Flash Fiction Friday (50)

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:

(Picture by unknown)

Story by:  Melissa

"Jonathan, I told you the hair-brained idea of using bread crumbs would not work.  You should have listened to me and used the river pebbles.  First of all, the forest has barely started to show it's color of life, and the animals are too hungry.  Which they would have been...Oof!" Julie finished as she walked into Jonathan's back.  "What on green land is..." lifting her head, looking past Jonathan.  "that?"

Jonathan gaped at the tree, or woman, before him.  "The stories are true."  He breathed out.

"No they aren't.  Fairy tales are stories told to us kids to keep us out of trouble or from being scared."  Julie huffed out from frustration of traipsing unknowingly through the woods.

Jonathan crept next to the tree-woman, circling it slowly, taking in all the angles.  Julie stood back looking it over from the edge of the tree line, that now she looked around it circled the tree-woman and leaned away from her.  Where her legs should be was the strong tree trunk appearing as a green moss covered form fitting skirt, from her waist and flowing out at the ground as the roots buried down into the ground.  But the upper body was visible, bare visible.  Her ribs and chest lay bare for the world to see as she stretched backward.  But the hands where what bothered her, the limbs of the tree grew from her fingers, straight up.  Although not long.

Julie walked closer to the tree-woman, looking at her hands.  The limbs are her...nails.

Jonathan reached to touch the woman, Julie jumped, "Don't!"

Jonathan pulled his hand back as if he was shocked, and looked to Julie questioning.  "Look at her face, Julie.  She looks like she was struck with something.  Maybe it was magic!  The way she leans back and her mouth is open, in a wordless scream."

Julie looked over the tree-woman's face, "So maybe there's some truth to one of the old fairy tales," and finished before Jonathan could say 'I told you so,' "or, there is a very...talented carver who once lived near."

Looking Forward To...(103)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

A Kingdom's Fall

#2 in Epertase: The Light of Epertase

By:  Douglas R. Brown

Due Out:  August 1, 2012

This series as a review book for the first book, and I found I enjoyed it.  It's definitely a fantasy read, but one with a few new items and some oil engines that had to be fought in the war for their land.  I do look forward to seeing where the trilogy goes.

And looking for information about this one, I find there is another short story!  I do think I need to get it, as it too is free.

Now this cover and synopsis I found on Douglas R. Browns site.  He posted it back in February, so I hope nothing has changed since then.

Synopsis:

That which survives the initial assault may yet die from the infection left behind.

In the destroyed country of Lithia, the former Gildonese leader of the Lowlands, King Fice, has violently assumed the throne, filling the void left by the Tek destruction of the country.  His unnatural powers of sway have become more potent and his influence, far reaching.

The Tek invasion has also left a void within the kingdom of Epertase.  The war has tested the once great people and, with the venomous words of men Queen Alina considers friends, Epertase descends into revolution.  Alina barely escapes with her life.

The kingdom needs a savior.  And once again Rasi will be forced to unleash the man he hates in order to save the woman he loves.

All is not what it seems.  Victory may still mean defeat.  The war for Epertase has only begun.

Throwback Thursday (72)

I found this picture of Trinity College Library, and thought it would work for this meme with a little play with lighting and adding the words.

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;

Unk

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:

This is a book from a series I started, then four books in and the publisher dropped the series.  You know, the sales weren't what they needed them to be. *sigh* I was bummed.  The fourth book had an ending that wasn't really a cliffhanger but was one that left you wanting more.  Well, the author was wonderful enough to self publish the next book.  Thank you!  I finally found it and purchased it.  Now I need to find time to read it and get back to these characters...although I might have to refresh on the series first. lol.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A Marla Mason novel! She's an ass-kicking sorcerer who doesn't wear a leather catsuit, doesn't suffer from low self-esteem, doesn't wallow in angst, and is almost always absolutely certain she's right...even when she's dead wrong. What about Broken Mirrors? It's got monsters. It's got sarcasm. It's got death, betrayal, ancient gods, dark doppelgangers, mirror worlds, wisecracks, artifacts, oracles, and magical daggers. Oh...and a cloak.

Who? What? Where? (72)

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 with Jason, Robert, Dannia, and Anvir in a city where Jason's tech bike has been shot with an arrow while we are trying to get away.  Now the city is in trouble...because of us... armies and monsters!

Discount Miracles
By:  Brand Gamblin

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 ~ #4

Tales from the Archives Vol. 2 - #4

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written & Narrated by:  JR Murdock

Format:  Podcast, 28:52 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  4th in Tales of the Archives Vol. 2 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.

Synopsis:
The Emperor's Fist

Spring 1889

Agent Reginald Coffey and Special Liaison Meiying Ling are deep within the jungles of China, setting technology against the oldest of dark Chinese magic.  The two are set on a rendezvous with the most sinister of sorcerers and a plot to plunge the world into darkness.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Before we start into the story, we learn Eliza is adverse in several different languages including Chinese, which surprises Wellington.

Agent Reginald Coffey and Liasion Meiying Ling are hired to find out why traders traveling this route through the jungle are attacked.  As they move through in their walker they are attacked constructs of red pottery people, and as Agent Coffey breaks them they slowly reconstruct.  Following the path they come to a pyramid of the burial ground for the first emperor, one no one has ever entered....until now.  A man has entered and has taken on the liquid silver to become the first.

This is an interesting tale as it has adventure and action, mixed in with steampunk.  The walker Agent Coffey and Liasion Meiying ride is neat in its own way; there is a blooming lotus, which is a fire weapon.  Then as we head into the forbidden tomb we see there is a machine created of pipes and gears the power driven man is using to cycle the Elixir of Life to create and control mechanical beings of mercury.  He has even taken in the mercury as well.

What Agent Coffey and Liasion Meiying find in the pyramid is interesting.  One would not think so much would be able to fit in here but that is deceiving there is a miniature city and farm lands.  There are traps that could kill as there are many priceless treasures here from the first emperor.

There is fighting with the terracotta soldiers, then the liquid mechanical soldiers, and finally with the man claiming to now be The First.  In the end, Reginald Coffey does talk with our Wellington about a piece he kept far longer than he should have, after he turned in his report.  A piece to remember what happened, and it still moves, every once in a while.

JR Murdock does the voices and has a difference between them for us to know who's talking.  The story keeps moving and is quick.  I did have to rewind a time or two to make sure I got the details correctly. This is an interesting story in the Archives.


Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

NEW!! The Tales from the Archives: Volume 1 can now be found on Kindle as The Ministry's 99-Penny Dreadfuls.  You can find these for your Reading pleasure in any eFormat you would like at Smashwords.

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

I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

Teaser Tuesday (123)

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 striking young woman next to his bed reached for him in surprise.  She spoke quickly with an obvious concern, but the prince could understand none of her rattling speech.  He blinked at her for a moment, then realized that he was cowering in bed.

Discount Miracles
By:  Brand Gamblin
80pg

Book Review: Magic Slays

Magic Slays

By:  Ilona Andrews

Publisher:  Ace Books

Publish Date:  June 2011

Format:  Paperback 308pgs, pocketbook size

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  5th in Kate Daniels series; 1st Book ~ Magic Bites, 2nd Book ~ Magic Burns, 3rd Book ~ Magic Strikes, 4th Book ~ Magic Bleeds, Short Stories ~ Curran POV 3 & 4

Recommendation:  Oh Yes!  This book has so many balls flying through the air, and more for us to learn about them all.

Book Synopsis:
Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly.  Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, but she's still knee-deep in paranormal problems.  Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her.  Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be - now that the Order is disparaging her good name.  Plus, many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate's mate.

So when Atlanta's premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work.  But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident.  Kate needs to get to the bottom of it - and fast, or the city and everyone dear to her may pay the ultimate price...

First Sentence:
The ringing of the phone jerked me from my sleep.

My Thoughts and Summary:
It's been two months since Kate's Aunt attack on the city.  Before the crack of dawn Kate receives a phone call from Julie's school.  She's run away, again, and now they agree since she doesn't want to be there they won't take her back, for her own safety.  Curran believes Julie will be safe staying with them and with three hundred shafters ready to protect her, Kate has agreed but teaches Julie a little lesson in the way she comes home.  Kate has opened Cutting Edge Investigations, only a month ago and no ones called to hire her thanks to The Order has been bad mouthed her name, just bills piling up.  Even through the Pack is paying the bills, for a short time, she wants to stand on her own two feet.  Her first call, Ghastek with a lose vampire heading her direction, the journeyman had fainted while navigating.  Finally when the vampire is under control and Ghastek shows, he passes out himself, of all people to lose control.  Something is up.  Kate's second call, is Rene from the Red Guard, she was the woman at the guard of Midnight Games, wants to hire her to find her charge and his magical device that was taken from her protection.  Even though no useful information is available to find this man, the twenty grand and an endorsement for Cutting Edge Investigation from the Red Guard convinces Kate to take the job.  This man and his device could end up being very dangerous to Kate, all her friends and family, and even the whole magical city.

Even though this is two months later, I feel as we are right where we left off from Magic Bleeds.  This book makes me smile on the first page, and so happy to see the fun jabs between Curran and Kate are not lost with the love they share.

Kate's family heritage is growing.  She learns more of her mother through others here.  I found it interesting what Kate learns from the witches.

Andrea is ever present in this book as well, and with her own personal issues.  Andrea had left with Grendel, Kate's attack poodle which was in Andrea's care, after the fight with Kate's Aunt.  But she's back, and been through a mess with The Order.  Saiman is present for a scene as well.  We get to see him in his true form, again, and learn of what Curran inflicted upon him after what happened in Magic Bleeds.  Oh I am really enjoying Saiman, and his true form.   Oh Julie...I love this girl.  Kate is raising her to be one strong woman, and had taught her to fight.  We get to see Julie and enjoy her humor for a few before we worry greatly for her.

This book didn't hit me as hard as Magic Bleeds.  Magic Bleeds was one that hit me all at once with a high point that ran full throttle to the end, and I couldn't stop.  Magic Slays was one that kept going.  There was so many great scenes and so many different people being affected.  Each scene was non-stop.  This book was the high hit all the way through.  No low.  I eat up the action, the happenings, and worries like crazy.  All from Andrea to Julie to Kate and Curran, the magic, death, the pack, family, and so many more!

This book has so many balls flying through the air and none are falling flat.  One amazing read from the start to the finish.


I read this book for my own enjoyment.
Please remember this review is of my personal thoughts and opinions.

Monday's Beginnings (148)

Well, it's another manic Monday...

This was considered yesterday...

First, sorry, no vlog this week.  It seems the technology gods are frowning upon me this week.  I tried to video on my laptop as I always do, and it wouldn't even come up.  Then when I tried to go walk on the treadmill, I couldn't get my ipod to find the episodes of my stories I downloaded.  Oh, iTunes says they are downloaded, I just don't see them.  Yea, one of those days yesterday.

I've been busy in books though.  I finished 5 novellas, a book, listened to an episode of Tales from the Archives, and started another book.  So I've been trying to get through a lot.  And hoping this week will be close to the same productivity.  But now I need to do all the blogging stuff to get caught up with what I got through.  Never ending world. ;)

Current Read:
Discount Miracles by Brand Gamblin

Finished Last Week:
Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City by Meljean Brook
Tethered by Meljean Brook
Enchanted by S.A. Archer
You Will Thank Me Later by Jonathan Carter
9 Crimes by Skyla Dawn Cameron (which I think she might be convinced to put this out for readers, if so I'll review when available)
Light in a Dark World by Dina James

Reviews To Come:
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
Exhumed by Skyla Dawn Cameron
Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells

Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City by Meljean Brook
Tethered by Meljean Brook
Enchanted by S.A. Archer
You Will Thank Me Later by Jonathan Carter
9 Crimes by Skyla Dawn Cameron (which I think she might be convinced to put this out for readers, if so I'll review when available)
Light in a Dark World by Dina James


Book Reviews Posted:
Eyes of Magic by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart
Love, Death, and Loneliness by Douglas R. Brown

Movie Review Posted:
Underworld: Awakening

Podcast Reviews Posted:
Fables of the Flying City Eps 12-15

Books and Covers Shared:
Hmm, nothing shared last week.

Special Posts:
Sorry, I didn't have any free finds or deals last week either.

I did not do a Flash Fiction Friday last week.  Sorry.  The picture didn't come up until Thursday, and as much as I loved the picture I couldn't get on over the weekend to write about it.  So, on to this weeks...

My WANT List...well, it looks like only 3 books where added. Hmm, I'm going to have to fix that. ;)

Received Last Week:
Downloaded:

Tales from the Archives Vol 2 #4

Fables of the Flying City by Jared Axelrod
Episodes 21-30, but these are the ones my ipod won't show me!  I was soooo mad.


Hard to believe.  I've been packing the books in so heavily lately with both the Nook and Shelves, but took a break it seems.  That's okay.  I'll pack more in next week. ;)

I'm hoping to get through this week with great things.  Lots planned to do and read.

How does your week look.  Hope it's full of getting and reading amazing books.

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

Movie Review: Underworld: Awakening

Underworld: Awakening

Release:  2012

Rated:  R

Genre:  Fantasy, Action

Length:  88mins = 1hr 28mins

Recommendation:  Yes!  Especially if you've seen the first 3 movies.  It is wonderful to see Selene back and kicking some serious butt.

Synopsis:
When human forces discover the existence of the Vampire and Lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species commences.  The vampire warrioress Selene leads the battle against humankind.

My Thoughts:
Things get life threatening for Michael and Selene, so they decide to leave on a boat to the new world, only to be stopped by a bomb before leaving.  Selene wakes in an hyper chamber where she has been kept, and researched.  Someone has opened it to release her, and now she is on a mission to help the person who's eyes she also sees through.  Vampires have gone underground, and the werewolves are strangely growing larger and stronger.  Selene will fight, and protect the girl she finds a special bond with.

Now this was one I waited to come to DVD only because it was in 3D in the theaters.  I really wanted to see it as I've enjoyed the first three movies, more the first two but the third in its own way since it was the history of the vampires and lycans.

I was so surprised to see the actress for Selene did come back.  She had made a comment she was done with movies after the second Underworld.  Boy am I glad she returned.  She is amazing in this part.  For me Selene is the Underworld movies.  She is the strong fighter that carries through.

I was swept away into this movie from the starts.  The story is told of how things are getting out of hand for the vampires with the humans and they are leaving their home, and how Selene and Michael are separated.  We are then surprised that Selene is in a frozen chamber of sleep, with a young hand that releases the locks by way of the computer station.  We are curious about this young hand.  Then once Selene is out she has visions through an other's eyes.  I was wondering about this, but didn't take long to learn who we are seeing through, and why.

However, that why leads me to another question.  And if you've seen the movie you might have the same question.  Was the girl created before or after the bomb at the beginning?  Now if you didn't see the movie, you might not understand the question.  That's the point. ;)

Selene comes across the broken vampire race that is hiding underground, with the help of one man who finds her, and has hope of becoming strong again.  After a big battle between vampires and werewolves, Selene does her "magic" and it's amazing to see.  Well, not magic, but a rare and special vampire ability.

Once again Underworld is filled with mystery of the races and action packed.  Selene is great for kicking some serious but!  OH!  Do you watch Lost Girl the television series?  Well, the guy that plays Dyson is in this!  And an awesome part for him!

The way it ends, there so has to be more movies!  I'm hoping so!

I watched this one with my husband, who has seen the first Underworld movie several times and seems to not remember it, but once the movie started he did remember.  And remembered he liked it.  He enjoyed this one, but at times we had to chat quickly to understand what was going on.  There was a lot of quick happenings and easy to over look them.  But we were left feeling there could easily be another movie and a question about the girl, which I mentioned earlier.

Book Review: Love, Death, and Loneliness

Love, Death, and Loneliness

By:  Douglas Brown

Published By:  Smashwords

Publish Date:  March 2011

Format:  eNovella, 29pgs

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  A Short Story in The Light of Epertasian series; Book 1 ~ Legends Reborn

Recommendation:  Yes, if you like a new fantasy world.  And even if you read the first book, read this as it gives more of Rasi's history, and his feelings.

Book Synopsis:
Rasi hates his mountainous exile almost as much as he hates the man who banished him there.  "Love, Death, and Loneliness" takes a peek into one of Rasi's days in his brutal solitude.  His memories of a time gone by is all he has left to survive the loneliness.  And now, even those memories are more than he can take.

First Sentence:
Rasi lay next to a small fire on the cold stone floor of his cave home.

My Thoughts and Summary:
It's a bitter cold winter in the mountain cave.  Rasi is starving and aches through his bones.  The only thing helping him pull through are the memories of his desceased wife, his friends, and his hatred for the man responsible for him being here.  Though, these memories, happy or not, are starting to become to much for the broken man.

We see a few memories of people Rasi likes to think on.  One is his beautiful and now passed wife.  A fond moment.  Then we see a moment where Rasi shows his strength as a leading soldier, where he leaves with one other close friend to save their closest friend who's held captive.  It was nice seeing these two men with Rasi, in their glory again.  And to feel the bond these men have.  Then, in the end, we see Rasi struggling with his straps.  The struggle of who's in charge.

In this short story we get a glimpse of the fantasy world Rasi resides in.  We get a feel for stature his friends and fellow soldiers see him at, and the King's thoughts on him as well.  In the end I felt for Rasi again, and remembered the book.  I'm ready for book two to come out.

If you've not read the first book, that's okay, read this free short novella to get a taste of the world.  The only hints to the book are: Edonea, the straps, and something with Elijah.  If I hadn't read the book first, I would have hints to what was to come, but not spoiled in any way.  It might even make you curious about what is to come with getting a feel of a few important characters in the story.  But having read the first book, this refreshes my memories of it and I'm looking forward to the second book.


You can find Love, Death, and Loneliness for free on Smashwords in any eformat you need.


I read this for my own enjoyment.

Throwback Thursday (71)

I found this picture of Trinity College Library, and thought it would work for this meme with a little play with lighting and adding the words.

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;

Unk

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:

Ah, this one was a win for me about a year or more ago.  I really do want to get to this series, sounds dark and gritty to me.  And I like the dangerous sound here.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The King Arthur myth gets dramatically retold through the eyes of street hustler King, as he tries to unite the crack dealers, gangbangers and the monsters lurking within them to do the right thing. From the drug gangs of downtown Indianapolis, the one true king will arise. The King Arthur myth gets dramatically retold through the eyes of street hustler King, as he tries to unite the crack dealers, gangbangers and the monsters lurking within them to do the right thing. Broaddus' debut is a stunning, edgy work, genuinely unlike anything you've ever read.

Book Review: Eyes of Magic

Eyes of Magic

By:  S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Format:  eBook

Publisher:  Ravynheart Publishing

Publish Date:  April 22, 2012

Series:  3rd in Rise of the Unseelie series
Affiliated with: Touch series and Champion of the Sidhe series

Book Synopsis:
He's defective.  Damaged.  Malcolm knows he is.  How could he not be, after a year of torture in the belly of a goblins' nest?  The only magic he can do is the Touch, a perverted magic he despises and learned at the end of a whip.  Everyone else in the Glamour Club has loads of magic, but not him.  He doesn't fit it.  But if he can't find his magic, and his place among the Sidhe, then where could he go?  And what if those that enslaved him before came after him again?

First Sentence:
Kieran slammed into the fey in his way, shoving them aside in his scramble.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Malcolm has awaken from his three day unconscious state he's been in since Donovan brought him to the Club.  He is frantic and panicking only wanting to see the man who killed the vampires and brought him here, saving him; Donovan.  Donovan pairs Malcolm with Kieran to be a friend who's had to deal with some of the same, but on a smaller scale.  Malcolm is feeling more out of place, of all things, because he doesn't know what his special magic is, and appears to not have one...or does he?  Being Sidhe he should be able to do something different than the normal Touch, which disgusts him.

We get more detail in this story.  We see the magic through Malcolm's eyes, which helps it make more sense or easily categorizes the magic of each Sidhe for me.  When Malcolm talks to Donovan about magic we learn what the basic powers that all Sidhe have and that each has something different, unique as well.  We learn more of the characters; Kieran's past and using his sound magic.  Bryce with his fire, Trip and her darkness, Dawn and her healing sparks, even rock dust floating around Donovan.

We get an inside glimpse of the Glamour Club as Malcolm walks through it, who's there and what they do.  Even what the place looks like.

Poor Malcolm.  He is sooo broken and no idea what his magic is yet.  He even thinks he has nothing special.  He almost seems to be slipping further into a depressed state, but has tethered himself to Donovan as his rock.  Although, as the reader I started to wonder if he wasn't capable of something completely different than expected.  It becomes evident that he has something special and doesn't know it.

Donovan is AWESOME with Malcolm.  I just love his touch and help with the emotionally wounded kid.  He is calm and strong for Malcolm.  Malcolm needs a powerful rock to look to, and Donovan is it.

In the end we learn more about a few players in the bigger picture of the Sidhe trying to survive.  I still am very curious about why Manannan (the king) did what he did knowing the prophecy.  And Danu went along with him.  There is more here, and we are seeing little clues starting to drop through each individual story line.


I've received a copy of this story for review from the author.
**Do remember this is a review of my thoughts and opinions.

Who? What? Where (71)

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 with London searching for that special one to give her the Touch.  Yes, a Sidhe, which are hard to find.  It's been six weeks since the last fix and London can feel herself coming undone with need.  I'm not sure yet where we are in the world.  I'm curious what promises and favors London has agreed to, to find a lead to a Sidhe... one would do just about anything to live.

Enchanted
By:  S.A. Archer

Thoughts On: Fables of the Flying City Ep 12-15

Fables of the Flying City

By:  Jared Axelrod

Genre:  Steampunk

Episode:  12 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast; 11:17 minutes

Synopsis:
Gatling Has No Trouble Squinting

In which an old voice returns, the oddness of the wind is mentioned, a hotel is appraised, the wealth of the wicked is tallied, definitions are relaxed, scrolls are hunted for, docks are seen, piracy motivations are considered, and the temperature and sweetness of fruit is judged.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Hanner Gatling speaks of the feel of the wind, being on a flying city, and who's attracted to Amperstam.  We learn that the Provost's people search docked ships for books and scrolls to copy and keep in their library.  Amperstam is not what it seems, according to Gatling.  She tells of all she sees from her hotel window.

Gatling gives a whole feel to the city...dangerous, mysterious, safe heaven to suspicious people.  Gatling has a way with words and descriptions that really puts things into a whole new light and perspective.  Makes me wonder of the likes of people here residing on Amperstam, and anxious to learn more.

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Episode:  13 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast; 10:01 minutes

Synopsis:
Story Marks

In which salve is applied, scars are fingered, tattoos are traced, lightning storms are recollected, faces are unknown, Consaquine is quoted, a want is gotten, speediness is praised, and how a main character learns to live is explained.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jobrani is with Ashe putting the salve on her healing back weeks since she received them and talking over the battle planes seen.  He asks about her scars and tattoos, to learn there is no meaning behind them, to Ashe at this time.  She doesn't remember anything from before waking on fallen rocks after severe a lightning storm.

There seems to, maybe?, be something brewing between Jobrani and Ashe.  They do share a kiss, but then I wonder if there will be nothing there again afterward.  Jobrani talks of Consaquine again and the meanings to life.  Ashe shares a meaning, how she learns to live...by courting death.

I enjoy Ashe's view on life as she goes through.  Her comment on how she learns to live is interesting (and maybe inspiring), especially with what we learn about her in this episode.

####################

Episode: 14 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast, 8:39 minutes

Synopsis:
The Hunger of Emires

In which a familiar voice returns, the trouble with empires is described, a history is listed, what a fictional Vrussian does with his time is revealed, what a real Vrussian does with hers is compared, a crusade is considered, and a hunger is described.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Another Gaitling Episode, and another article from The Hunter, her journal.

We learn about Empires that have come and gone, and the one that is still around.  We learn of the speculated thought of the Vrussians, then of one Gaitling knew.  Vrussia as an Empire breaths and eats other empires or small countries.  Vrussians are so demanding to take possession of all, even Amperstam flying in their air they will own.

Everyone runs from Vrussia, and there is a reason.  Even the tales, if true or not, show the feelings and thoughts of the other worlds' people thoughts of Vrussians.

####################

Episode: 15 of 33, Book One: Ashe of the Air

Format:  Podcast, 10:36 minutes

Synopsis:
Priceless Beyond Measure

In which the situation is claimed to be siple, flying makes things complicated, threats are hinted at, a city is claimed, the reasons Father Vrussia goes to war are revealed, a warning is given, a message is promised, the price of secrets is stated and the first blow is braced for.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Vrussian Commander Ustinov visits with Provost, Elderheim, and Kitchener to tell them Amperstam is over Vrussian soil and they want the city.  The three note that Amperstam is a solitary city and by making the claim Vrussia is making a declaration of war.  Ustinov returns to Father Vrussia to consult with the psyco palms to see if they say to declare war or not.  But before he leaves Vrussian Commander Ustinov makes it clear what Vrussia does best.  War is expected, in time.

We get a view of what Vrussia is really like.  And we see that they do not have the secret of the Flying City in their power, and Provost makes it know he will die before handing over the secret of the city as they do not need a flying city of their own.

Trouble in the form of war is at Amperstam's doorstep, but we don't know when it will start.  I wonder if all the recruits are ready for a war as well.  Ashe has only started in the Aerial Guard not so long ago.




If you would like to Listen to the stories about Ashe, you can find Fables of the Flying City free on the site for Fables of the Flying City: http://www.fablesoftheflyingcity.com/  There are links to iTunes and RSS feed.  You can also see the list of episodes in their order on Jared Axelrod's site.


If you are curious about the Graphic Novel, it is now available!  The Battle of Blood and Ink by Jared Axelrod and Steve Walker.  You can view a sample of the first 20 pages on Tor's site.

Monday's Beginnings (147) Vlog Style (30)

It 'tis Monday!  And I want the weekend back... well, not this weekend but a weekend I can just chill out like a grape.

Current Read:
Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City & Tethered by Maljean Brook
9 Crimes by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Finished Last Week:
Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells

Reviews to Come:
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
Love, Death, and Loneliness by Douglas R. Brown
Eyes of Magic by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart
Exhumed by Skyla Dawn Cameron
Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells

Book Reviews Posted:
Hunter and Fox by Philippa Ballantine

Movie Review Posted:
Fool's Gold

Podcast Review Posted:
Fables of the Flying City Ep 8-11

Books & Covers Shared:
Hm. Surprise to me.  I didn't share any last week.

Special Posts:
Blog Book Chat - on Blue-Blooded Vamp
Freebies and Deals, On Nook too (16)

I did do a Flash Fiction Friday last week.  It is a stand alone this week.

My WANT List...I've added 5 books!  But, once again, I've added amazing books to my TBR pile I never had on the WANT list.

Received Last Week:
Won:

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Goodreads Synopsis:
In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. 


Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.


Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.


Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.


Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.


But it isn’t easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

For Review:

Spirits Rising by Krista D. Ball
Goodreads Synopsis:
Rachel Mills has one wish in life: for the spirit world to shut up and leave her alone. She thought her move to a remote fishing village in Northern Newfoundland would help.


Population: Twenty. What could go wrong?


Instead of peace, however, she relocates to a land of superstitution, the air alive with the presence of others.


When a local teenager accidentally summons the spirits of the area, including those from a thousand-year-old Viking settlement, all supernatural breaks loose. As the spirits stalk her and each other, Rachel finds herself in over her head. With the help of Mrs. Saunders, her 93-year-old neighbour, Rachel has to put aside her own prejudices long enough to send the spirits back to rest, or risk being caught in the midst of a spirit war.

Hunter and Fox by Philippa Ballantine
Goodreads Synopsis:

In a world that is in constant shifting, where mountains can change to plains, and then to lakes, Talyn is the Hunter for the Caisah, and a wreck of a once-proud person. She has lost her people, the Vaerli, and her soul working for the man who destroyed her people. All unknowing, she carries within her a Kindred, a chaos creature from the center of the earth that wants to help bring the Vaerli back to power. However, she has lost the ability to communicate with it.

She must also deal with the machinations of Kelanim, the mistress of the Caisah, who out of fear will do anything to bring Talyn down.

Little does the Hunter know that salvation is looking for her, and it wears the face of gentleness and strength. Finn is a teller of tales who carries his own dreadful secret. He sets out to find answers to his path but ends up in the city of Perilous and Fair where he meets Talyn. He knows the danger and is yet drawn to her. Their fates will be bound together.

Meanwhile, the Hunter’s lost brother Byre is searching for his own solution to the terrible curse placed on the Vaerli. He sets forth on a treacherous journey of his own, which will intersect in the most unlikely place with that of Talyn and Finn.

The ramifications of this encounter will be felt by all the people in Conhaero, from the lost Vaerli to the Caisah on his throne.

Don't Call me Angel by Alicia Wright Brewster
Goodreads Synopsis:
After crawling her way out of Hell, Six is ready to cast aside her angel wings and all the responsibilities that come with them. But Earth is not as peaceful as she imagined it. Demons, dark angels, and other hell-beasties escaped before her, and they're not as content as she is to live a quiet life on Earth.


A fellow angel who escaped Hell with her commits a series of soul-murders, destroying human souls so they can't go to the afterlife. Although Six has conflicting feelings about humans, she goes after the other angel to keep their escape a secret from the one she fears most.

Free Ebook: ( you can find on Smashwords!)

The Brave Tale of Maddie Carver by Stacia Kane
Goodreads Synopsis:
A free short story about the start of Haunted Week, the event which changed the world in the Downside books. This is NOT in continuity; you don't need to read it to read the novels and you don't need to have read the novels to read/understand the story (although it will probably make some of it a little clearer).


THE BRAVE TALE OF MADDIE CARVER was originally published on the Paranormal Haven blog. It's been expanded and given a new ending here, and is a free holiday gift for readers.


It's only 2300 words.

i Pod Download:

Tales from the Archives Volume 2 #4, The Emperor's Fist
Synopsis:

Spring 1889

Agent Reginald Coffey and Special Liaison Meiying Ling are deep within the jungles of China, setting technology against the oldest of dark Chinese magic. The two are set on a rendezvous with the most sinister of sorcerers and a plot to plunge the world into darkness.

So, it's been a not so good week in books for me.  Well, weekend.  I was hoping for much more in reading. So I'm hoping this week coming will be better.

How was your week.  And how does the coming week look?

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

Winner, Winner!

Thank you everyone for stopping by our Special Event, Urban Fantasy Boxing!  We got to read an excerpt of the novella Blooded by the kind and talented Amanda Carlson.  (if you are curious, please follow the link over)  I do hope everyone takes time to pick up this novella and check it out.  I do think you all will enjoy this one and Jessica as well.  If you aren't able to read an ebook, please keep an eye out for the full length first novel in September, Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson.

And we have our 5 winners from the giveaway!

The winners are:

StephanieD (claimed)

Tore (claimed)

Leannessf (claimed)

Melissa (Books & Things) (claimed)

Van Pham (claimed)

The winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email, from June 17, 2012 at 6:15pm EST.

Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (16)

And we always have our thread at Barnes and Nobles to look through.

I do apologize to my friends over seas, in case the books aren't free there.  I'm sorry!

Today is the last day to get this Free on on Amazon.
(I have to say I heard the author talking about this book at Balticon, and it sounds AMAZING!  So had to share the last free day with you!)

The Hidden Institute by Brand Gamblin  -  Amazon Kindle
Rising above your station can be deadly. 

Cliffy is a child born on the streets of a Neo-Victorian world. Witnesses to a murder, he blackmails a nobleman, receiving a unique bribe. In exchange for his silence, the nobleman introduces him to the Malcolm Rutherford Holden Institute of Regentrification. There, Cliffy learns to walk, talk, and act like a nobleman, so that he may infiltrate high society. But that type of fraud is punishable by death, and when Cliffy uncovers a plot to assassinate a head of state, he's hunted by more than just the aristocracy. 

Royal intrigue, daring escapes, sub-dermal machines, and bear polo. A grand adventure in a not-so-distant world.

And that's about it.

Movie Review: Fool's Gold

Fools Gold

Release:  2008

Rated:  PG-13

Genre:  Adventure, Comedy

Length:  112 mins = 1hr, 52mins

Recommendation:  Sure, if you want to watch something to relax and not have to think about.

Synopsis:
Benjamin Finnegan is a deep-sea treasure hunter certain he's onto the find of the century in waters near an island close to Key West owned by a murderous rap star to whom Ben is in debt.  Ben's flat broke and recently divorced from Tess, his long-time research and diving partner whom he still loves.  She's nearby, working as a steward aboard the yacht of Nigel Honeycutt, a multimillionaire.  The rapper has hired a rival treasurer hunter.  Can Ben convince Nigel to bankroll his search, convince Tess to work with him, keep the rapper and his thugs at bay, and find a Spanish treasure hidden for centuries and rich beyond imagination?

My Thoughts:
I have to say the synopsis above is very accurate.  I can't really expand on it any further, so I'll go on to my thoughts of the movie.

It was a decent movie.  One I'm glad I didn't go to the theaters for, but one to lay back and relax with.  I'm a fan of Kate Hudson and Mathew McConaughey on the screen.  They seem to always have a great chemistry together.  But this one didn't have as much humor in it as I had thought it would with Kate Hudson and Mathew McConaughey, not terrible but I kinda was looking for more..

There are a few small plots going at the same time as the overall story of the treasure hunt and who will be the first to get to it.  Ben is to meet on the island to dispute or sign the divorce papers, however he is late.  And is now divorced from the one he still loves.  Tess wants to move on, but gets tangled back up with Ben when he finds out a multimillionaire is docked by the island waiting for his daughter.  Ben finds his way there to see about being funded on his expedition, and pulls Tess back into the thrill and love she enjoyed with the hunt.  The multimillionaire is Nigel Honeycutt, played by Donald Sutherland, who is on the outs with his daughter Gemma Honeycutt, played by Alexis Dziena.  Maybe father and daughter will find a connection that wasn't there before with this adventure.  There is a blend of ocean archaeological searching and excitement with the find, along with a little personal growth too.

I watched this one with the husband and we liked it, nothing to write home about but it was a relaxing light watch.  We got a few chuckles out of the movie, but wasn't as impressed with it as other Hudson/McConaughey movies.

And watching this trailer again, I wonder why I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped.  Maybe it was my mood that day.  I remember all these parts and chuckle seeing them together here.  Maybe the gap of time between the funny points where to long. *shrug shoulders*

Flash Fiction Friday (49)

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:

(artist unknown)

Story by:  Melissa

She breezed past his discarded his short and shoes carelessly tossed to the corner of the decorative marble floor.  Sweat sleeked his back, down his thin muscled chest as he leaped and danced across around the hall when she arrived.  Her pink essence mixing with the fog.  She keeps the fog to the edges of the hall, then not containing herself any long, creeps along the floor filling till the circles of marbles aren't visible to the human eye, trying to get close enough to touch him.  Slipping around him as he runs, spins, leaps, and stretches the length of the hall she could see the emotions warred across.  Such emotion exposed on his face and in his movements.

It'd been to long since he had moved this way, but his body was still lithe with the corded muscles of a young dancer.  He'd not lost his aplomb through the years, evident at the allegro of his dance and the perfectly paused, accented moments.  He never tipped or stumbled.  The attitude was perfect, his knee bent accented by the mystery hidden in his long cotton pants, his arms posed for a breath.

It'd been to long since she had touched him too.  The way her life ended, he didn't deserve her touch.  She spent years learning to control her essence and moving solid mundane items.

His eyes where closed and this was her moment, for revenge.  She swirled her pink tinted essence about forming the long lean body of what she remembers.  As he came to a pause in his movement, arms coming around, she slipped in front of him, flush to his chest.  The swirling dragging her lace behind her with one arm over his shoulder to his back and his around her waist.  She leaned in for that long missed kiss.  His eyes never opened, he probably thought he was dreaming.  But before their lips met, he gasp, his eyes opened with a snap looking into her smile.

She pulled her hand from behind his back with the red dripping dagger in hand.

The breeze whistled through the hall in his ears.  It sounded like her voice, "And you thought you were done with me...."

He collapsed to the floor sucking the air and blanketing moist fog into his cramped lungs.

Was it revenge, or was it desire?  It didn't matter, she had him with her, for torment or pleasure, or maybe both.