Heather Manning's Blog, page 14
April 7, 2014
Book Monday: Review of Remnants
Hey everyone! I'm sorry this post is a little late...
Just a few days ago I finished reading Remnants by Lisa T. Bergren.
It was great, as I expected from this author!
Here's a little about the book:
"Our coming was foretold by the elders--- Those who would change the future, just as the planet teetered on the edge of darkness.Born on the prophesied day with birthmarks in the form of a crescent moon, they knew us immediately. Swaddled and screaming, we were spirited away by those who hid us, trained us, and kept us safe until our time came.
They poured their lives into us. Some died to save us.
And now we, the Remnants, protected by Knights of the Last Order, have gathered.
Called until we breathe our last … to save the world."
My Thoughts:The Idea:Remnants was very interesting! It was different from a lot of what I read. I liked the different angle of dystopian--the Christian angle. It was very cool. The Characters:I enjoyed the characters. Andriana and Ronan were some of my particular favorites. The Plot:It kept me reading! I have to admit that for the first part I wasn't SUPER interested, which was odd, because I have always completely enjoyed every Lisa Bergren book I have read. However, after a while I REALLY got into it and couldn't put it down. It was very nice!The Setting:It had an interesting setting! I liked the concept of the dystopian world. The author developed it very well. Overall:A great book that I really recommend! If you are a fan of Lisa Bergren, dystopian, Divergent, or a good read, you will like it! Don't miss the chance to read it.
Just a few days ago I finished reading Remnants by Lisa T. Bergren.
It was great, as I expected from this author!
Here's a little about the book:
"Our coming was foretold by the elders--- Those who would change the future, just as the planet teetered on the edge of darkness.Born on the prophesied day with birthmarks in the form of a crescent moon, they knew us immediately. Swaddled and screaming, we were spirited away by those who hid us, trained us, and kept us safe until our time came.
They poured their lives into us. Some died to save us.
And now we, the Remnants, protected by Knights of the Last Order, have gathered.
Called until we breathe our last … to save the world."
My Thoughts:The Idea:Remnants was very interesting! It was different from a lot of what I read. I liked the different angle of dystopian--the Christian angle. It was very cool. The Characters:I enjoyed the characters. Andriana and Ronan were some of my particular favorites. The Plot:It kept me reading! I have to admit that for the first part I wasn't SUPER interested, which was odd, because I have always completely enjoyed every Lisa Bergren book I have read. However, after a while I REALLY got into it and couldn't put it down. It was very nice!The Setting:It had an interesting setting! I liked the concept of the dystopian world. The author developed it very well. Overall:A great book that I really recommend! If you are a fan of Lisa Bergren, dystopian, Divergent, or a good read, you will like it! Don't miss the chance to read it.
April 3, 2014
Catch-Up Friday: GIVEAWAY
Hey everyone!
In case you were wondering, last weekend's performances went very, very well. Some of my friends got to come and see me in action so that was pretty cool!
What have I been up to this week? I've been editing my play and a shorter piece. I need to hand these in on Sunday for them to be considered for my Coterie Playwriting Group. I have also continued working on Carried Home, Swept to Sea's sequel.
Did you know that Swept to Sea is now available in PRINT?!?!?!?!??! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, what have you been doing?
Now, here's my big surprise....the FIRST EVER giveaway on my blog!
Enter to win an e-copy (PDF) of Swept to Sea! (This can be easily converted to go onto whatever reading device you want.) Second Place gets a signed magnet. :)
*The magnet offer is only for US Citizens because of shipping costs, but I will gladly award an out-of-country winner with the ecopy of the book*
Let me know if you have any questions, and please share with friends!!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
In case you were wondering, last weekend's performances went very, very well. Some of my friends got to come and see me in action so that was pretty cool!
What have I been up to this week? I've been editing my play and a shorter piece. I need to hand these in on Sunday for them to be considered for my Coterie Playwriting Group. I have also continued working on Carried Home, Swept to Sea's sequel.
Did you know that Swept to Sea is now available in PRINT?!?!?!?!??! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, what have you been doing?
Now, here's my big surprise....the FIRST EVER giveaway on my blog!
Enter to win an e-copy (PDF) of Swept to Sea! (This can be easily converted to go onto whatever reading device you want.) Second Place gets a signed magnet. :)
*The magnet offer is only for US Citizens because of shipping costs, but I will gladly award an out-of-country winner with the ecopy of the book*
Let me know if you have any questions, and please share with friends!!!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 2, 2014
Music Thursday: Another National Anthem
Hey everyone! I absolutely love the musical Assassins. So, today I'm sharing the song "Another National Anthem" with you. Enjoy! :)
April 1, 2014
Bible Verse Wednesday: Our Transgressions
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6
SWEPT TO SEA IS AVAILABLE IN PRINT
Hey everyone!!!!!!!!
Just today I found out that Swept to Sea is now available in PRINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am super excited!!!!!!
You can get your copy here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Swept-Sea-Heather-Manning/dp/1497483638/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Just today I found out that Swept to Sea is now available in PRINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am super excited!!!!!!
You can get your copy here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Swept-Sea-Heather-Manning/dp/1497483638/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
March 30, 2014
Book Monday: Spotlight on Remnants
Hello! I'm going to give you some info on the book I am reading right now.
It is Remnants, the latest novel from amazing author Lisa T. Bergrem. (Pre-order before April 8—best prices! $11.95 hardcover, $7.99 Kindle)
Here's what it is about: "Our coming was foretold by the elders--- Those who would change the future, just as the planet teetered on the edge of darkness. Born on the prophesied day with birthmarks in the form of a crescent moon, they knew us immediately. Swaddled and screaming, we were spirited away by those who hid us, trained us, and kept us safe until our time came. They poured their lives into us. Some died to save us. And now we, the Remnants, protected by Knights of the Last Order, have gathered. Called until we breathe our last ... to save the world."
Read the first two chapters here.
It is Remnants, the latest novel from amazing author Lisa T. Bergrem. (Pre-order before April 8—best prices! $11.95 hardcover, $7.99 Kindle)
Here's what it is about: "Our coming was foretold by the elders--- Those who would change the future, just as the planet teetered on the edge of darkness. Born on the prophesied day with birthmarks in the form of a crescent moon, they knew us immediately. Swaddled and screaming, we were spirited away by those who hid us, trained us, and kept us safe until our time came. They poured their lives into us. Some died to save us. And now we, the Remnants, protected by Knights of the Last Order, have gathered. Called until we breathe our last ... to save the world."
Read the first two chapters here.
March 27, 2014
Catch-Up Friday: Fun Things!
Hello, friends!
I'm so excited. A lot of cool things are happening.
For one, I just filled out a form for my local library to consider putting Swept to Sea in their ebooks section. I hope that goes well!
Also, I am going to spend this weekend performing my play, The Dixie Swim Club.
If you live in the Kansas City area, please attend these performances at Park University! They are Friday, the 28th, at 7:00, Saturday, the 29th, at 7:00, and Sunday, the 30th, at 2:00. Be there or be square! ;)
Also, I am making new simple photo edits like these:
I'm so excited. A lot of cool things are happening.
For one, I just filled out a form for my local library to consider putting Swept to Sea in their ebooks section. I hope that goes well!
Also, I am going to spend this weekend performing my play, The Dixie Swim Club.
If you live in the Kansas City area, please attend these performances at Park University! They are Friday, the 28th, at 7:00, Saturday, the 29th, at 7:00, and Sunday, the 30th, at 2:00. Be there or be square! ;)
Also, I am making new simple photo edits like these:
March 26, 2014
Music Thursday: Beautiful City
Hi, ya'll!
(Yes I just called you 'ya'll'. That may be a side-effect from playing a Southerner in the current play I am in.)
A week or so ago, I saw a gorgeous production of the musical "Godspell" at the local Egads! Theater.
Here is "Beautiful City," one of the many amazing songs from the show.
(Yes I just called you 'ya'll'. That may be a side-effect from playing a Southerner in the current play I am in.)
A week or so ago, I saw a gorgeous production of the musical "Godspell" at the local Egads! Theater.
Here is "Beautiful City," one of the many amazing songs from the show.
March 24, 2014
Bible Verse Wednesday: Do Not Worry About Tomorrow
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.Matthew 6:34
March 23, 2014
Book Monday: Review of Shadow Hand
Hello everyone!
Today, I have a special treat for you. My sister, Cortney, read and reviewed "Shadow Hand" by Anne Elisabeth Stengl for me today! I'll hand the reins over to her:
I recently finished a fantastic book by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. Shadow Hand is from her Tales of
Goldstone Wood series.
Here's a little about the book:
"This is a story about blood.
And love.
And the many things that lie between.
By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves,
handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. As her
wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire to vanish from living
memory.
But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a
world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal parasite.
A world that is hauntingly familiar."
My Thoughts:
The Idea:
I loved the idea for this story! It has a very unique twist that sets it apart from many other fantasy
books. I don’t want to give the surprise away, but it ties together the past and present in a delightful
way!
I also really like the idea for the overall series. It is fantasy with the feel of a fairy tale and Christian
allegorical elements.
The Characters:
The two main characters, Foxbrush and Daylily have already been introduced in earlier books in the
series, but not necessarily in a positive light. I did like them in the earlier books, but I absolutely loved
them in this book!
In past books, Daylily was cold even to the point of being cruel, but she was always brave with a hidden
wild streak. This book further explored her character and her inner struggle between being the girl
everyone expects her to be and her true self.
Foxbrush always used to be a dandy, but I liked him for his love of reading and learning. In this book, he
was revealed to be much more than meets the eye.
Although the story is mainly about Foxbrush and Daylily, the book also focuses on many other
characters from other books in the series and some new characters as well. I felt like each one was
believable, and much of the humor came from some of the side characters (although Foxbrush’s
reactions to his adventures were pretty funny, too!).
The Plot:
I could not stop reading! The story was full of action and all the characters’ paths kept crossing and
interweaving perfectly to finally reach the grand conclusion.
The Setting:
The story was set mainly in the Southlands which is a part of the Goldstone Wood universe. The
storyline hopped between two key times in the history of the land.
Overall:
I absolutely loved this book! It is another great book in my favorite series. I would recommend it as a
great book to read, but I think that it would be best to read the other books in the series first. I think
that it would be possible to read and understand this book on its own, but it has many details that
connect to other books in the series, which I think make it much more enjoyable. I would say, if you
have time, read some of the other books first, and you’ll be able to love this one even more!
About the Author:
Anne Elisabeth is the award-winning author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy
adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style. She is married to the handsome man she met at
fencing class and lives with him, a gaggle of cats, and one long-suffering dog in NC.
- See more at: http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/
Thanks Cortney! Didn't she write a nice review?
Today, I have a special treat for you. My sister, Cortney, read and reviewed "Shadow Hand" by Anne Elisabeth Stengl for me today! I'll hand the reins over to her:
I recently finished a fantastic book by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. Shadow Hand is from her Tales of
Goldstone Wood series.
Here's a little about the book:
"This is a story about blood.
And love.
And the many things that lie between.
By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves,
handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. As her
wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire to vanish from living
memory.
But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a
world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal parasite.
A world that is hauntingly familiar."
My Thoughts:
The Idea:
I loved the idea for this story! It has a very unique twist that sets it apart from many other fantasy
books. I don’t want to give the surprise away, but it ties together the past and present in a delightful
way!
I also really like the idea for the overall series. It is fantasy with the feel of a fairy tale and Christian
allegorical elements.
The Characters:
The two main characters, Foxbrush and Daylily have already been introduced in earlier books in the
series, but not necessarily in a positive light. I did like them in the earlier books, but I absolutely loved
them in this book!
In past books, Daylily was cold even to the point of being cruel, but she was always brave with a hidden
wild streak. This book further explored her character and her inner struggle between being the girl
everyone expects her to be and her true self.
Foxbrush always used to be a dandy, but I liked him for his love of reading and learning. In this book, he
was revealed to be much more than meets the eye.
Although the story is mainly about Foxbrush and Daylily, the book also focuses on many other
characters from other books in the series and some new characters as well. I felt like each one was
believable, and much of the humor came from some of the side characters (although Foxbrush’s
reactions to his adventures were pretty funny, too!).
The Plot:
I could not stop reading! The story was full of action and all the characters’ paths kept crossing and
interweaving perfectly to finally reach the grand conclusion.
The Setting:
The story was set mainly in the Southlands which is a part of the Goldstone Wood universe. The
storyline hopped between two key times in the history of the land.
Overall:
I absolutely loved this book! It is another great book in my favorite series. I would recommend it as a
great book to read, but I think that it would be best to read the other books in the series first. I think
that it would be possible to read and understand this book on its own, but it has many details that
connect to other books in the series, which I think make it much more enjoyable. I would say, if you
have time, read some of the other books first, and you’ll be able to love this one even more!
About the Author:
Anne Elisabeth is the award-winning author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy
adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style. She is married to the handsome man she met at
fencing class and lives with him, a gaggle of cats, and one long-suffering dog in NC.
- See more at: http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/
Thanks Cortney! Didn't she write a nice review?
