Cover Reveal--Orphan's Song

I have a beautiful cover to share this morning! Let me tell you, I have been waiting and waiting for this author to be published! After reading her blog and several short stories, I was simply enchanted with her writing, her humor, her spirit, and her heart! I know you will be too once you get a chance! But for now the cover!

Every generation has a Songkeeper – one chosen to keep the memory of the Song alive. And in every generation, there are those who seek to destroy the chosen one.

When Birdie’s song attracts the attention of a notorious Khelari soldier, she is captured and forced into a centuries old conflict plagued with ancient secrets and betrayals. Rescued by traveling peddler Amos McElhenny, Birdie flees the clutches of her enemies, determined to discover the truth behind the Song’s power.

Ky Huntyr has stolen many a thing in his time as a street-wise thief and senior member of the Underground—a gang of orphans banded together to survive—but he never thought he would be guilty of successfully stealing a priceless treasure from the Khelari and bringing their wrath on his comrades. Haunted by the tragic consequences of his raid, Ky joins Birdie and Amos in hopes of drawing the Khelari after him to keep the Underground safe.

But war soon threatens all of Leira, and the enemy is closing in. When Amos’ shadowed past threatens to undo them all, Birdie is forced to face the destiny that awaits her as the Songkeeper of Leira.

Author Bio: Gillian Bronte Adams was born with a pen in her hand, a sword at her side, and a saddle beneath her feet. As a speculative fiction writer from the great state of Texas, she delights in combining epic adventure and fantasy with themes that point to the greatest story of all—or, as she refers to it, writing to the echoes of eternity. During the day, she works as the Equine Director at a Christian youth camp, while at night, she kicks off her boots and spurs and transforms into a novelist. You can find out more at her blog: http://ofbattlesdragonsandswordsofadamant.blogspot.com/ or facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gillianbronteadams.

Want to find out more? Check out Gillian's Blog and the rest of the Kickstater campaign by Enclave Publishing!

Gillian’s Blog: http://ofbattlesdragonsandswordsofadamant.blogspot.com/

Enclave Publishing Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/enclave/enclave-publishing-fall-releases

Two Book Reviews and Reccomendations!

  Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

Though I had not heard of this book before, after hearing Ashlee Willis's high recommendation (whose writing I respect and admire), I decided to give it a shot.

Indeed, this book was beautifully written, bringing the world of Faerie to life in vibrant but comfortably familiar ways. Though a story all of its own, it also brings in strong themes of The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Frog Prince. The characters were unique and special, and I felt them all come to life.

Despite the fey world, there was little magic or casting of spells, unless you include fey power and law. There is a strange character known as the Witch of the Wood whose hand throughout the story is pivotal and often seemingly cruel, yet turns out to be an almost providential guide to a happy ending.

My main concern about this novel was its inclusion of the Night People--vampires. And the fact that one of the main characters falls in love with one. Let me be clear. I consider vampires evil and the fascination of them to be disturbing. That said, I didn't mind them in this novel. For one, they were appropriately EVIL as they should be. Oh yes, the author said she tried to keep their true intent mysterious, but they were BAD. And while their seductive behavior was present, the author really kept it out of the reader's head (at least in my opinion).

Which brings me to Sorrow, the fellow who one of the girls falls in love with. I didn't want an Edward and Bella story. Well, here is a spoiler that I included because it was extremely important to allow me to enjoy this story.

Sorrow is not a vampire! He's their slave, a human boy who was stolen from our world and has become more and more fey with time, but still desperate for freedom and true love. So long as you accept that you aren't going to get a sensible reason for their love at first sight, Sorrow and Tati's romance is shown as pure, beautiful, and totally sincere, if a little otherworldly in their devotion. And it's not selfish either. Their self-sacrifice for each other, especially Sorrow's at the end, is touching. Though I do wish Tati had paid a bit more mind to her sisters during her whole "love sickness." End Spoiler

Dramatic me could have had the stakes go a little higher at the end if some certain character had actually been caught instead of hunted for, but everything turned out so beautifully I really didn't mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

My one problem with this tale is that it is based in Transylvania which is a real place with big problems. So long as you accept fantasy as fantasy, fine, but there are severe consequences to searching for "fey" (demonic) things in this world. 

 East by Edith Pattou

After reading another version of this fairy tale that I wasn't particularly impressed with, I wondered if I would enjoy this one...and I did!

I was really impressed and caught by the unique and beautiful style of the author's writing and her attention to detail and research. She weaves different threads throughout the story, tying them all together in the original tale.

Early teens on up can easily enjoy this story. Despite the awkward situation the original tale puts our heroine in, there is absolutely no sexual content to be worried about here.

I think I could have used a little more development of the hero's character and a better climax, but still, this story and the journey it took was a true breath of fresh air. 

A Most Amusing Tag!

First off, I would like to thank all the sweet people who tagged me for the Sunflower and Libster Award! Although I didn't find time to respond, I really appreciated it!

Now, with the hope that you will be as amused as I, here is a delightful little circumstance that I answered created by the ghost ryter at her blog! Enjoy and feel free to carry this on!

1. Your brother (you know, the one whose a super genius and makes Einstein look like a toddler) has just created a fantabulous new invention: It can bring fictional characters to life!  While trying to come up with a practical use for this, he realizes your birthday is tomorrow.  So he tells you he will bring your favorite character from your favorite book/movie to life for one day.  Who is the character you'll pick, what they are from, and what do you plan to do with your day together?

Oh, that brother of mine is the best! What a fantastic gift! So to avoid creating an almost identical situation to the previous tag, I've chosen to bring in some of my favorite characters from the screen! I think I'd like to bring in Prince Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender TV series...after Season 3, of course. I'm sure he'd be a little shocked and defensive entering our world, but my brother and I will assure of him of our friendliness. As for what we will do, I'd like to ask him for some fire-bending lessons. Granted, I wouldn't bend fire, but that martial art action is sweet. Plus, he's great at sword-fighting and stealth. 

 2. Things are going pretty well.  You leave the room for a minute, and when you return . . .  your guest is gone!  You begin searching for them, and while at that your brother comes running up.  He tells you that his machine has malfunctioned, bringing to life the villain from your favorite book/movie.  And, well, they kind of kidnapped your favorite character.

It just so happens that one of my very favorite villains is Zuko's younger sister and rival, Princess Azula! Now I'm not sure why she'd kidnap her brother, unless it would give her an edge to take the throne! 

3. Action must be taken.  You rack your brain, trying to figure out what to do, and then you remember -- your brother's machine!  You can materialize anyone you need to help you track the villain down!

Azula's crazy. Zuko might be able to keep her calm, but there's no telling what she'll do with her fragile mental state. I will just make things worse if I approach her, because I'm no match to stop her. She's a deadly fire-bender and can shoot lightening as well. This will take an elite and expert team. First, I call Captain America/Steve Rogers! With his shield, we shall weather any of her fire or lightening! Then I shall call Legolas, because I want him there, and you never know when a precision archer will come in handy. But I don't really want to kill Azula, so I need someone who can stop her without hurting her...enter Elsa, the Snow Queen. With her frosty powers under control, we shall be able to defeat Azula in much the same way she was defeated by Katara!

4. You set off, dragging your brother along behind you, and reach the villain's hiding place in record time.   When your group sneak in, you are met with a chilling sight: The villain is plotting world domination, making good progress, and your favorite character is strapped to a table with a pendulum swinging ever nearer to them.  (Talk about dramatic.)  What shall you do now?

Yikes, Azula's gone more bonkers than I thought! Zuko is trying to talk some sense into her, no doubt, but if he keeps going he might end up toasted instead of smashed. I can't think of what to do, but my brother snaps into action and gives orders! Legolas fires, his arrows slashing the bonds around Zuko (we assume they're slashable). At the same time, the Cap throws his shield and breaks the chain on the pendulum. And while Azula is distracted by the now fire-bending Zuko, Elsa sneaks up behind and encases her in ice. Flawless.
 

 5. Huzzah!  You've got the bad guy and stopped the pendulam.  But now comes the time to say good-bye.  These lovely characters must return to their written life.  What do you say to them?  Thank them for their efforts?  Assure them that their stories end happily?


So first I must tell Zuko how excited I was to see him still so amazing at 90 years old in The Legend of Korra! And I tell Azula she simply MUST return, because her disappearance in the graphic novels is very cliff-hanging. As for the Cap, I will encourage him never to give up on Bucky! (Speaking of which, could Bucky drop by next to give me some knife-fighting lessons?) And I will tell Elsa to have a lovely time ruling her kingdom.

And that was fun.

Anyone who wants to answer these questions too, consider yourself tagged! :)

Summer Days!

I hope you all have been having a wonderful July so far, dear readers! I've looked at my blog schedule and it appears it will be fairly quiet on here for the month.

I'm finishing up some classes (Algebra 2 in July is not as bad as it sounds) and have also been working on short stories for Five Enchanted Roses and the Fan Fiction Contest for Tales of Goldstone Wood!

Have a great summer! It's been pretty warm around here and I hope you're all staying cool! Any special plans, writing or otherwise?