The Backworlds Book Launch Party

A vision of how humanity might colonize the galaxy some day in the distant future?

The Backworlds is here!

The first story in the Backworlds series by M. Pax. 

 The Backworlds

After the war with Earth, bioengineered humans scatter across the Backworlds.

Competition is fierce and pickings are scant. Scant enough that Craze’s father decides to

hoard his fortune by destroying his son. Cut off from family and friends, with little money,

and even less knowledge of the worlds beyond his own, Craze heads into an uncertain

future. Boarding the transport to Elstwhere, he vows to make his father regret this day.

Available from: Amazon / AmazonUK / Smashwords / Feedbooks

Other links to more outlets can be found at either Wistful Nebulae or MPax

The Backworlds is an ebook and a free read at Smashwords

and Feedbooks as of now.

It’ll take a few weeks to a free read status on Amazon Kindle. It will also be

available on B&N and iTunes. Sign up for M. Pax’s mailing list to be notified the day it

does go free on Amazon, and when the book becomes available at other outlets. You’ll

also receive coupons for discounts on future publications. 

NEWSLETTER

M. Pax’s inspiration comes from the wilds of Oregon, especially the high desert where

she shares her home with two cats and a husband unit. Creative sparks also come from

Pine Mountain Observatory where she spend her summers working as a star guide. She

writes mostly science fiction and fantasy, but confesses to an obsession with Jane Austen.

She blogs at her website, www.mpaxauthor.com and at Wistful Nebulae. You’ll find links

there to connect on Twitter, Goodread, FB and other sites.

The sequel, Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge, will be released in July 2012. It will be

available in all ebook formats and paperback.

Waiting for Some Inter Dimensional Romance - A Book Review

The Waiting Booth - Brinda Berry

Publishers Etopia Press  

Genre - Speculative Fiction - Fantasy/Paranormal/  Young Adult - Romance
Ebook - 186 pages, Price $ 5.99
Available at Amazon Kindle Store

Blurb:

Mia has one goal for her senior year at Whispering Woods High--find her missing older brother. But when her science project reveals a portal into another dimension, she learns that travelers are moving in and out of her woods in the most alarming way and government agents Regulus and Arizona are policing their immigration. Mia’s drawn to the mysterious, aloof Regulus, but it’s no time for a crush. She needs to find out what they know about her brother, while the agents fight to save the world from viral contamination. But when Regulus reveals that he knows Mia’s secrets, she begins to wonder if there’s more going on than she thought...and if she was wrong to trust him...

This is a debut novel by the author Brinda Berry in the young adult – fantasy category. The protoganist Mia has a neurological condition, synaesthesia where the mixing of the senses enables her to see colors within sounds, smells, and words. 
The story begin in a calm, everyday manner with high schooler Mia’s interaction with a busy but protective father, musings over her missing elder brother Pete and her science project in the woods adjoining their rather secluded home. Austin and Em are Mia's best friends, though Austin would like to trade the friend tag for something more, something Mia can’t see him as.
It is the chance photographing of seemingly shady characters Regulus and Arizona that hurtles her into a far secretive, deceptive and at times dangerous world beyond the ordinary. She is literally pushed into the other dimension in her part of the woods with Regulus and Arizona turning out to be “enforcers” with an inter-dimensional monitoring agency IIA.
Their apparent knowledge of her brother and their story makes them trustworthy but a series of incidents and interactions with her project mentor threatens to change everything to a point where she doesn't know whom to trust.
The primary characters, Mia and Regulus are strong and vulnerable in their own way. Their romance is slow given their initial and subsequent meetings and picks up in a subtle manner as the story unfolds .
The secondary ones like Arizona and Austin whom we may see more of in the later books,  shine through with humour and risk taking loyalty respectively.
The concept of portals which I expected to reveal an alien world but unveils a totally different one was a great move by the author. The act of betrayal at the end is again unexpected though the way the scenes are incorporated left me with an unsettled feeling as a reader. Maybe, the next book will expand on it and make it clearer.
There are sweet romantic moments towards the end which fall in the sweet category of romance rating - Sweet -> Hot -> Spicy.
I give this a 4.2 rating. 
Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to lovers of YA fantasy that is not based on magic.


I received a copy for review through the group Knights of the Round Table on Goodreads. 


Personal Disclaimer: Though this book was a free copy received for the purpose of review, the post in entirety is my basic impression after reading the book. It is not based on intervention by the author, publishing house or the book forum.

A Race To Live Or Ruin - A Book Review

The Curse Of Gremdon - Ciara Knight

Crescent Moon Press  

Genre - Speculative Fiction - Fantasy/ Adult Fiction
Novel - 282 pages, Price $ 7.99
Available at Amazon Kindle Store

Blurb:

In a world where marriage is forbidden, sex is only granted to male warriors, and the outer realm is full of murderous creatures, Arianna fights to protect the life of her only living relative, her brother.Tardon, an elite warrior, is granted anything he desires by the Elders, but finds little joy in the voluptuous women presented to him. Born for the bloodlust found only in battle, complicated emotions emerge when he discovers his equal in the alluring warrior, Arianna. Charged by the Elders with saving the castle from  attack, Tardon and Arianna risk the curse when they traverse the vast outer realm to retrieve serum from the Tree of Life. If successful, the Elders have promised Tardon the right to marry and Arianna the cure for her brother’s death fever. Will their love carry them through or will the discovery of a great deception be their ultimate demise

This is a fantasy set in the kingdom of Gremdon, basically a sword and sorcery style of story telling. The magic is not visible in daily life and yet is very much there in the background, playing a crucial part.

I liked the author's focus on the two main characters, elite warriors Arianna and Tardon allowing the readers to explore their interaction, romantic and otherwise. The world around them is created with painstaking detail and clarity that one feels a part of the narrative.

 The secondary characters are well developed and some of them linger on after the ending. Ex Warrior Saldor's feelings for Arianna vacillating between friendship and love, her brother's natural affinity towards the deprived and troubled, the enforcers and the apprentice's penchant for using their powers to control and subjugate enhance the progression of the story.
Despite the romantic tension, its not all rosy and their task to retrieve the sap from the tree of life is beset with obstacles and live threatening dangers.
 Though it does drag a bit in the beginning, it picks up pace fast enough. The twist and turns keeps one engrossed and at the edge of the seat unable to predict what comes next.
The superb twist in the end really catches the reader unawares, though the author leaves subtle hints throughout the book.
Some may find the dark, shadowy world a bit sexist with the male warriors being pampered by the Elders. Arianna is the only female warrior  where most of the women are engaged in other activities. But  this only makes the Elders ruled world that much more realistic.
There are strong romantic scenes which fall in the spicy category of romance rating - Sweet -> Hot -> Spicy.
I give this a 4.5/5 rating.
I recommend this enjoyable read to all fantasy lovers looking for a tale well told and surprisingly different.


I received a copy for review through the group Knights of the Round Table on Goodreads. 


Personal Disclaimer: Though this book was a free copy received for the purpose of review, the post in entirety is my basic impression after reading the book twice. It is not based on intervention by the author, publishing house or the book forum. 

Keeping Up On Writing Track Woes! - IWSG

The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day for participating blog owners who may be professional or amateur writers. (All you need is the passion and output, published or not). Started by Alex Cavanaugh the author of the sci-fi space opera CassaStar and just released CassaFire, it is a means for writers to talk about their fears big and small. It is also an opportunity to connect to other writers who may have conquered these or are sailing in the same insecure boat as you.

By songsnwords | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

Last week, at around 4 p.m  as I was dozing (almost) next to my desktop, when I was supposed to be fleshing out my characters, I was mauled...
They came with their gamma ray projectiles, their mind curses, their wails and tears, swords and bombs, acid dripping words, threatening to freeze my bank account (word bank).


I am a Ninja only in name, I could fend off a lean guy with a stout stick at the most, but them with an armoury that would make not just the Indian Army but the Western ones hang their heads in shame...not a chance in the universe.


Have you ever faced a 'characters assault'? Found yourself with fingers in too many pies unable to do justice to all?
Do you start a new story just to abandon it half way through, promising to come back when better plot lines and scenes surface?
Wake up one day; to realise your collections are only 3/4 complete and need to move your butt to have them ready, edited, embellished in a few months time?


Is it just a Gemini thing...here, there, everywhere, not a moment to spare...worse still, unfinished tales to sell?

A to Z Video And A Parting Shot

This is my entry for the video contest that serves as an appetiser before the main course of the A-Z challenge.
The blogfest, third year in running demands just two things:

A Prepare 26 posts for 26 consecutive days (except Sundays) based on the 26 alphabets in the English language.
Can be any topic in line with your usual posts or a particular area of interest like music, book, movies, sports, art, science, religion even your photographs, artwork, poetry and flash fiction (anything P.G rated, non racial and inoffensive).

B Comment on as many fellow A-Zers as you can or wish to, at least a dozen a day since there were over 1500 participants last time and may be more this time.

A great way to have fun, get out of the writing rut and make new friends, some of last year's A-Z friends still visit my blog. To join click on this Link on or before 31 March - A-Z Challenge

Now for Jenny Matlock's Saturday Centus...I missed it for almost a month.
Fellow Centusians have tolerated my crazy love for mixing challenges/memes...so do bear with me as my centus is based on this first uploaded YouTube video of mine.

For Saturday Centus at Jenny Matlock's blog...any genre, P.G as far as possible, not to exceed 100 words excluding the prompt in bold. Based on the given picture, this time permission to add as many pictures granted.
Check the other adieus there.


She sifted through the growing collection, the idea slowing taking shape.

As she glanced at them, some evoked forgotten memories, some an unplanned smile, some leaving her feeling nostalgic and sad. Their expressions, bright colours, careful outlines were indeed deserving of more curious eyes, inquisitive minds.

It took her all day to choose the final pieces, yet some would not make it to the board. They would be discarded, often without a second thought.

After much chopping and crafting, were ready, each one decked in complimentary accessories.

It was time to create a video out of them and yet…saying goodbye was harder than she thought...

Cassafire Book Release party

 Catch Fire! Blog Party

Rek here...do click on the play button to hear my, less than a minute speech.
 (And Alex, since you asked...that childish voice is definitely mine!) :P

Cassafire, the second book in the space opera trilogy by Ninja Captain and a very supportive fellow blogger Alex Cavanaugh releases today.

There is a blog tour, which runs from February 27 through March 9 – and anyone who comments on his blog posts during that time can win a special package from his publisher: a copy of both CassaFire and CassaStar, a large tote bag, and a mug.

And remember, don't make too much noise or get too friendly in the first meeting, our hero Byron loves his privacy...and he likes intelligence in a person, so go easy on the make up and high heels, they won't get you past the chip on his shoulder. 
How do I know? Elementary Telepathy!!  My Dear Watson.  ;) 


Alex , the author on the other hand, works in web design and graphics and is friendly. He has also worked with an adult literacy programme for a number of years...how cool is that??
He loves to review movies and music on his blog and spent countless hours visiting other blogs. 
 He co-hosts a number of blogfests, the latest being the A-Z challenge in April and created the IWSG - the insecure writer's support group where writers and authors crib and lend a hand every month.
A self confessed Sci-Fi fan who is said to play a mean guitar and "looking around before whispering in your ear'" has a hopeless crush on Kate Beckinsale (yes, the Underworld babe).


 I started following his blog after last year's A-Z...my stalking of his blog posts process reminds me of Edward and Bella with roles reversed. But I don't blink and bite my lips incessantly nor does Guruji 'Sparkle' or do skycraper jumps (correct me if I am wrong).The misfit lurking on a successful author and blogger's cyberspace. It took me almost the end of last year to start commenting, and his responses helped me connect with the other heavyweights around and really enjoy the process of blogging. So I owe you and many others a vote of thanks for the dose of confidence.


Moving on to the matter at hand, a written and virtual tour of his current book-----

A blurb of the book :

CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities. 

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

 $15.95,  paperback, 240 pages

EBook $4.99, available in all formats

Available at

Barnes and Noble - Cassafire

Amazon                -  Cassafire

Amazon Kindle     -  Cassafire

 A trailer of what you can expect from the book :

Evil Genius Blogfest

The Eagle's Aerial Perspective aka Golden Eagle turns two years old today!


 A flash fiction blogfest to celebrate the occasion...check the others there and vote for me if you like.
On the other hand forget it...my entry gets lost among the writer crowds.


Create a story, in any format whether that's flash fiction or poetry, where the aforementioned character does something qualifying them as an evil genius. You can also choose an already-existing person, perhaps from one of your favorite books or movies--just tell us why you think they're the best.

He paced across the floor, impatiently awaiting the messenger’s return.

‘The fool of an imp must have left the mansion four hours ago, can’t these useless fools do one thing right?’

He dismissed his personal aide with a flick of the hand, causing the poor creature to crash onto the cold stone floor outside the room.

The crystal revealed nothing as yet.

‘The ancients had set strong wards…but not for long.’

The curse was almost ready. The final words of the mantra left, to be uttered on the blue moon night, two days hence.

Hidden by him in the old walls 150 years ago, it slumbered waiting the unleashing of its dark potency.

“Only the mad bat knows where…”

He chuckled loudly, scaring the Bagoons in the cages.

She had played her part well, all these years, and would soon be rewarded for her loyalty.

They would be ‘The Lord of the lands and his consort.’ with all the high born crushed under his heels.

The Council had exiled him over his dark aides as they called them. In reality, he knew that they were scared and envious of his newly acquired powers. The spineless cowards had been unwilling to break the ancient oath and grab at everlasting glory, proclaiming truth and light as the greatest gifts.

‘He would show them the meaning of greatness, true power.’

 A scrap at the open roof grabbed his attention, the vulture glided down, encircling the clustered room.

Casting a quick, non verbal spell; transformed the scavenger into the hideous shape of his slave.

Trembling hands handed him the silk scroll wrapped up in protective Kusha grass.

‘Remove the grass blanket!’ he thundered, pulling away his hand as though it had been singed.

If things went well, the hated Charis’, Shaks’ and Warriers’, in particular, would be graced by an ancient visitor on the next moonless night. The Green Dew would bring with it, this time, the Elder Borns’ decimation. 

By songsnwords | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

WC 327

* The villain from my Fantasy WIP- Restless, who won't appear before 20000 words at least.

* The story is basically set in India, loosely based on Indian Vedic magic and Arabic Magic.

A Review Of A Survivor's Struggle To Live

Cat And The Dreamer - Annalisa Crawford
Vagabondage Press
Genre - Contemporary/ New Adult/ Realistic/ Women Fiction
Novelette - 22000 words, Price $ 2.99
Available at Amazon Kindle Store
Barnes and Noble Nookbooks
Google Books/eBooks
Omnilit

By songsnwords | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

Today, I am reviewing 'Cat and The Dreamer', a novelette (though Wiki says its word count makes it a novella), a give away on a guest blog post. Technicalities aside, a contemporary + realistic women fiction as this blurb goes:

As a teenager, Julia survived a suicide pact, while her best friend, Rachel, died. Julia’s only escape from her guilt, and her mother’s over-protection, is her imagination. When Adam arrives in the office, Julia’s world takes a startling turn as she realises reality can be much more fun than fantasy.
Finally she has someone who can help her make the most of her life.
But can she allow herself to be truly happy?


The book is basically a first person narration by, the then 15 and now 29 year old survivor Julia, on life as it is now. 
It's a poignant, raw and very hard hitting portrayal of a woman trapped in a teenager's mind, who struggles her way through the art of living.
 The ghosts of the past, over protective parents and bullying co workers make it thrice as difficult to taste freedom of a normal life.
Adding to this deadly potion are her own fears and her penchant of seeking refuge in the dream world, she often inhabits. They resurface when her knight in shining armour Adam, literally rides his way through her office and personal life.
Will his protection and love be enough for Julia to start anew? Read it to find out...


I loved the wordplay, realistic conversations and the process of Julia's slow awakening to reality and freedom.
The book deals with the effects of bullying on young minds, covertly which works for it.
The supporting cast of Adam was most likeable, Cat made a good antagonist and the parents could move you to pity or anger depending on your perception...in my case they invoked both pity and a little resentment.


My only grouse is the length of the work which leaves you wanting to know more of Julia and  specially Adam.
An excellent choice for reading on a weekend that gets a 4.5 out of 5 rating from me...and of course, having a hardy heart goes without saying.

Resistance Book Release

 Today is officially the book release day for the latest book by Author Laura Josephsen and the blog tour goes on for a week starting Feb 21 To Feb 28 with eight bloggettes hosting the event.

Laura Josephsen lives with her family in Tennessee. She likes music, reading, socks, rainy days, chocolate, coffee, and sci-fi and fantasy tales.

Visit her blog at: 

Everything you didn't want to know about writing  to extend your support.

More about the book in question





Blurb:

All Alphonse wants is a quiet summer at home before his final months at university. What he gets is a half-dead stranger on his doorstep and the task of delivering a package to the leader of his home country. Not long after he boards a train toward the capital, he's attacked by knights, elite soldiers of the neighboring king.

Alphonse is temporarily rescued by Mairwyn, a mechanic with a haunted past and a deep hatred of knights. Together, they attempt to carry out Alphonse's urgent errand, only to learn that if they fail, countless people will die.

And even if they succeed, they may not be able to prevent the war that lurks on the horizon.

Check out the Goodreads page! Rising Book 1: Resistance

Read the beginning!  Rising Excerpt

 Book  Links:

 Paperback

Rising-Book-1-Resistance At Amazon

E Book

Rising on Amazon: Rising-Book-1-Resistance 

Rising on Barnes and Noble: Rising-Book-1-Resistance

Rising on Smashwords: Rising-Book-1-Resistance

Has also written  Confessions from the Realm of the Underworld (Also Known as High School)

Laura has co-authored  the Restoration series with the  first book in the series, Awakenings  being republished, and  the second book, The Guardian Race to be released shortly.

Haiku - 17, 18 To Qualify Emotions

By songsnwords | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

Blinded by prejudice /

Scheherazade's thousand and one nights tales /

spared her life, his soul //

Based on one of the comments, would like to add a little about the 
book in question...
I presumed everyone is familiar with "1001 Arabian Nights" 
some of the more famous of the tales like Aladdin and the magic lamp, 
Sinbad the sailor, Ali Baba and 40 thieves were part of our childhood 
stories and also made into Films and Television Series. 

These stories are a collection of stories including folk from Western 
and Central Asia (India, Turkey, Iraq) and parts of Africa (Egypt) 
and first translated into English from the original Persian work in 
the 17th century. The origin of the stories is considered to be around
the 9th century.

 These tales are said to have used by the Princess to enthrall the 
Caliph for a 1000 nights. The Caliph's first wife having been 
unfaithful; he married a virgin every day and had her beheaded the 
next day. Until Scheherazade, the grand vizier's daughter, decided to 
step in and offer to be his consort and used her intelligence to save 
her own and the lives of other innocent damsels. 
By the end of the storytelling, the 1001 night, the Caliph had fallen 
in love with her and realised that he had erred in his thinking and judgement.

 They are a magnificent collection of tales that cover all the possible 
human emotions and reactions not to mention elements of fantasy 
and magic.

The one I possess has fewer than 30 tales but is a gift from my Uncle 
and has some beautiful hand painted illustrations by a Czech Artist. 
I highly doubt if my said copy is in circulation now as it's over 
25 years old.

Sixth part of the 30 day book challenge created by Polo at her blog Acotation Al Margen.

Older and newer entries here.

Since yesterday happened to be World Refugee Day...
and this week is Refugee week, a haiku for them...

Herded like cattle /

stinky boats and trucks, entrapped /

blind dreams, bleeding souls //


Added to Haiku Heights

A Classical Saturday Trip...

By songsnwords | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

Added to Saturday Centus . Check other builders at Jenny Matlock's meme
...her blog off on my tangent. The prompt by Jeff and back to a story of 

any genre in 100 words excluding the prompt in bold. Hope I am forgiven 
for continuing to combine two challenges into one.

 My take on the arrogant and proud Mr. Darcy

The music echoed, the soft sounds of rain drowning in

the cacophony of piano notes Mary created…The sisters

looked on in embarrassment while the rest sniggered;

some openly, some quietly.

 One stood singeing in annoyance and anguish…

paradoxical results of mind and heart. He considered

his presence a worthy gift lost on the country

bumpkins; yet, would regret missing out on those

intelligent, dark eyes which barely spared him so much

as even an angry glance.

Feelings unspoken, unexpressed “…within the stone..."

invisible walls he was forced by social status to strengthen

…her's by sheltered life and misplaced faith in other’s

coloured impressions.

This is the Seventh part of the 30 day book challenge created by Polo

at her blog Acotation Al Margen.

 For reades and writers alike.

Older and newer entries here.