Tag Archives: Readers

Nobody Eats Parsley – and Other Things I Learned from my Family with David Oakley

06 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

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Nobody Eats Parsley. Sit down, grab a beer and let me tell you some stories about my family. They’re so ridiculous you may think they’re fiction. Like the time I went to a drive-in X-rated movie without realizing my parents were in the next car. Or how I let my kid throw a rock through the living room window. There’s the time I bought a camouflage thong in a bait shop, and the time I ruined a kid’s birthday party. And the other time I ruined a kid’s birthday party. There’s no way I could have just made these stories up. I can’t guarantee that they will make you laugh, but I can guarantee that I didn’t make them up.

DAVID OAKLEY has been telling brand stories at BooneOakley for years. He has won many prestigious honors, including the Kaopectate Award in the eighth grade for having diarrhea of the mouth. His first book, Why Is Your Name Upside Down?, is full of stories from his life in advertising. Despite this, he was recently inducted into the North Carolina Advertising Hall of Fame. He lives with his wife Claire and their dog Walter in Charlotte, where they raised Sydney and Lucas. He loves his family very much and hopes they still love him after reading Nobody Eats Parsley.

Hi David! Let’s dive right in, huh? What do you love most about Writing?

I’ve got an ego, and sure, I enjoy the attention that authors get. (Like being asked to be on Morgan’s blog! I’m very excited about this, by the way.) But when it comes down to it, I write because of the way it makes me feel. And because of the way it makes you feel when you read it. I like surprising people and making them chuckle. It thrills me, it excites me, it invigorates me. Writing, and making people laugh, gives me meaning and purpose in life.

How did you get your start writing?

Storytelling is such a big deal in the South. I grew up listening to my grandma tell stories of growing up as a tobacco sharecropper during the Great Depression. I was fascinated at how much humor there was during such hard times. She always made me laugh and I really like laughing. So, I decided that that was what I wanted to do. The only difference is that I write my stories down. And her stories were better. LOL

Is there an Author you consider your inspiration?

I read my first David Sedaris book in 2007, and he instantly became my favorite author. His story “Big Boy” about an unfortunate incident in a bathroom at a dinner party made me howl with laughter. Not only because it was so absurdly ridiculous, but because it was so relatable to me. I thought to myself, stuff like that happens to me a lot.

What Inspired you to write your book?

Laughter inspires me. When something happens in everyday life that makes me really laugh or someone around me laugh, I write about what made them laugh. At lot of funny things, (at least they’re funny to me) have happened in my life. I found myself telling these stories and laughing about them with my friends over dinner or beers, and one day I decided that I’d better write them down before I forgot them.

That’s probably every authors nightmare – having a great idea and then forgetting to write it down! Do you have a preferred POV that you write from and why?

My stories are about stuff that happens to me and my family, so I write from my POV. I see things through the eyes of a father, a husband and a son, who probably has smoked one too many joints in his life.

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

I’ve written two books now, and the characters in them are real life people that I hang out with every day. The first book is about my life in advertising, my work family. And my new book is about life with my real family. So, they do dictate how I write. Because they say funny things. Like my daughter Sydney, who told a friend that my new book, “might not be the best book my dad has ever written, but it’s definitely in the Top 2.”

Although it’s often hard to select just one, do you have a favourite or least favourite character?

My Aunt Hallie, without a doubt, is my favorite character in Nobody Eats Parsley. She’s an 83-year-old church going, sweet tea drinking Southerner who can strike up a conversation with a signpost. She’s sweet, humble, kind and the best natural born trash-talker in the history of North Carolina. Imagine if Aunt Bea from The Andy Griffith Show and Eddie Haskell from Leave it to Beaver had a love child. That would be my Aunt Hallie.

What’s your number one tip for an aspiring Author?

The first thing for an aspiring writer is to keep writing. Just keep writing. Then after you have written for about 10 years, suddenly you’re not an aspiring writer anymore. You’re a writer.

Is there a book you consider a must-read- why?

No, I don’t consider Nobody Eats Parsley a must-read. That’s because I just recorded an audiobook. So, I consider it a must-listen. LOL (Even though I can’t stand the sound of my own voice.)

Do you have a Mantra- a Quote you try to live by?

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” This is a quote from Steve Prefontaine, a runner from the 1970’s.


<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/468177255″>Nobody Eats Parsley</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/user11098752″>Kara McCoy</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

I want to thank David for taking time out of his busy schedule to stop by and talk about his book. Please look for David on his social media network:

Author Website

Twitter: @oakleydavid

Instagram @oakleydavid16

Facebook

Nobody Eats Parsley on Amazon

David is giving away 5 Signed Copies of Nobody Eats Parsley!
Contact him using the form below and he’ll send you one
While Supplies Last!

My #Halloween Treat to You – #Free & #99Cent #Fantasy #Reading!

28 Wednesday Oct 2020

Posted by in Dark Fey, The Mercy Series

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Give a TREAT this Halloween they won’t forget….or put down!
October 28 – Nov 2 ONLY
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~Morgan~

Penthara- A World Governed by Elements and Season – #Spectacular #EpicFantasy #BookReview

15 Saturday Aug 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

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ENTER THE WORLD OF PENTHARA … a world governed by five elements and their five seasons …

The human kingdom of Barredom has been at war with the qindrid territories of Aggedon ever since the Qindrid Curse gripped the land. What were once humans are now grey-skinned, ageless, sleepless abominations, enhanced by the shadow element of their descendancy.

When the entire border army of Aggedon vanishes overnight, the obsessive General of Barredom orders the Westwalker, the infamous hunter of hunters, to investigate the disappearance. But the actions of men may test the resolve of the outsider who was long ago forced under the cursed transformation himself.

The new cycle of Kingfall proves worthy of its name when the savage elvan king of the Glace Isles is slain during an ambush. His elite war party, along with his three legendary axes, are deposited in the dungeons of the Frostdale Deeps, the domain of the Royal Inquisitor Honorah Bayn. Her task is to extract information from the enigmatic prisoners, but her desire is to exact revenge, and her lust for suffering is set to thwart the distracting aspirations of her unwitting son and daughter.

The unusual fortune of Barredom delivers one other gift when the leader of the Aggedonian qindrid surrenders herself into the custody of the elusive king of Barredom. It’s up to the renounced prince of Barredom, Ondrew Roth, and his motley group of spurned knights to escort her on a clandestine mission beneath enemy territory, through the underground tomb of an elvan race thought long defeated.

Prepare for a dark tale where all are the many hues of grey, and where any might not be as they seem

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My 5-Star Review!

There are fantasy writers; there are Epic Fantasy writers, and then there’s the stellar few, like Tolkien and Steven Erikson, who build an entire universe in spectacular detail just to share a side story that has little or nothing whatsoever to do with the main story, but you cannot imagine reading the story and not knowing the side story because of the skill with which it’s relayed.   Mr. Eversand’s spectacular tale is right up there in the stratosphere of extraordinary story telling alongside such masters.
Character development in this sweeping saga is remarkable and the dialog between characters scores off the charts as well.  Smiles and Norah quip and banter with the best of ’em, leading me to re-read again and again just for the sheer enjoyment of it.  There are heroes to love and villains to despise, and some very intriguing sorts that you love to despise and despise that you love!
But this story has much more than amazing characters and dialog worthy of Henry Cavil or Robert Downey Jr., oh yes!  Page one sends you careening into the tale through riveting action scenes that allow you to finally draw breath around Chapter Five!  I Could Not Put This Book Down!  There are 449 pages and each one is a sumptuous delight; a nerve-wracking edge-of-your-seat thrill; and a delicious temptation that keeps you turning pages, faster and faster and faster!
Now, don’t let me spoil it for you, but be prepared.  Prepared to be awed, swept up and away, and unable to extricate yourself from the mastery of fantasy Mr. Eversand flawlessly displays chapter after intoxicating chapter.  But draw breath.  Step back and admire…and give yourself plenty of time to devour the last 1/4 of the book because I assure you the story will latch on and not let go.
If you want a true fantasy epic, something you can not only sink your teeth into, but utterly immerse yourself in and become entirely entangled, Kingfall is waiting for you.
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Author Bio
Ezekiel Eversand was born in Southeast Texas. He has spent most of his adult life in operations management for high-volume nightlife venues throughout his home region of Texas and Louisiana, and eventually in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he now resides. He is a travel enthusiast and absolutely loves anywhere that has a beach. He lives with his French bulldog, Hero. Creating unique worlds, characters, and stories has been his true passion behind the scenes since he was a child.
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~Morgan~

A Reverse ‘View – A View into Mercy – #BookReviews Backwards

06 Monday Jul 2020

Posted by in The Mercy Series

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So here it is…the very first (Possibly ever!) Reverse Book Review where the reader reviews the book and then is interviewed by ME….and YOU! Yes, thats right, you can ask any questions you like about the book(s) and Chad will be happy to answer them.  So lets get right to it, shall we?

Chad R Slabach Jr
Misericorde (Mercy Series Book One)
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!

Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2020…..Cynthia A Morgan wrote the Dark Fey trilogy and I loved that…this is a very different sort of book. For one, it’s slower paced and the work of a very talented author who has time (there are 3 more books to come in the series) to let the story unfold, to allow the reader to know and understand the characters, times, environments. She is patient and assured – 2 words I would hesitate to use to describe most anything culturally. We are raised on soundbites and fed headlines, but this book/series is, especially the more I think about it, so difficult to adequately distill into a short synopsis. It’s spiritual and human. It’s violent and tender. It’s desperate and deeply hopeful. I can’t wait to see where she takes us from here.

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Who is your favorite/least favorite character and why?
My least favorite is easy: Sauvage. In a space that is forgetting any resemblance of gentleness or care, his absolute lack of humanity is repulsive.
My favorite has been Chevalier or Levesque for the same reason. As I raged at their apathy and unwillingness to DO SOMETHING, I knew why they didn’t (or couldn’t.) They did for the same reason we stand idly by while the least of us are utterly taken advantage of and great violence is inflicted. Morgan couldn’t have known the specific political/social landscape when she wrote it, but this story is perfect for us, now. I guess it’s perfect for any time, because we are too often Chevalier or Levesque and not enough Tzadkiel and Lourdes. (As it turns out, why I love them is that they DID finally DO SOMETHING and I am proud of them, and it gives me hope for us, for me.)

What surprised you about the story that you didn’t expect
In my reviews I talk about your patience. It’s shocking to me that this story is given such beautiful space to breathe and be exactly what it is. It feels much less like a contrived product driven by bells and whistles and more like a living breathing organism. Then when the bells and whistles do come, they are genuine and unforced and we discover that we actually care deeply for these characters. It’s like we’re watching lives unfold and not just an event.

What are you hoping to see happen as the story moves forward?
Of course, I hope they find their way home and that they can heal from the tremendous amount of pain they’ve suffered. I don’t know if I can hope for anything other than Death to ride, it sounds like that is written so it shall be done. I just hope they all find peace. I love a happy ending (whether there can be a complete one with Death is doubtful.)

Which scene has lingered with you the most? Why?
The 2nd rape/abuse scene at the campsite was horrible and not something I will soon leave behind. It was much more impactful than the 1st (though the act itself is so vile) because I had grown to love them. I read it through tears, with an upset stomach. The visceral reaction I had was surprising…actually, I was absolutely sure the abuse wouldn’t happen. Absolutely sure! And then it did, written so descriptively it was REAL, and I barely kept from throwing up in horror. I still can’t move on.

Does the story remind you of any other books/movies?
There’s nothing like this.

Did you disagree with any of the characters decisions and why?
I think the disagreement was in the complete breakdown in human kindness and civility, like “how can they do that???” But I know, I know. It’s a mirror of what we can become and an invitation to become something more of what we were created to be.

Did you get any message / positive inspiration from the story?
The invitation I mentioned previously, and the quote, “May we show our thankfulness through kindness and appreciate our blessings through generosity,” has become the subject in a series I am teaching in our faith community and has been quoted often in my life. We should all aim so high.

If you could ask the author anything about the book, what would it be?
How does it end???? And How COULD you DO THAT to HER???????????

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Clandestine (Mercy Series Book Two
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2020 

 

Chad Slabach is a friend I’ve known for twenty+ years.  If you are a long time follower of my blog, he was the inspiration for The Burning Question series.  He is the leader of a non-denominational faith community based in south-central PA as well an as avid music fan and writer.  You can find Chad on his WordPress Blog The Bridge Faith Community. 

I’d like to Thank Chad immensely, not only for his enthusiastic support, but for taking time out of his busy schedule to read and review The Mercy Series AND to provide his insights in this Reverse View 🙂

~Morgan~

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Amazing Original Artwork by the following Exceptionally Talented Artists:
Telyuka

Lee Jun at DeviantArt.com

Yoon Sanghyuk

Jelena Pjevic

aenaluck on Deviant Art

A Reverse ‘View – #Book #Interviews Backwards

01 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

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Book reviews are a marvelous thing.  For an author, each one is the Holy Grail; an invaluable treasure we are ever searching to acquire.  Yet, I have found very often after reading a review that I want to know more.  Whether the review is for one of my own books or a tale I want to learn more about, I am always left wondering what else the reader thought.

Limited in most cases to under 300 words, reviewers typically choose and use their lexicon wisely, but how do you adequately summarize a daring adventure, sweeping romance, or beguiling mystery of over 100K words with so few?

Being a creative problem solver, I have thought about this repeatedly, wondering how to free the reviewer of the constraints of social media attention spans and give them the opportunity to pontificate pleasingly and profusely.

Here enters the Reverse ‘View.  Note the apostrophe, please.  It’s placement is intentional. Not only does this title indicate what you are about to see or read is not what you might anticipate, but it denotes, in this case, the omission of the letters INTER.

How often have you read an author interview? Come on now, be honest; how often have you actually read the entire thing?  I confess, I’m as guilty as most, but what if I interviewed YOU?  We do it all the time.  We ask each other what we thought about the movie we saw over the weekend, how the restaurant we went to compared to others; we even ask each other about books we’ve read.

We interview each other.  So why not interview READERS about the books they’ve read?  This is what you want to know…not what the author wants to tell you to make you buy it, but what the reader thought.  Was it good or an epic failure?  Did you read it all in one weekend because you couldn’t put it down? Why? What made it so good?

Now, imagine if YOU could read the reader’s interview and then ask them whatever it is YOU want to know.  It a nifty notion, not? (Ok, I love alliterations, but ‘lest I digress..) Enter the Reverse ‘View.  An interview of a reader.  An interactive interview! Interested? (sorry, it was right there!)

Before I lose you…In the coming weeks (and months, depending on how much YOU like them) I will be posting a series of Reverse ‘Views.  Interviewing readers about books you may or may not have ever heard of… and giving YOU the opportunity to ask them questions too (in the comments, of course!)

I hope you will enjoy them.  I hope you will join them.  And, of course, ultimately, I hope you will read them 🙂

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer and Artist.  Thank You.

#TheHobbit Meets #Dungeons&Dragons – #Epic #YA #Fantasy #Review

18 Sunday Aug 2019

Posted by in Dark Fey

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The third installment of the Dark Fey Trilogy was recently compared to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and R.A. Salvatore’s Drizzit Do’Urden, a character from Dungeons & Dragons :
4-Star Review by SAG Actress April Wahlin:
Two warring factions of Fey clash in this third installment of the series.
With well-detailed action packed into every sentence, we are dropped right into the fray as Light Fey struggle to rescue a group of Younglings from the Demon Fey. Coming fresh off this conflict, the Light Fey seek to heal their wounded hero and take their next action against the child stealing antagonists.
Along their journey they gain new allies and band together against the brutally of the vicious Demon Fey Lord.
Full of ancient prophecies, colorful fey, and the horrors of battle, this book is definitely for adventurous readers.
If you love tales of Hobbits or the lore of Drizzt Do’Urden, this narrative style will be right up your alley.

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The Reviled are the enemy.  They embody brutality in every form. The Fey of the Light know only too well how savage the Dark Fey can be and daring to think otherwise invites tragedy.

Gairynzvl was once one of the Reviled and lived the riotous life of all Dark Ones, but his acceptance by The Fey of the Light has changed all that.  Now, he is opposing The Reviled by returning into their dark realm and rescuing childfey. The actions taken by him and his band of Liberators are not only changing lives, they are fulfilling ancient prophecies and proving long-accepted beliefs inaccurate.

Those who have lived in the Light all their lives are suddenly faced with unavoidable questions. How is peace achieved? Can Light unite with Darkness? Can all the atrocities the Dark Ones have inflicted really be forgiven?

The Fey of the Light have a deadly choice to make:  ignore the emerging truth or risk the tranquility of their realm and go to war to offer the Reviled a chance to change.

Read Breaking Into The Light’s Editorial and Reader-Rated 4 and 5 Star Reviews

Discover more at the Official Dark Fey Website

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~Morgan~

 

 

Angel of Mercy- #Fantasy #WIP #Teaser

11 Thursday Jul 2019

Posted by in The Mercy Series

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My current WIP Angel of Mercy just passed 100K words today!  I’m really excited because none of my previous 3 books even came close to that many. No diss to Dark Fey, I love my trilogy, though I do often wish I could go back and add more to the story, but right now I’m focused entirely on Angel.  What is this new story about?  I’m so glad you asked….

Its a Post Apocalyptic Fantasy Romance. It tells the story of life after the first 3 Horsemen, Pestilence, War and Famine, have ridden. In the 4th Era after the Great Cataclysm, (roughly 400 years in the future) the final horseman, Death, is caged and waiting on the Archangel of Mercy to release him. Tzadkiel has been sent to earth in human form to find one human who still understands Mercy. He has been given 100 years, after which Death must be released. With only 4 years remaining, he finds her; a servant named Lourdes, but they must escape the harsh dictatorship of the Eminent Protectorate and find a place of sanctuary before the appointed hundred years are spent and Death is freed from the abyss.

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Intrigued?  Me too!  So in honor of this momentous occasion I’m sharing a short teaser too!

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Her moan drew him out of the dark well of agony he had become so accustomed to and he opened his eyes to look around uncertainly.  He thought he had heard speaking, but could not combat the heavy darkness pulling him downward; yet this soft sound drew him back. Surely it had not been a manifestation of his mind.  Had it?  Was this sound some indication that his mind was attempting to disengage from his tortured body?  Was it like the screams he had heard only moments ago, just a figment of his imagination? Had it been only moments ago or had he slipped into unconsciousness and they had actually been nothing but a dream?  Or perhaps days ago?

His thoughts were a tangle of pain and confusion that made him doubt himself, but then another soft noise beside the table captured his full attention.  Was it crying?  Was it an animal that had found its way into the chamber or had the young servant returned? His thoughts spun for a moment as he considered. Was this even the same day as when he had seen her?  He had no point of reference; his memory was a disjointed haze of anguish, torment, and severing isolation that fragmented his thought into pools of jagged darkness.  They spun slowly, reaching for him, drawing him inward and the quiet calm at its center was irresistible.

He closed his eyes again.

Silence deep and soothing.

Stillness.

“You do not need to suffer this.”  A deep, resonant voice filled the obscurity surrounding him. It encircled his essence like spiraling water, pulling him up from the pit into which he had fallen.  He was himself again, vibrant and strong, the spiritual embodiment of mercy in its purest form. Turning slowly, he searched the blackness for the one who spoke.

“I know.”  His voice echoed as well.

“They only hurt you because you allow it.”  Again, the deep voice echoed into the gloom.  He nodded distractedly, the sensation of the absence of pain euphoric.

“I know.”  The diffuse light surrounding him shifted from golden-white to murky red.

“I wait.” He suddenly understood. It was the one behind him, waiting to be released, waiting for him to be satisfied that there were no longer any living souls of mercy left among the lost throng of humanity, but he wasn’t convinced this was true.  Not yet.  He repeated himself more assertively.

“I know.”

“Time grows short.”  He understood this as well.  He had been given 100 years.  If a single soul could not be found in so vast a stretch of time, then it would be accepted that none remained and the final Horseman, Death, would be released. He had waited all this time, but was obviously growing impatient.  Squaring his shoulders, Tzadkiel pierced the darkness with his deep violet gaze and spoke formidably.

“100 years has been appointed and I shall not be rushed.”  Slowly the murky-red haze diminished back into darkness as a low growl acknowledged the final Horseman’s acceptance that he would continue to wait.

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful Original Artwork by aenaluck

#WorkInProgress – Angel of Mercy – A #PostApocalyptic #Psychological #Romantic #Fantasy #Mystery?

10 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by in The Mercy Series

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Two brief excerpts from my current – well, one of two current – Works In Progress. Not entirely sure how to categorize it yet, maybe you can tell me…Its set in the future, AFTER the beginning of the Biblical Apocalypse. It’s about mortals and Immortals, Hate and Love, Fear and Romance. Yes it will have STEAM, Violence, Spirituality and a hint of Dsytopian flair. It tells the story of life after the first 3 Horsemen, Pestilence, War and Famine, have ridden.  In the 4 Era after the Great Cataclysm, the final horseman, Death is accompanied by the Archangel of Mercy, who is sent to find at least one person among those who remain who is merciful.  He has been searching for almost 100 years….

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Year 96 of the 4th Era after the Great Cataclysm: Le Bastion de la Résolution, – Marçais, Olde France

She was only a scullery maid. Nothing. No one. She was as unimportant as the scraps she cleaned up and just as forgettable. She had been her entire life and nothing would ever change that. She knew it and she expected nothing. Ever since she was five years old she understood that those around her were far better than she. Her life was trivial and meaningless; she accepted it.

Those she served were as far above her as she was above the barn rats. Her betters were interesting, beautiful, wealthy, and above all, powerful. When they spoke, others rushed to serve; where they wished to go, others made way. They were inaccessible and inescapable. Officers of the Eminent Protectorate and their families, they outranked even the nobles of the land and none questioned them. The Eminent Protectorate were the elite of society and to serve them was a privilege most could only dream of in a world where poverty was common-place, where being healthy was a rare distinction among the masses of Mortal Plague, and where Time had stopped……..

Every night she could hear the screams. Harrowing, they kept her awake many long nights while she leaned from her small window in the servant’s tower desperately trying to locate their source, but the stone walls of the bastion sent echoes pealing in all directions. They broke her heart, at first, but after many weeks of hearing them she’d grown accustomed to the noise. It wasn’t so much that they didn’t affect her anymore, but she accepted them, just as she accepted her own plight. The Eminent Protectorate could not and would not be questioned about them, or about anything they did, so whoever the poor soul was, they were doomed to bear whatever was happening without any more hope of rescue than she might wish for. Less. ……

Year 86 of the 4th Era after the Great Cataclysm: The Coast of Calais, Olde France

He stood on the vast ocean shore, his back to what was left of a once vibrant land as his brilliant, violet gaze searched the empty miles of gray ocean. His essence listened for any sign of life, a heartbeat remaining among the silence of the deeps, but not a single pulse broke the deathly hush. Pestilence had done his job too well. Nothing remained. All that was once beautiful, colorful and diverse was gone.

The thought pained him and he closed his eyes, bowing his head to mourn what had been sacrificed and all that had been lost. No terns cried upon the ocean breeze; no laughing gulls sang praise to the skies, there was only the sound of the waves rushing and breaking upon the rocky shore and the hollow moan of the wind. Without wings to dance upon it, the air itself seemed barren and grief-stricken. Without the song of the lark to cheer the entrance of the day or the carol of the robin to serenade the evening, the entire earth grieved in heavy silence. The ruddy glimmer of the late day sun, slowly fading into a crimson haze, played through the lengths of his blonde hair and sparkled across the perfection of his features. Standing there at the beginning of such a vast emptiness, he was the most beautiful sight for countless miles.

Behind him, a thunder of hooves pounded across the beach and the curses of men accosted the quietness.  He did not turn to face them as they formed a perimeter around him, barricading him against the sea, nor did he immediately answer when they demanded to know who he was; instead, he closed his violet eyes and sighed wearily.  Nothing had changed, even after three horrifying cataclysms had shaken the foundations of the world; hate, suspicion and fear still ruled those who remained.

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I welcome your thoughts and feedback 😉

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful Original Artwork by Jules-Joseph-Augustin Laurens (top) and by aenaluck.deviantart.com (bottom)

#EpicFantasy #NewRelease #DarkFey Breaking Into The Light!

19 Tuesday Sep 2017

Posted by in Dark Fey

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After nearly two years of work and inestimable patience on your part, I am overjoyed to be able to (finally) announce the release of book three of the Dark Fey Trilogy!

Breaking Into The Light is now available through Amazon/Kindle 

Breaking into the Light relates the Inspiration of Hope and the Power of Forgiveness through a tale that is brutally beautiful.

The Reviled are the enemy; merciless, untrustworthy.  They embody brutality and devastation.  The Fey of the Light have lived with these truths for millennia.  Daring to think otherwise invites tragedy.

Gairynzvl was a Reviled Fey and lived the riotous life of all Dark Ones; yet now he is rescuing younglings from the darkness.  The actions taken by him and his band of Liberators are fulfilling Ancient Prophecies and proving long-accepted beliefs to be inaccurate. Those who have lived in the Light all their lives, who enjoyed the luxuries of abundance, are suddenly faced with unavoidable questions.

How is Peace achieved? Can Light unite with Darkness?

Will the Fey of the Light sacrifice everything to achieve that which seems impossible or will they turn their heads and ignore the shadows weeping all around them?

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Curious, but not entirely sure?  Here’s a few snippets to spark your interest!

Behind them, where the portal exposed by the Great Gate’s falling melded two opposing realms into one, the shadows beneath the mountain heaved and hissed with the threatening vocalizations of the Reviled.

Crimson stained arrows shot from the darkness, seeking any who might be unfortunate enough to find themselves in their trajectory, yet these tactics could be little more than intimidation; a warning of the conflict to come when the Light diminished.  The Liberators knew this and stood on either side of the yawning portal, making their presence known by creating a game out of knocking aside with their swords as many arrows as they could and by returning the insidious calls from the presently thwarted Demonfey.  Tauntingly, they issued brash invitations for the Cursed Ones to come forth; fully cognizant of the fact that they could not bear the brilliant Light filling the clearing, yet jeering at their cowardice.

“It is a treacherous game we play.”  Evondair noted as he stood beside Reydan, both malefey wordlessly observing the derisive bantering going on while standing over their fallen comrade in the silently descending flurries that had begun falling.

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Crimson glitters scattered darkness into the night; fire and flame cascading through the silence.  The quiet environs of forest would never be the same.  Not after He had been there, shaking his hatred outward, spreading abhorrence and cruelty like seeds being sown into fertile soil; like sparks scattering from a raging flame.

They stood in mute horror, watching the conflagration as it stretched outward from his hands, crimson glitters of malevolence reaching into their tranquility, seeking only devastation.

Yet one stood against the infiltration; deep viridian staring boldly into the scarlet haze, wielding a magic Evil could never comprehend.

Forgiveness.

Discover more about Dark Fey here

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Thank You Ever So for sharing my excitement today 🙂

~MorganFants

In the Lime Light – #CharacterInterviews – Michelle Lowe’s Legacy

16 Wednesday Aug 2017

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

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Today I am welcoming Author Michelle Lowe, Author of The Legacy.  A Story of A thief, a lover, and a toymaker; drawn together by fate, unlikely champions against a powerful and remorseless enemy. When not fighting each other, they must defeat the powerful Lord Norwich, and end his plan to unleash global violence and crown himself emperor of the world.

No problem.

But behind the scenes, the Trickster god is manipulating men like puppets, changing history to his own ends and for his own amusement. As an ancient plan is set into motion, the trio is faced with events they do not understand and may not survive.

She is going to introduce us to one of her characters through an interview with him.  So without further ado:…….

After all my years reporting and writing articles at Iron Words Newsfeed, I wanted to interview some of Britain’s outcasts. Who I found was none other than Pierce Landcross, famous thief. So popular, in fact, even Queen Victoria wants him arrested and hanged! Pierce is the protagonist of the Legacy series, including the standalone story, Boom Time, and will be in the upcoming series, The Age of the Machine. And now, here is my interview with Pierce Landcross. Please enjoy!

Today I’m here with my guest at . . . at . . . well, to tell the truth, I’m not sure where we are. I was blindfolded at the meeting spot and brought here in these woods.

Aye. It’s the safest location I could think of for the likes of me. Given my reputation, that is.

I understand. Just allow me to replace the record on my phonautograph and we’ll get started. There. Done. Just speak into the cone and the vibrations of your voice will cause the stylus to etch a recording on the lampblack paper.

I’m familiar with how phonautographs work. My old mate, Indigo Peachtree, has an older one. His isn’t as fancy as this new 1843 model, but it works just the same.

Indigo Peachtree? He’s the famous toymaker, right? The one who creates automatons toys here in England?

One and the same, darling.

We’ll come back to him in a moment. First, tell us about yourself. Where are you from?

Erm. S’pose I ought to start with my name, eh? My name is Pierce Landcross. I’m twenty-seven and a bit mischievous. My life is pretty much a nonstop adventure, meaning I can’t seem to stay out of trouble. But I’ve met some interesting people on my journeys, as well as made a handful of dangerous enemies.

You’re also an outlaw. You’ve even been dubbed the most infamous thief in Great Britain.

Aye. I’ve heard that myself. I’ve also been a smuggler and a hustler during my younger days. Hence the secret location, eh? To answer your other question, I know I was born in England, but I’m not sure where exactly. You see, my folks were gypsies who wandered about constantly. I never had the chance to ask where my birthplace is. As youngsters, my older brother, Joaquin, and me got separated from the troupe when the gypsies were run out of Abney Park in London while Joaquin and me were exploring the cemetery. When we returned, there was a strange woman there with violet eyes who told officers that we stole from her. Which we didn’t, mind you, but regardless, we were hauled away to an orphanage and put to work in a cotton mill factory.

That’s awful. Where is your brother now?

Dunno, love. Him and I had a falling out some years back.

Oh? What happened?

He tried to kill me.

Oh.

Not to sound rude, but could we move this along? I have a bad feeling all of a sudden.

Of course. You’re in the middle of your own story, Legacy (Vol.1), it appears, but some who have read it has called you the highlight of this book with your debonair wit and glittering cleverness. A fabulous character. Flawed yet a compassionate thief. And one critic even said, quote, “Landcross I always adored. And with each chapter, I loved him more and more. He was just charming as hell. My heart was all a flutter.” It looks like you’re the protagonist for a reason, wouldn’t you say?

*Nervously clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck.*  I s’pose.

 

Going back to Indigo Peachtree, I heard he’s gone missing!

I wouldn’t say gone missing, more like he went into hiding. Right now there’s this cocker, Tarquin Norwich, who’s after the Toymaker for some reason.

How do you know this?

’Cause I’ve been roped into finding him. After a major failed heist, I tried fleeing the country. I made it all the way to Le Havre, France, aiming to board a ship and escape the royal guards that are on my tail as we speak. And just as I was about to find a bloody vessel, I was snared by Tarquin’s son, Archie, and his little sister, Clover. They tried bringing me back across the Channel and hand me over to Tarquin. The bloke wants me to tell him where Indigo’s journal is, you see. We never made it, though, ’cause I was rescued by my good mate, Chief Sea Wind, captain of his ship, the Ekta.

Captain Sea Wind? He and his crew are Apache sailors who call themselves Sea Warriors, right?

Aye. That’s them. And believe me when I say it wasn’t the first time they’ve saved my skin, but that’s a story for another day. While that halfwit, Archie was taking me back to England, Clover informed me about how her father is hunting for Indigo. *Snorts.* Clover is a clever little lass, dunno how she and Arch are related. After the Sea Warriors saved me, I made a bargain with Archie that if he helps me find Indigo before his dear ol’ dad does, I’ll get him the journal. And that’s where I am at the present, searching for the Toymaker.

That’s all really exciting. If you succeed, where do you think your story will lead to next?

My grandmother used to be a fortuneteller of sorts. She once told me each life has many paths that lead in different directions. No one can truly see into the future because the future is always changing. I dunno my whole story yet, but I can tell you it involves me traveling through the Netherlands and following clues to a family inheritance, dealing with the Hellfire Club in Scotland, sailing to Sonora, Mexico with the Sea Warriors where I’ll be hunting for fugitives, breaking Chief Sea Wind and his crew out of jail in New Orleans, and returning to England to face my most feared enemy.

That sounds incredible! What else can you tell us? What’s in Peachtree’s journal? Will anyone travel with you on your quest to find the family inheritance? What’s the reason for going to Scotland? Who are these fugitives you’ll be tracking? Why will the Sea Warriors get arrested, and who is this enemy you will face?

(Unknown voice)

Over there! I see him!

Bugger me! It’s the bloody guards! Listen, love, it was nice chattin’ with you. *Kisses my hand.* Perhaps we can continue this another day? *Dashes off to his horse.*

Wait! How do I get out of the forest? Oh, well. I suppose I can find my way. That was the charismatic Pierce Landcross, ladies, and gentlemen. I must say he’s most certainly an interesting character. I truly hope to meet him again someday.  

Author Bio

A Georgia born native, I’ve spent most my life near the Atlanta area before pulling up stakes and moving clear across the country with husband, Ben, and our two daughters. History piques my interests, especially European history. I’m a big nerd at heart. I read science-fiction and fantasy stories, and I love old B horror films. I also get a kick out of playing classic Atari video games and I do oil painting as a hobby.
I’m a daydreamer and animal lover. I have a very old kitty named October, and one very demanding guinea pig. I took up writing as a serious career choice twenty years ago, learning a lot and sharpening my skills along the way.
My works include several published novels such as The Warning,Cherished Thief, Atlantic Pyramid and Children’s books, Poe’s Haunted House Tour, and The Hex Hunt series. My latest published escapade is a steampunk/fantasy novel, titled Legacy, the first of a six book series.

Please be sure to look Michelle up through one of her social Links!

Website: www.michellelowe.net

Twitter: @michellelowe_7

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2fWq6BV 

Amazon:http://amzn.to/2bNh8WQ

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Thank You so much Michelle for sharing your character with us.  Its been fun getting to know Pierce 😉

Many Blessings~

~Morgan~

In The Lime Light – Mary Anne Yarde -#Author #Interview

11 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

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I recently read and reviewed two fantastic books by Author Mary Anne Yarde, and I was fortunate enough to entice her to stop by for a natter!

Mary Anne Yarde is the Award Winning author of the International Best Selling Series — The Du Lac Chronicles. Set a generation after the fall of King Arthur, The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Briton and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed.

Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury–the fabled Isle of Avalon–was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood.

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Hello Mary Anne, So glad you could visit with BooknVolume today.  Please Introduce us to your Blog.  What is it all about?   What sorts of posts do you lean towards?

My blog is called Myths, Legends, Books and Coffee Pots.

Oh. My. Days! I so love my blog. My posts are focused on the mythological and historical wonders of this world. I like this mix because sometimes the two overlap, particularly in my chosen field of — I am not going to call it expertise, because I hate the word expert — let’s call it knowledge, yeah, that works. My chosen Field Of Knowledge is Arthurian folklore and history, so there is a fair amount of that on my blog. I also love to have authors in the same genre as the blog, come on and share their stories and their inspirations about their books.  My to-read list has gone through the roof thanks to my blog!

What Inspires and stirs your creativity?

That is a difficult question to answer. I don’t know. I don’t look at a view, or a picture, or hear some music and suddenly feel inspired and quickly dash for my computer. This is going to sound a little daft, but I think writing, in general, inspires me. The more I write, the more I want to write. It is like a drug for me. I really hope they never find a cure!

I often hope the same thing!  Well, in that case, what do you find difficult to write about?

What do I find difficult? Umm… There are some things I wouldn’t write about, full stop. Just the same as there are some things I don’t want to read about or watch on the television. I am not going to write blog posts that I don’t feel comfortable sharing with my readers. So to answer your question, I don’t find writing blog posts particularly challenging because I am writing about, and sharing the things, that I enjoy.

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

I hope my posts are fun and informative and I want my readers to enjoy them, and if they come away having learnt something — bonus!

That’s always a pleasant surprise, I know 🙂  How has your blog helped you as a writer/Indie Author? What things have you learned along the way that you never anticipated?

I think blogs are a great way for authors to connect with readers and it has given me a tremendous amount of confidence in putting myself out there, so to speak. All authors should have one!

Although I’ve already reviewed both of them previously, can you tell us about your book(s):

My books are part of a series called The Du Lac Chronicles. They are set a generation after the fall of King Arthur and they tell the story of what happened next, through the eyes of Lancelot du Lac’s sons.

Read Review on BnV of Book One
Read Review on BnV of Book Two

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What Inspired you to write your book?

I grew up very near Glastonbury, The Ancient Isle of Avalon, and stories of King Arthur were as much a part of my childhood as say, Santa Claus was.
I have always loved the stories of Arthur and his Knights, but I also felt a little deflated with how the story ended. If you are not familiar with the end of the tale, I will explain it very quickly…
Arthur is betrayed by his nephew — Mordred —  and their two armies meet at the Battle of Camlann. Mordred is killed, and Arthur is gravely wounded. Arthur is taken to Avalon, and that is the last we hear of him. His Knights, if they were not already dead, end their days as hermits. The end.

Yeah, you heard me. The famous Knights of The Round Table became hermits. Seriously? Is that the best the great poets could come up with? I don’t know about you, but I think that ending kinda sucks! I was never happy with it. I wanted to write about what came after Arthur’s death. In particular, I wanted to focus on the next generation of Knights who find themselves in an ever-changing Saxon world.

Im so glad you did, because it’s a wonderfully fresh perspective!  
From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?

I write in the third person because I like to juggle multiple Points of View. I like to get under the skin of my characters and see what makes them tick. They are all very different, which keeps me engaged with my writing.

What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?

I currently write in the Historical Fantasy genre. The thought of writing in a different genre sends a nervous sensation down my back. Maybe I will become a little courageous further into my career and experiment with a different genre. But for now, I am stuck with Historical Fantasy, which is fine by me!

Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?

I spent ages writing a plan once, and then I completely dismissed it when I started to write. So since then, I don’t bother planning. I know where I want my story to end — it is just a case of getting my characters there!

I know precisely what you mean.  They often throw a few curves at you before you get where you want to go!  Do you have a favourite or least favourite character? And Why?

Yes, I have both!  My favourite character has always been Merton du Lac. He is such a complicated little soul. He is a bit like an onion — lots of layers, and he is always making me cry.
I have two characters that I loath. Merton’s brother, Budic, and his childhood friend, Josephine. They are both very unlikeable people, but they fascinate me no end. I really like writing about them.

Share an insight or secret about your book(s). 

Sshh! One of the du Lac brothers might not make it to the end of the series.

GASP!!  Oh dear!  Ok…no spoilers here, I’ll try to keep moving….um…What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?

Stop doubting yourself. Seriously. Don’t do that. Just write your book.

OH I love that!!!  Would you like to share an excerpt from the book or a poem or two to give readers an idea what you offer?

Oh, yes please! This is from my latest release — The Du Lac Devil (Book 2 of The Du Lac Chronicles).

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Book Excerpt ~ The Du Lac Devil (Book 2 of The Du Lac Chronicles)

“What are you doing here?” Lady Amandine asked mere moments later. She glanced anxiously up and down the hallway. Thankfully, it was empty, for everyone else had already made their way down to the Hall to break their fast.

Merton was leaning against the opposite wall. In truth, he did not know why he was here, he had promised himself that he would keep his distance, but his feet had led him to her chamber nonetheless.

“I came to ravish you. Why else? Can I come in? Unless you want me to ravish you in the hallway of course,” he said, trying to shock.

“You are not coming in,” Amandine whispered, fearful that someone would hear them in the empty corridor.

“The hallway it is then.” He took a step forward as if he was going to make a grab for her. She immediately took a step back into her room and closed the door just enough so she could peek around and still see him.

Merton laughed. The sound was joyous to Amandine’s ears. She wasn’t used to being teased. Merton made a welcomed change to the tedium that was her life. Not to mention he was also very pleasing to the eye, compared to her ancient husband that was.

“Are you going to let me in, or are you going to cling to the door all morning?” Merton asked, raising one eyebrow as he did so.

He was looking at her in that indulgent way of his. No one, apart from maybe Garren, had looked at her the way Merton did now. It was very persuasive.

“What if my husband returns?”

“While I was ravishing you?” Merton looked shocked. “Well,” he breathed out slowly and crept closer to the door. He raised his hand and rested it on the doorframe. “He would be in for a sight, although I have been told that my body is rather fine to behold,” he smiled charmingly at her.

“You are not funny,” Amandine said. She tried to glance down the hallway again, but he was blocking her view.

“There is no one there, and your husband has drunk himself into unconsciousness. I saw him this morning, fast asleep with his head resting on his plate. I do not think he will be coming back here anytime soon.”

“Oh no, not again,” she sighed and leant her head against the edge of the door. “I should have gone and looked for him last night, I suppose.” But instead, she had been glad for his absence, especially when she woke herself up in the dead of night, calling Merton’s name out loud. She felt her face heat as she recalled her dream. “Thank you for telling me, I had better go and rescue him.”

Her voice sounded thoroughly fed-up, but also resigned and Merton found himself hating her husband for humiliating her so.

“He seemed quite content with his lot. I don’t think he needs rescuing. Are you ever going to let me in or are we going to spend the day conversing in the hall?”

“I can’t let you in,” Amandine said in horror. “What would people say?”

“What people?” He made much of looking down the corridor. When he looked back at her, she had narrowed her eyes and was frowning at him. He smiled as she opened the door wider.

“This isn’t a good idea,” she whispered as she led him further into the chamber she shared with her husband.

Merton shut the door with a resounding bang and turned the key, for he did not want them to be disturbed.

“Now, where would you like to be ravished?” He took a moment to look around the room as if contemplating the best place. “Nice bed.”

****** OH want to read more!!!!

OK so now on to the harder bit….talking about yourself!   If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?

Mary Anne Yarde skips to a drumbeat that no one else can hear! And if it looks like she isn’t listening, it is because her mind is somewhere in the Dark Ages, but I believe chocolate is really good at bringing her attention back to the present!

If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?

This is always a tough question because there have been so many people that I would like to sit down and have a chat with over a sticky bun and a coffee. But hey, wouldn’t it be kind of cool if I could go back in time and find out if King Arthur really did exist? And if he did, I wonder if he would teach me how to use a sword?

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?

Reading, Zumba — which, for the record, I am very bad at! And playing the piano — which I am quite good at. Lastly, anything equestrian, as long as the horse’s front legs don’t leave the ground. As a child I was fearless, but with age, I have become a bit of a coward, isn’t that tragic?! I leave the more adventurous stuff to my teen!

Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination.  Have you ever been there?  What makes this place Irresistible to you?

Scotland. I adore the place. I wouldn’t mind living there, but my husband isn’t so keen. Spoilsport! We came back recently from another trip there, and I am already planning the next one, however my daughter is determined that we holiday in Cornwall this year — she has just discovered Poldark!

I’d love to go there as well, just another place on the list of MANY in Great Britain!  So delighted you stopped in Mary Anne to share so much with us 🙂   Now, where can readers find you and your books?

Links For Purchase
Amazon US

Amazon UK

Links for Mary Anne

Website and Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

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I hope you enjoyed learning about Mary Anne today and might take a moment to visit her blog, website or check out her books.  Trust me, if you enjoy historical fiction, tales about King Arthur or knights you will love her series!

Thanks ever so much Mary Anne 🙂   May the Inspiration and Intoxication of words never fade!

~Morgan~

 

Know Thyself: How to Write Authentic Characters

30 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by in Guest Bloggers on BnV

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If you’re a writer, chances are that you have come across an instructional course or book encouraging you to write deep characters. By deep, I mean the ones that are beyond one-dimension, those with layers of complex emotion, desires, and personal history.

But just how do you go about doing that?

That question plagued me in many of my projects during the early years of my writing. Time and time again, I would find myself resorting to the same stereotypes of villains and heroes, with the former being motivated by evil while the latter were nothing but good. Such constructs made me feel empty, as my writing never seemed complete. I knew that just adding twists and ramping up their backstories wasn’t enough. Such enhancements merely masked the shallow characters I had created.

Then one day, when contemplating a battle scene, I found myself asking what I would do if I were a soldier. The soldier in question was a good guy, so my initial response was simple: I would do the right thing.

I followed up my first question with another: What would I really do?

I considered the possibilities. If I were a novice, the prospect of fighting would terrify me. My palms would become clammy. Sweat would dot my brow. My ears would perk at every sound.

I asked myself a third question: What would I do that I would want no one to know about?

I might allow the braver men in my company to rush ahead. I might turn coward and run once the opportunity arose. I might defecate myself in the process.

The idea that my hero was less than chivalrous challenged me. The idea that if I were in his shoes and acted in such a manner left me . . . well, quite frankly, embarrassed.

It was my first lesson in self-identity as a writer that stuck with me from draft to draft. For too long, I had been instructed and coached that my writing had to be perfected in order to garner serious attention. That sensibility had permeated my approach to creating characters over the years, with those I imagined being perfect in every way – in their motivation, actions, and overall existence.

However, that embarrassing AHA moment of mine had turned all those tendencies on their heads. From then on, I began to tweak my characters, building them to reflect not the constructed realities I had conjured up from nothing, but rather to display the reality I lived with every day.

In reading this post, such a realization may sound simple, perhaps even latent for an aspiring writer. I assure you, though, it is not. In all the writing groups I have been a part of, wooden dialogue and stale characters persist, both from the pens of new authors and seasoned veterans. When creating characters, so many of my writer friends get caught up in what their characters ought to be, thereby ignoring their true essence. Writing – or reading – a well-crafted character should come off less like a work of fiction and more like a biography. Or dare I say, an autobiography. That’s right, a work of non-fiction that is gritty and brutally honest. One that makes you want to cringe and yet keeps you turning the pages.

How is such a feat accomplished? A professor once told me that writers imprint a piece of themselves in all their characters, be it protagonists or antagonists, allies or enemies. If that holds true for your own writing, then it begs the question: How well do you know yourself? And that begs so many other questions: What would you do in a battle? On a first date? On a job interview? Before a king? With a stolen treasure?

And with those questions, I would add another to follow all of them: What would you really do?

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Author Joshua Rutherford has wanted to be a writer all his life. Through college and the more than dozen jobs that he has had, his passion for the written word has never ceased. After crafting several feature film screenplays and television pilots that were never produced, Joshua tried his hand at writing a novel. Sons of Chenia is the product of that effort. When Joshua is not writing – which isn’t often – he is spending quality time with his young family, who currently reside in San Diego, CA.

You can connect with Joshua Rutherford at:
Twitter
Facebook
Amazon Author Page

#FridayFeyDay – A Few Little Knowns – #Author #Interview

09 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by in Dark Fey, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy

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Fellow Author and Creative Spirit Uvi Poznansky Recently paid me the honour of talking with me about the ‘little knowns’ of Dark Fey, no only what inspired the tale, butwhat makes the characters unique and what message the story relates.

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What Inspired you to write Dark Fey?  Many have asked me to explain to them what Dark Fey is about and how it was inspired.  The original inspiration for the story came to me through a vivid dream, which I could not stop thinking about days afterward.  As I thought about it, the characters stepped out of the shadows of the dream and demanded my full attention, so I finally sat down and wrote out the entire scene as I saw it in my mind, which is now Chapter Six of The Reviled.(which you can preview in its entirety here)

Tell us about your characters and what makes them unique?  First and foremost, the Feyfolk of Jyndari (which includes the Fey of the Uunglarda) are winged beings the size of any human, rather than ‘tinkerbells’.  Each Fey is born with an inherent gift, something that comes naturally to them that they must learn to hone and use responsibly.  Many Fey are telepathic; they can read the thoughts of others and can project their thoughts into another’s mind if that Fey is also telepathic.  Some are Empathic; they can read and often feel the emotions of others.  Fewer have a gift of Discernment.  These Fey are able to mentally connect with another and gain an intimate understanding of the other; knowing them as well as they know themselves.  A rare few are Dream Walkers who can enter another’s mind through dreams or nightmares.  With these gifts, the Fey of Jyndari have a unique way of communicating with each other on a non-verbal, often far more intimate level than we humans do; however, because of this these gifts also require strict moderation.  Fey are taught from a very early age not to ‘read’ or ‘delve’ without permission and doing so is considered an offense against privacy.

Many, though not all Fey, are also born with a gift of magic unique to them.  Some are spell-casters; some are able to manipulate the forces of nature; some have exceptional speed or strength, and others are able to bend light.

What point of view did you write Dark Fey from and why?  In nearly all my writing I utilize an omniscient third person POV. It’s simply how I’ve always written and, because I tend to focus on the emotional connection between characters, it’s often a better way to relate their state of being. I didn’t really give it much thought when I began writing Dark Fey; yet as the story progressed, it has become an emotionally charged tale and the all-knowing perspective has allowed me to share those emotions with my readers in a powerful way that draws them into the story.  Additionally, the gifts the Fey of Jyndari utilize in their communication with each other is based as much upon emotional understanding as verbal comprehension, and being able to share these emotions with the reader brings the tale to life in a far more vivid manner (at least, I think so.)

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What is Dark Fey all about?

The story of Dark Fey is set in a mystical realm of my own creation called Jyndari, but the message is relative to our own reality.  It is a fantasy, a romance and a tale of suspense and mystery, but the moral undertone is inescapable.  That being: the Power of Hope, Acceptance and Forgiveness can change the world, if you take Positive Action to Create Change through doing what is Right.  As Evondair says in the third book of the trilogy: “The only way to achieve Peace is to become Peace.”

This message came partially as a result of learning about the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) in Uganda, where militant rebels have been abducting children for over 20 years, integrating them into their army through abuse and cruelty, and forcing them to endure lives of violence.  I was moved to my very spirit by such a horrifying truth and chose this medium to share a similar story. However, unlike our own reality where this atrocity continues even today, the Fey of Jyndari choose to change their world by taking Positive Action through Sacrifice, Acceptance and Forgiveness.

It is my greatest hope to be able to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of Dark Fey to UNICEF’s work in Uganda where they actively rehabilitate the children affected by the LRA.

 

Thanks Ever so much Uvi! Please do be sure to stop by Uvi’s blog to check out her books AND artwork!

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~Morgan~

#FridayFeyDay – A Beautiful View of #DarkFey – #BookReview

02 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by in Dark Fey, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy

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Fellow Author KJ Simmill recently paid me the honour of reading and reviewing Dark Fey:  The Reviled.  Her review is beautiful and honours me even more, thus, I simply had to share it with all of you.

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Ayla knows all the stories of The Reviled, the Dark Ones. She was raised in the temples due to her own unique capabilities and spent years learning all there was to know about these Dark Fey. They are terrifying creatures, the darkness to their light. Hiding in the shadows, stealing childfey and forcing them through the transformation into one of their own kind. Then one fateful day she feels a presence, a figure cloaked in the shadows watching her through the darkness. She believes him to be one of the Reviled, but her fleeting impressions from him intrigue her. She knows to reveal her suspicions would see her returned to the temples and losing the freedom she had waiting so long to obtain. But her stalker is relentless, his presence encroaching more and more until he reveals the truth of his desire. All he needs is the opportunity to step through the shadows into her world and the course of their lives will be forever altered.

The Reviled is a beautifully written tale wrought with magic, intrigue, and danger. Cynthia A. Morgan adopts a wonderfully descriptive tone leaving lasting impressions of all she describes. She creates an imaginative world complete with lore, beautiful scenes, and interesting characters all enhanced by a well-developed plot. As the first book in a trilogy it also serves to set a scene for the next book, which promises to be every bit as gripping as this one.

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Intrigued by this hint of the story?  Here’s a snippet to spark your interest a wee bit more: the scene where Ayla and her ‘stalker’ (Gairynzvl) finally meet:

read-me

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Dark Fey The Reviled has gained over 50 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 available stars.  Find The Reviled and read even more reviews HERE 

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Thank You  KJ Simmill

 

~Morgan~

#FridayFeyDay – A Few Good Words

25 Friday Nov 2016

Posted by in Dark Fey, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy

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It seems it was not all that long ago I was posting Dark Fey out in pieces as part of my Friday Fantasy posts, testing the waters, as it were and gaining valuable feedback about the story, the characters and the realm of Jyndari.   Now, a mere three years later, Dark Fey is a published series with plentiful 4 and 5 star reviews, as well as industry awards to its merit.

I could tell you all about how wonderful the story is, but I am admittedly biased, so here are a few other opinions from readers, reviewers and other authors.

Dark Fey The Reviled:

“For fantasy and fey fans, The Reviled has absolutely everything you could want in an epic fantasy adventure….Jyndari is an exotic world with deep detailing and a delicate balance between dark and light. The emotional spectrum of Ayla’s journey is rich and harrowing, taking us into the deepest corners of her incredible mind as she senses the dark fey lurking at every turn. The mystery of what he wants from her is well spun out to an exciting and satisfying conclusion. Overall, I’d highly recommend The Reviled to fans of young adult fantasy and fey stories.”  5 stars! Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“This was not my normal genre (fantasy) to read but, WOW! It took me two chapters to get into it, but once I did, I was fixated on the story line and the characters….. I can only liken it to a fantasy version of a play by Shakespeare!” – 4 Stars Author Anthony Mays

“Cynthia Morgan’s beautifully descriptive prose and strong characterization instantly transported me to the mystical realm of Jyndari, a place of spiritual beauty, magic and light. ….. The author’s ability to engage the reader in the characters’ emotional and physical traumas enchanted and captivated me. I love these Feys and their Realms of Light and Darkness and I cannot wait to travel back there in Book 2.” – 5 Stars – Author Leo Kane

“The strongest part of this book is the beautiful lyrical language, detailed imagery, and descriptions of a fantasy world with a rich history and fleshed out cultural tradition. … for readers who love to immerse themselves in a story and characters, it will fit the bill….This story pits good against evil, but more than that, it’s a tale of hope, fidelity and forgiveness, love and redemption.”  4 Stars Author D. Wallace Peach

Dark Fey Standing In Shadows 

“Once again Cynthia Morgan’s prose takes on an almost poetic flow as the world of Jyndari spills out before her audience, and this time the stakes feel even higher than before. With time to really develop the three central characters during this second novel, I felt even more invested in the emotional ties they share and the duty to The Light which they feel. Whilst the torturous treatment of the Childfey is an upsetting subject, it is handled gracefully without the need for graphic reference, and it brings a new gravitas and danger to the plot that further enhances the sense of tension and adventure. Standing in Shadows is a superb continuation in the Dark Fey series.” –  5 stars! Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“Dark Fey: Standing in the Shadows” is a moral tale that encompasses romance, action, and drama. The author offers highly imaginative, richly detailed settings in both Uunglarda, the dark world inhabited by the Reviled (a grotesque, loveless race), and Jyndari, the world of the Fey of Light (beings of light and love).” – 4 Stars – Author Robin Gregory

“Several times while reading I had to pause just to admire the work gone into creating the way the fey spoke and the language they used….The series is going from strength to strength and I would definitely recommend this one to fey lovers.
8 out of 10”  – Brienne Dubh Escapology Reviews

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Though it is not my intention to blow my own horn, I do hope the thoughts of fellow readers may be of interest to you, especially if you are contemplating reading for yourself.  Thank You for blessing me with your indulgence!

~Morgan~