Tuesday, August 28, 2012

No Remorse



"Hot!"



No Remose 
by MaryLynn Bast


Description

      Due to her unusual birth, Amber has abilities no other werewolf has ever possessed. On the run since childhood, the lone wolf avoids contact with other werewolves at all cost, continually moving, constantly looking over her shoulder and always alone. Everything changes when Amber saves a werewolf from the mere brink of death, Blake, the only werewolf to ever protect her. Love blossoms, but not without tribulations when Amber realizes she must help her new pack rescue a member who is being held hostage by a rival pack. Warring with emotions of going from lone wolf to the pack leader’s mate, Amber must decide if she is willing to risk Blake’s life to know true family and friendship despite the fact that the Council is hell bent on locating her and will stop at nothing until she is found. Will Amber’s special abilities be enough to keep everyone safe?

My Review

      I didn't know anything about the story when I began reading. I didn't bother to read the back cover or anything, I just dove right in!
      I was instantly taken by the way Bast portrays the werewolves. She captured the spirit of the wolves in her characters, which I thought she did exceptionally well.  They are werewolves.  Strong hunters, with primal needs and emotions, and large appetites. They aren't some wimpy, sappy, cuddle animals, and she makes this point from the very beginning and I like that!
      This was my first ever encounter with a romance novel. With that said, I did an awful lot of blushing and at times I was very hot!  The story line, was action packed and the fight scenes were very well orchestrated.  My only down side is that she created this intricate world of orders and secrets, I felt that there could have been more.  But I believe that if you don't leave a reader wanting more, than you are doing something wrong!

Interview with MaryLynn Bast




Lost in Thought- So, I'm just going to get right to it! How long have you been writing?

Marylnn- I began writing while in school and was always excited for the teachers to give writing assignments. As a kid I was one of those who had my face buried in a book and making up my own stories. This continued as I grew older, but I never did anything with my writing until I wrote No Remorse.
LIT- What made you finally decided to get serious?
MaryLynn- I was sitting in a hotel room in S. Korea on a 3 month work assignment as a contractor for the Air Force. Sitting in lodging each night with insomnia makes for a long night, so I began writing again. A friend of mine suggested I enter a short story contest for werewolves and when I wrote this story, it just kept happening. With my friend being a fellow author, she was able to show me the ropes and this pushed me to get serious about my writing.

LIT- It's always good to have someone to lean on. Did you enjoy your stay in S. Korea? I absolutely loved it there.

MaryLynn-I loved being in S. Korea. It was a different culture and really at times kind of scary with N. Korea being on the verge of attacking again. After 3 months there I went to Japan for 3 months as well and that was even more of a culture shock, but really cool.  

LIT- I am so jealous! I love Japan! Let me get back on topic. What motivates you, what's your muse?

MaryLynn- I am easily motivated to write. Anything I see or hear can trigger something in my mind to write about. My muses are always jumping around in my head to be heard. Some louder than others. So, whoever is the loudest gets heard that day. :)


LIT-That's funny I am the same way! I guess what they say is true, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.  What did you learn from writing No Remorse? What are you going to be doing differently in book two?
MaryLynn-The technique I used for No Remorse was to write out the general plot then go back through and fill in the details of each scene. So far this has been the process for each of my books and works for me.
In book two I have created character profiles for tracking as the story lines grow so I can remember who did what, how they look and their role in this and any future stories.

LIT- Ok, last question. Where would you like to be in 5 years? (for example,I want a movie deal!) 

MaryLynn-You pretty much guessed it. I would like to have a movie deal for my series and be sitting out on the deck with a margarita enjoying the sun going down behind the mountains of a lake cabin enjoying life while I continue to write more stories.

LIT- Well, I just want to say that it is really a pleasure working with you and I am glad that we met. I wish you nothing but the greatest success! And thank you for taking the time out to do this interview with me.
MaryLynn-Thank you so much Jessica for taking the time to read No Remorse and do the interview. I have enjoyed meeting you and look forward to reading your work and interviewing you as well.


Last Words-

 I learned a lesson after I read No Remorse; Just because you don't write a certain genre, does not mean that you shouldn't read from it!  Had I not stepped outside my box I would have missed this jewel of a book. I truly look forward to reading more of her work! 

Other publications by MaryLynn Bast

A Justified Kill

Werewolf Bound

 Escaping Dominance

 Veiled Secrets for the Heart of a Wolf Series

One Bite To Passion (erotica)


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

         "intriguing"       "a must-read" 

       "brilliantly written"       "stellar job" 
      
 "a great debut novel"



Book Description


Do or Die... In a world that has been divided amongst the Hunter race and the Warrior, prisoners who have fallen prey to King Cyrus' decrees are forced into the arena to fight until death. Winner is granted mercy and privilege to see another sunrise. Death unto the weak. In an attempt to get back at everyone who has ever shut her out, seventeen year-old Princess Echo becomes another victim, dragging Ayden, her forbidden love, along in a race to freedom, to find out who she really is, and to put a world that has been swallowed by lies back together again. When death threatens the forbidden love of an unlikely couple and they are forced to do the unthinkable, to what extent will they go to be together?
            
                                                             
A Little Tease


Last night with Ayden had been amazing—no, magical. If my mind could have come up with anything other than Ayden, I was sure there were over a million words in the New Latin vocabulary that could’ve explained my night with him sufficiently. After kissing him good-bye until the sun had begun to rise, I stumbled back to the palace and snuck in through the back doorways by the gardens. I hadn’t slept at all. I was too excited to think of sleep, actually, and the necklace he’d given me, beautiful in every possible way, begged for so much attention it wouldn’t allow me rest.


My interview with Nadège


1.  Did you have an obstacles while writing your book? What did you find easiest?

Actually, no. I did have to do a bit of research, but my imagination took over and I easily surpassed any obstacles. Creating Alwaenia was the easiest thing for me. I'm a procrastinator and I tend not to think ahead sometimes, so I just kind of wrote and built Alwaenia however the thoughts came to me. Echo was pretty easy as well. She's much like me and my writing is always personal.

2.  Do you have any odd habits when writing?


Oh yes, especially writing in this genre and in Alwaenia's era. The talk is very "old-timish" and I am the furthest thing from old. There were times when the dialogue in Burning Bridges would shift to more modern times and I would scold myself for getting out of character. Though, I don't want people to get this image of my writing being so 'boring and mature.' It's just me, you know? And I'm random, so things will definitely switch up. Who knows?

3. What inspired you to write this novel?


George Orwell's 1984 and my stubborn ways. I first read 1984 in high school and everyone in my Lit class hated it but me. I loved the story so much, I read it twice during that same summer. I think it was my first encounter with REAL dystopia.

I'm a hater of racism and prejudices. I'm a quiet person, so I won't speak up about it a lot, but it disturbs me to no end, against any race or sex, really. I always grew up knowing the difference between white and black and it really bothered me how much my family (and others) felt inferior or thought "differents" shouldn't mingle. I guess my hatred for that way of thinking forced my pen to paper and got me to finish my first novel.

4. Do you have any hobbies?


Too many. I sing, hike, play floor hockey, I've been a martial artist for two years, I'm an ex-gymnast, and I sleep!

5. As an author, what is your main goal? Where would you like to be in 5 years?


My main goal is proving to others, as well as myself, that I can be successful, encourage others to do better, without all the fame and money. My friends always tell me, "Oh, you are such a good writer, and you're young too! You could end up famous and make a lot of money."

That way of thinking also irks me. Five years from now I could end up being a seasoned author with my name in lights all over Hollywood, but it just wouldn't be the same if I ever stopped writing about what I want to write about. I could care less about what sells. I will write the usual paranormal or urban fantasy, but there is always a true story behind my words, something I hope makes a difference. I never want to stop being ME, so if five years from now I am content and still writing, I'll be the happiest person in the world, guaranteed.





My Review


Ms. Nadège Richards has done a wonderful job creating a foreign, yet familiar world. Her writing is clear and she always seems to know the exact word for any given situation or emotion. Her precise nature is then coupled with a poetic side, and they merge beautifully.  At one point, I was even brought to tears and that is a very rare feat! Burning Bridges is a great start to what I hope will continue to be a wonderful adventure. I am looking forward to book two.




About the Author






Nadège K. Richards


Born in New York City and raised in Pennsylvania, Nadège has traveled to five other states and two countries, but aspires to travel the world some day. Her name is of French origin, though she's never been to France. Forever a lover of art and all things pertaining to Literature, she hopes to obtain knowledge from her writing career, rather than popularity or fame. She wrote her first story about aliens and goats in the 8th grade and has had a passion for story-telling ever since. Her friends and family are her biggest inspiration, and the occasional cup of coffee. She enjoys being part of the Indie community and sharing her stories with the world





Last Words

I am eagerly awaiting the next book from this talented young author. I can't wait to watch her go from a newbie to a pro. 
  


Burning Bridges can be found at the links below-










Saturday, August 11, 2012


"Epic.."      "Exciting..."        "A job well done!"


Book Description

When Raven's family is taken captive by the hordes of the evil lord N'atax, her only desire is to rescue them before they reach the dreaded castle Axtalia. But, as she pursues them through the lands of Arth, aided by her friend Le-thon, she realizes that her true destiny could be far more than she had ever imagined.

Book excerpt

        "Hear now the final words of Estoc and the Prophecy of old that we have nurtured for ages!" Thus the King began, first in his own tongue, and then in the Common Tongue of Arth.
        "Thus spoke Estoc: I go the way of all living beings in the lands of Arth. But this sword I leave in your charge. It is a great weapon, as you have witnessed through the years. None can defeat a true champion, if their heart is pure. So, your island has been kept safe from all who dared to trespass here without your permission. Now, I leave it behind. But, know this! A great warrior will come one day. A valiant warrior greater than I! And that warrior will claim this sword. How, you ask, will you know when this great champion comes? It will be by the test of the teeth of the B'ranhas! Although they will attack ferociously after the Sweet Rain of Death, the B'ranhas will not be able to harm one single hair of this great warrior. By this you will know that the time is at hand, and this prophecy that I leave with you will be fulfilled."


      Interview with the author

1. What did you find most difficult about writing this novel?

Starting and finishing. It took me twelve years!
Growing up in a family of readers, and being the 5th born, I had the pleasure of older brothers and sisters that constantly read to me. I can also remember my mom taking me to the public library every couple of weeks and how mad I was when I could only take out 5 books at a time! That was nothing for me to read in 2 weeks!
I actually started writing in the 6th grade, although back then it was mostly pencil and paper! My older brother taught me how to type on an old manual typewriter and that made it much easier. High school included 4 years of English, 4 years of Journalism, and some advanced classes, including Creative Writing. I actually used a story that I wrote when I was 13 for an assignment in Creative Writing, and was not only given an A+ but the teacher read the story to the class, stating that it was “the best she had seen in a long time”.
After high school I dove into the work force, following my brother into the steel fabrication business, and have been there ever since. The writing beast slept for many years, but finally was awoken with the filming of the trilogy Lord of the Rings. Even then, it took me another 12 years to finish my first book The Legends of Arth: The Summoner. The writing beast is now alive and well, and I am currently working on the next three books in the series.
 
2. Is there anything you will do differently in book two?

Hopefully the next book will be even better than my first! Here’s how I write:
I use 3rd person, which gives me the options and varieties I need for character development and inner thoughts, scene descriptions, etc. As for the style, I like to call it the Indiana Jones style! One “cliffhanger” after another! If my readers can’t put my book down, then I feel I have done my job well. It is a pleasure when fans tells me they hate my book because they had to keep reading to find out what happens next or how do they get out of that situation. Of course, they then ask “when are you going to get the next book done?”!
I am a planner, and like to have a complete layout from beginning to end. This includes all the events, characters, timelines, maps, etc. I do a chapter by chapter outline so that each one leads into the next.
But, I am a pantser! I find that every character and action has to be fluid and not written in stone, so to speak. Sometimes changes in the later chapters force me to go back and change earlier events so everything flows together from beginning to end. As I write, filling in the corners and gaps in each chapter, I make every effort to be flexible. There really is something to be said about the thrill of an inspirational moment that a writer gets and then can drop it into a storyline, even if it means having to go back and make changes to other parts of his book! When these occur, I have found that it is an event or a character that I haven’t even thought of before.


3. What is one thing you want the reader to take with them after reading your story?

Above all else, just a sense of being there, of believing in the hope of the story, and to live in the moment of the imagination! After that, just a love for more of my writing!

4. Do you have any weird habits when writing?

I find that I prefer some type of background noise, and music fits the bill very well. Classical works wonders and is one of my favorites. I have just recently found epic music on YouTube, and that stirs the imagination and drives the inspiration. Some of my most profound moments have come when listening to them.

5. I have a hard time choosing my favorite part of your novel; there truly are so many wonderful chapters! But what would you say is your favorite part? What was your favorite part to write?

Even for me it is hard to select just one favorite part. I would have to say the end, for all through the writing process I had the end in mind. My hope is that it will be a pleasant surprise to my readers as well!
Again, as I continue to write the trilogy that follows, I have the end for each book in mind. With all the turns, twists, and changes that the story will go through, I want the conclusion to be a wonderful experience for the readers.



My Review

Randy Massey is a first time author who possesses a wonderful gift, the gift of storytelling. The Summoner is a tale of majestic proportions. The journey you take once you begin reading this novel is suspenseful, magical and vividly entertaining. The lands of Arth and its inhabitants are brought to life by a warm and welcoming narrator. I cannot remember the last time I read a book that painted a landscape as clearly as this one. There are so many wonderful beings, who each have a background, a colorful history that makes them the characters that they are. Even now, after having finished the book, I am still wanting more. I recommend The Summoner by Randy Massey to any person, young or old that wants to travel to a distant world and be part of an epic adventure.

About the Author



Randy Massey works in the construction industry, and is a Steel Detailer by trade. He lives in Michigan with Sharon, his wonderful wife, who has put up with him for over 35 years. Reading has always been a passion of his, following such favorites as: Tolkien, Lewis, Asimov, Bradbury, and, more recently, Riordan and Collins. Loving all types of literature, with Fantasy and Science Fiction being his favorites, writing followed easily behind. He hopes his works will be enjoyed by many in the years to come.


Last Words-
Well, I am certainly happy that the beast woke! Randy Massey really has a wonderful way of making something so foreign seem so real.


The Summoner can be found at the links below-

At Goodreads:

At Smashwords: