Raven Bower's Blog, page 9

MidSummer’s Night Blog Hop ~ Sneak Peak at Shayla from Bleeding Edge

[image error]Welcome to a Midsummer’s Eve Blog Hop! I’ve been teamed up with the lovely S.M. Boyce, author of The Grimoire: Lichgates a young adult epic fantasy.  In celebration of this festive eve, we’re giving away a free Kindle copy of Lichgates and Primal, check it out below!

In this scene, Shayla Dormyr, the spunky warrior heroine of my upcoming epic fantasy series Weeping Dark: Bleeding Edge, stumbles through a portal on Farath and pops up in an entirely different world. There,  she meets Kara, the heroine from Lichgates, and they share a bit about their world. Enjoy the scene and sneak preview into Shayla’s character!

To visit S.M. Boyce and discover more about her world:

Twitter: @thesmboyce

Facebook

Google +

********************

Kara is sitting on a log, writing in a magical leather book called the Grimoire. She looks up as Shayla crashes through a few low-hanging branches. Both stop when they see each other, pausing long enough to gauge whether the other is a threat.

Kara: Who the hell are you?

Shayla: [cocks an eyebrow] Captain Third Flame of the Ires Guard. [frowns] Dame too now, I suppose.

Kara: That’s…that’s nice. I’m Kara. So wait, how did you even get here? You shouldn’t have even—

Shayla: If I only went were I was supposed to go, I wouldn’t be here now, would I?

Kara: [laughs] I’m sorry, I guess that was kind of rude. I just wasn’t expecting to see anyone out here. It’s….well let’s just say it’s secluded.

Shayla: [looks around] Where is “here” anyway?

Kara: Well, that portal you came through is called a lichgate. Everything you see here is a pocket of the world—well, my world, Earth—and it’s separate from everything else. These pockets are collectively called Ourea, and there’s all sorts of magic and crazy creatures here. I still can’t believe everything I come across. You can only access Ourea via those lichgates. And, well, I thought there was only one way in to this particular area. I guess that’s not the case.

Shayla: [gives Kara a wry smile] Assuming that you’re safe is a good way to get yourself killed. Might want to set some wards or get some guards. The next thing through the gate might not be sweet little me. [grins]

Kara: Apparently so. Well, you’re not trying to kill me, so have a seat. You said you’re a Captain? What’s your world like?

Shayla: [her battered armor creaks as she sits] Filled with darkness. Smoke. Death. [green eyes glimmer in sorrow as she nods] Third Flame, by default – the others are dead. [sorrow turns to an icy green chill] They’ll be avenged and darkness broken.

Kara: Whoa, that’s intense. I thought things were bad here, but your world doesn’t sound much better.

Shayla: Why? What’s wrong with being here? It’s stunning!

Kara: [sighs] This world is beautiful, sure, but it’s full of terrifying things. Politically, it’s pretty broken. There’s a race here called the yakona, who are divided into six kingdoms. Well, five—one died out eons ago. They lived peacefully a long ways back, but one of them betrayed the others’ trust and they’ve basically been fighting ever since. You know, the usual.

Shayla: Beasts to slay, liars to overthrow – what’s wrong with that?

Kara: It’s not that simple. This book I’m holding? It’s called the Grimoire. It’s a thousand years old and filled with everything I could ever want to know, but it’ll only answer me if I ask the right question. It was written by a man who called himself the Vagabond. He tried to restore the world back to the peaceful way it once was, but he was killed for trying.

I grew up without knowing Ourea even existed, so I didn’t know what this book was when I came across it on a hike. When I opened it, I became the next Vagabond and only I can read the Grimoire. Now, I have to finish where the last Vagabond left off and hope I don’t die in the process, too. I tried running away from it for a while, but that always ended disastrously.

[Both women are quiet for a moment. Shayla shifts in her seat as Kara stares into the grass, eyes out of focus.]

Shayla: [gives Kara a sideward glance] Do you want to talk about it?

Kara: Not really. Let’s just say I have a poor track record of protecting those I care about.

Shayla: [winces] We all lose people, our fault or otherwise. [absently taps the hilt of her sword] It’s what we then choose to do about it to right our mistakes that will etch our success—or failure.

Kara: That’s a good way to put it, actually. It sounds like you lost someone, too.

Shayla: I should go.

Kara: I enjoyed talking to you. Are you sure you have to go so soon?

Shayla: [nods] I must free my people and there are many miles yet to travel to gain help. [her eyes glitter] Raise an army, bring the Gryphon Riders and knights in a swarm bloody beaks and swords. Teach those wretched Blood Mages and Vearra to prey on the innocent.

Kara: Oh. Sounds fun. Well, come back anytime. You’re always welcome here.

Shayla: Hey, maybe I’ll bring you one of their heads when we win and you can show me your trophies from your triumphs.

Kara: [laughs] I don’t get to keep trophies, as—uh—as exciting as that sounds. Maybe next time, I’ll turn you into a vagabond instead. I could use a person like you here.

Shayla: [chuckles] Not a bad idea, once my people are safe and free again. Take care, Kara, and remember—your spirit is tested in the fire of darkness and war, not peace. Get back out there and kick arse.

Kara: [grins] Yes, ma’am.

*************

Be sure to visit the other blog hop sites to meet even more interesting characters (and remember to enter the giveaway, right under this list!):

 

Gregor Caine + Circe

(Christine Ashworth & Claire Gillian)

Sydney + Poseidon

(Cindy Young-Turner & Sasha Summers)

Caleb + Arland and Kate

(Kinley Baker & Krystal Wade)

Leigh Baxton + Micah Fuller

(Lindsay Loucks & Diane M. Haynes)

Shayla Dormyr + Kara Magari

(Raven Bower & S.M. Boyce)

Kellyn O’Brien + Julianna

(Louann Carroll & Siobhan Muir)

Ivory + Sara Wiley

(Rebecca Hamilton & Sandra Bunino)

Xylia and Landon + Avant

(Avery Olive & Kary Rader)

Asar + Matty Ducayn

(Jean Murray & Wendy Russo)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Recipe ~ Purple Dragon Tea

 

Purple Dragon Tea

This is one of my favorite herbal tea blends that I dubbed Purple Dragon because of its calming nature. Plus, it’s simple to make and requires only three ingredients.

50% Wood Betony

50% Catnip

Boiling water to steep.

I use a tea ball for single servings or a teapot with a metal basket to hold loose leaf tea.

To add more to the relaxation factor if the above duo isn’t quite enough, then you can break it into thirds adding Scullcap as the third herb.

Enjoy

Keeping it Real ~ Research & Fiction

 

One of the most mind-boggling experiences I’ve had since venturing into the world of writing is the misconception held by those outside of the industry (or worse, those within!) that fiction doesn’t require research.

When people hear that I write speculative fiction a common reaction is – “Oh cool! So you just get to make everything up!”

Uhm. No.

If anything, a fiction author must know everything they possibly can about their subject matter, which requires a lot of research and brain picking. That said, there’s a fine line between what knowledge the author uses and what she leaves in the background. After all, the purpose of fiction – be it film or novel – is to entertain, not info dump. If the reader/viewer wanted a treatise on serial killers, they’d go read/view one.

Effective research will give you plenty of fodder to work with, increases reader trust and creates depth in the story world.

For instance, Apparitions is a supernatural suspense/horror novel so, I had to know everything possible about ghosts, apparitions and how they function. Since I have first hand experience with apparitions anyway, I already had a head start. But, my limited experiences weren’t enough. So thus began the massive collection of supernatural tomes in my library, Google searches and talks with priests on the Church’s official view of ghosts, talents etc.

Wendigo took a lot of research into Native American culture and demonology – complete with interviews from an Exorcist. As well as interviews with our local Under Sheriff for the Law Enforcement aspects and our local wildlife biologist about what animals in Michigan could mimic a wendigo attack (that was an interesting interview lol). Rags Beneath brought me to the stunning facts of human trafficking and some rather surprising stats on the top ‘importers’ as well as Michigan’s maritime history.

Primal was a research nightmare. Because it’s urban fantasy and a trilogy by nature – the story is huge with many echoes – there were many beasties to research and create. Plus research into druidic lore, spirits, Chicago, organized crime, art theft and Polish traditions. Not to mention, the Witness Protection program, US Marshals and the FBI. Granted, the Marshals couldn’t answer all of my nagging questions due to security issues – and that’s fine, I’d rather the people under their protection remain safe than get those particular details 100% correct – so much of that I fudged to story needs.

Weeping Dark: Bleeding Edge is an epic fantasy and needs an entirely different post as to the massive research required to build a believable fantasy world with believable characters. So more on that later.

Usually I start with the almighty Google search and see what I can kick up there. However, I never rely on internet searches for several reasons. The primary one being that some info out there is simply inaccuracies repeated over and over by people who failed to consult the pros.

Next step? You guessed it! Consult the pros. Don’t be afraid and skip this step. Professionals rarely bite, okay unless you’re hunting down covens of vampires or weres of assorted sorts – then I make no promises. Most pros  are pleased to talk about it and happy to answer questions. If you happen to run into someone who doesn’t – walk away and find another.

Once we have all of our data, we objectively analyze the plot and characters against what we’ve discovered. Sometimes that means adding nifty plot twists or character quirks, other times it means nixing a scene or aspect that, although cool, failed to keep it real.

Does that mean an author always has to be true to the real world? No. But, if you do choose to go against reality, you had better provide a reason why your world differs.

For example, in a vampire movie I recently watched, crosses didn’t work to thwart the blood thirsty undead. The writers made this credible by one simple line of dialog. “Perhaps it’s the people behind the crosses who fail to believe.” I paraphrased that, as I can’t remember the exact wording – but the point stands. Another way to validate the ineffective crosses would be to world build the vampires into something slightly askew of the ‘norm’, however that’s world building and the subject of an entirely different post.

We never let research bog us down so much that the creative end of writing ceases. Instead, we tag notes into our rough draft , etc. and get to them when our rough draft is done. Unless the answer would make a dramatic change, then we do it after our writing quota for the day is done.

Movie Review ~ Grave Encounters

 

Title: Grave Encounters

Director: The Vicious Brothers

Genre: Horror/Supernatural

Rating: 5 bats

For a budget of $50k The Vicious Brothers pulled off one banger of a supernatural film!

The characters were well drawn and interesting, they argued but it was about valid issues they were facing, not the often childish arguments that are unfortunately so common in some horror movies.

The creep of this movie comes largely from atmosphere and the reactions of the characters to their situation! A refreshing change from the overdoses of FX of late.

The lighting, camera work and setting added a lot to the suspense and fear, very little use of blood and what CGI there was – was well done.

As a fan of the supernatural, I was very pleased with how they handled this particular haunting and illuminated – without talking heads bleh – how spirits don’t operate on our time frames or within our limited expectations.

The ending was particularly enjoyable, as they brought the pieces of the haunting together through deeds and creating a great setting. The end is, thankfully, not explained to death but rather left for us to connect.

Bravo to The Vicious Brothers!

 

 

Readers Are AWESOME ~ Gift From an Actor

 

 

Check out this awesome gift from actor William C. Fox!

We first met Will during the trials and tribulations of the Nano Effect (Mad Lab Films). As you can see by the photo above, he has the capacity to look dastardly and classy at the same time – good villain material hehe

Thanks Will!

Friday’s Five Favs ~ Weekend Views!

 

Deep Sea ~ Narrated by Academy Award nominees Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet and produced by the makers of the IMAX movie Into the Deep, this stunning film is an exploration of the world beneath the sea and its bizarre and exotic inhabitants. From translucent jellyfish to giant octopuses to scorpion fish, viewers will be introduced to a host of unique creatures, all completely dependent on one another for their survival.

See my review of Deep Sea here.

 

Red Water ~ While looking for a new energy source on the shores of a Louisiana river, a divorced couple put their differences aside. But their efforts are disrupted by a pair of thieves trying to retrieve pilfered treasure that lies at the bottom of the stream.

See my review of Red Water here.

 

Neverland ~ In Victorian-era London, young Peter belongs to a gang of pickpockets run by enterprising criminal Jimmy Hook, and when they are all whisked off to a magical land inhabited by tree spirits, they find themselves competing with pirates for treasure.

I don’t plan on reviewing this one but will say it was a dandy of a movie that was very enjoyable. I’m not normally into prequels but this one was worth it

 

[image error]

Underworld, Rise of the Lycans ~ A prequel to the first two Underworld films, this fantasy explains the origins of the feud between the Vampires and the Lycans. Aided by his secret love, Sonja (Rhona Mitra), courageous Lucian (Michael Sheen) leads the Lycans in battle against brutal Vampire king Viktor (Bill Nighy). Determined to break the king’s enslavement of his people, Lucian faces off against the Death Dealer army in a bid for Lycan independence.

Review to come. Note, it’s best to watch this one first, then Underworld. Again, I’m  not a huge fan of prequels but do make exceptions if they’re really good and this one is!

 

Underworld ~ Vampire “death dealer” Selene suspects that her mortal enemies — werewolves known as Lycans — are targeting a human named Michael. As she shadows Michael, she finds herself falling for him … even after he’s bitten by a Lycan.

Review to come. Arguably one of my top favorite movies of well, ever

Movie Review ~ Deep Sea, IMAX

 

Title: Deep Sea

Director: Howard Hall

Genre: Documentary

Rating: 4 Bats

This documentary is partially narrated by Johnny Depp, need I say more? Okay, okay fine. Loved the visuals in it, great work! I really liked how they focused on the relationship between predator and prey. It was also intriguing how they introduced some of the stranger species that you don’t often see in other sea documentaries.  How they did one particular shot regarding natural camouflage was brilliant! I won’t tell you where it’s at and spoil it for you – you’ll simply have to watch it.

 

Book Review – Sea Lord by Virginia Kantra

 

 

 

AuthoTitle: Sea Lord

Author: Virginia Kantra

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Series: Yes, The Children of the Sea

Rating: 5 Bats

Heat Level: 4 flames

Sea Lord jumps back to the quality of Kantra’s first book in this series, Sea Witch. Writing quality is spot on with a fast and interesting plot. The characters in this one are engaging and fun. I particularly liked her hero here and the ending had an interesting twist. It’s a lot better than  Sea Fever, in my opinion.

She handled the intricacies of selkie life very well without resorting to the dread over-descriptions or explaining to the point of nausea. Very well done!

Very glad I didn’t let a ‘meh’ and ‘bleh’ second book deter me from this one!

There are other books in this series: Immortal Sea and Forgotten Sea. If you enjoyed the first three the rest might be interesting to read as well.

Friday’s Five Favs ~ Great Reads for the Weekend!

This week’s top five picks for weekend reads!

Sea Witch by Virginia Kantra ~ Margred is a Selkie—a legendary being of the sea, able to shapeshift into seductive human form. And she has found a human she desires…

Burned out from the big city, Caleb Hunter becomes police chief on the peaceful Maine island of World’s End. Then he meets a woman who’s everything he’s ever dreamed of…

Their passion is undeniable, irresistible—and it may change the fate of humankind.

See my review of Sea Witch here.

 

 Medusa, A Love Story by Sasha Summers ~ It’s said love can change a person. Medusa wasn’t always a monster… Medusa is ruled by duty, to her Titan father and the Goddess Athena. She’s no room for the tenderness her warrior guard, Ariston, stirs. When Olympus frees her from service, her heart leads her into the arms of the guard she loves… and curses her as the creature with serpent locks. Ariston goes to war with a full heart… and dreadful foreboding. He learns too late of the danger Medusa faces, alone, and a Persian blade sends him into the Underworld. But death, curses, nor the wrath of the Gods will keep him from returning to her. Poseidon will use Greece’s war to get what he wants: Medusa. He does not care that she belongs to another. He does not care that she will be damned. He is a God, an Olympian, and she will be his.

See my review of Medusa, A Love Story here.

 

Hooked by Les Edgerton ~ The road to rejection is paved with bad beginnings. Agents and editors agree: Improper story beginnings are the single biggest barrier to publication. Why? If a novel or short story has a bad beginning, then no one will keep reading. It’s just that simple.

In Hooked, author Les Edgerton draws on his experience as a successful fiction writer and teacher to help you overcome the weak openings that lead to instant rejection by showing you how to successfully use the ten core components inherent to any great beginning.

See my review of Hooked here.

 

Rides a Dread Legion by Raymond Feist ~ The first book in a brand new series by the master of epic fantasy, Raymond E. Feist. Ten years after the cataclysmic events of Wrath of a Mad God took place, Midkemia now faces a new danger thought buried in myth and antiquity. A lost race of elves, the taredhel or ‘people of the stars’, have found a way across the universe to reach Midkemia. On their current home world, these elves are hard pressed by a ravaging demon horde, and what was once a huge empire has been reduced to a handful of survivors. The cornerstone of taredhel lore is the tale of their lost origins in the world they call simply ‘Home’, a place lost in the mists of time. Now they are convinced that Midkemia is that place, and they are coming to reclaim it. Ruthless and arrogant, the taredhel intend to let nothing stand in their way; but before long, Pug and the Conclave realise that it’s not necessarily the elves, but the demon horde pursuing them where the true danger lies. And hanging over Pug always is the prophecy that he will be doomed to watch everyone he loves die before him!

Review forthcoming, but Rides a Dread Legion wouldn’t on this list if it wasn’t a worthy read!

 

Watchers by Dean R. Koontz ~ On his thirty-sixth birthday, Travis Cornell hikes into the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. But his path is soon blocked by a bedraggled Golden Retriever, who will let him go no further into the dark woods.

That morning, Travis had been desperate to find some happiness in his lonely, seemingly cursed life. What he finds is a friend, a dog of alarming intelligence and a threat that could only have come from the darkest corners of man’s imagination.

Review forthcoming – the only fiction  book I’ve ever read not just twice, but thrice!

 

For Ray Bradbury ~ The Case for Dandelions

Plant Lore:

Dandelion

 

Latin name: Taraxacum officinale

It’s most unfortunate that many people see this valuable herb as nothing more than an annoying weed, placed upon the earth purely to vex lawn purists.

Dandelion, or baby sunflowers, as my youngest son would say – because not only are their flowers yellow but they open with the sun and close at night or on cloudy days – serve a far grander purpose.

They’re stout, hardy herbs that can grow nearly anywhere in almost any sort of soil. What the lawn purists lament, the naturalist or survivalists laud. Every part of this plant is usable for human consumption in terms of food and herbal care (can that be said of grass?).

Dandelion also serves as a wild food for animals. Yes. Gardeners, oh ye who pluck this herb religiously out of your lawns and gardens pay heed. Instead, try keeping these wonderful herbs around and watch with joy as the rabid bunnies devour the leaves of these lovelies instead of your peas. Sit back and enjoy the sight of the birds nibbling away at the ample dandelion seeds instead of plucking vegetable seeds out of your garden soil. Then, when the time is right, harvest some for yourself.

Uses: Flowers – the late Ray Bradbury was fond of one of the best uses of dandelion flowers, dandelion wine!  The flowers also make a colorful addition to salads and fresh cut vegetable dishes. They’re also considered an antioxidant.

Leaves – tender young leaves make a nutritional addition to salads and are rich in vitamins A, B complex, C and D. As well as minerals zinc, potassium and iron. The leaves are traditionally used as a diuretic, to stimulate digestion and support healthy kidney function.

Roots – are used as a coffee substitute and to cleanse the liver and gallbladder.

Dandelion in general has been used for assorted ails such as: boils, sores, skin eruptions, breast issues, fever, indigestion and diarrhea.

All things considered, I’d rather fill my property with these tenacious gems than an expanse of snickety grass that’s expensive to maintain and relatively useless. Instead of struggling to keep the lawn neat, I can kick back and give a toast of dandelion wine to one of the greatest writers to grace the page and watch wildlife abound around me.