Patti Roberts's Blog, page 14
October 29, 2012
Paradox – Bound By Blood. First reviews
As readers of Ms Roberts’ work will be aware, this is the third book in a series about fallen angels, and a love that transcends space and time.
My remarks are primarily about Bound by Blood, but in a more general way can be taken to apply to the series as a whole as published to date, comprising the first three books.
CONTENT
The story is gripping and well told, and it seems clear that Ms Roberts has carefully planned out the whole series before starting. The world in which the action takes place is convincing and believable, provided that one can accept the idea of fallen angels as vampires. Some readers may find this theologically questionable, but in a work of fantasy fiction these things are perfectly allowable. With all of the vampire fiction that is constantly spawning these days, it was refreshing to find a genuinely original take on the subject.
The action moves swiftly and the book is a real page turner. The characters are beautifully drawn and quite believable. I was quite delighted with it, and will certainly look forward with pleasure to the advent of further books in the series. This is in spite of the fact that in general I find vampires appallingly tedious.
In the few places where sexual activity is depicted, it is treated with delicacy and restraint. I wish more modern writers would exert such control.
FORM
Ms Roberts is a seasoned writer and has quite obviously spent many years developing her craft. To me, this book is like a richly embroidered sampler, demonstrating her mastery of many techniques.
The voices of the different characters use different language and are most believable. The tone of the writing varies according to the subject matter, and at different times we are treated to low comedy, spine-chilling horror, romance and at times the true Gothic tone. Ms Roberts’ descriptions of scenes are a particular treat, and in my opinion her ability in this area stands with that of Dickens. At different times we see used past tense, present tense, first and third persons, all with equal facility, and, which is even more rare, used appropriately to further the impact of the work. I was glad to see no instances of the egregious second person narrative.
I have only one serious criticism to make of this work, and that is that the suspense ending prevents the book from standing alone, as a truly perfect novel must be able to do.
Overall, I was delighted with the book, and its preceding books, and I believe that in this writer we have a truly major talent.
By T. Ormiston-smith “TC”This review is from: Paradox – Bound By Blood (Kindle Edition)
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bound By Blood is the third instalment in the Paradox series, and what a sweet treat it is! If book one – The Angels Are Here – was a promising beginning and book two – Progeny Of Innocence – a tantalizing dip into this gloomy and mysterious realm ruled by the Grigori, the Fallen Dark Angels, Bound By Blood connects the dots and gives depth and understanding to how this whole world came to be.
“The world, and heaven, are a little off-balance at the moment,” Patti Roberts says through the mouth of little Tia Lilly, the Angel of Death. How true. Events, characters and emotions have the ring of authenticity. Patti is very generous in her descriptions and she has the gift of being an incredible storyteller. The ultimate Scheherazade, Patti layers story over story, and nestles myth and legend into each other, so that at every step you’re tempted to wonder – Ah! Is that what happened? Take the legend of St. Valentine, for example.
But I don’t want to give you spoilers. I will say only that the characters are beautiful, very well developed. There is no question in my mind when I read the dialogue as to whose words they are. The storyline takes us back in time and explains in intricate detail the cause and effect, taking the reader full circle, and at the same time Patti continues to develop current events and takes the story forward. The style is smooth and trance-like in places, sharp and dramatic in the battle scenes, enigmatic and sly when Weasel goes about his business, and back to normal contemporary conversation in the human world. Don’t try to guess the outcome – you’ll get it wrong. I’ve never met an author so able to send me on a wild-goose chase, only to make it perfectly clear I should be looking elsewhere for my answers.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading the first two books in the series, if you haven’t already done it. Read them all back to back, but take your time. This is one of those stories you could lose yourself into, a tale to savour and dream about, not something you could cram in a hurry. There is a lot of hidden wisdom in Patti’s words, and it would be a pity to miss it. You never know, you might find in there the odd question you haven’t yet thought to ask, or even the odd answer.
I love this world, I love the characters, I love the entire concept. There is a lot to love in Paradox, and the picture is vivid and real. I would like to point you in the direction of the Paradox site, where you can see the map of Altair, the sigils of the six tribes, family trees, characters, answers to frequently asked questions, and much more:[...] This alone is huge proof of the author’s dedication to her work and also her readers.
This book, and indeed the whole series, is fully deserving of the five stars I’m giving it, and well worth spending some time immersed in its magic. Well done, Patti Roberts.
Storytelling at its best, By M Medler “Ella”This review is from: Paradox – Bound By Blood (Kindle Edition)
Amazon US – HERE
Amazon UK – HERE
Smashwords – all ebook formats – HERE
Goodreads – HERE
Many thanks for dropping by and visiting my blog. If you have enjoyed reading this post, I would be most grateful if you would share it on facebook and twitter. All the very best, Patti Roberts.
Facebook – HERE
Twitter – HERE
October 26, 2012
Paradox Bound By Blood – available now!
Book review by Ella Medler
Bound By Blood is the third instalment in the Paradox series, and what a sweet treat it is! If book one – The Angels Are Here – was a promising beginning and book two – Progeny Of Innocence – a tantalizing dip into this gloomy and mysterious realm ruled by the Grigori, the Fallen Dark Angels, Bound By Blood connects the dots and gives depth and understanding to how this whole world came to be.
The style is smooth and trance-like in places, sharp and dramatic in the battle scenes, enigmatic and sly when Weasel goes about his business, and back to normal contemporary conversation in the human world. Don’t try to guess the outcome – you’ll get it wrong. I’ve never met an author so able to send me on a wild-goose chase, only to make it perfectly clear I should be looking elsewhere for my answers.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading the first two books in the series, if you haven’t already done it. Read them all back to back, but take your time. This is one of those stories you could lose yourself into, a tale to savour and dream about, not something you could cram in a hurry. There is a lot of hidden wisdom in Patti’s words, and it would be a pity to miss it. You never know, you might find in there the odd question you haven’t yet thought to ask, or even the odd answer.
I love this world, I love the characters, I love the entire concept. There is a lot to love in Paradox, and the picture is vivid and real.
Available at Smashwords here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/246820
and Amazon:
Print edition coming soon…
If you have enjoyed reading this post, sharing it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much, Patti Roberts.
October 21, 2012
Originally posted on ellamedler:
Available at Smashword...
Originally posted on ellamedler:
Available at Smashwords here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/246820
and Amazon:
Bound By Blood is the third instalment in the Paradox series, and what a sweet treat it is! If book one – The Angels Are Here – was a promising beginning and book two – Progeny Of Innocence – a tantalizing dip into this gloomy and mysterious realm ruled by the Grigori, the Fallen Dark Angels, Bound By Blood connects the dots and gives depth and understanding to how this whole world came to be.
“The world, and heaven, are a little off-balance at the moment,” Patti Roberts says through the mouth of little Tia Lilly, the Angel of Death. How true. Events, characters and emotions have the ring of authenticity. Patti is very generous in her descriptions and she has the gift of being an incredible storyteller. The ultimate Scheherazade, Patti layers story over story, and nestles myth and legend into…
View original 381 more words
Review: Bound By Blood, by Patti Roberts
ARC available at Smashwords here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/246820
and soon from Amazon, too.
I’ll update links as soon as they become available.
Bound By Blood is the third instalment in the Paradox series, and what a sweet treat it is! If book one – The Angels Are Here – was a promising beginning and book two – Progeny Of Innocence – a tantalizing dip into this gloomy and mysterious realm ruled by the Grigori, the Fallen Dark Angels, Bound By Blood connects the dots and gives depth and understanding to how this whole world came to be.
October 17, 2012
Some will love until it hurts – Grace & Riley
Book 3 in the Paradox series – Bound By Blood is here on the 28th October 2012
Book 2 in the Paradox Series – Progeny Of Innocence, currently free on Amazon
Bound By Blood
Love is not counted in years
Love is counted in heartbeats
Love is not bound by distance
Love is bound by blood
In the Ancient World
In the New World
Love will prevail
Some will kill for love — Some will die for love
Some will love until it hurts
If you have enjoyed reading this post, please share. Many thanks, Patti Roberts
October 10, 2012
Paradox – Bound By Blood. Sample of back and front cover.
Ebook available from Amazon 28th October
Print book available 5th November
Excerpt:
“What would you do, to have her back, my Lord?”
“The question you should be asking me is, what wouldn’t I do to have her back.” Cerberus lowered his head. “I know I would lay down my sword, surrender my life, just to spend one more day with her,” he said, feeling the heart shaped locket between his fingers.
“Be careful what you wish for, my Lord. Especially in the presence of a witch,” Lilura said, smiling.
Cerberus nodded, laughed. “It would be worth it,” he said, removing the locket from his pocket. He reached for Lilura’s hand, opened her fingers and placed the locket on her open palm.
Lilura stared at the locket, then slowly opened it. For a long moment, she looked at the tiny portrait of the beautiful fair-haired girl inside.
“This is the one who saddens you? Why, my Lord?”
“Because I loved her. Because I have never stopped loving her, and because she did not love me back.”
“How do you know she did not love you back?”
“Because she left me.”
“Perhaps she had her reasons, my Lord?”
October 3, 2012
Enter to win – Bound By Blood. Book 3 in the Paradox Series.
Bound By Blood – the story continues in the Paradox Series…
Love is not counted in years
Love is counted in heartbeats
Love is not bound by distance
Love is bound by blood
In the Ancient World
In the New World
Love will prevail
Some will kill for love — Some will die for love
Some will love until it hurts
Evil has a name… Grigori
Blood thirsty Fallen Angels, the true Demons behind the legendary Vampire stories.
From an Ancient World they came…
Enter to win… But remember to ask yourself one question before you do.
Is your Guardian Angel from Heaven or Hell?
One lucky winner will receive:
The 3 Ebooks in the series
1 x Spiral Notebook
10 x Postcards
2nd to 4th Prize:
The 3 Ebooks in the series
10 x Postcards 
How to enter –
Follow this blog
Tweet about this giveaway – make sure you include the hashtag #ficstory
Facebook this post – paste a link to your Facebook post into the comments area below along with your email address so I can contact the winners.
This competition is open to both Australian and International entrants.
Drawn: 28 November 2012 at 6:00pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Book 2 – Progeny Of Innocence – free download on all online stores
…Hearts are broken…
Some monsters are created to be desired…. To be saved, to be loved and to love!
A love so strong, one man would forfeit an Ancient Kingdom, lay down his sword and die, to spend just one more day with her.
Paradox – The Angels Are Here
4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Appetizer… By Curzon Dax
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This first novel in the “Paradox Series” Paradox – The Angels Are Here is without doubt a masterpiece. Patti Roberts has us all wondering what will happen next.. And I for one will be eagerly awaiting the release of each novel in the series as and when it’s published, a brilliant piece of literary wizardry. Wanted to give this five Stars ***** but I have a feeling the next one in the series Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence will be even better.
Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence
5.0 out of 5 stars Unmissable
By M Medler
Patti Roberts is so comfortable with her creation that it leaves no questions unanswered. You can see the prisoners being dragged in, you can see the forest and its people, you can understand the relationships between the six ancient races and feel their resistance to Grigorian rule. Paradox is not a story in a place – it is the legend of a whole world.
***
Always leave the audience wanting more.. you did.. I’m waiting! Danie UK
Book 2 – Progeny Of Innocence – free download on all online stores
Book 4 Paradox – Equilibrium due for release 2013
***
5.0 out of 5 stars Love It!
By Julia Crane
Patti Roberts has done it again. Progeny of Innocence sucked me in from the first page and kept me up late into the night to finish. I love the authors ability to blend the old with the new. I could really see this series becoming a movie or tv show it’s so engrossing. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
***
If you have enjoyed reading this post, Please share. Many thanks, Patti Roberts
Oh, and don’t forget to go visit Pinky’s blog to ENTER
Book reviews with Pinky of Twitter – HERE
***
Competition for Paradox – Bound By Blood. Book 3 in the Paradox Series.
Evil has a name
Just 3 of the Grigori Clan
Competition details coming soon!!!
Book 2 – Progeny Of Innocence – free download on all online stores
4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Appetizer… By Curzon Dax
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This first novel in the “Paradox Series” Paradox – The Angels Are Here is without doubt a masterpiece. Patti Roberts has us all wondering what will happen next.. And I for one will be eagerly awaiting the release of each novel in the series as and when it’s published, a brilliant piece of literary wizardry. Wanted to give this five Stars ***** but I have a feeling the next one in the series Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence will be even better.
Always leave the audience wanting more.. you did.. I’m waiting! Danie UK
Book 2 – Progeny Of Innocence – free download on all online stores
If you have enjoyed reading this post, Please share. Many thanks, Patti Roberts
Book 4 Paradox – Equilibrium due for release 2013
September 24, 2012
Paradox – Bound By Blood. Characters
Book 3, Paradox – Bound By Blood – BBB – is due for release 28th October 2012
“Shh,” Damon said in a hushed whisper, his face so close she could feel his warm breathe on her cheek. “Do you believe in destiny, Grace? That the unimaginable power that creates time and space can be altered for a purpose?”
Some of the faces behind the names.
Excerpt – Bound By Blood – - – Pandora swallowed, choked, spluttered for breath. Her chest heaved; her lungs drew gasps of fiery air that her lungs could not extinguish. “It hurts,” she said, grabbing her throat. “You never told me it would hurt.”
“Sit up,” he said, his tone indifferent. He handed her a goblet. “Drink, it will help the transition.”
Pandora raised the goblet to her mouth and drank, hesitantly at first, but when the fire in her chest subsided with each mouth full, she drank hungrily. “I will not fail you, my Lord,” she said, placing the empty goblet on the table.
“Welcome to the family,” Lord Grig said. “Now, I think you should run along. Go find yourself a prince to sweep you off your feet.”
“Will I have abilities?” Pandora asked.
“Limited. You will no doubt have the power of coercion which will allow you to survive in our world.”
“And Abaddon?”
Lord Grig rested back in his seat. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about Abaddon. Abaddon has a very short memory when it comes to pretty little things like you.”
Lord Grig drank from the second goblet on the table. “A toast,” he said, raising his goblet, “to the future Lady of House Grigori.”
Pandora stood, straightened her gown, and smiled, euphoric with the life that lay ahead of her. A privileged life, where she would never grow old again. A life where no man, mortal or otherwise, would ever hurt her again.
Pandora would soon discover, however, that in life, there is always an exception to every rule, and that exception was Theria.
—-
Excerpt:
“The Human Brain Book,” he said, reading the title. “Hmm, pretty heavy topic for lunch time reading, don’t you think? You look more like a Fifty Shades girl.”
“Oh please, give me some credit. I’d rather shoot myself in the foot than read that dribble.”
“So what’s with this then?” he said, holding up the book. “You thinking about becoming a brain surgeon?”
“I thought it might help me understand the human brain. See what makes the entire male species of the human race so stupid.”
The boy smiled. “Not all of them, surely? I, for example, am most certainly not stupid.”
“Then you aren’t human,” Emily said smugly.
He slapped his forehead playfully and grinned. “Oh, you’ve found me out, and so quickly. Now I will have no choice but to kill you.
“Oh, little flower, I see you have met my brother, Chace,” Caleb said, materializing in front of them.
Lyssa skulked up behind him, and smirked. “So, Chace, this is the kind of girl you fancy these days,” she said, raking a black fingernail down Emily’s arm.
Emily shoved Lyssa’s hand away, looking from Caleb to Chace. “You’ve got to be frigging kidding me. You’re brothers?”
Chace shrugged. “What?” he asked innocently.
Emily, shook her head, shoving the book in her bag. “You can all go to hell,” she said, turning her back and walking away.
“Let her go, Chace,” Lyssa said dryly, studying her fingernails, then the look on Chace’s face. Lyssa slid a hand through the crook of his arm and wiped his lower lip with her finger. “You’re drooling, my dear sweet, Chace.”
Chace pulled away, forcing Lyssa to tighten her grip on his arm. “Let her go. You can do a lot better than that if you ask me.”
“Nobody’s asking you, Lyssa,” Chace said, peeling her fingers from his arm. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Lyssa scoffed. “Are you just plain stupid, or high?”
“Neither,” Chace replied, tilting his head. “You just don’t do it for me anymore, Lyssa.”
“Really? Then you’re very stupid and high.”
“Brother,” Caleb said, putting a hand on Chace’s shoulder to study him. “I nearly didn’t recognize you with the new Justin Bieber hair cut. Looks good on you, shorter hair suits you, but what are you doing here? I though you preferred Europe this time of the year? Souls, snowflakes and roaring fireplaces… All very romantic. Far more desirable than a school library, don’t you think?”
Excerpt:
In the West, a grey mist rose slowly from the ground. Akimi walked her white stallion in the forest, something she had taken to doing every morning since her pregnancy. The stallion, a gift from her husband, the emperor, nudged Akimi’s hand, making her giggle. She pet the animals nose, put her hand in her pocket and presented the stallion with a wedge of apple.
Fallen leaves, crisp with age, crackled beneath foot and hoof as they ambled along the well-worn path.
“Ouch,” Akimi moaned, frowned, then clutched her pregnant belly, barely noticeable under the soft layers of her flowing white gown. Beads of perspiration dotted her brow. Her cheeks flushed with the excruciating pain in her belly. “No, no, no, no,” she groaned, bending over to ease the pain. “It’s too soon,” she whispered to herself.
Another set of footfalls on the fallen leaves made Akimi turn her head. A Mongol girl, the same age as Akimi, stepped from the shadows cast by the tall trees. “Help me,” Akimi begged, dropping to her knees on the bed of damp leaves, still damp with morning dew. “Fetch the doctor. My baby is coming. Hurry!”
“I have a message for you,” the girl said, putting an arm around Akimi’s shoulders. “Rest against me,” she encouraged tenderly.
“You have a message from my husband, Ye Wen?” Akimi asked, squeezing her eyes shut with each new wave of pain. “Please, I need a doctor,” she panted.
“Your husband has cast Judgment. Now it is you who must pay for his sins.”
Akimi looked at the girl through her tears. “What? I don’t know anything about judgment. I just need a doctor, please. I beg of you. My baby, it’s coming!” The stallion nudged Akimi’s cheek with his damp nose.
The girl, holding Akimi firmly against her, slid a dagger from the folds of her brown robes and slid it effortlessly across Akimi’s throat.
Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence – book 2 – currently free on Amazon US – HERE
Amazon UK – HERE
Facebook – HERE
September 7, 2012
Bound By Blood – Bits and Pieces of Inspiration – pics and music
Pieces that inspired me while writing book 3 in the Paradox Series.
The Ancient World – Akimi – The Khitan Princess from the Khitan Empire. The youngest wife of Yu Wen, the Emperor.
Flashback to the Bombing of Darwin during the second World War – More bombs were dropped on Darwin than during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Character Phoebe Preble/Juliette was inspired by and dedicated to Iris Bald.
Arrangements had been made that Iris would shelter in the trenches near her employment with her fellow workmates. However, as she was in the Post Office complex when the air raid siren sounded, it was natural for her to join her parents in the Post Office trench.
When the air raid siren sounded the post office staff took shelter in the trenches that had been dug around the complex. Unfortunately a bomb landed on the one sheltering Hurtle, Alice and Iris Bald, among others, killing them all instantly.
Iris Bald was buried in a temporary grave at Kahlin Beach; she was then re-buried at the Berrimah War Cemetery, and her final resting place is the Adelaide War Cemetery.
Iris received a Civil Service Medal 1939–1945 posthumously on 9 January 1998. This medal is for civilians who served in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort as part of organisations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service.
Iris, Alice and Hurtle Bald each have a street named after them in the Darwin suburb of Alawa. Nearby there is also a Bald Park and Bald Circuit named in their honour.
Roll Of Honour – HERE
Music – Especially Two Steps From Hell
Epic Fantasy Worlds
Battle Scares
Love Scars Us All
The Ancient World
Grace and Riley
Cleona and Cerberus
Wade and Kate
—
The Paradox Series – The Books
Many thanks for dropping by. Patti
