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She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.
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Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Self-Published Publication Date: May 25, 2017 Pages: 376 Format: Paperback Add to GoodReads and StoryGraph Buy on: Amazon The laws are different in the Kushite ruled Kingdom of Nabara. The penalty for involvement in the slave trade is death, and if the King fails to provide justice and order under ma'at, the High Priests can order him to commit suicide. When a Roman slave ship wrecks off the coast of Nabara, peace is shattered. Ancient caravan routes, pastoralists, and nomadic hunters are threatened by kidnappings, robbery, and murder, forcing Nabaran High King Amkar Kashta to invoke the power of the six-kingdom alliance that is Nudolla. Each member of the ruling families finds themselves thrust into the rising slave trade, and the corruption of everything and everyone it touches. It is an adventure told from the secret sanctuaries of the desert fathers in the Scetes Desert, and the massive pyramids of Meroë, to the Skeleton Coast, and over the Great Barrier Mountains of Apedemak. Here, kings and queens, princes and princesses, slave traders and gladiators, high priests and slaves, scribes and warriors, caravan robbers, and hermits collide under the thread that links them all- Captivity and Kings. I received a copy of this book from the author for free and I am leaving a review voluntarily.Wow, this was quite the read. This novel was so rich; from the carefully crafted characters to the cities and the villages where they all dwelled, plus the historical accuracies. This author is definitely someone to look out for. The only complaint I would have is the mixed POV's as they were confusing at first, even with the handy appendix. Some of the voices kind of blended together and I had to go back to see who it was that was speaking. Regardless of my complaint, it is still an excellent read and I absolutely recommend it. It gives a wonderful view of a side of history that the West doesn't always get to see. RatingE. Y. Laster is the author of the book Of Captivity & Kings, the first installment in the Of Captivity & Kings series. It is her debut novel and a work created from a curiosity and love for history, travel, film, and literature. Having held a number of jobs including one as a former waitress, she never sits still for long. This book began in 2013 – yes 2013 - on the back of old receipts and continued being written during commutes on buses and trains, while sitting in waiting rooms, during lunch hours, and even while running (very slowly) to train for racing competitions like the Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon and The Color Run. In the spring of 2016 she decided to publish. When you decide to chase your dreams it’s better to wear sneakers! Connect with E.Y.
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Genre: Science Fiction, Steampunk, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Publisher: Inkitt Publication Date: October 30, 2016 Pages: 217 Add to GoodReads Buy on Amazon, Kobo, B&N Set in London during the latter part of the 19th century. An experiment goes wrong at The Oxford Academy of Science, giving certain people extraordinary powers which turns them into 'Espers'. An institute is set up to teach Espers how to control these power, and stop corrupt Espers from abusing theirs. Nathan and James, two agents from the Institute team up with Freya, a young Esper whose brother (gifted with the strange ability to manipulate emotions) is abducted by a ruthless Baron. The group has to fight against a dark threat to protect the fragile peace of Victorian London... And the rest of the world. I received this eBook from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.Honestly, I really struggled with this book at first. I think that's because it was very close to the idea of X-Men. I do like the idea of the Institute being a safe place though. I think most superheroes need a safe place. However! I absolute adored the Victorian Steampunk theme. It actually fit the superheroes against super villains perfectly. Despite the plot being a little iffy for me, it did have well fleshed out characters with Nathan being a large part of the show and a good amount of sassy-ness from him. He did make me giggle from time to time. Egan Brass (aka Ryan Attard) is the author of the Esper Files, the Legacy series, and the Pandora Chronicles. Hailing from a faraway island, it wasn’t long until Ryan began creating his own imaginary friends and writing down their adventures. As Egan Brass, he writes the Esper Files — a tale of super-powered individuals set in a steampunk universe. He also dons a cape and a mask, and spends his free time learning Victorian insults in order to both confuse and enthrall his foes. He’s also one to write his bios in the third person. Connect with Egan (Ryan)Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Romance Publisher: Waterside Press Publication Date: October 9, 2018 Pages: 200 Add to GoodReads Buy on: Amazon, B&N SynopsisWhen the world collapses from a Golden Age into one of chaos and strife, mankind’s salvation lies in the hands of eternal Emissaries — guardians chosen to protect the secrets of a sacred, ancient civilization and to guide humanity back to enlightenment even as its darkest hour approaches… A timeless tale of love reborn through the ages. Marcus has past life memory and his soulmate Theron does not, but the two lovers are bound by an eternal and unshakable bond. As a series of catastrophic events nearly destroys their world, the two along with a chosen few become Emissaries destined, over the course of 13,000 years and through many reincarnations, to lead humanity into an era of peace and prosperity as foretold by the Elders of their race. But the forces of evil have taken possession of one man, Helghul, who relentlessly pursues Marcus and Theron through time, determined to destroy them and ruin all hope for salvation. The Emissary, Book I in The One Great Year Series, tracks Marcus’s epic adventure across centuries of human civilization to present day, where envoys of darkness gather around them threatening to bury the life-giving secrets of Atitala forever. Good and evil come to blows and the future of mankind hangs in the balance. “For every soul there is a theme, a path that must be followed, lessons that must be learned…” About the AuthorsRene DeFazio and Tamara Veitch are a husband and wife writing team. Rene is an actor, producer and author. Tamara studied English, History and General Arts at Simon Fraser University. The co-authors have been writing together for nearly a decade. In 2012 they received Honorable mention from the New York Book Festival and The London Book Festival. In 2014 they were each awarded an Empowered Writers Award at the World International Peace festival In Vancouver BC, Canada. Tamara and Rene continue creating The One Great Year Series and traveling the world researching with their children. They are grateful for the support of their faithful readers and hope you truly enjoy your journey into the world of The Emissary. Connect with Tamara and ReneGenre: Historical Fiction, Mystery Publisher: SeaMonkey Ink Publication Date: August 14, 2012 Pages: 208 Format: ePub Add to Goodreads Buy on: Amazon, Kobo Synopsis Did the Amarna line really end with King Tut's Death? Ancient Egypt. 1324 BC. The last living male descendant of the Amarna line, Pharaoh Tutankhamun, has died suddenly under mysterious circumstances. His wife, Queen Ankhesenamen, is left without a male heir. The ambitious vipers Ay and Horemheb are nipping at her heels in their bid to seize power. Queen Ankhe has but one hope to maintain her hold on the throne - an alliance with the Hittites. With Ay and Horemheb watching her every move, there is only one person she can trust to save her and her line - a girl, a slave - Ida. Review I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Oh how I love historical fiction! Ida I wasn't so sure about Ida at first. I knew she was meant to be a slave but she was pretty dang bossy for a slave. She was rough and harsh. She seemed very unwilling to be a slave girl born with nobility in her blood. Eventually though, life tamed her a bit. She became head slave and a beloved friend of the Queen Ankhesenamun and childhood friend of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and eventually his forbidden and secret love. Quite an admirable feat for this woman to bear and live with. The moment that Ida chose to be Tut's wife of his heart, her life was set for an entirely new path. All the supporting characters played their parts well for Ida's story to flourish. I enjoyed the happiness that Pharaoh Tutankhamun before his unfortunate death at such a young age, the secret that Ida carried to as much safety as she could muster, and the eventual just desserts for the scheming Queen Ankhe. This is a short, sweet historical fiction with a lovely touch of romance with one of Ancient Egypt's most famous Pharaoh's. About the Author Grea Alexander is a female writer of African American, Native American and French descent who does not write her profiles in the 3rd person. Born and raised in Houston, TX, I have successfully wormed my way across many a border and have, in effect, managed to infect all that I survey with my particular brand of grea-ness. My books are very character-driven with a focus on flawed, dynamic, culturally-diverse characters and strong, smart female protagonists. Connect with Grea
Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Almond Jones LLC Publication Date: July 31, 2018 Pages: 476 Add to Goodreads Buy on: Almond Jones | Amazon | B&N Synopsis Celeste Bonalee is anything but average. In fact, she's one of a kind - a highly skilled courier pilot with dreams of owning her own hangar. One last delivery is all she needs. There's only one thing stopping her... World War II. When Celeste is shot down over Paris in 1940, it'll take more than she ever expected for Celeste and her dreams to survive in a world that is falling apart. Can Celeste and her wingmen make it back home in one piece? Or will war consume her generation and its aspirations? WINGMEN is the story of us all and the lessons we have yet to learn. Grab your Free Chapter of Wingmen Interview Where do you get your ideas for your books? Who or what inspired your idea? AJ: I write because I have a story to tell. My ideas come from stories that need to be told. We live in a time where there is a strong need for people to understand each other. That is a large part of this story. How did you develop the plot and your characters? Are your characters based on anyone? AJ: No, my characters aren’t based on anyone. I pull them from my imagination. Once I know my characters, I know their story and what they will and won’t do. Do you write when you're inspired? Or do you have a schedule you keep to? AJ: I write consistently. If I’m working on a project, I write a little bit everyday. If I’m starting a new project, depending on what it is, I do the character work first. Then I can write. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? Maybe a piece of advice that stuck with you from your adventure into the world of publishing? AJ: Write the story. Figure it out. No one is going to tell you how to do it or how they did it, so get to work. Tell us a bit more about yourself. How did you know you wanted to be a writer? Who or what inspires you to write? AJ: I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer. In fact, I tried everything I could not to be one, but God had other things in mind. It was something that took years to figure out. So, I’m just getting started. How much of yourself goes into your writing? Or do you keep yourself separate and base the character on someone else entirely? AJ: I separate myself from all my characters. They react differently than I would and make different choices. It’s difficult to write about myself, so I make sure my characters are their own person. What has helped shape and improve your writing? AJ: Getting an editor and other industry professionals to proof my drafts. They can tell me things about my writing that will help me write a better draft and get my projects to where they need to be to proceed to the next phase. What are you reading right now? Do you recommend it or have any other recommendations? AJ: I lean toward nonfiction in my personal reading times. I finished reading Redefining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies by Dick Gregory a few months ago. I’m looking for my next good read. Connect with Almond Jones
Genre: Historical Fantasy Publisher: Purple Toga Publications Publication Date: September 1, 2018 Pages: 362 Add to Goodreads Synopsis This is the second story of Togas, daggers, and Magic – for lovers of Ancient Rome, Hard-boiled detectives, and Urban Fantasy. A rich landlord finds tenants are abandoning his apartment buildings, spouting tales of horrific events and whispering that the old gods - the numina - came alive and cursed the buildings. Enter Felix, a professional fox. Dressed in a toga and armed with a dagger, Felix is neither a traditional detective nor a traditional magician - but something in between. Whenever there is a foul business of bad magic, Felix is hired to sniff out the truth. Now he must separate fact from superstition - a hard task in a world where the old gods still roam the earth. In Numina is set in a fantasy world. The city of Egretia borrows elements from a thousand years of ancient Roman culture, from the founding of Rome to the late empire, mixed with a judicious amount of magic. Where to Buy About the Author Assaph has had his nose in a book since he was five, so it wasn’t surprising that he turned to writing. All those years reading on ancient Rome, sci-fi, fantasy, and mysteries while practicing various martial arts, travelling the world, and working odd jobs lead to some interesting combinations in his stories. Connect with Assaph
About the Book
Germany, 1954. Jozef grows up in a happy household – so it seems. But his father Gerhard still harbours disturbing National Socialism ideals, while mother Catharina is quietly broken. She cannot feign happiness for much longer and rediscovers love elsewhere. Jozef is uncertain and alone. Who is he? Are Gerhard and Catharina his real parents?
A dark mystery gradually unfolds, revealing an inescapable truth the entire nation is afraid to confront. But Jozef is determined to find out about the past and a horror is finally unmasked which continues to question our idea of what, in the last hour, makes each of us human. A terrifying and heartbreaking story. Where to Buy
Interview
Who or what inspired your novel?
GB: One person, Juliet – my wife. She is the most amazing, most kind and warm person I have ever met. She has a spinal cord injury from a car accident and naturally got me interested in disability rights and how they are behind civil and gay rights as effective movements and forces of real change today. The stories I could tell you about a lack of disabled rights here in the UK – through my shared experiences with Juliet - would take your breath away. Equally, I think attitudes are changing and have changed. People are more understanding and tolerant. The big thing for me maybe now would be the commercial world and big business has to adapt to make places – shops, hotels, restaurants – much, much more accessible. Access, even in a brand new hotel say, is often quite poor and unacceptable for the higher premium they force disabled people to pay. It’s a quiet scandal in this country no-one is really addressing. What would you say is the genre of your novel? GB: Historical fiction. How did you develop your plot and characters? GB: I had the plot in the back of my mind for a while. Then it all just came together in a moment when I wasn’t consciously thinking about it. I knew then where I was starting from and where I wanted to end. The rest I honestly didn’t really think through, which was naïve and foolish. I just went for it. I read a lovely quote – I can’t remember by who now – that all a writer can do is follow his lead characters and try and keep up. I felt like that a lot of the time. The plot just grew organically while I was writing. I was very, very lucky I didn’t really go off piste. Who or what inspired your protagonist? GB: Apologies! I am very politely not going to answer that one. All I will add is that I believe in leaving mystery to the reader. People can read what they want into things. As a reader and viewer, that’s how I like to be treated, so I in A Quiet Genocide I am returning that courtesy. Who or what inspired your antagonist? GB: I can honestly answer this question and say nobody. Who then? I don’t really know – subconsciously then a complete mix of lots and lots of characters from lots of books and films and dramas I have read and watched over the years. What was the most difficult part to write in the book? GB: The climax, certainly – creating that drama and fitting finale, and ending the race, so to speak after all the build-up of pace and events throughout the second half of the story. Lots of intense writing and then forensic sharpening up of chapters afterwards. The final scene itself – and the final punchline to the plot - came very quickly and naturally though, conversely. Maybe I had earned that bit of luck. What was your favourite part of your book to write? GB: The middle part of the story where Jozef, the main character leaves home and tries to find his feet at university. I just enjoyed writing it. It felt good; it felt like my story was really working. I was happy in that flow.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
GB: I studied modern history at university [in Dundee, Scotland] and got a first job in regional newspapers, as a trainee reporter in Lincolnshire about an hour from where I grew up. It was a tiny weekly paper with only five reporters – and four of us were trainees on terrible money. But it was great fun; really exciting; I loved it. Everyone did a bit of everything really. I used to do court reporting in the week, which was in on old converted church, so the press bench really was a bench and an old pew. You had a numb bum by lunch! I also reported on football, my love at the weekend. It was a special time, looking back. Who or what inspired you to be an author? GB: My inspiration to become an author really came from a sheer of love of writing and of writing for people potentially interested in the stories I had to tell. If I had to name one person it would be my English teacher from my teenage years at school, Mr Roger Staniforth. A fantastic man and mentor, who – 100 per cent – is embodied in the character Herr Slupski in A Quiet Genocide. Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write? GB: I am very much a part-time author. Full-time, I work in content and communications for a company in finance in Berkshire, west of London. What are you currently reading? GB: I am currently reading Savage Continent, a wonderful and breathtakingly comprehensive history of mainland Europe in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. It is by Keith Lowe. Keith’s history – of how whole communities and places had literally disappeared by 1945 – inspired the front cover of A Quiet Genocide. That idea and image of total absence and decay of things we have left unattended. What are some of your favourite books or authors? GB: There is a theme here. I love Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Pioneers and titans really of 20th century literature. Their work is fearless and immensely moving, in a way that can inspire and change the way you view history. What are your future projects, if any? GB: None at present. I just need that seed of an idea though and that deep urge to follow it, and I might be very quickly away again! What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? GB: You can contact me on Twitter @GlennMBryant. Or I am very happy for people to email me at [email protected] Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? GB: Never. Ever. Give up. You are good enough; your ideas are good idea; your writing is good enough. You never know when that breakthrough will come. Publisher: Amazon Publication Date: May 26, 2018 Pages: 392 Add to Goodreads About the Book
A mysterious elderly stranger offers Colin Brayton, a bookstore owner, the job of appraising old books at a desolate colonial plantation. While working on the books, Colin stumbles across a series of diaries written in the late 1770s by fourteen-year-old Kate Dibble that chronicle an alien visitation.
Colin attempts to navigate a delicate balance between solving the mystery of the diary and simmering tensions with the beautiful, but aloof caretaker, Madeline Prentice. The strained relationship reaches a boiling point as a thunderstorm descends over the desolate property and prevents them from leaving. A malicious winged being emerges from the storm and demands the presence of The Ancient One in three days. When the diary hints of a buried spaceship, Colin and Maddy must put aside their differences to find the ship for their safety, and solve the mystery of the diary that hints at who The Ancient One is before the being seals their fate. Where to Buy
About the Author
Ever since he began writing at the age of 10 in the basement of his parent's home, Glenn has been winning awards. Glenn wrote a short story in high school about talking houses that earned him first place where he won a pocket dictionary. Later he wrote a conspiracy novel about a secret formula hidden inside of Rubik's cube. The novel went nowhere but only whetted Glenn's appetite to write more.
At Gallaudet, Glenn churned out countless short stories of horror and science fiction for the University newspaper, "The Buff and Blue." He went on to win the Mac Dougall Creative writing competition and the Lillian Gourley Rakon Creative Writing Awards. Taking a stab at screenwriting while in college, his first script, "Wrath of the Dragon," was a finalist at the 1988 Nissan Focus Screenplay competition sponsored by Columbia Pictures. His screenplay, "The Alien Diaries" was a finalist during Amazon's monthly screenwriting competition. Connect with Glenn
Publisher: Endeavour Press Publication Date: October 12, 2017 Pages: 326 Add to Goodreads About the Book
On the wrong side of war, there is more than one enemy…
When Croatia becomes a Nazi puppet state in 1941, carefree young pilot Tony Babic finds himself forcibly aligned with Hitler’s Luftwaffe. Unbeknownst to Tony, his sweetheart Katarina and best friend Goran have taken the side of the opposing communist partisans. The threesome are soon to discover that love and friendship will not circumvent this war’s ideals. Downed by the Allies in the Adriatic Sea, Tony survives a harrowing convalescence in deplorable Italian hospitals and North African detention stockades. His next destination is Camp Graham in Illinois, one of four hundred prisoner of war camps on American soil. But with the demise of the Third Reich, repatriation presents a new challenge. What kind of life awaits Tony under communist rule? Will he be persecuted as an enemy of the state for taking the side of Hitler? And then there is Katarina; in letters she confesses her love, but not her deceit… Does her heart still belong to him? Based on a true story, John Richard Bell’s The Circumstantial Enemy is an energetic journey to freedom through minefields of hatred, betrayal, lust and revenge. Rich in incident with interludes of rollicking humour, it’s a story about the strength of the human spirit, and the power of friendship, love and forgiveness. Where to Buy
Interview
L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
JRB: I was born in Chigwell, UK and now reside in Vancouver, Canada. Before becoming an author of business books and historical fiction, I was the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and a global strategy consultant. My blog musings on strategy, leadership and branding have appeared in various journals such as Fortune, Forbes and ceoafterlife.com. L: Who or what inspired you to be an author? JRB: This was a natural progression from blogging. Blogging led to non-fiction. Non-fiction led to fiction. L: Who or what inspired your novel? JRB: The book is based on the true story of my 97 year old father in law. 17 years ago I wrote his biography. Granddad was 80 years at the time and he wasn’t about to be the first human being to live forever. The family had heard his tales over and over again – trials and tribulations of a young Croatian pilot coerced onto the wrong side of WWII. My daughter said, "If you don't write it, Granddad's story will be lost forever." That was the beginning of my life as an author. Several years later, I had this idea to fictionalize an already great story. The result was The Circumstantial Enemy. L: What would you say is the genre of your novel? JRB: 20th century historical fiction L: Why did you pick this/these genre(s)? JRB: The novel was based on a true story L: How did you develop your plot and characters? JRB: Conflict is vital to a good novel. When a good guy is caught on the wrong side of a war he encounters many enemies. I put together a stereotypical plot arc for the book and within that journey, emerged the characters. The next step was to develop them and know them like I know my own family. L: Who or what inspired your protagonist? JRB: The book is based on the true story of my 97 year old father in law. 17 years ago I wrote his biography. Granddad was 80 years at the time and he wasn’t about to be the first human being to live forever. The family had heard his tales over and over again – trials and tribulations of a young Croatian pilot coerced onto the wrong side of WWII. My daughter said, "If you don't write it, Granddad's story will be lost forever." That was the beginning of my life as an author. Several years later, I had this idea to fictionalize an already great story. The result was The Circumstantial Enemy. L: Who or what inspired your antagonist? JRB: It was only natural to create a character modeled on his wife. Her name was Katarina, the heroine of the novel. L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book? JRB: This was my first taste of writing fiction -- a huge challenge. A couple of thousand words of fiction later, I realized my naivety; I was in over my head, but that didn’t snuff my inspiration. I didn’t write another word for a year – reading every self-help book I could get my hands on regarding the art of writing fiction. L: What was your favourite part of your book to write? JRB: I particularly liked the hero's time in two POW camps on US soil. The fact that the US housed 400,000 prisoners in 400 POW camps between 1943 and 1946 is a relatively unknown fact. Prior to 1944, the US attitude of what went on behind the barbed wire was the enemy's business. As such, Nazi elements ruled. This was the case in The Circumstantial Enemy. But a wise War Department official (Leon Jaworski, later to be the Watergate prosecutor), changed all of that for very good reasons.
L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write?
RJB: Part-timer L: What are you currently reading? RJB: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr L: What are some of your favourite books or authors? RJB: Loved the early books of Wilbur Smith and most of Bryce Courtenay's novels including The Power of One and The Potato Factory L: What are your future projects, if any? RJB: A prequel and a sequel to The Circumstantial Enemy are in the works. L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? RJB: My website is http://ceoafterlife.com L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? RJB: Here is the publishing reality. Publishers would rather release the next John Grisham legal thriller than take on an unknown. Literary agents shun the endless piles of queries and manuscripts from unpublished authors? Less than 1% of all newbie writers break through the slush pile. Why then, so aspiring writers keep trying. Because they love writing. Do what you love; love what you do. More on this from my blog 'Branding the Aspiring Novelist' https://goo.gl/zB8L6Q Genre: Fiction, Historical Publisher: New Generation Publishing Publication Date: March 18, 2016 Pages: 250 pages Add to Goodreads About the Book
The year is 1835 - in the back alleys of London John Campbell-John is running for his life. A rogue, imposter, swindler - a man without honour, without empathy for his fellow man. But his massive debts have now vindictively caught up with him. He has even stolen from his best friend. He has one option - to flee the country In Venice there is a chance encounter and an unlikely friendship emerges. Robert Babcock is everything John is not - honourable, academic, a man on an admirable quest - to travel in Egypt to find the earliest original copies of the Gospels to prove the reliability of the story of Jesus, as told in the King James Bible. Is Gospel Truth, as we say today, really undeniable. A story of discovery, of adventure from the River Nile to the endless deserts of Sinai, and ultimately a personal redemption.
Where to Buy
Interview
L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
ST: I was once a happy and reasonably well-adjusted person; that was until an urge to write invaded my psyche, this need to be a writer, to tell tales. I spent my days as a Tax Inspector (Now come on out from behind the sofa – they’re a fine bunch of lads and lasses at the Tax Office), and chauffeuring my daughter about. I was born in Yorkshire but brought up in Manchester. I am now retired, living with my partner in Hathern Near Loughborough in Leicestershire, England L: Who or what inspired you to be an author? ST: Let me introduce myself, I am a writer. There I’ve said it. It took me a long time to be able to call myself that - a writer. I just used to tell people that, “I do a bit of writing.” I feel like a new recruit to Alcoholics Anonymous, standing up and admitting to the world that I have a problem. I needed to stand up and admit - yes, I’m a writer. Welcome to my world. My addiction has been with me for over twenty years now; it’s the craving in my particular life. I need to write, I need to tell stories. When I was younger if somebody told me a good joke, when I retold it, it was twice as long, embellished, the story enhanced, the characters fleshed out. I’ve always done it, it's something in me, I suppose. With me, it was never just about and Englishmen, an Irishman and a Scotsman. It was an Englishman in a bowler hat with a monocle, an Irishman in a donkey jacket with a pint of Guinness and a Scotsman in a kilt with a set of bagpipes. L: Who or what inspired your novel? ST: I've been writing novels for over twenty years now. I started with contemporary fiction but then moved to my favourite genre - historical fiction. I had previously conceived of a Georgian trilogy, three stories set in London; a decadent time a decadent place, but a gold mine for an author, with some deliciously naughty and profligate characters. The first novel, No Quarter Asked, No Quarter Given was long-listed for the Brit Writers Award. The second Novel, A Canopy of Stars, the third, Ripples and Shadows, was the winner of the Great Beeston Book Read. Then somebody asked me what happened to one of my characters, John Campbell-John - I should tell his story; what happened to him. L: What would you say is the genre of your novel? ST: Oh, the new novel, Gospels - it's primarily historical fiction, but it is also an adventure story. A story of discovery, of adventure from the River Nile to the endless deserts of Sinai, and ultimately a personal redemption. There is also a back story of bible hunting in Egypt, but it's not really a religious story, even though our characters are forced to face some uneasy religious truths. L: Why did you pick this/these genre(s)? ST: I am a history buff at heart. I love the idea of winding fictional characters through historical events and times. L: How did you develop your plot and characters? ST: The skeleton of the story was set down from the start - that's the way I work, and was as follows. The year is 1835 - in the back alleys of London John Campbell-John is running for his life. A rogue, impostor, swindler - a man without honour, without empathy for his fellow man. But his massive debts have now vindictively caught up with him. He has even stolen from his best friend. He has one option - to flee the country. In Venice, there is a chance encounter and an unlikely friendship emerges. Robert Babcock is everything John is not - honourable, academic, a man on an admirable quest - to travel in Egypt to find the earliest original copies of the Gospels to prove the reliability of the story of Jesus, as told in the King James Bible. Is Gospel Truth, as we say today, really undeniable. Then I read about the real-life bible hunters in the nineteenth century. Robert Curzon, in particular, left behind a published account of his travels in his book Visits to Monasteries in the Levant. This opened many more story-lines for me. It was a goldmine, as not only did it recount his travels, but it has detailed descriptions of the people he met, how they dressed, what they ate, their manners, etc. But what’s more, it gave me an insight into the Egypt that he encountered in the 1830s: an eyewitness of the time period I have set the story in. L: Who or what inspired your protagonist? ST: The lovable rogue is a powerful literary device. John Campbell-John is such rogue, and an impostor, swindler as well. Having created him, there was so much mileage left to examine. He's personable, witty, a mischievously playful rapscallion (what a great word) He's just fabulous, L: Who or what inspired your antagonist? ST: The Flashman novels by George MacDonald Fraser. I didn't realise it at the time of writing however. L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book? ST: Bible hunting is historically accurate. These men were academic adventurers in the nineteenth century, and I had to get their history correct as well as the chronological history of the gospel writers. L: What was your favourite part of your book to write? ST: Writing about the Cairo souk (the bazaar). Finding enough adjectives to do it justice.
L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write?
ST: I keep a normal working week - Monday to Friday and write for 3 hours every morning. L: What are you currently reading? ST: Imperium by Robert Harris L: What are some of your favourite books or authors? ST: Love, love, love - To Kill a Mocking Bird. I read Catch 22 as a young man and it was part of my rite of passage into adulthood. Just realised that they are both American. Big Dickens fan as well. L: What are your future projects, if any? ST: A crossover novel, part medieval 1152 England where a young girl is hanged as a witch after claiming to have had a vision of the twenty-first a century and the murder of an Angel. Its recorded in a chronicle and when it is translated the historian realizes that it matches a modern crime. Mustn't say too much. L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books? Please provide links. ST: Through my web site please - stephentaylorauthor.com. Or through Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/6525446.Stephen_Taylor - recently joined. L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? ST: Yes - the hardest part about writing a novel is to START. I always tell people at Book-fairs this simple advice. Don't keep putting it off. Publication Date: November 24, 2017 Pages: 271 Add to Goodreads About the Book
Seventh Dimension – The Prescience: A Young Adult Fantasy, is the fifth book in the Seventh Dimension Series that combines contemporary, historical, and fantasy elements into a Christian “coming-of-age” story.
When bombs fall on Jerusalem, Shale and Daniel rescue an orphan and return to the first century. Amid supernational tribulation, they attempt to unravel the mysterious disappearance of Daniel’s father and the goal of the New World Order. When multiple realities collide, God reveals once again time is an illusion until the appointed times. Where to BuyOther Books in the SeriesAbout the Author
When not writing books, Lorilyn provides closed captioning for television. Lorilyn adopted her two daughters from Nepal and Vietnam as a single mother. Read her award-winning memoir, Children of Dreams, endorsed by
New York Times best-selling author Jerry B. Jenkins, and be inspired. Connect with LorilynGiveaway
Want to win a copy of The Prescience? Leave a blog post comment and one lucky commenter will win a copy!
Publisher: Laurel A. Rockefeller Publication Date: November 22, 2017 Pages: 105 Add to GoodReads
Teacher. Philosopher. Astronomer.
Born in 355 CE. In the aftermath of Constantine's reign Hypatia of Alexandria lived in a collapsing Rome Empire, a world where obedience to religious authorities trumped science, where reason and logic threatened the new world order. It was a world on the edge of the Dark Ages. As libraries burned, she dared defend the light of knowledge.
A few hours later sunset burned rose-orange over the house of Asher ben Nathan. As promised, Hypatia returned with both Orestes and Synesius one pace behind her. Reaching the dining room Orestes offered a bottle of wine to Rachel, “Thank you for inviting us. I hope you do not mind. I found this at a wine merchant a few blocks away. He assured me that it was suitable for your table and approved by the rabbinate as such.”
Rachel looked at the label before handing it off to her husband, “A fine vintage most generously given. Asher and I drank this vintage at our wedding. It has very special memories!” “My lady said this was the right one to buy,” remarked Orestes. “Hypatia has an excellent memory.” “Yes, she does,” agreed Asher. “Daphne, will you prepare the wine for our dinner?” Daphne took the bottle, “Of course, my lord!” Asher beckoned everyone to sit while he stood, “Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. Blessed is Adonai, our God, Ruler of the Universe, who hallows us with mitzvot and commands us to kindle the Hanukkah lights. Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-olam,she-asa nissim la-avotenu ba-yamim ha-mem ba-z’man ha-zeh. Blessed is Adonai, our God, Ruler of the Universe, who performed wondrous deed for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.” Prayerfully he lit the first and second candle, “Tonight as we celebrate Hanukkah together, we are conscious of the precious gift of family and friendship. So often we take one another for granted, forgetting to express our love and devotion. As we kindle these festive lights, let us rededicate ourselves to sharing our interests and time with one another. Like the Maccabees of old, let us always face the troubles and joys of life united by those we love.” “Amen,” answered Rachel and her children. “Amen,” echoed the guests. Rachel turned to her husband, “Asher, Hypatia was kind enough to give us a beautiful menorah as a gift. Shall we light it as well?” Asher kissed her, “Certainly, matok!” Rising he fetched Hypatia’s menorah from the living room and put it on the dining room table in front of everyone. Daphne brought in a set of candles which Asher set into each cup expertly. Lighting the shamash candle for Hypatia’s menorah from the shamash on the original menorah, he lit the first two candles, “Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu Melech Ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.” Orestes studied the gifted menorah, “You gave this to them, my lady?” “Yes, why?” “I recognize the craftsmanship. It was made by the finest silversmith in Alexandria.” “Nothing is too good for my dear friend Rachel. We’ve been friends since childhood,” explained Hypatia as she took a sip from her wine glass. “My lady is truly most generous,” added Synesius. “Jew, Christian, Pagan—there is no difference between us,” asserted Hypatia. “We are all in search of truth beyond human understanding, with a greater connection to the Divine. Does it truly matter what name or names we use, what languages we speak, or how we worship? Surely God or the gods care less about how we worship than how we live. Actions, not words, matter most.” “Theophilus disagrees,” declared Synesius. “For him and his followers everyone must believe and worship in accord with his ideas of orthodoxy. There is only one true belief, only one way of correctly worshipping. He preaches in the agora a most fiery and impassioned manifesto, one that often calls for enforcement of Christian orthodoxy upon those who disagree with it—Christian, Jew, or Pagan—all must live, worship, and believe as he interprets the Bible.” “Has anyone of his congregants acted on his words?” asked Rachel. “Not yet, but they may sooner rather than later. Saturnalia is nearly upon us,” answered Synesius. Rachel stared at Synesius, “Saturnalia? I do not understand the significance in this context.” Asher’s face grew grim, “In the Empire, Saturnalia is often a time for murder. Many promotions come out of Saturnalia assassinations.” “Will the legate intervene?” asked Rachel. Orestes met Rachel’s eyes, “It depends on who is killed or at least targeted and who the attacker is. The legate is a politician first. If there is nothing to gain and something to lose by acting you can be certain he will do nothing.” “Orestes is right about the legate. I can easily see him standing by and allowing one or more than one of Theophilus’ congregants get away with murder,” affirmed Hypatia. “Will he attack the school at the Temple of Serapis?” asked Rachel. “Possible, but not likely,” answered Asher. “It’s too big a target and he lacks sufficient support to get away with it—for now, at least. Burn the temple or the Caesareum and he’ll have to answer to the prefect for it. No, he won’t move against either, not yet. Saturnalia violence is small-scale. An attack on any institution like your school costs him too much right now to try. But I promise you this: the moment the prefect and his legates waiver in their protection, our houses of worship and houses of learning will fall to Theophilus and his frenzied thugs he calls Christians.” Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords
Born, raised, and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska USA Laurel A. Rockefeller is author of over twenty books published and self-published since August, 2012 and in languages ranging from Welsh to Spanish to Chinese and everything in between. A dedicated scholar and biographical historian, Ms. Rockefeller is passionate about education and improving history literacy worldwide.
With her lyrical writing style, Laurel's books are as beautiful to read as they are informative. In her spare time, Laurel enjoys spending time with her cockatiels, attending living history activities, travelling to historic places in both the United States and United Kingdom, and watching classic motion pictures and classic television series.
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