Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Happy~and safe~New Year
Monday, December 30, 2013
Book Review: Red Rising
The excitement and buzz drew me to this novel but the story and the writing is what kept me with it. You may have heard of it, if not, I have a feeling you will very soon. This is one that is destined for big things.
From the first page I knew I would love it. The characters are rich and three dimensional and the world is so well developed you feel as though you're there. The perfect balance of description, action, and dialogue make for an excellent book. For the first one hundred pages I was held enrapt, swept away by the mystery and hardships of life on Mars.
Then the story shifted to an academy of sorts where the students played at ancient, primitive war games that felt more like I had gone back to eleventh century Earth. Which would have been fine if that's the type of book I wanted to read, but I was deep into~and excited about~a sci-fi novel, not a military historical. There were still bits of sci-fi sprinkled in with the overseers of the school interacting now and then, but they were few and far between. It ramped back up to sci-fi at the end of the novel, but never quite returning to the level it started at.
That said, the writing was spectacular, character development every author dreams of, the world building was great with richly developed social classes and government, and the descriptions of Mars were transportative~though once it moved to the school it simply felt like Earth. I'm looking forward to the sequel though, because I know it is headed in a very interesting direction.
Then the story shifted to an academy of sorts where the students played at ancient, primitive war games that felt more like I had gone back to eleventh century Earth. Which would have been fine if that's the type of book I wanted to read, but I was deep into~and excited about~a sci-fi novel, not a military historical. There were still bits of sci-fi sprinkled in with the overseers of the school interacting now and then, but they were few and far between. It ramped back up to sci-fi at the end of the novel, but never quite returning to the level it started at.
That said, the writing was spectacular, character development every author dreams of, the world building was great with richly developed social classes and government, and the descriptions of Mars were transportative~though once it moved to the school it simply felt like Earth. I'm looking forward to the sequel though, because I know it is headed in a very interesting direction.
Find it on:
Sunday, December 29, 2013
15 Winter Reads Boxed Set
$1.99
Yep, for less than a cup of your favorite coffee you can get 15 full-length YA novels to feed those readers you got for the Holidays. The deal is only good until 1/11/14, so get your copy TODAY! There is something to delight every reader in this box set - paranormal romance, futuristic sci-fi, historical, time travel, and contemporary.15 Winter Reads includes:
The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle (paranormal): The town of Spruce Knoll hides many secrets--and many dangers, among them are that the untimely death of Eren's parents that was no accident and that she is far more than she realizes.
Grasping At Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper: An eternal soul mate, a supernatural family who has known her for centuries, and lifetimes of erased memories: this is Maryah Woodsen's life. She just doesn't know it yet.
Open Minds and Closed Hearts by Susan Kaye Quinn (paranormal): When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.
Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca: In the world of angels and demons, one thing is clear - some sacrifices should never be made. Even for love.
The Iron Butterfly by Chanda Hahn: Escaping an experimental prison, Thalia tries to hide her past and her gifts, from her friends. But her past isn't always easy to escape, especially when it hunts you down.
Tremble (Celestra Series) by Addison Moore (paranormal): Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. When her newly remarried mother moves the family to Paragon Island, to a house that is rumored to be haunted, Skyla finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds.
Exiled by RaShelle Workman (fantasy): Venus wakes to find herself no longer on her home planet of Kelari, but on Earth with a week to get back or she'll die.
Dragonfly by Leigh Talbert Moore: Gossip Girl meets VC Andrews in this contemporary family saga. Love, lies, and betrayal become the new normal when Anna enters the world of Jack and Lucy Kyser.
Untraceable by S.R. Johannes: When Grace's forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he's alive. Torn between a new hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, she is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder.
How to Date an Alien and How to Break Up With an Alien by Magan Vernon: Alex Bianchi takes an internship at an alien operations center to pad her college applications but doesn't plan on falling in love with one of its residents. But as Alex's senior year progresses, everything changes and she can't figure out if it is interstellar or if it is just time to break up with an alien.
Flutter of Luv by L.M. Preston: Dawn, the neighborhood tomboy, is happy to be her best friend's shadow. Acceptance comes from playing football after school with the guys on the block while hiding safely behind her glasses, braces, and boyish ways. But Tony moves in, becomes the star Running Back on her school's football team, and changes her world and her view of herself forever.
Watched by Cindy M. Hogan: It takes more than a school trip to change Christy's life. It takes murder.
Clockwise and Clockwiser by Elle Strauss: A follow up to Clockwise, Casey and Nate travel back in time and race against the clock to rescue Casey's rebellious brother Tim from frontline battle in America's civil war.
Glimpse (Zellie Wells #1) and Glimmer (Zellie Wells #2) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel: While working together to figure out what their shared vision means, Zellie discovers that Benjamin is a worthy friend and mentor. If only he could keep his hands off of her - if only she wanted him to...
A Spy Like Me by Laura Pauling: After dodging bullets on a first date, Savvy must decide how far she'll go to protect the ones she loves.
Enjoy all of the wonderful reading you'll be doing as you ring in 2014!
The Iron Butterfly by Chanda Hahn: Escaping an experimental prison, Thalia tries to hide her past and her gifts, from her friends. But her past isn't always easy to escape, especially when it hunts you down.
Tremble (Celestra Series) by Addison Moore (paranormal): Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. When her newly remarried mother moves the family to Paragon Island, to a house that is rumored to be haunted, Skyla finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds.
Exiled by RaShelle Workman (fantasy): Venus wakes to find herself no longer on her home planet of Kelari, but on Earth with a week to get back or she'll die.
Dragonfly by Leigh Talbert Moore: Gossip Girl meets VC Andrews in this contemporary family saga. Love, lies, and betrayal become the new normal when Anna enters the world of Jack and Lucy Kyser.
Untraceable by S.R. Johannes: When Grace's forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he's alive. Torn between a new hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, she is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder.
How to Date an Alien and How to Break Up With an Alien by Magan Vernon: Alex Bianchi takes an internship at an alien operations center to pad her college applications but doesn't plan on falling in love with one of its residents. But as Alex's senior year progresses, everything changes and she can't figure out if it is interstellar or if it is just time to break up with an alien.Flutter of Luv by L.M. Preston: Dawn, the neighborhood tomboy, is happy to be her best friend's shadow. Acceptance comes from playing football after school with the guys on the block while hiding safely behind her glasses, braces, and boyish ways. But Tony moves in, becomes the star Running Back on her school's football team, and changes her world and her view of herself forever.
Watched by Cindy M. Hogan: It takes more than a school trip to change Christy's life. It takes murder.
Clockwise and Clockwiser by Elle Strauss: A follow up to Clockwise, Casey and Nate travel back in time and race against the clock to rescue Casey's rebellious brother Tim from frontline battle in America's civil war.
Glimpse (Zellie Wells #1) and Glimmer (Zellie Wells #2) by Stacey Wallace Benefiel: While working together to figure out what their shared vision means, Zellie discovers that Benjamin is a worthy friend and mentor. If only he could keep his hands off of her - if only she wanted him to...
A Spy Like Me by Laura Pauling: After dodging bullets on a first date, Savvy must decide how far she'll go to protect the ones she loves.
You can pick up this beauty between now and January 11 at these retailers:
Enjoy all of the wonderful reading you'll be doing as you ring in 2014!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Happy Holidays
May you be surrounded by those who love you and both give and receive the gifts that truly matter this year. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, no matter how it is you celebrate. Each of you are like a gift to me!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Tis the Season, Book Season!
I have someone on my list who hates to read, but he loves to do wood working and is always looking for new projects. So I try to get him books with new woodworking projects. Even your gamers who never pick up a book will love a book of codes, maps, and secrets about the games they love. So this year check out your local bookstore, or your favorite online book retailer, you might be surprised at what you find and how much your recipient enjoys it!
As a extra special treat I like to order books from great authors who sign and ship directly. Here is a list of fabulous authors who do that (all of which I would highly recommend):
G.P. Ching: paranormal
Ali Cross: Paranormal
Karen Amanda Hooper: Paranormal
SR Johannes: Young Adult Suspense
Leigh T. Moore: Contemporary, historical
RaShelle Workman: Paranormal
Karlene Petitt: Thriller
As for my books, I do have a few on hand that I'm happy to sign and ship to you or your recipient. Click on my name for the link, Heather McCorkle, then fill out the form and put which book you'd like in the message and I will send you a link for the Paypal page to purchase it. Paperbacks only available at this time of: The Secret of Spruce Knoll, Channeler's Choice, To Ride a Puca, The Dragon Empire.
For holiday delivery I recommend ordering before the week of the holiday, especially if you're outside of the U.S.!
Monday, December 2, 2013
Writers Road Recap: Thankful Characters
Join us tonight for another live #WritersRoad chat on Twitter. Until then, here is the recap of last week's chat:
I have a suspicion that my MC is thankful that I'm still attempting to write his story at all. ;) #WritersRoad
The things your characters are thankful for shape who they are, how they act, how they feel. Use that! #WritersRoad
When I saw the topic earlier I went ahead and started a list if things my MC is thankful for. Will share. #WritersRoad
Jenin (MC) Gives Thanks: For being Muslim. For her Muslim sisters and critique sisters. #nano #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle I am thankful for all of my characters in my novels, plays, and short stories. #writersroad
@Fida_Islaih I like that! What about being a Muslim is she most thankful for? #WritersRoad
@HeatherMcCorkle that's a good question! I should get on that (: #WritersRoad
@HeatherMcCorkle that's a good question! I should get on that (: #WritersRoad
Good topic. I'd say Ondine is thankful for her family, even if they do make her insane. #WritersRoad
@Fida_Islaih The closeness she feels to Allah, the sisterhood with her fellow Muslims, or something else maybe. #WritersRoad
@HeatherMcCorkle My favorite characters are mainly my single parents because they overcome many obstacles. #writersroad
@EbonyMcKenna There's conflict in that, I like it! #WritersRoad
@23aspiringartis I love that! The things they're thankful for are often quite different. #WritersRoad Makes them unique.
My chars, I think are thankful for misunderstandings finally cleared. And smooches. Lots of smooches. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle I am also thankful for the characters named after my loved ones because my loved ones inspired me. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle I was just writing that! You're awesome, thanks! #writersroad
@teetate Gotta love those smooches! Let's get deeper though, what are they REALLY thankful for deep down? #WritersRoad
I am also thankful for my strong heroine characters because I admire strong women regardless of race. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle That one is easy. One word: family...the ones we make, the ones we keep. #writersroad
Jenin Thanks: Reminder to stand up for herself. Understanding relationships and learning to still love while being detached. #WritersRoad
Treat your chars as though they are real. Real folks appreciate all the things that make them who they are. #writersroad
Honestly, I think Nathan (the MC) is just thankful to be alive. Given what he's been through it might be a miracle that he is. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle I will not be a writer today if it was not for my mother being the woman she is. #writersroad
@Nightveil That's one of the deepest, most basic instinct things~and most powerful~that we can be thankful for. #WritersRoad
I'm thankful for fantasy & magic & kisses in the moonlight and all the folks who live in my head & thrive on the page. #writersroad
My MC, Torin, is thankful for women in every way, shape, and form. Yeah, he's like that. #WritersRoad
So what does that say about him? Attachment issues, trust issues, dark past, all of the aforementioned. #WritersRoad
Nathan *will* be thankful that he's found someone to love in the new world he's found himself in. He just doesn't know it yet. #writersroad
I am thankful for my LGBT characters because they overcome the hate. #writersroad
@23aspiringartis Powerful, I love that! #WritersRoad
@HeatherMcCorkle Probably a bit of each. Could be using that to keep himself from getting too close and getting hurt again(?) #WritersRoad
One of my new chars is thankful for first loves, for the past she overcame & for the promise of tomorrow. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle I have always loved the LGBT communities ever since I was a child. I began writing about them at 14. #writersroad
This is a great topic; by examining what a MC is thankful for, we uncover their goals and motivations. #WritersRoad
@23aspiringartis Sounds like a powerful inspiration. Those are often what drives the best stories. #WritersRoad
@EbonyMcKenna I dunno. A well drawn baddie should probably have something to be thankful for, even if it is more base. #writersroad
My MC is thankful that he finally entrusted his life into the hands of another because through that he gained a true friend. #WritersRoad
Alvaranox is thankful for Kirra, and Nylah. Those two women are the enslaved dragon's only real friends. #WritersRoad
@HeatherMcCorkle I love Bear, Otter and the Kid, My Man my Boyz, and The Gift of Air. Very inspiring stories. #writersroad
@OfTheWilds Nice, that gets us down what is really important to him. #WritersRoad
Ellette (the other MC) is most thankful for her sisters who gave her the strength to make a choice that may affect an Empire. #writersroad
MC has lots to be thankful for, I think her top one is that I am writing her story & did very well today.Wish her luck it cont #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle As far as Alv's concerned, they're the only people in the whole city who see him as more than a guard dog. #WritersRoad
@HeatherMcCorkle Which is weird, since they're not really "family" in that sense. They're all vat-grown clones. They have... #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle ...a sort of clannish system but not hard ties like Humans tend to do. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle Thank you! It's called The Black Collar. Alvaranox is the dragon MC, enslaved to a frontier town's protection. #WritersRoad
Knowing what your characters are thankful for can lead to a deeper understanding of them and enrichment of story. #WritersRoad
@OfTheWilds I like it! #WritersRoad
If you could thank your chars, what would you say? #writersroad
@teetate Good one! I'd say thank you for keeping me entertained, up late, and always thinking! #WritersRoad
@HeatherMcCorkle Thanks! Nylah and Kirra are his former, and current "Handlers." Also the only people he trusts, calls friends. #WritersRoad
I'm going to add this to my character profiles - what do they have to be thankful for. #WritersRoad
Alvaranox is especially thankful for Nylah. She showed him kindness, pieced him back together. His first handler broke him. #WritersRoad
@OfTheWilds Sounds like a deep attachement that will really come into play later on. #WritersRoad
For each of my characters, I will say they are thankful to be alive in a story to inspire readers. #writersroad
Friday, November 29, 2013
Review: Iron Wolves by Andy Remic
While this book certainly won't be for everyone, especially not the faint of heart, many will find it's fast pace and gritty characters to be just to their liking. This is another sure sign that a fantastic new publisher is stepping into the science fiction/fantasy ring.
I give this one 3.5 stars. Find it at the following links:
I recieved a digital ARC of this title through Net Galley from the publisher, Angry Robots, for an honest review. My review is unbiased and is my personal opinion.
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