A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 125
October 11, 2017
Book Spotlight – Storm Seed #Fantasy
Storm Seed (Sacred Band Series Book 7) Janet and Chris Morris
Author’s Cut Edition
#Fantasy #mythic #ancient
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768F7K6Z/
Hot off the e-presses, the final “lost” volume of the Sacred Band series in an all-new Author’s Cut edition. Travel with the Stepsons to a future undreamed. Meet the changeling son of Tempus and Jihan. Learn what it takes to become a dragon. Bring gods to a godless realm. High adventure awaits in Storm Seed by Janet & Chris Morris.
October 7, 2017
Dirty Dozen Author Interview – Meaghan Curley
Author name: Meaghan Curley
*Please tell us about your publications. So far my publications include a poem about how much I hate poetry in the Utica Writer’s Club Poetry volume, a short story titled “the CARF Crisis” in an international humor anthology titled Ellipsis, and my debut novel “Girl: Repurposed” published through Cosmic Teapot Publishers.
What first prompted you to publish your work? To be honest, I’ve been actively trying to get published since I was 16. This was actually the third manuscript I attempted to publish. Somehow I tricked Dylan [of Cosmic Teapot Publishing] into publishing my work haha.
What have you found the most challenging part of the process? Rejection, hands down. I internalized the crap out of all the rejections, especially in the beginning when I was attempting to land a literary agent and it was just nope after nope after nope nope nope.
Are you a ‘pantser’ or a ‘plotter’? Give me a lightning bolt scar cause I am Harry Plotter [goose laughs]
What piece of advice do you wish you’d had when you started your publishing journey? Check yo self before yo wreck yo’self (translation: figure out what you want out of this literary life before you decimate what little self-esteem you have).
If you could have dinner with any literary character who would you choose, and what would you eat. Dumbledore and I’d beg my mom to make us her chicken riggies [a Utica famous cuisine].
What are your views on authors offering free books? Do you believe, as some do, that it demeans an author and his or her work? Hey, I get the appeal of making writing as gainful employment but let’s be real. Writers should be about the readers, not about the fame or the monetary gain, or being about to show up your enemies with your name on the New York Times bestseller list. If I have to give copies out so people will read something that I’ve been slaving over for years, I’m happy to share. But that’s me. I definitely get why people would be offended by the prospect of selling their book for less than a cup of coffee. It’s insulting to the ego, to think your book is worth less than gold, but hey. That’s the way she goes. Just hope in the end someone will love your work so much, they won’t care about paying $19.99 for a hardcover.
What are your views on authors commenting on reviews? Author’s do that??? That’s news to me. Personally, I’m a firm believer in the fact that the writer doesn’t have all the power that English teachers and Spark Notes likes to believe. The reader, the interpreter does. So if they interpret your book is shit, it’s out of your hands. Best you can do is laugh about it and maybe even learn from the criticism.
How do you deal with bad reviews? I look at it this way, “hey a bad review means they at least fucking read it”.
Sort these into the order of importance:
Good plot
Great characters
Awesome world-building
Technically perfect
I’m going to cheat and say good plot and great characters are a tie, then technically perfect, then awesome world-building.
How much research do you do for your work? What’s the wildest subject you’ve looked at? Depends on the story. Some stories are so intrinsic to the human experience, you don’t need to research it. On the other hand, for my current novel, I read and reread as much ancient Greek literature as I could just so I could put in as much “accuracy” to the Greek mythology as possible. I can’t say it’s the “wildest” subject I’ve looked into would be how komodo dragon mating rituals which was someone I randomly felt was needed for this new project I’m working on (it’s gross by the way).
How influential is storytelling to our culture? Americans loves stories. It’s the reason we invented the 24 hour news day, tabloids, celebrity gossip channels. It’s the reason we have SnapChat stories and we still go to the movie theaters, even though movie theaters suck and we all know it. America is nothing without its stories and it’s storytellers.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about writing/publishing? Toni Morrison said it best: write the story you want to read but isn’t out there yet.
What’s the worst piece best advice you’ve received about writing/publishing? I’ve always had teachers that tried telling me I shouldn’t be so “flippant” in my essays but then would give me A’s on the essays anyway. I learned after that it doesn’t matter the style. You can get away with a lot if it’s good enough (look at James Joyce and his difficult ass).
If you could be any fantasy/mythical or legendary person/creature what would you be and why? A mermaid hands down. It’s always been a dream of mine to see what was at the bottom of the ocean. Also, never getting my period again and punking sailors sounds awesome.
Which authors have influenced you the most? J.K Rowling was the one to show me “yeah you can write and have a sense of humor about it too”. Shakespeare showed me when I was young that you can be smart, make up words and make the occasional sex joke too. As I got older though, Rushdie and Dostevsky influenced me the most in terms of novel writing but there’s a variety of poets and short story writers that I feel have left their mark on me: Kaveh Akbar, Maya Angelou, Alexandria Kleeman, Katherine Ann Porter, Petrarch and a ton of fanfiction writers that I can’t even begin to name. The Internet, like many kids my age, had has a profound influence on my writing hahaha. In good and bad ways.
What is your writing space like? I don’t really have a writing space. I’ve written entire novels in my bed, in my car on my breaks, at work on napkins. I once wrote a poem that ended up winning second place in a local poetry contest at the McDonald’s near my boyfriend’s house because I was waiting for a ride.
Tell us about your latest piece? It’s titled “Girl: Repurposed” and it’s about a young woman who gets tricked into selling her soul to Hades by her salty ass grandmother. It’s got a ton of Greek Mythology jokes, dick jokes, puns, and a scene with Jane Austen fist-fighting Charon, the underworld equivalent of a bus driver (but with a sweet boat).
What’s your next writing adventure? Right now I’m trying to write a novel about Komodo Dragons Races and America’s Heroin Crisis.
What was the last book you’ve read? Might surprise, like, two people to say this but my favorite genre to read is nonfiction so I’m currently reading Bruce Watson’s Sacco and Vanzetti and Franco “Bifo” Berardi’s “The Soul at Work”.
Is this the age of the e-book? Are bricks and mortar bookshops in decline? Just because storytelling has taken on new and inventive forms (ebooks, YouTube, SnapChat stories) doesn’t mean bibliophiles aren’t out there. Just because the major publishing houses are feeling an economic decline, doesn’t mean there aren’t independent bookstores popping up all over the world.
Are indie/self-published authors viewed with scepticism or wariness by readers? Why is this? Maybe by a handful of literary snobs but not the rest of the world. Just look at Barnes and Nobles has applications for self-published authors to sell their books in stores. There are plenty of companies who are recognizing that traditional publishing houses no longer the monopolizes of “good” literature anymore. Rupi Kaur is an example of a self-published writer who was recognized for her quality work and was able to make something for herself. I personally don’t think people are as apt to look down on the Indie writer anymore. Hell I don’t think they ever did! Jane Austen and Walt Witman were both self-published writers. Maybe people turned their noses on them then but they sure as hell don’t now.
Is there a message in your books? Yeah, fuck Zeus (that incestuous rapist) and if you’re going to trade yourself do it for a job at least. Don’t be like Megara and do it for a dude (sorry girl. You were still the best thing about Hercules)
How important is writing to you? Writing is my everything. It was all I had when I was a child and it’s all I have now as an adult, in terms of therapy. Writing is how I know who I am or how I am doing, it’s how I got through all my traumas and heartbreaks and painful experiences. Writing will always be on the Maslow Hierarchy of Need for me. Tied with the need for water and shelter and love.
Bio: Meaghan Curley is a writer from Utica, NY who is convinced, for some reason, that she’s going to die at the age of 27 at an ancient Indian Meth Lab, which sucks considering she’s, as of now, 23. She’s also convinced she’s funny despite antithetical evidence stating the contrary. She’s a published poet, short story writer, novelist and activist. Her debut novel, titled “Girl: Repurposed”, is out now. Her idols include JK Rowling, Harriet Tubman and Sampat Pal, the leader of the Pink Sari Gang in India who beats up rapists with a stick and fights corruption in the police force.
Links:
Buy my book on Amazon Girl Repurposed on Amazon -Meaghan-Curley
As well as at Barnes and Noble
Follow me on Twitter and watch me talk to myself Twitter – Meaghan Curley
Follow me on Instagram and watch me be full of myself https://www.instagram.com/meag_a_what/
October 3, 2017
Mythic Tales Bundle #Specfic #fantasy
Mythic Tales on Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/b/mythic-tales
Mythic Tales on Kobo http://bit.ly/2fI2Ons
Mythic Tales on Amazon http://amzn.to/2fFWnkI
Mythic Tales on Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2xLbdLi
Mythic Tales on I-tunes http://apple.co/2xMaolH
A collection of tales told in the old mythic style or set in ancient times, with fairies, monsters and daring deeds. From dark fantasy worlds to the legendary past of our own, myths and legends abound.
Book #1: Beneath the Knowe – Anthea Sharp
Book #2: Tales of Erana – A. L. Butcher
Book #3: A Sword’s Poem – Leah Cutter
Book #4: On the Edge of Faerie -Stefon Mears
Book #5: Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse – A. L Butcher
Book #6: Sorcha’s Heart – Debbie Mumford
Book #7: Tales Fabulous and Fairy Volume 1 – Kim Antieau
Book #8: Tempus – Janet Morris
Book #9: Caught in Amber – J.M. Ney-Grimm
Book #10: Warden of Power – Karen L. Abrahamson
Book #11: Beautiful – Barbara G. Tarn
Book #12: Lost: Cinderella’s Secret Witch Diaries (Book 1) -Ron Vitale
Book #13: Tales of the Faie: The Beginning of Days – Diana L. Wicker
Book #14: Angels and Djinn, Book 1: Raziel’s Shadow – Joseph Robert Lewis
Book #15: Magic for a Rainy Day – Alexandra Brandt
Check out the forthcoming interviews from characters and authors.
October 1, 2017
Curse Breaker: Darkens Blog Tour #Fantasy
Curse Breaker 2: Darkens
By Melinda Kucsera
Genre: Dark Christian Fantasy
Published: July 28, 2017
Summary From Goodreads:
God’s never had a warrior quite like Jerlo on his side.
That’s probably a good thing since a body and a book are unaccounted for. Both formerly belonged to a vanquished demon, but neither were found when the dust cleared. The question of what happened to them prods Jerlo to seek out the one person he swore he’d never speak to—a man everyone thinks is long dead. Jerlo’s relentless quest leads to the oubliette and a psycho’s cell where shadows of his past take him captive. Jerlo must outwit the dark force rising in his home without magic before he falls under its sway. The life of his ward hangs in the balance. One wrong move and the young man God asked him to protect will end up a mindless automaton, or worse, dead.
In a land where magic is their only hope, can a man of faith triumph?
Find out in Curse Breaker 2: Darkens the action-packed sequel to Curse Breaker: Enchanted. Christian Fantasy meets Dark Fantasy in this fast-paced narrative pitting Jerlo against monsters both inside his mind and outside it. God has never had such a flawed champion on his team. Fans of C.S. Lewis will enjoy Jerlo’s quest to safeguard the young man he wronged. Get Curse Breaker 2: Darkens today!
***Curse Breaker 2: Darkens can be read as a stand-alone book or as part of the Curse Breaker Series. Shh, don’t tell the characters I told you that. We’ll just keep that a secret, okay?
Purchase Links: Amazon
About the Author: Melinda
Kucsera writes fantastic short stories, novels and books when not being
kidnapped by dragons or chased by armies of fictional characters
demanding that their stories be told. She leaves the running of her
newsletter to a cast of loveable characters who are far better at
engaging in magical mayhem than in effectively marketing the books they
star in. They also run her website, https://melindakucsera.com Sign up here to experience their weekly shenanigans: http://www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters. Such is the exciting life of this author.
Author links:
Email: melinda@melinda-kucsera.com
Website: https://melindakucsera.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelindaKucsera/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melinda.kucsera/
Review – 1984 #Audiobooks edition
It’s been a while since I read 1984 – one of the masterpiece dystopian books of all time and I’d forgotten what an excellent, and terrifying book this is.
1984 is dark, it is not a happy-go-lucky read and the audio edition does not make easy listening. That said Andrew Wincott was the perfect narrator for this timeless story. It’s a deep, thought-provoking boo laced with a terrifying dystopian truth, and the narrator really nailed that in his reading. From the contemplative, yet naive Winston Smith to the intelligent and brutal O’Brian he roused emotion in the listener. I found myself transported to the frightening world of Winston Smith and thinking how familiar it seemed in so many ways.
Although set in a futurist 1980s (it was written in 1948), the book has a timeless air. History as the reader know is it very different. In Winston’s world Freedom is Slavery, War is Peace and Ignorance is Strength. Many terms people use regularly stem from this book – Thoughtpolice, Big Brother, Doublethink and many people argue that the surveillance in our own societies is reminiscent of Orwell’s world.
His view of crowd mentality is awfully prescient when one looks at recent events across the world. (When individuals may be harmless people, but as a group they become ‘A hideous ecstasy of fear and vindictiveness, a desire to kill, to torture, to smash faces in with a sledgehammer, seemed to flow through the whole group of people like an electric current, turning one even against one’s will into a grimacing, screaming lunatic.’)
1984 (Nineteen Eighty-Four)
Describing the “Two Minutes Hate”, Part 1, Chapter 1.
Orwell’s dark story brings us politics gone insane, the nature of freedom and slavery, thoughts about what we believe history to be, the human spirit to survive, and the human will to power. Winston Smith is, to a great extent, an Everyman; a man of middling, but not great intelligence, in a rather mundane job, unsettled in his life and questioning what is around him, but not really able to understand why things are as they are.
I’d also forgotten the ending – which I won’t spoil but it did make me want to shout ‘No!!!!’ rather loudly.
I Can’t recommend this highly enough. It’s a superb story – which everyone should experience – and a brilliant rendition.
5 Stars to the narrator.
5 stars to the author.
Read 1984 or listen to this awesome retelling – it’s worth the time and it might just broaden your outlook. Read it!
September 26, 2017
Book Spotlight – Dwarves of the World Bundle
#Fantasy #Dwarves
Title: Dwarves of the World
Edited by: Ellen Michelle
Authors: Pat Flewwelling, Lisa Toohey, Dale Long, Brenda Carre, Clay Greene, Brandon Draga, Nicholas Jennings, Vincent Justin Mitra, and Sherry Peters
Genre: Fantasy
Main character description (short). Every main character is a dwarf. Each story has a different dwarf MC that goes through different adventures.
Synopsis: A collection of stories that celebrates dwarves and dwarf culture. Go on an adventure! Stay at home to eat and drink! Forge an axe! Explore what dwarves do or are meant to do, celebrate that and enjoy the culture.
Brief Excerpt 250 words: This excerpt is from the beginning of Sherry Peters’ story: Mabel the Masterful Dwarf
I rubbed my chin. Where just yesterday I felt only smooth skin, patches of short hairs now grew. I pinched the shaft of one between the nails of my first finger and thumb to measure its length. It had to be a record for overnight growth. If my beard continued to grow this fast it would be thick and full before long.
I grabbed my favorite blue tunic and forced it down over my belly. Going up a size of clothing was always a good sign, but this, combined with the beginnings of a beard, was huge. I should have expected it. After all, I was of age. Still, this was a day my best friend Emma and I had talked about all our lives.
I poked my head out my door and smelled pancakes, sausages, and maple syrup. “Max.” I called down the stairs to the youngest of my brothers.
Max, a year older than me, came to the bottom of the stairs, an overflowing plate in hand. Pork fat dripped into his coal black beard as he munched on a sausage. “What?”
“Can I borrow a tunic? Mine’s too tight.”
“Sure.” He handed me his plate while he went into his room.
I helped myself to a thick pork sausage. I licked my lips, savoring the fat and the hint of maple syrup.
Why should readers buy this book (50 words max)?
The Dwarves of the World bundle provides 9 fantastic short stories from 9 talented authors that explore the myths and corresponding mythology about dwarves and dwarf culture. Each story deals with a different aspect of dwarf culture with personalities and situations as unique as the humans you meet every day.
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Cover art credit should go to Ben Falco.
Links etc.
https://bundlerabbit.com/b/dwarves-world
September 23, 2017
Narrator Interview – Joseph Batzel
*Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Joseph Batzel. I live in a small community in Utah by the name of Brigham City and have lived here since 1980 when I moved from Florida. I have been married for 44 years to my wife Alice who happens to be a writer.
We have two sons Marco ages 43- and Matthew 42, and five lovely grandchildren.
I have a Master’s degree in Film and Theater from Brigham Young University. My emphasis was acting and directing.
I have been an educator for the last 40 years of my life and have taught middle school, high school, and presently teach at Utah State University as a part time faculty.
In working at my vocation as an educator, I began my avocation as a professional actor and director for stage, film, and TV. I have 250 credits in the performing industry. I have travelled throughout the US presenting workshops in acting and voice over. I love helping people nurture their talent in these fields of interest.
How did you become involved with audiobook narration and production? I became involved with audiobook production early on in my career as a professional voice over artist. I have at least 150 credits in the voice over industry including radio, TV, animation, and audiobooks.
Tell us about some of the titles you’ve narrated. I narrated an educational CD Titled “Great American Speeches” and did the voice of Abraham Lincoln, and also a family audiobook CD titled “Tales From Davy Jones Locker “Quetzalcoatl” where I was the Grandfather (narrator)
Do you have a favourite amongst these? I must say it was an honor to play Lincoln and read one of the most famous speeches in American History “The Gettysburg Address.”
Do you have a preferred genre? I love to narrate uplifting material. There is too much anger and hatred in the world. I enjoy material that inspires and motivates people to do positive things in life.
Do you have a genre you do not produce? As I previously mentioned, genres that are filled with gratuitous profanity, sex, violence, etc. I have no desire to be involved in those types of projects. Why is this? I have certain personal and religious standards, values, and principles that I don’t want to compromise.
What are you working on at present/Just finished? I’m working on a motivational religious book. I just finished a five book children series, with an excellent author from England, Victoria Zigler, titled “Toby’s Tales.”
*Tell us about your process for narrating? (Be as elaborate as you like.) I have studied professional voice over training with some of the best professional voice over artists in the business. I also had an agent by the name of Linda Bearman that taught me the technique of voice over. I am very detailed in my approach. 1. I read over the script numerous times for content, meaning, characters, etc. 2. I take the script or text and break it down into paragraphs for narrating purposes. 3. I read through the script this time highlighting the character or character voices I’ll be recreating. 4. I mark where each voice changes and label each voice in my text. I use simple codes such as N for the Narrator T for Toby etc. 5. I read through the text practicing the voices aloud.
I go through the text numerous times until I am satisfied with my voice choices.
I do practice recordings until I feel comfortable with my choices. 8. Begin my recording sessions until it is close to perfect.
Edit the final draft.
Submit the work to the author, client, etc.
What aspects do you find most enjoyable? Working and recording the character or character voices.
Do you consider royalty share when looking for books to narrate? Much of it depends on the popularity of the author or if their books are doing well in the various markets available.
Do you listen to audiobooks? I love audiobooks but you can imagine what a critic I am to narrators of the books.
*With many people owning MP3 players do you think this is the future of storytelling? The market for audiobooks is booming for several reasons: 1. Technology 2. Availability of technology ex. I-Phones, laptops, I-Pads. Etc. 3. People are transit and travel more than ever on mass transit, cars, etc. 4. People would rather listen than read in this fast-paced world.
Why do you think audio books are becoming so popular? Answered above!
Can you remember the first audio book you owned? My first and most favorite audiobook was the Harry Potter series narrated by James Dale. Mr. Dale did every character with such precision and professionalism, I listened to the whole series in less than two weeks.
Has ACX/Audible fulfilled your expectations? (such as earnings, ease of use, workload etc.?) ACX provides unique opportunities for voice over artists to enter a simple profile, submit a demo, and bid for author’s titles by a submitting a short sample audition. Very smooth and professional.
The options of profit share and per hour rate are left up to the talent. That works for the talent and provides time for the narrator to research and find out about each author, and what their sales are on various marketing outlets.
The production end has been efficient and professional with adequate feedback from the author and the ACX production staff. The momentary rewards are yet to be determined.
Have you ever had a negative experience producing a book? NO!
Please tell us a silly fact about yourself. I do a great impression of Elvis Presley “Thank you thank you very much.”
Where can we learn more about you? Facebook
Social Media links: Facebook, twitter.
Book 1 – Toby’s New World
Audible: http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Children/Tobys-New-World-Audiobook/B074P7FV1M/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/229561
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/5519989
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tobys-new-world-victoria-zigler/1113041202
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/toby-s-new-world
Chapters-Indigo:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/tobys-new-world/9781476234342-item.html
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tobys-new-world/id562790799
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/tobys-new-world-tobys-tales-volume-1-unabridged/id1270858515
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobys-New-World-Tales/dp/1512358908/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Tobys-New-World-Tales/dp/1512358908/
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Tobys-New-World-Tales/dp/1512358908/
Book Depository:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Tobys-New-World-Victoria-Zigler/9781512358902
Book 2 – Toby’s Monsters
Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Children/Tobys-Monsters-Audiobook/B074SZ9BJX/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/247103
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/5519996
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tobys-monsters-victoria-zigler/1113744687
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/toby-s-monsters
Chapters-Indigo:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/tobys-monsters/9781301157921-item.html
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tobys-monsters/id574780594
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/tobys-monsters-tobys-tales-volume-2-unabridged/id1272267691
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/cka/Tobys-Monsters-2-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512358975
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/d/cka/Tobys-Monsters-2-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512358975
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/d/cka/Tobys-Monsters-2-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512358975
Book Depository:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Tobys-Monsters-Victoria-Zigler/9781512358971
Book 3 – Toby’s Outing
Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Children/Tobys-Outing-Audiobook/B074W95DRX/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/251587
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/5520007
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tobys-outing-victoria-zigler/1113846045
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/toby-s-outing
Chapters-Indigo:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/tobys-outing/9781301643264-item.html
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tobys-outing/id577001695
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/tobys-outing-tobys-tales-volume-3-unabridged/id1273856055
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobys-Outing-3-Tales/dp/1512359041/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Tobys-Outing-3-Tales/dp/1512359041/
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Tobys-Outing-3-Tales/dp/1512359041/
Book Depository:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Tobys-Outing-Victoria-Zigler/9781512359046
Book 4 – Toby’s Games
Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Children/Tobys-Games-Audiobook/B074WCT1W4/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/271594
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/5520032
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tobys-games-victoria-zigler/1114302957
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/toby-s-games
Chapters-Indigo:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/tobys-games/9781301441082-item.html
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tobys-games/id595641562
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/tobys-games-tobys-tales-volume-4-unabridged/id1274236264
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Tobys-Games-4-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512359262/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/d/Books/Tobys-Games-4-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512359262/
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/d/Books/Tobys-Games-4-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512359262/
Book Depository:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Tobys-Games-Victoria-Zigler/9781512359268
Book 5 – Toby’s Special School
Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Children/Tobys-Special-School-Tobys-Tales-Volume-5-Audiobook/B0756Q5KB1/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/281507
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/5520068
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tobys-special-school-victoria-zigler/1114473423
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/toby-s-special-school
Chapters-Indigo:
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/tobys-special-school/9781301489220-item.html
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tobys-special-school/id600171798
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/tobys-special-school-tobys-tales-volume-5-unabridged/id1277169221
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Tobys-Special-School-5-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512359335/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/d/Books/Tobys-Special-School-5-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512359335/
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/d/Books/Tobys-Special-School-5-Tales-Victoria-Zigler/1512359335/
Book Depository:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Tobys-Special-School-Victoria-Zigler/9781512359336
You can also find the books on Goodreads.
Book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15992610-toby-s-new-world
Book 2: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16098832-toby-s-monsters
Book 3: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16127032-toby-s-outing
Book 4: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17209761-toby-s-games
Book 5: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17314257-toby-s-special-school
Review – City at the Edge of Time – Fantasy
#review #fantasy #sacredband
Janet Morris
5 stars
https://www.amazon.co.uk/City-Edge-Time-Sacred-Band-ebook/dp/B0755P12F2/
Politics, deadly magic, legend, love and the machinations of gods abound in this fantasy tale of immortals, pawns and power. This is the fifth Sacred Band novel and steps aside from the usual locations to a mythic city lost in time. When Nikodemos literally falls from the sky in a god-born storm he must not only save himself from the strange and hostile customs of the place but save the city from the wrath of gods and mages. This book, more than the other Sacred Band tales, is Niko’s adventure and of all the characters he is the one who the reader takes to heart. Whereas most of the others are more than human, demigod, or wizard Niko is the fighter whose courage and honour shine brightly but he is a mortal man, with all the flaws entailed. This is Niko’s tale – can he deal with these strange people, the woman who loves him, and away from his bond with the band.
As usual, the pace is fast and the writing melodious and intelligent. The Sacred Band books are not for the faint of heart, or those shocked by violence and bloodshed. This is a tale of friendship, but also mistrust, a tale of immortality but also death, and a tale of love and hatred, thus it is many-layered, supremely crafted tale which thrills the reader.
It does help to be familiar with the characters – but it can be read as a stand-alone. You’ll soon love Tempus, Niko and their world. Don’t expect this to be Sanctuary, the city here is strange, ancient and apart from the world – an immortal wanderer – like Tempus himself. And the challenges are very different.
In many ways, this is a story about being stuck in the past, the old ways and the terror of ‘what is out there’ and the new. It’s a tale of having strayed from the correct path, of corruption and the will to power.
Grab this book and lose yourself in the world Morris weaves. Nothing will ever seem quite the same again with such magic.
September 21, 2017
Swift Six Character Interview – Sir Edric Greenlock – Fantasy
Name: Good evening. I’m Sir Edric Greenlock, also known as the Hero of Hornska.
Which book/world do you live in? I live in the city of Awyndel, mostly (obviously I have my estate in the country and some property in Amphios). Many of my adventures and heroic doings occur in far flung corners of the world, but the latest volume of my biography, cunningly entitled Sir Edric’s Kingdom, mostly takes place in Awyndel.
Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.) I hope you’re not suggesting I’ve got any elven blood in me. Look at the roundness of my ears, the beard bristling like a lion’s mane. I’m a pure-blood human and I shall shoot any villain who claims otherwise. More importantly, I’m also a knight, and wealthier than half of Awyndel put together. You can’t buy class, you know. Can’t sell it, either, which is a bit of a shame.
I’m an adventurer – why should I recruit you to accompany me? You don’t recruit me. I recruit you. The only commands I take on the battlefield are from men with golden hats (although, obviously, I’m usually obedient to Corkwell’s commands in the boudoir).
Tell us about your companions? How do they see you? Dog is my trusty manservant, and companion for most of my adventures. I’m quite sure he’s filled with admiration for myself and contentment that a peasant could get to enjoy the exotic travels and daring deeds of a knight. Orff No-Balsac is a close friend. We have mutual respect for one another, despite the fact I massacred most of his countrymen a few decades ago (don’t feel bad, they utterly deserved it), and he has a bad habit of eating humans. But worry not, I have since led him to a gentler path. Now he only eats unimportant people.
What’s your most heroic exploit to date? The Battle of Hornska, saving the entire world of men and elves from enslavement (and enlunchment) to the Ursk. And yet, there are barely a dozen statues to me in Awyndel. Shocking ingratitude.
What’s your greatest failure? Undoubtedly, being cursed by the wicked witch of wedlock. In my defence, my options were to marry Esmerelda or be brutally murdered. And I have managed to evade the crone’s clutches for many a year.
Where do you think you’ll be in a decade? Hard to say. Prince Sarpellon will probably still be trying to murder me, but Lawrence might pop his clogs. Maybe he’ll name me heir to the throne. I don’t think he will, as he’s something of a moron, but it’s possible.
Do you have a great love? (This could be a person/trait/item) Certainly do. My stables. Must have over twenty horses now, of all varieties. Rounceys for baggage, coursers for long journeys, and that mad monster Moloch for when I’m going into battle. I do love horses. More trustworthy than women, more obedient than men. What would a knight be without his horse?
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0757PMR7F/
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757PMR7F/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/745328
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/sir-edric-s-kingdom
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sir-edrics-kingdom-thaddeus-white/1127041546
September 16, 2017
Book Spotlight – Path of the Traitors – Fantasy – New Release
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Title: Legends of Windemere: Path of the Traitors
Author: Charles E. Yallowitz
Genre: Sword & Sorcery, Fantasy
Main character description (short): This volume of the ‘Legends of Windemere’ series steps away from the main heroes and focuses on one of their oldest enemies. Queen Trinity of the Chaos Elves has decided to help the champions on the eve of their final battle and take what she feels is the first step toward redemption. She is a powerful caster and dedicated leader to her people, but she has also done many horrible things in the name of the evil Baron Kernaghan. Forced to work with other former agents of her master, Trinity must retrain her instincts from that of a deadly assassin to those of a hero.
Synopsis: Hated and distrusted, Queen Trinity must leave the shadows and reach for redemption.
With their final battle on the horizon, the champions are faced with a long-lost piece of the prophecy. Unable to search for the crests that are rumored to be the key to survival, they must turn to a band of their former enemies for help. Sinister desires and hopes for redemption collide as Queen Trinity of the Chaos Elves leads the hunt and struggles to keep her companions on the path of heroism. Monsters, traps, mysteries, and their own pasts will rise up to stand in the way of these people who have spent their entire lives committing sins. Throughout it all, another old enemy is lurking in the shadows and determined to claim her own delicious prize.
By the end of their journey, those who survive will learn that being a hero is more than simply stepping into the light.
Brief Excerpt 250 words: A gurgling causes the two women to pause and look into the pit where the shadows are swirling among the jagged stones. Two black tentacles lance out of the ground and wrap around Yola’s waist, the ooze-dripping projections turning silver at the taste of her magic. Attracted to the stronger energy, the aura syphon yanks the immortal into its slime-covered maw and becomes a metallic beast. With its armored skin, the camouflaged predator is now visible and resembles a sea anemone with the body of a beetle. The jagged rocks are fused to the animal’s exoskeleton and there are six jointed legs that help it scurry out of the pit. Standing over Trinity, the creature opens a faint crease on its body to reveal a bulbous eye with a star-shaped pupil. It pauses to shove a few tentacles into its mouth and hit Yola with pulses of electricity to stop her from struggling. It changes from silver to gold when she attempts to break free, her efforts being quickly drained by the monster.
“Let the crazy woman go before you get killed,” Trinity whispers to the aura syphon. She creates a fireball in the hopes of getting its mouth open, but her spell is ignored. “No reason to have a snack when you have an eternal meal in your belly. Maybe we can have a trade. Can’t believe I’m trying to bargain with this thing. Well, I gave you a chance, so I’m going to blow you up before things get worse. Hope you heard that Yola and are bracing yourself.”
Why should readers buy this book (50 words max)?
‘Path of the Traitors’ is filled with action, humor, and a lot of heart like the previous volumes of this series. With most of the cast being former villains, you get to see how each one works towards redemption and if they can even reach that goal.
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Links etc.
Amazon Sales Link- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PDTSZM/
Social Media:
Blog: www.legendsofwindemere.com
Twitter: @cyallowitz
Facebook: Charles Yallowitz
Website: www.charleseyallowitz.com
