So last week I saw an article on facebook about people posting the books that changed their lives. Now the article was pretty funny, even if it was short. Mostly this is because people tend to pretend to like books to sound smarter. Or maybe its the opposite. They are ashamed of liking teen books, or fun books thinking it make them look less intelligent.
I, Of course, am not one of those people. I tend to like what I like and I have no shame in saying it. That being said when I actual sat down to think about my top ten it was really very hard. I have a wide span in the genres that I read. So wide intact some seem to be in a completely different universe. So I have decided to bend the rules a little bit. Instead of my top ten books, this is my top ten books and/or series in no particular order.
Also heres a link to that article in case you were interested.
1. The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Probably one of the most empowering novels I have ever read. Bradley's twist on Aurthirian legend takes an Adam and Eve tale and turns it into an I am woman hear me roar moment. I'm not sure which came first my love for everything Medieval or my love for the Mists of Avalon but I'm sure I have many years of Renfaires under my belt because of this novel.
2. The Maggie O'Dell Series by Alex Kava
This is another strong heroine who is struggling with her own demons. Fast paced and always interesting, these crime novels are amazing. They feel like the X-Files without the aliens.
3. The Giving Tree by Shell Silverstein
I was given this book as a child and still have the original copy. I've read it to my son at least 10 times already and figure it will take another 20 more before the message sinks in.
4. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martins
I'm going to stick with the first book here, and possibly Dance with Dragons. Honestly though its the first book in this epic fantasy series that made me stop and say wow. If your thinking of adding this one to your TBR list be fore warned it is the definition of Epic. Prepare to loose months of you life reading this series. Its worth it though.
5. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Ok I know what your thinking. Your saying to yourself Twilight? Really? Remember though that we are talking about books that have made an impact and Twilight did that for me. I picked it up while on maternity leave and for what ever reason it sparked my love of reading once again. So I have Twilight to thank for all of the amazing novels I have read since then.
6. The Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs
Mercy drew me in book one with her no nonsense attitude and shape shifting ability. This series also introduced me to the world of paranormal romance. As the series has gone on Patricia Briggs has kept her characters fresh and exciting. If you haven't started this series yet I only have one question. What are you waiting for?
7. Slakes Limbo by Felice Holman
This is one of the first school issued novels that I really enjoyed. As an with grader this story about a boy on his own in the city was both intriguing and inspiring. I am going to keep my eye out for a copy for my son.
8. Darkling by K.M. Peyton
This is another one of those novels from my younger days. I remember borrowing it from the Library and reading it non stop for a whole day during the summer. At the time I was an aspiring horse lover and this novel showed me a world I could only dream of. It is a little depressing but still worth the read.
9. Think Harmony with Horses by Ray Hunt
Now if your not a horse person this choice, and the next, are not going to make any impact on your life. For me though, these are the two books and trainers I have referred back to time and time again. Over the years I have spent a large amount of time watching video's, going to clinics and reading novels by all kinds of trainers. Ray Hunt was by far one of the best. His style is all about understanding how a horse thinks and responding appropriately. Patience and understanding being key points. No matter what discipline you ride Ray Hunts techniques will help you work more as partners and who wouldn't want that?
10. Cross-Train your horse by Jane Savoie
This is another horse training book that brings you back to basics. Jane Savoie speaks in a language all riders can understand and shows how simple Dressage movements can help develop a happier and more in shape horse. Think of the way Athletes will cross train to develop more muscle and flexibility and apply that to your horse and by extension yourself. Any rider of any discipline would benefit from this book.
So there you go. My very strange list of the ten books that have affected my life in some major way. Some are novels, others children's books and the last equestrian instruction books. I guess that goes to show you the things that make an impact can and should be diversely different. So the big question is what books, novels or otherwise do you think have had an impact for you?
A home for reviews of Science Fiction, Paranormal and other fun books (and sometimes movies too!)
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
HERO OF A HIGHLAND WOLF ~Terry Spear
Anyone who has read this blog with any frequency knows how much I love Terry Spear and her shape shifting wolves. Heres your chance to win a few novels and get hooked as well. Now on to the info about her latest release…
Hero of a Highland Wolf by Terry Spear
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hero of a Highland Wolf by Terry Spear
Release Date: August 5, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Summary:
The MacQuarrie werewolf clan has overseen the Playfair family’s Ardmore Castle for three centuries. So when a Playfair granddaughter from abroad inherits the estate, clan chief Grant MacQuarrie has to train her to manage it—and he’s not happy about having her in his way. Until the prim old lady he’s expecting turns out to be a sexy young wolf…
Colleen Playfair is excited and apprehensive about her new role at the castle, and she has big plans to change the way its run. But the stubborn Grant won’t make things easy, and she’s forced to turn to seduction to get her way…
My Take:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Excerpt
Grant always joked and played with his clansmen when they were through with their work for the day. Well, even while they worked. But being with Colleen here like this felt different. For a moment, he didn’t feel like he served as the manager of her estates while she was the owner and taskmaster. He felt like a man with a woman on a Sunday jaunt in the glen. Except she wasn’t just any woman. She was a she-wolf, her cute little arse jiggling ahead of him as he climbed the hill to join her.
When he reached the top, she was trying to catch her breath and swayed a little. He grabbed her arm, and he didn’t know what came over him. But suddenly he was looking down into her smiling face, as if she was smiling at him, and he wanted in the worst way to kiss her.
She didn’t pull away from him, either.
He shouldn’t kiss her, but damn, he wanted to.
Still breathing hard, her heart beating fast, she placed her hand on his chest. He expected her to push him away, but she didn’t. She just stood there looking up at him, waiting for him to do something. He breathed in her scent, all woman and…interested.
They stood high on top of the hill overlooking the glen, the water rushing by, the sheep grazing on the green grass across the burn, and white clouds passing overhead against the blue sky.
He still had hold of her arm, but then he released her, cupped her face with both hands, and kissed her.
When his lips met hers, he knew he shouldn’t do this. He intended to make it sweet and unassuming, to quench some damnable need that he had to satisfy. He didn’t presume it would go anywhere, and he almost imagined it would be lame and unappealing—-after having built up the expectation that kissing that sweet mouth of hers would make his world spin and topple over. He hadn’t thought she’d crave the intimacy as much as he did. Yet when she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, she exhibited an eagerness that turned his world on end.
She was more than willing.
Buy Links:
Author Bio
USA Today bestselling author Terry Spear has written over two dozen paranormal romance novels and medieval Highland historical romances. In 2008 HEART OF THE WOLF was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. A retired officer of the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry also creates award-winning teddy bears that have found homes all over the world. She lives in Crawford, Texas.
Social Networking Links
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
City of Lost Souls ~ Cassandra Clare
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I should start off by saying I am a huge fan of this series over all. That being said I wasn't as excited as many other readers when Cassandra Clare decided to add another trilogy to the series. Its not that I didn't want to hear more about Clary and Jace, its just that I enjoyed their happy ending.
Summary:
What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?
Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.
My Take:
This new installment is anything but a happy ending. I guess thats part of the reason I had put off actually reading this book.
Moving past all that Clare has again crafted an interesting plot that keeps the reader up well past bedtime. She has managed to add more depth to not only her main characters but also to some of the supporting ones as well. We get to spend a little more time with Simon and Izzy, which I truly enjoyed.
Now I will warn you it does end on a cliff hanger. Of course you were probably excepting that since its book 2 of a trilogy. I have so far been able to resist the desire to pay full price for the hardcover of the last book. Although I'm not sure you will be able to!
Overall a fun read with interesting characters we've already grown to love.
Friday, August 22, 2014
This weeks Indie Author
Hi everyone! With only two weeks left to go I find myself short an author this week. So I will be putting this post on hold until early next week. In exchange for short changing you I promise to have an in-depth review of the Doctor Who Season premier which I will be seeing Monday night!
Friday, August 15, 2014
Indie Author Showcase Michelle Bettencourt
This weeks spotlight is an author who is a close personal friend of mine so I am exceptionally excited to introduce her to all of you.
Michelle Bettencourt is the author of one published novel, Past Transgressions, and is currently in the process of finishing her second. She is a long time horse lover and her first novel truly reflects her incredible knowledge. We have been lucky enough to have her give us a sneak preview of that second novel at the end of this post.
Make sure you scroll down and check it out!
Summary for Past Transgressions:
BJ takes her Appaloosa stallion, Cloud, to Colorado for a week-long guided trail ride through the Rocky Mountains. After a brief trailside stop, she comes upon an old, abandoned ranch house. BJ is curious about the house and investigates. When she hears voices and sees people outside reflected through a mirror, she thinks that she has been reunited with her riding group. She runs from the house to greet them but finds the yard empty. She feels she must have missed them somehow and takes refuge in the barn when a storm brews.
When the weather clears in the morning, she leaves the barn only to discover that she has somehow returned to the past. Here is where her adventure begins as she searches to return to the future, even as she finds friends and love along the way.
When the weather clears in the morning, she leaves the barn only to discover that she has somehow returned to the past. Here is where her adventure begins as she searches to return to the future, even as she finds friends and love along the way.
WMR: First off could you explain to our readers a little about
the “worlds” you have created?
Michelle: The “worlds” are more about
past and present. What would it be like to wake up and find ourselves stuck in
the past. How would we react to circumstances we find ourselves in? I let the
characters choose their path and face the outcome of their actions which are
different in different
time periods.
time periods.
WMR: Is there anything you hope readers will take away from
your work?
Michelle: I hope they will enjoy the story for what it is and the
only lesson I see that was shared is that it is ok to depend on others. When we
learn what our limitations are and accept them, it can be freeing.
WMR: How long have you been writing?
Michelle: I have written short stories and poems since high school
but it wasn’t until 2005 that I pushed to write a novel. I wanted to prove to
myself I could do it from start to finish and found it to be fun and rewarding.
WMR: Do you have a favorite character to write?
Michelle: My favorite would be the main character as all our
characters are a part of who the writer is, I like the idea of being able to be
a little freer with who I am, daring to be or take part of something I am not
able to in my reality.
WMR:What about the hardest character?
Michelle: That would be the “bad” guy, I
have a hard time understanding how people can be cruel and trying to make
someone evil is difficult. I also feel the human side to them and try to
understand what makes them the way they are.
WMR: Where can readers find more information about you and
your books?
Michelle: They can find information at
Amazon. Com or my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/michelle.bettencourt.79
WMR: Do you have any suggestion for aspiring writers?
Michelle: Believe in yourself and don’t
give up, you can be your worst critic or your best ally. Find an honest friend
to share with for feedback but also inspiration. Having someone to read it and
enjoy it who asks questions about it will help keep the inspiration and ideas
alive.
WMR: What is the hardest thing about being a new author?
Michelle: The hardest thing is finding someone to publish your
work. Most publishers will not look at it if you don’t have an agent or
published before. Never give up and a “No” does not mean you don’t have to a
“Best Seller”, there is always another door, be your best advocate and promote
yourself. For me, that was the most difficult of them all but if you don’t come
across as believing in yourself, how can you expect someone else too? Have
Faith and know your time will come.
Excerpt from
second book with working title “Vision Quest”
“No,
this was dug up. Why would you think it a family heirloom?” So it was true, she
did receive visions. What a fascinating
gift to have, he thought, I wonder
what it was she saw. She nodded, relaxing a bit as she believed his
sincerity. “What did you see?” She narrowed her eyes at him, suspiciously.
“Look, I’m not blind and you moved as though burned. I do believe in psychic
abilities.”
“I
never said I was psychic,” she
snapped.
“No,
you did not,” he admitted.
“You’re
right,” she sighed. “Sometimes, and I do mean sometimes, because it doesn’t
happen all the time, I do get flashes like a movie playing. What I saw this
time was a pair of angry eyes similar to yours but not you.” She glanced at the
bell, feeling at war with herself as to whether or not she should try again.
“That does not make me psychic.”
“You’re
right. I didn’t mean to imply that you were, only that I do believe that people
have different gifts like having the ability to draw or sing or see ghosts.” He
was truly fascinated by her. She had beautiful, long auburn hair that danced
like fire in the sunlight and her emerald green eyes were large and expressive.
Her lips were full, the type that begged to be kissed.
He
gave himself a mental slap as he realized where his thoughts were headed. He
had to stay focused. Her skin was lightly tanned with a slight spray of
freckles barely visible over the bridge of her small, straight nose. She was
thin but not overly so and actively fit. He would love to get to know her
better.
“All
right.” She nodded, accepting him at his word. Kaycee liked this man who
actually believed in her gift. That too, was a gift, to be able to say exactly
what she saw without having to choose her words carefully. With renewed
enthusiasm she leaned toward the bell not caring where she placed her hands.
The cool metal began to warm and she closed her eyes as a vision began in her
minds eye like a dream.
She was standing on a beach. The sun was hot
even though the wind was blustery. She looked out across the ocean where she
spotted a large three masted square rigged vessel moving toward her. She heard
the sound of a bell and her minds eye turned inland.
On a small lookout tower a man was ringing a
bell, this bell. In the distance, another bell began to chime, and then
another, although fainter, could also be heard. It was an alert system to
quickly announce the arrival of a ship.
People started running to the shore as the
ship glided gracefully to the pier. Men tossed ropes overboard to those on the
wharf who worked quickly to moor the ship. Her minds eye searched the ship for
a name. Ah, there it was, the Glorianna. This beautiful ship was from the area,
obvious because of the women and children arriving to greet husbands, sons and
perhaps fathers and brothers. The crowd was excited for their safe return.
She watched the men work efficiently to
secure the ship. A man stood at the helm watching, making sure all ran
smoothly. Every now and again he would pitch in or bark orders, but for the
most part, all ran smoothly. He walked over to the rail and watched his men
depart for shore leave. She searched his face. He was a handsome man with
rugged features, his skin tanned from the sun and sea. He was clean-shaven and
had his shiny black hair pulled into a queue. He stood with a poise and
confidence that gave the impression of a man used to being in command, a force
to be reckoned with.
He turned, and as though he knew she was
watching, appeared to look her directly in the eyes. She sucked in her breath
and once again jumped, releasing her hold on the bell as she recognized those
steel-grey eyes from earlier
Friday, August 8, 2014
Author Showcase William Andrews
Well its Friday so you know what that means! For todays author showcase Wolf Majick Reviews would like to welcome fiction writer William Andrews. William is the author of Multiple novels including his latest Daughters of the Dragon, which can be found on Amazon. Now I haven't gotten a chance to read this one yet but it is on my TBR so hopefully I will have a review for all of you soon.
For over 30 years, Bill Andrews was a copywriter and a marketing/brand executive and with several Fortune 500 companies. For fifteen of the more painful years, he ran his own advertising agency. At night and on weekends (and sometimes during the workday!) Bill wrote fiction. Bill’s first novel titled THE ESSENTIAL TRUTH won first place in the 2008 Mayhaven Contest for fiction.
Bill's third novel, DAUGHTERS OF THE DRAGON, was published in 2014 by MADhouse Press. The reviews have been outstanding. The MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW called it a "masterpiece of fiction." In May, it won an IPPY for historical fiction. The IPPYs is the world's largest writing contest, attracting thousands of entries worldwide.
We at Wolf Majick Reviews were lucky enough to get Bill Andrews to take a moment to talk about some of the challenges he has faced as a writer:
There were periods when I was discouraged. In fact, it was quite often. When I was hunting for agents and publishers, it was a weekly punch in the stomach. I think in writing, you have to have a combination of dogged determination, naiveté, confidence and humility. If I'd known how difficult it was when I first started, I probably wouldn't have done it. But once I was into it, I couldn't quit. It's a marathon. But I believed I could do it. After all, I wrote 2 novels prior to this one just to learn the craft. I think the biggest problem I had is not knowing if I was good enough. Then, I'd read some dreck best seller and get angry. But it isn't about other authors. It's about your own writing. I was getting better so I kept going. And now I can say thank goodness, I didn't get published before the book was ready. "Thank you agents and publishers who did your job and turned me down."
There were periods when I was discouraged. In fact, it was quite often. When I was hunting for agents and publishers, it was a weekly punch in the stomach. I think in writing, you have to have a combination of dogged determination, naiveté, confidence and humility. If I'd known how difficult it was when I first started, I probably wouldn't have done it. But once I was into it, I couldn't quit. It's a marathon. But I believed I could do it. After all, I wrote 2 novels prior to this one just to learn the craft. I think the biggest problem I had is not knowing if I was good enough. Then, I'd read some dreck best seller and get angry. But it isn't about other authors. It's about your own writing. I was getting better so I kept going. And now I can say thank goodness, I didn't get published before the book was ready. "Thank you agents and publishers who did your job and turned me down."
Snippet from DAUGHTERS OF THE DRAGON –
A Comfort Woman’s Story
By William Andrews
Darkness. The rain had stopped and the air was still. I lay on my side, my knees to my chest,
shivering in the cold, sticky mud. Inky clouds slid away revealing bright stars in a moonless sky. The
only sound I heard was a dog barking from somewhere in the village.
I pushed myself to my knees, and then unsteadily to my feet. There was no movement in the
village and no lights. I held the comb with the two-headed dragon tight in my fist.
I walked barefoot through the wheat field, across the grass to the village. The pain in my thighs from Lieutenant Tanaka’s beating had come back making it difficult to walk. The bruises on my face from Colonel Matsumoto’s blows had turned into a sharp ache. I stumbled down an abandoned street to the infirmary. I pulled myself up the dark stairs to the ward and went to where Soo-hee had been. I pulled aside the white sheet. My onni wasn’t there.
I left the infirmary and went to the comfort station. They had burned the barracks to the ground. A few lonely flames danced among the smoldering remains. And there I saw the bodies of the eleven girls lying in a jagged line, lifeless, like mounds of dirt.
I stood in the courtyard and all the cries I had pushed down for so long roiled and raged inside me. I felt the stone in my stomach crack. I closed my eyes, fell to my knees, threw back my head, and opened my throat. And all my cries burst out.
I kneeled on the muddy ground with my face to the sky and a thousand cries met a thousand stars in the moonless Manchurian night. I cried for my innocence and for each time they called me a whore. I cried for the dead girls who had been my sisters. I cried for my mother and father. And I cried for Soo-hee. The cries ripped out my stomach, my lungs, and my heart until there was nothing left inside and I collapsed, empty, to the mud.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Indie Author Showcase Aderyn Wood
Its that time again! This week Wolf Majick Reviews would like to welcome Aderyn Wood.
Aderyn Wood is the author of the Novella The Viscounts Son and the Novel The Borderlands. We met through the fantastic world of social media and I am so excited to introduce her to all of you.
Interview
WMR: First off could you explain to our readers a little about the “worlds” you have created?
Sure! And thanks for the opportunity, Delia.'The Viscount's Son' was my first publication. It is a paranormal fantasy set in our world and features a (drum roll...) vampire. All authors who write vampire fiction bring their own set of 'rules' and mythology associated with it. I've created my vampire mythology based on more traditional stories, particularly 'Dracula', so it's quite a dark world at times. I am currently writing the sequel called, 'The Earl's Daughter' and I am reading a lot on vampire lore again to make the world as interesting as possible.
'The Borderlands: Journey' is my most recent release and is the first book of a trilogy. It is a contemporary fantasy set in our world but there is a link to another more mystical world - the Borderlands. This world is very much an invention of my imagination, but the mythology is based heavily on the Scottish folklore of the Seelie and Unseelie courts. In other words, fairies.
WMR: How long have you been writing?
WMR: Do you have a favorite character to right?
In 'The Viscount's Son' I had to write from the perspective of the two main characters, Emma and Nathaniel. Emma was very much the modern day woman - educated, passionate about her career and open to love. She finds an old mysterious diary and decided to translate it on her blog. The diary was written by Nathaniel in the 16th century. I loved writing these characters because it challenged me to switch so dramatically from one gender to another, but also different times periods. It was challenging but very rewarding to write.
WMR: What about the hardest character?
The most difficult character I've written so far is actually the protagonist in 'The Borderlands', Dale. Dale is a 16 year old girl who struggles to feel a sense of belonging in both her family and school. She has only one true friend who is an old homeless man called Gareth. It was a struggle to get the balance right with Dale. It was important that readers felt sympathy for her rather than seeing her as complaining too much. This balance was hard to achieve but I think I got there at the end.
WMR: Where can readers find more information about you and your books?
I have a blog - http://aderynwood.blogspot.comand it has a page about my fiction - http://aderynwood.blogspot.
I also have an author page at Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/
WMR:Do you have any suggestion for aspiring writers?
WMR: What is the hardest thing about being a new author?
Author Bio -
Aderyn Wood has published a novella, ‘The Viscount’s Son’ and a novel, ‘The Borderlands: Journey.’ Both are the first of a trilogy. She will release her third publication later in the year. Aderyn lives in a small cottage in the country with her number one beta reader – her partner Peter. Aside from writing and reading she enjoys managing her small herd of chickens and ducks.
http://aderynwood.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/AderynWood
https://www.goodreads.com/
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