Scott Bryan's Blog, page 41
July 11, 2012
Book Review: The Serpent's Shadow
again Rick Riordan has given us a masterpiece. Excellent pacing, strong characterization and adverse troubles all pack these pages. There is so much I want to go on about, such as Walt’s fate, Zia’s fate, Carter and Sadie’s growth as characters and the use of all the supporting characters and even some settings from the prior two books. All of this was perfect. Personally I love not only the cameo from Lacy and Drew, two background characters from the Heroes of Olympus series, but the out right admission of a potential major crossover with the Percy stories! I knew it!
Read this, it’s worth it.
July 10, 2012
Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Wildes Blut Teir
WILDES BLUT TEIR
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Other names: Wildes, slobber-puss, Wild Man, Blood Man, Wild Blood Man, Wild Blood Beast.
Wildes Blut Teir means "Wild Blood Beast" in German. When he met Roland Foresight for the first time, Fenroth mis-translated the name as "Wild Blood Man" due to his faulty German.
Physical characteristics:
Dressed in rags, smelly from his lack of hygiene, Wildes is unmistakable. He has a small iron cage around his head with a small trap door to allow his mouth to stick out and bite his victims. Most time the door is closed and only opened when his master allows it. There is an iron chain that drags from the back of the cage which allows Fenroth to restrain Wildes. He has crazy long hair that goes every which way.
Personality:
Insane. He is absolutely crazy. This vampire has more in common with a wild animal than a human. He eats, walks and behaves in every way like a savage. While on the hunt he lets out a primal scream/laugh which strikes terror in the souls of his intended victims.
Abilities:
He has the standard vampire abilities. This means he’s faster and stronger than humans, his senses are extremely acute as are his reflexes. However he can not fly or transform. He cannot mesmerize others either. He cannot communicate with animals.
His tracking skills are stronger than most vampires and werewolves. His senses are stronger and more acute, allowing him to sense other vampires, creatures, humans and animals for miles around. He is second to his master, Fenroth. He can jump higher than most vampires and his brute savageness allows him to constantly hone his strength and agility. He is more agile than most vampires, including his master, Fenroth.
Known History:
No one knows how old Wildes is or when he was turned into a vampire. The master tracker vampire known as Fenroth heard reports of a wild man that feasted on blood in the Black Forest of Germany. The locals called him Wildes Blut Teir for wild blood beast. Fenroth successfully captured Wildes after a vicious battle. Fenroth earned Wildes' respect when he lasted through the battle. Wildes Blut Teir would follow Fenroth anywhere because he knows it means a constant hunt followed by a tasty meal.
Where Wildes is currently, that is if he's still around, remains to be seen.
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Other names: Wildes, slobber-puss, Wild Man, Blood Man, Wild Blood Man, Wild Blood Beast.
Wildes Blut Teir means "Wild Blood Beast" in German. When he met Roland Foresight for the first time, Fenroth mis-translated the name as "Wild Blood Man" due to his faulty German.
Physical characteristics:
Dressed in rags, smelly from his lack of hygiene, Wildes is unmistakable. He has a small iron cage around his head with a small trap door to allow his mouth to stick out and bite his victims. Most time the door is closed and only opened when his master allows it. There is an iron chain that drags from the back of the cage which allows Fenroth to restrain Wildes. He has crazy long hair that goes every which way.
Personality:
Insane. He is absolutely crazy. This vampire has more in common with a wild animal than a human. He eats, walks and behaves in every way like a savage. While on the hunt he lets out a primal scream/laugh which strikes terror in the souls of his intended victims.
Abilities:
He has the standard vampire abilities. This means he’s faster and stronger than humans, his senses are extremely acute as are his reflexes. However he can not fly or transform. He cannot mesmerize others either. He cannot communicate with animals.
His tracking skills are stronger than most vampires and werewolves. His senses are stronger and more acute, allowing him to sense other vampires, creatures, humans and animals for miles around. He is second to his master, Fenroth. He can jump higher than most vampires and his brute savageness allows him to constantly hone his strength and agility. He is more agile than most vampires, including his master, Fenroth.
Known History:
No one knows how old Wildes is or when he was turned into a vampire. The master tracker vampire known as Fenroth heard reports of a wild man that feasted on blood in the Black Forest of Germany. The locals called him Wildes Blut Teir for wild blood beast. Fenroth successfully captured Wildes after a vicious battle. Fenroth earned Wildes' respect when he lasted through the battle. Wildes Blut Teir would follow Fenroth anywhere because he knows it means a constant hunt followed by a tasty meal.
Where Wildes is currently, that is if he's still around, remains to be seen.
July 6, 2012
Bite of Story Thursday
Unlike other "Bite of Story Thursdays", this one I'm giving a peice of something down the road. Keep in mind, any preview bits like this is due for changes upon future reviews.
This week, we're previewing Multi-Mart!
Multi-Mart
Chapter Three: Way More Than a Zillion Sold
Kyle took a good look at the customers in line. In all of television, movies and comics, he’d never seen such an odd collection of beings in one place at one time.
In line stood a tall elf with a bow and a quiver full of arrows. He glanced back, giving the customer behind him a rude stare. Kyle almost jumped when he saw the huge werewolf but then spotted the two little werewolves jumping up and down, trying to grab the package of bones the monster held.
Behind them two Roman centurions waited impatiently. A Velociraptor in custom high heels and a matching dress and purse stood behind the centurions. It ignored the humans and continued to apply bright red lipstick to its horrific mouth.
Kyle shook his head. The whole place was nuts. He decided to look deeper into the store. Maybe he could find someone friendly enough to help him.
This week, we're previewing Multi-Mart!
Multi-Mart
Chapter Three: Way More Than a Zillion Sold
Kyle took a good look at the customers in line. In all of television, movies and comics, he’d never seen such an odd collection of beings in one place at one time.
In line stood a tall elf with a bow and a quiver full of arrows. He glanced back, giving the customer behind him a rude stare. Kyle almost jumped when he saw the huge werewolf but then spotted the two little werewolves jumping up and down, trying to grab the package of bones the monster held.
Behind them two Roman centurions waited impatiently. A Velociraptor in custom high heels and a matching dress and purse stood behind the centurions. It ignored the humans and continued to apply bright red lipstick to its horrific mouth.
Kyle shook his head. The whole place was nuts. He decided to look deeper into the store. Maybe he could find someone friendly enough to help him.
June 29, 2012
Farewell to a friend
I attended a friend’s viewing just now. He was a special man. I should say “is” and not “was”. I haven’t really visited him in years so I felt it best to slip in, pay my respects and slip out. His family had wonderful mementos of his life, pictures of him smiling (not hard since that’s all I ever remember him doing) , scenes of him at the Junior High as the principle and various activities he has taken part in in his life.
After looking at these captured memories, my mind flooding with so much more, I approached the front of the room. Someone who must’ve known this great man handed me a lolly pop sucker. I’d forgotten that he loved those. A small group was standing in front of his coffin. I assume they were discussing his life and the many that he touched. I stepped closer to the feet end of the casket to take a peek.
It wasn’t him. No, I do not mean that in the literal sense. Yes it was the right funeral and yes it was the right man, but all I saw was a shell. It felt wrong to look at the body. Sure he looked peaceful, but something was missing.
Where was the jolly giant of a man who hugged me every time he saw me? Where was the spiritual giant who taught me so much, first as a fresh faced teenaged investigator who knew nothing of the gospel, then as a hopeful young missionary-to-be who chose him as a mentor who could escort me to the temple for the first time? Where was the man of God who knew by inspiration that miles away I was experiencing deep hurt and painful self doubts on my mission, and that it must be him who should write a powerful letter of encouragement, lifting my spirits and renewing my vigor?
Where was he? Well that’s an easy answer. Anyone who knew him, truly listened to him, observed him in life, knew that answer. He was elsewhere, with passed loved ones and with the Lord and God whom he dedicated his life to.
Good by President Killpack. May we forge ahead, living our lives as you have.
Farewell to the friend
I attended a friend’s viewing just now. He was a special man. I should say “is” and not “was”. I haven’t really visited him in years so I felt it best to slip in, pay my respects and slip out. His family had wonderful mementos of his life, pictures of him smiling (not hard since that’s all I ever remember him doing) , scenes of him at the Junior High as the principle and various activities he has taken part in in his life.
After looking at these captured memories, my mind flooding with so much more, I approached the front of the room. Someone who must’ve known this great man handed me a lolly pop sucker. I’d forgotten that he loved those. A small group was standing in front of his coffin. I assume they were discussing his life and the many that he touched. I stepped closer to the feet end of the casket to take a peek.
It wasn’t him. No, I do not mean that in the literal sense. Yes it was the right funeral and yes it was the right man, but all I saw was a shell. It felt wrong to look at the body. Sure he looked peaceful, but something was missing.
Where was the jolly giant of a man who hugged me every time he saw me? Where was the spiritual giant who taught me so much, first as a fresh faced teenaged investigator who knew nothing of the gospel, then as a hopeful young missionary-to-be who chose him as a mentor who could escort me to the temple for the first time? Where was the man of God who knew by inspiration that miles away I was experiencing deep hurt and painful self doubts on my mission, and that it must be him who should write a powerful letter of encouragement, lifting my spirits and renewing my vigor?
Where was he? Well that’s an easy answer. Anyone who knew him, truly listened to him, observed him in life, knew that answer. He was elsewhere, with passed loved ones and with the Lord and God whom he dedicated his life to.
Good by President Killpack. May we forge ahead, living our lives as you have.
June 28, 2012
Bite of Story Thursday
NIGHT CHILDREN DARK BIRTH
Chapter Seventeen : The Offer
Dagda deflected another hex bolt. “I’ve lasted for hundreds of years.” He sent streamers of fire at a sasquatch, pushing it back. “What makes you think I can’t handle you lot?” Dagda’s magic tendrils grabbed a nameless vampire and flung him at the charging Beufus.
“You can’t keep this up forever. Some of us never tire.” Gertrude shot out glowing red energy spikes but they deflected off Dagda’s shield. Annabelle noticed a small crack in it, however, and she lurched forward.
Despite the sweat on his brow, the warlock laughed. “You’d be surprised what I can handle. Where’s your friend, Penelope? Did she get tired of wasting her time following Dominic around like a love struck puppy?”
“The Master felt her special talents were of better use in a quiet little village just south from here.” Gertrude grinned as her red lightning chipped his green shield.
“Salem? No. Even he wouldn’t--”
“Why do you think the paranoia has gotten out of control? The Master knows when to take advantage of foolish people.”
-------
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 Seventeen : The Offer
Dagda deflected another hex bolt. “I’ve lasted for hundreds of years.” He sent streamers of fire at a sasquatch, pushing it back. “What makes you think I can’t handle you lot?” Dagda’s magic tendrils grabbed a nameless vampire and flung him at the charging Beufus.
“You can’t keep this up forever. Some of us never tire.” Gertrude shot out glowing red energy spikes but they deflected off Dagda’s shield. Annabelle noticed a small crack in it, however, and she lurched forward.
Despite the sweat on his brow, the warlock laughed. “You’d be surprised what I can handle. Where’s your friend, Penelope? Did she get tired of wasting her time following Dominic around like a love struck puppy?”
“The Master felt her special talents were of better use in a quiet little village just south from here.” Gertrude grinned as her red lightning chipped his green shield.
“Salem? No. Even he wouldn’t--”
“Why do you think the paranoia has gotten out of control? The Master knows when to take advantage of foolish people.”
-------
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.
June 26, 2012
Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Polly Dunston
POLLY DUNSTON
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Physical characteristics:
Polly has blond hair, usually in a ponytail. She wears simple dresses, usually plain. Most days she goes barefoot.
As an adult she owns a few nice dresses and one pair of shoes.
Personality:
Sweet, kind but shy. Readily able to accept anyone, no matter their faults. Easily scared but has learned bravery thanks to the example of her best friend, Annabelle Foresight.
Abilities:
Polly has the normal abilities of a child and later, a full grown woman.
Known History:
Polly grew up in Jorgantown, Massachusetts. She has two older brothers, Thomas and Henry. As a child, she spent most her time with her chores. In her era (the late 1600's to early 1700's) children did not attend school. Instead they were apprentices to their parents. For Polly that meant learning how to make candles, washing clothes and other activities to keep the Dunston household running.
In 1692 she met two friends, Annabelle and Roland Foresight. Shortly after she met them, they were reported missing in the woods. Polly was broken hearted until Annabelle knocked on her two story window. Once Polly invited her friends inside, Annabelle and Roland explained that they were now vampires. At first Polly was scared but after talking to Annabelle she realized they were still her friends and would never hurt her.
This began a lifetime of friendship. Polly and Annabelle visited for a decade, until Polly married at age 19. She moved with her new husband, Patrick, to Albany New York. She kept her last name so Annabelle and Roland could always find her. Polly told her children about Annabelle, Roland and Polly's vampire brother Thomas. She swore them to secrecy.
Generations have passed by and it hasn't always been easy, but most of Polly's descendants have always provided help and encouragement to Annabelle's family throughout the last three hundred years.
No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.
Physical characteristics:
Polly has blond hair, usually in a ponytail. She wears simple dresses, usually plain. Most days she goes barefoot.
As an adult she owns a few nice dresses and one pair of shoes.
Personality:
Sweet, kind but shy. Readily able to accept anyone, no matter their faults. Easily scared but has learned bravery thanks to the example of her best friend, Annabelle Foresight.
Abilities:
Polly has the normal abilities of a child and later, a full grown woman.
Known History:
Polly grew up in Jorgantown, Massachusetts. She has two older brothers, Thomas and Henry. As a child, she spent most her time with her chores. In her era (the late 1600's to early 1700's) children did not attend school. Instead they were apprentices to their parents. For Polly that meant learning how to make candles, washing clothes and other activities to keep the Dunston household running.
In 1692 she met two friends, Annabelle and Roland Foresight. Shortly after she met them, they were reported missing in the woods. Polly was broken hearted until Annabelle knocked on her two story window. Once Polly invited her friends inside, Annabelle and Roland explained that they were now vampires. At first Polly was scared but after talking to Annabelle she realized they were still her friends and would never hurt her.
This began a lifetime of friendship. Polly and Annabelle visited for a decade, until Polly married at age 19. She moved with her new husband, Patrick, to Albany New York. She kept her last name so Annabelle and Roland could always find her. Polly told her children about Annabelle, Roland and Polly's vampire brother Thomas. She swore them to secrecy.
Generations have passed by and it hasn't always been easy, but most of Polly's descendants have always provided help and encouragement to Annabelle's family throughout the last three hundred years.
June 24, 2012
Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe REPOST. Annabelle Foresight
ANNABELLE FORESIGHT
By Adam Diller
Other names: Ann, Night Child, bossy sister
Name Origin:
ANNABEL: "Beautiful grace." A compound name consisting of English Ann, "grace," and French Belle, "beautiful." Variants include Anabel, Anabella, Anabelle, Annabal, Annabelinda, Annabell, Annabella and Annabelle.
Physical characteristics:
Short. Red bushy hair. Red eyes. Small white fangs. Wears a variety of clothing but likes to wear combinations of red and black.
Age Chart:
She was turned at age 11. Every hundred years she ages one year. She actually experiences her years longer than normal humans. Vampire children remain that age emotionally and mentally, perhaps for self preservation so they do not go insane living as an adult trapped in a child body.
Annabelle, however, is more mature for her age. How she handles immortality remains to be seen.
Advancement Chart:
b. October 13th 1681 d. 1692
born a vampire 1692-
Age 11 1692-1792
Age 12 = 1792-1892
Age 13 = 1892-1992
Age 14 = 1992-Present Day
No other ages available at the moment.
Abilities:
She gets dreams that show the near future (but is presently in the books is unaware. When she became aware of this has yet to be shown). She has the standard vampire abilities. This means she’s faster and stronger than humans, her senses are extremely acute as are her reflexes. She can fly and turn into a bat. In later years she has shown the ability to transform into a wolf, rat and mist but how she learn these things has yet to be told. She can control humans through mesmerization and communicate with lesser beasts.
Known History:
In 1692 Annabelle Foresight moved with her family to the wilds of Massachusetts. The Vampire Lord Dominic Pratchet killed her parents and left her and her brother Roland for dead. Dominic's wife Eliza turned them into vampires, taught them the things they needed to know and became a surrogate mother to them.
As the centuries have passed, Annabelle has become a hero to many, constantly fighting Dominic's forces as a member of the Order of Righteous Vampires. She prefers to drink the blood of animals instead of humans. Annabelle is deeply concerned about the safety of mortal children.
She is determined, loyal to family, feels love for others and angry if someone hurts her family. Annabelle is outward friendly,book smart, a quick learner and sometimes acts too serious to make up for her reckless older brother. She tends to pretend to be brave and mock the bad guys.
She takes life too seriously and can be bossy. She tends to take over when she should sit back. She can often make decisions before consulting others. She's afraid deep inside if she doesn’t just take over and make it happen it will fall apart right away.
Before vampirism she loved animals and winced when they got hurt. After becoming a vampire she now sees them as something to eat. Lost touch with who she was. She has a deep fear of two men, Hawke the vampire hunter and Dominic, the vampire who killed her parents.
By Adam Diller Other names: Ann, Night Child, bossy sister
Name Origin:
ANNABEL: "Beautiful grace." A compound name consisting of English Ann, "grace," and French Belle, "beautiful." Variants include Anabel, Anabella, Anabelle, Annabal, Annabelinda, Annabell, Annabella and Annabelle.
Physical characteristics:
Short. Red bushy hair. Red eyes. Small white fangs. Wears a variety of clothing but likes to wear combinations of red and black.
Age Chart:
She was turned at age 11. Every hundred years she ages one year. She actually experiences her years longer than normal humans. Vampire children remain that age emotionally and mentally, perhaps for self preservation so they do not go insane living as an adult trapped in a child body.
Annabelle, however, is more mature for her age. How she handles immortality remains to be seen.
Advancement Chart:
b. October 13th 1681 d. 1692
born a vampire 1692-
Age 11 1692-1792
Age 12 = 1792-1892
Age 13 = 1892-1992
Age 14 = 1992-Present Day
No other ages available at the moment.
Abilities:
She gets dreams that show the near future (but is presently in the books is unaware. When she became aware of this has yet to be shown). She has the standard vampire abilities. This means she’s faster and stronger than humans, her senses are extremely acute as are her reflexes. She can fly and turn into a bat. In later years she has shown the ability to transform into a wolf, rat and mist but how she learn these things has yet to be told. She can control humans through mesmerization and communicate with lesser beasts.
Known History:
In 1692 Annabelle Foresight moved with her family to the wilds of Massachusetts. The Vampire Lord Dominic Pratchet killed her parents and left her and her brother Roland for dead. Dominic's wife Eliza turned them into vampires, taught them the things they needed to know and became a surrogate mother to them.
As the centuries have passed, Annabelle has become a hero to many, constantly fighting Dominic's forces as a member of the Order of Righteous Vampires. She prefers to drink the blood of animals instead of humans. Annabelle is deeply concerned about the safety of mortal children.
She is determined, loyal to family, feels love for others and angry if someone hurts her family. Annabelle is outward friendly,book smart, a quick learner and sometimes acts too serious to make up for her reckless older brother. She tends to pretend to be brave and mock the bad guys.
She takes life too seriously and can be bossy. She tends to take over when she should sit back. She can often make decisions before consulting others. She's afraid deep inside if she doesn’t just take over and make it happen it will fall apart right away.
Before vampirism she loved animals and winced when they got hurt. After becoming a vampire she now sees them as something to eat. Lost touch with who she was. She has a deep fear of two men, Hawke the vampire hunter and Dominic, the vampire who killed her parents.
June 21, 2012
Bite of Story Thursday
NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK THREATS
Chapter Six: 1941
Skilled from many battles, Thomas used his talent for shape-shifting to morph into a black snake. He slithered around an attacking werewolf’s legs. The beast’s claws barely missed him. Tom said, “I never planned to fight werewolves tonight. This isn’t my idea for a night on the town.”
Annabelle sped around another werewolf, scratching at its side. “We fight monsters every week. Why should this week be any different?”
Tom bit at a werewolf’s ankle, and then moved away before the savage beast could connect with its claws. “I’d rather fight a few dumb mutts anyway. It could be worse. At least Dominic’s chief enforcer, Hyde, didn’t try and kill us.”
Grace, in full werewolf form, leapt over another wolf and slashed his back with her inch long red claws. “Or that monster created by Frankenstein. He still gives me the creeps.”
Annabelle never could match Tom’s speed at transforming, but she did manage to morph into a bat before a werewolf could connect his claws with her chest. She fluttered out of his long reach. “Count your blessings after we beat these dogs, no offence, Grace.”
The only female werewolf present somehow smiled just before trading slashes with her opponent. “None taken. They are dogs.”
“Guys!” Roland shouted to his friends while avoiding Blood Reaper’s silver claws. “Focus! They’re trying to kill us!”
-------
For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page.
Chapter Six: 1941
Skilled from many battles, Thomas used his talent for shape-shifting to morph into a black snake. He slithered around an attacking werewolf’s legs. The beast’s claws barely missed him. Tom said, “I never planned to fight werewolves tonight. This isn’t my idea for a night on the town.”
Annabelle sped around another werewolf, scratching at its side. “We fight monsters every week. Why should this week be any different?”
Tom bit at a werewolf’s ankle, and then moved away before the savage beast could connect with its claws. “I’d rather fight a few dumb mutts anyway. It could be worse. At least Dominic’s chief enforcer, Hyde, didn’t try and kill us.”
Grace, in full werewolf form, leapt over another wolf and slashed his back with her inch long red claws. “Or that monster created by Frankenstein. He still gives me the creeps.”
Annabelle never could match Tom’s speed at transforming, but she did manage to morph into a bat before a werewolf could connect his claws with her chest. She fluttered out of his long reach. “Count your blessings after we beat these dogs, no offence, Grace.”
The only female werewolf present somehow smiled just before trading slashes with her opponent. “None taken. They are dogs.”
“Guys!” Roland shouted to his friends while avoiding Blood Reaper’s silver claws. “Focus! They’re trying to kill us!”
-------
For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page.
June 19, 2012
How I feel about writing...
2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to
Anna Nalick – Breat
If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me,
Threatening the life it belongs to
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud
And I know that you'll use them, however you want to
Anna Nalick – Breat
