Mythical Monday (27)

It seems there are many books based on or influenced by Myths and Mythological Beings.

There are so many different Mythology and Mythological Beings recorded. Some are very popular and well known, others not so much. There are many similar beings, yet different depending on the culture it’s based in.  The definition of Myth covers about anything in the Urban Fantasy/Fantasy realm to me.

I’ve invited authors to share briefly the Mythological being or Myth that influenced their character(s) or story, or what their character(s) are based on influencing their books.  Hosting here, one author and being or myth per week.

This week we have:

Fantasy author Resa Nelson

Talking of the Hidden People.

The Legend of the Hidden People

Many years ago when I was doing research for my Dragonslayer series, I spent a couple of weeks traveling around Iceland. I’ve always been a fan of Viking culture, partly because I have a bit of Scandinavian heritage. I found it thrilling to visit places where real Norse men and women had lived. But one of the stories told by my tour guide surprised me: the legend of the Hidden People. What follows is my recollection of this legend.

The story goes like this: Eve had many, many children. One day when she was in the midst of bathing them, she found out that God was coming to visit. Embarrassed that about half of her children weren’t yet clean and presentable, she told them to hide and stay quiet.

Adam and Eve presented the clean children to God, and they had a nice visit. However, Eve forgot that God sees all. At the end of the visit, God asked if there were any more children to meet, but Eve lied even when asked again. Now angry, God told Eve that because she felt so ashamed of her own flesh and blood and had lied about their existence those children that she’d hidden from God would be granted immortality but would be doomed to remain hidden forever.

My tour guide explained that Hidden People live in rocks and hills, but are mischievous. If you catch sight of one, you must keep your distance so that you don’t disappear and become hidden, too. Some recent definitions I’ve found of the Hidden People include fairies, elves, dwarves, and trolls. (A surprising fact: today there are even Hidden People tours offered in Iceland!)

What struck me about this story is the fact that in the year 1000 Europeans forced Icelanders to convert to Christianity by threatening to stop all trade with them. Because Iceland is an isolated island in the far North, this kind of boycott at that point in history would have brought a lot of hardship and possibly death to its inhabitants. Iceland agreed to the conversion, although the Europeans who forced it agreed that the Icelanders could keep their pagan beliefs as long as they did so in secret. I wonder if many Icelanders still do so.

I began to wonder. What if the story of the Hidden People had been changed to make it easier for Christians to hear? What if the woman hadn’t been Eve in the original story but a Norse woman instead? And what if God had been Odin or possibly a group of Viking gods?

Then I started thinking about the warnings that the Hidden People might make themselves known to you and maybe even try to kidnap you. One of the many places I enjoyed seeing in Iceland was the Dark Citadels, an astonishing natural formation where tourists can easily get lost, allegedly sometimes never to be heard from again. All of these ideas came crashing together, and I wrote a short story called “The Hidden People” (published by Buzzy Magazine) that you can read for free at this link: http://buzzymag.com/the-hidden-people-by-resa-nelson/ And if you’ve read any of my Dragonslayer novels, you might have noticed that a different version of the Hidden People crop up in one of those books!

Author Bio:
Resa Nelson has been selling fiction professionally since 1988. She is a longtime member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) and is a graduate of the Clarion SF Workshop.

Resa was also the TV/Movie Columnist for Realms of Fantasy magazine for 13 years and was a contributor to SCI FI magazine. She has sold over 200 articles to magazines in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Her first novel, The Dragonslayer’s Sword, was nominated for the Nebula Award and was also a Finalist for the EPPIE Award. This medieval fantasy novel is based on a short story first published in the premiere issue of Science Fiction Age magazine and ranked 2nd in that magazine's first Readers Top Ten Poll. The Dragonslayer's Sword is Book 1 in her 4-book Dragonslayer series. Book 2, The Iron Maiden, was published last December, Book 3 was published in May, and the final book in the series is scheduled for publication in November.

Resa's standalone novel, Our Lady of the Absolute, is a fantasy/mystery/thriller about a modern-day society based on ancient Egypt. Midwest Book Review gave this book a 5-star review, calling it "a riveting fantasy, very highly recommended."

Resa lives in Massachusetts.


Find Resa and Links:
Resa’s website:   http://www.resanelson.com
Free “mini” ebook of Dragonslayer short stories:    http://www.resanelson.com/files
Facebook page:    http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Resa-Nelson-The-Dragonslayers-Sword/122200661871
Twitter:    http://twitter.com/#!/ResaNelson
Email:   ContactResa@aol.com

And two short stories that started the world for Resa, in one place:

Sunday Post #29

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

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And I can't seem to get moving as fast I as I want to be. *sigh* Life is a bummer on reading. But, I'll get there some day...right? I still have lots of things I wanted to get done before end of September, and it's not happening. I ended up sleeping most of Saturday away, thank you sinuses. NOT! Oh well, I'll try hard this week too...

We'll see what happens.

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
A Dance of Cloaks by David Dalglish

The Coffee Legacy by Katharine Bordet - a podcast reading of the book, I'll start listening to while at work

Finished Last Week:
Crossline by Russ Colchamiro

Playing for Keeps by Mur Lafferty - a podcast reading of the book, I'll start listening to while at work
Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book, I'll start listening to while at work

Finished Podcast Book Listen:
I haven't got to the Podcasts yet.  I will, they are lining up on me.

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Last Week on the Blog:

Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)
Labyrinth of Stars by Marjorie M. Liu

Guest Posts:


Reviews:
Book Review:
The Rose and The Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan

Dragonsoul by Philippa Ballantine

GIVEAWAYS:

One Digital copy of Vengeance Borne by Amanda Bonilla, ends 9/29/13

Weekly Posts:

***NEW*** Mythical Monday
Teaser Tuesday
Who? What? Where? Wend.
Throwback Thursday
Looking Forward To...
Freebies and Deals, on Nook too

~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:

I have one review scheduled that will be like a mini hop with two other blogs.

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Week:

Review:

Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Free Ebooks:

Forgotten by Frances Pauli
Amazon Synopsis:
*A stand-alone Kingdoms Gone story*
Two women on opposite ends of time. Between them is the war that will change their world forever... 

Payne lives a cursed life. Her touch brings death, and her memory is damaged. She has only an aging mage for company, and he could easily be her enemy. When a stranger tears her away from her temple's safety, she finds the world outside just as empty of answers. Who can she believe and who, if anyone, can break her curse and free her from a life that is rapidly slipping toward darkness and destruction?

Farine has been blessed with everything she's ever desired. Her father is the king, her friends surround her and her life seems perfect. Until a strange User dares her to look into the unicorn's eye, and the veil of illusion is lifted. Now her father's perfect kingdom shows its true colors. The walls are crumbling and the enemies no one believed they had are marching for the gates. As the Kingdoms fall, Farine must choose between trusting her old friends, or her newly awakened heart.

One woman living on the eve of the Final War and one dwelling in the aftermath. Only by untangling their destinies will they find the answer that could save them both.

Dragonslayer Stories by Resa Nelson
Amazon Synopsis:
Years before Resa Nelson wrote her 4-book Dragonslayer series (The Dragonslayer’s Sword, The Iron Maiden, The Stone of Darkness, and The Dragon’s Egg), she wrote two short stories that were published in Science Fiction Age magazine. These are her Dragonslayer short stories, both of which were recommended for the Nebula Award. (Appropriate for adults and teens, ages 14 and up.)

In "The Dragonslayer’s Sword", Astrid the blacksmith struggles to choose between protecting herself from a new dragonslayer’s unwelcome advances and the necessity of keeping his weapons in good shape so he can protect her village from dragons. Her fellow villagers believe the previous dragonslayer has been killed by a dragon, but Astrid knows the real reason he’s gone missing and this knowledge haunts her.

In "The Silver Shoes", Astrid is surprised by a visit from Lenore, a newcomer who acts as if the village’s customs and laws don’t apply to her, leaving her friendless. But when asking Astrid to make a pair of silver shoes for her, Lenore reveals her disturbing past and the true meaning of her request for these shoes.

Passion's Sacred Dance by Juli D. Revezzo
Goodreads Synopsis:
Battling mounting debt, Stacy Macken is determined not to lose her historic art gallery. When Aaron Fielding appears and offers to help, she fights to keep the attraction sizzling between them from clouding her judgment. He may be her savior in disguise--but can she trust him?

Aaron intrigues her with tales of the Tuatha dé Danann, sworn warriors who protect humanity from the monsters seeking their destruction. If Aaron can prove what he claims, she would give up anything to help--even the gallery he claims is sacred ground. But with her property set to stage the next epic battle, she needs answers. An old family diary will confirm the ancient legend is true, if only they can find it in time.

If the battle is lost, the enemy will take control of Earth for the next five hundred years. Stacy and Aaron's budding love might only complicate things.

The Reluctant Amazon by Sandy James
Goodreads Synopsis:
The last thing Rebecca Massee expects on her wedding day is to go from jilted kindergarten teacher to Amazonian Earth warrior. But when she causes an earthquake after her groom says I don’t, she discovers that not only does she possess incredible powers, she is one of four lost chosen sisters who must fight to keep humanity safe from rogue gods and demons. Luckily she has help: ruggedly handsome Scottish warrior Artair MacKay, her protector and teacher.

An immortal, Artair has trained countless warriors for more than four hundred years. He understands Rebecca’s confusion at the new world she’s been thrust into and worries she is too emotionally vulnerable, but that doesn’t stop his growing feelings for the beautiful and fearless woman. 

When an evil force threatens to destroy the Amazons, Rebecca must claim her full powers--but they come at a cost. Can she sacrifice the man she loves if it means saving the world?

The Babel Codex (Rogue Angel #43.5) by Alex Archer
Goodreads Synopsis:
In this electrifying new novella, heroine Annja Creed uncovers yet another one of history's monsters.

From the Old Testament comes a new danger...

Fighting skeletons in Addis Ababa isn't in Annja's contract. Especially when they're "entertainment" rigged by an obnoxious radio DJ during the filming of the TV show she hosts, Chasing History's Monsters. But the accidental discovery of an ancient clay brick turns the prank into deadly peril for the intrepid archaeologist.

If Annja's hunch is right, the brick is merely the first key to a greater discovery: the Tower of Babel. Now, with Joan of Arc's sword in hand and killers at her heels, she must race across the Middle East to unravel the puzzle first. Enemies and allies will face off against each other - and themselves. To survive, Annja will have to defeat them all...because in the end there can be only one winner.

~~~~~~~~~~

Reviews in the Works:

Into Darkness by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Half Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Full Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book
Double Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Captain's Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Into Chaos by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Owners Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Crossline by Russ Colchamiro

Playing for Keeps by Mur Lafferty - a podcast reading of the book

Looking Forward To... (132)

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.)

It's been a while since I've done one of these Friday Looking Forward posts.  And I miss doing them.

Next Book Is...

Vengeance Borne

Sentry of Evil Novel #1

Edited By:  Amanda Bonilla

Due Out:  September 3, 2013

Wow. I'm behind in sharing what I'm looking forward to. This one is already available as well! And I've read an ARC of it. :)

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fated to Hunt…

As the local hunter, and a ward of the Sentry, a secret organization dedicated to eradicating the forces of evil, Jacquelyn has been protecting the small town of McCall, Idaho for the past five years. The hours are horrible, the pay is nonexistent, she has to work with her jealous ex-boyfriend – and forget about quitting. She’s in for life.

Destined to See…

When a rugged drifter comes through town, Jacquelyn immediately knows what he is – an Empath who can read emotions and sense what others are thinking – even though it’s clear the handsome stranger has no idea what, or how powerful, he is…

A Town in Peril…

When people in McCall start turning up dead, viciously ripped to shreds as if by a wild animal, Jacquelyn knows better. Furies are loose in Idaho and hell-bent on exacting revenge. But against whom? And for what purpose? Jacquelyn has until the full moon to stop the Furies’ killing spree and save the people of McCall, figure out how to work with her ex – oh, and there’s a handsome stranger in town who’s in desperate need of some schooling…

Freebies and Deals, on Nook too (67)

Barnes & Noble's Freebie Friday Thread.

Deals:
99c Deal!

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Amazon ~ Kindle  /  Barnes & Nobles ~ Nook

Goodreads Synopsis:
The Thorn of Camorr is said to be an unbeatable swordsman, a master thief, a ghost that walks through walls. Half the city believes him to be a legendary champion of the poor. The other half believe him to be a foolish myth. Nobody has it quite right.
Slightly built, unlucky in love, and barely competent with a sword, Locke Lamora is, much to his annoyance, the fabled Thorn. He certainly didn't invite the rumors that swirl around his exploits, which are actually confidence games of the most intricate sort. And while Locke does indeed steal from the rich (who else, pray tell, would be worth stealing from?), the poor never see a penny of it. All of Locke's gains are strictly for himself and his tight-knit band of thieves, the Gentlemen Bastards.

Locke and company are con artists in an age where con artistry, as we understand it, is a new and unknown style of crime. The less attention anyone pays to them, the better! But a deadly mystery has begun to haunt the ancient city of Camorr, and a clandestine war is threatening to tear the city's underworld, the only home the Gentlemen Bastards have ever known, to bloody shreds. Caught up in a murderous game, Locke and his friends will find both their loyalty and their ingenuity tested to the breaking point as they struggle to stay alive...

$1.99 Deal!

Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb
Barnes & Noble ~ Nook
Goodreads Synopsis:
Too much time has passed since the powerful dragon Tintaglia helped the people of the Trader cities stave off an invasion of their enemies. The Traders have forgotten their promises, weary of the labor and expense of tending earthbound dragons who were hatched weak and deformed by a river turned toxic. If neglected, the creatures will rampage--or die--so it is decreed that they must move farther upriver toward Kelsingra, the mythical homeland whose location is locked deep within the dragons' uncertain ancestral memories.

Thymara, an unschooled forest girl, and Alise, wife of an unloving and wealthy Trader, are among the disparate group entrusted with escorting the dragons to their new home. And on an extraordinary odyssey with no promise of return, many lessons will be learned--as dragons and tenders alike experience hardships, betrayals . . . and joys beyond their wildest imaginings.


Freebies:
I don't know how much longer this one will remain FREE!!

Forgotten by Frances Pauli
Amazon ~ Kindle

Amazon Synopsis:
*A stand-alone Kingdoms Gone story*

Two women on opposite ends of time. Between them is the war that will change their world forever... 

Payne lives a cursed life. Her touch brings death, and her memory is damaged. She has only an aging mage for company, and he could easily be her enemy. When a stranger tears her away from her temple's safety, she finds the world outside just as empty of answers. Who can she believe and who, if anyone, can break her curse and free her from a life that is rapidly slipping toward darkness and destruction?

Farine has been blessed with everything she's ever desired. Her father is the king, her friends surround her and her life seems perfect. Until a strange User dares her to look into the unicorn's eye, and the veil of illusion is lifted. Now her father's perfect kingdom shows its true colors. The walls are crumbling and the enemies no one believed they had are marching for the gates. As the Kingdoms fall, Farine must choose between trusting her old friends, or her newly awakened heart.

One woman living on the eve of the Final War and one dwelling in the aftermath. Only by untangling their destinies will they find the answer that could save them both.

Passion's Sacred Dance by Juli D. Revezzo
Amazon ~ Kindle
Goodreads Synopsis:

Battling mounting debt, Stacy Macken is determined not to lose her historic art gallery. When Aaron Fielding appears and offers to help, she fights to keep the attraction sizzling between them from clouding her judgment. He may be her savior in disguise--but can she trust him?

Aaron intrigues her with tales of the Tuatha dé Danann, sworn warriors who protect humanity from the monsters seeking their destruction. If Aaron can prove what he claims, she would give up anything to help--even the gallery he claims is sacred ground. But with her property set to stage the next epic battle, she needs answers. An old family diary will confirm the ancient legend is true, if only they can find it in time.

If the battle is lost, the enemy will take control of Earth for the next five hundred years. Stacy and Aaron's budding love might only complicate things.

Did you find anything new this week?

Throwback Thursday (129)

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;

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:

I won this one from a fellow blogger.  And I'm bummed I've not found time to get to it yet.  For goodness sakes! Look at the dog!

Goodreads Synopsis:

First in a new urban fantasy series-with a bite as magical as its bark.

Mason used to be an enforcer, ensuring that suspect magic practitioners stayed in line. But now he scrapes out a living playing guitar. Good thing he has Louie, his magical...well, let's call him a dog. But there are some kinds of evil that even Louie can't sniff out. And when Mason is attacked by a supernatural assailant, he'll have to fall back on the one skill he's mastered in music and magic-improvisation.

I've heard back from a few bloggers that they would like to join in this meme post, so I'm adding a Linky for you to join in.  Grab the picture above, and join in.  All I ask, is if you can acknowledge my blog in the post so others know where to come back to 

Book Review: Dragonsoul

Dragonsoul

By:  Philippa Ballantine

Publish Date:  July 2013

Publisher:  Pyr

Format:  ebook, 20pgs

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  A Shifted World set story, Book 1 of Shifted World series ~ Hunter and Fox

Recommendation:  A short story to bring you back to the Shifted World ways.  And learn of a distant history as well.  A Legend.

Synopsis:
Kindred and Wings is coming out August 6.  Philippa Ballantine's first Shifted World novel, Hunter and Fox, was called "a worthy feat of world-building" by the Miami Herald.

To celebrate what Booklist calls a "well-imagined" world, Pyr is offering Dragonsoul, a FREE EBOOK short story written by Philippa Ballantine and set in this same world.

First Sentence:
When a lady has a dragon, wooing must be done with great care.

Purchase At:
For free through Pyr

**I read this free read for my own enjoyment as I loved the first book in this world.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Lathan has just come to Conhaero, from the White Void he was born in.  Lathan sees his first dragon as he readies to cross the gate to V'nae Rae.  Morleth, the only of her kind.  Lathan was drawn to this shifting land to see Ellyria Dragonsoul, the leader of the Vaerli nation, in person after his dreams.

This is a story set in the Shifted World setting.  In the world, but not necessarily in the series.  This could be a short story telling a legend in the Shifted World.  One that will have meaning to you if you've read the first book from mention of the first to walk through fire for her people.  Remember this is not of any of the characters you read in Hunter and Fox when reading, as I didn't know and didn't know where I was or who I was reading when starting the book, so I was slightly confused for a bit.

The connection of this story to the Hunter and Fox.  Ellyria is the one who walked through fire and lava for the people of Conhaero.  Earning respect and an alliance with the Kindred.  When I learned this I realized where I was in the world and time, the story came easier to me.  Ellyria is a far past relative of one of the characters in the main series.  This is a small important piece of history.

This story gives us a great refresher to the unstable world again, the constant changing scenery, after having read Hunter and Fox last year.  You really get a feel for the hard life in the White Void compared to the life here outside of it that the Vaerli have.  What they had escaped.  We get a closer look to the Vaelri in the ever changing world they are accepted in and the world the Kindred guard over.

This story can be read without reading Hunter and Fox.  It's not going to spoil anything with the story line.  But the world is strange and mysterious.  You may be lost to the ways of the world.  Even in the beginnings of this one, I was lost as to where the story would go and who Lathan and Ellyria were.

This is a nice companion read to the series.  A legend of things and people of the past that will lead to what we know now in The Shifted World.

Who? What? Where? (128)

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.

his 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 )

This Week:

I've suddenly been on the run tonight. I'm currently hiding in a tree of one of the Trifect - rich that 'rule' in the city of Veldaren - from the guard after Aaron and I. Kayla found us in the old abandoned temple and has been helping Aaron and I get away. We are hiding here because Aaron banged up his knee badly and can't run nonstop. Kayla keeps an eye out as Aaron tries to get some sleep. 


A Dance of Cloaks
By:  David Dalglish

Others have shown interest in joining in this post, and linking up.  So I've created a linky for that.
My only requests; copy the picture to use, and link back to My World...in words and pages.
Please visit any joining in.
Thank you!

Book Review: The Rose and the Thorn

The Rose and The Thorn

By:  Michael J. Sullivan

Publisher:  Orbit Books

Publish Date:  September 5, 2013

Format:  eARC

Series:  2nd in Riyria Chronicles;  Book 1 ~ The Crown Tower, Short Story ~ The Viscount and the Witch;

associated with Riyria Revelations - Book 1 ~ The Crown Conspiracy, Book 2 ~ Avempartha, (Book 1 & 2 through Orbit books ~ Theft of Swords) Book 3 ~ Nyphron Rising, Book 4 ~ The Emerald Storm, (Book 3 & 4 through Orbit books ~ Rise of Empire) Book 5 ~ Wintertide, Book 6 ~ Percepliquis (Book 5 & 6 through Orbit books ~ Heir of Nevron)

Recommendation:  OH YES!! Whether you read the starting series or not, this is a great story to learn some scary pasts and see Royce and Hadrian work their magic as a team.

Book Synopsis:
A DEAR FRIEND IS BRUTALLY BEATEN.  TWO THIEVES WANT ANSWERS.  RIYRIA IS BORN.

One year earlier, two thieves were saved from certain death by the compassion of a stranger.  Unable to forget the woman who saved their lives, Royce and Hadrian now return to Gwen DeLancy and are shocked when she refuses to speak to them.  Baffled, the two thieves discover Gwen has been brutally beaten by a powerful noble -- beated so badly she can't face them.  But Gwen doesn't know about Royce's past, doesn't understand how much he cares for her, and doesn't realize what he is capable of -- but she's about to find out.

The Rose and the Thorn is the second book in a new series, The Riyria Chronicles, based on characters from The Riyria Revelations.  Unlike the previous series, which was a carefully choreographed interconnected series of books, the Chronicles are designed to be stand-alone series that can be read independent of each other or the prior novels.

First Sentence:
Reuben should have run the moment the squires came out of the castle keep.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

**I offered to beta read the book for the author with the love I feel for this world.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Reuben Hilfred, a stable boy whom the Squires look down upon as he's of no money and his father never married his mother, is coming of age to enter the castle soldiers.  He admires the young princess from a far never thinking he'll get close to her, until the day he is told to ride with her on her outing our of the castle grounds.  Not knowing how to use a sword, he still puts his life on the line to save the princess.  Reuben makes some strong friends in this act, and one who he wants to see him as more ends up blaming him in the end for not doing more when she wanted.  The Autumn Gala is approaching and is Reuben's first on-duty day, to celebrate in honor of the new chancellor too.

Royce and Hadrian return to see Gwen, who saved their lives and they can't forget, for the first time since death was knocking at their doors.  To learn there is more going on than expected when Gwen had the girls turn them away.  There is a man out looking for one of Gwen's girls who has not returned home, and his actions have stirred Royce and Hadrian to action.  Royce's past comes to knowledge here as he does what he feels needs done to the men who have harmed Gwen, and a warning to any who might.

We meet and see the big play in Melford history Reuben Hilfred has.  His back story is very important to our characters.  I knew he was important, but *whistle* this important?  I never would have thought. Wow.

We see Royce and Hadrian. Royce... wow!  We see a darker side of Royce here, which I love seeing.  But Royce also learns, do to results of his actions, that there is more than acting and killing.  To think and use words to get action as well.  Hadrian learns others aren't always "good" and innocent as he likes to give everyone credit for before really knowing them.

There is a thread between all the characters and I like seeing the connection to Gwen's place; through Rose.

Royce and Hadrian pick up a new associate along the way of returning to Medford.  Have you read the short story The Viscount and the Witch?  There is a chapter in this story that is that short story.  So you will recognize it immediately.  And it's great to see where that short story leads too.

I loved seeing the Pickering's again.  The father and the boys.  Goodness do I love their spirit and fun.  They are really kind people.  It's great to see Alric and Arista young and carefree before their mother's and father's death.  Simply Royal children.

If you've not read any books with these characters by Michael, do so.  You can start anywhere and grow with them in their world.  For those who have read Riyria Revelations, there are still surprises we didn't know of before.  Read them!  This story can be read before or after the Riyria Revelations.  If after, you will see all the ground work laid of the happenings in the series.  You could read this one before or after The Crown Tower as well.  There are hints to happenings in The Crown Tower, but not spoiled beyond what you already know is to happen.  This story is strictly focused on this books happenings and does come to a close.

Seeing the back story unfold leaves me wondering if Michael's had these written for years before the Riyria Revelations.  The back story fits PERFECTLY with the series.  Good grief the happenings, they bring me right back to the world and the feelings I had in the Riyria Revelations, even more worries as I know what will happen in the series.  But...* speechless*  Wow.  To see the threads unfold here and what leads to what's to come.  Amazing talent from Michael.

Love seeing the preparations for what's to come, filling in the back story of the characters, and the growth of what we love in this world.  Well, WELL worth reading, before or after the Riyria Revelations.

Tuesday Teaser (177)

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:

Melissa's Read:

She had no idea what she would say to Clever Jack, but she pushed on the door and entered the kitchen.

He sat exactly where her power had trapped him.  His arm was stuck inside the Lost and Found box, and he looked up at her, smiling.

Playing for Keeps
By:  Mur Lafferty
26 pg


Oh my goodness!  I finished listening to this story on iTunes yesterday.  I LOVED this superhero (and unlikely superheroes) story.  It had me smiling and enjoying their rough few days.  You can pick up the ebook for $4.99, or search for it on iTunes and listen for free.  Really something to have fun with!

Cover Reveal: Labyrinth of Stars

I'm thrilled to share this one!  I LOOOVE this series!  (okay, I'm 1 book behind - it's right here on my shelf - but I still LOOOVE this series!)

Daaang, I'm loving this new cover!

Marjorie shared this on Facebook, if you want to check it out there.

Labyrinth of Stars

A Hunter Kiss Novel #5

By:  Marjorie M. Liu

Due Out:  February 25, 2014

I just love these covers as they are related to the stories and characters.  Seeing Maxine here with her armor on her hand and sword and the boys tattooed on her...just love.  Love it.

Sunday Post #28

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

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And it seems I had another week short on book stuff. *sigh* Life has been busy this week so not much reading and such.  Here's to hoping this week coming is a bit calmer. :)

What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
Crossline by Russ Colchamiro

Playing for Keeps by Mur Lafferty - a podcast reading of the book, I'll start listening to while at work

Finished Last Week:
Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson

South Coast by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book, I'll start listening to while at work

Finished Podcast Book Listen:
I haven't got to the Podcasts yet.  I will, they are lining up on me.

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Last Week on the Blog:

Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)
None this week

Guest Posts:
Interview with Fantasy Author Ken Scholes
S.A. Huchton shared the Play list for Nemesis
Amanda Bonilla talks of 'Difficult Heroines and Remembering My Twenties'

Reviews:
Book Review:
Nemesis by S.A. Huchton

Vengeance Borne by Amanda Bonilla

GIVEAWAYS:

1 copy of Lamentation by Ken Scholes, ends 9/27/13
One Digital copy of Vengeance Borne by Amanda Bonilla, ends 9/29/13

Weekly Posts:

***NEW*** Mythical Monday - Margaret Ronald talking of the Children of the Sea.
Teaser Tuesday
Who? What? Where? Wend.
Throwback Thursday
Looking Forward To...
Freebies and Deals, on Nook too

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This Week to Come on the Blog:

This week is a light week in posts.  I will get two reviews up and my weekly meme's.

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Received Last Week:

Review:

Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:

Wildfire: A Paranormal Mystery with Cowboys and Dragons by Mina Khan
Goodreads Synopsis:
Lynn Hana Alexander is a 25-year-old Japanese American shape-shifter haunted by guilt. She’s been questioning herself and her dragon abilities ever since she failed to save her grandmother. 

When her best friend is threatened by mysterious fires burning up acres of West Texas, Lynn rushes to the rescue determined not to fail again. However, with a tempting firefighter, a flirty city developer and dragon pheromones distracting her, how is she going to find the arsonist?

And worse: is her primary suspect a malicious rogue dragon or the love of her life?

The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu
Goodreads Synopsis:
When out-of-shape IT technician Roen woke up and started hearing voices in his head, he naturally assumed he was losing it.

He wasn’t.

He now has a passenger in his brain – an ancient alien life-form called Tao, whose race crash-landed on Earth before the first fish crawled out of the oceans. Now split into two opposing factions – the peace-loving, but under-represented Prophus, and the savage, powerful Genjix – the aliens have been in a state of civil war for centuries. Both sides are searching for a way off-planet, and the Genjix will sacrifice the entire human race, if that’s what it takes.

Meanwhile, Roen is having to train to be the ultimate secret agent. Like that’s going to end up well…

The Deaths of Tao by Wesley Chu
Goodreads Synopsis:
The sequel to The Lives of Tao.

The Prophus and the Genjix are at war. For centuries they have sought a way off-planet, guiding humanity’s social and technological development to the stage where space travel is possible. The end is now in sight, and both factions have plans to leave the Earth, but the Genjix method will mean the destruction of the human race.

That’s a price they’re willing to pay.

It’s up to Roen and Tao to save the world. Oh, dear…

Ministry Protocol Edited by Tee Morris & Philippa Ballantine


Free Ebooks:

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Reviews in the Works:

The Rose and the Thorn by Michael J. Sullivan

Dragonsoul by Philippa Ballantine
Into Darkness by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Half Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Full Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book
Double Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book

Captain's Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book, I'll start listening to while at work

Into Chaos by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart

Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Owners Share by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book, I'll start listening to while at work