Scott Bryan's Blog, page 32
December 23, 2012
December 22, 2012
Book Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
As always, Rick Riordan entertains us with exactly what we want in a Percy Jackson book, strong characters in lots of edge of your seat action. It’s great to see Percy, Annabeth, Piper, Jason, Frank, Hazel and Leo back. This is the first time all seven leads share in an adventure and I find the blending of characters and personalities to be perfect.
Most get their own chance to narrate but the one I was interested in was Annabeth. This is her book and we’ve never before had a chance to get in her head. Now we do and I find it to be just as good a place to be as Percy or any of the others. I feel for her troubles and cheer for her victories.
Of course there is a surprise cliffhanger. It serves its purpose because now I’m desperate for the next installment! All in all I give this book a 10.
December 10, 2012
Update!
Hey gentle readers!
My sweetheart had a hysterectomy late Thursday. She's home and recovering. The kids and I have been helping her a great deal. In a couple weeks she should be feeling much better.
As for my writing, I'm a couple chapters away from finishing my edits on the Roland chapters of Dark Changes (Book Two). Then I'm going to write a prologue and edits a couple things in the Annabelle chapters. After that I'll be all finished and ready to ship it to my beta readers.
I should write some pre-posts for this blog. I'm due to do Who's Whos and Bite of Stories for the next few weeks but between helping my sweetie, editing and working, my time is pretty strapped.
I promise not to keep you without new posts for very long.
My sweetheart had a hysterectomy late Thursday. She's home and recovering. The kids and I have been helping her a great deal. In a couple weeks she should be feeling much better.
As for my writing, I'm a couple chapters away from finishing my edits on the Roland chapters of Dark Changes (Book Two). Then I'm going to write a prologue and edits a couple things in the Annabelle chapters. After that I'll be all finished and ready to ship it to my beta readers.
I should write some pre-posts for this blog. I'm due to do Who's Whos and Bite of Stories for the next few weeks but between helping my sweetie, editing and working, my time is pretty strapped.
I promise not to keep you without new posts for very long.
December 6, 2012
Bite of Story Thursday
Here's another peek at my current work in progress, NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK CHANGES.
Remember, this is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Anyway, sit back and enjoy...
---------
Night Children: Dark Changes
Chapter Sixteen: Slaves
As soon as the slave ship was close enough the vampires leaped aboard. Roland wished he could shut his ears as his fellow crew members laughed wickedly. Roland visibly flinched at the mortals’ screams.
Captain Worthing, Ruthless Rach, Blood-Eyed Bill and Abigail Black were already on the other ship, killing randomly. Roland remained at the railing. He couldn’t bring himself to join in on the slaughter.
“What’s the matter? Afraid to leap over?”
It was Paul, the older, fatter pirate that couldn’t keep up with the others. He stood next to Roland and watched the slaughter with a gleam in his eyes. Roland watched him for a moment.
Paul continued, “I can’t make the jump. I’ve never been a good vampire. Bill would’ve killed me decades ago but the Captain lets me stay on. He’s a great man.”
Roland nodded. He didn’t see the sense in challenging the Captain’s authority. Instead he remained silent as he turned back to the slaughter. The Captain of the slave ship was fighting off two vampire pirates. Abigail watched from the side, a smirk on her face.
“I’ve seen you move,” Paul continued. “Why don’t you just fly over there and finish the mortals off?”
“I... can’t. Those are people over there. They’re screaming. We shouldn’t be doing this.”
Paul placed a hand on Roland’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s all right. This is what we do. The mortals do it too. I’ve seen a lot of mortal pirates out on the open sea. Most are just as vicious.”
“But it’s not right.”
“You do realize what that ship is for, right?”
“It’s a slave ship.”
“Can you smell the fear deep inside? There are probably four hundred slaves below deck. Those men our crew are slaughtering intend to sell those slaves. If you think about it, we’re doing those poor mortals below deck a favor and freeing them from a life of shackles and whips. We’re the heroes here, kid.”
Roland thought about it. Paul had a point. At least vampires only killed to eat. Mortals captured and killed for much nastier purposes.
“You’re right. Thanks.” Roland exchanged smiles with the elderly vampire and flew to the other ship.
“Give ‘em Hell, kid.”
Remember, this is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Anyway, sit back and enjoy...
---------
Night Children: Dark Changes
Chapter Sixteen: Slaves
As soon as the slave ship was close enough the vampires leaped aboard. Roland wished he could shut his ears as his fellow crew members laughed wickedly. Roland visibly flinched at the mortals’ screams.
Captain Worthing, Ruthless Rach, Blood-Eyed Bill and Abigail Black were already on the other ship, killing randomly. Roland remained at the railing. He couldn’t bring himself to join in on the slaughter.
“What’s the matter? Afraid to leap over?”
It was Paul, the older, fatter pirate that couldn’t keep up with the others. He stood next to Roland and watched the slaughter with a gleam in his eyes. Roland watched him for a moment.
Paul continued, “I can’t make the jump. I’ve never been a good vampire. Bill would’ve killed me decades ago but the Captain lets me stay on. He’s a great man.”
Roland nodded. He didn’t see the sense in challenging the Captain’s authority. Instead he remained silent as he turned back to the slaughter. The Captain of the slave ship was fighting off two vampire pirates. Abigail watched from the side, a smirk on her face.
“I’ve seen you move,” Paul continued. “Why don’t you just fly over there and finish the mortals off?”
“I... can’t. Those are people over there. They’re screaming. We shouldn’t be doing this.”
Paul placed a hand on Roland’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s all right. This is what we do. The mortals do it too. I’ve seen a lot of mortal pirates out on the open sea. Most are just as vicious.”
“But it’s not right.”
“You do realize what that ship is for, right?”
“It’s a slave ship.”
“Can you smell the fear deep inside? There are probably four hundred slaves below deck. Those men our crew are slaughtering intend to sell those slaves. If you think about it, we’re doing those poor mortals below deck a favor and freeing them from a life of shackles and whips. We’re the heroes here, kid.”
Roland thought about it. Paul had a point. At least vampires only killed to eat. Mortals captured and killed for much nastier purposes.
“You’re right. Thanks.” Roland exchanged smiles with the elderly vampire and flew to the other ship.
“Give ‘em Hell, kid.”
December 4, 2012
Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Sasquatch
SASQUATCH
Picture by The Mountain
Physical characteristics: These creatures are taller than eight feet, covered in matted black fur and have elongated hands and feet. Their faces are a cross between an ape and a human. They have a musky odor that triggers most creatures' gag reflexes.
What they are: Sasquatches live in packs or tribes across North America. They prefer to remain hidden, live off the land and are quite peaceful. There are always exceptions, but most shun violence.
There are several which have been trapped and captured by the vampire Fenroth. Those have been permanently mesmerized and brought into the service of Dominic. He has his own army of sasquatches.
These creatures are commonly known as Bigfoot. They are related to the yeti of the Himalayas and northern Russia. There are rumors of a particular sasquatch that has worked with other creatures and two human kids but those rumors are so far unfounded.
Picture by The Mountain
Physical characteristics: These creatures are taller than eight feet, covered in matted black fur and have elongated hands and feet. Their faces are a cross between an ape and a human. They have a musky odor that triggers most creatures' gag reflexes.
What they are: Sasquatches live in packs or tribes across North America. They prefer to remain hidden, live off the land and are quite peaceful. There are always exceptions, but most shun violence.
There are several which have been trapped and captured by the vampire Fenroth. Those have been permanently mesmerized and brought into the service of Dominic. He has his own army of sasquatches.
These creatures are commonly known as Bigfoot. They are related to the yeti of the Himalayas and northern Russia. There are rumors of a particular sasquatch that has worked with other creatures and two human kids but those rumors are so far unfounded.
November 29, 2012
Bite of Story Thursday
Night Children: Dark Birth
Chapter Fifteen: How to Kill the Undead
The ground beneath them shook and a large creature broke out of the forest and ran straight for them.
Taller than eight feet, covered in matted black fur and impossibly more foul than Servo, the creature struck the barrier with incredible force. He howled as the impact burnt his hide.
Once again, Annabelle felt the impulse to turn tail and run. The creature seemed beyond comprehension. It had elongated hands and feet, an ape-like face, and a dazed but malicious look in its black eyes. She forced back her lunch of raccoon blood.
“What is that?”
“It’s a sasquatch. That’s what the Indians call it, anyway. The Master keeps a few in his employ for the heavy work. It’ll smash you up really good.” The men laughed.
“We need to leave, Roland.”
“I want a closer look.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” a familiar, comforting voice demanded.
“Eliza!” Relief washed through Annabelle as their surrogate mother touched down behind them. “The sasquatch are just one of many unknown species humans know nothing about.”
The creature smashed at the invisible barrier, setting off green sparks in every direction. Servo and Beufus laughed as the creature moaned in pain. Each time his fist connected with the energy field, Annabelle flinched.
Eliza remained calm, probably trusting the barrier to hold up. “Stronger than full size werewolves, they usually live in the north-west in peaceful tribes. This one seems to be permanently mesmerized.”
Annabelle couldn’t help it. With all her power, she couldn’t stop feeling like a frightened child. She moved behind Eliza. Even her brother, for all his curiosity, moved closer to them.
“Come. They can’t enter. Let’s return home. I need to teach you more quickly than I have been.”
As she escorted the children away, the men called out terrible things. Eliza gave no notice, but Annabelle saw tightness around her eyes. Trouble was coming, she was sure of that. ---------------
For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.
Chapter Fifteen: How to Kill the Undead
The ground beneath them shook and a large creature broke out of the forest and ran straight for them.
Taller than eight feet, covered in matted black fur and impossibly more foul than Servo, the creature struck the barrier with incredible force. He howled as the impact burnt his hide.
Once again, Annabelle felt the impulse to turn tail and run. The creature seemed beyond comprehension. It had elongated hands and feet, an ape-like face, and a dazed but malicious look in its black eyes. She forced back her lunch of raccoon blood.
“What is that?”
“It’s a sasquatch. That’s what the Indians call it, anyway. The Master keeps a few in his employ for the heavy work. It’ll smash you up really good.” The men laughed.
“We need to leave, Roland.”
“I want a closer look.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” a familiar, comforting voice demanded.
“Eliza!” Relief washed through Annabelle as their surrogate mother touched down behind them. “The sasquatch are just one of many unknown species humans know nothing about.”
The creature smashed at the invisible barrier, setting off green sparks in every direction. Servo and Beufus laughed as the creature moaned in pain. Each time his fist connected with the energy field, Annabelle flinched.
Eliza remained calm, probably trusting the barrier to hold up. “Stronger than full size werewolves, they usually live in the north-west in peaceful tribes. This one seems to be permanently mesmerized.”
Annabelle couldn’t help it. With all her power, she couldn’t stop feeling like a frightened child. She moved behind Eliza. Even her brother, for all his curiosity, moved closer to them.
“Come. They can’t enter. Let’s return home. I need to teach you more quickly than I have been.”
As she escorted the children away, the men called out terrible things. Eliza gave no notice, but Annabelle saw tightness around her eyes. Trouble was coming, she was sure of that. ---------------
For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.
November 27, 2012
Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Paul
PAUL
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Physical characteristics:
Paul looks to be in his sixties and out of shape. He's over weight, short and stocky. He was turned into a vampire in this physical condition so he'll remain that way as long as his immortal life continues.
Personality:
Paul is friendly and eager to help others. Sometimes to eager. He's always ready with advice to cheer a friend up.
Known History:
Reginald Worthing turned Paul on a lark. He found Paul drunk, passed out in a alley. He wanted to see what a waste of a man would become with the vampire curse. Paul gained the typical vampire abilities but remained out of shape. Reginald allowed Paul to become a Bloody-Buccaneer, the deadliest pirates on the open sea.
Paul made a unsuccessful vampire pirate. He couldn't jump from ship to ship and attack with the other pirates. He couldn't really catch any fleeing mortals. He'd occasionally accompany the crew but became more of a mascot. After vampire child Roland Foresight joined the crew, Paul instantly took a liking to the boy. Along with Ruthless Rach, Roland was one of the only crew members who treated him fairly.
After time passed Paul became very close to Roland, offering him advice and eventually joining in Roland's rebellion. Paul's favorite haunt is the only pub on Isla De Los Vampiros, Feeding Time.
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Physical characteristics:
Paul looks to be in his sixties and out of shape. He's over weight, short and stocky. He was turned into a vampire in this physical condition so he'll remain that way as long as his immortal life continues.
Personality:
Paul is friendly and eager to help others. Sometimes to eager. He's always ready with advice to cheer a friend up.
Known History:
Reginald Worthing turned Paul on a lark. He found Paul drunk, passed out in a alley. He wanted to see what a waste of a man would become with the vampire curse. Paul gained the typical vampire abilities but remained out of shape. Reginald allowed Paul to become a Bloody-Buccaneer, the deadliest pirates on the open sea.
Paul made a unsuccessful vampire pirate. He couldn't jump from ship to ship and attack with the other pirates. He couldn't really catch any fleeing mortals. He'd occasionally accompany the crew but became more of a mascot. After vampire child Roland Foresight joined the crew, Paul instantly took a liking to the boy. Along with Ruthless Rach, Roland was one of the only crew members who treated him fairly.
After time passed Paul became very close to Roland, offering him advice and eventually joining in Roland's rebellion. Paul's favorite haunt is the only pub on Isla De Los Vampiros, Feeding Time.
November 26, 2012
And the winner of the 3rd Annual Gratitude Giveaways Hop is...
A'lina!
Thanks to everyone who responded and began following! Sorry there couldn't be more than one winner. I wish I could give you all free copies. But don't fret, there will be more hops in the future!
Thanks to everyone who responded and began following! Sorry there couldn't be more than one winner. I wish I could give you all free copies. But don't fret, there will be more hops in the future!
November 22, 2012
My Thanks - 2012
Thanksgiving? Again? Ah well, can't stop time from marching so all we can do is march with it.
This year I am thankful for Starry Night Books. I'm grateful they chose to carry my book and I'm thankful there is a place locally where people can buy it and enjoy it. I'm thankful that the book is available for people both locally and online. No, this is not a plug. As a writer I have worked for years to get it out to people and now I can.
Going to speaking engagements is always one of the best parts of being a writer. I've met so many people and seen their eager faces. Every time I'm asked where can I get these books and now I have an answer. That's something I'll always be grateful for.
Speaking for those public appearances, I'm grateful for those, too. I love to meet kids and share with them my excitement for writing and reading. I love seeing that excitement in them, too. I can't wait to do more!
I'm thankful for my family. They lift me up whenever I'm down and truly support me. We're going through some interesting and much needed important events and I'm thankful we're all together and closer for it.
I'm thankful for the web and my ability to speak to so many. I'm thankful to all those who helped my writing, including my critique group. I may not always sound like it, but your mark ups have helped immensely. I'm thankful for you guys, my silent watchers, who follow and read this blog. ;)
I'm thankful for quite a lot more. I won't go into religious things here but just know there are a great many things that only those close to me know.
And I'm thankful for turkey!
Not sure who did the pics. As always, let me know if you know.
