Ingrid Hall's Blog, page 45

A Review of Living in the Supermind – From Personal Mind to Spiritual Mind by Maurie D Pressman, M.D.

 

Born into a conservative Jewish family Dr Maurie Pressman is a psychiatrist who has extensive training in conventional methods with a special emphasis on psychoanalytic, dynamic psychotherapy.  He is also the author of Visions From the Soul and Twin Souls.

It is sometimes difficult to know where to start when reviewing a book of such profound significance.  Having read Living in the Supermind, I now feel that I am standing at the tip of the proverbial iceberg and that there are whole, undiscovered continents for me to explore!  The notion of a higher intellectual state: A level of “consciousness beyond consciousness” that ancient civilisations readily accessed but which as time has evolved has somehow been masked, forgotten is a concept which I am certainly familiar with.  A concept which although it is frequently called slightly different things is one that I would love to embrace if only I could sit down long enough to quieten my mind. Somewhat ironic, given that Dr Pressman talks at length about exactly that, quietening the mind!  He also states that “Supermind is the highest level of mind closest to the creator…” and that “…The Supermind is a reflection of the God-Mind.”

The book is intelligently written, however it is most definitely not a light read and should be saved for when you have the freedom and time to soak up all of it’s many treasures. I would also say that whilst the scope of the work is rather complex and requires a lot of thinking and processing, I imagine that most readers will still find it accessible because of the fact that it is clearly broken down into manageable, bite sized chunks, offering plenty of scope to dip in and out of it at will.

In Living in the Supermind, the author seeks answers to questions that have been bugging the human race since the beginning of time for example just what exactly is the soul? It also offers up a fascinating and entirely plausible opinion on the whole subject of creation and whilst Dr Pressman’s unconventional approach to treating and communicating with his patients would undoubtedly have raised some eyebrows in professional circles, it left me thinking that if only the world was full of enlightened doctors and psychiatrists like him, then our world would be an infinitely better place.

In chapter two, we go through an informative head hop through the minds of Sandor Ferenczi, Carl Jung, Wilhelm Reich, Otto Rank, Karl Abraham, Erik Erikson, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Abraham Maslow, Stanislav Grof and Raymond Moody, whose studies into near death experiences are of particular relevance to me and I will definitely be checking Moody out more as a result of reading this.  

Meditation, it would seem is key to accessing the Supermind and unlike a lot of authors of books on the subject, Dr Pressman acknowledges that some people struggle with meditation and outlines some simpler techniques as a means of starting.   I was completely enthralled by the concept of meditation being “a mini death” as I have never, ever thought about it in this way.  The author describes meditation as “an opportunity to explore the after death world…First we experience the loss of body awareness, then the loss of feeling (emotional) awareness, and then the loss of thoughts and then awareness itself.  Finally, we come to peace, quiet bliss…”  He also goes on to discuss the many benefits of exploring the Near Death and After Death Realms and given how I adore all things death and what comes beyond it, then it definitely resonated with me.

My only niggle with the book, if it can even be called a niggle is that it is jam packed with so many thoughts and ideas and pathways that I want to explore that I feel like my head is in a spin because I don’t know where to start!!! I will most definitely be buying a copy of this book in due course as I need it to be in a format that I can easily access and hopefully learn from and grow… 

You can find out more at http://www.mauriepressman.com

Interview with T. Allen Diaz

Good Morning to you Sir! Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a native of the Tampa Bay area and grew up a history nerd. I grew up loving Star Trek, Star Wars and Aliens. As a kid, I read almost all the time. It’s harder now working full time, being a dad and writing. But I feel it’s important to read, if you want to write, so I do all I can.

I LOVE Star Trek.  Especially the Voyager series!  So writing is not your full time career then?

No, I’m a firefighter by trade, but I really want to be a commercially successful writer. I am learning the business end of writing, and I have to say: It’s been a challenge.

A firefighter (SWOON!) Learning the basics of writing is definitely one of the biggest hurdles any indie author has to overcome…What is the worst job that you have ever done, and why?

I would have to say that my time as a lot porter at a local car dealership was my toughest. The work itself was easy and I liked most of the mechanics, but I’m not really into the sales culture. I really hated getting out of bed back then.

If you could have written any other book by any other author, what would it be, and why?

At this moment, I’d have to say 1984. I am fascinated by the theme of absolute power corrupts absolutely and love the way the pigs evolve into people.

 How would you think your parents would describe your book? Does this differ from how you would describe it?

I think my folks would see Procythian Reign as a sort of Star Wars-like adventure but, I see a lot more history than The Force.

What Genre is your work – Do you have any plans to work outside of it?

I like to write science fiction. I find it a good format for creating the perfect world for the story I wish to tell. I have branched out somewhat. I’m currently working a detective noir story that is set in the distant future. It still fits the science fiction genre, but it definitely won’t be a space opera.

That sounds intriguing! What inspired you to write your first book?

That’s a two-part answer: Once upon a time, I had a dream. I just realized how that sounds, but it’s true. I had a dream about an old city by the sea, besieged by Man’O’War-type sailing ships. This became the inspiration for the story that became Procythian Reign. Meanwhile, a friend of a friend got some pretty strong kudos for a screenplay that he’d written. It inspired me and three or four years later, I had a first draft.

 Do you ever get ideas at random moments, and if so how do you hang onto them?

I do. The hotel lobby from my honeymoon will appear in a story, somewhere. I sometimes scribble notes but not usually. I’ve lost a lot of good ideas.

One thing I have learned is to ALWAYS try and scribble down your ideas.  Even if you don’t use them for months or even years, they will bear fruit at some stage!  Which reminds me I had a dream last night and I need to jot a few elements of that down!

Which was your favourite character to write, and why?

I would have to say Leo Krisminski. I wanted him to be a capable, ruthless professional who is both smart and talented. I tried to make him somewhat sophisticated and urbane. He was a lot of fun because he’s really bad.

Oh, I love his name LEO KRISMINSKI – I will be looking out for him!

What are you reading at the moment, and why?

World War Z. I’m not really a zombie fan, but I refuse to watch a movie based on a novel before I read the book. I’ve enjoyed it, so far.

Left or right and why?

Left. I believe our differences are our greatest strength and that they should be celebrated. Everyone should be allowed to pursue his happiness, as long as it’s not at the expense of others.

That is a very good theory!  I am definitely of the live and let live school of thought, myself! What is your favourite movie and why?

I like a lot of historical movies like Patton and We Were Soldiers. But my favourites aren’t movies so much as series like Tudors and Battlestar Galactica. I’d have to say, Battlestar Galactica is my favourite.

I never saw the Tudors series, although I would have liked to have done as they were utterly fascinating and so bloody ruthless in their pursuit of their goals…Do you have an opinion on life after death, and if so what?

I’d like to be wrong, but I’m not a believer. After all, there are millennia of history that occurred before my birth, but I have no first-hand memories. Why should it be any different when I’m gone?

Because surely the whole point is to learn whilst you are here??? If you came armed with memories then what would be the point???

What do you have in the pipeline?

I’m currently doing rewrites of Procythian Reign’s sequel, and have five or so chapters of the first draft of the detective noire novel we discussed earlier. I’m also playing with ideas for the last novel of the Proceena Trilogy, but can’t really start it until I know exactly how I want to end the middle story.

What is your earliest childhood memory?

Seeing Star Wars and Smokey and the Bandit at the drive in. I fell asleep at the beginning of Smokey and the Bandit and woke up during the Death Star chase. That would have to be June of ’77. I’d have been 3.

If you only had 60 seconds remaining on this planet, what would you say, and who would you say it to?

I’d want my kids and wife to know I love them. I’m outspoken enough that anything else that needs saying has been said.

Do you have any pets – If so what?

A dog (my son’s) and cat (my wife’s). I love them both, but am very conflicted about pets. I enjoy the companionship, but don’t like sharing my home with animals.

I am like that.  We have a dog (my son’s) However, I wouldn’t ever have had a pet by choice!  Simba is definitely our first and our last!

Do you have a football/soccer team that you are passionate about and if so what?

Historically, I’m a HUGE Florida Gator fan but, I’m slowly getting disenchanted with college football, too much corruption.

Where was your best ever bucket and spade holiday, and why?

St. Augustine, Florida. I spent a great weekend enjoying the Atlantic Ocean with my kids and wife. I love St. Augustine. There’s so much history there.

My son has a bee in his bonnet about wanting to go to Florida, however when we can get to one of the Greek Islands for a fraction of the cost then he hasn’t got much chance!!!

Thank you for taking time out to spend time with me today, your book is on our “To Review” list and we also have one of your characters scheduled to give an interview over the next couple of months so I am sure we will be hearing a lot more from T. Allen Diaz!!

 http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6953401.T_Allen_Diaz
 http://www.amazon.com/Procythian-Reign-ebook/dp/B00BF9XLME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372803333&sr=8-1&keywords=procythian+reign
 http://www.amazon.com/T.-Allen-Diaz/e/B00BK70SCW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Review of Silenced by Raebeth McGee-Buda

Raebeth McGee Buda was born in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  She graduated from American Intercontinental University and enjoys spending her time writing.  Silenced, her first novel was published under her maiden name but she plans on writing under her married name for future works.

I have been meaning to read Silenced for a very long time, indeed I bought a physical copy a few months ago however every time I have gone to pick it up, I have always been distracted by something else.  I finally took it with me yesterday to the hospital as I knew I would be in for a long wait whilst my mam underwent her chemotherapy and I read the entire book in one sitting.  It is a quick read, all in all I think it took me around two hours and I was hooked and pulled into Amber Brown’s world from the very beginning.

I am extremely glad that the author chose to write this book in first person narrative because to have written it in third person would have been a crime! I LOVE books where I am sucked into the head of the main character.  I like to feel what they are feeling, think what they are thinking, smell what they are smelling…You get my drift!  Amber Brown is a very confused and dare I say, disturbed young woman and this is very much the story of her struggling to find love and acceptance as much as it is about her self-harming or “cutting” as the she succinctly describes it. The novel is multi-layered and all of the characters are extremely well rounded and thought out and the author successfully shows other view points whilst always telling it through Amber’s eyes.  I was particularly drawn to her mother, who has secrets and issues of her own and whose actions, even though unintentional, have contributed to Amber’s current state of mind.

The scenes where both Amber and her mother and step father are all trying yet failing to successfully communicate and their knee jerk reactions to situations were so strikingly familiar that they were heartbreaking.  I have no doubt that whilst the story is told through the eyes of a disturbed teen this book will resonate with readers of every age.  The book ends on a cliffhanger and I am extremely pleased that I have already downloaded book two and hopefully it won’t be too long before I get a chance to read it!

My only caviat/problem with this book is the presentation.  It needs fully aligning/justifying and on a few occasions text starts mid-way down the page.  The pages also need to be numbered.

Presentation aside, this book is an absolutely compelling read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

You can find the author at the following places:

http://www.facebook.com/raebethbuda

http://raebethmcgeeswriting.blogspot.com/

Interview with April Adams

Hi April, ever since our review of Shattered -The Legends of the Rune I have been itching for a chance to catch up with you! So come on, spill…

Hi Ingrid, I’m a thirty-something wife and mom, an animal lover, a Whovian, an anglophile, and a dreamer. I was born and raised in Texas, and somehow I’m still here.

Dr WHO?????????????????????? Love him and I am really excited about the “new” doctor! Is writing your full time career?

One of them. I’m a full time wife, mom, and writer. I also work with the children’s ministry at our church.

That sounds like a noble thing to be doing! What is the worst job that you have ever done, and why?

Selling timeshare. Ugh. Trying to get random people who have been lured by a free TV to commit to a huge monthly payment in order to stay in a resort once a year – well, it was the worst. I needed a job though and it sometimes paid the bills.

I‘ve done lots of sales jobs in my time, but have never attempted to sell Time Share, thankfully! If you could have written any other book by any other author, what would it be, and why?

Gosh, that’s a tough one! I don’t feel like I would have done it well, not as well as he did, but the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne is something I would have enjoyed writing. Glad he beat me to it though. They are truly awesome.

How would you think your parents would describe your book? Does this differ from how you would describe it?

Hahahaha! My mom is reading it, hasn’t said a word so far. I think it’s a bit far out for them. I’m also a little embarrassed about the sex scenes, although they’re totally innocent and not thoroughly descriptive like in romance novels. I gloss over the deed. It’s the lead-up that provides the anticipation anyway. I do hope they like it, though.

So for those who don’t know tell us what Genre your novel fits into and do you have any plans to work outside of it?

My work, The Legends of Rune trilogy, is contemporary fantasy. I do have plans to work outside of it. My next book is a light-hearted urban fantasy, then I’m going to do an intense literary fiction. I have 2 or 3 more ideas jotted down beyond that.

I’d be really interested to read your literary fiction as that is a big leap away from what you are currently doing and I love it when authors successfully cross genre! What inspired you to write your first book?

The answer to that question is a long one. Shattered stewed and simmered for about 15 years. I got into some magic and mysticism as a teen, and some of the things I learned and experienced are represented in the books. In my juvenile poetry also, certain random poems had elements that fit with the trilogy. I had the ideas, but suffered from a major case (15 years) of writer’s block.   It was watching BBC’s The Hollow Crown that sorted my thoughts into their places and provided me the overwhelming inspiration I needed to overcome the block and get to it. It was the wooing of Catherine scene, King Henry being played by Tom Hiddleston, when he winked and said, “The elder I wax, the better I shall appear,” well – that was it. Somehow that was my eureka moment. Gotta love Shakespeare and great actors for their ability to inspire.

Oddly enough, Shakespeare doesn’t do it for me – However I know Lenora is partial to his work…Do you have a structure when you are writing, and if so what?

Eh, not much. Shattered was totally free-flow with no outline or anything. I didn’t even know how it was going to end (or pause, since it’s a trilogy.) Then I read a few books on writing novels and re-wrote nearly the entire thing with an outline. That made it so much better. Book 2, A King’s Burden, was written with the entire plot outlined in advance. That seems to work for me. It’s a bare bones outline, just to keep my ideas in order.

Which was your favourite character to write, and why?

Ambius. He is so kind and elderly and odd. He loves to eat sweets and smoke marijuana. Don’t let that fool you though; he’s incredibly powerful and not feeble in body or mind. He’s a Watcher, and that means he’s a force to be reckoned with. It was just fun to work with him.

What are you reading at the moment, and why?

Sara Donati’s Into the Wilderness series. I just started it and I like it already!

Left or right and why?

Middle. I’m a Libertarian. I believe that people should have the right to govern themselves. We are entitled to liberty, and I support an individual’s right to do what he/she sees fit. It gets rid of the gay debate and the drug debate – let people do what they want as long as it doesn’t harm others. What right do we have to judge or legislate freedoms?

That sounds pretty damned reasonable to me! What is your favourite movie and why?

That’s impossible. Here are some faves – Gentleman Broncos, Kate and Leopold, The Avengers (Marvel), The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Bridesmaids, Due Date, Restoration.

Yeah, I liked Bridesmaids and I keep meaning to watch The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy however heathen that I am, I have never got around to doing it! Do you have an opinion on life after death, and if so what?

Yes, I’m a Christian. I believe that we all get a choice of eternal accommodation. Beyond that, I’m not one to judge or condemn. Love is what it’s all about.

London, Paris or New York and why?

London! Because I’d always keep my ears open for the T.A.R.D.I.S sound. 

What do you have in the pipeline?

Audio book for Shattered will be out sometime near the end of this summer, 2013. A King’s Burden, book 2, is coming in August 2013. The Beauty of Ashes, book 3, will be out sometime next year. Beyond that I’m dabbling with a few other first drafts. Nothing concrete yet.

Sounds like you are really busy! I like the idea of an audio book, I must look into that! What inspired you to be a writer?

I learned to read before Kindergarten. I devoured books and knowledge like some kids devoured twinkies. As I grew up and went through awkward phases I dove deeper and deeper into the world of books. It’s the imagination, the emotion, the adventure that gets me. I had a story to tell, and I knew that I could. There was no particular inspiration. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I learned to read.

How do you overcome writers block?

Watch the right movie at the right time? Honestly, I don’t know. It was serendipity, maybe synchronicity, and I had nothing to do with it. Glad the block cleared though. That was crippling. It may have to do with confidence.

Where would you like to be in 5 year time?

Living in the UK – not picky, but would love Scotland. I will still be writing and reading and playing with my son and pets.

Scotland is gorgeous, I am fortunate that we don’t live too far from the border…If you only had 60 seconds remaining on this planet, what would you say, and who would you say it to?

I would sing, “So Long and Thanks for all the Fish” to anyone who would listen.

You will have to teach me that one, April! Where was your best ever bucket and spade holiday, and why?

I don’t think I’ve actually had a good one. I’m not a beach person. The sun and the ocean are trying to kill me. I once got caught amid a swarm of mating jellyfish. Didn’t get stung, but still, ew. Once I got drawn out in an undertow and had to swim for at least a mile to get back to shore. I’m super pale and always managed a 2nd degree sunburn. So… bucket and spade wouldn’t be my choice of holidays. Touring historical sites in cool weather, or staying in a snowy lodge – that would be my idea of fun.

April, I am so glad we finally got a chance to catch up and I am fairly sure we have an interview with one your characters coming up in the next couple of months, so watch this space everyone!!!

Hop on over to April’s site and show her some love:

http://www.writerapriladams.com/

 

Review of Shifter Born by A.T Weaver

A. T. Weaver (Alix the Weaver) is the pen name of a senior citizen and great-grandmother who started writing gay love stories at the age of 60. She has published three novels which are also available on Amazon.  She also reviews books for this site.

Shifter Born opens in eighteenth century France and I found myself pulled into the world of Marrok, a shifter who sets out to avenge the slaughter of his family.  Whilst I myself have drawn heavily upon Loki, the mythological Norse shifter in my own novel I will admit that this is my first real foray into the world of shifters that are entirely the product of an author’s imagination and whilst prior to reading I was a little uncertain as to what to expect, I was certainly not disappointed!

I love it when I can actually sit back and “watch” a story as it unfolds.  The imagery in the opening scenes of this book is brilliant and there is an air of authenticity about it that is sometimes lacking in stories set in a historical time frame.  I certainly had no difficulty in buying into the concept that I had been transported back to eighteenth century France.  I also quite liked the fact that the setting was historical as opposed to futuristic or fantasy.

I loved the intermittent bursts of French in the dialogue as I felt this once again added authenticity to the plot.  I would however have preferred it if the author had stuck to universally understood French as occasionally whilst I got the general gist, I was a little confused.

Because Marrok is a shifter and therefore immortal, the story starts during the French Revolution and ends in 2012.  The changes in time period are clearly sign posted, however if I am being totally honest then I would have preferred it if the author had confined herself to a much shorter space in time as I felt that the time frame was too vast for the story and because of that at times I felt that it lacked depth.  I definitely wanted a lot more when Marrok finally confronted his nemesis and I also think that an opportunity for a series of books has been lost as a result of covering such a broad time frame in one novel.

I found the character of Marrok to be extremely honourable and likeable and the relationships that he forms with various men throughout the course of two centuries all seem genuine and sincere. The sex scenes are surprisingly graphic but not at all disproportionate or gratuitous.   I am not sure that it was the author’s intention but rather my macabre streak kicking in however I found myself thinking that for all he was likeable, anyone considering getting involved with Marrok would be best advised to run for the hills seeing as all but his final love interest met some pretty nasty ends.

All in all this is a well written and grammatically correct novel.  It was enjoyable and “good” however it could have been “exceptional” if limited to a shorter time frame with more depth.

http://www.twitter.com/alixtheweaver

http://alixtheweaver.wordpress.com/

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Competition to name Luna Ballantyne’s new heroine….

Afternoon everyone.

As most of you will know I am planning on writing a series of erotic paranormal/erotic horror books under the guise of my alter ego LUNA BALLANTYNE and I hope the first one will be published at some point during 2014. I have a  story line in mind for the first book and have been mulling over names for my central characters this afternoon and because I just can’t decide I have decided to turn the decision over to you!!!

The novel will be set in 17th Century England and the names that I am considering are:

Charitye

Elizabetha

Elianora

Magdalena

SO, here’s the deal.  Be a part of my story! Simply leave a comment on this blog post with your name of choice (If you have a different suggestion then by all means go for it) and I promise I will use the most popular choice for the heroine’s name in my first novel writing as Luna Ballantyne.

I will also send a copy of my novel Granny Irene’s Guide to the Afterlife – Revenge – Part 1 to one lucky participant whom I shall select at random.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 30TH SEPTEMBER 2013

Review of Demons in the Big Easy by Jamie Marchant (A Novella)

REVIEWED BY JULIA FLOWERS WRITING AS A.T WEAVER

Jamie Marchant describes herself as married and living in Auburn, Alabama with her husband, son and four cats. You can find out much more about her in the interview that she did with Ingrid here.

Once again I’ve been given a book to review that is in a genre new to me and I’m not sure in what genre to place it. Demons in the Big Easy is about witchcraft, demons and zombies, but it’s also suitable for young readers. There are no bloody massacres, no actual violence, no sex (although a couple of the characters are naked) and no profanity. I would not hesitate to recommend this for my teenage grandchildren.

Cassandra is a witch. Although we are not told her actual age, we know she has to be very old because 70 years ago, she visited Earth. She has lost all of her family except for twin granddaughters. Again, we are not given an age for the young girls. At first Caronwyn appears to be very young, early teens, however, in the end, I realized she’s older than I first thought. When Carowyn’s twin sister falls through a gateway between Dohman and Earth, Cassandra has no choice but to try to find her. Against her grandmother’s wishes, Carowyn goes also. Earth has changed a lot since Cassandra was last here. Carowyn is terrified of the differences between Dohman and Earth, particularly automobiles.

 Caronwyn sat on the bench far too closely for normal courtesy. “Grandmother, when I heard the stories, I never dreamed it would be like this.” She gaped at the huge crowds of tourists, snapping photos of the wrought iron balconies. She stared in horror at the automobiles speeding by on the street in front of them. “How can anything move so fast? It can’t be safe.” The automobiles did seem a lot faster than Cassandra remembered them, and there were a lot more of them. The styles were also different, both of the automobiles and the people who passed by. Many wore short pants and shirts that covered little. She remembered skirts far shorter than the ankle length considered proper in Domhan, but not women showing so much skin. Times had certainly changed since she last came across. Cassandra removed her cloak and clutched her pack with its thousand dollars tightly.

 They meet and are joined in their search for Aine by a homeless man. Jake has been in and out of therapy for years because he sees demons everywhere.  Cassandra casts a spell to help find Aine and what they finally find is a large shock to Cassandra.

 The ending leaves room for stories about Cassandra, Caronwyn and Jake. One would hope they make it home to Dohman safely and that Jake comes with them.  If I had any complaints with this novella it would be it lacks in description. How old are Cassandra and Caronwyn? What do Caronwyn and Aine look like? Although Cassandra and Caronwyn are asked if they are part of a Renaissance fair, we aren’t given a good idea of their clothing other than it’s old-fashioned.

All in all, this is a delightful little story, one which I will read again. I also look forward to other works by this author.

Jamie Marchant can be found at:

http://jamie-marchant.com

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamie-Marchant-Author/164706710298768?ref=hl

 http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5258855.Jamie_Marchant

http://www.amazon.com/Demons-Big-Easy-A-novella/dp/1481906984/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378563670&sr=8-1&keywords=Demons+in+the+Big+Easy

and you can contact Julia Flowers writing as A.T Weaver here:

http://alixtheweaver.wordpress.com/

http://www.atweaver-writer.com/

 

Book Review: A Dangerous Place by Robin Herne

A Review by Lenora

Robin Herne is a practicing Druid who lives in Suffolk and has a number of books already under his belt.  Founder of the Druidic Clan Ogma and the Ipswich Pagan Council Robin Herne is also an accomplished story-teller and poet. His latest volume of short stories, A Dangerous Place, will be published by Moon Books on 27 September 2013.

A Dangerous Place by Robin Herne

‘A Dangerous Place’ is a collection of ten crime stories set in Ipswich, and covering over two thousand years of history.  From the Iron-Age to the modern-day; the sinister power of Castle Hill exudes its baleful influence on those who inhabit it leading to gruesome murder after gruesome murder.

I have to say that the only thing I knew about Ipswich, before picking up this book, was that a few years back it gained notoriety as the stomping ground of a serial killer bent on murdering women – so the title ‘A Dangerous Place’ certainly seemed appropriate.  However, the focus and theme of this book is the animist and polytheist concept of how a place can have a ‘genius loci’, spirit of place, which can influence its human inhabitants.  Robin Herne provides a very good introduction to explain the premise for his collection to those less familiar with this world view.

The setting for each of the ten tales is Castle Hill, Ipswich, and each of  tales takes place in distinct and well researched historical periods – in fact Herne ends each story with a comprehensive (and very readable) set of explanatory notes.  I was reminded of other weightier tomes such as Edward Rutherford’s ‘London’ which told the story of London from earliest times and, like Herne, had reoccurring families and character-types.  Unlike Rutherford though, Herne weaves a pagan and spiritual theme throughout his tales.  Not just travelling through social history (there is a welcome inclusion of gay and lesbian victims and protagonists in the cast of characters ); but through the history of beliefs – Druids, Heathens, Puritans, Spiritualists and Modern Pagan all get a turn on the murderous stage of history.  Herne demonstrates how paganism once the lifeblood of Britain was suppressed by incoming religions but never quite eradicated.

One of the things that I liked most, was that Herne was not afraid to incorporate real historical characters.  One of my favourite stories was set in the seventeenth century and concerned Mary Lakeland, a real life woman accused of murdering her husband through witchcraft.  The epistolary style of this tale was very effective.  He also incorporated the often neglected role of the ‘Cunning man’ into one of his tales – and I could definitely see Dr Bayldon Winter being the focus of further stories!

My decided preference was for the later tales – I can say that I really began to enjoy these stories from The Golem onwards; ‘Suffer a Witch’, ‘A Doctor Calls’ and ‘The Black Dog’ were my favorite stories (Look out for the humorous parody of Holmes and Watson in The Black Dog).  Perhaps it is simply that I am more familiar with those historical periods, or that the sinister reputation of Castle Hill took a few stories to establish itself! Herne admits in the introduction that it is almost impossible to define what characterises a Genius Loci as joyful or sinister…he considers that in some cases it may be simply experience that makes a place hostile to humans…and he certainly wastes no time in laying down enough negative experiences connected with Castle Hill to make the reader believe his theory.

One of the elements that I particularly enjoyed about these tales was that although they each ‘stand alone’ the folk memories and long forgotten religious practices of previous generations that feature in earlier tales, resurface as half remembered  folk-memories (the dog is one such reoccurring theme) and are woven into the fabric of each succeeding story, thereby providing the dark thread that binds both the past and the future together.

My only caveat would be that the short story format does not always allow for a great amount of detail to build up, those expecting complex forensic crime stories may be a little disappointed at the speed at which crimes are wrapped up.  However, Herne provides a well researched, entertaining collection of murder mysteries in a variety of literary styles and with a historical and spiritual twist.  Not only that, he successfully creates a wonderful cast of memorable and sometimes eccentric detectives who employ everything from observation, psycho-analysis to mysticism in their historical crime-fighting.  All in all, a good read!

A Dangerous Place by Robin Herne will be published by Moon Books on 27 September:

A Dangerous Place

Interview with Carmilla Voiez

Good Morning on this horrible, wretched, miserable day to CARMILLA VOIEZ…Just as well we brought our brolly’s today!  Tell us a little bit about yourself whilst we attempt to dry off!

Well, I was born in England and have lived in Scotland for the past decade. I have two daughters and two cats. I’m a Goth and a feminist. Before writing professionally I earned my living designing and selling clothing. I studied Creative Writing with the Open University and have just finished my third novel.

It’s a shame Lenora couldn’t join us today, you and her would get on like a house on fire! So, Is writing your full time career?

That and motherhood, yes.

What is the worst job that you have ever done, and why?

I worked at Miss Millies Take Away Chicken for a while. I stank all the time and was covered in fat burns.

Sound’s pretty grim! If you could have written any other book by any other author, what would it be, and why?

The Wasp Factory by the late, great Iain Banks as I think it is the work of literary genius.

I’ve been meaning to stock up on some of his works for a while now but never seem to get around to it. Maybe one day! How would you think your parents would describe your book? Does this differ from how you would describe it?

My father loves my books. My mother hopes one day I’ll write something which isn’t full of sex and violence so she can read it.

What Genre is your work – Do you have any plans to work outside of it?

I write horror and erotica under my name, Carmilla Voiez. I wrote a YA short story for my daughter that will be published under the name, Milla V. I am working on a literary fiction novel that may or may not see the light of day in years to come.

What inspired you to write your first book?

They say write “what you know” and so I wrote about the Goth culture. I wrote the first draft during NaNoWriMo 2009. I had previously written a very short story about Lilith which led onto this first novel, Starblood.

Do you ever get ideas at random moments, and if so how do you hang onto them?

Yes, at night time or in the shower, or sometimes when I’m out walking. I always keep a notebook with me and have been known to jump out of the shower to scribble down an idea in an eureka moment.

I often stop what I am doing too just to make notes, because you never know what they are going to turn into! Do you have a structure when you are writing, and if so what?

I tend to write very emotional scenes in a notebook first, but mostly I just sit and type and let inspiration flow through my fingertips.

Which was your favourite character to write, and why?

Freya, in the Starblood trilogy, because she was intelligent, witty and very, very crazy.

Crazy works for me…What are you reading at the moment, and why?

Neil Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book”, for a number of reasons. It’s the Library of Darkness’ chosen book for this month, I get to meet the maestro himself in August and it’s a lovely read.

I think I will add that one to my “to be read” list! Left or right and why?

Left, politically and spiritually. It feels the less restrictive and more human way.

What is your favourite movie and why?

It changes dependent on mood. I love Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures because he creates wonderfully complex female characters and it’s a chilling but beautiful story. I have watched Breakfast at Tiffanys more than any other film as it cheers me up when I feel sad.

Do you have an opinion on life after death, and if so what?

I suspect we become one with the earth and so continue the circle of life that way, but I am not averse to other ideas.

What do you have in the pipeline?

I have recently finished the final book in the Starblood trilogy, “Black Sun”, I have edited an anthology of psychological horror called “Broken Mirrors, Fractured Minds”, which was released on the 2nd August. I have also penned a YA story called “Selkie” and an erotic short called “Silk” and those will be released before the end of the year. Currently I am working on a new horror novel with completely new characters.

“Broken Mirrors, Fractured Minds is on Lenora’s list to review although I have taken a sneaky peak and was so hooked that I was tempted to drop what I was doing and review it there and then.  I will definitely buy it at some stage, however  I just feel that seeing as she is the Queen of Horror, Lenora will do the review more justice than I would…What inspired you to be a writer?

Writing is my therapy. I love telling stories and pushing boundaries.

Pushing the boundaries is what writing is all about…What is your earliest childhood memory?

Being in a busy shopping centre at the age of 3 and leaving my mum and walking home by myself because I got bored.

OMG. Child from Hell!!! How do you overcome writers block?

Walking, running or sometimes writing through it.

If you only had 60 seconds remaining on this planet, what would you say, and who would you say it to?

I’d tell everyone I love them and have a group hug. I love hugs.

What advice would you give your 18 year old self?

Don’t let the bastards get you down.

And on that truly wonderful note we shall leave it there!!! Carmilla I am really glad that we braved the elements this morning to catch up and I am really looking forward to reading your stuff over time.

You can find this lovely Goth lady at:

https://www.facebook.com/Author.Carmilla.Voiez

Review of Curse of the Blood Fox – Sleepless by Sera Ashling

Curse of the Blood Fox – Sleepless by Sera Ashling Reviewed by Julia Flowers writing as A. T. Weaver

Sleepless is the first of a trilogy by a first-time author. Hopefully she will finish the trilogy and go on to more books. Sera Ashling is a graduate of the University of South Florida, with a B.A. in Creative Writing. She has an intense and disturbing love for fantasy and sci-fi anything, and thinks everyone else should too. Currently surviving by making fleece hats and selling them online, she spends the rest of her free time on manga, video games, and… writing, because she does that for work as well as play. She likes to focus on dialogue and character development in her stories, which range from young adult to adult and stay mostly in the speculative fiction genres.

I’m a bit confused as to what genre to call this book. Is it fantasy? Yes. Is it sci-fi? Yes. Is it a legend? Yes. What it isn’t, is boring. It has monsters, unicorns, enchanted swords, enchanted forests magic users, and almost anything else you’d want.

The story of the enchanted swords, Valentina and Pherando would make a good book all in its own. If you are looking for a fast read, or a fluffy plot to pass the time, don’t start this book. It will take you into worlds you can only imagine. I’m generally a fast reader, but every word of this book needs to be relished.

What is a Blood Fox? This is a question I asked and I’ll admit, it gets a bit bloody for my personal taste at times, but if you like sword fights and magic, this is for you.

“Our bandits were perhaps starting to realize that they had bitten off more than they could chew. It was still hard to individualize them until they attacked, but one did stand out; he was tall, and there was stubble on his chin sticking out from below his mask. He was shouting orders to circle back and regroup. He might have been the leader, but there was only one way to be sure. I snaked forward through the crowd, knocking stray swords away with my own, and swung at him when I was within a couple feet. He only just managed to dodge, but Valentina still bit sweetly into his side. A desperate lunge from one of his fellow bandits jarred me and sent my sword flying into the dirt. The man cried out, and it was like I had disrupted a beehive. Bodies swung around and swarmed close, pushing me back as he stumbled into them. I retreated, only Phernado in hand, trying to find a safe place amid the flashing blades…”

Admittedly, there are probably places where the author could have tightened the story a bit without losing the overall thread, but I’m not sure how. Often, a story’s end is obvious from the beginning. A lot of the ‘fun’ of a story, is in getting to the end. I was not able to see where the author was going. The end came as a big surprise. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in the lives of Santo and Traken.

Sera Ashling can be found at:

http://seraashling.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/SeraAshling

http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Blood-Fox-Sleepless-ebook/dp/B00ENN6SVK/ref=sr

Julia Flowers writing as A.T Weaver can be found at:

http://alixtheweaver.wordpress.com/

http://www.atweaver-writer.com/