Book Spotlight: Fate War: Alliance

Prince Cole meets Samantha when she walks down the aisle. Though she seems like the polished women he is familiar with, there is something different. She is complicated and full of mystery. Her dowry comes with a promise of air ships and mech capable of defense against their common enemy and for his country to survive, he must unravel her secrets. It is only when each accepts their destinies can they save their people from the plans of the Fate Sovereign.

Excerpt

Family Breakfast

“King Arnold, a pleasure.”

Samantha curtsied low, holding the layers of her blue, lace trimmed dress up from the floor. The handmaid had done a tremendous job of tightening her corset. Multi-colored stars popped before her eyes with the movement.

“None of that now. We’re family.” The King’s kind voice and hand guiding her back up put her at ease. He stood in the doorway of her and Cole’s bedchambers. Images of him in red coattails flashed into her mind, and she pushed them back. Today, he wore a grey morning coat, complete with a red striped waistcoat and ascot. The ruby eyes and toothy grin of a gold dragon head peaked at her from the crook of his arm where his cane rested.

He took her hand, kissing the gloved fingers, then wrapped them around his elbow to lead her to the balcony. “And how are you this morning daughter-in-law?”

“I’m well. Thank you for asking, King Arnold. And you?”

“Doing well, my dear.” He patted her hand as they reached the balcony where Cole stood, fidgeting with his tawny waistcoat. Under her fingers, Samantha felt the King tense. He and Cole nodded to each other, but no words were exchanged in salutation. Cole pulled out her chair, and both men helped her settle for their family breakfast. As the men took their seats, they continually eyed each other, like one expecting a tame tiger to turn man eater at any moment.

Thankfully, the servants began uncovering today’s dishes, and the men were distracted by bacon.

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Fate-War-Alliance-ebook/dp/B00BKQ5UVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361809152&sr=8-1&keywords=fate+war+havens

Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle

Blurb

Seven Point Eight:

The most powerful number in the universe.

The number that connects everything.

It is time to wake up....

A physicist begins a quest to measure the soul but soon finds himself drawn into the world of the

enigmatic Max Richardson, where research is sold to the military at the

highest bid. However, he soon discovers another purpose when an

extremely talented young psychic enters his life. He devises a project

and builds a team to stretch the frontiers of exploration, only to make a

reality-shattering discovery...

Written in the style of a TV series, The First Chronicle is the beginning of a 5 part epic which

follows the spiritual and emotional journey of five people; their quest

to understand the universe and our place within it. 

Quantum physics meets spirituality in a tale which begins in the 1940s, unfolds

during the 1960s; an era of social and spiritual transformation and

reaches its conclusion in the modern age.

It interweaves the human dramas of love, betrayal, bitterness and above

all, courage in a world where everyone must face their own dark shadow.

For fans of the paranormal, big sweeping epics, metaphysics, science fiction, 'Lost', 'Fringe', contemporary fantasy, alternate realities and new age/spirituality.

It's also highly suited to Young Adult readers, who like sci-fi along with their paranormal, or those who like a more challenging read.

My Thoughts:

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I hate to say it was too detailed and "sciency" for me but that's exactly what  happened. It was just too much science and detail and not enough plot. But maybe for other folks, it may be what the doctor ordered.

Therefore, I'll list the positives and negatives:

Positives:

1. Very interesting plot:

I have to say, from the word go, this author swept me off my feet and begged me for more and more chances to delve into the plot and uncover the secret. 

2. The characters had depth

Again, the characters were interesting. I liked the main character and the other lady in the story. 

Negatives:

1. Way, way, way, wait for it . . . Way too many details

I understand as an author myself that you have to explain a lot of things. Especially in a science fiction. I am currently trying to tackle this genre myself.

However, there is just way too many details about the main character thrown at you at once. Did I really need to know his whole life story on the first few pages?

No.

So why put it there? 

Hmm.

Psst writers, this is what you call an exposition dump (when you give out all of the details about a character in the first few pages, or even in huge page-like chunks in the story). Don't do it. Just some advice.

2. Overwhelming with Science

This could just be me guys since I have a love hate relationship with science, especially with Physics. I was forced in college to take that class, and I have to say it was the most confusing science class I have ever taken in my life. So when the author started talking about, I cringed.

It's not the author's fault about my prior experiences with sciences (more like embarrassing bump ins) have been mostly negative.

However, I still didn't like how much science was in it. 

I know what you're thinking, "Silly goose, it's a science fiction!"

But (I hold one finger high in the air) to assume that the reader understands basic Physics concepts isn't asking too much? 

Hmm, that's what I thought too.

It's not that I didn't expect science in a science fiction novel, but I would like some more break down of the science part. That's all I ask. Especially since science is the weakest area, academics wise. 

3. Formatting

You guys know what I'm about to say: Chunky paragraphs.

I hate them. I loathe the very legs they stand on. I just want to rip them off the page and put them in the corner, and burn them with a lighter.

Too much?

Anyway, lol, this author put WAY too many chunky paragraphs. I just can't stand them but this could be a just me sort of thing.

Overall, would I recommend this book?

Take this into consideration: This book has had fabulously high reviews, the author writes extremely well, and  the plot is riveting.

Now, if you want to take a chance on a fabulous science fiction book that just wasn't my flavor, feel free.

But if you have the same picky-ness level that I do, then don't pick it up.

My gut says give it a shot but my head cautions you if you haven't read science fiction before.

You choose ultimately though. 

Author Interview: Annalise Grey

Please welcome to A Three Way Tie, the wonderful author, Annalise Grey!

Pennsylvania native, dreamer, explorer.

I write because I like talking to the voices in my head. They are (usually) good company. I love to travel (when I have the $ for it). My family is everything to me.


When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing (mostly poetry) since I was a kid. My first “novel” was a crime drama called Silent Witness. The main character was a mute woman who witnessed a murder. I was 10 when I wrote it. But even when I wasn’t putting words to paper, I was running around the woods pretending to be an Indian Princess and creating storylines in my head.


What was the hardest part of writing your book? What was the easiest?

The hardest part has been the editing. Rereading your own work over and over gets a little tiring because you already know what happens. There isn’t a build-up —an emotional investment — like there is when you read a book for the first time. It’s hard to sit back and view your work as a new reader would.

    

Interestingly, the easiest part was writing the most tragic events. I found that it was a smoother, easier process writing about all the bad stuff that happens to Sophie and her family. Raw emotion just flowed into the pages as I wrote. These scenes affected me deeply but they were the ones that I felt happened without me having to force them. 

What music do you listen to while you write?

I have several Pandora Internet Radio stations that I listen to depending on the scene I’m writing. Each station is built around the following songs: “Dietro Casa” by Ludovico Einaud, “Meteor Shower” by Owl City, “Three Cheers For Five Years (Acoustic)” by Mayday Parade, and “Where I Stood” by Missy Higgins. When I’m rereading and/or editing, I always listen to classical music. I have to have some piano music playing in the background in order to write. Otherwise I can’t concentrate.


What inspires you?

My family, first and foremost! I have two older sisters, a step-sister, and a sister-in-law who counts as a fourth sister. I also have two younger brothers. Most of us live within a mile of each other (my one brother is my next-door neighbor). Our family is a tight-knit unit. My Pappy and Grandma are the quintessential Patriarch & Matriarch. They helped raise me and my siblings as their second set of kids. In fact, the Matthews pack from my book Howl is directly based on my own family and our relationships.


Do you have any hidden talents?

I can bend my pinky fingers all the way back – does that count? LOL! Actually, I’m an avid crocheter. I create my own patterns for hats, scarves, ponchos, etc.


What are your current projects?

 I finished a manuscript called Gettysburg After Dark which is about ghost experiences I have had during my seven years as a ghost tour guide in Gettysburg, Pa. I’m in discussion with a publisher so keep your fingers crossed for me!!


What book are you reading now?

Right now I am reading The Matchmaker’s Mark by Regan Black.


Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why?

Shapeshifters. Because I love the idea of changing your being without it being permanent. Once you’re a vamp, you’re always a vamp. No fun. J


Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just keep writing, no matter what. I write because I like getting to live other people’s lives along with them. Same reason I’m a reader. It’s escapism at its simplest form. And it’s mine. Let it be whatever it is for you just don’t stop.


Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I hope you enjoy reading my work as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

 

 

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Blurb:

Prentisstown isn’t like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee — whose thoughts Todd can hear, too, whether he wants to or not — stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden — a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives. But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

My Thoughts:

This book really surprised me. You would think as an English teacher some things would drive me crazy. Like the run-on sentences, the lack of spelling correctly, and the whole lack of punctuation but you know what?

I loved every flipping minute of it.

Another oddity: This book is a futuristic science fiction novel.

And I still loved it. Every bit of it.

I was sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book, waiting to see what happens next, waiting to see what other problem will come up next and not for one minute did I think that this book was boring.

Which is saying a lot because I like challenging novels to my brain anyway.

But omg, it was fantastic. And I didn't want it to end. It was just a surprisingly beautifully written novel. And I loved the suspense! I was literally hanging on the edge of my seat and never knew what was coming next.

The characters were great too. Believable. Real. Thoughtful. And identifiable. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say there was something in the book for everyone. Even if it doesn't seem that way at first especially with a 12 year old boy as the main character.

I was like, "It's a boy? And I'm suppose to identify with him?" But I did. Even though he was a bit younger then me, all you have to do is flip the number around and tada!, but I really felt his emotions. His pain. His hurt. His hunger.

Oh, that reminds me: This book is a little bit bloody. I wouldn't say it would make anybody squeamish, but just as a warning. It didn't bother me. I guess because we could all see it coming and because I sorta write stuff like that so it didn't bother me. Plus it's in the title, and sorta a symbol played with throughout the novel.

Can someone say essay? :) My poor future students, lol.

Anyway, the plot was really good. Where the author left it made me scream NOOOOO! I definitely wanted more of that, but it clearly says on the book cover Chaos Walking Book One, so that gives me hope!

It was the perfect ending. I have to say. If it was available in the bookstore, I would have bought it right then and there. I have to admire the way he ended it from a writer's perspective. It was just perfect.

Um, what else? The setting threw me for a loop. At first, I thought we were on planet earth like hundreds of years ago because of the whole New World thing. But interestingly enough, it was really a whole new world. Alien world. Not on earth! So once I got that straight, I understood why everyone could hear people's thoughts and all of that stuff. And why there were two moons.

Dialogue was believable. Everything was just perfect. Even the teacher/perfectionist inside me didn't even realize all of the mistakes and stuff until like the end of the book!

I know, right?! You would think my attenas would have gone off, but it didn't. I guess because Patrick Ness did it on purpose. :)

But I will have to warn writers right now: Just because Patrick Ness broke the rules, doesn't automatically mean the rules aren't valid.

What do I mean?

Well, it means that you have to be an EXPERIENCED writer to do this correctly and effectively like Patrick Ness did it. Plus, newbie writers, you must know the rules before you can break them. So learn the rules first, then get a couple of books under your belt (get them read through and stuff) then break the rules.

I know I broke quite a few in Angel Diaries. :) Ah, I love it!

Anyway, main question: Would I recommend this book?

To anybody who can value a really great book, HECK YES! Science fiction lovers tired of the machines taking over theme, HECK YES! With anybody with a pulse, HECK YES!

It's an awesome book that I'm so glad I took the time to pick up and read. I will be buying this book for my classroom library. I know if I love it, I know another student will. I was a bit worried about the age group since the main character is a little young, but I think it'll appeal to them. Besides, I put Bruce Coville in my classroom library, and I know he's really connected to middle school readers. So why not?

So I would definitely give this book a chance. Even for people who don't read science fiction (like I am), I think you will flip the switch and start loving science fiction.

If this is what science fiction is about, then I'm totally in!