E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 21
October 16, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Author
Today we are talking with S. Courtney about her creative process. S. Courtney is the author of Bound to You, Bound by Destiny, and Unapologetically Nessa.
About Author
S Courtney is new to the published writing community but has been a lifelong writer and began creatively writing in junior high. She is the author of the paranormal romance, Bound to You, a fast paced read full of action that will make you both smile and sigh. The dynamic between Kayden and his wolf Phoenix is awesome, while the relationship between him and Kamari is sweet enough to melt a heart. Trouble is coming and it may be more than Kayden can handle. But not if Kamari can help.
This is book one in the series, Bound by Destiny, the second book of the Bound Series is available now and Unapologetically Nessa will be released in November of 2020.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
Bound to You is a paranormal romance about a local artist who has an obsession with drawing a particular wolf she always dreams about and an Alpha leader who also enjoys painting a woman whose face he never sees but he knows, she’s the one. During a turn of events he comes into town for supplies and catches her drawing this wolf, but wait…that wolf…is him! It is a tale of two people “drawn together” by fate.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
After extensive reading on Wattpad, I noticed a pattern that I wanted to break. I wanted the heroine to be strong and fearless, not timid and weak and I wanted the hero to be strong but soft hearted, not smug and arrogant.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
Kamari Lee is a representation of myself, she’s independent but also a big sweetheart who can be a bit naive, she is supported by her best friend who constantly reassures her that her true love is coming even after her most recent heartache.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
Lovenshire was made up in my imagination, I never say exactly where the town is located but I always think Wyoming or Montana. It is a small town at the base of the mountains and lots of forestry.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
It constantly changed, especially while editing you have to make sure everything connects and that the story flows smoothly. The plot twist in the middle of the story came out of nowhere and it seems to be everyone’s favorite part.
What is your writing process like?
I don’t plan or outline, I literally begin writing and then I go back and read. I may make notes in my phone but I like free writing, it works for me. I write any chance I get unless my characters are quiet then I don’t force it. It is their story I’m just writing it down.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Intertwining the stories from the other books whether it be a line, a scene, or more. I enjoy people realizing that this is another POV to a particular moment in the story.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
Trying to explain a new creature not known outside the book and their power and characteristics. I took some time to think about how I wanted them to look when in power and once complete I was very proud.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I’ve always loved writing but a lot of friends and family encouraged me to publish.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
To be yourself and be open to talking with others about their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because they are the very same questions we asked and finally, be confident in your writing! It may have been done a million times but none of those are from you, tell us how you would write it!
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in S. Courtney, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 15, 2020
Destiny Seeker: The Messenger – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.75 / 5 stars)
Ilsi has always wanted to escape the Wall trapping the Ice Chanters…but she didn’t intend to flee through it. When a group of terrifying warriors known as Yldirim enter her home, she flees through the wall and meets a young Fire Weaver named Yeshma. Together, they set out on a journey to stop the Yldirim and find their family and friends, before their home is decimated.
In a tale with elements from some of the greatest fantasy works, we enter a world filled with Elves, Shapeshifters, Mermaids, Dragons, and with magic beyond our imagination. Ilsi is a relatable protagonist, who’s own courage grows stronger with each trial and tribulation. With her hard-headed and loyal friend Reshma by her side, the two of them seem unstoppable.
I had trouble rating this book. On one hand, I really love the storyline. The idea that the protagonist is not sequestered to fight, but rather to deliver a message and a call to arms, is different…and I really enjoyed that. The world is thought out, magical, and very complex to a degree not always seen in fantasy writing. And that ending? Wow!
My trouble lies in the way the story was told. I feel like something was missing. While this story is already relatively long, it almost needed to be longer or broken up into another book, so we could really experience every part of it. A lot happens in this story, but a lot of the plot happens around Ilsi…and while I love the plot, it made it harder to relate to Ilsi as the protagonist. I would have loved to see her as she learns more about her different powers, her reactions to events, and her full thought process. It would helped to also see the locations more, read their descriptions, and maybe not be rushed out of each place with lines like “after a couple weeks.”
In addition, there seemed to be a lot of events happening with Reshma, Tyk, and others that we don’t get to see. They just pop up again, with an occasional glimpse into their point-of-view, and instead we could have spent much longer in their heads as well.
That being said, it’s quite likely we will find out about Reshma’s story in the sequel, but part of me feels as though it should have been woven in cohesively with Ilsi’s voyage, especially during the second half of the story. This is also partially due to the fact that I prefer stories that take time to fester, rather than race along from point A to point B…which is a personal preference at best.
With that being said, I really enjoyed the story…and that’s why we read in the first place! I was taken away to a magical place under an evil lord’s rule. There is so much different magic in the world, and I think if magic existed, that’s how it would be. Elves in the forest, mermaids in the water, ice chanters in snow, and more! I loved that we got to see this through the eyes of two young women fighting for what is right, both with different personalities that shine through the page. Since I want more of these characters and plot, it only goes to show how much I enjoyed the story!
I cannot wait to find out what happens next with Ilsi, Reshma, Tyk, and the others! I definitely have the sequel on my TBR list!
What’s it about?
Ilsi would do just about anything to break the Wall trapping her people, the Ice Chanters. But when she least expects it, Ilsi becomes the first person to pass through the Wall and into a world larger than she’d ever imagined. With the help of Reshma the Fire Weaver, she evades capture from outside enemies who seek to take advantage of the isolated clan.
Now on the run, Ilsi braves the outside world to find allies willing to free her people from isolation. All she has to do is figure out how to break the Wall and end its curse before the cruel Althod and his Yldirim army catches her.
Destiny Seeker: The Messenger on Goodreads
October 14, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Tanya Ross
Today we are talking with Tanya Ross about her creative process. Tanya Ross is the author of Rising Up.
About Author
Tanya Ross was born and raised in San Diego County, her “happy place.” Although Southern California is a particular kind of paradise, she desires a world where everyone is kind, compassionate, and upbeat, which became one of the themes of her new novel, Rising Up. For thirty-two years she was an educator of English, history, AVID, and student leadership. She loves teaching and kids, her students a daily inspiration. Her exit from the educational arena allowed her to indulge her hopes, dreams, and goals in what she taught for so many years–writing. This first novel begins her lifelong dream of writing meaningful novels for young adults. When she’s not creating new worlds, you can find her reading, spending time with her husband and two kids, or walking her golden retriever, Honey.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
My novel is the first in a series. It’s about a girl (Ember) who is an Empath. She lives in a domed city called Tranquility. Everyone who lives there wears a device to monitor their emotions. Those who are happy and can stay positive earn points to rise up in society. Those who resist are banished. When Ember’s mother dies, and she is not allowed to grieve, she uncovers secrets about the city that set her on a path to revolution. With the help of Will, a city hero, and Xander, an exiled resistor, she pursues a quest to answer the questions that no one wants to ask. And the answers no one wants to believe.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
I once wore a data-collecting device from Arbitron, a company that determined the ratings for radio and tv. I wondered what would happen if it could measure other things, like emotions.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
My main character, Ember, is an extension of my 16 year old self. She is shy, does not believe she has the courage to make changes, and is very emotional and vulnerable. She looks to others for her strength. My second character, Will, 18, is based on a former student from my student leadership class when I was a teacher. He is gorgeous, friendly, ambitious, humble, and heroic. He wants to rise up in society, but when he meets Ember, he has to re-examine his priorities. My 3rd character is Xander. He is the ultimate rebel. He hates the city and all he’s expected to embrace as a citizen. He resists so much, he’s branded as a criminal and expelled from the city. He’s not based on anyone per se, but I had Adam Lambert in mind when I came up with his physical look. Both boys fall in love with Ember.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
I wanted a protected environment where people had no choice but to agree to the requirements because the alternative (living outside the city) made it almost impossible to survive. The city is perfect. It’s a place where any of us would hope to live—no crime, no negativity, no dissension. Who doesn’t yearn for that?
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
I never imagined my MC would have supernatural powers beyond her ability to feel other people’s emotions. When she had the ability to rewind time, it was a surprise.
What is your writing process like?
I only use mind maps. I run ideas in front of my family. I like to go where the characters take me, so it’s a definite seat of your pants approach.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
When I get into the flow and I am completely in other place with people I know intimately!
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
Self doubt. I didn’t think I could finish it because I was always worried about whether it was any good.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I have always wanted to write a book from the time I was in high school. I don’t even know why…I know I’ve always been good with words. Also, my students inspired me. I wanted to write YA books for them.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
Don’t give up. You can do this.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Tanya Ross, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 13, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Avalon Roselin
Today we are talking with Avalon Roselin about her creative process. Avalon Roselin is the author of Stellar Eclipse, Like Falling Stars, and ALiCE.
About Author
As an independent author, Avalon Roselin’s goal is to explore as many different genres as she can. Her focus right now is on an urban fantasy/thriller-mystery series, and her plans for future books include a magical school story, an animal fiction drama, and a sci-fi romance with robot characters. She hopes to have a wide range of stories under my belt eventually!
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
My most recent release is the second book in the Stellar Eclipse series, Dark Lightning! This sequel builds on the relationships founded in the first, and introduces more elements of fantasy-adventure as they journey into new environments that expand on the lore and world of the Stellar Eclipse series.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
I’ve always loved camping! As a child, my family would take me camping at least once a year, and I’ve been in love with the outdoors ever since. In fact, the very first rough draft of Dark Lightning was completed on a camping trip! The first book in the Stellar Eclipse series, Cloudless Rain, takes place almost exclusively in an urban setting, so I wanted to explore beyond the city limits and introduce the readers to more of the natural world that the series is set in.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
All of my characters carry some of myself within them. For example, Eureka’s fear of heights–that’s all me. I can’t even climb up a ladder at a playground without freezing up, so it was cathartic to express that fear through him having to climb trees that are multiple stories tall!
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
Despite my aforementioned fear of heights, I’ve always been fascinated by giant trees and the idea of living in them. I took many trips to the redwood forests during my childhood, and I think it was here that my desire to write a story where a society of people live in such massive trees began!
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
Dark Lightning is actually an older story despite being a sequel, so it had to change a lot as its predecessor did. One of the biggest changes was shifting the setting–originally, the main characters passed through the forest on the way to the mountains, where the second and third acts took place. In the final version, they stay in the forest, which allows the story to move forward with the plot much faster and gives more time to develop characters that will return in future installments!
What is your writing process like?
I start with outlining and planning, then draft and redraft as many times as I feel is necessary, until I think I’m ready to show my work to people. After that the unfinished manuscript is shown to beta readers to get feedback on the story, and I make adjustments and general improvements as needed. Next it goes to my content editor, who goes into more depth of which specific details or plot points should be altered to tell the story I really want to tell. I revise again, then go over the semi-final draft with my line editor. Once everything’s set, I send it off to my proofreader, and then it’s ready for publication! Dark Lightning finished this process in the shortest amount of time (just under two years), but I anticipate the next book will take 2-3 years.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
I actually love the editing process. Seeing my story become its best self is a beautiful and wonderful thing, and even if it’s hard, it’s always rewarding and I learn something new about how to write better.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
Committing to major changes is always difficult. There’s always a sense of doubt, and I tend to question my judgment quite a bit, but thankfully my critique partners and editors are usually available to talk it through and, usually, they’re good changes.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I always loved writing as a hobby when I was a kid, but it was a particularly spirited discussion on The Giver in middle school that inspired me to take it seriously!
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
Never let the fear of writing something that’s not “good” stop you! All writing has worth as practice, and you never know what ideas you might reuse later.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in [author], check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 11, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Effy J. Roan
Today we are talking with Effy J. Roan about her creative process. Effy J. Roan is the author of the World of Dadreon.
About Author
Effy J. Roan has been building the World of Dadreon on and off for over 20 years. Jadeflare went through several drafts over that time until it finally became a true finished draft of over 120k words in 2019, and she’s currently on book 3 of the the four book series, Eve of the Desecrators. Her plan is to draft all four books before she buckles down and edit, so that she can catch any inconsistencies. She loves dragons, and most of my stories include them. They’re an integral part of the world of Dadreon. She would like to see this series published eventually, but for now she’s happy pursuing amy lifelong dream.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
Jadeflare is the first in a series of four books, Eve of the Desecrators. It’s about a young druid who discovers a powerful magic called Jadeflare. Now she must figure out how to use it and why it is making her the target of a dark creature who will stop at nothing to kill her and anyone who dares to help her, including a talking hawk, a telepathic wolf, and a man with a strange dragon obsession.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
Lakeerae is partially me and partially the many main characters in nearly every fantasy I’ve read since I began reading.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
The world of Dadreon is a vast, complex world that started out as a simple setting for elves and dragons and humans and expanded from there. Dadreon was created by the gods from the ashes of Earth with groups of protectors and desecrators, order versus chaos, who eternally fight for control.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
Lakeerae’s story and the world around her have grown from a girl fighting for her life in her tiny realm called The Bracklin Reach to her leaving that tiny corner of this vast world and meeting different peoples and discovering different places while completing an epic quest.
What is your writing process like?
I’m still learning what works best for me, but I’ve realized I’m less plotter and more pantser than I originally thought. I tend to write out the main plot points then dive in, because so much changes in my drafting process. In my current series, each book is split into three parts (three is such a magic number). I love writing my draft by hand. Then I type it up about once a week, which helps with my need to do some editing while writing. At the end of each part, I do a readthrough, then I give that section to my alpha reader, who is my mom.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the writing part and the discovery of how things will fit together.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
The hardest part of my book was writing the first book to completion and coming in over 100k. The first time through, book one was only 45k words. So I replotted and rewrote it from start to finish. The next time around, it was over 120k. The second book hit 120k much easier, and I’m on track to hit 120k with book three.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I read a lot of Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms books when I was in school. My first fantasy story (which will probably be my next series) actually started out as a D&D adventure, but I realized that I’m a bit of a control freak and I was happier just telling the story myself.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
Don’t let anyone dictate what you decide to do. If you want to write, write. If you want to draw, draw. Do it for yourself. Then share it only when and if you’re ready.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Effy J. Roan, check out the links below!
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Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 8, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Penny Hooper
Today we are talking with Penny Hooper about her creative process. Penny Hooper is the author of I Fell In Love with a Psychopath and It’s My Mistake.
About Author
Penny Hooper is an award-winning multi-genre author and activist.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
My book ‘I Fell in Love with a Psychopath’ is about a woman who moves to Chicago to chase her dream to work in a museum, but it doesn’t quite go to plan. She meets the funny, outgoing Liam working in a boring office, having a small crush on him, but never quite getting his attention, until one day he finally asks her out. She also meets Xander in a bar one night, he’s tall, ruggedly handsome and mysterious. However, one of them is a psychopath…
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
I can’t remember exactly where I got the idea from, but I think I had a dream one day about a man, I can’t remember the details of the dream, but I do remember having this weird infatuation with it afterwards, like I was still living it. I decided then, that I couldn’t quite part with that feeling, so I had to use it to inspire a story. I also remember thinking about all the thrillers on psychopaths out there, and they always end up the same; someone gets killed or at least nearly killed. But, the truth is, there are many people with psychopathy that are living normal lives, not everyone turns out to be killers. So, I wanted to kind of promote the better side of psychopaths, but of course, add in a few twists and turns along the way!
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
Well, I can’t say too much about the two male characters in my book, as it might give the story away! But, the main character; Jo, like most of my main characters, a lot of her personality is based either around who I used to be, or who I am now, or who I want to be. Jo, in this case, is mostly based around who I used to be; shy, lacking confidence, and naive, but she does grow a little as the story develops, into more of the person I am today; a little more confident and strong.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
Ah, the Windy City; Chicago. Ironically, I haven’t yet had the chance of visiting, even though my book is set there (I am planning on visiting in the next year or so, as I’m planning a charity tour down Route 66 with a friend!). In my book ‘I Fell in Love with a Psychopath’, I wanted to set the book somewhere new, rather than keeping it to the UK all the time, where I’m from. Chicago is the one city in the USA that I have always loved (aside from LA and New York), it looks clean, bright and beautiful, so I set myself the challenge. I did have to do a lot of research, however!
What is your writing process like?
Haphazard. Haha. And this largely depends on the genre I am writing. My two published novels are both romantic suspense, so I initially start with an idea, brainstorm how I want to story to develop and set upon writing it, chapter by chapter. I know what’s going to happen at the start, in the middle, and how it’s going to end. However, one of my books I’m still currently working on; Rose Garden Sanatorium is a little different as it’s written very differently. Firstly, it has multiple points of views, and although I have an idea of how it ends and roughly what will happen in the middle – as well as the whole story which will span a series – I have been a lot more open to change – if I decide that it doesn’t seem to flow right, or I decide a character wouldn’t actually do or say something in particular, I would change it. Which is probably why it’s taking me nearly three years so far to write. I also had another idea of a story, which was slightly inspired by the writing style in Paula Hawkins’ book ‘The Girl on the Train’, as the timeline changes a lot, cutting back to an earlier timeline so your understanding of what’s going on develops just like a detective’s would.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Getting the initial story down as a first draft is always my favourite, just seeing the idea in my head forming into something tangible. But, one thing that I think sets me out differently to other authors, is that I like detail. I also said this in a recent podcast with Megha Upadhyaya… there is one chapter in particular in my book Rose Garden Sanatorium that originally was one of my less-liked chapters, it’s of a character that is a secondary character, initially I wrote it as a filler, so you build up an idea of what’s going on slowly. But I decided to go back to it, after putting a lot of time and effort into the chapters that I loved, I decided I should give the lesser-liked chapters a bit more attention. The chapter itself is about this agent who is put on her first mission, and the scene only really goes from the building to the van, but I go into detail about what she’s wearing, how it was designed, the equipment and so on. It seems like a lot, and I can imagine my future editor saying it’s unnecessary, but there are a few little ‘easter eggs’ in there, which if you read it properly, you will see and build up a picture of what is actually going on.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
In ‘I Fell in Love with a Psychopath’, the most difficult bit was actually the beginning. I started off with a chapter that I enjoyed writing, and it formed the starting point of the rest of the story, the story and characters developed along the way. But when I went back to it after getting half-way through, I realised that start wasn’t captivating enough. It took me a while to figure out what to do. But in the end, I actually created a prologue for the story, which actually started half-way in to the story, so you read this pivotal moment in the story first, then you go back to how it began. You read the first half of the story learning what happened leading up to that moment. Then, the rest of the book is what happens after that moment.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
Yes; just write. I’ve said this before in other interviews. The only way you are going to learn, grow as a writer, and actually finish writing that book (I can’t talk too much, as I’m STILL writing Rose Garden Sanatorium!) is to write. Don’t worry if you don’t think it’s amazing, you’re not going to learn if you don’t practice. And, another piece of advice; work out if you want to go down the traditional publishing route or self-published, and be prepared that the book you are writing, even if it’s the most interesting and well-edited book in the world, if a traditional publisher isn’t interested in the genre, they will not be interested in your book. Both options are difficult and lots of hard work, but for different reasons.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Penny Hooper, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 7, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Britt Laux
Today we are talking with Britt Laux about their creative process. Britt Laux is the author of Summer at Enid’s and The Forest Witch.
About Author
Britt is an Ohio-based author and editor who lives in their own small forest. You can often find them daydreaming new stories while wandering among the trees. They grew up writing stories, starting will fully illustrated books about vampires. Now they focus on realistic characters and life experiences with LGBTQ+ representation.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
The Forest Witch (coming 2021) is a sapphic fantasy about a warrior and a witch who are thrown together by fate. They have to figure out how to save the world of Unara before war rips it apart. It verges on dark fantasy in places, but has a bit of romance and heat. It’s also the first book of a trilogy.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
My original inspiration came from playing with my six year old in the woods. We were going under arched trees – we call them faerie arches – and pretending to be transported to new worlds. That was the spark, and portals are still a huge part of the story, but it’s changed a lot as it’s been developed.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
My main characters are Lanira and Siobhan. Lanira is an Unaran warrior, and what we would consider a princess. She’s very strong and a bit stubborn. Many strong women have inspired Lanira. Siobhan is a human, with a witchy background. She can be a bit sassy, but is very sweet.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
Forests are often a part of my work. I live in the woods and find a lot of inspiration there… So, I knew it would be set in a forest, and I built the rest of the world as I went.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
Oh wow… It’s changed a lot! From the original idea of faerie arches in a forest, to changing the main character from male to female… I’m a “pantser” and it took several false starts to find the right path for this one. It’s also gotten darker from the light hearted idea I started with.
What is your writing process like?
I fly by the seat of my pants! I get an idea and will usually draft a few chapters to get a feel for it, then develop characters and setting notes. Then I just have at it! I’m terrible at plotting, and never follow an outline when I make one.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
The first draft, for sure. That’s the magic of discovering a new story.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
The most difficult point for me was finding the right voice. I started with a male MC (who actually stayed on as a side character), and it just wasn’t working. Once I realized I needed a female voice, it all fell into place.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I’m not sure! I’ve been writing stories since I was eight! I can’t remember not wanting to be a writer. But I am inspired by other authors, especially in the indie community. It’s such a great family of storytellers to be a part of.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
I would say, don’t worry about what the “experts” say – or at least, take it with a grain of salt. You have to write your story the way it needs to be written.
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Britt Laux, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 6, 2020
A Murder of Manatees – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.75/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Tom Stranger, Intergalatic Insurance Agent, is here to be the very best for the customer! His goal: 5-star performance during all insurance claims, whether your galaxy is sucked into a black whole or aliens destroy your planet. When Wendell the Manatee goes missing, Tom and his group of junior associates and interns must find the manatee before an intergalatic war breaks lose.
Tom and his inadequate intern, Jimmy, go on the hunt for Wendell in an amusing 2-hour listen that keeps the reader engaged. They poke fun at current popular figures, fads, and politics along the way; after all, how can some Earths in the multiverse be so bizarre? They use our Earth as the base of this joke: man-buns, weird slang, as well as our current political environment on both ends of the spectrum.
While it was amusing to listen to, after awhile the jokes became cumbersome, taking away from the actual issue at hand: where is Wendell the Manatee? In addition, some of the jokes are very current to today (or 3 years ago) that I wonder how it is going to age. Already some of the jokes on Donald Trump have not aged as well since this was written during the first year of his presidency. Also, if you are easily offended, as the book like Saturday Night Live and South Park does make jokes about both sides of the spectrum, then you probably will want to pass on listening to this.
I can picture this book as an episode of South Park, Rick and Morty, or the Simpsons though. It’s silly and fun, although maybe it should dial back some of its jokes just a bit to keep the reader fully engaged.
So if you want something quick and fun to listen to, check it out! If anything, Adam Baldwin gives a great performance!
What’s it about?
When half your galaxy is unexpectedly sucked into a black hole – when a hitherto-unknown species of space aliens lays waste to your home planet – when disaster rears its ugly head (or heads) – who can you call for faster-than-light appraisals and best-in-the-multiverse customer service? Just one man – Tom Stranger, Interdimensional Insurance Agent.
In this latest chapter of his interstellar exploits, Tom is about to deliver a crushing performance evaluation to Jimmy the Intern when the unimaginable happens: The beloved Wendell the Manatee has been kidnapped! Armed with his battle mechs and his elite corps of junior associates, can Tom find Wendell before he’s canned in oil? And can Jimmy, at long last, channel his inner agent?
Performed by Adam Baldwin, the sci-fi Audible Original A Murder of Manatees will make you quiver with fear, laugh uncontrollably, and wonder whether your deductibles are too high.
A Murder of Manatees on Goodreads
Zero G – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25/5 stars)
It was supposed to be a standard colonization trip: Zero and his family would board the Pathfinder, enter stasis, and 100 years later wake up in orbit of a new planet. But that all changes when Zero’s stasis pod malfunctions and wakes up only 1-month into the journey. Yet, as the only person awake from stasis, it means he’s also the sole person to defend the ship against a sinister crew of space pirates. Can he save the Pathfinder and its 20,000 passengers before it’s too late?
A fun audio book, with a full fledged cast that will keep the attention of both children and adults, we are set exploring the Pathfinder with 12-year-old Zero. He’s a precocious kid, observant with a knack for science. If anyone was to wake up on the pathfinder, thank goodness it was Zero! The narrative takes us through his journey, and each subtle detail became relevant to Zero’s goal: from the can of tomato sauce that exploded to the paint cans. Zero’s observant nature helps him take on a group of space pirates, alone for the most part, except from help in a few unlikely places.
The story is predictable, but in all the best ways. Of course Zero will save the day! But it’s his decisions that really capture the reader: he’s not malicious in his intents, only protective. It makes him an enjoyable character to read versus some other middle grade male protagonists who might be a bit more volatile or mean-spirited. No. Zero is kind, smart, silly, and a kid. Those are all the things that make him wonderful.
As an adult listening to this audio book, a few questions pop into my mind. It won’t take away from the enjoyment of the story, especially kids, but I do wonder: why were there no other safe fails or spare stasis pods? Why was there no way to safely wake up someone if there was a problem? Why was there only one pilot…especially on a ship of 20,000 people? These are things that, in the real world, probably wouldn’t happen. But for the narrative sake it worked, and kids probably won’t notice these questions enough.
I’m definitely going to check out the next story in Zero’s adventures. I’m curious what he, as well as his new friend, will encounter next!
What’s it about?
It’s one kid versus an entire band of space pirates in this cosmic middle grade caper from New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells.
Zero is just one of 20,000 people aboard a spaceship bound for a new planet set to be colonized. The journey is over a century long but luckily, everyone is in stasis, so they’ll be safe and sound asleep during the trip. Everyone that is, except for Zero, whose pod has malfunctioned, waking him up a hundred years early. His initial excitement in roaming the ship alone quickly turns to a heart-stopping interstellar adventure when a family of space pirates show up, trying to hijack the ship and take the colonizers hostage. With everyone he knows fast asleep, it’s up to Zero to think fast and find a way to stop them–all on his own.
Zero G on Goodreads
Merkai – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)
Wren is fleeing from her destiny. She doesn’t want to be like her mother, cursed to murder innocent men with her song. But, when she is pulled aboard the ship of temperamental King Kellan, her plans are sent awry. Now she is forced to help Kellan get his family back, while her destiny is chasing her across the sea.
In a fast paced, gripping novel, we join Wren on her fight to take back her destiny. A powerful, sarcastic syren, the reader will be captivated by her tale. Naomi Kelly pulls from different areas of Greco-Roman mythology to create this world that guides Wren’s life: the Gods are watching, different creatures bow to their whim, and humans respect these gods with the same intent. It makes her capture, Kellan, all the more interesting as a descendent of the Gods himself. The amount of research and care that went into creating such a wonderful setting is astounding. The author deserves kudos for being able to paint this picture of the world in less than 250 pages.
I was enchanted by Wren’s story, or perhaps her “song”, until the very end. I wanted her to win; and as I hoped, she fights until the very end, not letting any one “man” save the day. This is her fight to win. This is something I always love seeing in stories: a woman fighting no matter the cost. Naomi Kelly’s ability to write fast paced and exciting battle scenes also help us to cheer for Wren. They’re realistic, leaving your heart pounding and hoping for more.
While the pace of the book helped with these fight scenes, it also impacted it negatively. The story probably deserved another 50 to 100 pages to help us really understand the world as a whole. For me personally though, the pace negatively impacted the romance that blossoms. The enemies-to-lover trope is not my favorite, and while it can work in many situations, it needs time to fester. Because of the speed of the book, we didn’t get to see Wren and Kellan’s relationship naturally evolve from captor to friends to lovers. This is of course a personal opinion, and some people will like the pace in which this unfolds, so I wouldn’t say it should prevent anyone from picking up the story.
Naomi Kelly is a captivating writer though and I cannot wait to see what else she puts out. She’s definitely on my “to-watch” list, and highly encourage everyone to check out Meraki.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What’s it about?
Her song is a gift bestowed by the gods; so why does it feel like a curse? Seventeen-year-old Wren thinks she has just swum away from the greatest threat in the sea. That’s until she finds herself being hauled upon a warlord’s boat. With her life at the mercy of a young, temperamental King, Wren must decide who is her ultimate enemy.Can Fate be altered? What do gods have planned?
Syrens are bound to tell the truth, but that doesn’t mean their lives cannot be riddled with lies.
Meraki on Goodreads
