Classic Novel of the Month- June: Paul & Virginia, by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre

Sorry for the late post.... but here is this month's Classic Novel of the Month. I hope you enjoy!

First published in 1788, this is the classic of naive love that inspired the film "The Blue Lagoon." Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's only novel is a classic of naive love. First published in 1788 to wide acclaim, it subsequently appeared in hundreds of editions throughout the world and influenced a generation of French writers, from George Sand and Lamartine to Balzac and Flaubert. In modern times it has inspired major musicals, artworks, a hit song by Celine Dion, and even a chain of luxury hotels on Mauritius.

Bernardin was inspired by his friend Rousseau to tell the story of two children who grow up entirely according to nature's laws on an idyllic island free from the corrupting influence of the world. They reach adolescence and fall in love, but tragedy strikes and both die untimely deaths. A key text in the development of the novel, this is a must for anyone interested in the history of European literature.

*information taken from Wikipedia

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Video Summary of Paul & Virginia:


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My Review:

I give this classic novel a rating of 5/5 because the story really is one of those stories you read and stay with you long after you finish reading the book. At the beginning of the book, the descriptions of the island Paul & Virginia live in can be overwelming, but after awhile you begin to find yourself along with them. Smelling the fresh fruits, the flowers in bloom and find yourself wrapped in their story and their love...

I read somewhere on line that the famous painting The Storm, by Pierre-Augste Cot was inspired by this book. I have always loved this painting. During my many visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, I always make it a MUST to see this painting up close. Something about it have always camptivated me...perhaps the couple, their expressions, the storm they ran away from???
So when I read that the artist was inspired by this book, I knew this was a book I had to read! And I'm glad I did!

Here is a quote from the book that many believe inspired this painting:

"One day, while descending from the mountaintop, I saw Virginie running from one end of the garden toward the house, her head covered by her overskirt, which she had lifted from behind her in order to gain shelter from a rain-shower. From a distance I had thought she was alone; but upon coming closer to help her walk I saw that by the arm she held Paul who was almost entirely covered by the same blanket. Both were laughing together in the shelter of this umbrella of their own invention."

Get a FREE copy of this beautiful classic romance novel today!
Click HERE to get your copy

Author Interview & Review: Familiar Ties, by Naya Nikki

Familiar Ties
by Naya Nikki

Book Blurb: Max West is a widower raising Phoebe, his four-year-old daughter. Phoebe has to live with the fact that the day she was born is also the day of her mother's death. As her fifth year without her mother approaches, Phoebe finds solace in her godmother, Amy Riley, and her daughter, Grace Crawford, another single parent family.

Amy Riley is a successful fashion designer who spends most of her days raising her four-year-old daughter, Grace, while her wayward boyfriend is travelling the world making the next best film. As the fifth year without her best friend looms she finds comfort in her ex-boyfriend, Max, and his daughter, Phoebe.

These two “broken” families have a tough week to face as the dreaded day approaches. However through their past, present and debatable future will their choices affect the outcome both parents clearly want and are simply denying? Or will Phoebe and Grace lose the only “whole” family they have ever known?

Available at Amazon Kindle ~ Paperback

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Author Interview:

Today I would like to welcome author Naya Nikki to my blog. Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
I was always writing short stories as a kid and English was always my favorite class at school and one day I showed them to a friend and she said ‘why not try to get them published’ so that’s what I did.

How long did it take you to write Familiar Ties?
I think it took me just over a year and a half. I’d written about a third of it before I went back and rewrote the whole thing before continuing the rest of the book in between my final year of schooling.

While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot?
Like I mentioned before I did go back once and do a major re-write but after completing it for the first time I did go back and add scenes that I thought helped to develop the book more.

You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?
Strangely I always go to the Jodi Picoult section, even though I’ve read and I’ve got every single one of her books.

How many books in a month do you tend to read?
I try and read at least 2 a month, but with my university education where I have to read 2 a week, my fun reading has gone out the window. However I just finished my first year at university so I have loads of books to catch up on over the summer.

In all the books you've read. Who is your most favorite character and why?
Jo March from Little Women; first of she writes and second she doesn’t let the fact she is a women get her down.

State 5 random facts about yourself.
-I am a self confessed Gleek.
-I love to dance and I have been taking classes since I was 5.
-I have been to every continent at least once.
-I adore stuffed toys and keep buying them even though I’m nearly 20.
-I read ‘The Butterfly Lion’ by Michael Morpurgo at least once every year.

Your favorite Genre?
Romance and (Auto) Biographies

What are you currently reading?
I am cheating and double reading at the moment. I switch between ‘I’ll Scream Later’ by Marlee Matlin and ‘Lone Wolf’ by Jodi Picoult.

What is the best book you've read?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Any new projects coming up?
At the moment I am happy to catch up on being a student and hanging out with my friends, but I’ve got a few plot bunnies written down so you will have to keep your eyes peeled.

Here’s your chance to market your book. Describe it. And why readers should pick it up?
It may look like your average romance novel but give it a chance it may just surprise you and to be honest what’s so bad with a good romance book? So pick it up, read it and let me know what you think

Where you can find author Naya Nikki:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nayanikki
Twitter: @nikkinaya

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/NayaNikki
Website: www.nayanikki.co.uk

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Review:


Can your life change in seven days??? Well, for Max West and Amy Riley, it did.

I thank the author for allowing me to read and review it. It was a short read, and a book I could not put down, so I read it in one afternoon. The book was a heartwarming, romance novel about two people, their lives and how at then end family and friends are all that matters

The book is about Max West and Amy Riley. Two good friends who find themselves raising two lovely little girls. Max is a widower and Amy is a girl attached to the wrong man. The book takes place in seven days as their life begin to take a turn, when Max realizes he can't live without Amy and they both confess the feelings they kept inside for so long, BUT there is one problem- Jack. Amy's boyfriend, who is not ready to let Amy or their daughter Grace go.

You have to read the book to find out how it all turns out! ^-^ *
I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Cobbogoth, by Hannah L. Clark

Cobbogoth
By Hannah L Clark
Genre: YA Fantasy romance

Book Blurb:

To seventeen-year-old Norah Lukens, the Cobbogothians were just a myth. But after her archeologist uncle's brutal murder, and being asked to translate one of his old research journals for evidence, she begins a journey to discover the truth for herself.

Chasing the myth her uncle was obsessed with, Norah learns that his murder was a cover up for something far more sinister. If she hopes to save others from suffering the same fate he did--including the peculiarly magnetic James Riley--she must head to Iceland in order to find out the truth once and for all.

If she succeeds, she'll gain the one thing she's always longed for.

But if she fails, not even the gods can help her.

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GIVEAWAY!!! Hannah is giving away 5 signed copies of Cobbogoth open to US Only
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Book site: www.cobbogoth.com

Cobbogoth Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cobbogoth/201603626565950

Official Book Trailer:


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Book Excerpt:

MEMORY LAPSE


Standing before me was a woman with tangled hip-length hair—hair the color of blood. Her eyes shone like amethysts. She reminded me of a painting Uncle Jack made for me as a child—the Opalian Eye from the Cobbogothian legends, their prophetess. As her eyes shone down upon me, I remembered her name—Totherma. She watched me carefully. Then, lifting her arm, she pointed to my right. I looked and saw a woman covering her face and crying.
Turning back to Totherma, I watched her enter through a doorway, walk down a corridor, and stop in front of another doorway. I went to follow, but something made me look down. My hands were covered in blood, and the floor sparkled with shards of glass. I smelled something pungent and musty, something burning.
Looking up, I saw the woman pointing into the doorway where she stood. I hurried to meet her when my path was suddenly blocked by people. They wore white.
Angels? I wondered.
They huddled around something, and I knew that whatever it was had caused that salty, burning smell.
I struggled to get by them, trying to see what she wanted me to see. I stood as tall as I could reach, but it wasn’t enough. I looked for Totherma until our eyes met. Understanding, she lifted her arm, and with the motion of her hand, I rose up off the ground. I could see over the group of people into the center of the circle . . .
What I saw made me scream.

“Honey! Honey are you alright?” I was being shaken awake. Panting and sweating I turned toward the dim light, blinking my eyes several times.
In and out, Nor. In and out. I tried to shake the last image from my mind.
As my eyes focused, a pretty woman with blue-black hair and honey-colored eyes began to materialize.
Completely disoriented, I became aware that I was not on solid ground. “Who . . . where . . . where am I?” I blurted out, as I pushed my back against what appeared to be a leather seat.
“You’re on a bus heading toward Boston. Ring a bell?” she smiled.
“Uh, no actually.”
“Give yourself a minute to wake up. Looks like you’ve been through some kind of an adventure recently,” she soothed as she brushed wet hair back from my face.
I stiffened under her touch.
With an understanding look, she dropped her hand. “I’m sorry, it’s just . . .” she reached up and touched my hair again. This time, however, she came back with a handful of debris. “You’ve got something in your hair.”
I patted my head as well. Rather than sleek, smooth hair pulled into a tight braid, like I was used to, everything felt frizzy and matted. “What the—?”
“Let’s see, I’m sure I’ve got a mirror in here somewhere.” The woman dug around in a deep purse, then handed me a palm-sized compact.
As I took it, something caught my eye; a charm attached to a thin leather bracelet dangled from my wrist. I held it up in front of me and fingered the charm. It was a small, circular stone, white and speckled black—merlinite. “Where did this come from?” I mumbled.
“I’m afraid I can’t help you with that one. Hairbrush?” the woman offered.
“Yeah, thanks,” I took the brush. “It’s just, I recognize this stone from my geology final this morning, but I have literally no idea where it came from.”
“I’m sure it will come to you. Don’t worry,” she tried to look reassuring.
Finally, I opened the compact to check out my hair.
“What—what happened to me?” My hair was a ratted cloud, strewn with dead leaves and twigs. There was dirt smudged across my left cheek and my eyes were smeared with mascara, revealing several of the long, white-blonde lashes I worked so hard to hide.
“Like I said, you look like you’ve had an adventure recently.” The woman peeked into the mirror beside me.
“Uh . . . no, I look like I spent the night in the woods!”
“Mmmm . . . true. Let me help you. What’s your name?”
“Norah Lukens,” I said, frantically dragging my fingers through my hair and loosening the rest of my braid. “There is no way I’m letting James see me like this.”
“Calm down, honey. Look, I’ve got everything you need right here.” Again, the woman was rummaging through her purse.
I balanced the compact mirror on my knees and began working on my hair again. I’d just gotten most of the knots out, when I scooped it back into a messy ponytail and caught sight of a long, thin cut just above my collar bone. Strands of my hair were stained burgundy and caked to my neck where the blood had dried.
“Oh my gosh!” Leaning into the mirror, I scoured my brain for how this could’ve happened. For some reason, I was drawing a complete blank on anything after talking with Professor Anderton at my geology final.
A complete blank. That was a first.
“Here we go. Face toilettes and make up—oh dear! What happened to your neck!” the woman cried.
“I—I honestly don’t know.”
“Belmont, Belmont Center Station next.” The bus driver’s voice sliced through our conversation, as we pulled up the street toward my home town.
“Oh no,” I groaned, “this is my stop.” As the familiar buildings passed, my heart jumped into my throat. I glanced out the window looking for any sign of James.
“It’s alright, don’t worry.” The woman patted my arm. “Hold still, and I’ll have you looking glamorous in no time.”
I gave her a doubtful look, but realizing she was my best chance, I collapsed into the seat back. “I doubt the word ‘glamorous’ will ever be used to describe me. I’ve been called ‘ghost girl’ and ‘powder-face,' but never glamorous. Though I do appreciate your help, just the same.”
“What? I think you’re a beautiful girl!” She finished smoothing my hair. “Seriously, women the world over would kill for your porcelain skin, your natural platinum hair, and those eyes! I don’t think I’ve ever seen that color of green before. It’s like peridot, or kiwis.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Gee . . . thanks.”
“Whoever this James guy is, he must be pretty important, huh?”

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About the author:

Hannah L. Clark was raised in the very small town of Oak City, UT with seven sisters and one brother. She spent most of her childhood daydreaming, writing stories, building forts, chasing after boys, and working really hard to earn money. (With six older sisters, her parents were really poor by the time she came along.)

In spite of great learning difficulty brought on by dyslexia, Hannah graduated from high school with honors and was awarded a scholarship in English to Utah Valley University.

In 2006 she graduated from UVU with her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and immediately began two of her most exciting adventures yet: Motherhood and writing her first novel.

Five and a half years later, Hannah completed Cobbogoth, a Young Adult Fantasy-Adventure novel, and book one in a seven book series.

She currently lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah with her husband Michael, and their son. Hannah actively seeks to inspire kids and adults by speaking about her experiences of becoming an author in spite of dyslexia.

Hannah still daydreams, writes stories, builds forts, chases after her boys, and works really hard to earn money.

Favorite Quote: "Whatever you think you can or can't do, you're right." -Henry Ford


Connect with the Author:
Website: www.hannahlclark.com
Blog: www.hannieclark.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/hannieclark

My Merlin Awakening, by Priya Ardis

My Merlin Awakening
by Priya Ardis

My Merlin Awakening Short Blurb:

A young Merlin has woken and must manipulate a high school girl so he can wield Excalibur to stop a devastating natural disaster, but then falls in love with her.










Favorite My Merlin Awakening Quote:

Vane grabbed me. “DuLac, let's chat.” Chat. British-speak for “Stand still while I yell at you.

Read more quotes on Goodreads at: http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/19040563

Giveaway:

Enter the rafflecopter to win! One winner will get a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card and a copy of My Merlin Awakening. Two additional winners will also get a copy of My Merlin Awakening.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Guest Post by author Priya Ardis

Merlin, Gargoyles, and Mermaids

In the world of My Merlin, there are several races running around today's world. One is, of course, the regulars. Regular human beings. (I happen to like this set!) Our main character, Ryan, is a Regular. It was important for me to show in a world of supernatural creatures that a normal (albeit kinda brainy and a perfectionist) girl could hold her own.

Second, there are the Wizards. The main characters here are our heroic Merlin and his more pain-in-a-girl's-backside brother, Vane. The wizards (much like in Harry Potter) live in secret, but the twist is that they are somewhat mercenary. For generations, they've been selling magic to maintain their wealth and prominence.

Third, there are the baddies--Gargoyles. They look like anyone else. Except when they turn. You got it fangs, Cro-Magnon forehead, super-strength. They're a deadly clannish controlled by one gargoyle king. Oh, they're also super-healers so they're near impossible to get killed.

Fourth, in My Merlin Awakening, you meet Triton's children--the mermaids. Gorgeous, green-skinned, and with gills, these are not your average carefree mermaids. They are a little crazy, a little vicious, and a lot blood-thirsty. Dressed more Spartan than Disney, they make life interesting for our heroes.

More than an Arthurian series, the world of My Merlin mixes the ideas of chivalry and magic (put on your cute bunny slippers here) with more up to date supernatural creatures (wait, your cute bunny slippers has fangs! Bunnicula, anyone?)

Want more Merlin?




My Boyfriend Merlin, Book 1, is available through most major book retailers. My Merlin Awakening, Book 2, is now available in limited release at Barnes and Noble. It will be out in full release in mid-June 2012. Ever My Merlin, Book 3, will be available in late 2012. Add it to-read on Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13641732-ever-my-merlin)



Read Reviews and Excerpts at:

Author Website: http://www.priyaardis.com/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boyfriend-Arthurian-Paranormal-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B006C58CMA

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-boyfriend-merlin-priya-ardis/1107712999

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/priyaardis

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About the Author:

I love stories of all kinds--but especially the gooey ones that make your nose leak and let your latte go cold. I started my first novel at sixteen, writing in notebooks on a long train ride in India during a hot summer vacation. My favorite Arthurian piece is the poem The Lady of Shalott by Lord Alfred Tennyson and a gorgeous song by Loreena McKennitt. A hopeless romantic, I'm a longtime member of the Romance Writer's of America.



Connect with Priya Ardis at:

Blog: http://merlinblogs.priyaardis.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/priyaardis

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/priyaardis

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/priyaardis

Guest Post: 5 books to read after Harry Potter, by Kirstin Roble

There are several books that a person needs to read after they have
read the book Harry Potter.


1. The Dark is Rising: Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper

This is the first book in the series that was written by Susan
Cooper. The book revolves around three children that happen to find a
map in their attic in their homeland of England. In this book is when
the children find out whom they can really trust and of course who
they cannot trust at all. There is a lot of information about the
Welsh and English folklore along with the many Arthurian legends that
have been spread throughout the country of England.


2. Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

This book is the first edition of the series and was written by
Mercedes Lackey. The book reflects the life of Talia, who is a female
protagonist. Talia was known as an outsider until she was chose to
apart of the Companions. The Companions were horses that had the
magical power of speaking to humans through telepathy. While she is
going through her training, she is struggling with the many
insecurities that she has along with all of the people who want to
hurt her. The author of this book is known for the uniqueness of all
of her characters because they all have something to do with the world
of fantasy and magic.


3. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

This book was written by Orson Scott Card. Ender's game revolves
around the life of a very special child named Enger. Enger is special
because it was chosen to be in the military and train as a commander
at a very early age. The military wants him to fight the creatures
called Buggers that they believe is going to end the world. The
biggest thing that the book talks about is the leadership skills that
Enger learns as he gets older. Most of the book focuses on what things
are good and what things are evil along with a variety of different
issues that Enger has towards morality and his life.


4. The Belgariad: Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings. This book is the
first edition of a series that was written by David Eddings. This is
definitely a fantasy book because it focuses on the characters of the
book and their quest to get the Orb of Albur. One of the main
characters is Garion, who is a young boy who had to leave his family's
farm along with three of his friends. All four characters are going to
grow up trying to save the world. There are a lot of unique worlds
that the characters are going to have to travel through so that they
can discover themselves. Garion is going to have a great future ahead
of him.


5. Homeland by R.A. Salvatore

Homeland is the first edition of a series that was written by R. A.
Salvatore. The book is about an underground world called the drow
world that has Drizzt Do’Urden living in it. Drizzi is the person who
never is going to fit in so he has to do all of his fighting on his
own. He is a very great warrior but he refuses to kill the drows even
though his family and society expects him to do it. The book talks
about a very dark world that a lot of teenagers are going to be able
to relate to based on the isolation of Drizzi. Hopefully, they will
see that he has a lot of compassion and strength within him.

*Post written by Kirstin Roble
Jamie Linx loves reading, morning runs, and the great deal she got at
grouphealthinsurance.org

Drasmyr, by Matthew Ryan

Drasmyr
By Matthew D Ryan

In a world of wizards and vampires a clever man may make a fortune. But hunting the undead is no small task, as Coragan the bounty hunter will soon find out. He will need all his wits and the help of his comrades to succeed this time. Together, they must pit themselves against a creature so old time itself bends knee, an ancient vampire by the name of Lucian val Drasmyr. Read Drasmyr, a dark fantasy novel by Matthew D. Ryan.

We vampires do not make easy prey. Our weaknesses are few, our strengths many. Fear is something we do not know, and death but a distant memory. So tread softly, pray to your god, and gird yourself with silver when the moons arise and night’s dark prince awakens. We fear not the wizard, nor the warrior, neither rogue, nor priest; our strength is timeless, drawn from darkness and we know no master save the hot lust of our unending hunger. We long for blood, your blood and no blade, nor spell, nor clever artifice, can keep us long from our prize. Feel our teeth at your throat, your life ebb from you, and know as darkness comes to claim you that the price of your folly is your everlasting soul.


Author’s Smashwords Page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/matthewdryan

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Book Excerpt:
If there are images in this attachment, they will not be displayed. Download the original attachment
Excerpt



There’s a woman in chain mail standing across the room from me; her sword is leveled at my chest. I can smell the enchantment on the blade, it’s a strong one; maybe even strong enough to cause me harm. Still, I’m not too concerned; it’s at least a ten foot lunge and I know I move faster than she does. Indeed, she’s the one who is looking worried. My display of strength and the death of her comrade have shaken her resolve.

She’s got a pretty face, flushed with excitement but strong and in control. It is her neck that really draws me, though, so soft and inviting, filled with the warm blood I desire. The curve of her flesh glistens, waiting for a well-placed gentle kiss.

She’s breathing rapidly now, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Her trek up through the castle has sapped much of her strength. And the fear she feels is naked in her eyes. Now, she’s getting ready to pounce, just a little too much tension in her stance, her eyes just a little too focused. She couldn’t give me more warning if she were to ask my permission first.

She moves in with remarkable speed, her blade striking out like a serpent’s tongue. Even winded, she still manages to cut my cape, then prances away with her back toward the wall, ready for anything. Anything, except me.

I close the distance and with a clean sweep of my hand knock her sword clattering across the room. Stepping forward, I place myself between her and her weapon. What will she do now, I wonder? Oh, the dagger. That’s good. There’s no enchantment on that one. Not much good that, even if she could grip it well in her bloodied hand.

I laugh a little, loud enough so she can hear me, exulting in the terror I see contorting her features. She’s backing toward the door, looking for escape.

I move toward her with the speed of my kind. My hand closes over her wrist and with a quick snap, the bones are shattered and the useless dagger is sent to the floor. Vainly she flails at me with her other hand. Despite the pain in her wrist she is trying to pull free. In desperation, she brings her knee upward in a fierce jab. If I were a man, I’m sure I’d be on the ground right now. Unfortunately for her, I am no longer a man.

Her struggles are growing weaker. Perhaps the pain or the fear is wearing her down. She collapses on the ground. Her helm falls to the floor with a loud metallic clang and her long, golden tresses drape down to shroud her face. Reaching down with a lover’s touch, I cup her chin and raise her eyes to mine. Tears stream down her cheeks, sparkling in the moonlight. She’s really quite beautiful with a face befitting an angel; it is a great irony that she should fall to a devil such as I.

For the first time this evening, I speak. “Well, intruder, did you not know there is a penalty for trespassing in my lair?”

“Please, please, let me go,” she begs. “I’ll never come back, I’ll do anything you want.”

“Then tell me why you are here. Who sent you?”

“We came for the sceptre.” She glances askance at the crumpled ruin that was once her companion.

I nod in the dead man’s direction. “Yes, perhaps you can reach him. Perhaps you can take the wooden stake from his chest and drive it through my heart, thus ridding this pestilent world of my accursed presence... and perhaps I will rip your arm off if you try. Now answer the question, my dear. Who sent you?”

The naked terror in her face highlights her beauty. For a fleeting moment, I am loathe to wreck such a delicate flower. Indeed, it is the irony of her reply that seals my decision.

“It was Arcalian... the mage. Please... I don’t want to die.”

A warm, almost human smile crawls across my lips. “Don’t worry, my dear, you won’t.”

A brief flash of relief evaporates from her face changing into the gruesome horror of realization as I lunge for her throat. My teeth pierce her neck, freeing a flow of warm, sweet blood. As I feed her body goes limp in my arms and her struggles cease.

Time passes.

She is very nearly drained and quite ready. A quick movement of my hand and my left breast is exposed. Another slash and a gentle trickle of rapidly cooling blood is flowing down my chest. I gaze at my victim. Her breath is coming in ragged gasps; a moment more and she will expire. Ever so slowly I pull her to her knees before me. With my hand behind her head I pull her up and force her lips to my breast. She murmurs a weak protest, but her will, as her blood, is all but gone.

I whisper softly in the woman’s ear, “Drink, my love, and the pain and the weariness shall pass from you forever. I know you are thirsty, my love, I know you hunger. I can ease your suffering, your unendurable torments. Drink, and you shall cast off this paltry existence, this mortal shell of such feeble constitution and you shall become as I: strong, immortal, invincible.”

A moment passes before she begins to suck on the wound. I feel the blood flowing from my chest. As time slips away her strength begins to return. The flow from my chest grows stronger and I am forced to restrain her. At long last, she is finished and I lift her in my arms. Several long strides take me to the old bedchamber. She can rest here for the remainder of the evening. It may be several nights before she can hunt on her own, and I have other business to attend to.

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Author Interview:

Today I would like to welcome author Matthew D. Ryan to my blog...
Matthew D. Ryan is your typical starving writer looking for his first big break. He lives in upstate New York on the shores of Lake Champlain—a lake famous for the elusive Lake Champlain Monster (a.k.a. Champy), a beastie Matt believes he saw once while canoeing with his brother. He’s owned a number of dogs in his lifetime, and is currently coping with his first cat—the cat’s name is Confucius.

Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
There is no who involved, I just sort of fell into it. After college I worked for a year at my brother’s cellular phone company in Boston; then a friend and I took a trip around the country. When I got back, I decided to write a short story… that short story soon became the idea for my first book, and, after many revisions, it became the prologue for the larger work. That work is, of course, Drasmyr.

How long did it take you to write Drasmyr?
To be honest, I don’t remember how long the first draft took. I think (but this really a rough guess) it was about three months. I did the whole thing almost stream of consciousness. Of course, if you look at it from first draft to final publication, it took about 16 or 17 years. I wrote the first draft in 1995-1996ish, and published it in February of 2012.

While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot?
The plot took on a life of its own from the moment I started writing. The general storyline in final form is pretty much the same as it was on the first draft. So, I guess the answer to your question is 0; the plot is as it was originally.

You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?
The fantasy section. I’m big on dragons, wizards, and warriors. Always have been.

How many books in a month do you tend to read?
It really depends. Some times its as few as 0, or as many as 4 (most of the books I read tend to be pretty long) if I’m feeling inspired. I’m trying to develop the habit of reading on a continuous basis, but every once in a while I suffer from a kind of burnout.

In all the books you've read. Who is your most favorite character and why?
I am excluding my own book in this (I really like my vampire… even if he is evil). I guess it’s kind of a toss-up between Robert Jordan’s Rand Al’thor and Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman’s Raistlin Majere. Rand because he appeals to the “aspiring god” within me; I just love it when he goes around and blasts the snot out of things. Raistlin for similar reasons… I mean he actually did, sort of, become a god. And I kind of identify with Raistlin’s “geeky” early years.

State 5 random facts about yourself.
*I’m forty years old.
*I’m a guy.
*I was raised Catholic.
*I graduated from SUNY Geneseo.
*I studied philosophy in college.

Your favorite Genre?
Fantasy. That’s what I write; that’s what I’ve lived and breathed for about the last 35 years.

What are you currently reading?
Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist.”

What is the best book you've read?
Book VI in the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I think that was “The Lord of Chaos.” The finale where the Aes Sedai wind up kneeling to Rand was awesome.

Any new projects coming up?
Okay, I kind of wrote things backward or perhaps in the correct order, depending upon how you look at it. “Drasmyr” is intended as the prequel to a longer series (I’m thinking a four book series), but that series has not been written yet. So, I’m currently working on book I in that series. Kind of think of how “The Hobbit” relates to “The Lord of the Rings,” “Drasmyr” is the same way to the upcoming series, “From the Ashes of Ruin.”

Here’s your chance to market your book. Describe it. And why readers should pick it up?

“Drasmyr” tells the story of a traditional gothic vampire set in a fantasy world of wizards and warriors. Basically, it’s “Dracula” meets “The Lord of the Rings.” The vampire is as a vampire should be an evil antagonist who takes no prisoners… okay, he takes a few prisoners, but he turns them into vampires.  Set against him is a brave group of mercenaries and wizards led by Coragan the Bounty Hunter, and Regecon the Archmage. It’s a classic tale of good versus evil, with a number of interesting twists and subtle undercurrents woven throughout. Readers should pick it up because, first and foremost, it’s an enjoyable read; the characters are multi-dimensional and well-developed; the cause, although not as epic as in some fantasy books, is still of dire significance filling the story with tension and appeal. Most importantly, the vampire is irredeemable. He does not sparkle. He does not play nice. He exists to feed and kill.

About the Author:
Matthew D. Ryan is a published author living in upstate New York on the shores of Lake Champlain. He has a background in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. He also has a black belt in the martial arts and studies yoga. He has been deeply involved in the fantasy genre for most of his life as a reader, writer, and game designer. He believes he saw the legendary Lake Champlain Monster (a.k.a Champy) once and he has a cat named Confucius.


Where you can find author Matthew D. Ryan:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000038781652
Twitter: @MatthewDRyan1
Website: www.atoasttodragons.com
Blog: www.atoasttodragons.com
Shelfari: www.shelfari.com/matthewdryan
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/matt-ryan/34/862/877
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/matthewdryan

The Silence of Lir, by Mary E. Twomery

The Silence of Lir
By Mary E. Twomey
Book One
Genre: Young adult fantasy fiction
Available as a free download on Amazon June 1-5 Get your free copy HERE

Behind the scenes of our spinning earth are keepers of the elements who make sure that tornados don’t destroy cities, fires don’t ravage forests, earthquakes don’t decimate towns, and floods don’t take out humanity. They wrestle with the natural elements to ensure that the world keeps spinning smoothly on its axis.

Since the beginning of time, the Sun has been fading, and the light that shines on the earth is dimming, causing the elements to be more volatile and impossible for the keepers to control.

Now they must enlist the help of one man, Finn, to help them bring the light back to the Sun. The keepers war, the North Star steals light from the Sun, and the Moon is in disrepute. The end of existence is coming, and all the while the king, the Moon, Lir, remains silent.




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Secrets
By Mary E. Twomey
Book Two
Genre: Young adult fantasy fiction

Available for purchase June 1, 2012

An earthquake caused by Wren and Satchel’s ill-fated tryst brings forth a prophecy that sends the Unrest and the Delegation into a tailspin. Immortals on the earth must be abducted and hidden from the North Star’s greedy grasp.

Vespera’s fury erupts as the Unrest begins to splinter off from the Moon behind her back. Attacks that should be used on the enemy target her supposed allies. Seeds of doubt, betrayal and rebellion begin to sprout in the Realm of the Sun and the Moon, causing division, subterfuge, and deadly attacks.

An evil that was locked up centuries ago is unleashed and let loose on the earth. There are those who fight for unity, those who struggle just to stay alive, those who battle for control, but a few begin their secret plans for a revolt.

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The Sword
By Mary E. Twomey
Book Three
Genre: Young adult fantasy fiction

Available for purchase June 1, 2012

What’s left of the Delegation fights to keep the Order with a man down, and the Unrest in hiding. Three keepers work tirelessly to safely harbor the restless immortals, maintain their elements, and counter Red Flame’s insatiable attacks. The Unrest’s light is dwindling as they remain hidden from Vespera on earth.

Close quarters and unstable power lead to tension and confusion as they try to find a way to be helpful to the Order without being taken out in the process.

Henry cares for Satchel’s son, and trains him to follow in his parents’ footsteps by being ready to defend the light at all costs. Lir’s body is located, and Vespera rages her search for more power when she cannot find the Sword of Secrets. Somehow Stella winds up in the middle – a girl without a friend suddenly thrust into the spotlight and forced to accept her lot in life, being the voice of truth when no one will listen.

Though she and the keepers try to fight for the light, it is inevitable that they all may soon lose themselves to the darkness.

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Sacrifice
By Mary E. Twomey
Book Four
Genre: Young adult fantasy fiction

Available for purchase June 1, 2012

Light is being stolen, immortals are waking, wombats are untrustworthy and a dead body is rising. After a long time of wishing they could jump into the battle, the Unrest finally has their day in the Sun. Unfortunately, that day is filled with certaindeath.

Ash comes into his own and joins his parents to fight Vespera and Red Flame. Henry reunites with his own people, only to find that the lair will never be the same again.

Prophecies are unearthed, lives lost, and lines of loyalty blurred. Stella’s body begins to break down slowly, while Lake loses her immortality.

The sword of secrets fights to find its true owner, though none of the keepers can predict the sacrifice that will come.

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Why Fantasy Fiction?

Why fantasy fiction? For me it is by far the most fun genre to write in. Can’t figure out how a character gets out of handcuffs? Oh, did I forget to mention his ability to make metal turn into cotton candy? He can also breathe a knockout gas at will and shoot hummus out his fingertips to feed the masses delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.

No, none of the characters in Saga of the Spheres shoot condiments out their appendages, but there is plenty of invisibility, teleporting, divining, immortality and some really big muscles to speak of. Fantasy fiction adds an extra layer of intrigue to any plot. If you’re writing a murder mystery, adding a few vampires allows for more plot twists. If you’re set on a love story, I believe a little book called Twilight proved fantasy fiction could be the genre for you.

Do you really want to write about the normal person down the street, or do you want an odd presence to follow them around? Fantasy fiction allows me to let my imagination go nuts. I can change the laws of gravity, invent whole races and even reverse death. It’s a heady thing to have that much freedom. I operate best in a universe with flexible rules. Doesn’t everybody?

~ Author, Mary E. Twomey

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About the Author:
Mary E. Twomey lives in Michigan with her husband and two adorable children. She enjoys reading, writing, vegetarian cooking and telling her children fantastic stories about wombats.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/SagaOfTheSpheres
Twitter: @shesleepssoftly
Website: www.SagaOfTheSpheres.com