Tuesday, October 28, 2014

All 4 Steampunk Fantasy serials in 1!


Released Date: 10/2014

Summary from Goodreads:
This is the complete Steampunk Fantasy novel - all four parts of the serial in one volume!

Human life has value.
The poor living in the gutter is as valuable as the rich living in a manor.
The scoundrel is no less valuable than the saint.
Because of this, every life a reaper takes must be redeemed.

Raven has lived by this first tenet since she was trained by her father to become a reaper. But since his death, she’s been spending years redeeming the lives she’s taken. By her count, she’s even and it’s time for that life to end. If she settles down and becomes a wife, she might just feel human again. But on the way to the life she thinks she wants, the baron of New Haven asks her to complete a task which she cannot ignore… Just when Raven decides to give up on her life as an assassin, she’s pulled right back in.




Buy Links:
AmazonBarnes & Noble

Read an Excerpt....
Two sets of footsteps clipped across on the cobblestone. Before they rounded the bend to the stable door, Raven’s fingers twitched over her knife. When she saw Gorman and the younger baron, she relaxed and continued attaching her weapons. 
“Can I trust you?” Baron Darius’s voice rose hesitantly as he approached.
She smiled. “I’ve saved your life once and promise to do it as many times as necessary.”
“Why?”
“It’s the reaper’s way. A life for a life.”
“How many have you killed?”
Raven clinched her jaw. “Too many.” Her gaze met the butler’s. “Will he have his own horse?”
“No. The young master’s condition makes him subject to untimely fits. He would be in danger of falling.” His ice blue eyes held a fire unmatched by his frozen features.
“Right. I expected as much.” She placed her boot in the stirrup and mounted. “Hand him to me then. 
The butler lifted him to the front of her saddle. She knew it would be an uncomfortable place to ride for a long period of time, but he’d only have to make it to Gregory’s house. On a horse, it should only be about four hours if they took it slow, less than three if needed.
A horn sounded, and the butler paled. “It’s him. The duke approaches.”
“Father is early.” The boy sounded happy but tentative.
Gorman gripped the horse’s rein and turned it toward the other stable exit. “We must leave by the north gate. The duke approaches from the south. You may have as much as an hour’s head start before he commands a pursuit.”
Raven swallowed hard. “That’s not enough time.”
“Follow me.” He released the rein and jogged forward. 
The horse trotted in response. Even in the jarring up and down motion of the trot, the young baron remained silent. He gripped the chestnut mare’s mane with both hands. His knuckles glowed white under the lamps. Raven pulled gently on the reins to slow the horse to a more tolerable speed but followed the butler closely.
“Guards!” Gorman reached the gates, speaking in breathless tones. “Baron Solomon orders passage for this woman and the young baron.”
Raven recognized Grant’s red band before he turned around. He narrowed his eyes at her and barked the order to open the gate. Before she could urge her horse forward, Grant gripped the bridle by the cheek piece. He called back toward the butler, “Will she need guard?”
“That will not be necessary. She is capable of caring for the young baron on his errand.”
Even in the half-light, Raven could see the guard’s jaw tighten and nostrils flare in indecision. “Baron Solomon trusts this woman?”
The butler frowned and stiffened in disapproval. Still he answered softly, “Yes, with his brother’s life.”


About the Author
In simple language, Pauline Creeden creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.

Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.

Armored Hearts, her joint effort with author Melissa Turner Lee, has been a #1 Bestseller in Christian Fantasy and been awarded the Crowned Heart for Excellence by InDtale Magazine. Her debut novel, Sanctuary is scheduled for release September 30, 2013, and has already been nominated for two awards in YA Science Fiction.

One of Pauline's short stories has won the CCW Short Story contest. Other short stories have been published in Fear & Trembling Magazine, Obsidian River and Avenir Eclectia. An urban fantasy short will appear in The Book of Sylvari: An Anthology of Elves from Port Yonder Press, and a vampire short will appear in Monsters! from Diminished Media Group. 

Author Links:
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Saturday, October 25, 2014

4 Inspirational Sites for Writers


I thought as all of you either head into NaNo or work on your current projects that you could use some helpful sites that I've come across. 

Here are 4 of my favorite sites for writing inspiration...

Writing Questions Answered is a site for new authors but I find it very helpful and uplifting. Here's a taste of the great motivation you encounter there...




Write About Dragons is a website dedicated to the craft and arcanum of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing. If you've always dreamed of being able to create fantastic worlds and write compelling stories about such things as magical cats and extraordinarily masculine genies then this is your place.


          

You can watch the lectures of Brandon Sanderson, fantasy author extraordinaire of works like Mistborn and The Way of Kings, filmed during his 2012-2013 creative writing class.

Justin McLachlan's Blog is one of the best tools out there for writers at any level. His articles and clear, concise, and amazingly helpful.  I was lucky enough to stumble across this science fiction author and journalist on Pinterest of all Places. When I clicked on his post about Creating Characters...

+Writers Write is actually a school located in South Africa, but their daily feed is absolutely awesome.  They not only have interesting articles and the funniest writer memes, they also feature blogs and websites from authors around the globe. 

I hope as you venture out into the digita aether and find those places that speak to you as an author, that you come back and share some of them with me.

Happy Writing!  +Raquel Byrnes 




Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Its a Steampunk Western Bank Robbery Violin Showdown!


Wait...What?  This week Violinist Lindsey Stirling went viral with a video for her newest violin performance. For those of you that know her name, she did that amazingly cool video for her Violin Dubstep Song, Crystallize a while back in some really creepy ice caves.  So beautiful and haunting. Love it!

She was original and stayed true to her own vision of what violin meant to her. Flash forward to a new recording contract and a tour. Way to go Lindsey!

Well recently she put her own spin on Steampunk this time with a vignette where she fights off bank robbers in a steampunk-western town, with her bodacious bowing. Her song, Roundtable Rival has dancers, horses, weird sound wave ammo, and of course...a great song...

 

I got me thinking that sometimes breaking out of tropes or putting a personal spin on one, particularly in writing, can be both scary and tons of fun.  There's something freeing about deciding to dance to your own tune.

As we head into NaNoWriMo next month, I challenge you to let your inner dreamer out and really take a chance on a story you've been too afraid to try.

So what if there doesn't seem to be a place on the shelf for it yet.  Spread your wings and make your own room!

What are you going to tackle in November? I'd love to hear about it!

By +Raquel Byrnes 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Book Review: The Young Elites



I have been waiting for this book to come out ever since the buzz caught my eye over at Deviant Art. So many concept drawings and excitement really piqued my interest. A huge fan of fantasy, I was so excited when the book finally dropped.

Let me just say that Mary Lu's world building, much like her Legend series, is phenomenal. The story is breathtaking in its pace and exploration of emotional treachery. 


Here's what Goodreads has to say...

"I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside."


Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.


Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.



My Thoughts...

Marie Lu, author of The Legend Trilogy, uses her fertile mind and mighty pen to create a dark story in The Young Elites

Set in a fantasy realm filled with intriguing villains, magic, and betrayal, this book is by far one of the most intense stories I’ve read in the YA Fantasy genre.

Adelina Amouteru’s world barely survived a devastating fever that left strange markings and mysterious powers on those that lived. Adelina is scarred and because of that is considered by her family and those around her as one who brings misfortune. What she finds out, however, is much worse when she discovers that there is something very different about her.

Thrust into a situation where she cannot trust anyone and one misstep will mean her own death, she struggles to make her way in a world that seems to have no good guys at all. Striving to understand her own dark impulses and the rules of a game where she is the pawn, Adelina is a memorable and haunting character that will stay with you long after the last page.

Some story elements are very dark and the situations the young characters must deal with are disturbing, but I believe that contributes to the tension Marie Lu uses to keep the story so intense. Because of the content, I would recommend the book for older teens to adults.

Mary Lu gifts us a wonderfully created world with riveting characters, this book is a killer start to what looks to be a promising series. 

I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.

By +Raquel Byrnes 

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

With Music In Their Hearts

Today I'd like to introduce you to fellow author, Carole Brown's Romantic Suspense...

     
About the book:

Angry at being rejected for military service, Minister Tyrell Walker accepts the call to serve as a civilian spy within his own country. Across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, a spy working for a foreign country is stealing secret plans for newly developed ammunition to be used in the war. According to his FBI cousin, this spy favors pink stationery giving strong indications that a woman is involved.

He’s instructed to obtain a room in the Rayner Boarding House run by the lovely, spunky red-haired Emma Jaine Rayner. Sparks of jealousy and love fly between them immediately even as they battle suspicions that one or the other is not on the up and up. While Tyrell searches for the murdering spy who reaches even into the boarding home, Emma Jaine struggles with an annoying renter, a worried father (who could be involved in this spy thing), and two younger sisters who are very different but just as strong willed as she is.

As Tyrell works to keep his double life a secret and locate the traitor, he refuses to believe that Emma Jaine could be involved even when he sees a red-haired woman in the arms of another man. Could the handsome and svelte banker who’s also determined to win Emma Jaine’s hand for marriage, be the dangerous man he’s looking for? Is the trouble-making renter who hassles Emma Jaine serving as a flunky? Worse, is Papa Rayner so worried about his finances and keeping his girls in the style they’re used to, that he’ll stoop to espionage?

Will their love survive the danger and personal issues that arise to hinder the path of true love?


COMING:
November 2014
Launch date: November 10, 2014



A dab of romance, a cozy who-done-it, and a detective story with a satisfying ending—clean and riveting, a pure delight to read. —Lorilyn Roberts, best selling author

Bio:

With a degree in Christian Education, and a former elementary teacher and secretary, Carole Brown didn’t seriously begin writing until after her sons were grown. She and her husband have traveled extensively throughout the country ministering and counseling, and along with their sons, have experienced many exciting and wonderful opportunities.
But once she picked up her "writing pen," it didn’t take her long to regain the passion for writing she'd secretly felt for years.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

I'm Going to Mars!

 Click to Launch!
Click to Launch!

Okay, my name is at least. For those of you that get my Facebook feed you know that I am always posting links to NASA, JPL, and other space information. I love...LOVE, astronomy and space flight and anything having to do with the stars.

I even force my unwitting daughters to camp out in the yard with me to watch the Perseids and other sky spectacles.  Here we are during the Lunar Eclipse in April...

Selfie Level: Astronomy Geek!

So it is no wonder I'd be all giddy over this new project over at NASA where you can get a boarding pass and send your name along on ORION'S FLIGHT TEST on Dec. 4-6, 2014.

You should check out the site because it is a science geeks dream. There are maps to track national and global participation and other goodies like info on Mars, 3D structural graphics, and links to watch the launch LIVE online. SQUEE!

One of the best things about being a writer is using your imagination and creativity to give life to the daydreams of your childhood years.  Space and all the wonder, danger, and adventure it promises has never been more real to me as an author and avid reader.

I hope you take the time to explore some of what's out there and maybe catch a seat next to me on ORION.






Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Prepping for the BIG GAME


Prepping for NaNo is well underway in my house. Not only am I gearing up to participate myself, but the students in my creative writing class are taking part as well.  I've created a classroom and even ordered those adorable buttons for their backpacks. 

Its the BIG GAME for us writers. The play-offs of novel writing...

So I cheerlead and get excited and rile my students up for the big day.

I also try to have some funny Gifs and encouraging links because, lets face it, the idea of writing 50K words in one month is super intimidating.  My students are on the "youth" section so they can set their own goals...but still...that's a daunting task!

But when you look at it like this------->

Well, that seems a bit more doable!

So I am dusting off my style sheets and my "Fleshing Out" my character worksheets so that when November 1st rolls around I am prepared to just...write.

I will not worry about details or things that may sidetrack me. I will write and write and get to my goal this November.

What about you? What do you do to prepare for NaNo?  Any rituals or pre-game traditions to get yourself psyched?

Do you prepare on a writing program like Scrivener or are you old school index cards?  Do you think about what you're going to be working on or wing it?

I'd love to know... +Raquel Byrnes 

Monday, October 6, 2014

Prophecy Book Blitz!




Prophecy (Calypso, #1)
Release Date: 10/06/14
Kensington Books

Summary from Goodreads:
On the other side of death, is destiny.

Callie Ingram is spending her senior year focused on one thing: swimming. Her skill as a competitive swimmer is going to secure a scholarship and her future, or so she hopes. She has big plans, and Liam Hale, her gorgeous new neighbor, isn’t going to affect them. But when Callie sees Liam beheading someone, she learns his family has a secret that will change everything. The Hales are Vikings, demi-gods who’ve been charged by The Fates to find their new destined leader.

Callie’s caught in the middle of a budding Norse apocalypse, in love with Liam Hale and desperate to protect her best friend…who the Hales believe is marked for transformation. Putting the clues together as fast as she can, can discovers she has the power to rewrite destiny, for herself and all humankind.


Teaser excerpt: Runes

Coach blew his whistle and the swimmer stopped stroking ten feet from the pool’s edge nearest our feet. The swimmer was far too long and broad to be a girl. Also, no shirt. So, who was this guy? Lean arms stretched toward the wall. His fingertips latched onto the shelf below my toes. Liam’s face broke the water’s surface. Blue goggles masked his eyes as he climbed from the pool and ran huge hands over dripping hair.
“Hale.” Coach looked from Liam to me. “Callie Ingram. Callie, Liam Hale.”
“Hello.” Liam spoke. No nod. No pretending I didn’t exist.
“Hey,” I answered lamely.
His accent was fabulous. I smiled, pleased with the idea of having him to myself
for an hour a day. My theory about everything being better at the pool might hold water
after all.
Liam pulled off his goggles, revealing those unspeakably beautiful eyes. His
frown returned and my smile fell. So much for my pool theory.
Coach turned his back on me. “Your times are remarkable, Hale. Our season
begins November first. We practice Monday through Thursday immediately after school.
Swim meets begin the first of December. Miss a practice, you miss the meet. Miss a
meet, you’re off the team. You swim unless you’re hospitalized, comatose, or dead. Same
goes for practice. Think it over before you sign on. This is a solid five month
commitment, longer if we get to Nationals.”
“Thank you, sir.” Liam extended a hand to Coach and they shook on it.
Coach ambled to his office, reviewing whatever he’d marked on his clipboard and
shaking his head. He stopped at the threshold and turned back to Liam and me, still
frozen where he left us.
“You’re free to go, Hale.” He pointed his whistle necklace at me next. “Don’t
wait for her. This one never leaves.”
I shot Coach a sarcastic look before he fell into his chair and put his feet on the
desk, watching us through his office window. Liam looked at me, an odd expression on
his face. I averted my eyes, avoiding his super intense soul searching stare. It wasn’t my
best idea. As my gaze fell on his broad shoulders, I sucked air. “You’re not bad.” I lifted
a limp hand toward the pool. “In the water, I mean.”
“No?”
I shook my head, visually tracing the path of water droplets over the planes and
angles of his chest, following patterns down a well-sculpted six-pack. Two rough scars
caught my gaze, pulling my interest back up a few inches. Ragged white lines swelled
over his chest and rib cage on one side. The marks looked like the result of an awful
accident at first, ragged at the edges, imperfect, but I recognized the symbol they made.
I’d seen it a thousand times in the Hale Cemetery. Like a letter z, tipped on a diagonal
and elongated in an ancient hieroglyphic way. The symbol repeated in varied sizes down his left side. I searched his body again, closer this time, seeking anything else I missed.
Water continued to fall from his hair to his torso. I tracked the drops over his skin until
they disappeared into the fabric of his waistband.
“And outside the water?”
I jerked my focus back to his face, heat creeping up my neck. We were basically
in our underwear and I’d examined him like a shameless creeper. “Fine.” Fine? What was
wrong with me? I didn’t ogle guys, stumble over words, or crush on my best friend.
Whatever was happening to my brain, I didn’t approve.


I hope you enjoyed the teaser.  If you want to know more about Liam and Callie or those strange marking on his hot Viking chest (hint – they’re runes), you can find Prophecy where digital books are sold.




Buy Links:
AmazonB&NKensingtoniTunes

About the Author
I tell stories, mostly to my children, sometimes to strangers. I'm YA obsessed, addicted to social media, caffeine and Poptarts. You can find me anytime lurking around the Internet, amped up on sugar and wielding a book.
I'm thrilled to announce the Fall 2013 release of My YA suspense, Deceived, from Merit Press and my debut cozy mystery series from Carina Press. 2013 is shaping up to be an amazing year.

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Friday, October 3, 2014

Fullmetal Alchemist Day!


Oct 3, 10 is an important day in Fullmetal Alchemist lore -10/3/11 in FMA: Brotherhood). 

This date, inscribed inside of Ed’s pocket watch as “Don’t Forget 3.Oct.10” marks the moment when the Elric brothers began their journey by setting their childhood home ablaze, vowing to never turn back.

My daughter and I both love this series...particularly the Steampunk elements. If you're interested in watching the show there is a link: http://www.fullmetalalchemist.com/

The storyline is engaging and of course the DRAMA!


There's something fun and comforting about having a shared interest with those you love. She is an artist and loves to draw anime and manga. Keeping up on her current favorites is tons of fun.

For those of you out there who love an exciting and creative series...HAPPY FMA DAY!


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

"Waiting On" Wednesday, TALON


“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. 

This weeks WOW is:
Talon by  Julie Kagawa


I have been breathlessly awaiting Talon and now it is almost here! Set to release on October 28th, this YA Fantasy put out by Harlequin Teen sounds so tasty...I'm sure I'll devour it in one sitting...

Some GOODREADS info:

Long ago, dragons were hunted to near extinction by the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers. Hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret, the dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning, and they're positioned to take over the world with humans none the wiser.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Trained to infiltrate society, Ember wants to live the teen experience and enjoy a summer of freedom before taking her destined place in Talon. But destiny is a matter of perspective, and a rogue dragon will soon challenge everything Ember has been taught. As Ember struggles to accept her future, she and her brother are hunted by the Order of St. George.

Soldier Garret Xavier Sebastian has a mission to seek and destroy all dragons, and Talon's newest recruits in particular. But he cannot kill unless he is certain he has found his prey: and nothing is certain about Ember Hill. Faced with Ember's bravery, confidence and all-too-human desires, Garret begins to question everything that the Order has ingrained in him: and what he might be willing to give up to find the truth about dragons.

Talon (Talon, #1)


Julie Kagawa, the New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Fey and Blood of Eden series was born in Sacramento, California.