Shifter Month at Fantasy Fun Reads has been a blast! I wanted to finish by giving some of my favorite shifter books and asking readers to list some of theirs.
My favorite shifter couple can be found in the Alpha & Omega series by Patricia Briggs. Her Mercy Thompson series is also great for shifter lovers and there is a new one coming out in just a couple of weeks.
Curran from the Kate Daniels series has got to be my top shifter. Strong, powerful, & smart, Curran is the top Alpha in books I have read.
The Jane Yellowrock series is one you can't go wrong with. It's sometimes hard for me to pick who is my favorite character, Jane or the mountain lion she normally shifts into, Beast. I love the way Faith Hunter tells the story from Beast's point of view when Jane shifts. So much fun!
I'm always looking for new shifter reads so if you have some favorites, please be sure to comment.
I am pleased to announce that A Merchant's Tale: The Second Tale in the Matter of Manred by Michael Dellert is now available for pre-order for only $0.99.
Corentin, a young foreign trader of the
House Pelan arrives in the uncertain lands of Droma, tasked to
deliver a mysterious chest to a far-away sage in a remote corner of
the kingdom. Accompanied by his mercenary bodyguard, a young local
priest, and their native scout, Corentin sets out on a journey that
will change his life forever.
A Merchant's Tale
is the second installment in The Matter of Manred Saga, a
new cycle of medieval romances, action adventures, heroic fantasies,
mysterious priests, and their dark and forgetful gods, brought to you
from the fiction workshop of Michael E. Dellert.
This
is no shiny happy fantasy of noble knights on noble steeds acting
nobly.
Join the Merchant’s Tale
Goodreads Giveaway
Sign up for the
Goodreads Giveaway of A Merchant's Tale by 5
March and you'll be eligible to win one of just 20 signed author's
copies of A Merchant's Tale as well as a free signed author's
copy of Hedge King in Winter. Winners to be announced by 11
March 2016.
Enter TODAY for your
chance to win!
About the Author
Michael
Dellert is an award-winning writer, editor, publishing consultant,
and writing coach with a publishing career spanning 18 years. His
poetry and short fiction have appeared in literary journals such as
The Backporch Review,
The Harbinger, Idiom,
and Venture. His
poetry has also appeared in the anthologies The
Golden Treasury of Great Poems and Dance
on the Horizon, and he is a two-time winner of
the Golden Poet Award from World of Poetry Press.
He
is the owner, writer, and publisher of the creative writing and
self-publishing blog, MDellertDotCom:
Adventures in Indie Publishing.
He is the author of Hedge
King in Winter: First Tale in the Matter of Manred
and his soon-to-be-released A
Merchant’s Tale: The Second Tale in the Matter of Manred.
He
currently lives and works in the Greater New York City area as a
freelance writer, editor, and publishing consultant.
Shifter Month continues at Fantasy Fun Reads. This week please welcome Emma woods, author of Beasts and Savages.
Blurb:
Lea Corre was taught to value community, family, and the hunt. Her blood stems from a long line of proud hunters. When Lea's monthly changes come and she prepares for her own hunt, she questions the brutality and morality of the deadly custom. As she uncovers dark secrets and delves into her mother's broken past, she determines she will make her own fate. Along the way she encounters Tanner, her intended prey. His village has decided to take a stand against the tyranny of women. When Lea's prey becomes her captor, she learns more about their lives, the world, and herself. In the end, Lea must choose between two worlds, in which neither she belongs.
Excerpt:
After breakfast, I wandered the house
and tried to read. The craving grew. I couldn’t sit still. Watching
the clock was agonizing, but I couldn’t help myself. By eleven, my
gums ached. At eleven-thirty, I couldn’t take it any longer. I
filled the metal water bottle, and Nana followed me to the basement.
She kissed my forehead and wished me luck before I stepped inside.
I flipped the switch outside the door
and the hum of the lights echoed through the room. I set the water
bottle down on the bench. I felt panicked. The walls were closing in
on me. Immediately, I regretted my decision to come down early.
I closed my eyes and took a deep
breath. The wanting deep in my core exploded and my hands ached. The
pain in my gums sharpened. I tasted blood and licked my teeth. My
canines had dropped. The florescent lights hurt my eyes, and I made a
mental note to bring sunglasses next time. After about an hour, the
hum of the lights had given me a headache.
There was an audible pop in the room
followed by intense burning in my right hand. I squeezed my left hand
over it and yanked it back. A welt on my left palm was going numb. I
had poked myself with one of my own bristles. Several fiery pangs on
my hands sent current after current of pain up my arms. I knelt down
and placed my palms flat on the cool floor, gritting my teeth so I
wouldn’t scream.
Once the pain began to wane, I opened
my eyes and inspected my hands. Hard brown bristles spiked out of the
tops of them. When I flattened my hand, they lay flat against my
skin. I made a fist. The short spines poked up into the air. My nails
had hardened and grown to fine points. Blood welled on my thumb when
I pierced it with a nail. I stuck the wounded thumb in my mouth. The
metallic taste came at the same time as a flash of red.
I pulled my thumb out of my mouth and
stood. A red fog invaded the corner of my vision. I closed my eyes
and shook my head, willing it away, but the fog grew thicker. The
hunger deep in my core called to the mist. As it clouded my vision,
the red beckoned the want. I rubbed my eyes with my palms, careful
not to poke myself. Nothing would erase the soupy haze.
I sat on the bench and tried to think
of a way to stop the red clouds in my eyes. My mind moved slowly and
words would not come. Several frustrating minutes passed. I clenched
my fists tightly. I needed to think and the only word that would come
to me was red. I clenched harder, until my nails threatened to punch
through my skin. My vision flashed and for a moment the world was
nothing but hot embers of anger.
There was a burst of pain in my hand
and the rage subsided. The fog thinned. Pain. My agony had lifted the
haze. I stabbed my hands and arms with my nails, relishing the
clarity that came with each puncture. The sleeves to my green cotton
tunic had snags, puncture holes, and blood marks from my wrists to my
elbows. Finally, the fog was nothing more than a red mist in the
corner of my eyes.
I wanted a way to remember how I felt
while changed, a way to record this event so that I could remember it
and be prepared next time. I held up a bloodied index finger and
began to write words on the wall: hunger, pain, anger, red, fog.
I’m a small town girl from the Midwest, and the oldest
of four. Our house was crazy most of the time, with kids playing
everywhere, so when I wanted to escape, I’d find a quite place or
slip to my room and read. I was a book nerd/marching band geek, and
Girl Scout and wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I went to
college to become a teacher, but fate had other plans. I think if I
would have taught, I may not have taken the initiative to write and
publish, so in a way, I’m happy where I am. I’d like to think
that writing has always been and interest, or even a hobby I’ve had
for most of my life. Does that make me a lifetime writer? I don’t
know, but I didn’t decide to become a published writer until about
nine months ago. I write mostly YA stories, because they are my
favorite to read, and I love writing because it is my escape. I have
all these stories playing in my head. Why not write them down and
share them with the world?
Interview:
1. It looks like your book touches on several different genres in the young adult category including dystopian, science fiction, & fantasy. What books & authors influenced you to choose to write your own?
I’m a huge fan of dystopian works, and I have been since I read George Orwell’s 1984 when I was 16. I’d like to think that Lois Lowry’s The Giver, Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games, Veronica Roth’s Divergent Series, and about a hundred more impacted my decision to write a dystopia. The first fantasy novel that struck a chord with me was A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle, and while I wrote Beasts and Savages, I was reading The Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare. And of course, I’m a Harry Potter fan. If you’re a Potterhead, too, you’ll find my not-so-subtle nod to J.K. Rowling.
2. What are you currently writing? Is there a sequel in the works?
I’m finishing up Savage Revolution, book 2 in The Beastly Series, as well as jotting down ideas for other books and some short stories. Here’s a tiny little tidbit of Book 2:
Corre grabbed my wrist. “Wait. You don’t know what you’re doing. Let me see…” He took my knife, inspected it. “You can’t throw this. It’s made for stabbing and cutting, maybe skinning. See the serration halfway down the blade? Plus, it’s not correctly balanced. The handle is too heavy. It’ll wobble, sink to the ground in half the time.” He picked up one of his knives. “Look at mine. No serration, and the handle is smaller, the shape more streamlined. It glides through the air.” Corre held it up as if he was going to throw it, but placed it in my palm. “Use this one.”
“I thought you said…”
He shrugged. “Do you want to learn or not?”
3. Did you try and find an agent or publisher first or did you always intend to self publish?
I didn’t try to find an agent, though there were several people who suggested it to me. When I started this journey, it was about finding a way to publish a children’s book series I wrote with my daughter, and to encourage her to keep drawing. She wants to be an illustrator when she grows up (She’s 7). It quickly turned into my passion, and though we still create together, I’ve changed from, “This is something fun to do” to “This is what I love to do, as much as I can.”
4. What have you learned since publishing your first novel that you wish you knew when you first started?
Oh, if only I could list all of the things I’ve learned. When I started writing Beasts and Savages almost a year ago, I knew nothing about being an author. My biggest regret is waiting until I had the first draft written before joining writing communities and writer’s groups on social media. I still learn something everyday, and now I’m a member of a wonderful, supportive community that spans the globe.
5. It looks like your book blurs the lines between heroes and villains. Is that something you were aiming for when you decided to write it?
Yes and No. When I first started, I had clear villains in mind. But I’m a pantser, and as I wrote scenes, the characters came to life and took over. Despite the shape-shifting females, my characters are human, and what’s more terrifying than a villain that can hate just as passionately as he can love.
6. Your book has received some really good reviews. What would you say to potential readers to encourage them to give your book a try?
If you’re looking for another run-of-the-mill dystopian, this story is not for you. If you want a female protagonist who gives everything up for some romance, this isn’t for you, either. But if you’re ready to fall into a world upside down from our own, and meet characters that evoke both love and hatred, give Beasts and Savages a try. After all, women can’t really use our beastly powers to rule the world, can we?
I really want more people to read this series! I have decided to lower the price of Book One: Jewel to $2.99. I hope that encourages readers to give it a try. I don't make a ton of money on that price and I believe it's worth a good bit more. I value my work. International prices lowered as well. This is a FUN book!! Get it at this price before I change my mind.... A presidential election. A witch with a target on her back and a magical arrow. A shadowy government agency made up of witches with unusual abilities. A game called Witch Pong. The Mighty Thor?
Shifter month continues at Fantasy Fun Reads, this week featuring Veronica Del Rosa, author of Sylvia's Torment: An Enforcers and Coterie Novel.
Blurb:
Second in the Enforcers and Coterie series, each one is a standalone book delving deeper into a world where magic co-exists peacefully with the ordinary, for the most part...
He waited to claim her… Has time run out?
Derek wants Sylvia back – now. His Beta. His second-in-command. His lifemate. As a Top Alpha, few obstacles stand in his way. But even with nearly infinite resources at his fingertips, he's spent months searching for his missing unclaimed mate, her agony slowing driving him feral. If he doesn’t find her soon, he'll destroy everyone in his way.
Abducted. Tortured. But not broken.
Three months since her abduction, Sylvia keeps a mental tally as day passes into night. Torture and endless rounds of experimentation push her to the brink. Silver in the walls burns her, drugs keep her complacent. Freedom is a dream. Rescue is impossible.
If she escapes, will she be sane? If she comes home a damaged werewolf, will her pack accept her… Or kill her?
Bonus novella included: Unexpected Werewolf
Lori hadn’t expected her world to change. Go to work, avoid her asshole boss Ed, and spend time with friends. Then he came into her life. With a few simple words, he altered everything. Can she accept the new and the unknown?
After many, many years of reading, Veronica Del Rosa made the mistake of complaining to her ever-patience and sweet husband about a book she'd finished reading. He kindly said to her, "If you think you can do a better job, then do it. If not, stop complaining." Veronica stared at him for a moment and realized he was correct. Time to write! Bet he regrets those words now. PS, there's a reason why Veronica's male characters are sarcastic and amusing; she steals bits of her husband, although put like that, it sounds disturbing.
Veronica lives with her husband and their young son in Toronto, Ontario where Veronica does techy stuff for her other job.
Interview:
1. I love the story about how something your husband said convinced you to write your own book. Did it turn out the way you wanted and has your husband read it yet?
I do love telling people that story. It shows both how supportive my husband is and his sense of humour. The novel did turn out – mostly – how I wanted it to, in fact it spawned an entire series. Some of the secondary characters intrigued me so much that I couldn’t quit with just one book. Although, I have to admit, there is some tweaking I’d love to do with the story simply because it was my first one. Oh, the things I didn’t know then!
As for my husband reading it... heck no! He’s told me in no uncertain terms that he will watch it when it becomes a movie. *laughs* He’s not into the romance genre. However, I bounce ideas off him and recently he helped me overcome writer’s block by asking me, “What’s the point of this spell? Why do you need it?” When I couldn’t answer him, I realized that’s why I couldn’t go any further. A few hours later, I had my answer.
2. What authors and books convinced you to write in this genre? What are some of your favorites?
I’d never read a paranormal romance novel until about six years ago. I’d read fantasy, horror, mystery, and romance, but never PNR. A friend had lent me the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward and I was hooked with the genre. I soon after discovered Christine Feehan, Gena Showalter, and Kesley Cole. They showed me how diverse and rich these worlds are and I wanted more.
My favourite authors, well, that’s a long list. There are some that I buy as soon as I can because I love their stories, such as Ilona Andrews, Heather R. Blair, Jen Winters, and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
3. Did you try and find and agent or publisher first or did you always intend to self-publish?
Many, many years ago I wanted to write a book and have it published. I researched the process for getting an agent and realized it wasn’t for me. I put my dreams on hold until a few years ago when a friend of my self-published a book. That, combined with my husband telling me to write, had me diving right into self-publishing.
4. What have you learned as an author that you wish you knew just starting out?
I wish I’d paid attention to the fact that cover art and editing is important, as important as the story itself. I was so clueless and stumbled onto these vital facts after my first book was published. Ick. Without an editor, it was a lump of potential. I lucked out and found an amazing editor who understands my writing and characters. She combed through my first book, smacked me for some of my very newbish mistakes and helped transform it into a better book.
And cover art...oh boy! The first covers I had didn’t match up to what I envisioned. They were generic and didn’t wow me. Then saw the cover a fellow author had. Envious, I read through her blog post about the cover artist and within a day I contacted the artist. So glad I did! I love my cover art and now I feel pride whenever I see them.
5. Tell me about your daily routine. Do you have a set time for writing or marketing your book. How do you balance daily life with your work as an author? I like to write in the mid-morning, since my brain is fresh but not groggy from waking up. I’m one of those strange folks who don’t drink coffee. Although there isn’t a set time for me since I never know when I’ll feel the urge to write. Some days it doesn’t hit until the evening and at that point, my husband will entertain our son so I can pound out some words.
A lot of my balance comes from my husband. He picks up the slack when I’m deep in a story and unable to concentrate on anything else. Without him, I doubt I would’ve finished half the stories I have done now. Follow Veronica at these places:
Shifter month continues with Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse: Giovanni's Angel (Eternal Curse Series Book 1) Blurb:
“You
have plenty of time to change your mind. You have not yet seen the
monster I can be.”
Giovanni has been waiting his whole
life to meet someone like Mira, someone from the outside world who
might be able to help him. He wonders if there really is help for him
as he continues to hold tightly onto dark secrets and even darker
memories. Giovanni wants to be hopeful and he wants to accept Mira’s
help, but first he has to look himself in the mirror and face what he
truly is- and that is a reality no one is quite ready to
accept.
Searching for new purpose and meaning in her
life, Mira meets Giovanni online and an exciting and, in some ways,
scary friendship is developed. Mira decides one day to meet Giovanni
in person, at his secluded country home, in order to aid him on his
journey of self-discovery. What these two are able to discover will
not only test their strength and will, but it will stretch the limits
of their minds and catapult them into a world where earth, Heaven,
and Hell collide.
Giovanni’s
Angel is the story of a man who may just be the answer to a spiritual
war swiftly heading his way- but for now, he just wants to be a man.
Excerpt:
He
looked down toward the ground and saw an attractive young woman
carrying a large pail into a barn. Her skin was freckled and pale,
and she had rosy cheeks. Her hair was long and straight, and it was
black like the night. She seemed so familiar to him, but he didn’t
know her. Giovanni watched as the young woman filled feeding troughs
with water to be cleaned. As she reached for a scrubbing brush,
Giovanni could see that someone or something was following her. He
sensed that trouble was on the way. He tried to call out to her, but
she could not hear him. His voice made no sound. Giovanni left the
tree and swooped down to the ground to achieve a closer look.
There
he saw a creeping perpetrator bouncing from beam to beam in the
rafters of the barn. Drool slipped from the monster’s mouth while
it hovered over the unknowing young woman. Giovanni tried to fly up
to see this fiendish stalker, but he couldn’t lift his feet off the
ground, and his wings would not flap. Giovanni knew something bad
would happen, he could feel it in his heart, but it seemed he could
do nothing to stop it. He did not understand. Why was this happening?
How could he appear to be so powerful, be so angelic, and not be able
to help someone in need?
Giovanni
refused to give up his pursuit. He pushed his body forward and moved
from door to door, and window to window, trying to get in to warn and
protect the young woman. Looking through a window, Giovanni finally
saw the villain’s full horror. He established a clear vision of the
attacker as it leaped down from the ceiling toward the woman. It was
the most hideous monster he’d ever seen, much worse than his own
reflection.
A
twisted and mangled troll with charcoal for skin on a hairless body
stalked about. It had empty holes carved out of its skull where eyes
once were. There were two large dull spikes protruding from its
hunched back, where it looked as though wings had been violently
ripped from its body. Its hands were made of jagged bones held
together with rotting ligaments, and its feet crackled as it moved
along the floor.
In
the troll’s hands were two long golden rods that whipped back and
forth almost like lassos. Each rod was attached to the end of a large
iron spike that punched through the shoulders of a young man’s
dying body. The rods held up the young man’s body as though he were
a puppet being pulled by strings. To the young woman, however, the
troll simply appeared as a shadowy figure lingering around the
painfully disturbed and ailing young man moving toward her.
The
troll maneuvered the young man’s body around the girl for attack,
delivering blow after blow. The monster had taken over this young
man’s body; it was using him as a weapon to attack this poor girl
for what seemed to be the sheer enjoyment of it. It laughed a loud
cackle as it threw the girl down to the ground, tearing her raggedy
dress. Giovanni could see the girl’s anguish and could hear her
screams. Throbbing empathetic pain consumed him in every place the
girl was struck, but Giovanni could do nothing to stop it.
Giovanni
began to cry out, weeping and sobbing. He tried to look away and he
tried to get away, but he couldn’t. That’s when it began to
happen. He became consumed with anger and hatred. Giovanni’s body
grew hot and began to sizzle. Smoke and steam began to rise up from
his body as his wondrous glow began to fade and he became shrouded in
darkness. Everything around him began to catch fire as he began
morphing into anger. The smell of burning wood and flesh assaulted
his tortured senses and Giovanni knew
he was changing.
A
self-proclaimed techie and foodie, Toi Thomas was born in Texas, but
considers Virginia to be home. She enjoys reading, cooking, baking,
painting, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with her
family. Currently working as a special education teacher’s
assistant while blogging and writing fulltime, Toi finds comfort and
peace of mind in chocolate, green tea, and naps. For some reason, Toi
admits has escaped her, she married a frat boy who has continued to
be her best friend and love of her life. She and her husband are now
tackling video production and Comicons to promote the first two
installments of her Eternal Curse Series.
Interview:
1. I'm assuming Giovanni is a shifter of some kind. Can you give me a few clues?
For me, there are two kinds of shifters, morphen and Hydesque (I totally know these are made up words ;) ). Morphen is when a being changes its appearance so drastically that it is completely indistinguishable from its other appearance. Giovanni is more Hydesque- he’s more of an altered, twisted, or even enhanced version of his usual appearance. Also, while many shifters are connected to quadrupeds or some animal, Giovanni is connected to celestial or divine creatures and beings.
2. I'm interested in what books and authors influenced you in your writing. What are some of your favorites?
It’s hard for me to answer this question in context to the above mentioned character because growing up, I didn’t read much paranormal or shifting tales. Sure I knew about vampires and werewolves, but my main textual influences for Eternal Curse and my character Giovanni came from comic books. Considering I have always enjoyed science fiction and fantasy, I couldn’t help but to blend elements of those genres into my paranormal works.
So, I guess I’d say the main books that influenced this story were the Marvel X-Men stories, The Blade story (another from Marvel), The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Peter Pan. I could go on and on about how much J.M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy affects my writing, but I’ll leave that for another day.
3. Tell me about your publishing experience. Did you try and find an agent or publisher first or did you always plan on self-publishing?
At first I really didn’t plan to publish. When I first wrote my novel I didn’t know what to do with it. Then I decided I wanted to share it with others. I queried both agents and publishing houses, but the story didn’t appeal. Because the story is dark but has a religious influence, no one really knew what to do with it.
In efforts to figure out who my market for the book really was, I self-published through a small vanity press just to have a product to work with. I sent it out to have people read it. I learned that while one agent had told me it was Urban Fantasy, most readers agreed it was Paranormal Romance. While the religious aspects threw some people off, most thought it was quite in line with the story. I was told by one agent that I should look into a small Christian press for distribution, while a critiquer informed me that there are too many “variables” in my book that don’t qualify it for Christian Fiction (well, that’s probably because it’s not Christian Fiction.). Like many other Indie Authors’ work, my book isn’t cookie cutter and doesn’t fit in a perfect genre box. Oh, and it takes risks in an industry that just doesn’t do that anymore.
Once I had a clear vision of who my story was for and what I wanted to do with it, I withdrew my book from the vanity press and self-published through Amazon and Createspace. I’m so glad I did.
4. I'm curious about your writing plan. Do you have a set time of day for writing? Do you plot and outline or do you just let the writing come?
Well, I’m definitely a planner and outliner. Typically, when ideas are coming to me, I just write them down whenever and wherever I can. Once I feel I know where my story is going, I start to outline. My outlines start out simple and then become complex. I’ll rewrite an outline ten or more times, working out the details of my story or changing things as the muse speaks.
As for my daily or schedule writing, Ha. I wish. I’ve tried to make myself stick to a writing schedule, but I ended up resenting it. Now I write when I can.
5. Tell me about your experience as an Indie author trying to market your books. What have you learned since you started writing that you wish you knew when you first began?
First, offer digital copies for review to anonymous or lesser known reviewers and paperback to trusted reviewers. The plain fact of the matter is, these days, most reviewers will take a digital copy if they happen to be accepting reviews at that time. However, some reviewers only accept print copies. For me, I have to decide if their review is worth the investment to lessen my stock and mail them a book.
Second, don’t be afraid to try new things, just don’t try to make people accept something different if they are not ready for it. While some ideas and methods work well for some books, they don’t for others. Once I realized my Paranormal Romance didn’t need to be heavily promoted in science fiction arenas, more appropriate opportunities began to present themselves.
Lastly, Social Media really is helpful for promotion when done properly. Connecting with people will go a lot further than twenty posts a day of your book cover.
I consider myself very fortunate to be able to host a blog tour stop for one of my favorite authors, Faith Hunter. Back when I was an AGM for BAM I was sorting a shipment and one of the covers in the Jane Yellowrock series caught my eye. I think it was #3, Mercy Blade. I bought that one, read it and immediately went back and read the first two in the series. From that point on I have been a fan, grabbing each new one within days of it's release. I was really excited to get an ARC of this latest, a collection that will blow you away! I'm so excited about it that I am going to lead off with my review.
Review: Wow, Just WOW!
First, this is a lot of book, 560 pages jammed packed full of all my favorite things. Action, magic, more action, vamps, shifters, & supernatural creatures followed by more action, and just the right touch of romance. It goes in chronological order from the early years, even before the first book in the series, all the way up to just past the last novel and preceding the next one due out in a couple months. We not only get a lot of Jane and Beast, there is also a nice focus on some of the side characters in the series like Rick, Molly, Angie, and even Edmund Hartley. There are some short shorts, long shorts, & novellas. This is a collection that should be savored as it fills in the gaps between books and gives a deeper insight to the main stories.
Being a fan, I found I had read a few of these previously but many were new to me and the last two stories are brand new ones for everybody. As in any anthology, I have some favorites although all are good and I was not disappointed in a single one.
The first three stories are all "early" ones, covering the times before the start of the series. I love this and I learned even more about Jane, leaving me wanting even more from these times in her life. Dance Master will always be one of my favorite stories and I enjoy it every time I read it. Off the Grid is terrific and introduces us to Nell, who is getting her own series beginning in August of this year. Faith Hunter teases us with this, giving us just enough information that we can't wait for the chance to read more about Nell. I think my favorite of those I had not read before is Not All Is at It Seems. Angie Baby is going to be more that a handful when she grows up.
The last two, Cat Fight & Bound No More, give you a great lead in for the next novel in the series, Shadow Rites, due out in April. I am so lucky, LOL. Yeah, I got an advance copy of that one as well. Loved it, but you are going to have to wait a month or so for that review.
Blood In Her Veins gets 5 Stars from me, my highest rating. It's tough to put an anthology together where every story is superb. Faith Hunter does it in style. Jane Yellowrock rocks!
BLOOD IN HER VEINS | Faith Hunter | Roc Trade Paperback | $16.00 | 560 pages | February 2, 2016 | ISBN: 978045147576 Blurb:
In this must-have collection of stories, experience nineteen thrilling adventures from the world of vampire-hunter Jane Yellowrock, including many fan favorites and two all-new novellas. Read about the first time Jane put the pedal to the metal in “The Early Years,” and the last thing a werewolf will ever see as Jane delivers justice in “Beneath a Bloody Moon.” Get a searing look into the pasts of some of the series’ best-loved characters: Beast in “WeSa and the Lumber King,” Rick LaFleur in “Cat Tats,” and Molly Everhart Trueblood in “Haints.”
In the brand-new “Cat Fight,” the witches and vampires of Bayou, Oiseau, are at war over a magical talisman—and Jane must figure out how to keep the mysterious artifact out of the covetous hands of the Master of New Orleans. And in the never-before-published “Bound No More,” Jane welcomes a visit from Molly and her daughter, Angie, who is about to prove she’s the most powerful witch in Everhart history....
From the Big Easy to the bad bayou, from the open road to a vampire’s lair—with Jane Yellowrock, it’s always a given: have stakes, will travel.
The publisher will ship a copy of Blood In Her Veins to the winner. Open to US residents only 18 years or older. To enter, just comment on this post. If you want to enter add (US resident) at the end of your comment. I will select a winner at random this Saturday February 6th so please come back then to check. You might want to follow comments and replies as well to make sure you don't miss out on this great book.
There is also a serial story in three parts at some of the blog stops. Here you can find a list of all the stops and check out all the posts.
Faith Hunter, fantasy writer, was born in Louisiana and raised all over the south. She writes three Urban Fantasy series: the Skinwalker series, featuring Jane Yellowrock, a Cherokee skinwalker who hunts rogue vampires. The Soulwood series, featuring earth magic user Nell Ingram. And the Rogue Mage novels, a dark, urban, post-apocalyptic, fantasy series featuring Thorn St. Croix, a stone mage. (There is a role playing game based on the series, ROGUE MAGE.)
Under the pen name Gwen Hunter, she writes action-adventure, mysteries, and thrillers. As Faith and Gwen, she has 30+ books in print in 29 countries.
Hunter writes full-time, tries to keep house, and is a workaholic with a passion for travel, jewelry making, white-water kayaking, and writing. She and her husband love to RV, traveling with their rescued Pomeranians to whitewater rivers all over the Southeast.
I had a lot of fun with Vamp Month but I am really excited about Shifter Month here at Fantasy Fun Reads. I have a great lineup of authors and some amazing books featuring shape shifters of all kinds. We will start with a blog tour stop and review of Faith Hunter's Blood In Her Veins, followed by Author Spotlights and Interviews with authors Toinette Thomas, Veronica Del Rosa, & Emma Woods. There will also be a post about some of my favorite shifter books.
Of course, Jade is one of my favorites. She is part shifter and the nature of her beast is one of the fun mysteries you will find in Jade. I drop several clues along the way but readers are generally surprised when her beast is revealed. If you like urban fantasy with both mystery and humor, not to mention almost non-stop action, then give Jade a try today.
Jade: Meet Jade Smith, a magical mutt with a mission. A detective partnered with a shifter named Rolfe, she’s on the case to solve a slew of murders: Vamps are killing humans, and nobody knows why. When London Jane, the most powerful vamp in town, is implicated in the murders, Jade knows something isn’t right. Together with Jill, the Winter Queen of Faerie, Jade and Jane take their investigation underground. On the run, with nowhere to hide, they uncover a secret that could destroy Faerie, as well as the human realm. Will Jade stop the killer in time? Or will she be the next victim?
Magic, mayhem, and mystery abound, and the odds are stacked against them; it’s three against three hundred.
