Award Winning AuthorJessica James

(From Jessica)

Dear reader,

With so many books now on the market, many new authors get overlooked. I’ve compiled a short list of books/authors that are worth taking a look at—from non-fiction history to YA historical fiction. Of course, since I have an interest in the Civil War, many of these books are geared toward that, but I’ve also included some mystery and suspense novels, as well as two old classics that I highly recommend.
Here they are in no particular order:

A SOUTHERN SPY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA by Charles V. Mauro
Genre: Nonfiction/History
Confederate brigadier general J.E.B. Stuart entrusted a secret album to Laura Ratcliffe, a young girl in Fairfax County who provided a safe haven for Rebel forces. Mauro uncovers the mystery behind this album, identifying who the 26 soldiers and 14 loyal Confederate civilians who signed it were.

CROSS OVER THE RIVER: Lives of Stonewall Jackson, by Bruce Weir Benidt
Genre: Historical Fiction
When Stonewall Jackson was killed by friendly fire at the height of his great victory in 1863, the course of the Civil War and American history was changed. This novel paints a passionate and realistic portrait of the Civil War's most enigmatic and daring general.

RIDE THE WIND by Lucia St. Clair Robson
Genre: Historical/Adventure
In 1836, when she was nine years old, Cynthia Ann Parker was kidnapped by Comanche Indians. This is the story of how she grew up with them, mastered their ways, married one of their leaders, and became, in every way, a Comanche woman.

FOR THE BIRDS (Tall Pines Mystery) by Aaron Paul Lazar
Genre: Mystery
After Marcella Hollister’s quarrelsome mother, Thelma, is kidnapped, Marcella must find her—somewhere in the tall pines of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Bizarre "tips" from the parakeet Ruby help Marcella, much to the chagrin of the FBI, who wants her to stay out of the investigation.

Finalist in 2011 ForeWord Book of the Year Award in the Mystery category

MAGNOLIA BLOSSOMS by Leanna Sain
Genre: Christian-themed Suspense/Time Travel
Maggie Poinsett has the opportunity to change history. When she steps through the rusty gate, she’s thrust into the middle of the Civil War. Disguising herself as a boy, she joins forces with photographer, Thomas MacKinlay, the man she traveled through time to save. Falling in love with him certainly complicates things.
Nominated for Global Ebooks Award

DEATH ON DELIVERY by Anne K. Edwards

Genre: Mystery
Jania Yewbanks never should have opened a package meant for her husband and decided to keep the contents for herself. She paid the ultimate price. It is her obit in a local paper that sets Hannah Clare on the trail of a murder for hire ring.

CAVES, CANNON and CRINOLINES by Beverly McClure
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines is the story of Elizabeth (Lizzie) Stamford and her family's daily struggle to survive a changing way of life during the American Civil War. This is a story of fear, courage, and understanding that people, no matter where they live, have the same needs: love, peace and security.
Finalist in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Novella CategoryHonor Winner in the 2012 Eric Hoffer Awards, YA Category
Finalist in the Global eBook Award, YA

Classics you may wish to try.
NORTHWEST PASSAGE by Kenneth Roberts
Genre: Historical Fiction
This is the story of Major Robert Rogers and the early Rangers of the French and Indian War. Even if you’re not interested in the time period, the writing is so good, you’ll love the journey!

SHANNA by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Genre: Historical Romance
Woodiwiss is the “founding mother of the historical romance” genre and I can recommend anything she wrote. The Flame and the Flower and Ashes in the Wind are two other favorites.


Happy Reading, All

Write What They Like

I'm pleased to welcome Christine Henderson to my blog to start a new week. Chris has been a writer since she was a child when she made teeny magazines for her dolls. One of her friends once told her she would someday be a well-known writer, so she would keep all the letters and cards that Chris sent her. Chris may not be the famous writer her friend thought she would be -- yet. She's working on it! Learn more about Chris at her blog.


Christine would like to share some thoughts with you today. Go, Chris.


WRITE WHAT THEY LIKE

By Christine Henderson


When you start writing their first novel you can’t wait to get their words on paper to let the world in on your wonderful thoughts. Form and style don’t matter as all you can think about is getting your story out there for all to read. Then you may decide to take a writing class to just polish up your masterpiece.

Read the rest Of Christine's great post at my blog http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com

Life on Hold Spotlights

Today, for the letter N for New Books in C Lee McKenzie's A to Z Blog Challenge, Lee includes my YA Contemporary novel, Life on Hold, along with The Younger Days by Mike Hays and Destined by Jessie Harrel. Stop by if you have a chance and say "Hi." See it here: http://writegame.blogspot.com

Then, if you're still in the mood to blog hop, check out my giveaway on YA Bound. You can also read an excerpt of Life on Hold at http://yabound.blogspot.com/2012/04/g...

Happy Reading.