Tag: authors

Three Great Books for Worldbuilding

Worldbuilding is hard. Right? I can hear you moaning and pulling out your hair as you try to build up your world. I’ve been there. In fact, I find it one of the more mentally taxing parts of creating. What’s unique and profound that’s never been done before? (Uh, nothing. Even Solomon said so, but we keep trying anyway. That, my friends, is called insanity.)

If you’re struggling, there are some really great resources to help you create a realistic world. While I could never list all of them, I’ll list the ones I’ve found to be most helpful. Below, I’ve listed three books (and as a bonus, one website) I’ve found invaluable while creating.

  1. Storyworld First by Jill Williamson

Aside from being a great person with a cool name, Jill is one of the hosts of the Go Teen Writers website (GoTeenWriters.com). Her book is fantastic, covering all aspects of a world, such as geography, creatures, magic, languages, etc. In the back of the book are worksheets, charts, and word lists–extra bonuses to help you through the worldbuilding maze.

  1. The Writer’s Digest Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card

This thing is massive at 408 pages, but it includes more than just worldbuilding information. There’s a “how to write” section at the front while the second half is the nuts and bolts of creating a world (races, cultures, religion, clothes, weapons, etc.) The last chapter was the anatomy of a castle (which isn’t much help if you’re looking to stay away from the typical European epic fantasy). The rest of it is wonderful and well worth the purchase.

  1. The New Age Baby Name Book by Sue Browder

This is not your typical baby name book. From Abebi to Zersiro, I’ve found these unusual New Age names to work for towns, races, religions, really anything that needs a name. Even better, meaning and pronunciation for each one are included.

  1. And lastly as a bonus and related to number three, this is the website I find myself going to over and over: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/

It generates names of diseases, political parties, superpowers, and theme park rides, among numerous other things. It’s really worth a look, not only to inspire you, but also to flesh out your world more, by seeing what you’ve missed. 🙂  Because trust me, you’ve missed something.

A last piece of advice before you go: make sure you have a notebook to write down names and places, ideas, meanings, and pronunciation. You’ll want all your choices in front of you when you start naming and labeling. Having the perfect idea there in black and white sure beats having to look it up while you’re writing.

So go. Create. And don’t forget to have fun, too.

Creating a One Sheet

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What is a One Sheet?

One sheets are strange animals. Part graphic design, part advertising copy, part business card, they’re not often needed in proposals. Sometimes they’re asked for at in-person pitches, but this is largely dependent on the person you’re meeting.

They’re one page (surprise, surprise) and include all the important information—title, word count, tagline (if you have one), blurb, an eye-catching graphic, contact information, bio, and headshot. If you’ve completed all the other items mentioned in my previous blog posts (here, here, and here), your most pressing issue will probably be finding the right graphic. There are plenty of good free graphics on Unsplash, Pixabay, Pexels, and Bing. Go more for a professional look, less cutesy. That adorable paw print pattern you were going to use for your werewolf shifter novel? Yeah, don’t. Readability is key. Use a clean font—save that cool Gothic Script for another project.

I have a love/hate relationship with the one sheet. While they can be fun, they take valuable time from agonizing over, er, I mean revising my synopsis or blurb. After you’ve finished your one sheet, do a test run. A graphic may look perfect on the computer, but be an absolute nightmare once it’s competing with all the information on the page. For example, I’d originally planned a full-page, fiery graphic for my one sheet about Spark, Book One of the Firebrand Chronicles. But on the page, there were sparks and flames consuming my valuable contact information. It was too much. I found a smaller graphic that just spanned the top half of the page.

While I’d love to tell you to skip a one sheet, because many of us are writers, not graphic designers, I used one when pitching to an agent. I’d thrown a few in a folder on my way out the door to a one-day writing workshop. When a last-minute opening became available, I signed up to pitch to an agent. I slid the one sheet across the table and waited, shaking, while he spent a few seconds scanning it. He nodded, asked a few questions, and it gave me some time to ease into the situation. To be honest, I think what was written on it was more important than the cool flame graphic scrolling across the top. So, it’s really up to you.

If you’ve done your best with all the other items in your proposal, the most important thing you can do is relax. Remember to breathe. Say a prayer. Then,  take all your nervousness and turn it into excitement. Be animated (not wooden) and share with the other person all the cool things about your story!

Happy pitching!

What Is a Synopsis?

Few words strike dread in the heart of a writer like the word synopsis. It’s the Dreaded Nightmare of most writers. (There’s probably a few out there who don’t mind writing them, but I’ve never met them).

So what exactly is a synopsis?

It’s a one-to-two page document, usually either two pages, double-spaced or one page, single-spaced. (Check the editor/publisher/agent guidelines. If it doesn’t specify, don’t sweat it. Just pick one.) The publisher or agent uses the synopsis to see if there are plotting issues or weird tropes (i.e., it was all a dream!). They aren’t expecting advertising copy; save your gorgeous, flowery prose for the manuscript. Otherwise, write it in the same tone and style the book is written in. One caveat: if your book is written in first person, don’t write your synopsis that way. Typically, write it in active voice, third person, present tense.

Briefly introduce your main character(s) and put their names IN CAPS the first time they’re introduced for ease of identification. This document is where you spill the beans regarding your story — the interesting setup, the plot twists, emotions and reactions of characters, setbacks, climax, and resolution. Keep the details pertinent, and don’t give tons of backstory. I’ve found this to be extremely difficult. After all, every single scene feels important to me. I want to include them all.

A few important points:

  1. Yes—you have to tell how the story ends. Aside from the length, this is one of the main differences between the synopsis and the blurb. Don’t try to pass the blurb off as a synopsis.
  2. Show, don’t tell doesn’t work for the synopsis. Because this is an entirely different kind of writing compared to a book, you’ll have to do a lot of telling, not showing.
  3. If you’re a pantser and you haven’t finished the manuscript (and therefore can’t finish the synopsis), go finish your book. Agents and publishers won’t consider books that are “mostly” finished.
  4. For more information, check out Reedsy’s article on writing a synopsis.

I’ve found the easiest way to create a synopsis (or as easy as synopsis creation can be) is to take my manuscript and go through it chapter by chapter. What are the key plot points that occur? List them in order. Be brief. When I’m done,  I’m halfway to a working synopsis.  Then edit, edit, edit.

Thank You

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I’ve been waffling on what to say here–it feels momentous! The blog tour is over, and Burn is in the wild.  I have All. The. Feels.  *blows nose inelegantly into a tissue*

Today is a day for celebrating!!!! Aside from the fact it’s the weekend, online schooling is almost over. Can I hear a heartfelt amen? *Cue marching band and confetti* (And yes, I can use as many exclamation marks as I want because I’m celebrating!!!)

Me, when I celebrate

Also me, when I celebrate during a pandemic

 

 

 

 

 

All you homeschooling mom and dads, props to you. Online schooling is hard, especially when you’re thrown into the deep end like we were.  Releasing a book, a series, is hard too and it never occurs in a vacuum. I’m so grateful to those who became a part of the “Firebrand team.” *voice wobbles and pulls out the tissue again* Sheesh.

My husband and my kids are my biggest supporters. This isn’t lip service. They read the books, give encouragement, and act as stand-ins when I have to stage fight scenes. (My kids think I’m weird, but they’re avid cosplayers so I see them walking around the house in wigs and black and white face paint. The apples haven’t fallen far from the tree. Lol!) Their support is huge because they’re the ones who suffer the most when the laundry doesn’t get done or I don’t cook because of deadlines or a scene has to be written–RIGHT NOW.

My supportive parents encouraged me to be creative and imaginative. Mom and Dad, thank you for letting me daydream and write and read stacks and stacks of library books until my eyes crossed. <3

When I pitched at Realm Makers in Villanova, PA (2016!), Michele Harper (and the entire L2L2 Publishing team) were so encouraging. At that point, I’d been out of the writing conference loop for almost ten years, had two children, and switched genres (from romance to joining the dark side of speculative fiction. Lol!). BTW, if you’ve never been to a writer’s conference, Realm Makers is one of the best out there–not just because of great classes and content, but also because the people are nice people. (You might think that’s a given. I’m speaking from experience–it’s not that way everywhere.)

Also, if you’ve beta read or critiqued the Firebrand Chronicles, blogged or posted on social media, left a book review, gushed about them to a friend, or stopped me on the street to say you liked the book or asked about the next one–THANK YOU. Knowing my stories gave you the chance to escape to Linneah with Brenna and Baldwin for a few hours is a huge honor.

It’s a bit bittersweet leaving them behind, but I hope BURN’s ending is everything you longed for.

As mentioned in L2L2 Publishing’s most recent post, the Firebrand Chronicles is being gathered into a beautiful boxset, complete with new short stories and other extras! I’ve had so much fun creating them and I’m eager to share them with you. It’s tentatively scheduled for a summer release — more information will be forthcoming!

Thanks again to everyone and enjoy your summer!

 

 

Burn’s Release Day: Looking Back

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I’d originally had another post for today– something about plotting vs. pantsing and how’d I’d used both for the Firebrand Chronicles, blah, blah, blah. 🙂

And it struck me that I didn’t want to talk about that much.  For the past two weeks, I’ve been looking back and thinking about when the Firebrand Chronicles journey started. I mean, I’ve finished a trilogy, but a part of me is still a little befuddled how that happened!

Humor me and let’s look back five years ago. At the front of it, 2015 looked a lot like other years before. After querying agents, and stalking, er, I mean, submitting to publishers, I had nothing to show for it except a nice, growing stack of rejections. So I did the only thing left–I reevaluated.

It sounded like this. “Well, I have a good life–a husband who loves me, two great kids, and we live in a rural neighborhood with a loving church nearby. I guess I don’t need to be published.”  And while all that was true, the need to write was still there. I couldn’t turn off the urge like a faucet, so I knew I’d still write if only to get the voices out of my head.

And that’s when things started to come together. I entered a contest that led to an award that led to a conference where I pitched Spark. (BTW, you should be entering contests! But that’s another post…) And here I am, five years later, with several anthologies containing my short stories and a finished trilogy. Phew!

Some might say it was my hard work paying off. While I’m certain hard work is part of it, it’s not ALL of it. Lots of writers work hard–we have to because the market is super-competitive. Part of it is about surrender, loosening a grip on a dream so Someone can shift it, manipulate it into something better. And part of it is also listening to that voice that tells you, this is what you’re put on earth to do, this is why you’re here.

I’m sure some people will read this and scrunch up their face, thinking, “Well, of course, she’d say that. She wrote and published a trilogy. What about me? What am I supposed to do?” I don’t know what your future holds. But I can give you three action items to improve your craft. I can’t promise these things will get you a contract or on the bestseller list, but I can promise they will help you be a better writer.

1) Finish the manuscript. Did you know 97% of people who write NEVER finish their manuscript? (That percentage stuns me every time.) You have to finish it to get it published, whether you go indie or traditional. Finish it so you can revise it, so it can be sent to an editor, or so you can move on to the next story. But keep working until you type “The End.”

2) Read. Read in your genre, outside your genre, anything and everything. You’ll learn what’s already been written, who did it well, and what’s trending. Knowing the published “landscape” is part of being a good writer.

3) Don’t give up. If you’re writing because you think it’s quick money, or because it’s easy, you can stop right now and take up underwater basket-weaving. It’s likely to make you more money and be easier than writing. But if you can’t give up writing, then keep going.  Don’t listen to the toxic naysayers. Instead, surround yourself with supporters, encouragers, those who love you, and want you to do well. Find a critique group, and learn as much as you can about writing.

I hope these tips help. I’ve grown and learned so much in these last five years, and I’m moving forward, still as much in love with writing as ever before. My next project (a Snow White retelling) is already “finished” although the plot holes need to be plugged. 🙂 For right now, I’ll let it simmer and enjoy Burn‘s release-day celebration!!!

Come join us Thursday night (8-10 PM) on Facebook for even more partying at the Burn Launch Party!

It’s Day Seven!

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Welcome to day seven of the SFF 12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour!! I hope you’ve been checking out each author’s site and signing up for some great giveaways.  I love giving Christmas presents. Hopefully, my gifts are better than “My True Love’s” listed in the song…  On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… seven ladies dancing?

                     

Why would I want that? How am I supposed to write with seven women prancing around my living room? Can they do my laundry or clean my house, too?

How about some bookish presents instead?

Spark, (Book one of The Firebrand Chronicles) is about Brenna James, who’s just a normal ADHD teen. You know, going to school, hanging out with friends, shooting fire from her bare hands…um, what? When her mother disappears, Brenna will do anything to find her. Even travel through a portal. But life on the other side involves intimidating griffins, cryptic prophecies, and elusive enemies. With the help of her new friend Baldwin, she must choose wisely whom to trust or lose everything.

The action and adventures continue in Flare, and the last book Burn should be coming soon. (I’m so excited to share it with you!) For the giveaway, I have a signed print copy of either Spark or Flare, as well as an angel pin (looks a lot like the Sahale in Spark 🙂 ), and lots of bookish swag. (Unfortunately, if you’re international, I can only send you the swag and a signed bookplate. Sorry!)

 

Sign up for the Rafflecopter giveaway here…but don’t wait. Because it’s only good for 24 hours. After that, it disappears like Santa Claus after he delivers your presents!

And if you want still more presents, here are the other participating authors for the remaining days. Have fun and have a blessed Christmas!

12/08/19
Janeen Ippolito – https://www.janeenippolito.com/

12/09/19
H. L. Burke – www.hlburkeauthor.com/blog

12/10/19
Laura VanArendonk Baugh – www.LauraVanArendonkBaugh.com

12/11/19
Hans Erdman – www.gewellynchronicles.com

12/12/19
​M. J. Padgett – www.mjpadgettbooks.com
​

12 Days of Christmas Blog Tour

Do you like free books? Book swag? How about discounts? Then join me and eleven other talented fantasy and science fiction authors for the Twelve Days of Christmas blog tour!

Just check out the graphic above and then stop at that author’s website to grab a chance at some fantastic freebies. But each author will only be offering these goodies for that day only, so don’t delay! To make sure you don’t miss any offers, sign up for the authors’ email lists to get a reminder (the links are below to help you out).

THE NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the authors’ email lists to never miss a day!

YAASHA MORIAH

VERITY BUCHANAN – Scroll down to “Join Legealings”

M.L. LITTLE – click “Subscribe” on the top navigation bar

​CLAIRE M. BANSCHBACH – “Follow Blog via Email” in the sidebar

J.M. HACKMAN – Subscribe box in the right sidebar

JANEEN IPPOLITO

H.L. BURKE

LAURA VAN ARENDONK BAUGH

HANS ERDMAN – “Subscribe to our newsletter” in the right sidebar

M.J. PADGETT

 

KEEN Blog Tour: Behind the Scenes

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Hi, lovelies! Today, I’m thrilled to host author Laura Zimmerman on my blog to talk about her debut novel KEEN!

I had the privilege of reading the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), and I was so eager to endorse it — it’s amazing! But I’ll allow Laura to share more about her story (and don’t forget to read on–special dates,  KEEN’s blurb, and blog tour information  are below!) Enjoy!

 

Do you ever wonder what inspired an author to include specific details ina book? There’s a good chance that many of them aren’t random! Much of my own personal life is echoed throughout the pages of KEEN. Let’s talk about it!

Our hero, Oliver, has a secret obsession with being a musician. This is no coincidence as I was a music major in college. My father has always played guitar, so when I was young it was normal to find one lying around the house. I liked the idea of pulling this small detail into the story and having Oliver find her dad’s guitar. When I was little, I’d sometimes hear my dad playing and singing while I fell asleep at night. Again, this was a special detail to Caoine’s story that I wanted to highlight.

Next we’ll visit with sidekick, Aubree. Her bubbly personality was inspired by a good friend of mine. They look nothing alike, but I just couldn’t help but picture my friend as I wrote! *giggles* I could hear the words of Aubree in my friend’s voice, and it helped me portray her character. There’s also a reference to Aubree being a Star Wars geek. That would be my fault. #StarWarsLoversUnite

The big scene with the drama teacher actually didn’t make it into the final cut of the book. I modeled her after my own drama teacher at our public school who directed the ninth grade production of “Good Luck, Charlie Brown.” For the production we borrowed large building blocks from another school that presented the show the year before for our cast to sit on while we performed our scenes. During one rehearsal, my teacher commented that she wondered what word the previous teacher had tried to spell with the oversized building blocks. I asked if it was possible that they were just random letters. Her reply? Nothing is ever a coincidence when it comes to the drama department! Although that scene with her was changed, I wanted to use that idea in regards to the theater production at Caoine’s school, and use the play at West Lincoln High to contribute to the story of KEEN.

That’s all I’ve got for this installment of Behind the Scenes! Be sure to check out the other stops on the blog tour to learn more about the characters that make up the world of KEEN!

 

Thanks, Laura! KEEN releases Tuesday, July 9th — and don’t forget to stop by the Facebook party on Thursday, July 11th!

You must walk the darkness to find the light.

Half-faerie Caoine has no control over the banshee lament she sings each night, predicting the death of others. A senior in a brand new high school, she expects the same response she’s received at every other school: judgment from fellow students over her unusual eyes and unnaturally white skin and hair. However, when Caoine arrives at West Lincoln High, for the first time in her life she finds friends. Real friends.

But being a teenager is never easy, especially when the star soccer player, Oliver, sets his sights on her. Allowing him to get close means revealing her curse to the human world.

She can’t let that happen.

Life spins further out of control when her lament comes out during the day, those whose death she predicts die right in front of her, and a dark faerie known only as the Unseelie prince blames Caoine by leaving her the creepiest notes ever.

Her curse is not supposed to work like that.

In a race against time, Caoine must uncover the Unseelie prince’s identity and stop a spell before it unleashes hell on earth, all while trying to control her banshee song and finding a place among her peers.

Senior year just got real.

 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

  • Monday, July 1st, Guest Post, Katherine Vinson, www.sparksofember.wordpress.com
  • Monday, July 1st, Guest Post, Rebecca Bruner, www.rebeccabrunerauthor.com
  • Tuesday, July 2nd, Visual Post, Kellie Parker, www.kelliemichelleparker.com
  • Wednesday, July 3rd, Review, Tammera Ayers, www.beliedoutcastlegends.com
  • Thursday, July 4th, Review/Interview, Pam Halter, www.pamhalter.com/fairiesfantasyfaith
  • Friday, July 5th, Interview, Jebraun Clifford, www.jebraunclifford.com
  • Friday, July 5th, Interview, Medomfo Owusu, www.writingsfromagodgirl.wordpress.com
  • Saturday, July 6th, BookTube Review, Gretchen Engel, www.gretchenekengel.com
  • Sunday, July 7th, Behind-the-Scenes Feature, Laurie Lucking, www.landsuncharted.com
  • Monday, July 8th, Behind-the-Scenes Feature, J.M. Hackman, www.jmhackman.com
  • Tuesday, July 9th, Release-Day Feature, Laura L. Zimmerman, www.lauralzimmerman.wordpress.com
  • Wednesday, July 10th, Interview, Kelly Barr, www.kellyfbarr.com
  • Wednesday, July 10th, Review, Vincent Vezza, www.hiddentreasurenovels.com
  • Thursday, July 11th, FB Party Feature, Michele Israel Harper, www.MicheleIsraelHarper.com
  • Friday, July 12th, Review, Abigail McKenna, www.novelsdragonsandwardrobedoors.blogspot.com

 

Release day for Encircled!

A year ago, a few of my writer friends and I were thinking of submitting fairy tale retellings to an anthology. Before we knew it, there were half a dozen of us, all with a cool idea. One of us said, “Hey, why don’t we put our own anthology together?” (Good question!) After much hard work, I’m thrilled to share Encircled with you! It’s our anthology of fairy tale retellings, each with its own special twist. And while the ebook has been available for a couple of weeks, today the paperback releases! (*cartwheel and confetti*)

Included is my story, “The Songbird’s Citadel,” a retelling of “The Nightingale” by Hans Christian Andersen.  Here’s a link to Wikipedia that shares some interesting facts about the story. I mean, Jenny Lind! Who knew, right?

We hope you pick up this book and fall in love. 🙂

Fractured Ever After + Encircled Giveaway!

The Ever Afters have teamed up with the Just-Us League to host an epic giveaway  celebrating their upcoming fairy tale anthologies! Enter for a chance to win one of FOUR sets of prizes!
Grand Prize (U.S. residents only)
– Two paperbacks (Fractured Ever After and Encircled)
– Book cozy
– Slipper ornament
– 3D-printed bookmark (pick one design)
– Set of four signed illustration prints
First Prize (U.S. residents only)
– Two paperbacks (Fractured Ever After and Encircled)
– “Fairy tales do come true” charm bracelet
– 3D-printed bookmark (pick one design)
– Set of four signed illustration prints
Second Prize (international)
– Two ebooks (Fractured Ever After and Encircled)
– 3D-printed bookmark (pick one design)
– Set of four signed illustration prints
Third Prize (international)
– Two ebooks (Fractured Ever After and Encircled)
– Choice of 3D-printed bookmark (pick one design) *or* set of four signed illustration
prints
Link to Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e43732f74/

Here’s a little more about the books

Encircled: From crowns to curses to space capsules, a collection of fairy tale retellings.

Experience six of the world’s most beloved stories in a whole new light! From historical to futuristic, these retellings will take you to an enchanted forest, a cursed castle, and far beyond.

Uncover secrets of a forbidden basement, a hypnotic gift, and a mysterious doll. Fall in love with a lifelong friend or a brand-new crush.

Venture to unknown lands on a quest to save a prince, a kingdom, or maybe even a planet.

With moments of humor, suspense, romance, and adventure, Encircled has something to offer every fan of fairy tales, both classic and reimagined.

This anthology features stories from S.E. Clancy, Jebraun Clifford, J.M. Hackman, E.J. Kitchens, Laurie Lucking, and Tori V. Rainn.

Here are the links for preorder as well as a link for preorder goodies!
Pre-order at
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PV4PJCP/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130963276
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/encircled
Apple Books: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1456811281
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44540764-encircled
Sign up form for pre-order goodies: https://forms.gle/PRK6HSRgUbbzQAYN7

Fractured Ever After
Old classics are fractured into exciting new tales in this international collection of magic, mystery, and adventure.
Some heroes go searching for their happily ever after: a dragon cocoon hunter explores the dangerous woods for his sleeping beauty; a prince forces a perfect romance on an unsuspecting maiden; and when a girl leaves town, she must quickly decide to trust—or be wary of—a new stranger.
Destiny is thrust upon others: a disconnected emperor struggles to retain his title; a frog prince leaves his pond in search of answers; and after Rapunzel is rescued, a new quest is awarded to her savior.
Whether it is destiny or choice, all actions have consequences: sibling rivalry pushes one little piggy to extremes and a princess must choose to follow her heart or step up as future queen.
Prepare for an adventure as these eight fantastic fairy tales transport you to places beyond your imagination.
Fractured Ever After is the Just-Us League’s seventh anthology, an illustrated collection of fractured fairy tales. It can be preordered here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q5H39GH.

A Dream Within A Dream Spotlight (& review!)

It’s been a long wait but Kristina Mahr has finally given us the second book in her duology. I loved All That We See or Seem (here’s a link to an interview I had with Kristina last year)–and I was very er, cross, when I got to the end of the book. A cliffhanger? How rude! (Not that I’ve ever done anything like that…cough, cough.) Here’s a quick blurb in case you missed this awesome story.

Every night, seventeen-year-old Reeve Lennox finds herself under a noose. By day she is a lady of Acarsaid’s royal house, daydreaming of adventure and love. But every night in sleep she wanders through a nightmarish city, an invisible witness to the screeches of monsters and the screams of their victims. Her only consolation is Bran, a battle-torn young man with a selfless heart and eyes that reflect the stars. Yet while Reeve falls deeper into her dreams, in truth she is engaged to Arden, a mercurial nobleman who has long been cured of his belief in love and breathes fire and flattery like other people breathe air. Torn between two lives, Reeve struggles to remember what’s real. Until night and day collide, with a revelation that threatens all of Acarsaid.

Amazing! Anyway, book 2, A Dream Within A Dream, is out! And this cover is just as gorgeous as (if not more than) the first book. Here it is, in all it’s gorgeousness.  This story sounds so good!

Invisible to the man she loves, Reeve Lennox fights to reclaim him from a dark world.
As her wedding day nears in Acarsaid, her betrothed Arden offers only his wayward soul and saucy tongue. At night she desperately tries to reach Bran, the young soldier of nightmarish Tenebris who holds her heart. However, her king insists that the realms of Tenebris and Acarsaid must remain separate, lest the evil wizard Rancore brutally conquer all.
But the dark magic of Tenebris defies mere distance. A war is coming, one only Reeve may be able to prevent, if she can reunite her family on opposing sides.
With two kingdoms at stake, Reeve must discover her strength and her family’s legacy before all is lost. Yet righting the wrongs of the past may require the sacrifice of her truest love.

I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) of this lovely book. Want to know what I thought?

MY REVIEW

Firstly, I must say nobody should endure a many-month wait when it comes to a cliffhanger like the one in All That We See Or Seem.  Nobody.
Ahem. Now that I’ve got that off my chest, I can gush about A Dream Within A Dream. I finished it in one day (and I only had to stay up until 1:30 AM to do it. Because I wasn’t going to bed with it unfinished. Just. Wasn’t. ) ADWAD was just as lyrical, romantic, and evocative as its predecessor. My heart broke all through the book until I got to the end. I wanted more of the ending, more happily-ever-after-and-then-this-happened–to make up for the heart-wringing story. The characters were lovely and multi-layered, making it difficult to label them as “the good guy” or “the bad girl.”  One warning, though — there was some language, that wasn’t present in ATWSOS. Mild swearing doesn’t bother me, but this time it pulled me out of the story because it seemed unneccessary.  But I closed the cover with a happy sigh, so I can easily give this four and half stars. (Since the whole story is now available, buy the duology–and a box of tissues. You’ll need them.)

 

Kristina Mahr devotes her days to numbers and her nights to words. She works full-time as an accountant in the suburbs of Chicago, where she lives with her two dogs and two cats, but her true passion is writing. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and waking up at the crack of dawn every weekend to watch the Premier League.

You can follow her here:
Website: https://kristinamahr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kristina_Mahr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinamahr/