E.G. Stone's Blog, page 10

Book Review: The Crown’s Wrath by Kelly Blanchard and Matthew Dale

The Crown’s Wrath is the last book in the Hand of Sorrow series by Kelly Blanchard and Matthew Dale, and there’s a lot going on.

1. Thoughts on the plot

Last we left the story, Ensula had been kidnapped. This book starts with the plan to get her back and the events that take place as she is ferried about by the Fane. Ceraleo is still at war, but everything hinges on Ensula. 

In general, I like the plot. Fighting to get their queen back, still dealing with the treachery of the Fane, all taht is well and good. But a lot of the scheming and planning that went into trying to get Ensula back, or in her case, escape, felt staged. It was creating a build up to this clever, intricate plan, when in reality it was circumstance and luck that changed things. And I am all for circumstance and luck; I use it in my own books. But when you keep referencing a plan, and needing time for the plan, and putting together pieces for a plan, I want to see the plan. I think one or the other could have been perfectly fine, but the reference to one and the switch to the other felt a little like things were meant to be clever, but weren’t quite outlined enough for that.

2. Thoughts on the characters

We meet some new characters in this book, but mostly it’s the same characters we’ve seen for the last five books. Perfectly fine, as I love exploring character development and figuring out where things are going to go based on previous character interactions. In this instance, everyone was true to form and I enjoyed exploring their interactions more.

Though. Danroth is a serious idiot. I mean, not just because he’s a terrible person, but he obviously didn’t think a whole bunch of things through this book and is seriously an idiot.

3. Favourite part

The Fade Wolves, though I think this fed into the circumstance and luck portion of the book, I really like the Fade Wolves.

4. Critique

Disregarding the points made in section one, I think that the battle with the Fane, the whole culmination of the war, was not handled particularly well. Yes, the ending made sense once this had happened, and I think that was handled nicely. But the actually battle, the whole readying of the forces, ended…well, in a manner that felt like a foil, or a cheat. It worked in the end, but in the moment it felt like, “here’s this thing that could easily have been done before and thus truncated this whole issue, but I didn’t want to do it because…reasons.”

Given how well crafted the rest of the series was, this felt a little disappointing. I get it, and like I said, the ending worked well under the circumstances, but still.

Overall, I would say that The Crown’s Wrath tied up the loose ends of the series effectively, but it was not as well plotted as I would have liked. A good book, but not quite as good as the rest of the series.

Book Review: The Great Contagion by Jeff Chapman

I’ve read a lot of books where the main character is accompanied by an animal of some sort, be it cat, dog, horse or dragon. But it’s been a good long while since I’ve read a story where the main character was wan animal and in the case of Jeff Chapman’s The Great Contagion, I am all for it.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Merliss, a human who has been cast into the body of a cat. Over the centuries, she’s attached herself to the cunning men (healers and mild sorcerers) of the region. This particular set of cunning men might be in more trouble than they can handle when an unknown plague begins to spread. Merliss must get involved, using all her feline wits and her connections with the magical world to help where she can. But the consequences are more than she could possibly anticipate.

I really liked this book, both as a fantasy novel in its own right, and as a story where the main character was not what you would expect. The plot itself was well crafted, with enough danger and escalating stakes to keep you reading. And the fact that a cat, possessed of a human spirit or otherwise, was the instigator of change made for fun reading.

2. Thoughts on the characters

As a cat, Merliss is a fun one. She’s got enough human characteristics to make her relatable and entertaining, but enough feline aspects to add that element of unknown and mystery which all cats love to cultivate. And I think the wide variety of characters in this book does quiet well in the story craft as well. Slynid is exceptionally fun, Fendrel just this side of a silly fool with the potential for greatness, and the others equally entertaining. I am curious to see how the characters will interact in book two.

3. Favourite part

Probably the gradual chance in Fendrel’s perspective of Merliss. That was just fun to read.

4. Critique

My only real critique for this book has to do with a bit at the end, where the cats are making their way off into the yonder (all I can say without spoilers). I think this bit was good, and it fit well with the rest of the story, but it felt a little rushed and sudden compared to some of the other parts of the book. Not the events leading up to this journey, but the journey itself. Still, I liked the concept.

Overall, I would say that The Great Contagion is an excellent fantasy adventure and I’m off to read the next book!

Author Interview: Paul Hoon

Paul Hoon

We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.*

The third book of The Dark Days Series, Survival.

In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.*

Two books of my Dark Days Series, Outbreak and Sanctuary, can be found in Amazon and Barnes & Noble website. The story centers on a boy named Sonny as he fights zombies and bandits to protect his childhood friends, Ashley and Carrie in a dystopian America. Rising Together is a book I co-wrote with a fellow author McKenzie Stark is about a boy named Tim and girl Haze as they run away from Portland to Los Angeles to keep their friendship from a reality that’s trying to tear them apart.

As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)*

Trying to get the word out and making the book available as possible to readers. It’s a constant struggle to promote and market the books.

Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?*

Usually it’s when I get a good idea for a scene or a chapter or even some dialogue. The best part is when I’m able to get out writer’s block, because I write outlines for all the major events that I know I want to happen in my stories, but the hard part is transiting from major event to another. Keeping the flow steady can be a challenge.

If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)*

The ability to keep a good flow of words and knowing all the synonyms. I write very crisp and straight forward. I don’t like to dwell too much on details. I write enough to give the readers a picture, but sometimes I have to add extra detail and use synonyms so I’m not using the same word too many times. However, synonyms don’t automatically pop in my head so I wish it could so I don’t have keep doing too many re-edits.

Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

That’s a difficult one. I’d try to explain that all the dystopian and horrors happening are what inspires and where humanity matters the most when it’s threatened. I’d try to explain to my main character that I’m hoping to make him a symbol of hope and inspiration for humanity and strength to never give up on those you care about or on the things that matter the most.

You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

No idea what the stakes are and no idea who would win. I haven’t mentioned anything on poker in my books so I don’t know yet on how they would do. I wouldn’t win because I don’t know anything on how to play poker, blackjack, canasta, or any gambling games except for liar’s dice. If it were liar’s dice we were playing then I’d have a better chance of winning.

Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)*

I write outlines of all the major events that I know I want to happen in the story. That way I can transition from one major event to another and so I don’t forget. Also, I’d say try to get into the habit of ‘show don’t tell,’ and an easy to do that is to describe it. Here’s telling: “Bobby was mad.” Here’s showing: “Bobby gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. He huffed several breaths while giving glaring daggers in his eyes. You could the big vein in his forehead and the one in his neck.” The same goes for world building, describe it. It doesn’t have to be down to the last detail but give enough where the readers can get a picture in their heads as they’re reading it. As for genre, it’s easier to write a story that’s the kind of story you’re into. If you’re into adventure stories, it’s better to write an adventure. If you’re not into romance, then it’s gonna be more difficult to write a story that you’re not into.

Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

Links of how to find me. https://allauthor.com/author/ccole09/ https://www.facebook.com/Christopher-... https://kingstonpublishing.com/author... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... https://twitter.com/PaulHoon1

Book Review: In Solitude’s Shadow by David Green

I’ll say this simply: I love epic fantasy. When it’s done well, the world is fascinating and immersive, the characters are intriguing (or really annoying in only the best way) , the story is dramatic…yeah, it’s pretty exciting. Which is why, when I get a new epic fantasy to read, such as Dave Green’s In Solitude’s Shadow, I am excited. To say the least.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book takes place two millennia after a war was hard won, with human and elves on one side and the First Ones—or later, the Banished—on the other. As usually happens so long after an event, the reason for certain things has been forgotten and the memories of the war are twisted and changed. Which makes it difficult when the aftermath, the true consequences, begin to reveal themselves. This book primarily follows Zanna Alpenwood, a mage guarding the fortress Solitude from a long forgotten threat in the north, and her adventures onces she realises that the Banished are returning. Also significant is her daughter, Calene, a mage who discovers a Banished far from home, and learns further secrets about the world they thought they knew.

This book is the perfect mix of lore and action, spreading the events of the book out over a well-paced plot, which makes it really easy to get absorbed. As far as epic fantasies are concerned, this book was not overly action or event oriented; in fact, I have a feeling that the next books in the series are going to be exponentially more dramatic than this one. (Okay, minus the ending, that was pretty dramatic.) Still, I enjoyed it, was engrossed, and want to know more.

2. Thoughts on the characters

As far as characters go, Zanna is a pretty fantastic one. I appreciate her slightly subdued nature, given all the things that have happened to her. She could easily be cynical, but I feel like she’s more…cautious. And Calene, a feisty sort who is capable of thinking, despite being able to rush into a situation with magic blazing. 

There are more characters that I would like to know more about, but as a first book in a series, I feel like the appropriate amount of information was presented so that we knew the characters but weren’t inundated with information that wouldn’t be necessary until later.

3. Favourite part

The dramatic bit at the end. I mean, my goodness!

4. Critique

I haven’t really got a critique for this book, to be honest. It was entertaining, rich in world lore, and with characters to root for.

Overall, I would say that In Solitude’s Shadow is an excellent first book in an epic fantasy series that looks to be a truly awesome adventure.

Author Interview: Jan Foster

Jan Foster

We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.*

Editing my second in series novel, Anarchic Destiny ready for ARC’s

In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.*

Already released are a prequel (set in 800AD when Vikings invade!) which is an introduction to my Naturae world and the creation of the villain, and Book 1, Disrupting Destiny, which is set in Tudor England. The Naturae Series weaves real world history with creatures such as fae, witches, vampires and daemons living alongside, or in, actual settings. The main characters, Aioffe and her husband Joshua, are both winged fae, which, as you can imagine, presents certain problems with trying to remain hidden in a human C16th world! They have to wrestle with events which are playing out for the humans as well as their own realm, one of the Orkney Islands off Scotland, and try to stay alive, and together. Although there are romance elements to the book, that is not the main storyline.

As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)*

Editing – being dyslexic I rely heavily on a variety of programmes, editors, beta and ARC readers to help me spot blundering errors! I far prefer to just write and write and get lost in the universe in my mind!

Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?*

I love it when I’ve been doing some research which happens to tie neatly into what I was planning for the plotline! I’m a plantster – so I know my rough plot, and characters, but it sometimes takes a twist away from me I wasn’t expecting and then I have to plot my way out of it.

If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)*

I find writing humour quite difficult – it’s such a personal thing! So I’d have to say any author who can broadly make the majority of their readers giggle is someone I admire.

Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

My usual main characters have already suffered being kidnapped, and I’d be pretty petrified of the repercussions if it was tried again. However, in Book 2 (Anarchic Destiny) my third MC, the somewhat morally grey Henry Fitzroy – a reluctant vampire who believes he should be king – would possibly be persuaded by the ghost of his father Henry VIII coming back and reprimanding him for being un-sporting. So, with the aid of some modern fancy audio equipment (which, being in the C21st, I happen to have!), I might fudge a vision and tell him this is simply a trial for him to prove he is worthy, and kind. So he should free me instead of ripping me to shreds….

You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

Giordano Bruno (SJ Parris) would definitely give Joshua and Aioffe a long and probably tense card battle. While he is wily and reads people, they are very used to deceiving humans, better at bluffing (especially Joshua – lots of practise in the taverns and blessed with a long memory), and – if they are playing poker at all – probably quite desperate for something. The stakes? A life. Probably one of their friends – Nemis the witch, or Jeffries the fallen monk perhaps. As to a winner, the game would be disrupted by Fairfax, a tricky daemon who trails chaos wherever he goes, especially if it involves protecting his precious jam! For sure, he’d bumble in, knock over the card table, and carnage would follow!

Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)*

As an author, my best piece of advice is to grow a thick skin. Everyone likes to read different things (whoopee!) but that equally means that not everyone will like the stuff you write. It can be hard when a friend of family member does read what you’ve written then doesn’t respond to your questions about it – and even ARC readers don’t always like your style although they should read in your genre at least! Try not to take it personally – think of books like bacon – some people like it chewy, some thin and crispy, others thick and meaty, and some don’t like it at all or won’t eat it for various ethical reasons.

Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

Ever wondered what might have happened if Henry VIII’s bastard son, Henry Fitzroy had lived? Find out in Book 2 of the Naturae Series www.books2read.com/anarchicdestiny which launches 30th January 2022

Subscribe to my newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/mailing... and I’ll send you a free copy of the Naturae Series prequel Risking Destiny (a full length novel set in Viking Age Orkney!) to enjoy!

Fancy getting Advance Reader Copies of all of my books? Join the Launch Team here https://www.subscribepage.com/naturae...

Catch up on what’s happened so far in the epic historical fantasy Naturae Series – Book Links: Disrupting Destiny www.books2read.com/disruptingdestiny Risking Destiny www.books2read.com/riskingdestiny

Book Review: The Game of War by Glen Dahlgren

Not all book series need to be connected in every way. Sometimes, it’s fun to just explore the same universe, spend time with a side character from a different book, see how the magic and the world evolve. Such is the way with Glen Dahlgren’s The Game of War, which is both book two in his series and a prequel to A Child of Chaos, which I loved.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Dantess, a priest of war, in his quest to earn enough clout to free his father from War’s prisons. In the midst of his journey, he becomes a great squad leader who participates in the once-in-a-lifetime Game of War, a challenge to see who is the best among the priests and therefore worthy of guarding the Conclave of the Divine. Only, not everthing with the priests and the temples is as it seems.

I really like how this plot turned out. Dantess has such a fascinating backstory for a priest. It almost feels like a reluctant hero situation, but not quite, because he embraces his role quite readily, even eagerly. The circumstances surrounding his role, though, are not at all what a normal priest would expect and that, I think, is what makes this story so fascinating.

2. Thoughts on the characters

As with the first book in the series, the characters here are both varied and deep enough to feel real. Dantess is a great main character, but many of the side characters are just as interesting. I really enjoyed exploring all the different people, their various motivations and resulting actions. I think they were done very well. Except Kevik. He deserved what he got.

3. Favourite part

I think, honestly, the ending was probably my favourite part because it combined everything that we’d seen in the story thus far, even the pieces that were contradictory, and did so in such a way that I could not stop reading until I finished the book. Well done!

4. Critique

My only critique is the situation with Jyn. Why?! That just…nooo!

Overall, I would say that The Game of War was an excellent continuation in the series and I absolutely would recommend this book.

Book Review: Ulster Lament by Marina J Neary

History is a funny thing. Reading about it in books can boil down an era, a movement, an ideology to a few words. Living through history, on the other hand, is a collection of so many moments and influences, people who are involved and people who are just trying to go through their lives. It’s made up of so many different people, and portraying that is a difficult task. Marina J Neary’s Ulster Lament, though, manages to capture a moment in Irish history that feels exceptionally real.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Peter Greenwood, son of Major Greenwood. He was born with a limp, raised in relative isolation in Ballycastle, Ireland, and decides to go to Belfast to study journalism. In the midst of meeting new people, some of whom are friends and some who are not, he runs into the Irish nationalist movement. When interviewing retired Captain Pryce, Peter gets swept up in both the Pryce family and their enemies in nationalist cause. He must use his literary skills to cover up their crimes, but will his loyalty to the English crown remain staunch, or will the ulster lament sway his thoughts.

I will admit to knowing less than I should about the rise of Irish nationalism. It was very interesting, therefore, to see how it was described in this book. It was, for me, like looking through a lens to the early 20th century, but with the added element of two competing ideas about Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed Peter’s exploration of the subject, as it mirrored my own; he knew very little at the beginning and managed to uncover a great deal by the end. The story itself was very interesting in that it was about a university student just as much as it was about the nationalist movement. Very well crafted.

2. Thoughts on the characters

I really enjoyed Peter’s journey, especially as he interacted with other characters. I found both his thoughts and the other characters’ actions a well-crafted mirror of my experiences of reality. I think that Peter’s willingness to go along with things made him the perfect narrator for this story, especially as he began to change and stand on firmer ground as far as his beliefs went. I think Peter’s open acceptance of Robbie was really the point where things began to turn, just as his changing ideas about Alec were pivotal to the plot. The characters were great, and really made the story.

3. Favourite part

I think Peter’s final interaction with Alec was my favourite part, simply because I’d been waiting for him to do it for a good portion of the story. Well done, Peter.

4. Critique

As much as I really enjoyed the exploration of the various sides of the nationalist movement at the time, I think the ending of the story didn’t really leave me with the feeling of Peter having changed his stripes, as it were. He did his bit, thought a great deal about the situation—or else the story wouldn’t have happened—and then just went on living his life. Perfectly acceptable in a story about a university student finding his way, but I had hoped for a bit more on his personal beliefs. 

Overall, I would say that Ulster Lament was a very good book and literary exploration of a slice of history, depicting it in such a way that was not overwhelming, but real. Just normal people living their lives in the times, as it were. As it always it.

Author Interview: P.M. Amaras and Paul Driggere

P.M. Amaras and Paul Driggere

We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.*

We are currently working on the sequel to “Shadows in Light”, titled “Shadows in Mist”, a “cozy” paranormal mystery called “Magic Blocked”, and a re-write of our first fiction novel we published back more than a decade ago, called “Exiles of Dal Ryeas”, which is now renamed “Edgeworld”, and will be completely updated to more modern times.

In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.*

“Shadows in Light” is a fantasy-crime thriller, with a heavy dose of magic and romance. Without getting too much into it, a serial killer is wandering the streets of Nysi Affalon, a hub kingdom for all the otherworlds, a home for the gods, demigods, fae, and all the supernatural and mythical beings who used to live on Earth. Into this world steps Maia Anemois, a would-be-detective sent from Earth to help a couple of demi-god brothers, Lord Kai Eurus and Aidan Eurus, track down the killer and bring him to justice.

As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)*

EDITING! We are always editing, coming up with new ideas, new dialogue, new directions, etc. and it’s a pain because we just want to get these books finished!

Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?*

World building, character building and plotting. We love every step. We build the world, we build the characters within the world, and from there we can create the most amazing stories.

If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)*

Paula thinks she would like Douglas Adams’ humor, and Paul would be happy to have Stephen King’s incredible story-telling. (Although he likes to claim he already has it.)

Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

Ardyn, we are trying to reunite you with Asta, even though her ex is trying to kidnap your stepson. So if you just calm down and lay low for a while, maybe even shift somewhere, we’ll make sure that Rafe handles everything okay. Trust us, Asta is going to prove to be the best thing that ever happened to you.

You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

Well, the last book Paula read was “Three Charms for Murder”, so we would be playing poker with Jamie Edwards and Dr. Henri Davenforth, Maia Anemois and Kai Eurus. We’re already losing, because it’s strip poker, Jamie is super smart, and we can’t keep Maia and Kai’s hands off each other. We asked them several times to magick themselves a room but to no avail.

Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)*

Being derivative. By that, meaning lazily copying people’s plot points without developing your own. Also, if you’re doing something that is similar to other books or stories, make sure you have an original angle. Yes, okay, your character can do magic. Now explain why that character is different from all the others, etc. World building tends to always fall back on old, used cliches. Make the world stand out. Everyone has written everything already. Now you need to make something new – or at least entertaining enough to gain a following.

Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

We tried to take over the world some time ago, but the weekly meetings were a drag, no one brought snacks, and it was just chaos trying to figure out who would own Sweden. So, we dropped it. We do have a release hopefully coming for our new edition of “Edgeworld” (formerly “Exiles of Dal Ryeas”) in time for Valentine’s Day. We are small-press publishers of our own, called “Scribes Unlimited”, and we can safely boast we are the oldest publishers of the World Wide Web, having done our first website in 1994. Our site is: https://www.scribesunlimited.com (currently being re-designed too!). We are also truly grateful for this opportunity to reach out to new fans so thank you very much.

Book Review: The Gate of Dawn by Marina J Neary

A goodly portion of my school days was spent completely ignoring the books we were meant to be reading and instead devouring any sort of literature I could get my hands on. Usually it was from the 19th century, but occasionally from other periods. Since then, my literary tastes have expanded dramatically to include…just about everything, frankly. But I still hold a soft space in my heart for literature, especially that with a satiric or historical bent. So I was thrilled to read Marina J Neary’s The Gate of Dawn.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book takes place in the midst of unrest in the Baltic region of Vilnius in the 1880s, a place where Russians, Germans, Jews, Poles and Balts live. It follows several characters, though it primarily follows Renate, a young German heiress who is married to a Polish farmer by her dying father. Renate’s presence is disruptive to the quiet countryside farm, both for her and the peasants who work the land. Disillusioned, she flees back to Vilnius, but life there is just as harsh as in the country, and there are some things that one cannot escape.

This book is definitely on the fascinating end of the literature spectrum. Each detail is introduced so casually, yet ends up being essential to the characters and the direction of the story. The plot itself unfolds without haste, yet pulls you along as you try to see what the characters are going to see or do next. And the ending? Oh, my!

2. Thoughts on the characters

Renate, Sebastian, Aurelia and all the others are characters that are not only depicted with a well-honed sense of realism, but are products of their time. They would not be people you might encounter in modern day society; in their place of history, though, they are perfect examples. It is intriguing to be able to see the history so clearly though these characters. They have such realistic details: a dislike of the way certain clothes fit, or foods taste, or how people behave. Yet they are almost impossibly true to the history. I found Renate the most intriguing of the characters, even including the ending, possibly because she was so dispassionate about certain things and fiery about others. A truly volatile mix, which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

3. Favourite part

Part of me wants to say the ending of the novel was my favourite part, just because it made perfect sense, yet came about so suddenly that it was nearly shocking. However, I think that the fact that every single aspect of this novel came about through one dying man’s decision was what really made this story work. Truly well woven.

4. Critique

Honestly, I haven’t really got a critique for this novel. The prose is done in a matter-of-fact style which befits the story perfectly. The characters are cynical or naive or both, and I enjoyed all of them. The plot was thought provoking. I really enjoyed the whole thing.

Overall, I would say that The Gate of Dawn was a truly exceptional example of an historical literature piece, taken from a volatile portion of history and displayed openly for the world to see. An excellent book.

Author Interview: Brendan and Lori O’Gara

Brendan and Lori O’Gara

We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.*

We coauthor fantasy stories. Currently, Brendan is working on his part of Book 2 in the Necromancer’s Song trilogy titled The Music of The Bones. I am working on The Remnants of Eden which is a compendium book set in the same universe as Necromancer’s Song. Some of the same characters are in both books.

In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.*

We have 11 books out currently. I write contemporary fiction. I have a four book series set in and around Perdido Key, Florida. I also write nonfiction books about God and Faith, that I affectionately call “no B.S. Christianity”. Brendan has a cookbook that started us on the road of fantasy writing. It has recipes and in between the yumminess are stories about five adventurers. After the one hundredth time of a reader telling us, “Hey, the recipes are great, but what happens to the adventurers?” we decided to tell their story, thus The travelers’ Song was written. This project has grown to encompass three short novellas. Those books aren’t true prequels, they are about characters that are in the main trilogy and other interesting people set at different points on the main time line of the trilogy. There is a constant theme in all our fantasy writings that life is the most powerful of all forces in the universe, but fragile and often taken for granted. Most of us only get one shot at life, but what if there was more?

As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)*

I am not a sales person, so for me it is marketing. Brendan hates naysayers. You know the people that say, “You can’t write a book about that.”

Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?*

When someone reads something we have written and gushes about it. That is why we write in the first place. Let someone say, “I loved (insert any of our titles or characters).” That makes me want to write more. Knowing someone gave their time to read your work is a fantastic motivator.

If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)*

For me I have always envied Hemingway’s candor, he wrote truth and did not sugar coat it. I have in recent years attempted to emulate that courage in my writing.

Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

At the end of The Travelers’ Song we kill off one of the main characters, Gadlin. Darr, one of the other adventurers would demand an explanation…”You will explain your actions to me and if you explanation is not satisfactory you will explain it to your maker.” The problem is there would be no satisfactory answer for Darr.

You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

Brendan, Morpheus from Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, and I are playing poker. The stakes are life and death. I’m certain I am dead since I can’t play poker. It’s the face thing. My thoughts show on my face. I am brutally transparent.

Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)*

Fantasy writing is by nature a genre of tropes. It is often difficult to know what tropes are sacred to lovers of fantasy novels. Some should not be changed and others are overdone. Avoid the overdone and be brave enough to make the classic your own. The trick is getting the reader hooked on your take on a classic fantasy element without making it so unbelievable that the reader sees right though it.

Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

If it is a recipe you want, we have book for that. HA! But seriously, if you want to know more about our work, we can be found here, https://the-ogaras.com…if you are curious about what exactly No BS Christianity means, check out my article here, https://loriogara.com/no-bs/