Noree Cosper's Blog, page 20

Blogger Book Fair: Guest Michael Brookes

The Nature of Evil by Michael BrookesEvil as a concept has been with us as a species for as long as we’ve been able to communicate, but what does it mean? In bygone times the definition of evil was provided by religion and was deemed a clear cut concept, a binary choice of good and evil. These days (and even back then) this concept seems too simplistic, it doesn’t reflect what we see in everyday life.How do we define evil? The most obvious answer is by the moral code of an individual or society, but that again seems too simplistic. We can say that if something is deemed morally wrong then that is evil. It’s wrong to steal, but is that evil? Is evil and absolute or a gradient? In society morality has almost been replaced by laws. Laws define what is permissible. However here we can see some conflict between law and morality that muddies a definition of evil.A classic example is taking drugs, the state says it’s illegal, many would argue that it is not wrong to take takes drugs and it certainly wouldn’t be considered evil by then. This throws up the issue of subjectivity, what is evil (or wrong) to one person, may not be considered so by another.To complicate things further is evil an act or a state of being? It can of course be both. A person can commit an evil act, but not necessarily be evil in themselves. A classic example here is the crime of passion, there was no intention to commit evil, it was a spur of the moment act. The act of murder is evil, but the perpetrator is not. Or perhaps, they were evil, but only for that moment.What is considered evil is subjective, although some acts do have a consensus. If we take these most obvious examples and boil them down they come down to a single concept – selfishness. It is the putting oneself above others that appears to be the central tenet. It seems a bit too simple doesn’t it? In every instance of evil you can see how the act of putting yourself above others is where the acts of evil come from. Stealing from others to enrich yourself, violence to satisfy your own cravings, and sexual crimes to establish your power. All of these things stem from your own want and needs and how they matter more than another person’s.Let’s take an example – murder. People kill each other for various reasons, they want to take something from that person, they feel that the person doesn’t deserve to live (and thus being better than them). Even self defence implies that the killer has a better reason to live than the victim. Now I’m not suggesting that self defence is evil, although the act of killing maybe, which leaves us with the other half of the puzzle – intent.For something to be evil, it is not just the event, but the intention of the act. The legal system has a concept for this (mens rea), for example murder is only murder if some harm was intended to the victim, otherwise it is manslaughter (the terminology varies depending where in the world you are). So in simplistic terms we can identify the nature of evil as not only being selfish in action, but also in intent. A question arises that for evil to exist  do both components need to exist. Is the thought of evil an evil act?I certainly hope not! As a writer I craft stories about evil all the time and I don’t think that makes me evil.Or does it?
FAUST 2.0

Is it the rebirth of an ancient evil in a new realm? Or something much worse?

A sexy looking avatar grants wishes for people across the web, but nothing is truly free, and for those who accept, what price must be paid?

Sarah Mitchell must discover the truth of this creature and stop it while it can still be stopped, but why is a mysterious lawyer dogging her every step?

Faust 2.0 is the first book in the new Mitchell & Morton series.Available now on Kindle:Amazon (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Faust-2-0-Mor...Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/Faust-2-0-Morto...About Michael BrookesMichael Brookes is an Executive Producer with a leading UK games developer. Working in games and writing are two of his life passions and he considers himself fortunate to be able to indulge them both. He lives in the east of England, enjoying starry skies in the flattest part of the country. When not working or writing he can sometimes be found sleeping. Which is good as that is where many good ideas come from.Other Books by Michael BrookesThe Cult of MeThe first book in ‘The Third Path’ trilogy.

For too long he dwelt apart, watched those who passed him by. With his unique abilities he entered their minds and inflicted terrible suffering upon them. They didn't even know who he was. The game has lasted for years, but now the game has become stale. On an impulse he decides to make a final and very public last stand. After surrendering himself to the police he enacts his plan to seize the prison for his final bloody act.

There he discovers that he's not as unique as he once thought.

Buy now from:
Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/The-Cult-Third-Path-ebook/dp/B008O7ZVXW/
Amazon (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cult-Third-Path-ebook/dp/B008O7ZVXW/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cult-of-me-michael-brookes/1112888391?ean=2940016637747&isbn=2940016637747
iTunes (US): https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id639396634
iTunes (UK): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/id639396634Conversations in the AbyssThe second book in ‘The Third Path’ trilogy.

Stealing Lazarus’s miracle gifted him immortality. Combined with his natural ability of invading and controlling people’s minds this made him one of the most dangerous people on Earth.

But the miracle came with a price. His punishment was to be imprisoned within the walls of an ancient monastery and tormented by an invisible fire that burned his body perpetually. To escape the pain he retreated deep into his own mind.

There he discovers the truth of the universe and that only he can stop the coming Apocalypse.Buy now from:
Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BCP08JU/
Amazon (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BCP08JU/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1115281270?ean=2940016700465&isbn=2940016700465
iTunes (US): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/id647298331
iTunes (UK): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/id647298331An Odd Quartet – Drabble Enhanced EditionA quartet of dark short stories (10,000 words total) each with a twist in the tale. The drabble enhanced edition also contains some of my favourite drabbles (100 word stories).The Yellow Lady
Grave robbing is a dirty business, in more ways than one. When he disturbs the grave from a childhood scary story he discovers it's not always treasure to be found.

This Empty Place
At the heat death of the universe, Death contemplates his existence.

Forced Entry
Terrorists seize an average suburban house. A Special Forces hostage rescue team is sent in and encounter more than they were trained for.

The Reluctant Demon
A young demon prepares to take his possession exam.Buy now from:
Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/An-Odd-Quartet-ebook/dp/B009QJMMPC/
Amazon (UK): http://www.amazon.com/An-Odd-Quartet-ebook/dp/B009QJMMPC/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-odd-quartet-michael-brookes/1046494250?ean=2940016693453
iTunes (US): https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id636526301
iTunes(UK): https://itunes.apple.com/uk/book/id636526301
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/An-Odd-Quartet/book-IW9-ulByxE-fcgKdLgZT8Q/page1.html

Blogger Book Fair: Monster Menagerie Entry #3

Flash Fiction Thrillogy Part 2:What If? … Whatever (A Marvel Zombies / Væmpires Mashup)“Logan, don’t do this without us,” Kitty said, although both knew he would. Wolverine, as he was more commonly known, rarely followed advice.“I’m not waiting for reinforcements,” Wolverine barked. “In the end, I’ll have to do things the hard way. It never fails.”He powered the headset down, cutting Kitty off. “Boring conversation, anyway,” he muttered, eyeballing the horde of swarming creatures. The multi-limbed, multi-eyed entities were unpleasant to view and they emitted a vibrating, nerve-grating sound, but it was their ability to vaporize everything they touched that concerned Logan most.“Any idea what they are?” he asked his partner.“There isn’t enough data.” Wolverine bit back a caustic remark. It was always surprising to hear Banner’s voice coming from The Hulk’s mouth, but it was never wise to provoke him. Besides, Hank said the newest development indicated improvement.  The deadly ocean flowed forward, stretching far and wide.Logan shrugged. “I guess it’s time for Plan B.”“I didn’t realize we had a Plan A,” The Hulk said with a baleful stare. “Or that it failed.”Wolverine stared back.The Hulk sighed, striding toward the oncoming wave. “What’s Plan B?”“What else?” Wolverine answered. “Fastball special.”The Hulk froze, before slowly turning toward Wolverine. “Logan, I’m honored.” His face was somber, but Banner’s voice betrayed a hint of humor.“Can it, bub,” Wolverine growled, fighting the urge to hit the brute. “I like you better when your only vocabulary is Hulk smash.”Banner’s laugh filled the air as The Hulk’s gargantuan hands settled around Wolverine. Logan curled up, primed and ready to explode in the kamikaze attack that never failed to redline his thrill-o-meter.The Hulk reared back, arm cocked—The ominous, nerve-grating sound disappeared.The wave of creatures did, too.“Huh?”The massive fist opened, dumping Wolverine to the ground in an unceremonious, undignified, and uncharacteristic heap. He leaped to his feet; claws extended, senses on high alert, scanning the surroundings for new threats.That was his intent, at least. Instead, he staggered to his feet, his body betraying more than responding. All he could think about was how hungry he was.Next to him, The Hulk scratched his head, peeling off strips of decaying flesh.They were zombies.Again.“Sunova—” he began, before his jaw unhinged, strangling his words. He snapped it together with a frustrated swipe that nearly beheaded him.They were in a grass courtyard, alone. A grand building stood before them.“Caaastle,” The Hulk groaned. “Eaaat.”“It’s Windsor Castle,” Wolverine countered, ignoring the hunger and praying his jaw remained hinged. “But this certainly ain’t jolly ol’ England.”He tested the air as they shuffled toward the castle. He smelled blood—lots of it—from somewhere behind the building. He angled toward it, almost leaving a leg behind in the process.The Hulk followed, drooling.The sounds of fighting—albeit strangely subdued—reached them as they rounded the corner. Wolverine sniffed again. Most of the blood wasn’t deliciously human. It was … “Vampires,” he groaned, turning toward his blundering partner. “I hate vampires.” But there was other blood, too. Something … different. “Preferrr Sabrrretoooth?” “I’d prefer something with less angst,” Wolverine barked, missing Banner’s voice.  “No witches or wolves, either.”“Zommmbies,” The Hulk mumbled.“No zombies. It’s bad enough we’re infected again.”“Zommmbies,” the brute repeated, lifting a decaying arm to point over Wolverine’s shoulder. Wolverine turned with drunken grace. In the distance, a pair of teen boys—vampires, from their lack of body heat—stood side-by-side beside a prone form as a sea of shambling creatures crowded toward them.“Well, I’ll be,” Wolverine started, but The Hulk interrupted. “Zommmbies.”“Sure, bub. Zombie vampires. Who woulda thunk it?” He calculated the distance. Given their current state of disrepair, they couldn’t reach the teens in time to assist.They needed a miracle. “Fasssballl speciaaal,” The Hulk groaned.“Your arm’d fall off first,” Wolverine countered. A glance showed him that the teens were overwhelmed, but a plan formed. He reached over, severing one of The Hulk’s arms at the elbow. Snagging it before it tumbled to the ground, he waved it overhead and bellowed.“Avengers assemble!” The rearmost portion of the zombie horde halted, turning toward the sound en masse.“Come and get it,” he cried, waving furiously. Pieces of dead flesh rained down.The zombies came. Not all of them, though, and not enough. Wolverine saw the teens fall, waves of undead crashing upon them. But the cavalry arrived, in the distance—a squad of vampires, led by a stunning, black-haired woman. If the teens held on for another moment, they would be saved.Satisfied, Wolverine dropped the severed arm and prepared for battle.The Hulk eyed his lost appendage. He clenched his remaining fist. “Whaaat ifff … Hulllk smaaash?” Wolverine nodded. “Whatever, bub.”
The first installment of the thrillogy is part of Shah Wharton’s “Minuscule Morsels of Marvel” event here . The final installment will appear on the Vaempires website as part of the “Flash Fiction Challenge II” event. Check ‘em out—in fact, don’t miss any of the Blogger Book Fair events!
Thomas Winship is the author of the Vaempires book series. You can find his books here and his website here.

Blogger Book Fair: Monster Menagerie Entry #2

Brocken Bow by Jessica Fortunato
                Her name was Anne, and she detested exercise.  In fact, detested was too kind a word for how she felt now that she had carted herself up over 3,000 feet simply to look upon the world from a different perspective.                She had been traveling across Europe alone, making friends and seeking shelter at youth hostels.  It was what free spirited people did before dedicating years of their lives to college and a medical career. She’d chosen to travel alone because she preferred her own company to the whims of others.  Anne, both regimented and goal oriented had planned every part of her trip.  She rarely checked in with her parents, she was an adult now and would have to learn to live apart from their reassurance.  If there was one word to describe her, everyone would have agreed that word was pragmatic.                  Therefore, she had surprised even herself when she began a spending time with an attractive man named Eli.  He had a deep Texas drawl that made Anne think of her native Dallas even as they sat silently watching television in a German youth hostel.  It was this comforting feeling that eased her into saying yes when Eli suggested the hike up the mountain as a once in a lifetime experience.During the climb, Eli had been kind in keeping a slower pace for Anne who was unaccustomed to climbing anything but stairs.  In every way, she was free.  She wondered then, why she felt so trapped.Eli said he was going to circle the side of the peak, and Anne was fine staying on the footpath.  She pulled her camera from her pack.  Surely, she should bring back proof of such a daring adventure.  She took pictures of the snow above her, the breathtaking sunset, and leaning over took photos of the jagged peaks below.The days that followed went quickly.  Eli had left, next going to France.  He hadn’t even asked her to accompany him.  He’d barely spoken at all since their trip and she decided she hadn’t needed a love life after all.  She was concerned he’d stolen her camera, which she had searched for but had never found.  The hostel had become empty with summertime ending.She lay half-asleep under the comforter twisting and kicking feverishly. She awoke disoriented but with the hairs on her neck standing straight.  The room was still empty.  She got up and followed the moonlight to the bathroom. As she slowly trailed the hallway she couldn’t shake the feeling she was not alone.  She suddenly thought of the dark fairytales her grandmother had told her and goose bumps rose on her skin.  She told herself she was being foolish, a child, but even her pragmatism was not bringing her its usual comfort.Someone had left the medicine cabinet open and it took all of her strength to close it.  As the hinges creaked she stared out the small window, fearing at any moment a wicked witch or evil spirit would be looking back at her.Anne fiddled with the faucet but nothing came out.  She sighed heavy with frustration looking up to take in her own reflection, but there was only darkness.It was as though she was staring into a black hole.  As she lifted her hand to her cheek, she realized the darkness took shape.  The shadow in the mirror appeared to be touching its cheek as well with frighteningly elongated fingers.  She appeared taller in this shadow reflection, lankier, more menacing.  Anne ran from the bathroom to her neatly made bed.  Her mind racing, she tried to play back the past days, yet all she could remember was the exhausting hike up Brocken Peak.  With her hiking coat on, she trudged in her boots to the pub across the street.  Her logical brain told her that no one there would know how to help her, yet she had a sudden and foreign urge not to be alone.  The only patron sat nursing a scotch.  She went around the counter to face him.  When the man looked up, he was startled and fell from his stool.  Anne raced to the base of Brocken Peak.  Her heart thudding in her chest she kept telling herself she would find answers in the place she last remembered.  Yet every windowpane and car mirror along the way projected the ghostly image of a dark and exaggerated shadow of her former self.As she neared base camp, there were already emergency vehicles present.  A familiar voice pulled her attention to a nearby car.  Her mother sat quietly crying.  Anne had never wanted to feel the warmth of her mother’s arms more than she did in that moment.  She nearly reached her mother’s side when she caught sight of the open body bag on the ground. Inside, she finally gazed upon her own reflection. In her bloodied hand sat her mangled camera.She looked up hoping to see her mother’s face but the people and vehicles were gone.  She stood, surrounded by the grossly drawn out shadows of dozens upon dozens of others.They reached for her greedily with their long blackened fingers…

Blogger Book Fair: Interview with Beck Sherman

*A spotlight centers on a dais with two people sitting at a table with a red tablecloth. There are various stakes, holy water, and a cross on the table. The audience cheers from the darkness.*
Hello, everyone. Today I’d like to welcome Beck Sherman to Trip the Eclipse.
1. Who is your favorite author and why?Stephen King has been scaring and inspiring me from the very beginning. His older books are some of my favorites, like The Shining. I went to see him speak once in Rhode Islandand he stuck his index finger up and said, “Redrum.” It was classic.  
2. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?            Writing good ─ ahem, writing well. Grammar is so important. Bad grammar is a distraction and no amount of brooding heroes or stellar plotting will change that. Next up, the ride, especially for my kind of writing: horror. The reader needs to be kidnapped, essentially, and not let go until the very last word. Finally, the protagonists, your heroes, should be loved, in my opinion. Create characters that people will root for.

3. What were your feelings when you first saw the cover of the finished product?
For my first book Revamp I thought “Whoa, wasn’t expecting that.” The cover was designed by a friend, Chris Deal. It was bold and unlike anything I had seen out there, which I liked. For my second book Goodbye Nothing I was involved in all of the stages and prototypes. I laughed, I cried. It’s been quite the trip. You can check out the final product for yourself at the BBF cover reveal going on now at my blog DyingToWrite.                                                                                
4. If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?
A slew of novels that makes them hide under their covers at night but not before getting up to close and lock all of the doors and windows. And as an avid supporter of the underdog, stories that tell the freaks, the geeks, and the outcasts that they’re not alone in their struggles and that the world is silently rooting for them.

5. How do you feel about the horror boom of the 80’s and early 90’s?
Is this a trick question? I LOVED it. And that torch is still burning. This is when horror was good. Friday the Thirteenth, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Gremlins, Poltergeist, The Lost Boys(one of my favorite movies). The torture porn of today hadn’t really hit the scene. The movies were about deep, in-your-gut scares, sometimes with a large topping of cheese. Ah, those were the days.

6. What was a time in your life when you were really scared?
A couple of years ago, a friend and I went on an excursion to an abandoned insane asylum in Massachusetts. There are so few of them left, and most of the buildings that are still standing have gotten the orders to be torn down to make room for apartment complexes and strip malls. The grounds were vast and by sheer luck we ended up finding the underground tunnel that they used to transport patients. The tunnel was pitch black, but we had forgotten flashlights (apparently it does happen), so armed with only a digital camera and flash to see what was ahead, we went in. It was terrifying.

7. Do you ever come up with anything so wild that you scare yourself and leaves you wondering where that came from?
My spouse calls me the “creepiest nice person” and to my dismay sometimes uses that moniker to introduce me to new people. I don’t think a “normal” person can write horror and not surprise themselves. On the other hand, if you’re Jack the Ripper, then decapitating someone in the story is just expected, and probably not all that interesting.   

8. What do you think draws people to horror novels? Why do we, as readers, like to be scared?
People desire the adrenaline rush of horror, but the safe horror. Books, movies, funhouses. Because being scared in real life sucks. Your plane is actually going down. That sucks. You’re actually being chased by an axe-wielding maniac. That sucks. A giant shark is actually tearing you in half. That sucks. To be able to experience terror from the safety of your sofa, without the pain or the death, is really something else.     
9. Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?
I research, but not so much to get ideas. Those just come to me. You’ll know if you see an energy-saving light bulb appear above my head.
10. Tell us your latest news. Any new thrills we can expect from you?
Yes and thank you for asking. My second book Goodbye Nothing will be released on September 3rd. It’s a New Adult Horror Thriller in the vein of Dexter and American Psycho. The tour launches the same day and expect lots of prizes and giveaways and something a little different. And don’t forget to check out the new cover and stay updated here: DyingToWrite.

Find out more about Beck Sherman.
Blog - Amazon - Facebook - Twitter- Goodreads

Blogger Book Fair: Monster Menagerie Entry #1

Seeker Demonby Allie Jean
“It’ssss time, my dear,” an evil voice said from across the room, makingthe hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She didn’t know what to door where to go. The door to the hallway was on the opposite side of theapartment, and it was impossible to get there without getting closer to thatshadow.She glanced back in Nick’s direction, not knowing what to do, but hestood there, offering no help, those almost clear eyes holding her gaze. Shewanted to tell him to do something if he was real, but an almostimperceptible shake of his shadowed head kept her silent. She bit herbottom lip to keep it from trembling.“What do you want from me?” she asked the moving shadow, her voicequavering in fear.“Your death,” the thing said, taking a step out of the darkness. “Or theequivalent would be niiiiice.”It was a grotesque creature wrapped in a thick, dark cloak, and it shuffledfrom side to side as it moved, its three-toed feet offering a wide base, itsbald head holding no eyes or features but a yawning, empty mouth filledwith rows of razor-sharp teeth.The clanking noise got louder as it moved closer, and Chantal noticedsomething hanging from the front of its robes.“You like it?” it asked, laughing and holding up the long chain ofdangling things that clanked together as it moved. They looked like littlebaseballs in the dim lighting, but something inside told her they were farmore horrendous. “These are the heads of your kin. The ones I found whilethey were still in infancy.”She covered her mouth, trying to avoid being sick. The skulls of babieshitting one another produced the sound, and she couldn’t help but let out alittle cry. It laughed at her, holding up the makeshift belt so that she couldget a better view.“Don’t feel bad for them, my lamb. They had it easy, probably didn’teven feel a thing. You, on the other hand . . .”It pulled out a long serrated blade, the edges of it coated in what lookedlike dried blood. Chantal moved along the wall frantically, trying to find ameans of escape.“Why? Who are you?” she shouted.“I’m The Sssseeker, my dear. I’m the one who finds your kin and wipesthem out.”“There must be a mistake,” she said, frantic. “I’m not who you think Iam.” “Oh, but you are. I can smell the scent of Grace on you a mile away.”The creature came closer, its stench nauseating. Chantal wanted to screambut didn’t, not wanting to alarm her neighbors. She wouldn’t drag them intoher nightmare.She had the urge to fight him off but didn’t have any sort of weaponwithin reach. She could hear Natalie’s voice in her mind telling hercountless times to make sure she bought a gun once she reached the city,but Chantal had always brushed the warning off. Now, she wished she’dlistened. Hell, even a baseball bat would do right now.The thing came closer, shuffling steps dragging it across the floor. Sheglanced toward Nick, hoping that he’d pop out of the shadow and come torescue her, but he wasn’t there. His silhouette had disappeared, along withany hope she had beforehand.She scrambled across the wall, heading toward her bed, hoping she couldfind something to defend herself. She pushed herself across the mattress,keeping the thing in view as she reached for the lamp. He laughed, both ofthem knowing she was pathetic. He raised his blade as his oozing mouthformed a horrifying smile.

Blogger Book Fair: Jami Gray

Excerpt from Shadow’s Edge: Book 1 of The Kyn Kronicles:
Walking into the dim house, Raine braced herself for the smell which usually accompanied a violent death.  She knew that smell. It was distinctive. It reminded a person of raw meat, coppery blood. A scent warning you that whatever you found, it wasn’t going to be recognizable.She was a few steps behind the two men and coming down the short entry way when she   realized there was no odor. No blood, no raw meat. She let out the breath she was holding. Yet, there were spine tingling traces of magic raising bumps along her skin as she drew closer to the front room.Two agents passed her, heading out of the house, small evidence bags in their gloved hands. Osborn stopped just to the left of the entry way to the front room. In the middle of the opening, Gavin came to a halt blocking Raine’s view. She stepped around to his right and came to an abrupt stop, puzzled.Bane Mayson was sprawled on the faded green couch under the picture window. At first glance the scene didn’t make sense. There were no visible wounds, no horrific mutilations, nothing to show how he died. Just the skitter of magic down her spine, making the deceptively calm scene in front of her much more ominous.“Can you give a positive ID?” Osborn’s rough voice pulled her gaze back to him. He was looking at Gavin who wasn’t answering. She tilted her head to find out why then realized Gavin was looking at her.“What?” she asked. “I’ve never met him,” he said blandly. “Just spoke to him on the phone.”“Oh.” A little disconcerted, she turned back to the waiting agent. “Yes, that’s Bane Mayson.”

GiveawayJami will give one lucky, randomly picked blog commenter a free e-copy of SHADOW’S EDGE to add to their Summer Reads pile! Let us know what you think of the excerpt…we want to hear from you!



Bio:Growing up on the Arizona-Mexico border, Jami Gray was adopted at the age of 14 and suddenly became the fifth eldest of 37 children. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and three minors-History, English, and Theater.  Shortly after marrying her techie-geek hubby (who moonlighted as her best friend in high school) she completed a Masters in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix Oregon.
Now, years later, she’s back in the Southwest where  she’s outnumbered in her own home by two Star Wars obsessed boys, one Star Wars obsessed husband, and an overly-friendly, 105-pound male lab.  Writing is what saves her sanity.


Shadow’s Edge: Book 1 of the Kyn Kronicles and Shadow’s Soul: Book 2 of the Kyn Kronicles are available now in paperback and ebook format.
You can find me at:
Buy Link:    www.BlackOpalBooks.com  Website:     www.JamiGray.com Assc. Blog:  www.7EvilDwarves.wordpress.comFacebook:  http://www.facebook.com/jamigray.authorTwitter:       http://twitter.com/#!/JamiGrayAuthor 

BUY LINKS:
You can find all the buy links for both books in all formats at:             www.jamigray.com/books/

Or you can use the following:

Shadow’s Edge: Bk 1 of Kyn Kronicles
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0061CAXJ4
Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Shadows-Edge-The-Kyn-Kronicles-Book-1/Jami-Gray/e/2940013239838
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shadow039sedgethekynkroniclesbook1-625433-139.html
Black Opal Books:    http://blackopalbooks.com/blackopalstore/product/56-shadows-edge 
Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/101023



Shadow’s Soul:Bk 2 of the Kyn Kronicles
Black Opal Books: http://blackopalbooks.com/blackopalstore/product/57-shadows-soul
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Edge-The-Kronicles-Book/dp/1937329151/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340473392&sr=8-1&keywords=jami+gray
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shadow039ssoulthekynkroniclesbook2-848561-139.html
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-soul-the-kyn-kronicles-book-2-jami-gray/1111742135?ean=2940014698955
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/174291


Blurb for Shadow’s Edge:Everyone fears what hunts in the shadows—especially the monsters…
It takes a monster to hunt one, and for Raine McCord, forged in the maelstrom of magic and science, she’s the one for the job. In a world where the supernatural live in a shadowy existence with the mundane, a series of disappearances and deaths threatens the secrecy of her kind and indicates someone knows the monsters are alive and kicking.  Partnering up with the sexy and tantalizing Gavin Durand proves to be a challenge as dangerous as the prey she hunts.

When the trail points back to the foundation which warped Raine’s magic as a child, her torturous past raises its ugly head.  Gavin and Raine sift through a maze of lies, murder and betrayal to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.

Blurb for Shadow’s Soul:Some nightmares are born of love…
Raine McCord has no problem taking down the monsters of the world, it’s one of the reasons she’s so good at her job.  So playing bodyguard to Cheveyo, head Magi of the Northwest, as he consults with the Southwest Kyn should be an easy assignment. Unfortunately, simple task turns into a nightmare when Cheveyo is kidnapped and Raine is left for dead by one of the Kyn’s most feared beings, a Soul Stealer.
The Stealer’s attack leaves lasting wounds, undermining Raine’s confidence as a warrior and damaging her unruly magic. Her ability to heal her mind and spirit hinges on the one man who can touch her soul, Gavin Durand.  Compelled to face the emotions raging between them, they must embrace not only their stormy relationship but their evolving magic to escape the twisted threads of murder and betrayal to find Cheveyo.
As Raine and Gavin come together and begin to unravel the complex web of secrets and hidden vendettas haunting the Southwest Kyn, they discover unsettling new truths that threaten their very existence.

Blogger Book Fair

We have some great events going on this week. You'll get to meet some awesome horror authors. I am also hosting a special event.

Monster Menagerie
Throughout the week I will be posting pieces of flash fiction and poetry about different monsters. You get to vote on what you think is the best. Voting will be held on Thursday through Friday until Noon. I will announce the winner on Friday at 6 pm. The winner gets the lovely prize of a review from me on the novel of their choice. *Note* Though I tend to lean towards the nice side, I am still fair in my reviews. If I don't like the book I will say so.
SO, guys, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

On Hiatus

OK, guys I am taking a break for a couple of weeks. I am nearing the end of my second book and need to concentrate on finishing so it will be out by this December. I will, however, be back for the Blogger Book Fair. There are a lot of great posts lined up for that. Remember to check back the week of July 22nd-26th, because that's when the fun starts.

New Cover: A Prescription for Delirium

So, I have great news. A Prescription for Delirium has been re-released with a new cover.


Blurb:

Ninety years ago, Gabriella di Luca promised to protect the family of her dying lover. She failed to keep that promise.  She was too far away to stop the devil that murdered the eldest Van Helsing son. Years later, Gabby learns the devil has resurfaced. She arrives in Hampton, TX, determined to stop the devil before it can lay a bloody hand on the remaining three brothers.

However, madness is spreading through Hampton. She suspects the devil is using this madness to test a drug which has a side effect of demonic possession.  Gabby rushes to end the source of the madness only to fall victim to it. For a woman cursed with eternal life, dying is no threat. However, Gabby must stop the devil's plot or risk losing her most precious possession: her mind.

And just to give you a taste, here is a different excerpt:

The sheets clung to my back as I sat up. I sucked down the cool night air for several moments as I took in my surroundings. Murmurs from the program on the television competed with the buzz of the air conditioner. The light played over the bed and table. Right, this was my hotel room.
I shivered as my feet touched the floor and the cool air blew across my bare legs. Water would be best to clear the scratchiness in my throat. The faucet hissed as the water filled the cup. I wiped my cheeks and stared at the wetness on my fingertips. I’d been crying in my sleep again. Strange, after five centuries, the dream could still do this to me.
I stared in the mirror with my aura sight at the figure behind me. It floated inches above the floor with thick black chains with red cracks covering it from head to toe. It writhed and twisted, trying to break free of the chains and, every so often, a flash of white light leaked out from behind its bindings. A length of chain extended from the figure to a collar around my neck. No, the Van Helsings weren’t the only ones touched by a spirit. Mine had to pay the price of my curse.
“I’ll free us both,” I said. “I’ll kill the demon bitch that has us.”
Allegra. My reason for existence. She’d taken my husband, my son, my life and left me with nothing. I remained alive as part of her punishment while she stayed beyond my grasp.
I gulped the water down and crushed the plastic cup in my hand. Little pricks of pain flared behind my eyes, and my heart pounded in my ears. It looked to be another sleepless night. The hellhound had run back to his masters. I could spend the time tracking him down or stay here and brood.
I pulled on my clothes and lifted the hood of my jacket over my head. My hand ran over the hilt of my sword. I unsheathed it, letting the light glint off the two feet of sinuous blade. It was called a sundang and was made of iron, good for cutting the connection between the spiritual and material world. Its creators had not stopped there. Kali, the Hindu goddess, blessed certain families with the power and weapons to slay demons. They had died out, but their weapons remained, like this one. My hand ran over the flat from the wide base to the rounded point. It wouldn’t pierce, but the blade would cut through flesh like butter.
I set out with the sword strapped across my back and a butterfly knife fitted in a sheath on the inside of my pants. Laughter and music coming from the rooms facing the road broke the silence that should have pervaded the motel. A row of motorcycles was parked outside. They must have come in the middle of the night. The occasional headlights of cars from the highway broke the darkness as I walked. The parking lots of the two restaurants and the jewelry shop lay bare. The world slept while I was denied rest.
A star shot across the sky, fallen from its place in the heavens. It had a long journey ahead of it. Everything it knew would be gone. Did stars feel the burden of eternity in the deep black? Did they yearn for warmth besides their own burning intensity?
I rubbed my arms and continued on to the bar. Lights flashed ahead of me. The bar had not drifted off to sleep like the rest. A crowd gathered around one police car and an ambulance. The demon had lost his temper and hurt someone. Merda, the last thing I needed was the police sniffing around. I slipped into the empty lot next to the bar and lay on my stomach, hidden by the high grass. The blades tickled my face as I crawled forward on my elbows and knees. I stopped when I reached twenty feet away and poked my head up, making sure I remained out of the light.
Two officers, a man and a woman, were talking to the large man the hellhound had thrown. He waved his left hand in the air while talking. He would have used both, but his right was bound in a sling.
Damn, there’d be no tracking the hellhound with this crowd. Still, I needed to check for others.
I closed my eyes, and something in my head shifted, like a joint popping into place. The colors surrounding the crowd pulsed with anger and excitement. They hadn’t had this much fun in months. Behind them, a different demon looked on with its arms crossed. Barely anything about this creature resembled a human or animal. Two large, bat-like wings grew out of his back. Its head had an acorn shape with its snout extending to a point several inches past its jaw, and two spikes protruded down from the sides of the head. A hard carapace covered his body, with horns protruding from the joints. 
I shivered and closed my eyes, but the image remained burned in my mind. I needed to see what human this thing paraded around in. Six feet of biker leaned against a motorcycle not unlike the ones parked outside of my hotel. Tribal tattoos covered his shaven head, surrounding his right eye, and traveled down his neck to disappear under his leather jacket.
Two in one night. Lucky me, though he was neither Ose nor the fortune-teller, since she preferred women. So where did this one fit in? The muscles in my arm cramped as I lay there, waiting. It didn’t take long for the police to finish their questioning.
“Go home and sleep it off!” The police woman waved off the crowd. “We’ll handle this.”
A few of the men shouted and whistled, but they still made their way to their cars. Tattoo climbed on his bike and drove off with the rest. I remained still. I knew where he would end up.
The patrol car exited last, following the ambulance. Finally. I stood up, stretching my arms out and rotating my shoulders. A short jog had me back at the hotel in minutes, and I paused in between two trucks to catch my breath. Warmth spread to my fingers from where the cracked asphalt had baked in the sun. The night had done nothing to cool the air. Nor did it lessen the stench of oil and hot rubber that surrounded me. The demon’s motorcycle rested among the others, just as I thought.
Ten of them. How many were demons? It looked like I’d spend the night scouting a different group than the one I planned on.
A truck door slammed and a woman marched to the biker’s door with a shotgun in her hand. Her blonde hair bounced against her shoulders with each step. She would have been pretty if not for the scowl she wore. She paused at the first of the bikers’ doors, taking a deep breath, and widened her legs in a taekwondo stance. The door gave way with a crack from the kick she delivered to it. My jaw hung open as the woman stepped inside.

Her Cajun accent traveled clear on the night air. “All right you sons of bitches, I have some questions that need answers.”
A Prescription for Delirium can be found on Amazon.

Guest Post: Marie Sumner

Halloween for the Gods
When I was younger I went through an extreme Greek mythology phase.  I became hooked after reading the Odyssey my freshman year of high school (OK so I read the SparkNotes.. don’t judge me).  It’s easy to get lost in Greek mythology. Not only is it somewhat romantic, but it also reflects the sinful side of human nature with displays of power, lust, and deception. In fact, it’s a lot like watching a daytime soap opera (although not quite as pathetic). Perfect specimens of both the male and female body engage in tumultuous relationships that rival anything that we are likely to experience on Earth.
A near decade after “reading” the Odyssey and I’m back on my Greek Mythology kick. I've decided that this time around is going to be much more fun than the last due to the fact that I can actually partake in a few of the godly activities-- namely the parties. Since I’m constantly in Halloween mode, I've been fantasizing about how Greek Gods and Goddesses would celebrate had they ever had the chance. I imagine it would go something like this:
As the king of the underworld, it only makes sense that Hades would be the one to host the festivities. After all he wouldn't even have to rent a venue. His faithful demonic minions would have the underworld decked out in red lighting and there would be a plethora of lady fingers available for refreshments, not to mention whatever Hades would decide to serve on tap. Hades himself would be wearing red horns and a pitch fork.
All of the attendants would also be costume except for Ares, he would just be naked. I’m sure this would be fine with everyone due to the fact that he is basically all that is man and I would let him do terrible things to me.  But really who wouldn't? Despite his frequent sexual encounters with Aphrodite, he would arrive to the party stag and Aphrodite would arrive alongside Hephaestus.
Now, the relationship between Aphrodite and Hephaestus has always baffled me a bit. I mean, how lucky does an ugly bolt maker have to be to snag a chic like Aphrodite?! Not only is he the only God that is unattractive but he is also lame so it just seems like a cruel twist of fate that Zeus would make Aphrodite marry him. Apparently he’s a nice guy but I always thought they finished last... Anyways, the pair would arrive at the party dressed as a French maid and Stephen Hawking, splitting almost as soon as they arrive.I’m sure you would all agree that ever party needs at least one lush and I can’t think of anyone better than Demeter, the goddess of grain. Dressed as Poison Ivy (from Batman of course!) she would be found frequenting the open bar and doing body shots off of anyone who would be willing to partake. Why would she be dressed as Poison Ivy you may ask? Demeter is not only the goddess of grain but she is also the goddess of all agriculture so all plants are held very dear to her.
Other obvious party attendants would be Apollo, Hermes, Persephone, Zeus, Hera, and Athena. After several games of “flip cornucopia” and “wine pong” they would all take part in a costume contest with Ares, of course, coming out as the winner. The party could continue until Apollo sobered up enough to drive the sun across the Earth and the Gods and Goddesses would begin their walks of shame home.
Author Bio:
Marie Sumner considers herself to be the goddess of dress-up who loves to talk nerdy. When she’s not wearing a toga or reading Shakespeare in Klingon, she writes for the costumes provider, Wholesale Halloween Costumes.