E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 14

Tuppence: A Fairy-Tale Retelling – Beta Readers Wanted

 A farmgirl. A goat.

And a song that will change her life.

Her whole life, Tuppence has dreamt of leaving the hillside to make a life in the Kingdom. When the King hosts a grand ball, she finally sees a way out, only to have her dreams squashed by her bitter mother and two sisters, Uma and Tertia.

With only a goat and her gift of song, Tuppence begins to develop her own plan to escape…only to discover the true nature of the Kingdom beneath the Hill.

Inspired by the Grimm Fairy Tale, One-Eye, Two-Eyes, and Three-Eyes, venture from the hillside with Tuppence and her sisters to discover where true magic lies.

Introducing Tuppence: A Fairy-Tale Retelling.

I started writing Tuppence back in October, and after a couple drafts, it is just about ready to be passed out to beta readers! 

With a word count of approximately 12K (50 pages), the goal is to release this short-story sometime this coming spring! 

But, before I hire an editor to help me go through the writing itself, I need a handful of individuals to beta read this story! The goal here is simple: help me identify good areas, areas that need work, and inconsistencies. 

If you are interested, please fill out the form below. I’ll be sending out copies to all beta readers on January 29th, 2021…with the hope of getting it back by mid-to-late February. 

Don’t think you can commit to beta reading? That’s OK! The short-story will be released on Kindle Unlimited AND will be available to newsletter subscribers FOR FREE. So if you haven’t subscribed yet, now is definitely the time to do so! 

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Mockingston Faire – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.75 / 5 stars)

Every year, Mockingston Faire comes to town. A fan convention that wraps around the hearts of many, Victoria, Jack and Ludvig can’t wait to once again be immersed by their favorite fandoms. But, just because the faire whisks them away from the world, it does not mean they can escape the pressure from outside. Can they manage to enjoy the day without a care in the world? Or will the craziness of the convention overtake them?

A heartfelt story about fan conventions, we journey with a fun cast of characters to Mockingston Faire. But, it is not without warning: fandom can be toxic and all consuming. While for the most part, conventions are fun  – with contests, art, panels, and more – the toxicity in fandom remains, and in this case, it puts Mockingston Faire at risk of closing…permanently. This is evident in  the treatment of Ludvig as he performs improv, or Victoria as she dances, or the fighting factions in different sides of the fanbase that might just destroy the artist alleys and the panel rooms. 

The author clearly is writing this from experience, delving into the world of fan conventions through eager eyes. In fact, the concept itself is heartwarming, and will connect with many readers. 

Unfortunately the execution could have been better. In an effort to avoid copyright issues, the author writes about fandoms that exist in the world of Mockinston Faire, sometime in such details that it was hard to stay on top of what was actually happening, and other times without enough, so the plot gets muddled down with unfamiliar terms. In addition, the characters bounce from one event to the next, without giving us a chance to get to know them and their connections. Had we gotten a chance to have a larger bird’s eye view of the convention, or the chance to really get to know the characters and the fandom, then the story might have connected with me more.

I think though that anyone who has been to a fan connection will find a part of themselves in this story. You’ll suddenly be transported back to the crowds, through the vendor booths, and into the panels where people gawk at celebrities. In part, it’s a nostalgia ride, which makes it worth the read for anyone who misses fan conventions…especially during this pandemic.

Note: I received a copy of this book at no cost in exchange for my honest review.

What’s it about?

Three friends — Victoria Hughes, Jack Zhang, and Ludvig Gerald — attend Mockingston Faire, an annual convention where fans meet their friends and favourite characters, buy and sell art, play games, and have a good time. Victoria wants to see Gunfighter III, her anticipated game, and reconcile with Ludvig over what she did last year; Jack wants to get as many pictures of his dearest characters and personalities; and Ludvig just wants to keep away from annoying fans and events who constantly forced him to become an amateur actor.

But the Faire itself has its own challenges. Everywhere they go, they seem to be unable to evade the malcontents of pop culture. From violent brawls between bitter fandoms, to nuisances who hound their every step, the whole Faire seems to descend into chaos.

Can these three make it through this dysfunctional festival with their friends in one piece? Or will they succumb to the surrounding rage, losing their sanity and reputation in the process?

Mockingston Faire on Goodreads

Magic at Midnight – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 stars)

 Amy loved her life on the Pegasi Farm. She was one with the creatures, able to infer their exact desires without much trouble. But one day, she is whisked away by a mysterious lord and thrust into a game to win the prince’s hand in marriage…all because she is the spitting image of Princess Amelia! But soon Amy learns that there is more to these games, as well as her past, than she imagined. Can she figure them out, all while exploring her newfound emotions for the Princess of Hazel Wood? Or will her cluelessness lead to death?

There are a lot of great elements in this book: a sentient castle, herds of pegasi, and an deep understanding of love. Amy is a smart-witted young woman, one whose rationality overshadows most of the other princesses, and allows her to uncover a dark plan brewing in the castle to instigate war. Her kindness moves her to act, determined to stop a war that could harm both her pegasi and newfound friends. 

It was nice as well to see Amy be shown as an individual who is attracted to both men and women; often times this isn’t explored in fiction, especially in fantasy, and we are given a chance to see how this internal struggle helps bring peace. 

While the story itself had a lot of great elements, and even the basic plot was interesting, the execution didn’t work for me. In part, this was due to the pacing. I’m not a fan of fast pacing, where the story jumps from one event the next. In the course of the first chapter, Amy goes from farm girl to a participant in a princess competition, without giving us a chance to really understand her feelings or see how she is transformed. Being a novella, I understand how word-space can be limited. Personally, I feel like there was enough working in the background of this story that it could have been a full length novel! We could have explored the politics more, as well as Amy’s feelings, her magic, and her relationship with the pegasi. Instead, we were told about Amy’s feelings…rather than given them the chance to see them in action. 

While the pacing of this story wasn’t for me, it still has a great plot that I think a lot of people will enjoy! So if you like pegasi, magic, princesses, and LGBTQ+ representation, it is definitely worth the read! 

Note: I received a copy of this book at no cost in exchange for my honest review.

What’s it about?

BETRAYAL.
CONSPIRACIES.
MAGIC.

Amy has only known one life. Now she needs to put it all on the line to save what is precious to her. Can this simple farm girl survive court-life? Can she stop a war from burning down her world? And what of the mysterious princess of Hazel Wood and her covert glances…? Not to mention the prince of Acacia Wood who might or might not be involved with the prophecies ruling their kingdoms. With mysteries and secrets threatening the life she longs to return to, can she separate her feelings from the mission?

TO WHAT LENGTHS WILL SHE GO TO SAVE HER LOVED-ONES?

Magic at Midnight on Goodreads

Hollow Road – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)

 A soldier, a mage, and a circus archer are sent to deliver the body of their best friend for burial, but discover so-called monsters of legend along Hollow Road as they head back home. Does it sound like a joke? Well, that is exactly the fate of Carl, Finn, and Sinnie as they deliver their old friends’ Theo body back home for burial. When they encounter the Maer, creatures of legend that are said to be ruthless and bloodthirsty, they soon uncover that the Maer are more than they seem. But what destiny awaits them as they return to the Maer’s home? And will they come out alive?

A fast paced adventure fantasy, we are taken on an exciting journey to learn about the Maer and other creatures that live Gheil. Dan Fitzgerald does a wonderful job keeping the pace going, introducing us to the main trio through their talents and perspectives. With them, we meet the Maer, a supposedly terrible group of monsters. But, Carl, Finn, and Sinnie soon learn, the Maer are far more human that they were led to believe.

This novel takes traditional fantasy elements, filled with monsters and legends, and shows us how not everything is as it seems. The Maer just want to be treated as equals to humans, their magic, infrastructure, and hierarchy similar to those in the North. Hollow Road is more than just about destroying monsters, but also about tossing aside preconceived notions, and accepting those who look just a little different.

Fitzgerald also make an applaudable point in using LGBTQ+ representation: Sinnie is asexual, Finn is attracted to men, and Carl finds his own preferences changing. We need more representation like that in fantasy; while perhaps Hollow Road is nothing too unique in its storyline (using tropes that are successful in their own right), adding these type of characters really make the story shine.

I do wish we had some more time to get to know the main trio: I would have loved to see Finn in study, Sinnie as a circus performer, and Carl as a soldier before venturing off to return Theo’s body. I would have liked to see interactions as well, especially among Sinnie and the Maer, rather than being told that they had happened. In addition, questions remain as well: how did Theo die? What is happening in the backdrop of government? I guess that’s all for the sequel. 

I was pleasantly surprised by Hollow Road. While the first chronicle in the Maer cycle came to a satisfying conclusion, there is much more I want to know, and I have full intentions of picking up the sequel in the future. 

What’s it about?

Legends describe the Maer as savage man-beasts haunting the mountains, their bodies and faces covered with hair. Creatures of unimaginable strength, cunning, and cruelty. Bedtime stories to keep children indoors at night. Soldiers’ tales to frighten new recruits.

It is said the Maer once ruled the Silver Hills, but they have long since passed into oblivion.

This is the story of their return.

Carl, Sinnie and Finn, three companions since childhood, are tasked with bringing a friend’s body home for burial. Along the way, they find there is more to the stories than they ever imagined, and the mountains hold threats even darker than the Maer. What they discover on their journey will change the way they see the world forever.

Travel down Hollow Road to find out which legends are true, and which have been twisted

The Hollow Road on Goodreads

Hazel & Gray – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 stars)

Hazel and Gray are lost in the woods after a romantic rendezvous. After Hazel disobeys her wicked step-father to meet with Gray, they find their way to a mansion hidden by the trees. In a bizarre turn of events, they are led into a drug and prostitution ring, with seemingly no way to escape. But are Hazel and Gray more connected to this terrible place than they thought? Or did they only wind up here by chance?

In a retelling of Hansel and Gretel, Hazel and Gray is a dark modern twist on the classic tale. It won’t work for everyone: the adults themes will cause some people to squirm. But, what it does do is take the darkest elements from the story – kidnapping, gaslighting, and more – and translate them into something we are all too familiar with. 

Perhaps the story does hit a little too close to reality. In some ways, the short length makes the dark nature even worse. We see only the worse of Hazel and Gray’s life, and even after they, like Hansel and Gretel, find a way to escape, we are only give a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. Could there have been more? Did they end up living their happily ever after? We don’t know.

While it’s definitely a story that made me think and will stick with me. But was it the best retelling? I don’t think so.

Do I regret reading it? No. 

It’s just one of these stories that will get lost in the woods. 

What’s it about?

Two anxious young lovers lost in the woods. A beckoning mansion in a dark clearing. A short modern-day retelling of Hansel and Gretel by the number one New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin.

It’s bad enough that Hazel and Gray have defied the demands of Hazel’s foul stepfather. The Monster has forbidden their romance. Now they’ve awakened in the forest, phones dead, hours past curfew. But not far away is a grand estate in the middle of nowhere. The door is open. In this short story about choosing your own path, the fury of the Monster that awaits them back home may be nothing compared to what lies ahead.

Hazel and Gray is part of Faraway, a collection of retold fairy tales that take the happily-ever-after in daring new directions. Whether read or listened to in one sitting, prepare to be charmed, moved, enlightened, and frightened all over again.

Hazel and Gray on Goodreads

A Monster Like Me – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★★☆   (3.75 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★☆  (4 / 5 Stars)

 Sophie has always been different. Cursed by a witch at a young age, she has strange mark on her face that has been there her whole life. Her mom calls it a blood tumor, or a hemangioma. But Sophie is convinced it makes her a monster. While no one believes her, Sophie can see the different paranormal monsters in the world, all thanks to her Big Book of Monsters. Her friend Autumn is a fairy, her mother’s new boyfriend is a demon, and the boys in class are goblins. But she’s convince she’s a monster. Can she find a cure? Or will her mother discover her secret?

In a story that pulls us into a child’s psyche, we see how children often deal with trauma: creating a fictional world that might just seem real. Bordering on the edge of fantasy, Sophie’s story is not one filled with real monsters, but with the monsters we have inside each of us. How do these monsters form? Sometimes its nature, sometimes nurture; and over time, we learn to deal with them or we become them. 

A Monster Like Me has a deep message for all readers, young and old. Creative children will find ways to cope, especially when a parent might suffocate their choices or when marked with something that causes people to bully them. Sophie’s journey is learning to love herself, and understanding the true meaning of being human. It’s heartbreaking, lovely, and is important in so many ways. What is especially significant is how people may choose to interpret Sophie. She’s a child with a different way of thinking,  not just because of her blood tumor, but also how she perceives the world. One message that is ushered through the book is celebrating those differences, rather than alienating them. 

One reason I’m not rating this book higher though is because, frankly, I grew bored in a few spots. Sophie rambles, often in buckets of self pity, that caused my mind to wander. While this is certainly what a child would do, I found myself wanting to hurry along through the story rather than go in circles with Sophie’s emotions. Children repeat themselves, that much is a fact, so I can only judge Sophie’s narration so much. I wouldn’t want to change the narration anyhow, especially since her narration does give us a chance to see her inner thoughts. It was just a small thing that caused me to struggle with this book just a little bit. 

That being said though, A Monster Like Me is such a good story. It brings you back to childhood and will leave you remembering times when fairies were real. Growing up might cause you to leave behind that sense of wonder, but it also is about finding out who in fact is a monster. 

I am happy to have watched Sophie grow up as well. 

What’s it about?

There are trolls, goblins, and witches. Which kind of monster is Sophie?

Sophie is a monster expert. Thanks to her Big Book of Monsters and her vivid imagination, Sophie can identify the monsters in her school and neighborhood. Clearly, the bullies are trolls and goblins. Her nice neighbor must be a good witch, and Sophie’s new best friend is obviously a fairy. But what about Sophie? She’s convinced she is definitely a monster because of the “monster mark” on her face. At least that’s what she calls it. The doctors call it a blood tumor. Sophie tries to hide it but it covers almost half her face. And if she’s a monster on the outside, then she must be a monster on the inside, too.

Being the new kid at school is hard. Being called a monster is even harder. Sophie knows that it’s only a matter of time before the other kids, the doctors, and even her mom figure it out. And then her mom will probably leave — just like her dad did.

Because who would want to live with a real monster?

 

A Monster Like Me on Goodreads

Did You Know I have a Newsletter?

Hey there!

Have you been hanging out around my blog for awhile? Or have you only just popped in?

Well did you know I have a newsletter? 

This newsletter pops into your inbox between 1-to-3x a month, providing you with details about my upcoming projects, thoughts, and more!

But what else?

Starting this month, January 2021, I am including free content to newsletter subscribers!

What? Free content? Like what?

Quite a bit actually! 

The moment you sign up, you’ll receive an email with a downloadable link to the first 3 chapters of my debut novel, The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice!

But wait? What if I already read The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice? Why else should I sign up? 

Great question…because every month, subscribers will get a new reward! These include, but aren’t limited to: book outtakes, book previews, short-stories, cover previews, and more! 

Interested now? I thought so! 

Sign up below and start reading today! And don’t forget to refer a friend!

Sign up today!

Bo Gunnar Wants to Rule the World – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★★★ (4.75 / 5 stars)

When Zelina’s Aunt Sienna dies, she is whisked away to Los Angeles from the Australian Outback to deliver a package to the Wilson family. But the Wilson family isn’t who they seem: they protect a secret that haunts Zelina’s past. Why can’t she remember who she is? Where did she come from? And why does Bo Gunnar want to rule the world? I guess we’ll see!

In the sequel to The Curse of the Amaranth , we pick up one thousand years after Daniel is locked away in the underworld and Zelina is cursed with immortality. Zelina no longer remembers who she is; she constantly has flashes to events that took place long ago, things that she should not have seen in her eighteen years. But, much to her surprise, it is all true. 

This amnesia affect worked really well for Zelina’s character. It gave us a chance to delve into the world of Polaris with fresh eyes. While there is some exposition to fill Zelina in on the details, for the most part the plot moves at a rapid, but satisfactory pace. I loved the way that Polaris is just a historical element of our own world, knitted in with our lore of vampires and immortality. Instead of being transported to a brand new world, we get to explore Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon through the eyes of Zelina and Bo. All these little elements made it for a fun ride that proved just as exciting, although quite different, from the first book! 

My one little tiny hang up (and hence why I rate this book 4.75 stars) is because I wish there was more! I would have loved a chance to get to know the Wilson Family, or see how Bo and Zelina adapted to the modern world. Unfortunately due to the length of the book, we are left using our imaginations. 

Either way, I cannot WAIT to pick up the final book in the series, The Last of Polaris. Will they succeed? Will Zelina and Daniel finally reunite? Or will Bo finally rule the world? I guess, in the words of Bo Gunnar himself…”We’ll see!” 

What’s it about?

A family of vampire hunters and an immortal Princess must stop a sadistic rock star who is hell bent on taking over the world. Will they succeed? Probably not!

Bo Gunnar Wants to Rule the World on Goodreads

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Self-Publishing – Authors Wanted

One thing is evident: self-publishing is hard.

But often times, people only celebrate their successes on social media. This makes sense. Who wants to share their dismal sales numbers or terrible reviews? 

Unfortunately though, self-publishing is riddle with obstacles like this. 

So I want to throw together a series of blog posts to discuss topics that might not be so readily explored so those getting ready to self-publish know what they are in for as they prepare their novel. 

So, I am looking for people to answer questions about the following subjects: 

Editing Cover DesignSales & MarketingReviews Imposter Syndrome & Self-DoubtAnd more!

I want candid answers that cover the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let us find out your marketing plan and what has worked! Tell us about the heartbreak you have suffered along the way! We want to know. 

We’re not racing against each other to be the best. We’re a team. Authors aren’t each other’s competition. We all write different stories.

So why not talk about these hurdles…and maybe, help each other overcome them?

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the form below! I’m looking for both people to be interviewed as well as guest blog posts.

I cannot wait to see your responses. 

Until next time,

ESB

The Prince and The Troll – Book Review

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 stars)

A boy – no, a young man…maybe even a prince – has always lived his life on the road. Literally. The one day, when he accidentally drops his phone under a bridge, he meets an individual covered in mud. A troll, so to speak. After bonding over coffee and sharing a bond as deep as love, all the prince wants is for the troll to be happy. But happiness comes at a price.

Like a lot of people who have read this short-story, I also found myself wonder “what was that” regarding the ending. After pondering it, I think I have an understanding of the allegory the author is trying to make. Personally, I believe the story is about global warming and the consequences of it: a creature stuck in an unfamiliar place, worn away, and at the mercy of man. Is it the right analogy? I don’t know. But perhaps that is the beauty of this story.

I haven’t read any of Rainbow Rowell’s work before. Without a doubt, Rowell is a talent and compelling author with a taste for symbolism. Unfortunately, with so many people unsure about the ending of this story, it reminded me more of an academic short-story than a fun fairy-tale. 

I am glad I read it though. It gave me a taste of Rowell’s writing and a chance to really think. Perhaps you’ll have a different interpretation of it than me.

I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. 

What’s it about?

A charming everyman and a mysterious something-under-the-bridge cross paths in a short fairy tale by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and the Simon Snow series.

It’s fate when a man accidentally drops his phone off the bridge. It’s fortune when it’s retrieved by a friendly shape sloshing in the muck underneath. From that day forward, as they share a coffee every morning, an unlikely friendship blooms. Considering the reality for the man above, where life seems perfect, and that of the sharp-witted creature below, how forever after can a happy ending be?

The prince and the Troll on Goodreads