Sunday, January 29, 2012

QUICK REVIEW: "NorthWest" - by JH Glaze


NORTHWEST
by JH Glaze

REVIEWED BY: Books4Tomorrow

OVERVIEW

John Hazard is back on the trail of danger! After a life-altering event, he has resigned from the police department in small town America and enrolled in a Paranormal Investigation course at Bay University, a community college in San Francisco. For their final grade, the class ventures to the Pacific NorthWest to film a documentary on a mysterious phenomenon they call “The NorthWest Triangle,” where scores of small aircraft and people have gone missing without a trace. Professor Macy Renner believes the answer lies in an unsolved mystery from her own past and is determined to discover it, no matter the cost. Emily Sparks has her own reasons for going, and it’s not just about the money. She is about to jump from the frying pan into the fire as she signs on for a journey that will transport her into the veritable jaws of hell. Can a rag-tag team of misfits succeed in uncovering the source of the supernatural anomaly, or will the terror that lies in wait consume them in the process? Come along on an adventure where you will learn that you don’t have to outrun the creatures behind you. You only have to run faster than the person beside you!

REVIEW

If this book had to be made into a big screen movie, I would be running faster than the person next to me to get myself front row tickets for the show. I’m not a fan of science fiction, but having read the first book in this series by the same author, a little over a month ago, I didn’t hesitate to jump right in and tear through “NorthWest” page after adrenaline-spiking page. Once again, JH Glaze did not disappoint. I thought ‘The Spirit Box” was a high-wire suspense read that glued me to the edge of my seat, but “NorthWest” just blew me away!

In the previous John Hazard novel I had difficulty in deciding whether I liked his character or not, as he was a bit rough around the edges. In this book however, John’s character has matured into one I now like considerably more. The transitioning from small town detective to big city PI (Paranormal Investigator) in-training, was skillfully done and a believable explanation was given for his fresh start - one that made complete sense.

The story is made up of a colorful and diverse array of characters, which makes it very entertaining. The first half of the book is spent detailing the characters personalities and giving the reader more insight into their lives and backgrounds. It is done in such a fashion as to by the time the real action starts in the second half of the book, you’re well acquainted with the characters before they meet their inevitable demise - and the suspense just kills you by then, because you know some of the characters are going to die a horrible death, but which ones? That’s when you realize how cleverly the author cornered you into the recurring, yet unavoidable “oh shit” factor.

The first chapter of “NorthWest” serves as an introduction of things to come. And boy is the reader in for quite the ride. While reading the rest of the chapters and getting to know and like the characters, I tried, and failed miserably, not to feel too close to them as the author regularly hints at the horrors to come. This technique builds up and prolongs the suspense and served as a reminder to why I’m so addicted to JH’s writing. He trusts his own intelligent writing as well as the astuteness of his readers, to put two and two together, without the necessity of having to spoon-feed the obvious to them. And just when you think you have it all figured out, he surprises you with yet another shocking twist and a moral dilemma or two!

The subtle, but dark humor scattered throughout the book, is another reason why I love reading this author’s books. You know you’re going to laugh-out-loud somewhere in the book, whether you want to or not, because it catches you off guard and leaves you amazed at how much it adds to the dreadfulness of the situations the characters find themselves in, but also how fittingly true some of it is to our everyday existence.

Overall, “NorthWest” is an impressive, stylishly written novel, which will satisfy many a reader’s taste. Whether you’re a science fiction or horror fan, you’re in for a treat. The author doesn’t mince his words and has no qualms about plunging the reader head first into the deep end of the fear-pool. The monsters in this book are shockingly frightening and will have you think twice before going on that next camping trip into the woods.

“NorthWest” can be read as a stand-alone novel, but because it follows the adventures of John Hazard, I’d strongly advise you to read “The Spirit Box” first and then immediately follow it up with “NorthWest”, so as to fully experience and appreciate the innovative and masterful writing of JH Glaze.

 


READ more REVIEWS

“NorthWest” by JH Glaze has 3 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13175466-northwest

ABOUT writingNORTHWEST
by JH Glaze

First I wish to thank Angie and Books4Tomorrow for inviting me to write a guest blog post. Since the review that is accompanying this is for my book, NorthWest, I thought I might give you some background on the origin of the story.
 
NorthWest began its life more than 10 years ago when one day, I found myself unemployed. I had scanned the newspapers and found a listing for a position as a limo driver. Thinking that might be a cool job, and the tips might be significant, I made copies of my resume and headed out to try to get a few interviews.
 
Unfortunately, after my first interview, I lost the newspaper containing the ad. I seemed to remember the address of the place for the limo driver position, so rather than head home; I made an attempt to find the address. As I was walking down a main street in downtown Atlanta, I saw a place that had several limos parked around it.
 
I assumed that was the place, even though there were no signs, so I went in to see if I could talk to someone about the job. As I walked through the door, I was standing in a room full of men in dark suits, deeply involved in some kind of meeting. They didn’t notice me and I felt strange about the situation, so I just turned around and left.
 
As I was walking down the sidewalk toward the train station, my imagination kicked in. I imagined that these guys could have been gangland types. Then, I thought, what if they had seen me? What if they came after me and I had to run to the train station? When I entered the station, I saw a bridge that spanned the tracks and a train was just pulling out.
 
I thought, what if I were being chased by those guys and had to jump on top of that train to escape, and what if they followed me home? The ideas just kept coming, if I had to leave town where would I go? 
 
By the end of the day I had built quite a story in my head; a story that I never did anything with, until I started writing NorthWest. As I started the story, I realized that there were elements of that story I might be able to use. So as I began writing, I kept in mind those elements. 
 
Ultimately, I found the place to insert that character, that story, and it led me to a very strange place in the end. When you read the story you will recognize what I just described, though you may be surprised who ended up playing the part.
 
The name of the story when I had the original idea was ‘Job Hunt’. It’s funny how it came together so many years later. Lucky for my fans and me, the ideas are backing up now and I have a lot of stories waiting to be written. If I had to say what the moral to this story is, it would be this. Never give up on an idea, save it for the time when it is ready to be used and you are ready to use it. In the end, Job Hunt turned out to be a kick-ass tale of extraterrestrial proportions and I am happy I am able to share it with all of you now.

PURCHASE LINKS

“NorthWest”

“The Spirit Box”

AUTHOR LINKS

Websites and Pages

Facebook:

Goodreads:

Amazon Author Page:

Author Website:

Blog:

Website under construction: coming first quarter 2012!

THE SPIRIT BOX
by JH Glaze

OVERVIEW

When Walt Turner's mother died, he inherited her apartment and the antique shop below. After losing his job due to the treachery of a co-worker, The Spirit Box calls to him from the darkness of the shop with an offer of revenge.

Lured by the promise of ultimate power and eternal life by the prisoner inside the box, Walt agrees to help it gather the final spirits it requires to return to human form.

John Hazard is investigating a series of murders and missing persons in this otherwise quiet town. His perceptions of reality are about to be altered in a life changing confrontation that will force him beyond the boundaries of darkness and ancient evil.

It is a spiralling descent into madness, where you may have everything you desire, if only you are willing to sacrifice all that you believe.

When you look into The Spirit Box, be prepared to have more than your breath taken away.

See also “Featured Author”, interview with author JH Glaze and review for “The Spirit Box” by Books4Tomorrow here - http://bookstomorrow.blogspot.com/2011/12/featured-author-spirit-box-by-jh-glaze.html

QUICK REVIEW: "Cat Point and Them Dang Oyster People" - by Richard Edward Noble


CAT POINT AND THEM DANG OYSTER PEOPLE
by Richard Edward Noble

REVIEWED BY: David Fritz

OVERVIEW

In 1976 my wife and I decided to celebrate the American Bicentennial by taking a tour of the United States. We cashed out of our conventional lives and hit the road … Hobo-ing America. We landed in Franklin County on Seafood Festival Day in the early 80’s. We bought a boat and a motor and began our apprenticeship exploring the depths and the shallows of Cat Point and East Bay in beautiful Apalachicola Bay on the Florida Panhandle. We joined the ranks of them dang oyster people in the tiny town of Eastpoint. Whether they be homeez, mill hogs, townies, local-yokels or them dang oyster people the current indigenous population of a community always seem to rally under a banner of ridicule and snobbery from the la-di-da class of wherever it is they live. It has been no different here in Eastpoint, the oyster catching capital of Florida. Them dang oyster people have always been the maligned underdogs of Franklin Country which made Eastpoint the perfect fit for me and Carol. This book contains a variety of the stories that I wrote and published in a local Eastpoint newspaper. The stories were good enough to garner me a first place award for humor from the Florida Press Association.

REVIEW

In1976 Richard and Carol Noble cashed out of their conventional lives and embarked on a life-long "hobo-ing America" tour of the States. On Seafood Festival Day in the early 80's, they ended up in Franklin County, where they got stuck, up to today. They settled in Eastpoint, bought a boat and outboard motor, and joined the ranks of the local seafood workers, working the oyster beds in the area.

Meet Ronald the Redneck, a so-called country song writer who had never written a song, Jack Sprat, Fritzie Fred and many other colorful characters and enjoy Richard's refreshing descriptions. For example, talking about an old timer holding a straw basket in his trembling hand, Richard describes it as "his straw basket was giggling in his hand". Join Richard and Carol out oystering in summer and winter, or at the local eateries, bars, and later in their own ice cream parlor in Carrabelle.

This book contains a selection of award winning stories of their lives in Franklin County, first published in a local newspaper, and which earned Richard a first place award for humor from the Florida Press Association. Less than 200 pages and with short chapters, “Cat Point and Them Dang Oyster People” is a convenient and quick read ideal for doctors- or dentists waiting rooms, or to read on a long bus or train trip, as well as when flying. It will appeal to a wide audience of readers.

Living in times where hardly a new book can be found without profane language, this book is like a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day. A highly recommended 5 star read!

 


ABOUT author RICHARD EDWARD NOBLE

I was born in Baltimore, MD, raised in Lawrence, MA, and lived the last thirty plus years of my life in Eastpoint, Fl. I consider the tiny, costal, fishing village of Eastpoint on the Florida Panhandle as my second home.

My wife and I chose Eastpoint because we wanted to become a part of the seafood industry and make our living on the water as so many of America’s original settlers.

We had a unique opportunity to become a part of a tradition. We joined the fishing community and harvested oysters from Apalachicola Bay as has been done in the area for over a century. We fished, caught oysters, layed crab traps, tossed handmade cast nets, smoked mullet, learned to work on outboard motors, repaired wooden boats and joined in the native customs and traditions.

Compared to the rugged, hardscrabble mill town where I was raised, Eastpoint is a paradise. As tough and difficult as Eastpoint is my hometown of Lawrence, Massachusetts was tougher and considerably more difficult.

Eastpoint has been a picnic. Our time working on Apalachicola Bay has been a pleasure and a joy. Carol and I are both happy that we stumbled upon the Eastpoint community while on our “Hobo-ing America” adventure. It was our good fortune. And like the damn Yankees we both are, we’re staying.

PURCHASE LINKS

QUICK REVIEW: "The Last Incarnation" - by J.A. Giunta


THE LAST INCARNATION” (The Ascension, #1)

REVIEWED BY: Ellen Fritz

OVERVIEW

The son of a trapper, raised by elves, befriended by animals, entrusted with magic, Barr was but a boy on a journey that had taken many, many lifetimes. Seeking to avenge his father’s death, he would cross into Lumintor, home to shapelings of all manner and size.

Little did he know, Revyn, the God of Change, had plans of his own, plans set in motion long before Barr was ever born. It was what Revyn had been waiting for, the time when one of the new races bore a child on its final lesson, a soul on the verge of enlightenment.

It was what Markus had awaited as well, enduring centuries of enchanted slumber so that he might one day rule all of Taellus - in Revyn’s name. The Emblems would no longer be hidden, and his revenants would stop at nothing to find them.

It had finally come, the journey’s end…

The Last Incarnation.

REVIEW

“The Last Incarnation” is a pleasantly refreshing old fashioned fantasy novel with all the right ingredients; elves, orcs, trolls, fairies, sages and even a big, bad wolf.  What struck me from the start was the neatness of this author's writing; his careful, almost poetic use of language and an organized plot line. Despite the large cast of characters in this book, I never got confused between them. The story is set in a fantasy realm in which the author expertly weaves the descriptions and explanations of his world into the book so that I never felt that I was getting a history or geography lesson, but instead could sit back and learn about the characters’ surroundings as the story progresses. 

When his adoptive father is killed by an unnaturally big wolf, Barr, the main character, is found by elves and taken to their tree city.  Here Tuvrin becomes his new father and his training as a sage begins.  As Barr gets visions from past lives, he has to learn how to control them but also to use the knowledge from those past lives to aid him in his quest.  I found the way in which the author slips these visions into the storyline very informative about where Barr got his powers from and what exactly they are. 

The story is full of action and adventure which builds up gradually towards a very exciting and dramatic ending.  Although there are many antagonists or just simply dodgy characters in the book, the author successfully keeps the real villain hidden in plain sight up to the end. Of course, as in all great fantasies, there is a prophecy.  A prophecy which those who now live in the Guilding Mists would like to interfere with - something which the higher powers would not allow as a prophecy must run its course. 

As “The Last Incarnation” is the first book in the Ascension trilogy, the author takes his time to build the fantasy world which will be used in future books.  I found the descriptions and characteristics of this realm and it’s people very original. Mr Giunta integrates known paranormal theories like lei lines, magical artifacts and psychic visions with his own extremely creative theories.

I highly recommend this book as a very enjoyable read for all ages. “The Last Incarnation” will definitely make you look forward to reading the rest of the Ascension trilogy and any other books written by J.A. Giunta.




READ more REVIEWS

“The Last Incarnation” by J.A Giunta has 11 reviews on GoodReads. View it here – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13070885-the-last-incarnation

ABOUT author J.A. GIUNTA

J.A. Giunta was born in Brooklyn, New York, in November of 1969. Though he spent most of his childhood growing up on Long Island, he has been living in Arizona for more than twenty-five years.

Joe started writing stories at an early age, creating adventures for his pen and paper Dungeons & Dragons campaigns on a Commodore 64. Spooled from a dot-matrix printer, that first stapled manuscript has not survived, but it has evolved over the years to form The Ascension trilogy.

His first Fantasy novel, The Last Incarnation, was published in February of 2005. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Arizona State University, he is both an avid reader and gamer. He currently writes full-time.

He currently lives with his wife, Lori, and six-year old daughter, Ada Rose, in the perpetual summer that is central Arizona. He credits all of his work to the advent of air-conditioning.

PURCHASE LINKS


AUTHOR LINKS

Website – http://www.jagiunta.com  
Blog –  http://www.jagiunta.com  

GUEST POST: "How I Overcome Writer's Block to Write an Award-Winning Novel" - by Beth Barany


HENRIÈ„TTA THE DRAGON SLAYER
by Beth Barany

OVERVIEW

Lara Croft meets Lord of the Rings!

Henrietta, the legendary Dragon Slayer of the Kingdom of Bleuve, can't stomach the thought of one more kill. Yet, in order to save her dying mentor, she must go on one last quest. But will misfit companions, seasickness, and an ego maniacal king derail the quest for the healing stone? And will she be able to cut past her conscience and kill the dragon?

PRAISE FOR “HENRIÈ„TTA THE DRAGON SLAYER” by Beth Barany

Grand prize winner at the California Fiction Writers Book Contest!

Award-winning novel at the Hollywood Book Festival!

This is a YA fantasy novel suitable for ages 12 and up.

READ the REVIEWS

“HENRIÈ„TTA THE DRAGON SLAYER” by Beth Barany has 13 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11713438-henrietta-the-dragon-slayer 

PURCHASE LINKS


AUTHOR LINKS


GUEST POST: “How I Overcome Writer's Block to Write an Award-Winning Novel
by Beth Barany

Thanks for having me as a guest blogger on Books4Tomorrow. It's an honor to be asked!

I love talking about how I overcame writer's block, so much so that I wrote a short ebook about it called, yep, Overcome Writer's Block: 10 Writing Sparks to Ignite Your Creativity.

I started out as a nonfiction writer. In that domain, writer's block wasn't so much of an issue, though I did have to deal with the feelings of "who am I to be commenting on this book or writing this column?" Knowing what to say wasn't the challenge; the challenge was giving myself permission to say it.

What was much harder was learning how to write fiction and there is where I really experienced writer's block. I mean the kind where I just wasn't writing, even though I so wanted to.

I define writer's block as just that: you are not writing.

Now I'm writing! I've written two nonfiction books, contributed to three others, and have written hundreds of articles. And in fiction, I've written four novels, and started three others, though of course not everything will see the light of day.

I'm proud to say that I published my first novel, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, a young adult adventure story.

From one reviewer: "It was a great read – I read it in one sitting. The dialogue and the whole tone of the book made for excitement from the first line. Beth Barany did a fabulous job grabbing me right from the beginning with this story. I highly recommend this story to anyone who is a fan of fantasy and kick-butt heroines. It’s really a great book to have in your collection."

-- Anastasia Pergakis, author of Cleanse Fire: The Kinir Elite Chronicles, (#1)

I worked hard to write a good book, but before that I worked hard to learn how to write novels.

There were many times I didn't know what to write or how to write it.

So what got me writing and overcoming writer's block?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

FEATURED AUTHOR: "Growing Up & Liking It" - by Dolores Ayotte


GROWING UP & LIKING IT: 
13 STEPS TO A HAPPIER SELF
by Dolores Ayotte

About the Book
Review
Author Interview


 GROWING UP & LIKING IT

In her second book, author Dolores Ayotte continues to offer practical, down-to-earth, and easy-to-incorporate bits of wisdom into life's daily routine. Once again, Ayotte uses her unique sense of humor, quotes, and anecdotes, as well as her gift for storytelling to get across her well-thought out steps to a happier self. If you are going through a difficult time and are looking for suggestions and inspiration to get back on track, Growing Up and Liking It is the book for you!

REVIEW forGROWING UP & LIKING IT
by David Fritz

This is the second in a series of books written by Dolores Ayotte, her first book being "I'm Not Perfect & It's Okay". I haven't had the opportunity to read her first book, but was asked to review "Growing Up & Liking It". However, having read this book I definitely want to read her first book!

Growing Up & Liking It” is filled with humorous quips, anecdotes and quotes about life; and with her wonderful philosophy for living a happy, rewarding life, no matter the circumstances, this is the manner in which Dolores brings home the truth of the matter to the reader. Her thirteen steps to a happier self are expounded in chapters with intriguing titles such as "Shake It Off"; "Mister Sun and Mister Wind"; "The Happy Snipper"; "God's Wife" and "The Skunks".

The author draws on her decades of experience as wife, parent, grandmother,  gardener, storyteller, teacher and author, to present thirteen valuable life lessons in an easy-to-digest manner. As Josh Billings says: "Life consists not in holding good cards, but of playing those you hold well.", which is a truth this book is centered on.

She also makes liberal use of stories to demonstrate her points. Here's an excerpt to demonstrate her wisdom:
"Gratitude takes three forms: a feeling in the heart, an expression in words, and giving in return."

In all my years I have never had gratitude explained so concisely!

The book is a pleasant and easy read - all too easy to read in one sitting, but I suggest you read this book only one "bite" at a time so you can have time to savour the flavour and digest the lessons. It is a wonderful, motivational book that each one should have in their personal libraries. I highly recommend it!



READ more REVIEWS

“Growing Up & Liking It” by Dolores Ayotte has 5 reviews on GoodReads. Read it here – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10679960-growing-up-liking-it

MEET this week’s FEATURED AUTHOR



I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology as well as teacher certification in Canada. I also have taken courses in human relationships and effective communication. Although, my primary focus has always been that of wife, mother and now grandmother, I have held a variety of jobs.

 

I started off my working years as a student working part-time as a cashier in a local grocery store. Before attending university to become an elementary school teacher, I was also employed as a telephone operator. After I left teaching due to the health issues explained in my books, I became a bank employee for a number of years. I have enjoyed each of these jobs and how they have enhanced my life. I have also volunteered my time by teaching catechism to young children, singing in the church choir, as well as working on the women’s auxiliary at a local hospital. I was also on the Hospital Foundation Board in the small community where we live.

TIME-OUT!

I’ve been an avid blogger and reviewer since October 2011. It has changed my life in so many wonderful ways! I’ve met other reviewers ...