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Childrens Book Review and Giveaway (US only): The Case of the Cursed Dodo by Jake G. Panda

Today I'm happy to post both a review and a giveaway. After you check out the review, don't forgot to scroll down and enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of the book from the author.

The Case of the Cursed Dodo by Jake G. Panda
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Case of the Cursed Dodo is a rather unique read mixing the feel of an old mystery detective show with endangered animal rights activism. Jake the panda is a detective based in the Last Resort, a hotel for endangered animals. A phone call from a friend in trouble sets him on the path of both a kidnapping and an unsolved mystery.

The story is interesting and well-edited. The approach taken to tell the story is unique, more like watching a movie than reading a book. Everything is organized in scenes, with camera perspective shifts indicated in all caps. The narration lines are in italics, so you know when the narrator's voice over is happening. I tended to imagine a deep rumbly voice for these, as I believe they are told from Jake's perspective.

I also like that all of the characters are animals, though I thought some of them could use a bit more description. The focus is on endangered animals, and those are the nearly exclusive focus of the cast list. The downside is that some of them are rather obscure, so without description or illustration, they are hard to imagine. It seems at times almost like a catalog of the creatures.

The illustrations in the book are well done. I thought they were classy and fit the story. They have a sort of dreamlike feel, or perhaps a sense of being in an older era. I looked at them on both my tablet and my kindle (a regular cheap kindle) and they looked great on both.

The plot and the terminology meant to land us in the old detective setting from the black and white movie era, while interesting and entertaining, might not exactly make sense to children unless they happen to have watched movies from the genre that inspired this story. Personally, I think older folks would like this story the best. I was reminded of Dick Tracy and Warner Brothers cartoons that feature detectives. Still, I think children will enjoy the story for the animals and the action, all of which is kid friendly (to a degree). As always, I'd recommend that adults read the story ahead of time before giving it to their kids.

So, overall, I thought this was interesting and easy to read. The story, while meant to inspire nostalgia, will probably only do so for older readers. Younger readers will likely enjoy the animal characters and the illustrations. I'd recommend this to people who enjoy mysteries and sleuthing stories, classic movies about the same, and illustrated books. Those who also appreciate stories that raise their awareness about issues in non-preachy ways will find this story satisfying in that regard.

I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.

Enter below for a chance to win an autographed copy of The Case of the Cursed Dodo! This raffle is open only to US Residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author and Book Links
Main website: http://www.endangeredfiles.com -- Links to sites where children and readers can learn more about the endangered animals in this book, such as what they look like.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theendangeredfiles
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jakegpandapi  or @jakegpandapi

Find a copy of this book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0990939111

Epic Childrens Fantasy Review: Everywhere the Road Ends (The Traveler of Ord #2) by Scott McCloskey

Today's review is for Everywhere the Road Ends by Scott McCloskey. This was an exciting opportunity for me, because I simply loved the first in the series. I was lucky to have been provided both books from the author for review.  

Anyway, continue on to the post at Pure Textuality for my review. While you're there, check out the other posts, too.  

Review and Freebee Announcement: The Eric Elmoor Saga by Tommy Meyers

Today I'm passing on a free promotion for a great series. I read the first book as a read for review and I remember thinking wow the whole time. Very solid first book.  So, here's my review again for the first one. Scroll down for links to two free novels and two free short stories set in this fantastic world.

Eric Elmoor and The Gauntlet of Godric by Thomas A. Meyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic fantasy, coming of age in a world torn between technology and tradition.

Eric Elmoor and The Gauntlet of Godric (Book I) is an excellent read.

The story begins with Derex, a disillusioned elf who turns to the dark arts and a mysterious master, Cerberus, to achieve his goal of destroying or at least turning aside the progress of the Initiative, technologically advanced rulers who aim to spread their way of life and their reach across the whole of the continent. Derex and his companions Belial and Faramor plan and execute a synchronized attack on the three major metropolises in Initiative hands, hoping to fill the citizens with fear and discourage the Initiative away from elven lands.

On the same day as the attack, 15 year old Eric Elmoor prepares for the last day of school and considers ways to attract the attention of a girl he has a crush on. But the Initiative, spurred by the tragic attack, sequesters him and his classmates (all students in the elective History of Magic class) for the entire day, grilling them on their interest in magic and motivations related to it. The day finally over, Eric returns home to find his mom deep in conversation with Ben, a wandering mage who has plans for Eric's future.

From there, Eric finds himself swept away from his comfortable city life into the magical and natural realm of the elves where he learns the secrets of his own heritage and potential, meets a beautiful girl, Lillian, and finds himself embroiled in a conflict between the elves and the misguided and dangerous rebel, Derex.

While this story has all the elements of a good fantasy, three elements set it apart from the rest.

One, the world in which the story is set is in a technological revolution, a prime ground for conflicts between traditional cultures who want to maintain their connections to nature and those who would seek to suppress them in the interest of progress.

Two, the story follows three primary characters: Derex the villian (who is both awful and likeable), Eric the young man trying to find his place in the world (self-conscious, confused, and full of potential for either good or evil), and Ben the mage (who desperately seeks to save the elves from their own pridefulness). Each person's story interweaves flawlessly with the rest and it is easy to keep track of where you are in the timeline at any given time.

Three, the imagery is fantastic without trying too hard. Some fantasy stories can get bogged down in the descriptions, not this one. Instead, the author illustrates his world with strong, concise description, making you feel like you are there. The sights, sounds, smells and textures come to life in your mind as the words flow off the page.

This is an outstanding book which I will probably read again (mostly likely each time a sequel comes out).

If you liked the Shannara books by Terry Brooks, you'll like this one, too.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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--------------------
Starting today through the 28th, get books 1 & 2 of the Eric Elmoor Saga for FREE on Kindle!

The Eric Elmoor Saga is a coming of age tale set in a fantastical world besieged in a conflict between technology and tradition. Who would like to go on the journey?

 "What can I say other than WOW! My description of this book...‪Harry Potter meets ‪The Lord of the Rings!"

"One final word……….. Tolkien and Rowling’s [books] will be family favourites for years to come and if book one of Tommy’s [series], Eric Elmoor and the Gauntlet of Godric, is anything to go by he will be joining these great authors!"

"If you love the Harry Potter series you will love this one."

"...deserves to be known by more people."

"Great for all ages!"

"Brilliant!"

"Mind-blowing!"

"This is only book 1 to Eric's journey and It has left me needing to know the rest of the story, a good book does that to you! In fact you know you have me hooked when I buy both digital and paper copies (which I have just done)."


ERIC ELMOOR AND THE GAUNTLET OF GODRIC

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AK21Z48

ERIC ELMOOR AND THE CHALICE OF CAMERON

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OVNF...

AND, there are TWO free short stories as well:

THE INITIATIVE

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

EXODUS

https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

Happy reading :-)

Epic Historical Fiction Review: The Jericho River by David Tollen

Today's review is for a book I picked up while looking for freebees for my Kindle. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this, but I also learned a lot. Highly recommended.

Check out the description and my review on Pure Textuality.

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Children's Book Review: Eliza Bluebell by A.J. York

Eliza Bluebell by A.J. York
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another one of A.J.'s magical stories. This one features a mysterious young woman who takes a break from her quest to find family to open a sweet shop in a small town. No one is certain how or when Eliza showed up, but everyone remembers it. After that, each chapter features one or two of the people from the town and how Eliza touches their lives. Eliza becomes a legend in the town's lore. A woman whose departure was as mysterious as her arrival.

In this story, which is pretty short, I most enjoyed the chapters in the middle, because each one is told from the perspective of a different villager. The nosy neighborhood women, the best friends in the grade school, the old man who grumbles and times the bus, and the young couple who are down on their luck. I like how Eliza draws them out of their shells and helps them connect to each other. Eliza's sentient and playful shadow adds that element of magic to everything. The people don't notice it directly, but they are affected by it. This is one of those stories that just left me feeling good.

The illustrations are also well done, though simple in their execution. Just silhouettes and shadows against a white background. They are obviously done by a skilled artist, though not as whimsical or laughter inducing as those in the author's other books. They fit the story and introduce the subject of each chapter effectively.

Although I liked this story, I think the story could have done just as well either without the first chapter, or with a much shorter one. I think this was because the first chapter was more of a telling than a showing. Later ones were more of a showing, which is why I enjoyed them more. There was also a fair amount of repetition, particularly within the first chapter.

Overall, I really liked the story, though it had a slow start. I'd recommend Eliza Bluebell to folks who like uplifting short stories with a touch of humor and magic.

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

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Add Eliza Bluebell to your TBR

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23652748-eliza-bluebell

Get Eliza Bluebell now!

http://www.amazon.com/Eliza-Bluebell-J-York-ebook/dp/B00QFZ6XLO

Connect with A.J. York

www.ajyork.com
www.facebook.com/delilahdusticle
https://twitter.com/

Historical Fiction Review: The Governess by Noorilhuda

The Governess by Noorilhuda
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Governess tells the story of a young woman cast aside by her husband and forsaken by all who know her. It opens on the morning of a hard-won interview. Jane is haunted by a voice in her head that tries to undermine what little self-respect and confidence she still has. Despite her reputation and her inner struggles, she is hired and assumes the role of governess for a well-to-do, but broken family.

Let me start off by saying I really enjoyed this story. The people and their histories are thoroughly explored, but not all at once. Everything is revealed slowly, just enough to draw you further into the story. At first I was worried I'd lose interest, because it seems to take an incredibly long time for anything to happen. But, instead, I found myself more and more engrossed as the story progressed, leading to some very late nights the last few times I picked up the book.

The story is complex and weaves several subplots into the main one that follows Jane on her road to redemption and self actualization. The mystery surrounding Jane's scandal, the vindictiveness of her husband and those he's turned against her, the aging Aunt, the Master of the house and his undying, self destructive love for his deceased wife, the relationship between him and his mistress, and the hints of connection between the Master and Jane. This isn't a romance novel. It's an exploration of some very real, very difficult social situations. It's a lot to take on in a single story, but I think it is done very well.

On the downside, I must admit this story can be a bit convoluted and slow. The first chapter, for example, is long and full of Jane's recent history and struggles, yet in the live story, she only manages to dress herself. What I'm saying is don't go into the story expecting action and adventure. This is a story designed to be thought about, internalized and talked about. It doesn't go anywhere fast. The shifting perspectives can also be a bit confusing, at times reflecting memories and at others reflecting experiences and thoughts of people who are no longer alive during the time in which the story takes place.

Overall, I found this to be a wonderful story, though covering some difficult issues. I would recommend this mostly to those who prefer historical fiction, and in particular to those who might read this for a book club or buddy read. When I finished, I wanted to discuss it, but since I didn't know anyone else who had read it, I really didn't have any outlet. I want to talk about what I thought about the ending, but doing so would spoil it. So, I will hold my tongue and recommend this for others.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a review.

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Historical Mystery Review: XYZ A Detective Story by Anna Katherine Green

X Y Z by Anna Katharine Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Surprisingly good. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, even though it was written almost 100 years ago. The unnamed narrator tells about an unexpected adventure he finds himself in while investigating something else entirely.

I love how this one kept me interested and guessing. These are two of the most important features of any mystery or sleuthing story. I also like how the curiosity of the main character lands him in such an unlikely and awkward situation. I loved the way the details are revealed and the characters are well drawn and interesting.

The downside is that it is a bit old, and as such, it can be a little tough to read in parts. But, only a little. I couldn't figure out all the sayings, but I enjoyed trying to do so. It's like looking through a window into the past, and I must say it was much easier to read than Wuthering Heights, though I was reminded of that other work.

The lack of cover art and the bland title didn't offer any incentive to pick this up on their own. In fact, I, like some of the others who have read and reviewed this story, picked this up solely to satisfy the X in an A-Z reading challenge. But, overall, I'm happy with it and glad I did pick it up.

Overall, I really liked this. It's a short, somewhat humorous mystery. The historic element is a draw as well. Fans of mysteries or historical fiction, particularly those who like both genres, will likely enjoy this story.

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You can get a copy of this for Kindle here. Last time I checked, it's still free. Confirm before you buy, though.

Epic Fantasy Review: The Path of Daggers (Wheel of Time #8) by Robert Jordan

The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ok, this one was good, but it took me forever to get through it. Longer than normal, even for one in this series. And, I have decided I don't like this one quite as much as I remembered liking it.

What I like is that we get more of Egwene being awesome. The story still tries to take on way too many subplots, but that's just part of the experience. There are some great battles, lots of danger and a good deal of Rand. As for Rand, he's kind of a mess in this one. Cadsuane is stalking him, just enough to keep him on edge, and he's trying to deal with politics and with the invasion. All of this while trying to deal with the power gone strange and a growing difficulty catching it. He cannot show weakness because his so called allies are waiting for any opportunity to take him out of the picture.

I wish there was more time spent with the Aiel, but we mostly get Shaido in this book, not much of the good Aiel with their funny ideas and interactions. Still, it's interesting.

As for things I don't like, I don't particularly care for Perrin in this story, or Faile. We get too much of them, but I acknowledge that this building of their story is a necessary set up for the next book, which features their plight quite a lot. I also don't care for how Matt's story is essentially dropped. I know he'll be back, but not in this book.

Overall, I love this series and really like this installment. People who liked previous books in this series will like this one. Readers who haven't gotten into the series by now probably won't suddenly find themselves liking this book.

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Finished with another book, or am I?

Yesterday I wrapped up a very promising 3rd draft of last year's NaNoWriMo story, The Freeze.  I had that feeling, that I'm done feeling. A rush of emotions. Happiness, relief, but then doubt and weariness.

Why?

Because one thing I've learned since I started self-publishing is that when you think you're finished, you're usually wrong.  No, take that back, you're definitely wrong, particularly if you are celebrating finishing your final draft.

So, you might ask, what's left to do?

Good question. Here's a quick list to give you an idea, and perhaps to give me one as well.  A checklist of things I have yet to do.

1. Get a second look at the thing.
Honestly, I haven't done this in the right place yet. Getting a beta reader to look at your story should happen after you are confident it's ready for public eyes.  Maybe this time, eh? I really should.

2. Format for publishing.
This gets tricky, particularly if you distribute through more than one venue, like I do. I've found that each one prefers, or even requires, a very specific set up. Some require standard front matter. You have to obtain an ISBN # and put it in the right place, or an ASIN # if you're publishing on Kindle. And, while you don't necessarily have to do it, you probably should write a quick note for the end of the book. Yeah, that's not really fun, but think about how you feel when you finish a good story and find that the author has tacked that personal touch at the end. I know I like it.

3. Come up with a back cover blurb.
 This can also be the description you will post with the book on websites. For me they are either the same or very similar. I don't think I've yet mastered the art, but writing reviews has made the task easier. My goal is to write a single paragraph, short and sweet, that shows what the story is about and why the reader should want to read it. In any case, this needs to be ready before you go to publish. All the venues I use require you to post one, and some don't have a save progress option; it's all or nothing with those, so have it ready.

4. Craft a cover.
Ok, so this one's tricky. So far, I've done all my own covers, but I must say that you'll probably get better results if you hire someone with a solid portfolio and graphic artistry skills to do it for you. Then again, if you're like me, you don't have a budget for that just yet.  So, I will be doing it again.

Right now, I'm looking at my topic and at my other books and thinking, "Holy cow, did I really just write another book that lends itself to a blue cover?" Sure, blue's my favorite color, but honestly, I'm not doing this on purpose.  Can't make it white or the edges disappear on the selling pages.  Le sigh.

So, yeah, you need a cover before you publish as well, and like the content, the cover needs to be formatted differently for different venues.  I usually use the same one for Kindle and Smashwords, but the print one has to be a specific size and quality. And it has to be set up a bit odd because the top, bottom and right edges will be chopped off. That's a pain.

Photoshop helps, but not as a means to stitch together different pictures or fix a fundamentally flawed one.  I use it to layer background color, image, boxes (on which to place the text), and text onto the cover. Don't get caught up in fancy fonts or complex images. Simple is good. Readable is good. Shrink your cover to the size it will be posted on Amazon. Can you still read it and tell what it says? And, like the content, ask a few people to give you their opinions.

5. Get ready to publish the book.
This is where you'll actually start uploading all the content, the cover, and the blurb. Personally, I like to load the book everywhere and save, but not publish. Then I like to order a print proof and do one more round of line editing. Whatever I catch there, I fix in all three formats: print, kindle and smashwords. It's amazing how many things you'll find in the print version of the book you thought was perfect. It's worth the few dollars you'll spend on the proof and the shipping. And yeah, this is another reason why I say I'm not done when I think I am. I know better.

6. Set a date and promote.
Yes, time to let people know the book's coming. There are a few ways to drum up interest. You can sign up for blog tours, book blitzes and schedule interviews. You can take out ads.  You can recruit some ARC reviewers and get them to post their opinions before release date.  So far, I've not been very good at this part of it, mostly because I just want to skip right to publishing.  Because of that, I won't go into detail here.

7. Publish the book.
At this point, you are ready. Everything's in place. It's release day (or just prior to). You've announced/promoted. You're happy with the book, the cover and the blurb. You know where you're publishing. Now, just log in, hit publish and wait. Wait, because with self publishing, your book usually has to go through a review before it posts.

If you've done this before, you'll have a good idea how long it takes for each venue. Like for Amazon, I'll hit publish the night before release. For CreateSpace, I'll hit it 2-3 days before release. For Smashwords, well, I just post it on release day and the book filters out to the various booksellers over the course of a week, but it's available on the Smashwords site right away.

8. Promote the book.
And promote yourself and your brand. Talk with people. Chat with readers online. Write a blog. Share short stories and poetry. Write reviews and participate in the author community. Mention your book when context allows, but don't shout "buy my book" in every message board and chat room. Basically, this part of it never ends. Some of us are better at it than others. I've noticed that those that are good at it have readers and bloggers and fellow authors behind them, cheering them on and spreading the word. I hardly ever see an author that has achieved that standing on the power of their own, personal promotion efforts. And, it takes time. Have I reached that level yet? No, but I am enjoying the journey there and feel lucky to have met some very interesting people along the way.

So, yes, I'm finished with The Freeze, but as you can see, there is a lot of work left to do. I'll keep you posted.

YA Dystopian Review: The Sending by Jandy Salguero

The Sending by Jandy Salguero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great story.

The Sending is a YA Dystopian featuring a bit of romance and some sci-fi mixed with magic. Daneel is new to the city, attending school as is required for all citizens of Senitha, though his greatest aspiration in life is to raise a family and run a farm. Mara is a young assassin raised with just one goal in mind, to destroy the one man who threatens what little civilization remains after the great war.

The thing I like most about this story is how Mara and Daneel come together despite their backgrounds. I enjoy stories like this where people have to look past what society tells them they must do and make their own decisions. This wasn't so applicable to Daneel, but it was central to Mara's development. She was raised to be an assassin, brainwashed, but still not so far gone that she isn't open to new information. What makes it interesting is that she feels guilty about letting her conscience intervene.

I also like how easy it is to read this story, though we are kind of dropped right in the action up front. The plot is straightforward, though not everything is explained. I'm not sure about the ending. It's kind of a mix between cliffhanger and fully resolved story. It all depends on how you look at it. There's room for more, but if the assumptions made by the characters are true, then perhaps that's a wrap. Going by the fact this story is labeled Volume 1, I'm assuming that there's more and that things are going to get dicey in Volume 2.

I didn't quite buy into the romance, mostly because it's fueled by something Mara and Daneel cannot explain. The bond between them is incredibly strong, but it isn't based on deeper things like mutual respect, knowing each other, or even liking each other. Love seems to be tossed into the mix, at least from one of them, but I was left wondering how such a thing can really have developed? The deep connection they share could lead to love, but love is more than attraction, particularly under the strain of fighting for survival. The romance isn't really resolved at the end of this book, though it might seem like it is without considering what we are left with.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The pacing is good, there's plenty of action, and there are just enough open-ended questions at the end to lead into the next volume without leaving the reader unsatisfied at the end of the first one. I would recommend The Sending to those who like YA Dystopian with a touch of romance, sci-fi, and magic. The story could probably be read as a standalone, but personally I'd like to read more.

I found this book on Amazon during a free promotion.

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PNDS: Post NaNoWriMo Depression Syndrome

Yeah, I made that up. But, here's the thing, maybe it should be a real thing. Every time I finish a story, particularly for NaNoWriMo, there's this huge surge of euphoric accomplishment. Yay, I did it! Look, I made it!

And then PNDS hits. A void has formed where once the story lived, not just were the story held my attention, but where it lived. The characters, the setting, the trials, now nothing but a vacuum in my heart. I miss them, and I find myself trying to fill that space with other things: trying to read all the books I set aside, writing blog posts (or mostly just looking at a blank page trying to recapture the magic that created an entire novel, and failing), watching movies.  Anything to fill that void.

The effect seems worse after NaNoWriMo, probably because of the tight deadline, the all consuming trial of compressing what normally takes months into just days. The creative abandon, the rush of seeing a story come to life so quickly. So much energy put in, and then it's just gone. The energy is still there, the urge to write, but the story is finished.

It's odd and pervasive. How can finishing a story be such a downer? And really, the only thing I can do about it, the only thing that really works, is to start another. Maybe that's why I have a backlog of drafts that need editing. Editing is great, but it's not the same as writing. It doesn't fill that void.

Luckily, though, the effect seems short lived. The result is another story started or long put off editing kicked into overdrive. I just have to push through a rough week or so after the story wraps while I ask myself, "What now?"

So, I'm curious. How do you feel after finishing a story, or any big project, really? Let me know in the comments.

Woot, 2014 NaNoWriMo Target Hit!

I am thrilled, to say the least. Finished with eight days to spare and two thousand more words than I'd estimated. Whew!  Now, to rest for a little while and think up an nice ending for the story. Final battle and narrow escape, all good. Now to draw the conclusion.

No idea when I'll publish this...

Martial Arts Fantasy Review: Clash of the Clans: Shinobi 7 Companion Book #1 by L. Benitez

Clash of the Clans: Shinobi 7 Companion Book #1 by L. Benitez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lighthearted and funny...Highly recommended

This companion story for Shinobi 7 is a quick jump over to an alternate timeline where war never erupts, but Sector 7 still forms and the characters are essentially the same. With the war out of the picture, the story focuses on another kind of conflict, a tournament of the clans. Having read Shinobi 7, I loved being back in the world and experiencing it in such a purely enjoyable fashion.

As someone who practices Karate, I found both the tournament and the crazy way things play out delightful. Not only is the event entertaining, it's also a rather accurate representation of a martial arts tournament. I also enjoyed picking out the Japanese terms that are worked into the story. There's just enough context to make them easy to work out, but not enough to make them seem instructional.

As for the characters, I love, absolutely love, Luna. So cute and hyper, her childish logic is infallible even under the stern watch of the judges. And Kuroi, as gruff as ever, yet still facing a challenge that makes him doubt himself. These two are my favorite, but each point of view is interesting. I also liked some of the main villains of Shinobi 7 make an appearance as judges.

I honestly can't think of anything I didn't like, though I did wonder what might have motivated everyone to join the Kitsune Clan without the tragedies spawned by the war. Some of it matches up to Shinobi 7, but the split in the timeline is mostly vague. Still, I didn't worry much about it. In fact, as a standalone, the back story is fine.

Overall, I loved this story. The characters are wonderful and the story kept me smiling and, at times, outright laughing. I so wish I could write about my favorite part, but that would spoil it. I highly recommend Clash of the Clans to anyone who likes martial arts, youthful exuberance, and a bit of fantasy. This is a quick read and won't spoil Shinobi 7 if you haven't read it yet.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.


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Political Thriller Review: The Zero Game by Brad Meltzer

The Zero Game by Brad Meltzer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Zero Game is an action-packed, yet disturbing, political thriller. Matthew and Harris have been playing a game, one that seems harmless. Place your bids, sneak a bit of trivial legislation onto a bill, and collect your winnings. A victimless crime, until one of the players ends up dead. Soon one of the players finds himself playing a new game. One of life and death.

I must say I really liked this book. I found the pace quick and the story intriguing. Twists and surprises, chases and narrow escapes, all move the story forward and keep the reader engaged. I also enjoyed learning about day to day life in the government. The author has definitely done his homework.

I also liked that the story isn't burdened with an unnecessary love connection. The main character and the young page who finds herself on the run with him are focused on surviving. All in all, the relationship between them is realistic for the situation they find themselves in. The story is good enough on its own merits without cluttering it with romance.

I'm not one to seek out political thrillers, preferring fantasy, sci-fi or the occasional dystopian. But, this was a present from my dad. He's been telling me about it for some time, wanting to talk about it but not wanting to spoil it. I look forward to a long spoiler-filled discussion with him the next time we talk.

I highly recommend The Zero Game to fans of political thrillers. It's well-written, insightful and exciting.


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NaNoWriMo Status Update: Great Progress, Still Stressed

This year is the first time I've actually started my NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) novel on November 1st, and I'm hoping to finish early.  I base this on the fact that I've managed to finish on time the last two years, while starting late.

So, how am I doing? Pretty good, just about exactly on target for the challenge, but then again, my target is to finish early.  I've figured out that based on my formatting, I need 60 pages of rough draft to hit 50k words. I'm at 18 right now. I want to finish about 20k per weekend.

That means I just need to knock out 2 pages today, right? Wrong. Why? Because now that I'm going, I don't just want to finish early, I want to finish way early. Le sigh.

So, status. I'm at 15239 words of 50k. I'm on target to complete right on the 30th and pretty close to my side goal of finishing early if I knock out a couple more pages today. And, I'm stressing because I want to see if I can round this weekend off to 20k words or more (that would be 10k words today).

Hmm, why can't I be this motivated when I write books any other time of the year? Don't know, but despite the stress, I dig the game. I guess that's why I keep coming back for more.


So, who else is playing along with NaNoWriMo this year? What are your goals? How are you doing? And, most importantly, are you having fun?

Epic Fantasy Review: A Crown of Swords (The Wheel of Time #7) by Robert Jordan

A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A quick read, compared to some of the others in the series. I think it's still in the realm of the middle books where folks tend to lose interest in the series and stop reading, but I had no such trouble. Much of the action in this book occurs in Cairhien and Ebou Dar, following the divergent paths of Rand, Min, Nynaeve, Elayne and Avienda.

As always, my favorite character is Matt, mostly because he's the wild card. I also like that he finds himself both the victim and master of chance. It works out in interesting ways. Fate is fickle when Matt's around, and the swings are often surprising. My second favorite character in this book is Nynaeve. She is a complex woman, both mature and petty, strong and vulnerable, and I always enjoy getting glimpses into her head and watching her through the eyes of her closest companions. This book provides an important stepping stone in her growth and development.

The bad guys are also cool, and a new one seems to have entered the mix. A bad guy worse than the Forsaken. It makes for a good story, but then again, another character? It's one of the infuriating things about the Wheel of Time books. More characters than you can absorb and remember in one reading.

Rand on the other hand is less likeable in this one. He's uber mistrustful, arrogant, and careless. Just not all that nice of a guy, which is a shame because he started off as my favorite in the early books and the overarching plot hinges on him. Still, he's not completely lost. There are glimmers, but they are being buried by his growing madness, and it isn't pretty while that's going down.

Overall, I love the series and this book ranks high for me. Not as high as The Eye of the World (#1 and always my favorite), but good. I recommend this book to fans of epic fantasy, but I caution, as always, that if you didn't like the first few books in the series, you probably won't find this one any more likable. People tend to gather in the extremes for these books, and having read them over and over again, I fall into the pile of those who love it.

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NaNoWriMo 2014: Avalee and the Dragon

An idea has hatched.

My NaNoWriMo story this year will be called Avalee and the Dragon. Here's a short description.

Avalee's village is peaceful and safe, a great place to live, but the long shadow of Dragon's Mount is a constant reminder of the price the villagers must pay every ten years.

I have a ton of ideas floating around for this one, but I think I can get 50k words out of it and have fun doing so.

Wish me luck!

NaNoWriMo Tomorrow

Alright, tomorrow. The first day of NaNoWriMo. I have no idea what I'm going to write. :-P

Maybe fantasy? But with a twist of some sort. Meh, I'll figure it out.  And, maybe I'll actually start on day one for a change.

Epic Fantasy Review: Lord of Chaos (The Wheel of Time #6) by Robert Jordan

Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alright, somehow I almost forgot to review this one properly. This isn't my most favorite of the Wheel of Time books, but I still love it, though while reading I tend to swap between liking and disliking it. For example, I particularly dislike what happens to Rand in this one, but I love the way Jordan handles his descent into madness. I dislike what the Aes Sedai do to Egwene (or at least why), but I love how she handles it. I think the bickering is a bit over the top, but it's also amusing to me.

Lots of folks seem to dislike how the women in this story behave, and they're right to do so. They are egotistical; they are disrespectful to each other and particularly to men; and they are petty. They are also strong. They persevere. They grow and try to be better. In other words, they are human, and that's interesting.

Just like in previous installments, this is a massive book. I am glad I have it in paperback because it helps to be able to see how much is left. I got to a point where I thought I was done and still had 200 pages left. That's normal for Wheel of Time books.

Overall, I love this book and this series. I recommend the series to folks who love epic fantasy, including all the detail and description the genre tends to have. However, if you haven't enjoyed the series up to this point, I don't think there's much chance you'll like this book. Then again, if you've made it this far, why not finish?


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Announcement and Fantasy Review: The Slayer and the Sphinx by Adam Bolander

I'm excited to announce that I've landed a spot on an awesome blog called Pure Textuality, which features book news and reviews, among other things.

So, what does that mean for my blog here?

First off, not all that much. I'll still post book reviews, news, and, of course, stuff about my writing and publishing efforts. What will change is that some of my reviews will be featured on Pure Textuality, instead of here.  I'll post links as they are available.


Today's is the first one of these. So, check out my review of The Slayer and the Sphinx by Adam Bolander on Pure Textuality and hang out a while longer and check out the rest of the blog.

Visit my review on Pure Textuality

New Release and Review: Fade to Black by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus

Today I'm announcing a new release and sharing my ARC review of Fade to Black by Tim McBain and L.T. Vargus. The second author may sound familiar to you if you've been following this blog, because I loved her previous book, Casting Shadows Everywhere. While I can't say that I loved this book as much as I did the other, I can say that I really liked it.


Fade to Black by Tim McBain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fade to Black is dark, it's filled with psychological ramblings, and it features a disturbed young man plagued by seizure dreams, which feature a hooded figure killing him time after time, no matter what he tries to do. It's enough to drive one crazy.

I mention the psychological ramblings as a plus. In Casting Shadows Everywhere, these came primarily from the main character's night time psychology classes at the local college. In Fade to Black, they come from Glenn, an old man trying to use Jeff's unique condition to track down his daughter Amity. But, it's not an information dump.

As we and Glenn learn more about Jeff and begin making some conclusions, Glenn feels drawn to help Jeff understand himself. Then Jeff takes that information and thinks about it, and either internalizes or disregards it, depending on his own level of self-awareness or denial. I think it is interesting to see how different events spark a response in Jeff's self-image, and I dig the science behind it being trickled in.

And, yes, this story is dark, and delightfully so. How could it not be when the main character gets killed over and over? But it's also laced with humor (and a fair share of foul language).

Now, there were a couple of things that kept me from loving this book. First off, it seemed choppy in places, kind of like when an overzealous commercial placement eats a scene in a movie and you wonder how you got from where you were to where you are. This happened mostly in the beginning. Second, there are also several examples of the main character accepting things that are happening to him that a normal person would question. Since he seems to be a mistrustful, paranoid fellow, this seemed out of character.

Overall, I really liked this story. It's smart, dark and thrilling. I think folks who enjoy a metaphysical or psychological thriller with a side of humor would enjoy this one. It is the first in a series. Both this and the next in the series, Bled White, are being released October 20th.

I received this book as an ARC from the author.

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Now available on Amazon!

NanoWriMo Plans and Book News

So, next month's NaNoWriMo (or National Novel Writing Month), and based on last year's attempt to dodge that siren's call, I'm probably going to be spending my month writing.

Last year, I said I wouldn't, then on around day 17 I decided I would. I still can't believe I finished in time, but The Freeze is in the 3rd round of edits and nearly ready for some beta reading and cover design. Already I've chopped about 4k words, so it's no longer a 50k book, but that's ok. The challenge is to write a 50k first draft in November, not a 50k final draft.

Anyway, it's a ton of frenzied, nerve wracking storytelling and, of course, I'm going in without a plan. I have so much trouble even thinking of a topic ahead of time, and I've got to hand it to those who manage to do that and come up with an outline. I admire them for that.

So, what do I do to get ready? Well, I make sure I have a notebook (that I won't likely use), I forewarn my husband, and I tell everyone to ignore the absent gazes that might overcome me from time to time. I also run through ideas in my head, particularly on the way to work when I'm fresh.

I probably won't be reading a ton of new books when I'm actively writing, but I will keep reading, and I will keep up with my family time and my hobbies. Just because I'm writing doesn't mean I have to lose sight of everything else that matters in my life.

That being said, who else plans to take the NaNoWriMo challenge this year?

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Book news:

All four of my published books are 99c on Amazon right now. Fearless is now out in paperback. The Freeze is on track for release in December. Shadows of Valor 3 will likely be released in Winter of 2015 (still on the 2nd draft). Finally, I'm about 30% in on a vampire story. It has no name yet, but it's been fun to write so far.

That's all for now.

Book Trailer: a bit of fun for Halloween

Here's a little something different. Today I'm sharing a book trailer one of my favorite children's book authors has released for Delilah Dusticle's Transylvanian Adventure by A.J. York. This animated short is cute and funny, and perfectly matched to the book.

(Click here if the video won't load.)

Delilah Dusticle's Transylvanian Adventure by A.J. York
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Review:
Delightful, lighthearted and funny.

Delilah the dust eradicator is back, and she's received a mysterious invitation from none other than Count W. Dracula. He's getting ready for a big party and neads her team to prepare the castle for his guests. But, when she and her assistants arrive, they're in for a surprise.

Book 2 in this series is fantastic. Where book 1 focuses on Delilah's broken heart and how she gets over it, book 2 picks up after she's figured out who she is and is happy with it. Unlike book 1, which focuses on feelings kids may not be familiar with, this story is definitely something kids would get and enjoy.

The characters and creatures in this book are entertaining and humorous. I love the quirky Grumpy Sponge (which I suspect is represented in the author's profile picture), especially when someone makes him angry. The Count is surprising and his efforts to prepare for the party and fit in to what people expect represent one of the main themes of this book. And, of course, Delilah's special abilities pull everything together.

Unlike the first book where the struggle was mainly internal to Delilah, this one introduces a villain or two and adds an element of danger. These things add to the excitement and make book 2 a page turner. I wish I could say more, but I don't want to spoil any of the book's surprises.

Finally, there are illustrations. I must say that almost every one I came across made me chuckle (or outright laugh) and they all fit perfectly into the part of the story they portray. I still want to know what the ? setting on the elevator does. The illustrator does a fine job of enhancing the story without distracting from it. Also, the pictures show up well on my tablet.

Overall, I absolutely loved this story. It's fantastic and magical, humorous and whimsical. The characters, major and minor, are entertaining. And the underlying themes of learning to be yourself and love what you have instead of what others have are admirably wrought. I would highly recommend this story to anyone, young or old, who likes a lot of humor, a little mystery, and a bit of magic.

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.


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Historical Fiction Review: Ann of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A classic, but Anne talks the Cuthberts and the reader in circles.

Anne of Green Gables is the story of a young girl who matures from spunky day dreamer to mature young woman. When the Cuthberts decide to adopt, they intended to get a boy who could help on the farm, but what they get is Anne. They very nearly decide not to keep her, but the ever-optimistic and imaginative Anne manages to sway them in her favor just in time.

I think what I like most about this story is Anne's temper and impetuous nature and how she slowly becomes less of a hellion. I also like how those she meets can't help but be changed by the experience. And, then there is the historical aspect. Imagine sending someone down to the orphanage to pick you up a boy, or handing an orphan off from one household to another without anything more than a "here you go" to mark the occasion.

On the other hand, this story is quite a whirlwind of chatter (mostly Anne's nonsensical ramblings) and Anne seems to blast through all phases of adolescence. Several times it seemed that the story was wrapping up (or should be) and I found that I was nowhere near there. It's not a short story by any measure. I think it might have helped if I hadn't been reading this on a Kindle as part of a "boxed set."

Overall, I really liked the story, particularly the colorful character of Anne. I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction or coming of age stories, though it can drag on and be hard to follow in places. There was a TV series about Anne that's also worth checking out.

I found the complete Anne of Green Gables boxed set for free on Amazon Kindle and this was the first story in it.

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New Release, Brew by David Estes, plus Giveaway!

Salem’s Revenge strikes without warning or mercy, ravaging the powerless human race under the forces of united gangs of witches, wizards, and warlocks. During the slaughter, Rhett Carter's foster parents and sister are killed, and his best friend and girlfriend are abducted by a gang of witches calling themselves the Necromancers, who deal in the dark magic of raising the dead. Rhett’s sword-wielding neighbor with a mysterious past saves Rhett from becoming another casualty of the massacre and teaches him the skills he needs to survive in this new world. Rhett is broken, his normal high school life of book blogging and football playing shoved in a witch-apocalyptic blender. The only thing he has left is his burning desire for revenge. Armed with his new witch hunting skills and a loyal, magic powered dog named Hex, he sets out into the unknown with one mission: hunt and destroy those who took away everyone he ever loved.

But Rhett isn’t just a witch hunter; He has secrets of his own that he has yet to discover, secrets that his enemies will stop at nothing to keep him from. And discovering the truth about himself is the human race’s only hope.

Revenge. That’s all that’s left for witch hunter Rhett Carter. The magic-born have stripped everything from him - killed his friends, cursed his warlock father, shattered his future - leaving him bare and broken, but not dead. Their mistake. When Rhett and Laney are suddenly thrust in different directions, Rhett must decide who to trust and who to kill. Backed by his trusty canine sidekick Hex, Rhett will embark on his deadliest mission yet, one that will lead him directly toward those who want him dead, pushing his unique resistance to magic to the edge and back again as he tries to remove his father’s curse. Separated from Rhett, Laney seeks to understand the strange changes to her sister, Trish, who’s believed to be the last living Clairvoyant, and what role she’s destined to play in the future of humankind. Wrapped around everything are four major groups: the Necromancers, the Changelings, the witch hunters, and New America, the remnants of humanity. When the major forces are brought together for an epic battle, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Get both Brew and its sequel, Boil, the first two books in the Salem's Revenge series, for a special price of $0.99 each for a limited time only (Amazon Kindle exclusive: Brew until October 17th; Boil until October 7th) Click on the above buttons to take advantage of this limited time deal!

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David Estes was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was very young. David grew up in Pittsburgh and then went to Penn State for college. Eventually he moved to Sydney, Australia where he met his wife. They now live together in their dream location, Hawaii. A reader all his life, he began writing novels for the children's and YA markets in 2010, and started writing full time in June 2012. Now he travels the world writing with his wife, Adele. David's a writer with OCD, a love of dancing and singing (but only when no one is looking or listening), a mad-skilled ping-pong player, and prefers writing at the swimming pool to writing at a table.

To celebrate the launch of Brew and Boil, David Estes is also giving away FREE Kindle copies of his popular YA dystopian AND adventure book, Fire Country. Just click the above link to nab your free copy.