Sherrel Lee's Blog, page 11
May 15, 2013
Legend of The Gryphon - Return to the Beginning
This posting is about the mythological creature, the Gryphon, that appears in Valens Remembered, Valens Rise and Valens Revenge. I will share some of the information I found about the original myth(s) and then some insight into the book’s character. I hope you will share your comments with me about the shape-shifters who guard the world in this contemporary fantasy setting.All comments are appreciated and I look forward to sharing this with you.
The Gryphon, a creature that has the face and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion appears in Green, Egyptian and Persian mythology. The legends say he protects precious treasures and guards his charge from evil and witchcraft. The spelling of the word Gryphon is inconsistent and include “Griffin,” ”Griffon,” and Griffyn as examples of some of the spellings I found.The Gryphon claws are said to be medicinal in that he can restore sight in the blind and the charming fellow or lady is loyal to his mate who he is faithful to for life. The stories do not tell us what the life span of the Gryphon is, at least I didn’t find any that but please let me know if you find a reference to this in your research.
The Gryphon in Valens Rise is Griffin Hawke whose birth mark, which appears to be a tattoo, represents his “fate”. Hawke, as he is often called, is over 150 years old, is a supportive mentor to Jemma, and is willing to fight Cerberus and the Humani to protect mankind. We are seeing Hawke in several different settings, In Remembered he is a friend to Larinda Nix Thomas and vows to protect her and her family. In Rise, he becomes mentor to Jemma Nix and helps her accept who and what she is, and in Revenge he is an avenger, going after the Humani and the people who control them.Thank you for reading the post and I look forward to providing insight into another of the characters next week
The Gryphon, a creature that has the face and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion appears in Green, Egyptian and Persian mythology. The legends say he protects precious treasures and guards his charge from evil and witchcraft. The spelling of the word Gryphon is inconsistent and include “Griffin,” ”Griffon,” and Griffyn as examples of some of the spellings I found.The Gryphon claws are said to be medicinal in that he can restore sight in the blind and the charming fellow or lady is loyal to his mate who he is faithful to for life. The stories do not tell us what the life span of the Gryphon is, at least I didn’t find any that but please let me know if you find a reference to this in your research.
The Gryphon in Valens Rise is Griffin Hawke whose birth mark, which appears to be a tattoo, represents his “fate”. Hawke, as he is often called, is over 150 years old, is a supportive mentor to Jemma, and is willing to fight Cerberus and the Humani to protect mankind. We are seeing Hawke in several different settings, In Remembered he is a friend to Larinda Nix Thomas and vows to protect her and her family. In Rise, he becomes mentor to Jemma Nix and helps her accept who and what she is, and in Revenge he is an avenger, going after the Humani and the people who control them.Thank you for reading the post and I look forward to providing insight into another of the characters next week
May 8, 2013
Legend of the Phoenix - Return to the Beginning
For those who are just beginning to read the Valens of Legacy - we are taking the blog releases back to the beginning. Don't forget to pick up your free copy of the Novella - Valens Remembered, where the story begins at Smashwords http://ow.ly/kQqqp
The Phoenix or Fire-bird appears in Greek, Persian, Arabic, Chinese and Egyptian mythology. Many other cultures have a similar story of the bird that rises from the flame. There are even those who believe this amazing avian creature was mentioned in the Hebrew Bible although others believe the translation refers to a palm tree. At least one version of myrrh says the bird was the only living thing that did not take a bite of the forbidden apple in the Garden of Eden, and was therefore blessed with immortality.
The Phoenix lives, according to various legends, from 500 to 1500 years before its rebirth. Various spices and aromatics such as cinnamon, myrrh, and frankincense are often said to line the bird’s funeral pyre before the bird bursts into flames and is reborn to live another cycle of life. The Phoenix exists as a constellation in the southern sky, has been used on coats of arms throughout history. Its image has appeared on Greek currency and it was pressed on a Belgian coin to celebrate sixty years of peace.
The Phoenix we discover in Valens Rise is Jemma Nix who learns the birth mark on her arm, that appears to be a tattoo, represents her “fate”. Her first transformation comes as she is attacked by one of the combination creates called the Humani created through genetic engineering by her nemesis Cerberus. Join Jemma and the other guardians as they fight the genetically created monsters who threaten the existence of all mankind..Thank you for reading the post and I look forward to providing insight into another of the characters next week
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The Phoenix or Fire-bird appears in Greek, Persian, Arabic, Chinese and Egyptian mythology. Many other cultures have a similar story of the bird that rises from the flame. There are even those who believe this amazing avian creature was mentioned in the Hebrew Bible although others believe the translation refers to a palm tree. At least one version of myrrh says the bird was the only living thing that did not take a bite of the forbidden apple in the Garden of Eden, and was therefore blessed with immortality.
The Phoenix lives, according to various legends, from 500 to 1500 years before its rebirth. Various spices and aromatics such as cinnamon, myrrh, and frankincense are often said to line the bird’s funeral pyre before the bird bursts into flames and is reborn to live another cycle of life. The Phoenix exists as a constellation in the southern sky, has been used on coats of arms throughout history. Its image has appeared on Greek currency and it was pressed on a Belgian coin to celebrate sixty years of peace.
The Phoenix we discover in Valens Rise is Jemma Nix who learns the birth mark on her arm, that appears to be a tattoo, represents her “fate”. Her first transformation comes as she is attacked by one of the combination creates called the Humani created through genetic engineering by her nemesis Cerberus. Join Jemma and the other guardians as they fight the genetically created monsters who threaten the existence of all mankind..Thank you for reading the post and I look forward to providing insight into another of the characters next week
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May 4, 2013
Valens Remembered - Free at Smashwords.
he Valens of Legacy novella Valens Remembered. Where the story began. Get your copy today and let don't forget to let all your Fantasy loving friends know about this too. coming soon to amazon.com and other eBook retailers.Enjoy reading. Get Your Copy Here
May 2, 2013
First Review for Valens Revenge (Book Two in Valens of Legacy)
Couldn't wait to share - the first review for Revenge is now on Amazon.com and you can read it here: http://ow.ly/kETuZ . It is a five star and they reviewer read both books and liked the characters, the story and...just take a minute to see for yourself.
May 1, 2013
The Amarok - Repost - Update
We have a lot of new readers who have not seen the legends of the original Valens from book one and with Valens Remembered soon to be released I wanted to be sure they everyone know what an Amarok is and how. Hope you enjoy the reminder.
The Amarok is a mythological creature of the Inuit, a group of people who inhabit the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada and Greenland. A giant wolf said to completely devour any person who was foolish enough to hunt at night, the Amarok explained the disappearance of people who would go out hunting and never return. This myth is similar to that of the Manticore, a Persian devourer who will be introduced soon.In Valens, Declan Sedna is a bodyguard and member of the Legacy team. Although the legend says the Amarok is a loner, Declan is comfortable around the people in his life, though has a tendency to keep some distance between him and most of the others he works with. In Amarok form can easily track those he is looking for and has superior strength. He and the Manticore are uneasy friends or enemies prone to challenge each other to determine which species is the more powerful. Of course if you want to learn more about Declan his history and his abilities, you will have to pick up Valens Rise and coming soon is Valens Revenge where Declan is searching for his nemesis and the members of Cerberus.Are there any similar creatures you know of similar to the Amarok? Where do they come from, what is the myth that surrounds them? Can you provide more information about this legendary creature? So which of the legends posted here is your favorite? Do you crave more with the Phoenix, Gryphon or Amarok at the center of the story? Have you read the books? Which character do you like the best?
Website: http://sherrellee.com/Blog: http://sherrellee.blogspot.comFaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valensTwitter: @gryphoenixAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sherrel%20lee&sprefix=sherrel%2Caps%2C335
The Amarok is a mythological creature of the Inuit, a group of people who inhabit the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada and Greenland. A giant wolf said to completely devour any person who was foolish enough to hunt at night, the Amarok explained the disappearance of people who would go out hunting and never return. This myth is similar to that of the Manticore, a Persian devourer who will be introduced soon.In Valens, Declan Sedna is a bodyguard and member of the Legacy team. Although the legend says the Amarok is a loner, Declan is comfortable around the people in his life, though has a tendency to keep some distance between him and most of the others he works with. In Amarok form can easily track those he is looking for and has superior strength. He and the Manticore are uneasy friends or enemies prone to challenge each other to determine which species is the more powerful. Of course if you want to learn more about Declan his history and his abilities, you will have to pick up Valens Rise and coming soon is Valens Revenge where Declan is searching for his nemesis and the members of Cerberus.Are there any similar creatures you know of similar to the Amarok? Where do they come from, what is the myth that surrounds them? Can you provide more information about this legendary creature? So which of the legends posted here is your favorite? Do you crave more with the Phoenix, Gryphon or Amarok at the center of the story? Have you read the books? Which character do you like the best?
Website: http://sherrellee.com/Blog: http://sherrellee.blogspot.comFaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valensTwitter: @gryphoenixAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sherrel%20lee&sprefix=sherrel%2Caps%2C335
April 24, 2013
Legend of the Ghouls
Ghouls first appeared in One Thousand and One Arabian Nights as a jinn and have since been associated with graveyards, human flesh eating, undead. Another type of Ghoul is associated with the desert as shape shifters into various forms of animals but for some reason unable to take the shape of a hyena.
Since the day they were invented, by Shahrazad they have crept into the writings of Edgard Allen Poe, Jim Baker, Lord Byron, J. K. Rowling, R. L. Stine and even Hans Christian Anderson. They have preyed on bodies in graves, children, blood, been monkey like and pets of wizards, and now we have the Valen's version of the Ghoul.
Our Valen Ghoul can be good or evil, but they are almost always spies who can be invisible or appear as a mist but most office they inhabit the body of a criminal type, draining the life from them until they are no more than a husk to be shed and traded in for a newer model. So a word of warning -- if you have a shady friend, who is a slow witted bully and lazy enough to only take what he needs to get by and suddenly becomes smarter than the average low life - he ay be infested by a Ghoul.
Sweet dreams.
Website: http://sherrellee.com/Blog: http://sherrellee.blogspot.comFaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valensTwitter: @gryphoenix
Since the day they were invented, by Shahrazad they have crept into the writings of Edgard Allen Poe, Jim Baker, Lord Byron, J. K. Rowling, R. L. Stine and even Hans Christian Anderson. They have preyed on bodies in graves, children, blood, been monkey like and pets of wizards, and now we have the Valen's version of the Ghoul.
Our Valen Ghoul can be good or evil, but they are almost always spies who can be invisible or appear as a mist but most office they inhabit the body of a criminal type, draining the life from them until they are no more than a husk to be shed and traded in for a newer model. So a word of warning -- if you have a shady friend, who is a slow witted bully and lazy enough to only take what he needs to get by and suddenly becomes smarter than the average low life - he ay be infested by a Ghoul.
Sweet dreams.
Website: http://sherrellee.com/Blog: http://sherrellee.blogspot.comFaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valensTwitter: @gryphoenix
April 17, 2013
Legend of Medusa
The myth says Medusa was one of three Gorgons, and some say she was the most beautiful of the sisters until her claimed the goddess Athena was jealous of her beauty. Greek mythology gave us the legend of Medusa, who paid for her snide remark by being made hideous, with snakes for hair. Different stories give Medusa different overall looks, but most agree that should a man look upon her face he would be turned to stone.
The story within the Valens of Legacy series is somewhat different than the Greek myth. There are three sisters introduced in Valens Rise, but they are known as the Medusans rather than the Gorgons. They are all equally beautiful, though they do have snakes for hair when in Valen form. In human form their have beautiful, long waves of hair and you might not be surprised that the snakes have a lot of the same colors as the hair does. Coral has mostly red snakes and is a red-head, Raven's snakes are black and so is her hair, and Aurora, named for gold has golden blond hair and albino colored snakes.
The biggest difference between the Medusan sisters and the original myth is that they do not turn anyone to stone. Instead they can make humans and some of the Valen fates stop in their tracks, but only for a little while. They have another little talent, but I think I will let you read the books to find out about that. Of course whether they are Valen or members of Greek Myth, the character of Medusa can be found in books, film and artistic renderings. One story even tells us that Athena placed a replica of the snake-haired woman on her shield and it became an it averted the evil of all who say the image.
Hope you enjoyed the myth and the changes. Look forward to seeing you hear again soon. Read the Valens of Legacy series for a glimpse into the darker side of science.
Website: http://sherrellee.com/Blog: http://sherrellee.blogspot.comFaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valensTwitter: @gryphoenixGo to Amazon or you favorite eBook store and pick up a copy of: Valens Rise, Book 1 of the Valens of Legacy Valens Revenge, Book 2 of the Valens of Legacy
The story within the Valens of Legacy series is somewhat different than the Greek myth. There are three sisters introduced in Valens Rise, but they are known as the Medusans rather than the Gorgons. They are all equally beautiful, though they do have snakes for hair when in Valen form. In human form their have beautiful, long waves of hair and you might not be surprised that the snakes have a lot of the same colors as the hair does. Coral has mostly red snakes and is a red-head, Raven's snakes are black and so is her hair, and Aurora, named for gold has golden blond hair and albino colored snakes.
The biggest difference between the Medusan sisters and the original myth is that they do not turn anyone to stone. Instead they can make humans and some of the Valen fates stop in their tracks, but only for a little while. They have another little talent, but I think I will let you read the books to find out about that. Of course whether they are Valen or members of Greek Myth, the character of Medusa can be found in books, film and artistic renderings. One story even tells us that Athena placed a replica of the snake-haired woman on her shield and it became an it averted the evil of all who say the image.
Hope you enjoyed the myth and the changes. Look forward to seeing you hear again soon. Read the Valens of Legacy series for a glimpse into the darker side of science.
Website: http://sherrellee.com/Blog: http://sherrellee.blogspot.comFaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valensTwitter: @gryphoenixGo to Amazon or you favorite eBook store and pick up a copy of: Valens Rise, Book 1 of the Valens of Legacy Valens Revenge, Book 2 of the Valens of Legacy
April 10, 2013
Legend of the Enenra - The Smoke Creature
Enenra, is a Japanese mythical smoke creature that lives in bonfires. It can step out of this role and take human form and some say it can only be seen by pure of heart. We will introduce two cousins in the coming tale Valens Ruse, Book three (3) in the Valens of Legacy series. The cousins will be very different - one will be loyal to Jemma and the Legacy team, while the other will seek to become a part of the Cerberus pack, who has recently lost some of its members.
I can't say exactly what powers each will have, That seems to come as the action they are involved in occurs during the writing of the books since I seem to be one of those writers who have a difficult time outlining, plotting, and creating a synopsis that will stand up to the story I am telling. Not once has the story turned out anything like I thought it would in the brainstorming phase.
It is rather exciting to be able to look at myth and legends from everywhere and find something or someone that sparks a fire - calling out to be written about in this series. And who know what will happen when you have a ghostly character, that isn't really a ghost, and and live in flames. I can't wait to find out what these two are going to be up to.
See you soon, readers. Looking forward to getting book three underway.
Website: http://sherrellee.com/Blog: http://sherrellee.blogspot.com/FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.va... @gryphoenixBooks at Amazon.com
Writing as Sherrel Lee Valens Rise, Book 1 of the Valens of Legacy Valens Revenge, Book 2 of the Valens of Legacy Coming Soon: Valens Remembered, Prelude to Valens Rise, Book 1 of the Valens of Legacy Valens Ruse, Book 3 of the Valens of Legacy Writing as Lee Leslie RipHer - Finalist: 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence for Mystery/Suspense Historical Fiction an alternate tale of the search for Jack the Ripper
I can't say exactly what powers each will have, That seems to come as the action they are involved in occurs during the writing of the books since I seem to be one of those writers who have a difficult time outlining, plotting, and creating a synopsis that will stand up to the story I am telling. Not once has the story turned out anything like I thought it would in the brainstorming phase.
It is rather exciting to be able to look at myth and legends from everywhere and find something or someone that sparks a fire - calling out to be written about in this series. And who know what will happen when you have a ghostly character, that isn't really a ghost, and and live in flames. I can't wait to find out what these two are going to be up to.
See you soon, readers. Looking forward to getting book three underway.
Website: http://sherrellee.com/Blog: http://sherrellee.blogspot.com/FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.va... @gryphoenixBooks at Amazon.com
Writing as Sherrel Lee Valens Rise, Book 1 of the Valens of Legacy Valens Revenge, Book 2 of the Valens of Legacy Coming Soon: Valens Remembered, Prelude to Valens Rise, Book 1 of the Valens of Legacy Valens Ruse, Book 3 of the Valens of Legacy Writing as Lee Leslie RipHer - Finalist: 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence for Mystery/Suspense Historical Fiction an alternate tale of the search for Jack the Ripper
April 2, 2013
Legend of the Yeti
Wikipedia does it again, gives us the legend of the Yeti who appears briefly in Valens Remembered. the soon to be released prequel to Valens Rise.
In Remembered, the creature appears in the offices of Legacy Security and morphs from human to save himself from Hawke and Declan. In this case he is not a highly intelligent being, and is needed for his strength. Wikipedia's information states: "The Yeti or Abominable Snowman is said to be an ape-like cryptid taller than an average human, similar to Bigfoot, that inhabits the Himalayan region of Nepal, and Tibet. "
Our Yeti is out of his preferred environment in Dallas, Texas, on a beautiful spring evening with the moonlight bathing the office in its golden light. No snow or high mountains for this character, but maybe he was just a hired hand flown in for the job he failed to do and will be run out of town or stuffed in a freezer by the person or persons who hired him.
I have to admit of the legends that surround most creatures, there are some I keep hoping are real, but would hate to have them caught and studied like an amoeba under a microscope. The Yeti aka Bigfoot in the United States, the Mermaid, the Encandato, Nessie of Loch Ness and a few others would be wonderful additions to the makeup of our real world.
Well that's it for tonight. Thought I would give you a posting a bit early since I have been running a little late recently. Have a great week and don't forget to come by and visit anytime. Look for Valens Remembered May 1.
http://sherrellee.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valens
find all the books by Sherrel Lee at
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
In Remembered, the creature appears in the offices of Legacy Security and morphs from human to save himself from Hawke and Declan. In this case he is not a highly intelligent being, and is needed for his strength. Wikipedia's information states: "The Yeti or Abominable Snowman is said to be an ape-like cryptid taller than an average human, similar to Bigfoot, that inhabits the Himalayan region of Nepal, and Tibet. "
Our Yeti is out of his preferred environment in Dallas, Texas, on a beautiful spring evening with the moonlight bathing the office in its golden light. No snow or high mountains for this character, but maybe he was just a hired hand flown in for the job he failed to do and will be run out of town or stuffed in a freezer by the person or persons who hired him.
I have to admit of the legends that surround most creatures, there are some I keep hoping are real, but would hate to have them caught and studied like an amoeba under a microscope. The Yeti aka Bigfoot in the United States, the Mermaid, the Encandato, Nessie of Loch Ness and a few others would be wonderful additions to the makeup of our real world.
Well that's it for tonight. Thought I would give you a posting a bit early since I have been running a little late recently. Have a great week and don't forget to come by and visit anytime. Look for Valens Remembered May 1.
http://sherrellee.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valens
find all the books by Sherrel Lee at
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
March 27, 2013
It's Wednesday Again!!
Forgive me, I still am stymied on the next amazing characters that will be portrayed in Book 3 of the Valens of Legacy series tentatively titled "Valen's Ruse" But I am thinking this is going to change soon as I am spending time this week at a conference for writers called Dreamin in Dallas. Lots of socializing with writers, editors, agents, and readers. Learning lots about writing better stories, better characters and better realistic crime scene as I am attending a session being given by a local forensics's expert who has set up a murder scene and it going to tell us how the real Scene Investigators document every detail of the site.
I am still writing my prequel Valens Remembered and it is almost done and read to go to the wonderful editor I found. She's awesome and just with her edit of Revenge I learned so much about the little things I do that can be done better. As I have said before I would be happy to have a suggestion or two about mythological creatures you love, like or even hate. I like to twist the powers a bit and who knows since they are myth, legend and lore, my stories about them may be as true as any you may have heard before!!
So I don't have new characters, but I thought I'd give you a little more from Remembered. This is about Larinda and I wonder if you can guess what is happening to her??
Her arms and legs began to tingle. The hum of nerves could not be ignored as her heart thundered with excitement and she finally opened her eyes. The world shimmered with a magical beauty. A molten power surged through her and she knew it announced a long awaited change. Her bones and muscles slid effortlessly as she shifted into the form she was fated to accept and she rose from the ground. Though she had no way to see the new form, she could feel the long legs, the weight of the horn and the breeze as it caressed her muscular body. See you all next week.
http://sherrellee.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valens
find all the books by Sherrel Lee at
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
I am still writing my prequel Valens Remembered and it is almost done and read to go to the wonderful editor I found. She's awesome and just with her edit of Revenge I learned so much about the little things I do that can be done better. As I have said before I would be happy to have a suggestion or two about mythological creatures you love, like or even hate. I like to twist the powers a bit and who knows since they are myth, legend and lore, my stories about them may be as true as any you may have heard before!!
So I don't have new characters, but I thought I'd give you a little more from Remembered. This is about Larinda and I wonder if you can guess what is happening to her??
Her arms and legs began to tingle. The hum of nerves could not be ignored as her heart thundered with excitement and she finally opened her eyes. The world shimmered with a magical beauty. A molten power surged through her and she knew it announced a long awaited change. Her bones and muscles slid effortlessly as she shifted into the form she was fated to accept and she rose from the ground. Though she had no way to see the new form, she could feel the long legs, the weight of the horn and the breeze as it caressed her muscular body. See you all next week.
http://sherrellee.com/
http://www.facebook.com/Sherrellee.valens
find all the books by Sherrel Lee at
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
