Author Visit

               

                                                                     www.epicorderoftheseven.com 

A favorite authoress of mine, Jenny L. Cote, came up to Red Hill this past week. Was able to hang out with her for a little bit and hear more of her new book!

To tell a little more about her, she grew up the first part of her life in Newsport, VA before moving to GA. Now she lives there with her husband and has a grown son. Inspired  while watching her scottish terrier and black cat playing together, Jenny Cote soon wrote her first fictional book, The Ark the Reed and the Fire Cloud -an account of all the animals traveling to the ark before the flood. Six books later, all of her books have been a mixture of historical and biblical fiction, as well as fantasy. Her books cover Joseph in Egypt, the Christmas story (the prophecies 700 years before and then the birth), the life of Christ, and the last two novels cover Paul and the book of Acts. Her upcoming novels will be about the Revolutionary War. Be sure to check her out! 

Writing Contest!

Writes Unite Writing Contest
Dates: April 15th - May 16th
Maximum word count: 7,000
Winners announced: May 30th
Prizes:
1st Place: The Calling by Rachelle Dekker,
2nd Place Space Kitties -a collection of short stories,
3rd Place: songs: Superman- Man of steel, Legend -The Celtic Collection,  What are you going to do now you are not saving the world?

Even though not everyone will win, we did want to include the links for 2 free ebooks for everyone.
Daughter of Light by Morgan L Busse
Failstate by John Otte


-When you are finished with your entry, send it to writersunite2016@gmail.com -

And now for the writing prompt: (In case the image doesn't come through, it says "You have to do the right thing. Even if it's the hardest thing you've ever done.")

Judge Bios:

1) Introduce yourself

2) What is your favorite genre of book to read?

3) What is your favorite genre to write about?

4) When not reading/writing what are some things you enjoy doing

5) What is you favorite kind of music to listen to?

and this last one is totally optional because I have no idea who likes Marvel/DC movies
Optional:

6) Whose side are you on for Captain America? Civil War team Cap or team Iron man? whose side are you on for Batman vs. Superman? Superman or Batman?

Rachael - http://www.theartofwritingforhim.blogspot.com

1) My name is R. J. Steele

2) My favorite genre is probably fantasy, but dystopian follows closely.

3) I write fantasy with some futuristic.

4) I like to hang out with my friends and cousins in my free time.

5) ...Um, I listen to a lot of different kinds of music....not just one

6) I am Team Cap for the Captain America Civil War.

SMB - http://www.ReviewsbySoleil.blogspot.com

1) I’m SMB

2) I loved to read Biblical and historical fiction, as well as fantasy

3) Everything! I have a ton of different stuff I am working on right now, or have plans for: fantasy, futuristic, historical fiction, and a few other things as well. :)

4) When I’m not reading and writing I’m usually either dreaming up stories, traveling and doing outdoor adventures, or on Pinterest.  :)

5) I like to listen to a lot of different music. I have a playlist for when I’m writing, but for everyday life I like to listen to stuff like Jamie Grace, Moriah Peters, For King and Country, and similar artists/songs.

6) Up to this point I’ve been team Captain America for the Civil War.

Raechel- https://godspeculiartreasurerae.wordpress.com/

1) Raechel

2) Oh that's a tough one...I love many genres, but two of my top favourites are Christian fantasy and Biblical fiction.

3) Christian fantasy with no magic, and a sort of 'medieval' ish feel to it.

4) Well...I'm almost always reading or writing, but I also love throwing my tomahawk/knives at my log target, and just being with my family.

5)I don't have a specific favorite kind of music really...is TobyMac a genre? XD I like upbeat, exciting Christian music.

6) None? I'm not into Marvel stuff. 

Sierra- http://flightsfromtheaerie.blogspot.com

1) My name is Sierra, though I also go by Sparrow a lot online

2) It depends on my mood, I read a lot of different genres. If I had to pick one, I'd probably say fantasy.

3) Again, I write all different genres. Probably fantasy is my "favorite". 

4) I like drawng and... uh... wow I sound like a boring person. I don't do all that much besides read and write and draw. I love photography though.

5) Also depends on my mood... *hides* I'm not a consistent person. I just have a bunch of spotify playlists with groups of artists and ands together. Right now I'm listening to the TobyMac and Capital Kings one, but last week it was BarlowGirl, ZOEgirl, Addison Road, and Superchic(K)

6) Team Cap! 

Faith- http://fireflysstoryspace.blogspot.com/

1) Hey, I'm Faith P.!

2) My favorite genre of books to read is historical fiction. :)

3) My favorite genre to write is historical fiction as well. :)

4) I enjoy pottery, camping, kayaking, and hanging out with my dog. ;)

5) Contemporary Christian :)

6) I'm not familiar with any of those, sorry!

Aiden-

1) Aiden

2) Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Superhero (whatever that genera is called)

3) Fantasy-Sic-Fi

4) Cosplay, Marital Art, and Parkour

5) Almost anything

6) Well team Spidey for Captain America Civil War, and Superman for Batman Vs. Superman




Jesseca- http://jessaswhimsicalwritings.blogspot.com/

 1. Hi, my name is Jesseca Dawn. :) 
2. My favorite genre to read would have to be historical fiction. It's awesome. ;)

3. And, my favorite genre to write would be historical fiction as well! I love all the research that goes into it. 

4. My favorite kind of music is movie soundtracks! They're the best! ;) Hymns tie with the soundtracks for a favorite, and contemporary 


*NOTE: Please, no inappropriate scenes or language. Preferably no magic, though powers are okay.
*all representing pictures and prompts are from Pinterest

Curio

                                   

Summary:   Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her western town. But she has always followed the rules, taking the potion the Chemists ration out that helps the town's people survive. A potion that Grey suspects she--like her grandfather and father--may not actually need.

By working at her grandfather's repair shop, sorting the small gears and dusting the curio cabinet inside, Grey has tried to stay unnoticed--or as unnoticed as a tall, strong girl can in a town of diminutive, underdeveloped citizens. Then her best friend, Whit, is caught by the Chemists' enforcers after trying to protect Grey one night, and after seeing the extent of his punishment, suddenly taking risks seems the only decision she can make.

But with the risk comes the reality that the Chemists know her family's secret, and the Chemists soon decide to use her for their own purposes. Panicked, Grey retreats to the only safe place she knows--her grandfather's shop. There, however, a larger secret confronts her when her touch unlocks the old curio cabinet in the corner and reveals a world where porcelain and clockwork people are real. There, she could find the key that may save Whit's life and also end the Chemists' dark rule forever.


                                            ~~~~

This is Evangeline Denmark's first book, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. This was a unique kind of book. It is set in a different world, with a steampunk style (a genre I am starting to enjoy more and more). The authoress did an excellent job creating her characters and maintaining them.
I loved getting to know Grey more, and enjoyed how the book was split up in different perspectives, thus adding more to the story. There were many interesting characters, along with other creative and exciting things. I loved the porcelain and clockwork people there. They were so cool!

There isn't anything I can think of at the moment that I didn't like. Though I did wish to know a little bit more. There were a couple times I was confused on who her grandfather and the rest of her family were (since I had read the short prequel beforehand) So my only thing would be to know more details about her. Though, perhaps more shall be explained in the sequel.

For those wanting more of Evangeline Denmark, there is a free short prequel to Curio called Mark of  Blood and Alchemy set many years before the events in Curio. You can find it on just about any site for eBooks (Amazon, B&N, and others).


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I received this book free from the publisher for an honest review.

Fact About Me TAG

                  

Guidelines:

• Take the banner and paste it to your post.
• Tell a single, meaningful fact about who you are.
• Explain this fact as open, and explanatory as you can.
• Tag at least one other blogger, and give a reason why you think they should do this.
• Add a Bible verse to close out this tag.
• Thank the blogger who tagged you.
• Have fun!

So I was tagged by Rachael (thanks!)  :)

So... I'm going to follow her lead by adding more than one fact, because -let's face it- it's WAY too hard.  ;) plus this post I'm going to just mess around, and do many imaginary things because it's a lot of fun to just type this sign: *

Fact 1)  Goodreads Challenge: Read 100 books this year.
   I've never really counted how many books I've read, and this year decided to give the Goodreads challenge a go. As of yesterday I completed my 63rd book -and no, they were not little kids books. So I may or may not be addicted to books. (but not in a bad way)
On another book related note I realized earlier this week how hard it is for me to leave a bookstore without buying a book. I'll soon do a post showing my book collection, but it is looking pretty nice! *crams books in hidden compartments so parents don't realize how many there are*

Fact 2)  I'm helping put on a writing contest! *dances around to the Happy song*  I'll do the official post in a couple of days, but get your thinking cap on! We have great prizes, and plenty of excited judges, so be sure to share this with anyone and everyone! (I also made a page for it, so if you want an early peak you can go ahead)

 

Fact 3) hmm. *tries to think of something non book/writing related*  Oh! I'm trying to learn Russian for a missions trip this summer. Hopefully I can actually remember everything, and not ask for vodka when I'm trying to get water. :)  (they are different by one sound)

 

Well, I should probably close out with my verse. Romans 12:2: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into  new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." I chose this verse because God has been telling me to not conform to this world so I'll fit in, but to just spend time with Him. Then I will be changed for the glory of God.

 

and I tag Raechel Sierra, and whoever else reads this post. Because I'd love to read your facts. :)

 

  As they say in Russia, "Paka paka!"

Heir of Hope

Summary: What Would You Sacrifice to Save Mankind?

The great city of Thyra has fallen and shadows spread across the land. Rowen Mar, the last Truthsayer, is taken before the Shadonae. But the Shadonae are not who she thought they were, and now they want to claim her as their own.

Caleb Tala, former assassin and prince, is now a Guardian of mankind. Exiled from his country, Caleb wanders the desert in search of his mother’s past and clues to who he is.

These are the last days of the Eldaran race. Rowen and Caleb must find their way along the dark path set before them by their ancestors: to heal what was wounded and love where hatred grows. But the road is narrow and the darkness beckons. If either of them fails, all will be lost…

And the human race will be no more.

Book three of the Follower of the Word series.

                                                                ~~~~

 

Rowen has lost almost everything, but the Word is still with her. But when she faces the enemy she soon realizes that to fight the Shadonae she will have to trust the Word and to give herself completely to him. Meanwhile, Caleb and the others are trying to join together with others to fight the evil before they overtake everything. Though there are some who cannot believe that the former Tala assassin has truly changed, they will have to still trust him if they are to survive.
 

~A betrayer is among the remaining people of Thrya. Those who have survived the evil that has invaded the land now live hidden among caves and forests. But their hideouts are soon found, and the only explanation is a traitor in their midst.~

Now for the conclusion to the Followers of the Word trilogy. Heir of Hope was amazing. I was really excited to start reading it, but at the time sad because the story would soon end, and I'd have to say goodbye to all the great characters I met. (except when I go back and re-read them of course)    :)   
The authoress did an excellent job writing the story,  and I couldn't put the book down. Morgan L Busse kept me wanting to read more and she also expanded more on her characters and the story in a way I wasn't expecting.
 I really enjoyed the Followers of the Word trilogy, and am excited to read more of Morgan L Busse's books and would definitely recommend them to any reader who loves fantasy, Christian allegorical, new worlds, and excitement  




Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I received this book free from the author for an honest review

Son of Truth

                                     

Summary: Arise now, guardian...

The war in the north is over, but the war for all the Lands has just begun. As the Shadonae solidify their hold on the city of Thyra, Rowen Mar, the last Eldaran and savior of the White City, awakens to find herself hunted by those she has saved.

Meanwhile, the assassin Caleb Tala finds himself in the presence of the Word. The time of reckoning has come, and he must pay the price for all the lives he has taken. But in his moment of judgment, Caleb is given a second chance to change his life.

These two hold the power to save the Lands from the Shadonae. One must escape slavery, and one must choose to forsake everything before the world is consumed in darkness.


                                                     ~~~~

After reading Daughter of Light I was really excited to start Son of Truth. I loved getting to know more about Caleb and the others. Picking up where Daughter of Light ended, Neirne has finally found the Elderan and they are traveling back to Thyra, but Neirne’s group is betrayed and she is forced to become a slave. Neirne crosses paths with Caleb again, and though he acts different she does not fully trust him, for his past has much pain and darkness. She will soon have to make the choice to forgive and trust him, or to continue to hold his past against him. -One of the things I felt for with Neirne was her fear and doubt in the Word. She believed, but at some points her faith weakened and she couldn't see how the Word was in control.- 

Meanwhile, Rowen is forced to heal others for her betrayer's gain. Giving herself up to take others injuries. Soon the evil in the land hears of her and she is sent to the very darkness she is suppose to overcome, but will she have enough strength to face them?
Caleb has finally found the healing he's been unknowingly searching for, and is finally trying to do good. With his new found gift he searches for answers from the past of his mother. But an evil has already taken over his family members and forces him to flee, along with Neirne, whom he rescued. But trust is hard to earn from those who knew him, and as people he's hurt keep coming into his life he only hopes they will believe he has truly changed.
I really enjoyed reading the second book in the Followers of the Word series, and definitely suggest you read it.  


I received this book from the author for an honest review
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars

 

Daughter of Light

Summary: Have you ever seen inside the human heart?

I have.

I have seen the darkness that hides within, I have felt the feelings of hatred and lust, heard whispers that still haunt my mind. With one touch I see what no one else sees: the very soul of man.

I am a mirror. I reflect the darkness within. I rip away the lies and deceit wrapped around the heart until all that is left is darkness and light. I expose the truth. And am hated and feared for it.

Why would the Word give me such terrifying power? Why must I see the darkness in others?

I never wanted this. I tried to rip the mark from my hand. I tried to hide it. I even ran away. It worked for a time. But a power like this cannot stay hidden forever.

And so I have been banished from my village. I run from those who wish to kill me. And hide from others who hope to twist my power.

Only a few stand beside me. But even they cannot follow me down the long dark road that lies before me. Only one can. The One who gave me my power.

Someday I will pay the price for my gift. For men do not want light, they want darkness. But until that day comes, the Word will stand with me and by His power I will shine.

***

As the Shadonae rise in the west and war threatens the north, a young woman discovers she is not human . . .

Rowen Mar finds a strange mark on her hand, and she is banished from her village as a witch. She covers the mark with a leather glove and seeks sanctuary in the White City. She lives in fear that if she touches another person, the power inside her will trigger again, a terrifying power that allows her to see the darkness inside the human heart . . .

But the mark is a summons, and those called cannot hide forever. For the salvation of her people lies within her hand.


                                         
                                                          ~~~~

I cannot say how much I loved Daughter of Light. The whole time I was glued to the pages. Morgan Busse did a wonderful job creating a new world, full of amazing new characters. I loved how she creatively shared the gospel in her books. Giving a new look on how Jesus sacrificed his life for us, and how much he loves us. I loved all of the characters: Rowen, Lore, Neirne, Caleb, and the others. The story is told from the former four, so you get different experiences throughout the story.

 

Rowen was a character I could easily relate to. Her hope to fit in with others, but then the rejection of her village after the death of her adopted father leaves her lonely and closed off. She is forced to leave the only home she's ever known and has to travel to the White City to become a varor. With an unknown power that she sees as a curse, she hides her true self, with no hope of real friendship.

 The fear and anger she feels starts to take over, but hope and healing is close at hand. After a near death experience, the reason for her power is revealed and the Word helps her use it to save her people.

 

            With the enemy close at hand and no help coming, will followers trust the Word in his plan, or will they give into fear?

 

Caleb has lived a life of an assassin for many years. But the faces of those he's killed haunt his sleep constantly. He cares only for himself, though at the same time wants a life of peace and healing. With visions of a woman with a mark on her hand, his life changes drastically. But healing cannot be forced, it must be chosen. He will have to chose between his current life, or that of a new one.
I could go on about the book, but I should probably stop now and just say "Read it!"  :) For those of you interested, Daughter of Light is free on Kindle. Check out Morgan L Busse's website for more information on her books!


I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book free from the author for an honest review.