Steve Stred's Blog, page 93
March 8, 2019
New Novella by Kevin J. Kennedy and Christina Bergling. Grab a FREE Copy Now!
I was scrolling through the lovely land of Facebook this morning, sometimes that really is a lovely land, and I came to a post by my friend Steve Stred who was sharing a book review. I like to see what Steve’s been up to, and he always writes wonderful, honest reviews. Check out Steve’s review for Screechers by Kevin J. Kennedy and Christina Bergling on the Kendall Reviews site.
While I was thinking about how cool this story sounds, I see that the novella is FREE March 8th, 9th, and 10th! I immediately snagged this freebie.
Get yours here:
Here’s the synopsis:
“In the apocalyptic fallout of the burned world, the screecher is a massive beast evolved to kill and built for survival. One screecher abandons its home among the crushed remnants of a city and moves to explore the wider world. Unbeknownst to it, one of its surviving…
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It’s Only Been a Week?
Friday! We made it! Just barely right?
Hope you’re all doing well. We’re under a snow fall warning today in Edmonton. Received 5 cms of snow over night and supposed to get another 5-6 this morning. At least its warmed up to -10 Celsius!
So, I got a couple things to run through today quickly! The first is – it’s only been a week since The Girl Who Hid in the Trees came out!!?? Only a week! What the heck. I thought it was about a month ago already haha! The response has been so awesome!
If you were one of the kind folks who read it for review before the release date, I’d really love it if you could take a few minutes and post your reviews on Amazon/Bookbub etc!!
If you haven’t snagged it yet;
Secondly – I actually have a NEW paperback out! Surprising right haha! It’s nothing I’ve announced or anything, it’s more to help my friend Rob Derman out once again.
Dim the Sun, which was an ebook only release initially, is now available in physical form!
As you may have heard, the Calgary sliding track appears to be closing forever. For more info, click the link;
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/winsport-luge-track-closure-1.5041238
This is where Rob has relocated to train and with it closing he has some tough decisions to make. Move to Whistler? Move to Park City, Utah or to Lake Placid to slide and train. Train in Calgary and commute to Whistler to slide? Lots of very tough choices.
Dim the Sun was released as a way to raise some funds for him – and it’s done OK. I think part of that is it’s a poetry collection, which doesn’t interest everyone, and partly because it was only digital. So I’ve now made it a physical release, so here’s hoping it gets some love!
Keep watching this space as we’re figuring out a time to get together and sign some releases. We’ll have 5 only with both of our signatures and will then be offered up to raise funds for Rob.
What I’m Reading;
Train Thoughts – Jay Sigler. Really digging this one so far.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39723498-train-thoughts
Then It Fell Apart – Moby. Love his music, hearing the backstories from when Play was released has been awesome.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41826893-then-it-fell-apart
The Dark Game – Jonathan Janz. Feel like I’ve been reading this forever, but not in a bad way. Stunning.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42762686-the-dark-game
Reviews;
Normally this is where I’d give you some links to what I’ve recently reviewed. Switching it up a bit. Recently I’ve been contacted by a few folks about reviewing their work and it was mentioned I don’t have a “review policy” section on here. So now I do!
https://stevestredauthor.wordpress.com/review-requests/
What I’m Jamming;
I think most people know that this week Keith Flint, one of the members of The Prodigy tragically took his own life. The Prodigy has been one of my fav bands since I first discovered them back when Fat of the Land came out. So naturally I’ve been jamming them a bunch. While their song ‘Wild Frontier’ is my fav The Prodigy song, I wanted to share two others. The first, is of course, the song that arguably turned them and Flint into mega-stars.
Firestarter;
The second, I’d call my second fav The Prodigy song.
Omen;
I’ve been jamming a few other bands a bunch lately as well.
Lamb of God – Blacken the Cursed Son.
I think I’ve seen LoG 5 or 6 times now, and had the pleasure of working crowd-control for them at an in-store signing back in the day at Scrape Records in Vancouver. ‘Ashes of the Wake’ came out 15 years ago and I’ve been crushing that album almost daily. But I’ve been listening to the follow-up ‘Sacrament’ just as much. This is my fav song on that album, and watching it performed live is an experience.
Amon Amarth – Runes to My Memory
Another fantastic band that I’ve been listening to a bunch lately has been Amon Amarth, and more specifically their ‘With Oden on My Side’ album. I met Johan the singer at a meet and greet, also at Scrape and showed him my Runes to My Memory tattoo. He couldn’t believe it and I was very humbled with his gratitude. I’ve only seen them live I think three times, but I need to see them a bunch more!
In Closing;
Normally I’d also talk about what I’m working on and what’s up in life, but nothings really changed there! I have about four projects I’m working on, as well as I’ve just started gathering bits and pieces towards another poetry collection.
Life has been hectic with a growing toddler. Can’t wait for Spring and getting outside more! Maybe by then I’ll have finally kicked this lingering cold or whatever I’m constantly battling.
I’ll be doing a few contests coming up as well, so keep your ears to the ground for that, and soon my first column of Tunes From the Crypt will be unleashed on Kendall Reviews!
PS:
I would be a total self-adsorbed douche if I didn’t mention that it was International Women’s Day! On top of this, yesterday was also World Book Day. So go buy some books from your fav Women Authors and support some fabulous artists!
Steve
March 1, 2019
The Day After
Happy March 1st, 2019!
Now that 60 days of January are over we get on with our best year ever right!??
Yesterday was such a fantastic day.
Why?
Because The Girl Who Hid in the Trees officially came out!
When I first announced the release and then had it up for pre-release sooo far in advance, I had specific marketing intentions. I think they worked out pleasantly, but along the way some other things occurred and frankly it made me thankful that I had a buffer built in.
To everyone who pre-ordered it, snagged a copy yesterday, liked, shared, retweeted or messaged – THANK YOU!!!
If you haven’t snagged it yet… well here’s the Amazon US link! 
February 28, 2019
Release Day!
IT HAS ARRIVED!
Today is the official release day for my new coming-of-age, urban legend novella The Girl Who Hid in the Trees!! This is my 8th release (not counting my kids stuff) and I feel like I’m really truly hitting my stride.
I am so excited. This one was a story that struck me in the head and I threw it down quickly. That might explain why most people can read it in about an hour!
Haven’t snagged it yet!
US Link (ebook and paperback available!)
I stretched out the pre-orders a bit longer than normal for this one, as I wanted to try a few different things to promote it and so far it looks like it worked!
One thing I did was offering up the free four story PDF. Haven’t snagged that? It’s right here!
To everyone who already snagged both, thank you so much!
If you want to see what folks are thinking about the release so far, head here;
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43255766-the-girl-who-hid-in-the-trees
So welcome to the world officially, The Girl Who Hid in the Trees.
May you bring joy and terror to all who it you!
Steve
February 22, 2019
One Week!
Happy Friday friends!
Today’s blog is brought to you by the one week countdown until The Girl Who Hid in the Trees unleashes!!! (Technically it drops next Thursday but… oh well!)
This week has been a fantastic showing of love for the book, which I wasn’t expecting at all! Even though I’m a member of the Kendall Review team and consider Gavin a good friend, I had no idea that not one but TWO reviews of TGWHitT was going to be featured!
Interview #1 by Miranda!
http://kendallreviews.com/the-girl-who-hid-in-the-trees-steve-stred-kendall-review/
Interview #2 by D.K!
http://kendallreviews.com/the-girl-who-hid-in-the-trees-steve-stred-kendall-review-2/
Blown away!
Recently Becca also featured TGWHitT as well!
https://beccaleighanne.com/the-girl-who-hid-in-the-trees-arc-review/
How amazing is that! They all gave some great feedback!
I tweeted about what I was going to be featuring here this week, so I’m going to stick to the script!
How are pre-orders going?
A-MAHHHH-ZING! I’m shocked! We in the indie horror game typically don’t talk/discuss/reveal numbers of sales. But I like to be up front with you all and keep you abreast! I have the book listed for $2.99, which is where I like to price all my Novellas. I find it’s a very nice, non-aggressive number! Less than a cup of coffee some say!
Anyways, from that $2.99 I get $2.07 from each sale. If you recall, all proceeds from this release are going to my good friend and fellow author Justin M. Woodward mom and her battle against cancer. This morning we hit 40 pre sales!!!! I’m so excited! Truthfully, even if you ordered my book simply to support them, that’s so greatly appreciated!!!
If you haven’t here is the US Amazon link!
As for paperbacks – they’ve been formatted, and will officially be out for the release date, but if you’re a keen shopper/book type person, you may be able to find them already… hint hint.
I also dropped by Kendall Reviews for another follow up interview!
What I’m working on;
No real updates here.
The Stranger – copy edits happening now, out with a sensitive reader for beta-reading
Ritual – 75% done rewrites
What I’m reading;
[image error]
Reading four books right now!
The Dark Game – Jonathan Janz. So, so good!
A God in the Shed – J-F Dubeau. Simply stunning!
Crow Shine – Alan Baxter. This is a short story collection and each story so far has been so good!
Beyond the Black Gate – Joseph Sale. I’m beta-reading this for an April release and I’m actually doing my second read through. Sale is amazing!
Tactful review responses;
I just wanted to share a quick story here about reviews. Every single review is a gift. Someone has read your work and either loved it, hated it or was disinterested. Every response is OK. Last year I gave an author a two star review and a no star review (same author of both.) They messaged me and thanked me for the constructive criticism.
When I released Left Hand Path, I was proud of it. I loved the stories. Unfortunately the editing SUCKED! A few 1 and 2 star reviews brought this too my attention. I thanked the people, unpublished it, had someone re-edit it and re-released it.
That is how 1 and 2 star reviews can help authors become better!
I always thank people for their reviews. As many people say – “reviews are for readers not authors,” but in some cases they can help us be better!
New Kendall Reviews Monthly Column;
As you all know, I’m a member of the Kendall Reviews review team. I submit probably 95% of my reviews there for featuring. After chatting with Gavin, we’ve come up with an idea for me to do a monthly column that’s essentially a music playlist from what I’ve been listening too during my writing sessions. I feature stuff here each week, but that will be completely separate and don’t expect crossover. I’ll do my best to keep things fresh!
Tentative column title – “Tunes From the Crypt.”
Which brings me to what I’m currently listening too!
This last few weeks have seen me focusing on a few projects, and as you know, I like my releases bleak and sad. So that’s typically reflected in what I’m jamming with.
First up is a band that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing and meeting!
Gojira. They recently released a professional, full length concert performance and it crushes!
I have another live video for you as well!
God Seed – Sign of an Open Eye/Awake
God Seed rose from the ashes of the Gorgoroth name dispute to release an amazing studio album as well as a live album. This performance always makes me want to live in a cave and drink from a skull.
Type O Negative – In Praise of Bacchus
Now if you’re thinking about sad, depressing but phenomenal music, Type O Negative is usually at the top of the list. In Praise of Bacchus is probably my favourite TON song.
Solstafir – Fjara
I’m new to the Solstafir world, but these guys are just haunting. Hailing from Iceland, they started as a black metal outfit before morphing into this post-rock atmospheric sorrow band. Stunning. Love it.
Lastly;
What’s up in life!?
Things are super busy, as it always is for all of us. Auryn has been enjoying his soccer sessions and over the last few days he’s started to count to five on his own and identify so many colors and vehicles. Its so awesome to see!
We also have a dog that we love dearly, OJ and we’re both probably guilty of us not sharing his photos enough!
OJ is turning 9 in October. He’s an American Bulldog who we adopted and we love him too pieces. He suffered a spinal stroke about 6 years ago. He jumped off our bed and ruptured his spine losing the ability to use his back legs. We did extensive rehab with him to get him walking again! His only real side effect that he has is the loss of the ability to jump high and a constant shake if he stands for any period of time! His resilience during his recovery was so inspiring and his trips to aqua therapy and his time in the pool became a thing of legend!
[image error] Sorry for the blurry photo but he was licking me like crazy!
That’s it for this week!
Thanks as always for checking this blog out!
Steve
February 19, 2019
Four Dark Tales
Hey friends! Apologies, I had an extended long weekend, so I didn’t do a blog post on Friday!
So – if you missed the announcement, click through to download your FREE pdf of Four Dark Tales!
https://stevestredauthor.wordpress.com/2019/02/19/book-review-the-red-labyrinth/
Book Review: The Red Labyrinth
3.5/5
One of the first movies I remember watching when I was a kid was Labyrinth from Jim Henson. The fantasy tale starring Jennifer Connelly as Sarah and David Bowie as the goblin King Jareth gripped me from the start. I was about 8 or 9 when I first saw it and since that fateful first viewing, I’ve probably watched it over 1000 times. Also since that fateful first viewing, I’ve easily been intrigued by any movie or book that focuses on labyrinths.
Which brings me to The Red Labyrinth.
I’m a newer Net Galley person, and I thank the author, publisher and website for sending me an ARC copy to review. I still feel such a rush and it’s such a privilege to be approved to review a book.
I typically don’t read many YA releases, but over the last number of years, I’ve become more intrigued with the burgeoning genre. Mix in some sci-fi and fantasy and I knew I’d enjoy this tale. The cover art hooked me and I couldn’t wait to delve into it.
I found Meredith to be a deft story teller. She laid out the basic premise of this post-apocalyptic world quickly and efficiently and I believed in the “new way” of life rapidly. The town they live in has two types of people, Skilled and Blanks. Skilled have powers, physical abilities that allow them to do different things. Your number (1, 2, 3 etc) indicates how many Skills you’ve been born with. Blanks have none and are considered the low class citizens. They’re either tossed outside the border wall that surrounds the town or they’re enslaved to work in the mines.
Zadie, the main character is a Blank. The story follows her as she tries to reconcile her past with her current life. She’s best friends with Limitless Landon, the towns golden boy. They’ve been friends for ages and it’s now bordering on love.
In the middle of the town lies the labyrinth. Myth has it that it was created to protect the Leader, who lives in the centre in his golden palace.
The Labyrinth is a mysterious fixture. Within is the character Dex who’s a monster and is blamed for the mindless blanks that return to the town after entering for one reason or another.
The story gets going after the town is held hostage by some new arrivals and Landon goes missing. Zadie decides to enter the Labyrinth and hopes Dex will help her get to the palace in order to save her mom, sister and Landon.
The story starts to lose some of its luster the further along we go through the labyrinth. It’s clear this story was written to be a part of a longer story arc, I’m assuming a trilogy, and Tate gives us bits and pieces of character back story as it goes, compelling us to continue reading and getting further into the tale.
The ending fell rushed and jumbled. As though everything we’ve read up to that point was undone within a few paragraphs and I was left angry and confused over this odd turn of events. I think it would’ve been better served overall to have ended the story when the palace comes into play and let the ideas after it be expanded upon in a second book.
As much as it fell apart at about the 75% mark, I still want to know what happens. I want to find out the resolution for these characters and find out just what the heck the end game is. That speaks to Tate’s character development and how invested I was able to get into this story.
Overall a decent introduction to this world, but I was left wanting more.
February 8, 2019
Cover reveal: 4 Dark Tales
Happy Friday friends! Today marks an exciting announcement!
It is three weeks until The Girl Who Hid in the Trees is officially unleashed!
Today I’m proud to announce the cover reveal for a special bonus I’m doing for all current fans, as well as though who are new to my work.
Here is the fantastic cover for 4 Dark Tales. This will be a FREE pdf download featuring 4 dark tales from me, which will be available next Friday exclusively at Kendall Reviews!
[image error]
The cover was once again created by my buddy Mason McDonald, who’s done a number of my covers now! (Wagon Buddy, YURI, Dim the Sun, Left Hand Path, Invisible and The Girl Who Hid in the Trees)
The pdf will feature the short story Eaten, which was included in the Dim the Sun dark poetry collection. It will also feature the three short stories included with The Girl Who Hid in the Trees release. I’m hoping by offering this up, more people will want to check out my work!
And as a friendly reminder, all pre-release proceeds are still going towards my friend Justin M. Woodward’s moms cancer treatment! Here is the direct link to her Go Fund Me;
https://www.gofundme.com/help-tonya-beat-stage-4-cancer
For full synopsis of each story, please check out the Good Reads link!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43564474-four-dark-tales
As well the pre-order link for US can be found here;
Now normally I do a bit about what I’m reading and what I’m up to, but I’m going to postpone that until next week. I’m getting over a bit of a cold and trying to play a bit of catch up at work!
Take care!
Steve
February 6, 2019
Book Review: The Girl Without Skin by Mads Peder Nordbo
I wanted so much more from this.
The cover intrigued me and the synopsis intrigued me. It had everything I wanted and more.
But it became a formulaic, paint-by-numbers thriller, which felt more like it was written from a movie storyboard than written to be read.
The story is straightforward – Matthew now resides in Nuuk, Greenland, after a horrific experience changed his life. He accepts a journalist position and begins to create a little life for himself. Then a discovery – the suspected mummified body of a viking.
Things begin to unravel quickly when the photographers studio is ransacked and the guard assigned to ensure the body isn’t moved is brutally murdered. Matthew learns that in 1973 similar murders had occurred as well and then story bounces back and forth.
The characters were decent, although I was thoroughly annoyed with the first interactions between Matthew and a specific female character, and I found that even though the book was translated to English, the prose had a nice flow to it, with limited odd phrases.
Overall, I think this book was written specifically with the hopes it would be adapted to film, and it lost some of its depth for me because of that.
3/5 Stars
Originally published on Goodreads;
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2669253175?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Book Review: Self Help by Al Snow
My entire childhood was based around spending weekends at my grandparents (who lived just down the street from us) and watching WWF. Back in those days we would start our wrestling day with some Canadian based All-Star Wrestling, then sit back and enjoy the superstars of the WWF.
I stayed a wrestling fan for many years, and stopped when the WWF (by then the WWE) purchased WCW and began to introduce some of their characters.
Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s curiosity, but I find myself devouring documentaries and biographies about a lot of the superstars from my wrestling watching days now. There were so many crazy antics behind the scenes, it blows my mind that they were even able to perform.
Which brings me to Al Snow’s biography Self Help.
This was a really fun read. I was never a fan of Al’s ‘Head’ gimmick personally, and I thought a number of times the gimmick went beyond the realm of “good taste” or beyond PG13. Saying that, he was always an incredibly talented performer and his battles with Mankind were amazing.
This book chronicles his journey from humble beginnings, trying to break into the business all the way through to the here and now.
Throughout Al pops in a number of life lessons that he learned along the way, which range from practical to hysterical. I found myself brought back to a time and place I loved, and reliving a number classic matches again.
I think this book will appeal to those who’ve loved wrestling their entire lives, the casual fan, and the non-fan. If you’re looking for a book about never giving up, believing in yourself and working your butt off to make your dreams come true, then you’ve found it!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC approval!
5/5 stars!
Original review can be found at;
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2673398259?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
