A group of multi-genre authors blogging together
A group of authors writing interesting posts weekly and interacting with readers.
Book reviews are importantBook reviews are invaluable to readers and authors. Readers benefit from concise, informative reviews that don't give away plot details, while authors are able to learn from how the community is reacting and embracing their work. We're sharing excerpts from great book reviews in this weekly blog post series. Enjoy! International crime thriller
The readers said5.0 out of 5 stars A surprise "The novel is surprising because it tells an original story that incorporates elements of great classics. From a stylistic point of view, in addition to having a fast pace, it presents simple periods that make reading pleasant. The storyline has elements of multiple genres, and this variability is a factor that I really appreciate. Read it because in my humble opinion it's worth it." ~Luigi Amirati 5.0 out of 5 stars Merchant "A really beautiful novel! An adventure that kept me in suspense from the first to the last pages!!! A truly engaging storyline full of twists and turns with really well-defined characters!!! Absolutely recommended." ~Florencia 5.0 out of 5 stars Good book "A beautiful novel that fascinated me very much. full of suspense and twists. A very fluent reading that never gets boring I congratulate the author for the plot." ~Luana Luigi Ammirati
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Why book reviews are importantBook reviews are invaluable to readers and authors. Readers benefit from concise, informative reviews that don't give away plot details, while authors are able to learn from how the community is reacting and embracing their work. We're sharing excerpts from great book reviews in this weekly blog post series. Enjoy! Historical fantasy
The readers saidEchoes of a Song From NN Light Haunting, heartbreaking and a must-read! Everyone knows what took place ten years ago in the famed Paris Opera House but Raoul, Comte de Chagny, might not have escaped with Christine in the middle of the night if he knew the consequences. His beloved Christine is dead and the Phantom of the Opera still haunts his every move. Grief-stricken, he faces the truth: she never really loved him. Can he drown the ghost taunting his every thought or will he relinquish final victory to the Phantom of the Opera? Wow! I’m a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera and in this short story, A. L. Butcher embodies Gaston Leroux’s voice. Haunting, is the first word that comes to mind after reading. The emotions Raoul projects as he realizes the truth of the curse is so painful, I cried as I read the last page. If you love this classic novel and the musical brought to live by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this short story is a must-read. Highly recommend! Echoes of a Song From Convoke Alchemy of writer and subject evokes the Phantom as never before A. L. Butcher brings the Phantom of the Opera to life in this eight-thousand-word tale that will captivate you. Whether you are a Phantom fan or not, Raoul's memories will touch your soul. When a writer finds a perfect subject, magic happens. This is that writer for this tale. Butcher moves you from where you sit to where she wants you. In Echoes of a Song (Legacy of the Mask Tales), she triumphs. She brings us a tortured soul living past his loves in a symphony of memory and regret. Raoul, Comte de Chagny, master of Chateau Margeurite, has riches of the world but is destitute in soul. Raoul's elder brother, Phillipe has been murdered. His wife, his child, both dead. The memories that remain are destroying him. 'Accidents' at the Opera yet haunt him. This is a beautiful, mournful, and yet inspiring book, of a man living through his pain with no hope to get beyond it. And yet, when Raoul says aloud to the night: "Erik is dead," those three words summon this vivid story, this legendary creature, making the twelve years between the days of the Phantom of the Opera and now disappear.... Read this. Universal Link https://books2read.com/Echoesofasong Best fantasy 2019 on reviewer site NN Light Book Heaven! Tears and Crimson Velvet Reviewer Convoke The Phantom of the Opera, up close and personal No other modern writer has the affinity for the Phantom of the Opera displayed by A. L. Butcher in Tears and Crimson Velvet, from her Legacy of the Mask series. A.L. Butcher is a talented writer, and I have enjoyed all of her stories I've read, but her Phantom stories exist in another realm. And she takes you there, with deft skill and beautiful prose, time after time. Many can write, few can transport you in time and mind as Butcher does here. If you're not familiar with Butcher's work, I suggest you start here. What's happened previously is adroitly delivered in such a way that not for a second did I feel impatient: past and present merge seamlessly into a tale you'll never forget. Then you can go find the previous tales in the Legacy of the Mask series -- and I promise you, you'll want to do just that. Bravo, A.L. Butcher. When is the next Phantom story coming? I can hardly wait. Synopsis Madame Giry finds herself embroiled in the tragedy unfolding at the Opera house; mystery and murder stalk the corridors and, it is said, a ghost haunts the place. Giry knows the truth, for she recalls the caged man she met so many years ago. This is her story, their story. When murder and mystery begin at the Opera House one woman knows who is behind it, and what really lies beneath the mask. Secrets, lies and tragedy sing a powerful song in this 'might have been' tale. Winner of the 2020 Best Short Story award on NNLight Book Heaven A short, tragic tale based on characters from Phantom of the Opera. https://books2read.com/TearsandCrimson
Book reviews are importantBook reviews are invaluable to readers and authors. Readers benefit from concise, informative reviews that don't give away plot details, while authors are able to learn from how the community is reacting and embracing their work. We're sharing excerpts from great book reviews in this weekly blog post series. Enjoy! A paranormal thriller
The Readers SaidGrabs Hold of Your Senses Reviewed by -RJS Resilient Daniella Reyes—Dani—distinguishes no limitations. It is essential that she make a life-changing sacrifice in order to save the school kids, her dad's inner spirit as well as her own life. The concealed world of New Mexico has come alive to her, and is changing her life while she gradually learns the mysteries of an influential, olden-day cult. Dark and Exciting Reviewed by -Sibyl Mory Author Carey blends a mix of local New Mexican folklore with ancient arcane magic woven into a tale about a new teacher who suffered from years of abuse as a child. Now her future is riddled with dark secrets she must unravel to save the very person who stole her childhood. There is suspense at every turn culminating with a most surprising ending. Truly high-end entertainment. Bewitching Good Fun Reviewed by -The Irishman This book is loads of fun! I did not know what to expect, and at first, it seemed to be going a different direction until a murder of crows suggests something different may be afoot! Lorraine Carey writes in such an easygoing style that makes this a quick, easy read--but don't let that fool you, because she manages to pack a lot into her punch, and starts what seems to be a very promising premise for follow-up novels...which I am now eager to read to see where the Women of Willow Wood go and what adventures they have in store! A Story of Strong Women Reviewed by -Amazon Girl 2010 As I got deeper into this mystery I had to think back to the movie, ‘Practical Magic’ where magic, strong women, and enlightenment is a play. I loved Daniella, the main character here as she evolves into a strong woman when all the odds against her. There are a lot of deep messages woven throughout the story about forgiveness. I’ve been to New Mexico and the story highlights some of the folklore from the area. I am looking forward to book 2 in this series. Spellbound Reviewed by -Susan T. Lorraine Carey weaves a spellbinding tale that grips the reader from the very first page. First-year teacher Daniella Reyes finds herself in a web of ominous events uprooting her from the comfortable life she had known and sending her down a treacherous path where her only hope for redemption is intervention from the women of the willow wood... I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-crafted, spine-tingling paranormal thrillers.
Book reviews are important because...Book reviews are invaluable to readers and authors. Readers benefit from concise, informative reviews that don't give away plot details, while authors are able to learn from how the community is reacting and embracing their work. We will share excerpts from great book reviews in this upcoming weekly blog post series. Alternate history paranormal suspense
The readers saidReviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers’ Favorite “Erika M Szabo whisked me away from reality and into a wonderland. She forged her engrossing plot with simple sentences, which she loads with a sophisticated vocabulary. Her choice of words gives an edge of mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance in her narration. There are secrets, agony, old history, premonitions, dark powers, a story within a story, and much more. She gives vivid depictions of her scenes and characters. This served to add color to her narration. The characters are exciting and fully developed. I found it easy to connect with their thoughts and emotions, which gave me insight into their actions during the next scenes. It also made me empathize with the characters, and love as well as loathe some of them. Sofia is portrayed as a young girl whose inquisitive nature is capped with a sharp mind and an ability to learn quickly. Some of the conversations were witty and this spiced up the reading experience. A young adult audience with a yearning for fantasy novels laced with a supernatural tale will love Unbroken Curse.” Reviewed by Dorothy Angel “The relationship between the characters was comforting and felt real. The conversation with Sophia and her aunt, her aunt with that rolling pin was hysterical. Growing up in Queens, NY I could totally relate. I enjoyed how you really get two stories in one. You begin with Jayden and Sophia but once they start to translate the book Jayden finds – not where you think, you’re in a whole other world. More and more information comes to light as Sophia begins to remember some traumatic events from their childhood. Events take some crazy, but really interesting turns and I found myself turning page after page to find out the next piece and I was never disappointed.” Reviewed by Fayeray85 “Unique and exciting! I really enjoyed this story! It was a very unique plot with great characters and some twists along the way! It was refreshing to read a book that didn’t give away the ending on the pages and kept me guessing until fully revealed.” Reviewed by Sandy C “I was grumbling to myself after some less than satisfying experiences this week - not another 2.5-hour 'bonanza' that leaves you with just a brief beginning where nothing much happens except a 'hot mess' of confusion and then you are left hanging for months for the next installment - I thought, why did I get this? Well, my momentary negativity was TOTALLY unwarranted. This story is complete (though room left for further adventures). And the pace is very fast and the story beautifully articulated - a lot happens from minute one and the adventure continues to the last minutes of the story.” Reviewed by Fred Jones "An interesting well told story of an families curse. The discovery of an ancient book brings a curse into the light of day. I liked the way the story is told in two different time periods and switches back and forth between them but is essentially the same story."
Interview with the survivorsShaw Dillon sits in the hostess’ chair, looks into the camera and says, “Good evening North American Union, and welcome to another episode of News Talk. Tonight our guests are the women all Earth is talking about. Their story is the subject of the best selling Galactic Geographic series and the inspiration for the award wining movie, Rapier. They are two of the few survivors of that ill fated ship. Please welcome Kathy Erin Masters and, her adopted daughter, Cynthia Elaine Masters-Black.”
The audience applauds as the girls walk onto the set. Kathy is wearing a form fitting black dress similar to the hostess’, with the hem reaching mid thigh. Her ensemble is completed by stylish shoes and accessorized by a dagger strapped to her left upper arm, and a laser pistol holstered on her right hip slung low, gunfighter style. Cindy is wearing blue slacks with a white blouse and a blue vest. Her waist long blonde hair is in a braid that is tucked into the back of her blouse. She has a rapier on her left hip and a slug thrower on her belt by the buckle holstered for a left handed draw. They walk up to the hostess, waiving to the audience as they go, and sit on the loveseat next to the hostess’ chair. Kathy says, “Thank you Shaw,” as they sit. Cindy looks over and nods to her. Shaw Dillon reaches over and takes Kathy’s hand in hers, and with a conspiratorial grin asks, “Kathy, the Galactic Geographic stories and the movie make you look so brave, but tell me, girl to girl, weren’t you terrified being in the clutches of the notorious Commodore James Black and his crew of brigands?” Kathy and Cindy stare at the hostess blankly for a moment. As Cindy starts to speak Kathy stops her, then she replies to Shaw, “James Black was a kind and gentle man Shaw. Brigands? The crew of the Rapier, and for that matter the crews of all the Commodore’s ships, were far from brigands.” “But Kathy, you girls were prisoners on his pirate ship for nine years!”AC Cindy growls, “We were not prisoners! And we were definitely not pirates!” Shaw’s expression goes from conspiratorial to surprised. Before Cindy or Shaw can say another word Kathy cuts in, “We were privateers, not pirates. And once we were inducted into The Brotherhood we could have left anytime we wanted to, we were not prisoners.” Shaw responds with, “Okay, so you weren’t prisoners. But not pirates? I mean what is a privateer? What’s the difference?” Kathy sits back into the loveseat and places her hands on her thighs. “Though the pirates ‘follow’ the bylaws, sort of, they don’t obey much else. Privateers operate under a Letter of Marque and Reprisal as well as The Bylaws of The Brotherhood,” states Kathy. “Huh?” the hostess mumbles. Cindy replies, “A Letter of Marque is essentially a contract. It tells the privateer who they can raid and who they can’t. It also lists any other conditions the contracting government places on the raiders.” “Governments do that?!” “Yes Shaw, governments do that,” Kathy answers flatly. For a few moments the hostess is flabbergasted, and the audience softly mumbles amongst themselves. Shaw Dillon composes herself and takes a different tact. “Cindy, do you regret not having a normal childhood? And how do you plan to make up for your lack of education?” Cindy stares at the hostess for a few moments. Kathy whispers in Cindy’s ear to which she replies, “No mom, I’ve got this.” Cindy’s eyes sweep the audience, she can tell they want to hear her answer. She says to the control booth, “Run clip five please,” then points to the closest camera, and points to her left sleeve, “Give me a closeup of my forearm after the clip.” Turning her gaze to Shaw Dillon Cindy says, “No one has had a better childhood than I have. I’ve visited seventeen worlds, learning about their colony’s cultures. I’ve come to know ten alien species, and participated in three first contact situations. As to education, I’ll comment on that after this clip, which was created by the North American Intelligence Agency based on the Rapier’s logs, my mom’s and my ‘interviews’, and Chinese black boxes from the ships involved.” The vid clip shows the Rapier and two Chinese warships. One of the ships is a destroyer escort that is breaking up. The second ship is a heavily damaged destroyer. The Rapier is moving, keeping the disintegrating ship between it and the destroyer. The destroyer keeps trying to get a good shot at the Rapier. Suddenly, the Rapier fires rail guns at a large chunk of wreckage between it and the destroyer. As the wreckage shatters the Rapier fires rail guns and particle beams again. The rail gun shots pass through where the wreckage was, followed by the super charged particle beams. The shots hit the destroyer at the engineering compartment. They bleed off the neutron armor energy, with one shot penetrating the hull. The particle beams hit the hull breach, passing into the compartment and strike the antimatter containment tank. This causes a catastrophic explosion, destroying the ship. The audience cheers. Cindy speaks, “Shaw, I made that shot when I was twelve. To make a shot like that requires a masters level understanding of applied mathematics.” She points to a tattoo on her forearm. “This designates a masters level understanding of antimatter reactors. This one means I have a senior navigators understanding of hyperspace travel. You don’t want to get lost in hyperspace. All these tattoos show I’m qualified to be a starship captain. I also speak Mandarin and Latin. Plus I can read Ancient Hebrew and Ancient Greek, my dad insisted I study the scriptures in the original language with him. Can you name any other seventeen year old on this planet that is that well educated?” She sits back and pulls down her sleeve as the camera moves back so all three women are on screen. In a shrill voice Shaw states, “What dad? Your parents were killed by the pirates! And if you are so smart why are you constantly being expelled?” Cindy gives Shaw her withering glare, which knocks the shrill right out of her. In a calm, stern voice she replies, “My birth parents were killed when the America was boarded, that’s true, and that’s why the crew of the Rapier adopted me, to makeup for wronging me. Commodore James Ulysses Black is my dad, just like Kathy is my mom. As to being expelled all the time, your schools aren’t educating kids, they’re indoctrinating them. You’re raising a bunch of lemmings, and they will follow the other lemmings over the… …We are experiencing technical difficulties, thank you for your patience - North American Intelligence Agency… |
The OAGblog is closed due to problems with Blogger, therefore, the GBBPub is hosting the Author Gang on this website. We're a group of authors writing interesting posts weekly and interacting with readers.
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