November
18
November
4
Just a quick update
Been writing. Been a little sleep deprived. DH is on vacation so my regular schedule is off. Also Mini came down with an allergic reaction to something (the doctor believes it is just a reaction to the sudden cold. It’s the weirdest thing, when she gets cold she breaks out into hives real bad. She gets warm and it goes away.) which meant I spent Wednesday babying her (and sitting in a doctor’s office).
I’ve been working on Deepdale Acres #3, Pleasure Horse. The lead is an experienced rider who is trying to become a professional show jumper. I’ve been watching a lot of youtube videos of show jumping which is one of my favorite sports to watch (next to cross country). I’m over 9k and the heroine doesn’t even realize she’s in a romance book because she’s a bit (ha!) of a perfectionist and pretty focused on her riding. I don’t think she’s a jump-into-bed-type, which makes writing her into an erotic romance a bit more challenging.
Also during our nightly reads (which I need to do a blog on) I’ve been re-reading ElfQuest because I discovered it’s available for free in its entirety online. Part of it I think are terribly cheesy, but I enjoy reading it and look forward to reading more.
Also, I had a job interview that went well. Funny thing is, I didn’t apply for this job. I applied at a store and company associated with another store within the chain found my app and called me. I really hope it works out.
I wish I had more for you, but it’s really just head-down-getting-work-done lately. Hope all you NANOing are hitting your goals. Remember DON’T compare yourself to other people. Make goals that are right for you and only judge your progress by your goals, not theirs. You’ll drive yourself nuts otherwise. (Coming from experience.)
November
2
Review: Labyrinth of the Dead by Sara M. Harvey
I purchased this book.
My review of the first book in the trilogy is here.
Sara M. Harvey’s novella trilogy is part urban fantasy and part steampunk. Featuring angels, demons and nephilim with surprising little religious content, Labyrinth of the Dead strikes at the same chord as Dante’s Inferno. Warrior heroine Portia travels physically to the underworld to reclaim the spirit of her lover Imogen, whose body still lives in the upper worlds. But there are those to seek to use Imogen as a gateway to the living world.
Portia traveling bodily to the Netherworld puts her at great risk, because, as she learns, typically the spawn of celestials and humans by nature go to better afterlifes. But here Portia will learn the truth about her divine heritage, about what becomes of souls when the body dies and she’ll face an old enemy and new betrayers in her quest to be with Imogen.
Harvey’s world is rich for being so brief. Her vivid mix of technology and magic is appealing to fans of steampunk and urban fantasy. At its core Labyrinth of the Dead is a timeless love story, tapping into legends like Orpheus (if, instead of being a pied piper of the dead Orpheus magicked his way to the underworld, often with his own blood). Harvey’s tale is a stand out in the science fiction/fantasy field for it’s uniqueness and it’s quiet, determined strength of storytelling. Here Portia, and Harvey, aren’t content to let the tale unfold, but instead forge the fiction world into something powerful and enjoyable for readers.
November
2
Review: Asylum by Mark Allan Gunnells
Apex Publications, 2010
ISBN: 978-0984553563
Available: New and Digital
Asylum is one of the first releases from a relatively new Apex imprint, The Zombie Feed. If this bold, but recognizable zombie apocalypse story is any indication of things to come, readers have a lot to look forward to.
Curtis is new to the gay nightclub scene, but he allows Jimmy to drag him along to a club called Asylum despite his discomfort. It’s too bad zombies are coming to the party too. While in many ways a straightforward zombie uprising tale, it’s nice to see a new range of stereotypes being pulled out and slapped around.
Asylum also sneaks in a true barb or two about the relationship between gay and straight cultures, and the relationship gay culture has with itself. With a multitude of similar titles about zombies and zombie uprisings, Gunnells provides a breath of fresh air. Publishers take note: there need to be more books like this one, which focuses on the different kinds of people affected instead.
Definitely recommended as a horror tale, and as a savvy example of inclusive fiction.
Contains: Violence, gore, m/m sex scenes
November
2
Review: Beware the Snallygaster by Patrick Boyton
South Mountain Publishing, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0615529370
Available: New and Digital
A cute little story about an Appalachian cryptid named the Snallygaster, Beware the Snallygaster is quick-paced and filled with mystery. Holly and Peter are two intrepid fifth graders determined to find out whether the Snallygaster is real or not, for the sake of their reputations (and grades). But how do you catch a mythical monster that might be dead?
While some of story vocabulary might above the reading level for the ages Amazon lists it for (9-12), Beware the Snallygaster is a fun and very modern Halloween-themed story, good for before-bed reading or for parents who love cryptids and want to share that with their kids. Recommended for public collections.
Contains: alcohol (including moonshine which is essential to the legend), references to violence and gore.