Friday, July 20, 2012

Fey Lights Review




"Fey Lights" by Liana Brooks

Let me start off right now by telling you there *will* be SPOILERS in this review. I'll do my best alert the reader before-hand, so that those who enjoy their reviews spoiler free may enjoy this one.

"Fey Lights" is a sci-fi novella. Interwoven among it's plot lines is a touch of adventure, a dash of action, a pinch of mystery, and a sprinkling of romance. Stir it all up and let it simmer in the tropical island setting, and you have a receipt for a tasty dish.

I had the chance to beta read this novella. There were few places I could find to poke holes in the story, and the author added some extra seasonings to make the published version of this story twice as nice.

*Here there be SPOILERS*

"Fey Lights" starts not with a bang, but with a crash. Literally. Main character Jeani finds herself shipwrecked on a back-rocket planet in the middle of nowhere, on the trail of a missing colleague, and on the run from a slave dealer. Then Jeani's life gets complicated when ghosts of her past she can barely recall turn up, bearing torches.

Throw in flying jellyfish, a sea creature or two, a few daring escapes, and a head-spinning plot twist, and you have a read that is both enjoyable, and leaves you wanting more.

*Spoilers Finished*

The author offers up a grand universe to explore in just a short novella. Competing empires, competitively cooperating police forces, shape-shifting humanoids, native species with their own colorful local customs. There's enough here for an entire series to explore.  There were mere hints of a larger back story that I hope the author brings to light. I for one would enjoy another outing in the Fey Lights universe. I think most other readers would too.

"Fey Lights" is available now. 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Unspun & Bloody Promos

Rachel Firasek stops by to give readers her take on being a newly indie-published author, and to share a little about her new Book "Unspun".


Bloody Promos
As I write this, my fingers are bleeding. It’s the first of 5 million blog posts for the month of July. The world of promoting a new release, especially my first indie-pub release is demanding and extracting of plasma. Yes, I said it, plasma.

Wikipedia’s definition=Blood plasma is the yellow liquid component of blood in which the blood cells in whole blood are normally suspended. It makes up about 55% of the total blood volume.

So, now that I’m weak from plasma and blood loss, I’ll try to humor you fine people on what it’s like in my world right now. There is a reason so many authors’ fight, beg, offer favors of devious intent to find the magical agent that will love their manuscript enough to beg, offer favors…etc. to a New York market.

Once that book is in the hands of a lovely editor in the “big” world of publishing and their marketing department, the author can sit back and relax, right? Wrong. But, it is still better than what those of us less than mid-level authors have to work with. Forging on to find our place in the market, we must sweat, pant, and yes, sometimes bleed for the recognition that will, hopefully, place our books out in the world.

I woke from a sweaty dream last night, no---get your minds out of the gutter---to realize I was sweating over all the months of hard work I’ve put into booking blog spots, chats, vlogs, and now, even a Skype conference with a book club. It’s here and I’ve done so much work finding homes for my lovely words, that I haven’t written my posts! Yikes.

So, night sweats and all, I’m putting on my happy face, and marching on. It’s what I do. For those of you selling a book, start now, not when the book is for sale on Amazon--or worse--on clearance. It will take months of developing treasured relationships, finding people you can trust to share your work with, and finding the right homes for your promo.

I know some of you probably think I’m all over the place and so put together, but the truth is, what you are seeing is half a year of work in the making. I put aside my shy and hiding nature and stuck out my hand/keyboard to introduce myself to other bloggers, writers, and yes…authors. Guess what…they didn’t bite. So, here I am, celebrating my release with you, and writing this hopefully entertaining post on promo. Have a great day! And, now I must go wrap my poor mangled hands in gauze and allow them time to heal before I begin writing my 499,999,999th post. Happy July everyone!

Here's a little about the book! :)





She gave away her heart…
Giving her heart to a mortal wasn't something the First Fate planned. Losing him nearly shattered her soul. Upon his death, Clotho swore never to love—or weave life—again. Hoping she'll change her mind before it's too late, Zeus commands the spinner of life to take a much needed vacation from her immortal responsibilities.

He had to hide his...
Dane is close to cracking the drug ring he's spent the last two years infiltrating, but needs to perform one last heist to meet the head man and prevent an impending war. An undercover agent, he’s now on the run from drug lords, thieves and with the very woman whose tears make him forget his purpose.

Together they’ll find a way back from the dark.
Chloe will have to put her trust in the man she believes may have killed her fiance, or face an eternity on Earth. Without the desire for life, hope could slip through the cracks of time if he doesn’t love away her sorrow.


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Rachel’s writing career began at the impressionable age of twelve with a poem dedicated to the soldiers of Desert Storm. A dark macabre affair that earned her a publication in an anthology and many raised eyebrows from family and friends, she hid her poetry and artistic style for years…

Tucked away in the heart of Central Texas, with the loving support of her husband and three children, she dusted the cobwebs from her craft. Returning to those twisted regions of her mind, she creates dark urban fantasies and soul-searching paranormal romance.

To learn where love twists the soul and lights the shadows, visit Rachel at http://www.rachelfirasek.com/


Rachel Firasek
True Love Devastates...
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