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Friday, November 29, 2013

Review: Iron Wolves by Andy Remic

Brace yourself for this violent, bloody, unflinching plunge into the darkest depths of fantasy. With a sinister edge reminiscent of James Clemmens Banned and Banished series and twist on the adventure and companionship of Wies and Hickman's Dragonlance novels, this proves to be a new contender in the fantasy genre. Orlana is a level of evil that will keep you glued to your eReader and the Iron Wolves are heroes of old that I found more relateable and realistic than any with their many flaws.

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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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Dangerous Depths is Finally Here!

DANGEROUS DEPTHS, book 2 of The Sea Monster Memoirs 
by Karen Amanda Hooper, has washed ashore. This is one of my favorite series, and the first one was one of the best mermaid books I've ever read. I've been waiting very impatiently ever since I finished the first book, Tangled Tides. 
The sequel to TANGLED TIDES is now available, and the underwater cast of merfolk, selkies, sirens, gorgons, and even water sprites are in for some very turbulent waters.
Check out the book info then enter to win a prize pack including signed books, yummy treats, and sparkling beach-worthy nail polish!

Hell hath no fury like a selkie separated from his true love.

The gate to the sea creature realm is finally open. Yara wants to bask in the glow of her budding relationship with Treygan and explore Medusa’s world, but as the new leader of Rathe her powers are needed to save a sea creature she’s never met.

Rownan assumes the worst is behind him when he returns home to be reunited with his wife, Vienna, only to discover she’s gone. She traveled to the evil realm of Harte to find another gateway to Earth and was never heard from again. Rownan claimed he would go through hell to be with her, and now he must prove it.

Rownan, Yara, and Treygan will put their lives and souls at risk by traveling to the most dangerous realm of all. Love is supposed to conquer all, but no one has ever conquered Harte.


(eBook or paperback)

Buy on Barnes & Noble
(eBook or paperback)

Karen, along with Jennifer & Ena at Enticing Journey Book Promotions  
are giving away a prize pack to one lucky winner. 
 Prize pack includes:

~ Signed paperback of Tangled Tides & Dangerous Depths 

~ Two Beautifully Disney nail polishes 
(Ocean Mist--sparkly green, and Diva of the Deep--sparkly purple.)

~ A box of assorted yummy "sprite" treats from Fairy Tale Brownies 
(in honor of the new sprite characters who star in Dangerous Depths.) 
Enter here:

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Monday, November 25, 2013

Book Review: Lark's Quest

I downloaded this for free on B&N, then forgot where I got it. I opened and read it thinking it was a traditionally published ARC from NetGalley. Only when I went back to NetGalley to provide feedback did I realize it was an indie title that I hadn't gotten from there. It was that good! I give it: 





A hint of magic, powerful women warriors, and a mystery. I was hooked! The story flows in a writing style that carries you along, getting you caught up in the characters and the world. It is reminiscent of Stormdancer but I would dare to say, better written. This first tale of Lark promises a great series on the way, and at free, you can't go wrong. I would recommend it for fans of fantasy.
It is a novella that reads like a serial~which is to say the beginning of an ongoing tale. I'm coming to love serials because they fit quite well into my busy lifestyle. You won't regret fitting this one in!

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Friday, November 22, 2013

#WritersRoad Recap: Using Brand Names

Tonight we're chatting about mentioning brand names. Benefits, drawbacks, legalities. Guest author @KarlenePetitt is w/us! #WritersRoad
So what you do you all think about saying Starbucks instead of coffee? #WritersRoad Or Coors Light instead of Beer? #writersroad
So @KarlenePetitt, can you tell us what benefits you've noticed from mentioning brand names? #writersroad
Thinking about topic. What are the legalities involved with using brand names? #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt TO me there is a big difference. SB can be regional and has had some bad publicity. Changes perception. #WritersRoad
@KarlenePetitt For me, it can cement character traits. But, at the same time, can date a story. #writersroad
@Tina_Moss Great question. That I'm honestly not sure about. #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt I like specifics like that. It can illuminate a character. #WritersRoad
@Tina_Moss I dont' think any legalities as long as we aren't profiting from it. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle @KarlenePetitt That's true. Certain ideas in reader's mind when given a brand name as opposed to generic. #writersroad
@Tina_Moss Ah yes, dating is always something to worry about. #writersroad
@peach83352 I think that too. I was taking a screen play course and you have so few lines... it helps. #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt It can date a story, kinda like the Howard Johnsons in the space station in 2001. Can also make it more real. #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt So I can't say MC was driving a Mercedes over and over in hopes of getting one? LOL. Product placement. :) #writersroad
@Nightveil So true! And if you said McDonalds...everyone knows what those arches look like and type of food #writersroad etc...
@Tina_Moss My publisher just listed the trademarked names. They did ask me to delete a few… #WritersRoad
Check out what attorney Mark Fowler says on the subject: rightsofwriters.com/2010/12/can-i-… #writersroad
@peach83352 Interesting. Did they say why? #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle Just clicked over and read ... "yes" will read the rest later. #writersroad
@Tina_Moss I guess they thought it was too many? I think perhaps they had to do some background work to use the trademarks? #WritersRoad
In movies... it gets overdone sometimes. Wondering if it's noticeable in the story? #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt How have you used products in your novel to tell us something about your characters? #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt I agree. I think that has to do with sponsorship when it comes to movies though. #writersroad
Now... what about putting a plug in for your friends? Anyone do that in a book yet? #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt Movies have actual product placement nowadays, though. Producers get paid to have that Coke prominently placed. #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt I love that idea. How so? #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle @KarlenePetitt My fav was in Smallville. Instead of saying, "Borrow my car", it was "Borrow my Yaris". LOL. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle Wonder if the same applies to Geekdom. LOADS of Geek references in my book. But I acknowledged the copyright. #writersroad
@Nightveil I use real companies...but all out of business... so they help. #writersroad
I mention @Alaska Airlines in my next novel as #Seattle Sweetheart airline. #WritersRoad It's an aviation novel...and they are real
@teetate @HeatherMcCorkle I'd think as long as you acknowledged the trademark/copyright you'd be fine. #writersroad
if your character is living in current times. Walking into the Hilton, and drinks Diet Pepsi... How can this be wrong? #WritersRoad
@KarlenePetitt Would it be a defamation issue if the story had a crash coverup or such? Even though it's fiction? #writersroad
@KarlenePetitt Good point! And that tells us a bit about them. #WritersRoad
@Tina_Moss You make an excellent point. I think so long as we don't say something negative we're safe. #WritersRoad
@Tina_Moss That's a good point. And if it damaged them, they could come after you if they could prove you harmed them. #writersroad
If you say something negative about a brand then you risk the wrath of their lawyers. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle @Tina_Moss Absolutely. No harm to anyone is the key. #writersroad And if it helps them...they win with the writing too.
I think the only way to avoid dating your story would be to pick brands that have been & will be around for decades. #writersroad
Not a guarantee, certainly, but it can't hurt to be aware of the age of a brand. #writersroad
@Nightveil Most books are done in a given time period. Those would be more authentic to have real brands #WritersRoad from that time
@KarlenePetitt That's a great point. I think you'd only have to be careful if you don't want the time period known. #writersroad
Thanks everyone from coming and your great input!! And Heather for providing that post! Very helpful #WritersRoad
You view a character different who carries a Gucci bag vs. a simple purse. Just be careful Gucci doesn't mind the mention. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle So true. But if they are selling bags that people carry...then we have to tell about it. #writersroad
My character must wear Louboutin heels! It was to be those! #writersroad
@jbeemills I like that, it says a lot about her. #WritersRoad or him...
Of course, the world(s) of my current WIP have no noticeable brands. Might need to change that. Hmmm... #writersroad
Complete side note: for diluted brands, capitalization matters. coke describes all sodas. Coke is a brand. #writersroad
@Nightveil I tend to model my fictional brands after something IRL, but very loosely based... ;-) #writersroad #nowiwanttacos
What about a local restaurant? #writersroad
@jbeemills I think a local resteraunt is a very good thing to mention, as long as it's positive. #writersroad
(1/2) Always wondered how Richelle Mead got away with the Emerald City Books thing in the Georgina Kincaid books. #writersroad
(2/2) It's a real place, but her characters work there and, in one case, own the place. Money changed hands, methinks. #writersroad
I think the key is, if you're in doubt about using a brand name, do your research, ask your agent/publisher/author friends. #WritersRoad
@jbeemills @HeatherMcCorkle Neil Gaiman does this with tourist traps in American Gods. He hides the actual locations. #writersroad
@HeatherMcCorkle I used two Boulder restaurants in one of my MSs. Both positive! Fun for any locals who might read it.... #writersroad

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