E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 23

New Project: Speak Easy – A Novel by E.S. Barrison

[image error]*Not the final cover. Mock up purposes only*



Status: Draft 2Estimated Word Count: 50,000

This story is rated age 16+ for language and sexual situations.

About

Nanette never had any intentions of moving away from Stilette, but after her father dies she hops on a caravan to join her sister Elodie in the Capitol Rosada.

But Rosada isn’t like her home. People don’t smile the same. Magic isn’t practiced as freely. And stories, like the ones her father told her growing up, are prohibited.

When she discovers the hidden network of storytellers right beneath the Guard’s eyes, Nanette is determined to find a way to help.

Even if it risks her life.

This story takes place in the same world as my debut novel, The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice. The stories are independent of one and other. 

The first chapter is available to the public on Patreon. Check out the first part below.

Father died soon before my nineteenth birthday on a day when the misty hands of Death’s Grip flooded the stilted legs beneath my home. The legends go that if someone dies on day when Death’s Grip is at its strongest, then they won’t suffer. Father went in his sleep, a smile on his face, embracing his new death as an old friend. I knew at that moment, after we put his body to rest in the Old Cypress Tree, that I could no longer stay in Stilette, the home I’d known my whole life. I never thought I would leave, but there was nothing for me there. 

I decided to pack up my things once Death’s Grip ended, which is nothing more but a thick fog that cakes the swamp for days upon days, and hopped on a caravan passing through towards Rosada.

I loved Stilette. Growing up, I played in the swamp, telling stories to my dolls made of moss and grass, while throwing mud balls at the neighborhood children. My mother worked on building the infamous stilts that kept the city afloat, while my father taught local children how to read, write, and weave tales from their imagination. 

Stories go that Rosada is different though. Whenever travelers came through from the nation in the north, they bore no tales upon their lips, often keeping their heads down as a local theatre troop produced a play telling the tales of the local swamp monsters. As I grew older, I learned more about Rosada though: it sits beneath the unyielding reign of the Order of the Effluvium. They believe that the mist, like Death’s Grip, controls all life. Some say that the Order believes our mist is so thick here because we keep on telling stories and keep practicing waves of magic.

I never understood why my sister left for a nation bound by such hatred.

But there I was, hopping on a caravan to travel there. I didn’t have any other choice. My mother had died years ago in an unfortunate construction accident. My father had been my confidante, my best friend; without him, I was alone in Stilette. Times had changed. There were no more construction jobs and all my childhood friends had moved on for the same reason as my sister: there was no future in Stilette. The city was stagnant, a place people came to exist, not to grow.

My father planted in me a desire to grow. He wanted more for both Elodie and me than a life surrounded by swamp gas. Every day, growing up, he told us: “Elodie, Nanette, there’s a bird on our windowsill. See it?” Sometimes, there wouldn’t be a bird, but we would agree, nonetheless. “I want you to fly away like that beautiful bird someday and see the world and bless it with your kindness and beauty.” 

He had always been the romantic type. Elodie, being the oldest one, flew away the moment she turned eighteen. Me, two years her junior, stayed with my father. Not that I wanted to leave. He started declining after my mother’s unprecedented death, whispering that he saw her in Death’s Grip, watching and waiting, whispering stories like no other.

So even after I turned eighteen, I stayed. 

In his dying days, he confused me with my mother at times, while at others he begged I take flight like Elodie. 

After he died, I wrote to Elodie saying I would join her in Rosada. She had been trying to get me to come live with her for ages. As punctual as ever, she had already acquired the proper papers, and within three weeks I received all the necessary documentation. She had initially left Rosada to become an advocate of law, but she never finished her degree, getting whisked away by the glamours of the big city. But, she still had a mind for it, and while she acted to get me set up in haste, I procrastinated leaving. I took my sweet time getting my father’s affairs in order, and rather than hoping on one of those expensive steam locomotives as Elodie insisted, I joined a caravan traveling on horseback and wagons through the swamp towards Rosada. 

Read the rest here.

The Supervillain Handbook – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.25/5 stars)

Do you want to be a supervillain? It seems hard doesn’t it? Well do not fret! The Supervillain Handbook is here to save…err…destroy the day! This easy guide will go over all the dos, and don’ts, of becoming a supervillain. So pay attention…otherwise you might get stuck in the lowly role of henchmen.

A fun book, but for the most part, exactly what you would expect. This is truly a handbook at heart, giving tips on how to produce evil laughter, how to procure the proper costume, and the appropriate form of education, as well as examples of exactly what NOT to do.

Yet, it could get a little repetitive, and it might have been better if I had read it by hand rather than as an audio book. The rundown of the handbook was simply this: don’t do any of the dumb things you see villains do in cartoons, but at the same time, be stereotypical. Why? Because being a villain like that is FUN!

And as I said, that’s what this book is: fun. Will it stick with me forever? Probably not. Might I think of a quip or two when watching a foolish villain? Possibly. And that’s all that matters.

I suppose if you *really* want to become a supervillain, it is definitely worth the read. It might stop you from making a foolish mistake…or twenty.

What’s it about?

Looking for a way out of the rat race? Tired of your ho-hum, workaday life? Have an inexplicable love of turning human beings into inanimate objects? Then professional supervillainy might just be for you! With tips from the renowned founder and overlord of the International Society of Supervillains, The Supervillain Handbook is your one-stop-shop for everything evil. Gain invaluable insight on the art of revenge, choosing your evil name, where to find the perfect lair, and much more!

The SuperVillain Handbook on Goodreads

House of Teeth – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (4/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.25/5 stars)

Most people avoid the swamps. But not the Lemarchands. This is where they have lived for centuries in a house filled with abnormalities and secrets. When Henry goes to visit his uncle and cousin in the Louisiana Swampland, he learns the depths of the Lemarchands secrets. Not only do they have this cool house, but he is a rootcrafter like his relatives before him, tasked to help protect the swamp from unknown beasts and the malicious Cavalier. But after he encounters an odd alligator like beast in the swamp, and his Uncle Jamison gets cursed, he and his cousin, Ren, are tasked to uncover the plot afoot…before it is too late.

A fun story that takes us into the heart of the Louisiana Bayou, the idea of rootcrafting is a unique premise that isn’t often explored. The idea that you can take an ability, a history, or a vision from touching tooth is really interesting! Henry, as the protagonist, uncovers this ability, but while rootcrafters have been in the area for years…with his arrival, the swamp beings to change.

It’s a typical story seen in middle-grade: a twelve-year-old boy discovers he has secret powers, and after being shipped off somewhere against his will (although, Henry is quite excited to spend time with his uncle and cousin), he discovers how to unlock these abilities. There’s nothing revolutionary, but it’s unique setting and magic, entwined with the swamplands, makes it enjoyable on its own.

I have two major hang ups with the story. And while these are my personal hang ups, I don’t think it will hinder children’s enjoyment of the book. For one thing, it was the timeline: Henry arrives in the swamp, a day later his uncle goes missing, and then he learns and becomes pretty proficient in rootcrafting over the course of a few days. This took his cousin, Ren, YEARS to learn. And speaking of Ren, I wish she was more than a resource of information. She has distinguished characteristics – she’s tough, a virtuoso, and a chemist – but when it came to the ultimate battle, she was just sort of…there. She’s two years older than Henry, and while she does get him out of sticky situations, she is reduced to merely an observing role by the end of the book. While this is Henry’s story, and often a protagonist takes central stage, I think showing a bit more about Ren would have helped formalize their relationship more.

Yet, House of Teeth is still a fun book! Children will enjoy, as will parents, and the audio book narrator does a great job giving each character a unique voice. If you need something to entertain a few hours, I recommend checking it out. It’s definitely worth the time.

What’s it about?

There’s more to the swamplands than meets the teeth. In this supernatural tale of magic and mysticism, Henry Lemarchand grew up in Philadelphia knowing very little of his family—his father disappeared when he was young, leaving behind only a strange pouch of animal teeth. When he is sent to the Louisiana bayou to spend the summer with his eccentric uncle and cousin in their decaying ancestral mansion, Henry learns about his family’s supernatural legacy—he is part of a long line of rootcrafters, folks who can absorb the powers and memories of anyone whose teeth they touch. In delving into his family’s strange legends, Henry soon discovers that some secrets bite back, especially in the swamplands. This tale of identity awareness and the need for belonging, is set in a world where everything is not as it seems.

House of teeth on Goodreads

The War of the Worlds – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)

The Martians have arrived, and they will take no prisoners. No one is safe. It’s best to run.

That is the premise of The War of the Worlds by HG Wells. To an extent, the story seems familiar: an alien invasion, people fleeing, and all seems hopeless. But this is one of the first alien invasion stories, which has given way to so many more of our favorite tales today. It is not necessarily what you expect though. The tale is not told from the perspective of a grand scientist or a war general or some genius kid in a basement. This is told from the perspective of a man impacted the same way as everyone else: he forced to flee his home, survive by any means, and live in shambles until the invasion ends.

In a way, it is almost like reading a report of what happened, or a memoir. This is a man account of an invasion, similar to the recollection of a civilian caught amid the terror of a war. It’s a quest for survival, while other more talented men search for answers. In the end, there is no grand explosion like in the movie Independence Day or a negotiation like in Star Trek. No. Instead, we witness what could actually happen: disease saving the day.

Due to when the story was written, it can get wordy, which I sometimes found myself zoning out during certain parts of the story. Granted, this might also be due to the narrator or my own ability to focus (as is sometimes the case with audio books). The story meanders, which if you’re writing a recollection of your own life is often the case, and due to the narrator’s point-of-view, sometimes we’re removed from the action.

Yet, The War of the Worlds is still a book that deserves recognition. While today the idea may lack creativity, you have to remember that this was the first book to ever consider a martian invasion. Besides, this is the book that inspired Orson Welles’s radio production that supposedly tricked some listeners into believing there was a Martian invasion. It might seem foolish now, but in a time before television, such vivid descriptions might set people on edge.

While I give this book 3-stars, I don’t know if it is because of the narrator or the time period it was written that puts it back. Primarily, the winding narration got a little cumbersome. Still, that being said, I am so glad I read this book. It puts my favorite sci-fi books into perspective.

What’s it about?

First published by H. G. Wells in 1898, The War of the Worlds is the granddaddy of all alien invasion stories. The novel begins ominously, as the lone voice of a narrator intones, “No one would have believed in the last years of the 19th century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man’s.”

Things then progress from a series of seemingly mundane reports about odd atmospheric disturbances taking place on Mars to the arrival of Martians just outside of London. At first, the Martians seem laughable, hardly able to move in Earth’s comparatively heavy gravity, even enough to raise themselves out of the pit created when their spaceship landed. But soon the Martians reveal their true nature as death machines 100 feet tall rise up from the pit and begin laying waste to the surrounding land. Wells quickly moves the story from the countryside to the evacuation of London itself and the loss of all hope as England’s military suffers defeat after defeat.

With horror, the narrator describes how the Martians suck the blood from living humans for sustenance and how it’s clear that man is not being conquered so much as corralled.

The War of the Worlds on Goodreads

Notorious RBG – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

On September 18th, 2020, I opened Facebook to discover the terrible news: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had passed away. Champion of women’s rights, feminist icon, and notorious for her dissents, the United States lost one of its most noble justices. While I was mourning with many others across the nation, for both this amazing woman and for the uncertain future of the supreme court, I realized I didn’t know that much about her. Yes, I knew she was a leading force in the feminist movement and a powerhouse on the Supreme Court, but what adversary did she face? Why was she so strong? So I scoured the internet and found this book, Notorious RBG.

And notorious she is.

This book was fast read (or listen in my case) detailing RBG’s life in a way that would make her proud. I fell more in love with this woman as I learned about her life: a Jewish Woman from Brooklyn, born the same year as my grandmother, she went through many struggles that to me, a millennial, see as a product of the past. Women couldn’t open a bank account without their husband? No maternity leave? While today we still face issues regarding equal pay and the right body autonomy, it’s amazing the hurdles RBG had to overcome. This book gives only glimpse of what she had to deal with, read more like a newspaper report than a novel, but that’s okay. For someone who just wants to dabble in RBG’s life, this is enough to get a feel for this woman.

RBG was more than just the hardworking, nocturnal justice who refused to step back. She was an advocate, a loving partner and mother, an opera enthusiast, and calculated and well thought out individual. She really did do 20 push ups a day, according to her trainer, and while people asked her to step down, she said it wasn’t time. RBG fought the stereotypes placed against women, and even though she is gone, her work is far from over.

RBG has empowered a generation of women to rise up.

Sure, some people on both sides of the political aisle might not agree with her politics. The right might call her a radical feminist, or the left might consider her too compromising. But you have to admire the way she tackled law: educate others but force their opinion. Forcing an opinion ultimately brings backlash, as she detailed with Roe v. Wade. Everything must be done with precision for RBG, that is what made her dissents even more striking and detailed.

As this book was written before Donald Trump’s election in 2016, I do wonder how RBG’s opinions changed. Did she regret not stepping down during Obama’s presidency? (Probably not.) Did she fear for our country and her legacy? (I would imagine so.) But did she fight? (Absolutely.)

I intend to keep learning about RBG and other women who have helped make my life today possible. This won’t be the last book about Ruth Bader Ginsburg I’ll read.

What’s it about?

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg never asked for fame—she has only tried to make the world a little better and a little freer.

But nearly a half-century into her career, something funny happened to the octogenarian: she won the internet. Across America, people who weren’t even born when Ginsburg first made her name as a feminist pioneer are tattooing themselves with her face, setting her famously searing dissents to music, and making viral videos in tribute.

Notorious RBG, inspired by the Tumblr that amused the Justice herself and brought to you by its founder and an award-winning feminist journalist, is more than just a love letter. It draws on intimate access to Ginsburg’s family members, close friends, colleagues, and clerks, as well an interview with the Justice herself. An original hybrid of reported narrative, annotated dissents, rare archival photos and documents, and illustrations, the book tells a never-before-told story of an unusual and transformative woman who transcends generational divides. As the country struggles with the unfinished business of gender equality and civil rights, Ginsburg stands as a testament to how far we can come with a little chutzpah.

Notorious RBG on Goodreads

Knit One, Girl Two – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)

Clara Ziegler is trying to come up with a new color combination for her custom yarn dyes that she sells. When she pasts by a local gallery hosting wildlife painting by Danielle Solomon, inspiration strikes. But what Clara expect is how captivating Danielle is as well, with similar interests and passions as her. But can Clara find the courage to ask Danielle out?

In an adorable slice of life story, Shira Glassman takes us through a moment of time we’ve all experienced: a crush blossoming out of nowhere, and a girl trying her best to either hide it or take the next step. The story is straight forward, adorable, and realistic. It’s not like Danielle knocked Clara off her feet: these are two LGBTQ women who find themselves drawn to one and other by similar interests as well as looks. Their similar interest: color.

As a Jewish Girl based in Florida, with a knitting hobby, I saw myself in part of this story. I am not a Lesbian like Clara, but it doesn’t mean it wasn’t relatable. The jokes about Jewish food, as well as the mind numbing element of garter stitches, left me giggling. And even without being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Clara and Danielle’s early romance was adorable and relatable.

Yet, as with any short story, something is left to be desired. While the romance meandered at just the right pace, giving the reader a chance to get to know Clara and Danielle, part of me would have loved to really get to know their background and family more. But that is what happens often with a short story; some things have to be left out.

The story was absolutely adorable though. It isn’t common to see a cute romance about two Jewish women, which made it all the better.

So, if you have 45 minutes, definitely check it out! It’s worth it.

What’s it about?

Small-batch independent yarn dyer Clara Ziegler is eager to brainstorm new color combinations–if only she could come up with ideas she likes as much as last time! When she sees Danielle Solomon’s paintings of Florida wildlife by chance at a neighborhood gallery, she finds her source of inspiration. Outspoken, passionate, and complicated, Danielle herself soon proves even more captivating than her artwork…

Fluffy Jewish f/f contemporary set in the author’s childhood home of South Florida.

Knit One, Girl Two on Goodreads

The Dragon Squisher – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 stars)

Sometimes the tales we love aren’t quite what they seem, and sometimes the heroes is actually a little bit of a cuss-hole. That’s the case with 14-year-old Nigel, digger of latrines, shoveler of poop, and single greatest threat to Esteria…due to his ability to just mess things up all the time. Yet when he and his best friend Lance are tasked with finding a magical (or possibly mythical) relic, they are sent on a voyage that might be impossible. Can they, with the help of a gork named Eldrack, find this relic…and stop the return of the pernicious Lord Smoron? Or will they make more of a mess of the impending situation?

In an epic voyage that makes fun of classics such as The Lord of the Rings, we adventure with Nigel through Esteria, discovering how magic can both be convenient and quite annoying. Nigel is an arrogant young man, as are many 14-year-old boys, focused on girls and having a bit of fun. This is the crux of his problem though: he doesn’t think, and ends up creating a his own problems. Compared to many other stories where the hero is influenced by outside elements, such as Frodo being put on a quest in The Lord of the Rings, it is a breath of fresh air to read a story so influenced by a character’s mistakes. Each piece of the stories comes together like a puzzle, and slowly the reader will begin to see how one choice Nigel makes impacts everything through the narrative. In a way, Nigel is in control of his own destiny, especially as magic begins to reemerge in a blanket of chaos.

Yet Nigel’s arrogance serves as his downfall to the reader as well. Since he tells the story, often we are stuck listening to his distorted view. He’s annoying, although he holds to his convictions. Overall, this is a testament to the author able to write a 14-year-old boy so accurately. I was convinced through the entire story that a 14-year-old was telling me it. Yet, being a 14-year-old also takes away from some of the other characters. As a first person narrative, we see Nigel’s perspective on his friends. Lance is well developed, holding onto the gallivant knight persona throughout the story, but Eldrack, the one woman in their party, suffers from it. She is displayed as being tough and angry most of the time, with no nuance to her character. Most of the time, Nigel is self reflective. How can he help his friends? How can he stop this? The rest of the party is along for the ride, providing some help along the way, cracking jokes, but not much else. In addition, my feelings are uncertain about Lance’s story line. On one hand, I am happy to see a gay main character…but, the fact that it is based in discrimination as well being served as a slight joke, makes me uncomfortable. I think readers will have to decide how this makes them feel overall.

With all that being said, this is a fun read! Nigel and his friends are ridiculous, and the entire world they live in is hysterical. Instead of magical rings gifted to all, you have magical panties, magic cuff-links, and magical amulets. Their legendary hero is a half-ling named Elbo, the dragons smell like poo, and giant slugs are one Nigel’s main foes. I think everyone will have a roaring good time listening to this. Because that’s the point: it’s fun!

Yet, as a side note, even though this book is classified as middle-grade, I would not recommend it to anyone under the age of twelve. Some parts of it, especially in the military academy, are dark. There is mention of war, death, and torture that might make some children uncomfortable. While none of it is graphic, it definitely isn’t going to be a story for the younger children.

Still, if you want a fun, silly novel, check out The Dragon Squisher. You’ll be smiling all the way through.

What’s it about?

“Before I can begin my tale, you need to know about the king’s panties.” 

So begins the epic adventure of 14-year-old Nigel, digger of latrines, shoveler of poop, and the single greatest threat to all the humans, elves, and halflings of Esteria. 

Nigel needs to escape from military school. Who can blame him? After all, the king just declared war on the gorks, and he’s pretty sure his latrine-digging skills aren’t going to be much good on the front lines. 

Problem is, Nigel’s escape efforts have a way of backfiring, taking him further from home, and destroying, well, pretty much everything that gets in his way. By the time he and his arch-frenemy are banished from the kingdom and sent on an impossible quest for a (probably bogus) magical artifact, the humans of Esteria find themselves longing for the good old days when they were merely being annihilated by Lord Smoron. 

Book one of the Nigel Chronicles, The Dragon Squisher tell the story of how Nigel, his too-perfect comrade Lance Hightower, and Eldrack, a female gork prisoner with a well-earned grudge against humans, usher in a new era of chaos and magic.

The Dragon Squisher on Goodreads

The Mythical Universe: The Beginning – Book Review

[image error]

Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 stars)

Aria has always been a skeptic. Vampires? Nah. Aliens? Absolutely not. Werewolves? That’s a joke. But after leaving an abusive relationship, her twin brother ropes her into becoming a paranormal investigator. At least it pays the bills, right? But as she begins investigating supernatural activity, her live begins to unravel. Lights appear in the sky reminiscent of UFOs, and her new crush, Tyler, radiates this odd energy that she cannot ignore. But, as she begins to unravel Tyler’s secrets, she discovers an entire mythical universe that is far more vast than she ever imagined.

A fun, fast paced read, Mythical Universe: The Beginning, takes us on a long, winding journey through a world where everything we consider a myth is real. Aria is a relatable character, being placed in a situation most of us can understand: one without choice. Her mind is utterly blown by everything that happens, making her question what she knew about the world in the first place. In away, her life unfolds like the TV show Supernatural, with so much more out there than she knows what to do with it. But rather than fighting demons and monsters, she is thrown head first into all of it…because it is where she belongs.

I had fun reading this book! Aria is a believable character who you root for from the beginning. While some of what she goes through is unbelievable…isn’t that the point of fantasy? Suspend disbelief and be taken into a world where you wildest dreams exist: vampires, fairies, time travelers, shifters, and more! Doesn’t the world need a little bit more magic like that? But, while all of these unbelievable creatures vie for power, we also take time to see a strong young woman grow. While her life seems laid out for her by a higher power, towards the end of the book, Aria takes on her own destiny. She knows what she stands for, and being stubborn, she won’t let some ancient deity get in her way.

My biggest hang up with the book was pacing. I think it would have benefited being a bit longer, giving us a chance to explore Aria’s emotions more, as well as get to really experience all the places she travels. We hop from California, to Spain, to Mars, to Faeries, to Vampires, and to the City of Gods so quickly, that we only get a brief look at what these worlds are like…as well as Aria and her friends’ own amazement. While Aria is often struck by disbelief, not all of it stays. While I understand overtime she accepts how strange her life has become, I would have loved to spend a bit more time exploring her internal conflict earlier on in the story. In addition, this would have helped her relationships appear more organic. (Although, Aria and Tyler are absolutely adorable and I only want the best for them!)

As a side note: during this book I realized, that personally I enjoy descriptions and moments of reflection. Many people like these fast paced books, where the plot moves quickly. While I hate for a plot to be too slow, it’s also important to get a chance to breathe and absorb where the story is going. This is a personal taste more than anything, and is never a reflection of the author in any way shape or form.

That being said, I did have a lot of fun with this book and cannot wait to read the second book in the series, Mythical Universe: The Showdown. I look forward to seeing Aria come into her own strength, as well as all the mythic people and creatures she encounters next.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What’s it about?

Fresh out of an abusive relationship, Aria moves in with her twin brother, Alex, ready for a new start. He offers her a job working with him as a paranormal investigator, which she reluctantly agrees to. Aria is a skeptic of anything she cannot see with her eyes. Alex, on the other hand, has always been a believer in anything and everything paranormal. When Aria and Alex go to California to help investigate a large building where strange things are happening she has no idea how her world is going to be turned upside down. When they arrive, she meets Tyler, one of the biggest mysteries she never saw coming. He’s a tall and sexy man, but her attraction to him is more than that. She can’t explain why she can feel the energy pulsing from him. During the investigation, things start to unfold and very quickly, Aria comes to realize she isn’t who she thought she was. She may not even be human. Together with Tyler and Alex, she goes on a pursuit to find out the truth. Traveling through planets and dimensions, meeting creatures she only thought existed in fantasy stories, she will have to question everything she ever believed. When she finds out the truth what will that mean for her and Alex? And what about Tyler? How does he fit in with all of this? The Mythical Universe: The Beginning is an action-packed story full of time traveling, hybrids, aliens, vampires, fairies and so much more.

mythical Universe: The Beginning on Goodreads

Insights: How I Review Books & What My Ratings Mean

[image error]

With how much I am reading this year, I am sure some of you have seen me post reviews on Instagram, Twitter, and Goodreads…as well as my own blog. Everyone has different criteria for how they rate books and how they perceive the ratings. ⁠

So some you upon seeing my reviews, may wonder how I PERSONALLY review books so the review is HONEST AND FAIR to the author. This is especially important with indie authors, who don’t have as many reviews, so I want to make sure my review is fair to them when a single review can impact ratings. 

I truly try to be fair, honest, and kind in my reviews. I don’t want to let one things sway me from an otherwise good book and give it 1 star because I didn’t agree with how an author handled something or didn’t like a trope. ⁠
⁠
So I review books based on 6 criteria. I even have a nifty little spreadsheet to help when I’m unsure what I’m going to rate the book…since I enjoy math like that.

⁠1) The Writing

Not every writer is properly trained. While the book should be cohesive and make sense, I don’t want someone’s writing to hinder my review unless I REALLY can’t read the story. But I also want to give credit to AMAZING writers as well. So 10% of my review is based on writing.⁠

2) The Plot⁠

Did the plot make sense? Did it flow? This makes up 20% of my review…because frankly, if the plot is all over the place, then how am I supposed to enjoy the story?⁠

3) The Characters⁠

Characters can definitely make or break a story. If the characters are entertaining and I connect with their plight, then I want to credit the author for that. This makes up 10% of my review.⁠

4) Tropes⁠

There are some tropes I love, some tropes I hate. Sometimes an author makes a trope I hate work. Sometimes they handle dark topics well, sometimes they don’t. But, if the overall story is good and I loved it, I don’t want my hatred for a trope to completely negate my review, so this makes up only 5% of my review. ⁠

5) The Ending⁠

Occasionally, I might not agree with a book’s ending. But, clearly, the author had a vision. So even if I hated the way a book ended, I don’t want it to completely ruin a review for a book I otherwise enjoyed. This makes up 5% of my review.⁠

6) Enjoyment⁠

Obviously this is the most subjective and guiding factor of my review. Did I enjoy a book? Then I want that to count even if there were flaws I couldn’t avoid. This makes up 50% of my review. ⁠

So…that being said…what do my ratings mean?

★★★★★⁠
This means I CANNOT put this book down. Chances are I couldn’t find anything I didn’t like, and the entire time the story enchanted me. These are books that I highly recommend to anyone who asks. ⁠
⁠
★★★★☆⁠
These books are still wonderful reads. But for whatever reason, they aren’t sticking the same way. Perhaps it was due to the writing style, a trope, or just personal taste that knocks it down slightly. Either way, a four-star rating means the book is highly recommended!⁠
⁠
★★★☆☆⁠
3-to-3.5 stars is my average rating. This is still a GOOD book. There might be some issues though: possibly the pacing is off, I don’t like the trope, something was wrong with the writing, or another array of issues. But that doesn’t mean the book is bad. It’s still either good or fun, and that’s all that matter!⁠
⁠
★★☆☆☆⁠
I haven’t given too many 2-star ratings. Usually it is more of a 2.5 or 2.75 or something. Typically, 2 stars means the book wasn’t for me. Usually I can find redeemable qualities (well written, entertaining enough, etc), but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. That being said, I can see while people will enjoy it. ⁠
⁠
★☆☆☆☆⁠
I have not given a 1-star review this year. These are reserved for DNFs (and I do try to finish every book) or a book that has NO redeemable qualities. ⁠These are books that have repugnant sexist/racism/prejudice/pedophilia/etc, as well as books that are just indecipherable. I have not come across any of these (yet) though.

A note…

I will never drop a rating after I rate the book. I don’t think that is fair to the author. I may increase it though if I reread it. ⁠

After reading all this, if you are an author looking for a review, feel free to check out my review policy. I have spots open starting January 2021 and would love to check out your work! 

13 Year Anniversary Celebration: Authors Wanted!

[image error]

Hi everyone!

So let me take you back to October 2007. I was in Eight Grade, tasked with writing a horror/suspense story for Halloween. This story, titled “Red Ink”, became the starting point for what would be years of work on my debut novel The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice.

I want to celebrate 13 years of work. While there will be events about my book throughout October, one thing I really want to do is interview a handful of authors about what inspired them to work their novels as well as their creative process.

So everyday in October, I would LOVE to feature an author here on my website as well as on social media. That’s right! I want to interview 31 authors to feature on my blog! Five of these authors will be offered a chance to do a live interview as well, but obviously I am one person, so I don’t have the capacity to do them all.

Note: This is completely different from the massive event I am planning. More details on that will come soon. This is more of a personal celebration that I am putting together.

So with all that being said…are you an author? Do YOU want to be featured on my website and on my social media pages at some point in October?

Fill out the form below! I’ll close it once I have 31 responses OR on October 1st…whichever comes first!

Looking forward to get to know all of you!