Book Review: House of Grey #5

House of Grey #5

By:  Collin Earl

Publish Date:  August 5, 2012

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy

Series:  5th in House of Grey series; 1st Book, 2nd Book, 3rd Book, 4th Book

First Glance Feel:  Magic in high school. It's all coming out! We are learning how the pieces fit together.

Synopsis:
Fantasy, friendship, and fate await you in Collin Earl’s The House of Grey, based on the popular audio fiction by the same name.

14-year-old Monson Grey faces the same challenges that any freshman high school kid would: difficult classes, weird teachers, food fights…girls. Except, Monson Grey is not Monson Grey. At least, when he looks at himself in the mirror, the scarred face staring back is not someone he recognizes.

Now he finds himself attending an extraordinary school, the recipient of an incredible scholarship, among ridiculously rich classmates, all with no memory of how he got there or what to expect.

All he has from his former life are the flashes of haunting images that plague his dreams and the echoing voices that he hears, but cannot see.

Luckily, Monson finds fast friendship in two of his classmates, Casey and Artorius. Little does Monson know, they too carry their own skeletons. Yet, as bizarre events start to unfold around them, Monson wonders what secrets lay buried in his mind or if he will ever be able to share his true fears with his newfound friends.

Join our three heroes as they roam the halls of the most prestigious high school in the country, finding love, mystery, and answers to their algebra homework- all while peeling away the layers of Monson’s shadowy past.

Author’s Note: The House of Grey was originally a serialized audio fiction. The Volume system begins the written adaptation of that story. Individual volumes do not contain the complete story. The Volumes contain 50,000 to 70,000 word chucks and are divided into ARCS. (ARC ONE, the Coren University Arc, consists of Volumes 1 through 6 and corresponds to the original podcast fiction) Each ARC will be available for a reduced price in an omnibus format. Original material for the continuation of the story starts in Volume 7

First Sentence:
Monson did not sleep much that night.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble

**Pick up the first 2 Volumes of the story on Amazon for FREE!
Book 1   /   Book 2

My Thoughts and Summary:
Things seem to iron out for Monson in many ways as the dance approaches, even with Taris. Kylie even comes around and her and Casey finally talk along with telling the group what is going on. Kylie is upset and is here to search for her lost sister, Sage. The day of the dance has come, and Monson has a bad feeling sitting deep in him. Something is going to happen.

I love that we dig a little deeper into the history of the area. And there's a long, dark past here. No one knows the exact reasons or explanations of the events that have happened. There are legends. But we see what the area has been through.

I'm thrilled that we get the scoop on Kylie and Casey, once best friends now...nothing. There is something there with them and it surfaces. Kylie's sister went to school here and went missing. We heard a piece of the story a few volumes ago but now we get Kylie's side of the story. Kylie is convinced her sister is alive and in hiding. Maybe our three musketeers will help Kylie look for her sister? I hope so.

All that we've learned of the characters and of the land starts to come together here. The history of the area plays into Sage's disappearance, at least Kylie thinks so. I even think the history is connected to other happenings. Everything is narrowing in to answer questions we've had, yet there is still mystery present in this volume as well. Oh and the things we learn about Monson... wow.

The day of the dance arrives! This dance is a huge event for the students with media and fun. Then, where there's a big even, not just big but a BIG event. lol. It all hits the fan here! The magic is unleashed and explained. The war is explained. Then the one person that has been after Monson is present. We talk to him. And oh the things he says...

This volume has caught my attention like the first few did. Volume 4 was slower, but set us up for what's to come here in volume 5 (and I think 6 too). This one had me racing to read and see what would come up next.

As much as I loved this volume, I felt like there were a few times I missed something or a few sentences were removed. I know kids at this age are easily distracted and redirected but what Monson, Casey, and Arturius set out to do gets side railed and forgotten at times. At the end I felt like I missed a small section.

I know Collin has said this is a serialized story and there is no good place to stop. (Boy where they stopped here has me rushing to get the next installment to know what happens.) I'm hoping the next volume has the missing pieces as everything is happening quickly now.

There is a big change at the end. It kept me reading as the curiosity and apprehension grew. I wanted to know what was going to come at us next.

I have my next volume and will be diving in now!

Book Review: House of Grey #4

House of Grey #4

By:  Collin Earl

Publish Date:  August 5, 2012

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy

Series:  4th in House of Grey series; 1st Book, 2nd Book, 3rd Book

First Glance Feel:  Magic in high school, with a fun group of boys who are learning about life.

Synopsis:
Fantasy, friendship, and fate await you in Collin Earl’s The House of Grey, based on the popular audio fiction by the same name.

14-year-old Monson Grey faces the same challenges that any freshman high school kid would: difficult classes, weird teachers, food fights…girls. Except, Monson Grey is not Monson Grey. At least, when he looks at himself in the mirror, the scarred face staring back is not someone he recognizes.

Now he finds himself attending an extraordinary school, the recipient of an incredible scholarship, among ridiculously rich classmates, all with no memory of how he got there or what to expect.

All he has from his former life are the flashes of haunting images that plague his dreams and the echoing voices that he hears, but cannot see.

Luckily, Monson finds fast friendship in two of his classmates, Casey and Artorius. Little does Monson know, they too carry their own skeletons. Yet, as bizarre events start to unfold around them, Monson wonders what secrets lay buried in his mind or if he will ever be able to share his true fears with his newfound friends.

Join our three heroes as they roam the halls of the most prestigious high school in the country, finding love, mystery, and answers to their algebra homework- all while peeling away the layers of Monson’s shadowy past.

Author’s Note: The House of Grey was originally a serialized audio fiction. Volume 4 continues the written adaptation of that story told in a six part series. Individual volumes do not contain the complete story.

First Sentence:
Monson, Artorius, and Casey sat around Monson's coffee table staring at the completely ordinary envelope.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Noble

**Pick up the first 2 Volumes of the story on Amazon for FREE!
Book 1   /   Book 2

My Thoughts and Summary:
Monson is left with the letter Mr. Baroty gave him. Opening it he finds a place and time to meet Baroty... Casey and Artorius are not sure about the secret meeting with this man. Monson wants to meet, even if it's alone, to learn more of his forgotten past. Monson learns that there are those here at the school that can give him a view into his past; of his grandfather and what happened at the bridge that day he lost his memories. He finds an unexpected new friend who is able to give a hint to his past, and more that's inside him. What he thought were simple dream seem to be much more and surface here.

We get to see Cassius in full attack action! Sooo coool! (He's one of my favorite characters.) And the best, yet maybe strange, part is it brings something out in Monson. Monson isn't sure why this happens, and Casey doesn't seem to believe Monson can 'see' his special move. It's not something to see or feel, but to affect.

This book dives more into the magical essences. We also learn of some deals that Monson's Grandfather had done. The biggest part, we get more into Monson and what sleeps deep in him, which is now starting to awake and surface. We dig deeper into Monson's head with him and learn a few things, but we, like Monson, don't get all the explanations as he's not ready for what it is, that it could still be dangerous for Monson. I get the feeling that it may not all be a danger to him from knowing, but from others who suspect he knows. That someone wants his knowledge and power.

The Spring Solstice is the big dance where the elite attendance and attention. Monson is one of the boys nominated for Augustine. And as a freshman, Monson draws more attention to himself. Who he asks to go to the dance with him makes a bigger splash than he expected.

The closing in of the Spring Solstice dance introduces the boys to girl troubles. The complications in Monson's life and learning about who he is creates obstacles that Monson has to hurdle, and not let the girls know or down with their hopes and plans. Monson, Casey, and Arturious start to interact with the girls on a different level here, and try to figure them out.

Oh the magic that's present and what we learn... Wow. This book is the one that the magic really starts to pop and be ever present and acknowledged as so. We learn some information about the bridge on 'that day'. Monson sounds even more special than I even originally thought.

Even with all the magic we learn, this section felt a bit slower than the previous segments. Though it's not stopping me from moving on! I love the idea of the magics here and the characters.

I still strongly think kids would enjoy this boys and the special characteristics they possess. They are so fun together with their banter and ideas. They are good kids, but kids.

Mythical Monday (39)

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:

Young Adult Fantasy author Collin Earl

Talking of Dragons.

So the mythology...tough one really, because I don't think that I really want to pick one, but if I absolutely had to I think I would have to go with dragons. Hands down not even a contest. And now unfortunately for all of you readers in BlogLand, now I've started.

So dragons are interesting not only because they are giant scale covered walking fire spiters (though that too is the case), but because they are found in just about every culture and mythology on earth. There are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons: the European dragon derived from European folk traditions and ultimately related to Greek and Middle Eastern mythologies, and the Chinese dragon, with counterparts in Japan, Korea and other East Asian countries.These cultural dragons differ quite a bit, but at the same time share many traits as such dragon mythology takes many forms through out history, to the wise celestial dragon of Chinese to the spiteful demon/dragon of the Bible. All of these renditions are interesting, don't get me wrong, but if I were be completely honest I take the most amount of influence from what I've seen dragons become in today's modern story telling. I am going to talk about one aspect of this "inspiration factor"; I will try to keep it short.

So if you were to look at the Wikapedia page about dragons http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dragons_in_literature#1990s you'd see many different versions of dragons there. For example, In Legon Awakening, by Nick Taylor, dragons represent not only the god figures of the humanoid societies (Elves, humans and Dark Elves equivalent call Agunmeta) but also the pinnacle of magical "power" evolution. (level 8 magicians, which in the scale of magical ability expounded in the Legon World is the highest attainable level, manifests itself with the ability to physical change shape and become a dragon, which is totally cool.) Power, magic, the ability to do stuff outside the norm are all functions of dragons in this series, which isn't that uncommon to the story telling versions of dragons, what is uncommon is the religious mythology surrounding dragons as creators of society, (the god figure in the Legon Series is actually a giant Golden Dragon.) I can totally understand where this dragon god creation concept came from and how easily Mr. Taylor adapted Dragons into their roles as deities. Power, wisdom, the ability to function outside society are all aspects of the traditional historical dragons of western and eastern mythologies. Take for that this creature filled the role of god quite nicely--it wasn't even that much of a stretch from a mythology concept.

Lets look at another series. one that is more main stream. The Inheritance Cycle by Christoper Paolini, Dragons in his four book series, while playing a central role, are no more godlike then anyone else, they do however have a lot of the traits that we, as readers/consumers, have traditional associated with these creatures--that of infinite life span, the ability to breath fire, unparalleled wisdom etc. The connection of the dragon and the rider in this series is paramount; its really what shapes the series and I would dare say that it would be difficult to establish this "Dragon Rider" plot point, with any other mythical creatures simply because of how familiar people are with dragons. (Think of griffin riders - seriously not the same thing.)

How does this inspire me you might ask? Well I am always looking for ways for tell old story concepts in new compelling ways. For example, the modern fantasy with mythological deities entering the modern world, I like to call it urban mythology, (Percy Jackson) seems to be a common subject matter of the masses these days. I currently have a series right now i'm actively working which falls right into this urban mythology genre, but where dragons will play a roll in connecting mythologies and pantheons of gods across the ages. I decided to use dragons as this all wise semi-godlike race, instead of making something up or using another mythological creature, because I feel like it was something that fans of the genre will recognize and "relate" to allowing their subconscious suspension of disbelief to takeover more quickly because of past exposure to the concept of the dragon.

You're confused. I understand. Allow me to explain it like this.

There is a current anime out called Nobunaga the Fool (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobunaga_the_Fool) - this anime takes the "recognition" concept that I have been talking about with dragons and instead uses historical figures applied in a completely different mythology. In Nobunaga the Fool, the Western world of our culture and the Eastern world of Asian cultures are divided across two different planets or stars which are connected (or were) through a dragon pulse. To quote the Wiki page

"The Western Planet and the Eastern Planet. Once upon a time, the two sides were bound by the "Dragon Pulse" spanning the heavens. The civilization that once had prospered has now turned to a tale of dreams, as the inextinguishable flames of war tear the realm asunder. The two planets remain engulfed in endless battles. The return of the super technology known as "sacred treasures" could revolutionize the world order, but no one knows of them but one person—a "heretical girl." A girl from the Western Planet, Jeanne Kaguya d'Arc, saw heavenly visions of the birth of a "Savior King" who will save the world. She embarks on a journey to the Eastern Planet with Leonardo da Vinci, "the one who observes the world." They come across the heretic of the Eastern Planet and "the greatest fool of the day," Oda Nobunaga."

The main character is Oda Nobunaga a massively important figure from Japanese history. This isn't all however, Jeanne of Arc, Leonarado Da Vinici, King Arthur are all characters in this story. The authors/animators took historical figures and placed them in a steam punk fantasy providing name recognition that instantly helps you draw connections to characters. The simple act of placing a recognizable name allows you some insight into the character and how they should act thus enabling audiences to connect to characters more quickly.Brilliant really.

I believe that dragons have done this for me in my series (or will as the series with the dragons as a focal point isn't out yet). People who read fantasy with any amount of frequency will recognize that the dragons of my story will feed into some preconceived notions but at the same time bring something new. This combination of the old and the new, the recognizable and the distinguished will hopefully enable my readers to connect to my world faster and allow for that true immersion experience.

Or maybe I am just over thinking it...

I guess only time will tell.


Author Bio:
Collin J. Earl is an attorney, the CLO of Darkfire Productions and the writer of the House of Grey. Collin contributes his articles/post as one of his many “stops” for this 2012 House of Grey Promotional Blog Tour. Find out more on twitter/CollinEarl and at www.CollinEarl.com

Author Links:
Site:  Collin Earl
Twitter:  @CollinEarl

Books Currently Out:
(1st 2 books of House of Grey are FREE)


(1st book of Harmonics is FREE)

Author's Favorite Quotes Young Adult, Collin Earl

I wanted to include authors of books I've loved.  And what better way of including them then having quotes from the books?  A great way to introduce you to the books and share a bit from them.

One of my Young Adult top picks is The House of Grey by Collin Earl.  I've read the first three volumes and can't wait to get to the remaining ones.  This is one creative world with a bit of everything in it.  I think there are many who would enjoy this story, even ones who enjoy the Harry Potter series.

Collin has shared a snippet for us:

"Well, that’s just silly,” said Monson amusedly.

“Don’t try and stop me, Grey,” said Casey dramatically. “I have no intention—”

“Casey.”

“Of allowing their artistic repression—”

“Casey!”

“To dampen my poetic spirit—”

“CASEY!”

Casey abruptly stopped talking. “What?”

"I don’t plan on stopping you.”

“What?”

“I said, I don’t plan on stopping you.”

Casey looked baffled at this. “What do you mean, you don’t plan on stopping me?” Monson sighed. “If you want to throw yourself from the top of Mt. Rainer, I don’t plan on stopping you. I was just going to say that any of the buildings here would suffice for a venture of that type. You only need a couple of stories to fall from, especially if you go headfirst. Going all the way to Mt. Rainer would be a waste of gas; you should be more worried about global warming."

******

“I maintain that life would be a great deal more interesting if people broke out in random song and dance, supported by a laugh track.”

******

You sure are pissy today. Do you need a hug?”

“From you? I think I’ll pass.”

“Your loss. I give great hugs"

Do remember the first book of House of Grey if free in all ebook formats!  (even Volume 2 is free on Amazon!)

Book Review: The House of Grey Vol. 3

The House of Grey Volume 3

By:  Collin Earl

Published By:  SilverStone Books

Publish Date:  May 2, 2012

Format:  eNovella, 150pgs

Genre:  YA Modern Fantasy Thriller

Series:  3rd in series of The House of Grey; 1st Volume, 2nd Volume

Recommendation:  Yep! If you've come this far in this magical tale, you'll want to keep going.  You're curious just as much as me about what happened on that bridge.  You start to get that information here.

Book Synopsis:
Fantasy, friendship, and fate await you in Collin Earl's The House of Grey, based on the popular audio fiction by the same name.

14-year-old Monson Grey faces the same challenges that any freshman high school kid would: difficult classes, weird teachers, food fights...girls.  Except, Monson Grey is not Monson Grey.  At least, when he looks at himself in the mirror, the scarred face staring back is not someone he recognizes.

Now he finds himself attending an extraordinary school, the recipient of an incredible scholarship, among ridiculously rich classmates, all with no memory of how he got there or what to expect.

All he has from his former life are the flashes of haunting images that plague his dreams and the echoing voices that he hears, but cannot see.

Luckily, Monson finds fast friendship in two of his classmates, Casey and Artorius.  Little does Monson know, they too carry their own skeletons.  Yet, as bizarre events start to unfold around them, Monson wonders what secrets lay buried in his mind or if he will ever be able to share his true fears with his newfound friends.

Join our three heroes as they roam the halls of the most prestigious high school in the country, finding love, mystery, and answers to their algebra homework - all while peeling away the layers of Monson's shadowy past.

First Sentence:
The locker room was alive with energy.

Purchase At:

Amazon   /   Barnes & Nobles

*Note: You can start this series with the first book as it's free in all formats:  Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords

My Thoughts and Summary:
The above synopsis is a wonderful overview of the whole serialized series.  In this volume we touch on the man in the mirror, looking back at Monson.  We see of what happened at the Bridge accident and how relates to his haunting images.  Monson starts to wonder if what's buried in his mind could be something someone doesn't want out.  But what is it?

The homecoming football game is a hit!  They won and Monson found himself, unexpectedly, with a catch and touchdown that wins the game.  Monson doesn't play football, yet magically he played like he had for years.  When leaving the stadium Monson is saved by one of his best friends, Arturious, who takes his place.  Monson has lived through another 'near-death' moment, making him wonder if someone is after him.  However, there is another who doesn't make it.  Monson then takes on title of cursed...  Monson remembers nothing of his past, let alone that dreadful day that he solely survived and left him scarred, but pieces about and videos are starting to surface, showing parts of what did happen.

This volume felt as the story was slower at the beginning as Monson is learning things with action packed happenings, making him wonder about himself.  Along with making you curious too.  In the end, it picks up steam and brings all you've learned together.

Monson is seriously starting to wonder what he knows of that sad day that stole his memories and so much more.  Could there be something there that some one would kill him for, to keep him quiet?  However, he remembers nothing.  But can there be someone out there not willing to take a chance of his memory returning?

These are questions posed and make me wonder as well.  Poor Monson feels he's going crazy with these thoughts and those of a mirror Monson that appears to be evil.  Monson's inner self seems ready to surface and have Monson question who he was before the bridge accident.

We start to learn pieces of what happened on the bridge and in the world around what the bridge meant.

There is one thing with this volume that I want to warn you about.  There are editing errors present with words and punctuation.  They might be fixed now, maybe some of it is from formatting, I don't know.  But in all I still loved the story told and the boys.  They make me relax with their humor.

I have to say I continue to enjoy Monson, Cassius, and Arturious.  They are a great crew and make me smile.  I do enjoyed their good humor and jokes with each other.  We've even added a few girls visiting more.  Who add to the banter splendidly.  We start to see the deeper connections all these kids have in the adult world as well.  However, Monson still seems to be a blank, like his memory.

So many new hints dropped here.  More mystery and questions.  Yet as the end comes Collin feeds us a few answers.  I'm looking forward to learning about Monson as things unfold in the last three books.  And I'm glad they are all out and available now.



*I read this volume for an honest review from the author.

Who? What? Where? (106)

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:

Monson and I are sitting in the hospital wing of his elite school.  After the incident with the car coming at him, there is thought that Monson might think someones out for him.  After the few unfortunate events that have happened to him.  But, being here doesn't seem so bad as he listens to the massage therapist and aromatherapy adviser talk, and who are what Monson calls hot.  I do think there is something more magical with this school though.

The House of Grey
Volume 3
By:  Collin Earl

Volume one of this serialized story is free to try in any eformat.

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!

Author Interview with Collin Earl

As many of you know I've read the first two volumes of Collin Earl's story, The House of Grey.  I was pleasantly surprised with the first volume and dove right into the second.  If it wasn't for time being so hard on me, I'd be done with this serialized story already!  Today I have Collin Earl here for an interview.

If you are curious about my thoughts on the first to volumes:

Volume 1

Volume 2

Please extend a warm welcome to Collin...

M:  Hi Collin! Welcome to the blog. It’s a pleasure to have you here today. 

I’ve read the first two volumes of your current series; The House of Grey. Wow. I was taken in with all the elements present in the first one. I even made the comment, “This story gives me a magical feel of the big world like Harry Potter with an Arthurian flare.” I have to say I was taken with this one. 

Now, can we start with you giving a brief description of this serial? 

CE:  Wow that’s a loaded question – The House of Grey is a modern Fantasy thriller that follows the life of Monson Grey as he take ups his position as the “Horum Vir” (or Hero) of Coren University, the most prestigious private high school in the world. Monson’s life in this rich kid school is unique as not only does he take up the Horum Vir position, but he does so after suffering aminesa and having scars all over his body from a tragic incident just months before where over 300 people died and Monson was the sole survivor.

Shortly after arrival at school, strange things start happening…

M:  The term serial sounds so different from series, why did you use it? What’s the difference? 

CE:  I think the best description is found in the “Message from the Author” section found in the first volume – Before you start this adventure with me, I want to give you a word of caution. This is NOT a traditional novel—not even close. The House of Grey has always been a labor of love for me as an author. I wrote it mainly because I wanted something that I thought I would enjoy—a story that spread across genres and spoke to many different readers and tastes. I wanted a story that had action, comedy, romance, and thrills, spearheaded by a dynamic, diverse, and lovable cast. I got just that in The House of Grey, which was released as a serialized audio book through iTunes and Podiobooks.com from 2008 to 2010.

Because the characters and plot were so dynamic, it ended up blossoming into a 300,000-word beast of a tale. It was a great story, as confirmed by the hundreds of thousands of downloads and hundreds of reviews from fans, yet the problem was its sheer size. From a publishing standpoint, there was no way to split The House of Grey into manageable story lines without losing some of the stuff that makes it great. Basically, the book was too big and dang near impossible to change without completely changing the story. Thus, my dilemma: what do I do with this book that touched so many people with its characters and story, and turn it into something that I can feed into the mainstream YA novel format?

That's when it hit me—I should put the story out on my terms. So, I now introduce you to The House of Grey Volumized Series. Since the story got its start as a serialized audio production, I decided to apply that model to The House of Grey print version. I know that if you are willing to break from the norm, this story will rock your socks off.

M:  Is this story finished with the latest volume you are celebrating the release of today? 

CE:  Yes! Yes I am!. The 6th volume of the House of Grey should be out today!

M:  Awesome! Everyone can start and finish it now. :)

M:  I saw on your site this series has everything you wanted in a story. What all elements did you want? 

CE:  I wanted all of them because I think different “theme genres” help to make a rounded story. Romance, thriller, comedy, action should be in a story because I think people have those elements in their lives-- things are funny, people fall in love, and things can become exciting. I like those things to be in a story because I think they are natural.

M:  I have to say I like the blend here so far.  And we'll have to chat on that subject one day...maybe another visit here to the blog?

M:  I’ll admit, I’m only two volumes in, but you’ve built up the mystery of Monson and the school along with other characters. You enjoy keeping the reader flipping pages, don’t you? Lol. 

CE:  I try! I intend to take over the world. Lofty goal I understand, but I think I can handle it.

M:  Haha, Well Collin, I think you might be on a start.  I'll have to stay on your good side. LOL! ;D

M:  In some YA reads we have kids being shipped off to finishing or private schools, and the kids don’t always like it. Was that an influence in creating Coren University as an Elite school for brilliant kids, and that they want to be here? 

CE:  Yeah, I think so. The school makes the happenings and events in Coren convenient for the story line and the future happenings. I tend to think that teenagers would like to be away from home.

M:  I really got the feel that these kids wanted to be here in what I've read so far.  I like that about this school.

M:  Okay, fun question time. These are ones I ask on all first interviews. 

One question I ask all visitors… If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? 

CE:  Ireland. I want a castle. If there is anyone that wants to give it to me, I would love you forever.

M:  Tea or coffee? 

CE:  Choffy. (Ground cocoa) Awesome!

M:  Really!  Is there such a thing?  I'm going to have to look into that, sounds delicious.

M:  Favorite Color? 

CE:  Blue Favorite

M:  Childhood Fictional Creature? 

CE:  Unicorn (Shut up! Don’t judge me;)

M:  Haha, Unicorns are cool.  And full of magic. ;)

M:  Now as an adult what’s your Favorite Fictional Creature? 

CE:  Umm…Lock Ness – Discovery channel owns me.

M:  Favorite Word? (any word at all) 

CE:  Booya!

M:  Collin, Thank you greatly for stopping by the blog! I wish you all the best on your tour and with the House of Grey series.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Collin is celebrating the release of the 6th, and final, volume of The House of Grey this week.

Here's the great thing...  If you want to try this series, just try the first volume, IT'S FREE!!  In all ebook formats:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

Sony

Smashwords

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Collin Earl:
Collin J. Earl is an attorney, the CLO of Darkfire Productions and the writer of the House of Grey. Collin contributes his articles/post as one of his many “stops” for this 2012 House of Grey Promotional Blog Tour. Find out more on twitter/CollinEarl and at www.CollinEarl.com

You can also find Collin Earl:

Twitter:  @CollinEarl

Goodreads

Book Review: The House of Grey Vol. 2

The House of Grey Volume 2

By:  Collin Earl

Published By:  SilverStone Books

Publish Date:  April 2, 2012

Format:  eNovella, 123pg

Genre:  YA Modern Fantasy Thriller

Series:  2nd in series of The House of Grey; 1st Volume

Recommendation:  Oh yes, more magical feel to the characters.

Book Synopsis:
Fantasy, friendship, and fate await you in Collin Earl's The House of Grey, based on the popular audio fiction by the same name.

14-year-old Monson Grey faces the same challenges that any freshman high school kid would: difficult classes, weird teachers, food fights...girls.  Except, Monson Grey is not Monson Grey.  At least, when he looks at himself in the mirror, the scarred face staring back is not someone he recognizes.

Now he finds himself attending an extraordinary school, the recipient of an incredible scholarship, among ridiculously rich classmates, all with no memory of how he got there or what to expect.

All he has from his former life are the flashes of haunting images that plague his dreams and the echoing voices that he hears, but cannot see.

Luckily, Monson finds fast friendship in two of his classmates, Casey and Artorius.  Little does Monson know, they too carry their own skeletons.  Yet, as bizarre events start to unfold around them, Monson wonders what secrets lay buried in his mind or if he will ever be able to share his true fears with his newfound friends.

Join our three heroes as they roam the halls of the most prestigious high school in the country, finding love, mystery, and answers to their algebra homework - all while peeling away the layers of Monson's shadowy past.

First Sentence:
A red mist encircled Casey.

Purchase At:

Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Barnes & Noble ~ Nook

My Thoughts and Summary:
Classes are underway.  There are good times and bad with the kids.  There's a crew who plan on wanting the Horum Vir title.  Girls seem to flock to Monson.  Coren gets more interesting with the people we meet and what they do...kind of magical in their ways.  The duties of being Horum Vir start to surface here with the public relations Monson has to do for the football team and face of the school.

This volume picks up at the very moment we stopped in volume 1.  Thank you Collin!  I really needed to know what was happening.  This volume doesn't end at such a cliffhanger point, but as Collin has mentioned there really is no good point in which to break with this story and that is very true.  When the break comes, I'm always glad he didn't stop somewhere else.  This story line has kept me interested and flipping pages to see what else will happen and what mysterious yet curious thing will any character do next.  It feels like magic here!

The boys now deal with girl problems, of all sorts - good, bad and strange, like normal teens.  There is humiliation, threats and taunts of a bully, along with juggling homework and sports.  Along the way Monson makes a few new friends and an enemy or two.

Oh, our trio - Monson, Casey, and Artorius - make me so curious!  There is more to them than we know, there has to be!  Casey gets to shine and show off his abilities in the starts of this volume.  You will be amazed!  We also get to meet an amazing fencer; Cyann.  She is an interesting and curious one for me as well.  Then we learn more about Daimon Peterman (aka The Diamond) and become rather curious of his sudden rise to the top and the mysterious question of, where did he come from?

This volume is more modern version of things with school, relationships, football, and classes.  There is the overlaying feeling of magic to bring the fantasy sense to the surface.  The mythology sense is mentioned and is there, but still I'm curious to learn about myths mentioned and a past sad tragedy that happened here not so long ago.  One of our boys is related to this some how, and there is more about Monson that is hinted at here.  What a way to peck my curiosity and interest, constantly with hints of pieces.

I have to say I'm glad five of the six volumes are out and the sixth coming soon as this is a story line I want to finish soon, real soon.  There is so much magical possibility here that I want to see what I'm thinking is magic really is.  And what the secret is about Monson.  On to the third volume for me!



**I read this story for an honest review from the Author.

Book Review: Rise of the Magician

Rise of the Magician

By:  Collin Earl & Chris Snelgrove

Publisher:  SilverStone Books

Publish Date:  March 15, 2011

Format:  Paperback 256pgs; 6"x 9"

Genre:  YA Fantasy, Dystopian

Series:  1st in Harmonics series

Recommendation:  For a reader who likes to watch the pieces come together.

Book Synopsis:
Samantha Montgomery of Academy City 676 always dreamed of life outside of school.  Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for...

A rogue weapons manufacturer, a ruthless killer, and a schoolgirl converge as a weapon so advanced it defies the laws of physics is a mere breath away from being unleashed on the world.  Now it's up to Sam and some unexpected allies to keep it out of the wrong hands or risk losing everything, and everyone, they hold dear.

A defense contractor on the rampage, an assassin out for blood, and Sam caught in the middle.

When the reality you know ceases to be, can you live with the reality yet to come?

First Sentence:
"'Gone'?  What do you mean 'gone'?"

Purchase At:

Amazon ~ Kindle & Print   /   Smashwords (eformat)

*note, the ebook version of this book is free at both venues.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Two projects, weapons of a sort but not titled as such, stolen from an impenetrable base and a magic bomb is left to remove any remains.  Five years later, Dr. Shu's guard is blindly attacked and someone takes the computer/human interface doctor.  Scott, the man on video security never thought he'd make this call that's out of proto-call as requested for a favor.  A voice tells him what to do.  Two days later Dirk, a relic hunter in a Sacred temple in the burning plains doesn't realize he's being followed by Roman.  Roman learns of Shu's death and try to warn another.  The other is trying to get information from a man that is assassinated.  The news marks the assassinations as being done by a magician.

Then we get to the meat of the story of Dr Thurman being brought aboard an interface lab and projects that are of his original theory work and was 'borrowed.'  Hoping to turn Recover of Project to a Termination of Project, along with those who stole and unleashed it.  Then we find ourselves with Samantha a simple girl from Partical Palace who's not fitting in with the High Track (rich) or Low Track (poor) kids.  She suddenly seems to become popular, or at least noticed by others after she finds a mysterious tin box floating in the lake on her way to class.  Something has changed, she has changed.  Then when the school goes on lock down with a potential threat, every corner could mean death without the help of one friend.

This story is well planned out with all the details and connections.  You see how the people over time that are assassinated are all connected in some way, not knowing that they all are affiliated with each other.  And the mysterious plan used with planted people, someone had been working on this idea for some time - the assassin.  We get a view from the victims and the special investigators of the lost project, and appretences to the crime and have no idea how the tiny pieces they assist with fit into the bigger plan.

We meet our current day characters Sam, Cammie, Richard, Coda, and Adam at school in Academy City 676.  We learn of the "classifications" based on money.  The world is different as it's broken up and reorganized into groups.  We have technology here as well.  There are holograms and computer/human interface.  A future world feel with a dash of dytopian past.  I'm curious how all fits together in the story to come.

This book feels like there is a broad story started here a the beginning.  I was nervous at the beginning with so much back story.  But by the end it's start to narrow in and connect.  We see the ties through out, but still want the narrower vision to who is what and what they are all after.  I'm left more curious about Richard, whom I've come to love, and Sam, who is more than we know and still want to know.  This of all the other kids too!

Shame on Collin and Chris leaving me with such burning questions in the end.  Good thing I have book two.  I'm looking forward to all the pieces coming together in the next books.

I don't know which versions have it, they may all have it, but in the print book I have there is an excerpt from Book 2, and I say go ahead and read it.  It'll answer a few questions for you at the end of this one.  I really like that this chapter was added to ease my mind some.

This is a Young Adult read, but with the depth of the story and connecting the characters and happenings I would say this is for older Young Adults.



**I read this book for an honest review from the author.
**This review is my own thoughts as I went through.

Book Review: The House of Grey Vol. 1

The House of Grey, Volume 1

By:  Collin Earl

Publisher:  SilverStone Books

Publish Date:  March 8, 2012

Format:  eBook

Genre:  YA Modern Fantasy Thriller

Series:  1st in series of The House of Grey

Recommendation:  Oh yes, a serialed story with an Arthurian twist and fun characters.

Book Synopsis:
Fantasy, friendship, and fate await you in Collin Earl's The House of Grey, based on the popular audio fiction by the same name.

14-year-old Monson Grey faces the same challenges that any freshman high school kid would: difficult classes, weird teachers, food fights...girls.  Except, Monson Grey is not Monson Grey.  At least, when he looks at himself in the mirror, the scarred face staring back is not someone he recognizes.

Now he finds himself attending an extraordinary school, the recipient of an incredible scholarship, among ridiculously rich classmates, all with no memory of how he got there or what to expect.

All he has from his former life are the flashes of haunting images that plague his dreams and the echoing voices that he hears, but cannot see.

Luckily, Monson finds fast friendship in two of his classmates, Casey and Artorius.  Little does Monson know, they too carry their own skeletons.  Yet, as bizarre events start to unfold around them, Monson wonders what secrets lay buried in his mind or if he will ever be able to share his true fears with his newfound friends.

Join our three heroes as they roam the halls of the most prestigious high school in the country, finding love, mystery, and answers to their algebra homework - all while peeling away the layers of Monson's shadowy past.

First Sentence:
It was an average day in Western Washington, where average people went about their average lives.

Purchase At:

Amazon ~ Kindle   /   Smashwords   /   Barnes & Nobles

*Note; this book is free in eformat on all venues.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Monson Grey comes to his new home, Coren University - in a valley in the middle of the only temperate rain forest in the world.  Monson doesn't remember much of his past or how he got accepted to this school.  Monson finds a few fast loyal friends, a girl he has his eye on along with another girl who seems to be trouble for him, in an elite school known for it's prestige.  Yet Monson has no idea what's expected of him or why he's treated so royally.  Monson will find his way through this magical school with new friends and strange nightmares, maybe remembering a few things and learning who he was, along with who he is as well.

We have a prelude that starts at Coren University Academic Scholarship Competition where it seems the underdog is giving the Champion a run for his money, and the people are excited for him.  It's almost a game show atmosphere.  A man is noticed by a little girl at the back and the man does magic.  And it seems as the man in charge doesn't want the underdog to win.  We learn later this boy that won was Monson.  I wonder as to why this magical man wants Monson to go to this school.  What's in store for Monson?

I was nervous going into the starts of this serialized story.  The genre title of 'modern fantasy thriller' kind of scared me.  But I will say after the first part of the story, I'm hooked.  I'm scurrying to see how I can get all the rest of the stories in now.

I was caught right away with magic in the prelude.  I'm a sucker for magic, what can I say?  Then through the story I got the feel there is something more magical about this school than we, or Monson, know.  A statue winks as an example.

Monson is a quick witted young man who is more than meets the eye, even his own.  By the end of this section of the story, I was wondering what more there was to him, and him having loss of memory doesn't know either.  He's 14 years old.  Monson is scarred, physically.  His face is scarred from a severe accident that he was the only survivor of.  Yet he has no memory of this accident, or before it.  Monson notes his nightmares, yet when he wakes he doesn't remember them either.  He wants to as they seem of another life.

We meet Monson's fast friends, Cassius who goes by Casey and Arthur who wants to be called Artorius.  I can see why Monson quickly liked Casey and Artorius.  They are fun and the banter is well done.  These three boys are quick at one liners and comebacks that are fun and witty.

The school is elite!  Fancy.  The wealthiest and most exclusive school to go to.  There are regular kids like Monson, on scholarships.  The kids going to this school look at it as a privilege not a punishment.  They want to be here, which is nice to see as it's not just a school that kids are shipped off to.  I got the feel the school is a blend of Arthurian, Greek, Latin, and Roman structure and feel of presence.

Collin blends in jokes with shows, songs, and great current items to bring the modern to the world.  And we have a feel of fantasy in this school with a sense of magic hidden behind the walls that we haven't seen yet.  We then have an Arthurian twist to the story with the characters, then in our history class we start to talk about Merlin...

This story gives me a magical feel of the big world like Harry Potter with an Arthurian flare.  Easy and relaxing yet intriguing with a feel there is more behind and implied in the happenings, leaving you want more.  With just reading this one part of the story, I'd think Harry Potter fans would enjoy it.

This is a Young Adult read, and I would suggest this for any 12 and older.  The story is of a young man, Monson, and two male friends.  So as I would suggest it to any young adult, if you are looking for reads for young boys (I know they are hard to find) this would be a very good one to add to the list.

Collin explains up front this is a serialized story and there is no good way to break it down.  Well, good thing that just about all the story is out for us at this point as I can't wait to continue with this story.  Collin also mentions he wants to write what he wants to read.  If this is it, he's got my attention.  I'll be looking for many more books and finishing this serialized story soon.


**I read this for an honest review from the author.
**This review is a collection of my thoughts on the read.

Teaser Tuesday (137)

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:

Casey smiled and bowed.  Monson chuckled as his eyes wandered toward the window.  The image of a cruel smile from underneath the unnatural blackness of a hood jumped out at him so unexpectedly that he flinched.

The House of Grey
Volume 1
By:  Collin Earl
91pg

Who? What? Where? (83)

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 just started this one last night, so not far in yet, but lots of questions starting.

This Week:

I'm with Dirk in a sacred temple in the burning plains, where he just found a relic he was looking for...a jeweled scimitar.  However, Dirk has no idea Roman is looking for him.  I feel the tension of a confrontation coming.

Harmonics:
Rise of the Magician
By:  Collin Earl & Chris Snelgrove


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!

Teaser Tuesday (135)

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

I haven't started this one yet, but it's on the agenda this week to start.

This Week:

The atmosphere instantly changed.  Men wearing dark uniforms walked in and started to escort the students to reinforced lockable classrooms that were more akin to bomb shelters than places of learning.

Harmonics
Rise of the Magician
By:  Collin Earl & Chris Snelgrove
96pg


Book Description:
Set in our world in the near future, Harmonics: Rise of the Magician follows the life of Samantha Montgomery of Academy City 676, a normal primary education girl, and the actions of MESA, a defense contractor responsible for the world's most advanced weaponry. Elsewhere in other parts of the world, the super governments of United Western Collective and the Jade Empire follow the exploits and dealings of the world's most notorious assassin, a man known only as "The Magician". Some consider him a myth, others think of him as a legend, while others still believe he's the world's most brutal slayer of men. Still all look on in awe at any mention of the Magician. With the supposed ability to manipulate his surroundings at will, the world has seen the actions of this man whose purpose and identity remains hidden. They all look for him. The government, the fans, the law enforcement agencies search the world over for him without really knowing how truly dangerous he is...

They're about to find out. 

A school in siege, a weapon so advanced it defies the law of physics, an assassin out for blood, and Samantha caught in the middle. When reality as you know it ceases to be, can you live with the reality yet to come? Join Sam as she discovers for herself how dangerous life outside of school really is.