Lorina Stephens's Blog, page 36
September 17, 2014
Mark Lefebvre gives four stars to Mik Murdoch: The Power Within
Mark Lefebvre, Director of Kobo Writing Life and Author Relations, writes, "...good follow-up to the first book...."
available in print and ebook
from Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
Mark's review Sep 12, 14
4 of 5 starsRead from August 19 to September 08, 2014 — I own a copy
This was a good follow-up to the first book about Mik Murdoch. It was fun to return to his world and see what sort of super power the special berry he retrieved in book one would bring him.
The power Mik discovers is a truly unique one and Plested does a great job not only of slowly unveiling it throughout the book, but using it at some very crucial moments of the novel.
The moral dilemma that Mik faces is profound and important and demonstrates an incredible yet difficult build of character for the young man in one of the most poignant moments of the novel.
Certainly looking forward to the next Mik Murdoch novel.
available in print and ebookfrom Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
Mark's review Sep 12, 14
4 of 5 starsRead from August 19 to September 08, 2014 — I own a copy
This was a good follow-up to the first book about Mik Murdoch. It was fun to return to his world and see what sort of super power the special berry he retrieved in book one would bring him.
The power Mik discovers is a truly unique one and Plested does a great job not only of slowly unveiling it throughout the book, but using it at some very crucial moments of the novel.
The moral dilemma that Mik faces is profound and important and demonstrates an incredible yet difficult build of character for the young man in one of the most poignant moments of the novel.
Certainly looking forward to the next Mik Murdoch novel.
September 15, 2014
The Power Within contest winner!
It would seem Sean Hitchings of Churchill, New York, has some pretty great mapping skills. He's successfully plotted the coordinates Mik Murdoch radios in Michell Plested's newest novel, Mik Murdoch: The Power Within.
Sean has won a free digital copy of D.G. Laderoute's Out of Time.
The co-ordinates? Well, read The Power Within, map the co-ordinates, email Mik Murdoch the location of the co-ordinates with your name and email address, and you also can win a free digital copy of Out of Time.
September 12, 2014
4-star review for Susan Bohnet's My Life as a Troll
Five Rivers regularly participates in LibaryThing's Early Reviewers Giveaways, a way for readers to obtain review copies of new releases from publishers.
The following is one reader's review of Susan Bohnet's debut YA fantasy, My Life as a Troll.
available in print and eBook
from Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.Jared is an outsider at school and unhappy at home, his parents fight all the time and his sister only has time for her boyfriend. So when he gets a copy of Lavascape, a fully immersive MMORPG with helmet, gloves and other tracking devices, he jumps at the chance to play a Troll. At first he is content with hanging out in the village, playing games all the time, but when he starts to have visions of a beautiful princess in distress, he starts to change his mind and prepare for an adventure. While he is spending more and more time in Lavascape and thus neglecting both his friends and his homework, he starts to notice strange changes with himself. Some injuries he incurred while playing suddenly appear in real life, and where are all those muscles coming from?
Susan Bohnet manages to take a coming of age story with a strong focus on computer games and takes it to the next level. My Life as a Troll is a very captivating read that I could not turn down, and even though I foresaw some plot points, there were turns I didn't see coming at all. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever played a computer game and a must read for everyone who plays MMORPGs! (
)
| 
flagpratchettfan | Sep 4, 2014 |
The following is one reader's review of Susan Bohnet's debut YA fantasy, My Life as a Troll.
available in print and eBookfrom Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.Jared is an outsider at school and unhappy at home, his parents fight all the time and his sister only has time for her boyfriend. So when he gets a copy of Lavascape, a fully immersive MMORPG with helmet, gloves and other tracking devices, he jumps at the chance to play a Troll. At first he is content with hanging out in the village, playing games all the time, but when he starts to have visions of a beautiful princess in distress, he starts to change his mind and prepare for an adventure. While he is spending more and more time in Lavascape and thus neglecting both his friends and his homework, he starts to notice strange changes with himself. Some injuries he incurred while playing suddenly appear in real life, and where are all those muscles coming from?Susan Bohnet manages to take a coming of age story with a strong focus on computer games and takes it to the next level. My Life as a Troll is a very captivating read that I could not turn down, and even though I foresaw some plot points, there were turns I didn't see coming at all. Highly recommended for anyone who has ever played a computer game and a must read for everyone who plays MMORPGs! (
)
| flagpratchettfan | Sep 4, 2014 |
September 10, 2014
Five Rivers at VCON
VCON is Vancouver, British Columbia's premier science fiction, fantasy and games convention, since 1971. This year VCON is being held October 3-5 at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford hotel. Our own Senior Editor, Robert Runté , will be in attendance and involved in various functions.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 4, 2014:
11:30 – 12:00 Robert Runté Reading
1:00pm – 2:00pm Five Rivers Publishing: Pitch Session with Robert Runté
4:00pm-6pm: Aurora Awards Ceremony
6:00- 7:00 pm: Live Action Slush with hosts: Randy McCharles (M), Robert Runté, Mark Teppo, Patrick Swenson, Samantha Beiko, Ian Alexander Martin
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014
2:00pm-3:00pm Five Rivers Publishing Pitch Session with Robert Runté
September 8, 2014
New intern at Five Rivers
This fall Five Rivers is pleased to welcome our new Social Media and Promotions Intern, Jill Cabrera.
Jill Cabrera
Born in the Philippines and currently studying at MacEwan University (Edmonton, Alberta) Cabrera has been part-time Administrator and Retail for the Students' Association of MacEwan University, as well as Communications Support at MacEwan's Students' Association, and a Customer Advisor at Healthy Options Education.
She says of herself, "I am writer by passion and an editor by discipline. I am currently a student of MacEwan in pursuit of a dream in publishing."
Cabrera's internship is part of MacEwan University's work-study program. She will be with us until December. Welcome aboard the good ship Five Rivers, Jill!
Jill CabreraBorn in the Philippines and currently studying at MacEwan University (Edmonton, Alberta) Cabrera has been part-time Administrator and Retail for the Students' Association of MacEwan University, as well as Communications Support at MacEwan's Students' Association, and a Customer Advisor at Healthy Options Education.
She says of herself, "I am writer by passion and an editor by discipline. I am currently a student of MacEwan in pursuit of a dream in publishing."
Cabrera's internship is part of MacEwan University's work-study program. She will be with us until December. Welcome aboard the good ship Five Rivers, Jill!
September 5, 2014
Nate Hendley speaking at Walter Stewart Public Library
Wednesday, September 24, 2014, Five Rivers' crime-writer Nate Hendley will be speaking at the Walter Stewart branch of the Toronto Public Library, as part of the East End Writers' Group meeting.
Nate Hendley
He will be reading from his works, discuss the true-crime genre, and answer questions about his writing process.
Nate Hendley is the author of Al Capone: Chicago's King of Crime, Dutch Schultz: Brazen Beer Baron of New York, Steven Truscott: Decades of Injustice, John Lennon: Music, Myth and Madness, and Crystal Death: North America's Most Dangerous Drug.
Nate HendleyHe will be reading from his works, discuss the true-crime genre, and answer questions about his writing process.
Nate Hendley is the author of Al Capone: Chicago's King of Crime, Dutch Schultz: Brazen Beer Baron of New York, Steven Truscott: Decades of Injustice, John Lennon: Music, Myth and Madness, and Crystal Death: North America's Most Dangerous Drug.
September 3, 2014
Plested speaking at Jubilee Public Library
Michell Plested, author of the hit YA fantasy series, Mik Murdoch, will be at the Jubilee Public Library in Ponoka Saturday, September 13, 2014, starting from 1:00 p.m.
He will be reading from the second novel in the series, The Power Within. and will have copies available for signing and purchase.
He will be reading from the second novel in the series, The Power Within. and will have copies available for signing and purchase.
September 1, 2014
Another 5-star review for The Power Within
Michael Fletcher, author of the dystopic and dynamite SF novel, 88, recently read and reviewed Michell Plested's second installment in the Mik Murdoch YA fantasy series, The Power Within. No slouch himself when it comes to crafting a gripping story, Fletcher had this to say:
Michael Fletcher's review Aug 03, 14
5 of 5 starsRead in August, 2014
I finished this a couple of days ago but needed to time to think about it.
There are two kinds of writing I enjoy. The first is evocative and beautiful, and you find yourself enjoying specific sentences or descriptions. Sometimes that beauty can be intrusive and your enjoyment of the craft can drag you from the story. The second disappears into the story, dragging you in, and by the end of the book you've completely forgotten that you've been reading because you were sucked in so completely. For the entire length of the novel you are unaware of words.
The Power Within is the second type. From the moment I picked up the book until I put it down I was Mik Murdoch. Mik's irrepressible optimism was like a vacation from the crush of reality, a flashback to the boy I once was. And I can't explain it, but there was something in here that took me back to the Hardy Boy novels I read as a kid. I want more.
Kids will love this series.2 likes · like ∙ flagfollow reviews
available in print and ebook
from Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
Michael Fletcher's review Aug 03, 14
5 of 5 starsRead in August, 2014
I finished this a couple of days ago but needed to time to think about it.
There are two kinds of writing I enjoy. The first is evocative and beautiful, and you find yourself enjoying specific sentences or descriptions. Sometimes that beauty can be intrusive and your enjoyment of the craft can drag you from the story. The second disappears into the story, dragging you in, and by the end of the book you've completely forgotten that you've been reading because you were sucked in so completely. For the entire length of the novel you are unaware of words.
The Power Within is the second type. From the moment I picked up the book until I put it down I was Mik Murdoch. Mik's irrepressible optimism was like a vacation from the crush of reality, a flashback to the boy I once was. And I can't explain it, but there was something in here that took me back to the Hardy Boy novels I read as a kid. I want more.
Kids will love this series.2 likes · like ∙ flagfollow reviews
available in print and ebookfrom Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
August 29, 2014
Goodreads reviewer gives 5-star rating to The Tattooed Seer
The second novel in Susan MacGregor's Tattooed Witch Trilogy, The Tattooed Seer, released August 1, 2014, and launch at this year's When Words Collide convention.
Recently a Goodreads reviewer wrote the following about MacGregor's novel:
G.J.C. McKitrick's review Aug 18, 14
5 of 5 starsRead from July 24 to August 15, 2014
I’ll begin this review with a caution. Susan MacGregor’s “The Tattooed Seer” is a sequel to last year’s “The Tattooed Witch”. I read the latter about a year ago, and even with that relatively short period of time, I found myself struggling at times to remember the backstory. So, if you have not read “The Tattooed Witch” read it first. It’s a wonderful book and will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the “The Tattooed Seer”.
So on with the review of this book. Susan MacGregor sets her books in 16th century Spain, where a magical band of gypsies are fleeing persecution from Tomas, the Grand Inquisitor for the Spanish Inquisition. The book is fantasy but that hasn’t stopped the writer from doing meticulous historical research, so much so that most readers of historical fiction or romance will find much to like here.
The story centers around Miriam, the band’s matriarch and her struggles to lead her people to safety. Her life is complicated not just by the inherent dangers of their situation, but also by two lovers, one of whom is corporal and the other spiritual. This may well be the oddest love triangle I’ve ever encountered but it works beautifully.
Miriam’s powers come from self-inflicted magical tattoos but she is not alone. Each member of her band has their own special ability but they must work together or perish at the hands of Tomas. Getting them to do so is part of the challenge facing Mariam.
If you are a fan of historical fantasy or romance this book will sit in your sweet spot. But here’s the thing. I’m not and yet this book still works for me, largely because Susan MacGregor is a literary craftsman. In my world fine writing trumps genres any time and this is fine writing. like ∙ flagfollow reviews
available in print and ebook
from Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
Recently a Goodreads reviewer wrote the following about MacGregor's novel:
G.J.C. McKitrick's review Aug 18, 14
5 of 5 starsRead from July 24 to August 15, 2014
I’ll begin this review with a caution. Susan MacGregor’s “The Tattooed Seer” is a sequel to last year’s “The Tattooed Witch”. I read the latter about a year ago, and even with that relatively short period of time, I found myself struggling at times to remember the backstory. So, if you have not read “The Tattooed Witch” read it first. It’s a wonderful book and will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the “The Tattooed Seer”.
So on with the review of this book. Susan MacGregor sets her books in 16th century Spain, where a magical band of gypsies are fleeing persecution from Tomas, the Grand Inquisitor for the Spanish Inquisition. The book is fantasy but that hasn’t stopped the writer from doing meticulous historical research, so much so that most readers of historical fiction or romance will find much to like here.
The story centers around Miriam, the band’s matriarch and her struggles to lead her people to safety. Her life is complicated not just by the inherent dangers of their situation, but also by two lovers, one of whom is corporal and the other spiritual. This may well be the oddest love triangle I’ve ever encountered but it works beautifully.
Miriam’s powers come from self-inflicted magical tattoos but she is not alone. Each member of her band has their own special ability but they must work together or perish at the hands of Tomas. Getting them to do so is part of the challenge facing Mariam.
If you are a fan of historical fantasy or romance this book will sit in your sweet spot. But here’s the thing. I’m not and yet this book still works for me, largely because Susan MacGregor is a literary craftsman. In my world fine writing trumps genres any time and this is fine writing. like ∙ flagfollow reviews
available in print and ebookfrom Five Rivers
online booksellers worldwide
and select bookstores
August 27, 2014
Aaron Kite at When Words Collide 2014
Aaron Kite, author of the popular YA fantasy, A Touch of Poison, appeared this year at When Words Collide in Calgary to launch his new novel, and speak on several panels including one on writing YA fiction. His insights, humour and pragmatic approach to world-building and writing captured the audience.
A Touch of Poison is available in print and eBook from Five Rivers, online booksellers worldwide, and select bookstores.
