Today I have a spotlight on a Victorian fantasy novel based on the classic Nutcracker tale, The Drosselmeier Chronicles: The Solstice Tales by Wolfen M. Plus, there's an excerpt and the book trailer. Enjoy...
The Drosselmeier Chronicles: The Solstice Tales
by Wolfen M.
Some stories aren't quite as you've previously read them. Uncle Drosselmeier was so much more than a human who tinkered with clockworks, and the Nutcracker was no mere cursed boy. The faeries in the so-called "Land of the Dolls" weren't made of sugarplums, nor were the brownies made of chocolate. Even Marie (aka Clara) turned out to be more than she seemed. And Drosselmeier, Marie, and the nutcracker's adventures didn't exactly end the morning after the battle with the seven-headed Mouse King. Meanwhile, Jacob Marley's dealings with Ebenezer Scrooge, the love of his life, did not actually stop after the announcement of the pending arrival of three Ghosts and a last chance at redemption. For that matter, the Ghosts weren't exactly Spirits at all, but rather three Gaiankind on a mission to save more than one soul that night ....
When Drosselmeier burst in through the front door, he nearly collided with Marie's sleepy parents, who had just reached the bottom of the stairs. Without stopping to greet them or explain his presence, he ran straight into the drawing room, crying Marie's name.
He found her lying on her side, blood pooling under her head. He didn't move her at first, laying a hand against the back of her neck. When Herr and Frau Stahlbaum caught up a moment later, Margaret screamed out in horror. Even so, stout-hearted and practical woman that she was, she did not faint; instead, she rushed out the door to get the doctor. Marie's father rushed to his fallen child's side, obviously intending to lift her and carry her to her bed, but Drosselmeier denied him, explaining that she had a severe head injury, and that he needed to determine the extent of the injury before he would know if it was safe to move her.
What Drosselmeier didn't tell Stahlbaum was that Marie would most certainly die if he didn't use magic to heal her—which was precisely what he was doing. It bothered him that he would have to leave some of the cut—how could he explain it healing in mere moments?—but at least he could heal the injury to her skull and its precious contents, and get her body to replace the lost blood faster.
He allowed himself a small smile: wasn't this what faery-godfathers were for?
Book Trailer
Author Bio:
Wolfen M worked for Borders Group, Inc. for seven years, as a bookseller. These days, she's a freelance artist, as well as the Assistant Reviews Editor and Co-Art Director for SequentialTart.com, a webzine dedicated to giving woman a voice in the comics industry (and in the larger arena of general entertainment). She considers herself an eclectic pagan with strong Gaian and Secular Humanist leanings. She loves animals and animation, and her hobby, when she's not writing (her first love) or painting portraits (her second), is making websites and cosplay. Her current big claim to fame is the Grootmas tree-topper that went viral. Come see her at wolfenm.com
I have a jam packed post for you today, as I join the blog tour for the fabulous new urban fantasy release, Sigil of the Wyrm, and its talented author A. J. Campbell. I have a bit on the book, its trailer, a quick Q and A with the author on geeky things, a giveaway, and most delightful of all a Fireside Chat interview with one of the book's characters, Kate Avery. So read on, and enjoy!
Born and raised in the wilds of Northumbria, A.J. Campbell was brought up on a diet of stories and local folklore, of which the Legend of the Lampton Worm was a perennial favourite. She eventually left her home town to study English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick and now lives in Hampshire, (which she persists in calling the “wrong” end of the country), with her fiancé and a succession of dead houseplants. At weekends she can often be found dressing up and pretending to be other people, immersing herself in the lives of fictional historical characters—or as it is better known, “LARPing”. She makes her own costumes and has a weakness for detective stories.
And for a little insight, here’s a quick geeky Q&A from
our author:
Star Wars or Star Trek?
Trek when I want to think, Wars when I want to feel.
Hunger Games or Divergent?
Hunger Games
James Bond or Jack Ryan?
Bond. Who’s Jack Ryan?
Sherlock: Robert Downey, Jr. or Benedict Cumberbatch?
They’re both excellent, but I have to
express a slight preference for RDJ
Spock: Leonard Nimoy or Zachary Quinto?
Again, both fantastic actors, but Quinto
just edges out Nimoy.
X-Men or Avengers?
Impossible choice! X-Men has far more
decent female characters, I’ve been into it for longer, and I love the latest
film reboot, First Class and Days of Future Past… but Avengers
had Joss Whedon writing the movie screenplay…
Aliens or Predators?
Neither. Or both at once in Regency
England.
Minions or Penguins?
I’m assuming we mean the penguins from
Madagascar, not just any old penguins? In which case I choose Minions.
Batman or Superman?
Wonder Woman.
Harry Potter or Pirates of the Caribbean?
Love both, but am going to have to choose
Harry Potter because they were books first.
Beatles or Rolling Stones?
Rolling Stones.
Peter Jackson or James Cameron?
Peter Jackson every time. Can’t stand James
Cameron.
Steven Spielberg or George Lucas?
Spielberg.
Vampires or Werewolves?
Werewolves
Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte?
Jane Austen
Marvel or DC Comics
DC over Marvel because a) Wonder Woman and
b) Birds of Prey
LARP or MORPG?
LARP
And now for the featured character interview...
Fireside Chat with Kate Avery
“Welcome everyone, to
another Fireside Chat. I’m Richard Dale, your host. Today, our guest is Kate
Avery, Pirate Queen of the Weirding World.” Richard nods to the woman
sitting opposite to him. “Welcome Kate.Why don’t you begin bytelling our audience a bit about yourself.”
Kate smiles, coyly, “What,
and ruin my mystique? Really, Richard, apart from the devastatingly good looks
and mind like a steel trap, I’m quite ordinary. I’ve even given up the
seafaring life to run a jeweler’s… for the time being.”
“Fascinating. From the
sea to a shop, quite the change.” Richard tosses her a smile. “Being a Pirate Queen must have lent itself
to some exciting moments. Do any of your adventures stand out as especially
memorable?”
“Hmm…” Kate ponders
the question for a minute. “I think
that’s one of those ‘I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you,’
questions. Most of the really interesting ones are those where I haven’t yet
been pegged as the culprit, so, unless you really care to live dangerously…”
“Um, no. I’ve had my fill of dangerous interviews, thank you.” He suddenly leans in closer. “Rumour has it that your marriage to the Baron is in trouble. Care to elaborate?”
Her
voice suddenly becomes firm.“On that subject, I’d rather not,” She says, flashing our
host a dangerous glance, which in an instant softens into a rather stilted
laugh. “What I mean to say is, I’ve never
been the sort to kiss and tell. Let’s just say, I’m not ruling anything out at
this point in time.”
“Well then, on the to
the next question. What is your connection to Richard Lampton and Lampton Wyrm?”
“Not so much a
connection to him as to his uncle. Everyone in the Weirding knew Tom Lampton,
and then when he died, I felt I owed it to his heir to help him adjust to his
new life. He hadn’t been brought up to it, see?” She shrugs. “Call me an interested well-wisher, if you
like.”
“How very gracious of
you.” He glances to his right. “Oh, I
believe it’s time for tea.” They are interrupted by the arrival a gentleman
carrying a tea tray. He sets it down and waits to pour. “Care for a cup? It’s excellent. Earl Grey.” Kate nods. Two cups are
poured and served. Richard takes a sip. “See,
excellent. All right. Moving on. What is your favourite part of the Weirding
World?”
“The Jewellery?” she
laughs. “I do have something of a
fascination with gold and gems, and of course in our world they have far more
hidden properties than in yours. There are secret places to unlock, hidden
treasures to find – and of course diamonds are a girl’s best friend!”
“Indeed. On a
different subject, do you have any hobbies?”
“Hobbies?” Her
forehead wrinkles. “I’m not sure I’d have
time. I enjoy a drink and a smoke and a game of cards once in a while? I’m not
sure that counts.”
“I do believe it’s
close enough. What is your idea of
perfect happiness?”
“Getting my own way.”
“I don’t think on
comment on that answer. What one word best describes you?”
“Formidable.”
“I definite agree with
that assessment.” He gives a gentle laugh. “One last question. How do
you want to be remembered, what legacy do you want to leave behind?”
“Well, since I rather
intend on never dying, I’m hoping the question will never arise. I would,
however, be happy to be known as ‘the one that got away’ – in all possible senses of the phrase.”
“Well thank you Kate,
for agreeing to this interview. It’s been a delight. I’m Richard Dale and that
concludes our Fireside Chat.”
Today, I have fabulous cover reveal. This time for the soon to be released urban fantasy novel Sigil of the Wyrm by A. J. Campbell, sure to be another stellar book from Xchyler Publishing. And as an extra bonus I have the wonderful book trailer as well. So on with the show...
Drum Roll Please, and Voila!
Isn't it absolutely stunning?
Now here's a bit about the book.
Sigil of the Wyrm by A. J. Campbell
Richard Lampton never believed in fairy tales, so when a stunning stranger at his uncle’s funeral warns him of an ancient family curse, he pays no heed—until a very real wyrm attempts to destroy him. Now, with the help of a homeless runaway, a fledgling jackdaw, and a key none but he can use, Richard must find the courage to meet his death or his destiny as he plunges headlong Into the Weirding.
The book releases later this August, but you can pre-order it now from Amazon.
Today on the blog, I shine the spotlight on another intriguing book, this time the dark fantasy Mental Damnation: Dream by Konn Lavery, the first volume in a series. Enjoy.
Mental Damnation: Dream by Konn Lavery
Mental Damnation: A brain disease that causes horrific hallucinations, paranoia and schizophrenia. Normally this disease is only seen in humans, but an underworld reptilian named Krista has been infected and is discovered in the Kingdom of Zingalg under strange circumstances.
She becomes a key interest of two men, Paladin and Dr. Alsroc, who struggle to cure the nightmarish disease. Krista finds herself torn between two worlds, gaining acceptance amongst the humans of Zingalg while fighting to survive in the hellish dream world of Mental Damnation. Or is it reality?
Inside this uncertain realm known as Dreadweave Pass, Krista is being hunted down by the realm’s ruler – a corrupt god known as the Weaver who wants her blood for his retribution plot against the Heavens that once banished him!
Writing has always been a fascination of his since he was a kid and his long term goal is to be a full time fiction writer. When he was young, he was inspired to write after watching movies or playing video games because he wanted to create the same awe factor that the movies/games brought him. Konn was part home schooled in high school and found it gave him flexible time to spend on his hobbies, such as drawing and writing. One feature he enjoys about writing is the ability to share a story/moral with people, and it can be delivered in varying narrative contexts such as board game creation, cartooning/storyboarding, comics and video games. He's always been a fan of mixing media to tell a story, which is why for Mental Damnation he included a lot of visuals through the glyphs and illustrations. Even though they are not key elements to the story they supply extra/different content for the readers.
Today, dear readers, I bring you the dark dystopian future courtesy of J. M. Salyards and his book, Shadow of the Last Men. Xchyler Publishing is relaunching this excellent book with a new cover, and all the deserving pomp and fanfare. So take a look at the book, read the mini-interview with the author, enjoy the excerpt, enter the contest, and check out the fabulous book trailer...
Mini-Interview with J. M. Salyards
1- Welcome Jason, why don’t we start with an introduction.
Thank you for having me. I write as J.M. Salyards, and my current series, The Next Man Saga, is published by Xchyler Publishing. I live in Maryland with my wife and daughter. We're a very literary family of readers and writers. The unique and fascinating thing about authors is that the good ones write from their hearts and do so with passion. The best way to get to know me is by knowing my work.
2-Your book, Shadow of the Last Men, depicts an apocalyptic and dystopian future. That particular fantasy/sci-fi sub-genre is a favourite of mine, what attracted you to write your series in this setting?
In some ways, we live in a dystopian present. That made Shadow of the Last Men somewhat easier to extrapolate. The work ended up as this hybrid creature of so many different genres out of necessity, rather than any desire on my part. There is wild fusion of high technology and old-fashioned human willpower and grit that has always attracted me about an apocalyptic setting, and the availability of so many moral and philosophical contrasts made a dystopian framework a natural fit for the kind of story I wanted to tell. With traditional fantasy there are handcuffs, and an author might be stifled a bit by the hidebound ways of approaching magic or characterization, racial issues, or class conflicts. I wanted a different kind of magic for Shadow of the Last Men, and as Arthur C. Clarke put it: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." I considered that my license to write the story. He also wrote that "... one cannot have superior science and inferior morals. The combination is unstable and self-destroying." That cuts to the heart of the book.
3- Do you have a favourite character from the book, and if so why?
There are four main characters in my first novel, and it's difficult to pick a favorite. They're all so different from one another, with animating, informing archetypes that often come into opposition. I don't like to play favorites. When I read a novel, I want my favorite character to be the one I'm reading about at that moment, because it means that the author has managed to inject the right amount of humanity and sufficient conflict into each mind present in the story. That said, Harrow, Quintain and Alouine all have traits I admire and, in some cases, wish that I had. The same can't be said for their antagonist, Carver Delano. Readers and reviewers have universally come to revile that character, so I consider him a smashing success in his own right.
4- What was the hardest scene in the book to write? And the easiest?
Action scenes are fun to write, and when one writes for fun, it's easy. What ends up being difficult is describing horrible things as they happen to good or innocent people. It was necessary, I think, because in a good vs. evil story, the reader can't know just how desperate the battle is unless there is a taste of darkness. There's genuine good, and genuine evil, in the story. On occasion, the line blurs. While Harrow can be considered a good man, he's better at merely being a man. He's good, but very rarely is he nice. To the contrary, Carver is never nice and doesn't care to be. Scenes of cowardice or bullying are hard to write and especially when a character is smashing or degrading something pure out of spite.
5- As Shadow of the Last Men is the first in a series, can you share any teasing tidbits about upcoming books?
What Shadow of the Last Men began, I hope to continue in Volume 2 of the Next Man Saga, Black Sunrise. We'll see some of the focus shift to some characters that there was no room for in the spotlight of the first novel, while ratcheting up the intensity. With the majority of the world-building complete, I can concentrate even more on a brisk and exciting pace. Story wise, it may remind some of an Empire Strikes Back feel. I'll endeavor to keep the stakes high and everything is in place to have a showdown type of climax. Look for Black Sunrise in the first half of 2015.
And if you enjoyed this interview be certain to check out
