Book Review: Blood and Bile by J.C. Boyd & Joshua Robertson

Tags

Blood and Bile, Book Review, Crimson Edge Press, Dark Fantasy, J.C. Boyd, Joshua Robertson, Legacy Series

Title: Blood and Bile

Series: Book #1 in the Legacy Series

Authors: J.C. Boyd and Joshua Robertson

Published on: June 7, 2017 (Crimson Edge Press)

Pages: 310 Pages (eBook)

Blurb: “Before the world came to be, there was nary beginning nor end, nary sky-shield nor night-wheel, nary war-garb nor shield-foe, nary fate-heeder nor fate-weaver, nor any thing living or dying or dead.”Ranvir ripped meat from bone, the dew of deep wounds dribbling between his fingers. He packed the flesh into his teeth-house, chewing happily.

His wife gaped at him, word-land soundless, forehead-stones devoured long ago, and wound-necklace torn from ear to ear.

She had never looked more beautiful.

His hands probed into her blood’s-seat for another bite, nails scraping against cartilage, fingers squeezing organ and fat, seeking a tasty morsel.

Ranvir heard the rasping of his tent flap open, but did not turn from his meal. Snaer’s brisk breath briefly touched his back. and then he felt it no more. He swallowed another mouthful and pulled at his wife’s skin to gaze at the glossy remains.

A voice, light and feminine, spoke.

“Ranvir?”

My Thoughts: I have read a few books, short and long, by the tandem of Boyd and Robertson. There is no hesitation when I declare this is, without question, the best of their books that I have read so far. It exceeded every expectation I had going into the book, and was such a joy to read. However, this book will not be for every fantasy reader.

To understand why this was a hit for me, you must understand my ancillary interests reside in Medieval Literature and culture. I read Viking Sagas and am working to learn Old English on my own. I am immersed in that time period in a scholarly manner, even if self-directed in nature. Because of this interest, there are many things within this story that hit the right spots for me. From the smattering of kennings woven throughout, to the throw-back to archaic language, to the culture and dark setting itself; all of these things are almost as if they were planted into the story just for me.

That isn’t to say that an interest in those things are essential to enjoying the story – they merely enhanced the work that was already there and Boyd did a fantastic job with weaving them all into the story. The story itself is masterful in its own unique way and it holds Robertson’s markings all over it. The characters are interesting, the problems that arise are interesting and keep you wanting to turn page after page. The story is very unconventional in its own way – readers of modern fantasy may find themselves wishing the story was a bit faster in pace and that more things would simply happen. That, too, is a harkening to the older age of literature.

I applaud Boyd and Robertson for taking steps back toward the roots of literature in this Dark Fantasy series. It won’t be for every reader, but it dares to be bold and hearken to the days when stories needed less action and was able to be more about development and setting and evoking the time period. This book sets the stage for a promising series, one that I plan to purchase every installment of as they are released.

If you want a traditional fantasy, dark or otherwise, this might not be the book for you. But if you are willing to take a chance on a book that blends modern and ancient, that pulses with the lifeblood of the old world, and a book that makes kennings a pure delight to read once again, then this is a book you should not miss.

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Book Review: The Name of Death by Joshua Robertson

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Book Review, Crimson Edge Press, Dark Fantasy, Joshua Robertson, Short Stories, The Name of Death

Title: The Name of Death

Author: Joshua Robertson

Published by: Crimson Edge Press (January 2, 2017)

Page Count: 39 (ebook)

Blurb: Drada Koehn is a fearless, formidable fighter ensnared in a presaged war against the northern humans. When the Speaker foretells their victory upon discovery of the name of death, she sets out to unravel the mysterious prophecy. Now, bound by duty and honor, Drada faces untold horrors with her companions, searching for what may never be found. In a story of unexpected twists, she soon finds that her resolve to see the quest done will be the fortune or doom of her people.

My Take: I had the impression, after reading Grimsdalr and Anaerfell, that Joshua Robertson was a talented writer. This novella confirmed everything I believed about his talent level and more.

The tale begins with Drada, a fierce female who is on a quest to learn the name of death. Early in the tale, it becomes clear that death is pursuing her and her companions. The tale is short, yet in that space of time there is plenty of development for the characters, the location, and even some backstory about what is taking place in the world beyond what these characters are experiencing. Joshua is able to weave so much into such a short space, and it is all done extremely well. I felt like I knew the characters and some of their struggles and the reasons behind the war raging among the races.

Joshua is an author of Dark Fantasy, and there certainly is no departure from that genre in this story. But that is to be expected with a title like The Name of Death. If you picked it up seeking a happy ending, you didn’t really pay attention to the title. But this story is worth it. So, so worth it. And at the current price of FREE, there is no reason to not download and read this one. It will end up being worth the 30-60 minutes of your time.

I look forward to reading more by Joshua, including his trilogy of books now that they are all available. If you haven’t read anything by this talented author, do yourself a favor and pick up this book and start reading today.

Book Release: Maharia by Joshua Robertson

Tags

Book Release, Crimson Edge Press, Dark Fantasy, Indie Author, Joshua Robertson, Maharia, Thrice Nine Legends

Maharia Synopsis

In Valor There Is Hope!

Branimir has remained hidden from the enemy, withholding the cursed dagger from their erroneous hands. When a stranger arrives, and offers the chance to end his never-ending battle, Branimir sets off for the City of the Gods for answers. Now, hoping his faith has not been misplaced, Branimir undergoes his darkest adventure yet. He can only trust that he has the courage to survive the truth.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W5NG5VR/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1487769958&sr=1-1&keywords=maharia+fantasy+epic+dark

**The first book, Melkorka, is on sale for 99 cents and the box set is also available now.
Melkorka Buy Link (99 cents)https://www.amazon.com/Melkorka-Kaelandur-Book-Joshua-Robertson-ebook/dp/B00R7CMJ4O/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Box Set Buy Link (5.99) https://www.amazon.com/Kaelandur-Box-Set-Thrice-Legends-ebook/dp/B06X9PX68K/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Author Links:

https://www.twitter.com/RobertsonWrites

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoshuaRobertson

http://www.robertsonwrites.com/

Author Bio:

Joshua Robertson is a bestselling author in dark fantasy. Robertson is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who received his degree from Wichita State University. He has worked with children and families for the past fifteen years in a variety of unique venues: a residential behavior school, a psychiatric treatment facility, and the child welfare system. He has functioned as a supervisor, an educator, a behavior specialist, and a therapist during his career. Mr. Robertson has presented trainings for hundreds of professionals and military personnel on topics that include child abuse and neglect, human trafficking, strengthening the parent and child relationships, and the neurobiological impact of trauma.

You may recognize him as the dude whose dragons were said to destroy George R.R. Martin’s and Christopher Paolini’s dragons in a very biased Twitter poll. His first novel, Melkorka, was released in 2015, and he has been writing fantasy fiction like clockwork ever since. Known most for his Thrice Nine Legends Saga, Robertson enjoys an ever-expanding and extremely loyal following of readers.

He currently lives in North Carolina with his better half and his horde of goblins.

 

Excerpt 1:

Branimir’s heart jumped at the thought of leaving Gaetana. He spun around and rose to his feet. Adamus faced him, beard hanging to his chest, and blue eyes wild with excitement. Witigor, a head taller than the Ariadnean, joggled his head in agreement, the overhanging flap of his ridiculous brown hat bouncing over his brow.

Sulanna stilled them with her hand. “What about Dorofej? The Stuhia has not survived this long simply to stay captive in a dungeon. Are we to continue to trust that he will find a way to escape?”

“Tis a thought I hope to be true, Sulanna,” Adamus said, “though the odds are not favorable. I am not proposing we attempt to free Dorofej. We simply cannot stay here much longer. Besides, if Dorofej does escape, he can always find us with that thing he does.”

“Klukas,” Branimir said. “Yes. He can find us in the shadow world.”

“Oh, here we are again, talking of this mysterious, all-knowing man called Dorofej.” Wit grimaced, pulling the sleeves up on his shirt. “The man might as well be a god, the way you speak of him.” Wit’s eye twitched. “Still, you are correct on this matter. The Stuhia can find anyone in Klukas if they have come across them before. Their gift of scrying supersedes the skill of the greatest oracle. He would be able to find you no matter your destination, I assure you.”

“Oh. Are you suddenly an expert with the Stuhian people, Wit?” Sulanna mocked, twisting her mouth with suspicion. “Funny you have not said a word of them until recently.”

“Well…I have read Tom Flitter’s Mystagogical’s Forlorn Folio and Colin Turney’s Unchanted and Unequaled.” Wit crossed his arms, leaned back like he had taken a blow to the bits, and then wobbled his head back and forth in disbelief. “Do you not know I have access to every book in the known world, Sulanna? I would have been reading about the dragon people long before now if I had known anyone cared to know about them. But you three keep your tongues wrapped so tight, I would not be surprised if you did not have any tongues at all. I don’t know how you expect me to help.”

Branimir stuck out his tongue. “No one asked for your help. We asked for one book on ancient religions, and here you still are—”

“Yes, I remember. The Compendium of Infernal Light by Emrys Trudgeon.” Wit widened his eyes. “No other man could have gotten you that little treasure. If you don’t want me, I can be on my way.” He stomped the back of his foot against the earth, indicating he had no intention of budging. “You know, it is not everyday someone asks about a text not highlighting the Lightbringer.”

“Czern’s breath. You mustn’t go anywhere,” Adamus said, angling an eyebrow at Branimir.

Sulanna flashed her teeth, chiming in, “Indeed. Your input is always welcome, but our business will remain our own.”

“Of course, my Lady,” Wit said, nodding his head again with enough momentum to bounce his hat. “And I don’t mean to pry, but anything you need to know, I can find.” He winked, pointing at Branimir. “Don’t get me wrong. The Kras have wicked memories, but none are as old as books. None can know how their minds have twisted their words over time.”

Excerpt 2:

Again, the bearded Kadari and Beryl tightened their hold on his arms.

With a flash in her eye, Kveta pulled aside Branimir’s cloak and pulled the dagger from the belt. Kaelandur stayed hanging from its sheathe around his waist. She barely looked at the copper blade, twisting the iron dagger in her hand. The sharpness of the weapon gleamed in the firelight.

Her free hand grabbed his shoulder roughly, balancing her weight to keep pressure off her bandaged leg. “Should I wedge this in your leg, your eye, or your dear, little bits?”

Beryl’s blithe snigger robbed the air from Branimir’s lungs. “Why choose only one?”

Disbelief and horror seized Bran, his timorous lip quaking with realization. He twisted against the Kadari holding him, hardly budging.

He dared to break from Kveta’s ghastly expression to look at Falmagon. The twisted smile under the Patrician’s mustache screamed of gratification. After Harrowhal, he realized how far gone Falmagon truly was. He once thought Falmagon, at least, considered himself decent, but nothing was left of the Highborn Long-Walker.

Nothing could have readied Branimir for the shockwave of pain riddling through his body as Kveta speared him with the dagger. He reacted at instinct, thrashing violently against the two Kadari holding him hostage, his wail causing the very flames of the distant fire to waft. He could not pinpoint where she struck him at first, only knowing the pain surged from beneath his belly. The heat of the immediate wound was only diluted by the warmth of the thick blood flowing down his slender leg.

He moaned. Tears descended from his cheeks with heaved sniffles, snorting his slick snot back into his nose and off his upper lip.

Kveta twisted the blade, grating the sharp edge against his femur, isolating the dagger’s location. Branimir blubbered softly, catching the saliva on the edge of his tongue, hatefully glaring at the Kadari woman.

He gagged in effort to keep his throat from closing, gasping for oxygen. He needed to breathe. He had to shake away the abysmal pain. Inhaling the metallic odor of his own blood, Branimir gazed to Falmagon and exhaled the bitter thoughts flooding his mind. “I will kill you! I swear it! Marheena will leave you broken and deformed!”

Excerpt 3:

Branimir could not guess how much time had come and gone since they entered the gate and started up the never-ending staircase. Not only did the sun stay at its apex over the City of the Gods, giving constant warmth and light in every crevice, but also something kept his stomach from hunger and his body from exhaustion. Every time his foot lifted and fell, his body seemingly had forgotten he repeated the same movement a hundred times before. In the beginning, the mundane climbing had been a game; but after a couple hours, he lost interest in playing. He stopped counting the stairs after reaching the thousands. Yet he felt no aching in his back, legs, or feet. Bran supposed he should be thankful for being away from the snow and wind on the mountain pass, but the monotony was wearing on him.

“You would think,” he said, after several hours, “with all the magic in this place they would find a quicker way to the top. I bet the Svet’s gateway takes them straight to the top of the peak.”

Alyona ambled along behind him, responding with a dull tone. “Close. You arrive on the seventh tier, near the temple.”

“Nine Lands. And no one thought to put one of those gateways at the bottom of these stairs?” Branimir asked, gazing at the rocky wall on either side of them. He was certain a dragon could fit on the staircase without discomfort. Which did not matter much, considering the dragon could fly to the peak of the mount.

Tyr held the smile on his face, climbing besides Branimir on the right. “Bah! Can you imagine when we go back down to leave? I bet we will lose our minds going back down these stairs.” Tyr swung is giant arms back and forth as he climbed. Branimir hardly noticed he had six fingers anymore. “How about if we were to arrive through the doorway up there? And then, when we went to leave, we were faced with this? At least, we know, right?” Tyr rumbled, peering over his shoulder for an instant. The bottom of the winding staircase could no longer be seen. “I might consider flinging myself down the steps, or simply lying down and rolling. Maybe the gods will spare me if I crack my head.”

Alyona’s dry tone answered the unasked question. “No, they will not.”

Blog Tour: Anaerfell by Joshua Robertson & J.C. Boyd

Tags

Anaerfell, Blog Tour, Cover Reveal, Dark Fantasy, dragon, J.C. Boyd, Joshua Robertson, Thrice Nine Legends

In case you missed it, yesterday I reviewed this book. It is a fantastic dark fantasy book and serves as an entry point into their larger Thrice Nine Legends world. In celebration of a new edition, with an outstanding cover, they are currently running a blog tour to generate awareness and interest in this book. Pick up a copy if you are a fan of dark fantasy and check out the excerpt included below.

BLURB

Drast, cunning but reckless, is on the hunt for admiration. Tyran, calculating but tactless, is in search of affection. Bound by a friendship thicker than blood, the two brothers have been hardened by their father’s ambitions. Drast and Tyran are forced to set aside their own hopes and dreams during their struggle to fulfill their father’s desire for immortality. Now, the two will face skin-switchers and dragons, ultimately leading to a final clash with Wolos, God of the Dead.

BIOS

Joshua Robertson was born in Kingman, Kansas on May 23, 1984. A graduate of Norwich High School, Robertson attended Wichita State University where he received his Masters in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Sociology. His bestselling novel, Melkorka, the first in The Kaelandur Series, was released in 2015. Known most for his Thrice Nine Legends Saga, Robertson enjoys an ever-expanding and extremely loyal following of readers. He counts R.A. Salvatore and J.R.R. Tolkien among his literary influences.

http://www.robertsonwrites.com/ @robertsonwrites

J.C. lives in the Midwest with his wife and two dogs. He recently earned his MA in English Literature and is working on his debut novel for his own fantasy world. Despite growing up with Dungeons & Dragons, Lord of the Rings, and a collection of both Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms novels, J.C. has an abiding love of classics and spends his free time reading anything he can get his hands on.

http://www.crimsonedgepress.com

@jcboyd_author

LINKS

Amazon

Excerpt One

Erzebeth convulsed. Her fur and skin shedding away while she wheeled about on the ground in agony. The bones readjusted and organs reset from beast to human. Where a beast had stood was now the naked figure of Erzebeth. Cuts and scratches patterned her body, but none were fatal.

Tyran had no place for modesty. The Vucari woman, within the privacy of the ice dome, struggled to her feet. Again, her dark eyes met his own, filled with compassion.

“You need to be put down, young Red.” Her voice was calm as her feet crossed in front of one another, closing the distance between them. “Your power is greater than any I have seen before, even from the Anshedar.”

“What?” Tyran said, forehead wrinkled with confusion. He had never heard of the race before, whether beast or otherwise.

“You are like a rabid dog, young Red. You are the perfect companion, loyal, and possibly even loving somewhere deep inside,” Erzebeth bit her lip. Her breasts, barely covered by her dark hair, touched the front of his chest. She halted her feet. “But, you are tainted by a disease that is stronger than the goodness in you. You cannot be left to live in this world, or you will corrupt every living thing around you.”

Tyran tilted his chin, lips parting. His free hand touched her pale skin, as whitish as the ice fortress that veiled this moment.

“You would taint me, young Red.” She stepped up on her tiptoes. “As with the rabid dog, you need to be put down.”

He grabbed her by the back of the neck, and pulled her to him. He kissed her with more force than he had ever kissed any woman.

This woman was not Isolde. This woman was battle hardened, and a warrior. She was not plain.

She grabbed his shoulders and returned the embrace, her tongue touching his lips. Her body was far warmer than his own, as if it were heated by the darkness.

He did not know what he was doing in this moment. It may have likely been the first time that his mind was clear from thought, acting without thinking. Though, in time, he may consider that when his death was nigh, he found that this was something he wanted to do before death found him.

The crashing against the ice pulled him from the moment. Tyran pulled back, moving the Vucari’s hair from her cheek. “You won’t kill me, Erzebeth.”

“No,” she breathed. Her hands fell to his chest. “But, it still needs to be done.”

Excerpt 2

His brother looked at his hands, now covered by great warm mittens. “Drast?”

“Mm?” Drast grunted, mimicking his brother.

“How are they going to remember us?”

“Who?”

Tyran shrugged his heavy shoulders. “The Stuhia. The Vucari. The world, I suppose.”

“By our apotheosis.”

“Does it always come down to glory?”

Drast snorted. “Yes. If we fail we will not be remembered. It must come to glory.”

Tyran shook his head. “But is what we are doing glorious?”

“We are off to kill a god. How could it not be?”

Tyran stopped and turned. “But if we are wrong. If killing Wolos is somehow an evil act. Or, if we fail and we are remembered because of our tyrant father—”

“Tyran the Tyrant,” Drast interrupted, chittering.

“I am serious. How do we know that we should even be doing what we are planning on doing? How do we know it is right? How do we know we can?”

“Tyran, you are overthinking this. Why do you even care how people will remember you to begin with? It will not matter. We will either succeed, in which case we are allowed to tell whatever tale of our victory we choose, or we fail and are dead and it doesn’t matter. Regardless, people will remember us for the height of our lives, when we faced a god.”

“I want to believe that I did something right for this world before I died.”

Excerpt 3

The room still whirled from last night. He tried to close his eyes to keep his stomach from doing the same, but closing his eyes actually made it worse. Drast was somewhat surprised that the drink was still affecting him like this. He had been having more than his fill for—he did not know how long. How long ago did Tyran leave? His mind was too foggy to remember. And Walstan was gone, too.

Vaguely, Drast saw that the sky was just turning blue with the rising sun. At least, he was fairly certain it was sunrise. None of the hues of sunset had begun to color the sky.

“Ser Drast?”

He turned his head to the entrance into his chambers and pulled himself more upright to lean against the nightstand beside his bed. One of the serving women stood just inside of his room. “What?”

“The Arkhon wishes to speak with you.”

He was not certain what string of curses came from his lips, but the maid blanched and her face grew pink, almost to the color of her hair. The room swirled again while she spoke.

“What?” he asked again.

“I said, Ser Drast, the Arkhon instructed me to remain with you until you came to meet with him.” Her voice quivered.

She was right to fear him. Her voice was fuzzy, just like everything. But, he knew he had not been particularly kind to any of the servants of late. He had managed to avoid his father by effectively frightening the servants. Their fear, combined with late nights, ale, and sleeping until the sun set, had allowed him to avoid talking with anyone who did not enjoy a mug or two.

A few of the servants had initially joined him in drinking. He loosely recalled this maid among them. Ura? Mura? Lura?

“Kura,” he finally muttered. He had been a little too handsy and she had since avoided him like—he could not clearly comprise a simile. Like. Like? Like the moon avoided the sun? Good enough.

“Yes, Kura,” she murmured.

Drast spat at the chamber pot. He was fairly certain he missed. “Well, come on in, Kura.” He belched. “I know how we can pass the time.”

Blog Tour: The Fell by Lyndsey Harper

Tags

Author Interview, Book Release, Crimson Edge Press, Dark Fantasy, Lyndsey Harper, Naetan Lance Saga, The Fell

AUTHOR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS::

 

ABOUT YOU::

 

1. Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself: Hi! My name is Lyndsey Harper, and I write dark fantasy. I love stories with magic and grit. I’m a wife, a mom, and I work in a theatre when I’m not writing.
2. Please provide the link to your blog (and website, Facebook fan page, Twitter, etc.): My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorlyndseyharper My Twitter: @lyndseyiswrite
3. How many books have you written? Officially, “The Fell” is my first piece, but I’ve written six other fan fiction novels unofficially.
4. Has any of your work been published yet? If so, please share the link(s) to purchase it: My debut, “The Fell,” comes out on January 18^th! You can purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCHQ1DR
5. If you have been published, did you self-publish or use traditional publishing? Why? If you have not been published yet, what are your plans for the future? I am fortunate enough to have a publishing contract through Crimson Edge Press. For quite a while beforehand, I was convinced I would self-publish because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go the traditional route or not. I know me, though – I work better with deadlines made by people other than myself, so I think traditional publishing was meant to be.
6. How old were you when you started writing? When did you know you wanted to be an author? I have been writing ever since I can remember. It started with a newsletter I wrote each month for my next-door neighbor about my pet rabbit, and then turned into poetry, fan fiction, songs, and eventually original work. I didn’t always want to write, though, despite my natural inclination toward it. My mother saw my future in writing well before I did. When I was younger, writing wasn’t glamorous enough for me. I thought it would be a boring career choice. Can you imagine, writing as a boring occupation? (LOL) It wasn’t really until high school that I embraced writing fully.
7. What would you say motivates you to keep writing? The first is my daughter. Plenty of times, she’s actually a writing “hindrance,” so to speak. Still, my writing as an adult started full-swing when she was first born, and I keep going to show her that she, too, can achieve her dreams with hard work. Secondly, the characters themselves keep me going. If it’s not a character I’m familiar with that’s bugging me, it’s a new one waiting to be written. There are people in my head, and they won’t be quiet. 😉 The last thing is caffeine – caffeine most definitely motivates me.
8. Who are some of your favorite authors? What are you currently reading (or what is the last book you read)? C.S. Lewis is a long-time favorite. I adore his work. I love Dan Brown’s writing style and his pacing. Right now, I’ve got quite a few books started. “Unclaimed” by Laurie Wetzel, “Crimson Bayou” by Alizabeth Lynn, and “The Shadow Revolution” by Clay and Susan Griffith.
9. What is your preferred reading method? (i.e., Kindle, Nook, paperback, hardback, etc.) Why? I prefer paperbacks (a tried and true presentation) or Kindle (my favorite electronic source). Hardbacks aren’t quite as comfortable for me to read.
10. Do you write in first or third person, past or present tense, and why? Mainly I write in third person, using past tense. Though, for the right story, I would consider using first person, past tense. Third person always spoke more to me than first. Still, I’m careful to minimize the number of POVs because I don’t like a cluttered story.
11. Do you “always read” or do you take breaks between reading books? Goodness, no. I wish I always read, but for as much as I love reading, I have to force myself to take time to do it. Life is very chaotic, so books weren’t always on the top of my list. However, I am a more productive writer when I am a more productive reader, so I try to make the time. It truly helps to spark my creativity when I read other works.
12. How many books would you say you read in a year? How many at any one time? I can handle about three books at one time. I prefer to read one at a time, though, but sometimes (like currently), my impatience wins out. Lately, I average about ten per year.
13. What is the title of your current work in progress of the most recent manuscript you’ve completed? My debut novel is entitled, “The Fell.” It’s the first installment of The Naetan Lance Saga.
14. What is your novel’s genre? Would you say there is a sub-genre? What makes yours different than other books in the same genre? My book falls into the dark fantasy genre, with a sword and sorcery feel to it. I think what sets “The Fell” apart is how it uses concepts from dystopian and sci-fi works and weaves it into a medieval fantasy setting. And that’s pretty much all I can say without spoiling it. ;
15. What inspired the current or most recent story you’ve completed? There were a few inspiration sources for “The Fell,” namely “The X-Files” for its grit and mystery, and the conflict of defining truth. I also drew inspiration from “Star Wars,” and ancient Greek tragedies for character interactions, some themes, and backgrounds. I looked a lot to Scandinavian and Nordic geographies and cultural elements while writing, and that is reflected a lot in the story.
16. What is your target audience’s age, gender, etc.? I would venture to say equally males and females, 18 and up.
17. Do you want to tell us a little bit about your story? Sure. Here’s the blurb: After the brutal death of his mentor, Leer Boxwell’s only desire is vengeance. However, his belief that the murderer is the mythical Grimbarror has made him the laughing stock of the Vale. When Leer witnesses the beast steal away the princess in an unexpected attack on the royal city, he volunteers to hunt the creature. Battling self-doubt and ridicule, while struggling to control a mysterious power within that he does not fully understand, Leer must decide whether his convictions are worth the sacrifice the Fell demands.
18. How often do you write? I just committed to a personal 1k A Day goal for writing in 2017, so if I keep on track, the answer should be every day. I’m sure life will happen, and days will be missed, though.
19. Approximately how many words do you write at each sitting? I typically average anywhere between 500-1,000 per sitting, but I’m aiming for the later, since I made the commitment above. 😉
20. Do you do your own editing or send it to someone else? A combination. I couldn’t imagine sending something off to the CEP editor without at least giving it a few serious looks for changes.
21. What is your method of writing? (i.e., Do you write the entire manuscript, then go back and make changes? Do you plan chapters as you go along or write the story then go back and add chapters? Do you re-read as you go along or after you are done with the first draft?) I write the story in order. I can’t skip around and write scenes, then fit them together. My style is very linear in that sense. I’ll re-read what I write and tweak small things, but mainly it’s my habit to write the story in its entirety, then go back and fix it. I treat chapter breaks as different scene breaks in a movie. Sometimes things move around as necessary after the fact, but for the most part, the chapters happen naturally as I’m writing.
22. Do you have a muse? If so, please elaborate. If not, what inspires you? There are a lot of people in my life that act as mini muses for me. There is something about them that speaks to me – their look, their voice, or their hobbies or habits. When I can, I also people watch; studying the way people conduct themselves in various situations fuels my inspiration.
23. How long does it take you to write a full manuscript? “The Fell” took two months to complete the first draft. However, it took two years after that to get it ready for publication.
24. Do you give yourself a word limit for each day or a time limit to finish your novel? If so, please elaborate. Before I was contracted, I wrote whenever the inspiration “struck,” which wasn’t regulated by any means. However, I’m now on a narrower road, so I have self-imposed quotas and deadlines to meet.
25. How do you come up with your character names and geographic location / business names? Naming comes from a combination of research and browsing. I pick names that speak to me, either for what they remind me of, or for what they mean. About 90% of the time, I used a slightly different method for naming the creatures in my story: I would look at what animal or insect was the closest to what I saw in my mind, and see the number of syllables each name had. Then, I would base the new name off of a characteristic of the “real” animal or insect, using however many syllables I had. If I didn’t apply that method, then the names derived from just a characteristic, or from completely unrelated “nonsensical” words that stuck with me for whatever odd reason. For locations, I based a lot of the geography off Scandinavian and Nordic landscapes, so I played with consonant and vowel arrangements often seen in those areas.
26. How long (or how detailed) are the notes you take before you start writing? I like to draft an outline, or have a bulleted list of important events or concepts I’m trying to get across in the story. They usually fall somewhere between hardly detailed, and fairly detailed, and they almost always change as I write
27. Do you have any “must haves” to help you write? (i.e., a full cup of coffee, a view of the ocean, etc.) A full mug of hot coffee. An absolute must. If someone wants to provide me a view of the ocean, though, I would certainly be grateful.
28. Do you only write during a certain time of day or in a certain location? If so, do you make yourself stop after a certain time? Not really. Writing happens whenever I can fit it in, but almost always at night. I’m not fussy about location, as long as I can have earbuds handy
29. Does your real life ever get neglected because of your writing? If so, how do you feel about that? Yes, and very guilty. I try not to, though; I try to remember that it’s part of my job, and also part of me. I’m grateful for my husband’s help and patience through it all.

30.What is the quirkiest thing you do or have ever done when writing? I have had my husband stand in and move through physical motions with me, especially for a battle scene. It really helps to make sure the movements are realistic. I also read dialogue aloud a lot, which is a little embarrassing.

31. If you could be one of your own characters for a day, who would it be and why? I’d like to be Astrid. She has a keen eye and lives a rather unconventional life. It could be quite fun!
32. If one of your books became a movie, who would you choose for the “perfect cast” of main characters? If we’re basing it off looks, I’d choose Penn Badgley to play Leer (permitting he changed his hair color, of course), Kaya Scoldelario for Astrid, and Colin O’Donoghue for James. But whoever is able to capture the real essence of each character would be perfect. 😉
33. What is the oddest thing you have ever researched for one of your books? I think that would have to be the type of underwear, if any, medieval people wore. It certainly brought up a lot of … interesting … results.
34. What is the most difficult thing you have ever researched for one your books and why? The rules for the game of tafl, or as it’s formally known, Hnefatafl. It’s an ancient Viking version of chess, and very little regarding rules and gameplay is documented about it. Still, I used a lot of Nordic inspiration for “The Fell,” and when I came across tafl and the mysterious nature of the game, I knew I had to feature it in my books.

Author Bio:

Lyndsey is a brilliant author you’ve likely never heard of, Superwife, and award-winning mother living life in leggings in the expensive and overcrowded state of New Jersey. She is fluent in Spanglish and Sarcasm and enjoys watching Arrow, Supernatural, Psych, and The X-Files repeatedly. You can find her either in the grocery store buying laundry detergent, Tylenol, and cat litter, hovering near her Keurig coffee brewer, or shaking her fist at the heavens in front of her computer. Occasionally, you may spot her on the beach or out shopping (when she actually has money to spare). However, you should avoid approaching her at such times as she is likely enjoying a rare moment of relaxation and can become moody if interrupted. If you decide to engage her during any one of these activities, approach with caution and a sizable cup of Starbucks in hand to avoid any ill effects.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorlyndseyharper Twitter: @lyndseyiswrite

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lyndsey-Harper/e/B01MRWEM9W/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Fell-Naetan-Lance-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B01NCHQ1DR/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Book Blurb:

After the brutal death of his mentor, Leer Boxwell’s only desire is vengeance. However, his belief that the murderer is the mythical Grimbarror has made him the laughing stock of the Vale. When Leer witnesses the beast steal away the princess in an unexpected attack on the royal city, he volunteers to hunt the creature. Battling self-doubt and ridicule, while struggling to control a mysterious power within that he does not fully understand, Leer must decide whether his convictions are worth the sacrifice the Fell demands.

Excerpt:

A hush fell over the inn; the fiddle music screeched to an abrupt halt.

Bilby’s eyes narrowed. “What did you say?” he asked.

“I said,” Leer repeated, “I wish to know everything you know about the Grimbarror.”

Callous laughter exploded through the men and few barmaids present, ripples of mockery piercing Leer’s ears.

“You well-washed loon,” Bilby cackled, slapping his knee through his amusement. “You wish to hear fairy tales, is that it?”

Leer’s jaw flexed as he clamped his molars together. “I seek the truth.”

“Hah!” Bilby screeched. “Would you like a cup of warm milk to go with your bedtime story, Boy?”

Leer squeezed his eyes shut briefly, trying to push away the reverberating voices around him. “Are you, or are you not, the Marcus Bilby that Finnigan Lance spoke of?” he demanded. “The one whose life he saved?”

Another wave of eerie silence fell over the inn. Bilby leaned in, gripping the table with white knuckles. “What name did you say?” he asked.

“Finnigan Lance,” Leer enunciated.

“Curse you for speaking that name,” Bilby snarled, spitting on the ground.

“Cheating scoundrel, he was,” a man bellowed from the rear of the crowd.

“Nothin’ but a drink bloated habbersnitch.” another agreed.

“You’d better have good reason for speaking that name in this place, Boy,” Bilby warned, leaning forward.

“He wasn’t a cheat,” Leer snapped. “You peddled furs with him. You worked with him, and he saved your life from insurgents. And I do believe you owe him a favor.”

A murmur trickled through the crowd, sending Bilby into visible panic as his peers reacted to the revelation.

“And what?” Bilby retorted with a scoff. “Lance has come back from the dead to claim it?”

Leer’s jaw flexed. Finnigan’s death was still fresh in his mind; it had not been long since he found his bloodied, mauled corpse. “Nay. You’ll pay your debt to him through answering my questions.”

Bilby’s eyes narrowed. “And just who are you to lay claim to any favors?”

Leer held his gaze. “His son.”

Book Review: Dolor and Shadow by Angela B. Chrysler

Tags

Angela B. Chrysler, Dark Fantasy, Dolor and Shadow, Kallan, Norse Mythology, Tales of the Drui

Title: Dolor and Shadow

Book 1 of the Tales of the Drui series

Author: Angela B. Chrysler

Amazon Rating: 4.2/5

Pages: 520 (Paperback)

Publisher: Angela B. Chrysler

Date Published: July 3, 2015

 

Blurb:

As the elven city burns, Princess Kallan is taken to Alfheim while a great power begins to awaken within her. Desperate to keep the child hidden, her abilities are suppressed and her memory erased. But the gods have powers as well, and it is only a matter of time before they find the child again. When Kallan, the elven witch, Queen of Lorlenalin, fails to save her dying father, she inherits her father’s war and vows revenge on the one man she believes is responsible: Rune, King of Gunir. But the gods are relentless, and when a twist of fate puts Kallan into the protection of the man she has sworn to kill, Rune obtains a power he does not understand. From Alfheim, to Jotunheim, and then lost in the world of Men, these two must form an alliance to make their way home, and try to solve the lies of the past and of the Shadow that hunts them all.

My Take: I was immediately entranced with the premise of the book, since it envisions Viking/Norse mythology from the perspective of the elves. I knew, going in, that there would be a lot to love about the world being built and, in that aspect, I was not disappointed in the least. The worldbuilding here is magnificent and, once you get used to the onslaught of names and places, you can really begin to feel immersed in the world. Things are just so well-developed in this book that it feels reminiscent of the wholeness that Tolkien brought together with Middle-Earth in his books. This is one of the greatest strengths a book can have, that synergy with the wholeness of the world that allows for complete immersion, and is one of the things I love the most about reading fantasy novels.

This book has moments of darkness in there, with some pretty brutal scenes happening to one of the main characters. They prove to be quite essential to the development of both the plot and that main character, and the amount of detail given during said scenes are rather minimal in comparison to some other dark fantasy novels I have read this year. Just be aware, if you are a sensitive reader, that there will be some chapters in the middle that may make you a bit uncomfortable.

One of the biggest issues I had came in the first hundred pages or so. There are so many characters and balls juggling in the air and shifts in POV that it was confusing trying to decipher who was central to the story and what is going on and how much time has elapsed. By the time the POV settled down upon the two central characters, the struggle went away and some of the events became clearer, although I probably would need to revisit those first hundred pages now to really grasp all that happened and the implications of those things.

The other big detraction came about from the ending which, ultimately, felt like a forced ending point. The main characters still have not reached their intended destination, and the only resolution came from meeting up with a character while driving off, at least temporarily, the threat that was pursuing them. The consolation is that there is a new book in the series coming next month (which I am very excited about and plan to read as soon as I can cross a few other books off my list) which should progress things beyond where the first one left off.

As a whole this book was very good and certainly is one I would recommend to anyone who loves grand worldbuilding in fantasy, dark fantasy stories, interesting magic systems, Norse mythology, and complex female protagonists. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more books by Angela.

 

Indie Author Spotlight: Joshua Robertson

Tags

Crimson Edge Press, Dark Fantasy, Indie Author, Joshua Robertson, The Hawkhurst Saga

This month we are featuring Joshua Robertson, author of books and the owner of Crimson Edge Press. You can check out my review of one of his books, Anaerfell, over at Our Write Side. Last month saw him publish a new book, The Hawkhurst Saga, which is linked in the sidebar to the right for this month. Read along to find out more about this excellent author and publisher.

Welcome! Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.

My name is Joshua Robertson and I am a dark fantasy author.. I am the father to five wonderful children, who teach me a great deal about myself and life. I also work at a full-time, non-writing job, inclusive of volunteer work for veterans, victims of domestic violence, and children in need of care. I also host a podcast, maintain a YouTube channel, read, bake, hike, play board games and video games, and stalk social media.

 

What motivates you to write?

Family is my primary motivation. I have a definite passion for storytelling, and an appreciation for the art of writing. Someday, I would like to write full-time and tell all the tales bouncing around in my head—but only if it benefits my children.

What is the title of your most recent book? Give us a brief overview on what the book is about.

I released The Hawkhurst Saga on May 07, 2016. This book tells the tale of Argus Gunther—a sellsword, gladiator, and bastard—who returns to the dark city of Hawkhurst to fulfill a contract. To his surprise, he discovers he is included in the contract and becomes trapped within the city playing political games with the noble houses. While trying to escape, he must decide whether or not there are worse fates than death.

What makes it unique from the other books out there?

The Hawkhurst Saga holds the complexity of Game of Thrones but in a short story, maintaining the point of view of Argus. I have dabbled in expanding the story to encompass the other characters in the story (and I may after finishing other projects), but such a feat would require a much larger book. As with most of my stories, you will find the ending of the story has as much of a twist as the tale woven within.

What is the title of your current work-in-progress or the most recent manuscript you’ve completed apart from your most recent book? Would you mind sharing what it is about?

Currently, I am completing another short story called Jack Spratt. This is a short, horror tale snakes together several nursery rhymes in the most unusual way. Readers will find the Spratt family holds dark secrets, and Miss Muffet may be the only one capable of uncovering them. But does she want to?

I understand that you primarily write Dark Fantasy novels. What is it about the subgenre that drew you to it, and why should readers choose to read Dark Fantasy novels?

Sometimes there is a confusion between Horror and Dark Fantasy. Horror novels often have the desire to scare readers. Dark Fantasy is meant to be fantastical or paranormal and address the darker side of life, darker emotions, and psychological stressors. Dark Fantasy has a certain level of grit and realism, which truly is not something all readers want in a novel.  I enjoy writing in this subgenre because it allows me to escape the typical trope of good versus evil, and explore the concept of action versus consequence. I like having a genre where I can explore the trauma real people face and its full impact on their well-being, while at the same time, I don’t feel pressured to always have a happily ever after.

You are the creator of a small publishing press, Crimson Edge Publishing. What made you decide to go the route of creating a publishing house? How has your experience with that shaped who you are as a writer and how you approach writing?

I have read many stories of writers who are burned out by the Big Five, frustrated with the publishing industry, or have been hurt in some sense and decide to strike out on their own with a small press. My story does not reflect any of these circumstances. I like writing. I like books. I like watching authors grow into better authors. I genuinely have a passion for the craft and owning a publishing company is a surefire way to be immersed in this lifelong passion.

I have been a teacher in many capacities in my life, and I have always found teachers learn more than students by the nature of the process (e.g. preparing lessons, grading assignments, etc.). They simply spend more time with the material. This logic suggested I would learn more as a publisher than I could as a writer. I could write you a paper on how this as impacted my own writing. From mapping characters to plot, to improving word choice and sentence structure, to recognizing flaws I never Knew I had…I find myself more disciplined in piecing together any story.

You are very involved on social media, in writer’s groups, and other aspects of marketing and networking. What advice would you give to new writers, published or unpublished, in regards to networking and building their author brand? Are there certain areas where you have found greater success where you would recommend they should focus their efforts?

I started building my fan-base a couple years before I published my first book, which I believe was very helpful. Though, I think the greatest thing any author could do is join a writing community and build real relationships. More importantly, be supportive, be kind, and be nonjudgmental in those communities. I know many small press owners who frequently dip into writing communities online, and we watch the interactions among aspiring authors. We live in a digital age where most of our marketing and interactions leave a permanent blueprint on social media. What you may think is a simple post (ranting, raving, or otherwise) could be the beginning or the end of a future contract with a publisher. Most publishers feel confident in their ability to help someone improve their writing; we are less willing to work with someone who is incapable of staying professional online.

How often do you write?

Not as often as I once did. I generally like to write daily for a couple hours, but with other tasks have limited my writing time to once or twice a week.

Who are five of your favorite authors?

1. J.R.R. Tolkien
2. R.A. Salvatore
3. Robert Jordan
4. C.L. Schneider
5. Homer

What are you currently reading?

The Crown of Stones Series by C.L. Schneider

Time for some quick questions:

• Favorite Quote? “Not all who wander are lost.” -J.R.R. Tolkien
• Favorite Book? Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
• Favorite Epic Fantasy Series? The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
• Favorite Movie? Wolfhound (2006) starring Aleksandr Bukharov
• Favorite TV Show? Game of Thrones
• Coffee or Tea? Coffee. I don’t enjoy tea at all.
• Favorite Running Song? The Outsider by A Perfect Circle
• Who would you cast as Rand, Mat, and Perrin for the Wheel of Time television series? If I don’t get any of the parts (??). In all seriousness, I think they should find new actors for all the parts.
• Once place you would like to visit most in Middle-Earth? Dol Guldur always captured my interest, and I imagine it would incite a great adventure. However, if I wanted to play it safe, I would have to say Mirkwood.

 

If you could be one character from your own writing, who would it be and why?

I don’t know that I have written the character I would want to be yet, but if I had to choose one…I would probably say Falmagon from the Thrice Nine Legends Saga, specifically Melkorka and Dyndaer. For anyone who has read these novels, they would likely say, “Why?! Isn’t he the bad guy?” And yes, he is the antagonist, but there is so much to appreciate about Falmagon: his beliefs, his conviction, and his allegiance. Plus, he grants the story purpose. Falmagon represents any person in life who stands at odds with us. We may dislike a person—even hate them—but admittedly, our own beliefs would be but wind without an opposing force to give attention to them. Stories don’t have meaning without conflict; neither does life.

Finally, what advice would you give to other writers?

Many authors worry about how to market their book after being published. The best thing you can do to sell the first book is write the second.

 

Biography

Joshua Robertson was born in Kingman, Kansas on May 23, 1984. A graduate of Norwich High School, Robertson attended Wichita State University where he received his Masters in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Sociology. His bestselling novel, Melkorka, the first in The Kaelandur Series, was released in 2015. Known most for his Thrice Nine Legends Saga, Robertson enjoys and ever-expanding and extremely loyal following of readers. He counts R.A. Salvatore and J.R.R. Tolkien among his literary influences.

www.crimsonedgepress.com
www.facebook.com/AuthorJoshuaRobertson
@robertsonwrites

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKbNu6bLlOMBHXu8gNTB9cg