Nick Davis's Blog, page 134

The Wonder Tales#3 – The Daughter of Frost now available on the #Nook , #Kindle & @Smashwords

The Wonder Tales Issue #3 – The Daughter of Frost

Available now on the Nook, Kindle & Smashwords for $0.99

The Daughter of Frost Issue #3 of the popular The Wonder Tales series is out now.

There was a time when the Fairy of Spring and Jack Frost had a daughter named Aneira, who they gave to a childless Woodcutter and his wife, so Aneria could have the love and affection of mortal parents. This is her story, a classic fairy tale of winter, of love, of good, of evil and the power of innocence…

The Wonder Tales are written in Honor of JRR Tolkien's 2011 Anniversary Birthday of January 3rd 1892. A series of Tolkienesqe Fables that take you to a land far, far away.

Available on the Kindle, Nook and at Smashwords for Multi-eReader Formats

Review of The Snow Ball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter

The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter, is an interesting novel. I was gifted this book way back at my birthday and it took me a month to get to it, and a month of slow reading to finish it. It's not that long a novel, just the last couple of months got extraordinarily busy for me.

The novel follows the life of Lainey St James, a 17 year girl who recently lost her Mother, who had committed suicide, yeah I know charming premises but hang in there. Up to now, and the mostly through the first part of the book her life is, as she views it, totally perfect. She never felt close to her Mother and feels nothing over her dying. Then slowly everything starts to fall apart.

Now the way that Holly does this is very interesting, at the beginning I really disliked Lainey, a 17 year old coming off as 40, and seemed to be channeling Juno. Everything she had was all so together, even the boyfriend Riley was too perfect. Then her Sister comes along to become the Guardian of Collin the adopted ADD baby, then bit by bit Lainey loses control of her life, as she finds out she is more like her mother than she realized. The tipping point is when she meets the Slurpie Guy Eric, and starts to learn there is much more to life.

The story is charming, with lots of humor injected into it. This is a story about ordinary people getting on by and living while life stuff happens to them, about taking small chances and the changes it can make to you as a person. It deals nicely with all the stages of grieving, and wraps up with Lainey going through a life changing journey.

On the way she breaks up with Riley, dates Eric, has an alcohol fueled melt down, gets into an ice cream fight, goes on a surprise vacation to Florida, comes back again, finally grieves for her mother, learns some life lessons, becomes a little wiser and puts her life back together again.

While this isn't really a book I would pick up, I am after all more of a Discworld irrelevant fantasy type person, it does make an engaging read and a fine dialog novel. I can actually seeing this being an indie movie just be the way it plays out – although Juno Lainey at the beginning would get to me a little bit. This is a gentle, fun, loving story about life and the people that are in it with you. Go pick it for your wife, girl, your daughter, or maybe even for yourself, it is good read.

4 thumbs up out of 5

The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble in traditional book and ebook formats

Accept One, Book Two of the Tether Saga now in the Sony Reader Store

Happy to announce that Accept One, Book Two of the Tether Saga is now available in the Sony Book Reader for your Sony based eReader devices. Check it out by clicking here.

A Steampunk Tale of Wonder – Last Flight of the Phoenix, Part Three

In her strafing run Annie knocked out a dozen anti-airwing guns, and was certain she took out the gearing on one of the big guns. As she came to the end of her run, she looped the Victoria around scouring the Leviathan for Newton pylons, seeing none in sight, she pushed the Victoria down and to the right before launching out into clear air behind the battleship. The entire strafing run took less than a handful of seconds and Annie realized she had been holding her breath for the entire run. Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, she visually confirmed that Carol had made the run too, and together they pulled away from the Leviathan.

"No bogies?" said Carol her voice squealing through the tin speaker.

"No contacts… Nothing on your six, you think their airwings would be all over us," said Annie.

"Well we're clear… Now what?" said Carol.

"Split S and back down the spine for another run?" said Annie.

"Roger, I'll split right," her friend demanded. "This time I go first!""You have the lead C," Annie pulled the throttle back bringing the air-wing up on its side, turned to the right, and then back left performing the split S. The Victoria's swung around bringing the rear of the Leviathan into their sights.

Carol's Victoria bobbed just to the left of Annie's vision as they dived back to the relative safety of the battleships deck. The first burst of their combined guns spent a small gun turret spinning off the Leviathan to fall back through the clouds.

"Ann can you see movement along the deck in front of us? Are they launching something?" said C, her voice squeaking through the tin speaker.

Annie looked ahead of her and tried to make it out, it couldn't be a turret because the guns couldn't fire this low, might be air wings raising to challenge them, but didn't Leviathans have launch bays?

Carol's voice blasted through the tin speaker again, this time even with sound being washed out and crackle she could hear her wing-mates anxiety.

"No… Its too fluid! What ever it is, it's moving! Pull up Ann… This looks like bad news!"

Carol let off a burst from her guns before the airwing pulled away from the deck, Ann watched the streams of shells lance through the strange flowing movement that was growing in front of them. Another few seconds the shapes took form, and Annie watched almost mesmerized as a creeping horror came over her. It was moving, flowing like a long grass, but it was metal and she could clearly see links in each odd looking tentacle. She could hear Carol calling for her to pull up through the speaker, and slowly she responded pulling back on her stick, the Victoria nosing away from the deck. Her airwing didn't get enough height and one of the tentacles shot up trying to grab at the Victoria. Instinctively she stabbed her firing button, lancing the metal tentacles with her gun fire, she smiled grimly as they started to disintegrate under her maelstrom of shells. The Victoria mowed a path through the tentacles and seconds later the Victoria shot free into the empty air. Desperate to get some distance between her and the unnerving structure she dumped the charger back onto the newton, pushing it to the redline.

To be continued…

 

The charger pulled the Victoria up into a more rapid ascent than Annie wanted and she struggled for breath as she was pinned further into her padded seat. With her arm feeling like lead she disengaged the charger, and nosed the Victoria level. Blinking out the stars Annie tried to recover her breathe and get her bearings. Then something exploded against her cockpit, the flash momentarily blinding her and her airwing bucked violently around her. Moving on instinct she put the Victoria into a spin that took it further away from the Leviathan and into the empty air just beyond the air battle. The maneuver was more violent than she anticipated and something wet hit her shoulder and the airwing tipped its nose downwards as her sight started to grow fuzzy.

 

Check out my #eBook novels during #SampleSunday and read a sample for free

Do you know about the Weekly Twitter event known as #SampleSunday? Every week Authors who publish eBooks offer a reading sample of their work for you download to you eReader device and read.

This is a great way to discover new Authors and read their work. You can read a sample of my work by following the links below.

The Tether, Book One of the Tether Saga – Read a sample here

Accept One, Book Two of the Tether Saga – Read a sample here

The Wonder Tales – The Archer, the Horse & the Princess – Read a sample here

The Wonder Tales – The Archer, the Horse & the Golden Braid – Read a sample here

The links go to Smashwords, an eBook distributor that converts files for all eReader device, so you can download these samples to your Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony, Apple iBookstore or any other eReader. Now go take a look.

Pick up and read The Tether, book one of the Tether Saga for just $0.99 in eReader Device for a limited time only

The Tether, the first book in the Tether Saga will be available in eBook form only for the eReader device of your choice, for $0.99

You can pick up the start of this break out Paranormal Action Adventure series for the Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony and other eReader device at this bargain price (70% off normal price) for a limited time only.

The Tether introduces you to Sarah Taylor, a troubled teenage girl attending a Baltimore Private School. Through a series of nightmare events becomes the reluctant Keeper of a device called a Tether; that allows her to control an Angelic being called Paul and connects her to the mysterious source allowing her to cast will powered enchantments called indices. As she races for answers to the Tether dark forces give chase to claim the device and Sarah for themselves…

Check out The Tether for your eReader device at the bargain price of $0.99 by clicking here – http://thetethersaga.com

For the Nook – Click Here

For the Kindle – Click Here

At Smashwords for multiple eReader formats – Click Here

Review – IDW Transformers Vol.1 TPB For All Mankind or Prime goes Emo

IDW Transformers Volume One  - For All Mankind is written by Mike Costa with art by Don Figueroa. The trade collects together Issues 1-6 of the rebooted Transformers series that takes place two years after the events of All Hail Megatron.

Now a couple of weeks ago I reviewed the First Issue this new series. The long and short of it was I wasn't very impressed at all, but put off judgement of the series until I got hold of the Trade.

Well here we are, and after reading the Trade I'm pretty much in the same place as I was with the first issue. Now I searched out these Transformers comics after the very strong Ironhide mini-series, I thought cool the Transformers have been rebooted, and the stories reflect that they are Soldiers stuck in a millennial old fight. I was sadly wrong after reading this trade I found myself longing for the bumbling bots of the G1 cartoon.

Find out why after the jump.

Lets start with this problem, now remember the Transformers have been locked in a fairly intense war, and therefore should be used to perils of soldiering. So…

Why does Optimus Prime after the death of Ironhide go all Emo? He becomes as Spike puts it a self-flagellating Truck. Through all six issues he mops around in a cage doing what Prime seems to do best… Talk…

Now I understand after losing his bodyguard and life long friend he would be upset, and grieve. After all this wouldn't of been the first time an Autobot would of been lost under his command, but this time we are treated to Emo Prime. All he needed was a floppy haircut and a nice black paint job.

Now with Prime gone the Autobots do there usual fall apart act, and half of them split with Hotshot to find a way off Earth. On the way they fall in with a group of 'cons  seeking the same thing, and of course with Hotshot being naive, and no other Bots including Prowl saying anything they go along with it.

Then Ultra Magnus arrives, saying he was sent to investigate the death of Ironhide which is standard procedure for a death of an Autobot. Because you know, no one has actually died in this long war ever! Very clumsy way of bringing in Magnus, but at least he comes across as a giant cheese head.

Of course the main reason why the Autobots decided to stay on Earth was to protect them from the predations of the Decepticons. Yet throughout this issue the Humans Special Ops Unit Skywatch shows remarkable aptitude dealing with giant robots, taking them down in less than two panels, were it would take Transformer vs Transformer entire comics to do. Sure they use Giant Robotic Combat frames, but at one point they do this wearing just Spandex jumpsuits! (I kid you not).

As the story moves on Skywatch's ability to deal with Decepticon threats seems to diminish the closer their alliance with the Autobots becomes. Its like the Autobots have a collective suck factor when it comes to fighting.

The only character that seems to go under any transformation, and has an interesting arc is Thundercracker… Yep, Thundercracker who seems to have gained an interesting love for Earth, even if its for the sitcoms.  He actually seems the most at ease with all the changes and demonstrates aspects of a personality, that is simply fun.

Everything comes to head at the Hotshots, who has taken the name of Rodimus, spaceship building site and the 'cons do the predictable double cross. Which feels like a clumsy reason to have a fight, but I suppose the arc had to have some type of resolution.

Prime stops being Emo long enough to take down a new combine 'con, and then promptly gets back in his cage for more flagellation. Bumblebee, who is now the new leader of the Autobots has an interesting chat with Cheesehead Magnus, which surprisingly shows more balls in six panels than Prime has for the all whole book, while this is going on Hotshot steals Magnus' ship.

That sums up the story, and you tell I'm not all that impressed. For an opening arc it felt clumsy, the feeling of building peril is just not there and feels forced.

The art work by Don Figeuroa is super detailed and you get a nice feeling of scale. The damage the Transformers do to each other is realistic and the robots have a nice heavy look.  In the back of the book we are treated to some G1 portraits as well as the comic book covers from the first six issues.

In all if you are fan of Transformers you might like the series for the art alone, with only Thundercracker and Bumblebee actually being engaging characters I'm not sure if it enough to want to keep reading.

3 thumbs up out of 5

Read an Ebook Week and pick up The Tether Saga Novels for 50% Off only @Smashwords!

Welcome to National Read an Ebook Week. I'm a little late reporting this as it it started on March 6, but you still have 4 more days before this event ends.

To celebrate this event The Tether Saga eBooks – The Tether and Accept One are 50% normal price for this week only at Smashwords.com

You find this great deal on Smashwords by clicking here, you can also browse the rest of the Smashwords eBook Catalog many of which are also 50 to 75% off by clicking here.

Smashwords is a unique eBook website that provides eBooks in multiple file formats for all eReader devices, from Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony etc… Take a look today.

A new Fable for the Wonder Tales – The Archer, the Horse and the Golden Braid

After much work, the second Fable in the Wonder Tales series has been released. The Archer, the Horse and the Golden Braid tells the tale of an earlier adventure of the Archer and his quick witted talking horse Keshi.

This is the tale of the Archer before he became King. He was as brave as he was noble, as keen-eyed as he was lightning fast with his bow. His loyal Horse as quick-witted and fleet of foot. Together they undertake an Errantry that takes them to Northern Plains to rescue a Maiden with the Golden Braid.

Currently available as an eBook on the Kindle, Nook and in multiple eReader file formats at Smashwords. Coming soon to the Kobo and iBookstore.

A Steampunk Tale of Wonder – Last Flight of the Phoenix, Part Two

The Victoria screamed out of the Arc Royal, and bobbed, waved and then flew straight as the air-wing burst into open air. The sight that greeted Annie almost overwhelmed her, she has never seen so many ships and wings in one place. Her hands started to shake, she could feel the panic start to take over her body and her mouth grew dry. It took more than a few seconds for her training to kick in and she could then take stock of the situation. The Dominion fleet hadn't started to launch its air-wings yet, and training her eye on the silhouettes of the enemy ship it looked like only a two or three of them were carriers, not counting whatever the Leviathan was carrying behind its screen of escorts. Squinting she could see the enemy picket wings turn towards them, but they were pitifully few and not a threat to waves of air-wings the Europa fleet were launching. A plan formed in her head, if they could get close enough they might just do some serious damage to the Dominion fleet here.

She searched the sky around her for friendlies, hoping her launch hadn't pushed her too far ahead of the main wings, when her tin speaker crackled into life and the distorted, but familiar voice of Carol burst out of it, "Are we going to try to hit the big whale?"

"Roger C, keep close and tight… If we get hit, we break off," she replied.

"Roger A, no sense giving the paymaster a bonus today," said Carol.

Looking to her upper left, she caught sight of Carol's Air-wing, a sleek Victoria like her own painted with bright red fox markings of an air-wing ace. Already her friend was pulling back to take up position on Annie's wing, and as one they dipped their right wings slipping away from the protection of the Arc Royals guns, putting themselves into a shallow dive towards the Leviathans picket ships. The Victoria's newton increased power as Annie eased it into combat speed, just behind her Carol did the same catching her just before they hit the Dominion Pickets.

"C, drop smoke, rapid bursts, and then drop the chargers we want to scatter them and punch through," said Annie rapidly her voice going off pitch as her adrenaline coursed through her.

"What if they follow?"said Carol her voice almost giddy too.

Annie risked a glance behind her and could see the tell-tale signs of the charger dropping on her newton as flames licked out of the air-wings exhaust and leapt down the fuselage.

"I'll see if I can get us some help," said Annie.

She twisted the dial on the her wireless, and tried to ignore the static blasting through the tin speaker.

"Phoenix one, request assistance Dominion Fighters squared."

A moment of static filled silence and the tin speaker burst into life with faint call signs as other flights answered her.

"Roger Phoenix one, Rupert two and four are on your six."

"Fox one and five as well, Phoenix one, good hunting wot? Save us something… Tally Ho!"

Annie smiled as she confirmed the flights calls, and then pulled the toggle out of her fire button. Counting down from ten she dropped the charger on her Newton, and felt the Victoria kick her in the back as it surged forward. The enemy fighters before her started to become much more real.

"C, drop smoke now!"

Annie pulled the launch lever and felt, more than heard the smoke canisters drop from her wing, she then stabbed the fire button, watching the tracers burst from her twin guns as she tried to keep the closest Dominion wing in her iron ringed sight. For a second she though she saw her shots paint across an enemy air wing, making the return fire go wide of her. She sensed the wing would be an easy kill, that the Pilot was inexperienced and she had to fight the urge to dog him until they were brought down.

"Calm Annie, all the wing kills will mean nothing if that Leviathan cannot be stopped."

Flicking the charger lever up to extend the burst on her Newton, she pitched her Victoria and dove hard at the Leviathan, ignoring the picket ships entirely.

Suddenly blank flashes filled her vision, and it wasn't until the dull frump sounds of air bursts hit her ears did she register the Dominion fleets anti-air-wing guns had opened up. Moments later the first fleet-to-fleet barrage started, and the air grew heavy with the smell of sulphate and cordite. Annie jinked her wing from left to right, more in hope of dodging the exchange of fire, than actual design.

Finally her Victoria swept over the line of picket ships, and she had to fight down the feeling of vertigo as the immense size of the Leviathan filled her vision. Guns studded the top, and sides of the warship like metallic warts. The guns were huge ship to ship cannons, and the anti-air-wing fire seemed virtually non-existent.

"That is odd?" thought Annie.

She checked her flight area and couldn't see anything other than Carol's Victoria near her. She turned her attention back on the huge warship in front of her.

"Could they be this arrogant, that they think a mere air-wing can't hurt it… Well we'll show them."

Almost instantly Annie saw a flaw in the Leviathans design, there was a low trench running down its center, and if she took her Victoria low enough the gun crews wouldn't be able to bring their guns low enough to hit her. The trench looked just about wide enough for her to avoid any small arms fire.

"C, cut to combat speed and follow me in," said Annie quickly.

She barely heard Carol's acknowledgment as she throttled back, then dove the wing down toward the Leviathans hull like a diver, she launched several quick bursts from her guns, watching almost distractedly as the shells bounced over the ships hull. Pulling up, she found herself in the artificial landscape and she started her strafing fun down the ships length.