Unforgivable II by James Fuller

Unforgivable II  by James Fuller

Description

Half a lifetime of running comes to a dead stop when Sofia stands as the last of her line. Her father and her innocence lie cold in the ground as she embarks on a crusade of treason, blood and justice.
Haunted by her dreams, Sofia inherits more than her father's thirst for vengeance with the discovery of a miraculous herb among his possessions. However, she finds the peace offered by the infamous root comes at a crippling cost: an addiction that leaves her owing more than life is worth in the kingdom of Faer-Tri.
Indebted to gypsies, she enters a war in the capital city of Delmar where every shadow promises death by friend or foe alike. In the chaos, Sofia fights to separate reality form fantasy while only one thing remains certain...she will not rest until the king lies dead at her feet...

My Review

Unforgivable II is a powerful story soaked with the blood only a trail of merciless revenge could leave behind. It's written in a manner where it can be read in order and fill the wake of its predecessor, Unforgivable, or stand alone making waves of its own. With that said, I enjoyed the first book and recommend you do read them in the order they were meant to be read. 
There were times in this book when I caught myself saying, "Just one more chapter, just give me a little bit more." There was so much going on that I found myself wanting to stem away from Sophia's revenge story and learn more about her past, the war or the gypsies. However, I understand why Fuller chose to write Sopia's tale fast and lean just like her fathers story. 
Once again, Fuller did a magnificent job in depicting the beast that is revenge. He shows how it can consume and twist and fog the mind. 
I wanted so badly wanted to fully venture down the rabbit hole with Sophia but even though that journey was not in the forefront of the book, the surprises Fuller gave were still elaborate and fantastically gruesome. 
One thing I absolutely love about this sequel, Fuller never lets Sophia slip out of character. Not for anything or anyone. She uses her surroundings to reach her goal and in the end she and we, the reader realize what she has become.

Interview with the author

Lost in thought: I was really excited going into book 2 because the first one was amazing and this time it's a woman out for revenge. I was eager to see how you would portray her. What I found so amazing is that Sophia's killing style is like her father's; brutal, quick and calculated. Yet it's also essentially a style of her own, fresh, fast and focused. I don't believe that between the two characters you killed anyone the same way twice!  You managed to do it again! 

James Fuller: And I hope to do it a third time. The thing you have to remember about Sophia is that she grew up on the run with her father, watching him, learning from him, seeing that hesitation meant failure and death. Jamus acted on a primal instinct of focus to keep them alive. It's only natural that that would be passed down, except with slight differences.

LIT: A third time, I heard about that but I wasn't sure if it was just a thought or a plan. That's pretty awesome! 

JF: As a few months ago I released knowledge that there will be an Unforgivable 3.

LIT: I'm excited but who will be exacting revenge this time? Any crumbs for a teaser or must I/we wait?

JF: Unforgivable 3 will actually take place in the 10 years between Chapters 13 and 14 of book 1. The years they spent on the run.  I will gladly give you the first chapter to post if you'd like.

LIT: Sounds sweet and I would gladly add a teaser! And might I add a "YEY!"? Interestingly enough I was missing that! When I started book two and Sophia was already a deadly assassin  I have to admit a little part of me was sad. I wanted to know how she got there. I am glad to see you working hard. If I recall correctly, you have started to write some erotica as well?

JF: Yes I have. I have written 2 so far and have a 3rd in the works, but they aren't your typical erotica's, they are darker (much like Unforgivable) the plots are deep and entrenched with action, desire and heart wrenching moments that will leave you breathless and eager.

LIT: Watch out! Hahaha Ok! 

JF: Until Death Do Us Part hit #1 in erotica's on Amazon for a short time this summer and was said to be one of the best paranormal erotica's of the summer!

LIT: WHAT!? That's awesome! Congratulations! You should have led with that! 

JF: Thanks

LIT: Well, sir, it was good chatting with you once again. See you back here for Unforgivable three?

JF: Gladly! Thanks

LIT: Thank you!

Last thoughts 

Again, Fuller would have went deeper into the war and the Kingdom, but then it wouldn't be a sequel but a completely different novel. I deeply appreciate that Fuller does manage to keep it about Sophia.  He keeps the people and emotions believable   She acts exactly like a person driven by revenge would act. No time for anything else. 

Other Publications

Fall of a King: The False Prince

Fall of a King: Brothers of Blood

Unforgivable 

Unforgivable II

Broken Shards of a Masterpiece

Luxuria (erotica)

and 

Until Death Do Us Part -(erotica) Hit #1 on this summers Amazon charts

Congrats again! 

You can find these works at Amazon available for kindle and paperback 

As promised Sneak Peek of Unforgivable III

Unforgivable III

The Lost Years

Chapter 1

Sins of Necessity

                The night was cold and bitter, the sting of winters breath unforgiving to those ill prepared to venture out into it. Gusts of angry biting wind threw the thick falling snow around in a bizarre dance of utter confusion. Most were snug in their beds, blanketed by the embrace of a burning hearth and thick down filled quilts, but a few were forced to endure the frozen wasteland having no place to call home anymore.

                Jamus tightened his grip, his fingers entrenching deeper within the thick, curly mats of hair. He lent more of his weight down harder, fighting against the desperate struggling beneath him. His exhausted muscles screamed at him to stop but he knew if he relented even for a moment his resolve would break.

                He looked over at the shivering rag bundled figure standing at the entrance of the alleyway. “Close your eyes honey,” he said through gritted teeth his voice full of raw affliction, “just look away.” He could see the whites of her eyes disappear as she squeezed them shut.

                Jamus pushed his victims face deeper into the freezing snow cutting off all chance of him finding another breath or releasing another muffled cry for help. Suffocating him until finally his movements slowed and stopped his body finally going limp. He held sure long after the man had cease to move not willing to risk any chance that the deed was unfinished.

                He stared down at the body a silent guilt riddled war waging deep within him before he rolled him over as looked upon the dead man’s face, something he forced himself to always do. He glared down at the man’s rough features, how many women had he beaten? How many had he raped? How many lives had he ruined with his wickedness? He couldn't anymore.

                Jamus’ guilt subsided as he began to search the man’s pockets and retrieved a small coin purse with a silver and four copper within. It wasn't much but it would buy them enough food to go on awhile longer. He pulled a silver ring from the man’s finger and pocketed it as well.

                “Papa, I hear someone.” Sofia shivered through the gusts of wind.

Hypnos by Alexis Lewis

Hypnos by Alexis Lewis

Book Description

When college student Madison Tyler goes to sleep at night she doesn’t just dream, she unknowingly struggles with an unwanted talent…the ability to affect the minds of other sleepers. Slowly losing the normalcy of life at the expense of this gift she meets two brothers with their own dark secrets who could influence her fate.

Since they have experience in the strange new awareness she has fallen prey to, the attractive twins just might be the solution she needs. Identical in feature but not in form the brothers wage their own internal battles against things even more powerful than Madison’s talents which grow stronger and pull them closer everyday.

Troubled and dark, Chris must decide whether or not to help her despite a personal history that demands avoidance. Strong and kind, Keenan is determined to save them all from self-destruction before he loses both the brother he loves and this odd yet beautiful girl he feels driven to aid.

Hypnos is the tale of three people vying to find answers to the oldest of questions...What is the definition of good and evil, and how do we act upon our understanding in a world clouded by human relationships, emotion, and the necessity of self preservation? How often do our conscious endeavors reflect our unconscious will?

My Review

Let’s begin at the beginning, best authors forward ever! If there were an award for it Alexis Lewis would win hands down.  If you can read it and still put the book down, then you don't deserve to be a part of this ridiculously amazing adventure that emerges in the pages to follow! After reaching the 30% mark I simply couldn't put the book down anymore.

The idea of lucid dreaming is such an intriguing basis for writing a novel. I personally am a dreamer (and a have experienced lucid dreaming and hags) perhaps that helped me relate more to the story.  I do believe that even if someone doesn’t dream they would still find this book mysterious and captivating. The author takes it to so many different levels.  At times the book gets dark or hard but the author understands this and throws the reader a bone, by inserting some comic relief, giving the reader time to recuperate from the intense ideas and story line.

She seems to have perfect timing, the way all the scenes pan out, just seamless, effortless. This book and its author deserve every bit of the 5 stars.

If I had to say something critical, I think the vocabulary was over the top. That is the only fault I could find.  It’s one thing for the author to have this immense and beautifully variant vocabulary, but it is unrealistic that all of the characters have this impeccable vocabulary.  (I can understand that Madi and Chris might speak like that, but everyone…hard to believe)  But the book still gets every bit of the five stars, because the author manages to keep everyone in character regardless of their immaculate vernacular.

After reading this book I began to do some research and found some interesting blogs about lucid dreaming and the such. That’s how powerful Hypnos is, it makes you want to research more, learn more and that is a rare quality for a single book to have.

I think for me on a personal note this book was not just a pleasure to read but I became part of it. 

Interview with the author

Lost in Thought- Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me, I know you're busy writing book 2, which I am anxiously awaiting!

Alexis Lewis- Thank you for doing a blog on me! I'm thrilled!

LIT- So, what inspired you to write about lucid dreaming? I am a huge dreamer and often know when I am dreaming. Do you dream too?

AL- I do. Lucid dream-luv it. I find it amazing that there isn't more info on dreaming from a researchable scientific point of view. It's an incredible psychological frontier that we've only begun to explore...

LIT- Yes, I agree. People are always saying,  “what did my dream mean?” and I look at it more like, “how much fun can I have!” I believe the brain itself is still a huge mystery. Did you have to do tons of research when you wrote this or are you writing more from experience?

AL- Many of my scenes are derived from experience, but I did have to do a lot of research when it came to terminology especially. My background with philosophy and psych 101 courses didn't hurt either. I tried to have fun with the story rather than let it be dominated by the context which is an easy trap to fall into.

The mystery of the human mind as you said, was my ally. It gave me room for poetic license. Lol

LIT- As you already know, I love-love your book! You did a great job, and I am under the impression that you balanced the theories and the story well. Seriously, great job! So, the 'hag', is that a technical term? I have experienced this on several occasions....and just for the readers can you explain the term in a sentence or two? And should I be worried? LOL..but seriously.

AL- First off-thank you so much. Thank you for reading it! It's what we authors live for-pleased fans. It was written for you and everyone like you.

'Hag' is a pseudo-technical term. It is the old moniker for what physicians call sleep-paralysis today. It connotes waking up with the inability to move one's body and is usually accompanied by a feeling of apprehension or weight on the upper torso. Scary stuff, I know. As for being worried...

LIT- I knew it! I'm doomed!  So, there is a book two underway. Can you tell us a little about it? Does it pick up right where book one left off?

AL- You're not doomed! Just one of the many who experience the inexplicable. Book 2 in the series, 'Syphon', is in the works, and it will begin right where Hypnos left off. I wasn't sure I was going to write another book to be quite honest, but my first try did well, and some of my friends complained that I definitely left the plot hanging. Can't be unfair to the readers!

LIT- Yea, well I think it could have went either way! I am glad, however, that the adventures will continue.

AL- Also, I want to explore the lighter side of things in the second novel, show the beauty of lucid dreaming rather than just its horrors. Happy, hopeful stuff you know?

LIT- Oh, yes, I think that would be cool to explore another side.

So, Madi is going to marry, who did you say?

LOL!

AL- Hahaha-ahhh not sure I'll include a Meyer's -esque wedding. Who knows? Chris might actually sacrifice Mad's. Maybe her death will be the light at the end of the tunnel? Not sure yet really. Lol

LIT- AHHHH! Ok.... I vote no on the sacrifice! Hahaha... No worries... I'm sure whatever comes next will be absolutely amazing. Seriously, your book is one my all-time favs. A breath of fresh air! And if you have to sacrifice someone, that is just simply our duty as authors. I’m sure I will get over it!

Thanks, so much for taking the time to talk with me. Now get back to work!!

AL- Thank you!  Will do, and I'll try not to off anyone for your sake! Can't wait to read the blog! TY, TY, TY Jess!

LIT- No worries, my pleasure! Ciao and thanks again for your time!

Where to find Hypnos

Amazon Kindle-  http://www.amazon.com/HYPNOS-ebook/dp/B009BKJ4MK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361214728&sr=8-1&keywords=Hypnos+Alexis

Kobo- http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Hypnos/book-F0jSCd2sOk-Am3KRSxGdbQ/page1.html?s=xkHWBCu5YEWCgbfFT0wUrw&r=1

Nook (Barnes and Nobles)-  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/h-y-p-n-o-s-alexis-lewis/1114225161?ean=2940016029238

Wanna follow Alexis Lewis

Book website- hypnosbyalexislewis.webs.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Hypnos_Alexis

Blog- http://hypnosbyalexislewis.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html

Last Words

Alexis Lewis, deserves a freaking super-genius prize for crafting this amazing story. I think for me on a personal note, this book was not just a pleasure to read but I became part of it.  Hypnos is so intense that I began lucidly dreaming about lucid dreaming! True story!

Unforgivable by James Fuller

"a thrilling tale"         " leaves you wanting more"

"incredibly dark and twisted story which I loved every moment of"

Unforgivable by James Fuller

Description

       Rising from the ashes of his home in Ever-Dale, Jamus Willms carves a brutal path of vengeance through the lands powerful nobility. His quest for justice seems to defy even death, as hatred fuels his journey - to the ruthless Lord that took everything from him as a simple reminder of the status quo. With the fires of that fateful night still burning in his mind, each step that takes him closer to reclaiming his daughter from the clutches of a psychopath blurs the line between man and monster - Jamus struggles to keep the flames that had disfigured his flesh from twisting his very soul forever. A moving and satisfying tale of revenge from James Fuller.

Book Excerpt

       A dark, lone figure limped indignantly down the dirt road in almost complete silence; all that gave away his presence was the soft clink from the single spur on his left boot, which could be heard for some distance on this silent night.

       The loner wore a dark crimson woolen cloak around his lean shoulders. Most on a cool night such as this would have it pulled tightly around them, but the loner welcomed the unfavorable sensation on his damaged skin and his cloak was open freely. Though the hood he wore concealed his damaged face and identity with the gloomy shadow it produced.

       Most folk were asleep at this late hour, safe in their beds, dreaming sweet dreams of what tomorrow may bring. But not him-he seemed to not need sleep now; hate fuelled his every step, his every move, his every breath. A bitter odium which overwhelmed his very essence, mocking his  common good-natured self, forcing him to forget everything beautiful in the world, everything pure, everything that he had tried to live for. All for nothing-all a disgusting, cruel, twisted joke by the gods... if there were any gods...

       The smell of smoke lingered in the air and assured him he was close to the small town of Milton- his first destination.

My Review

       It was so easy to get caught up in this book, I mean, just read that excerpt! (Taken from the first chapter!) I wanted to show everyone how easily and effortlessly Unforgivable demands your attention from the very beginning. Within the first few pages James Fuller has you hooked!  You ask yourself- Who is this man? What happened to him? And James doesn't leave you guessing for long, his writing is fast and lean. And once you learn the past you have no choice but to read on and see the future.

       I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because I felt that there could have been more of a journey and perhaps more time to get to know the family and other characters.

      Aside from that, I really enjoyed this read. Action-packed, emotional and brutal.  I recommend this book to anyone who likes revenge served hot with a side of kick-ass.  

Interview with the author

Lost in thought- First off, I just want to say thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me. I truly enjoyed your book.

James Fuller-You’re welcome, I am glad to be here. And you’re too kind.

LIT- No, really! Finding an excerpt to put in the blog is usually the hardest part. But with you, I only had to go to the first chapter, second paragraph. You have such a powerful and gripping beginning, that hooks the reader immediately.  You are a master at murdering your characters. Am I in any danger?

James Fuller- Lol! Anyone who encounters a writer is in danger of being written into a story, and lifted up as a hero... or brutally murdered... for now... you are safe.

LIT- Phew, I will be sure not to cross you!  =) What inspires you? What made you go into this genre? And what exactly is your genre?

James Fuller- I am not sure what truly inspires me, life? My passion to create? My enjoyment of telling a fable? My love of entrapping others into a world I muster up within my mind. All of the above? I chose to do this genre because I see a lot of it out there, yet not a lot of writers are willing to push their characters to the edge in which the greatest things can be achieved. Nor do a lot of writers take the world of violence to the level I did. How many writers can make you love and even root for a cold blood killer?

I do not limit myself as a fiction/fantasy writer, it is what I am known for right now, but I am branching out. I have a couple of horror books in the works and even a fantasy erotica.

LIT- That's so funny, because I wrote that in my review! It's a weird feeling. Rooting for a man to murder another. I think it just shows how well you showed his pain. (I don't want to spoil anything) After what happened to him, anything he does to his enemies is forgivable!

Ok, last one, because this is getting long! 

You are pretty no-holds-barred in your writing style, is there anything you are afraid to write about or anything you feel uncomfortable writing about?

James Fuller- I hate censorship, and I detest censoring my writing style. I had to censor myself so much in school for projects it made my soul hurt. Now out in the real world and as an Indie author where I am not censored by anyone I feel good and refuse to censor my writing. If the story demands it of me I will write it.

LIT- I respect and understand that, but is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?  Not out of censorship, not because of what others might think, but because of how it would make you feel.

James Fuller- To be honest rape scenes always do make me feel a little awkward when writing. I am a detailed writer but at the same time I have to find that level of enough detail to bring out the emotion needed without going over board. I hate the thought of rape it is a horrible thing and should never happen.

LIT-Which brings me to another point, I am not sure if I mentioned it in the review. You handled the rape scene with the right amount of respect. As a woman, I felt the pain, as should everyone, but you wrote it with the right amount of sensitivity. (And of course the pain of the event, was lessened by the revenge.) Well, I just want to thank you again for the interview.  And I am looking forward to reading more of your work.

I wish you much success!

James Fuller- Thank you Jessica, it was a pleasure to be here and I hope you'll have me back soon. And not to worry I have much out there for you to read.

Last thoughts-

  

       I found it interesting how easily I sided with a cold blooded, brutal, killer and I didn't flinch when `justice' was served. James Fuller, did a superb job in describing his fight scenes. It takes great bravery to go to the dark places this author went, it's a risk I am glad he took. I see this book easily becoming a movie or mini-series or even a great graphic novel.

Other publications by James Fuller 

Fall of a King: The False Prince (Book One)

Unforgivable 2

Coming soon:

Fall of a King: Brothers of Blood (Book Two) 

Where you can find Unforgivable- 

Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Unforgivable-Part-One-ebook/dp/B007W3HE84/ref=la_B006TNSNSS_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348542069&sr=1-2

Official Webpage- http://www.authorjamesfuller.com/index.html

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJamesFuller

Goodreads-  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15844491-unforgivable