Friday Fun!

It's hot, and soooo humid. No energy to do anything that exerts energy...including thinking. Typing is a stretch. LOL

So, let's do the humor thing on this sultry Friday evening. Enjoy!

THIS IS NOT AS EASY AS IT LOOKS
Cardiovascular Exercise

The older we get the more important it is to incorporate exercise into our daily routine. This is necessary to maintain cardiovascular health and maintain muscle mass.
If you're over 40, you might want to take it easy at first, then do more repetitions as you become more proficient and build stamina. Warning: It may be too strenuous for some.

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program!


Scroll Down 



































NOW SCROLL UP 
That's enough for the first day.

Great job.

Have a cookie.

In the Hot Seat with author Chrystalla Thoma

Welcome author Chrystalla Thoma to the hot seat!

Chrystalla is Greek Cypriot (hence the strange name) and likes writing about bratty, angsty boys and spunky girls in fantasy and science-fiction worlds. She writes mainly for a young adult public but not only (heed the warnings!)

She's currently preparing a non-fiction book about dragons, because the truth must out, and is juggling two series ("Elei's Chronicles" and "Boreal and John Grey").



And now that you know a little about amazing Chrystalla, let's get her on the hot seat!

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.

Boreal and John Grey (complete season 1)
During the 13th century In Iceland, epic poems and tales called Edda spoke of the aelfar – the elves. Tall and pale – their name means ‘white’ – these trickster beings brought misfortune and illness, and exchanged healthy children with sickly changelings.

Now the Gates are opening once more between worlds and the elves are back.

Ella Benson, Paranormal Bureau agent, fights all that comes through the Veil – dangerous Shades crossing into our world. But increasingly dangerous creatures are slipping into her city, her work partner has just gone missing, and a mysterious – and, frankly, quite hot — guy saves her life. His name is Finn and, as it turns out, he’s a natural when it comes to fighting the Shades.

When after centuries of peace the Gates between the worlds start opening and our old enemies, the elves, make a comeback, Ella needs a new, temporary partner. Enlisting the mysterious Finn is a no-brainer, until she realizes he is guarding dangerous secrets of his own.

Together with Finn, and the fate of the world on her shoulders, what’s Ella to do but grab her weapons and figure it all out, one way or another.

2. OK, now tell us something about your heroes that we *don't* know...something that's not in the books.

Ella loves carrot cake and hates chicken. Something to do with a chick she kept as a child. She started learning yoga once, to find inner peace, but couldn’t stand it, it choked her. Since then she’s taken up kickboxing because it allows her to let out some of her anger. (Dale: I can relate!)

Finn... is a mystery. Can’t tell you more, you must wait until season 2!

3. Where did you get your inspiration to write the Boreal and John Grey?
I love elves. So I went back to Tolkien’s sources, the old Icelandic epic poems and tales called “Edda” and realized the aelfar (the elves) weren’t as nice and peaceful as he presented them to be. The elves were said to have magic, and sometimes they were mentioned in the same breath as the aesir (the gods), but they were also wicked tricksters who brought misfortune and illness, and exchanged healthy children with sickly changelings.

They were obviously playing with us, not too long ago, observing us and experimenting with us. Why? Well, in my opinion, it’s because they were planning on coming back for more...

4. What's the first book you read that made you catch your breath?

Neverending Story, by Michael Ende, and then The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien. Awesome books.

5. If you had a super-power, what would it be?
Speak Japanese. Honestly. Always wanted to learn and found it too hard. It’s a super power to me!

6. When you write, are you a plotter or a pantser?
Mixture of both. I make outlines but then I let the story take me places I hadn’t imagined...

7. When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?
As I recall, I was around 11 when I declared my intentions. ;)

8. Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what music do you listen to?
System of a Down, Linkin Park, Guano Apes, Rammstein... (Dale: Linkin Park is great!)

9. What's the most insane thing you've ever tried to do?

Write in English (cause my native language is Greek). I do have a degree in English literature, so it’s not like I didn’t know the language, but it took all my courage to start. Now I can’t seem to stop! :D

10. Hot seat questions:a. Beach or mountains? Beach!
b. Summer or winter? Summer.
c. White or dark chocolate? Milk chocolate? (compromise)
d. Coffee or tea? Coffee most definitely
e. Favorite TV show? Supernatural. (Dale: Love that show!)
f. Favorite color? Blue
g. Favorite food? Indian takeaway (chicken malai mango)
h. Cats or dogs? Cats
i. What was the last thing you ate? M&Ms! (Dale: Yum!)
j. Morning person or night owl? Night owl 100%

Read the complete First Season of the series Boreal and John Grey, books 1-5 (The Encounter, The Gate, The Dragon, The Dream and The Truth) at a special price with an Author’s Note at the end.

Where to find the complete season 1 boxset:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Boreal-John-Grey-Season-ebook/dp/B00DC7R39O

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boreal-John-Grey-Season-ebook/dp/B00DC7R39O

Excerpt:

The goblin crouched down and drew its huge fist back. Time slowed. She saw it coming at her like a dark wave, about to smash her face.

And here are some other places you can connect with Chrystalla:

Follow Chrystalla on her Fan page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Chrystalla-Thoma/117863861560579

Like the Boreal and John Grey Page! https://www.facebook.com/BorealAndJohnGrey

Sign up for the Newsletter to receive notices about new releases and events!
http://wordpress.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=5c628688b2063d7937bc9158d&id=561e1f946d

Check out the Rex Rising group on Facebook to follow updates on the series:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/282489681801529/

Cover Reveal! King's Artesan, by Cas Peace

King’s Artesan (Artesan of Albia, #3) by Cas Peace

SYNOPSIS:

The race for the Staff has begun.

Rykan’s Staff is vital to Sullyan’s survival. In order to retrieve it, Robin Tamsen must cross the Veils into Albia and go to Taran’s village. He arrives too late.

Intent on reviving his own plans for conquest, Sonten forces Taran to reveal the Staff’s location. Outwitting Robin, he besieges the village of Hyecombe and takes possession of the Staff.

If Robin cannot stop Sonten taking the weapon back to Andaryon, Sullyan’s life and the lives of every Artesan are forfeit. Yet it is not just Sonten he must battle, but also one of his own. And the mysterious Albian Baron hasn’t abandoned his plans, either….

AUTHOR LINKS:Website: http://www.caspeace.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace?fref=ts
Book Songs: http://www.caspeace.com/downloads/songs

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cas Peace was born in Hampshire UK, in 1957, and has lived there most of her life. Her first career was as a horse-riding instructor, and horses remain very close to her heart. She then spent 13 years working for the British Civil Service before leaving the UK to live in Italy for three years, 1991-1994. She speaks passable but by no means perfect Italian, and loves to return to Italy whenever she can.

 Cas's other great loves are anything to do with animals, especially dogs and horses, (she supports many animal charities) and also singing. Cas loves folk songs and along with her husband, who plays guitar, has performed in many a Southern England folk club. Sometimes they even asked her back! She writes folk songs to accompany her fantasy novels, and offers them as free downloads from her website.

Book Review: Game, by Barry Lyga

Game (The sequel to I Hunt Killers)
Barry Lyga

Initial Thoughts: OMG. I love this author. Love this series. Love this book. It's a freaking love-fest over here.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jasper (Jazz) Dent, the son of the world's most infamous serial killer.

When a desperate New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz's door asking for help with a new case, Jazz can't say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple--and its police force running scared with no leads. So Jazz and his girlfriend Connie hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer's murderous game.

Meanwhile, Jazz's dad Billy is watching...and waiting.

My thoughts:

Okay, so I fell in love with this author and Jasper in book one, and the love just continues to grow. The character continues his internal battles of what he is or isn't or might be or might not be. He's so afraid of triggering the "thing" that will turn him into his dad, that he doesn't allow himself to be a normal kid. What if that one thing is the trigger that will make him snap? How can he be sure?

His relationships are still strong: his girlfriend Connie, his best friend Howie. Howie is absolutely hysterical in this book. It's much-needed light-heartedness in the midst of the darkness. It's a good fit. Did Connie do some stupid things here? Yup. I have to keep reminding myself that she's 17 years old, and 17 year-olds don't always do what's right or best or logical. But man, I wanted to scream at her, "Don't do it!" And then slap my forehead when she did.

What I didn't like? The ending. I mean really. There are so many loose ends that I just want the next book NOW. It's like a juggler who's doing his juggling thing, and then walks off stage with all his balls in the air. Every major player ended in a very precarious situation at the end of this book. And now I have to watch...and wait.

Friday Funnies!

It's Friday! Let's have some fun.



I don't want to brag or make anyone jealous or anything .. but... I can still fit into my earrings I wore in high school. Just saying.

Author Feature: Phillip W. Simpson

Author Feature: Phillip W. Simpson
Today's author feature is Phillip W. Simpson, author of children's fiction and non-fiction.

Currently, Phillip is a full-time elementary (primary) school teacher, a full-time writer, a full-time husband and a full-time father. Before becoming a writer, he tried several other career options. He joined the army for a bit, gained a Masters in Archaeology, owned a comic shop, became obsessed with martial arts and oriental weapons and turned down a job at the British museum.

Phillip's latest book, Apocalypse, is the third and final book in the Rapture series. Okay, listen, I read the first book Rapture, have the 2nd, Tribulation, in my TBR pile, am excited over the release of the 3rd book, and I can tell you this is a great YA fantasy. You can read my review of Rapture here.

Summary (from Goodreads):

The seven years of the Tribulation are almost over. The Apocalypse- the final battle between good and evil - is almost upon us and with it, the end of the world as we know it.

For the last seven years, the half-demon Samael has battled his inner demons as well as the very real demons that inhabit the desolate, ash-shrouded Earth. Betrayed by Heaven and Hell, cursed by the surviving humans that he strives to protect, separated from all those he loves – Sam’s existence is filled with death and despair.

Now he must make a choice. Continue to fight for those he swore to protect or leave them to their fate and join his father in Hell. The Apocalypse is coming and it isn’t going to wait for Sam to make up his mind.

Grabbing a copy of of each book in this series, and Phillip's other works, is easy!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=phillip+w.+simpson

Friday Funnies!

Okay, this one is for those of us with plus years behind us.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN GUILTY OF LOOKING AT OTHERS YOUR OWN AGE AND THINKING,

“SURELY I CAN'T LOOK THAT OLD.”

WELL, YOU'LL LOVE THIS ONE:

MY NAME IS ALICE , AND I WAS SITTING IN THE WAITING ROOM FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH A NEW DENTIST.

I NOTICED HIS DDS DIPLOMA ON THE WALL, WHICH BORE HIS FULL NAME. SUDDENLY, I REMEMBERED A TALL, HANDSOME, DARK-HAIRED BOY WITH THE SAME NAME HAD BEEN IN MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS SOME 30-ODD YEARS AGO.

COULD HE BE THE SAME GUY THAT I HAD A SECRET CRUSH ON, WAY BACK THEN?

UPON SEEING HIM, HOWEVER, I QUICKLY DISCARDED ANY SUCH THOUGHT.

THIS BALDING, GRAY-HAIRED MAN WITH THE DEEPLY LINED FACE WAS WAY TOO OLD TO HAVE BEEN MY CLASSMATE.

AFTER HE EXAMINED MY TEETH, I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD ATTENDED MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL.

”YES. YES, I DID. I'M A MUSTANG,” HE GLEAMED WITH PRIDE.

“WHEN DID YOU GRADUATE?” I ASKED.

HE ANSWERED, “IN 1975.  WHY DO YOU ASK?”

“YOU WERE IN MY CLASS!” I EXCLAIMED.

HE LOOKED AT ME CLOSELY.

THEN, THAT UGLY,

OLD,

BALD,

WRINKLED FACED,

FAT-ASSED,

GRAY-HAIRED,

DECREPIT

SON-OF-A-BITCH

ASKED,

”WHAT DID YOU TEACH?”

Book Review: The Last Keeper, by Michelle Birbeck

The Last Keeper
Michelle Birbeck

Initial Thoughts: Good, just not riveting until the end.

My Rating: 3 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Serenity Cardea's race has been hunted to near extinction. She's a Keeper, with the ability to influence others, including those immortal beings who want dominance over the world. Ray Synclair is a history professor in training with a passion for times past. Fascinated by Serenity, he has no idea that the world is filled with immortals, most of whom want him dead. Because the only way to kill a Keeper is to kill their partner...

My Thoughts:

The concept here is a good one, a Keeper is one who keeps balance in the supernatural world. There are many curves and turns and twists that keep the plot interesting. The problem is that those curves and turns and twists don't appear until the last 1/3 of the story.

While I understand the importance of developing the relationship between Serenity and Ray, it just went on forever with nothing happening. It was so mundane that it would be easy for the reader to lose interest. If you keep chugging, however, there is pay-off in the end.

I didn't feel the chemistry between Serenity and Ray that I would have liked. If there had been more, I don't know, it going on, the first 2/3s of the story wouldn't have been so mundane, but there really wasn't any spice. It was all very calm, cool, and collected. It's a nice story, but  not one that would keep me up at night reading.

I'm hoping the 2nd book in the series starts out with a bang, now that we got all that history out of the way. 

Give Away! The Kindrily Series, by Karen Amanda Hooper

Here's a chance at a give away of the The Kindrily Series, by Karen Amanda Hooper.

Win an eBook copy of Grasping at Eternity (Kindrily #1) and an eBook copy of Taking Back Forever (Kindrily #2) written by Karen Amanda Hooper.

*This is an international Giveaway*

Just go here to enter:

Kindrily Giveaway