Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 252

#FridayFeyDay – A Few Good Words

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It seems it was not all that long ago I was posting Dark Fey out in pieces as part of my Friday Fantasy posts, testing the waters, as it were and gaining valuable feedback about the story, the characters and the realm of Jyndari.   Now, a mere three years later, Dark Fey is a published series with plentiful 4 and 5 star reviews, as well as industry awards to its merit.

I could tell you all about how wonderful the story is, but I am admittedly biased, so here are a few other opinions from readers, reviewers and other authors.

Dark Fey The Reviled:

“For fantasy and fey fans, The Reviled has absolutely everything you could want in an epic fantasy adventure….Jyndari is an exotic world with deep detailing and a delicate balance between dark and light. The emotional spectrum of Ayla’s journey is rich and harrowing, taking us into the deepest corners of her incredible mind as she senses the dark fey lurking at every turn. The mystery of what he wants from her is well spun out to an exciting and satisfying conclusion. Overall, I’d highly recommend The Reviled to fans of young adult fantasy and fey stories.”  5 stars! Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“This was not my normal genre (fantasy) to read but, WOW! It took me two chapters to get into it, but once I did, I was fixated on the story line and the characters….. I can only liken it to a fantasy version of a play by Shakespeare!” – 4 Stars Author Anthony Mays

“Cynthia Morgan’s beautifully descriptive prose and strong characterization instantly transported me to the mystical realm of Jyndari, a place of spiritual beauty, magic and light. ….. The author’s ability to engage the reader in the characters’ emotional and physical traumas enchanted and captivated me. I love these Feys and their Realms of Light and Darkness and I cannot wait to travel back there in Book 2.” – 5 Stars – Author Leo Kane

“The strongest part of this book is the beautiful lyrical language, detailed imagery, and descriptions of a fantasy world with a rich history and fleshed out cultural tradition. … for readers who love to immerse themselves in a story and characters, it will fit the bill….This story pits good against evil, but more than that, it’s a tale of hope, fidelity and forgiveness, love and redemption.”  4 Stars Author D. Wallace Peach

Dark Fey Standing In Shadows 

“Once again Cynthia Morgan’s prose takes on an almost poetic flow as the world of Jyndari spills out before her audience, and this time the stakes feel even higher than before. With time to really develop the three central characters during this second novel, I felt even more invested in the emotional ties they share and the duty to The Light which they feel. Whilst the torturous treatment of the Childfey is an upsetting subject, it is handled gracefully without the need for graphic reference, and it brings a new gravitas and danger to the plot that further enhances the sense of tension and adventure. Standing in Shadows is a superb continuation in the Dark Fey series.” –  5 stars! Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“Dark Fey: Standing in the Shadows” is a moral tale that encompasses romance, action, and drama. The author offers highly imaginative, richly detailed settings in both Uunglarda, the dark world inhabited by the Reviled (a grotesque, loveless race), and Jyndari, the world of the Fey of Light (beings of light and love).” – 4 Stars – Author Robin Gregory

“Several times while reading I had to pause just to admire the work gone into creating the way the fey spoke and the language they used….The series is going from strength to strength and I would definitely recommend this one to fey lovers.

8 out of 10”  – Brienne Dubh Escapology Reviews

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Though it is not my intention to blow my own horn, I do hope the thoughts of fellow readers may be of interest to you, especially if you are contemplating reading for yourself.  Thank You for blessing me with your indulgence!

~Morgan~

Filed under: Dark Fey, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy Tagged: BnV, Book reviews, BooknVolume, Epic Fantasy, Fairy Realm, Fantasy, Fantasy Realm, Fantasy review, Kindle Books, Magical Realm, Readers, Support Indie Authors, ~Morgan~

#FridayFeyDay – Visit the Temple of Jyndari – #StandingInShadows #Teaser

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Under the protection of myriad lighted torches, which lined the main thoroughfare leading to The Temple, a steady stream of villagers soon began to approach from the forest depths where they made their homes, following the direction of a hand delivered invitation to dine and celebrate with the Healers, Temple Guardians and The Elders. Such a summons was not to be ignored, regardless of how exceptional such a happenstance might be or the brisk temperatures of early winter, and nearly every member of Hwyndarin turned out in their finest regalia, progressing with unconcealed curiosity along the brightly lighted way as the early winter sun slipped beyond the sill of the world. A crisp evening breeze swept over the vast congregation, hastening their otherwise leisurely pace, as the warmth and glimmering crystalline light of The Temple beckoned.

The immense complex was off limits to all but the most fortunate, or to those who came to the ancient halls to increase their spiritual understanding or their physical health, yet most inhabitants of Hwyndarin had never stepped within the glimmering golden portals and many would spend their entire lifespan without ever even glimpsing the sanctuary, healing wards or schools of learning inside the surrounding fortified walls. Yet now, as the extended family of Fey drew together and filed through the massive gates in couplets and triplets, a palpable hush descended. Above them, from towering spires and parapets, a bright, clear, exuberant fanfare of horns rang out, welcoming all and echoing into the gathering darkness as if to chase it back into the forest depths by the sheer joy of its harmonious sounds.

As the crowds of curious Fey gathered into the Temple and were ushered by hovering guides upon golden wings into a vast chamber encircled by immense pillars of marble and gold, and shielded from the gales of winter by broad windows of multicoloured glass, musicians who were awaiting their arrival upon a small dais in one corner of the room began playing. Large flutes intricately carved of rich-toned woods, silken-stringed lutes that sang as the sweetest birds, deep drums and handheld circles of shimmering bells accompanied two players of the magical, mystical Hundarin. An instrument created by and for The Fey of the Light, the Hundarin reflected in musical tones the mood and emotion of the musician, who, through a great deal of application, could learn to control the music created and even direct its sounds. As the festively decorated hall filled with the soft sounds of this ethereal music, neighbors and friends found seats at long tables, or milled about in small groups, or stood in doorways quietly whispering, or watched the musicians playing, or strode about the chamber marveling at the artistry and workmanship of the architecture and stone work, all awaiting the mystery of what the night held in store.

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Dark Fey Standing In Shadows is Book Two of the Dark Fey Trilogy.

Discover More about the Dark Fey Trilogy at it’s official website All Things Dark Fey 

~Morgan~

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Beautiful Original Artwork by: Kazumasa Uchio

Filed under: Dark Fey, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy Tagged: BnV, Book Snippet, Book Teaser, BooknVolume, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, Fantasy Realm, Fantasy Teaser, Fantasy Trilogy, Mythical Places, ~Morgan~

Memory – #DailyHaikuChallenge

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Fallen Diligence

Sleeping ‘neath the Tender Hush

Memory Dreaming

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To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see The Original Post from Day One

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Day 38

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful photograph by: Jenny Rainbow Fine Art Photography   

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge Tagged: Autumn, Beautiful Photographs, Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Change of Seasons, Daily Haiku Challenge, Nature, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Poetry Prompt, Renewal, ~Morgan~

#FridayFeyDay – The Call of the Nighter – #Fairies in #Folklore

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If you hold your breath amongst the leaves

And trees a’hushing by

A quiet whiff of lover’s smoke

Somewhat misty-eyed.

A wild wind rushing in your sleep

And you, a little girl upon the moor

Enchanted by the twisted chimes

Pulling at your feet.

Step then upon the trail

Follow the allure, a lass

A’ wreathed by burning sprigs

And a handsome troubadour.

But the gloom still deepens as we speak

And the lilies hastily swim ashore

And the innocence of Summer

Must hearken to the fall.

Stop then your tread, little girl, and

Observe, you’re drowning in his pond

For straying maids must always heed

To the Nighter’s loving call.

* Note: The Nighter, or the Nykk/Nøkk as he is called in Norway, is a dark faerie creature from Norwegian folklore. He is said to live in woodsy ponds and lakes and his aim is to find a bride as he is very lonely. He takes on the form of a handsome young man and sings and plays music to lure young unmarried girls into his domain, of course, to the Nighter’s great frustration, the girl drowns as soon as she has entered the water. The Nighter is the Irish “translation” of the word Nykk, the English one is Nix.

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON TALES FROM THE FAIRIES AND USED/REPOSTED BY TRINI LIND’S KIND PERMISSION

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~Morgan~

Filed under: Friday FeyDay / Fantasy Tagged: BnV, BooknVolume, Dreams, FAIRIE POEMS, Fairies, Fantasy, Fey, FOLKLORE, Nature, poems, Poetry Blog, ~Morgan~

Tabernacle – #DailyHaikuChallenge

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Golden colours Sing

Tabernacle of Splendour

Soliloquous Breath

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To take part in the Daily Haiku Challenge see The Original Post from Day One

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Day 37

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful photograph found on Pinterest. Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer. Thank You~

Filed under: Daily Haiku Challenge Tagged: Autumn, Beautiful Photographs, Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Change of Seasons, Daily Haiku Challenge, Harmony, Nature, Poem, poetry, Poetry Blog, Poetry Prompt, ~Morgan~

#ThankfulThursday – Thankful for YOU

I should like to take a moment to tell each and every one of you how much I appreciate YOU through the inspiration of your blog and how Thankful I am that you touch my life.

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!

*** and as a less interesting side note, I will more than likely be on WordPress / Social Media in limited fashion until Monday…getting all my holiday trimmings organized and arranged.   ****

~Morgan~

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Beautiful Image found at: santabarbaraexclusiverentals.com

Filed under: Just Me Musing Tagged: Blog Family, Blog Followers, BnV, BooknVolume, Friends, Gratitude, Inspiration, photography, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, ~Morgan~

A Thankful Heart – #ThanksgivingDay #Poetry

A Thankful Heart is Open to Blessings

because it is closed to worry, doubt, and wailing.

A Thankful Heart is Filled with Love

because it empties itself of loathing, greed, and envy.

A Thankful Heart is Overflowing with Peace

because it does not Share itself with lies, distrust, and negativity.

A Thankful Heart Touches Others with its Blessings and Love

because it is Ever in the Presence of Love and Blessing.

A Thankful Heart Speaks in Kindness, Patience and Empowerment

because it does not Speak of hate, intolerance or to incapacitate.

A Thankful Heart Chooses its Path Each Day with Diligence and Joy

because it does not Concentrate on what it cannot do.

A Thankful Heart Walks in Hope, Love, Peace and Joy

because it Knows nothing else.

A Thankful Heart Shares its Purpose

because it is Incapable of Withholding All that Pours from its Abundant Profusion.

Embark upon Each New Day with a Thankful Heart, for Therein Lives Salvation.

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful Image found at: plattform.com

Filed under: Poetry Tagged: Blessings, BnV, BooknVolume, Gratitude, Hope, Kindess, Love, Patience, Peace, Poem, poetry, spirituality, Thankfulness, ~Morgan~

Cracking Good Stuff – #Thanksgiving Musings

Thanksgiving is admittedly an American holiday, and, being American (ssshhhh!! Don’t tell anyone, ok?) I will be knee deep in the turkey and stuffing tomorrow, to be sure, but I’ve always thought that American’s certainly shouldn’t corner the market on being Thankful. And often times, we don’t (sadly). Setting aside a specific day to Give Thanks is a noteworthy tradition, regardless of your culture or historical background, but to surround that day with rich foods, quality family time and a prayer or two makes this holiday my second favourite. No contest.

Of course, Christmas tops the chart, for a variety of reasons, which I shall certainly visit in other posts as the season unfolds; still, Thanksgiving Day is only second best because there has to be a first. I suppose, if I wanted to be truly impartial I’d simply rate them both as tied for first, but that would be too easy and wouldn’t give me nearly as much to write about, now would it? Nevertheless, notwithstanding, and all the same, Thanksgiving Day, in my book(nvolume) is definitely Cracking Good Stuff!

Obviously, the sumptuously roasted turkey, the 5-bread stuffing steeped in celery, onion, sage, parsley and a hint of garlic, the sweet potato and banana casserole with brown sugar and pecan streusel, the baked broccoli and cheese gratin, the winter vegetables roasted in olive oil and topped with almonds and cranberries, the succulent buttery corn, the whole berry cranberry sauce, the pies, the cookies, and the wines are reason enough (sound’s divine, doesn’t it?) Spending the morning watching the holiday parade live from New York City and eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival always starts the day off with smiles and child-like delight. (I particularly love the horses in full regalia as well as all the balloons!) Gathering with friends and family to enjoy the aforementioned feast spreads throughout the afternoon like the ruddy glow of an amiable fire beneath the heart. Spending the remainder of the day enjoying a fine glass of wine and a rousing game that fills the house with sighs of being far too full and laughter that sometimes ends in fits of tears rounds the day off brilliantly. And finally, finding room in the tummy to enjoy a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie, or some homemade holiday cookies or some far too indulgent fudge (or a smidgen of all!) sends the day spiraling right over the top of perfection into absolute euphoria. (Not to mention sets the bar on the workout regime for the next week!)

Yes, Thanksgiving is brimming over with some cracking good stuff. Undeniably! Yet my favourite time of the day comes when we go round the table and, one by one, say what and or who we are Thankful for, offering a personal portion of gratitude to our prayer before we ever, even begin. To me, this is the most meaningful, entirely wonderful, and beautifully poignant tradition we share, because, to me, without this significant element, the day is meaningless excess.

Lord We Thank You for the Bounty You have Placed Before Us.

We Thank You for this Day of Love and Joy.

We Thank You for Allowing Us to be Together,

To Share with Each Other and With You

The Fullness of Our Hearts on This

Special Day.

Amen.

Yes, Definitely, Cracking Good Stuff!

And as I will definitely be enjoying all of the aforementioned throughout the day tomorrow, I will most certainly not be around to wish you ALL a very Blessed, Very Bounteous day filled with Friends, Family and Thankfullness for all, as I am for YOU

#WordlessWednesday – Things for which I Am Thankful – Part 2

 

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful Images found via Google & Pinterest. Credit acknowledged to the Original Photographers. Thank You!

 

Filed under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged: Amazing Photography, Beautiful Earth Photos, Beautiful Photographs, Beauty, BnV, BooknVolume, Earth_Pics, Light, Nature, photography, ~Morgan~

#WordlessWednesday – Things for which I Am Thankful – Part One

While I could continue forever, I think you see what I mean