Kester James Finley's Blog, page 2

Random Book Review- Cur Dogs by M.N. Seeley

Recently finished this science fiction adventure read from M.N. Seeley and posted a review on Amazon.com and over at Goodreads. If you’re looking for a great action adventure in a crazy world and you like it a little rough, this is a perfect thrill ride. It’s well worth the read. 5 out of 5.

M.N. Seeley’s “Cur Dogs” will let you know from the first few opening lines of the very first page that this will not be a pleasant adventure story nor ever considered an easy-breezy walk among the roses. Unapologetic from the start, Seeley barely offers readers a chance to adapt before his flourish for brashness pushes the envelope into a world so masterfully created and detailed, you’ll never want to leave but be entirely grateful you survived.

Seeley introduces us to Etta Reigert, a protagonist that works in Sea City as a “chaperone” that assists in transporting packages to the promised land, better known as Dinlas Verde across a fantasy sci-fi landscape that’s about as hospitable as a bag of rattlesnakes. Well defined and instantly likable, Reigert shines in many ways while being perfectly flawed in others. Taking a job that seems simple enough and will earn her a promotion, Reigert soon finds herself in trouble.

As the story unfolds, she is put through the paces in every imaginable sense by Seeley’s flair for the dramatic among shifting scenes of danger and destruction. Beautifully broken, the strong-willed Reigert weaves in and out or morality and ethics as she is thrown into Seeley’s well-written game of mouse versus cat versus the environment leaving no stone unturned when it comes to shaking the very foundation of life for everyone involved.

Other characters include the ball-busting Stovall, the crystal hugging Birdie, and many more, all with specific defining characteristics that showcase Seeley’s ability to create a cast that works splendidly within the confines of his work without blending or becoming confusing. Readers will no doubt find a favorite along with Reigert but, with Seeley behind the wheel of this fast-moving vehicle, don’t be surprised if it flies off a cliff and explodes. You’ll love watching it burn.

Beyond the odd mix of characters making their way to Dinlas Verde, Seeley expertly details the world around them on their journey from sight, to smell, to the overall feel to the point that readers may find the need to shower during some of the more not so clean moments. Gritty, dirty, and unfiltered, it’s a dream escape for a madman, or two. Among the expertly crafted environment, the true stars of “Cur Dogs” are the animals found along the way. Under Seeley’s masterful control, these gruesomely created, and disgustingly vivid forms of life are as unforgettable as the names given to them throughout the story and would never be mistaken for cuddly or fuzzy.

Seeley’s work on “Cur Dogs” feels and reads like what would happen if LSD was freely given to the writing team of Jurassic Park. It drives itself maddeningly forward piling up the threats and ramping up the fears until its dramatic finale. One part adventure, two parts psychological test, Seeley explores the shifting parameters of human nature when the chips are down, people are pushed, and money is on the line with perfect precision. Funny, gross, somewhat touching, bloody, and damn right horrific in spots makes this science fiction jaunt a non-stop thrill ride of twisting schemes and dangerous scenarios. Much like the loveable and gentle hug of a “muskpuck” it’ll surely leave a mark. Great read, do not miss!

Amazon Link/Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/M-N-Seeley/e/B078WWWQY2/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20689459.M_N_Seeley

Keep reading, keep writing,

–KJF

Kicking the lid off the casket.

Way back in 2017 I finished my first novel, Bitter Awakenings. I was pleased and overwhelmed, at the same time. I quickly edited it and found a cover designer assuming I could easily figure out most of the other parts of self-pubbing on my own. It was a horrible learning experience. I assumed I knew enough, I knew nothing. Information was sporadic, conflicting, and ended up leading me down many dead-end streets and roundabouts of confusion. I took a leap; I fell flat on my face. Trial and error abound and eventually, after spending way too much money to even get it somewhat out there into the world, I decided to leave it alone and walk away.

Originally planning on it being the only novel I would ever write, I soon realized that I had left Bitter Awakenings wide open for a second installment which evolved into three books that ended up having babies until it became a five-book series titled, The Keeper Chronicles. Every book had me acquiring new knowledge, new tactics, and introduced me to some very helpful people along the way. Sites like Grammarly, Draft2Digital, and a new cover designer that worked miracles at thebookkhaleesi.com and much more suddenly allowed those with bad “know-how” skills to get work out there and to be happy about it too.  

After five books and three novellas, I kept seeing my first book staring at me disapprovingly. See, I thought I could outrun the whole “leave it alone and move on” mentality I had built up. I thought I had left that whole bad experience in the past of hard lessons and ever steeper learning curves. I had always wanted to go back and edit/thin out my first book more but never found the time. Focusing on new work kept the old thoughts at bay. I was thundering through my new novella series, The AOA, and getting ready to wrap up the final pages of Season 1, Episode 3 when Covid-19 came a-callin’.

The pandemic hit, everyone’s world took a spin into chaos and craziness. I found myself home more, I found my hubs in the same boat sitting behind me. Both of us worked or tried. See, I can’t write effectively with someone behind me narrating their daily tasks or answering calls or even muddling through yet another zoom meeting. It weighed on me, I shelved Episode 3 of The AOA after trying to get back into daily writing and stewed. I wanted to write, I wanted to be creative and constructive yet this whole new “norm” was seriously kicking my butt. What would I do, what could I do?

I found myself drawn back to Bitter Awakenings. I found I could easily edit without too much fuss and interruptions; I could still feel like I was accomplishing things! I suddenly craved it, suddenly found myself deep in focus editing dialogue, snipping away fluffy bits to make the book flow better, to feel better. I kicked the lid off the casket exposing the rotting remains inside and decided to spray some cologne on the corpse and dress it up for Sunday dinner. What was originally a massive book of way too much ended up getting cut by a staggering 55 pages! It’s still a large book but now it resonates better with me, it smiles lovingly from a distance having finally been put right, or close enough.

I learned a lot through the years, I had to roll with quite a few punches. I’ve learned I can not write with noise behind me, but I can edit. I’ve also learned that with patience and time, one can better their world and beautify something that was once a tad on the ugly side. I enjoyed the experience so much, I’ve moved onto Twisted Reunions, Book 2, and will probably roll through all five in the series trimming and fixing minor mistakes or larger issues.

I’ll save all the unused and cut away body parts in a large document as one never knows when the urge to build something from bits and pieces will draw me to creation. The books will never be perfect in my mind, I’m an author and that’s how I roll, however, it will be better than it was and then some. When I finish, I’ll knowingly nod, softly close the lid, and sink the casket of my creations back into the earth to allow new works to spring forth like flowers in a cemetery.     

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Happy Writing,

KJF

Random Book Review-A Sky Littered with Stories by R.D. Pires

I recently finished this book and have left a review on Amazon and Goodreads as well as here in case any of my followers would like to give it a read. A brilliant anthology of short stories, it’s one that will appeal to many. Below is my posted review as well as links. Enjoy, read, write, and embrace!

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Five of Five stars!

A panoramic view of humanity.

In “A Sky Littered with Stories” by RD Pires, readers are taken on a winding tour of life with its varied ups and downs across an expanse of existence from birth to death. Within this collection of short stories, the emotions are ever-present and, much like the starry night above, are wide open for interpretation and meaning in our own lives while we gaze upon the light offered.

At its start, Pires’s work could be seen as a simple collection of short stories showcasing his work. Several pages in, readers are treated to the subtle brilliance hidden within. Weaving heart throughout, Pires takes his readers on a journey that seems to dance effortlessly between genres without overly saturating his work on one particular area of interest. Hints of the supernatural combine with drama and suspense while action blends flawlessly with budding romance coupled with fear. Each short story, something new. Each offering, a shifting perspective, an emotion checked off a hidden list. Expertly crafted, each display denotes a sense of our fragile existence, the mortal coil that ties us together. Although readers will be wanting to place Pires’s writing into a specific genre, doing so would only muddle the overall experience and diminish the appeal of how anthologies function. His work can be seen as all things, all of it in bits and pieces, beautiful, broken, dark, and light.

Within the stories, beyond the shifting parameters of Pires’s scenes, characters are well delivered and conceptually sound on all levels. We are pulled into their worlds and given access to moments, seconds of lives beyond our own. While the endings of most of the offerings follow a “good enough for now” or “happy for now” setting with some dropping off not so heart-felt, it does take some time getting used to this technique until we are made aware that maybe Pires’s goal was to force us to reminiscence, feel, or evaluate which worked flawlessly on so many levels in that regard. Readers will no doubt find enough detail in each story to be drawn in and allowed to form their own opinions on how each should effectively end or if what was given is enough to satiate.

Throughout, readers may find that Pires’s work operates much in the same way a television remote works. Each story seems to represent a channel change, to a show already in progress masterfully crafted for our appeal that works double duty to invoke a feeling, bring forth a long-forgotten experience of our lifetimes be it love, loss, illness, or the oddity of a life lived on a spinning ever-changing planet. Given enough detailed information and characterization to interest us before the scene/channel is changed, each story leaves us with a different emotion, a new experience, a shifting perspective. Lingering on the mind longer than the page count of each, the stories encourage additional thinking on the readers’ part, exploration of scenarios and possibilities. One could easily see an additional anthology on Pires’s part containing a collection of “what happened next” or “later that same day” of some of his stories but the chance of souring the emotional longevity of his initial work would make that a dicey proposition.

“A Sky Littered with Stories” is a journey through a shifting landscape of people and places throughout timelines that mirror our own experiences and the emotions accompanying each. Thoughtful and paced affectionately, Pires’s work stands as a definitive example of the possible fullness and ultimate briefness of life in its many colored and beautifully fractured parts. Shining bright or dimly lit through space and time, each character is all of us, each makes an appearance, and all have presence and meaning among the backdrop of humanity. Wonderfully crafted.    

Amazon Link:

Leave a comment, a hug, or tell me what you enjoy reading!

-KJF

Random Book Review-Rotten Man’s Throne by Tyler R. Martin

While I don’t usually delve too much into poetry, I have found myself increasingly drawn to several genres and areas of writing outside my norm of supernatural/fantasy/horror since we’ve all been experiencing stay at home quarantine type living the past few months.

Listed below is one of my first reviews for a collection of poetic offerings along with the Amazon link. Supporting indie and self-published authors has become a passion of mine and if you find this particular review entices you or any of the others I’ve listed through the years, take a chance, read, love, embrace!

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Four out of five stars!

From the start, the poetic offerings of Rotten Man’s Throne by Tyler R. Martin could be viewed as the musings of a drunkard and, in some ways, it brilliantly reflects that assumption. As the pages turn and the words flow, however, we are led further into his world and the creative haunting remains of an emotional battlefield that sheds light on not only the creator but also ourselves.

Some of the pieces displayed within Martin’s work carry with them a dark undertone, a few more so than others, but each has a way of lingering in the mind long after one’s initial read through. Although rather short and coming in at about 34 pages, Martin delivers a well-rounded collection that not only defines his talent but also clearly illustrates the inner workings of life, love, loss, and the aftereffect of living a little too dangerously.

The emotion within is raw, the imagination oftentimes allowed to run parallel with real-life scenarios. While many readers will no doubt feel that Martin describes bits and pieces of their own lives, he goes one step further and includes the entire expanse of our emotionally shared human existence. Readers are led through a gamut of good, bad, black, white, and the gray areas we inevitably stumble upon throughout our lifetimes while making us realize that we each share many of the same tribulations, many of the same trials. With this approach, we find that, although the end of the road differs for each, many of the paths crisscross through space and time for us all. 

Coming off as one part dark and reflective, one part sarcastically boastful, and one part emotionally driven to breaking, Martin showcases his talent for prose by including hidden meanings, deeper feelings, bits of fantasy, and exposed traumas in every piece. While in need of some slight tweaking regarding spacing issues with poem title headers, Martin evidences his potential to soon become a masterfully crafted author of poetry. The book cover is hand-drawn and while some may take offense at the crudeness of its design, it fits the work perfectly as it evokes feelings and symbolism as well as visual representation into understanding Martin’s creations. Given four stars, it weighs heavier on the mind and heart upon a second read through than originally noticed and is deserving of a read by others for the depth of emotions and creative flair alone.   

Through his chosen words, readers will find perfected visuals and feelings both horrid and lovely, heartbreaking and rejuvenating. Mingling fantasy and reality, darkness and light, Martin takes his readers on a journey through previous pains and joys, creative futures, envisioned outcomes, thought-provoking revelations, and everything in between.  A man open and unashamed but guarded and distant, a man somewhat broken and hell-bent for destruction sharing space alongside one fighting for love and laughter. He can be seen as a lonely man lost in thought at the end of a smoke-filled bar lamenting about life, about times long gone as a warning to others coupled with a prideful mantra, and one that eagerly shares the views of a well-traveled lifestyle while favorably reflecting on the feeling of one moment in time. Brief, unapologetic, real.    

Amazon Link:

Stay safe, stay strong! Read often, write just as much.

Random Image Day!-#43 (Counting Stars)

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I, much like many at the present moment are, am dealing with a nearly endless cycle of stay at home worries. Some of us have navigated this new way of living in various ways, others have further cemented themselves into the realm of hermits.

It’s been a trying time for us all and, as time progresses, can clearly be defined as a turning point in our ideals, belief systems, and way of living. Society is shifting, thoughts are changing. I do not think we’ll ever go back to the “way it was” but it is my deepest hope that we’ll rise up, regardless of how long it takes, with greater connections to those around us, for the betterment of the world spinning right outside our securely locked doors.

For me, writing is an escape. I use it to drown out the world around me as much as possible. In those newly created worlds and developing characters, I control, I rule, and I choose the direction even when those within its pages clearly have other plans. It’s a way to control something tangible, to still the nerves, to calm the mind when its needed most and I think, or at least I hope, many of my fellow writers will agree it’s the same for them as well.

A few months ago when this all was just a brief mention on the nightly news thousands of miles away I was busy diving headfirst into a new series, this time a novella series based around superheroes. You can see the included picture below.

Random Book Review- 12:23 by Patrick F. Johnson

I just finished reading and decided to leave a quick review. Sci-Fi fans who are aching for a quick two-hour read will no doubt thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced action/adventure offering by Patrick F. Johnson. I have left a review at Amazon and Goodreads. If it’s something you may be interested in give it a look and take it out for a spin. Support authors, read for the love of reading!!  Review and link listed below!

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Johnson’s short story offering, “12:23” creeps ever so quietly from the shadows offering little clues to the overall grand scheme before it rapidly crests and freefalls into science fiction thrills and chills that lasts until the final page. Cram packed with enough moments to fill a full-length novel, Johnson provides just enough backstory with the when and how to effectively draw readers in before he turns his creation on its ear destroying everything around him.

What starts as a genuine look at the world of writers soon switches gears into a science fiction mind-bending adventure that packs a punch. At the start, readers are introduced to aspiring authors Kim and Dylan who end up in the same place, at the same time strangely aware of each other but have never met. Supporting characters are introduced to the mix and, spoilers aside, the oddities and similarities quickly escalate cranking the story’s pace into overdrive and sending it rocketing into a whole different feel in the process.

Johnson’s ability to pepper his work with juicy tidbits of information throughout the breakneck speed of 12:23 only further affirms his expertise to great storytelling and the less is more tactic that keeps readers fully entranced by the magic within. While Johnson does answer some of the questions that come about within 12:23, like many a great sci-fi offering before it, others remain to allow readers to formulate opinions and to stew over the possibilities that a sequel may come along shedding new light on the main story and sending us off on another adventure.

Walking the line between mystery and science fiction, Johnson masterfully explores each grandly during the two-hour adventure he has created that will no doubt entice and titillate fans of both. Reading through, 12:23 feels as if it derives a little bit of inspiration from the television series “The Twilight Zone” before morphing effortlessly into the film “Independence Day,” and I for one could not have been more thrilled to sense it as I greedily devoured the entire story in one sitting.

Although a quick read for most and one that many will wish had carried on at least another twenty pages to slow down the white knuckle ride we all bought tickets for, 12:23 gives us everything we want in a science fiction short story. If a suspenseful mystery featuring trippy head games, driven characters mingling with aliens, odd places, spaceships, and the pew-pew of laser beams wrapped around a story with heart gets your blood pumping, Johnson’s 12:23 will not disappoint.

 

Amazon link:

 

Happy Reading-

KJF

Random Book Review- Wish Upon a Leaf by Teresa Grabs

Straying a little bit from my usual horror and supernatural reviews, I decided to expand my reading enjoyment and dove into this children’s book by Teresa Grabs. I have left a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and here for all my followers. If it’s something that appeals to you give it a read! Enjoy!!

 

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In Wish Upon a Leaf, Teresa Grabs offers up a children’s story that feels classic in its approach but remains viable for today and any age group. Touching and uplifting, Grabs’ offering delivers a tale that borders on timeless all the while creating whimsical touches and bittersweet experiences.

Emotionally speaking, Grabs’ portrayal of her main characters, Timothy, Sarah, and Edward expertly defines the overall mood and setting of her work. As three runaways from a local orphanage, each character remains brilliantly showcased throughout with individual personalities, wants, needs, and desires.

By placing them in difficult challenges, wins, and losses, Grabs’ ability to pull readers into the plight of her characters and the emotional bond they share makes Wish Upon a Leaf shine brightly as strengths and vulnerabilities are fully explored and the structure of the ideal family shifts. Each character, including supporting ones such as Sister Rachel and Miss Williams, is detailed and well-thought-out making them feel real and adding to the overall story without diluting it or taking anything away from its progression.

Throughout, Wish Upon a Leaf, readers are introduced to several locations that are wonderfully thought out and descriptive. Grabs’ ability to visually present every aspect of the world the children find themselves in delivers and brings the story to life with a vintage feel. Although no period of time or specific dates were offered except a mentioning of a 1934 Packard Eight vehicle at the book’s start, a mention of a McDonald’s, and a reference to Woodstock at night, Grabs’ depiction of her world eludes to a modern setting while remaining firmly rooted in a story scape that feels as classical as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, as an example.

In Grabs’ attempt to create a children’s story with general appeal, she has managed to go beyond that masterfully to create a charming work with heart and soul. By creating a world that feels as if it could be anywhere or right around the corner both near and far, Wish Upon a Leaf will remain relevant for years to come with its touches of warmth and bigger picture mechanics that will resonate for children and adults alike. New readers will no doubt enjoy the journey Wish Upon a Leaf provides and will find the magic within a blissful reminder that family is where the heart is regardless of how it presents itself.

Amazon Link Below:

 

Happy Reading–

KJF

August Interview with AllAuthor

Growing up Kester James Finley was an avid fan of comics and cartoons. He had so many favorites growing up that it’s hard to narrow it down to only one. He finds it challenging to hold back certain details or actions within the scene because he wants to add the gruesome or race through in a blur. His biggest hindrance to writing has always been his overly procrastinating nature. His first fully completed book was “Bitter Awakenings”. Read full interview…

Quick Little Update (Breaking new ground.)

It’s been a while, it’s been longer than that in some cases. Between adulting and everything else, the summer has basically flown by without even the faintest hint it was drawing to a close. Days that seemed to drag on forever were fleeting, faking it this whole time. Now, as August comes slinking from the shadows I’ve become aware that a lot of time has passed since I posted anything on my blog.

I’m happy to report that during this summer I managed to release the complete collection of my series, “The Keeper Chronicles” which is available pretty much everywhere in Ebook form. Five books representing horror, supernatural, and southern charm are now enjoying close quarters in one neat little package. The boxed set design was done by Eeva @ http://www.thebookkhaleesi.com and it’s amazing and totally fitting for my work. She’s and her team are professionals and highly talented and I could not recommend a better group of people to work with if you’re looking for any cover designs, banners, formatting, editing, or even a trailer video. To her, many thanks for all her hard work. Check it out below!

Random Image Day!-#42 (Five is alive)

Book 5 of my first series is complete and has been added into the vast ocean of books currently on the market, standing proud among the masses. It marks the end of a journey, the start of so much more. It’s here, it’s done, it’s finally and truly a chance to take a very deep and satisfying breath. My baby, my creation now free, from head and heart to the hands of others.

The book cover for this final foray in The Keeper Chronicles tugs at my heartstrings for many a reason. For one, it’s the closing of one door, the leaving of old friends, comfortable haunts, a circle of trust from characters that many times knew better than me in so many ways. For others, it’s the culmination of years of work, of places and times that have changed along the way for me personally, for my characters, for life.

Choosing the cover was difficult for me and also deceptively simple. I wanted to showcase the star of my series, the main character that has been evident in every single book since her appearance on page one of Book 1. The axle of the moving vehicle, the leader with heart, the head bitch in charge even when she didn’t want to be, Truddie Mae Watts. The young version, the old version, the whole her and everything she brought to the supernatural table. Each book features a character from the series, an eye of potential, a shadow of powers, a hint of danger but for this one I wanted the whole image, finality has that effect it seems.

Big thanks to Eeva from thebookkhaleesi.com for her hard work and creativity. My vision, her talent, a finished product I will forever cherish with fond memories. Her work starting on Book 3 has been a Godsend and an encouraging light when I needed it most. Without further ado, the last and final book for The Keeper Chronicles, Frayed Endings!

 

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Through it all, a forward momentum. Some days I never thought I would, others flew by in pages and words that flowed like a flash flood down a dry riverbed. I was guided, lost, driven, and set adrift for many a day, many a season. It’s done, it’s finished. I’m happy and excited about the future but a little sad about the passing of an era, a collection, a series.

For all there was, has been, will be Truddie Mae Watts, Niles, Gordy, Leesa, Sam, Dusty, and even Valda will hold a special place in my heart, will always flicker with the promise of what can and has been and will lit the passion and the creativity for years to come. It may be moving day for those who have fought supernatural evil, but their whispers, their energy will remain in the housing of my mind so I may reflect on them with a smile when the real world dares to consume. To those that have secretly been dialoguing within my head for the past couple of years, thank you and much love. Rest now brave soldiers for your work is done.

-KJF