Starlight Saturday

Weekly Book Review

When I first started reviewing books, I had a limiting factor to my reviews that I didn't quite understand - personal bias. I noticed that some of my ratings were weighted differently because of a personal bias.

Sure, everyone has personal biases - what we like, what we don't like - but these shouldn't come into play when "judging" or "rating" an author's book.

Why?

Just because one reader likes or doesn't like something about storyline, doesn't mean that all other readers will react to the same book in the same way. For example, in my review last year of Jay Asher's book, part of my personal experience (or personal bias) came in to play with this book and made it very hard to relate to the main female character, much less like her. This book wasn't bad writing nor was it a poor quality story. It's just that my own personal personal bias about the subject matter made it difficult for me to really believe the main character. Some people liked it and took it for what it was, and others, like me, found themselves wondering what he was doing and how did he figure that could work.

What does all this have to do with Nora's Soul?

Well, my personal bias has to do with god and religion. I find it annoying when what looks to be a decent battle between good and evil turns out to be more of a issue of "lost faith".

I'm not religious, nor have I ever pretended to be, and that's just it, these are my tastes and not the tastes of either the hero, heroine or the secondary characters, which makes it a personal bias of mine.

What's the point of all of this?

I bring this up because I don't like to let my personal biases cloud my reviews of books I read and I strongly encourage other reviewers not to let their personal biases cloud yours. Some reviewers don't, but

The more books I review, the better I am at identifying my personal biases and keeping them from clouding my reviews. However, there are times when I do bring up my personal biases because they are so strongly embedded in my nature that I can't avoid them. Even though I may not have been able to avoid my dislike of tying religion and god to good and evil, I haven't let it skew my review of this book. If I did, it would have less stars.

Despite the fact that god (again, I realize that others may not feel the same as I do, and I can respect that, so please respect that this is a personal feeling of mine, thank you) has a minor presence in this book, Margay has managed to create some wonderfully deep and complex characters that I have come to care about and want to read more of, despite my aversion to the religious tie. Nora, Kyle, Kyle's sister and Nora's best friend, Dante (Bad Angel) and Peter (Good Angel) combine to offer a page-turner with very interesting plot with some distracting (in a good way) plot twists.

I would definitely call this book inspirational because it does offer some very important messages - everyone that wants to can be saved because everyone is worth it and that everyone has a match, it just may not be who you first thought it might be. These are very important messages because they might be able to offer someone renewed hope for some aspect of their life, which is a definite bonus to any book.

This brings me to the main reason for the storyline, Nora herself. Nora was a very firm believer in god and loved all things angelic, until her brother died. Then, she went the opposite and couldn't bear to have any of it around. That's how we find Nora in the beginning of this book. She's struggling with the fact that she doesn't believe what she just saw, an angel. It's not that she truly believes that they don't exist, she's just been trying to convince herself that they don't since her brother died, which makes this storyline one along the lines of crisis of faith.

Now, for this book having a "crisis of faith" undertone, it wasn't as predominant in the book as it could have been. There is no "preaching" done from the author to the reader, only from Peter to Dante and, at the end, Peter to Nora. It was this aspect that allowed me to prevent my personal bias from clouding my review of this book.

This book had plenty of mystery to keep me flipping pages. There were always the questions of when Peter and Dante were next going to appear, and what kind of chaos Dante would create. As a reader, I was always curious to see how Nora would handle that chaos. Plus, it was interesting to follow Nora on her journey to find love and her way. This is a romance book, so it does have an HEA (happily ever after), but is it the one you want? If not, then you know that Margay has made you care about the characters she has created. That's what happened to me.

At the end of the book, I found myself saying, "What? That's it? What about Dante? Why didn't he do more in the book?" At first I thought this was a knock on the book and I quickly slapped my hand against my head in a "duh" moment.

What is that "duh" moment?

Margay did it, she got me to like her characters so much that I wanted more of them! That's not a knock against a book. If anything, it's a testament to how well created her characters are!

Which brings me to my rating of this book. As this is an inspirational romance, there isn't the heat that you'd find in other romance novels, nor the detail for those scenes either. While there's enough mystery created to make this a page turner, it's not the crux of the story either. What I'm getting at here is that many of my reviews usually include a scale gauging these different elements. Today, I'm just giving my overall review for this book:




Well done Margay! Can't wait to read Dante's story! Can I get an ARC of that??? Lol!

[Please check out my review of Nora's Soul on Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem's group page at Goodreads!]

PHANTASM FRIDAY

A week from hell...

Oh, wow! I forgot today was Friday! It's still Tuesday to me. I guess because I'm still trying to finish Tuesday's To-do-list. Grrr...It's been one of those weeks. Thanks to Carrie for reminding me today was Friday!!! I've been overloaded with work, doing legal research, drafting pleadings, more research and then more research and then adding to the pile, BOTH my boys have been in trouble at school. On the plus side...I met BOTH of their vice-principals. GRRR...not the way I wanted to meet them I might add.

My youngest son, a second grader, was just goofing off, not doing school work and making bad choices. As much as I hate to say this, the call from his vice-principal wasn't a shocker. He's good hearted, but he doesn't think before he leaps. And, in his opinion, school is a social affair and since he already knows everything, he doesn't need to learn more. *rolls eyes* To give him credit, he has no problems with school academically, flies through his homework, makes A's on everything, leaving my husband convinced he's bored to tears and hence the reason for behavioral problems.

My oldest son, a sixth grader, so it's his first year in middle school and he's hit the "too cool for you" attitude. Grrr...I am not liking this phase right now. The call from his vice-principal still has me reeling in shock. This child never gets in trouble or causes trouble...at school anyway, at home he can be a thorn in my side (ask Carrie, as I've whined to her about his bizarre attitude ~ LOL), but he's ultimately good hearted and the biggest animal lover I know. Basically, he's the one I can count on to always use his manners, to show respect and to make the right choices...away from home! Even my youngest child was shocked by his older brother's misbehavior. Although I thought he was probably thinking "YES!", because finally his big brother was into some type of school trouble and it wasn't just him always in the hotseat.

So, my week has been a mixture of ups and downs. It did end on a good note last night. The editor that has my book WytchBlood e-mailed me and said she'd have a definitive answer on if they would accept my book by Monday. *bites nails nervously, while trying to cross my fingers in prayer*

I have a "Wicked Giveaway" contest running at Wicked, Thorn & Roses that ends TODAY! So if you want a chance to win a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card, go here and read the entry regulations. I'll draw and announce the winner tomorrow!

I hope everyone has an awesome and laid back, relaxing weekend! I know I'm praying for one! =)

TWILIGHT THURSDAY

Janice Seagraves and Windswept Shores in the Moonlight

First of all, I’d want to thank Gracen, and Moonlight, Lace, and Mayhem for having me as a guest on your blog.

I’d like to introduce myself: My name is Janice Seagraves, I’ve been writing for publication about ten years now. I still live in the same small town where I was born and grew up. My home is a hundred year old haunted house (I’m not kidding) where I live with my husband and daughter. We share our home with three cats and a pet pigeon that’s in love with my husband.

~~~~~

GRACEN: Let’s start with some trivia about you...March has a few popular dates to celebrate. Which one are you more apt to celebrate, St. Patrick’s Day, or the First Day of Spring, or both and why?

JANICE: I’m part Irish, so I like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. When my daughter was still in grade school I would take a couple of VHS tapes of Irish dance, a book on Celtic art and shamrock cookies. Some of the other classes would ask to look at the tapes too, and they got passed around quite a lot.

I still have to wear green even at home on St. Patrick’s Day (green PJ’s), because my daughter is taller than I am and can pinch me before I’ve managed two steps, lol.

I also plant flowers on the first day of spring. I love color. Right now, I have a daffodils patch blooming and a lovely bowl of pansies.





GRACEN: Because of it’s Irish heritage, St. Patrick’s Day is a big party day in Wisconsin (and many other areas) in which everyone gets in on the action from free pub crawl busses to breweries making green beer/spirits and some stores selling green colored/decorated food and sweets. Does anything similar occur in your area? Even if you do not participate, please tell us what activities are going on around you. Anything you feel is unique or especially interesting?

JANICE: My home town is rather small, so there isn’t a lot of celebrations here expect for the major holidays. If you want to go to a pub crawl you head over to Fresno, the next city south of us. There you might get green beer, but you’ll have to drive yourself. Unfortunately, Fagan’s Irish pub is now closed.

In Sonora CA they have a Celtic festival this weekend. If possible, I plan on going. I have a lovely new green bodice I’m going to wear.


GRACEN: Do you like to decorate for spring/St. Pat’s Day or is this the time of the year where your house has a break from special décor?

JANICE: *grin* If I can drag myself out of my writer’s cave long enough, I’ll put out my Celtic decorations. And I assure you they’re not just green shamrocks. I have some very nice cream colored ceramic candle holders, a plate, and frame decorated with Celtic knots. I love Celtic knots. My husband just bought some new ceramic wall plaques for me in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.


GRACEN: Ireland is steeped in myth, legends and lore. Do you have any favorites? Please briefly share them with us (include links to other information for interested readers).

JANICE: Oh, anything about the Sidhe (mound people), or Merrow's. Merrow they're like mermaids.


GRACEN: Spring is considered a time of renewal, a time of rebirth. Do you do anything “special” to commemorate this idea such as planting flowers or cleaning out your house? Please share with us your way of celebrating this time of rebirth.

JANICE: I do spring cleaning; I dust and organize my things. The mold on my bathroom walls is taunting me again. It’ll have to go. Also this is the time of the year we go through our closets then take unwanted items to our local thrift store. Unfortunately, our local Salvation Army store just closed.

I also have two rather large seed packages of sweet alyssum and wildflower mix that I’ll be planting soon.


GRACEN: Magic is often tied into Celtic myths and legends, or at least we like to think it is. Why do you think that is? Why, in your opinion, does Ireland carry so much mystery and magic for the rest of us?

JANICE: Their culture is old. The Roman’s didn’t invade Ireland like they did England, so their oral history wasn’t disrupted and continues on to the present day. And aren’t we lucky it does too.


GRACEN: Please tell us some of the favorite/best books you’ve read with Celtic myths/legends or ties in them. (They can be fact or fiction, just be sure to indicate what type of books they are in case our readers might want to check them out.)

JANICE: My friend Lisa Griffin wrote Celtic Lover’s Magic, which ties in an Irish fairy tale with a modern hero.

Another friend of mine, Connie Wood, wrote the fae as fallen angles, The Fallen Fae, which gives an interesting spin on an old tale.

GRACEN: Now, let's get to your writing, Janice...What genre is your writing considered to be? Why this genre? What was the draw for you?

JANICE: Romance, I love the happily ever after aspect of it, or at least the happily for now. But I switch sub-genres with every new manuscript I write. I like to challenge myself and find out what makes a good fit with my writing style.

The only thing I haven’t written so far is vampire or were-wolf, though I have part of a were-cat story. It’s the tongue and cheek adventures of Jared the Fierce Were-Tabby and his girlfriend the high spirited, Megan. I posted a link at the bottom of this post to my website; there you can read a short story with Jared.


GRACEN: If you could describe your writing with a word or phrase, what would it be? Please be creative and delve into the core of your writing to tell us what word or phrase you want readers to take with them when they've finished reading your story.

JANICE: Damn good. Oh, wait a minute, that’s two words wasn’t it?

Honest. As in honest feelings of love and friendship which develops between my couple.


GRACEN: Do you prefer magical or human ingenuity for problem solutions? Does that show through in your writing? If so, how?

JANICE: Human. My book, which will be out in June, is a contemporary romance and human perseverance wins the day.

Not that I don’t love magic, but it would be still human/fae thought and action behind the enchantment.


GRACEN: Who decides what you write about, you or your muse? What kind of influence do you have over your story, or is the muse always the one strumming the harp?

JANICE: Ha. Good question. It would have to be my muse, Anna-Bella. I dance to her tune.

She gives me a flash of something, a dream sequence or, if I’m lucky, a whole chapter. Then she says, “Got it?” and runs off, damn her. Then I’m left trying to figure it out until she returns with another flash.

Last Christmas I had enough and put her in a bird cage next to my desk so she wouldn’t run off on me again. Now she swings in her cage and sticks her tongue out at me. Back at ya, sweet heart.


GRACEN: What was the character or creature that you had the most fun creating and why?

JANICE: Seth Dawson in Windswept Shores. He’s a shameless flirt, but also strong, kind, and very handsome. He’s also an Aussie and working with his strine or colloquialisms was a real challenge.


GRACEN: If you had the opportunity to meet just one of your character/creature creations in real life, who would it be and why?

JANICE: Megan, she’s also in Windswept. She makes baskets which help them to survive. I’d like her to teach me how to weave. I took a class but it was back in HS.


GRACEN: Which of your character/creature creations would you never want to meet under any circumstance and why?

JANICE: The Boar, El Diablo, on Windswept. He’s a mean one. Also the pirates aren’t something I want to meet in a dark alley, either.

GRACEN: Of all the stories you wrote, which was the storyline that you had the most fun fleshing out? Why?

JANICE: Windswept. I loved writing the sexual tension between Seth and Megan. Megan keeps fighting her feelings for Seth, but he finally wins her over.


GRACEN: As writers, inspiration comes from everywhere. What, specifically, inspired your latest story, the one we’re promoting here today?

JANICE: All I can say is I watch way too much Gilligan’s Island as a kid, and then became addicted to survivors when it first aired. I kept thinking, what if?

What if a couple washed up on the same deserted island? How would they survive? And would there be love between them?

Windswept Shores by Janice Seagraves
will be available in June.

Windswept Shores Blurb:

The sole survivor of a plane crash, Megan’s alone on a deserted island in the Bahamas until she finds a nearly drowned man washed up on shore. Another survivor this time from a boat wrecked. With only meager survival skills between them, will they maintain a suitable co-existence?

Drawn to Seth’s sexy Aussie accent, rock hard body and general good looks, his close proximity takes a toll on her. With her husband’s death haunting her every thought, she struggles to remain detached.

Although Megan is several years his senior, Seth is attracted to her. Her will to survive, his guiding post, and her shapely body, gorgeous smile and bright green-eyes, something he craves.

In the harrowing aftermath on Windswept Shores will she accept his offer of love?


EXCERPT:

If she had to spend one more day on this godforsaken island, she would go stark raving mad. That thought spurred Megan into rolling a large log with one foot then the other, until it was near her bonfire. "God, this thing is heavy." With a grunt, she lifted one end until it teetered upright then gave it a shove. It landed in the fire, and embers swirled in the air.

Breathing hard, she flicked a glance at the teal-colored sea. She'd thought a vacation to the Bahamas would be the perfect getaway, would be a solution to the problems she and Jonathan had faced. She'd been wrong—dead wrong. Tears of grief filled her eyes. The never-ending crash of the waves on the beach, and the cries of the seagulls seemed to mock her with the reminder she was utterly alone.

She'd felt like a tiny speck of sand last night when that violent storm had swept across the island. It had made a mess of her meager campsite which had taken all morning to fix, and had demolished her seaweed SOS sign. She'll have to recreate her SOS. Sighing, Megan trudged toward a pile of kelp. As she got closer, she saw a figure wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt. Her stomach lurched.

Oh, God, it’s another body washed up from the plane wreck. That would be number twelve. As always, she couldn't help but wonder if the next one would be Jonathan. He hadn’t been wearing jeans on the plane, so she knew she’d been spared seeing his corpse this time. Thank God. She approached the body with dread. Tightening her resolve she knelt. Suddenly the "dead body" coughed and rolled over. With a scream, Megan jumped back. She clutched her chest and pressed a shaking hand to her mouth.

He’s alive!

Biting her lip, she stared down at the still-breathing man. His drenched t-shirt molded against his broad shoulders and well developed upper body. Short, golden brown hair stuck out in all directions.

Megan, get control of yourself. Don’t wet your pants the first time you finally see a living person. She got on her knees, plucked the seaweed off of him and wiped the sand from his face. His day old whiskers scratched her palm. Reddened skin stretched across both cheekbones and over the bridge of his nose. Her thumb caressed his parched full bottom lip.

She patted the side of his face. “Hey, are you okay?” That’s a dumb question. He isn’t okay.

“Hmm?” Gray eyes fluttered open. He stared at her a long moment, frowning slightly. “G’day.”

“Hello there.” She hated the sound of her voice. It sounded rusty, unused.

Abruptly he rolled away from her to heave onto the sand, making a loud, ugly retching noise.

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand then looked at her. “Sorry, mate, I swallowed too much sea.” His gaze went over her shoulder in the direction of the bonfire which crackled and popped not far from them. “Mite big for a barbie.”

Sitting back on her heels with her hands folded in her lap, Megan glanced to the fire then back to him. “My signal fire.”

“Signal for what?”

“Help.”

His accent intrigued her. Was he English or Australian?

“G’darn,” he looked around, “where the bloody hell am I?”

“Don’t know. There’s no one here to ask.” Megan shrugged helplessly.

~*~*~*~*~

Windswept Shores available in June from Pink Petal Books (its not actually on the website yet, but it will be.)

Janice’s website: http://janiceseagraves.org/
Janice’s main blog: http://ladyjanice.blogspot.com/

Even though it's still a bit early for my book launch I still through it would be fun to have a contest. The first five people who can find my email address on my blog (above link) and emails me with your address--wins a autographed post card with my sexy book cover, and a magnet.

Wistful Wednesday

Ups and Downs

If you stay in this business we call writing long enough, you will soon discover that it has more ups and downs than a roller coaster. Some are thrilling as you achieve heights you never thought you could and others are disheartening, causing you to plunge into despair when it appears things will never work out for you.

Just last week (as evidenced in my last post), I was contemplating getting off the wild ride and going back to a tamer one wherein I wrote only for myself and forgot about trying to become a successful author. But then I rode the coaster to another swell as I received some encouraging news: My entry into the YA section of the Amazon Breakthrough Novelist Award, "The Goode Girl," made the first cut. Now this may not seem like a big deal at first because there's still a long way to go in this competition, but for me, it is a big deal. This is the third (or is it the fourth now?) time I have entered this contest and this is the only time that I made the first cut (wherein they whittle down 5,000 entrants to just 1,000). For the first time, I am an actual contender. Sure, I might not make it through the next cut, but that doesn't matter as much to me now because l just by making this one, more people are going to read my writing. And that's what this is all about, after all: Getting people to read your writing.

So, now I must play the waiting game again until March 23rd when the 500 finalists from each category are announced, at which point the public will get the chance to download and rate the entries. Up and down, flow and ebb. Such is the life of the writer.

TANTALIZING TUESDAY

Please help me welcome Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal author, Melisse Aires, into the moonlight today. I goofed and sent Melisse the February interview questions rather than the March interview questions. And since our questions require an author to think really, really hard to get to the meat of their work and we're only two days into March, I didn't require Melisse to answer the March questions. I'd already tortured her enough with the February questions! ;-)

Melisse is the author of Shadow Rescue, published by Red Rose Publishing, and Del Fantasma: Tiger Juice, published by Aspen Mountain Press. Her newest release is Cybot Awakened, by Red Rose Publishing. Melisse refers to herself as a shy bookworm that moved to a big city in Tornado Alley with a great guy! But don’t take my word for it, visit her website and learn more: http://www.melisseaires.com/

~~~~~

GRACEN: Do you have any Valentine’s Day traditions like watching a Lifetime Channel movie marathon, spending the day with your significant other, writing, etc.?

MELISSE: My husband is a terrific cook and cooks a wonderful dinner and dessert which we share with our three teenage daughters. There are usually stuffed toys and chocolates,too!


GRACEN: Many of us feel that Valentine’s Day is just one more day that has been overly commercialized and isn’t something that should only be celebrated once a year, but at least once a day. What was the most romantic gift you’ve ever received, when did you receive it and who was it from?

MELISSE: When my husband proposed 21 years ago, the engagement ring was attached to a red rose.


GRACEN: Since this is the time of year when many people (teens included) feel the need to find a significant other, what suggestion(s) do you have for our readers as to what trait(s) should be added to their list?

MELISSE: I tell my teens to look for good character—are they a good friend, do they have integrity, are they hard working, carry their own weight? There ARE good guys out there!


GRACEN: There are many relationship superstitions out there such as, “rain on your wedding day is bad luck,” are you superstitious when it comes to love or relationships? Why or why not? If so, what superstitions do you believe have merit?

MELISSE: I don't really have a superstition,but I think a woman should look beyond the physical or financial to the character of the man.


GRACEN: Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe in the power of love? If so, do you think that love can exist beyond this life and carry over into the next or has the power to keep a soul attached to the mortal coil never to cross over? Do you believe that ghosts have the ability to effect humans in a sexual manner?

MELISSE: I do believe in ghosts but my experience in college was more of a scary stalker type ghost. My sister lost her husband of 30 years and sometimes feels he is communicating with her.


GRACEN: Please tell us, if you have any, 3 funny, strange or silly things that happened to you, or someone you know, on past Valentine’s Days. Any rendezvous fiascos that you now find humorous to tell? Have they ever been inspiration for some hi-jinks in your stories? Which ones? (Sharing may help others not feel so bad if it happened to them, as the saying goes, “misery loves company”)

MELISSE: I've never written a Valentine's story but now you have the plot bunnies hopping around!


GRACEN: For years, romance readers have experienced flack from non-romance readers saying or implying, “that’s just porn for women.” What can you say that might help non-romance readers understand the current essence of the romance genre?

MELISSE: I think that romance that leads to healthy relationships and family are the basis for a healthy, family, community and society. I think women see romance in a more global context beyond a hot love scene and most of us know a romance in real life without the physical attraction is not that desirable or long lasting!


GRACEN: Now, let’s get to your writing, Melisse…What genre is your work considered to be? Why this genre? What was the draw for you?

MELISSE: I write in speculative romance—fantasy, futuristic and paranormal. Since childhood I have been fascinated by fairy tales and myths, sci fi and fantasy novels. I think the speculative element entertain us and yet may make the human responses more intense in the 'otherworld' setting.


GRACEN: If you could describe your writing with a word or phrase, what would it be? Please be creative and delve into the core of your writing to tell us what word or phrase you want readers to take with them when they've finished reading your story.

MELISSE: Good people win.


GRACEN: Do you prefer romantic gifts (flowers, chocolate, jewelry, etc.) or romantic acts (massages, dinners, fun night out, etc.)? Does that show through in your writing? If so, how?

MELISSE: ACTS. In my upcoming Del Fantasma: Demonade, my hunky expriest gives my lonely pysvamp-demon heroine a back massage because she never gets touched for her pleasure or comfort.


GRACEN: What school of thought are you when it comes to romance, love at first sight or that love takes time? Does this show through in your writing? If so, how?

MELISSE: I think the attraction and decision to pursue a relationship can be instant--you KNOW you have to be with this man. But if time will show he if he is really what you want.


GRACEN: When reading stories, many of us find secondary characters to be as interesting as or more interesting than the main characters. Are there any secondary characters that you plan on giving their own story? Or any that readers have requested have their own story? Are any of them your favorites? Why?

MELISSE: I have had a reader/reviewer request to follow up with my couple from Del Fantasma: Tiger Juice, and I am exploring that idea. I tend to think in series or families with all my stories.


GRACEN: Of all of your heroes, who would you say is the most romantic and why?

MELISSE: Hmmm, I am a girl of the moment. I like the hero in the current wip the best!


GRACEN: Of all of your heroes, who would you say is the least romantic and why?

MELISSE: Well, Kaistril in Cybot Awakened is a military man, a warrior. But he is not hopeless!





BUY LINK: http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=550

BLURB:

Sabralia lives a lonely but luxurious life in Emperor Sirn’s Harem, her only companion is her obedient servant, Qy, a cybot. Her life has largely been controlled by others, but when Sirn demands his Harem pleasure his Commanding Officers at a victory celebration, Sabralia makes a daring plan to hide to avoid rape by Sirn's men.

The Palace is ambushed and her cybot gets her off world. The impossible has happened−Qy the gentle cybot becomes the man he once was, the warrior Kaistril. Pursued for valuable information, Sabralia is thrust into dangerous, unfamiliar situations where she must stand up to the challenges, or lose the man she loves.

EXCERPT:

Kaistril dreamed. A woman was in his arms…his Mistress Sabralia, with her dark hair, dark blue eyes and white soft skin. His staff roared into hardness. He tightened his arms around the woman, pulling her closer…she was so sweet, smelling of flowers, her soft bottom cradled his straining member…

Something is wrong. His eyes snapped open in a starless night and he sat up so fast he swayed, dizzy. They were on a cushioned pallet in thick woods. A body was pressed tight against him and he knew it was his mistress, Sabralia. They were hiding from…unrest.

Something is wrong. My name is Kaistril. No! I am Qy, in service to my mistress.

He couldn’t remember…but Kaistril seemed right.

He shook his head to try and clear his confusion.

The air reeked of smoke. The fire, soldiers, danger, weapons…

His head ached, as did his stomach. He was thirsty. He reached into Sabralia’s food basket and got a fruit drink, which helped a little, but his mind was still clouded.

They were in the woods…a fire at the palace…

Something is wrong. Breathe deeply, calm yourself, a voice he recognized as being from his past, told him. He closed his eyes and breathed in through his mouth and out through his nose, concentrating.

There was a sound. It was important. He listened.

Far away, so far away he could only feel the vibrations through the earth—death! He slid off the pillows onto the forest floor and placed his palms on the ground—

−The Strafe, attacking his Tier, the entire contingent in their observation units, dying. Burning, blinding white flashes, men falling dead in an instant, dead bodies everywhere… He knew it well. It had killed his men. The Strafe was coming!

“Wake. Wake.” He hauled the sleeping woman into his arms. “We need to get down to the beach, to one of the caves.”

A timer went off in his brain, the timer he was to obey, for his nightly maintenance. He groaned with confusion. No− The caves! He threw the queen over his shoulder with her blankets over her, and loped toward the beach, ignoring her protests and squirms. She was round and soft, not strong, not a warrior woman and he was able to subdue her struggles easily without harming her. In the far distance the Strafe slashed through the air, lighting the way with its killing white light, and the woman screamed in shock, her whole body going tight.

“Underground. The Strafe,” he grunted. She probably had no idea what the Strafe was. But he knew. He remembered. Fierce triumph filled him. He remembered and they would not kill this warrior, or his queen.

“What’s wrong?” she cried.

The soft voice of his mistress sent a shiver down his spine. His body was still hard, clamoring for her touch, despite the raging light. The danger, the excitement flooding his body, his memories, the woman in his arms. He paused for a moment, suddenly overwhelmed with confusion.

The Strafe moved closer, so its individual tines of killing light were visible.

“We need to get to one of the tidal caves. The Strafe will kill us.”

“The Strafe,” Comprehension colored her words. He sat her down, pulled the blanket from her face then grabbed her hand and they raced down the beach.

He found the section of beach with shallow caves. They’d explored them before, collecting shells… Once inside he shoved her against the back wall of the cave and covered her body with his own.

“The Strafe doesn’t go through soil. We might live if we …” His words trailed off. She was staring at him, mouth agape, eyes huge and dark in the night.

“You are different.” His mistress sounded faint.

“Yes. There is no time. Close your eyes,” he said. “The light can damage your vision.” He pulled the blanket over them, holding it cupped to her eyes with one hand while he did the same to his own with his other hand.

Kaistril listened carefully but could hear nothing now except their breathing, heavy with fear. The Strafe was concentrating on populated areas, though it would eventually sweep outlying areas for strays.

Bright, deadly tines stroked the beach and suddenly clashed around them, lighting even their closed, blanket covered eyes. They sank to the ground as the light sizzled just feet from them, close enough they could feel its strange heat. It disappeared, though they could still hear it.

Qy ran out of their shelter. The Strafe had returned to the Palace area. “Come on. It has gone straight back to the city. This is our chance!”

He grabbed her by the hand and ran up the beach, dragging her along.

“Qy, where are we going?” she wailed.

He paused for a split second, then continued pulling her along.

“Staying alive is the plan,” was all he said. No need to tell her it’s a gamble. Soon the Harvesters will be here to kill those that remain alive…

BUY LINK: http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?products_id=550

Mystic Monday

Welcome Author

Rachel Vincent!!!

Some of you may recognize her from her visit the YA Room last week, but for those of you who don't know her, she is one of the leading authors of the creepy and scary. If you don't believe me, check out her free YA novella, My Soul to Lose. In fact, I'd have to call her the Queen of Creep! Okay, maybe Queen of Scream too! Lol! [That last one's a play on words as her YA series is about Soul Screamers! HAHAHAHAHA!]

Sure, I know I gave high praises to YA Author Alexandra Sokoloff, but Rachel Vincent is in a different class. While Sokoloff focuses on the ghosts and unseen worlds that many of us believe exists within our own realm, Vincent delves into macabre myths and legends and brings them to life in truly scary, creepy and downright tingly tales of urban fantasy fiction.

What is urban fantasy? 

Well, for those of you who do not know, urban fantasy is when the fantasy realm collides with the real, everyday realm. Examples you might recognize: Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Supernatural, Lori Handeland's Phoenix Chronicles, Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, Stephen King's Salem's Lot.  I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

So, why is Rachel Vincent being featured here? Well, because she also has her Shifters series targeted for adults. It started with Stray, then went on with Rogue, Pride, and Prey, and continues with her latest one Shift, which is released today, but some places were nice and put it out early! This series isn't ending yet! There's also a new one on the horizon, Alpha, due out in October of this year! Oooh, in time for Halloween! Very Cool!

Before we get to the excerpt for Shift, let's get to why you're here, her interview!

ME: March has a few popular dates to celebrate. Which one are you more apt to celebrate, St. Patrick’s Day, or the First Day of Spring, or both and why?

RACHEL: Actually, I don’t know that I actually celebrate either one. Though I’m always happy for the few mild days of spring. I live in southern Texas. It’s hot most of the time.

ME: Because of it’s Irish heritage, St. Patrick’s Day is a big party day in Wisconsin (and many other areas) in which everyone gets in on the action from free pub crawl busses to breweries making green beer/spirits and some stores selling green colored/decorated food and sweets. Does anything similar occur in your area? Even if you do not participate, please tell us what activities are going on around you. Anything you feel is unique or especially interesting?

RACHEL: I’m not sure, actually. I’ve only lived here since October, so this will be my first St. Patrick’s day in the area.

ME: Do you like to decorate for spring/St. Pat’s Day or is this the time of the year where your house has a break from special décor?

RACHEL: No, we don’t really decorate for spring.

ME: Ireland is steeped in myth, legends and lore. Do you have any favorites? Please briefly share them with us (include links to other information for interested readers).

RACHEL: Obviously, I enjoy the bean sidhe lore (I write a YA series about a teenage bean sidhe) and some of the other Gaelic folklore I’ve read about the sidhe. (Faeries)

ME: Spring is considered a time of renewal, a time of rebirth. Do you do anything “special” to commemorate this idea such as planting flowers or cleaning out your house? Please share with us your way of celebrating this time of rebirth.

RACHEL: I do plant flowers in the spring, because that’s when you plant most flowers, but I’ve never really thought of it as commemorating spring. Although I guess you could call it that. I do like to grow things. ;-)

ME: Magic is often tied into Celtic myths and legends, or at least we like to think it is. Why do you think that is? Why, in your opinion, does Ireland carry so much mystery and magic for the rest of us?

RACHEL: I think it feels mysterious and magical because there’s so much about Celtic legends and culture that we don’t know. There’s plenty of room for our imaginations to fill in the blanks.

ME: If you could be any mythical or legendary Celtic creature or character, what/who would it be and why?

RACHEL: Oh, I don’t know! There aren’t a lot of happy endings in Celtic lore, which pleases me as a writer, but I don’t know that I’d want to live through them! People get drowned by kelpies and die when they hear bean sidhes wail. They get seduced, then abandoned in the immortal lover legends, they have their children replaced by changelings. I think I’d much rather read about or write about Celtic lore than live it. ;-)

ME: Please tell us some of the favorite/best books you’ve read with Celtic myths/legends or ties in them. (They can be fact or fiction, just be sure to indicate what type of books they are in case our readers might want to check them out.)

RACHEL: Holly Black’s Tithe, and Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely and sequels.

Me: Now, let’s switch the focus to your writing. What genre is your writing considered to be? Why this genre? What was the draw for you?

RACHEL: I write urban fantasy, because I love to read it. Nothing’s impossible in urban fantasy. You can base your stories on established myths and legends, or you can make it up entirely. I love the creative freedom.

ME: If you could describe your writing with a word or phrase, what would it be? Please be creative and delve into the core of your writing to tell us what word or phrase you want readers to take with them when they've finished reading your story.

RACHEL: Action, angst, and drama. I like to put my characters in tough positions and watch them dig themselves out—mostly. But honestly, the digging out part usually leads to more tough situations.

ME: Do you prefer magical or human ingenuity for problem solutions? Does that show through in your writing? If so, how?

RACHEL: Human ingenuity. My characters use their brains to figure things out, then back up their smarts with super-human strength/abilities. But the thing is, there are no easy outs. My characters lives are made harder thanks to their supernatural abilities, not easier. That’s what keeps things interesting.

ME: Who decides what you write about, you or your muse? What kind of influence do you have over your story, or is the muse always the one strumming the harp?

RACHEL: I’m not a big believer in muses. In reality, at least. (I do have a YA short story out about a leanan sidhe—a sort of vampiric muse.) I spend hours and hours and days and days researching and brainstorming for new plot and character ideas. Rarely (if ever) do these things just drop into my lap, via some unseen brain-behind-the-writer. Writing is very, very hard work, and I do it whether I feel like it or not, because it’s my job. I don’t have time to wait around for some intangible creative partner to decide to show up. If I had a muse, she got left behind years ago. ;-)

ME: What was the character or creature that you had the most fun creating and why?

RACHEL: There are two: Andi the siren and Mallory the leanan sidhe (a muse who feeds from those she inspires) from “Binge,” my short story in the Immortal anthology (YA). These girls fascinated me, quite simply. They’re both very, very dangerous, but still young and kind of stumbling their way through life. They have urges and appetites they can’t quite control, and this really brutal, twisted-sister kind of co-dependant relationship. I would love to write more about them.

ME: If you had the opportunity to meet just one of your character/creature creations in real life, who would it be and why?

RACHEL: Probably Faythe. I’m in awe of her. She’s grown so much since the beginning of the Shifter series, and she’s so strong.

ME: Which of your character/creature creations would you never want to meet under any circumstance and why?

RACHEL: Colin Dean, from the Shifters series. That man is a monster. In many ways, he’s worse than the series big-bad he works for, because he actually does the dirty work. And enjoys it. He’s brutal, vengeful, and probably psychotic.

And Avari, one of the hellions from my (YA) Soul Screamers series. Avari is a hellion of avarice, and he pulls no punches. The only thing keeping him (and his kind) from completely destroying civilization is the fact that hellions can’t cross into the human world. But he still causes a good bit of murder, mayhem, and some serious angst even from the Netherworld.

ME: Of all the stories you wrote, which was the storyline that you had the most fun fleshing out? Why?

RACHEL: Probably My Soul To Keep (the third Soul Screamers book). That one let me explore addiction, insanity, betrayal, agony, and action. It was really hard to write, but the creepy moments that came out of that book were totally worth it.

ME: As writers, inspiration comes from everywhere. What, specifically, inspired your latest story, the one we’re promoting here today?

RACHEL: So far in the Shifters world (books 1-4) we’ve seen the werecats fight one another. Humans are no match for them, and for the most part, my shifters leave humans alone. They exist in completely different spheres. But for Shift, I decided to see what would happen if I threw in another element—another species of shifters—that the cats weren’t prepared for. That species is my thunderbirds.

The thunderbirds are vicious fighters, and they have a significant advantage: the ability to take off into the air, to avoid confrontations they think they can’t win. The werecats don’t know how to fight them, and they find themselves completely outmatched and on the defensive for the first time. Which means Faythe has to use her brain instead of relying on her brawn. But that’s not as easy as it sounds

The thunderbirds have a completely different social system than anything the werecats have ever seen, and while they’re fanatically honorable, their idea of honor doesn’t overlap much with the werecat (or the human) understanding of the word.

So, I guess my inspiration for this one was the idea of throwing something completely new at my characters. Or… maybe one too many Sylvester vs. Tweety cartoons. ;-)

Now let's take a look at her newest release, Shift:

TROUBLE IS IN THE AIR...

Being the first female werecat enforcer isn’t easy.

Scars accumulate, but I’m stronger in so many ways.

As for my personal life? It’s complicated. Choices worth

making always are. Ever since my brother’s death and my

father’s impeachment, it’s all I can do to prevent more blood

from spilling. Now our Pride is under attack by a flight of

vicious thunderbirds. And making peace with our new

enemies may be the only way to get the best of our old foe.

With the body count rising and treachery everywhere,

my instincts tell me to look before I leap. But sometimes

a leap of faith is the only real option.…

EXCERPT: Excerpt from ch. 1 (edited for one major spoiler from Prey)

----

I turned to glance at Kaci—halfway to the apple tree, and loping at her own pace—and idly noticed a pair of hawks circling overhead.

“How is your arm?” Manx asked, recapturing my attention.

I held up my cast, frowning good-naturedly at the small doodles Kaci had drawn between the enforcers’ perfunctory signatures. A flower with purple petals and X-shaped eyes in the center. A pink skull and crossbones. I’d sat still for several of her masterpieces. Anything to make her smile. Though, I threatened to paint over them with black nail polish if she plastered any more pink on my arm.

Still, I had to admit that thinking of Kaci when I looked at my cast was much better than thinking about how I’d broken it. About the bastards who’d stolen Marc and beaten him to get information out of me—when beating me hadn’t worked.

“It’s fine. Dr. Carver says I can try Shifting in a couple of weeks.” I was already itching for the transformation—and from the cast, which somehow made my arm sweat, even in the middle of February.

“She really misses him.” Owen nodded at something over my shoulder, and I twisted in my seat to see Kaci on the ground beside [character deleted]’s headstone, one knee brushing the freshly overturned earth.

“Yeah, she—”

“What the hell?” Owen demanded, and I leaned to the side to peer over the porch railing. “Have you ever seen hawks that big? They must have their eyes on something, from the way they’re circling.…”

I followed his gaze and was on my feet in an instant, a sick feeling of dread churning in my stomach. “Those aren’t hawks.…” They were too big, for one thing. And their wings were all wrong. Especially the tips. Even from a distance, the ends looked…weird. The birds must have been really high up before, because now that they’d flown lower, swooping in from over the woods behind the eastern field, they looked huge.

My heartbeat suddenly felt sluggish, as if it couldn’t keep up with my body’s natural rhythm. The birds were too huge. And too low. And too fast…

Oh, shit… “Kaci!” I screamed as the first bird dove toward her. She looked up and screeched, and I was already halfway across the yard.

Kaci leaped to her feet, then ducked as the first bird swooped, huge talons grasping perilously close to her head. She screamed again, and when the bird rose effortlessly into the air, beating giant wings so hard I could hear the air whoosh from two hundred feet away, she stood and took off toward me.

Kaci raced across the dead grass, screaming at the top of her lungs.

I kept moving toward her, unwilling to waste energy on screams of my own. But in human form, neither of us was fast enough. I was a heartbreaking fifteen feet away when the second bird swooped, his powerful wings displacing so much air I was actually blown back a step. His talons opened wide, then closed instantly around her upper arms.

For a moment, as he regained his balance with his new burden, I had a breathtaking view of the magnificent creature. Smooth, brown wings. Terrible, curved beak. Powerful, horrifying talons. And long, sharp wing claws, protruding from beneath the feathers on the tips of his wings.

An instant later, the bird was aloft again, and I came to a stop with my fingertips grasping air three feet beneath Kaci’s dangling sneaker.

My heart raced along with my feet as I followed them, knowing my chase was futile. I couldn’t fly, and I couldn’t run fast enough to keep up. Because Kaci hadn’t been picked up by hawks. Our new tabby—my own beloved charge—had just been kidnapped by the first thunderbirds seen by werecats in nearly a quarter of a century.

Intrigued yet? I know I am! Don't forget to look for these previous releases in the series:

SUPERNATURAL SUNDAY

Susan Palmquist's Sleeping with Fairies in the Moonlight

Please welcome Susan Palmquist into the silver rays of the Moonlight today. Susan is the author of Sleeping with Fairies, which was published by Lyrical Press. To learn more about Susan or to drop her an e-mail eulogizing how wonderful her books are (all us authors love to hear how much you enjoyed our books), please visit her at her website: http://susanpalmquist.com/

~~~~~

GRACEN: Do you have any Valentine’s Day traditions like watching a Lifetime Channel movie marathon, spending the day with your significant other, writing, etc.? Do you have a favorite movie that you love to watch or a book you like to read on Valentine’s Day? Is there any movie or book that you’ve saved for this time of year? If so, what’s the title?

SUSAN: No traditions, really, maybe I’ll make a special meal and light candles.


GRACEN: Many of us feel that Valentine’s Day is just one more day that has been overly commercialized and isn’t something that should only be celebrated once a year, but at least once a day. What was the most romantic gift you’ve ever received, when did you receive it and who was it from?

SUSAN: That’s an easy one. A dozen red roses from my husband. At the time, we were just dating and had in fact, just met. The first time we went out was with another couple. We’d planned to Rollerblade. I’d never done that before and ended up falling on my backside. So when we went on our first official date the following weekend, he bought me flowers to cheer me up.


GRACEN: Since this is the time of year when many people (teens included) feel the need to find a significant other, what suggestion(s) do you have for our readers as to what trait(s) should be added to their list?

SUSAN: Do you mean traits to look for in another person? For me sense of humor tops the list. It’s inevitable that bad things will happen to us now and then and having someone who makes you laugh or just makes you smile can really help you through the rough patches.


GRACEN: There are many relationship superstitions out there such as, “rain on your wedding day is bad luck,” are you superstitious when it comes to love or relationships? Why or why not? If so, what superstitions do you believe have merit?

SUSAN: I’m part Irish so hence, yes, I’m superstitious. However, I can’t think of any superstitions I have that are connected with love and relationships, although my late mother always believed that you should buy pearls for yourself and not have someone give them to you because it meant that person would make you cry.


GRACEN: Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe in the power of love? If so, do you think that love can exist beyond this life and carry over into the next or has the power to keep a soul attached to the mortal coil never to cross over? Do you believe that ghosts have the ability to effect humans in a sexual manner?

SUSAN: Once, again, being of Irish heritage, yes, I believe in ghosts and I love a good ghost story. And yes, I also believe in the power of love. I’ve heard people say they were attracted to someone because they believed they’d known one another or had been soul mates in another life. It might explain why we’re instantly drawn to some people and not others. Your last question has certainly given me an idea for a story!


GRACEN: Please tell us, if you have any, 3 funny, strange or silly things that happened to you, or someone you know, on past Valentine’s Days. Any rendezvous fiascos that you now find humorous to tell? Have they ever been inspiration for some hi-jinks in your stories? Which ones? (Sharing may help others not feel so bad if it happened to them, as the saying goes, “misery loves company”)

SUSAN: Not on Valentine’s Day, but if misery loves company, I’d like to tell the single girls out there I’ve had my fair share of dating disasters, dates not showing up, etc. Friends matching me up with guys who were just not my type but the guys thought differently. So hang in there.


GRACEN: For years, romance readers have experienced flack from non-romance readers saying or implying, “that’s just porn for women.” What can you say that might help non-romance readers understand the current essence of the romance genre?

SUSAN: I’d say read more romances. Yes, some are just one sex scene after another, but most of them are tension filled and just make you feel that all is well with the world once these two people finally realize how much they love one another.


GRACEN: Now, let’s get to your writing, Susan…What genre is your work considered to be? Why this genre? What was the draw for you?

SUSAN: I write both mysteries and romances. Romance wise, so far both my books have been in the paranormal category. Why do I like that? Romance is magical and adding a paranormal element just makes it that much more special. For example, in my first romance, A Sterling Affair, both the hero and heroine are given a second chance at love, one of them even has to come back to life to experience it. In my latest, Sleeping With Fairies, Claire’s gift gives everyone in the village hope that even their wildest dreams can be realized.


GRACEN: If you could describe your writing with a word or phrase, what would it be? Please be creative and delve into the core of your writing to tell us what word or phrase you want readers to take with them when they've finished reading your story.

SUSAN: It’s versatile.


GRACEN: Do you prefer romantic gifts (flowers, chocolate, jewelry, etc.) or romantic acts (massages, dinners, fun night out, etc.)? Does that show through in your writing? If so, how?

SUSAN: I have to say a little of both. And yes, I think it does show through in my stories. All the heroes I create are very romantic to the ladies.


GRACEN: What school of thought are you when it comes to romance, love at first sight or that love takes time? Does this show through in your writing? If so, how?

SUSAN: I really do believe in love at first sight. And yes, it shows in my writing, the hero and heroine are never quite the same once they’ve set eyes upon each other. Sometimes it makes them do uncharacteristic things like Michael in Sleeping With Fairies even resorts to watching Claire with a pair of binoculars.


GRACEN: When reading stories, many of us find secondary characters to be as interesting as or more interesting than the main characters. Are there any secondary characters that you plan on giving their own story? Or any that readers have requested have their own story? Are any of them your favorites? Why?

SUSAN: I really liked creating the character of Rachel in Sleeping With Fairies, she’s Michael’s ten year old daughter. I describe her as ten but going on 30. Who knows maybe I’ll write a book about her, she’ll be older and about to fall in love.


GRACEN: Of all of your heroes, who would you say is the most romantic and why?

SUSAN: Sir Ian Ashby from A Sterling Affair, he’s from the Regency period which probably speaks for itself.


GRACEN: Of all of your heroes, who would you say is the least romantic and why?

SUSAN: The least romantic would probably be in my mystery, Death Likes Me, Tony who’s a friend of Niki’s is about to be divorced for the second time. However, having said that and I won’t give too much away but in future Niki Webber mysteries, well, let’s say things might change and he might just become Mr. Romance.




BLURB:

When You’re in Love Magical Things Can Happen

EXCERPT:

It was just out of pure curiosity, he told himself when he’d opted to drive along the road that ran parallel to the beach. After all, although he’d been in the village a couple of weeks, he had yet to visit the beach or even driven the beach road to check it out. Rachel had pestered him a couple of times, but he’d said it was too cold to be heading to the beach.

He glanced out to sea while he drove. No matter how hard he tried to convince himself he was doing this for the sightseeing aspect, he knew the real reason. He was looking for Claire, hoping to get a glance of her without her noticing him.

Rain started to splatter on the windshield of his car. He slowed to a crawl, glancing in his rearview mirror to make sure no traffic was behind him. He peeked out at the beach again, that’s when he saw her. She was bending down, picking something up from out of the sand. At that point, there was a clap of thunder right before the sky seemed to open up. Michael had to turn on the windshield wipers to clear the water from his view. He decided to pull over. He looked at the beach again. Poor Claire was getting drenched. It didn’t look like she had an umbrella with her.
He thought about opening his car door, calling to her to get in, but he doubted she’d hear him above the roar of the rain. Maybe he’d be the perfect gentleman and get out so he could help her back to his car.

Michael opened the car door, got out, and pulled his jacket over his head. He made a mad dash to the beach.

“Claire, Claire,” he called when he got closer to her.

She looked up.

“You’re going to get as wet as I am,” she said. A bolt of lightning flashed across the sand. “Neither of us should be out here in this. I know a place where we can take cover until it calms down.”

Before he knew it, she’d grabbed his hand and was pulling him toward some rocks. He followed her into what looked like an overhang, then she took him into what resembled the opening to a cave.

“Look at you. You’re soaked to the skin,” said Claire.

“Don’t worry about me.”

“How did you happen to see me here?”

“I thought I’d check out the area, and then I spotted you.”

“I didn’t think it was going to rain this soon or I wouldn’t have headed to the beach.”

“One of the drawbacks to living on an island.”

“There are some rocks here, it’s not comfortable, but it’s a place to sit until this storm dies down,” said Claire.

They walked to the back of the cave and sat down.

“How do you know about this place?” asked Michael.

“Everyone knows about the cave. In fact, when Rachel’s older, if she tells you she’s going to the beach with her boyfriend, well, you’ll be one step ahead of her. This is where all the young lovers come to kiss. To be honest, I think quite a few babies have been made here, many by accident,” said Claire.

Despite being chilled to the bone, heat rose to Michael’s face. So it was that sort of place. How did Claire know all about it? Had she come here with one boyfriend, two boyfriends, more than two? She was beautiful, that was for sure. He imagined that lots of men wanted to take her out, maybe bring her to this sort of place.

“So what do you have there?” he asked, needing to change the subject.

“Just some shells for my design. This beach has some of the most fascinating shapes.”
He had to admit he hadn’t seen seashells like the ones she held in her hands ever before.
“My mom used to tell me that the fairies had sent them. People around here like me to use them in their yards.”

“Is that a fact?”

“You see this one here, it’s supposed to—”

He knew it was rude to cut her off in mid-sentence, but he couldn’t control himself any longer. He turned and without giving it a second thought, kissed her. He didn’t know why he’d done it. In fact, he’d almost felt compelled to do it.

She didn’t stop him, didn’t pull away, she didn’t slap him. Instead, she put one of her hands at the back of his head and opened her mouth to him. He wanted to run his tongue along her lip. Maybe that would be going too far. Even this simple little kiss was going too far.

He pulled away. They sat looking into one other’s eyes.

“I think the rain has eased up a little. Maybe we should make a run for the car,” he said.

Starlight Saturday

Weekly Book Review

My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent was a surprise to say the least. Sure, I thought it might be a bit on the "scary" side, but nothing, not even telling me the story would rattle me, could have prepared me for the journey that exists between the pages of this novella. Now this is a freebie and you can get from Vincent's website, rachelvincent.com. Just click on the green cover and you be ready to enter the world of a death screamer.

What makes it so rattling?

Well, the imagery used in this book works together to set the very creepy scene of a, well, psychiatric ward - and that's all I'll say on it or else I might give something away. Suffice it to say that the author took great pains to paint images of the smallest details and, as far as I'm concerned, left nothing out.

What does this mean for you the reader?

Well, it means that you get to be inside this ward with Kaylee and struggle for sanity as she did. It was very well done. When you put the book down, it isn't because you want to, but because you need to return to reality, just for a little while....

You're so deep into Kaylee's mind, that you almost wonder if you aren't crazy too...okay, maybe not everyone will go that far, but it's close enough to make me shudder.

This is one of those books you could read aloud around a campfire in lieu of ghost stories - because this one sort of is - or it can be saved for Halloween or any other time when you're looking for good, creepy, scare!

I find this story scary not because of the subject content, but because Vincent paints the scene so well. Her use of images from a squeaky wheel and white walls to a sobbing girl all combine to put the reader not on the outside of the psyche ward looking in, but on the inside looking out!

It's a fantastic job. I've decided to save the rest for October, the time of the year when I read horror and paranormal. I'm about half-way through the book right now, and with the amount of emotions I've already been through, and I know the journey's not done, I have to give it full marks.

Creep factor (sorry, no image for it yet!): 5 out of 5 images!

Overall rating:

Terrific job and a must read!Don't forget to look out for the series that this novella is prequel to:

PHANTASM FRIDAY

Please help me welcome T.M. Hunter into the moonlight today! Mr. Hunter is the author of the Aston West series, and Aston just happens to be a space pirate! To learn more about Aston West, visit Mr. Hunter’s website here: http://astonwest.com/

~~~~~

GM: Do you have any Valentine’s Day traditions like watching a Lifetime Channel movie marathon, spending the day with your significant other, writing, etc.? Do you have a favorite movie that you love to watch or a book you like to read on Valentine’s Day? Is there any movie or book that you’ve saved for this time of year? If so, what’s the title?

TMH: Generally, I take my wife out to dinner (and sometimes a movie) for Valentine’s Day. Her birthday’s around that same time, so usually a gift as well. She usually reminisces about the Valentine’s Day when we were first dating and I took her out while suffering from pneumonia. Good times!


GM: Many of us feel that Valentine’s Day is just one more day that has been overly commercialized and isn’t something that should only be celebrated once a year, but at least once a day. What was the most romantic gift you’ve ever received, when did you receive it and who was it from?

TMH: Being a guy, I’m not sure there have been too many romantic gifts given to me personally, and never on Valentine’s Day itself. Technically, I do get really excited when handling the power tools I’ve received from my wife on various other holidays, and my mouth can’t stop drooling over steaks (which sometimes comes into play for the Valentine’s dinner, though I normally pay for those myself). Do those count?


GM: Since this is the time of year when many people (teens included) feel the need to find a significant other, what suggestion(s) do you have for our readers as to what trait(s) should be added to their list?

TMH: Try to find someone who has similar traits and tastes as you do, in terms of personality, likes and dislikes, education, income potential, etc. Though it may seem dull and boring not to introduce natural conflict into a relationship (and the spice it brings), it’s going to be a more pleasant experience in the long run.


GM: There are many relationship superstitions out there such as, “rain on your wedding day is bad luck,” are you superstitious when it comes to love or relationships? Why or why not? If so, what superstitions do you believe have merit?

TMH: I don’t generally hold superstitions of any type in much regard (a side-effect of the logical engineer mindset I have). That being said, I do subscribe to the notion that a couple will always migrate to the “lowest common denominator.” For example, if two people have completely different financial outlooks (one being a tightwad and the other a spender) the relationship’s financial behaviors will gradually migrate toward the LCD (or the spender, in this case).


GM: Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe in the power of love? If so, do you think that love can exist beyond this life and carry over into the next or has the power to keep a soul attached to the mortal coil never to cross over? Do you believe that ghosts have the ability to effect humans in a sexual manner?

TMH: I don’t believe in ghosts, but I do believe in an afterlife where love exists. If ghosts really do exist and can influence humans sexually, then I really want to know what’s holding them up...


GM: Please tell us, if you have any, 3 funny, strange or silly things that happened to you, or someone you know, on past Valentine’s Days. Any rendezvous fiascos that you now find humorous to tell? Have they ever been inspiration for some hi-jinks in your stories? Which ones? (Sharing may help others not feel so bad if it happened to them, as the saying goes, “misery loves company”)

TMH: As I mentioned, went out sick as a dog for Valentine’s Day when my wife and I were first dating. In fact, I could barely eat any of my dinner and am pretty sure what little I did eat (Mediterranean) was the main reason I puked when I got home. Even through all of that, my wife still ended up marrying me.

Though not Valentine’s-related, it was pretty comical when my wife and I first met. Though all the rage today, we actually first met on the internet. While I was off work (due to the workplace being flooded out for a week), we decided to meet at a local mall. She decided upon meeting me that I was too young for us to date, but we could be friends. A year-and-a-half later, we were married. Go figure.

And since I have no other Valentine stories, I’ll continue this tale by mentioning that meeting strangers off the internet is a scary situation. My wife’s sister arranged to call her during our meeting, to make sure I wasn’t an axe murderer. When she called, my wife accidentally hit the wrong button and shut off the phone. Hilarity ensued.

Did I mention we were married a year-and-a-half later?


GM: For years, romance readers have experienced flack from non-romance readers saying or implying, “that’s just porn for women.” What can you say that might help non-romance readers understand the current essence of the romance genre?

TMH: Porn is porn and romance is romance, and if you (as a reader) can’t discern the difference between the two, then you really need to get out more. Use visual aids. Really. Multiple times, if necessary.


GM: Now, let’s get to your writing, Mr. Hunter…What genre is your work considered to be? Why this genre? What was the draw for you?

TMH: I write mostly in science fiction, technically in the sub-genre of space opera (or as I like to refer to it, science fiction for the rest of us). I enjoy the freedom that comes with the creation of new worlds and new beings, and there’s nothing finer than men and women with ray guns in too much leather. I like space opera over hard (not to be confused with erotic) sci-fi because it’s more character and plot-driven, and not so focused on the technical side of things.


GM: If you could describe your writing with a word or phrase, what would it be? Please be creative and delve into the core of your writing to tell us what word or phrase you want readers to take with them when they've finished reading your story.

TMH: In a phrase, chock full of sarcastic brilliance. Or if that seems a bit too egotistical, fun romps through the depths of space.


GM: Do you prefer romantic gifts (flowers, chocolate, jewelry, etc.) or romantic acts (massages, dinners, fun night out, etc.)? Does that show through in your writing? If so, how?

TMH: Romantic acts. That wouldn’t show through my writing because I’m sure that would confuse those non-romance readers who confuse porn with romance.


GM: What school of thought are you when it comes to romance, love at first sight or that love takes time? Does this show through in your writing? If so, how?

TMH: I think we’re destined for lust at first sight, but true love takes time and patience. I imagine it probably does show in my writing. One of my major characters, a space pirate named Aston West, is always lusting after some random woman he’s just met. But his true escapades into love will come from a long-term relationship which develops over time.


GM: When reading stories, many of us find secondary characters to be as interesting as or more interesting than the main characters. Are there any secondary characters that you plan on giving their own story? Or any that readers have requested have their own story? Are any of them your favorites? Why?

TMH: Indeed, secondary characters are great fodder for stories, and in fact I’ve already created stories which feature them. Aston West is my major character, and appears in most of my stories. However, I’ve had one story published which is completely from the point of his (feminine) ship’s computer. Three others are in the process of submission which focus on one of the women who won’t be getting any Valentine’s Day cards from Aston any time in the future (she did try to arrest him in one of my stories, after all). And I have several stories in the queue which focus on various characters from Aston’s travels.


GM: Of all of your heroes, who would you say is the most romantic and why?

TMH: I’d say Aston West, my major character. He’s the man my female readers (and heck, most of my readers) love the most, because he’s just so good at being so bad. At least until he has no choice but to be good, that is.


GM: Of all of your heroes, who would you say is the least romantic and why?

TMH: Since there aren’t that many heroes I have to choose from, I’d likely choose the female character I mentioned in the question just above. Trying not to give anything…including her name…away (and if you want to avoid the spoiler, head on over to http://astonwest.com/ right now and check out my short story “Entrapment”), she’s manipulative, abusive and downright despicable at times. But she does put Aston in handcuffs the first time they meet, so maybe she does have a romantic streak in her after all...



BLURB:

Aston West was condemned to life on the prison planet Lycus IV for spitting in a man’s face. Being forced to reside with the likes of murderers and thieves, he owes his freedom to Lars and Elijah Cassus, who orchestrated an escape. Now the twin brothers call in the favor and force his return to Lycus IV with their team to rescue crewmate Leah Jordan.


EXCERPT:

Even in the depth of my nightmares, Lycus IV was a formidable hell. The scenery misled one to think of mighty grandeur. Lush green trees lined the banks. Sporadic cloud cover offered broken views of a pale blue mountain range.

This prison planet’s terror was not found in its natural surroundings, but from its unwilling inhabitants.

A wide, slow-moving river flowed in front of me over a deep bed of rocks. My filthy clothing was ripped and shredded, and exposed bloody skin. I gazed back across the clear, inviting water.

A bellow filled the air and I turned. A pale, naked giant rumbled through the brush, still yelling at the top of his lungs. High above his head, he gripped his makeshift mallet, a boulder strapped into the fork of a tree branch. I jumped aside as the weapon crashed down.

He stared with one wide eye and the other glazed over. Saliva dribbled from his lips.

“I am King of the wooded realm! You dare invade my territory?”

This wasn’t a fight I planned to stick around for. Psychotics were the worst type of violent.

He hoisted his club and swung it at me. I stumbled back and it came so close I felt the breeze. I turned toward the opposite bank and sprinted across the riverbed.

“Your punishment is death! Vengeance is demanded!”

I high-stepped through calf-deep water while the beast screamed bloody murder. I dared not look back, because there was no doubt he gained on me with every step.

My foot caught a cluster of rocks under the surface and I splashed down, drenched by the cool, clear water. I flipped over and faced my attacker as he left me in a cold, dark shadow. Milky-white foam oozed over his lower lip.

“Prepare to meet your maker!”

He raised the mallet high above his head. At least death would be quick, but I couldn’t say much for painless. I closed my eyes and waited for the crushing blow.

A whistle filled the air and the giant beast gasped and choked. My eyes flashed open as the beast dropped his weapon into the river behind him.

Only one object stood between me and oblivion, a homemade arrow buried in his neck. He couldn’t pull it from the front, so reached back. His mind gave up hope as soon as his fingers probed the stone tip. The monster’s eyes rolled up out of the way, then his body fell backward.

The corpse splashed down and huge waves rolled past me. I scrambled around and gazed at the opposite bank. There, a bow in his left hand and more arrows strapped to his back, stood the man who’d just saved my life.

Elijah Cassus.