Loren Secretts's Blog
November 9, 2014
Neglect
Neglect.
I meant no harm, but without intention, my beloved hobbies have unfortunately been neglected because of my involvement in training for a specialization in my profession, as well as in editing sequels to Scents and Senses.
Therefore, I will meanwhile be posting only titles and genres of books (with their links) that I have been able to determine as appropriate for this site.
Wishing you many great reads!
Loren
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November 1, 2014
Venture Untamed
Venture Untamed
R.H. Russell
Young Adult Action Fantasy
Reader adrenalin runs high in this story of a servant boy known to take it head-on with street urchins. Venture, though from a lowly caste, is blessed to have been educated alongside his master’s daughter, Jade, and to have developed a close relationship with her.
Fieldstone, the benevolent master, recognizes his servant’s fighting nature, and is committed to helping him channel his drive. In Venture Untamed, the first in its series, Venture must discover his true loves and fight for his destiny.
Venture Untamed is available on Smashwords for free
The other books in the series can be found at:
http://www.amazon.com/R.H.-Russell/e/...
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June 19, 2014
The Exile. Free in June only with coupon code
The Exile (Stones of Power Book 1)
by Eric Buffington
YA fantasy Adventure
Blurb:
In a world where each person is born with a magic ability, the island of Denall is on the verge of an attack from a power hungry sorcerer, Mordyar, as he scours the world in search of the Stones of Power. While the stones are gathering and their power begins to be revealed, four boys leave their village on a rite of passage into adulthood and are swept into an adventure that will make men and heroes of them, if they can survive.
This is the code to download the book for free from Smashwords : sw69s
Link to The Exile on Smashwords.
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June 10, 2014
Dragon Dreams. FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME.
Dragon Dreams
The Chronicles of Shadow and Light
by Dusty Lynn Holloway
Young Adult/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Book blurb:
A prophecy of murder.
An elf hunted by dragons.
One man that risks everything to save her.
Nachal is a human that should not be having prophetic Dragon Dreams. But he does. Every night he dreams of an elf running through flames, trying in vain to outrun the Rebel Dragon Obsidian. Every night he sees her fall. Sees her eyes close. Feels her heart as it slows, and then stops. Every night, through the connection of the dream, he dies with her. It’s a spiral that he can’t control, and it’s slowly driving him insane.
Auri is an elf raised by a powerful human king not of her own blood. Left behind by the mother who perished far from the elven isle El`dell, she seeks to forge her life among the humans. Secrets lie in the wake of tragedy, and she must leave to find the answers. Her journey takes her to the land of her heritage. To a place that holds both a haunting betrayal, and a miracle that just might save her life.
Liran is the commander of the most elite fighting force on Terradin. A select few, known only as the the Watchers, search with ever increasing fervency for the turn of the tide. The queen of power that will save them all from utter annihilation.
Together, they become embroiled in a conspiracy where destinies are intertwined, love is born in the fallout of ultimate sacrifice, and the only path to victory lies through the searing flames of dragon fire.
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This ebook is free (for a limited only) on smashwords.
Dragon Dreams is the first in its series. Dragon Ties, and the newly released Dragon Light I, can be purchased here.
Thank you for sharing, Ms. Holloway!
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May 31, 2014
The Candle Star
The Candle Star
by Michelle Isenhoff
Middle Grade, Historical Fiction
Michigan, 1858
She’s a Southern Belle in training, but even her high society, plantation owner parents find her snobbery and temper over-the-top. Emily is sent to live with her uncle in the North for an extended “holiday,” with the hope he will have success in disciplining her, and her attitude will shape up.
The pampered young teen has more than chores waiting for her at her uncle’s hotel. She is forced to question her long-held feelings of superiority, as she is thrust into the contrasting atmosphere of the free North, and meets individuals from milieus she would have never associated with previously.
Ultimately, her attitudes and beliefs are put to the test through a monumental challenge.
This book is free for download at Smashwords. com
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May 26, 2014
Dangers of Writing Scents and Senses. (& REMINDER 50$ GIVEAWAY ENDS TOMORROW)
Sipping nana tea may trick the mouth into feeling cool, but I’m still sweltering under the North African sun. The proprietor of the café makes his rounds with flaky, honey glazed pastries. These rich-in-caloric content sweets, which would burn right off in these temperatures, approach my table at the back of the courtyard. Though I dread my engine overheating, fear of offending his hospitality is greater.
His tray emptied, the proprietor grabs his oud, plops down on a rug in the front of the courtyard, and releases a catchy tune from his instrument.
Some men with white whiskers, arguing over a game similar to backgammon, drop their pieces and grab up darbukas. A song in their native dialect breaks out, and the occupants of the café’s outdoor seats all join in the chorus.
Bereft of the regional drums, I tap my foot and strum my fingers on the table. I’ve got to shoot this so my friends see what I’m experiencing here. Most of them can’t fathom why I’d want to vacation in this primitive country, and with the help of my video maybe they’ll figure I’m enraptured with the rich cultural norms here. Of course, that’s not it though. Only my best friend knows the real reason I’m here — to check out for myself one of the significant settings my heroine, Starra, finds herself in.
I bend over to fish out my phone, which is squished between old coke bottles filled with rosewater.
“You pay. You need.”
I jump. At my shoulder stands a slightly-built boy in a beige djellaba and dusty sandals. How did he creep up on me?
He dangles a crude piece of metal tied to a red string on his arm. Oh, just another peddler, like the many others who have badgered me. But I can’t turn away the kids. Who knows if they won’t be beaten if they don’t meet their quota of sales? Or maybe my change can buy them pita with a sprinkling of za’atar and olive oil to fill their hungry bellies.
That’s why my purse is bulging with those bottles. Buried beneath them are used pencils that won’t sharpen, watches that are accurate in a different time zone, an assortment of cheap trinkets. And another piece is about to squeeze in with them.
I hold out a dollar bill.
The boy shakes his head.
Huh? This is a first. Usually his fellow countrymen take the green paper and run off.
“One hundred dollars.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“You need. Big need.”
Oh, I get it. He’s not desperate. From his tactics, he must be a child of a souk merchant. I hold up my pointer finger “One dollar. One, or nothing.” I’m not playing any games.
“One hundred.”
He’s not even making an attempt to bargain? That’s the routine for any sale here! Does he think I’ll meet his outrageous demand because I look like a naive American? “No thank you. I’m not interested.” I turn away to watch some patrons who are belly dancing.
“No pay, they get you.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“No. No. Me warn you. They watch you. They near you. Always near.”
My head spins around, but every pair of eyes in the vicinity is on the belly dancers.
“You no see them. No one see.”
“Then how do you know they’re watching me?”
The boy bends over and whispers in my ear “I smell. Me good nose. Me feel they here. At pyramid too, me smell them near you. Me follow you here, and all time, smell.”
Oh my. Is this a prank? Has the boy read Scents and Senses? But I use a pen name, so how would he have connected me to the book? If this is not a joke…no, this can’t be.
Not only the bellies rotate, the tables, the hanging rugs, the people, all spin.
“You shake. No fear. No fear if you pay.”
“Me? I’m not afraid. They don’t bother people these days.”
“Here they do. You witch?”
“No! I’m no witch! Why do you think that?”
“They follow you. Near you. They watch witches, if witches mess with them.”
“No. No. I’m no witch.” That’s all I need. If the locals suspect me of witchcraft, they’ll lynch me. “But I did write a story about them.”
“Ah. They no like. No like story, no like talk. They watch you now. You no safe. In my country they do mischief.”
Dancers, décor, and diners whirl around as if they’re in a blender.
“No fear, no fear if you pay.”
“You’re bothering me with this nonsense now?”
“No, no! No nonsense. This amulet — help you. From Seer, see letters?” He holds it up to my eyes and points to scratches in the metal.
I whip out a Benjamin.
“Good. Come.”
“What do you mean come? Just hand me over the amulet.”
“No give amulet away! Me need. Only one. Me take you to plane, you go home.”
“So I paid you for what?”
“You hold my sleeve. Amulet help you too. But you go.”
A stifling cab ride gets us to the teeming airport. After check in, we head to the gate, but Security doesn’t allow the boy in.
“What should I do now?” I whisper.
The boy flashes a bill.
I’m another Benjamin poorer, but my dingy clad protector is seated next to me. “What’s next? I can’t fly you home with me.”
“Ah, no fear. They no like plane. Too many people squeeze. Too smell.”
“So once I get on the plane, I’m safe, right?”
“Safe, but no more story, no more mess. Too danger.”
My heart hasn’t settled into its normal place, and my arms are still covered in goose bumps, yet the thought of not staying true to Starra and Joy breaks my dislodged heart. Is this where their saga will end?
What do you say – to write or not to write?
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Reminder: the 50$ book blast giveaway for Scents and Senses ends tomorrow. You can enter rafflecopter here.
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May 17, 2014
The Hobbit
The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien
High Fantasy
Pre- Dominion of Men, Middle Earth
The Hobbit is categorized as children’s literature, but it can appeal to a broad range of ages. It’s a fun book to read aloud at bedtime, and to enjoy all its songs and rhymes. Tolkien’s writing is in itself poetic, which is a quality that charms many readers.
Note, though, that this book is high fantasy; requiring readers to immerse themselves in a very novel environment.
But even if you don’t usually read high fantasy, you might surprise yourself, and discover an adventurous spirit dormant in you — much as Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist, does after he is dragged into a quest to reclaim the lost mountain of the dwarves and recover the treasures lying underneath a ferocious dragon who is guarding them..
Bilbo happens to be one of my favorite literary characters. He’s not a traditional hero, but I care all the more for this unassuming character because of it. He’s kind and loyal, and when the pressure is at its highest, he amazes readers by keeping a level head.
Join him in his journey in this classic fantasy book that can be borrowed at Open Library (please open a free account).
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May 8, 2014
Scents and Senses Book Tour & 25$ giveaway
Announcing Scents and Senses Blog tour and 25$ giveaway, organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.
Please note that this is not the book blast giveaway (there’s still time to enter that one if you haven’t yet), but an additional one for the tour.
This is the link to enter the giveaway, and below the rafflecopter you’ll find the tour schedule.
(Wouldn’t it be incredible if I could travel to all the world sights on my wish list so conveniently?)
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May 7, 2014
The Blue Castle
The Blue Castle
by L.M. Montgomery
Historical Romance
Early Twentieth Century, Canada
Montgomery gave us the delightful Anne Shirley in our childhood, but didn’t abandon us completely in our old age.
The Blue Castle is her only novel intended for an adult readership, though I would recommend this book to young adults as well. This is a story about unearthing self-confidence and, consequently, transformation, but there are also some darker themes and satire flowing through the undercurrent of this book.
Nevertheless, it entertains us with eccentric characters and good humor. I believe Montgomery was ahead of her times, and I wonder whether her generation could truly appreciate the courage portrayed by ”old” (nearly thirty) spinster Valancy when she defied the norms of her family and community. Perhaps some early twentieth century women would have been in awe of this, but I imagine that contemporary readers will find it amusing.
I’m sure I’m not alone when I cheer the protagonist on as she embarks on her journey to fulfill her fantasies.
The Blue Castle can be downloaded at goodreads (direct link).
May 1, 2014
Scents and Senses Excerpt
Scents and Senses, the YA contemporary fantasy I authored, was just released a couple of weeks ago by Astraea Press. In honor of the book blast (did you enter the 50$ giveaway?) , I’m posting an excerpt.
Chapter One
Joy
Ever since I’ve been old enough to kick off on a condor with my own two chicken feet, I’ve been drilled to mind my own business.
Mind your own business, the first of the American Ten Commandments.
It’s not one I subscribe to, even though in our community, not minding my own business means more than social suicide; it’s a crime when we ascend above ground.
For thousands of years we deeems have kept away from the creatures running over our heads with their five-toed feet. So if anyone in my community gets wind of the risky job I’m on these days, I’m practically a goner. But that doesn’t stop me from shadowing a certain teenage fivetoe.
There’s also a totally different occupational hazard involved in this position I’ve created for myself, one I’m suffering from right now: this job occasionally makes school seem relatively stimulating. Yawn. I’ve played too many Angry Condor games to count since Starra got involved in some fantasy book a couple of hours ago and lost contact with the real world. Even if I knew how to become visible to the fivetoe eye and suddenly revealed myself, I bet she wouldn’t notice me, the cute teen perched on her windowsill.
Time simply refuses to advance, and I have to resort to counting the spider eggs cocooned in their nest on a nearby tree branch. A sudden sigh interrupts my lame occupation. There’s a starry look in the big eyes, and I notice the novel is slipping out of Starra’s dreamy grip. This is my window of opportunity! I finger the starchy edge of the book jacket and coax the book forward.
Thud. The book falls to the floor, and the movement seems to bring Starra back to her senses. At last she grabs a hoodie and sets out, probably for one of her night excursions on the Vista Del Mar Path. Are we running or biking tonight?
Running it is. I jog behind her, finding the excursion by the shoreline an improvement to watching her read. At least we are moving.
She runs for half an hour, at a speed faster than the sea turtle pace usual for fivetoes. Then she slows to a stop at a jagged rock, half-submerged in the ocean. I groan quietly and contemplate leaving. From experience, I know she’ll climb to the top of her rock and dream away. I start backing off, but when I’m some fifty feet away, I look back. Starra makes a pretty picture there, her silhouette perched high on the rock. Her long legs are tucked under her, and her head hangs back as she keeps her gaze on the stars above. If only she would let loose the heavy dark mane of hair she always twists up at the back of her neck, she would truly look like a mermaid risen from the sea.
Something pulls me back to her. I can’t explain it, but I have a feeling trouble is lurking nearby, waiting to snatch her in its net.
My chicken feet make an about face and follow Starra home as she takes the shorter route through town.
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Blurb:
Playing the role of a knight in shining armor is more complicated than it seems in the storybooks, as sixteen-year-old Joy discovers when she repeatedly comes to the rescue of a fifteen-year-old human. But when she meddles in the girl’s social life, Starra sends her packing.
Starra is determined to completely dissociate herself from the subterranean creature that has manipulated her life and cast her into the limelight. However, her resolve is soon tested when she becomes involved in a critical situation where supernatural assistance can enable her to carry out a daring plot.
Eventually, Starra’s involvement with her new other-wordly friends extracts a heavy price when she is beset by challenges that range from the down- to-earth struggles of a typical teenage student, to the realm of the fantastic. Nothing prepares her, however, for the ultimate challenge.
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