E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 29
May 30, 2020
You’re Invited to MKA’s Book Launch Event
Join us for a 6-Day Launch Event to celebrate the release of The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice! We have loads of activities planned, and make sure to join the party on Facebook or Discord!
Join the Party
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Agenda
Coming Soon.
About the Mist Keeper’s Apprentice
May 29, 2020
Feature Friday: Emé Savage
Today I am featuring Emé Savage, author of The Genesis Chronicles (Book 1, Book 2).
Emé Savage currently lives in Dearborn, MI with her husband of 8 years and two tiny tyrants they call “cats”. She used to run a disability advocacy organization until she was diagnosed with Lupus and fibromyalgia. She published her first book in 2009 and the second in 2020.
Why did you choose indie publishing?
Because I have full creative control over my work. I decide the cover, the content, and how I want to market my work. I enjoy the intimate relationships I’ve made through these efforts.
What inspired you to write?
I grew up on 80 acres. We would find fossils and artifacts. I wondered what the lives of these people were like. I started with the Genesis timeline and built the world from there adding spiritual and magical elements.
Are you working on any projects at the moment?
I’m currently drafting Book 3. The theme for this one is disability and how they cope with these changes. It is the rawest story yet.
Who is your favorite author and/or book?
Madeliene L’Engle. She blends spiritual, supernatural, and sci fi elements in a way that is pure genius.
What is your writing routine like?
I love writing late at night. I take notes on what I want to accomplish and then execute. Right now I’m rewriting parts of Book 3
C an you give us an out of context spoiler?
“I am not worthy of this,” Kayfa protested placing her hands beneath her legs. “Kay,” The Lady interrupted. “You don’t deserve a gift. A gift is given out of love of the giver. All you have to do is accept.” The Lady’s hands trembled as she held out the book.
If you could give one piece of advise to your past -self about writing, what would it be?
Write. Don’t allow your day job or petty concerns keep you from it. Develop your craft, absorb your world, then spill your blood onto the paper.If you have something to say, go for it! Your story might bring joy or insight to a reader out there!
Any shout outs?
My Critque Partner Ashley K Wilson. My cover designer Annie Hara. Technical consultant Donny Dust. And of course my husband, writer Adrian M Holmes
Follow Emé Savage
Books
[image error]Echoes of the Gidat
The Gidat have existed since the First One, who was the Hearer of the Voice and defender of his People. His journey revealed a malevolent entity more powerful than anything that came before.
Thousands of years in the future, the Gidat are all but extinct due to a genocide perpetrated by a King who has acquired unnatural powers. The Lady must find and deliver a boy out of the hands of the King. This boy is the Last Gidat, and the best hope for a ravaged Sadatian people.
Through The Telling, the First Gidat reveals a malevolent entity that can take any form… including a King. Can the echoes of a long-forgotten story help a boy who has lost everything?
[image error]Tetarul Parallel
Kayfa has a secret.
She ran away from her father and found a home in Melodi. Here she is just Kay, a curious young woman with a talent for the bow. In reality, she is much more. She has always known one day she would return.
The Lady gives her a magically enhanced book which can only be read by a direct descendent of Felana, the Mother of All. This book holds the secret to defeating the entity called Etevun.
Thousands of years in the past, Felana finds that Minkos has been keeping secrets. Secrets that could have a deadly effect on her People. Etevun has grown stronger. Felana must become the leader she was always meant to be. With the help of a novice mage and an ingenious hunter, they have a fighting chance.
Can the parallels in Felana’s story help Kayfa accept a long denied purpose, or will she allow her fear of the past determine her future?
Currently, I am not accepting any more applications for Feature Friday. Follow me for updates regarding when I will be reopening the application. Until then, signing off.
E.S. Barrison
May 26, 2020
Witches Abroad – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Stories exist independently of their players. If you know that, knowledge is power.
Certainly, understanding the power of a story, you have undeniable power. Terry Pratchett explores the mere power of the story through the adventure of Magrat Garlick, Granny Weatherwax, and Nanny Ogg across the Discworld to Genua after Fairy Godmother Desirata passes away. But why would they go to stop a servant girl from marry a prince? Isn’t that every girl’s dream?
Not when the girl is merely a player entwined in her fake destiny.
My knowledge of Terry Pratchett comes initially from his collaboration with Neil Gaiman on Good Omens. A friend of mine recommended this book to me as a fun, lighthearted story to dive into Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. And what a way to enter it!
A world where stories are brought to life by a rogue fairy godmother means chaos ensues: a frog prince, a sleezy cat-turned-man, and a fairy godmother with a knack for pumpkins, just to name a few. Plus with characters as endearing and witchy as Magrat, Granny Weatherwax, and Nanny Ogg, you’ll want to go on this wacky adventure with them.
Pratchett’s writing can get a little cumbersome, and part of this may be due to the audio book performance, but I found myself zoning out in some parts…not that it was hard to find my way back into the story. Just like the stories they are trying to stop, the three witches are a product of their own tale…and ultimately, as tales are supposed to go, they reach Genua to stop the rogue fairy godmother. Perhaps, really, they were just pawns in the story Desiderata wanted to tell before her death.
So be wary of the stories around you. Because perhaps, you’re just a mere pawn in the game.
What’s it about?
Once upon a time there was a fairy godmother named Desiderata who had a good heart, a wise head, and poor planning skills—which unfortunately left the Princess Emberella in the care of her other (not quite so good and wise) godmother when DEATH came for Desiderata. So now it’s up to Magrat Garlick, Granny Weatherwax, and Nanny Ogg to hop on broomsticks and make for far-distant Genua to ensure the servant girl doesn’t marry the Prince.
But the road to Genua is bumpy, and along the way the trio of witches encounters the occasional vampire, werewolf, and falling house (well this is a fairy tale, after all). The trouble really begins once these reluctant foster-godmothers arrive in Genua and must outwit their power-hungry counterpart who’ll stop at nothing to achieve a proper “happy ending”—even if it means destroying a kingdom.
Witches Abroad on Goodreads
May 22, 2020
Feature Friday: Mari Hamill
Today I am featuring Mari Hamill, author of Werewolf Nights.
Mari Hamill is a comic book retailer, an avid reader, and a movie fan who loves being immersed in fantasy. Currently, Mari is working on her next novel. The first thing she plans to do once the lock down ends will be going to the movies.
Why did you choose indie publishing?
I was eager for my novel to find readers who would enjoy it. I spent a lot of time researching and writing my manuscript and couldn’t wait to put it out there.
What inspired you to write? And why did you begin writing in the first place?
Most of my academic career consisted of reading and writing. Once I graduated, I felt that I needed to continue that path. Writing soothes me. I feel a sense of accomplishment after finishing each chapter. Also, I like to document people and scenarios that don’t really belong in any history books. I like to write those details that don’t really matter but kind of make a difference.
Who is your favorite author and/or book?
J.K. Rowling! Her worlds are very complex and unique. I binge read her Harry Potter series and moved on to her detective series. She’s a truly remarkable talent.
What is your writing routine like?
I like writing when there’s no one around. It allows me to block distractions and dive into my fantasy world.
If you could give one piece of advise to your past -self about writing, what would it be?
If you have something to say, go for it! Your story might bring joy or insight to a reader out there!
Follow Mari Hamill
Books
[image error]Werewolf Nights
Threatened by financial ruin, widowed bakery owner Catherine Mercy leads a solitary life with more interest in reading about werewolf lore than in finding a man. Her one true love disappeared after high school and her now deceased husband kept her trapped in the house claiming that a werewolf might hunt her down one day, just as her grandmother repeatedly warned her. When Hollywood interrupts the town’s monotony by shooting a werewolf movie on location, Catherine’s best friend Anne pushes her to audition. Already in her thirties, Catherine feels ridiculous trying to become an actress, but lands the leading role.
Catherine’s daily routine turns into a hair-raising adventure as fame begins to surveil her wanderings and she falls for her sexy costar Greg Byron despite this actor’s neon warning sign that flashes conceited womanizer. He’s also smitten by her, but just when they are about to find happiness, a wolf bites him.
While Greg’s features turn lupine, Catherine discovers a resemblance between the movie script and her family’s history. Frightened, Catherine recruits werewolf expert Steve to figure out if the movie’s werewolf legend is real and if Wolfern, the werewolf her grandmother dreaded, has finally come for her. If so, Greg will turn into a werewolf. Only undoing Greg’s curse and destroying Wolfern before the next full moon can save their love and their lives.
Mari Hamill blends fantasy, intrigue, and passion to create a chilling, unique story.
Currently, I am not accepting any more applications for Feature Friday. Follow me for updates regarding when I will be reopening the application. Until then, signing off.
E.S. Barrison
May 20, 2020
Thorunn – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
I was honored to be a beta reader for Thorunn as well as receive an ARC copy of the book prior to publication. Neither of these experiences have impacted my review.
Imagine being whisked away from Earth, relocated to a foreign planet where you’re expected to start anew. Of course, in most cases this would be uneventful, but this is not the case of Laine Riven whose parents whisked him away against his will to the planet of Thorunn. Yet, he manages to make the best of his new life…until the Outpost Terrorist attacks. And that’s when everything begins to change.
Esther T. Jones introduces us to the “shocking” world of Thorunn – literally. The unique landscape is known for its electric storms, as well as creatures reminiscent of dinosaurs, as well as cat-like shifter people known as klia’ans (or lokians). In an action packed adventure, Laine, as well as Kenton and Bo, uncover secrets about their families, the government, and in a series of correlated events, unintentionally come together to bring peace to Thorunn.
Yet, the journey to Thorunn is not without its hiccoughs. The start of the book is notably slow. It takes about 150 pages (or 25%) for the book to really pick up. This is not uncommon it fantasy or sci-fi adventures, where the author is trying to establish the world. Some dialogue is clunky, and Jones’s notably wordiness does get in the way of the story.
On the second read through, the world building was much stronger, but I am struggling to tell if it was because it’s my second read-through or because Jones took criticism. I believe some of it is due to changes she made between the beta draft and the final draft.But, I’ll let first time readers make that judgment themselves.
But, if you can get through those first 150 pages, the story really takes off. Wrapped in action, friendship, unique aliens, and unwinding twists and mysteries. Reminiscent of James Cameron’s Avatar, John Scalzi’s Fuzzy Nation, and dystopian novels like The Hunger Games, as well as elements from Star Trek, Star Wars, and Firefly. While some parts of the story are predictable, that doesn’t make it bad! In fact, it means that Jones did a fantastic job weaving in the hints, and in the end, I picked up on them!
So, if you want a fun sci-fi adventure, go check it out! You’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time, holding your breath as Laine, Kenton, and Bo escape, attack, and save the day on countless occasion! So definitely check out this new book.
I’ve also expressed some of my additional thoughts in the video below.
What’s it about?
Nine years ago, Skytown soldiers brutally murdered Kenton’s family. Now those same men aim to return and destroy Kenton’s hard-won, idyllic life amongst the peaceful shifter people of the Hinnom Forest.
Meanwhile, Laine Riven–dragged from Earth to Thorunn against his will–is stuck navigating an unfamiliar school, his jerk of an uncle, and the rising threat posed by the Outpost Terrorist.
When their paths clash amidst tragedy and betrayal, Kenton realises he and his best friend Bo may have rushed headlong into a situation too impossible to fix.
Time is running out as frix season closes in, and their only shot at victory hinges on outrunning the seasoned bounty hunters, savage creatures, and unpredictably violent weather trying to kill them every step of the way. . .
Thorunn on Goodreads
May 16, 2020
Howl’s Moving Castle – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Most people know Howl’s Moving Castle from the 2004 Miyazaki Film. While I was certainly aware of the movie, and had it on my “to-watch” list for many years, I actually had not watched it prior to reading this book. In retrospect, I am glad that I hadn’t, because it only made the book so much better – and much fresher.
Some people might disagree with me on this of course, but personally I liked the book way more than the movie, which is true with many stories, but I wanted to state that right away.
Don’t get me wrong, the movie is wonderful on its own. One recommendation I heard was to think of the book as Sophie’s point-of-view and the movie as Howl’s point-of-view, and that serves as a great analysis between the two.
The book, especially when narrated by Jenny Sterlin, shows a story of a whiny wizard who gets whipped into line by a young-turned-old woman who has little confidence in herself. Imagine a young man throwing fits over ever possible scenario, not the smooth “sexy” fellow represented by the movie (I mean, Christian Bale as Howl…come on!): this is the true Howl, and the Howl that Sophie sees.
A whimsical world follows Sophie through her adventures with Howl, Calcifer, Michael (whom Mikhal replaced in the movie), her sisters, a scary scarecrow, and a dog-man. The witch of the waste and her demon are sinister villains who haunt the landscape. It leaves much of the world to the reader’s imagination though: doors connecting to our world, steampunk elements flowing through the landscape, and bustling cities. No wonder Miyazaki took some creative liberty with airships and other technology, because there’s no reason those pieces of equipment couldn’t exist.
Dianna Wynne Jones creates a wonderful story that I didn’t want to put down (or, stop listening to) leaving hints along the way. In the end, all the pieces of the puzzle come together seamlessly, leaving no stone overturned in Sophie’s adventure to find herself.
I think what makes the book so much better than the movie is Sophie’s autonomy. Her jealousy of Howl with other girls is slowly building in the background, while she focuses on forcing herself into the life of the castle. While these elements of Sophie survive in the movie, many of her motivations are around protecting Howl…not others. Sophie is selfless and relentless, and the book is a jewel at showing thos.
So, if you look at the tale between these two lenses, you’ll enjoy both the book and the movie. For while the book is about Sophie, the movie is about Howl…and how he would ultimately see himself: a hero.
Although, that notion would just cause Sophie to laugh!
What’s it about?
Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl’s castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there’s far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.
Howl’s Moving Castle on Goodreads
May 15, 2020
Feature Friday: Author Esther T. Jones
Today I am honored to feature Esther T. Jones, Author of Tedenbarr of Have Lath and Thorunn. You can read my review of Tedenbarr of Have Lath here, and be on the look out of my comprehensive ARC review of Thorunn prior to its release date of May 20th!
Esther been creating stories since she was a kid, and really started writing them down when she was about 10. In her teen years she got serious about learning the craft, and hasn’t stopped since, going on to publish her debut novel Tedenbarr of Have Lath as well as her newest novel, Thorunn, coming out on 20th. Outside of writing, Esther loves gardening, cosplay, and music (as she is a flutist and pianist).
Why did you choose indie publishing?
Creative control! It’s fantastic working with editors and beta readers, but ultimately (unlike traditional publishing), it’s up to me to decide what I want to include or cut from the final product, and I love that.
Who is your favorite author and/or book?
I still really love the Redwall series, because of the rich descriptions, the nuanced characters, and the ability Brian Jacques’ works have to take you to a completely different world. Recently though, I’ve been loving everything by Jeff Wheeler, and I’m currently enjoying his “Harbinger” series.
What is your writing routine like?
I don’t really have one right now, haha. I’ve just started working on a new WIP (a portal fantasy about a lost princess), and I’m just aiming to get in around 1000-2000 words a week. When I’ve got the first draft down I’ve probably be a little more methodical about it, but since I’m a pantser, I need to have ample time to think about my story between writing sessions so that the words can flow when I sit down to type.
If you could give one piece of advise to your past -self about writing, what would it be?
Please, please read books, of all genres and types! It’s the most important part of being able to write well.
Do you want to give a shout out to anyone in particular?
I want to say thanks so much to my amazing cover artist Don Jones, who was awesome during the whole process. The cover for Thorunn turned out beautifully!
Can you give us an out-of-context spoiler to get us excited for Thorunn ?
At one point, Kenton’s best friend Bo finds himself hurtling off a mountain on a makeshift hang-glider, trying to escape from the murderous, pterodactyl-like Chsaa-Rhee before they can stab his eyes out.
Thorunn is available for pre-order now! Check it out!
Follow Esther T. Jones
Books
[image error]Tedenbarr of Have Lath
Adventure! Treachery! Danger on the High Seas! After months of forced servitude aboard a cargo ship en route from the Kingdom of the West, all Tedenbarr wants is to return to his beloved home. But when a brutal pirate attack leaves Tedenbarr stranded on the far shores of the Eastern Kingdom, Tedenbarr must embark on an arduous and harrowing journey from East to West with only his wit, and will to survive against the many trials that beset him along the way. Faced with danger from land and sea, foreigner and country-kin, Tedenbarr’s travels promise to take him through perilous, lonely mountains, across vast, thirsty deserts, and into the very heart of a city poised on the brink of civil war. Only time will tell if Tedenbarr can succeed in his quest to return to Have Lath, and finally reunite with his friends, family and the woman he left behind.
[image error]Thorunn
Nine years ago, Skytown soldiers brutally murdered Kenton’s family. Now those same men aim to return and destroy Kenton’s hard-won, idyllic life amongst the peaceful shifter people of the Hinnom Forest.
Meanwhile, Laine Riven–dragged from Earth to Thorunn against his will–is stuck navigating an unfamiliar school, his jerk of an uncle, and the rising threat posed by the Outpost Terrorist.
When their paths clash amidst tragedy and betrayal, Kenton realises he and his best friend Bo may have rushed headlong into a situation too impossible to fix.
Time is running out as frix season closes in, and their only shot at victory hinges on outrunning the seasoned bounty hunters, savage creatures, and unpredictably violent weather trying to kill them every step of the way.
Currently, I am not accepting any more applications for Feature Friday. Follow me for updates regarding when I will be reopening the application. Until then, signing off.
E.S. Barrison
May 8, 2020
Feature Friday: Author Naomi Kelly
Today I am featuring Naomi Kelly, author of Trial by Obsidian and Meraki: A Syren Story.
Naomi Kelly is a young Irish Indie author who released her debut novel, Trial by Obsidian, last year. She has recently released their second novel, Meraki: A Syren Story on May 1st. She writes YA Fantasy with romance subplots, inspired by all the fantastic books she has read over the years. Her writing style is very character-centric, which leads to writing in the first person. She loves diving deep into the feelings and thoughts of her characters and really put herself in their shoes to figure out what they would be going through.
What inspired you to write ?
Sometimes when I would read a really good book that I couldn’t stop thinking about, I would start thinking about where I would imagine the characters going next. This gradually developed to me drafting my own plot lines and characters which eventually lead to me writing my first book, Trial by Obsdian.
What are some of your current projects ?
I have a few ideas in the pipeline, I think all Indie authors are prone to having multiple “works in progress” at once. I’m hoping to grow my first book with a sequel, and I’d love to write a collection of short stories that revolve around the side characters from my books. For now, I’m just enjoying Meraki‘s release.
Why did you start writing?
I actually started writing in my early teen years as a part of my counselling sessions. I found it really hard to explain how I was feeling, and I was advised to write a couple of pages a day. Sometimes I showed my work, other times I just ripped up the pages, but just getting the words out of my head and into the real world helped me immensely.
Who do you hope to inspire with your writing?
I’d hope to inspire the young adult readers with my writing because they are in the age group my main characters usually tend to be in. In the first book of the trilogy, Kanna is 14 to 15 years old. If you strip away the fantasy and adventure aspects, she goes through the same things that a 14- to 15-year-old teenager goes through in the real world. She’s insecure, unsure of herself, has trust issues, is self-conscious, and a whole lot more. Long story short, she’s not perfect. It’s okay to have flaws and be vulnerable, because realistically there is not a person out there who doesn’t have them, and I think it’s an important thing to see.
Who is your favorite author and/or book?
Sarah J Maas and Amanda Bouchet would be two of my favourite authors for the same reason. They both manage to create these large fantasy worlds that are navigated by relatable female characters. (And they both have a brilliant ability to write steamy romance which never hurt anybody!)
If you could apologize to one of your characters, what would you say?
Dear Wren of Meraki; A Syren Story.
I’m sorry that you had to go through a lot of heartache and pain, but I ensure you there was a point to it all. By going through it you finally learnt how strong and capable you are, and I think you would agree that you came out a better person than you started. (Also I gave you a lot of good things too so I’m not so big baddie!) Love always, Your creator and friend, Naomi.
How do you normally begin a writing session?
I normally begin a writing session with a mug of tea, and I’ll read over what I did the previous day. Apparently, it’s a writing sin to edit as you go, but I find recapping my work really helps me get back into the scene and if I can catch a few typos along the way- even better! When working on a project, I try to do it every day. There will always be days you are too busy, but I do believe you can make time no matter what. Often, I’ll write a quick sentence or idea as a text to myself whilst out and about. Writing isn’t always just typing, and if you need a work break, then editing, reading, drawing out characters, maps, title ideas are all useful ways to keep the momentum going.
If you could give one piece of advise to your past -self about writing, what would it be?
Not everyone is going to love your work. No matter how perfect you think your plot is, or how amazing your characters are, someone, somewhere will dislike it. So don’t worry about trying to impress that one person, because you’ll never be able to, but that’s okay. Write what you want to read.
Follow Naomi Kelly
Books
[image error]Trial by Obsidian
The poverty-stricken southern lands of Deshure have kept Juniper Obsidian hidden all her life. Her concealed identity kept her safe. Until now. The northern lands of Sinlara are home to the Chambers. Here rules are enforced and wars are waged, but since the end of the War fifteen years ago things have been quiet. That is until they get their hands on Juniper. [Read More]
[image error]Meraki: A Syren Story
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. [Read More]
Currently, I am not accepting any more applications for Feature Friday. Follow me for updates regarding when I will be reopening the application. Until then, signing off.
E.S. Barrison
May 1, 2020
Cover of the Month Contest
They say not to judge a book by its cover but I need you to do just that. If you loved the cover of my book, The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice, please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest below!
This is a huge deal for both me and my wonderful cover artist! We put months of work into making this cover what it is…and it would mean the world if you could take a moment out of your busy schedule to vote and spread the news!
Thank you so much in advance! It means the world to me.
[image error] Click Here to Vote
AllAuthor.com’s #CoveroftheMonth Contest
They say not to judge a book by its cover but I need you to do just that. If you loved the cover of my book, The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice, please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest below!
This is a huge deal for both me and my wonderful cover artist! We put months of work into making this cover what it is…and it would mean the world if you could take a moment out of your busy schedule to vote and spread the news!
Thank you so much in advance! It means the world to me.
[image error] Click Here to Vote
