Ally Shields's Blog, page 59
April 19, 2015
Book Giveaway: Three Intriguing Mysteries
Mystical Mystery Series Book BundleThree Award-winning Authors—Book Giveaway and Sale
Enjoy a touch of the mystical and an innovative take on mystery in three colorful settings. An international trio of authors — Australian Virginia King, American Amber Foxx and British Marion Eaton—all B.R.A.G. Medallion winners—have teamed up for a giveaway and over a week of discounts from April 21 – 30. Buy each e-book for only $1.99 US. Enter the drawing to win a paperback copy of the first book in each author’s series.
The Calling
The first Mae Martin Psychic Mystery
Obeying her mother’s warning, Mae Martin-Ridley has spent years hiding her gift of “the sight.” When concern for a missing hunter compels her to use it again, her peaceful life in a small Southern town begins to fall apart. New friends push her to explore her unusual talents, but as she does, she discovers the shadow side of her visions— access to secrets she could regret uncovering.
Gift or curse? When an extraordinary ability intrudes on an ordinary life, nothing can be the same again.
The Mae Martin Series
No murder, just mystery. Every life hides a secret, and love is the deepest mystery of all.
When the Clocks Stopped
The Mysterious Marsh Series, Book One
When lawyer Hazel Dawkins decides to write some wills while she waits for the birth of her first child, she unwittingly triggers dramatic consequences. Mysteriously, she encounters Annie, a woman whose tempestuous life took place more than two centuries earlier when Romney Marsh was a violent place, dominated by smugglers. Soon that past collides with the present, and Hazel finds herself pitted against an evil that has stalked the marsh for centuries. As her destiny intertwines with Annie’s in the shifting time-scape, Hazel confronts a terrifying challenge that parallels history—and could even change it. If she survives.
The First Lie
Selkie Moon Mysteries Book One
Selkie Moon is a woman on the run. In a mad dash for freedom she's escaped her life in Sydney to start over again in Hawaii. But her refuge begins to unravel and she's running from something else entirely. A voice in a dream says that someone is trying to kill her. Not that she's psychic, no way. But the messages and threats escalate until she's locked in a game of cat and mouse with a mysterious stalker. Entangled in Celtic and Hawaiian mythologies, the events become so bizarre and terrifying that her instinct is to keep running. But is she running from her past? Or her future?
Enter the drawing to win paperback copies of all three books.
Three Intriguing Mysteries Raffle Conditions
1. What is the Prize? The prize consists of three paperback books: The Calling by Amber Foxx, The First Lie by Virginia King, and When the Clocks Stopped by M.L. Eaton.
2. Who Can Enter? The raffle is open to any person aged over 18 years, all countries included.
3. How Long does the Raffle last? The raffle runs from 12:00 midnight Eastern U.S. time on April 21 and ends 12:00 midnight Eastern U.S. time April 26, 2015
4. How to Enter? When you click on the Rafflecopter link you’ll be able to choose which series you would like to learn more about. After that, you’ll be entered in the drawing. To get an additional entry, click on the option to tweet the give-away.
5. How will the Winner be Chosen? A random winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter.
6. When will the Winner be Announced? The winner will be announced on April 27.
To enter, click here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/eb0a35092/
To learn more about the authors and their series:
ML Eaton: http://www.marioneaton.com/
Amber Foxx: http://amberfoxxmysteries.wordpress.com
Virginia King: http://selkiemoon.com/
Sales links:https://amberfoxxmysteries.wordpress.com/buy-books-retail-links
http://www.amazon.com/When-Clocks-Stopped-Time-slip-Mysterious-ebook/dp/B00DTV52PK
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/530153
http://www.amazon.com/First-Lie-Selkie-Moon-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00K1VC20Y/
http//www.amazon.co.uk/First-Selkie-Moon-Mystery-Series-ebook/dp/B00K1VC20Y/
April 18, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: P is for Psychic
Welcome to Letter P of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
P is for Psychics.
A psychic is a person with supernatural powers (ESP) beyond the normal range of human senses, i.e. a medium, a clairvoyant, fortune teller, soothsayer. They are thought to have a special connection with the spirit world and other dimensions, which may include both time and space.
Psychics of one type or another are very popular in fiction. Check out this Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/psychics-fiction and psychics in YA fiction here: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/24367.YA_Novels_about_Psychic_Abilities.
In modern paranormal fiction, psychic powers are attributed to nearly all supernatural creatures, such as vampires, witches, and wizards.
Thanks for stopping. Be sure to come back Monday for the Letter Q...
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
P is for Psychics.A psychic is a person with supernatural powers (ESP) beyond the normal range of human senses, i.e. a medium, a clairvoyant, fortune teller, soothsayer. They are thought to have a special connection with the spirit world and other dimensions, which may include both time and space.
Psychics of one type or another are very popular in fiction. Check out this Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/psychics-fiction and psychics in YA fiction here: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/24367.YA_Novels_about_Psychic_Abilities.
In modern paranormal fiction, psychic powers are attributed to nearly all supernatural creatures, such as vampires, witches, and wizards.
Thanks for stopping. Be sure to come back Monday for the Letter Q...April 16, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: O is for Ogre
Welcome to Letter O of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
O is for Ogre.
This ugly giant feeds on human flesh and is sometimes seen carrying an enormous spiked club. He has tromped through folklore and literature from around the world, typically taking the role of the ultimate slow-witted monster in fairytales.
While I didn't find any adult fiction that has romanticized the ogre, but there are children's books with good ogres that have sprung up in the aftermath of Shrek.
See this site for a list of five children's books: http://www.mittray.com/5-ogre-story-books-children-should-read/
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
O is for Ogre.This ugly giant feeds on human flesh and is sometimes seen carrying an enormous spiked club. He has tromped through folklore and literature from around the world, typically taking the role of the ultimate slow-witted monster in fairytales.
While I didn't find any adult fiction that has romanticized the ogre, but there are children's books with good ogres that have sprung up in the aftermath of Shrek.
See this site for a list of five children's books: http://www.mittray.com/5-ogre-story-books-children-should-read/
A-Z Blog Challenge: N is for Nymph
Welcome to Letter N of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
N if for Nymphs.
The nymphs appeared in Greek and Latin mythology as minor nature deities with winged sandals. They were originally depicted as young females and associated with various locations, such as a forest or lake. More recently nymphs appear in literature as male, female and even asexual creatures, small in stature, and rather fey. See also sprite.
You can read more about traditional nymphs in mythology here: http://www.paleothea.com/Nymphs.html and check out popular modern fiction with nymphs on this Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/nymphs.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
N if for Nymphs. The nymphs appeared in Greek and Latin mythology as minor nature deities with winged sandals. They were originally depicted as young females and associated with various locations, such as a forest or lake. More recently nymphs appear in literature as male, female and even asexual creatures, small in stature, and rather fey. See also sprite.
You can read more about traditional nymphs in mythology here: http://www.paleothea.com/Nymphs.html and check out popular modern fiction with nymphs on this Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/nymphs.
April 15, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: M is for Mermaid
Welcome to Letter M of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
M is for Mermaids.
These mythological creatures have the upper body of a human female and the tail of a fish. They reside in oceans, lakes and rivers and have appeared in the legends of various cultures. Mermaids are alleged to interact with human males by luring them to their deaths at sea or causing them to fall hopelessly in love.
The mermaid has been a favorite in fairy tales (The Little Mermaid), children's books and film. More recently mermaids and mermen have gained a following in popular romantic fiction:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3500.Best_mermaid_books
M is also for Muse. The original muses were Greek goddesses (somewhere between three and nine in number) who were sources of knowledge and inspiration for art, science, and literature. The title of muse has become synonymous for anyone or anything which inspires a writer or other artist to improve their craft.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
M is for Mermaids.These mythological creatures have the upper body of a human female and the tail of a fish. They reside in oceans, lakes and rivers and have appeared in the legends of various cultures. Mermaids are alleged to interact with human males by luring them to their deaths at sea or causing them to fall hopelessly in love.
The mermaid has been a favorite in fairy tales (The Little Mermaid), children's books and film. More recently mermaids and mermen have gained a following in popular romantic fiction:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3500.Best_mermaid_books
M is also for Muse. The original muses were Greek goddesses (somewhere between three and nine in number) who were sources of knowledge and inspiration for art, science, and literature. The title of muse has become synonymous for anyone or anything which inspires a writer or other artist to improve their craft.
April 14, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: L is for Lycanthrope
Welcome to Letter L of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
L is for Lycan, Lycanthrope
A lycan is a creature in mythology and folklore affected by lycanthropy, a condition that allows a human to transform into a supernatural animal, usually a werewolf. While transformed the lycan behaves and thinks primarily like a wild creature, except it has magical powers that make it stronger, swifter and more dangerous than its natural counterparts. In most legends this transformation is irresistible once a month on the night of the full moon.
For stories of lycans in modern fiction, check out this Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/lycans
Thanks for stopping. I hope you'll return for letters M-Z!
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
L is for Lycan, LycanthropeA lycan is a creature in mythology and folklore affected by lycanthropy, a condition that allows a human to transform into a supernatural animal, usually a werewolf. While transformed the lycan behaves and thinks primarily like a wild creature, except it has magical powers that make it stronger, swifter and more dangerous than its natural counterparts. In most legends this transformation is irresistible once a month on the night of the full moon.
For stories of lycans in modern fiction, check out this Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/lycans
Thanks for stopping. I hope you'll return for letters M-Z!April 13, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: K is for Kitsune
Welcome to Day Letter K of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
K is for Kitsune:
The kitsune, which derives from Japanese mythology, is a shapeshifter usually taking the form of a fox. There are two types of kitsune: the good, almost angelic companion, and the trickster, always mischievous, sometimes malicious. This supernatural being is not immortal, but it is extremely hard to kill. Its power resides in its tail, but since the original kitsune had nine tails, all nine would have to be cut off to ensure death. (It would take a very persistent hunter!)
For more of the kitsune history, check out this article: http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Kitsune.
For books on the modern, romanticized version of a kitsune, check out this list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/kitsune.
K is also for Kraken, a giant squid from the Norwegian Sea. This monster has appeared in numerous horror movies.
And K is for Kelpie, a water horse in Scottish folklore. I've read at least one paranormal book with a Kelpie as a major character, but can't remember the title or author. Can anyone help me out by posting the title in the comments?
Thanks for visiting. Come back tomorrow for the next letter!
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
K is for Kitsune: The kitsune, which derives from Japanese mythology, is a shapeshifter usually taking the form of a fox. There are two types of kitsune: the good, almost angelic companion, and the trickster, always mischievous, sometimes malicious. This supernatural being is not immortal, but it is extremely hard to kill. Its power resides in its tail, but since the original kitsune had nine tails, all nine would have to be cut off to ensure death. (It would take a very persistent hunter!)
For more of the kitsune history, check out this article: http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Kitsune.
For books on the modern, romanticized version of a kitsune, check out this list: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/kitsune.
K is also for Kraken, a giant squid from the Norwegian Sea. This monster has appeared in numerous horror movies.And K is for Kelpie, a water horse in Scottish folklore. I've read at least one paranormal book with a Kelpie as a major character, but can't remember the title or author. Can anyone help me out by posting the title in the comments?
Thanks for visiting. Come back tomorrow for the next letter!
April 11, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: J is for Jinn
Welcome to Letter J of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
J is for Jinn -
This supernatural spirit arose from Arabian folklore. The jinn is an invisible or visible shapeshifter who can attach itself to a man or animal. They consort with both demons and angels, but can be forced to obedience by certain types of magic.
The genii or genie is a closely associated being from western culture but is more likely to be neutral or even beneficial to others. This type of genie was popularized most notably by Disney.
More information about the jinn can be found here: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Jinn.aspx.
You might also enjoy this article on the Origin of the Genie in the Lamp: http://www.giantglacier.com/the-origin-of-the-genie-in-the-lamp/.
Thank for stopping! Come back Monday for the next letter.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
J is for Jinn - This supernatural spirit arose from Arabian folklore. The jinn is an invisible or visible shapeshifter who can attach itself to a man or animal. They consort with both demons and angels, but can be forced to obedience by certain types of magic.
The genii or genie is a closely associated being from western culture but is more likely to be neutral or even beneficial to others. This type of genie was popularized most notably by Disney.
More information about the jinn can be found here: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Jinn.aspx.
You might also enjoy this article on the Origin of the Genie in the Lamp: http://www.giantglacier.com/the-origin-of-the-genie-in-the-lamp/.
Thank for stopping! Come back Monday for the next letter.April 10, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: I is for Imp
Welcome to Letter I of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
I is for Imp:
An imp is a tiny creature from folklore and children's stories who plays harmful or mischievous tricks. It is similar to, although considerably smaller than, a goblin.
A darker rendering of this creature, labeling it a "spawn of the devil," can be found here: http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Imps.
I haven't run into any books where imps were the heroes or heroines (if you have, please comment below), but a more common version is in the role of a familiar to a more powerful being, sometimes even to those who wield their magic on the side of good and in noble causes.
Thanks for stopping by! Come back tomorrow for the next letter.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the blog hop badge in the sidebar.
I is for Imp:An imp is a tiny creature from folklore and children's stories who plays harmful or mischievous tricks. It is similar to, although considerably smaller than, a goblin.
A darker rendering of this creature, labeling it a "spawn of the devil," can be found here: http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Imps.
I haven't run into any books where imps were the heroes or heroines (if you have, please comment below), but a more common version is in the role of a familiar to a more powerful being, sometimes even to those who wield their magic on the side of good and in noble causes.
Thanks for stopping by! Come back tomorrow for the next letter.April 9, 2015
A-Z Blog Challenge: H is for Hellhound
Welcome to Letter H of the A-Z Blog Challenge.
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the badge in the sidebar.
H is for Hellhound:
The hellhounds originated in Greek mythology with Cerberus, the demon dog of Hades. While early forklore described them as ghostly creatures, they are more commonly portrayed as resembling skeletal-thin wolves with burning coals for eyes. The devil dogs have the ability to move between the underworld and earth for their own sinister purposes or to carry out the bidding of another evil being.
Hellhounds are frequently the minions of high demons in modern fiction.
Check out this list of popular hellhound books: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/hellhound
My theme is Creatures in Paranormal Fiction.
To learn more about this blog hop and other participating sites, click on the blue/gold letter button in the post
or the badge in the sidebar.
H is for Hellhound:The hellhounds originated in Greek mythology with Cerberus, the demon dog of Hades. While early forklore described them as ghostly creatures, they are more commonly portrayed as resembling skeletal-thin wolves with burning coals for eyes. The devil dogs have the ability to move between the underworld and earth for their own sinister purposes or to carry out the bidding of another evil being.
Hellhounds are frequently the minions of high demons in modern fiction.
Check out this list of popular hellhound books: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/hellhound
