A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 107
December 31, 2018
2018 – roundup
2018 seems to have flown by. Isn’t it odd how individual days appear to last an age, but the year as a whole just zooms past?
Politics has lost what little mind it had – the US government – probably the less said about that the better as I’ll only start an argument. The UK government has been dominated by Brexit, leadership problems and everyone is thoroughly sick of it all. I will say this year there has been a revolving door both at the Whitehouse and the Houses of Parliament. Jeez – grow a spine, some balls or get rid of the person who is the problem and do it quickly….
Reading-wise – I’ve read over 60 books from true crime to historical to mystery, fantasy, and science fiction. I am planning to read a bit more fiction next year, and pick up some new authors.
Writing-wise – not as productive as I hoped and I’m not going to bore you with excuses. Let’s focus on what I have done.
Lovers in Hell What a fun universe to write for! Anything can happen – but it usually backfires in ironic, dastardly and hellish ways. (See interviews for Hell Week).
The Secret of Blossom Rise This was my first ghost story – written for the Here Be Ghosts bundle, and Boo V.
The Kitchen Imps won the NN Light Fantasy book of the year.
Bundles:
Here Be Monsters (no longer available)
Remembering Warriors (no longer available in 2019)
Spring Surprise (no longer available)
Summer Shimmer (no longer available)
Frisky February (no longer available)
There were also audio editions for The Watcher (a Jack the Ripper Tale)
And audio and print editions for the two current Legacy of the Mask Tales:
What will 2019 bring? That is a good question…
Hopefully more Kitchen Imps, working on book IV of the Light Beyond the Storm, Heroika 2, another Heroes in Hell (assuming I can get the damn story finished), and possibly the completion of at least one novella.
I’m also learning Photoshop (steep learning curve), and have completed a course on Copyright, GDPR, Ancient Egypt, and DSE.
I’ll be a better blogger too….
December 23, 2018
December 18, 2018
Kitchen Imps – Best Fantasy Book of 2018
I am very pleased to announce the Kitchen Imps and Other Dark Tales has been voted Best Fantasy read for 2018 on the following popular blogging/website.
I am happy-dancing all around the house!
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/
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If you’d like to know the winning books in the other categories then check out the list below for some awesome reads.
Contemporary Romance
Betting on Cinderella by Petie McCarty
Paranormal
The Cauldron Stirred (Guardians of Erin, #1) by Judith Sterling
Fantasy
Kitchen Imps by A. L. Butcher
Historical Romance
When the Marquess Returns by Alanna Lucas
Historical Fiction
The Du Lac Prophecy by Mary Anne Yarde
Thriller
Game Six by Judy Bruce
Suspense
Malthus Revisited (Lindsey McCall #4) by Lin Wilder
Romantic Suspense (tie)
Gray’s Promise by Anni Fife
The Haunting of Hillwood Farm by Kathryn Knight
Nonfiction
Everyday Enchantments by Maria F. DeBlassie
Young Adult
The Broken Branches by Becky Villareal
Erotic Romance
In Deep by Stacy Gold
Paranormal Romance
Haunted Hearts by Kimberly Dean
Science Fiction/Science Fiction Romance
The IX: Prelude to Sorrow by Andrew P. Weston
Women’s Fiction
Once Broken by D.M. Hamblin
Children’s Fiction
Hockey Wars by Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence
Holiday Romance
Dante’s Gift (A Chicago Christmas #1) by Aubrey Wynne
December 13, 2018
“Sacred Band Series (9 Book Series)” by Janet Morris
Awesome series being promoted
From Book 1: Relive the iconic adventures of Tempus the Black and his Sacred Band through the eyes of Nikodemos, his right-side companion, as Niko seeks his spirit’s balance on Bandara’s misty isles.
Five early tales of the Stepsons in a world of thieves, novelized with additional stories available nowhere else. Ride with Tempus and his Sacred Band once again, or for the first time. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Parts of this work have been published in substantially similar form in several volumes of the million-selling shared universe series, Thieves World® and in the Janet Morris’ first Sacred Band novel, Beyond Sanctuary.
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December 10, 2018
Swift Six Author Interview – Mary Anne Yarde – Historical Fiction
Name: Mary Anne Yarde
What attracts you to the genre in which you write?
I grew up surrounded by the rolling Mendip Hills in Somerset — the famous town of Glastonbury was a mere 15 minutes from my childhood home. Glastonbury is a little bit unique in the sense that it screams Arthurian Legend. Even the road sign that welcomes you into Glastonbury says:
“Welcome to Glastonbury. The Ancient Isle of Avalon.”
How could I grow up in such a place and not be influenced by King Arthur and his Knights?
I loved history from a very early age, and this passion has grown rather than diminish. I wasn’t ever going to write anything other than historical fiction. I love the research and the romance of bringing a time long gone back to life.
What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d known when you started your writing adventures?
Be patient and be prepared to make a lot of mistakes, particularly when it comes to marketing. It really is a huge learning curve, and there are always new things to learn. Writing a book and publishing it is a marathon, it is not a sprint.
If you could have dinner with any famous person or character, who would you choose?
Just one? Oh no, if we are going to do this, then we are going to do it right. I would host a party and invite everyone!
Who has been the greatest influence on your own work?
That is a difficult question to answer. I am not sure. I think I was fortunate growing up where I did. History and legends surrounded me. Would I have written an Arthurian series if I had not grown up where I had? I am not too sure.
Do you think the e-book revolution will do away with print?
I think there will always be room for both. Personally, I favour ebooks. For the most part, they are not as expensive, and they don’t take up so much room.
Which 3 books would you take to a desert island and why?
Only three?
I am going to have to choose carefully. Let me think…
The first book that I would take is surprisingly not a work of historical fiction. I would take The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans. I love this book. The Horse Whisperer is a very emotional book. It is a story about love, loss and hope.
The second book I would take would be Jane Austen’s, Mansfield Park. Mansfield Park has always been a firm favourite. I am not too sure why I just like the story.
I would also try and sneak a series into my backpack if I could, and that would be Bernard Cornwall’s Sharp series. This is my all-time favourite series. The narrative is so rich, and the story is brilliant.
Author bio and book synopsis
Please introduce yourself (250 words or so):
Mary Anne Yarde is the multi-award-winning author of the International Bestselling Series — The Du Lac Chronicles. Set a generation after the fall of King Arthur, The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Briton and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed.
Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury — the fabled Isle of Avalon — was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood.
Tell us about your book(s) – title, genre etc. (short)
The Du Lac Prophecy (Book 4 of The Du Lac Chronicles) By Mary Anne Yarde
Historical Fiction
Blurb:
Two Prophesies. Two Noble Households. One Throne.
Distrust and greed threaten to destroy the House of du Lac. Mordred Pendragon strengthens his hold on Brittany and the surrounding kingdoms while Alan, Mordred’s cousin, embarks on a desperate quest to find Arthur’s lost knights. Without the knights and the relics they hold in trust, they cannot defeat Arthur’s only son – but finding the knights is only half of the battle. Convincing them to fight on the side of the Du Lac’s, their sworn enemy, will not be easy.
If Alden, King of Cerniw, cannot bring unity there will be no need for Arthur’s knights. With Budic threatening to invade Alden’s Kingdom, Merton putting love before duty, and Garren disappearing to goodness knows where, what hope does Alden have? If Alden cannot get his House in order, Mordred will destroy them all.
Links
Social media
Website/Blog: https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryanneyarde/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Anne-Yarde/e/B01C1WFATA/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15018472.Mary_Anne_Yarde
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December 9, 2018
Kitchen Imps – Fantasy Finalist
I am delighted to announce The Kitchen Imps and Other Dark Tales is a Fantasy Finalist in the NN Light book of the year.
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Here are the categories and the finalists:
Contemporary Romance
Betting on Cinderella by Petie McCarty
When the Right One Comes Along by Livia Quinn
Escape From Behruz by Judy Meadows
Paranormal
The Ghost Chronicles 2 by Marlo Berliner
The Cauldron Stirred (Guardians of Erin, #1) by Judith Sterling
Spirit Talk by Colleen Hein
Fantasy
Path of the Traitors (LOW) by Charles E. Yallowitz
Kitchen Imps by A. L. Butcher
Escape From Samsara: A Dark Comedy Fantasy Adventure (Prophecy Allocation Book 1)
by Nicky Blue
Historical Romance
Earl of Sunderland (Wicked Earls’ Club #4) by Aubrey Wynne
Shadow of the Swan by Judith Sterling
When the Marquess Returns by Alanna Lucas
Rhapsody and Rebellion (Enduring Legacy #7) by Aubrey Wynne
Historical Fiction
Stone Circle by Kate Murdoch
Searching for Gertrude by D.E. Haggerty
The Du Lac Prophecy by Mary Anne Yarde
Thriller
The Road to Armageddon by Clabe Polk
Gallows Field by Brendan Gerad O’Brien
Game Six by Judy Bruce
Suspense
Malthus Revisited (Lindsey McCall #4) by Lin Wilder
Fire on the Mountain: A Detective Mike Eiser Novel by Clabe Polk
Centrifugal Force by Lisa J. Lickel
Romantic Suspense
Gray’s Promise by Anni Fife
Smoke and Mirrors (Outbreak Task Force Book 2) by Julie Rowe
The Haunting of Hillwood Farm by Kathryn Knight
Nonfiction
California Cures!: How the California Stem Cell Program Is Fighting Your Incurable Disease!
by Don C Reed
The Inspiring Tale of Sir Edmund Hillary (Inspiring Tales) by Tory Locker
Everyday Enchantments by Maria F. DeBlassie
Young Adult
The Stronghold by Sebastian Bendix
Tainted Luck by Cynthia Austin
The Broken Branches by Becky Villareal
Erotic Romance
In Deep by Stacy Gold
Playing With Power by Vanessa Liebe
Paranormal Romance
Debriefing the Dead by Kerry Blaisdell
Haunted Hearts by Kimberly Dean
Oath of a Warrior by Mary Morgan
Rogue Dragon Rising, part one (Outside the Veil #1) by T.J. Shaw
Science Fiction/Science Fiction Romance
The IX: Prelude to Sorrow by Andrew P. Weston
Undercurrents in Time (Detours in Time #2) by Pamela Schloesser Canepa
Operation Ark (Pets in Space #3) by Pauline Baird Jones
Women’s Fiction
Once Broken by D.M. Hamblin
Children’s Fiction
The Checkered War: An Infested Story in Three Parts by Aunt Haggis
Mrs. Murray’s Ghost (Piccadilly Street #1) by Emily-Jane Hills Orford
Hockey Wars by Ben and Sam
Holiday Romance
Dante’s Gift (A Chicago Christmas #1) by Aubrey Wynne
A Highland Moon Enchantment by Mary Morgan
December 8, 2018
Remembering Warriors – On Sale – Get it before it’s gone!
Remembering Warriors Bundle is on sale until 31st December – then it’s gone forever.
Now only 3.99!
In commemoration of the World War One Centenary
One hundred years ago, in 1918, the Great War ended after four terrible years. Never had the world seen such a conflict. All touched by its scythe hoped we would never be thusly reaped again. Their hopes were but desperate dreams. Since that first armistice, there have been many more battles, and thousands have given their lives or their health to preserve freedom and escape from tyranny.
A hundred years after the first armistice we still remember and honour those brave souls. But still, the soldiers fall, for the War to End All Wars did not.
Universal Link https://books2read.com/rememberingwarriors
10% of the royalties from the Remembering Warriors bundle will go to the http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ plus another 10% to https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/ two charities that support wounded and ex-service personnel and their families, in commemoration of the World War I centenary.
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/b/remembering-warriors
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2G2IZQ7
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2Dvp7GO
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2zWnKMt
I books http://apple.co/2BFldqf
Book #1:
Comrades in Arms by Kevin J Anderson https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/comrades-arms
Book #2:
Outside the Walls by A.L. Butcher and Diana L. Wicker https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/outside-walls
Book #3:
Norman Blood by Barbara G. Tarn https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/norman-blood
Book #4:
The Rise of a Warrior by Harvey Stanbrough https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/rise-warrior
Book #5:
Total War by Russ Crossley https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/total-war
Book #6:
Resonant Bronze by J.M, Ney-Grimm https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/resonant-bronze
Book #7:
Siren by Blaze Ward https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/siren
Book #8:
The Museum of Modern Warfare by Kristine Kathryn Rusch https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/museum-modern-warfare
Book #9:
Nothing for Nothing by Harvey Stanbrough https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/nothing-for-nothing
Book #10:
The Rescue by Blaze Ward https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/nothing-for-nothing
Book #11:
Soldier, Storyteller by Linda Maye Adams https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/soldier-storyteller
Book #12:
Heroes of Old by Russ Crossley https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/heroes-old
Book #13:
With a Broken Sword by Stefon Mears https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/with-broken-sword
December 1, 2018
NN Light’ s December Giveaway
Having a hard time choosing what to read this month? While there’s so many wonderful authors and books available, it’s imperative to have a dependable and responsible place that can help you choose what to read. It’s even better when you get a chance to win free books! Every month, you can win free books from multiple authors hosted by N. N. Light’s Book Heaven. Numerous authors are offering their books in this collaborative group entitled Literary Giveaway Portal.
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Curl Up With a Book Giveaway: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db775022
Literary Giveaway Portal: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/literary-giveaway-portal
December 2018 Giveaway Prizes
e-copy of Tied Up With Strings by Madeline McEwan
e-copy of Three Lessons in Seduction by Sofie Darling
e-copy of Too Good to be True by Livia Quinn
e-copy of Debriefing the Dead (Book 1 of The Dead Series) by Kerry Blaisdell
e-copy of The Cauldron Stirred (Guardians of Erin Book 1) by Judith Sterling
e-copy of Arresting Mason by Amber Daulton
e-copy of The Queen of Paradise Valley by Cat Dubie
e-copy of The Mystery of Flight 2222 by Thomas Neviaser
e-copy of Once Broken by D. M. Hamblin
e-copy of A Debt to the Devil by D. M. Hamblin
e-copy of The Kitchen Imps by A. L. Butcher (Smashwords voucher)
e-copy of The Colony and The Last City by RM Gilmour
5 e-copy of Angelica by Clabe Polk
2 autographed print copy of Erin’s Gift plus swag generously donated by Nancy Fraser (US/Canada only)
e-copy of Life Sucks After You Die by Crystal-Rain Love
e-copy of Dickensen Academy by Christine Grabowski
audiobook copy of Rescue Love by Melissa Keir (US/Canada only)
e-copy of To Save a Lady by Patricia Preston (US only)
2 e-copy of Cinderella Busted by Petie McCarty
print copy of Sweet Seduction by Janet Lane Walters (US/Canada only)
autographed print copy of Seventeen Days by Linda Griffin
e-copy of It Happened on Dufferin Terrace by Melanie Robertson-King
e-copy of Dreamtime Sensuality by David Russell
e-copy of Romeo Vs. Juliet (Descendants of Time Book 1) by Laura Hogg (US only)
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November 24, 2018
Book Review – Hermaphrodites and the Medical Invention of Sex #History #Science #Social
Hermaphrodites and the Medical Invention of Sex by Alice Domerat Dreger
Synopsis
Punctuated with remarkable case studies, this book explores extraordinary encounters between hermaphrodites–people born with “ambiguous” sexual anatomy–and the medical and scientific professionals who grappled with them. Alice Dreger focuses on events in France and Britain in the late nineteenth century, a moment of great tension for questions of sex roles. While feminists, homosexuals, and anthropological explorers openly questioned the natures and purposes of the two sexes, anatomical hermaphrodites suggested a deeper question: just how many human sexes are there? Ultimately hermaphrodites led doctors and scientists to another surprisingly difficult question: what is sex, really? Hermaphrodites and the Medical Invention of Sex takes us inside the doctors’ chambers to see how and why medical and scientific men constructed sex, gender, and sexuality as they did, and especially how the material conformation of hermaphroditic bodies–when combined with social exigencies–forced peculiar constructions. Throughout the book Dreger indicates how this history can help us to understand present-day conceptualizations of sex, gender, and sexuality. This leads to an epilogue, where the author discusses and questions the protocols employed today in the treatment of intersexuals (people born hermaphroditic). Given the history she has recounted, should these protocols be reconsidered and revised? A meticulously researched account of a fascinating problem in the history of medicine, this book will compel the attention of historians, physicians, medical ethicists, intersexuals themselves, and anyone interested in the meanings and foundations of sexual identity.
4 stars.
I’d had this book on my shelf for ages, but I wish I’d picked it up before. The accounts are tragic (in some cases), interesting and well researched, but more than that this is a book which makes one think. What does it mean to be male or female? When are where does a person become either a man or a woman, and more importantly does it actually matter? How much of our sex and gender are biology and how much is societal? All the cases discussed were French or British cases from the Victorian era – when the gender roles were very distinct, and sexuality was far more rigidly enforced. Homosexuality was illegal and it was ‘one sex, one body’. A woman was a woman, and she loved men, produced babies and was mild, retiring and gentle. A man was a man, and he loved women, was the breadwinner, stronger, more forceful. So what happened when these lines were blurred?
Biology is complex, and the biology of sex even more so. What happened to the people who were both male or female, or neither? Was assigning a sex and forcing that person to live according to those social mores, or even finding someone was actually the other sex and making them change for the good of the person or to ‘protect’ society?
The book is a good insight into the trials of medicine, social expectations and the often difficult lives of the hermaphrodites themselves, although with the exception of one of the people there were no diaries of the hermaphrodites themselves.
Changes in attitude, definitions, and advances in medicine shifted boundaries, but many of the intersex persons had sad, confused lives – being forced to be a gender they did not identify with. Some lived as they chose, and damned what the doctors thought, and some ignored the ‘advice’. But it wasn’t easy.
Many of the issues are still relevant – fortunately Britain is more open-minded these days. There are equal rights in marriage for all, gay people, and intersex people can live (relatively) free lives without fear of prosecution or ostracism. But there are still discussions on transgender, sexual and gender identity and ‘normality’.
I’d recommend this book for those who are interested in the development of science, medicine, identity, social issues and Victorian history.
November 22, 2018
False Memory – Book Spotlight and Blog Tour – Meli Raine – Romance/Suspense
Out Now—False Memory by Meli Raine (@meliraineauthor)
THE FALSE SERIES: False Memory (Book 1), False Hope (Book 2) & False Start (Book 3)
Author: Meli Raine
Release date: November 13, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series Description:
She’s faking her amnesia to fool a very real killer.
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FALSE MEMORY (Book 1)
Release Date: 11/13/18
Apple Books Exclusive: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/false-memory/id1387687477?mt=11
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40405827-false-memory
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/false-memory-by-meli-raine
It all started with the bereavement flowers with my name on them.
Not the best way to wake up, right? I work in a flower shop. I know a funeral arrangement when I see one.
I know a killer when I see one, too. And one is standing in my hospital room right now, straight behind the man who saved my life.
I can’t tell anyone the truth, because that’s the fastest way to really die. So I do the next best thing. I “lose” my memory.
I fake my amnesia.
Pretending not to remember a brutal attempted murder has its perks. The killer is backing down, spending less time around me, loosening the noose.
The less I claim to recall, the more my rescuer, Duff, works to help me “remember.” I hate lying to him.
But he doesn’t understand that my memory is dangerous. To me. And to him.
Fooling everyone isn’t easy. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Except it’s starting to look like I’ve been fooling myself.
In more ways than one.
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FALSE HOPE (Book 2)
Release Date: 12.11.18
Apple Books Exclusive: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/false-hope/id1421994196?mt=11
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42088265-false-hope
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/false-hope-by-meli-raine
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FALSE START (Book 3)
Release Date: 01/15/19
Apple Books Exclusive: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/false-start/id1421999168?mt=11
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42088271-false-start
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/false-start-by-meli-raine
Author Bio:
Meli Raine writes romantic suspense with hot bikers, intense undercover DEA agents, bad boys turned good, and Special Ops heroes — and the women who love them. Meli rode her first motorcycle when she was five years old, but she played in the ocean long before that. She lives in New England with her family.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://meliraine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meliraine
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meliraineauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meli-raine
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13536295.Meli_Raine
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/beV0gf
Release blitz organized by Writer Marketing Services.
