Summer Splash Book Blog Tour: Special Guest Feature--Meet R. R. Virdi!

R.R. Virdi is the award-winning author of The Grave Report. He is an avid fan of science fiction, fantasy, and especially mythology and urban fantasy. He has worked as a mechanic, retail, the fitness industry and the gaming PC world. Ronnie has a deep love of all things mechanical with a heavy emphasis on automobiles, especially American classics. He enjoys building things and tinkering with computers from his home in Falls Church, Virginia. There are rumors that he wanders the streets of his neighborhood in the dead of night dressed in a Jedi robe and teal fuzzy slippers, no one knows why. Other such rumors mention how he is a professional hair whisperer in his spare time. We don’t know what that is either.

Author Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rrvirdi/
Website: rrvirdi.com
Twitter: twitter.com/rrvirdi


1. So far you have two novels in just the one series, The Grave Report, out. Now, some of my followers that have been with me from the start may have seen my reviews of both Grave Beginnings, and Grave Measures here on the Upstream Writer—but for those who maybe are new or missed the hype, can you give us a basic rundown of Vince Graves, his situation, and the sort of world he functions in?

Absolutely. Vincent Graves is a paranormal investigator in a world where the things from mythology and dreams aren’t content to stay there. They exist. They’re hungry, and they’re not so nice. Guess who’s on the menu? Vincent’s a soul without a body, murdered by the paranormal himself and unaware of what did it. He’s tasked with inhabiting the bodies of the recently murdered and using their minds, bodies, memories and skills to solve their murders. It comes at the cost of retaining many of their memories in place of his original own. The series begins in media res and he’s been doing this so long he’s forgotten his own name and original identity, working under the moniker, Vincent Graves. It’s a fast paced detective thriller series set in an urban fantasy world that predominantly takes place in modern day New York. 

2. Now I know you've had reviews flooding in lately, so what would you say is the thing most readers are raving about?

Either comparing me to Jim Butcher (something that is flattering and terrifying) "When will there be a tv show?" (Trust me I wish I could answer that) or  "When will book three come out?" (Trust me I wish I could answer that one too, haha)

3. Here's what I would like to know: which came first, the paranormal world of vengeful beasties or the wisecracking, "undead" protagonist?

Um, both? I had the character, who was going to be a CIA agent...in a different series. And, I had the world which belonged to another series…. and I smashed them together and needed a paranormal reason to throw Vincent in there. I ended up with this. Not so bad. ;)

4. This sort of paranormal investigator thing has been done before; what motivated you to throw your hat into the ring? What compelled you to write Vince Graves?

A: Because I love the genre, my favorite. And you’re right, it’s been done before, but it hasn’t been done like this! I love the challenge. Like all the reviewers say, it’s Quantum Leap meets Dresden Files. It’s something new and unique. Heck, many people still can’t figure out what genre it should really be in. I’m okay messing around like that. :)
And Vincent already existed with that name. He was supposed to be a dour, brooding CIA agent and have a thriller noir series...until I couldn’t really come up with the story for it but had an urban fantasy world I couldn’t stop thinking about. Threw him in there and realized he couldn’t make it being this dark, grim character. It works great for novels where you go around punching humans and uttering cliched one liners. Vincent needed to bring some light and humor to a dark world. Enter my own wit. Here we are.

5. Rumor has it (because I happen to be a Minion) that you have another series in the works, launching this winter; what can you tell us about that one? Will it take place in the same universe as the Grave Reports?

I do have a new series coming out this winter. I can say that the book, and following books will be larger and show a different side of this world. Yes it takes place in the same literary universe but you do not have to read any of The Grave Report novels (not that you shouldn’t. Go. Read them!) it will stand alone as its own series. But, if you do read my other stuff, there will be nice easter eggs.

6. What kinds of non-book merchandise (aka "swag") do you have available?

At the moment, I don’t have any more merch. There will be a line of custom, handmade etched glasses with The Grave Report art over them. Not to mention other things.

 

7. What do you do when you aren't writing? What kinds of hobbies do you have?

Reading, video games, working out, DIY maker stuff. Lastly, tinkering with cars. Having the money to do those things is another issue. 

8. What has been your favorite experience with a fan so far?

Oh, God. All of them. I never imagined the fan letters/mail, the fan art, driving out to meet me and get signatures, the lot, would ever happen!

9. What is the geekiest/craziest/nerdiest thing you've ever done?

I don’t really know. I’ve never actually done any of the cool, over the top nerdy things. I really should though.

10. What one book or author would you say affected/inspired you so much that it changed the way you wrote?

Jim Butcher. He taught me it’s okay not to have these super, all-the-time-serious brooding anti-hero like characters. There’s been this annoying craze happening a lot where that’s what so many MCs are like: My life sucks, the world is dark, everything is dark, dark, dark I must be darker. Oh my God, lighten up a little. The world can be dark, it’s why you should try to brighten it up occasionally. Also, I learned it’s okay to be an insufferable wise ass. 

 

11. What is one Bucket List item that you haven't completed yet?

Finish an entire series. <--Most important!

12. What is the single most important piece of advice that motivates you to keep writing?

Don’t stop. If you do, you’ll never know how far you could’ve gone. Worth knowing the answer to that one I believe.

Did you enjoy this interview? Do you have a question of your own for Ronnie? Let me know in the comments and I'll pass it on to him! Meanwhile, don't forget to check out my previous interviews in the Summer Splash Blog Tour, and tune in next week for more awesome author shenanigans!

Serial Saturday: "The Clan of Outcasts" Part 2--Reborn

Velora "The Wolf"

Part 2

"Reborn"

"Get up!"

Velora yelped as a thick, blunt object connected heavily with her side. She curled herself into a ball and tried to swallow back the bile climbing her throat. She opened her eyes to see a soiled boot fill her vision. It lifted.

"I said get up!"

Velora snatched her body out of the way, but everything felt slow and foggy. She smacked her head against the tree behind her, and used that to prop herself up in a sitting position. A burly, bad-smelling man crouched in front of her. His low-hanging jowls proclaimed the malnourishment suffered by the whole group. 

"You ain't dead yet, Stray," he snarled in her face. "On your feet. Time to get moving."

Velora heard the words, and imagined the feeling of standing up and walking away—but her body didn't move. 

"Come on!" He grabbed her shoulder and hauled her upright. 

Velora felt as if her bones had been replaced with cloth. He dragged her like a limp doll over to the fire. She felt no pain—or too much pain.

"Another one," he grunted.

A soothing female voice echoed just on the edge of Velora's hearing. "It's the forest. It's making everyone sick. We need food to strengthen our bodies—"

"Well there isn't any! I sent scouts out two days ago to see if there was anything left of the village—"

"Stronger than they can..."

"Leave behind..."

The words were more garbled, blending together in nonsense as Velora felt her body suddenly get very tight and it was hard to breathe. Something rubbed against her leg—no, she was shaking so hard that her body rubbed against the ground. 

The sounds of voices gave way to the growls of animals. When Velora could see straight again, she screamed.

The only people left around her were mangled bodies, still trickling fresh blood. The only living creatures roaming the camp in the dark were a pack of lean, dark wolves. They had made short work of those already dead, but they had gotten their full of others besides her.

Velora felt the rush of fear giving her body the strength she needed to escape—but the moment she moved, the pack would be on her. Right now, they were full and relaxed, and did not regard her as a threat. 

Velora fought to hold her body inert and squeeze her eyes shut as the wolves scurried around, sniffling the surroundings and growling as they wrestled each other. She chomped down on the insides of her cheeks to keep her chin from trembling.

At last, the wail echoed through the deep night. All activity ceased as the alpha greywolf summoned his pack. They answered, and Velora listened to the snorts and snarls of the departing pack. Only when she could not hear any sound but that of the surrounding forest did Velora dare to open her eyes.

The pack was long gone. She struggled to her feet amid the carnage. She recognized the bodies of some of the survivors, but not all. The rest of them were still out in the forest somewhere.

They had left her behind because they assumed she was too weak to keep up; Velora narrowed her eyes as she spotted a trail through the undergrowth far too large to have been left by the wolves. Just outside the perimeter, she found a heavy boot print that matched the tread that had been so generously presented to her so many hours ago.

She would find them. She would survive. They dismissed her as weak, but now it was time to prove her mettle.

~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~

 Small feet dashed around corners and down alleyways. Frantic eyes searched for sanctuary as the angry voices still rang against the earthen walls. At last he reached the small door, and pounded on it as hard as he could.

"Let me in!"

"You're not welcome here!"

"I live here!"

"Not anymore!"

His heart sank. "I didn't mean it!"

He hadn't intended to kill the mark; it was supposed to be easy—get in, intercept the money pouch, get out. One wrong jolt had got the mark's attention, and had ended up with his wrist in the mark's grasp, watching the wicked, bloodstained blade whistling right for his arm—

And then a ferocious jerk had thrown him back against the wall, and the mark convulsed, coughed up blood, and died right there in front of everyone.

"You were always bad luck!" Cried the voice behind the door.

"Please! Let me in!"

"Get away from here, street rat!"

There was no more time; they would be around the corner in a moment. He needed to keep running. 

He ran until he forgot which street he was on. He ran until he couldn't hear the voices of the pirate crew out to avenge the death of their mate. He ran to escape those terrible words: "You were always bad luck."

He wandered back down familiar lanes to the shack he frequented during the day. It would be his home now. He curled up under the wooden slats and rubbed the tears from his eyes. Unlucky; that's what he was. Even the mysterious jolt that had saved him had only made his hard life that much worse. He was to blame...

He woke to a steady snapping sound and a delicious warmth. The temperature spiked as consciousness returned, and he opened his eyes. Above him, in front of him, all around—a blazing inferno greeted him. There was no escape. Everything burned. 

Unlucky! He curled into a tight ball and wished for a quick death, so that he would suffer no more. The smoke overwhelmed him...

Slowly he opened his eyes. He lived! The harbinger of bad luck had survived the fire! All around him were the charred remains of the shack. The sunrise had just begun; it should have still been the cool of night just before dawn, but he could still feel the heat of the flames all over him.

A flicker on his arms caught his eye. He watched in alarm as a single flame traveled from his elbow to his hand—but he only felt the cool pressure of a fingertip! He cradled his palm around the tiny flame. Bringing his other hand up before him, he saw a matching flame there! Startled, he flinched—and two jets of fire sprang from his hands! Somehow, the flames that engulfed him had been absorbed into his skin. There was fire inside him; what did it mean? Was it more bad luck? Clenching his fists tight, he ran—westward, away from the harbor, out to the wasteland, where nobody lived.

~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~

The same dawn awakened Velora. She felt something wet on her face and tasted copper on her lips—blood. She sat up quickly—and immediately wished she hadn't. The wolf pack that had attacked the survivors lay all about her, slumbering deeply. She would not be able to escape them so easily this time. Carefully, she wiped at the blood dripping down her face. She had blood everywhere—yet she felt no pain; it must be that she had not been wounded. Blood dripped from her hair, soaked her gown and her hands; where did it come from?

The wolf in front of her opened its eyes. She stared into its golden gaze. It lifted its head, causing her to raise her bloody hand and cringe—but the fur on its back stayed flat. Only then did Velora notice that the wolf seemed to be staring at something behind her. She turned to follow its gaze—and screamed.

The huge greywolf lay behind her, flayed and beheaded. This was the source of the blood. She lay in a great pool of it, while the entire pack rested just outside the dark circle.

A few more wolves lifted their heads. Velora looked back at her hands. What did this mean? She gasped as a powerful odor wafted over her senses. She knew it was blood, but now she could smell it. Blood, human sweat, the scent of soot two days old, the heavy musk of woody earth just outside the cave—she could identify each scent in a single sniff. The more she awoke, the more her other senses began to open as well. She began to hear patterns in the panting of each wolf around her; colors seemed more brilliant, distances sharper to her eyes. She stood as the wolf pack stood with her, and she picked up the head of the greywolf. Raising it as high as she could, Velora threw back her blood-soaked head and howled. 

"YOU ARE MINE!" She seemed to shout. "MY PACK! I AM THE ALPHA NOW!"

The pack answered back, "WE ARE YOURS! YOU ARE THE ALPHA! WE ANSWER TO YOU!"

Velora let the head drop, and let her wolves attack the carcass. The trail left by her fellow survivors stood out clearly in the freshness of morning. She had everything she needed to find them again; they would surely regret leaving her behind.

Before the sun had reached its zenith, she caught the remaining survivors—or rather, her pack caught them first. They followed the wishes of their Alpha Velora, attacking every human and laying waste to the whole group. Not one escaped—and after the pack had done its work, she entered and took whatever she wanted. She stepped over the fallen body of the camp leader, pausing only to remove his boots. She peeled off her worn, bloody shoes and slipped her feet into them, lacing them tightly and testing their heaviness. It would take some adjusting, but she could use them. At the back of his tent, she found a smooth, polished chest. With her bare hands and the strength of an alpha wolf, she broke the lock and threw open the lid.

Inside was a suit of armor—but what would a big, thick man want with a sturdy suit of women's armor? Velora clasped the pieces on her body, saving the breastplate, gorget, and pauldrons for last. Everything fit snugly; she could only guess they had been made for someone about her exact size—but whom? She picked up the last item in the chest—a dark cloak—and tied it around her neck. She sneered at the corpulent body before her.

"Who will survive now?" She snarled, kicking the man firmly in the head with his own boot. 

The wolves fell in line behind her as she took the path out of the forest.

"It's time to get revenge on the ones truly responsible for my suffering!" Velora growled at them.
"TO THE PALACE!" She howled.

"TO THE PALACE!" They echoed.

On their way, their path bent westward, through the wilderness where no one lived. 

Velora walked until the heat of the day grew too much for her. She found a cave nearby and instructed the pack to spread themselves around the vicinity and warn her of any intruders. She was so taken up with her newfound power that she failed to notice the second pair of eyes—human eyes—watching her from the deep shadows at the back of the cave.

Part 3: "Memory">>>>>

Also in this Series:

--Part 1: "The Storm"

--Locations and Characters, Part 1 and Part 2

Reader's Review: "Puck's Choice" by Skye Hegyes

Synopsis from Amazon:
Puck Dupree moved in with her sister after spending over a year trapped in the form of a fox. She had hoped to move on with a normal teenage life; however, trouble seems to have followed her.

The Council wants her to partner with a mage or forfeit her life, a friend of hers has a stalker who may or may not be trying to destroy her, and a boy at school keeps watching her. If only she could decide if he wants to kiss her or kill her. 
>>>>>>>>> 

My Review:

Got this one in the same book binge as about half a dozen other books. Reading books like Therian Way and watching shows like Grimm got me VERY attached to shape-shifter stories, and reading just the first few chapters of the sample made me fall in love with Puck as a character.

What is it about naming a character Puck that instantly makes them such a wonderful and likable character?

Skye succeeds in giving me a group of characters I care about. Jay and Iris, Cassie—even Fancy and Myles are great mentors for Puck and her friends. Even though at first it did seem like the "Disney Channel trope" of a girl recently moving to a new town and instantly being drawn to the dark, sulky guy... She does something wholly unexpected in the story and I absolutely thought it was brilliant: (MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD)

She brings Sulky Boy, aka Rand, out of his shroud of mystique. Rather than luring Puck into the darkness and her having to fight her way out or "embrace the shadows" or somesuch tripe, Rand comes out of his shell, the more he comes into contact with Puck. That was probably my favorite part of the whole thing; it kept me from disliking him too much to see past his broodiness, so when the relationship deepens, he winds up a pretty likable character. They all do. 

Puck makes actual friends and allies, and she meets people who not only understand a bit of what she experiences as a shifter, but also accepts her the way she is. Contrasting that with people from her past who rejected her and refused to understand, someone who actually blames her for something over which she had no control—a menace out for her blood.

It's a delightful romp with lively, memorable characters and plenty of suspense—to say nothing of spectacular twists you won't see coming! Granted, there were some places where the storytelling kind of wandered a little, and then of course there were the "necessary cliches"--but on the whole, it was a pleasant experience, and relatively quick, easy read. I would certainly give PUCK'S CHOICE a hearty ****4 STAR**** rating, and add that if you are looking for a fascinating, light, mid-grade/YA adventure full of magic spells (yes, witches are sympathetic characters here, akin to the sort one finds in Harry Potter) and shape shifting teens, PUCK'S CHOICE comes with an Upstream Writer Certified CERTAINLY RECOMMENDED endorsement—and I am very much looking forward to the sequel!

Further Reading: (Urban Fantasy/Young Adult/Spunky Heroines)
-Girls Can't Be Knights--Lee French
-Disenchanted--Kelsey Garmendia
-Floor 21--Jason Luthor
The Fair Folk Chronicles--Jeffrey Cook and Katherine Perkins
        -Foul is Fair
        -Street Fair
-The Pirate Princess--Catherine Banks
-Songstruck--Sofia Black 

Summer Splash Book Blog Tour: Meet Ashley Nestler!

 Ashley Marie Nestler (A.M. Nestler) is the author of two novels, “Beautiful Nightmare” (a YA Dystopian), and “Into The Fog” (an epic fantasy). Her current literary fiction novel, “Behind Broken Glass Walls”, is set for release soon. She is also a professional book reviewer, and the owner/creator of the Go Indie Now! Bibliotherapy Box. This box is a monthly box featuring indie novels and a 4-D bookish experience meant to help give subscribers a monthly mental vacation. She currently resides
in Colorado, and is a social worker.




Author Links:

Blog: https://peachykeenbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amnestler
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7089809.Ashley_Marie_Nestler
Twitter: https://twitter.com/goindienowbox
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ashley-Marie-Nestler/e/B01DG1K92I
Instagram: @goindienowbookbox
My Indie Subscription Box: https://goindienow.cratejoy.com/


1. What is your most recent book?

I currently have two novels out, one a YA Dystopian and the other Epic Fantasy. But currently I am working on publishing my most current work “Behind Broken Glass Walls” which is a literary fiction novel about a school shooting involving hate crimes.

2. Why do you think people would want to read it? What is its most compelling quality?

The most compelling quality about my writing is that it deeply involves the human experience, and how we all influence each other, as much as our experiences do.

3. Who is your favorite character that you’ve written and why?

My favorite character that I have written is Lamia Hecate, the villain in my epic fantasy novel, “Into The Fog”. I love her because she is a character who has had terrible things to happen to her, and she covers that by putting on a terrible front. She does have a softer side, but she rarely lets it out. She uses her power over others to soothe her pain.

4. What is the hardest thing you have to do when you create a character and what’s the easiest?

Honestly, characters seem to come to me easily. I feel that over time they begin to form themselves and come into who they are meant to be. Perhaps the hardest part is making sure that you don’t have any errors when writing about your characters, such as saying that their eye color is blue when you said earlier in the novel that it was green.

5. How do you deal with writer's block?

When I have writer’s block I just let myself rest and don’t force myself to write. I go back to reading a lot, and then usually the words come back to me.

6. What is the one book that changed the way you write?

My current novel “Behind Broken Glass Walls” definitely changed the way that I write. I usually write fantasy and young adult, and it was very different for me to write from the perspective of an adult contemporary woman. However, I was able to examine the human experience further and make a story that was more realistic to everyday life.

7. What is the geekiest thing you've ever done?

The geekiest thing I have ever done? Probably going to all of the Twilight midnight release parties at Borders growing up.

8. What is one item on your Bucket List that you haven't completed yet?


The one item on my bucket list that I haven’t completed yet is meeting Jodi Picoult. She is my biggest influence as an author, and I would love to meet her in person.


9. If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would you go?

If I could spend one week anywhere it would be Paris. I have always wanted to go to Paris, it is my biggest dream.


10. What is your most prized possession?

My most prized possessions are all of my books. Without books, my soul would be nothing.

11. What is the best piece of advice you have been given in regards to your writing?

Don’t let your characters run away with your writing. In other words, don’t make your story too complicated.

12. What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to write but doesn't know where to start?

Read, always read. Reading leads to writing, there is no other way.

Did you enjoy this interview? Did you have a question for Ashley about any of her works, the IndieGo crates, or about writing? Ask your question in the comments and I will pass it on to her! Meanwhile, check out my interview on Ashley's blog--Peachy Keen Book Reviews!

Serial Saturday: "The Clan of Outcasts" Part 1--The Storm

Jaran Seramis, "The Champion"

Part 1

"The Storm"

Thunder crashed as the billowing black clouds poured rain in stinging sheets. The water streaked over the smooth stone surfaces.

Inside the foremost turret, a lean young man sat at a glossy cherry-wood table. He leaned on his elbows, resting the tips of his steepled fingers against his chin. His thin lips twitched with each crash. The candle in front of him melted slowly, and he watched the liquefied wax overflow and dribble down. Dark hair shaded pale eyes, and his gaze trembled—the only sign of the turmoil in his mind. His charcoal-grey waistcoat and matching breeches were too tight and growing tighter, cutting off circulation, stifling his breath—

"It is time."

He had been anticipating and dreading the summons all evening. The young man stood slowly, his lean, towering frame looming over the stoop-backed servant. He tore his eyes away from the candle, but even then, he could not look at the servant. He fixed his eyes on the toes of his boots, and then on the dark hallway stretching before him.

Glowlamps lit the way down this hall—small glass globes only he could light. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, just barely aware of the short man keeping in step beside him, steering him by his presence as a sheepdog does the cattle.

He entered the dark room, wondering what little experiment they had for him this time.

"Hold this, please." The voice issued from the darkness as a smooth, round knob nestled in his hand. A second knob rested in the other hand, and he felt the old familiar thrill over his skin.

"Administer the charges when you are ready, Master Jaran."

Master, they said—offering him feigned respect rather than the honor he was due by right of his true title. 

The anger fueled his power. He gripped the knobs and released the pent-up energy. Sparks like small lightning bolts lit his fingertips. He watched the current travel down wires stretching out toward the walls. When they connected with the glowlamps mounted there, he dampened the current, watching with satisfaction as the charge fizzled out, but the glowlamp still gleamed.

"Is there something wrong?" The voice came from everywhere, a pet trick of the Scientific Councilor. Jaran could never quite understand how it worked, so the effect was rather more annoying to him than intimidating.

"Nothing's wrong, Bezzer," he replied. "I lit the lamp, isn't that what you wanted me to do?"

"Go further, if you please, Master Jaran," came the voice. 

Jaran held the knobs; releasing his charge always made his hands stiff and numb. He could already feel the deadness creeping over his fingers. Any further, and he probably wouldn't be able to unclench his hands for a while.

But he had never been one to shy away from pushing the boundaries of the mystery that was his unnatural ability. He sent a stronger pulse down the wires, one that flared the glowlamp and kept going, stretching down the length of wire, seeming to travel toward each other. At the point of convergence, he saw the pulse widen and envelop an elongated shape of some sort.

"What is that?" He asked Bezzer.

"Merely a test beacon, my prince," came the silky reply. "Do not worry. That last effort was admirable. Could you send just one pulse of your full power?"

The test environment excited him; he almost missed the sudden use of "prince" as opposed to "master." He would show that stuffy robe what he could do. He unleashed the full flare, watching the blue lightning streak down the wires, blow out the glowlamp, and keep right on going to the beacon at the middle.

He never expected the beacon to scream.

As the energy coursed over its length, the object in the middle of the room suddenly writhed and let out a pained wail. When Jaran stopped the current in surprise, a small object fell away from underneath the "beacon."

A hand; a woman's hand.

"What have you made me do?" The knobs slipped out of his hands and crashed to the floor, but he could still feel the current flowing. He clenched his fists in an attempt to curtail the energy. His worst fears were coming true. "Who is she?"

"That is none of your concern—"

"I said WHO IS SHE?" Abruptly, the lightning flared out of his knuckles, searching for a place to land, and finding the exposed glowlamp sockets. The force of the current jerked his arm outwards as this pulse seemed to come from his very core. It crackled down the wires and enveloped the body on the table in a white, ethereal glow. Jaran and the "test subject" both screamed.

When Jaran finally pulled away, his hands would not stop flaring. He knew as long as he remained in this lab, he would be a danger to this innocent woman.

He ran out of the room, and the guards quickly stood aside when they saw the unnatural, crackling, white spark in his hands.

"Go to the harbor, find the Dragon Mark."

Jaran swung around to see who had spoken, but there was no one there. The Science Councilor's knights were still in pursuit. He resumed running.

"Dragon Mark... Harbor," the voice reached him faintly now. "Healer... Help you."

Jaran reached the outer gate and finally released the energy that had been burning his palms. He watched the streaks shoot upward, to disappear among the clouds with a mighty crash. The same electrical current from his hands now circulated through the entire sky, slamming to the ground in brilliant flashes. The former Prince continued his journey east, toward the Harbor. He would need to find this Mark of the Dragon. Perhaps it would take away this curse he carried.

~<>~<>~<>~<>~

The thunder boomed like cannons, hard enough to shake the walls of the little thatch hut. Inside the hut, a young woman cowered with her family, huddled in the corner. Her mother's penitent voice whispered prayers to every deity she ever knew. The flashes of light seemed to be the very wrath of heaven pushing it's way into their small world. One flash erupted and seemed to surround the whole house at once, and when it vanished, the crackling of singed straw remained. The small family could only cling to each other as the smell of smoke drifted toward them. In a burst of heat, flames erupted on the front corner of the house, cutting off their only escape. The fire bloomed and blossomed over their heads. 

The father turned and swung his foot with all his strength against the wall behind him. He kicked again and again until he had cleared a tiny space at the bottom of the wall. Pulling his daughter, he directed her to the hole. It was barely large enough for her to wriggle through.

"Daddy!" She cried, grabbing, flailing for his hand.

"Go now, Velora!" He commanded. "Run! Do not let the flames touch you! Be safe!" He was pushing her now, as more of the hut sank in on itself.

The girl scrambled forward into the cold, furious night. She saw more of the villagers pouring into the trees, deeper into the treacherous forest, heading westward. She stopped to take one last look at her home—but all she could see was a burning pile of rubble.

"I will survive, Father," she whispered, and vanished into the night.

~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~

 He had weathered many storms inside his cave, but none quite like this one. His gleaming eyes watched the streaks of lightning streaming from the sky. Something stirred in the air, something beyond the storm; it was a feeling he had been waiting for since his exile began. 

The old man smiled to himself and released the spells concealing his location.

It was time to make the first move.

 ~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~

Part 2: "Reborn" >>>>>

Also in this Series:

--Locations and Characters, Part 1

--Locations and Characters, Part 2

Reader's Review: "Dance into The Wyrd" by Nils Visser

Synopsis from Amazon:

Wendy Twyner feels that she has found a home in the Wyrde Woods. She is slowly transforming herself into Wenn o' the Farisees with the help of locals Joy Whitfield and Willick Maskall but above all her Green Man Puck. Just as she comes to terms with her life at long last she finds out she must risk it all in order to save the Wyrde Woods from destruction. 
>>>>>>

My Review:

Oh my goodness! So good!

"Wenn of the Fairies" is back for more, learning about her place in the Weald and connecting more and deeper with the forest and it's people, particularly Puck. This time, she's not so much focused on leaving the terrible life she's always known, but on saving the Wyrde Woods—and the people who essentially saved her—from a greedy, powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to have her way.

It's intense and full of learning and growing as Wenn wrestles with her feelings for Puck and her own character flaws, but Joy is there to dispense advice and give Wendy the wise, motherly counsel she has always needed. Just the few conversations in the beginning of the book do more to help Wendy than all of the ill-prescribed medications and patronizing psychiatrists she has been subject to in Neverland. Wendy and Puck connect with the resistance group the Lost Boys, led by Americans Tink and Jukes (whom I found hilarious in his prodigious use of the word "dude"!) and all of them had exactly the names you would expect: Tootles, Nibs, Curly, and even a pair of Twins! 

 

This is where the genius of Nils Visser comes into play. The places and names strike a chord in our inner child, giving us an inkling of the role it might play—but all the more stunning when the application is turned on its head and revealed to be much darker and more opposite of the fairy stories we once knew. 

 

This time, Neverland produces the Pirates intent on pillaging the innocent.

This time, Wendy chooses to grow up in spite of others' low expectations, and she defends the home she has made for herself against those who would keep her firmly in their control.

This time, not everyone gets a happy ending, as the battle claims the lives of many beloved characters.

This time, it's not just Peter with Fae origins, as Wendy finally learns the truth about where she comes from, and the real reasons behind her parents' disappearance.

Follow the Lord of the Wyrde Woods as he leads you on a merry chase through magic woods and a defiant people, mysterious mazes and a breathtaking adventure that will have you cheering and gasping to the very last sentence!

I would most certainly give DANCE INTO THE WYRDE a full *****5 STAR***** rating, and add an Upstream Writer Certified Recommended endorsement—though in light of the increased nudity, intimacy, intense scenes, and violence in this book, it is probably best for teen-plus readers.

Highly recommended for teens and adult readers who grew up on fairy stories and are looking for urban fantasy of considerable depth and substance. THE LORD OF THE WYRDE WOODS will captivate you and thrill you from the first sentence to the last. I look forward to more adventures from this author!

Further Reading: (Urban Fantasy/Strong Female Lead/Intense Thrills)

-Escape From Neverland--Nils Visser (the first book in this series)
-Leopard's Heart and Wolf's Path--Kimberly Rogers
The PSS Chronicles--Ripley Patton
       -Ghost Hand 
       -Ghost Hold
       -Ghost Heart
-Sky Knight--Sandra Harvey 
 -For None of Woman Born--S. D. Curran 
-Untamed--Madeline Dyer
-Bounty--J. D. Cunegan
The Vemreaux Trilogy--Mary E. Twomey
       -The Way
       -The Truth
       -The Lie

Summer Splash Book Blog Tour: Meet Kristan Cannon!

Kristan Cannon was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario and educated in North Bay and Toronto.  She is a staunch supporter of literacy, reading, and young writer's programs. She also holds a current membership with The Indie Writer's Network and is a member of the NaNoWriMo Ambassador's program.

When not researching or writing, Kristan exists for sailing her classic wooden sailboat with her cat, friends, and family... or for video games and books when snow and ice have the boat locked in its slip and she can't get away.

1. What is your most recent book?

My most recent book, which will be released at the end of August, is Between Silence and Fire.

2. Why do you think people would want to read it? What is its most compelling quality?

Fans of the series (it's the third book in an existing series) will want to read it because it continues from the end of The Last Iron Horse, and is the explosive start to both a war and when the very last of the supplies, even those greedily kept back after civilization ended, finally run out.  People have to start literally from nothing again, or depend on what they have already managed to build since the beginning of the first book, After Oil.

War is literally breaking out as various factions now realize that they only have so many resources, and there are areas (and factions) who have more than they do.  This book is going to be far more brutal and feral than the others.  Allies are being met with silence from other allies, simply because of a lack of a way to help, and there's this wildfire burning out of control and herding other factions who don't necessarily get along with into each other.

Again, though, the most compelling quality isn't the fires, or the war breaking out to control the city, but the people caught up with it.  We again follow Derek Moss and the Rangers of Walden and how he, and those Rangers, are dealing with everything being dropped on their doorstep.

And there's going to be a huge game changer in this book that has only been hinted at since the very first page of the series.

3. Who is your favorite character that you’ve written and why?

That is really a tough question because I love them all.  Even the ones that end up leaving the series, whether through death or otherwise, are so different from each other and always brought something else to the table.  If I had to pick just one, though, it would have to be Derek.

4. What is the hardest thing you have to do when you create a character and what’s the easiest?

Characters have a way of creating themselves, and in the Kingdom of Walden, they literally did.  Most of the characters are based off what others created during a role-playing campaign.  Others are based on people I know.  The hardest thing would be doing them justice when I finally write about how they respond to what I throw at them.  It's getting into their heads.

The easiest is letting the characters--even the ones I created from scratch--develop into their own.

5. How do you deal with writer's block?

I walk away and do something else for awhile. Writer's block, for me, is my mind telling me it's had enough and just needs a break.

6. What is the one book that changed the way you write?

Chuck Wendig's The Kickass Writer, with a close second (only because I read it second), James Osiris Baldwin's Fix Your Damn Book!

7. What is the nerdiest thing you've ever done?

I built and sewed my own Time Lord High Council Member (from Doctor Who) costume, from scratch, including the collar, gown, and jewellery.  It didn't come out perfect, and in the second year, I had to retire it because the collar fell apart.  But that was easily the nerdiest thing I've ever done.

But I'll remake that costume with the stuff I've learned.  I have a few ideas on how to improve and finish the collar, as well as make the gown part fit better.

8. What is one item on your Bucket List that you haven't completed yet?

I would like to go to Kyoto and be allowed into a banquet with actual geisha performing.  Walk the streets and soak in that history.

9. If you could spend one week anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Outside of that mentioned trip to Kyoto, I would also like to eventually make my way to Ireland and Scotland, as well as other parts of the UK.  Easily half of my family tree can be traced to Ireland and Scotland.

10. What is your most prized possession?

The book collection I inherited from my Nanny. (my grandmother on my mother's side of the family)

11. What is the best piece of advice you have been given in regards to your writing?

 First drafts are supposed to be crap.  Just shut up and write.  You can edit out the crap later.

12. What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to write but doesn't know where to start?

Without repeating what someone else said to me, don't sweat making it perfect.  Just tell yourself that story by at least getting the first draft out.  Start small.  Just write something, even if it's a series of flash fiction every day.  Eventually, the bigger stuff will come.

Find Kristan's books on Amazon HERE

Did you enjoy this interview? Do you have a question of your own for Kristan? Comment below and I will pass it on to her! Meanwhile, catch my interview with fantasy author Catherine Banks on her blog >HERE<!