E.G. Stone's Blog, page 21

Book Review: Run Like Hell by Adam Gaffen

Due to some strange machinations of the universe, I have had rather a lot of futuristic sci-fi/dystopian books cross my review desk lately. I am perfectly alright with this, as they are a favourite of mine. One of these books to become involved in this weird phenomenon is Run Like Hell, the first book in the Cassidy Chronicles by Adam Gaffen. And, by golly, the title says it all.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book takes place some couple hundred years into the future, when the current United States has evolved into several different countries and collectives, some at war, all with different levels of rules and currency and the like. The main characters are Aiyana Cassidy and Kendra Foster-Briggs, and the book starts with their wedding. Before the vows can be said, someone tries to kill Cass and things, naturally, devolve from there. Now, Ken and Cass go on the run while trying to figure out what’s going on, while also not getting killed. Old secrets come to light and our main characters may be in for more than they expected.

The plot in this book moves very quickly. That is to be expected, given both the nature of the plot (run away, someone’s trying to kill me) and the title. However, despite the fact that it moves very quickly, I never felt overwhelmed. The plot was very well structured, with the salient points precisely where I would expect them to be. And, given the drama of the ending, I fully expect the pace to continue into the next book. 

2. Thoughts on the characters

It can be occasionally difficult to have two main characters of the same gender unless their personalities are wildly different, even opposites. The main characters here were not opposites, yet I think they were both very distinct and fun to read. I liked the dynamic of their relationship, with each pushed the other just enough for growth without turning into a problematic argument or situation. I will say that I wish there were just a bit more growth to the characters as they moved through the story. Generally, they did change and develop, but after about the thirty percent mark, they stayed relatively static. However, given the vast nature of the series, I think that the growth I want is likely to happen further into the books, when the situations become more involved/intense and more information about the situations is presented. 

3. Favourite part

The car. Oh, stars. That car!

4. Critique

I really liked this book, with all its adventure and fast pace, so the critique is slightly ironic in that sense. Most of the plot was portrayed to the reader through character dialogue. There was very little narration, very little action, that was not shown with dialogue. This is a very valid style, and it did work well given how swiftly things needed to move in this book, but I wish there were just a little more narration outside of dialogue. Mostly to do with character interaction, simply because I think body language and movement is equally important as dialogue. It’s a fairly minor issue, but i did notice it.

Overall, I think that Run Like Hell was a very good book with interesting characters and a premise that was fascinating to explore. I enjoyed the situations, the plot, the drama, and the characters, and would recommend this book to any interested. A very good book.

Author Interview: Ryan Meier

Ryan Meier

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’m in the final stretch of writing Elements of Creation, the follow up to my debut novel Shadows of Creation. I just finished writing one of the marque scenes earlier today and couldn’t be more excited to wrap up, polish it, and share my next installment with the world.In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.Shadows of Creation is an epic fantasy written for both the adult and young adult audiences. It’s a world full of elves, elemental magic, and (of course) an ancient, mythical creature hellbent on the destruction of Turina. The characters are loveable, damaged, and trying their best to save the world despite themselves. The best comparison I can give is Weis and Hickman’s Dragonlance Chronicles. Shadows is the first in my Creation Chronicles trilogy.My second novel, The Kept King, is a standalone contemporary fantasy set in a completely different world. It follows the king of a small farming kingdom. Life is boring – with one exception. He battles a mysterious illness that severely impacts his memory and ability to travel. Thomas’ mundane routine continues until a new visitor arrives. All I’ll say beyond that is get ready for a mystery that I’m told will keep you guessing until you realize you guessed wrong.The manuscript for Elements of Creation, the follow up to Shadows, is nearly completed and has a targeted release window of June/July. I want to yell about the exciting stuff going on in book 2, but its far too soon. All I’ll say is if you have read Shadows, stay patient. If you haven’t? Get going and prepare for summer!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. I have so much hatred for that process. It wears me down and burns me out. With that said, it’s a necessity. My hope is to continue to hone my skills and learn. I imagine it will be more enjoyable over time. Or it won’t and I’ll continue to hate it.Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?What I’m doing right now. Earlier today I wrote the marque scene for two of my protagonists and it poured out of me like a fountain. That feeling. Creating something new from nothing and allowing your heart and soul to leak out onto the pages.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.)Are you familiar with a Sanderlanche? It’s a common theme in most of Brandon Sanderson’s writings. He slow builds and then it call comes crashing down around you. If I could bring my readers to that precipice? Well, I guess I’ll spend the rest of my life trying!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 think we as human beings are too quick to want things immediately. I’m sure if I explained that I’m helping him in the long run he’d be fine… Or I’d have to fight him. Spoiler: I’d lose.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?I’m reading CT Phipp’s The Rules of Supervillany right now, so Gary the protagonist would sit down and play some poker with Brenn, a gloomy mercenary from Shadows. I would go all-in for a chance to win that magical cloak! To entice the bet? Brenn would have to put his best friend, Nebulous the Mountain Dolly (the largest and most intelligent breed of horse in Turina). Thinking about it – the bet would never happen. Brenn would never risk his horse, and I doubt Gary would be interested in riding a massive horse around town (then again, he does drive a minivan..)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 think the biggest trap that writers fall into early on (at least I did) is allowing your artistic side to overshadow the business side. To be more specific, I was a binge writer. I would write like a madman for two weeks, then fall off and not write at all for the next two or four. Without balance and an effective routine, I was doomed to allow myself to fall out of rhythm, lose valuable time, and ultimately cost myself money. Since I’ve allowed the business side of me to manage the creative side – I’ve been more productive and more positive about my potential. In other words, be your own boss. That means kicking yourself in the ass and getting your artsy side on a schedule.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.Thank you for having me. I’m far too busy with my writing my own worlds to take over the world. Besides, who would want that responsibility? Not I.

Book Review: Shimmerdark by Sarah Mensinga

I love worldbuilding. I love books that transport me to a different time and a different place, creating a world that is similar in some ways, but also completely unlike my own world. I like it even better when that world is portrayed through a character’s eyes rather than dumped on me. Sarah Mensinga’s Shimmerdark did exactly that, and my goodness, what a great book.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Xylia, a shimmerling who was the apprentice to the Great Drae of her country, only she’d been shipwrecked on an island for seven years. Finally rescued, she returns home to discover that she’s been replaced. Now, Xylia must venture to the outer reaches of her home to work as an Authenticator, someone who identifies shimmerlings with enough power to serve. Only, Xylia asks one too many questions and gets herself into a world of trouble. With magic and mystery, she must now venture back to the city to figure out just what is going on.

This plot seems fairly simply on the surface—a girl trying to regain what she has lost, until she stumbles on some secrets people want buried—but oh my goodness is it far more involved and intricate than that. There is certainly intrigue, but there is also adventure, discovery, characters that move the story along in a way that I did not anticipate, and more drama, just for good measure. The plot is perfectly paced, the actions of our main character both logical and perhaps a little crazy. I never once was bored or overwhelmed, which is very impressive.

2. Thoughts on the character

Xylia is a perfect main character. She desperately wants her position back, and loves her life. But after seven years shipwrecked, she has to come to terms with the fact that she has changed and maybe the world has, too. She’s intelligent without being overbearing in her smarts, capable and independent. Her development through the story is subtle, bu also a central piece of the story. I liked Xylia a lot, and I think she was great fun to read. 

I will say, I wish there was a little more about her relationship with the people she was shipwrecked with. The second half of the story expands on those relationships a bit more, but by the end, I almost feel like there needs to be a sequel to explore more of that, and also the potentially world-changing mysteries that are hinted at. It’s not necessary; the plot was wrapped up nicely and there was no great cliffhanger, but I just wanted a little more.

3. Favourite part

I think Glowy Pony is probably my favourite. That snark! Coupled with that name, there’s just so much entertainment to be had.

4. Critique

Finding a critique is difficult for this book. The prose was smooth and well-written. The characters were all great. The dramatic tension was at just the right level to keep me involved without being overwhelming. I think my point mentioned in section two, wanting a little more of the relationships Xylia had explored, is probably my only critique, and that could just be my desire for more of this world.

Overall, I would say that Shimmerdark is an excellent book with a great world, dramatic adventure and characters to root for.

Author Interview: Cully Mack

Cully Mack

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’m currently writing the first draft of book five in my Voice that Thunders epic fantasy series.

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

I write epic/high fantasy and my book series is called Voice that Thunders. To date, I have published four books and a prequel (Sojin). A Voice That Thunders is the first followed by A Scream That Shatters, A Fire That Whispers and A Vow That Clashes.

My series features siblings, Mirah and Gabe, who become central characters along with a band of rebels fighting against immortals conquering their realm. It’s a pre-civilised world filled with monsters and magic influenced by Mesopotamian mythology. In some ways it’s similar to S J Maas because it has multiple character arcs with romantic subplots, but it doesn’t have fae (that is another project simmering in my mind).

Think epic battles with Immortals and beasts of all kinds, throw in some elemental magic, huge plot twists, portals and unique worlds, intense romance and an ever-growing number of characters trying to save their world. If you like character-driven fantasy, you’ll love my books. I warn you now; I don’t go easy on them…

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!)

During editing, I find there comes a point when I’ve read the same lines over and over and they no longer make sense. It’s frustrating having to put down the manuscript and wait a while.

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

Those lines that appear on the page and you read it and think, did I write that? When inspiration comes, it’s awesome.

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 love the way Patrick Rothfuss uses language. It’s so seamless and filled with fresh imagery.

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?

Funny you should ask! One of my characters would kidnap me right now. He is fuming because the woman he loves left him behind to save their friends. (the immortal helping her reach their friends could only carry one person). He’s stuck on another continent and trying to find a way to reach her. I can see him forcing a quill into my hand and demanding I rewrite the plot.

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?

Mirah and Gabe wouldn’t stand a chance, but Ammo would win for sure! He’s an Acquisitioner from my series. A man used to getting his own way, a player who loves risks and taking chances. He’d be playing against Cassian from A Court of Silver Flames by S J Maas. I think Cas is a bit preoccupied with his love life right now. As for myself, I’d just sit back and watch the show, mesmerised.

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’ve recently been judging fantasy books in an Indie competition along with development editing for fiction authors. These are some common traps I have found.

Fatal wounds not killing the person.

Blow by blow (right hand did this, left hand did that) accounts of battle/fight sequences are boring. Show the reader the emotion.

Plot holes explained away in unsatisfying ways. Characters existing only for the purpose of the plot.

Make sure your story has conflict! Without conflict, there is no story.

Overuse of adverbs, and filler words like ‘that’, ‘some’, etc.

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 you like character driven epic fantasy, with amazing world building, multiple pov characters, plot twists, myths, magic and monsters, and subplot romance arcs, check out the Voice that Thunders series.

I hope to release book five in the Autumn.

Links:

Amazon link: http://viewbook.at/AVoiceThatThunders

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19033629.Cully_Mack

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CullyMack

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CullyMack

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cullymackauthor/

Author Interview: Leslie Swartz

Leslie Swartz

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’m currently plotting out an urban fantasy trilogy while toying with a superhero story and ignoring a finished horror stand-alone outline. To be honest, I’m having a hard time focusing on one project since finishing Seventh Day. I think I’m going to have those characters stuck in my head for a while.

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

The Seventh Day Series is seven books of rowdy angels, vampires, witches, and Lucifer fighting monsters and preventing one Apocalypse after another. Really, though, it’s a story of found-family, complex relationships, trauma, and redemption. It’s character-driven, dark, funny, and chock-full of twists.

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!)

What I hate about the writing process are the times when no one will leave me alone to write. I have a husband and three kids trapped in the house during a pandemic that are bored, loud, and impatient.

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

Fleshing out new ideas. I love sitting with a notebook and listening to playlists while I scribble down character bios and scene ideas.

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’s probably been said a million times, but Stephen King’s ability to put you in whatever spooky environment he wants to is second to none. Thanks to him, we all know exactly what a haunted fishing village in Maine feels like.

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’d give him a wink and tell him it was job training.

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?

Winner gets control of every other player’s fate. Wyatt, my MC wins because I don’t know how to play poker and the protagonist from the last book I read, while a serial killer, is just human. Wyatt, as Protector of Humanity, wouldn’t allow him to control anyone’s life. He’d either have him arrested or lightning him to death before the game was finished.

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.)

My biggest pet peeve (aside from people that say ‘pet peeve) is flat characters. I see it all the time and it drives me crazy. Your characters should feel real. Be relatable. You can have an amazing plot and fantastic world-building, but if a reader doesn’t care about your characters, they’ll get bored.

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.

Seventh Day Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZL6YJY

Facebook author page:

https://www.facebook.com/LeslieSwartz333

IG:

https://www.instagram.com/saffie138/?hl=en

Book Review: The Fifth: Indoctrinated City by Chris Sykes

With all the craziness in the world, you would think that I wouldn’t love dystopian novels so much. I mean, reading a whole book about how things have gone from bad to worse, often with very little hope in the telling, isn’t usually something one appreciates when in the midst of craziness (though, to be fair, when aren’t we in the midst of craziness). Yet, I do like them. A lot. So when I got the chance to read Chris Sykes’ The Fifth: Indoctrinated City, I was thrilled.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book starts with a family running from Patrol officers after they were targeted by discrimination under the new British government. Jenny, and her younger sister Zo get separated from their mother Evie and brother Jack. Jenny and Zo end up with their long-missing father as he leads them to the underground civilisation of people known as the Fifth. Evie and Jack, on the other hand, end up in a Scottish castle, hiding in plain sight from the government behind the fortified walls. From there, this broken family must learn to not only come to grips with their new reality, but also see if maybe they hold the key to changing the world.

I think the plot was paced very well. There were no times when I got bored waiting for something to happen, but nor did I get overwhelmed with action scene after action scene. The shift in perspectives from Jenny to Jack also worked very well, balancing out the drama between characters. The only issue I have with the plot is that the premise—the changes in government, who is being discriminated against and why—is never explained. The story flows very well, and some of the pieces can be put together as the story progresses, but the initial premise is missing.

2. Thoughts on the characters

I think both Jenny and Jack are written very well. They have a depth of emotion which is well thought out and complete, even for being in such an overwhelming situation. The emotional development of each is fascinating to read. I personally like Jenny the most because she seems to explore a wider range of emotional situations, and I think she’s got spunk. Jack’s situation, however, is the more empathetic and I like his depth better than Jenny. Both characters are fascinating to read.

I do wish, however, that they would have been described a bit more. I didn’t even find out their relative ages until the last three percent of the book. I had no idea what they looked like, nor what their lives were like before throughout.

3. Favourite part

The party, I think, was my favourite piece. I can’t say a whole lot about it, since it happens closer to the end and would involve a fair number of spoilers. However, it was a relatively low-action scene for Jenny, yet still held that same tension and depth that was found in other, more dramatic scenes. It was also, I think, a turning point in the book that worked very well.

4. Critique

As mentioned in section 1, I think that the only real issue I had with this book was the lack of explanation of the premise. Yes, there is a government causing problems (described as fascist in the blurb), but how. Who built it? Why did it come about? What did it mean specifically for Jenny and Jack and the other people in the Fifth and BLA? I can infer a bit, but not nearly enough to complete the picture. This  is a shame, because the rest of the book was done so well. I really would like to know more, the information just wasn’t there. 

Overall, I would say that The Fifth: Indoctrinated City is a good example of a dystopian novel exploring potential outcomes of terrible situations, with characters that are relatable and intriguing, thrust into situations that are beyond anything you could expect. Except for the lack of premise information, I would say this book is very good. Given that lack of information, it falls squarely in the good category.

Author Interview: Ron Lahr

0. Name, please! Ron L. Lahr (rhymes with car, of which I have a small collection since I enjoy restoring them)

1. 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 am currently working on the end of the third book of my fantasy trilogy, the Kathaldi Chronicles, Destroyers of Kathaldi. Soon I will be editing and rewriting and I hope to release it at the end of April or the beginning of May.

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

The Kathaldi Chronicles is an epic fantasy series full of good friends, evil villains returned from history, and a fight to save the world, including the Gods. It is told by a sarcastic thief who accidentally becomes a part of the group trying to save the world, mainly because his best friend needs his help. It may also be a chance to really impress the ladies.

3. 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!) The worst part is when things aren’t working out the way I would like whether that is writer’s block or something just not turning out the way I was hoping for. Like everyone I want it to come out easily and perfect the first time. I’m still working on that.

4. Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning? There are two things that both make me ridiculously happy. The first is when something turns out much better than I had envisioned it would before starting on it. The second is when the story, or characters, force something to happen that I hadn’t planned on and then I love it.

5. 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 love this question. I would definitely steal the ability to write copious amounts each day from someone like Stephen King. It takes me longer than I would like to get these stories out.

6. 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? If Dirk kidnapped me I’d just play to his ego. Remind him that ladies love heroes, and that if he’s famous he’ll never have to pay for a drink for the rest of his life.

7. 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? I would never play with Dirk because he cheats and I’m not that good. Plus, he solves most arguments with knives and I hate being stabbed.

8. 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.) My biggest issue is writer’s block. To combat that I always keep at least four projects going at once so I can just switch to a different story until things start to flow again. I always have the novel I’m working on plus three short stories. I use those as reader magnets, content for my email newsletter (in serialized form) and for an anthology that will be set in my world and will have stories from a bunch of authors as well as three by me.

9. 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 encourage people to check out my email newsletter so they can sample my writing. In addition to the serialized short story, Hired by Dwarven Royalty, that is included in most issues you will also receive an additional story, Dirk Goes to Church, which is not whatever you think it is. You can sign up at https://bit.ly/39FIcSu.

The first book of my trilogy, Children of Kathaldi is available as an ebook, paperback, and audiobook. I particularly recommend the audiobook because the narrator, Alan Adelberg, capture’s Dirk’s sarcastic tone perfectly. All of the versions are available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089FNJHB7 . The second book, Assassins of Kathaldi, is also available, but only as an ebook. I recommend that people read book one first, and that they buy it for everyone they know.

Author Interview: Madilynn Dale

0. Name, please! Madilynn Dale.

1. 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.

Currently I am working on book 4 in the Fae Shifters Series, The Blood King. I am also working on another piece that does not have a set name yet.

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

The Fae Shifters series begins with main character Liz in the first book Releasing Her Power Within. She takes a leap of faith to move into her grandmother’s cabin and discovers a family secret that may cost her life is she isn’t careful. The series continues with book two, Unleashed, and she is faced with more secrets and embracing her magic. Another lover enters the picture, and she must either accept him as her second mate or deny fate and remain with only her first mate. She then faces an issue of restoring the balance to the realms by opening up the gates between them. It puts her in the middle of a long overdue battle of control, which leads us to book 3. Now in book 4, The Blood King, she faces an ancient evil that has been around since the beginning of time. She must face him with the help of her best friends and keep the new life growing within her womb safe in the process. She also has to rescue her mates and a ton of other beings in the process of taking him out.

My standalone novel Breaking Traditions: the Shifter and the Mage is a paranormal romance novel following college student Natalie as she battles to have the love of a lifetime with her true mate Alex. Her parents set her up with an arranged marriage while she was young, and she must overcome family traditions to break away. Fate throws her many obstacles when fighting to share her voice.

I also have multiple short stories published. Each over a different topic ranging from embracing your true self to letting go of depression.

3. 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!)

My least favourite bit is editing. I do a round of self-editing before I send it to the editor and it’s very time consuming. It’s also frustrating because sometimes I have no idea what I was thinking when I wrote something out.

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

The idea taking form is really what gets my brain running. I have to get it down on something or I feel like I am going to lose the idea. I have notes and pieces written in notebooks and on my phone of my ideas. Some of them I sit and write out the outline. I like to write out that first spark.

5. 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.)

If I could steal an author’s ability, I would steal Sarah J Maas ability to give her lead female characters an impressive amount of sarcasm, whit, and courage. I love how she portrays Aelin/Celaena in the Throne of Glass series.

6. 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 would try to explain that peace is in the near future and that her story has a happy ending. There may be more action with other characters and her offspring in the future but overall she will be happy. I may beg her not to destroy me with her magic in the process or eat me in one of her animal forms but eventually I hope she would see my reasoning.

7. 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?

First off, I hope they would be good at poker. I don’t really know how to play so I would absolutely lose. The stakes would be winner gets all the Oreos and doesn’t have to share. The winner would most likely be Dahlia Nite, from the Nite Fire series by C. L. Schneider because she has been around for a long time. She has probably won a game or two anyway because she is extremely perceptive where Liz has also never been a poker player.

8. 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.)

Don’t kill yourself to write your book. Make sure you focus some on self care to keep your creativity flowing. When you feel blocked get up and go for a walk or maybe paint. I like to go sit outside for a bit and then when I need inspiration I look through Pinterest for pictures. It’s a great way to put characters together and get personality inspiration.

9. 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.

You can find all my work on Amazon or my website www.thechaptergoddess.com. I will have more of my work available on other sites in time. My short stories are available in various places such as Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Kobo.

Author Interview: Thomas Davis

Thomas K Davis

1. 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 skipping the “tell us about yourself” question. I nearly have an existential crisis whenever I’m asked that ;). At the moment, I’m busy editing the final book in my Versatile Layer series.

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

My book series is called Versatile Layer. It’s a 9-part Epic Space Opera. There are 8 books released thus far with the final book in the editing phase. The best way to describe Versatile Layer would be Romeo & Juliet meets Star Wars. Our two main characters meet completely by chance and fall for each other. They’re separated again by a tragedy that leads to a war between their two peoples. Their quest to reunite gets wild. There’s Exo-suits, Elite soldiers, Robots, Alien Amazonian warriors, jet packs, assassins, a war raging in the stars, gangsters, heck there’s even a cowboy. The setting and battles are epic but the heart of the story is personal and character driven.

Each book is self-contained with threads that weave into future installments. Kinda like Marvel movies. In fact, the average read time for my books is about 2 hours. They’re fast paced. I’ve been told that reading my work is like having a movie play out in your head. And that was my intent when I sat down to write them.

3. 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 enjoy writing, editing, working on the cover art with the artist or illustrating the cover myself. Graphic design is always fun as well. But promotion… I think I don’t like it because I don’t understand it. Plus, I’m the most introverted Introvert on the planet. Talking to strangers is tough for me.

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

I love when the story starts to evolve in ways that I didn’t initially plan for. Like, I introduce a character at the end of book 6 just because I need to initiate an action sequence. By book 7 that character has a name and relationships. By book 8 that character is super important to the story and I don’t know how I would’ve advanced towards my endgame without them. I didn’t plan for that character but it was essential. But that’s my process. I have my beginning and my end but the middle fills out as I write. If fact (I say in fact a lot), I always write the first and last chapters at the same time. Then I jump around to different chapters between.

5. 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 steal Hunter S. Thompson’s sunglasses. They had to possess some kind of power.

6. 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 put my main characters through the wringer but it’s for their own good. They grow as people because of the adversity I put them through. That’s what I would tell Jake Takeda, after I killed his parents, chopped off his left hand, made him into a fugitive, etc. But it was all for a worthy cause. He’s better for it. Hopefully, he wouldn’t kill me. He’s better than that.

7. 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?

Lucky me, the last book I read was an indie called Appaloosa Days by C. Forrest Lundin. Louise (the M.C.) is a good kid, but I would destroy her at poker. But since my M.C. (Jake Takeda) is sitting at the table, I would definitely lose. He’s a soldier with a genius level I.Q. and he would definitely cheat at poker. Especially if something important was at stake.

8. 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 would tell a new writer to identify the source of conflict in each scene. If that conflict doesn’t exist then that scene is unnecessary. You can have the plot elements that the scene was supposed to set up referenced in another part of the story. When I first started writing (way back in 2017) I would rewrite chapters because they were lacking something. I didn’t understand why but it was because the original chapters lacked conflict. I was subconsciously figuring out what a story was. Based on absorbing stories and media my whole life. Without conflict, you don’t have a story. Each chapter is a story.

9. 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.

The Bloodless Revolution: Versatile Layer book 8 just released. You should read it. I’m really proud of it. Here’s a synopsis:
The final battle for planet Samael has begun. Exiled princess Adeola M’falme has gathered her freedom fighters and is ready to remove her cruel brother, emperor Kupanga M’falme from the throne. But Kupanga’s forces, led by the ruthless Master Mega, have other plans. Will Adeola be able to liberate her world without sparking a full-scale civil war? May Mars have mercy on our souls.

Thanks very much for putting up with me. For links to my work and social media, go to: https://www.versatile-layer.com/ or follow me on twitter @UmojiLegend

Have an incredible day everyone!!!

Sekhmet and the Curse by Caleb Ortega

I often find it interesting when I get a chance to review a sequel for books. Sometimes, I get to review a whole series, but most of the time, I only have the first book in the series cross my desk. This week, I got to read and review the second book in Caleb Ortega’s Warfare of the Gods series, only a week after it came out. Sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy the ride of Sekhmet and the Curse. (Note, this review may contain spoilers for book one. I will try to avoid them, but the plot follows events of book one.)

1. Thoughts on the plot

Sequels, I find, can go one of two ways. They either begin directly after the events of the first book, telling the events in sequence, or they jump in time to somewhere in the distant future or distant past, building on events over and done with in the first book. This book does the former, following Sekhmet and her journey after the war in book one concludes. Sekhmet seems like she is the only one who cannot move forwards after the end of the war, still mourning her sister Bastet. She does not want to live in a world where Bastet isn’t around, so she decides to do the unthinkable and fetch her sister back from the land of the dead, Sheol. Teaming up with a couple of other gods, Sekhmet embarks on a perilous journey that could have greater consequences than even she can imagine.

The plot was very well paced, with events building upon each other quite well. There were few points where I felt things were moving too slowly, or too quickly, and I think that the pieces all fit together quite nicely. This segment of the series, I think, is what really leads to the potential for more, as events were not entirely resolved at the end (or at all, really), which means the next book is going to be very dramatic.

2. Thoughts on the characters

I think the characters that appeared in this book fit very well with how they were portrayed in book one, only possessing more involved characterisation, more involved backstories, and more depth. Sekhmet in particular showed a great depth of characterisation, building upon the broad strokes that were painted in the first book. I really liked her dynamic with the other gods, both of her sect and without it. Her single-minded determination to rescue her sister was both an endearing representation of familial love, and a little frightening, as she seemed to use this as a weapon against any and all challenges. I think her growth was great to read, up until about 2/3ds of the way through the book. Here, her growth and development sort of stopped, leaving her with a certain range of emotions and reactions without any other motivations or feelings. It makes sense, given where the plot was intended to go, but I think that the ending could have been made better, more impactful, had we seen more growth in Sekhmet, either in a positive or negative direction, rather than stagnation. Plot wise, it makes sense, but she felt a little stuck as a plot device at the end of the book, rather than a proponent of change.

3. Favourite part

I can’t say a whole lot about this bit, since it would spoil a great deal, but the maze and her escape from it was probably my favourite.

4. Critique

The only other critique I have for this book, besides Sekhmet’s character development, is that it needed another round of proofreading. There were a few more mistakes that made it through than should have done.

Overall, I think Sekhmet and the Curse was a good continuation on the story set about in the first book of Caleb Ortega’s Warfare of the Gods series. It sets up a number of interesting potential directions for the series to expand into, and I think it was an entertaining read.