Toi Thomas's Blog, page 114

Interview 10: Dr. Cherrye Vasquez

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Cherrye S. Vasquez, Ph.D. She is visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into her work. Be sure to look around and see what she has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.

Hi there Cherrye! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
 So tell me, who is Cherrye Vasquez?
Well, I am Books That Sow: Strength, Character & Diversity, DBA. I chose this title for my business name because it is my aim to write books that reveal these virtues. As an educator and mother, I’d love to see our children walking tall with deep-seeded positive, intrinsic worth, so I have written and plan to continue writing books that reflect strength, character building and diversity for all children.
I am a public educator of 31 years, and an Adjunct Professor for 4.5 years. My husband and I have an eleven year old daughter who is in the 5th grade, so I am a very busy author.
I know I’m a pretty busy author myself, but I have nothing on you. I’m so impressed with what you have to offer and this interview is just getting started. This is going to be good.
So whacha got for me today?
My children’s chapter book, No Tildes on Tuesday,was written to reveal the complexities that children face when they are not taught early in their lives to love and self-identity with their heritage(s).
*My platform topics center on Diversity and Bullying issues. I believe that the differences among us can be a tool that brings us together as a people if we will only get to know one another. We must have consideration, care, and respect for distinctions and variations that exist among us. Who knows, through these revelations we may find many similarities and learn from one another. Oh my, imagine us forming genuine friendships!*
I like your stance on embracing diversity. I’ve always been one to live by an idea that it’s ok to be different. Even if people don’t like differences in their peers, they can still respect them and live peacefully.
 So who’s staring in this 2 dimensional script read of No Tildes on Tuesday?
Isabella, the main character in my book, is a 13 year old biracial girl who has only identified with one half of her culture – the Caucasian side. In fact, Isabella’s best friend, Sally, is white. When Isabella learns that her family has to move to a new neighborhood she becomes upset and a bit sassy with her parents.
Although Abuela (Isabella’s grandmother) wants Isabella to learn her father’s first language, Spanish, Isabella does what she can to avoid it. The story takes the reader on twists and turns until Isabella meets a new kind of friend who shows her just how important it is to embrace and learn about both her cultures – her total self.
I like the idea and principle of this story. Even with children who aren’t biracial, it is difficult for kids today to know, to understand, and to appreciate their cultures outside of the popular and more demanding Consumer and Pop cultures of modern civilization. I’m glad you’ve chosen to tackle this subject.
Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Oh yes, there is a rhyme and reason to my writing. I love to write in the early part of the morning because I am a morning person. With my favorite cup of tea right beside me for occasional sips, I am “good to go.”
Oh no! Please turn off the radio and television. I cannot write with distractions in the background. All I need to hear is the tapping of the keyboard keys. Now, on occasion if the dog or kitten wants to sit in my lap (I’d prefer the kitten because she is much lighter), that is okay with me just long as they sit still. I want to write and jump right into my character and plotting.
I wish I had a pup to sit in my lap as I write; maybe I’ll work on that. Like you I don’t like distractions when I write, but If I’m stuck and in need of inspiration, I find that my collection of varied soundtracks to be very helpful…oh and a warm beverage is always welcome, but tea is tops.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Margaree King-Mitchellhas influenced my writing and writing skills a great deal. She is my mentor and editor. I’ve learned quite a bit from her expertise.
It’s so cool that you get to work with an accomplished author in her own right. I too am very fond of my editor, Melissa Ringsted , but I’m always giving creative influence credit to J.M. Barrie. The story of Peter Pan really did a number on me as a kid.
Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
I’d not only love to chat with Bill Cosby, I’d love to see him during a performance. I have lots of respect for this gentleman. He stands for what is right and wants everyone to have respect and a sense of hard work ethic for themselves. I admire his message to young people and their parents.
I can understand wanting to see him perform. He has a greatly clever and observant sense of humor that‘s clean and family friendly. Why not see something like that?
Who is so you and why?
People have approached me and said that I reminded them of Leslie Uggams who is an American actress and singer born in 1943. I don’t get that anymore perhaps due to the era. Most young people these days have never heard of Leslie Uggams. I believe people said this to me due to our facial structure and cheek bones. We are similar in that way, perhaps.
Yeah, I can’t see this generation being too familiar with her work, but she was good. I can’t remember if she won an Emmy or not, but I know she was nominated. The crazy thing about this is that even though I know she was in Roots (which was before my time), I can only vividly remember her appearance on the Muppets Show (from reruns)…Maybe I need to watch Roots again :).
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
My ideal reading spot is in my sitting-room flopped on my settee. When I do this though, I’m usually not alone and I’m usually not reading a book for me. My daughter is sitting next to me reading one of her books.
I allow my daughter to choose two books that she wants us to read. Actually, we read one together as we take turns, and the other I read to her. We do this until both books are completed.
We usually read from paperback books, but any cover would do.
I like to read in my bed and not just before bedtime, all the time. It’s so comfy. While I really enjoy a good hardback or paperback, I mainly read ebooks for convenience and budgeting, and once a month I enjoy an audio book.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
I enjoyed reading the novel, The Pigman, by Paul Zindel.
I’ve heard of this book, but have never read it. I may have to look into it…
Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Cool beans!
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love classic movies such as The Birds, Imitation of Life (1934, 1959), and The Bad Seed. I know that you asked for only one movie, so I’ll have to go with the Bad Seed. It kept me on the edge of the sofa.
I’d probably try to figure out how I could use my skills to help the main character in this movie. What a mess she was.
Now you’re talking my language. I love classic movies and have seen all of these. You’re on point stating that that kid was a mess.
What makes you geek out?
I love trying to learn the Spanish language. Not that I’m any good at it at all, but that is one thing that I will spend time doing once I retire. I will learn Spanish.
I studied Spanish for years and was really good at it for a while, but I haven’t spoken it in ten years. I assume it must be like riding a bike. I’m sure I could do it if I needed to, but it would be a very bumpy ride…I think it’s great that you want to learn it and truly hope you have a chance to master it one day.
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
I hope that my next book, Dedicated Identity, will be turned into a script as a traveling school play for children and school staff, or a small stage play for children and their parents to enjoy at an arts center.
From one author to another, I know the feeling of having expectations for your next book. I’m hoping to release to sequel to my Eternal Curse series this Spring, but in the meantime, I’ve been keeping myself distracted with the anticipation of the next super hero movie to be released…I’m a little bit of a geek ;).
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
I love songs with messages of peace and hope. I do not like rap, although I know that some rap lyrics have great messages for our children.
A lover of music, I ask this question for selfish reasons. I’m just being nosy. I know I’m influenced by what I listen to and so assume others are as well.
While I greatly enjoy Rap, as well as just about every other genre of music, I can also argue the content and theme of lyrics provided by most artists these days. When I find a nice song with a truly positive message, I cherish it.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had?
I truly enjoyed traveling to Beaver Creek, Colorado with my husband and daughter last summer, 2012. We had to take the Colorado Mountain Express, a two hour drive, to our final destination, and the scenery of mountains was just beautiful. I especially loved learning about the hemisphere divide, the historical gold mines, and seeing the runaway truck stops.
This sounds really nice. I like hearing stories about family time. Colorado is a beautiful state, I’ve heard, but I’m too afraid of the cold to visit just yet.
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
I met you via one of the Linkedin groups that I am a part of. I was happy to see your post making many aware of this great opportunity.
Yeah, I’m glad I put myself out there like that. I was so nervous, but since then, I’ve met so many wonderful authors in the process.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
I hope to be retired BEFORE the next five years. I am looking at the next two years for retirement, May, 2015. During this time, I hope to have at least 2-3 more books added to Books That Sow: Strength, Character & Diversity. I also want to travel.
The world is a scary place to live right now, but we are the people that make it this way. If we would only show love and consideration for our neighbors, this world that we live in would be a better place to dwell.
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Cherrye S. Vasquez, Ph.D, check out these great links:
Website: Books That Sow
http://www.BooksThatSow.com
Twitter 
https://twitter.com/BooksThatSow
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/BooksThatSow
Book Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7ZM-ftiT1k
Video of Poems – The Bully-ee (victim) & The Bully (perpetrator)
http://youtu.be/TXnOn9JjxHo

Review 11: The Perfects

The Perfects by Wendy Reakes [image error] I give this book a 4. I loved the overall message.
Stoney and Lakey (IM personas) live on opposites side of The Pond and form a friendship online enjoying discussions of their favorite topic, the mysterious beings known as the Perfects. Lakey (Mia) lives in the U.K. and Stoney (Tom) lives in New York, but soon individual chance encounters with these strange creatures will bring them together, at Stonehenge no less.
There is so much about this story I really like, but I felt like whole thing was told too slow, right up until the end when everything happened too fast. I loved the descriptions and the details, but sometimes I felt like the story was put aside will the details where being worked out. There were many characters and lots of jumping around that I thought actually added to the appeal of the story, but again the pacing was off. With that being said, I kept on reading because I just had to know about The Perfects and how they could possibly be the answer to all the problems of the modern world.
Sometimes I can get into conspiracy theories just for the thought process or the entertainment, so I did find it quite interesting the way this author was able to tie in and connected centuries of separate theories and pull them all together in one clean and easy to believable package. Reakes made connections that I honestly would have never thought of. It was quite refreshing. 
Since the story is by a British author and takes place in the U.K., it was a bit difficult for this Yankee to keep up with some of the terminology, but again, I thought that added character to the overall story.  This is a pretty family friendly book, but it does deal with some strong and intense themes. I not sure of the classification, but I’d say this is a rather mature (non-sexual) YA read and good for teens and adults who aren’t afraid to take their minds to strange places in search of hope.
http://www.amazon.com/review/R3GSW5CCG9866V

Guest Post 06: Dr. Cherrye Vasquez

My heart is made heavy when I learn that a child feels pain and hurt from others. Why one must taunt, tease, and/or demean another is beyond me.
Weekly, I blog as relative to my two platform topics, Diversity and Bullying issues because I am passionate about helping children who face concerns with issues relative to these topics. My aim is to help build character, empower, lift spirits and self-esteem, as I somehow plant a seed of deep self-love and respect down within the child.
I believe that we should start with the child – the total child. Children must first learn to love and respect themselves before they can learn to respect others. Children should armor a sense of remorse and care for others, and the property of others.
Diversity is the key to learning about the differences among us. We have to give children opportunities to learn about one another and then teach them not only to tolerate, but to appreciate difference. Who knows, by doing so perhaps the child will learn that there are more similarities than differences among them.
When I look at the reviewthat Charles Franklin wrote on amazon.com for my book, No Tildes Tuesday, I feel that he delivered a very thorough account of what actually took place as the characters interacted with each other throughout my book.   Franklin is correct. My book isn’t just about race, but about the importance of family, family dynamics and situations children and their parents face daily. Isabella, main character in my book, just has to learn how important it is to accept and incorporate her true self-identity within her life.
Whether a child is monoracial, multiracial or biracial the child should embrace themselves and their total family heritage(s), culture and race. There will be family traditions along the way that will make appreciating who they are even more remarkable. But going back to my previous thought on this subject, family dynamics and the functionality of the family plays a huge part in a child’s well-being, stability and wholeness. Children reared in strong family units will make their “mark on life” and will become strong productive citizens within our society. Parents and grandparents are very powerful beings. They can mold and make their children and grandchildren into whatever they please, but it does work both ways. Using affirmation techniques as we speak to children allows them to live up to whoever we tell them that they will become. Asking the child to affirm greatness for themselves is even more powerful. Try these techniques and your prophecy will have been fulfilled.
Empowerment and standing strong against odds as the child journeys through life will be made easier if there are ever adversities to face, such as peer pressure and bullying.
As we are all aware, Bullying is a pandemic in our schools and classrooms. When children feel good about themselves they won’t bully others. When children don’t feel good about themselves, and they choose to bully others, this child will not be able to “move” his targets empowering spirits when we have done our jobs.
I’ve written articles, and blogs on my website for viewers and I have created a page for Teachers and Students to peruse and gain further insight into how to gain further support on these topics. These ideas, materials and activities are additional resources that anyone can use. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of our children.
Please see my website at: http://www.BooksThatSow.com for additional articles, books, blog posts, links and resources that I use and are attributed to my work and quest to help children.
Affirmation Daybook Journal http://www.amazon.com/Affirmation-Daybook-Cherrye-Vasquez-Ph-D/dp/1469914573/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352855316&sr=8-1&keywords=Affirmation+Daybook
Diversity Daybook Journalhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Diversity+Daybook

Guess What? Dear Diary,http://www.amazon.com/Guess-Diary-Cherrye-Vasquez-Ph-D/dp/1478234946/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352855469&sr=8-1&keywords=Guess+What%3F+Dear+Diary%2C

My Child Is Being Bullied, So What Can I Do?http://ezinearticles.com/?My-Child-Is-Being-Bullied,-So-What-Can-I-Do?&id=7072491
Focusing on the Child Bully. What Can We Do To Help THIS Child?http://ezinearticles.com/?Focusing-on-the-Child-Bully---What-Can-We-Do-To-Help-THIS-Child?&id=7099166
Parents and Teachers: Addressing Social Emotional Learning and Nipping Bullying in the Budhttp://ezinearticles.com/?Parents-and-Teachers-Addressing-Social-Emotional-Learning-and-Nipping-Bullying-in-the-Bud&id=7086727

WWW WEDNESDAYS 13

WWW WEDNESDAYS… is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading, where you share (1)What you’re currently reading, (2)What you recently finished reading, and (3)What you think you’ll read next.
Comments and shares are welcomed here, but please try to share with Should be Reading as this is their meme.
1. What are you currently reading? I’m stuck in a rut when it comes to Childhood’s End  by Author C. Clark and Down the Line by David More (a short read) even though they are both good stories. I am enjoying Year Zero by Rob Reid and have just started City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
2. What did you recently finish reading? The Perfects by Wendy Reaks and Coke With a Twist by A.W.Hartoin.
3. What do you think you’ll read next? This is an ever changing thought though I’m looking at several books I’ve been meaning to read. Next I plan to finally pick up my new copy of Seraphina , though I don’t know when that will be, since I’m still busy with many beta reads.
What is your WWW Wednesday?
Check out what others are reading. Ticket to Anywhere. More to come.

Featured Guest Post 02: Tori Jones

I would like to welcome my fashion and style guru, Tori Jones to the Eternal Curse Series Blog.  For those of you who don’t know, she was the inspiration for my character Mira’s sense of style. 


This year my family and I went to Texas for Christmas! I didn’t take enough pictures but I wanted to share the few that I had. I believe living in Texas for 13 years of my life gives me the sometimes over-the- topness that I have. Some of the best shopping is in Texas. Here are a few shots from my favorite childhood mall: The Galleria! #kisses Tori
For more, visit: http://torijjones.com/texas-style-christmas/

Teaser Tuesdays 01

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading . Anyone can play along! Just do the following: • Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

My teaser: My birthday had passed a few days back without a call from any of my older brothers. It would be typical of them to forget—but even more typical of them to pretend to forget, and then ambush me with a wildly inappropriate birthday greeting at my stodgy New York law office.

~p.10 of Year Zero, by Rob Reid

6 Sentence Sunday 16

This is a weekly meme hosted and originated by 6 Sentence Sunday. Eternal Curse: Giovanni’s Angel -6 sentences from chapter 15.
As the elevator door closed, Giovanni turned back to the window and stared out with a solemn heart. Giovanni was overcome with anxiety. He felt like he could barely breathe. On one hand, he wanted to escape this limbo of emotions and fly far away, out into the unknown. On the other hand, Giovanni had grown attached to Mira in a way he hadn’t expected and couldn’t explain. He just couldn’t bring himself to leave Mira again and upset her so.
To participate, pick six (6) sentences from anything you like (it can be from a Work in Progress (WiP), something you recently sold, something you hope to sell or even something already under contract and available for purchase – and don’t worry, Six Sentence Sunday is for published AND unpublished writers ). Then post them on your blog on Sunday. That’s all there is to it!
Posts are for bloggers only, but comments are open to all. Please post a link back to Six Sunday, the “anchor” site, to let people know where you heard about the idea. You are not required to list the week’s posters on your post…And don’t be afraid to share the love by adding the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets about Six Sentence Sunday. You can follow the official Six Sentence Sunday twitter at: https://twitter.com/6_Sunday.
*The informative content listed above was taken directly from the 6 Sentence Sunday website with a few paraphrases for ease of viewing and reading. Please review their FAQs for more details.

Interview 09: Gary Markwick

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview my new friend, Gary Markwick. He is visiting the ECS as a guest and sharing loads of interesting insights into his work. Be sure to look around and see what he has to offer. Here are the results of our interview. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.

Hi there Gary! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Universe. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.
 So tell me, who is Gary Markwick?
My name is Gary Markwick and I have just written my first book called "Now it Begins. I am an international professional Palmist, Psychic and have read the hands of thousands of people from around the world.
I am also a Usui & Karuna Reiki Master, teacher, a qualified clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP, past life Regressionist and run workshops in the law of attraction.                                                         
I have appeared on Sky TV, BBC Radio four and have had write ups in newspapers.  I was asked by a national newspaper to read the hand of a celebrity, which was Barack Obama before becoming President of the USA.    
Well, this is all a bit over my head, but very interesting. I can’t wait to learn more. You definitely sound as if you have quite a story to tell.
So whacha got for me today? 

Now It Begins is a comprehensive self-help book that draws upon personal testimony, professional guidance and the best of New Age thinking to empower people to fully take control of their lives. Split into 10 distinct "phases" it systematically tackles some of life's biggest and most personal questions about identity and interconnectivity, love and fear, and choice and destiny. At the heart the title is the simple assertion that once you can let go of illusion and draw upon a more fundamental,universal source of motivation, then you will reconnect with your true purpose on earth.
I am more of a traditionalist myself, but I try to be open-minded. If New Age thinking is what it takes to reach people, then I’m willing to hear what you have to say. In any case, I too believe that life is better once you’ve found a true purpose; it’s what my book Eternal Curse is really about at its core. 
 So who’s staring is this 2 dimensional script read of Now It Begins?
There are no explicit characters, but the main theme of the book is self – help and stories of my journeys, travelling and my family background
I like the sound of that. Though I haven’t been able to write a truly personal story as of yet, I admire others who have. Knowing that you’ve done so in order to help others, makes it all the more admirable.
 Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
WikipediaWhatever inspires me at the time, although my first book has been based on many of my life’s time experiences with a compilation of practical and spiritual knowledge.
Most of my work is done mainly where I can relax and have more time to write, which is in Goa, India.


In the past I have also written songs and performed them.
The second book that I am writing is part non-fiction/fiction, which is set 100 years in the past, and continues throughout the decades. This is based on my grandfather’s life who, was known as the British Houdini. It transforms into the mystical journey of adventure throughout the world, with illusion, magic, mysticism and wisdom. It also involves other characters some of who are highly enlightened and others who are into the dark arts.
This sounds like a very intriguing story, something that could do quite well with a niche audience or have mass appeal, with the right marketing.
What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
WikipediaJamesRedfield, DeepakChopra, Shakti Gawain, Richard Bach, Maharishi Ramana Maharani, Idries Shah. All of these authors write in an original concise and spiritual way.
Well I see that you are a believer in influence…You read what you right. That’s good; it should make you a better writer.
 Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Buddhaor Jesus… So much wisdom and knowledge!
Good choices. In your area of specialty being able to get inside of the mind of spiritual leaders would be a great advantage. Whatever the differences in religious principles and practices, these men were able to lead nations and that can’t be ignored.
Who is so you and why?
Google SearchSome say in music: Cat Stevens [now Yusuf Islam].

An obvious physical likeness doesn’t spring to mind, but maybe you have similar musical talents. In any case, it’s a fun question that I always look forward too.
What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?
Amazon.comI am sitting here at my desk in London UK, listening to my new video book trailer of “Now it Begins” with the song written by myself “Heavens of Desire”. Video link: http://youtu.be/w5KuD6wz2fE.
SheilaCallaham created this video and I am very excited to read her new book: Stories from Spirit.
I try to keep my, sometimes, narrow mind open, but still some of this is too mystical for me. The one thing I thoroughly enjoy about all this is the positive message and bold creativity. I can understand why so many are already drawn to you.
What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Amazon.comThe Bible, Anne Frank [TheDiary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank. Buy the book on Amazon]
It took many years for me to truly appreciate either of these books. I lacked the maturity to really understand Anne’s struggle and, like most children, I couldn’t see past the great length and flowery words to appreciate the Bible for what it is…
Now this where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Yes, definitely.
Alright then, here we go.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
IMDBThe Man Who Wouldbe King
An adventure story with a truly novel idea, but I must admit that I never read Kipling’s original story so I don’t know if this film reflects his true intentions. Needless to say, I have issues with Kipling, but this is still a good movie.
What makes you geek out?
Spirituality, wisdom, and travelling
I can agree with travel. As much as I cling to my own personal spiritual principles, I find that they don’t excite me on a daily basis. They do however give me a sense of peace…To each his own:).
 So what’s testing your patience right now?
My second book, the book trailer, and the patients for time to finish it.
I have a mountain of books I’m just trying to find the time to dive into, but of course that conflicts with my desire to publish the sequel to my Eternal Curse series and complete another story I’ve been working on...Isn’t it hard to be a writer? ;)
When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
I like any song that is melodic and harmonious. The ones I dislike are some throw - away pop songs or noisy ones that have no substance.
The world is filled with melodious music and songs with substance, but because pop rules the airwaves, these are a little harder to find. I’m a lover of all music, but even I draw the line at some point.
What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had?
Playing on stage at a gig, travelling the world, and at times, writing my book.
I like the sound of that. It sounds like you are a real people person. You like to either inspire or entertain, both of which are very valuable.
 Remind me again how I was lucky enough to meet you?
On LinkedIn.
That’s right. I’m so glad we made a connection. I can’t wait to see who I meet next.
Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
We will become more advanced in many ways, although with more chaos.
I will hope to have written more books and establish myself as a known author worldwide.
Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Gary Markwick, check out these great links:
http://www.garymarkwick.com
http://www.palmistryinhad.com
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0063D7844
http://amzn.com/B0063D7844
http://youtu.be/w5KuD6wz2fE

Review 10: Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls #1) by Deborah HarknessThis one is a good audio book. [image error] I give this book a 4, almost a 4 ½, but I’m sticking with a solid 4.
This is the story of Diana Bishop, a witch who doesn’t want to be one. That in itself is enough to see that something somewhere along the way is going to go wrong. Diana uses magic even when she’s not trying to and accidentally opens a “Pandora’s Box” in the form of an alchemical manuscript, so of course all hell breaks loose. In this world where the peoples of the earth include humans, witches, vampires, and demons (though we’re not talking fallen angels), Diana is left running for her life while trying to figure out who she can trust, including the seductive vampire that’s latched on to her.
There is so much about this story I love, but the few little things I don’t like were enough to keep me from giving it a 5 star rating. First off, the plot is pretty good. I can relate to stories about self-identification and purpose; I wrote a story about that myself. What Deborah Harnkess has done with A Discover of Witches, I wish Stephanie Meyer could have done with Twilight. That’s not a put down to Meyer in anyway, I just prefer books written for adults. If I were a YA fanatic, I don’t think I’d like this book very much.
This book is beautifully written and very descriptive, but that’s actually one of my issues. I love vivid descriptions that pull you into a story and show you what your mind wants to see and Harkness has done that here, but sometimes she went too far. I don’t think it takes much imagination to figure out how to apply an adhesive strip (a ban-aid for those who I just lost). I could also tell that Harkness had done quite a bit of research to prepare for this publication or was already a student of pagan cultures and practices. I must admit I found that to be a little creepy, but I understand that it was necessary to tell the story and have it feel real.
With stories like this, I find that there is always an issue with action versus romance. The premise of the story is ideal for both, but they don’t always mesh well. This story it seems, leans more towards the theme of romance, at least to the extent of portraying a love that surpasses physical desire and is worth literally killing for and dying for. Don’t get me wrong, I liked that part of the story very much, but I do wish there had been more action. When there was an action scene, Harchness did not hold back. She did a very good job describing blows, blood, and reflexes; that’s why I wanted more.
The last and final reason, I couldn’t give this wonderful book a 5 star rating is a little petty, but it tugged at my brain the whole time I was enjoying the story. Harkness only acknowledges four entities in this story: humans, witches, vampires, and demons (again, not fallen angels), but on at least two occasions, she eludes to the presence or existence of some type of creature that may shape shift into a wolf or werewolf.  The passages are so small and quick, you may not notice them at all, and the subject is never addressed. Was this intentional? I don’t know, but it bothers me still.
This is a good read for an adult couple as long as they are both into dark themes.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/440622454

WWW WEDNESDAYS 12

WWW WEDNESDAYS… is a weekly meme hosted by Should Be Reading, where you share (1)What you’re currently reading, (2)What you recently finished reading, and (3)What you think you’ll read next.
Comments and shares are welcomed here, but please try to share with Should be Reading as this is their meme.
1. What are you currently reading?Progress has been made. I’m still reading Childhood’s End by Author C. Clarke, and have just started Down the Line by David More (a short read) and Year Zero by Rob Reid.
2. What did you recently finish reading? The Perfects by Wendy Reaks and Coke With a Twistby A.W.Hartoin.
3. What do you think you’ll read next? This is an ever changing thought though I’m looking at several books I’ve been meaning to read. Next I plan to finally pick up my new copy of Seraphina and City of Bones , though I don’t know when that will be, since I’m still busy with many beta reads.
What is your WWW Wednesday?
Check out what others are reading. Ticket to Anywhere. More to come.