Vampires take Vacations Too!

It seems that these days supernatural themes are very popular. That, and I really enjoy reading about monsters and that kind of thing. So today we're looking at a short piece that seemed to hold promise.

101 Tips for Traveling with a Vampire
Joleene Naylor
24 pages

This short piece has a highly humorous tone to it. I'm guessing though, that rather than being a stand alone short, it was intended to be a supplement to the authors other work. Which annoyed me slightly. I had no idea when I added it to my reading list that it was going to give me more questions than answers. Yes, I am being honest when I say that it annoyed me slightly.

On the bright side there's enough cute funny tidbits to make it worth reading. For example:

"Before you buy your vampire friend an undead rubber ducky, make sure they have a sense of humor."

All in all it honestly wasn't bad. But previous exposure to the authors works may be beneficial in order to fully appreciate the piece. Though I can't give a rating for her other work, this piece is appropriate for a general reading audience.

^_~

There Once was a Huntsman...

I love love love love love love Fairy tales ^_^. Have I said that before? Hrmm... Well now you know that I do. Why does it matter you wanna know? Well, for one thing, there are a lot of different takes on fairy tales. there are many perspectives and presentations, all vying for our approval and readership.

This time I found a Gem. (Do I say that too much? hrmm... I like shiny things, I can't help it!)

Unicorns Walk Among Us
Sg Lee
35 pages
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This particular story looks at how people 'hunt' unicorns. Not only that, it contemplates the repercussions that the action can have.

The writing style is very charming, and it is reminiscent of older stories I have read. The writer also has a website where they are working on filling in various stories. I highly recommend that you check out this short story, and then delve right into their web serial.

http://talesofthebigbadwolf.com/

^_~ Listen to the Goblin dearies, she wouldn't steer you wrong.

A Female Lead

I'm sure by now you've started to notice a trend. I tend to read a lot of fantasy. It's just something that I highly enjoy, and all things considered there's nothing wrong with it. I love the fun and sometimes the insanity in it.

Honestly, years ago I started writing a book of my own that would be classified as fantasy. The sad thing is, I haven't finished it. I always get distracted. But at least most of the distractions are good. Like the one I'm sharing with you today.

Spooks and Magic
Jack Sorenson
458 pages

Here we go, looking at another book about a magic school. Seems a shame that many people would brush it off as nothing more than a Harry Potter hopeful. But most readers that are choosing what they read themselves, as well as what they purchase to read, grew up reading about Mr. Potter, so they're likely to forever compare new books to those.

Honestly though, this is a decently written piece. It's not perfect, but it flows well on the most part, and has many entertaining moments. The main characters are a bit different than some that we would be familiar with, though there are still characters we can imagine easily. A cranky professor, a confused student, an ancient wizard headmaster. But any of these familiar elements should not give a new reader a reason to write the book off as pointless.

Because although it does contain many familiar elements, there are some fun twists and delightful use of imagination. The author uses an evil book, helpful ghosts, demons and trolls, presented in new ways to create his own new believable world.

I enjoyed the fact that the main featured character is female. There are a number of stories where girls have been written off as damsels in distress, or as nothing more than support characters. This female lead, is not cut and dry on that matter, though it becomes clear quite quickly that she is the focus of the story.

This story seems to be suitable for most readers, although there are some fairly gruesome moments. I doubt most seasoned fantasy readers would bat an eyelash though. If you read it don't be afraid to share your opinion.

^_~ have fun reading.

Fantasy Christmas Tale

Children have a habit of creating worlds that they escape to, where they are powerful and respected. Places where nothing can hurt them, and every action has some sort of consequence that may be unexpected. They never plan to grow up and forget these things, but many of them do. Honestly, I'm afraid to say that even I fell prey to the curse of the grownup.

But that doesn't mean that I don't believe in the fantastical anymore. Quite the contrary in fact, I believe that there is good in everyone. I know that there will always be another day, and that there's no reason to rush things that can be finished then. But I also have learned how to evaluate deadlines, and utilize my creativity to come up with unique solutions to problems. So let's get on with the story then.

Christmas in NeverEarth
Sylvan Scott
22 Pages

This is an open ended piece, but it is quite effective. The language evokes a type of majestic fantasy realm like that of C.S. Lewis. But instead of a child entering the realm, we see an adult. Although it states that the main character Anthony is only 19, I will say adult due to the feel of the character. He's described well, and you really like him.

The second character, as well as a number of the beginning descriptions are what evokes the Narnia feel to me. The support character is a satyr named Wiste. He acts as a catalyst agent in order to provoke the buried memories of NeverEarth that Anthony had forgotten. He also helps to give a more thorough explanation of the past, even if it is only revealed in small snippets to the reader.

The writing is very clean, and although there are hints at GLBT issues, the only one that really is covered is the concern about telling people. Hopefully by saying that I do not ruin the story for you. The story itself is clean, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to teens or adults. Children might enjoy some of the scenes, but the true magic of the piece might be lost on them.

I also really enjoyed the writers use of a labyrinth type world crossing concept. It seems well thought out, and brings to mind other fables and stories that use the idea. It makes me think of the fairy hills. and the stories people have told about them, as well as tales that include the use of ley lines. I enjoyed this piece as a whole.

I do agree with some of the others who have read it, that it would have been awesome to have a longer piece. But I think part of the authors point is to let the readers wonder and create their own "adventure", and leave them wondering until the next installment is available. A good choice really, because I've noticed that good authors leave their readers wanting more. And I know taht I'll be waiting for the next NeverEarth tale.

If you read it do let me know what you think of it, as I'm sure the author would also like to hear your thoughts. So remember to review what you read at the download site. It helps the author, and it helps other readers to decide if the piece is something they might enjoy, or if it is a waste of their time.

A Winter Romance

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a good romance story, or an erotica now and again. I just hesitate to share them, because someone might get the wrong idea about me.

Now, don't expect a lot of romance or erotica, but I'll try to sneak some in now and then.

Pixies Passion
Mina Carter
41 pages

This fun mini romance novel earns it's own post for a few reasons. As you read what I have to say about it I bet you'll figure some of them out. This piece has a paranormal twist that's different than the vampire, werewolf, wizard line we're accustomed to. Our main 'male' character is a pixie.

Now when we say pixie, it isn't the petite little tricksters we see in fairy tales and art. We're looking at a bad boy biker muscle head looking creature that has a few personal issues. (mind you he's not really a biker, that's the best definition I can think of that you might follow). The authors description of him is delicious, I'm sure that you would enjoy it. (the description to start with anyway).

One thing that stuck with me is what the author calls The Pixie Code. "Might made Right." It's an interesting concept, the idea that if you could fight to get something, and fight to keep it, you could. It added a bit of depth to the story, as there are small snippets that give dreamy insight to the pixies background. (Sympathy Card inserted here)

The story is set in December, with a lot of hints and references to Christmas. (Which is why it's being shared this month, I am trying to be seasonal.) We get a fun description of a fundraiser date auction, a stormy blind date, ideals about family and acceptance. It's a pleasant read.

Rated M for mature, due to sexual content, this is not a book I recommend for reading at work. Some of the Scenarios even made me blush. (And I honestly try to stay as uninterested in romance as I can.) I do not recommend this for teenagers due to the adult content.

Treasured Tale of Far Away

We all run into different books as we go along over time. Sometimes a book is so sad that it clings to your memories. For me one example of that is the book Today's Post is about.

The Little Prince
by Antoine De Saint Exupery
111 pages

The author wrote and illustrated this book for the reader to enjoy. And the first thing you find when you open it is that is dedicated to a good friend, but not as he was at the time, as he was when he was a child.

That tells you a lot about the writer in my opinion. For a writer to care about a friend so dearly, but to acknowledge that children might find offense in his choice to dedicate it to an adult is charming.

As you read the story you find out various things, both about the Little Prince, but also about the narrator. They both have a lot to teach each other, even the one answers questions more often than the other.

As charming and sad as some parts of the tale are, there are some things young readers may not understand. Adults that indulge in the piece, after reading it in the past, may find more in it than they had in the past.

There's something sweet about a Little Prince that watches over a flower, and wants a sheep. But as in all things mortality is questioned, and there is no answer given for certain in the end, but your given the choice to decide the outcome yourself.

For sometimes the most unusual meetings are the ones that leave a lasting impression.

Just a Thought on Bullying

The girl you just called a Mudblood? She spends hours practicing spells hoping people will like her. The boy you just stupefied? His parents use the Cruciatus Curse on him regularly. That kid you just pushed? He is trying to use the killing curse on himself. That guy you just made fun of for crying? His mother was killed by a Death Eater. Put this on your status for an hour if you are against bullying in the Wizarding World.

You never know what it’s like until you fly a mile on their broom.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I didn't write this, and I'm not entirely sure who did, but it was drifting around on FB and seemed to be something that was worth sharing, even though it's not a full book.

Hope you're reading something great!

Good Example of Why Djinn are to be Avoided. (but still enjoyed)

It's now November, and I hate to admit this but most of the books I have in my digital queue involve Vampires, Djinn, Zombies, Werewolves, and who knows what else. Why? Because I enjoy them. Though I will admit that there is a possibility that soon I will mention some books that I own hard copy versions of. Just for a chance from the realm of digital.

Anyway, let's move on to looking at this entries read.

Tamar Black - Djinnx'd
by Nicola Rhodes
542 pages

When people think of Djinn or Genies, they generally picture Jeannie from the I Dream of Jeannie tv show, or of the large comical blue Genie from Disney's Aladdin. Or those barely there female Halloween costumes. Why is that? Well to what I have seen, Djinn don't really have a cult following or a active pop culture niche currently. Which is part of why the title of this book intrigued me.

What was it going to be about, what exactly would djinnx'd be described as through the story?

From what I can tell you without spoiling the book is that Djinnx'd can be defined as : being tricked into releasing a Djinn.

The story itself has a fast pace that rivals the pacing of the Aisling Grey, Guardian novels by Katie MacAlister. It also is similar in it's usage and detailed descriptions of different mythological beings that are used in the story. Most of the descriptions are given in a first person view, which means there are many amusing notes throughout.

For those that may be worried that the book will turn out to be nothing more than a smut story, or a trashy romance novel, get those thoughts out of your head. Why? The story stays away from romance on the most part, instead focusing more on the adventure on hand.

The story starts in the past, but most of it is written to be in modern times, so there is no need to worry about not knowing what something is. The main characters are vibrant and relatable, though some of their actions are questionable.

I would recommend this as a book for older teens and adults, not because it is overly adult in nature, but because it's voice might be difficult for younger readers to relate to. (although... the Twilight series is supposedly an adult one... but people still let kids read that, blah)

Till next time, happy reading! Oh... and feel free to leave me recommendations.