Kristal Reviews 6th Book of The Vampire Diaries

Hello Readers,

Here was my review on the 6th book of Vampire Diaries. Enjoy....

From the beginning I felt a strange awkwardness between Damen, Elena and Matt's characters. I often found myself hoping that the author wanted me (the reader) to feel this emotion. Sometimes the scenes dragged on and I wished for them to answer questions and to end. Not having Bonnie and Meredith as involved with interactions with Elena was also very off putting.

After experiencing the divide between Bonnie, Meredith and Elena's chapters really felt me feeling strange. The book I knew was meant to be running in synic with the other storyline she was developing sometimes felt strange, however I often found the scene jumps to be disjointed. From my experiences that's not a writing trick that is easily pulled off I do take my hat off for L. J Smith for trying.

The disappearance of Matt left me feeling awkwardly aware of his departure from the group for a long time. I wondered if she forgot about Matt for sometime. I even hoped he'd not been killed off or worse.. Yet he was to share half the story with Elena and her troop after the halfway point in the book.

Elena heads up her mission to free the love of her life Stefan while Matt wages war on the aftermath of the Kitsume in their home town. Cleaning up the messes left by the girls. Despite the half chapters, longer length of chapters and slight disjointedness I often found the sixth book in the Vampire Diaries an enjoyable read even the ending was a little fragile.

I love how the author liked in Japanese myths to the story as it makes for a nice change for me. I like how the shapeshifters were foxes also very refreshing.

Its straight easy 4 out of 5 for the disjointedness and divided chapters. Maybe something for the author to practice or avoid in the future.

Come back later for more reviews by me. 

Dan O Brien Back With Mobsters, Monsters and other things....

Dear Readers, 

Please welcome Dan who is here to tell us about his new comic book Mobsters, Monster and Nazis. He's a great writer and has a love for the independent readers like you and me. So please enjoy what he has to say below. 

Well, the time has come to announce Dan O’Brien’s latest project: Mobsters, Monsters & Nazis: a collaboration between Dan O’Brien and Steve Ferchaud, who illustrated Conspirators of the Lost Sock Army and the Loose Change Collection Agency. 

What I am revealing today is the sketches for some of the interior illustrations (which will be black and white) of the first issue. 

It will be released as six issues (eBooks) starting on Halloween. It is influenced by film noir, pulp comics, and an abiding love of Lovecraft. It is now available for pre-order and Dan will be promoting it heavily starting in the month of October. 

He would love to hear what you think of it so far! Visit him at: http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/ or on Twitter, @AuthorDanOBrien

Thank you Dan for coming along and I'm sure my readers will check it out.

I hope you all enjoyed Dan's blog and I look forward to talking to you all again soon,

Kristal 

Welcome Publisher and Author at St. Martins Press Brendan Deneen

Hello Readers, 

I want to welcome a friend of mine at the wonderful St. Martin Press publishing house Brendan Deneen. A man to whom I first met when I submitted a book to and have since gotten to know. He's got a great eye for detail and great taste. So here is the interview that I conducted with him for all of you. 

What made you want to write the book?

I wrote my first novel at 18. Ever since I could pick up a pencil, I’ve been making up stories.  THE NINTH CIRCLE is the fourth novel I’ve written but the first to be published.  I started working on it in 1995, so it was a long time coming.

Why did you choose the genre that you did?

I based this book on Dante’s INFERNO and knew I wanted to tell the story of a kid running away to the circus, so I think the genre just kind of created itself.  It’s hard to pinpoint.  I guess it’s a mix of horror, coming-of-age and magical realism.

If you were to name a favourite scene what would it be?

I love the scene where Mr. Atlantis is underwater and the three lion tamers are trying to get a reaction out of him, but nothing they do works.  It drives them fricking crazy!

What part of the book that you found the hardest to write?

Everything after the first 50 pages.  I wrote and rewrote the first 50 pages for YEARS.

When and how did you get the idea for the book.

After I graduated from college, I was toying with what to write next.  I knew I wanted to tell a circus story, mostly because I think we (humans) treat animals so poorly.  I was also interested in INFERNO.  My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) suggested combining the two ideas.

What do you look forward to the most with this book being on sale?

I just love the fact that strangers are reading the book…and that some of them are loving it.  That’s such an amazing feeling.

Where do you see your story going?

I do have a sequel starting to percolate.  After all, the Divine Comedy is a trilogy……..

Thank you Brendan for being on and I'm sure that I'm going to check out your book for sure and hope that the rest of those who reads this blog will also find it an interesting one to add to their booksheleves. 

Come back again soon for another interview or even a review from myself or even Joe. 

Kristal 

Welcome Dan Wright To The Blog

Dear Readers, 

We have a great guest for you today. His name is Dan Wright. So please welcome him and see what a great book he has for us today. 

Thanks to Kristal for having me on her blog today. For this guest post, I decided to tell you guys a little something about the event known as The Black Hurricane. Which, within the context of my Draconica series, was an important event that shaped Draconica to how it was today. It may also hold the answers to what Final Ragnarok is. Hope you guys enjoy learning this part of Draconican history!

The Black Hurricane

c.5000 Old Era

Over five thousand years ago, the dragons created the world of Draconica. The most powerful of them all was Jeova. From across the Universe, he and his other dragons brought life to the planet. And the mortals loved him. Jeova, in turn, loved his followers and showed them kindness and compassion like they were his own children. Even though they fought and killed each other, the world of Draconica was mostly at peace.

That was until the dragon Abadon, wife to Jeova, went on a rampage across the planet, destroying all mortals in her path, burning everything in her wake. Jeova and the dragons used all their powers to stop Abadon. But Jeova could not bring himself to destroy his wife. So, summoning up all his power, he created a prison for Abadon to live in for all eternity, chained in darkness. Jeova himself also created another dimension so that he could oversee Abadon from his eternal sleep. For it was only this way that he could keep Abadon a prisoner.

From here on, two more worlds were created. The Afterworld, where the souls of the pure and kind would live on in paradise – and the Necroworld, where those who had evil in their hearts would be tortured by Abadon and made to pay for their sins.

Why Abadon attacked in the first place is a subject of much discussion and debate on Draconica. The followers of Jeova say that Abadon was jealous of her husbands’ love of the mortals and that she lashed out at them for revenge. Others say that she became tired of the mortals blaspheming against the dragons and killing each other and she sought to teach them a lesson. Others have a much more darker opinion of why she did what she did. One thing is for sure, for over 5000 years, Abadon has been lying in the darkness. The pure, undiluted rage she feels now has never abated. Her only solace torturing those that came to her lair.

Should she ever escape from her darkness, Draconica would surely suffer...

Welcoming Robin To The Blog

Dear Readers,

Robin who's turned out to be a great supporter of my books has joined us to talk about her book. Her work. I'm honoured to have her here today and to be talking to her about the adventures that she has every day. Because as authors that is what we do. We have adventures every single day.

What made you want to write the book?

I lived something extraordinary and simply felt compelled to share what we experienced in war from a perspective not usually heard (a young woman’s emotional perspective).

Why did you choose the genre that you did?

It started out as a straight memoir, but three particular contemporary writers turned the ‘memoir’ into a dirty word. Memoir now needs to be vetted, and since over half the most important people in the book are dead, that wouldn’t be possible. I decided it would be easier to tell the story I wanted to tell by turning it into a novel.

If you were to name a favourite scene what would it be?

My favorite scene…wow, that is a tough one. What can be ‘favorite’ in war? I think my favorite chapter is “Green Eyes”, it is the encapsulation of how I felt about going over there, it was all about the boys, the soldiers. There were other moments I actually did enjoy, being in a USO show, sharing love with two remarkable men, the friendships, but it was war, and that was what I really wanted the story to show, what we lived.

What part of the book that you found the hardest to write?

“The Broken Heart”, the chapter as I left Vietnam the last time. I am welling up just thinking about those two days, the hardest in my life. It changed me forever.

When and how did you get the idea for the book.

I have kept journals all my life, and I almost burned the four I kept in Vietnam during my two tours. I found I couldn’t let them go. They sat in boxes, on shelves for years, until one day I had to take them down and put them into a form that would tell my story, our story.

What do you look forward to the most with this book being on sale?

I worked for many years trying to get someone/anyone to see the value of this book in its various forms as it morphed, and while everyone said they loved it and thought I was a great writer, no one knew what to do with it. It was so many genres…and not…that I finally just gave up and posted it to my personal website so people could read it. Too many Vietnam vets were dying every day, some who would have deserved to read it.

Where do you see your story going?

At this point I would love to see a cable company or production company pick up the film or TV rights. I think the piece is very cinematic and would make an amazing limited-run cable series. Frankly, at the moment I am working very hard as an editor and just don’t have the time or the heart to take this up right now. Maybe someday…but since I went through at least a dozen publishers, and two agents and four editors, all of whom wanted me to change it into something I didn’t want it to be, it’s going to take a convergence of angels to bring about the right match. Unless/until then, it’s free for everyone to read and share in what we all lived. I don’t think much of traditional publishing at the moment.

http://robinlanderson.proboards.com/board/2/accept-broken-heart

Thank you for coming a long Robin and I hope that you enjoyed sharing your take with those who are reading this blog. 

Kristal 

Joe E Legend Sharing His Thoughts

Dear Readers,

During my down time I got my co-author to sit down to answer some of the questions we have gotten over the past number of months leading up to Marie's World release. Please enjoy what he had to say below:

What made you want to write the book? 

I thought it was an interesting story and I could identify with the character.

Edge, Joe and Christian

. 

Why did you choose the genre that you did? 

My chosen profession of 20+ years drew me to the ideas of it. Being a parent to twins was a huge help as well. 

If you were to name a favourite scene what would it be? 

Too many to name, but anything where Charlie swallows his pride to make good with his daughters. I admire that.

What part of the book that you found the hardest to write?

Anything to do with the dancing. I have no connection with such material outside the book so I couldn't contribute realistically to it on paper.

When and how did you get the idea for the book. 

About 2 years ago or so and in cahoots with my co-author. 

What do you look forward to the most with this book being on sale? 

Just the idea of having my thoughts and ideas in other peoples heads. Hoping they connect as I do.

Where do you see your story going?

A million directions, but ultimately to a happy destination

I want to thank Joe for dropping by. He often writes a small piece for Charlie's Thoughts over on his blog. You can read it at http://charliehitchen.blogspot.co.uk/ He's delighted you stopped by today to get his thoughts on the world of Marie. 

Stop by next month for more thrilling posts and maybe some guest authors. 

Kristal 

Welcoming Danielle Zwissler To The Blog.

Dear Readers, 

Please enjoy Danielle Zwissler as she takes over the blog. 

"Rock, Paper, The Iron Writer!"

You can buy the book here: 

http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Paper-Iron-Writer-collection-ebook/dp/B00LCOGNKE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404834139&sr=8-1&keywords=rock+paper+the+iron+writer

About me: 

Danielle Lee Zwissler was born in Dover, Ohio. A small town in Northeast Ohio. Her love of romance and cowboys have helped enrich her life and love of reading.

She is also big fan of William Shatner, Harry Potter, and all things Harlequin.

Her first novel, "Her Last Chance", debuted in 2010 with Firefly & Wisp Books. And then shortly after the sequel, "The Art of Seduction". In 2011, an up and coming publisher, "Books to go Now!" published a trio of short-stories called, "Trio of Sin".

Since then, Danielle has been featured in several anthologies, and 5 erotica books under her pen name, Heather Lane.

Currently, Danielle is working on several fantasy as well as a few western romances.
Her latest set of books are all part of a series called, "Cowboys & Cowgirls". This series features five books, all of the western nature, with sexy lead characters and several subplots. The first in the series is "The Cowboy's Bride" which is now available on paperback as well as ebook. Then the rest of the series will go as followed: Served, Cowgirl Up!, Cowboy Up!, Dakota Falls, and then Tiegen's Bride.

Thank you for visiting Danielle's author page, and don't forget for the latest updates, you can follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/danielleleezwis and on her website at:www.danielleleezwissler.com

What made you want to write the book?   

"Rock, Paper, The Iron Writer!" is a collection of short stories (only 500 words long) that I wrote for a website called "The Iron Writer Challenge". I started taking place in the challenges on Challenge 46. Each one is comprised of four elements. For example: a car, a toaster oven, a rat, and a convertible. From there, you have to write a story that uses all four of the elements and make sense of it. There is voting, a winner, and loads of fun. Four writers compete to see who the "Iron Writer" is. I made the book/short story collection to feature my stories as well as to advertise the Iron Writer website. 

Why did you choose the genre that you did?  

Since this is a collection of stories all the genres are different. Each story has a different feel to them. I went through yesterday, after receiving a few questions about my writing style and tried to pinpoint which story was my favorite. I have to say, "Tuesdays with Hanna" is my favorite, it is most like the romance genre that I write in now. The other stories range from horror, to mystery, to light comedy. 

If you were to name a favourite scene what would it be?    

My favorite story was "Tuesdays with Hanna", but my favorite scene would be in "Guns N Roses" and it is when the plot is revealed in the last sentence of the story. I am grim that way. 

What part of the book that you found the hardest to write? 

The hardest part in writing these stories was the obvious ... trying to make all the elements fit. It is funny, though, I think I did a great job in making a story out of all of them. A lot of people that have read the shorts told me that they'd like to see these develop into books. Me, I am not so interested in that idea. I like short stories...I love stories that you can read a beginning, middle and end, in less than an hour. 

When and how did you get the idea for the book?   

A friend of mine who is also in The Iron Writer put out a few collections of his own, and his were great. I thought, why not? 

What do you look forward to the most with this book being on sale?     

I am hoping that with it being free people will download and love it, then purchase my other works. A girl can hope, right? ;)

Where do you see your story going?   

It could go anywhere at this point. I can either have a ton of downloads and sales that come from this, or people could hate it and despise me without even looking at the other things. I hope it's the former, instead of the latter. :)

Well lets all thank Danielle for being here and she has some seriously interesting items that she is working on. I hope that she will have a great success with them. Pop by tomorrow for another author's appearance. 

Kristal