Lora Palmer's Blog, page 5
May 25, 2016
Cover Reveal: ALL OF ME
Today I'm thrilled to take part in the Cover Reveal for ALL OF ME, a collection of short stories by Jonali Karmakar. Isn't that cover totally captivating? You'll be able to snag your very own copy on May 29th. For now, enjoy the cover eye candy and check out the blurb about this upcoming title!
*** Cover Reveal ***
Title: All of MeAuthor: Jonali KarmakarLength: 69 pagesPublication Date: May 29, 2016ASIN: B01G0P8JGK
Book Blurb:
All of Me is a collection of thirteen little stories that have been gleaned from real life as well as imagination. Exploring a range of genres, these throb with everything primal to human nature: fear, angst, joy, love, and longing. Some stories are designed to elicit smiles, chuckles, and maybe even a belly laugh or two whereas some are meant as a reality check. Universal in nature, each story provides a glimpse of what women empowerment or a lack thereof can mean in a person’s life.
From a small hamlet in India to the roads of Australia; from a mother’s betrayal to a daughter’s confession; from an extra marital affair to a same sex relationship learn for yourself the what, how and whys.
Originally written for anthologies and ezines, these stories have been revisited and updated for this new collection.
About the Author:
Jonali Karmakar is a fiction writer with a Masters in English. Writing is not just her passion but her way of dealing with life. She loves being able to escape into the worlds she creates. Everything that she writes becomes a part of her and she wants her readers to know the woman behind those words. In addition to being an educator, she works as a content editor for a local news portal. She has been providing editing, proofreading and translation services for the past few years.
Jonali’s work has been published in several journals, anthologies and poetry collections both national and international. An avid reader, she loves flipping pages of anything and everything on the table and reviewing the same on her blog Eclectic Moods. She feels that reading and writing are the flip sides of the same coin. Writing is her way of communicating with the world. When she’s not writing or teaching she loves to experiment with her paintings.
She has quite a few accolades to her name.
Contact the Author: Blog * Twitter * eMail
This Feature is a part of the Blogger Outreach Program by b00k r3vi3w Tours
*** Cover Reveal ***
Title: All of MeAuthor: Jonali KarmakarLength: 69 pagesPublication Date: May 29, 2016ASIN: B01G0P8JGKBook Blurb:
All of Me is a collection of thirteen little stories that have been gleaned from real life as well as imagination. Exploring a range of genres, these throb with everything primal to human nature: fear, angst, joy, love, and longing. Some stories are designed to elicit smiles, chuckles, and maybe even a belly laugh or two whereas some are meant as a reality check. Universal in nature, each story provides a glimpse of what women empowerment or a lack thereof can mean in a person’s life.
From a small hamlet in India to the roads of Australia; from a mother’s betrayal to a daughter’s confession; from an extra marital affair to a same sex relationship learn for yourself the what, how and whys.
Originally written for anthologies and ezines, these stories have been revisited and updated for this new collection.
About the Author:
Jonali Karmakar is a fiction writer with a Masters in English. Writing is not just her passion but her way of dealing with life. She loves being able to escape into the worlds she creates. Everything that she writes becomes a part of her and she wants her readers to know the woman behind those words. In addition to being an educator, she works as a content editor for a local news portal. She has been providing editing, proofreading and translation services for the past few years. Jonali’s work has been published in several journals, anthologies and poetry collections both national and international. An avid reader, she loves flipping pages of anything and everything on the table and reviewing the same on her blog Eclectic Moods. She feels that reading and writing are the flip sides of the same coin. Writing is her way of communicating with the world. When she’s not writing or teaching she loves to experiment with her paintings.
She has quite a few accolades to her name.
Contact the Author: Blog * Twitter * eMail
This Feature is a part of the Blogger Outreach Program by b00k r3vi3w Tours
May 5, 2016
On the blog: Wendy May Andrews, author of THE DEBUTANTE BRIDE
Happy book birthday to Wendy May Andrews on her latest amazing novel, THE DEBUTANTE BRIDE! This sweet romance between a mercurial bride sold off by her father to pay off his gambling debts and a handsome earl who--through her mood shifts from haughty and cool to endearing and warm--wants to help her become established in society, is now available for on Amazon for the Kindle!
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Release Day: THE DEBUTANTE BRIDE by Wendy May Andrews--With Rafflecopter Giveaway!
Today I'd like to welcome Wendy May Andrews on the blog to celebrate the release of her newest novel, THE DEBUTANTE BRIDE! Isn't the cover absolutely gorgeous?
The Debutante Brideby Wendy May AndrewsTagline:First comes marriage, then comes love.Blurb:Miss Elizabeth Dunseith, Beth to her friends, grew up in genteel poverty, happy despite her abusive father and weak mother. When her father sells her to the highest bidder in order to pay off his gambling debts, she fears what her future will hold but is relieved to get away from home with her new, handsome husband.Lord Justin Fulton, Earl of Westfield, is confused by the contradictory behavior of his purchased bride. One moment she is haughty and cool, the next she is warm and endearing. When his sister refuses to help establish his new bride in Society, Justin turns to a friend’s wife to show Beth the best way to navigate the politics of the ton.Their growing attraction just seems to confuse matters even further. Will these two be able to see past their differences to make it to happily ever after?Short Excerpt:As she came to wakefulness, Beth held herself very still, momentarily surprised to find herself in a strange bed, but then it all rushed back into her consciousness. She was a married lady. A countess at that. And she had only met her husband thirty-six hours before.The thrill of freedom flowed through her as she reminded herself once more that she would never again have to return to the house she grew up in unless she so chose. Of course, she would want to see her mother again, but she allowed herself to bask in the contentment she was experiencing. She wiggled her toes and stretched her arms, reveling in the new sensation.The unknown factor of her new husband was obviously of concern, but so far he had been remarkably even tempered. She would even go so far as to describe him as kind, at least what she had seen of him in their short acquaintance. Beth could not decide how she felt about how handsome he was. He was deliciously attractive, but she was unsure if that could be trusted. No doubt other women would find it to be a point in his favor.
About Wendy May Andrews:Wendy May Andrews has been in love with the written word since she learned to read at the age of five. She has been writing for almost as long but hasn’t been sharing those stories with anyone but her mother until recently. This is Wendy’s third book with Clean Reads.Wendy can be found with her nose in a book in a cozy corner of downtown Toronto. She is happily married to her own real-life hero, who is also her best friend and favorite travel companion.Being a firm believer that every life experience contributes to the writing process, Wendy is off planning her next trip.She loves to hear from her readers and can be found at her website, on twitter or Facebook.Wendy’s online locations:Website: www.wendymayandrews.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/WendyMayAndrewsTwitter: www.twitter.com/WendyMayAndrewsInstagram: @wendymayandrews
Buy links:Buy it on Amazon
Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Debutante Brideby Wendy May AndrewsTagline:First comes marriage, then comes love.Blurb:Miss Elizabeth Dunseith, Beth to her friends, grew up in genteel poverty, happy despite her abusive father and weak mother. When her father sells her to the highest bidder in order to pay off his gambling debts, she fears what her future will hold but is relieved to get away from home with her new, handsome husband.Lord Justin Fulton, Earl of Westfield, is confused by the contradictory behavior of his purchased bride. One moment she is haughty and cool, the next she is warm and endearing. When his sister refuses to help establish his new bride in Society, Justin turns to a friend’s wife to show Beth the best way to navigate the politics of the ton.Their growing attraction just seems to confuse matters even further. Will these two be able to see past their differences to make it to happily ever after?Short Excerpt:As she came to wakefulness, Beth held herself very still, momentarily surprised to find herself in a strange bed, but then it all rushed back into her consciousness. She was a married lady. A countess at that. And she had only met her husband thirty-six hours before.The thrill of freedom flowed through her as she reminded herself once more that she would never again have to return to the house she grew up in unless she so chose. Of course, she would want to see her mother again, but she allowed herself to bask in the contentment she was experiencing. She wiggled her toes and stretched her arms, reveling in the new sensation.The unknown factor of her new husband was obviously of concern, but so far he had been remarkably even tempered. She would even go so far as to describe him as kind, at least what she had seen of him in their short acquaintance. Beth could not decide how she felt about how handsome he was. He was deliciously attractive, but she was unsure if that could be trusted. No doubt other women would find it to be a point in his favor.
About Wendy May Andrews:Wendy May Andrews has been in love with the written word since she learned to read at the age of five. She has been writing for almost as long but hasn’t been sharing those stories with anyone but her mother until recently. This is Wendy’s third book with Clean Reads.Wendy can be found with her nose in a book in a cozy corner of downtown Toronto. She is happily married to her own real-life hero, who is also her best friend and favorite travel companion.Being a firm believer that every life experience contributes to the writing process, Wendy is off planning her next trip.She loves to hear from her readers and can be found at her website, on twitter or Facebook.Wendy’s online locations:Website: www.wendymayandrews.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/WendyMayAndrewsTwitter: www.twitter.com/WendyMayAndrewsInstagram: @wendymayandrews
Buy links:Buy it on Amazon
Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 21, 2016
MIRROR MASTERS Book Release Day!
My debut YA sci-fi/fantasy, THE MIRRORMASTERS, is now available in ebook through Clean Reads, Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Kobo!
After years of writing, editing, and all the ups and downs of querying--including all those twitter pitch parties--this moment has finally arrived. I want to take this opportunity to thank so many of you who have helped to make this book a reality. My family, who has been so supportive and encouraged me to pursue this dream. The good folks at AgentQueryConnect, WriteOnCon, QueryTracker, and Novelty Fiction. All the lovely writers I've met during this long journey who have been so lovely and supportive. The wonderful ladies behind #Pit2pub, and most of all, Stephanie Taylor of Clean Reads for taking a chance on me and my book. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude.
I hope all who pick up a copy of my book have as much fun reading it as I did writing it! :)
And now, onto the book launch events:
BLOG HOSTS:
Today, Leandra Wallace and Vicki Weavil have graciously agreed to host me on their blogs, so I hope you will stop by and check out their websites. I have several more stops on the blog tour planned in the coming days, and I will add the details here as I get them confirmed.
RELEASE DAY PARTY:
Tonight from 7-9 pm on Facebook, I'm holding a release day party to celebrate the book launch. If you get the chance, stop by and enjoy fun book chat, games, trivia, and more. Enter to win a giveaway of the ebook, as well as other door prizes, including a $25 Amazon gift card!
THUNDERCLAP CAMPAIGN:
Spread the word! I've started a thunderclap campaign where people can share the info about my book release on social media. I'd love it if you would take a moment to support the campaign here! :)
ENTER THE MIRRORMASTERS GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 20, 2016
Announcement: Upcoming IN THE BEGINNING Charity Anthology from Month9Books
So, I've been sitting on this news for awhile now, bursting at the seams to share it! Now I have the go-ahead to officially announce that my short story, "First Wife" will be included in an upcoming charity anthology, IN THE BEGINNING, due for release around Halloween 2016 (10.25.16) from Month9Books. For this anthology, part of the proceeds from the first 500 copies sold will go to benefit WriteGirl.org, so I hope you will pick up a copy for this worthy cause.
IN THE BEGINNING is a collection of young adult short stories, dark retellings of Biblical tales. "First Wife" is a first-person retelling of the story of Leah, her sister Rachel, and Jacob -- and the aftermath as Leah discovers that a deception has led her to wed the man her sister loves and planned to marry.
More details about the anthology can be found at Month9Books' Tumblr. Check there in the near future for a Friday Cover Reveal, because they'll be revealing the gorgeous cover there! Oh, and don't forget to add the anthology to your TBR list on Goodreads!
IN THE BEGINNING is a collection of young adult short stories, dark retellings of Biblical tales. "First Wife" is a first-person retelling of the story of Leah, her sister Rachel, and Jacob -- and the aftermath as Leah discovers that a deception has led her to wed the man her sister loves and planned to marry.
More details about the anthology can be found at Month9Books' Tumblr. Check there in the near future for a Friday Cover Reveal, because they'll be revealing the gorgeous cover there! Oh, and don't forget to add the anthology to your TBR list on Goodreads!
October 31, 2015
Ian Thomas Malone Book Blitz!
Ian Thomas Malone – Book BlitzFive College Dialogues and Five More College Dialogues
Five College Dialogues is a philosophic comedic treatise on college life told through the eyes of George Tecce, a graduate student working as a teaching assistant for an eccentric English professor. Told through Socratic dialogue, George, his students, and his mentor explore all the ins and outs of college life as they examine the state of post-millennial academia. Humorous and thought provoking, the Dialogues are the perfect resource for students, especially those with a philosophy requirement, as well as anyone who wants to relive their four years in an entertaining fashion.
“A must read for students and nostalgic alumni”
Five More College Dialogues follows George Tecce’s return to academia as he travels to the West Coast to pursue his Ph.D. The intriguing graduate student is teaching a class on his own for the first time. George continues to help students navigate the ins and outs of college life while poking fun at the often-
fickle nature of the collegiate system. He mentors them in a range of diverse subjects including social dynamics, resume building, and relationships. The learning doesn’t stop in the classroom as George even makes his way to a party! Humorous and philosophical, the Dialogues are a perfect resource for students to maximize their college experience.
Early Praise: “As a whole, the dialogues are clearly a statement on the ups and downs of the college experience.” – Colorado College Catalyst“Unlike some publications on college life, “Five College Dialogues” exposes the raw truth and harshness of the collegiate experience. Malone does an excellent job with this exposition. The students’ problems are not sugar-coated.” –The Scranton Aquinas “This book didn’t disappoint me at all. Very comical and plenty of life lessons that would made you think over about your life as well.” –Agent Bookworm
About the author:Ian Thomas Malone, a graduate of Boston College, founded the publication The Rock at Boston College. He is a certified yoga instructor and a Meisner trained actor. Ian will be pursuing a Masters in English Literature at Claremont Graduate University starting fall 2015, where he has been awarded a writing fellowship. A lifelong resident, Ian lives in Greenwich, CT with his golden retriever Georgie.
“I wrote The Dialogues as both a resource for current students and a humorous reflection for alumni. You’ll find plenty of information out there that tells you how to survive college, but few that really tell you how to enjoy it. The Dialogues explain college in a way that no RA would think to tell you.” -Malone
Purchase Links: Five College Dialogues on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Five-College-Dialogues-Book-ebook/dp/B016FFJJTQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445436504&sr=8-1&keywords=Five+College+DialoguesFive College Dialogues on Eleventh Hour Literary Press - http://www.eleventhhourliterary.com/five-college-dialgoues.html
Five More College Dialogues on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Five-More-College-Dialogues-Book-ebook/dp/B016FFJLMQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445436609&sr=8-1&keywords=Five+More+College+DialoguesFive More College Dialogues on Eleventh Hour Literary Press - http://www.eleventhhourliterary.com/five-more-college-dialogues.html
Five College Dialogues is a philosophic comedic treatise on college life told through the eyes of George Tecce, a graduate student working as a teaching assistant for an eccentric English professor. Told through Socratic dialogue, George, his students, and his mentor explore all the ins and outs of college life as they examine the state of post-millennial academia. Humorous and thought provoking, the Dialogues are the perfect resource for students, especially those with a philosophy requirement, as well as anyone who wants to relive their four years in an entertaining fashion. “A must read for students and nostalgic alumni”
Five More College Dialogues follows George Tecce’s return to academia as he travels to the West Coast to pursue his Ph.D. The intriguing graduate student is teaching a class on his own for the first time. George continues to help students navigate the ins and outs of college life while poking fun at the often-
fickle nature of the collegiate system. He mentors them in a range of diverse subjects including social dynamics, resume building, and relationships. The learning doesn’t stop in the classroom as George even makes his way to a party! Humorous and philosophical, the Dialogues are a perfect resource for students to maximize their college experience.
Early Praise: “As a whole, the dialogues are clearly a statement on the ups and downs of the college experience.” – Colorado College Catalyst“Unlike some publications on college life, “Five College Dialogues” exposes the raw truth and harshness of the collegiate experience. Malone does an excellent job with this exposition. The students’ problems are not sugar-coated.” –The Scranton Aquinas “This book didn’t disappoint me at all. Very comical and plenty of life lessons that would made you think over about your life as well.” –Agent Bookworm
About the author:Ian Thomas Malone, a graduate of Boston College, founded the publication The Rock at Boston College. He is a certified yoga instructor and a Meisner trained actor. Ian will be pursuing a Masters in English Literature at Claremont Graduate University starting fall 2015, where he has been awarded a writing fellowship. A lifelong resident, Ian lives in Greenwich, CT with his golden retriever Georgie.
“I wrote The Dialogues as both a resource for current students and a humorous reflection for alumni. You’ll find plenty of information out there that tells you how to survive college, but few that really tell you how to enjoy it. The Dialogues explain college in a way that no RA would think to tell you.” -Malone
Purchase Links: Five College Dialogues on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Five-College-Dialogues-Book-ebook/dp/B016FFJJTQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445436504&sr=8-1&keywords=Five+College+DialoguesFive College Dialogues on Eleventh Hour Literary Press - http://www.eleventhhourliterary.com/five-college-dialgoues.html
Five More College Dialogues on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Five-More-College-Dialogues-Book-ebook/dp/B016FFJLMQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445436609&sr=8-1&keywords=Five+More+College+DialoguesFive More College Dialogues on Eleventh Hour Literary Press - http://www.eleventhhourliterary.com/five-more-college-dialogues.html
September 18, 2015
THE MIRRORMASTERS Has Found a Publishing Home!
I'm so excited to announce that I have signed the contract with Clean Reads (formerly Astraea Press) for my debut novel, THE MIRRORMASTERS! Clean Reads publishes books free of profanity, graphic violence, or explicit intimacy--a mission I'm proud to become part of. More details will be forthcoming, but the release will be ebook first.
It's been quite a journey to reach this point! Over the past few years on and off, I queried MIRRORMASTERS. A couple years back, I submitted to Astraea Press following a full request from a Savvy Authors pitch opportunity. It didn't work out at that time, but I kept querying, revising, getting feedback from beta readers, more revising, and more querying. And then, following #pit2pub in July, two of my pitches were favorited by Stephanie Taylor, owner and Editor-In-Chief of Clean Reads, and my full manuscript was requested. After doing a little dance of joy, I submitted again, noting that I'd made substantial revisions since my previous submission, and a few weeks later, I woke up to a lovely email that included a contract!
Thank you to everyone at Novelty Fiction, AQC, QueryTracker, WriteOnCon, and everyone who has generously offered their time and feedback, and knowledge of the publishing industry! You've all been so wonderful, supportive, and a tremendous help!
It's been quite a journey to reach this point! Over the past few years on and off, I queried MIRRORMASTERS. A couple years back, I submitted to Astraea Press following a full request from a Savvy Authors pitch opportunity. It didn't work out at that time, but I kept querying, revising, getting feedback from beta readers, more revising, and more querying. And then, following #pit2pub in July, two of my pitches were favorited by Stephanie Taylor, owner and Editor-In-Chief of Clean Reads, and my full manuscript was requested. After doing a little dance of joy, I submitted again, noting that I'd made substantial revisions since my previous submission, and a few weeks later, I woke up to a lovely email that included a contract!
Thank you to everyone at Novelty Fiction, AQC, QueryTracker, WriteOnCon, and everyone who has generously offered their time and feedback, and knowledge of the publishing industry! You've all been so wonderful, supportive, and a tremendous help!
September 9, 2015
Review: The Multiverse of Max Tovey
The Multiverse of Max Tovey by Alastair SwinnertonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was incredibly fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the publisher, European Geeks Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
What a wild ride! THE MULTIVERSE OF MAX TOVEY is an exciting YA time travel adventure filled with lots of twists and turns and steeped in Celtic mythology. Fourteen-year-old Max Tovey lives with a recurrent nightmare of fighting in a brutal battle (against the Romans) set in ancient Britain. By day, he leads an ordinary life of school, though he remains apart from his parents and classmates. Because he's anxiety-prone and has trouble with focusing, Max sees a therapist and takes psychotropic medications, believing he has psychological issues--but, in fact, his parents have hidden the truth from him.
Like his dying grandfather, Max is a time-traveller. What he sees in his nightmares are memories of a reality that his grandfather changed to save Max's life.
As if this weren't mind-bending enough, Max inherits a quest. He must find and destroy the Majyga--several objects (a brooch, a ring, and a coin) that enable the user to willfully time travel to a particular point in time, the point of each object's origin--to prevent the objects from being collected and exploited by his grandfather's rival. Unfortunately for Max, his efforts to fulfill this quest lead to some pretty huge timeline changes and cause a potentially catastrophic time rift. In one reality, the Roman empire never lost its power and developed technology far more advanced than what we use today, like flying ships that sound like something straight out of The Terminator. In another reality, he prevented his own existence. In another, his grandfather is still alive, and parents are active in the war effort and have always been open with him about the family's time-traveling legacy.
While Max struggles to meet the challenge of repairing the timeline, he must also locate the Cross of Tofig and accept his role as the savior, the destined one who can time travel at-will and who will defeat his grandfather's rival once and for all.
I had a blast reading Max's adventure and watching his journey from an introverted kid to a full-fledged hero. Oh, and along the way, he has a sweet romance with Myvi, a first-century girl who ended up being raised in present day. She's an awsome, fun, and loyal girl who stands by Max even in a reality in which they'd never met. If you're looking for a great time travel adventure, this is definitely one to check out!
View all my reviews
September 5, 2015
An Exciting YA Time Travel Adventure: THE MULTIVERSE OF MAX TOVEY Blog Tour!
If you love time travel stories, THE MULTIVERSE OF Max Tovey by Alastair Swinnerton is another fantastic read from European Geeks Publishing. It's a wild, exciting adventure that twists and plays with multiple realities (as in, lots of things change in unexpected ways as a result of messing around with time), which makes it super fun. I'll be posting my full review of it soon, here and on goodreads.
This week is the blog tour event, and I'm honored to be part of it as the last stop on the tour! Check out the book giveaway, author and book info, and don't forget to stop by the other blogs on the tour. There's a few excerpts to read, too, and I've got one of them for you in this post. Enjoy!
Tour Participants: August 31st:
http://www.authormarktaylor.com/blog.htmlSeptember 1st: http://asobaw.com/September 2nd:
http://www.sswriter.com/category/reviving-dreams/September 3rd:
TBASeptember 4th:
http://pcos4lifejourney.blogspot.com/September 5th:
http://januarygray.net/September 6th:
http://lorarpfictionblog.blogspot.com
Raffle html link: a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the book:Title: The Multiverse of Max ToveyAuthor: Alastair SwinnertonGenre: Young Adult Time Travel
Synopsis: Fourteen year old Max Tovey’s world is blown apart when he discovers that his problems are nothing to do with him, and everything to do with being a Time Traveller. Following his mysterious grandfather’s funeral, Max finds himself on a wild journey through first century Celtic Britain, real and mythological, as his every action threatens to change the past, and his future. Max battles demons – both real and psychological – on his mission to find the legendary Montacute Cross, stolen by his Viking ancestor Tofig, in order to close the gates to the Underworld, and lift the curse on his family.
Author bio: Alastair has been writing for children’s television for over twenty five years. Among his many credits are ‘The Wombles’, ‘Sabrina, Secrets of a Teenage Witch’, and the Bafta-nominated CBBC Christmas Special ‘The Tale of Jack Frost’, which he wrote, co-produced and co-directed. He was also one the co-creators of Lego® Bionicle®. ‘The Multiverse of Max Tovey’ is his first Young Adult novel. Alastair lives in Somerset with his family, and spends much of his spare time walking the dog, more often than not at his beloved Ham Hill.
Social media Links:
Author Website: www.alastairswinnerton.comAuthor EG page: http://www.europeangeeks.com/alastair-swinnerton.htmlAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/alswinn
Purchase Links: B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-multiverse-of-max-tovey-alastair-swinnerton/1122499624?ean=9781943755028Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Multiverse-Max-Tovey-Hamdun-Chronicles/dp/1943755019/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440180975&sr=8-1&keywords=the+multiverse+of+max+toveyAmazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Multiverse-Max-Tovey-Hamdun-Chronicles/dp/1943755019/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440181069&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Multiverse+of+Max+ToveyEuropean Geeks Publishing: http://www.europeangeeks.com/the-multiverse-of-max-tovey.html
Book Excerpt:
“So now you can find what you seek,” whispered the Chieftain. Max pulled The Coin from his pocket, which now glowed very brightly, and hummed very loudly. Hoping desperately that it wouldn’t wake the General, Max walked slowly towards the end of his bed, as The Coin was directing him to, until he came to a wooden chest. “It must be in there,” he whispered, before very very carefully opening the lid. Inside, the chest was full of coins. “How do we find the right one?” whispered Myvi. But they didn’t need to – for just outside the chest, was one coin that had fallen out, now pressed into the ground by the General’s boot. And it was glowing. As Max, Myvi and the Chieftain watched in amazement, The Coin began to glow, and hum, and then rise slowly out of the ground. “What is this magic...?” said Rhydderch, a little afraid despite himself. The coin continued to rise, until it was at Max’s waist. Tentatively Max held out The Majyga Coin in his palm under the one that was rising, until the two were touching. And then there was a blast of light, and both coins disappeared. “What...?!” said Vespasian, waking suddenly, and on seeing Max, Myvi and Rhydderch immediately called out. “You?! I told you I’d kill you if I saw you again! Guards!” Vespasian leapt out of bed and grabbed his sword as two guards with their own swords out rushed in. But then all three were stopped in their tracks as a strange glow began to form between them and Max and the others, a glow that was slowly taking form, and which, with a deep, deep growl, now became flesh, a huge man, easily seven feet tall, dressed in glowing silver armour, and carrying a long, barbed, razor sharp silver sword. “You wish to destroy The Coin...?” came a voice out of it that was even lower than a Gurt Dog’s. Max was staring wildly at the apparition, but somehow managed to nod. “Then you must destroy me, for I am The Coin!” Max ducked the first sword swipe, astonishingly fast for one so big, but one of the guards didn’t, and fell instantly dead. “What is this?!” yelled Vespasian as he managed to parry a second blow, before leaping out of the bed chamber and into the Hall proper. “Never mind what it is!” yelled Max, as he and the others followed the General, fleeing the demon soldier. “If you want to live, you’ll have to help us kill it!” More soldiers ran into the Great Hall now, until many dozens surrounded the Demon. No match for the Demon’s lightening quick sword work, they fell as quickly as they arrived. Vespasian now ran up behind the Demon as it was occupied with two of his men and ran it through with his sword. Nothing happened. The Demon merely turned toward Vespasian and laughed. “You cannot kill me!” it yelled, pointing its sword at Max and Myvi. “Only they can kill me!” “I think we’re in trouble,” said Max, hugging his sword to his chest. “You may be right,” said Myvi, instinctively ducking a blow from the Demon, memory of many fights now returning to her. She rolled across the floor, parrying another blow, before bringing her own blade up at its sword arm, but it went right through, with no effect. The Demon laughed again. “All they have to do is work out how!” But now Myvi was pointing at Max’s sword. “Max! Your sword! It’s glowing!” The Demon growled low now, backing away as Max advanced towards it, his now glowing sword held out in front. He just hoped he could remember how to do this. “How did you get it to glow?” said Myvi. “I think I must have touched it against The Brooch!” said Max, slashing at the Demon, but the Demon slashed back, heavily, again and again, forcing Max to desperately parry time after time before falling to the ground. The Demon advanced on him now, and put its sword to his throat. “You cannot beat me,” growled the Demon. “The Coin is not for destroying!” “Oh yes it is!” yelled Myvi, and before the Demon knew what was happening, with one movement she touched her sword to The Brooch then brought it up fast, taking the Demon’s head clean off its shoulders. The blast of sound and light this time knocked everyone to their feet, but then receded, and faded to nothing. After a moment, Max leant up on one elbow, looked around, then felt in his pocket. The Coin was gone.
August 12, 2015
Review: By the Stars
By the Stars by Jessica Marie BaumgartnerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
After being lucky enough to win the ebook of By the Stars by Jessica Marie Baumgartner--courtesy of a giveaway hosted by her publisher, European Geeks Publishing--I devoured this book! Fans of space travel stories won't want to miss this first book in the Embracing Entropy series.
The Earth is dying, and a benevolent alien race known as the Cih'lmarians has come to rescue the surviving remnants of humanity. Allie boards the main craft transporting them back to the Cih'lmarian homeworld along with her two young children, Maddie and Gwen. Allie's military husband, Adam, pilots the other craft bound for the distant planet that will become humanity's new home.
As Allie and her girls begin to settle into life aboard the spacecraft, they struggle with missing Earth and with missing Adam during their 3-month long voyage. Soon, Adam's ship is knocked off course, and communications with his craft are lost. Now, Allie must stay strong as they await word of the shuttlecraft and begin to build a new life that involves forming new friendships and assimilating with the culture of their alien benefactors.
This story was beautifully crafted, with very well-drawn characters and a rich alien culture that's unique from any other in fiction. I'm super excited to discover what's next for Allie and her family in the sequel!
View all my reviews
