Zora Marie's Blog, page 8

​Review of Ten Lives (The Respawn Saga Book 1)

I’m giving this one a solid 4 stars.

The first thing I notice about this book is how it starts. The descriptions are excellent but the story is interrupted by additional descriptive words and repetition. If you can get past chapter one the writing gets better and the story pulls you in. You just have to get past that first little chapter to get there.

The rest of the story is extremely good. For being on the shorter side this book is very descriptive with characters you can truly relate to. The characters face internal and external troubles that resonate with you while also including those action packed fighting scenes that most people crave. There are a few typos here and there, but not many.

Overall, if you are willing to trudge through the first chapter and forgive a few typos then this is an excellent read.

I can’t wait to see where Christian Terry takes Mike and Lou next!

If you’re interested in reading this book click here!

Interview with Norman Turrell

Zora Marie (ZM)- Thank you for joining us today Norman Turrell. So, mind sharing what you do?

Norman Turrell (NT)- I think you mean work, but I refuse to be identified by what I do to earn cash

Indian Mythology : The Story of Durga

Indian mythology is full of stories of love, courage and bravery that have been handed down from one generation to another. As a child, I remember spending many evenings listening to my grandmother and gazing at her in wonder as she told us stories of powerful gods and evil demons; many of these tales form the basis of festivals that are celebrated today.

One such tale is that of the goddess Durga and her battle over the evil Mahisasura. According to legend, there once lived a demon king, Mahisasura, who was half human and half buffalo. In his quest for immortality, he prayed to Lord Brahma, who offered him a boon. With a wicked gleam in his eye, the king said, “I wish that no man or god should be able to kill me.” This meant that he could only die at the hands of a woman, which he believed was impossible. Lord Brahma granted him the boon and Mahisasura deemed himself invincible.

The power went to his head, and he waged war on earth, beginning a reign of terror that left destruction in its wake. He then set his eyes on the heavens and even displaced the gods. Terrified, they ran to Lord Brahma who realized, to his great dismay, the terrible implications of his boon. But he knew a way out! Realizing that only a woman could destroy Mahisasura, he teamed up with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva to create a powerful, blinding light, from which emerged the powerful ten-armed goddess, Durga, the embodiment of strength. The gods gave her their favorite weapons and the goddess went to war. After a long and fearful battle, she destroyed Mahisasura and fulfilled the prophecy that he would meet his fate at the hands of a woman.

 

This victory of good over evil is widely celebrated as Durga Puja or Pujo in October when it is said that Durga visits her maternal home.  This five day festival, brings entire cities to life and the best place to witness this first hand is inKolkata, which opens its arms to thousands of visitors every year, all eager to be a part of the massive celebrations. For weeks leading up to ‘Pujo’, talented artisans create idols of the goddess, who will eventually reside in pandals (grand, temporary structures that are constructed throughout the city), for the duration of the festival. On the first day, Shashti, the excitement is palpable as the idols are unveiled and the city reverberates with the sound of the dhaak (drum). Young and old, rich and poor, decked in their finest, gather in these pandals and for the next few days, friends and perfect strangers get together to partake in the festivities and invoke blessings from the goddess. Delicious food, music, cultural programs are hallmarks of this festival and as the last day, known as Bijoya Dashami,approaches, one cannot help but feel a twinge of sadness as the goddess starts her journey home and we must wait for another year for next year’s Pujo.

Growing up in India, this was a festival I looked forward to all year and it formed a huge part of my childhood. I was looking for a way to introduce this and other Indian festivals to my little girl…what started off as a poem eventually led to my first book, ‘Celebrate Durga Puja With Me!‘, part of the series ‘From The Toddler Diaries’.

You can read all about Durga Puja in my book, here. 

I would love to connect with you!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Toddler_Diaries

Thank you for sharing with us Shoumi Sen! It was a pleasure to have you!

“Traitor Among Us”

Today we have author Nicole Aube with an exclusive bonus scene from An Orleans Exodus.
“Traitor Among Us”

An Orleans Exodus Bonus Scene

I twiddle my thumbs as I sit waiting patiently as any good Ward should. Back straight. Facing forward. Pleasant expression upon my face. That, in the end, is what makes us different from the Quarters. We can suffer anything with a smile.

My name is Hope Newsome, by the way.  I’m the twenty-seven-year-old liaison to the head of the Name Acquisition Program himself, the esteemed Ramsey Farreaux.  I have been privileged to work alongside him for eleven years now as his loyal and trustworthy assistant.  He names it, I do it, and my obedience has brought me in close proximity to some of the amazing things to come to Orleans in my lifetime: the building of the NAP Tower, the new construction at the Wall, and the highest participant numbers enrolling in our NAP chapter’s history! It’s an exciting time to be a Ward, and I am proud to be tasked to help the masses better understand the heart of our handsome leader. 

The door behind me opens, and I turn to see Ward Farreaux enter with his son, Job.  If I were ten years younger, Job would own my heart, but I know I am not the only Ward woman to notice his beauty.  Unlike his father, Job is fair and blonde, but Ramsey is also striking in a white robe that drapes over the muscular build remaining from his days as a Quarter and bronze skin that shines as if it once enjoyed the sun.

“Hope,” Ramseydrones with a nod in my direction.

“Sir,” I say. My thumbs stop their nervous movement, and I pick up my notebook and pen.  “Job.”

“Hello, Ward Newsome,” Job says and lowers a lithe frame into a chair beside his father.  “As always, it is a pleasure to see you.”

He smiles, and I blush.  Ramsey clears his throat and gestures to my paper.

“This is nonsense, Hope,” he declares, dark eyes serious. “The Wards know who I am. They respect me.  More importantly, most fear me. Why all this fuss about a press release then?”

“Sir,” I say and add a placating smile, “our latest polls are such that your approval in the Quarter is less than twenty-five percent. With unrest growing in the flooded part of the city, we—your publicity team, I mean—believe that making you more personable to the Quarters could do well to continue the increase in enrollees we’ve seen the last few years. And, too, maybe it will help the rumblings behind the Wall settle down a bit.”

“Oh, let us be entirely honest, Hope. You want to make my father more likeable to the unwashed masses,” Job says, a smirk brightening his startling blue eyes.

I look away to the table.  “Yes, exactly, Job,” I agree. “But, sir, with all due respect, you are a powerful man.  The position you hold is an intimidating one, and the Quarters don’t relate to you.”

My eyes flick up to find Ramsey running a long finger over his chin. Our eyes lock, and he shows me a rare grin.

“Fine,” he says.  “If you think it will help my so-called ‘bad’ reputation, proceed.  But Hope, you are limited to five questions. Do you understand? So choose wisely.”

Job snickers beside his father, and Ramsey throws him a look that could make flowers wilt.  I flip through the pages and pages of questions I’ve prepared for this interview, and none seem appropriate enough to complete the job I’ve been given.  I feel panic dry my mouth, and I cough.  The braid over my shoulder feels like a noose, so I grab it and toss it behind me.

“Well?” Ramsey prompts. “I don’t have all day.”

I feel both his and Job’s gazes on me. It’s now or never. What image do I want the Quarters to have painted for them of the man I serve day in and day out, theRamsey Farreaux? I have no idea. They’ll never understand what I see when I look at him.

So, I ask the first thing that pops into my mind.  “What is your favorite color?”

Ramsey groans and crosses arms over his wide chest, his immense presence filling the room.  “That’s what you drug me in here for? My favorite color, Hope?”

Job sighs and turns to his father.  “You said five questions, Father. Shouldn’t number one be the easiest of them all, a warm-up, perhaps?”

I telepath my thanks to Job for the explanation of my reasoning and ready my pen over the paper.  “Sir?”

Ramsey rolls eyes to the ceiling then his chin drops to his chest.  “Blue,” he mutters, and I almost miss it.

“Blue?” I repeat.

“Blue,” he barks.  “Next question.”

I stifle a giggle.  I’ve never seen the stoic Ramsey so put out over a single syllable.  Job and I share a glance, and he has a hand pressed to his mouth, probably holding back laughter, too.

“When you were a little boy, what did you want to be as an adult?”

“That is an easy one,” Ramsey says, waving a hand to dismiss me.  “I wanted to be a king over a glorious domain full of minions to do my bidding.”

I stop writing at his candor. “You do not mean that literally, sir. Do you?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Ramsey says.  He spreads his arms wide.  “Do you see what I’ve accomplished in my time as General Operating Director, Hope? I’m so very close to making that dream come true.”

“At the expense of us all,” Job murmurs.  Ramsey glares at him, but I quickly record his response and decide it’s best to move on from the current line of questioning. I’ve seen these two become physical with one another over Ramsey’s desire to strengthen NAP’s grasp on the city, and now isn’t the time or place for that to happen again.

“What is your biggest fear?” I ask, my eyes dancing between father and son to measure the tension.  Ramsey exhales loudly and runs a hand over his bald head.  Job leans away and keeps his eyes to the floor.

“If I have to answer this one, I would say my biggest fear is mediocrity.  I hope I never have to hear someone say that I could have done something better.  I want to be the most gifted person in the room, the best G.O.D. in NAP’s history—I wantto be the brightest star burning in the sky.” When he finishes, Ramsey slams a fist against the table and leans back into the chair, as if he wasn’t aware he pushed forward during his speech.

I smile because that is the man I know.  “And you will have it, sir.  I feel it in my bones.”

“Thank you, Hope,” Ramsey says, nodding, seeming to have settled from Job’s remark. He flicks his pointer and middle fingers into the air.  “Two more questions.”

I return his nod.  “What is your biggest accomplishment?”

“Aside from the obvious?” Ramsey asks, and I’m not sure if he’s speaking rhetorically.  “My biggest accomplishment is what I’ve brought to Orleans—a sense of peace and purpose to those who trust me to lead them.”

Job’s lashes flutter, and his cheeks flush pink.  His shoulders slump, blond waves swarm his shoulders, and he looks, for want of a better word, hurt.

“Sir, would you like to include something personal in your list of achievements, such as successfully raising, as a single father no less, a son to be the next G.O.D.?”

Without hesitation, Ramsey proclaims, “No.”

Something in my stomach pinches, and I’m suddenly very sad for Job. Then following, without my permission, is an incredibly unsettling sense of disloyalty to Ramsey. It originates from the fact I am now thinking he may be something less than the stellar man I believe him to be. I know the lie isn’t true, but I can’t help but feel it—the doubt, the uncertainty.  And as a Ward, emotions are both unwelcome and unsettling. As a result, I feel myself begin to shut down.

“I think that will be all for today, sir,” I whisper.

A chair screeches across the tile, and Ramsey’s boots thud as he makes his way to the door.  “I want to see a mock-up of this promotional material on my desk first thing tomorrow morning.  And, Hope?”

“Yes?” I ask without looking back at him.

“Make sure the photo you use has me from in profile.  You know how much the light loves my left side.”

With that, the door slams, and I am left with Job across the table from me.

“I am sorry, Hope,” he says.  “You know how he can be at his worst, but today has been a good day.”

“You do not need to apologize.  I am used to it.  Nothing will make me do less than my best at my job, though.”

A cool hand covers mine, and I look up to see Job smiling at me.  My heart skips a little, and I swallow.

“You have one question left, yes? Ask me,” he says.

“Are you sure?” I say and pull my hand back to retrieve my pen.

“Absolutely,” Job says.  “I have a few minutes.”

“All right,” I say and pick the first from the many I’d prepared for Ramsey.  “If you could add anything else to Orleans to make it the ideal city, what would it be?”

Job clasps hands in his lap and takes time considering the answer.  His eyes float to the door then back to me.  “Must it be something in addition to what exists? Could it possibly be something of which we suffer too much?”

I twist the pen in my fingers.  “I had not thought of it that way, but I suppose.”

“Will my answer remain in your confidence?” Job asks, a hint of desperation to his voice.

I am a Ward. Most do not have the ability to lie, but I do. I cannot tell you how Ramsey has exempted me from the rule, but he has. The use of my dishonesty is one of the many ways I prove my allegiance to him time and time again. And it’s because of his intervention in my life that I will remain loyal to him, no matter the doubts I might have.

“Of course, Ward Farreaux,” I say.  “Please, know that you can trust me.”

“Then,” Job says quietly, “I would remove my father.  That last thing our city needs is more Ramsey Farreaux. He is a curse upon us all.”

My jaw hangs open as Job rises from the seat.  All six feet, two inches of him tower over me, and his blue eyes burn into mine.

“Your loyalty to my father comes with very dangerous consequences, Hope,” Job warns.  “Be careful trusting him with your life as you so clearly do.”

Job moves around the table, and I hear the door close behind me.  If Job himself fears his father’s reign, I have no reason to doubt Ramsey any longer. At once, feeling restored to my former self, I scramble to writedown all that Job’s said; then, I rip the paper from the pad.  I slip it into my pocket and decide to pay Ramsey a visit earlier than tomorrow morning.

We have a traitor among us, and he is none other than Ramsey’s son.

 

You can find An Orleans Exodus on Amazon but clicking here!

Or check out Nicole Aube’s website here: www.nicoleaube.com

Shiva XIV

Shiva XIV (Book One of The Shiva XIV Series) by Lyra Shanti

4 out of 5 Stars!

While Siva XIV was interesting from the beginning, it didn’t demand my attention until I was about 30% of the way through it. But right around that 30% mark it hooked me and wouldn’t let me go.

Without giving too much away, Lyra Shanti weaved an interesting and compelling story that’s bursting with emotion and set in a distant and complex universe of its own. Her world and character building is incredible, she gives just enough information about the cultures to feel as though they are real without subsequently bogging you down with all the boring information and each character is unique in its own right.

As for the reasons behind me giving this one four instead of five out of five stars. There’s just a bit too much head hopping going on inside each scene, I know it can be hard as I too am guilty at times, but picking one point of view for each scene would have made this a stronger book. Overall, the biggest drawback for me was that it was a bit slow to get started. I think the back-story could have been conveyed a bit quicker so as to push us forward to the point where our attention is truly captured. One minor thing that caught my attention was that there were a few punctuation errors towards the middle of the novel (no, I’m not counting off on that as it’s just something that happens).

With all that said, this book truly is a good read and once I get my stack hacked back a bit I hope to pick up The Veil of Truth, the next book in the series.

Zora’s Interviews

Learn more about Zora Marie and Zelia in their interviews~

Pukah Works (What tips would you pass along to other up-and-coming authors?)

The Protagonist Speaks (Zelia’s interview)

The Antrim Cycle (New Release Post) 

The Write Styles (Author Interview)



Thanks again to the blogs that were so kind as to have me as a guest!

Lucinda Moebius

Author Name: Lucinda Moebius

What is your chosen genre, and why?

I don’t really have a chosen genre. I love the written word and write in whatever genre I feel most inspired to write at the time. Currently I have published Science Fiction, Paranormal, Literary Fiction, Self-Help Nonfiction, Poetry and Children’s Concept books.

I have plans to write Fantasy, horror and intrigue, if and when the inspiration hits. The story concepts are written down; I just haven’t outlined the story yet.

Name of your most current book, and if it’s a series, what is the series title and how many volumes are anticipated?

30 Days Stream of Consciousness: Abduction



Although by the time this blog tour is finished I will probably have published: 30 Days Stream of Consciousness: Fire and Ice: A Romance.

This is a series of books based on my blog. I set up a character, setting and basic situation and then blog from that characters POV for 30 days. At the end of 30 days I do a quick edit, add a few more chapters throughout the story and then publish the book.

I will write until someone makes me stop or until I get bored with the idea. Or unless my other novels take precedence.

I have two series in progress right now. One is a Science Fiction Family Saga and the other is a paranormal thriller series.

Summary for your most current book.

Stream of consciousness refers to the practice of writing down ideas as they come into your head. The conventions of grammar and appropriateness of language is usually ignored when using this literary technique. For those of you who cringe at the misplaced metaphor, or the comma splice, or the occasionally correctly spelled wrong word so frequently seen in this day of spell-check reliability, don’t worry there are a lot more things in here to worry about. Concern yourself with where you are and who might be watching you as you go about your life. Wonder if reality is everything it seems to be.

A word of caution to the easily offended: some of the topics discussed by the voices may not be acceptable in mixed company. When you deal with reality like this it is important to allow the voice freedom.

Who is your favorite character in the story?

There is only one character, the protagonist. We don’t see any other POV. I must say that I was surprised by the way this particular book evolved. I did not plan for the character to change as much as he did in the story. That’s the joy of stream of consciousness. My other writing is planned at outlined to the final page. These stories just kind of grow where they are planted.

What inspired you to write it?

I write because I have to. There is no other reason. I need to have the creative outlet to let the voices play and evolve. Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me if no one else ever reads my writing. I love to watch the words spill out onto the page and weave themselves into the magic of a story.

Do you have a newsletter or blog?

I have two blogs.

30 Days Stream of Consciousness: http://30daysofconsciousness.blogspot.com/

Your Next Favorite Author:  http://mynextfavoriteauthor.blogspot.com/

What other places can we find you?

Twitter: https://twitter.com/?lang=en

Do you have a website?

www.mywritersplace.com

I also blog on this site. This is my book coaching blog. I use it to offer advice on writing, publishing and marketing.

Check out the rest of Lucinda Moebius’s tour at the following links:

JENNA WHITTAKER’S AUTHOR BLOG

Melissa Robitille’s Blog

The Antrim Cycle

PukahWorks

Author Interview with E.J Bennett

Today I have E.J Bennett here from across the pond, aka the UK. You might have noticed that I reviewed one of her books a while back, so once you’re done here you should hop on over and check that out by clicking here! 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written?

I am a mother of two young children a girl aged five and a boy aged two. Due to my little boy being born with a bilateral cleft lip and no palate I did not have time to work. I wrote my first book My little brother through the eyes of my daughter to give children more information and a better understanding of the condition. I then went on to write two more books in a series The seasonal fairies. I have now just realized my first fantasy novel Secrets of the mind.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

The name of my latest book is Secrets of the mind. I love reading Fantasy and supernatural books and thought I would give it ago. The love of books inspired me to write my own book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

I just write when I have the time, one habit I have is I start my book get to chapter 2 or 3 and then start taking notes. I never seem to stick to the notes my characters always have other ideas and take me where they want to go.

What authors, or books have influenced you?

The authors that have influenced me are Chanda Hahn with her unfortunate fairy tale series. I am a sucker for fairy tales. W.J May I enjoy her The chronicles of Kerrigan. I have many authors I enjoy reading and find it hard to pick a few who have influenced me.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on book 2 in my Secrets series, Secrets of the soul.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?

I usually promote my books on social media and I am yet to find a good website to promote. I think word of mouth is working well at the minute.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

My advice to new writers would be to keep writing there will be days where you think your writing sucks, just keep writing. Everyone’s first draft sucks when it comes to rewrites and edits your story will take shape and become better. Remember to do your research.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

The best advice I have heard is it is better to write a load of rubbish than write nothing at all you can always go back and cut out the rubbish later at times that rubbish could become vital to your story.

What are you reading now?

I am reading the second book in the Shiva series by Lyra Shanti. The story is intriguing set in a cosmic universe. I am trying a bit of Sci-fi to expand my reading from Fantasy.

What’s next for you as a writer?

The next step for me is to finish book 2 Secrets of the soul then onto promoting.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?

This one is a hard one. I love many books but I think I would take three of Virginia Andrews books and revisit my teenage years.

You can learn more about E.J Bennett and her books by clicking here!

Secrets of the Mind

Five Stars!!!

This is an absolutely riveting read that keeps you on your toes!

Going from an orphaned girl with no memory of her past to being drug off to a far away land by a women claiming to be her grandmother. One being in this new land that finds himself drawn to her, but every time they see each other he has to start again as her mind has been wiped clean time and time again. If this sounds like something that would interest you then take a trip with Kayla as she struggles to wrap her head around her new surroundings and her forgotten past. I could say more, but you know, I’m not one to spoil any surprises.

E.J Bennett has even started setting up her own website! Check it out here!

UPDATE! We just landed an interview with E.J Bennett, check it out here! 

Thank you for reading!

Book Launch/Party!

Free of Asenten

http://zoramarie.weebly.com/blog/book...

Exciting news! I am OFFICIALLY launching my novel Zelia the Phoenix of Hope: Free of Asenten July 28! It is actually already available on Amazon, but this will give you an opportunity to learn more about the book, characters, and give you a chance to win some cool prizes.
 
Find the book launch and giveaways here https://www.facebook.com/events/1275890145754928/
 
EVERYONE is welcome to come join in on the games. You might even win a FREE e-book from me or another author! So come check it out and share it with your friends!
 
A bit about what will be going on:
-A few of the characters from Zelia the Phoenix of Hope: Free of Asenten will be stopping by for interviews where you, the audience, can ask them questions.
-There will be a contest to name an ancient power that I have yet to officially name (not only will you win something but, if you choose too, I will mention you in the acknowledgments of Book 2 to the series!).
-There will be a storytelling game where I’ll post two words and everyone stops by and comments with two words to form a story! (The story might even be featured here on the blog at a later date.)
-And more so be sure to stop by and share it with your friends!
 
There will also be links to some of my interviews with other blogs posted in the description so you can learn a bit more about me. ;)
 
Thank you,