Throwback Thursday (22)

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

A friend gave me a copy of this book as they had two and talked highly of it.  I do want to get to it one of these days, but currently I lent it out to a co-worker and waiting for her to return. (I know she will)  She seems to not be getting into the story as much, but she likes more romance stories than I do.  And another friend here has talked great things of the story as well.  And I think the author is coming out with a second book in this world and series.  *sigh* yes another one I need to get going on.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

Tales from the Archives ~ Six

Tales from the Archives - Six

By: Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by: Grant Stone

Format: Podcast, 33.51 minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk

Series: 6th in Tales of the Archives podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation: Yes. Nice way to meet new characters in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising. The chances of seeing the future, or even granted some luck.

Synopsis:
A Ruby in Rain

From the farthest edge of the Empire, New Zealand agents Lachlan King and Barry Ferguson are called to interview a recent arrival to Auckland’s prisons. An infamous gambler, according to the constable’s account, has turned himself into their custody, not for the safety of society but for his own. The Ministry steps in to uncover a man’s story of impressive luck, and more incredible vision.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Eliza is feeling a bit home sick, so Wellington finds a case with a touch of home... New Zealand...

We meet Agents Lachlan King and Barry Ferguson in this installment.  They make a trip to the prison to talk to a man whom asked to be locked up not claiming to any crime, but for his own protection.  His name Red Eyed Rob.  Red Eyed Rob is known to Ferguson as he is an amazingly wonderful gambler.  Always winning, unless he throws the hand to keep in the games.  Red Eyed Rob claims to have seen Armageddon in the card in a recent game.

Again we see some very neat machinery.  I like the machine used to see where the vision came from and the surprise machine we see as well.  Ferguson does have a few tricks up his sleeve, so he does.

The characters we got a quick glimpse of them in the story, threw the story.  I don't know if I'm making any sense with this.  The characters and story are created together.  I like when these two are intertwined together nice and neat, you get almost two views in one story; the characters and the story itself. 

We even get a short story almost like a bonus in this one.  A little case history in which Agent Lachlan King worked in India when he was new to the Ministry.  In the end the story even left a smile on my lips as the two agents clean up the area.

And the narrating.  The voice of Grant is very relaxing and so easy to listen to.


Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit HERE.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!



I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

Cover Release

Here ye, Here ye.  I have to share this cover of the last installment of the Riyria series.  This is the cover of the last book in the six book series, Percepliquis.  Now, I have loved this series and STRONGLY suggest you all go order up your copies starting to be published by Orbit Books here very soon.

PLEASE NOTE:  this series is now going to be publish by Orbit Books, so if you have not purchased the individual books thus far you wont be able too.  Please feel free to check out the covers from Orbit as it will be published as a trilogy.

But for those of us who have started the series with Michael Sullivan's amazing depictions of scenes in the books here is the cover of the last book in which Orbit Books has been kind enough to publish for us waiting.

Percepliquis

Due Out:  January 2012

It All Comes Down To This

The Elves Have Crossed the Nidwalden

And Two Thieves will decide the Future

I am so excited to see this cover.  And it really makes me curious and the mind running to think on and guess where they two thieves will end up.  Ooooo, CAN'T WAIT!

If you would like to stop by Michael Sullivan's blog and check out the information for this book and the series coming out with Orbit Books soon, please do!  HERE.

Book Review: City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels

By:  Cassandra Clare

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Teen

Publish Date:  April 2011

Format:  Hardcover 424pgs

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Series:  4th book in Mortal Instruments series; Book 1 ~ City of Bones, Book 2 ~ City of Ashes, Book 3 ~ City of Glass

Recommendation:  If you enjoyed the first three books Yes, continue on with the series as the story carries on for Jace.  And we get to know Simon much better, him and the vampire side.  But be ready for young relationship issues.

Book Synopsis:
The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her.  She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique powers.  Her mother is getting married to the love of her life.  Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last.  And - most important of all - Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war.  Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her.  His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless.  Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life.  And they're willing to do anything to get what they want.  At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves.  Even Jace.

Love.  Blood.  Betrayal.  Revenge.  The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels

First Sentence:
"Just coffee, please."

My Thoughts and Summary:
Six weeks after the big battle in the home land of the Shadowhunters at the City of Glass, everyone is back at home with big events underway.  Clary is happy with her mother's marriage on the horizon and she's with her love, Jace.  Simon has two strong and beautiful girlfriends, neither knowing of the other.  Everything seems to be good for everyone, or is it?  Clary notices a distancing between her and Jace starting and not knowing why, and everyone's starting to see Jace isn't looking to good resulting from lack of sleep.  Simon has the most powerful vampire in New York City wanting him on her side, and people are trying to kill him.  Who could want Simon dead so badly to try going against the Mark of Cain present on him?  There are Shadowhunters being murdered.  Clary finds herself on her own mission when she finds out about a dead infant.  All starts to get twisted together in this book.

We have view points from Clary like in the first three books, but more view points from Simon this time around.  And it's neat to see things through Simons eyes and the life he is now leading as a marked vampire.  This is the book where Simon's life starts to see the consequences of his new life style along with the mark he bares.  Simon has lots to learn about being a vampire.  And with issues coming up we learn a good deal more of the Vampire side in this world and specifics in this kind of life  We do get a few views of Jace and his feelings for Clary from earlier in the series.  Which is a nice little touch to see what he felt when they weren't to be together.  Jace is still having troubles in trying to believe and convince himself he's not like Valentine.  And now he's experiencing horrible dreams.

We even get to see new characters this time around.  And characters are mentioned from Cassandra's other Shadowhunter series, Infernal Devices.  This world just keeps growing and growing.  But I enjoyed the new characters and the spins they added to the story line.  I'm hoping to see at least one of them again, and the other... well, not so much. ;)

This book had a slower start for me.  It seems this book is centered around the relationship drama of all the characters.  It's to catch us up on where they are in their lives, and most of the characters being young adults are learning about their feelings and why they feel the way they do for each other.  The book took me about one hundred and ten pages to start picking up the pacing of the plot for me, and at times slowed up to get back to the characters emotions.  But a little over half way, the book picked up with the action with the short segments that went from one character to the next as they were all in different places at one time.  This helped keep the pages turning quickly to see where they all were and what was going to happen.


I purchased this book for my own reading enjoyment.


This book qualifies for the Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Floor to Ceiling Books, and 2011 YA Reading Challenge hosted by Jamie Loves YA.

Who? What? Where? (26)

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

I'm moving this post from Thursdays to Wednesdays as I have another idea for Thursdays.

I'm flying over the lands of this new world with Keris in our flying cloaks trying to find the Chandara that the people here believe are lost to this side of the world.  But thinking about that flying avionic that came by, which we hide from.  I don't know when that one that attacked us and out friends earlier will be back.

Lodestone

Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars

By:  Mark Whiteway

Giveaway Reminder

Just a reminder the last days to enter for a signed copy of Thief by Sarah-Jane Lehoux are upon us.  The Giveaway Ends June 30, 2011 Midnight!  So jump over to the post and enter.

All are welcome, old followers, new followers, heck you don't even have to be a follower.  It's an interview too, so even if you don't want to enter, please at least say hi. :)

This was one fantasy read with the main Character Sevy, a young female thief with a hard life, has to make one of the hardest choices in her life.  And I LOVED it!  One thing I don't see often in books and enjoyed the story.

Teaser Tuesday (81)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

The machine was coming up behind them again.  Keris shoved to one side, pushing all three of them to the ground.  A bolt of lightning struck the ground near her feet, flinging dirt over her.

Lodestone

Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars

By:  Mark Whiteway

68 pg

Book Review: Shadow's Lure

Shadow's Lure

By:  Jon Sprunk

Publisher:  Pyr

Publish Date:  June 2011

Format:  ARC

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd book in Shadow Saga series; Book 1 ~ Shadow's Son

Recommendation:  Yes!  We learn more of the shadows magic that Caim touches on.  Great tromp through the snowy north full of action!

Book Synopsis:
The unforgiving Northlands...

In Othir, he was at the top of the food chain - an assassin beyond compare, a dark shadow in the night.  But Caim left that life behind when he helped an empress claim her throne.  And now his past has come calling again.

Searching for the truth behind the murder and disappearance of his parents, Caim discovers a land in thrall to the Shadow.  Haunted by temptations from the Other Side, he becomes mired in a war he does not want to fight.

But there are some things a son of the Shadow cannot ignore, and some fights from which he can't run.  In this battle, all of Caim's strength and skill won't be enough.

Fore non can resist the Shadow's Lure.

First Sentence:
A bitter north wind blew off the moors.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Caim's traveling to the snow covered rebellious North to see if he can find "her" or more about "her" as Levictus mentioned at the end of Shadow's Son she was up North somewhere.  The land he left when he was eight after that horrid night that haunts Caim's dreams still.  Caim travels light, with his usual weapons, the dark sword that was waiting for him at Kas's cabin, and the personal journal of Arch-priest Vassili.  Caim finds himself fighting with untrained men at his back, yet still alone as Kit disappears.  Yet what Kit has to learn could come in handy as well.

Josey has come into the seat of Empress as her blood right is, but is still learning and tending with the reminder of how she got here.  With the Church over thrown and the new order short on funds some Nobles have started to take advantage of a weakened moment and harass each other along with banditry increasing.  Josey seems to be sitting as a figure head, but she speaks up with a solution to problems and starts to take control for her subjects.  There is a creature sent to assassinate Josey and has her running around to stay alive and find the assassin along with who sent it.

Quickly in the first Chapter we are reminded of the character strength in Caim.  Although we get a small feeling he is tired and a little run down.  In these moments we get the reminder of things and people important in his life.  Wonderful start off the bat here.  I remember where things left off as this refreshes easily and opens doors to more possibilities simultaneously.  Makes me want to know more.

We follow two basic story lines in this book.  One of Caim in the north fighting with the rebels against the duke and his witch, then with Josey as she fights for her life and tries to find her would be assassin.  I enjoy both lines greatly!  Josey's story line shows to me how greatly in strength her character grows.  There is a great amount going on in both story lines and in the end start to tie together.  In doing this we do follow a few different point of views.  This is well done with Caim and Josey.  Even Kit has her own view point in this book as well.

Then we meet our new characters in the series.  We do follow a view point from the witch Sybelle as well.  Which really starts to give us a view into the Shadows side of things.  There is many interesting things to learn here.  And many North clan men make the roaster as well.  A few seem to become bigger players in the end.  And I look forward to see where all the characters, new and old, go with Caim in the next book.

The world created here expands in this book.  We get to see more from the broken Northern side, the crumbling of Othir, and new worlds that seem to be of a fey type origin.  We have Kit's world and the Shadow world.  I like these glimpses and still want more.

Oh, I'll be watching for the third installment of this series to come along.  I WANT to read more of what is hidden in the shadows for Caim, Kit, Josey, and many others.


I requested a copy of this book for review from the publisher.

This book qualifies for Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Floor to Ceiling Books.

Book Blog Chat (15)...Schedule

Looking ahead to our July book pick, we are going to stick with the series we read in June.  Yes, more Sirantha Jax.  We enjoyed our second read with her, and want to learn more after where we ended in Wanderlust.

So, our next read is going to be

Doubleblind
By:  Ann Aguirre
Goodreads Synopsis:
It’s not easy to tread lightly wearing steel-toed boots.


Sirantha Jax isn’t known for diplomatic finesse. As a “Jumper” who navigates ships through grimspace, she’s used to kicking ass first and taking names later—much later. Not exactly the obvious choice to sell the Conglomerate to the Ithtorians, a people whose opinions of humans are as hard as their exoskeletons.


And Ithiss-Tor council meetings aren’t the only place where Ambassador Jax needs to maneuver carefully. Her lover, March, is frozen in permanent “kill” mode, and his hair-trigger threatens to sabotage the talks—not to mention their relationship.


But Jax won’t give up on the man or the mission. With the Outskirts beleaguered by raiders, pirates, and the flesh-eating Morgut, an alliance with Ithiss-Tor may be humanity’s only hope.


Which has Jax wondering why a notorious troublemaker like her was given the job…

The schedule is as follows:
Stop 1 ~ July 14th ~ Page 101, End of Chapter 17
Stop 2 ~ July 21st ~ Page 200, End of Chapter 34
Stop 3 ~ July 28th ~ End of book

Monday's Beginnings (96)

Well, it's Monday again...

How are you faring at the beginning of this week?  Are you starting a new book or finishing one up?

I had a big week (for me) in pages last week.  I finished two books I've had going and started and finished another.  I'm really proud of myself.  But, it slacked in the reviews getting posted here as I spent more time with my nose in the books.  So I have plans to get these three reviews done and scheduled through out the week to get up.  Now I have to figure out what mood I'm in so I can find the right book in the review stack to read.  But, I'm hoping to get caught up with the reviews and such here and read one book this week. :)  I also have to get caught up with all the stuff on my desk at work as I'll be taking next week off.  So, I probably wont be on from work much.

I haven't made it to lunch yet, but I do plan on reading during lunch and some tonight as well.  We'll see how much reading gets accomplished this week with the big week last week. :)

Currently Reading:
Lodestone  Book two: The World of Ice and Stars by Mark Whiteway ~ I think I'm in this mood.  As I just started the beginning pages last night.
I will be starting at the end of the week, Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.  I've been reading this series with a few friends and enjoying the relaxed reading style.

To Come This Week:
Reviews:
   Shadow's Lure by Jon Sprunk
   Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre
   City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Last Week:
Books I Finished:
Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
Shadow's Lure by Jon Sprunk

Reviews Posted this Past Week:
   Sorry.  I was busy with my nose stuck in the pages.

Podcasts Reviewed:
I didn't get to listening last week.  But I'm planning on listening this week.

I was Interviewed! :) Yes, my first interview on the web is up.  If you would like to stop by and read it you can HERE.  Please say hello too!

I did post about my visit to the Seton Hill University alumni Book Signing.  There were several amazing authors there.  Click here to go read about it.

I did write a Flash Fiction Friday again. :) And this one continues from the prior two week story I have running.  If you would like to check it out, please click here to go over.  I do hope you enjoy it.

My WANT list...I've added 8 books last week.  Steady flow of additions it seems.  Always a good thing. ;)  Thank you all for the amazing reviews and tips on books.  I love it!

Books Received:
For Review:

Goodreads Synopsis:
At last, in the novel every Kelley Armstrong fan will need to own, all the major heroines and heroes of Otherworld are united. 

It's been ten years since Bitten, the first novel in Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Otherworld series. In that time hundreds of thousands of fans have ravenously devoured the adventures of Armstrong's witches, demons, and werewolves. Now, in Spell Bound, she brings them all together for her most sweeping tale yet. 

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she's powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise. 

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most. In a story that will change the shape of the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and other beloved characters, who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals just may come from within.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Since the dawn of time, the Light of Epertase has determined when the throne was to be passed from elder to heir. For more than a thousand years, the Light's decision had never been challenged-until now. When a ruthless army advances on Epertase, the Light determines that corrupt King Elijah is no longer fit to rule - his daughter, and Princess Alina, is the kingdom's only hope for salvation. When evil men violently abduct her, Epertase's fall appears inevitable. But all is not lost, for Alina has a secret lover lurking in the outer mountains; a long-banished warrior willing to bring down armies and King Elijah himself to save her. His name is Rasi and he prepares for blood. Deadly men plan to sacrifice Alina for the Light of Epertase that lives within her soul. Rasi plans to kill all who try. The kingdom's fate hangs in the balance.


Purchased:
Yes, yes.  I'm bad at this book buying hiatus thing.  The first two books are ones I purchased at the book signing at Seton Hill University Friday night.  And they are signed.  But they are books I've wanted to get!

Goodreads Synopsis:
Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Goodreads Synopsis:
In the heart of Ohio, Jessie Shimmer is caught up in hot, magic-drenched passion with her roguish lover, Cooper Marron, who is teaching her how to tap her supernatural powers. When they try to break a drought by calling down a rainstorm, a hellish portal opens and Cooper is ripped from this world, leaving Jessie fighting for her life against a vicious demon that's been unleashed.

In the aftermath, Jessie, who knows so little about her own true nature, is branded an outlaw. She must survive by her wits and with the help of her familiar, a ferret named Palimpsest. Stalked by malevolent enemies, Jessie is determined to find out what happened to Cooper. But when she moves heaven and earth to find her man, she'll be shocked by what she discovers—and by what she must ultimately do to save them all.


Now these two I purchased at the beginning of last week with my $20 winning gift card.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Giavolo: proudest of the city-states and home to the great university, where the Magical Sciences are taught alongside more mundane studies. The city has been at war for longer than any of its inhabitants have been alive.

Vervain: Mistress of the Magical Sciences, she is dismayed to find herself assigned a bodyguard after divination reveals an ill-defined threat to the university’s teachers. Even worse, the bodyguard is an orc.

Riyu: Vervain’s orc bodyguard is determined to save her life—if she’ll let him.

Brighthand: When this sinister figure attacks the university and kidnaps Vervain’s partner, it’s up to Vervain and Riyu to get him back...or die in the attempt.

You don’t have to be a 20-something babe to save the world.

Goodreads Synopsis:
It’s not easy to tread lightly wearing steel-toed boots. 

Sirantha Jax isn’t known for diplomatic finesse. As a “Jumper” who navigates ships through grimspace, she’s used to kicking ass first and taking names later—much later. Not exactly the obvious choice to sell the Conglomerate to the Ithtorians, a people whose opinions of humans are as hard as their exoskeletons. 

And Ithiss-Tor council meetings aren’t the only place where Ambassador Jax needs to maneuver carefully. Her lover, March, is frozen in permanent “kill” mode, and his hair-trigger threatens to sabotage the talks—not to mention their relationship. 

But Jax won’t give up on the man or the mission. With the Outskirts beleaguered by raiders, pirates, and the flesh-eating Morgut, an alliance with Ithiss-Tor may be humanity’s only hope. 

Which has Jax wondering why a notorious troublemaker like her was given the job…


Well, I'm hoping to have a busy week this week with working up blog posts and enjoying my reads.

How are you looking so far this week?  Does it look like a good reading week for you?

Here's to wishing you all the best in words and pages.

Just For Thought...(4)

The Gnawing NEED to buy a book?

I seem to have this obsession when it comes to books.  I know many of us chat about all the time.  But it really is an addiction.  I have this gnawing NEED to run out and buy books.

I love to be surrounded by books these days.  I always have a book in my purse, hand, on my desk, everywhere with me.  I am also a VERY slow reader.  Some of you can read a whole 300-400 page book in just a few short hours.  Me, well it takes me all week and if nothing else a whole weekend un-interrupted.  So I'm slow.  But I have to buy books.  I always need a new book or three here.  But the sad part is I don't know when I'll get to the books I'm purchasing.  I buy three or several more, for the one book I got through.

I just love having them here and knowing I've got it for when I get to read it.  And I know what I'm doing is helping the great authors out too, so that's my excuse.

Oh, and when those days come that the world is coming to an end... well, I'll be found in my cave of a den with several books in hand, ready to hide out until my hero comes to save me. ;) lol.

So what about you?  Do you feel the gnawing and burning to go buy books?

Book Signing at SHU

Last week while on Twitter I saw a link from one of the staff at Seton Hill University for a Fiction Authors Sign Books at Wine Reception.  So, I checked out the list of authors and about it on their information page.  It sounded wonderful!  And some amazing authors where listed.  So, I tweeted to me friend Nicole Peeler as she was one of the authors mentioned in the alumni listing.  And found out she was going to be there too.  Thanks for Nicole as she talked me into going. (I couldn't find any tag along among my other friends.)  So I went!  And had a wonderful time!!

I showed up shortly after 7 and walked around looking at the books and meeting the authors.  :) Always fun for an addict like me. ;D  I was thrilled to be able to add to the list of authors I meet....

Maria V. Snyder.  And I purchased the first book in her new Young Adult series, which I've been wanting to get and was soooo Excited to see she had some for sale here,  Inside Out.  I've been hearing great things on this one and if sounds right up my alley!  Maria was so kind and wonderful. :) I did get my new book signed as well.

Then in my pacing around and drooling I found another book I have on my want list and was so surprised to see it and the author here.  Well, I was surprised to see all the authors here actually.  But sometimes my brain doesn't always function completely and I miss associating names and books.

Any way, I got to meet Lucy A. Snyder as well!  Too cool.  And I can't wait to read her book, which I bought the first of the series; Spellbent.  And yes I did get this book signed as well. :)

So then I strolled around fawning over all the amazing books here at the signing.

Then Nicole Peeler showed up and I hung out with her talking life in general.  Sorry, I don't have a picture of Nicole.  I didn't think about it to tell you the truth.  I was happy to sit and chat with a friend that I didn't even go into book blogger mode.  Sorry.  I know that is such a terrible thing, but she is a wonderful person to talk with.

I'm really hoping Seton Hill University does this again in the future and I'm able to hear about it as it was a wonderful event.  I got to chat with many students going to school here and authors too.  Wonderful fun for a few hours one night.

Flash Fiction Friday (11)

Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

I have to thank Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for introducing me to this fun meme. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with every week, but I'll give it a try from time to time.

The Image this week:

This is a continuation of the last 2 weeks of Flash Fiction Story.  If you would like to read them you can:

1st part, 2nd part

By:  Melissa

John stood by the window several minutes, then without turning said in a low husk voice, "I have to go.  Can you help me get out of here, in one piece?"

Sheen stood up from helping Sinn, "Goddess around John.  Don't you ever think of anyone other than yourself?" 

John felt the venom in the power of Sheen's voice and glanced over his shoulder.  Now the man was shaking his head and smiling.  John turned around to face Sheen and Sinn, who was starting to sit up wiping her face with a cloth Sheen must have given her.  Sheen turned to John sighed and said, "I've missed the fun you bring to the parties John.  But, you know the tunnels are here.  We can take you through them out of the city.  But I don't know where the next portal is out in the Wilder to get you back to those mortals you love so much."

Sinn put her hand up, a motion for John to stop.  She breathed out, "Wait. One minute."  Even in this state she has a polite sound to her voice.

John shock his head. "No Sinn.  I have to go.  I can't stay here."  More for me than you he thought but couldn't say it, he knew all to well she was in trouble with him here too.  He didn't want to see anything else happen to her.

Sinn lifted her head as she wiped clean one remaining drop of blood left from her cheek and looked John level in the eyes. With determination of the fall wind she spoke, "Not until I tell you what I know."

John stared at Sinn not surprised she saw something, but that she knew something.  She must have been seeing this coming, or heard word of something through the vine of the Wilder.

Sinn sat up straight and strong as if nothing had happened.  John had never seen a vision take Sinn down like that one, and the limbs of her crown showing her stature in the Elf community never reacted so strongly either.  Thank to Goddesses she lives in this magical haze of the Neither, or maybe she wouldn't have made it he wasn't sure.  By looking at her you would never have guessed her age, all those years she had to learn to strengthen herself and her mind.

Sinn started with a voice a little strained away from the cool summer breeze sound she had earlier.  She had the feel of the strong serious winds of Fall to her voice as she spoke, "You know the images in the vision are just as important as the vision itself."  Both the men nod their acknowledgement. "John, you need more help on your side.  You think you can handle it, but you are not strong enough.  Once, you might have been but no more.  There were three skulls.  She needs three to complete what she has started.  I don't know what that boy possessed in power, but there was something.  Something old, ancient if you will.  Do you know of any others missing?"

John sat on the couch as he had earlier and tipped his glass to his lips finishing the strong alcoholic drink he felt he need, and thought I could use a shot while I'm at it.  "Not that I know of, you know as well as I do humans disappear all the time and no one notices.  Another thing I'll have to look into."

Sinn nodded, "I would look soon if I where you.  She was climbing the stairs or Aither."

"Wait." John started.  "I know I learned about them all in classes at the old school here, but are you telling me there really is a place as the Stair to Aither?"

With a sigh Sinn turned to Sheen who had a don't ask me look while shrugging, then turned back to John, "You have been around enough to know stories all come from a sliver of truth."

"Alright. Alright, go on.  I'm all ears." John motioned with his hand for her to continue.  He needed to get out of here soon before they, or he, got hurt.  Which was NOT on the top of his list today.

With the calmness John related to Sinn she started back to her vision, "The...person... is definitely a woman figure climbing the steps to the misty clouds and full moon, based on her formal gown.  If she makes it there she will be part of the magic haze here and no one will escape her touch or prying eyes."

John thought on this for a moment, looking at the floor lost in thought.

John started pulling him from his deep thoughts when he felt the warm breath on his ear as Sinn whispered, "I will go with you.  I have to help ground her."

John almost knocked Sinn over as he jumped from the couch.  Sheen jumped as well, both vocalizing louder than they expected, "NO."  John picked up with more, " I will take care of this.  It's my case."

Sinn's smile pulled at his heart strings, he wasn't getting out of here with out her by his side.  And she knew this was a mission that would be her last.