Sian B. Claven's Blog, page 8

A Viking Thing... Among other things.

Well, this has certainly been an exciting weekend! Toni and I, the Alternative Authors, attended "A Viking Thing" that was hosted by AlterEgos Events at La Vue Guest Lodge in Muldersdrift. It was a misty morning when the Alternative Authors docked their long boats at La Vue Guest Lodge. Situated between breakfast and dessert, we prepared ourselves for a feast to rival all feasts, a festival that would be spoken about for ages to come. We, the wise women who scribe tomes, would be a part of a great quest throughout the day, joining our new friends - the food vendors. All in all the Fayre was an absolute success and I would like to thank each and every one of our fans that came through to support us. We were so happy to see you, to sign books for you, and to take photos with you. It was an absolute blast and Toni and I had an amazing time! To all of you who are new to my circle, welcome! It was awesome meeting you in person and I know you are going to enjoy the spooky stories that I have to share, and I hope you will let me know what you think.Alternative Authors was founded by us, Toni Cox and Sian B. Claven, because we wanted to show the world what authors are really capable of. Toni Cox writes epic fantasy and dystopian fantasy and I, Sian B. Claven, write light horror and paranormal thrillers. Together, we are on a mission to bring back a love of reading, the thrill of excitement when absorbed into a story, and to share the adventures we have in our heads.Here are some photos of the Alternative Authors' stall at "A Viking Thing" that happened on the 3rd of March 2018.Enjoy our books? Let us know!The best thing you can do for any author is to let them know that you did or did not enjoy their books! The easiest way for you to do this is to leave a Goodreads review.What is Goodreads? It's a website / App that tracks the books you read, the books you want to read, the books you have read and also suggests books that you might want to read. If you're an avid reader or trying to up your reader game then this is definitely the place for you.You can go to the website: www.goodreads.comand sign up using your Facebook account. Once you are signed up you just search through the books you want to read and mark them as want to read. Find the books you have read and mark them as read (leave a review if you want to), and you can also track the book you are currently reading.If you have read one of our books you can search for it by Title + Sian B. Claven (EG: Kallista Sian B Claven or The Elemental Rising Toni Cox) then please feel free to go rate it (honestly) and leave an honest review. If you didn't like it, please say so as we take those reviews and learn from them. What we read this week?I am starting a new book this week, so haven't got a review, but Toni Cox read A Lump of Coal by Ashleigh Giannoccaro. Here's what she thought about it:Deliciously Dark The cover and the title are intriguing and the story as deliciously dark as all of Ashleigh Giannoccaro's work. Need to know how the story continues. Waiting (Im)patiently for the follow up.What's being released this week?A new anthology was released this weekend and I already have my copy (review to follow) and I am super excited about it because it's two of my favourite things - hectic dark romance authors and historical figures.#NewRelease #InfamousHeartsThe Infamous Hearts Anthology is #LIVE!! One click your copy of this twisted historical anthology today!••••••Buy Now••••••Amazon Universal Link: myBook.to/infamoushearts••••••Goodreads••••••http://bit.ly/Infamous_••••••Synopsis••••••Thirteen authors come together to provide a glimpse at notorious couples through history. When finding love in the arms of Hades must be escaped before dawn. Where the secret of the outlaw's bride is found only in a place between heaven and hell. Where the wrath of Rosaline swings ominously like a pendulum and rapture can be found in the most iniquitous of times. When the secret of hieroglyphic hearts are drawn by daddy's toy to overcome the feeling of being a darling little pet. When the blonde bombshell thrives high above the world in a tower made up of wanton lust and lies. When becoming a Kray is the only way to survive the mean streets of London. Time becomes frozen in each moment and secrets are told in whispers only to the most coveted.Infamous Hearts: A Match Made in History.••••••All proceeds to benefit The Joyful Heart Foundation: http://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/••••••Author pages:Ashleigh Giannoccaro: https://www.facebook.com/Colourmyugly/?ref=br_rsAvery Reigns: https://www.facebook.com/Avery-Reigns-Author-552254841785731/C.A. Bell: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorC.A.BELL/Dani René:https://www.facebook.com/DaniReneAuthor/Destiny Hawkins: https://www.facebook.com/authordhawkins/Elizabeth Cash: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethCashAuthor/Ellie Midwood: https://www.facebook.com/EllieMidwood/Emery LeeAnn: https://www.facebook.com/EmeryLeeAnn/Julia Clare: https://www.facebook.com/authorjuliaclare/Natalie Bennett: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieBennettWriter/Rose Devereux: https://www.facebook.com/rosedevereuxbooks/Virginia Johnson: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVirginiaJohnson/Yolanda Olson: https://www.facebook.com/yolandasendlesswords/••••••What Early Readers Are Saying••••••“Wow, this collection completely blew my mind away! Not only it combined my two favorite genres - historical romance and dark fiction - but each pair in each story was written absolutely incredibly!”“A different take on famous or infamous characters that spin a different tale on romance. Each author propels the need to keep reading, a different way of thinking in every mini-story, a different level of consuming darkness.”The Next Big ThingThe next BIG event that Alternative Authors are attending is the Discworld Fayre at La Vue Guest Lodge in Muldersdrift. We will have new books and new merchandise for sale! Please look out for more information! Please note: I will be unable to attend this event but there will be signed paperback copies of my books available at the stall! The Next Big BookI am hard at work with writing The Culling which is going to be a demon-based story to be released latest 15th April.Toni Cox is furiously completing the third book in the Elemental Trilogy - Forbidden Elemental, with an expected release date towards the end of April.That's all from us!If you want to order books from us you can do so by e-mailing us.sianbclaven@gmail.comtonicoxauthor@gmail.com

When an Author hasn't got words

This week has been a long and busy week in my life. Not only did I have a ton of day job things to get through, I also had a ton of author things to do as well. Hit that up with not feeling like myself this week, saying goodbye to a good friend (and good luck in South Korea) and trying to figure out what my next step is... well I'm pooped.A lot of exciting things have happened this last week in terms of other authors work! I'm super glad to be able to share my thoughts through this newsletter because I read two books this week that I think are going to BLOW YOUR MIND!But first... The news....The CullingI am hard at work with my next book - The Culling - and I'm proud to say that it isn't like anything else I have every written. I know a lot of people are asking about sequels to other works but those will come.... later *inserts a rather evil laugh here*A Viking ThingI do Events! Did you know this? How could you not? A Viking Thing is fast approaching and I cannot wait to see all my Gauteng based Nightmares out there. Remember this is a great opportunity to come get a signed copy of Kallista, some swag, some merchandise and a photo with.... ME! This will be held at La Vue Guest Lodge in Muldersdrift and it won't just be there, of course our other Alternative Author Toni Cox will also be there partying along with me in Valhalla! Cut & Blow Book 3The first of my epic reads this week was the latest release by author Ashleigh Giannoccaro. Having followed this series I have a good idea of what to expect from these books, or at least this series, and I have to admit that Giannoccaro did not disappoint.Before I get into anything else please can we just admire the sexiness that is this cover. I mean, the way she has described these characters, what I think about them, and then I see the covers and I'm like... HUBBA HUBBA! The series covers is absolutely gorgeous and looks even better in paperback, on my shelf!In this story we are given a clearer picture of two previously minor characters - Viv and Romi. Having read the first two books I wasn't really keen to read about Viv because I really did think she lacked everything a decent character should have - namely a personality but good god was I wrong. I absolutely loved Viv's character and the way she is, and the reasons behind it. Romi on the other hand is not what I expected at all. He's a good blend between nice guy and asshole for me, and sometimes I want to punch him in his pretty little face while other times I want to do.... things... things... lots of things to him.Overall the story is a great read and I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read for me because as always Giannoccaro has managed to grasp my attention and hold it entirely. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something light, heavy, happy, sad, angry, violent, peaceful and loving all wrapped up in steamy sexiness. Well done Ashleigh!SirenLooking back at the cover now that I have read the book, I wouldn't have expected this cover for this book. It's dark. It's Mysterious. Wait! It fits perfectly! I wanted to pick on of Jo-Anne Josephs books to read because I see her around so much on Facebook and events and I'm so glad I picked this one. It really drew me in.Sage and Siren are twin sisters and Siren is an absolute... well let's just say that abuse doesn't always come in the form of spousal shall we? I've never met a character I have hated quite like her. Sage on the other hand, the loveable one, also irritated me but mostly because I just wanted her to sock her sister once in the face. That being said, you can see Joseph is an excellent writer because of the reactions I had. Of course I fell in love with all the characters as I read but initially I was just flabbergasted that someone so cool would take so much abuse. All in the all the story was absolutely amazing and I finished it in just over a day. I would have done it sooner but you know - I have a day job. As her first dark psychological romance I can see a lot of potential from Joseph and have already purchased another book from her! Go get it.LaterWell that's it from me for tonight - I have a lot of work to get through so I'm going to sign off. Don't forget to look out for Movie Monday on my Facebook group - Sian's Little Nightmaresand for Teaser Tuesday on my page!Don't forget to lock your door.Sian B. Claven

Takeovers – The weekend that I didn’t sleep

What a busy week it has been indeed! It has been nothing but excitement all around Johannesburg as not one, not two but THREE South African independent authors released their new books this week.Before we do anything elseThe first thing I would like to do, though, before I get stuck into the happenings of Johannesburg is to say a HUGE –THANK YOU– to everyone involved in assisting me with releasing Kallista! It has had a GREAT reception this far and I am super happy that everyone has had positive feedback about the book so far! Thank you to Toni Cox, my #AuthoBestie who helped celebrate my release on Thursday, and also helped celebrate it from Friday afternoon to the wee hours of Saturday morning on a takeover event. Thank you Hanleigh Bradley for organising the takeover event on Author Friend’s with Benefits – it was an absolute blast and I love being a part of this amazing group.Thanks to all my fans and supporters who have followed me through this wonderful writing journey, I continue to write because of amazing people like yourself.I told you watch your back.An itch that needs to be scratched.A case that needs to be solved.A mastermind killer on the loose.A sister who wants answers.Delve into the mind of The Butcher who has an itch that needs satisfying. The only way to satisfy it is to take another life. Follow Kallista, the middle child of the Metz family and younger sister of Tatum, while she pursues him, going over each case she thinks is related to him, trying to find out the truth.Is she having a psychological break every time she sees the apparition of one of his victims, or is she actually seeing spirits that are trying to tell her what really happened?The Butcher can’t get away with it again. His body count is getting too high. Sooner or later the odds won’t be in his favour and they’re not in Kallista’s either; but she’s too busy obsessing over him to see the obvious coming for her.Death comes to those who do not see.WIN! WIN! WIN!For a chance to win an eCopy of Kallista, leave a review for Tatum on Goodreads and send me a screen shot. The review can be one line of what you think.Congratulations Jo-Anne JosephThe past few years I’ve been in survival mode, I’ve closed myself off to the world, Being shattered and abandoned by love, I now live and breathe pain, This isn’t living, but it is all I know, Until she appeared. Leah Williams is beautifully broken. Her fragments mirror my own. She enrages me. She stills me. We don’t make sense. We’re flawed and caustic. She could be the one who destroys me, But she’s the only one I want to let in. This isn’t the future either of us envisioned, But Destiny became the ultimate decider.To buy it simply click here -> DestinyAnother amazing author who released this week was Jo-Anne Joseph. Congratulations to this amazing author. I am currently reading Siren by Jo-Anne and will be loading my review via my blog / newsletter as soon as I am done. So far I am thoroughly enjoying this story as it has a dark feel to it and you know how much I like dark stories.Well Done Toni CoxLove. How do you define it? Is it something tangible? Hormones, pheromones, testosterone? Or is it something more elusive? Is it something the brain decides? Does your body make the decisions for you? If you had asked Jasmin two years ago, she would not have been able to answer those questions. Now, however, she looked at the world differently … and not just because she was looking at a different world.You can purchase the book here -> Jasmine in LoveI mentioned last week that Toni Cox was releasing the third instalment of her Elemental Short Stories books – Jasmine in Love – and having read it I can honestly say that it is amazing! I cannot believe how much she has grown as an author and she definitely rates as my favourite author of all time. I highly recommend this book which you can read as a stand alone or in the series and you will enjoy it either way.Here is my review of Jasmine in LoveFirstly, let’s talk the cover. The thing I love most about Toni’s series is that while her main books have similar features in their covers (Hey Midnight!) the short stories have beautiful uniform covers. Each one is a different colour with different elements but it’s VERY clear they belong together (and they look so damn good on my shelf together, let me tell you!)I cannot wait to have the entire set on my shelf so I can share a picture and show you just how beautiful they are together. But that’s a surprise for another day (Tick Tock Toni, write faster!)The story itself is amazing, not simply because of its amazing plot and heart-warming lesson, but because with each short story Toni Cox takes herself to a new level as an author. Primarily a fantasy author, it simply astounds me that how easily she crosses into other genres, like in this case she crosses into Romance. She does it so effortlessly and seamlessly that you don’t even notice.The plot itself was simply divine and raised the hair on my arms more than once. Not only is it an exciting plot that takes you further into the Elven world that Toni Cox has created, but like her other short stories, it carries an extremely important message about love. The book carried such a realistic approach to love from Jasmin’s perspective that I often found myself gasping or near tears because of how similar our situations were. Jasmin has experienced so much for such a young woman, and I have no doubt that any reader would find something within in themselves that they can use to relate to Jasmin. The beautiful part is the conclusion were Cox not only gives us a great view of what love should be, but how strong it can be and what obstacles it can transcend without falling into the unrealistic expectations categories that I so often find Romance books do.Well Done Toni Cox! I cannot wait for Luke!The HapsSo this week has been an extremely busy one for myself because I took part in Five Takeovers since Wednesday. I will be discussing takeovers in my group – Sian’s Little Nightmares – during Movie Monday this week. Takeovers are great for both Authors and Readers and I feel like not enough people know about them so I’m going to tell you about them!Are you a reader? You should look out for posts where we announce we are doing a takeover? Why? Because you can WIN such great stuff and it’s so easy! I always give out books and giftcards at my takeovers! It’s so awesome! Each author gets an allocated time slot and literally takes the group over and tells you about themselves, their books and plays a few games where you can win some GREAT stuff! If you love to read, and are strapped for cash, this is a great way to meet new authors that you might just fall in love with. So don’t forget to attend these!There is one takeover happening next Sunday the 25th. You are welcome to join us! Here is the link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorfriendswithbenefitsComing up soon is A Viking Thing which is going to be happening on March 3rd. It is always a privilege to be a part of an Alter Ego’s event and having participated in so many, I have to say that the ladies have it down to an art form. I cannot wait for A Viking Thing. You can get tickets here:https://www.quicket.co.za/events/35984-a-viking-thing/#/Don’t forget that it’s a great opportunity to get your signed copy of Kallista as well as some free swag (author gifts like bookmarks etc) from me! Take a photo with me, post it and tag me and I will pick a lucky random person to win a $5 amazon gift card.This week I will be posting the first teaser for The Culling! Are you excited? It’s coming out soon and I cannot wait to share it with the world! There are a total of seven releases that I have planned for this year and I am just so excited to share them, I don’t know which to write first, so I am having to be very strict with myself in terms of my writing and write one at a time.Well that’s it for me for this Sunday nightmares.Don’t forget to lock the doors!LaterSian B. Claven

Author Things & Release Day

Good Evening my Nightmares!Well that's another week done and dusted, and what week it has been again! It just seems that the more I write the busier I get, which is the best thing ever! I am so excited for what 2018 holds for me, and of course, for you! There are so many great stories I want to release this year! It is just the best feeling ever!But for now, this week!This week held a few author related things for me but the two biggest ones were a great takeover for the release of Ines Vieira's When Sh*t gets in the Way. It was a super fun takeover with tons of goodies up for grabs and I know I certainly enjoyed myself! If you want to stand a chance to win some great book stuff don't worry, this week there are TWO major takeovers happening and YUP one is mine!New ReleaseOn the 14th February is Valentines Day! What will be a better way to celebrate it than the release of a fantasy romance book by my #AuthorBestie Toni Cox!Love. How do you define it? Is it something tangible? Hormones, pheromones, testosterone? Or is it something more elusive? Is it something the brain decides? Does your body make the decisions for you? If you had asked Jasmin two years ago, she would not have been able to answer those questions. Now, however, she looked at the world differently … and not just because she was looking at a different world.I've already preordered!!! You can preorder this BEAUTY, the third in her elemental short story collection, using this link. ---> http://amzn.to/2sqlkpIShe is having an awesome takeover event on the Author Friend's With Benefits group on release day - be sure to join her and all the amazing authors that will be with her as they takeover the day and give away a TON of Goodies!!!!It starts at 10:00am EST!!! Cover RevealFor those of you who don't know the amazing Ashleigh Giannoccaro released the cover for her SOON TO BE RELEASED novel Cut & Blow Book 3! I am so excited for this story!!! ✴Cover Reveal & Sale✴Cut & Blow #3 99c preorder and release week ONLY!2|21|2018US: http://amzn.to/2nLnL1l UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cut-Blow-Three-Ashleigh-Giannoccaro-ebook/dp/B079NRKQ7J TBR • https://goo.gl/1sX56BCatch up on the shenanigans that are Cut & Blow with Book 1 & 2 on #SALE for just #99pennies each!•Book 1• US: https://goo.gl/n1bDY2 UK: https://goo.gl/qGG3Sv •Book 2• US: http://amzn.to/2tfTLM9 UK: http://amzn.to/2vjO4OtViviana is playing a dangerous game, one that will destroy her mob family’s reputation. After hours she indulges in a fetish that not only has Romi stalking her online, but one that has them messaging each other in private. She’s toying with his heart, tempting his body, and has exposed all of herself to him. How did it get to this? If Rain finds out, she’s dead and so is he.Romeo is done pretending to be someone he’s not. The cover he’s used when working in the salon no longer feels authentic or right. He drops the facade, proving over and over that he is definitely into the fairer sex. Now that he’s unleashed his true self he can’t restrain the aggression, possessiveness, and anger that’s eating him up inside. He’s in love with a woman he can’t have, a woman who’s banging someone else, a woman he’s obsessed with.He didn’t choose the mob life and this may be his ruin. If Rain ever finds out what they’ve done they won’t live another day. Addictions need to be fed, and flirting with danger is just a perk of having his heart ripped out by the boss’s sister.Some things are worth dying for; Viviana is his death sentence.Connect with the authorAuthor page: https://www.facebook.com/Colourmyugly/Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1441821629469229/Amazon page: http://amzn.to/2fPW6abMy New ReleaseOf course for me this week is THE week! Kallista, the sequel I wrote to Tatum, is being launched on the 15th February. I will be having a huge takeover event on the Author Friend's with Benefits group this week on the 16th starting at 10:00 AM EST and ending at 10:00 PM EST.I told you watch your back. An itch that needs to be scratched. A case that needs to be solved. A mastermind killer on the loose. A sister who wants answers. Delve into the mind of The Butcher who has an itch that needs satisfying. The only way to satisfy it is to take another life. Follow Kallista, the middle child of the Metz family and younger sister of Tatum, while she pursues him, going over each case she thinks is related to him, trying to find out the truth. Is she having a psychological break every time she sees the apparition of one of his victims, or is she actually seeing spirits that are trying to tell her what really happened? The Butcher can’t get away with it again. His body count is getting too high. Sooner or later the odds won’t be in his favour and they’re not in Kallista’s either; but she’s too busy obsessing over him to see the obvious coming for her. Death comes to those who do not see.If you would like to preorder a Kindle Copy you can do so here---> http://amzn.to/2C8qRkvIf you are interested in joining my takeover launch part then join me on Friday the 16th February on the Author Friends with Benefits group! NON-JOHANNESBURG FANSIf you live in South Africa and would like to receive a signed paperback copy of any of my books then contact me via the website and I will be happy to arrange a copy be posted for you. Please note no copies will be sent out without proof of payment.All posted copies are Postnet to Postnet.JOHANNESBURG FANSIf you would like a signed copy of any of my books, including Kallista, then please contact me so I can arrange to see you.All deliveries in Johannesburg are free! That's it for me today Nightmares! You have a FANTASTIC week ahead.Don't forget to join me for Movie Monday tomorrow night! Lock your Doors

Markets and Covers

It's the first weekend of February and we are off to a blast. I'm not even sure where to start with what anymore!!!!Well, I guess the first thing to do is the quick recap of the week!This week on Movie Monday I started what is now going to be a monthly competition. Every last Movie Monday of the month I will be gifting another authors book to one of my Movie Monday attendees. The month of February is dedicated to the first romance author who ever wrote romance I liked - Ashleigh Giannoccaro so don't miss out on Movie Mondays - regular attendance always scores you high points - and you could win a copy of ONE of Ashleigh's books. Congratulations to Tabitha Hartman who won a copy of On Fire by Toni Cox! It was an absolute pleasure gifting this book, the first book in her Short Stories series, and I am sure Tabitha is going to enjoy it GREATLY!Yesterday, the 3rd February was the Coca Cola Youth Today Radio Sweethearts Market! There were a few authors there that joined me including Toni Cox, Jann Weeratunga, Victorine Shu and Stacey Fru!There was a lot of fun things happening and if you didn't manage to attend then I highly recommend you join us for the next one. Be sure to watch my facebook page for more details!Kallista was sent back to me on Saturday from my editor and I am super happy to announce that it is now with my proof reader! With any luck I will have the pre-order links available either tomorrow night during Movie Monday or posted on Tuesday! Today however we had the cover reveal which went FANTASTIC! If you missed it, what a pity, as there was a lot of fun to be had and prizes to be won!Don't despair though! I am having a blog tour and there will be a HUGE 12hr online release party on the 16th February! Don't forget that Kallista released the 15th. Just in case you missed it - here is the cover and wrap: I will be doing a takeover next Saturday and next Sunday! These takeovers will be happening on the Author Friends with Benefits group on Facebook so make sure you join the group and don't miss out as I will be handing out Pre-Release eBook copies of Kallista!!!Talking about Kallista - Let's see some new teasers!!!!That's it for now! Have a fabulous week Nightmares!Sian B. Claven

On The Fifth Night Review

On the Fifth Night is the extraordinary story of a man named Mark Hanson who loses his first wife to Huntington’s Disease … and then, on a fateful day, many years later, punches his second wife in the face in a moment of madness. That moment of madness is the start of Mark’s transformative journey along a path of mystical presences, unhinged reflections and surreal travels through space and time. Mark’s story blurs the lines between sanity and insanity, and between life and death. It stands as an eternal testament to the glorious mystery and uncharted depths of human consciousness.I devoured this book. I started it approximately 3 hours ago (from time of writing this review) and have just licked the last words off of my lips. The book had me so mesmerized that I knew; subconsciously; as I read; my lips were silently forming the words that they would forever be imprinted onto my soul. This book. This amazingly; too short but powerful book. Michael brings to us the story of Mark Hanson whose experience through life does not lead to some superficial material happy ending but a deeper more resounding peace that my soul now cries for. The story, so beautifully written, flowed like the gentlest stream. Every word on every page seemed so carefully chosen to enhance my experience of this book. Michael has given more than just a great story or a good lesson to be heeded; he has given me a piece of love that I will forever treasure.There was not a single part of this book that I did not enjoy and I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Michael is a gifted writer who does not need to make use of typical writing techniques; plot devices or other such strategies to keep the reader hooked. If he does; it is untraceable on the pages of this beautiful tale. The Fifth night is complete - there is not a thing I would change or add or take away. I had a feeling when I first read the synopsis that this is a book I would enjoy - I did more than that.Review Rating: 5/5More Information:Published By: MindmarkPublished Date: 2016Genre: Fiction / Mystic / Spiritual

Where did this month go?

January is almost done! Can you believe that there is almost an entire month of 2018 done and dusted? And what has happened this month! So many fun things!I finished writing Kallista - Which is currently with my editor. One more step, my proofreader, and then I can share it with you guys! While I wait for Kallista to be edited I have already started on my next book - The Culling - which I am sure is going to give you all the chills! Here is this weeks Teasers selections:Next week Saturday I'll be at the Youth Today Carnival Market doing my thang with my #AuthorBestie Toni Cox! I'm super excited to see everyone and hope you can all make it. I will have copies of Ensnared and Tatum available as well as the pre-order for Kallista. On Sunday the 4th of February I will be doing the Kallista cover reveal! I cannot wait to share this cover with you, Poppet has seriously out done herself.Don't forget to join my Facebook group: Sian's Little Nightmaresso that you can tune into Movie Monday! It's going to be FUN FUN FUN!I'm still busy rereading Written in Flames by Ashleigh Giannoccaro so this week I am selecting one of the first books I reviewed for my book of the week.If you're interested you should totally check out Michael Howard's - On The Fifth Night. On the Fifth Night is the extraordinary story of a man named Mark Hanson who loses his first wife to Huntington’s Disease … and then, on a fateful day, many years later, punches his second wife in the face in a moment of madness. That moment of madness is the start of Mark’s transformative journey along a path of mystical presences, unhinged reflections and surreal travels through space and time. Mark’s story blurs the lines between sanity and insanity, and between life and death. It stands as an eternal testament to the glorious mystery and uncharted depths of human consciousness.My full review will be available on my website later today :) Have a rocking week my Nightmares! Death Comes To Those Who Do Not SeeSian

Elemental Betrayal by Toni Cox

The threat is still there but Maia is too lost in her own pain to even begin to comprehend what is going on around her. The person she isn't meant to love, but does, is nowhere to be seen. The person she considers a friend but is in deep love with her is doing everything to win her affection. An unlikely person becomes her friend, and she falls in love with him. Oh, did I mention that there is a vampyre army about to attack Grildor and the Elves who live there? Not to mention Midnight is about to meet his match! Between trying to rally her people, an army and herself Maia has her work cut out for her and the only question that remains is whether or not they will survive.To read the full review please click here: http://bit.ly/2DwehjH

Coffee Is Food, right?

So here we sit on this lovely Sunday evening, at least it's evening for me, eating my dinner and thinking about all the things about to happen, all the things that are happening, and all the things that have happened. I'm weird like that, I don't do things in their proper order.Except my books apparently.I have finished the Beta Reading edits and from tomorrow I will start the content editing. I need to have that done asap so that I can send it off to my WONDERFUL editor Elaina, who will then whip it into shape, and then it's off to Jackie for proofreading. Excessive? Probably! But if you want to turn out top notch books, then that's what you have to do and Kallista is going to be top notch. The feedback from my Beta Readers has been incredible and I feel more inspired than ever to have Kallista out in the world! That being said, here are two new teasers for you in case you missed them this week :) If you have read Tatum please be sure to leave a Goodreads / Amazon review as that's the best way you can assist an author. If you haven't read Tatum yet, make sure you do before the 15th February when Kallista comes out! Tatum can be purchased on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2m6Qv48What else is being written?Well I have started working on The Culling, my next book, and I have to admit that I am going to hell. Like straight to hell, Satan is going to look at me and ask me what is wrong with me! And I am so enjoying writing it because it is just absolutely fun to be playing around with the idea of Culling... things or people you know... either or. Other books that I am planning on bringing out this year also include The Watcher and Watched which will be a collection of short stories written by me! So excited!!!!!What is the Haps! What is happening is that I will be at the Youth Today Carnival Market on the 3rd February. It is being hosted at The Italian Club, 7 Marais Road, Bedfordview, 2007. So if you're a Jozi nightmare or a Nightmare visiting Jozi around that time, be sure to come meet up with me! I promise you will probably leave alive and relatively unscathed! I did a Thing! If you are wondering about who I am and what I'm like I did an author interview for Awesome Gang! Check it out here: http://awesomegang.com/sian-b-claven/Book of the WeekIt's not all about writing with me you know! I started as a reader and I will die with a book in my hand. Who's book will I be reading when I die? Hopefully something by the amazing Toni Cox! And I don't mean that just cause I stalked her until she liked me (best way to make friends by the way) but because her latest tale has seriously taken me to all new levels and if she doesn't write the next one fast enough I at least have access to her to torture her! You should check out my review of her book Elemental Betray by going to this link: http://bit.ly/2DwehjHI mean this with my entire being: If you love fantasy, dragons, elves, wars, love, hate, life and death then I seriously recommend this book to you, but only after you read the first one which is Elemental Rising. It will take you... just read my reviews, it says it all. There's something new on my websiteI will be adding my reviews to my website as well! Not just of books I have just finished but also of books that I have read previously and what I think about them! So if you're looking for your next read, and trust me when I say I am not genre specific - I read everything, then keep an eye on my review section! Well that's it for tonight Nightmares! Stay Warm.Stay Safe.Stay Awake.Lock The Door.Sian B. ClavenPossible Psychopath

The First Draft of Kallista is done - Aren't you excited?

This week has been a hard week because I was pushing to get Kallista's first draft done! It's so exciting to finish a book but at the same time it's nerve wrecking. I always get end of story blues and this one was no different. Those last three chapters had to be wrenched out of me because I have lived Kallista for so long now I'm not sure what to live now.The Culling.Before I get onto The Culling I need to wrap up Kallista. Are you waiting for your copy? I'm looking to release February the 15th. Currently the draft is with my Beta Readers. Once they are done I am going to edit it personally. Then it goes to my professional editor and then my proof reader and then the fun begins.You can expect the AMAZING Cover reveal party on the 4th February - you know what that means! Wait! You don't? It means that I will be hosting an hour long event on Sian's Little Nightmares where I will be having games and fun posts and I will be giving away copies of Ensnared and Gift Cards! So don't miss out! Watch my group and page for the details and make sure you are there (online) to participate!Something else you can expect is the amazingness that is going to be my release day party! We will be doing takeovers, we will be doing prizes, we will be doing giveaways! It's going to be so damn exciting I CANNOT WAIT!!!!Currently what I AM looking for out of my fans are some ARC readers. In the beginning of February you will receive an ARC - Advanced Readers Copy - of Kallista to please read and review by the release day! If you think you can do this and are interested please keep an eye on my page and group for the details and sign up! In case you missed it, here are these weeks trailers! (Blog Continues after) So The Culling is my next project that I am hoping to release in March! It centers around a world ruled by the demons of hell and pockets of human civilization. The demons do not attack the civilization because every year one of the cities gives its middle born children to Nirvana - or heaven - and that keeps the demons at bay. Not is all as it seems though! I cannot wait to get started on this baby! I start working on it on Monday!Don't forget that on Monday I am doing Movie Monday at 1: 00 PM EST which in South Africa is 8:00 PM. I cannot wait to see you all there. This weeks topic of discussion is going back to basics. Tune in! There will be new teasers for Kallista posted on Tuesday and Thursday on my page so don't forget to keep track or you'll miss them.I think that's all the news I have for this week so have a FANTASTIC week guys and I will catch up with you on Monday! Remember, watch your back! Sian B. Claven