Feature and Follow Friday

Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that is designed to provide some much-appreciated exposure to the bloggers participating, and to expand their following. Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, each of whom feature a chosen blog for the week, it's an interesting way to get to know one another.

Question of the Week: What is a book you didn’t like that all your friends raved about or what book did you love that wasn’t popular?

Shadow Ops: Control Point by Myke Cole was one title that got a lot of good press, and which friends and bloggers were raving about, but I gave up halfway through - I didn't like the hero, the story, or the writing. On the other hand, The Breeders by Matthew J. Beier is a book I haven't seen a lot of press about, and which nobody I know has read, but which I felt was quite clever and well-developed.

Parajunkee also hosts a Social Hop for Facebook and Twitter, which I regularly take part in. So, if you're one of those people who aren't on Blogger, or who just don't like Google Friend Connect, it's a great way to keep in touch and follow one another.

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Bring Down The Furies by Parker Francis (REVIEW)

On the surface, civil war history, archaeological investigation, and fanatical creationism seem like an odd mix with which to lay the foundations for a contemporary mystery, but Parker Francis brings it all together and makes it work.



Bring Down The Furies centres around Quint Mitchell, private investigator, and his search for Ricardo DeAngelis, the so-called Heartthrob Bandit. His investigations lead him to a small town of in South Carolina where even the Heartthrob Bandit must take a back seat to a serial arsonist and the very public, media-fuelled confrontation between Dr. Youngblood and Pastor Labon.



The interwoven investigations work remarkably well, maintaining an honest sense of mystery, and keeping the story moving. You can feel the tension running through the town, along with the mix of terror and anger. Allendale is a sad little town, full of decaying Southern charm, and very much aware of its storied history. The characters are surprisingly well-developed as well, coming across as genuine inhabitants, rather than just the standard roles required by the mystery genre. Even the gruff sheriff manages to surpass his role.



There are several twists to the story, with a few surprises along the way. I wasn't expecting the efficiency with which Francis wraps things up. In fact, I was worried there would be too much coincidence and convenience required to tie up all the loose threads but, without giving away any spoilers, it all comes together very well in the end.







Published November 5th 2012 by Windrusher Hall Pres

Paperback, 332 pages

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Waiting On Wednesday - NOS4A2 by Joe by Hill

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.



This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:



NOS4A2 by Joe by Hill

April 30, 2013



NOS4A2 is a spine-tingling novel of supernatural suspense from master of horror Joe Hill, the New York Times bestselling author of Heart-Shaped Box and Horns.



Victoria McQueen has a secret gift for finding things: a misplaced bracelet, a missing photograph, answers to unanswerable questions. On her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike, she makes her way to a rickety covered bridge that, within moments, takes her wherever she needs to go, whether it’s across Massachusetts or across the country.



Charles Talent Manx has a way with children. He likes to take them for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate. With his old car, he can slip right out of the everyday world, and onto the hidden roads that transport them to an astonishing – and terrifying – playground of amusements he calls “Christmasland.”



Then, one day, Vic goes looking for trouble—and finds Manx. That was a lifetime ago. Now Vic, the only kid to ever escape Manx’s unmitigated evil, is all grown up and desperate to forget. But Charlie Manx never stopped thinking about Victoria McQueen. He’s on the road again and he’s picked up a new passenger: Vic’s own son.





I have to admit, the novelty of the license plate/title does absolutely nothing for me, and probably has a lot to do with why it too so long for this to make it onto my radar. Despite that, the story sounds intriguing, and I've heard good things about Hill's work. If he can manage to capture even a fraction of his father's magic, then this could be an amazing read.

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Phantom Harvest by C.R. Richards (SPOTLIGHT)

Title: Phantom Harvest

Author: C.R. Richards

Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press

Length: 368 pages

Sub-Genres: science fiction/fantasy



Blurb: Gideon, a half-breed mutant with a surly temper and rotten luck, struggles to scrape a living as a tracker in the desolate territory near the gateway to the human world. Business seems to be picking up when Gideon is approached by a powerful dark elf with deep pockets and a serious problem. Human miners at the dark elf's plant are being taken by an elusive predator. Gideon is pressured to find the killer before word of the disappearances reaches the human world, endangering the tense relationship between their two races. But, nothing is simple this close to the conduit between worlds. Archangel, a ruthless mercenary operating in the secret sectors of mutant society, has set his own deadly game in motion. Surrounded by savage wilderness and cut off from contact with civilization, Gideon must find a way to protect his friends and survive to collect his bounty.

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About The Author:

Cynthia's literary career began when she interned as a part-time columnist for a small entertainment newspaper. She wore several hats: food critic, entertainment reviewer and cranky editor. A co-author of horror and urban fantasy novels, her first solo fiction project - The Mutant Casebook Series - was published by Whiskey Creek Press in 2013. Cynthia is an active member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and lives in Colorado.



FB: authorcrrichards

Twitter: CR_Richards

Author Website: www.crrichards.com

Publisher Website: www.whiskeycreekpress.com

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The Marching Dead by Lee Battersby (ARC REVIEW)

It was almost a year ago that Lee Battersby completely blew me away with The Corpse-Rat King, an extremely funny, extraordinarily imaginative tale that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have gleefully recommended over and over again. I've been waiting for the follow-up almost from the moment I turned the last page, and I'm pleased to say The Marching Dead was definitely worth the wait.



In a slightly more mature sequel, Battersby eases up a bit on the slapstick and reigns in the bizarre sense of adventure, but still maintains the same imaginative literary sense of the macabre that made the first book such a success. We pick up the story of Marius dos Helles a few years later, with our reluctant hero relaxing at home with the love of his life - except, of course, for when he's shifting back into dead flesh and stealing into town for a drink. Before long, however, that boringly idyllic life is brought to a screeching halt when Keth is dragged kicking and screaming into the realm of the dead, and Marius finds himself on the wrong end of Drenthe's sword . . . again.



Cue the return of Gerd, who is given a chance to rise above his minor sidekick role to become a main character, and his Granny, who is very much dead, but still looking after her favourite boy. As Gerd explains to Marius, "We buried Granny in the village graveyard. After a week, she dug herself out and came to me for answers." I thought Gerd was underused in the first book, so it was nice to see him have a chance to shine here. Not only does he stand up to Marius and hold his own, but he sticks with the man who led him to his death, browbeating him into doing the right thing more than once. As for Granny, her sharp-witted nastiness serves as a welcome foil for both men.



Whereas the first book was all about Marius trying to find new ways to duck his responsibilities, and new (dead) people to thrust those responsibilities upon, this book is very much about him confronting his past and claiming the destiny he escape first time around - albeit reluctantly. Battersby reveals the man behind the corpse, introducing us to his parents, and providing some insight into why his life of privilege ended with him robbing corpses on a battlefield. It makes for a more sombre and serious tale, at least in parts, but the added depth is very much appreciated.



There are more than a few new characters here to love, including Brys (the sexy Pirate with the ample bosom), Fellipan (the dead sexy bordello Mistress with the ample bosom), and Arnobew (the madman with a cardboard sword). It's definitely a more well-rounded cast than in the first book, and four-sided love triangle between Marius, Keth, Brys, and Fellipan is both a lot of fun and source of surprising sorrow by the end. The visual depiction of Fellipan is about as over-the-top erotic as they come, and her personality delivers on that dangerous premise, even as she assures Marius that it's not necrophilia if they're both dead.



Once again, Battersby absolutely nails the narrative style, balancing humour and horror, fantasy and felony. It's another quick-moving, well-written story that amuses, excites, and concludes with some rather deep, and remarkably heavy musings on the subjects of life, death, and the afterlife - or the lack thereof. Some readers may be a tad offended by the nunnery to which Marius' mother has retired, having been home to "celebrated healers, whores, and the occasional holy woman," but the practicality of hedging their bets against shifts in mythology is to be admired. I wasn't quite sure where the story was headed, and I appreciated the way it kept me guessing, and managed to surprise me, without making me feel cheated.



I suspect - or maybe just desperately hope - that is not the end for Marius and Gerd but, if it is, then I can walk away with no complaints. The Corpse-Rat King and The Marching Dead make for an entirely satisfying duology, firmly establishing Marius dos Helles as one of the finest - and funniest - reluctant heroes in the history of fantasy. If you enjoyed the first one, you'll love this one too, and if you have yet to enjoy the first one . . . well, what the heck are you waiting for?





Expected publication: March 26th 2013 by Angry Robot

Paperback, 416 pages

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WIN the VERY FIRST copy of Guy Gavriel Kay’s RIVER OF STARS

To celebrate the worldwide launch of Guy Gavriel Kay’s forthcoming River of Stars, Penguin Canada is auctioning the first book of the first print run, autographed by the author. Signed and verified by the printer and the publisher, this first copy includes a product identification slip and letter from the printing press identifying the book as the first copy printed of the first edition.



Come on, really, how cool is that!



The auction runs from March 1 to March 8, 2013 and is currently sitting at $217.50 for the winning bid.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290871419813

All proceeds from the auction are being donated to Indigo Books & Music, Inc.’s Love of Reading Fund, which directly supports high-needs elementary school literacy programs across Canada.





Inspired by the glittering and decadent Song Dynasty, River of Stars immerses us into an epic tale of prideful emperors, battling courtiers, nomadic invasions and of a woman fighting to find her place in the world. Guy Gavriel Kay, once again, astonishes with his skilled balance of fantasy, historical fiction, romance, and literary style and craft that results in an unforgettable journey destined to be one of his greatest achievements to date.

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February Follow Giveaway - WINNERS!

A huge thanks to everybody who stopped by over the past month to take part in the February Follow Giveaway!



We did successfully surpass the 500 GFC followers milestone, so there is 1 winner who will receive a book of his/her choice. Congratulations to . . .

Lauren T.

While we didn't quite hit the second milestone level I was aiming for, I'm still quite pleased with the 22 new GFC followers and 27 new Facebook 'likes' the month did bring in, so I've decided there will still be a second winner who will receive a book of his/her choice. Congratulations to . . .

Michelle S.

Thanks again to everybody, and please keep your eye out for a few big giveaways I have coming up over the next few months!

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