Category Archives: Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

A Place for me to showcase and spotlight YOU! Reblogs, Reposts, and Spotlights on other Authors, Bloggers, Photographers, etc. Because YOU make it all possible.

Of #Archangels, #Hypnotherapy and #Psychopaths – #Author Leo Kane!

27 Wednesday May 2020

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My friend and fellow author Vanda…oops Leo Kane…has stopped by to share a little about herself, her books, characters, and upcoming projects.  Personally, I want to try out the hypnotism!  No really, read on and find out what Im blathering about 🙂

Hey there Friend…tell us a wee bit about yourself 🙂

Born and raised in the Steel City of Sheffield, England; I spent a lot of my life day dreaming and can’t seem to outgrow the habit. Despite this I gave managed to raise a family of three wonderful girls, a tolerant husband and crazy husky who inveigles his way into my books posing as the hero, Furface. I somehow acquired a career in human resource management and the employment law courts and a Master of Science degree along the way.

I am also a qualified clinical hypnotherapist with a fascination for the human condition. When I am not sending people into a trance and curing their phobias I happily plot my books whilst staring out of windows.

Oh and by the way, I see dead people some of whom are kind enough to chat with me.   (This is entirely worthy of another post, you know!)

 

Do your characters dictate what you write?

Jake, the main protagonist of the Heavensgate Series won’t allow me a moment’s peace until I get his story down exactly as he wants it told. I outline the plot and he derails it. I choose his enemy and he attacks a stranger. I pick him a lover and he runs off with another. The man is a nightmare to write about. He just said I write for him not about him. See what I mean?  (I love this character, Leo!!)

Do you have a Favourite and least favourite character?

The character I love to hate in Book 1 Heavensgate, Hope is Mary Barrington wife of a Darth Vader impersonator and the most dangerous foster parent ever. Despite her very obvious defects she’s a ballsy woman and nobody’s fool. Unfortunately she loves Jake rather too much and, even without her disgusting predilections, she would scare the life out of me.

My least favourite is Joy’s mother, the eternal virgin you can meet in Book 2, Heavensgate, Joy. The woman has no redeeming qualities whatsoever; it’s a kindness to call her a soul sucking wretch. She is based on someone very close to me and for that reason I sympathise with and forgive her.

I would love to meet the Archangel Gabriel, Gabi to his friends, who along with the Angel of Redemption plays a starring role in the series. Gabi and I could have a girly day out having our hair and nails done and shopping for clothes. At the end of a busy afternoon we would relax, gossiping over Earl Grey and cake while sneaking high heels off our aching feet and sighing with pleasure.

Got any fun Tips?

I am better at baking tips if you need any. However, if I must offer some advice to any aspiring author I suggest you read widely, write every day and edit with a ruthlessness that makes you cry, but ultimately makes you proud of your art.

What upcoming projects are you excited about? 

Ooh where do I start?

I am thrilled that Book 3, Heavensgate, Faith will be published very soon. Jake’s story takes a shocking turn when he meets Faith and Mercy – I think this is the first time I’ve surprised him with a plot twist he couldn’t wriggle out of. However, he says that my bad behaviour suggests I may have to write at least one more book for the annoying man.

I am very excited to encourage my talented granddaughter, Keira, as she launches her web-based clothing designs. She also sells bespoke art some of which I am honoured to say are my photographs reproduced on canvas. The clothes and the prints are limited editions, so why not pop in for a peek at: (This sounds awesome…Im off to check it out..OH< wait, we have an interview to finish!)

www.keke-kreation.teemill.com  

Tell us about Book 1 in the Heavensgate series

When Jacob was a child a mysterious girl comforted him at the funeral of the family he accidentally killed.

Years later and grieving for his lost wife and son, Jacob is at Heavensgate. He strongly believes that the dead should stay dead, but he sees things other people don’t see.

Even worse Jacob is besieged by his alter ego the taunting, foul- mouthed, sex-crazed, dangerous, Jake, a personality with a twisted sense of fun and no conscience.

Jacob battles for his sanity and soul surrounded by supernatural enemies and allies as he struggles to free the Keeper of the Forbidden Book and ignore the menacing pink Cadillac that drives by his lakeside lodge every night.

Wherever Jacob goes people die. The cops are moving in on him when a terrifying and seductive presence arrives on the frozen lake.

Now Jacob will discover that even hope has a dark side.

http://mybook.to/Heavensgatehope

Where can we find you?

http://hgleokane.wix.com/heavensgate

http://www.facebook.com/Leokaneheavensgate

http://twitter.com@h-gleokane

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Its always a delight to spend time with Vanda….LEO …I mean Leo!…. and Im so happy she stopped by to share a little about her books, her characters and her cool new project with her granddaughter. …..tho I was kinda hoping Jake would stop in too….maybe next time 😉

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~Morgan~

 

 

 

 

The Cloisonne Brooch – A #5Star Journey into #History #TimeTravel and #Mystery

24 Sunday May 2020

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The Cloisonne Brooch is a captivating tale encompassing the ‘here and now’ and the ‘what once was’ that will keep readers of historical fiction, mystery and even romance turning pages long into the night.  So often historical fictions are set in the time period in which they are based, but with The Cloisonné Brooch author Kat Drennan has created a magical formula with time-travel at its heart.  Shifting seamlessly from present to past and back again, readers find themselves as intertwined as the characters Tessa and Kindra become as the compelling layers and intrigues of the story unfold.

As mesmerizing as it is historically accurate, Drennan gives us an unforgettable view into the life of a female slave during a period in history that differs greatly and yet is hauntingly similar to present day.

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The Cloisonné Brooch is missing. Tessa holds the key. Forces outside her control are closing in.

When Tessa Madigan finds ancient gold jewelry sealed in the walls of her uncle’s old house, she opens the door to an ancient past and a an old enemy.

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Kat Drennan is the author of this remarkable tale. born and raised in California, writes sensual stories from the heart of the Golden State. From the curling surf at the edge of the continent, to the granite sculptures of the Sierra Nevada; from San Francisco to Death Valley and all the way to the Mexican border, California’s unique landscape and history step forward as characters in each of her novels. She lives in Ojai, California with her husband, a sweet wiener dog, and two controlling cats. When she’s not writing, she’s taking advantage of the Golden States beautiful weather biking, swimming, our enjoying her favorite Mexican food.

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Find Kat’s Work Here

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~Morgan~

A Scope of #Mystery – #CharacterInterviews with a Twist

20 Wednesday May 2020

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Debbie De Louise is a reference librarian at a public library. She’s the author of seven novels including the four books of her Cobble Cove cozy mystery series. Her latest release, Sea Scope, is a psychological mystery. She lives on Long Island with her husband, daughter, and three cats.  Today Debbie has stopped by with a character from her book Sea Scope to share a few insights into the book and the characters within.

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Debbie: Hi, Julie. Welcome to Cynthia Morgan’s blog. Please tell the readers a little about yourself and your role in my book, Sea Scope.

Julie: My pleasure, Debbie. As you know, I’m not the main character of the book. That honor belongs to my niece Sarah Collins. However, I play a large role in the story. After all, most of the action takes place at my home, Sea Scope, that is also an inn. I’m a portrait artist as well as an innkeeper. That’s where Sarah gets her artistic talent from, although she illustrates children’s books instead of penning portraits.

Debbie: That’s very interesting, but isn’t it also true that you’ve had many lovers but have never married?

Julie: That’s correct. My longest relationship was with Bart Donovan. He fancied I was in love with him. I think he was on the verge of proposing when I broke it off.

Debbie: And why exactly was that? Did it have anything to do with Sheriff Donald Marshall?

Julie: You might say that. Of all the men I’ve known, Donald was the one who came closest to winning my heart. In fact, he still may, as we’ve been reunited. I met him during the investigation into the murder at my inn twenty years ago.

Debbie: How awful! Who was murdered and how?

Julie: I can’t talk too much about it because I know your readers don’t like spoilers, but the victim was a young college student, Michael Gamboski, who was staying at the inn that summer. Glen and Sarah found his body by the nearby lighthouse. His death was termed suicide, but, after my niece returned to Sea Scope, strange things started happening that made us consider his death was murder.

Debbie: Please tell us about these strange happenings.

Julie: We began receiving messages written in crayon from my dead nephew, Sarah’s brother, Glen Brewster. Glen died two years ago in a motorcycle accident in California where he was a practicing psychologist. When Glen lived at the inn as a child, he liked to play a game that involved crayon clues.

Debbie: Boy, this sounds like an interesting story if I must say so myself. What about the rest of the family and those who lived at Sea Scope when Michael died?

Julie: I wish I could say nice things about the others, but I didn’t get along with everyone. Glen’s father, Martin, killed himself a year after they moved away from Sea Scope. I never liked Sarah’s mother, Jennifer, much. She drank a lot when she was at Sea Scope and hasn’t stopped. The people I liked best were Wanda and Wendy Wilson. Wanda was like a daughter to me more than a maid. Her daughter Wendy, was friends with Sarah and Glen. The only problem with Wanda was that she was flirtatious. She had Wendy out of wedlock. Russ Donovan, Bart’s son, also spent time at the inn. I think Sarah was attracted to him, but she married someone else after her family moved to New York from South Carolina.

What disturbs me about Derek is that he refuses medical treatment to help Sarah conceive when she desperately wants a baby.

Debbie: What a cast of characters. Is there anyone else in the book we should know about?

Julie: There is one other character. Her name is Carolyn Grant. She’s a children’s book writer and Sarah’s friend. She accompanies her to Sea Scope because Derek is teaching summer classes and can’t join Sarah.

Debbie: Would you have an excerpt to the book that you would like to share?

Julie: Yes. Here’s one that features me and my cat, Al.

As Al circled her legs emitting short cries that signaled his hunger, Julie checked for mail. There was one letter inside the box. It wasn’t in an envelope and bore no stamp. Someone had dropped it off. She figured it was an advertisement, but when she unfolded the paper, she saw that it was a note written in childish handwriting. Each letter had been marked with a different crayon.

“Do you really think you should reopen the inn? How many more deaths do you want on your head?”

Your nephew, Glen

She gasped. Al sensed her dismay and stopped crying, his body alert to danger; the fur on his back starting to rise.

Glen was dead, buried in the family cemetery nearly two years ago.

Debbie: Thank you so much for the great interview, Julie.

You can connect with Debbie at:

Facebook: 

Twitter

Website/Newsletter sign up 

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Do you have an amazing character from your book you’d love to share with a broader audience?  Perhaps two characters interacting with each other or one interviewing the other.  Drop me a line via my contact info to learn more about authoring a guest post all about them! 🙂

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~Morgan~

Deconstructive Literature – A Unique #Perspective on #Poetry and #Writing

20 Monday Apr 2020

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If you don’t already know him from the uniquely amazing poetry he posts on his blog, I’d like to introduce you to Braeden Michaels.  He is an American author and the creator of Deconstructive Literature. Within the whirlwind of his mind, he teases apart the human creature: emotions, passions, and perspectives. Dissects, then rearranged them for rare display. He is featured in “Static Dreams Volume 1 Anthology of Twisted Minds” with the short story “The Cancerous Affair.” He will also be featured in the upcoming poetry collection “The Poets Symphony.”
What, you may ask, is Deconstructive Literature?  I asked the same thing and this is what Braeden told me:
Deconstructive Literature is a poem with a pattern. The pattern used is for emphasize to bring out the meaning of the poem. Also more often I use abstract analogies or phrases in this type of writing to lure the reader to reflect personally.
The inspiration comes from types of poems such haikus and sonnets. I’m not a personal fan of those types of poems so I wanted to do something different and perhaps be a pioneer in the literary world.
Where do you find Inspiration, Braeden?
I seek inspiration from all over. I get them from images, lyrics, and stories. The process isn’t the same because I want it to be challenging and unique. Sometimes a title will come first.
What are you currently working on?
My work in progress is “Stella Walker’s Acquaintances.” This is collection of character poetry. This compilation is made up a people we all know – family, friends, and perhaps co-workers. Most of us have a few close friends and the rest are acquaintances. This body of work forces us to look at humanity a bit different.
The Raven’s Poison will be released April 25th. Pre-orders will be available. The book will be available on Lulu, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and iBooks.
Here’s a taste of Braeden’s Poems:
And the Rain Turned into Snow
I glanced at my downfall in the acidic winter
She was as soft as the twinkling moonlight
I became irrelevant and indescribable
She was a reverent Queen of sympathy
I whispered into the breeze of photographs
She ignored my questions and messages
I dangled prudence in front of her audacious smile
And the rain turned into snow
I caught her elegance within her web of lies
She drifted like a fog in the early morning
I harbored her senses and dry intellect
She suspended truth like a balloon
I distinctly surrendered with a white flag
She dug her nails into my silence with spite
I fell into her callous and frostbitten hands
And the rain turned into snow
I placed my feet in the porcelain sand
She wrapped her insensitivity around my neck
I shrugged off her fatal resentment
She carefully arranged the fragments
I sat between the disposition and danger
She neglected the candle in the dark
And the rain turned into snow
The Raven’s Poison
Once upon a midnight fear
She took a sip of corrosion
Debilitating manners and quirks
Fumbling through a frenzy
Gliding inside hallucinations
Staggering outside the commotions
A recollection of mourning
Stern exchanges melting
Comments and remarks growl
Sentiments dressed in black
Treasures whispering hush
Ripping dead skin with caution
Crumbling faith turns into dirt
A recollection of mourning
Hunger flexing with animosity
Greed panting with saliva
In holy matrimony with the raven
She tasted the hollow bitterness
Numb and disgusted by the poison
Infuriated with the toxic rants
A recollection of mourning
Provoked by exasperation
Anxiety wrapped around her neck
Choking on sour corruption
Addicted to the murmurs
Inhaling the virulent winds
Wounded by a malicious tongue
A recollection of mourning
A catastrophic touch bellowed
Infatuation hung as a disaster
Benevolence was a chewed up dog bone
Loneliness exhaled rapidly
Sympathy was a an old rag
Love was just mucus from a cough
A recollection of mourning
Please stop by Braedens Blog and say Hi
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Thank you so much Braeden for sharing your unique perspective on poetry with BnV 🙂  Cant wait for the Book!
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~Morgan~
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Are you a writer/Poet who has a unique perspective on writing or inspiration?  Care to share your story?  Contact me via my contact page for opportunities 🙂

#FriendsFriday- #author #blogger #photographer #poet #networking – Websites

13 Friday Mar 2020

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It’s Friday, Friends!  That means it’s the day we share and follow, explore and make new connections.  Please take a moment to share the link to your website, blog, or Amazon author pag .  Maybe you run a book review group, an author Facebook group ( I do!) or Twitter retweet group.

Today is the day we can share these opportunities with each other. Reach out,  give back.  Network.  Grow.

So to get the ball rolling,  here’s my Facebook Authors group info:   Awesome Books by Awesome Authors

https://www.facebook.com/AwesomeBooksandAuthors/

Fellow #Authors, #Writers, #Poets, I’ve created a page for YOU!!  This is a place where we can share our books! IF you would like to share your books on this page, there are a few RULES:

No Erotica, please

No books that are Violent, Dark Horror, or promote Hatred.

No Spamming. One Post per day

IF you Post, you must also SHARE at lease one other post on this page to your page. Support each other and Share the Love!

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Best Wishes!

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~Morgan ~

Fishnets in the Far East – A #TrueStory #BookSpotlight

06 Friday Mar 2020

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Set in 1989, a year after the Olympic Games in South Korea, this is the true story of a young dancer, whose naive dream of working in the Far East turns into a nightmare.​

Signing a six month contract, she is whisked off to the other side of the world where she finds herself in a host of situations which she is ill-equipped to deal with. Dancing her way across South Korea with two friends, she is propositioned by the Mafia, turned away by the British Embassy, caught in a student riot, and taken to Korean brothels to name but a few of her ordeals and adventures.

At times both shocking and humorous, this story​ takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you follow the life of a timid young girl ,finding her voice and learning to stand up for herself in a male-orientated world of alcohol, sex and seedy nightclubs.

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About the author:​ For over twenty years, Michele Northwood was a dancer, magician and fire-eater who toured the world in theatre, musicals and circus.

She has been in the Guinness Book of records for being part of the world´s largest Human mobile while working for the circus of horrors as their first “Girl inside a bottle”. She has rubbed shoulders with Sting, Chris de Burg, David Copperfield, Claudia Schiffer and Maurice Gibb from the Bee Gees. Michele has worked as a knife throwers assistant, assisted a midget in his balancing act and has also taken part in the finale of a Scorpions concert.

When she retired from entertainment, she went back to school and now has a First Class Honours degree in Modern languages, (English and Spanish).​ Since graduating, she has won two writing competitions, and her first novel: “Fishnets in the Far East: A Dancer´s Diary in Korea” has recently won an award for “Best Memoir” with TCK Publishing. The sequel: “Fishnets and Fire-eating” is currently being edited and she is now working on her third book.

She currently lives in Spain with her Spanish husband, three dogs and two cats. She is a qualified English teacher and works in a public school as well as in her own private school.

Find Fishnets on Amazon : http://amazon.com/Fishnets-Far-East-Dancers-Diary-ebook/product-reviews/B07MLQ1WVQ

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~Morgan ~

#FriendsFriday- #author #blogger #photographer #poet #networking

28 Friday Feb 2020

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It’s a new year and a new decade.  Keeping things fresh is always a challenge for any blogger, myself included.  So I sat down and thought about what I’d like to do with BooknVolume for 2020.  I like to support my kindred creative spirits.  I try to offer opportunities for everyone to grow their audience and I always hope to inspire.

With that in mind I came up with a relatively simple idea. A random act of kindness that is, admittedly, not entirely random.  Each Friday I will offer a new way to help all of us…. or at least those of us who are interested… build our following, network with fellow creative minds, and make new friends.

Today is a fairly simple beginning. Drop your link for your author website or blog in the comments.  Then follow others who do the same .  Pop back now and then…. follow more.  Explore their creativity.  Talk with them about new ideas. Spotlight each other on your sites and build bridges to new possibilities.

Hopefully,  anyway 😊

Your here.   You already know my blog, but to help kick things off, here’s the link to my website:

https://allthingsdarkfey.wixsite.com/feyandmusings

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Best wishes for a year filled with new ideas and new friends!

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~Morgan ~

Anotomy of the Spirit- #BookReview

20 Thursday Feb 2020

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A fascinating and compelling examination of the physical and spiritual body, Anatomy of the Spirit gives an in depth look at the relationship between the power of positive thought and manifestations of the physical body.​I found the comparisons between religions both intriguing and inspiring, as it showed how similar most philosophies truly are and how, regardless of what we choose to entitle our beliefs, we share the same foundations of hope.​Although it was certainly not a quick read and I found myself re-reading most sections at least twice in order to fully understand the complexities the author relates, I was truly enriched through the experience.​

If you seek a deeper understanding of the intricacies of mind, body and spirit, I highly recommend​ this comprehensive exploration of what makes us powerful, successful and vibrant on all levels.

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About the Author

Caroline Myss, Ph.D., is an internationally sought-after speaker on spirituality and personal power. She is widely recognized for her work in teaching intuitive diagnosis and is a pioneer in the field of energy medicine. She lives in Chicago.

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The Kalis Experiments- A #Sci-Fi #Fantasy #Steampunk #Mystery Epic #Read!

20 Sunday Oct 2019

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The Kalis Experiments (Tides Book 1) Kindle Edition

by R.A. Fisher

Syrina is a Kalis: a master of disguise, assassin, and spy. Her kind has served the High Merchants’ Syndicate for a thousand generations.

She receives a surprising gift from her master, and she realizes something isn’t right. The High Merchants don’t do anything without a reason.

When things don’t add up in an otherwise normal investigation, she follows the trail to the steam-powered city of Fom. There, she learns of a machine that could end civilization a second time.

Will Syrina stave off disaster, or seek revenge?

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My 5-Star Review:

An absorbing Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Steampunk/ mystery saga that makes me wish for a T.V. Series!

The Kalis Experiments, Book One Tides, has opened a brand-new world of Sci-Fi adventure.  The world building is immaculate, in-depth, and so original I found myself re-reading entire chapters just to fully appreciate all the subtle details and intricacies R.A Fisher has woven into his exceptional tale. The main character is equally unique, well-conceived, and thoughtfully introduced, allowing readers to identify with her despite her alien nature.

Thoroughly enjoyable and written with a likable prose style, I am eager to see where the author takes the story through the rest of the series.

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Biography

Robert Fisher has lived in Hiroshima, Japan with his wife and five-year-old son since 2015, where he occasionally teaches English, writes, and pretends to learn Japanese. Before that he lived in Vancouver, Canada where he worked in the beer industry and mostly just cavorted about, getting into trouble and eating Thai food.

He placed fourth in The Vancouver Courier’s literary contest with his short story The Gift, which appeared in that paper on February 20, 2009. His science fiction novella The God Machine was published by Blue Cubicle Press in 2011 under the name Robert Fisher.

He has been trying to write stories since he was four years old

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~Morgan~

Deliciously Satisfying #Epic #Fantasy- #5Star #BookReview of Beloved Traitor

12 Thursday Sep 2019

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Beloved Traitor (Fragile Fate Trilogy Book 1)

by Jeremiah Dungan

When the highest prophet in the land wields his power, kings and queens become pawns.

Coerced into betraying the barbarian king who raised him, a disowned mage, Brandt, kills the high queen, sending the already unstable regions into chaos. His mage nature and the scars of the past fight against his desire to be a better man as he attempts to find common ground amid the feuding powers.

While Brandt struggles for a place with the noble mages and barbarians, his actions send three princesses on paths that will take them far from home. Each carry passions and fears they must control if they are to become more than prisoners of fate. Carving new paths could lead to the devastation or salvation of themselves as well as the kingdom.

With powerful men holding the truths of the past in the shadows, how the young prince and princesses choose to wield their new power could destroy them all. Can they bring peace to the kingdom or will they be the next victims sacrificed in the fight for the high throne?

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MY 5-Star Review

In a realm where magic and mages are all powerful and submission is forced onto those assumed to be weak, an intriguingly complex array of characters spin out a tale that is wholly relatable to our present reality.  With a Viking-Norse flair and a driven pace, I found myself reading longer than I planned to each time I picked up the book simply because I was so captivated. I couldn’t put it down.  I kept saying ‘just one more chapter….’

This epic fantasy not only set the ground work for its sequel, which I’m eagerly anticipating, but took its time, delivering deliciously satisfying world-building and introducing a marvelous collection of fascinating characters I learned to both love and hate.  I hope the author doesn’t keep us waiting too long for book 2!

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Discover more about the author Jeremiah Dungan

Find Beloved Traitor here

~Morgan~

Karina Bartow- An #Author who Challenges her #Challenges!

11 Saturday May 2019

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I would love for you to meeet Karina Bartow who grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio.  Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her.  Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want.  Her debut novel, Husband in Hiding, came out in 2015 and was well-received by readers.  Her second, Forgetting My Way Back to You, was released in October 2018 by Vinspire Publishing and has been praised by reviewers.  She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart and I hope you will enjoy learning more about her and her books as much as I did when she recently contacted me.

HI Karina 🙂  Thank you for taking a few moments to share your story with BnV 🙂  Lets dive right in, shall we?  Do you have a preferred POV that you write from and why?  When I started writing, I tried first person perspective, but I found it confining with so many elements to a plot. Now, I only write in third person so that I can show a broader scheme rather than one corner.

Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?   For sure! Even though I have a general idea of their personalities from the beginning, they take their own turns I don’t always expect. I just go with it!

LOL, I tend to let my characters tell their own story too! What type of book do you like to read and does this differ from the genre that you prefer to write?   I’ve always enjoyed love stories, so that’s what I started writing. After a few years, though, I was drawn to mysteries, and that’s my preferred genre in which to write. When given a choice of what to read, I still stick with love stories. Call me sappy!

Tell us a little more about your book?    At one point or another, everybody finds themselves wanting a second chance, whether it be missing the mark on an investment, failing to live up to a certain goal, or letting a true love slip away. It’s very seldom, however, that one receives the proverbial do-over.

Charlee Stoll and Hunter Jett become the modern-day exception. After a decade-long estrangement, the high school sweethearts reconnect when Hunter, fresh off a career in arena football, returns to his hometown. Their reunion catches both of them by surprise, and they quickly recapture the love they once shared. When Hunter begins to rethink his choices, though, tragedy strikes. During a heated confrontation, Charlee’s thrown off a horse and sent into a week-long coma.

When she awakens with no clue who he is, he seizes the chance to right his wrongs, but it proves more challenging than he expects. On top of romancing her, he must overcome her father’s displeasure, another ex-boyfriend vying for her love, and her own mission to regain her memory.  Through charm and deception, can he win back her love…before she discovers the truth?

Sounds Fantastic !  You can find Karina’s book here 

Thanks so much Karina for sharing your time and talent with BnV!  I wish you many Blessings and Success 🙂

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~Morgan~

 

Playing in the Rain- a #Sci-Fi, #Post-Apocalyptic, #Suspense #Page-Turner

13 Saturday Apr 2019

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Sandra J. Jackson is an award-winning Canadian author living in rural Ontario with her family. Her published novels include Promised Soul and Playing in the Rain – Book 1 of the Escape Series. The second book of the series is awaiting publication while Sandra works on editing the final book. She holds a professional membership with the Canadian Author Association and is a member of Writer’s Ink.

Playing in the Rain

When the effects of a hypnosis inducing drug fade, April slowly begins a conscious awakening. Memories of her past are unclear and she has no recollection of her identity or her whereabouts.

As the days slip by, April realizes there is more to life than existing when she is introduced to an occupant who does just that—her sister. The more she learns about her environment the more she wants to escape.

Will April remember her past, her sister? Will she have the courage to leave?  And if she does, where will she go?

Experience through April’s eyes her struggle to remember and her determination to escape in this sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, suspense story.

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Hi Sandra!  Its  great having you stop by for a quick chat.  Tell us about you.  What do you love most about Writing?

What I love most is that no matter what ideas I might have my characters are the ones who direct the story. They surprise me every time.

I love when they do that!  I like to tell their story, using 2nd person.  Do you have a preferred POV that you write from and why?

Both of my books are written in first person (though Promised Soul does have a couple of chapters written in third). I like the way first person draws readers into a story and makes them feel like they are a part of it.

First person is something I haven’t tried yet.  Maybe one day.  Makes me wonder, does it drive how your write….and Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?

Absolutely! I have a quote that I use on my business cards and a few other things. “Only my characters truly know what’s happening—I just hold the pen.”

I wrote that quote because this is how it is for me.

Oh thats so true…I never know where they will lead me. Im often just holding on for the ride!  Playing in the Rain sounds like a marvelous, page-turner!  Where can we find it?

Find it on Amazon

Discover More of Sandra’s Writing

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Thank you so much for visiting BnV, Sandra.  I am so happy to share your story…and your story!

Blessings and Success 🙂

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~Morgan~

The Origin Stone – #Fantasy with a #SciFi Twist

06 Saturday Apr 2019

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

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Emily Renzi thinks she’s going crazy. After her parents move to a quiet village, she senses that something is off about the house they’re living in. Dreams of strange creatures invade her sleep, and mysterious shapes appear in the garden. Confiding in her older brother, Ru, they research the house’s background and find that a scientist disappeared there during World War II. Afterwards, sightings of strange creatures were whispered around the village. Could the creatures in Emily’s dreams and the ones rumored about be the same? And if so, what do they want from her? As she struggles to piece together the truth from the fiction, she finds out that beasts aren’t always monsters – humans, however, are a different matter.

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Kathryn Rossati is an autistic author and poet who loves weaving tales of fantasy, sometimes with sci-fi or paranormal twists. Her stories tend to have themes of social acceptance and equality, without being preachy.   Kathryn has four middle grade books published under the name Kathryn Wells with Creativia, along with a debut poetry collection, and her latest book, The Origin Stone, which was recently published in March from Nuff Said Publishing.

Kathryn, what do you love most about Writing? Living a life/lives so very different to my own. It’s like being an actor, except without the CGI to be added after your scene’s been filmed. Every story has a new cast that I have to get to know, and the world can be close to my own or the complete opposite. Nothing is impossible, and exploring that is invigorating. True, there are times when trying to get the words down on paper is like pulling teeth, but the end result is worth it. I also find it incredibly therapeutic, as it eases my depression and provides me with a sense of achievement and self-worth.

Can you sum up your life story in ten words or less? Dungaree-loving Mother of Parrots obsessed with the fantastical.

Do you have a Mantra- a Quote you try to live by? Yep, as a woman on the autistic spectrum, I can have very strong interests. However, as being an author has always been my dream, my mantra is, ‘Just Write’. It refocuses me on what I truly find important so I can keep going (it’s also tattooed on my leg just in case I forget). Anyone can write, but being an author takes true commitment and passion.

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I love that!  Thank you so much Kathryn for taking a few moments of your time to share your story…and your story, with BnV 🙂

Find Kathryn on Twitter 

Find The Origin Stone on Amazon

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~Morgan~

God’s Hammer- A #HistoricalFiction #MustRead & the #Author who created it.

30 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

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Eric Schumacher is an American historical novelist who currently resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his wife and two children. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended college at the University of San Diego.

At a very early age, Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Those discoveries continue to fuel his imagination and influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God’s Hammer, was published in 2005. He has since published two additional novels, Raven’s Feast and War King. All three tell the story of Hakon Haraldsson, the first Christian king of Viking Norway.

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His historical fiction novel God’s Hammer is a true must read!

History and legend combine in the gripping tale of Hakon Haraldsson, a Christian boy who once fought for the High Seat of a Viking realm.

It is 935 A.D. and the North is in turmoil. King Harald Fairhair has died, leaving the High Seat of the realm to his murderous son, Erik Bloodaxe. To solidify his claim, Erik ruthlessly disposes of all claimants to his throne, save one: his youngest brother Hakon.

Erik’s surviving enemies send a ship to Wessex, where the Christian King Athelstan is raising Hakon. Unable to avoid his fate, he returns to the Viking North to face his brother and claim his birthright, only to discover that victory will demand sacrifices beyond his wildest nightmares.

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Eric, What do you love most about Writing?

What I love most about writing is disappearing into my imagination. I will start writing and hours can pass in what feels like minutes. Nothing else I do has that same affect on me.

Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?

Absolutely. My characters often throw a monkey wrench into my writing. I’ll be in the midst of writing dialogue or an action scene and suddenly my characters will do something unexpected. I pursue that new angle or direction because it usually feels appropriate for that character. The challenge, though, is that it can take the story in a new direction that may veer too far from historical facts, so I’ve learned to be cautious. Still, it is always a nice surprise when my characters come alive like that.

What’s exciting you about your next project?

A few things have really got me jazzed. While I’m sticking with Viking historical fiction, I am venturing into a new story with all new historical and fictitious characters. Developing those characters has been a ton of fun. I am also experimenting with a different POV, which is daunting and exciting all at once. It’ll be a few more months, but I can’t wait to share the project with the world!

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For more information, visit Eric’s website

Find God’s Hammer on Amazon

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Thanks so much Eric for sharing your valuable time and talent with BooknVolume.  I wish you all the best success and happiness!

Are you an author interested in sharing your story?  Stop by my recent Author Interviews post to learn more.

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~Morgan~

#SciFi #Author Sean Robins- The Crimson Deathbringer

23 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

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I’d like to introduce you to fellow author and SciFi writer Sean Robins.  He’s stopped by to share a few quick words about himself and his first book, The Crimson Deathbringer, that is releasing early this May!

Hi Sean…Tell us about yourself:
“Who am I? I am Spiderman.”

Well, not really, but this should tell you all you need to know about me and my writing style.

I’m a huge Marvel (plus Game of Thrones, Star Trek AND Star Wars) fan, which shows since my novel is loaded with pop culture references. If you are a sci-fi fan you will enjoy them tremendously. I even went full Deadpool in my first draft and broke the fourth wall multiple times, until my editor told it was distracting and kept taking her out of the moment. Shame. Those fourth-wall breaks were hilarious. Still, I can guarantee a few laugh-out-loud moments. Case in point: The “good” aliens in my novel are a race of pranksters, whose main goal in life is pulling other people’s legs (They have four legs, hence the slight change in the idiom).

LOL with an imagination that vibrant, I bet your book is amazing. What’s it about?

The Akakies, a peaceful, technologically advanced alien species known as “the galaxy’s pranksters,” are under attack by the Xortaags, a vicious military race bent on conquering the universe. The Xortaags are deadly, but Tarq, the Akakies’ chief strategist and legendary shadow master, has a plan.

Meanwhile on Earth, Jim, a wise-cracking, movie-quoting, OCD-suffering fighter pilot, is about to propose to his girlfriend Liz when his childhood friend Kurt shows up at his house, injured and covered in blood. Kurt is a freedom fighter/super- assassin hunted by a brutal military dictatorship’s security forces.

Soon after, Jim, Liz and Kurt’s lives are set to crash with a galactic war that threatens the very existence of the human race. Can our heroes save humanity from the wrath of an overwhelming enemy?

The Crimson Deathbringer seamlessly blends breathtaking action sequences with mischievous humor. If you are a science fiction/space opera fan, this book, with its memorable characters, formidable antagonist and Game of Thrones style shocking moments, is written especially for you.

How did you get started writing?

I have got purely obsessional OCD. What this means is a thought enters my mind—usually something negative—and doesn’t leave. I end up having to think about it 5000 times a day, and once this starts, my life is ruined for a week, two weeks, a month, or six months. I’d tried a lot of different ways to get rid of this problem: therapy, medication, meditation… Nothing ever worked, until I read an article that said the people who had this problem had an overly active imagination, and it would help if they channeled it into something productive, like writing.

I’d always wanted to be a writer. This is literally a childhood dream, one of those you give up when you grow up. I had the story of The Crimson Deathbringer in my mind for years (even started writing it and stopped a few times). When I read that article, I was going through a tough time in my marriage (fighting with your wife is no fun, even for sane people), and my mind had gone into its life-destroying over-drive, so I told myself, “Well, you’ve tried everything else, let’s give this a shot.”

And then a miracle happened.

My mind put the same energy it used to put into producing BS and making my life miserable into coming up with stories. Ideas would come to me fast and furious, and I had to stop whatever I was doing several times a day to write them down. I’ve been OCD-free since then (I know, I sound like a recovering alcoholic). When TCD (cool, eh?) was finished, it took my out-of-control brain half a day to plan my second novel, which is about a nerdy scientist and a sexy female mercenary who use a time machine to defeat an alien invasion. 

Is there an Author you consider your inspiration?

Yes. My favorite author is Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files), which is probably how I ended up writing in a first-person POV with the same light-hearted, funny tone as he does. The fact that my MC’s name is Jim is purely coincidental though.

Can you sum up your life story in ten words or less? 

I have survived three (!) revolutions and an eight-year-long war. Mr. Survivor here 🙂

We’re so glad you did so you could share your story….and your story…with all of us.  Where can people find you and your book?

The Crimson Deathbringer on Amazon

Author Sean Robins Website

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Thanks so much Sean for sharing your valuable time and talent with BooknVolume.  I wish you all the best success and happiness!

Are you an author interested in sharing your story?  Stop by my recent Author Interviews post to learn more.

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~Morgan~