Lehoux's Fantasy Books in Re-Release

 

Masquerade
Third book in THE SEVY SERIES
Author: Sarah-Jane Lehoux.
Information on the series: http://sarah-janelehoux.com/sevyseries.htm

Genre: Fantasy

Original Publisher: Mundania Press, 2010..
Now in re-release by the author.

Reviewer's Rating for Masquerade: 5 of 5 Frodos

ISBNs:

Thief:   ISBN 148417433X  ISBN-13: 978-1484174333

Shades of War:  ISBN: 148485716X  ISBN-13: 978-1484857168

Masquerade:  ISBN: 1484860292  ISBN-13: 978-1484860298

Reviewed by Eric Townsend originally for Frodo’s Blog of Randomness

 

 

I’m pretty sure that it is Sarah-Jane’s mission in life to torture her characters, most especially Sevy. However, that doesn’t prevent Masquerade from being an excellent addition to the series. Sevy has to battle a whole host of new enemies, most of all the seemingly all-powerful Kirydan who quickly manages to get her wrapped around his finger.

The characters in Masquerade are, as is par for the course with the Sevy Series, the greatest strength of the book. Revik, the dark elf, takes on a greater role as he attempts to help Sevy escape from Kirydan. We find out more of Revik’s devotion toward his family and delve deeper into who he is as a person, as well as some hard sacrifices he is willing to make for a friend. While Sevy is still the focal point of Masquerade, she’d have it no other way, she isn’t like herself for the vast majority of the book. Under Kirydan’s spell she acts more and more like his pet/love slave, which is truly hard to watch, or in this case read.

 

The void of a heroine is taken up by Revik’s daughter, Yy’voura. A new character in the series, Yy’voura is a fun loving young dark elf who seems to want nothing more than to play yet another game with her friends, unfortunately those friends include Kirydan who has messed with her mind in a powerful way. As the book progresses we learn more about who Yy’voura truly is and what lengths she will go to in order to help her family.

 

Kirydan is an excellent villain. He’s got magical powers (always helps), good looks (doesn’t hurt) and even seems to have control over certain magical creatures as well. While he is definitely contemptible there is a vulnerability and a tortured past that gives the reader, as well as the other characters in Masquerade, just enough pause which is just what he wants. He’s corrupted, twisted and pitiable, and while that might seem slightly cliché it works in this case.

 

The plot is very heavily focused on the back and forth between attempted freeing of Sevy and company and further conquest by Kirydan. It is a balanced battle and will keep the reader anxious to find out which side will come out victorious, and what price they will have to pay in order to do so. For those of you who like a little naughtiness mixed in with your fantasy, Masquerade delivers just the right amount. With romance, daring attempts at rescue, a freakishly powerful yet seductive villain and plenty of magic Masquerade delivers the perfect combination.

 

As you can clearly tell, I thoroughly enjoyed Masquerade, just as I have with [earlier books in the series] Thief and Shades of War. While they have all been excellent books in my opinion, the elements in Masquerade work even more perfectly than the previous ones and it has quickly become my favorite. Even though Masquerade was just released I already can’t wait for the next book in the series!

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Author-Producer Reviews Metaphysical Fantasy

Title: Dark Innocence (The Star-Seer's Prophecy, Book 1)
Author: Rahima Warren
Author's Web site link: http://www.starseersprophecy.com/
Genre or category: Epic Fantasy/Metaphysical
ISBN-10: 0981627838
ISBN-13: 978-0981627830
Reviewed by Harris Smart originally for the bi-monthly e-zine called Contents (subudcontents.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/contents_issue4.pdf)


Dark Innocence is the story of a therapeutic journey cast in the form of a fantasy novel. It is the first volume in a trilogy The Star-seer’s Prophecy. Rahima Warren, a Subud member and psychotherapist writes, “Wishing to share what I have learned on my journey, I originally thought I might write a self-help book or a memoir. But what emerged – unplanned and in a creative, passionate torrent – was this fantasy trilogy.”

The true import of the book is summed up by a quotation at the beginning from Viktor Frankl, the concentration camp survivor, “What is to give light must endure burning”, because it is a narrative about the healing ordeal its hero, Kyr, must undertake in order to find his humanity after a life which has begun in the most hellish of circumstances.

Kyr has been born into world dominated by an all-powerful sorcerer, the Soul-Drinker, who has banished its rightful divine power, the Goddess, and turned it into a horror of suffering and evil.

The Soul-Drinker’s power is resisted by The Circle, a secret group who seek to overthrow the sorcerer. They are inspired by an ancient prophecy promising the arrival of an heroic Savior. Kyr is this unlikely source of redemption. Born and raised as a slave of the Soul-Drinker, subject to a life of cruelty and degradation, he manages to break free and to begin a process of becoming human within the wisdom and protection provided by The Circle.

As a fantasy narrative, this novel can take its place amongst Tolkien and the best of science fiction writers such as Ursula LeGuin.  It is a well-sustained, exciting and suspenseful narrative written in a lucid and powerful style. As one comment on the book says, “This riveting story is a call to awaken, to face the unfaceable and to find the heart of humanity.”

In his work with The Circle, Kyr undergoes a series of encounters and lessons which gradually lead him away from his life of addiction and savagery. He moves beyond the abuse he has suffered to repent of his wrong actions, to overcome guilt and shame, to put self-hatred behind him, to learn human qualities such as kindness, forgiveness, compassion, joy and love. At the end of this journey he is able to create a work of art and to resolve that his future journey is to bring to others the liberation he has himself experienced.

The author includes an Afterword in which she provides some questions and guidelines ‘To help in deepening your experience of the book and how it has affected you”. This book certainly invited me to reflect on my own journey and the extent to which I could relate to the process which is expressed through its symbols, metaphors, actions and characters. While Kyr’s situation is an extreme one, I feel that most people will find in the story a journey towards redemption which will touch on their own.

It should be stressed that this is a book which deals with adults themes and includes moments of violence and both the distortion and the beauty of sexuality, all pointing ultimately towards an outcome of human wholeness.

The ancient prophecy foretells that Kyr must undergo three hells and this first book of his inner journey is just the first. The remaining two books of the trilogy will tell of the others.

The final paragraph of the Afterword draws our attention to the fact that each individual journey of healing also contributes to the healing of the macrocosm. “Dark Innocence” takes place in a fictional society, and yet it may show us something about what we might heal, change and develop in our own society. For example, how might we devote more energy towards healing and forgiveness, and less towards punishment and vengeance? How could that change our society overall?”

About the reviewer:

Harris Smart:  BA(hons), MA, author of 7 books, fellow in Creative Writing at Stanford University; University lecturer, producer with Australian Broadcasting corporation; and of theatre events and music festivals. He is also Director of the Centre for Creative Ministries, bringing together art, spirituality, and healing and
curator of 7 art exhibitions (focus on art of spirituality or work of disadvantaged people)

Submitted by:

 

Beth Barany | Author, Speaker & Creative Consultant for Authors & Publishers

www.BethBarany.com

Oakland, CA 

510-333-7320

Special: I’m now accepting students into my How To Run a Blog Tour course! Join me here now: https://www.udemy.com/how-to-run-a-successful-blog-tour-for-authors/.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Book and Cat Librarian Wants More Than Five Stars for YA Novel

Title: Wild Awake
Author: Hilary T. Smith
Author's Web site: http://www.hilarytsmith.com/
Genre: YA
Publication date: 5/28/2013
Rating: 5 stars

ISBN: 9780062184689
Originally reviewed for The Book and Cat Librarian. www.bookandcatlibrarian.com.

Can I give this book more than 5 stars? Please? I was blown away. At first, I was impressed by the writing, and I took notes about what I liked, so that I could improve my own writing. For instance, the character development and amount of detail that went into describing characters, and everything else, was amazing. While we're on the subject of characters, Smith's were 3-dimensional and so vivid. Plus many were really interesting. The introduction of all these new characters into Kiri's life was part of what made her adventure so fun and um adventurey. The story sucked me in. With such great writing, that was bound to happen, but not all well-written novels are as absorbing. One note I took while reading said "Fun, crazy, mysterious story." That should tell you enough about this book. You know what was really neat? There was a MONTAGE in the book! It was of her playing the piano and all the prep work she was doing to get ready for a recital.  The pacing was fantastic, except for one part where there was some filler and I had trouble getting through it, but that was not far into the book and it didn't last many pages at all (this was the only negative thing I have to say and it's such a small thing in the grand scheme of things). Once I got past the short hump, the story gained momentum again. Speaking of momentum, the story starts off with a sane teenage girl. Once she finds out that her sister was murdered, we see how this news triggers a drug-fueled mental breakdown. Things get intense, but it happens at the right pace. It was a bit hard to read, because her mental illness was described too perfectly and was so realistic... but who am I kidding, even if it was hard to bare, I could not stop reading! There was even a love story! OK, there usually is, but this one was in the middle of the madness and was with a somewhat mysterious stranger, which is always the most fun in books. Kiri goes on an incredible life-changing journey, and I'm so happy I got to take it right along with her. Is it realistic for her to suddenly become sane at the end? No, so that doesn't happen, because that takes time, meds, and therapy, but the book ends on a positive and perfect note (hehe, she's a musician... NOTE. Yeah, yeah, I'll stop).

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Kirkus Reviews Crime Novel with Sarcastic Protagonist

Title: Devil's Run

Author: Frank Hughes

Website: http://www.frankhughesauthor.com

Genre: Suspense, Thriller

Pub Date: Aug. 16th, 2012

ISBN: 978-1478354550

Page count: 332pp

Publisher: CreateSpace

Reviewer: Kirkus Indie

Review Posted Online: Nov. 21st, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1st, 2013

Review weblink: https://www.kirkusreviews.com

 

KIRKUS REVIEW

A pedal-to-the-metal crime novel in which a sarcastic private investigator gets more than he bargained for while working a missing person case.

Former federal agent Nick Craig is a man who doesn’t “play well with others.” He is impudent, ill-mannered and quick to deliver acerbic one-liners. Working as a private investigator for a respected Manhattan-based security consultant, Craig grudgingly accepts what appears to be a routine case: to find a University of Washington student who has disappeared. The case quickly grows complicated as Craig explores the dorm room of Kenneth Boyd (whom his own lawyer father called “a wimp”). His belongings are gone, his computer’s history has been erased and his car has been meticulously wiped clean. The only lead is a picture of Boyd with an attractive young woman known around the campus as a hard-core environmental activist. Further investigation leads Craig to Vermont and the base of a radical environmentalist who is being watched by the FBI. After witnessing the murder of that radical and his colleague (and almost getting killed himself), Craig eventually lands in the mountains of Colorado where he finally stumbles on a grand-scale conspiracy—and all of its jaw-dropping revelations. While the storyline is ingeniously knotty, it also requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief; some of Craig’s exploits are incredible. But because the pacing is frantic and the narrative engaging, readers will undoubtedly not be too distracted.

This action-packed thrill ride, reminiscent of Ian Fleming and Nelson DeMille, will satisfy the most demanding literary adrenaline junkie.

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  The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Romance Features Alpha Male of Authors' Dreams

Title: Hex upon Me
Author: Beth Mikell
Author’s Website: http://bethmikell.wordpress.com/
Link to buy: Hex upon Me on Amazon
ISBN: 9781301159970
Genre: Fiction, romance, contemporary

Synopsis:

Savannah Deason made her workaholic status a life choice, opting out of anything resembling a relationship. Aside from the occasional bed warmer, the feisty, sarcastic executive enjoys her Gucci dreams with a champagne chaser. Until a night out on the town lands her hung over in bed with a tattooed, biker god of sin or so she labels him, anyway. But a twist of fate introduces Savannah to an ‘oh my’ god faster than her nail polish can dry.

Hexon James Montgomery is anything but normal—sexy with just enough lickable qualities to beg a saint to riot. As the third generation CEO of MK Steel, he has everything, including a piss-poor attitude upon women. Love ’em--enjoy ‘em—and then walk. Having been burned by his ex-fiancé, Hex isn’t looking for a repeat performance. Yet, Savannah aka his sarcasm princess, obliterates his single life credo until trust burns on the edge of sanity.

Excerpt:

“You know,” he whispered, “had I known last night what I know now, I could have persuaded you to stay this morning.”

She drew a sharp breath, thrown off-balance by his closeness and his sexy male scent filling more than the office. “Um…excuse me?”

He chuckled, his hand reaching out to smooth over her hip. “You heard me, princess--nothing like schmoozing the boss lady to get ahead...or at least a late slip excusing my tardiness.”

Savannah turned her dark eyes on him, attempting her death glare, but only succeeded in drowning in his playful blue eyes. The warmth of his hand on her body made her heart skip, traitor. “I know you did not just go there. You must either be incredibly arrogant or completely stupid, Mr. James. Besides, last night was a mistake, plain and simple. It’s best left forgotten, know what I mean?”

She heard herself say the words, but somehow her body wasn’t listening to the facts. Her pulse leaped through her chest and up her into throat until her parched mouth felt dryer than the Sahara Desert. Worse still, her two-timing body wanted to jump into his arms. The verdict was in…she was definitely a hussy where he was concerned.

He stood, towering over her, his hand sliding around her waist, hauling her up against his body.

Again…she fit perfectly.

He leaned his head just inches from her lips. “Tell me something, princess, if I make a liar out of you…will you forgive me?”

 About the Author:

My roots are in Florida, born and raised and I’m as American as the apple pie I learned to make about ten years ago. At thirteen, my family moved to Alabama and as the years turned into several, I traveled to many countries around the world, including the Middle East.

I fell 'in love' with love at a young age and continue to believe that love really does conquer all…or at least leave me blessedly happy by the end of a book. I adore alpha males…the my-way-or-the-highway-take-no-prisoners kind of heroes, especially when they screw up and land themselves in ‘hot water’ with the heroines. It’s what makes me read another romance. It’s the moment when the Hero comes to save the damsel in distress by assessing, fighting, and then saving. Tilting the romantic ink is my passion and sharing it, my desire.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Romance Reader Recommends Lusty Novel

Jaded Hearts

By Olivia Linden 

Author's Web site link, http://Vialinden.com

Genre: Romance
Publisher: Amazon

Rating: 5 Star 

Reviewed by Patrice, originally for Amazon

 I simply adore this book. The author weaves love, lust, hard decisions, good times and bad into a literary tapestry that encompasses the essence of both "coming of age" and coming into womanhood.

Olivia Linden tackles hard topics and issues close to the heart of both men and women. Both John and Julian come together to create the single "perfect" man of many women's dreams. While Jade comes to terms with the demons of her past and must make the choice to move past them, and choose a love that is right for her.

This book is written with elaborate yet realistic detail, laughs, sensuality, suspense, intense romance, and realism.

I recommend it for all to read!
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Poem for Children Gets Librarian's Thumbs Up

Al the Green Rain Train

By Alfred Guajardo

Paperback: 28 pages

Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 11, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 145679924X

ISBN-13: 978-1456799243

 

 

Reviewed by James C. Scott MA, MLS, Information Services Librarian, originally for Amazon

This book is about a Green vintage locomotive cartoon character that spreads his goodwill, with mother nature’s wonders, like constructing a Rainbow, filling a lake, making a tornado, and more, as most is written in a poetic and educational form, not only structured for a beginner, while being peppered with rhymes, chimes, and colorful Illustrations, but for an advanced reader as well, that will enjoy the definitions for each illustration, as he or she thumbs through the glossary, looking up words like appreciation, conservation, awareness, tornado, and more. A learning experience to be remembered and appreciated, may this book be one of the many your child reads and enjoys.

About the Author:

Alfred Guajardo was born in Loveland, Colorado, raised in Sacramento, California. My nephew and niece Juan Manuel, and Selena Rose Guajardo, asked me to write a poem for them, one thing led to another, and after a year and a half I ended up writing a book that they both enjoy, and my philosophy in reading, is that if your child is not able to read, he or she will learn sooner or later, better sooner, then later, as reading is the stepping stone towards a never ending educational journey, In due time with a little help, your child will not only learn to read but will enjoy it as well. Thank you and enjoy your quantum leap in meeting your child for a unique odyssey.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :