Frank Hofer's Blog, page 10
March 7, 2013
Chapter 9 Start
Chapter 9
Lightning briefly lit the pitch black sky and trailing thunder masked the screams for just a moment. The glow of distant fires reflected off of the low clouds and revealed the nearby smoldering ruins. The stench of death and destruction filled the air. Jeunelux instinctively knew that she was both here and not here; that she was a part of, but distant from the scene around her. Smoke and rain mercifully hid the full extent of the devastation.
Jeunelux found herself walking along a strange river bank. Across the river’s black water she could just make out the silhouette of a town much larger than Genderalt. Rain fell around her yet her night dress was dry. Mud squished between her toes, but her bare feet remained clean. She wanted to move faster but her leaden legs had a mind of their own. Jeunelux sensed rather than saw others like her.
Groenendael ignored the massive club swinging toward his head. The weapon passed harmlessly through the wizard and found its target in the person of a shop owner standing behind him. The behemoth did not seem to care that it had missed him, and in fact did not seem to notice the wizard at all but instead.
Read more at http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Blood-Soup-Caldarium-ebook/dp/B00AGOISEU/
March 4, 2013
Chapter 1 Start
“For someone who loathes humans, you sure waste a lot of time trying to understand them.”
Kruk didn’t bother to look up from the tiny book. “It’s because I study them that I despise them. Have you ever read their literature? Volumes dedicated to violence, deception, and adultery. They write about emotions that they have no hope of ever understanding. Their history books are full of weak attempts to simultaneously justify self preservation and self destruction. It’s mind boggling. Besides, it’s no different than you and your spiders.”
“It’s completely different,” Lren said. “Spiders serve a purpose. They’re worth understanding. Look at a spider web some time. If the natural art doesn’t convince you, the mathematical intricacies must.”
Lren paused as a smile crossed his longtime friend’s face. Kruk had once again managed to change the topic. Defeated, Lren muttered, “At least you’ve never seen me crush a spider.”
Read more at http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Blood-Soup-Caldarium-ebook/dp/B00AGOISEU/
March 2, 2013
New Text to Book Description
I swear I’ve been spending as much time thinking about marketing Duck Blood Soup as I have writing chapters for the sequel. I’m thinking about adding the following text to our Amazon.com description.
Duck Blood Soup blends science, engineering, and magic to create an alternative to sword and sorcery fantasies. The complex interactions between new, unique species and the well thought out magic system makes Duck Blood Soup hard to put down and a delightful surprise.
http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Blood-Soup-Caldarium-ebook/dp/B00AGOISEU/
February 27, 2013
What Book to Read
Which Fantasy book would you like to read in March 2013?
The Dragon Within
The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles
The Five Elements
Thread Slivers
Duck Blood Soup
The Aduramis Chronicles: Destiny of the Wulf
Askari: Child of Muralia Book I
The Never King
Dragons and Cicadas: The Society On Da Run
Days of Love and Blood
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February 22, 2013
Let’s Get Some Exposure
Here’s a chance for Duck Blood Soup to get some exposure. Your vote counts, so go vote: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2013/feb/22/sci-fi-hunt-independently-published#comment-21499001
February 20, 2013
I Can Relate
I can definitely relate to what Wil Wheaton is feeling. When we pulled the trigger and uploaded Duck Blood Soup to amazon.com I didn’t think anyone would buy it. If they did buy it, I didn’t think anyone would like it. Turns out I was wrong. There are actually people we don’t know writing good reviews.
Of course, now I’ve got the same feelings as we start the second book. What if it sucks? What if the people who liked the first book hate the second? What if we’re one hit wonders? But, we press on and write. Who knows. Maybe book two will be better.
February 19, 2013
Sonja’s Review on Goodreads
Sonja gives us four stars in a goodreads.com review:
First of all, do not do what I did. Do not read the sample of this book and then pick it up a couple weeks later to read. Unless you have a better memory than do I. Doing so caused me to take longer than I needed to get into this story. Because I was lost. Because I was lazy.
So. Starting over. This is either a political commentary, an exposition on racism, or another story about teenagers saving the world. Or all 3. I viewed it as the last.
The world created here contains several different species: Giants, a flying species and a vampire like (but definitely NOT vampires) species along with humans. Oh, yes, some of the humans are wizards. And dragonflies that breath fire. A very fascinating group of species. It did take me a while to separate the not-vampires from the flying species. They both start with ‘S’. And are unpronounceable by me.
It did take me a few chapters to sort through this and the relationships of all the characters. But, I liked them all well enough to keep at it. And, I am glad I did. The interaction between the species was very interesting and out of the ordinary. The magic system was new to me and seemed to be well thought out.
My biggest irritation with this book is that it is the first in a series. Grrrr. I would have continued reading. And, not because it ends on a cliff hangar – the battle is complete with the novel – but the war is far from over. I have several predictions as to how the story will play out – and I want to know if I am right. Darn it!
As this is self-published – I feel come editing information is required. It seemed to be a very professionally produced book. I noticed no glaring grammar mistakes and only one “thrown” instead of “throne” (that one took me out of the story (very briefly) and made me laugh). I thought it was well done and very tightly written.
February 14, 2013
Nathan’s Review
Our latest review on amazon.com
Very enjoyable read, February 14, 2013By
Nathan D. Eckenrode “n8k99″
This review is from: Duck Blood Soup (The Caldarium War) (Kindle Edition)
I grabbed this book because of a recommendation from others and it certainly lived up to its billing. The way magic and technology are intertwined in this world is wonderful. Additionally the characters are very enjoyable to follow through their adventures. I look forward to reading more about them.
February 12, 2013
Review by StlCardinalFan
Our latest review on amazon.com from StlCardinalFan:
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Bring on the big magic, February 10, 2013By
StlCardinalFan
This review is from: Duck Blood Soup (The Caldarium War) (Kindle Edition)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good character development and description of their world.
I can’t wait for the second book as three magic users wandering this world could do some big stuff.
Good read!
February 11, 2013
Review by Wolf
Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: Duck Blood Soup (The Caldarium War) (Kindle Edition)
great story line, was a little hard to get into at first, trying to keep track of all characters. after that really good. cant wait for next one
