E.G. Stone's Blog, page 11

Book Review: These Gossamer Strings by Allegra Pescatore

Every time I read one of Allegra Pescatore’s books, I get far too involved and start freaking out whenever the world goes sideways for the characters. Which, to be fair, is often. These Gossamer Strings was no exception.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This is the third book in The Last Gift series, and if you have not read books one and two, you will be mightily confused. However, if you have read books one and two, be prepared for the reuniting of certain characters, the return of Elenor the cunning and awesome main character, and a whole pile of intrigue and intricacy. There really is no good way for me to describe the plot simply, as it is a highly involved set of events that rely on such marvellous details of character interaction to advance the story. It’s like slowly zooming out on a wall-sized tapestry, where you start with one thread and slowly, slowly, add more until you see the final picture. And that final picture? It’s a battle scene. With magic.

Anyways, the plot was fantastic. I was never lost or confused and I loved seeing plot lines and threads from earlier books tied up neatly, if with flair.

2. Thoughts on the characters

This book, I think, is where the characters really get to shine. In books one and two, there was a bit of floundering for information as the characters tried to come to terms with their new realities. In this book, they still lacked certain information, but the characters—all of them, frankly—decided that they were going to do something about the situation regardless. And the effects were stunning.

Elenor really managed to shine in this book, and Gabriel did as well. I really loved them taking charge and stealing the show.

3. Favourite part

The basement cult! The really creepy basement cult! 

4. Critique

I don’t really have a critique for this book. The prose was fantastic, the story was decidedly fascinating, the characters made me smile (or not, depending on the situation), and the mock dragon won the day. My only real problem is that I don’t know when the next book will be available!

Overall, I would say that These Gossamer Strings was an absolutely exceptional third book to a series that I will probably read over and over again.

Book Review: Foundation of Courage by JMD Reid

Some of the best fun that can be had with epic fantasy is the chance to explore new worlds and get lost in the experience. JMD Reid’s books are always exceptional on the worldbuilding and Foundations of Courage was no different.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book is the first in the Shadow of the Dragons series, which means that the plot is only going to barely scrape the surface of the overarching story, as is the case with most epic fantasy series. In this instance, the book follows Euddan, a young man in a quiet village known for their luminous sheep. He ventures into the neighbouring wood, a place of monsters and poisonous trees, to try and find a cure to save his sick mother. Once there, he comes across a fox made entirely of light, and from there his life changes. One of those changes is venturing on a quest to help the woman he loves as she leaves their town to escape the legacy of her cruel, sorcerous father. But the world is far more dangerous than either of them anticipated, and there are dangerous forces hunting Euddan’s friend.

The plot for this book is fairly standard for an epic fantasy. Hero gets shoved out into the world, either after some sudden good deed or due to encroaching dangerous forces. In this instance, there are both. I think the plot was entertaining, if a bit generic. One could almost predict where the story was going to go, if not the particular world-related elements that were involved. Good, yes. Entertaining, yes. But generic. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing.

2. Thoughts on the characters

At the beginning of the story I liked Euddan quite a lot. He was a bit naive, a bit eager, and he was not afraid to accept adventure when it basically fell into his lap. All traits that are fun to read in a hero, especially when he starts to learn more and develop into the character we know he can be. Except…he sort of never did. Granted, this is the first book in a twelve book series, so there is a lot of ground left to cover for Euddan. However, his character was almost exactly the same at the end of the book than at the beginning, despite the dark and dangerous paths that he and Voinee walked. Voinee (I think I spelled it wrong), his friend and travelling companion, does have a fair bit more development in this story, but hers halts about halfway through the story, right at the point where she starts questioning her identity and relationship with Euddan and her past. Then, that is all that occupies her thoughts for the rest of the book. Again, this is a twelve book series, but I was hoping for a bit more.

3. Favourite part

Lumi and Nettles, definitely. They may not speak, but they have such personality!

4. Critique

The book is good, entertaining. It’s a perfect example of the first book in an epic fantasy series. And, for me, that’s sort of the problem. I was hoping for a bit more variety, a bit more character exploration. Instead, this book feels very formulaic and predictable. Again, that’s not bad if you want something familiar, but for me it was a bit too familiar.

Overall, I would say that Foundation of Courage is a good book, and an interesting start to what would appear to be a well crafted, highly involved epic fantasy adventure.

Author Interview: Wren Handman

Wren Handman

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.*

A paranormal novel for adults about people who can record their dreams, and the monsters that lurk within them.

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

I write YA paranormal and science fiction, mostly. Lots of magic and angst, always sprinkled with a little humour. I’m very interested in the intersection of genre and diversity, and as a white queer woman I try to reflect my community and experiences in all of my writing.

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!)*

Marketing!! I have a lot of book with wonderful reviews from a very small number of people. But finding exposure and helping new audiences reach my writing is incredibly challenging. If only I could write books in a ‘room of my own’ on a mountaintop somewhere in Patagonia and all my readers would just magically receive finished copies!

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

I absolutely adore the meat and potatoes of writing. Once I have a finished outline and I get to dive in and bring the world and the characters to life, seeing the way in which they’ll surprise me and the ways in which I’ll surprise myself. Finding that one beautiful turn of phrase that you want to read over and over, or making yourself tear up a bit as you write, is real magic.

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.)*

Catherynne M. Valente’s language skills, no contest! In Deathless especially, where she is diving into the beauty of language as a contrast to the horror of the communist revolution in Russia.

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?

Oh I love this so much! Let’s go with Sylvia from the Phantasmer Cycle. Her powers are the ability to influence the world around her by believing in it, and her journey in the second book is all about responsibility and privilege when it comes to power. I don’t think I would tell her that she was fictional, because that might be a lot to handle!! Instead, I would tell her that I change the world the same way she does, but by imagining instead of believing. I would explain that the hard things she went through paved the way for the positive way in which she changed the world, and that there’s always a happy ending in a narrative arc, which isn’t guaranteed in the real world. And isn’t that worth it all?

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?

The last book I read was The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik. So Sylvia, El and I would be playing 5 card stud, laying everything on our ability to bluff our way into the winning hand. We’d be playing for the chance to switch narratives and get to live in each other’s lives – myself in Sylvia’s world, where magic exists; El in my world, where it doesn’t, and she can live a normal life; and Sylvia in El’s world, where she can use her powers to reshape reality and make it safer for magic users.

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.)*

Read, read, read, read, read! The worst part of bad writing is overused tropes and outdated ideas. The more you read and diversify the kind of writing you read, the better your own writing becomes.

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.

I decided to hold my cat and read from my book and see how long it would take before he escaped. It took a LOT longer than I expected it to and kind of ruined the joke, and he’s a beautiful cat so it’s a good time: https://www.tiktok.com/@singsthewrena...

Author Interview: Elizabeth Lavender

Elizabeth Lavender

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.*

I just released the third book of my sci-fi/fantasy Sunspear Series, Shadowed Bonds, on October 23, 2021. So now I’ve started writing the fourth book in the series.

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

I write a sci-fi/fantasy series, the Sunspear Series. I am told it has more of a YA adult feel. However, I have many readers enjoying the series who would not put themselves in the YA Adult group. There are currently three books in the series, which include The Spinning of Deception, Deception’s Hold, and Shadowed Bonds. The 3rd book, Shadowed Bonds, just released on October 23, 2021. The series starts with The Spinning of Deception. We meet our two main characters, our two spearbearers who will be the inspiration to stand against the Dark Lord’s army that means to crush countless galaxies, one colony at a time, in a bloodbath. Dante stands on one side, determined to stop the threat, even as his father commands the Dark Lord’s army. Across the galaxy, a young girl, trained in secret as a spearbearer, fights against the threat as well. Her gift of visions reveals the truth of a tragedy of the past, and it could be the key to stopping the Dark Lord and his Black Dragon forces. It’s also this past event that creates a deadly task for Dante to complete as it ties into the present terror that threatens the galaxies. A mysterious connection grows between the two spearbearers, but is it strong to defeat the battlefield that the Dark Lord has in store for them? And can they stop whatever the Dark Lord is creating to bear down on the colonies before he unleashes his destruction? This is the stage set as we move into Deception’s Hold. The Girl and her comrade race to discover the terror the Dark Lord is constructing to bring the colonies to their knees. Dante’s group lends their aid with a dangerous gamble to help their friends in their search before it’s too late. Dante’s personal nightmare looms over the horizon as his task nears, and The Girl’s fear for his fate becomes unbearable at times. Dante feels ill-prepared to confront his father and free him from the Dark Lord’s control. But when he comes face to face with the fiend’s petrifying ability to twist truth into deception, the embattled warrior may struggle to resist falling victim to the same power. Can Dante escape following the same descent into madness and bondage? Our journey continues with Shadowed Bonds. The unthinkable has happened. All around is destruction. An unforgettable sacrifice has already been given and what else will be asked? The Girl and Dante longed to finally meet and yet it’s overshadowed by the grief that threatens to imprison them. The battle with the Black Dragon isn’t over, so they can’t let their pain win further. Then there’s The Girl’s own battlefield. She is forced to keep her world hidden from Dante, and her tortured past threatens to overwhelm her. Those bindings entice her like never before, dragging her closer to the edge of a black abyss determined to make her its own. Dante, though, is equally relentless in his pursuit to keep his beautiful sunspear-bearer safe from the shadows that threaten to take her. In the end, will she succumb to the tendrils of Darkness coiling around her, or will Dante’s bond be the stronger claim? Or does it only mark the beginning of the Black Dragon’s galactic conquest turning from a mere shadow to a deadly certainty?

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!)*

It’s the editing/revision process for me. I find it difficult and just plain disagreeable. I know it’s a necessary part of the process, but I end up finding distractions when I’m in the process because it’s that unpleasant for me. There’s a point where I go over it so much and scenes start losing the freshness/wonder of when I first wrote it. Then it’s impossible to tell how to make it better. That’s the point I know it’s time to stop and hand it over to fresh eyes.

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

The writing itself. I love the writing. Some authors talk about getting writer’s block. That’s never been me. So much of the story is written inside of my head already. I’ve gotten to know my characters and their world so well now that they write the story. It’s always exciting to step back after a scene has unraveled on the page, seemingly on its own. Sometimes I’m as surprised how it emerged as the reader. I absolutely love that feeling!

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.)*

It would probably be either Frank Peretti or Ted Dekker. I enjoy their ability to create the unseen battlefields that test a person’s core and the way they bring reader into it with the characters.

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 could be either Dante or the Girl, but The Girl could have more of a grudge with me after what I put her through in the 3rd book. So we’ll go with her. I’m not sure that telling would work with her. I could end up with a sunspear through me before I finished trying to convince her, especially if she’s gone as far as kidnapping me. She gets visions, so maybe it’s time to give her a happier vision for a change. I think I would show her a glimpse of what could be if she can struggle through this part of the journey, that the future she longs for is being written if she’ll be patient through the rough parts. If she truly saw it, believed it, she’d fight for it with everything in her. There’s no doubt in my mind. I’d have to hope that worked because if not, that’s probably the abrupt end of the series. LOL.

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?

So that would be me, Dante, The Girl, and Jerrol Haven (protagonist from The Sentinals Series by Helen Garraway) at this poker game. For me, I’m not putting anything of value on the table. I’m certain to go out first, because I don’t know the first thing about playing poker. Usually it’s all about saving galaxies and worlds, but the other three decide to take the night off from all that for once. Dante feels lucky and decides to put his sunspear in. Jerrol, not to be beaten, puts his special sword in. For The Girl, somehow they convince her to put her secrets on the bargaining table if she loses. Jerrol puts up a tough fight, but he can’t win this one. He’s always had trouble keeping up with that sword despite how important it is. Nobody blames him though with trying to escape being killed every second. Not to worry too much, he does seem to get it back when he really needs it. I’m betting someone gives him a chance to claim it back. Dante, on the other hand, hasn’t ever lost his sunpear… well until tonight. He’ll be enduring a nightmare training from his teacher for ages for losing his sunspear, especially like this. He didn’t have a chance though. He couldn’t stay concentrated on his cards, not with her distracting him every second. He didn’t regret it, at least right now as her fingertips teased his arm yet again tonight. She knew what she did to him too. It didn’t matter. She was the winner from the first moment. Her cover is the shipping dealer, which comprises a world of bars and taverns. She knows all the ways to win a game of poker and more. It comes with the territory. And one of the first rules of this game is know your competition and their weakness. Jerrol was more difficult. She had to use her skill of the game. For Dante though, she’s his weakness every time. She’s okay with that part, because it’s mutual. Tonight though she used that advantage fully and had to admit she enjoyed every moment of it, as she grinned back at him. She’d give him the chance to get his sunspear back. The how could be amusing. However, the biggest reason she won was the stakes. How they convinced her to put her secrets on the table is still beyond her. She couldn’t have let it happen, to have laid bare her world for them. She’d die before she ever tells. She’s already shown that. This was one gamble she wouldn’t lose, and she didn’t.

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.)*

The showing vs telling can be tricky. I have to be really conscious of it. It can be doubly hard sometimes with the way I structured the series, with Dante’s group and the Girl’s group having to go their separate ways a good portion of the time to accomplish one purpose. It’s hard when they come back together to share information for it not to bog down in places. Sometimes I feel like it then can become a pacing issue, but others that read it didn’t think so. Maybe that’s because I’ve become more aware of it. Also along with that, when you write a series, you have to be sure you keep your story straight across the stretch. With mine, I have reasons to keep a lot of details hidden about My Girl, so it’s a balancing act of hinting at things, but not giving too much. Certain characters know a whole lot more than others about her, so there’s the extra effort of keeping that part straight as well. The other thing I find I have to be conscious about is keeping my dialogue tags tight/to a minimum.

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.

Here’s everywhere that you can find me: https://elizabethlavender.net https://twitter.com/Elavenderauthor https://facebook.com/elizabethlavende... https://instagram.com/elizabethlavend... https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Lave... https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... Here are my book links: https://books2read.com/TheSpinningOfD... https://books2read.com/Deceptions-Hold https://books2read.com/ShadowedBonds

Author Interview: C.A. Deegan

C A Deegan (please call me Craig!)

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.*

Thanks for asking! I am working on Book 4 of my series; 100K and almost done. Apart from the fact that I had a new idea that means some reworking. Bah!

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

I have two books released at the moment, and the third is also almost ready to go (my designer and I are just finishing up the cover for that one; planned release Quarter 1 next year). I am currently writing Book 4 which should be finished by the end of November 2021. Then the polishing, editing and beta’ing will start whilst I jump straight onto Book 5 of the series. That one is all plotted and waiting for me to complete the pantser approach on Book 4 so I can tweak the plotline before I start. The series follows the Cracklocks; a family who can see Faeries. This strand covers Jack; a boy who was glamoured at 4 years of age to hide him from the evil members of the family who want him for their own sinister ends. At 15, he has no idea or memory of what he is; he has no interest or knowledge of Faeries. In Book 1 he gets a rude awakening, following an accident that breaks the glamour on him, and plunges him into a world he knows nothing about. Book 2 picks up directly from the end of Book 1 and continues the mayhem.

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!)*

Without batting an eyelid…marketing! Its a skill I’ve had to learn through trial and error, although I think I am getting better at it every day that I do it. I try to do something everyday on this front. One day I’ll be bothering bloggers; the next seeking reviews This week I have a competition running on Facebook and Instagram for a whole bundle of Cracklock goodies. Its getting a huge response; I seem to spend most of my time adding to the list of names who want to win it!

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

When a new idea pops into your head that sits oh so lovely in with your current arc. I get my best ideas at either: a) When I’m out walking the dog, with no bloody pen – thank goodness for the Dictaphone function on my cellphone. Or b) At 3.37 am in the morning, necessitating me to get my notepad and try desperately not to wake my wife. She’s very supportive of my writing, but there are limits!

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.)*

Great question! I am a massive Stephen King fan, and his weaving of detail into the story is something I’d love to be able to do better. I do try, but I’ll never emulate the master!

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?

Ha ha ha! I’d have to say Agatha, the matriarch of the evil Cracklocks. I’d do my best to try and convince her that killing off Faeries is not the best idea, given that they are essentially trying to help us. Not that she’d listen; she’d just glamour my ‘damned flapping lips shut’ and then suck the grackles out of me.

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?

It would have to be Me, Great Aunt Elsie and the head of the D.O.A, Charles Peterson. The stakes? Release of the Fae from the laboratories deep in their facility. It’s a no-win situation really, although I think that Elsie will have some witty remarks to throw out and that Peterson will lock us up anyway. The D.O.A don’t recognise the sixth amendment!

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.)*

Woah! That’s a thinker, that one!! Okay, I’d have to say don’t be the same as all the others. Create something new and exciting. There are a million variations of the same story out there, be it vampire romances, zombie apocalypse (ex-military unstoppable person etc) or magic users. Find something different that doesn’t follow the same trope. Have an angle. Don’t get me wrong; it’s fine to write in any genre and I tip my hat to all those that do, but you want the reader to finish your book and think ‘Wow; that was awesome. So different.’. If you’re creative enough to write, you’re creative enough to have a novel story. Its why they are called ‘Novels’ after all!

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.

There’s a few things…I hope that people will particularly look at the website as there’s all sorts of characters on there! Some info as follows:

Email: thecracklocksaga@outlook.com – always happy to answer questions!

Website: https://www.thecracklocksaga.com [check this out for all things Cracklock!]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCracklock... I

nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrackloc...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CracklockSaga

Amazon:

Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G9RNMMS

Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNDM9YZ

Goodreads:

Book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

Book 2: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

Come along and join the adventure!

Book Review: The Last Keeper by J.V. Hilliard

There’s something about epic fantasy that just tugs on all the right strings of heart and mind, creating a fascinating tapestry of a story…when done properly of course. JV Hilliard’s The Last Keeper is an example of such a story.

1. Thoughts on the plot

The book primarily follows Daemus Alaric, a Keeper—one who can see the future as sent by Erud—as he travels from his cloister to the city of Castleshire on a journey that is far more perilous than it seems. 

That is a very, very basic understanding of this plot. I would try to describe more, as there are several other characters in focus and magical creatures and plots to unravel, but I don’t want to get into spoiler territory. Just know that there are many pieces to fit into the puzzle of this plot, which makes it a fascinating read. I appreciate how each major character got an appropriate story and was not just a pawn for the overarching plot. This means, though, taht there are numerous details to follow, and each one could be potentially significant. Perfect for an epic fantasy.

2. Thoughts on the characters

While Daemus is the primary main character, there are several others as well. Normally in books with multiple POVs, one character dominates the screen time, as it were, or the other stories are not as developed. This does not do any of that. The characters each have enough of the book to delve into their individual adventures, their wants and dreams, fears and goals. And I appreciate that very much. 

I think Daemus is a great main character. He’s got a sort of quiet, gentle sort of personality with enough of a kick to make you think twice. I really like him and his adventures with the others. I also like Ritter, because he is the one most likely to keep his cool head. Also because of Storm, because it’s pretty cool.

3. Favourite part

The ending, where everything came together in such a way that it felt entirely natural, even though it required a great many pieces to fall exactly into place. Very well crafted and it ended on exactly the right note to make me want more.

Also, and this isn’t necessarily relevant to the story, but that About the Author section was pretty cool.

4. Critique

I wish there were a little more indication of Greytorris’ motive for his actions. I get most of why he’s doing what he’s doing, but I would like a little more definitive reason for why he did what he did. I know that doesn’t make much sense, but spoilers. 

Overall, i would say that The Last Keeper is a truly excellent example of how threads of story can be woven together to create something complex and intriguing and really very good. More please!

Author Interview: Daniel Holzman

daniel holzman

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.*

Promoting my new novel “Bud Suckers”

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

I have written two novels. The first one was based on my experience working as a professional juggler at San Francisco’s Pier 39. It is the story of a teenager who is mentored by an street performer in the secrets of passing the hat for a living. My latest novel is a horror comedy about two cash strapped college students who try to raise money by growing a crop of marijuana. Unfortunately, they plant it on a vampire’s grave and the weed causes the smokers to have the munchies for blood.

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 readers. I enjoy the entire writing process, but sometimes don’t think it is worth the effort. It is very satisfying to hear that people enjoy my work, I just wish I could reach a wider audience.

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

I love brainstorming. There is something thrilling about taking an idea and bringing it to life.

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 would love for my work to be a combination of Kurt Vonnegut’s intelligence and imagination with Stephen King’s ability to get you hooked in his stories from the very fist page. I want my books to be clever page turners that the reader can’t put down.

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?

I know what it is like to grow up with a sibling that makes your life more difficult. Your half-brother was becoming more dangerous and would have sacrificed your life in his quest for eternal youth as a vampire. I saved you, and made sure you destroyed the marijuana that was tainted by the ancient vampire blood. You are now free to pursue your dreams of becoming an actor, and finally have a family that will support and encourage 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?

It would quite the epic match. I recently read Norm Macdonald’s book “Based on a True Story.” He was known as a gambler who was fearless in betting huge sums of money. I would match him against my character “Domingo” who lived the life of a professional card player for over two hundred years to hide his true identity as a vampire. He would play cards all night and sleep all day. I would have to put my money on “Domingo” his heightened senses and years of experience would give him the edge.

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.)*

You have to learn to trust your own instincts. If you try and copy someone else the best you can hope to be is a second rate impersonation of that author. Write using your own twisted imagination and trust that you have the talent to overcome the obstacles facing you as a new author. Avoid perfectionism, get that first draft down on the paper and then remember that the “magic is in the eraser.”

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.

Learn to juggle. It is a great way to improve your mind. There are scientific studies that shows it increases your grey matter and helps you make connections quicker in your brain. I have been a professional juggler for over 40 years and it has allowed me the opportunity to travel the world and meet famous people.

Author Interview: Stephen Christiansen

Stephen Christiansen

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.*

My spy/thriller novel. It’s about a shadow government and a global extinction level threat.

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

I have just completed a 17 book dark elf series. The series follows a set of dark elves, free from their corrupt society, in a set of their own adventures. They must learn to trust each other while facing the prejudices of their surrounding societies. Along the way they uncover a plot by the Spider Queen that threatens everyone’s very existence. They need to put aside their differences, build allies, and utilize everything in their power to stop the Spider Queen or all will be lost. Their journeys will take them from the lowest levels of the Abyss to the highest levels of Heaven and across even time itself. Wars will be fought. Friends will be lost. Bonds will be broken. Scarifies will be made.

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!)*

Marketing. It’s easier for me to write the book than it is to tell everyone that I have written it.

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

Believe it or not, it’s when I’ve realized that I’ve written my character into a corner. Sometimes I let the story write itself and come to a spot where a character is in a situation that they can’t get out of. That’s when I have to really think about the story as a whole and find a way to get them out without just deleting the event. It gets my creative juices flowing and usually creates a depth in the character while tying in to previous events.

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.)*

Stephen King’s ability to create suspense and then terrify, in other words, to capture a reader’s attention and make a lasting impression. I’ve read several of his books where he has implanted an image in my mind that has stayed with me for a long time. I want to be able to impact people like this, to hold their attention like this, and for them to remember what they have read.

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?

It would be Istobarra. She is a dark elf necromancer that might be facing certain death in the latest book. “Isto, look, I know that you are scared and concerned about all that has happened and what might happen. I know that you’ve seen the upcoming war and the possible consequences. But know this: you have impacted those around you and have brought out their best. They will work together and do what needs to be done. Now you must trust, or as Isilme would say ‘have faith’. I know it’s not easy with all of the things that has happened in the past, but if you can find that strength within you, then, and only then, will everything turn out for the best. The decisions that you make today will not only impact the result of the war, but will be far-reaching to those who thought different of you. Only you can pull everyone together. Only you can impact those who are prejudice against dark elves. Only you can make that difference. But you can only do this by letting me go and having faith that everything will alright.”

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?

The players would me Istobarra (a necromantic dark elf), Quithxell (a succubus), and myself. The betting would be for cash at first until I realize that I really don’t know how to play poker (especially around these two) and I would fold. Istobarra would raise the stakes: “Let’s make it interesting. The player who wins gets to kill the losing player.” Quithxell would smile knowing that she had cheated to get a better hand. “It’s a deal. I’ll enjoy killing you.” It would be Istobarra’s turn to smile. “Good, because I’ve just had a potion of Lichdom. This means that the moment I die, I will become a powerful undead that will feast on your soul.” Quithxell will then realize that this isn’t something she would want to face. She would fold and teleport away. Of course, Istobarra hadn’t taken the potion, she would have lied. But then, she is a dark elf after all.

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.)*

One of the greatest traps that I fall in is deviating too much from the plot and letting the book and characters write themselves. While some of this makes for an interesting depth of character, sometimes it goes way too far off of the plot. It is best to have some sort of structure and stick to it as much as possible. Allow some free reign, but letting a story go wild can destroy the plot. Another major trap is being distracted. Make sure you can spend undistracted time to write.

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.

I’m about a quarter way into the spy novel and will finish early next year. At that point I’ll probably write the third book of my Star Wars fan fiction series. From there? Who knows. Perhaps I will plot to take over the world. Ok, maybe not. I was thinking either another thriller “Monsters” about a man being haunted, or perhaps part two of my time traveling thriller. The second book will take place in Whitechapel (I’ll let you imagine from there). Perhaps I’ll write a follow up third book to the sci-fi series I have going. I don’t know, there’s so much to choose.

Sam the Chosen by Wally Jones

Most shifter stories I read are Paranormal Romance in genre, so it was interesting to get to read one that was something entirely different, courtesy of Wally Jones and Sam the Chosen.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Samantha as she goes with her family to the mountains for camping as a vacation after the world has suffered a series of deadly attacks. Only, things go very badly and Sam ends up being helped by a group of wolf shifters known as Chosen. Not everything is as it seems, though, and Sam has a great deal to learn about this new world.

In general, I would say that the plot was good. Entertaining, even. However, the actual plot points were so interspersed by detailed exposition and backstory that I had a hard time actually figuring out what was plot and what was not. I understand that there is a great deal of lore involved in this story, but the constant exposition and telling of lore by the characters very much diminished the plot movement to the point where I felt more like I was reading a wiki article about the book’s lore than the actual story. Which is a shame, because the story was otherwise interesting.

2. Thoughts on the characters

As a main character, Sam is a reasonable one. Very human in her characteristics, she has to learn to adapt to a new world. I appreciate seeing her actually struggle with this, instead of accepting everything and being adept immediately. The other characters, though, felt more like standins for archetypes than people I could get to know. They were very flat to read, especially against the rich background of Sam’s thoughts and emotions and actions.

3. Favourite part

The ending, because it showed a certain amount of growth in Sam that was both heartening and a little worrying given the events that were going on. She learned the consequences of actions and I think that’s very important.

4. Critique

My main critique for this book is the vast amount of exposition that happened. Most of it was done through the “story telling” style where a character relays the information in the form of a story. That’s perfectly fine for a small amount of information, but for approximately 80% of the book to be that sort of exposition, it became quickly very dull and overpowered the actual plot.

Overall, I would say that Sam the Chosen has potential to be a very good shifter story that strays from the normal Paranormal Romance genre, but was too caught up in the exposition and lore to really focus on the plot.

Book Review: Exile by Martin Owton

I like epic fantasy. I love the adventure, the world-changing events, the tiny details that go into the whole. It’s wonderful. Which means it’s strange I haven’t ready any for a while. So I was thrilled to get into Martin Owton’s Exile, the first book in the Nandor Tales.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Aron of Darien as he stumbles into the Earldom of Nandor. He kills their blademaster and as recompense must rescue the Earl’s son from the neighbouring land Sarazan. This may be more complicated than Aron expects, since he has to deal with determined nobles, guards both competent and incompetent, spectres from the past, and divine powers who have taken an interest in the goings-on.

The plot started out relatively straightforward; Aron must rescue Maldwyn from Sarazan. Then, things became complicated. I really enjoyed the various twists and turns of this book, which went places I had not expected. I thought it was very well crafted, with each turn adding more to the story and enriching the reading experience.

I do feely badly for Aron, though. It’s difficult to deal with so many incompetent people.

2. Thoughts on the characters

For a main character who is both running from his past and determined to seek vengeance for past deeds, I found Aron remarkably down-to-earth. He was calm when the situation called for it, humble when people around him were spouting off their accomplishments or abilities, and capable when things got…problematic. He was perhaps a little too “as the wind blows” at the beginning, but the purpose became clearer and more prominent with the movement of the story.

The other characters were also interesting, though I think Lady Alice was perhaps my favourite. She’s very good at what she does.

3. Favourite part

The decision at the end. Smart man.

4. Critique

I haven’t got any major critiques for this book. The writing was smooth and interesting, the characters were enjoyable, the plot was well paced. Everything was enjoyable, though I am curious about what will happen next, seeing as Aron’s decision at the end lead me to question the series title. I apologise if that’s vague. Spoilers.

Overall, I would say that Exile was a very good epic style fantasy adventure. I enjoyed it quite a bit and am curious to see where the series will go!