Linnea Tanner's Blog, page 44
March 6, 2019
Author Interview Uvi Poznansky
Uvi Poznansky, Author, Poet, and Artist
Introduction
It my pleasure to introduce, Uvi Poznansky, a USA TODAY, award-winning author. I’ve known Uvi since 2017, at which time she graciously invited me to interview with her as a debut author. Not only is Uvi a multi-talented artist, she actively supports other authors and hosts events with them.
Below is Uvi Poznansky’s biography, author interview, and contact information. Be sure to check out Uvi’s website and learn more about her projects and her collaborative opportunities with other authors.
Biography
Uvi Poznansky is a USA TODAY bestselling, award-winning author, poet and artist. “I paint with my pen,” she says, “and write with my paintbrush.” She writes across a variety of genres: literary fiction, historical fiction, romance, romantic suspense, spy thrillers, techno-thrillers, biblical fiction, poetry, horror, and children’s books.
Author Interview
Would you provide an overview of the Ash Suspense Thrillers with elements of suspense and romance? What was your inspiration for writing Book 2: Virtually Lace in the series?
I wrote Virtually Lace some years back and set it aside, because at the time I was too busy working as a computer scientist, raising a family, and developing my art. Set in the breath-taking scenery of Laguna Beach, the story addressed a simple question that occurred to me: As I walk at the beach at sunset, what would happen if I stumble across a body? Could I reproduce the events leading up to the murder using software? Could I pinpoint who the killer might be? And so, I opened with the words of my protagonist:
Even before Michael spotted the body, the idea of creating a simulation of the scene occurred to him. At sunset, the panoramic view of Laguna Beach was awe-inspiring. He wondered if he could render it convincingly in his model, the virtual reality model which he had been developing in the back of his garage for months, until the recent acquisition of his software by a military ops company.
Could beauty be taken apart without loss of emotional impact? Could its data be synthesized, somehow, into a lifelike experience? In short, could he apply his analytical skills to fool his own senses?
Virtually Lace Book Cover
Interestingly, book 1 in the series came later. In the process of updating the story for publication last year, i became very engaged with the character of Ash (Michael’s love interest) and she compelled me to explore what happened to her six months earlier. Hence, Coma Confidential.
Please provide an overview of your newest release?
Haunted by the memory of Lace, a beautiful dancer whose throat has been slit, Michael sets out to create a virtual reality simulation of her murder. Can he bring the mystery to life? Can he solve its clues in time, before the killer turns on the woman he loves, Ashley?
Suffering memory loss due to a horrific incident in her own past, Ash is unable to identify her attacker. Despite the persistent fear, she puts her life in danger. In a nail-biting twist, she draws out the man who killed Lace, so as to avenge her murder.
Meanwhile, the cops treat Michael as their prime suspect for the crime. The only reason they haven’t arrested him yet is an urgent call for their assistance in a rescue, as Laguna Beach is engulfed in flames. On his way back to the murder scene, will Michael manage to slip away from them and save his sweetheart, before it’s too late? And will he get the murderer?
What genres do you write?
As an artist create art in several mediums: I paint in ink, watercolor, and oil. I create sculptures in clay, paper, and bronze. So by the same token, as an author I write in several genres, always seeking to stretch the envelope. Even though my books can be categorized as different genres, I see all of them as literary fiction, because they are written through the eyes of the main character, and when you read them you will, in many ways, find a reflection of yourself.
Each of my three series is unique and different from the others: Still Life with Memories (the story of a family told in the 1980s and in WWII US, France, and London); The David Chronicles (about the youth, prime of life, and old age of one of the most fascinating characters in the history of ancient Israel); and Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance. I also wrote and illustrated children books, and created animations for them, one of which you can see HERE.
In addition to being an author, you have quite an interesting background in which you’ve been an architect, a software engineer, and an artist. How has your background influenced your writing?
Oh thank you Linnea for noticing! Like many of us, I have had a checkered past, so to speak… I earned my M.A. in Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and my M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, then worked at Philips Ultrasound developing software for medical devices. I think the diversity of my experiences allows me to derive ideas from a variety of sources and to view the world from many angles, which is important when I get into the skin of one of my characters and hop over to the skin of another one, finding the contrast between them and recording it in their dialogue.
How often do your characters surprise you by doing or saying something totally unexpected?
It happens quite often, because each character has a voice that I cannot control, and when they take over, watch out… Especially when they find themselves in dangerous situations and unfamiliar settings… I enjoy setting up an impossible obstacle and watch how my characters go through, under, or over it. For example, in Coma Confidential my protagonist Ash wakes up in the hospital. Diagnosed with coma and unable to move, how will she find a way to walk out of there?
What are the most important traits you look for in a friend?
Honesty on one hand, and support–especially in times of trouble–on the other.
If you could have one skill that you don’t currently have, what would it be?
Singing. Alas, I can’t sing to save my life… Which is why I so enjoy listening to voices, to the music and tenor of great voice actors.
What simple pleasure makes you smile?
Just the thought of chocolate… Dark one, at that!
You can contact Uvi Pozansky at and learn more about her books:
February 27, 2019
Book Review The Bystander
The Bystander: An Amy Prowers book by Katherine Burlake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Bystander by Katherine Burlake is an international thriller that provides a rich, in-depth perspective of the culture and history of Saudi Arabia. The main character, Amy Prowers, travels to Saudi Arabia at the request of her friend, a Saudi princess, to validate a major archaeological finding at the ancient city of Ubar. However, Amy is swept into political intrigue when she witnesses a bombing while staying at the Royal Doha Hotel in Qatar. The danger heightens when she and her comrades are kidnapped near the excavation site. After she activates the GPS on her watch so she can be tracked, the pick-up conveying Amy and her colleagues crashes in a sand dune. A mysterious man rescues them and leaves them in a nearby town. The subsequent events at the archaeological site and other bombings in the region culminate in a political conspiracy for one Saudi prince to rise in power.
Author Katherine Burlake masterfully weaves the culture and historical perspective of Saudi Arabia into an exciting international thriller. The story is told from the perspective of several characters, and their stories thread together to help the reader understand the political intrigue behind the scenes. The suspense works best when we are grounded in the point of view of Amy Powers and can sense the danger she faces. However, the tension and suspense fades toward the end because motivations behind the political intrigue are sometimes revealed too quickly.
I recommend this book to readers who’d like to gain more insight into the culture of Saudi Arabia and how its history might impact the maneuverings of the present-day Royal Family. A thought-provoking read.
February 21, 2019
Winners Valentine Global Giveaway
Winners Valentine Global Giveaway
It is my pleasure to announce the winners of the Valentine Global Giveaway. Everyone who is a preferred subscriber to my newsletter had a chance to win Book 1: APOLLO’S RAVEN or Book 2: DAGGER’S DESTINY (in various formats) in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings Series. For those who won the Amazon e-book gift code, make sure you redeem it before March 1st. If you are listed as a winner below and did not receive an e-mail from me, check your SPAM. If you cannot find the e-mail, click CONTACT and I’ll get back with you.
$10 Amazon Gift Card
Jackie Tansky
USA subscribers
Limited Edition of Original Hard Cover Book of Apollo’s Raven
Andrea Stoeckel
Janet Sjostrand
USA Amazon Kindle gift code for e-book of Apollo’s Raven
Stephanie Allen
Linda Longo
Cathy DeYoung
USA Amazon Kindle gift code for e-book of Dagger’s Destiny
Richard Dominguez
Geri Carey
All of World Subscribers
Limited Edition of Original Hard Cover Book of Apollo’s Raven
Elizabeth Robinson
e-book of Apollo’s Raven that can be downloaded in format of your choice
Diana Amov
No entrant selected the UK Audible Code for the free audiobook of Dagger’s Destiny.
For those who would like to become a preferred subscriber to my Newsletter and have a chance to win future GIVEAWAYS and receive advance copies of upcoming books in my series, click SUBSCRIBE
Fifth Annual Indie Book Award
It is my honor to announce that Dagger’s Destiny was chosen as an “Official Selection” in the FANTASY category in the Fifth Annual Indie Book Awards! The award will be officially announced by New Apple Literary Services in the next couple weeks.
BCIA Colorado Book & Arts Festival
Archived Posts
As a result of issues with my website in August 2018, I’ve had to reload archived posts, check links, and upload photographs again. Many of these archived articles on the research I’ve done in support of my writing will be re-blogged in the coming months. I’ll also be re-blogging book reviews and author interviews.
Thank you for your continued support. Everyone have a fantastic weekend!
Best Wishes,
Linnea Tanner
February 5, 2019
KISS & KILL FACEBOOK EVENT, OTHER GIVEAWAYS AND EVENTS
Kiss & Kill Facebook Event
Do you LOVE Audio Books? You’re invited to our Spectacular AUDIOBOOK Valentine’s Day Facebook Party with plenty of prizes given away during the Grand Finale. You might be one of our lucky winners! I’ll be giving away gift codes for the audiobooks of APOLLO’S RAVEN and DAGGER’S DESTINY. Click on the following to listen to a sample of these audiobooks: 1) APOLLO’S RAVEN 2) DAGGER’S DESTINY
Check below to see the authors who are participating in this event and will be giving prizes away!
Click to see Our FABULOUS Authors!
Amazon Giveaway Apollo’s Raven Paperback
Click on AmazonGiveaway for a chance to win a paperback of APOLLO’S RAVEN (Curse of Clansmen and Kings) (Volume 1).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends the earlier of Feb 11, 2019 11:59 PM PST, or when all prizes are claimed. See Official Rules http://amzn.to/GArules
Upcoming Giveaway for Subscribers
For subscribers who are on my select e-mail list, be on the lookout for my next newsletter offering Valentine GIVEAWAYS. Free gifts will include Amazon gift card, signed limited editions of APOLLO’S RAVEN, and free e-books in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. You can sign up here to receive Linnea Tanner’s newsletter that features the latest news, posts, and the opportunity to receive Advance Review Copies! As an added bonus, you will also receive a free sample of DAGGER’S DESTINY.
UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS
Authors We Love Open House
I’m honored to be selected as a Colorado Author by the Longmont Public Library to be featured in their upcoming event on February 9, 2019: AUTHORS WE LOVE OPEN HOUSE!
Details for the event are below.
WHAT:
A wonderful opportunity for local authors to interact with fans, network with other authors, and sell some books!
This fun and informal event features authors writing in adult, children’s and young adult genres from all over Colorado. Originally included as part of our annual Library Festival in April, the Open House was retained when we discontinued the Festival because it is such a standout favorite among patrons.
WHEN: Saturday February 9, 2019
• Public Open House, 1:00-3:30 pm, authors scattered throughout the main library areas
• Author Reception to follow, 3:30-4:30 in the Library Meeting Room, authors plus one guest are invited, light refreshments are served
WHERE: Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado
I’d be delighted to meet and talk with you there and will have my books available for purchase. Click Longmont Public Library website for a list of confirmed authors who will be there.
Boulder Book Store Winter Bookclub Night
Fiction, nonfiction, both old and new. I’ll be there with the Bolder County Indie Authors community sharing our favorite books for your bookclubs on Monday, February 11th at *7:00pm*!
Join us for refreshments, recommendations, and great conversations with publisher representatives and BBS booksellers.
Event date:
Monday, February 11, 2019 – 7:00pm
Event address:
1107 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302
Check Boulder Bookstore website for further details.
Clearview Public Library Well-Traveled: Sweden and Norway
I’ll be giving a slideshow talk about my adventures in Sweden and Norway that will be held at the Clearview Public Library. Journey to the Land of the Vikings and discover the rugged terrain they inhabited. First visit Stockholm, Sweden where the city stretches across fourteen islands and is rich in cultural history. Travel from Oslo to Bergen in Norway, first by train through the alps and then by boat on the majestic and serene fjords.
Local author Linnea Tanner will be your guide. No registration required.
Well-Traveled is your chance to learn about fascinating lands and cultures from around the globe. Fasten your seat belt, we’re ready for takeoff!
Waterfall in Norway Photographed on a Cog Railway
When:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
6:30PM – 7:30PM
Where:
Clearview Library
Large Meeting Room Combined
720 Third Street
Windsor, CO 80550
For more details, visit the Clearview Library Website.
Thank you for your continued support in the upcoming giveaways and events.
Best wishes,
Linnea Tanner
Linnea Tanner, Author, Curse of Clansmen and King Series
January 20, 2019
Blood Moon on the Horizon
Greetings everyone. It’s time to celebrate the Blood Wolf Moon! Skies look clear in eastern Colorado. The eclipse of the moon will begin at 7:12 pm Rocky Mountain Standard time and the totality will occur at 10:12 .m. A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly behind the earth when it is aligns with the sun. Lunar eclipses have fascinated ancient cultures across the globe and have inspired myths and legends, many of which portray the event as an omen of a catastrophic event.
Lunar Eclipse Blood Wolf Moon
In ancient Mesopotamia, a lunar eclipse was considered a direct assault on the king. With the astrologers’ ability to predict an eclipse, the realm would substitute a proxy king for the duration of the eclipse. Ideally, someone expendable would pose as the monarch, while the real king waited in hiding for the eclipse to pass. The proxy king would then conveniently be killed and the old king reinstated once the eclipse passed.
The lunar eclipse inspired scenes in Dagger’s Destiny (Book 2: Curse of Clansmen and Kings). The mystical blood moon sets the stage for the destruction of the Celtic Cantiaci Kingdom in Britannia as foretold in an ancient curse. The final battle between King Amren and his son, known as Blood Wolf, takes place in the midst of a solar eclipse. One of the final changes I had to make to the novel is the timing of the solar eclipse. It has to occur at the new moon, two weeks after the full blood moon passes.
Even in historical fantasy, an author needs to follow the rules of nature. Enjoy the phenomena that has intrigued us all throughout history.
Thank you for your continued support!
Best wishes,
Linnea Tanner
Linnea Tanner, Author, Curse of Clansmen and Kings Series
December 31, 2018
New Year’s Book Review Left Horse Black by S. J. Reisner
Left Horse Black by S.J. Reisner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Left Horse Black by S. J. Reisner is an epic sword and sorcery fantasy that interweaves the story lines of various characters from different kingdoms in the West Ocean Mainlands. The tale begins when a sheltered young prince escapes with his cousin to get reinforcements from Danaria to help counter a sinister threat from of a foreign prince who is betrothed to the king’s daughter. Meanwhile, a rebellious Fifth-Gens warrior-sorceress from Danaria is drawn into battle against the nomadic Kersian foes who have kidnapped one of their warlord’s daughters as a sacrifice to the “no name” god. Unbeknownst to them all, zealot Kersian sorcerers are plotting behind the scenes to usurp the thrones of human-ruled kingdoms so they can build a massive army to destroy the Danaria sorcerer bloodline in an attempt to save their own. The destinies of the troubled prince and the inept Danaria sorceress finally join in the labyrinthine plot. Hold on to your seats to the climax. Armed with nothing more than meager weapons and with the help of their friends and instinct, these unlikely heroes are the last hope to stop the Kersian sorcerers.
S. J. Reisner has masterfully weaved together a complex epic fantasy with engaging characters and unique world-building. This fast-paced tale challenges the reader to keep track of the various characters and plot lines. However, in the end, the various subplots tie together for a satisfying and heart-wrenching climax. Author Reisner masterfully brings the myriad of characters to life on the page. These are flawed, three-dimensional characters with distinct attributes and motivations, including the villains. My favorite character is Tnasha fen Schoitt, the rebellious Danaria sorceress who must learn to use her powers which she originally rejects. It is fun seeing her fumble as she learns how to use these powers as a weapon against the Kersian sorceresses.
I highly recommend Left Horse Black for readers who enjoy a complex, fast-paced fantasy with a myriad of engaging characters, including strong female protagonists.
December 27, 2018
Global Holiday Giveaway Winners
Greetings and Cheers!
Hope everyone has had a joyous holiday season. It is my pleasure to congratulate the winners of the GLOBAL HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY below:
Winner of $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD
Lisa Nelson
USA subscribers
Limited Edition of Original Hard Cover Book of APOLLO’S RAVEN
Richard Dominguez
Erin Smith
USA Amazon Kindle gift code for e-book of APOLLO’S RAVEN
Janet Sjostran
Deb Pelleiter
USA Amazon Kindle gift code for e-book of DAGGER’S DESTINY
Debra Hall
Cathy Stratman
United Kingdom Subscribers
UK Audible gift code for audiobook of DAGGER’S DESTINY
Lisa Haycocks
Bev Taylor
All Subscribers
e-book of APOLLO’S RAVEN that can be downloaded in format of your choice
Geri Carey (USA Amazon Gift code)
e-book of DAGGER’S DESTINY that can be downloaded in format of your choice
Sahar Husseini (USA Amazon Gift code)
For those who won the Kindle gift code for an e-book, please make sure you redeem your code by January 1st.
Upcoming Events
Exciting News! Mark your calendar and join in the Colorado festivities below. I’ll be at each of these events as an author with my books which will be available for purchase and signing. Meet other authors and artists. An overview of each event is provided below:
Denver StarFest Art Show 2019
Date: Friday, April 26 2019 – Sunday, April 28 2019
Venue: Marriott DTC, 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80237
Overview
The StarFest Art Show is an incredible must-visit attraction every year. The show is open to anyone who enjoys viewing or wishes to purchase original science-fiction or fantasy artwork and books. All creative work at the show is original work created by artists attending the convention. Displays include paintings, prints, illustrations, pottery, sculpture, and other creative works.
Visit Event Website
Denver Pop Culture Con 2019
Date: Friday, May 31 2019 – Sunday, Jun 2 2019
Venue: Colorado Convention Center
Overview
Tickets on sale November 14, 2018.
Denver Pop Culture Con is a 3-day, family-friendly pop culture fan extravaganza, featuring the best in pop culture entertainment. Denver Pop Culture Con is a program of the Colorado nonprofit Pop Culture Classroom, whose mission is to inspire a love of learning, to increase literacy, celebrate diversity and build community through pop culture education. The proceeds from this annual event benefit Pop Culture Classroom’s overall educational endeavors.
Colorado Springs Comic Con 2019
Date: Friday, August 23rd 2019 – Sunday, August 25th 2019
Venue: Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Overview
Get ready, Colorado Springs for the biggest and best pop culture convention in the Springs. This 3-day event, now in its fourth year, will feature celebrities from all genres of TV, movies and cartoons, some of the best names in the comic art community, as well as the greatest vendors in the area with those hard-to-find toys, comics, and collectibles. Meet your favorite celebrities and artists, get autographs and photo ops, and shop for collectibles, all at Colorado Springs Comic Con by Altered Reality Entertainment.
Amulet’s Rapture on the Horizon
My primary focus during the winter months is to finalize AMULET’S RAPTURE (Book 3 Curse of Clansmen and Kings) for a potential Fall 2019 release. The book will take you on an epic odyssey to Gaul (Modern Day France) and Rome where the romance and political intrigue heat up for Catrin and Marcellus. The cover for this book will be revealed within the next couple of months. Be on the watch for more details and progress for finalizing this book for publication.
Thank you for your continued support. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!
Best,
Linnea Tanner
Photo of Linnea Tanner with Brother Mike who has distinctive Celtic Mustache
December 16, 2018
Author Interview Ryanne Glenn
Ryanne Glenn, YA Author, Descent of Shadows
Introduction
It is my pleasure to introduce Ryanne Glenn—an exciting debut Colorado YA fantasy author. I met Ryanne through the Northern Colorado Writers Organization and have had the opportunity to learn more about her as an author. I’m quite impressed with her ability to balance a heavy workload in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Colorado State University and being an author. Imagine my excitement when she told me her YA fantasy trilogy had been accepted by Atthis Arts, LLC for publication. Her first book, Descent of Shadows, in the trilogy was just released on December 11, 2018.
Ryanne graciously accepted my invitation to interview her. Below are her biography, interview, and contact information. I encourage you to follow her and check out her website. She in an inspiration to all aspiring young writers whose dream is to publish.
Biography
Ryanne Glenn is a member of the Northern Colorado Writers in Fort Collins, CO, where she attends Colorado State University. She is pursuing a degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. After struggling with depression in her first year at college, she turned back to writing as a healthy outlet for her emotions. She wants to write strong female role models and is excited to share her stories with the world.
Author Interview Ryanne Glenn
Would you provide an overview of the debut book, Descent of Shadows, that was released on December 11, 2018?
Humans have always called the land of Istamba home, yet Roland, King of the Wraiths, is intent on claiming it for himself. When Fort Lieay is attacked, thirteen-year-old Anna Lieay is the only survivor. Distraught from the death of her parents, she makes the dangerous journey to the Sanctuary, the last free human settlement. There, she vows to join the army, despite her age, to help save her home from the wraiths and restore peace to humanity.
What inspired you to write the YA Fantasy, Descent of Shadows, about a young girl who decides to fight back in her family’s war against the Wraith King?
I had a dream that I was walking through a great stone structure with a gold veil around it. As I looked out past the veil, I saw an army charging for the structure before I woke up. I couldn’t get that visual out of my head, so I named it the Sanctuary, and crafted a world around it.
The wraiths actually came out of my struggle with depression. I would have terrible nightmares about shadowy figures coming for me, and dark thoughts permeated my everyday life. The wraiths were sort-of born from those thoughts and by giving them distinct weaknesses, I was able to combat my own demons in my life and give my characters a great adversary.
With your busy college schedule at the Colorado State University, what inspired you to write Descent of Shadows? How do you balance between your classes and writing?
Again, a lot of my progress writing Descent of Shadows came from my struggle with depression. So, to keep myself from spiraling back into darker thoughts, I would write instead. It ended up being a great coping mechanism and something I found out I really enjoyed.
As far as balancing class and writing, it hasn’t been too hard. I’m studying Chemical and Biological Engineering, so obviously I deal with a lot of math and science in my everyday life. So having writing to fall back on is great. Sometimes, my head will be swimming with so many numbers and equations, that I just can’t keep them straight. So I write to try and calm my mind down a bit and relax. It’s been such a great escape for me.
Is there any sub-character in Descent of Shadows who is your favorite? Explain why.
Can I choose all of them? I actually really liked Colonel Wells. He opposes Anna in the story, but he provides a great obstacle for her to overcome. Without him, I don’t think she’d become as strong of a person. Plus, I really like writing villains.
How often do your characters surprise you when they do or say something totally unexpected?
Almost all the time, at least while I was drafting and revising Descent of Shadows. I wrote the entire novel without an outline and without any idea what was going to happen. I had 3 characters in my head, the villain, and the Sanctuary to begin with, and I just sort of wrote. Sometimes I’d write a short little scene and that would spark another character and then a whole new plot line would come about and on it went.
Now that I have more experience, I wouldn’t recommend writing like this. It’s confusing and give you a lot of trouble when you’re trying to revise and edit, but since I was using writing to improve my mental health, it worked pretty well to have something to build on.
What advice would you give young writers whose goals are to publish their short stories or novels?
Keep writing is the obvious advice, but I like to encourage a different level of that advice. If you want to write a novel and you’re really excited about the ending, write that first. There’s no rule that says you have to write in order.
Are there any other books on the horizon that you anticipate to publish?
When I submitted Descent of Shadows to my publisher, I did pitch it as a trilogy, and I’m so happy that they want to publish all of them. So Descent of Shadows, books 2 and 3 will be coming out in the next couple years!
If you could have one skill that you don’t currently have, what would it be?
I would love to be able to play an instrument like the guitar or piano. I tried to learn when I was younger, but I started playing basketball and volleyball instead. Then as I got older I realized I was tone deaf, but I think it would be so cool to know how to play.
What might we be surprised to learn about you?
I used to make and sell duct tape wallets. I’d make a bunch and go to various craft fairs to sell them, as well as selling to my family and people we knew. It was fun to be creative since I’m not a great artist. But I did go a little crazy with the tape and I still have a very large collection of printed rolls.
What makes you laugh?
My family. We all have generally the same sense of humor so even just eating dinner is fun and hilarious. Plus we all love quoting movies and we have such a good time trying to guess where one quote came from.
What simple pleasure makes you smile?
There are a lot of things that I just can’t help but smile at, but I’d say the biggest thing is a dog. My sister has a French Bulldog named Carl and no matter what, just looking at him makes me grin. But really, if I see any dog, I’m automatically in a better mood.
You can contact Ryanne Glenn as follows:
Books by Ryanne Glenn:
Click on Book Cover to Order
December 11, 2018
Book Review Descent of Shadows by Ryanne Glenn
Descent of Shadows by Ryanne Glenn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Descent of Shadows by Ryanne Glenn is a coming-of-age, YA fantasy about a young teenage girl, Anna, who must leave her childhood behind and accept the overreaching legacy of her parents. The tale begins with a heart-wrenching scene where Anna witnesses the murder of her parents at a festival by human-like shadows, the wraiths. Wounded, she barely escapes with her life and seeks refuge at a sanctuary where an ancient, magical barrier prevents wraiths from entering. On her sojourn there, she meets Alex, another orphan escaping mayhem. Anna deals with her grief with the singular purpose of avenging the deaths of her parents. Despite her youth, she is determined to join the army when she reaches the sanctuary and fight in the war against the wraiths. She catches the eye of General Collins who recognizes her leadership abilities are similar to her legendary parents. He takes her under his wing and mentors her like a father. Anna overcomes the doubts of the regime’s Council that considers her too young to join the army, and she quickly rises through the military ranks. Despite her successes in missions, Anna’s confidence is shaken as she faces the harsh realities of war, the awakening of her latent powers, and the internal strife that is as great as the threat from the wraiths. The climatic ending offers unexpected twists and dramatic changes to Anna, setting the stage for the second book in the trilogy.
Debut author, Ryanne Glenn, has woven deeper themes into a tale which, on the surface, seems straight-forward. The first couple of chapters are rich in sensory details, but then relaxes into a narrative driven by dialogue, magical world-building, and vivid descriptions of training and fighting scenes. However, the harsh realities of war are not glorified and profoundly affect the heroine. Make no mistake, Anna is a strong, female protagonist with whom teenager readers can identify. Beneath her risk-taking bravado, she harbors self-doubt that she must overcome to become an effective leader. Her different approach to leadership and training comes across as rebellious and brash to members on the Council. Her impulses to lash out must be reined-in by General Collins, who nonetheless gives her leeway to lead her regiment consisting of teens about her age. Although this is an action-driven fantasy, there are some subtle pauses when Anna reflects on how she fits into her world and the legacy of her family.
Descent of Shadows should appeal to YA fantasy readers who enjoy reading about strong, female characters and unique world-building. Highly recommended.
November 28, 2018
Winners Holiday Spirits Around the World Giveaway and Updates
Holiday cheers and greetings everyone! The following winners of the HOLIDAY SPIRITS AROUND THE WORLD GIVEAWAY have won the following gifts:
Limited Edition of Original Hard Cover Book of APOLLO’S RAVEN (2 winners)
Amy Taylor
Melissa Keith
Audible gift code for audiobook of DAGGER’S DESTINY (1 winner)
Tanya Gaunt
USA Amazon Kindle gift code for e-book of APOLLO’S RAVEN (2 winners)
Carra Leigh
John Livingston
USA Amazon Kindle gift code for e-book of DAGGER’S DESTINY (1 winner)
Amy Walczyk
For those on my preferred subscriber e-mail list, be on the lookout for another newsletter announcing another HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY in mid-December. For those who have not yet subscribed and would like to participate in the giveaways announced in newsletter, click SUBSCRIBE
Latest News
EPod Interview – Linnea Tanner
It is my pleasure to share that my EPod Interview was posted by Freya Pickard on November 26, 2018 at her website at Dragonscale Clippings. Be sure to check out her blog and learn the back story of ePods at Escape Pod Emulations. Click below for the complete interview:
EPod Interview – Linnea Tanner
Book Review Dagger’s Destiny
Exciting new! I’m thrilled that a 5 star review of DAGGER’S DESTINY was posted in November’s The International Review of Books Magazine. An excerpt of the review is provide below:
A line in the book that stood out to the reviewer:
“You’ve always had the ability to change to Future by the choices you make,” the Raven said.
Excerpt:
“For anybody with an interest in historical fiction, there is plenty to love in the setting Linnea has created. For those with an interest in epic fantasy, the characters and their interactions, each with their personal goals and motivations, and often in conflict with each other, Dagger’s Destiny is a book sure to keep your interest. Both genres are blended together into a seamless whole with outstanding results.”
For the full review, click issuu
BCIA Holiday Book Sale
Join the Boulder County Indie Authors for a local-only Holiday Book Sale on Dec. 1 – 2 at the festive Rayback Collective, located at 2775 Valmont Rd, Boulder, CO 80304. There will be a wide selection of books by 15 local authors, including fiction and non-fiction, adult and young adult in a variety of genres:
– Historical fiction
– Epic fantasy
– Short stories
– Comedy
– Poetry
– Memoir
– Relationships
– Spirituality
– And more!
Remember, books make excellent holiday presents, and BCIA offers quality books to suit almost anyone on your list. I’ll be there on December 2nd to sign books. Click on the image below for more information.
Other Events on the Far Horizon
More details are coming on the following events in which I’ll be selling and signing books:
StarFest Denver on April 26-28 at Marriott DTC
Denver Pop Culture Con (Formerly known as Comic Con Denver) on May 31, 2019 – June 2, 2019 at Denver Colorado Convention Center
Thank you for your continued support and for making this a memorable year for the launch of the Curse of Clansmen and Kings Series.
Cheers for the upcoming holidays!
Best wishes,
Linnea Tanner
Headshot Linnea Tanner
