tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175955892024-03-23T13:38:01.046-05:00Lyn Perry, WriterFiction with a dash of the fantastic.Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.comBlogger1185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-88596211701079477062023-06-01T06:30:00.009-05:002023-06-01T13:48:16.883-05:00Book Review Thursday - The Dressmaker's Gift<h3 style="text-align: left;">My Review of: The Dressmaker's Gift by Fiona Valpy</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaChn9oJ6nUhhVIsQ0hNICHrQAqlWg2AcTVCtnuea4oORsVPX-h894pJ1wDnJM5NOFIwQnSCreVZhH4mCvEs7NJogirxDiVs8ObcS3EWsstVeKhx2fRlC5zagekIWTmalqK_j4jSS5yZoiufR5Jvyxq7Ol14fdq0lKIrW47YP4amy4RSQtTRY/s805/Dressmakers%20Gift.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="805" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaChn9oJ6nUhhVIsQ0hNICHrQAqlWg2AcTVCtnuea4oORsVPX-h894pJ1wDnJM5NOFIwQnSCreVZhH4mCvEs7NJogirxDiVs8ObcS3EWsstVeKhx2fRlC5zagekIWTmalqK_j4jSS5yZoiufR5Jvyxq7Ol14fdq0lKIrW47YP4amy4RSQtTRY/w400-h249/Dressmakers%20Gift.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A few months back, I organized a Book Club at our condo community. I thought it would be a good way to meet new people here in Puerto Rico. First two meetings, there were only two of us! But we persisted and had five last month to discuss <b>John Grisham</b>'s legal thriller, <i>The Judge's List.</i> Most people liked it, I thought it was meh (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/04/sunday-reading-roundup-12.html">check out my review</a>). Our next meeting is next Saturday and we'll be talking about <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dressmakers-Gift-Fiona-Valpy-ebook/dp/B07P2VZ6ZL?tag=lpsweblforblo-20" target="_blank">The Dressmaker's Gift </a></i>(affiliate link to Amazon).</p><p>I liked this novel fairly well, but with some caveats. To start, it was a narrative- and reflection-heavy story (a lot of tell, not show). And it was slow. I know this isn't supposed to be a thriller, but the bulk of the story is set in occupied Paris during WW2. I thought there'd be a lot more tension.</p><p>Then, there's the structure of the novel. It's a modern trend, I guess, but the time jumps! Please. Can't we just have a regular historical novel set in the past? There are three main plot threads. The first is about Harriet (the modern day character from 2017). She's piecing together the story of her grandmother Claire who was a seamstress in 1940s Paris. The flashback chapters involve three friends - Claire, Vivienne, and Mirieille - and their roles in the French resistance.</p><p>Another "meh" for me was the modern day premise. I guess you need a rationale to start a story, but the set up was a bit too convenient - Harriet goes to Paris in 2017 on a kind of inner journey of discovery and ends up working in the same dress shop as her grandmother Claire and meeting Mirielle's granddaughter (Simone) in the same couture shop. They board in the same upstairs bedrooms as their grandmothers.</p><p>Okay. All well and good. So how do we flashback? Harriet wants to find out about Claire, and Simone writes her grandmother Mirielle (who's still alive at 100!) for details. The backstory is slowly revealed. Fortunately, this is told in good old-fashioned third person past (not via letters, thank goodness). It involves the other two plots - sometimes it's about Mirielle, sometimes it's about Claire. I'd have preferred one POV, but heh.</p><p>But even this portion of the novel was slow until about 60% when the tension mounted. I just was not interested in the modern day character's angst and commentary. I think you could skip the Harriet passages altogether and still enjoy the novel. But evidently this is the trend today. Plus, Harriet (and the author herself, from what she said in the afterword) got stuck on the idea of inherited trauma (as a motivating driver behind the MC's search for meaning) which I thought distracted from the story.</p><p>I'd recently read another flashback/three-character plotted WW2 novel called <i><a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/04/my-review-of-across-winding-river-by.html">Across the Winding River</a></i> by <b>Aimie K. Runyan</b> which I really enjoyed (4.5 stars) despite its structure, so I'm probably comparing the two books. This one gets 2.5 stars. The narrative time jump device got a bit tiresome and, while the writing was good enough, <i>The Dressmaker's Gift</i> just wasn't that compelling for me. Your mileage may vary - it has over 90,000 ratings (!) and 61% are 5 stars.</p><div>Question: Do you enjoy historical novels? And are you into this modern trend of a contemporary chracter discovering some post card or photograph about the past and launching into a journey of discovery?</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Book #20 in my race to read/review 52 books this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Click here for <a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-52-week-challenge.html">a list of all my 52 Week Challenge</a> reviews.</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-89641964530911604382023-05-11T06:44:00.021-05:002023-06-01T13:49:06.103-05:00Book Review Thursday - Two Ray Irish Mysteries<h3 style="text-align: left;">My Review of: Ray Irish Mystery Case Files #1 & #2 by Gordon Brewer</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNjkWq3biwUg4j7ne2BREh9enRfjuxdk5suUgRAyIC4GqDQ-yO-mSdcOvt-emLOprRFOfjR72jh95T4HIfRGEoCnA1v-kcLbylmufi4sKvdEeywQJCMjdM5ENN8vBNyWqOJy_oCF-BvJOigj_u3dONiajmnd7II4rYPgHc68MHpMOF9YNQAI/s671/Ray%20Irish%20Case%20Files.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="671" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNjkWq3biwUg4j7ne2BREh9enRfjuxdk5suUgRAyIC4GqDQ-yO-mSdcOvt-emLOprRFOfjR72jh95T4HIfRGEoCnA1v-kcLbylmufi4sKvdEeywQJCMjdM5ENN8vBNyWqOJy_oCF-BvJOigj_u3dONiajmnd7II4rYPgHc68MHpMOF9YNQAI/w400-h297/Ray%20Irish%20Case%20Files.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I think I found these two short pulp/noir detective mysteries via a freebie newsletter dealybob and went to the author's website to download a few samples. The writer is <b><a href="https://gordonbrewer.com/" target="_blank">Gordon Brewer</a></b>, and he had these two Ray Irish Case Files available for visitors. (Plus a short two-volume sword and sorcery e-book called Clovel Sword Saga which I've read and liked but have yet to review.)</p><p>The first Ray Irish mystery is titled Death Stalks the Runway and was quite intriguing and enjoyable. It starts out strong with a vicious crime, and the shamus (or private eye) is off and running, tracking down suspects as the tension mounts and the acts of violence increase. This story features a model and a suspicious agent - along with some gangsters and other nefarious players. The women the agent represents are living in fear, but a courageous 'dame' wants justice and Ray Irish is happy to seek it despite the danger to himself and his colleagues.</p><p>If you enjoy hard-boiled pulpy noir set in the 1940s, I think you'll like this first one. It's gritty and raw but well written and full of interesting characters. It's a short novella or a long novelet (about 65 pages), and is just the right length for this kind of adventure. I give it 4.5 stars.</p><p>The second Ray Irish mystery (Reaper Walks the Garden) is not as good as the first. Whereas Case File #1 bolts right out of the gate - with danger and fast pulpy action - Case File #2 opens with a grisly murder followed by lots and lots of talking. Lots and lots. The hard-boiled detective action didn't really start until a third of the way through. And for something this length (overlong at 95 pages), that's too far into the story for me to stay interested. So I skimmed to the end where everything was explained.</p><p>Basically, our shamus Mr. Irish tries to figure out who killed a dysfunctional woman in a dysfunctional family. Everyone's a suspect. But none of the characters grabbed me and they were all unlikable. Also, quite vulgar and violent. Like I said, it just didn't match the intrigue and engaging style of the first novelet. Not as strongly written, plus more than few typos which distracted me every now and then. Only 2.5 stars for this follow up mystery. <a href="https://gordonbrewer.com/free-books/" target="_blank">But do grab the first one here</a>.</p><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Book #17 in my race to read/review 52 books this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Click here for <a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-52-week-challenge.html">a list of all my 52 Week Challenge</a> reviews.</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-20199306983584474342023-04-20T07:46:00.001-05:002023-06-01T13:49:58.216-05:00Book Review Thursday - The Troubleshooters<h3 style="text-align: left;"><i>The Troubleshooters</i> </h3><p>by <b>William W. Johnstone </b>(Guns of the Vigilantes #2)</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNDKIiv1zs8v43y8SJ6LC41G_SI_fKWuLk4VAWVqyEu41QGNj45efVDGk2AAfSxTA2GRgLoDjRhGwQYzTczN92Y0GJE4le0_XBBvhbQLp84a43lcZCIl4R1GUcqzam1swHDWpKa8YfEmZAWPvmVpDKFmBCqBPlVjQy_Bg1roZhq9JBLD6pcc/s215/Troubleshooters.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="146" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNDKIiv1zs8v43y8SJ6LC41G_SI_fKWuLk4VAWVqyEu41QGNj45efVDGk2AAfSxTA2GRgLoDjRhGwQYzTczN92Y0GJE4le0_XBBvhbQLp84a43lcZCIl4R1GUcqzam1swHDWpKa8YfEmZAWPvmVpDKFmBCqBPlVjQy_Bg1roZhq9JBLD6pcc/w218-h320/Troubleshooters.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>I’ll say 3.5 stars. It was a good yarn, but a bit long and rambling. I got half way done and it kinda felt over (though the money stolen from the bank hadn’t been recovered), then a whole new cast of characters was introduced and off we went on another wild chase for the bad guys. Felt like two short novels put into one sprawling tale. Not bad writing or storytelling, actually, just some odd and surprising plot developments. <div><br /></div><div>The story started out pretty promising with Frank James (Jesse’s older brother) joining a posse in a small Texas town after the bank’s been robbed. He quotes Shakespeare and has evidently reformed his ways. An interesting character. Other supporting characters aren’t badly drawn either. The leader is deputy sheriff Dan Caine and the men set out but then immediately get ambushed. They regroup and try again, and this is where the plot starts to go off the rails.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Spoilers next - although part of this is mentioned on the back blurb.) </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the posse members is an Italian priest who is on the search for a lycanthrope in order to bring him back to the Vatican along with a wayward sapphic nun who has founded an order of She Wolves that terrorize the prairie. This isn’t a ‘weird western’ (in the current meaning of that genre, that is, featuring actual werewolves and vampires and such), but it is fairly odd in that the characters are considering that there are such beasts roaming the world. Kinda crazy.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what basically happens is that the story shifts from chasing the bank robbers to getting the money back from the leader of the She Wolves - whose pack of wild women had come across the robbers and killed them all, stealing the money. Definitely a surprising twist to a standard western posse vs bad guys trope. Later the Apaches enter in, there’s a massacre, and then we’re off to Ft. Worth for the final showdown.</div><div><br /></div><div>A pretty wild ride overall, and if you’re really into westerns with a slightly skewed plot, this might be for you. Oh, and every now and then the author inserted an omniscient narrator voice who spoke from the future about the events as history ‘recorded’ them. Curious and interesting at times, but not your typical third person past approach.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, William W. Johnstone didn’t write this novel (he’s been dead for some years), but I suspect his estate has a slew of house writers they use. Nothing wrong with that, but the storytelling style will change from book to book and series to series. Evidently, this is the second book in a vigilante series although I wouldn’t classify it as vigilante justice per se. Still, I enjoyed the novel enough to finish it. And whenever I need another quick and easy Johnstone western, I might try book number one.
</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5439986249" target="_blank">Same review on Goodreads</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Book #14 in my race to read/review 52 books this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Click here for <a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-52-week-challenge.html">a list of all my 52 Week Challenge</a> reviews.</div></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-75856521042587623142023-04-08T08:46:00.004-05:002023-04-08T10:04:41.719-05:00Sunday Reading Roundup #12<h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome back! In this edition...</h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Today's Book Beview</li><li>Currently Reading</li><li>On My TBR List</li><li>Stacking the Shelves</li><li>52 Week Challenge Update</li><li>Happening In Real Life</li><li>Weekend Blog Hops</li></ul><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Book Review: The Judge's List by John Grisham</h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHBxkQUp55S7CXGC8bn4kZ6DK1z3uij_R37_dapg9--6Lnpcxu8E5R1nJMMC7syJm9eZ8b-lGX4gMgdbRV6AyyrlSAK0-Ct2godqx4l6wIdTvK5XLwdsIbn20iDhKzj9kWuUwNmRM9roGt3jqCfBVSy6u0O63Y5saHO2OjGvQ988thL4h4AA/s500/JudgesList.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHBxkQUp55S7CXGC8bn4kZ6DK1z3uij_R37_dapg9--6Lnpcxu8E5R1nJMMC7syJm9eZ8b-lGX4gMgdbRV6AyyrlSAK0-Ct2godqx4l6wIdTvK5XLwdsIbn20iDhKzj9kWuUwNmRM9roGt3jqCfBVSy6u0O63Y5saHO2OjGvQ988thL4h4AA/s320/JudgesList.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>When I read, I usually post updates on my progress on Goodreads. Here's what I wrote after passing the point of no return. (That is, when I either give up on a novel that is a bit sluggish or decide to power through. That's anywhere from 20 to 40 percent.)<p></p><p>"About 40% into the novel and they're finally starting the investigation. Kind of repetitive so far, explaining the plot 3 or 4 times that there's a serial killer judge on the loose. I have to admit I'm a bit bored even though I like Grisham's style of writing. Hope there's a twist coming."</p><p>Here's my 60% update: "Good writing as per Grisham but not much tension. The stakes were set from the beginning and now we're just trudging along until the end, it seems."</p><p>And my final impression: </p><p>Prose is certainly Grisham-esque and typically entertaining, at times...though having read almost all of his novels, I've grown slightly weary of his snarky clip.</p><p>The central plotline, however - that there's a serial killer judge on the loose and here are his suspected victims - was repeated so often as to become monotonous. We reviewed the cases at least four times. So hardly any tension or suspense; no real build up. And disappointingly, no twist or surprise revelation was to be had. The novel was one long denouement - the climax found in the blurb itself.</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRomUtVUnnoXK7VvhfX6QAWBfY1RvaCrlhlyb8KMFzPa1TG9NKRf-N90c6gyYWbN-eVHu1fxPa8iB6hwhp8wIWlItFEhL8lxNnaVj1ZtONcOOONJUMUIt3MrGG_ZyynxODAT-MZ5wr2X_kC0tBZAcG5LlSd9IBifofJT8GlPdIyhTgauAdlA/s499/Whistler.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="329" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRomUtVUnnoXK7VvhfX6QAWBfY1RvaCrlhlyb8KMFzPa1TG9NKRf-N90c6gyYWbN-eVHu1fxPa8iB6hwhp8wIWlItFEhL8lxNnaVj1ZtONcOOONJUMUIt3MrGG_ZyynxODAT-MZ5wr2X_kC0tBZAcG5LlSd9IBifofJT8GlPdIyhTgauAdlA/w132-h200/Whistler.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>And at about 350 pages, it was just too long. Maybe this one would have made a good novella because I like the set-up and premise. It just didn't have the energy of previous Grisham novels. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are a super fan of his like me, then you'll eventually get to it, but if you want to experience the author at his best, maybe try those earlier books from the '90s like <i>The Firm, The Client</i>, and <i>The Pelican Brief</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd give this one 3 stars based on feels though it wasn't a bad book. It's a kind of sequel to <i>The Whistler </i>which I gave 3.5 stars to. My review of that first one, which has more courtroom drama than this followup, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1904520570" target="_blank">is on Goodreads here</a>. BTW, Grisham also wrote a prequel short story to <i>The Whistler</i> called <i>Witness to a Trial</i> which I liked very much. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1904520908" target="_blank">Very short review is here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amazon affiliate link to <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Judges-List-Novel-Whistler-Book-ebook/dp/B093F7SP44?tag=lpsweblforblo-20" target="_blank">The Judge's List</a></i> by John Grisham (2021).</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div><b>Currently Reading</b><br />+ <i>XLZABK001</i> by Jon Zaremba (fantasy and sword & sorcery collection)<br />+<i> Laws and Prophecies</i> (Sword's Edge Book 3) by L.S. King (sword and planet)<div>+ <i>The Troubleshooters</i> by William W. Johnstone (western vigilenta justice)</div><div>+ <i>Razored Land: Blackest of Hates</i> by Charles Allen Gramlich (dystopia) </div><div><br /></div><div><b>On My TBR List </b></div><div>+ <i>Boy Battles Bot</i> (Space Invaders #1) by A.K. Meek (MG sci-fi adventure) </div><div>+ <i>Skallagrim: In the Vales Of Pagarna</i> by Stephen R. Babb (sword/sorcery) </div><div>+ <i>The Song of Sangr</i> by Gustavo Bondoni (sword/sorcery)<h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Stacking the Shelves</span></b></h4><p>Normally, I don't keep track of the books I obtain (collect on my Kindle is more like it! lol). But I see other readers cop to their obsession, so I looked back on my recent acquisitions and am so embarrased! Quite a few additions since March 1st that I probably won't get to for some time, I'm sure!</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Where They Lie </i>by Joe Hart - thriller (my Prime book of the month pick for April)</li><li><i>Tower of Light</i> by Darin Calhoun - sword/sorcery (Ashonn the Slayer Book 2)</li><li><i>Concho: The Complete Series</i> by A.W. Hart (all 6 cont. westerns for 99 cents!)</li><li><i>Dragon Sim-13</i> by Bob Mayer - special ops (Green Berets/Dave Riley Book #2)</li><li><i>Penance on the Prairies</i> by R.L. Syme - cozy mystery (found it free someplace)</li><li><i>Death in the English Countryside</i> by Sara Rosett - mystery (free from the author)</li><li><i>XLZABK001</i> by Jon Zaremba - fantasy/sword & sorcery (from author to review)</li><li><i>Savage Tribes of Venus</i> by Rex Mundy - old school adventure (Gavin Chappell, ed.)</li><li><i>All He Has Left </i>by Chad Zunker - police prodedural (Amazon Prime pick for March)</li></ul><p></p><p>That's 9 books last month! Actually, 14! Yikes. (But only 3 in Febuary, so do you forgive me? ha!) Anyway, looks like I have some reading to do. Fortunately, I'm in the midst of a 52 week challenge...</p><div><b>My 52 Week Challenge</b>: Read and Review 52 Books in 2023 (Week 14)<br />(Books listed in reading order, not review order. And I'm behind, lol.)<br /><br />1. <i>Razored Land</i> by <b>Charles Gramlich</b> - post-apocalypse (review TBD)<br />2. <i>The Stroke of Winter </i>by <b>Wendy Webb</b> - mystery (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/01/first-review-of-year-mystery.html">reviewed Jan 11</a>)<br />3. <i>Feast of Fools and Other Tales</i> - S&S anthology (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-review-of-feast-of-fools-and-other.html">reviewed Jan 19</a>)<br />4. <i>Clovel Sword Saga</i> (Vol 1&2) by <b>Gordon Brewer</b> - S&S (review TBD)<br />5. <i>The Hike </i>by <b>Susi Holliday</b> - mystery/thriller (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-review-of-hike-by-susi-holliday.html">reviewed March 7</a>)<br />6. <i>Valengetrix: Ghost of Aratania</i> by <b>J.R. Cason</b> - sword & sorcery (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/02/review-of-valengetrix-by-j-r-cason.html">reviewed Feb 25</a>)<br />7. <i>Swords & Heroes</i> - Sword & Sorcery Anthology (edited by me! review TBD)<br />8. <i>The Viking Gael Saga</i> by <b>J.T.T. Ryder</b> - historical fiction (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/03/review-of-viking-gael-by-jtt-ryder.html" target="_blank">reviewed March 15</a>)<br />9. <i>Blackfoot Dawn</i> by <b>John Legg</b> - a mountain man western (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-review-of-blackfoot-dawn-by-john-legg.html">reviewed March 10</a>)</div><div>10. <i>Across the Winding River</i> by <b>Aimie K. Runyan</b> - historical drama (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/04/my-review-of-across-winding-river-by.html">reviewed April 1</a>)</div><div>11. <i>The Judge's List</i> by <b>John Grisham</b> - legal thriller (reviewed above)</div><p><b>Happening in Real Life</b></p><p>+ Went to a Coffee and Chocolate Expo at the San Juan Convention Center a few weeks back. Very yummy, but very crowded. My wife <a href="https://www.boomtravelandwellness.com/2023/04/buen-provecho.html" target="_blank">Julie blogs about it at our Boom Travel website</a>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIiGkhBHbNXbrdQfQEjo_yy4BL4WDxbIAG35-8iXmOfqO9Xa_SXZQzaTPNix2LlXXry9b6IvOrTcm4oMJnST6A-1RXfN7IiXlHLk4FNlhm9RnC37vTwqlw0dEUBBd8jD_F85bURTmcKVqYECf3kDPlgSvRIYNLjtm5CdVQ7xFPD0VJpnyOfw/s2304/Expo%205.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIiGkhBHbNXbrdQfQEjo_yy4BL4WDxbIAG35-8iXmOfqO9Xa_SXZQzaTPNix2LlXXry9b6IvOrTcm4oMJnST6A-1RXfN7IiXlHLk4FNlhm9RnC37vTwqlw0dEUBBd8jD_F85bURTmcKVqYECf3kDPlgSvRIYNLjtm5CdVQ7xFPD0VJpnyOfw/s320/Expo%205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ready for some cafe y chocolate!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>+ Attended a more liturgical church for Palm Sunday last week. It was good, but a bit far to drive each week and we want to get involved and serve our local community. So we'll likely stick with the one we're attending now which is closer to our home. And whenever I feel the liturgical itch, we'll head to San Juan and maybe make a day trip of it like we did this past Sunday when we took a short ferry ride from Cataño to Viejo San Juan for only 50 cents each one way! If you visit PR, you should try it!</p><p>+ No progress on our washer and dryer. Still heading to the laundromat each Tuesday. Sigh. The other bad news is that a portion of our ceiling crashed down our upper stairwell. We have a rooftop patio and it's flat, of course, but there's drainage - the problem is it leaks and does damage inside. What a mess. We assume insurance will take care of the damages, but that whole process is long, I'm sure.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLZFVU9bHSeQUCuTBrTNhNPvcNbY7hZcuuTGjx_bgpUlPLlWcvhrXF14xSGlKO09UbS-37lbGXxo43gV_YdSps6MUPyeQQaRqODdMK-c2RMxlnQNBN-Q_3Smmkc_gE5s99DPKAyomN7p5YprMgGiWZYs2LtLwXIdwdRt-K3us8oPZP6MeYtg/s4000/IMG_20230406_123057134_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLZFVU9bHSeQUCuTBrTNhNPvcNbY7hZcuuTGjx_bgpUlPLlWcvhrXF14xSGlKO09UbS-37lbGXxo43gV_YdSps6MUPyeQQaRqODdMK-c2RMxlnQNBN-Q_3Smmkc_gE5s99DPKAyomN7p5YprMgGiWZYs2LtLwXIdwdRt-K3us8oPZP6MeYtg/s320/IMG_20230406_123057134_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plaster broke off from the ceiling and crashed down the spiral stairwell a few days ago.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>+ Finally, we've planned the week's adventures for when our two daughters and their husbands visit the first week in May. We're going ziplining, midnight kayaking (at a biobay), hiking in a rainforest, waterfall swimming, beaching it a few times, taking the ferry again to Old San Juan, and catching a cocao farm tour. Whew! We may run those youngsters ragged while they're here! Should be fun though.</p><p>Well, that's about it. Happy Easter - Blessed Resurrection Day! </p><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Weekend Blog Hops</b></div><div>+ <a href="https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Post</a> from Caffeinated Reviewer</div><div>+ <a href="https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Salon</a> from Readerbuzz</div><div>+ <a href="https://www.readingreality.net/" target="_blank">Stacking the Shelves</a> from Reading Reality</div><div>+ <a href="https://thebookdate.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">It's Monday, What Are You Reading?</a> from The Book Date</div><div><br /></div><div>Drop a comment and a link to your blog and tell me what you're reading! Have a great weekend.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYgRtIQcvZzMzY9EUXenf396bbZu1dhdZAvNSrk2N3PvXE4Yxn4iAOirKnEXqD6Vj8BWeysSEE_-o5wgSZ37ssg-qf689adleXgMdzGPTstEvH4PyYPf16lCpGh6XhKv29-SrN45GagszT5ht6qN7pF3q6TmKLoFmLkWIqwxkq8WGTzG6CaQ/s362/a%20BookDate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="362" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYgRtIQcvZzMzY9EUXenf396bbZu1dhdZAvNSrk2N3PvXE4Yxn4iAOirKnEXqD6Vj8BWeysSEE_-o5wgSZ37ssg-qf689adleXgMdzGPTstEvH4PyYPf16lCpGh6XhKv29-SrN45GagszT5ht6qN7pF3q6TmKLoFmLkWIqwxkq8WGTzG6CaQ/s320/a%20BookDate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTRLiPm3ejHwByQ6_aKO_IvTUoxOt7xFNVriiduFUo-JqisVNJVdidr-yxSlMbBLbn_Y1S3RQZ7e_H3e-u6dhSE3SEcbv4shUn2h9Jd8BM1G8_gklku5g9rPWZgwmFqMpmg9H2OR59Bb6fY62jzFqTkt4lpZB3h4OFVsoWLZHZnXNFFwsDN8/s1110/WeekendBookHop.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1110" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTRLiPm3ejHwByQ6_aKO_IvTUoxOt7xFNVriiduFUo-JqisVNJVdidr-yxSlMbBLbn_Y1S3RQZ7e_H3e-u6dhSE3SEcbv4shUn2h9Jd8BM1G8_gklku5g9rPWZgwmFqMpmg9H2OR59Bb6fY62jzFqTkt4lpZB3h4OFVsoWLZHZnXNFFwsDN8/w400-h251/WeekendBookHop.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>(BTW, this is <a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/search/label/Sunday%20Roundup">Sunday Roundup</a> #12)</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-71303371218028716042023-04-01T13:48:00.001-05:002023-04-08T06:47:31.472-05:00My Review of Across the Winding River by Aimie K. Runyan<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Across-Winding-River-Aimie-Runyan-ebook/dp/B07WS9RPJM?tag=lpsweblforblo-20" target="_blank">Across the Winding River</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">by Aimie K. Runyan</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Aug, 2020, about 300 pages, over 13,000 ratings)</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayWmESphnJMR9cJ7RlPWqfJ0s7pX_6FaaisHOZhzjgTN9kGO2xFgrLOuaWMYPo-qVNK6MrNVOxA3t519Z0HKO0IkX85QZ3Dia27U4qSTFao3nUZeKbzBy6lh6itr7eBOtu0gEKY7vWiFHFBivJ7GX8E2BFjitWXSDd7bPlRF7hnR2v2nPgm8/s500/AcrossRiver.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayWmESphnJMR9cJ7RlPWqfJ0s7pX_6FaaisHOZhzjgTN9kGO2xFgrLOuaWMYPo-qVNK6MrNVOxA3t519Z0HKO0IkX85QZ3Dia27U4qSTFao3nUZeKbzBy6lh6itr7eBOtu0gEKY7vWiFHFBivJ7GX8E2BFjitWXSDd7bPlRF7hnR2v2nPgm8/s320/AcrossRiver.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I enjoyed this historical novel set for the most part in Germany during WW2. It starts out, however, in Southern California, 2007, when Max, now in a nursing home with failing health, begins sharing with his daughter Beth a bit of his heretofore unknown past. She brings him a box of his memorabilia and asks him about a war picture of him as a medic holding a beautiful, young woman who is obviously pregnant. This would not be her mother, of course, as Beth's parents met after Max got home from Europe.<p></p><p>It's a good premise and teaser. The author then takes us back in time to two other storylines that eventually come together - Max's days as a medic on the front lines in France, and a woman named Johanna, who is a pilot and engineer working in the Luftwaffe developing war planes for Nazi Germany. She is a reluctant participant in the war and her family story, with their uncertainties and reservations, is well told.</p><p>How Johanna's and Max's stories come together is part of the developing plot, so no spoilers here. Jewish ancestry plays a role, so there's a hint. Suffice it to say that the author did a good job interweaving these three stories (one modern and two historical) into an effective and interesting narrative. Once you get used to the time jumps and point-of-view changes, it's easy and enjoyable reading. In addition, the historical elements were well placed and referenced.</p><p>Now, for action lovers, this book begins without much fanfare - no 'in medias res' thrills and suspense here. But the slow and gentle pacing served the rest of the novel well. This is a drama slash love story, but not necessarily of the heart-thumping kind; the telling here is not rushed. Overall, a good technique. However, I felt that some of the intense and urgent scenes could have had a bit more punch to them. Plus, there were a few 'hmm, not sure about that' coinkydink moments. Still, the story was compelling overall and refreshing. Sad at times, but with a satisfying ending, which I was hoping for.</p><p>If you enjoy women's fiction and historical novels set against the backdrop of war, this is a good one. It's feminist in perspective, but not annoyingly so. (In other words, I didn't sense an ax to grind or a chip on the author's shoulder.) A good choice for a book club discussion, I think. For me, 4.5 stars and a nice break from my usual fare of action thriller and suspense. (FYI, here's my review on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5409622947" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.)</p><p>Amazon Affiliate Link to <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Across-Winding-River-Aimie-Runyan-ebook/dp/B07WS9RPJM?tag=lpsweblforblo-20" target="_blank">Across the Winding River</a></i>.</p><div>~*~</div><div><br /><b>My 52 Week Challenge</b>: Read and Review 52 Books in 2023 (Week 13)<br />(Books listed in reading order, not review order. And I'm behind, lol.)<br /><br />1. <i>Razored Land</i> by <b>Charles Gramlich</b> - post-apocalypse (review TBD)<br />2. <i>The Stroke of Winter </i>by <b>Wendy Webb</b> - mystery (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/01/first-review-of-year-mystery.html">reviewed Jan 11</a>)<br />3. <i>Feast of Fools and Other Tales</i> - S&S anthology (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-review-of-feast-of-fools-and-other.html">reviewed Jan 19</a>)<br />4. <i>Clovel Sword Saga</i> (Vol 1&2) by <b>Gordon Brewer</b> - S&S (review TBD)<br />5. <i>The Hike </i>by <b>Susi Holliday</b> - mystery/thriller (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-review-of-hike-by-susi-holliday.html">reviewed March 7</a>)<br />6. <i>Valengetrix: Ghost of Aratania</i> by <b>J.R. Cason</b> - sword & sorcery (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/02/review-of-valengetrix-by-j-r-cason.html">reviewed Feb 25</a>)<br />7. <i>Swords & Heroes</i> - Sword & Sorcery Anthology (edited by me! review TBD)<br />8. <i>The Viking Gael Saga</i> by <b>J.T.T. Ryder</b> - historical fiction (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/03/review-of-viking-gael-by-jtt-ryder.html" target="_blank">reviewed March 15</a>)<br />9. <i>Blackfoot Dawn</i> by <b>John Legg</b> - a mountain man western (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-review-of-blackfoot-dawn-by-john-legg.html">reviewed March 10</a>)</div><div>10. <i>Across the Winding River</i> by <b>Aimie K. Runyan</b> - historical drama (reviewed above)</div><div><br /></div><div>~*~</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Currently Reading...</b></div><div>+ <i>Laws and Prophecies </i>(<i>Sword's Edge </i>Book 3) by <b>L.S. King</b> (sword and planet)</div><div>+ <i>The Troubleshooters</i> by <b>William W. Johnstone</b> (western vigilenta justice)</div><div>+ <i>Boy Battles Bo</i>t (Space Invaders #1) by <b>A.K. Meek</b> (MG sci-fi adventure)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>On My TBR List...</b></div><div>+ <i>XLZABK001</i> by <b>Jon Zaremba </b>(fantasy and sword & sorcery collection)</div><div>+ <i>The Song of Sangr</i> by <b>Gustavo Bondoni</b> (sword and sorcery)</div><div>+ <i>Skallagrim - In the Vales Of Pagarna</i> by <b>Stephen R. Babb</b> (sword and sorcery)</div><div><br /></div><div>~*~</div><div><br /></div><div><b>In Real Life...</b></div><div>+ Going to try a different church tomorrow, more liturgical, near San Juan.</div><div>+ Then wer're going to check out the ferry that runs from <a href="https://sanjuanpuertorico.com/catano-old-san-juan-ferry/" target="_blank">Cataño to Viejo San Juan</a>.</div><div>+ Getting the condo ready for both daughters and their husbands when they visit in May.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Already bought a grill, some rooftop patio furniture, and items for the guest rooms. Still need to buy that stackable washer and dryer, but am hesitating since stores don't deliver to third floor apartments here! Yikes! So may just hire a guy off the street to help me carry them up three flights of stairs! lol)</div><div><br /></div><div>~*~</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Weekend Blog Hops</b></div><div>+ <a href="https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Post</a> from Caffeinated Reviewer</div><div>+ <a href="https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Salon</a> from Readerbuzz</div><div>+ <a href="https://www.readingreality.net/" target="_blank">Stacking the Shelves</a> from Reading Reality</div><div>+ <a href="https://thebookdate.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">It's Monday, What Are You Reading?</a> from The Book Date</div><div><br /></div><div>Drop a comment and a link to your blog and tell me what you're reading! Have a great weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYgRtIQcvZzMzY9EUXenf396bbZu1dhdZAvNSrk2N3PvXE4Yxn4iAOirKnEXqD6Vj8BWeysSEE_-o5wgSZ37ssg-qf689adleXgMdzGPTstEvH4PyYPf16lCpGh6XhKv29-SrN45GagszT5ht6qN7pF3q6TmKLoFmLkWIqwxkq8WGTzG6CaQ/s362/a%20BookDate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="362" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYgRtIQcvZzMzY9EUXenf396bbZu1dhdZAvNSrk2N3PvXE4Yxn4iAOirKnEXqD6Vj8BWeysSEE_-o5wgSZ37ssg-qf689adleXgMdzGPTstEvH4PyYPf16lCpGh6XhKv29-SrN45GagszT5ht6qN7pF3q6TmKLoFmLkWIqwxkq8WGTzG6CaQ/s320/a%20BookDate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTRLiPm3ejHwByQ6_aKO_IvTUoxOt7xFNVriiduFUo-JqisVNJVdidr-yxSlMbBLbn_Y1S3RQZ7e_H3e-u6dhSE3SEcbv4shUn2h9Jd8BM1G8_gklku5g9rPWZgwmFqMpmg9H2OR59Bb6fY62jzFqTkt4lpZB3h4OFVsoWLZHZnXNFFwsDN8/s1110/WeekendBookHop.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1110" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTRLiPm3ejHwByQ6_aKO_IvTUoxOt7xFNVriiduFUo-JqisVNJVdidr-yxSlMbBLbn_Y1S3RQZ7e_H3e-u6dhSE3SEcbv4shUn2h9Jd8BM1G8_gklku5g9rPWZgwmFqMpmg9H2OR59Bb6fY62jzFqTkt4lpZB3h4OFVsoWLZHZnXNFFwsDN8/w400-h251/WeekendBookHop.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>(This is <a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/search/label/Sunday%20Roundup">Sunday Roundup</a> #11)</div><div><br /></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-53813475949359258772023-03-10T13:18:00.004-06:002023-03-10T13:21:53.492-06:00My Review of Blackfoot Dawn by John Legg<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgbUdEJYTR9SjW0Q3kLpWhfCiOgT0mK8_zgbooUFSM3tljTj7mFuua7dhLgGjmDBSE7nFSJ7u0gQAUb43LcKUR9PXSeLh4dJn3SNUYkgEQoSWesa5IovAgF7JUKJihf2y94LAKShBYlQ979R7jCpuWyE48QLf92IFuPILpJCN3nM4NWG901s/s500/blackfootdawn.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgbUdEJYTR9SjW0Q3kLpWhfCiOgT0mK8_zgbooUFSM3tljTj7mFuua7dhLgGjmDBSE7nFSJ7u0gQAUb43LcKUR9PXSeLh4dJn3SNUYkgEQoSWesa5IovAgF7JUKJihf2y94LAKShBYlQ979R7jCpuWyE48QLf92IFuPILpJCN3nM4NWG901s/w124-h200/blackfootdawn.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5184800361" target="_blank"></a></span></i></p>Blackfoot Dawn by John Legg is Book 2 of the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/308085-mountain-times">Mountain Times</a> trilogy, a western series set in the days of the mountain men (1830s/40s). The main character is a big, burly mountain guide and trapper named Squire. He’s got a mean streak a mile wide and is called L’on Farouche (the Fierce) by his enemies, the Blackfeet Indians.<br /> <br /> This novel is a standalone, but picks up where Book 1, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4471691855">Winter Rage</a>, ends. Hired by an outfitter to trap beaver in the Rockies, Squire and his crew face all the challenges one would expect in the wilderness – wild animals, extreme weather, Indians on the warpath, conniving competitors. <br /><br />Through it all, the author offers a generally exciting and interesting series of adventures. Squire is a bit unlikeable, imo, but the secondary characters are well-drawn and have stories of their own to tell, so it’s pretty solid writing overall.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1vZJjtC4Wcji6ihSdSO1UQG3evDRcNJElHMZ9KWqK10bFc-WXzKPsYpgKDo2tG8NhX3IifuR96LlfbpO0l6BBt-3FntqsYyEB9ZjIPDk1UKDx94m235txndrDQjc_I4_epJa_SoMKrc3Rfla0fKJ_g4i6nCkcqE7brfwVrgamGT6-Znbh9s/s2475/WinterRage.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1538" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1vZJjtC4Wcji6ihSdSO1UQG3evDRcNJElHMZ9KWqK10bFc-WXzKPsYpgKDo2tG8NhX3IifuR96LlfbpO0l6BBt-3FntqsYyEB9ZjIPDk1UKDx94m235txndrDQjc_I4_epJa_SoMKrc3Rfla0fKJ_g4i6nCkcqE7brfwVrgamGT6-Znbh9s/w124-h200/WinterRage.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>Plot: At the annual Rendezvous, Squire sees a long-time foe whom he suspects knows the location of his long-lost son, stolen by the Blackfeet some 16 years prior. The story then flashes back to Squire’s origin story (as a boy, how he became so violent, and then as a young man) and how he lost his first wife and child in an Indian raid coordinated by some by a man named Carney, his nemesis. <br /><br />The narrative is gritty, ugly, raw, full of violence, torture, scalpings, rape, foul language (too many GD’s and n-words for my taste), and general mayhem. If you like strong, uncensored and unfiltered action, this series might be for you. I skimmed quite a bit of those scenes and the novel seemed a bit long to me, but again pretty engrossing at times.<br /><br />I was probably overly harsh with my review of the first book in the series, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4471691855">Winter Rage</a>. I rated that novel at just under 3 stars. But together, I would put the series at 3.25 stars so far. I’ll eventually finish the trilogy (Book 3 is Mountain Rage), but I need a break from all the violence.<div><br /></div><div>This is my 9th book I've finished this year and below I'm listing the books read and am linking to my reviews of each book - a 52 week challenge. I'm a bit behind but may catch up in a few weeks. I'm usually reading 4 or 5 books at a time and sometimes finish a few within a few days of each other. (grin)<br /><br />~*~</div><div><br />My 52 Week Challenge: Read and Review 52 Books in 2023<br />(Books listed in reading order, not review order, lol.)<br /><br />1. Razored Land by Charles Gramlich - post-apocalypse (review TBD)<br />2. The Stroke of Winter by Wendy Webb - mystery (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/01/first-review-of-year-mystery.html">reviewed Jan 11</a>)<br />3. Feast of Fools and Other Tales - S&S anthology (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-review-of-feast-of-fools-and-other.html">reviewed Jan 19</a>) <br />4. Clovel Sword Saga (Vol 1&2) by Gordon Brewer - S&S (review TBD)<br />5. The Hike by Susi Holliday - mystery/thriller (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-review-of-hike-by-susi-holliday.html">reviewed March 7</a>)<br />6. Valengetrix: Ghost of Aratania by J.R. Cason - sword & sorcery (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/02/review-of-valengetrix-by-j-r-cason.html">reviewed Feb 25</a>)<br />7. Swords & Heroes - Sword & Sorcery Anthology (edited by me! review TBD)<br />8. The Viking Gael Saga by J.T.T. Ryder - historical fiction (reviewed March 9)<br />9. Blackfoot Dawn by John Legg - a mountain man western (reviewed above)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-87175012224131402182023-03-07T13:46:00.006-06:002023-04-08T06:46:34.985-05:00My Review of "The Hike" by Susi Holliday<h3 style="text-align: left;">A 'Thrilling' Book Review </h3><p class="MsoNormal">Hoping to make some new friends here in Puerto Rico, I
decided to start a book club at our apartment complex. In English, since <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mi español es muy malo</i>. Most of the
residents in our condo community are not from the states and so speak Spanish,
but I would say most people in PR are bilingual. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So I posted a message on our group’s FB page and five or six
expressed interest. I brewed a whole pot of coffee (10 cups worth!) and one
retired gentleman showed up. But he brought cake! We had a wonderful time
getting to know one another and had a great discussion about this novel:<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Hike</i> by <b>Susi
Holliday</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hike-Susi-Holliday-ebook/dp/B09QCMRPZ7?tag=lpsweblforblo-20" target="_blank">Amazon affiliate link</a>)</h3><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0njvaCrerDLO-QaBGA3akYwCQYDTfCXGXlJC6lRXnwSO-OBcrkpfaLoZH6f5KXhes7-xtNXm6jF_jDf1jI0hwyw8nsg-Rz7Vik815Odpy4UtNv073AnvJDSnjW1JAB9Qt07IAs706jv2cB0EYBa5TsEi4dLsPRs_1u9PQ3Za7KmIAj23-8Vg/s346/TheHike.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0njvaCrerDLO-QaBGA3akYwCQYDTfCXGXlJC6lRXnwSO-OBcrkpfaLoZH6f5KXhes7-xtNXm6jF_jDf1jI0hwyw8nsg-Rz7Vik815Odpy4UtNv073AnvJDSnjW1JAB9Qt07IAs706jv2cB0EYBa5TsEi4dLsPRs_1u9PQ3Za7KmIAj23-8Vg/s320/TheHike.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>It’s a mystery/thriller and a pretty good one at that. I had a few
selfish reasons for picking it for our first discussion. One, I like thrillers
(yes, yes, I like fantasy, science fiction, westerns, romance, cozies, and a
few other genres, but thrillers are regular reads for me). And two, it was
already on my Kindle because it was an Amazon Prime pick however many months
ago it was offered. I’m cheap like that. (grin)<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To set the tone, here’s the relevant part of the blurb that
pulled me in: “Sisters Cat and Ginny travel with their husbands to the idyllic
Swiss Alps for a hiking holiday…only two of the four hikers make it down from
the mountain.” Secrets, intrigue, back-stabbing, and murder are involved. And
plot twists.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A lot of good elements – solid writing, descriptive scenes
(I was right there in the Alps with the two couples even though I’ve never
been), and good characterization. There were only a few situations that pushed
the boundaries of believability. But as a reader, sometimes you just have to go
with it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The hardest hurdle for the author to overcome – and she did
it well – was writing about four unlikable and non-sympathetic main characters.
This is a tough sell because readers usually like to cheer for a sympathetic
hero, someone they can relate to who is essentially a good person. Sure, that
MC can have flaws and such, but generally we’re on the side of a character ‘trying
to do good.’ <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Well, no one was a ‘good guy’ in this novel – and yet I was
still interested in the outcome! In fact, all four main characters were
annoying (and yes, there were four POVs here - actually six!), but the main two
narratives were the sisters, Cat and Ginny. None of the foursome were wholesome.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Still, I was hooked and had to hike along with them to find
out which one thought they were the most aggrieved ‘victim’ of past hurts and
slights…and who was thus motivated to kill whom. (Not a spoiler – the prologue
sets the basic plot.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now about a third of the way in I was done with the sisters’
bickering, but then the author threw in a bit of a twist and moved on to the
second act. Like I said, pretty solid writing. Structurally, there’s a prologue
that I thought was unnecessary, and then some flash-forwards and POV changes. So
caution warning if you don't like a lot of narrative tricks and wiggles. A
strong language warning as well, but more occasional for spice, I suppose.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Overall, it worked, at least for me. And for thousands of others,
evidently, given all the reviews. <i>The Hike</i> was released last October and is still
in the top three or four thousand on Amazon. If you’re a fan of <i>Gone Girl, The
Girl on a Train</i>, and <i>The Woman in Cabin 10</i>, then you’ll like <i>The Hike</i>, I’m
pretty sure. 4.5 Stars. (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60196529-the-hike" target="_blank">This review is also on Goodreads</a>. Follow my reviews there if you want.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">~*~</p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>My 52 Week Challenge: Read and Review 52 Books in 2023</b><br />(Books listed in reading order, not review order, lol.)<br /><br />1. Razored Land by Charles Gramlich - post-apocalypse (review TBD)<br />2. The Stroke of Winter by Wendy Webb - mystery (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/01/first-review-of-year-mystery.html" target="_blank">reviewed Jan 11</a>)<br />3. Feast of Fools and Other Tales - S&S anthology (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-review-of-feast-of-fools-and-other.html" target="_blank">reviewed Jan 18</a>)<br />4. Clovel Sword Saga (Vol 1&2) by Gordon Brewer - sword & sorcery (review TBD)<br />5. The Hike by Susi Holliday - mystery/thriller (reviewed above)<br />6. Valengetrix: Ghost of Aratania by J.R. Cason - sword & sorcery (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/02/review-of-valengetrix-by-j-r-cason.html" target="_blank">reviewed Feb 25</a>)<br />7. Swords & Heroes - A Sword & Sorcery Anthology (edited by me!, review TBD)</span><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><><</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This is <a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/search/label/Sunday%20Roundup">Sunday Roundup</a> #10)</span></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-21822688056694781292023-03-01T05:00:00.057-06:002023-06-02T11:59:44.799-05:00My 52 Week Challenge<h3 style="text-align: left;">My Reading & Reviewing Goals for 2023</h3><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This year I set myself the challenge of reading and reviewing 52 books. I've read over 50 books a year in the past but I've never reviewed 52 books in one year. This will be a solid challenge as I usually like to give some thought to my longer reviews, and this, of course, takes time. So we'll see what happens.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>My 52 Week Challenge</b>: Read and Review 52 Books in 2023</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Note: The books listed below are in approximate 'finished reading' order, not review order. Links will take you to my reviews either here on this blog, or my spec fic blog, or on Goodreads. I'm adding to the list every week or so, by the way. This is not a weekly discipline but a year-long challenge! (grin)<br /><br />1. <i>Razored Land</i> - Book 1 by <b>Charles Gramlich</b> - post-apocalypse (TBD)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">2. <i>Razored Land </i>- Book 2 by <b>Charles Gramlich</b> - post-apocalypse (TBD)<br />3. <i>The Stroke of Winter </i>by <b>Wendy Webb</b> - mystery (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/01/first-review-of-year-mystery.html">reviewed Jan 11</a>)<br />4. <i>Feast of Fools and Other Tales</i> - S&S anthology (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-review-of-feast-of-fools-and-other.html">reviewed Jan 19</a>)<br />5. <i>Clovel Sword Saga</i> (Vol 1&2) by <b>Gordon Brewer</b> - S&S (review TBD)<br />6. <i>The Hike </i>by <b>Susi Holliday</b> - mystery/thriller (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-review-of-hike-by-susi-holliday.html">reviewed March 7</a>)<br />7. <i>Valengetrix: Ghost of Aratania</i> by <b>J.R. Cason</b> - sword & sorcery (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/02/review-of-valengetrix-by-j-r-cason.html">reviewed Feb 25</a>)<br />8. <i>Swords & Heroes</i> - Sword & Sorcery Anthology (edited by me! review TBD)<br />9. <i>The Viking Gael Saga</i> by <b>J.T.T. Ryder</b> - historical fiction (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/03/review-of-viking-gael-by-jtt-ryder.html" target="_blank">reviewed March 15</a>)<br />10. <i>Blackfoot Dawn</i> by <b>John Legg</b> - a mountain man western (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/03/my-review-of-blackfoot-dawn-by-john-legg.html">reviewed March 10</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">11. <i>Across the Winding River</i> by <b>Aimie K. Runyan</b> - historical drama (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/04/my-review-of-across-winding-river-by.html">reviewed April 1</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">12. <i>The Judge's List</i> by <b>John Grisham</b> - legal thriller (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/04/sunday-reading-roundup-12.html">reviewed April 8</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">13. <i>Laws and Prophecies</i> by <b>L.S. King</b> - sword and planet (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/04/review-of-laws-and-prophecies-by-ls-king.html" target="_blank">reviewed April 10</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">14. <i>The Troubleshooter</i>s by <b>William W. Johnstone</b> - western (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/04/book-review-thursday-troubleshooters.html">reviewed April 20</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">15. <i>XLZABK001</i> by <b>Jon Zaremba</b> - horror/fantasy collection (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5455709267" target="_blank">reviewed April 20</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">16. <i>Boy Battles Bot</i> by <b>A.K. Meek</b> - MG adventure fantasy (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5290169657" target="_blank">reviewed May 3</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">17. <i>Ray Irish Mysteries</i> (Case Files #1 & #2) by <b>Gordon Brewer</b> (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/05/book-review-thursday-two-ray-irish.html">reviewed May 11</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">18. <i>ResAliens Zine</i> Issues #6 & #7 - spec fic zine, <b>Lyndon Perry</b>, ed. (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/04/review-promo-resaliens-zine-returns.html" target="_blank">promo'd here</a>)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">19. <i>Fragments of a Greater Darkness </i> by <b>Michael Burke </b>- S&S fantasy (review TBD)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">20. <i>The Dressmaker's Gift</i> by <b>Fiona Valpy</b> - historical drama (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/06/book-review-thursday-dressmakers-gift.html">reviewed June 1</a>)</span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To be continued...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">~*~</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD-Zy0qaWyfzWVw0HpMhxalc7oNII6w9Dv1WqevLyAFarpA_HdC3ERoGKrjimxc4dJjrP2NsXWucD2GElktFOnZVPk_sunuI0ZpJCljt4axHscZZMIYlQ3htWwaSrLg6dEjc6HwA0WhjLwDRny4DqG0chMbJNOxEJmaeBLr7DXI2cD3JO7Y0/s797/Book%201%20Secrets%20Thumb.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD-Zy0qaWyfzWVw0HpMhxalc7oNII6w9Dv1WqevLyAFarpA_HdC3ERoGKrjimxc4dJjrP2NsXWucD2GElktFOnZVPk_sunuI0ZpJCljt4axHscZZMIYlQ3htWwaSrLg6dEjc6HwA0WhjLwDRny4DqG0chMbJNOxEJmaeBLr7DXI2cD3JO7Y0/s320/Book%201%20Secrets%20Thumb.png" width="201" /></a></div>By the way, I'm a writer too! Check out my latest cozy mystery,<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Scents-Book-Candle-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0BTWB21HP?tag=lpsweblforblo-20" target="_blank"> Secrets & Scents</a></i> by Lyn Perry - free to read in Kindle Unlimited.<p></p><p>Best friends Kelli & Jo quit their day jobs in Silicon Valley to open a book and candle shop in Sugar Pine Station, a quaint and quiet mountain village near Yosemite, California.</p><p>As they begin renovations, Kelli discovers a mysterious bundle of letters hidden away for over forty years. Each envelope contains an enigmatic prophecy, the first one predicting an Opening Day disaster.</p><p>Now Kelli & Jo are forced to put on their sleuthing caps if they want to save their business. Will more tragedies strike? And will they unravel the secrets of the mysterious letters?</p><p><i>Secrets & Scents</i> is Book 1 in a brand new cozy mystery series by Lyn Perry and features many of the endearing and quirky characters of Sugar Pine Station that fans have grown to love from the Ma Tutt cozies, including Mack the Mysterious Cat.</p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-26773104685309743652023-02-25T14:10:00.003-06:002023-04-08T06:45:45.090-05:00Sunday/Monday Post<h2 style="text-align: left;">My 52 Week Challenge: </h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">Read and Review 52 Books in 2023...</h3><p>1. <i>Razored Land</i> by <b>Charles Gramlich</b> - post-apocalypse (not yet published, review forthcoming)</p><p>2. <i>The Stroke of Winter</i> by Wendy Webb - mystery (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/01/first-review-of-year-mystery.html">reviewed Jan 11</a>)</p><p>3. <i>Feast of Fools and Other Tales</i> - S&S anthology (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-review-of-feast-of-fools-and-other.html" target="_blank">reviewed Jan 18</a>)</p><p>4. <i>Clovel Sword Saga</i> (Vol 1&2) by <b>Gordon Brewer</b> - sword & sorcery (review forthcoming)</p><p>5. <i>The Hike</i> by <b>Susi Holliday</b> - mystery/thriller (will review this novel next week)</p><p>6. <i>Valengetrix: Ghost of Aratania</i> by<b> J.R. Cason</b> - sword & sorcery (reviewed below)</p><p>(I'm a little behind schedule. We're starting Week #9 of the year and I've only read 6 books!)</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIh-_birEdw81srL3ISejKJEEQmrb2Wb4z7tTXDK-mmYyd11SeOsibSfO5_5c4tFx0T-8_FWnTzqAhlhbFy9wCOHfuohAoqx_zHOGQUJZnRpl_qi_naQsL8p2KqvuPcdVd6KQAn2y2m1lg9nKhynCY9Ouv9lmBG4gcdBIAvKm_pYdOqwZYhE/s362/a%20BookDate.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="362" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIh-_birEdw81srL3ISejKJEEQmrb2Wb4z7tTXDK-mmYyd11SeOsibSfO5_5c4tFx0T-8_FWnTzqAhlhbFy9wCOHfuohAoqx_zHOGQUJZnRpl_qi_naQsL8p2KqvuPcdVd6KQAn2y2m1lg9nKhynCY9Ouv9lmBG4gcdBIAvKm_pYdOqwZYhE/w200-h181/a%20BookDate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Welcome to Book Date Monday</b> (even though it's Saturday when I posted this). I think this is Book Date Monday #10 for me (over a period of a few years - I'm very inconsistent, lol). If you want to join the fun, be sure to link to your book reviews and reading updats at some of the following blog hops:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sunday Post from <a href="https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Caffeinated Reviewer</a></li><li><a href="https://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-sunday-salon-week-in-which-i-finish.html" target="_blank">Sunday Salon</a> from Readerbuzz</li><li><a href="https://www.readingreality.net/2023/02/stacking-the-shelves-537/" target="_blank">Stacking the Shelves</a> from Reading Reality</li><li>And Book Date Monday from <a href="https://thebookdate.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Book Date</a></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLTrD69VdS5n1ZQPqQiewp4aTfGaYvkujiN_cNBNdctYA_C7BsGWqTnMCQRwXzEQ_TNO5BTy1QTXaupxhIW9FIhpvDupksNKfUNfSE_JHSRx2WIBC30pb6hVPSi5BH_Y5rcA7l7t1ChXjIYaFXnUZucGwiDGouJxLLl2X1-2WYj94q1nzDI0/s600/a%20SundayPost.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLTrD69VdS5n1ZQPqQiewp4aTfGaYvkujiN_cNBNdctYA_C7BsGWqTnMCQRwXzEQ_TNO5BTy1QTXaupxhIW9FIhpvDupksNKfUNfSE_JHSRx2WIBC30pb6hVPSi5BH_Y5rcA7l7t1ChXjIYaFXnUZucGwiDGouJxLLl2X1-2WYj94q1nzDI0/w200-h200/a%20SundayPost.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Currently Reading...</h3><p>+ <i>Laws and Prophecies</i> by <b>L. S. King</b> - sword and planet, book 3 in <i>Sword's Edge Chronicles</i>. I"m just getting started but enjoying getting reacquainted with the characters I met in books 1 and 2. Solid writing and storytelling. She's a friend and you can visit <a href="https://www.loriendil.com/SEC.php" target="_blank">her website here</a>.</p><p>+ <i>Back to Zero</i> by <b>Franklin Ard</b> - YA coming of age novel with a bit of supernatural? Backed this project from Kickstarter last year but forgot to read it! I'm about 1/3 of the way in and it's pretty good so far. Content warning, though - a bit too mature for middle grade readers.</p><p>+ <i>Reaper Walks the Garden</i> by <b>Gordon Brewer</b> - hardboiled crime mystery. I just read Brewer's "Ray Irish Mystery Case File #1" - <i>Death Stalks the Runway</i>. This is case file #2. I will review them together as they are both novellas. I enjoyed the first one very much, but it's a bit gritty.</p><p>+ Also, still reading <i>Blackfoot Dawn</i> by <b>John Legg</b> - western, book 2 in Mountain Times trilogy. I'm about half-way through and it's pretty rough and violent. Language warning as well, which is what I didn't care for in book 1, <i>Winter Rage </i>(<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4471691855" target="_blank">reviewed on Goodreads here</a>).</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">In my TBR Pile...</h3><p>+ <i>The Song of Sangr</i> by <b>Gustavo Bondoni</b> - sword and sorcery novel. I also want to get to a few other S&S projects in the next few months, including: <i>With a Silken Fist</i> by <b>Tom Doolan</b>; <i>Sinbad and the Great Old Ones</i> by <b>Gavin Chappell</b>; <i>Skallagrim</i> by <b>Stephen R. Babb</b>, along with a few others. My sword and sorcery plate is full!</p><p>+ <i>Point of View - Better Writing through Stronger Narrative: Drake's Brutal Writing Advice</i> by <b>Maxwell Alexander Drake</b> - non-fiction book on writing. I actually started this - so I guess it should be in my "currently reading" pile - but I'm putting it on hold for a bit as I have too many books going!. </p><p>What tomes are currently taking up space in your house? Drop me a comment.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Now for the review...</h3><p><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Valengetrix-Ghost-Aratania-J-R-Cason-ebook/dp/B0B9LNPN4T?tag=lpsweblforblo-20" target="_blank">Valengetrix: Ghost of Aratania</a></i> by<b> J.R. Cason </b>(August, 2022, about 140 pages, Amazon affiliate link)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGcAbNPcRsfsM-8N9X7U_E67HYoBrYaX44E7SthZIIJXLYZ8CI4izp5ZvvKCQwLa8TXxilUzFjm-ewqxaXkedkbbebL8Gu4k-YKqbKhsN7vbFyfmK0UtDnA8OSw0wqvIi_SO_McRD-KRwTOSM0u8qDfg_E0HABHvIxE_pcMAgmQ3WrcI9UG0/s346/Val%20Book%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="231" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGcAbNPcRsfsM-8N9X7U_E67HYoBrYaX44E7SthZIIJXLYZ8CI4izp5ZvvKCQwLa8TXxilUzFjm-ewqxaXkedkbbebL8Gu4k-YKqbKhsN7vbFyfmK0UtDnA8OSw0wqvIi_SO_McRD-KRwTOSM0u8qDfg_E0HABHvIxE_pcMAgmQ3WrcI9UG0/s320/Val%20Book%201.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>This book is a collection of 5 short stories (or novelets, introduced by an opening epic poem called “The Lay of Auropia”) that form a loose story arc, giving the individual adventures context as Valengetrix makes his way back to his homeland. He was exiled at some point prior to these tales and seeks vengeance against his enemies. Assumed dead, his return is like that of a ghost as he prepares to enter his home city and confront the emperor who has driven out the more noble families of the realm.<p></p><p>Assisting Val in his quest is a ‘soul’ (ancestral spirit) that lives in the jeweled hilt of the sword he carries. This spirit being, Ashren by name, needs to ‘feed’ in battle, and when it strikes it sucks out the life source of those it defeats, turning the dead opponent into a pile of ashes. This makes for some great action and exciting situations. These are buddy tales, after a fashion, and the dialog between Val and Ashren is sly, witty, and humorous. Some great chemistry between the two.</p><p>As for the stories themselves, there’s a nice variety of sword and sorcerous encounters in this short volume – from stealing back a precious medallion from a cannibal chief who worships a snake god to confronting an arctic giant while accompanying a shape-shifter unawares, then on to a pirate fight on the high seas while facing monsters from the deep, before finally arriving back to his homeland in Aratania.</p><p>Here’s a quick summary from the book’s blurb, which is quite descriptive and enticing:</p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i>In the savage realm of Auropia, lurks a ghost in the form of a man. Valengetrix, exiled from his mysterious homeland, seeks redemption in the eyes of his people as he sets out to retrieve lost relics of the once renowned empire of Aratania. Accompanied by a sentient blade, forged from the soul of an ancient warrior of his race, Valengetrix begins to understand that the price for returning home must be paid in blood and treasure.</i></p><p><i>…With the aid of his ancestral blade, and the various peoples of this world he encounters along the way, the name of Valengetrix becomes a name widely revered by his allies, and feared by his many adversaries.</i> (According to the author’s notes on Amazon, “this short story series [is] set nearly two millennia before the events in the Legends of Atlameria: Harbinger of World's End.”)</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Overall, I enjoyed these serial tales (kind of like an ‘episodic novel’), especially “Blood in the Snow” and “Caught in the Undertow.” The action was strong, the characters well-drawn, the individual plots and monsters and crises were exciting and intriguing. A few of the stories began with a lot of world-building and descriptive set-up, so I had to adjust my expectations a bit and ‘get into’ the setting before being rewarded with the action I was looking for. So I might say some parts were a little slow for me. But again, in general, the collection was a fun and fulfilling find.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYuI2oBE4KHtlJjNcfqq77Q5mvE3V1vYswAhVXUcGZ2zSUQFUnml3GKzW5pt-TivdpCap-UiYZjQxDvNpzNjMdwPZNeQDv1sht1JgHuMXBewOfmmxZucA5p3Qo6-Wbh2kCoVVuK82RFwYuE2r47-n3TZ0ShH0VAY-NtMYbLXcnJVp9FHqR-8/s346/Val%20Book%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="232" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYuI2oBE4KHtlJjNcfqq77Q5mvE3V1vYswAhVXUcGZ2zSUQFUnml3GKzW5pt-TivdpCap-UiYZjQxDvNpzNjMdwPZNeQDv1sht1JgHuMXBewOfmmxZucA5p3Qo6-Wbh2kCoVVuK82RFwYuE2r47-n3TZ0ShH0VAY-NtMYbLXcnJVp9FHqR-8/s320/Val%20Book%202.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>Plus, as mentioned, the rest of the characters are well-described. Although the storytelling is a bit ‘pulpy’ at times, the players aren’t cardboard characters, especially some of the females that make an appearance. <p></p><p>As one reviewer on Goodreads notes: “The leading ladies aren't particularly awed by our barbarian hero and have agency other than being love interests. Yes, [this collection has] its share of friendly tavern maids…and gleaming manly thews….” But, it is sword & sorcery after all.</p><p>“Ghost of Aratania” ends with Val and Ashren at the city gates of his homeland, and I assume book 2 in this series, “Valengetrix: Lion of Auropia”, will provide continued adventures and wrap up the storyline of vengeance and redemption. </p><p>I look forward to reading the second series of stories. I recommend this collection to other S&S fans – or really any fantasy pulp readers who like discovering new worlds and heroes and diving into the high adventures they provide. </p><p><><</p><p>(This is <a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/search/label/Sunday%20Roundup" target="_blank">Sunday Roundup</a> #9)</p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-76714366633465477982023-02-01T14:39:00.000-06:002023-02-01T14:39:05.462-06:00We're Live on Kickstarter!<p style="text-align: center;"><i><b> Swords and Heroes </b></i>- an anthology of sword and sorcery - has launched!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Check out the project at my Kickstarter Campaign page here:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lyndonperry/swords-and-heroes" target="_blank">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lyndonperry/swords-and-heroes</a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZE_B0AssO-kmoanbyTGLJJyuiA903i08C3XyKauzTczPq8OtVqNPiYQxfq1aPV64HBDiAzRGVzEYAnK1663kgEPEExGmps_C5K-uPWikYl8R5uw04p_OBLxd4n5lXSHtw2r_4FaCo05xyc_BRe-mrXbNLRJW29fiQB3U9U1EXiSIwoiZlA0g/s2048/Swords%20and%20Heroes%20Banner%20Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZE_B0AssO-kmoanbyTGLJJyuiA903i08C3XyKauzTczPq8OtVqNPiYQxfq1aPV64HBDiAzRGVzEYAnK1663kgEPEExGmps_C5K-uPWikYl8R5uw04p_OBLxd4n5lXSHtw2r_4FaCo05xyc_BRe-mrXbNLRJW29fiQB3U9U1EXiSIwoiZlA0g/w400-h225/Swords%20and%20Heroes%20Banner%20Final.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 exciting stories of heroic adventure!</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;">This project launched yesterday and has already funded to the half-way point - w00t! Very excited. Lots of reward tiers to choose from and add-on options. Thanks for checking it out and backing it if you like tales of epic fantasy.</p><p><br /></p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-23473499646839451682023-01-18T11:53:00.002-06:002023-01-19T09:54:28.744-06:00Review of Feast of Fools Anthology<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-HhzLPRHYXA6FR-TKDbtbbpi-w3GJFdvLQNVnxyUbKrjJLC2KaXcP_MHjoLTZXRqkSZ_sqUIwSqG56jNLfvJTd32lqMhDEsi7EwFlGL1iphhLGxUl2wrhdg8tU4QprTDz-JN9koLao1apjB1s3Ll7XDNkimpXab8gTAtjtqQTT0ASkzRw78/s4000/feastfools.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-HhzLPRHYXA6FR-TKDbtbbpi-w3GJFdvLQNVnxyUbKrjJLC2KaXcP_MHjoLTZXRqkSZ_sqUIwSqG56jNLfvJTd32lqMhDEsi7EwFlGL1iphhLGxUl2wrhdg8tU4QprTDz-JN9koLao1apjB1s3Ll7XDNkimpXab8gTAtjtqQTT0ASkzRw78/s320/feastfools.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i>Feast of Fools and Other Tales</i></h3><p></p><p>Edited by <b>Robert Poyton</b>, an <a href="https://www.innsmouthgold.com/" target="_blank">Innsmouth Gold Book</a> (Nov 2022, 250 pages). Includes 11 stories of sword and sorcery.</p><p>I'm in this antho (my story is “To Tame a Demon”) so I won't review it as I would a collection that I have no connection with, but I will share a few thoughts on the stories and authors in the ToC. (For a blow-by-blow, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5245365895" target="_blank">see my Goodreads review</a>.)</p><p>Overall, I enjoyed these 11 tales and would <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Feast-Fools-Other-Robert-Poyton-ebook/dp/B0BKTSRQ1P?tag=lpsweblforblo-20" target="_blank">recommend the e-book or paperback</a> for fantasy fans in general and sword and sorcery fans in particular. (Amazon affiliate link, btw.)</p><p>I had a couple favorites, including “The Horn of Tur” by <b>H. R. Laurence</b>; “The Rotting Goddess” by <b>B. Harlan Crawford</b>; and “The Lucky Thief” by <b>Tim Mendees</b>. Though I enjoyed them all. Oh, and “Wind” by <b>Russell Smeaton</b>.</p><p>Overall impression: editor <b>Robert Poyton </b>pulls together an enjoyable collection of heroic adventures that will likely appeal to fans of the wider genre of fantasy fiction. Not all the entries are tales of sword and sorcery, strictly speaking (mine certainly wasn’t), but the storytelling is fairly solid throughout and most authors wrap up their tales in a satisfying manner. </p><p>Quite a few of these adventures showcase an endearing anti-hero mercenary who deigns to guide his charges on some dangerous quest. And while there are similarities in trope among many stories in this antho, each tale has its own unique take on the plot's direction and conclusion.</p><p>While I won't rate this antho, I will say I'm proud to be a part of it!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujdfvQbfKBjFtfsYvSxLUQ2c53GXNefl9xbd_k46Y9Ux9s0PSGGL4hA-rjNhMFvX4P1eRIaqm7_h2C7CwHAUeu1Ckf-_tIVl8mseYTZ9WEsJG-IPH76i47X0OHLf3gZmmjOLxt0OBGUIsva56RAunzcs14d3wYKyEiCEOhgvPlKdOEDzKaZo/s362/a%20BookDate.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="362" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujdfvQbfKBjFtfsYvSxLUQ2c53GXNefl9xbd_k46Y9Ux9s0PSGGL4hA-rjNhMFvX4P1eRIaqm7_h2C7CwHAUeu1Ckf-_tIVl8mseYTZ9WEsJG-IPH76i47X0OHLf3gZmmjOLxt0OBGUIsva56RAunzcs14d3wYKyEiCEOhgvPlKdOEDzKaZo/w200-h181/a%20BookDate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Now, on to <a href="https://thebookdate.wordpress.com/2023/01/16/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-353/" target="_blank">Book Date Monday</a>. (Even though it's Wednesday - I just can't get it together by the first of the week! lol Click the link for more blogs that showcase what's on their TBR pile.)<p></p><div><b>My 52 Week Challenge: 3 of 52 books read/reviewed so far.</b></div><div>1. <i>Razored Land</i> by Charles Gramlich - post-apocalypse (not yet published, review forthcoming)</div><div>2. <i>The Stroke of Winter</i> by Wendy Webb - mystery (<a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/01/first-review-of-year-mystery.html">reviewed Jan 11</a>)</div><div>3. <i>Feast of Fools and Other Tales</i> - S&S anthology (<a href="https://residentialaliens.blogspot.com/2023/01/my-review-of-feast-of-fools-and-other.html" target="_blank">reviewed Jan 18</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Currently Reading...</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>+ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46155571-clovel-sword-saga" target="_blank">Clovel Sword Saga</a></i> by <b>Gordon Brewer</b> - 2 S&S novellas ("The Clovel Destroyer" and "Trail to Omcuur"). Third of the way through and enjoying the story so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>+ <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30629212-blackfoot-dawn" target="_blank">Blackfoot Dawn</a></i> by <b>John Legg</b> - western, book 2 in Mountain Times trilogy. I'm about a quarter of the way in and it's dragging a bit, haven't really gotten to the plot yet, I don't think.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Still in my TBR Pile...</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>+ Laws and Prophecies</i> by <b><a href="https://www.loriendil.com/index.php" target="_blank">L. S. King</a></b> - sword and planet, book 3 in Sword's Edge Chronicles</div><div><br /></div><div>+ <i>Point of View - Better Writing through Stronger Narrative: Drake's Brutal Writing Advice</i> by <b>Maxwell Alexander Drake</b> - non-fiction book on writing. I've actually started this, so I guess it should be in my "currently reading" pile. So far, good info and humourously communicated.</div><div><br /></div><div>What tomes are currently taking up space in your house? Drop me a comment and happy reading!</div><p><br /></p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-8067456657503797032023-01-13T06:50:00.010-06:002023-01-13T06:50:59.465-06:00Swords & Heroes on Kickstarter<p><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lyndonperry/swords-and-heroes" target="_blank">Swords & Heroes</a> is a new anthology of sword and sorcery coming to Kickstarter on January 31. Click the "<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lyndonperry/swords-and-heroes" target="_blank">Notify me on launch</a>" button to keep up-to-date on this exciting project featuring 12 great stories of heroic fantasy adventure, including tales by Adrian Cole, Charles Gramlich, and Gustavo Bondoni.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUF6_Oqaz0AQAHVX3qIHY5eBocNwmq1mnFCpXZTXkGW72EIqdmyvkO-W4iW-ne2sGTWvy5o_a8TdgHqvD469N5zgcCo86uw36kGHIzMmRe7CqC1L-pDtWPl9QPRILFzyXtmKQUBnAHE1q_YCMFNvbW1ityVA_0aTu33sXkHPFWXtx-OsBpQc/s1280/Swords%20and%20Heroes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUF6_Oqaz0AQAHVX3qIHY5eBocNwmq1mnFCpXZTXkGW72EIqdmyvkO-W4iW-ne2sGTWvy5o_a8TdgHqvD469N5zgcCo86uw36kGHIzMmRe7CqC1L-pDtWPl9QPRILFzyXtmKQUBnAHE1q_YCMFNvbW1ityVA_0aTu33sXkHPFWXtx-OsBpQc/w640-h360/Swords%20and%20Heroes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The ToC is complete and will be announced soon. Back the campaign and be the first to receive a copy of this antho before it hits the shelves later this year. Plenty of reward options starting at only $5.</p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-1664593592270030642023-01-11T08:49:00.006-06:002023-04-08T06:43:55.767-05:00First Review of the Year - A Mystery<p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmFSjyHxzjZjlLj71pNCyPeni28g-Pxz7lUTg2wHvDhjM4c6TIzmJSdPOKnVsfngx4bk2bZBooFforEFOEXcKM4qHjQJSLMUg3fC6HPfM-0iS35UdwtAURqwTSFeqfV60xnqqbiByUbVcAaqsmJa0jTecdZ_xdRwrNXtuMe9FagSO88e5Yts/s475/Winter.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmFSjyHxzjZjlLj71pNCyPeni28g-Pxz7lUTg2wHvDhjM4c6TIzmJSdPOKnVsfngx4bk2bZBooFforEFOEXcKM4qHjQJSLMUg3fC6HPfM-0iS35UdwtAURqwTSFeqfV60xnqqbiByUbVcAaqsmJa0jTecdZ_xdRwrNXtuMe9FagSO88e5Yts/s320/Winter.jpg" width="213" /></a></i></b></div><b><i>The Stroke of Winter</i></b> by <b>Wendy Webb</b><p></p><p>A slow burning mystery / ghost story / haunted house story with elements of romance, small town charm, and dark family secrets. A bit draggy in places, the story doesn't really get going until close to halfway through. No huge climax but the final few chapters do wrap it all up.</p><p>This is basically a cozy but with an undercurrent of evil. (Future bed and breakfast setting, a couple quirky characters, foodie references...all that's missing are a few recipes at the end.) For fans of supernatural mysteries. 3.5 stars for me. Got it free as a Prime book of the month offering.</p><p><< >></p><p>This is my first review of the year (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5157547577" target="_blank">posted on Goodreads</a>) in my quest to review 52 books in 2023. Here's the list so far...will update for each book read and reviewed. For the most recent post, click the label: <b>book review</b> (below this post, I think). I'll try to include links to my short reviews as I progress.</p><p><b>Books Read in 2023</b> (posted in order, plus review date)</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Razored Land</i> by <b>Charles Gramlich</b> - post-apocalypse (not yet published, not reviewed)</li><li><i>The Stroke of Winter</i> by <b>Wendy Webb</b> - mystery (reviewed Jan 11)</li></ul><div><b>Currently Reading</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Feast of Fools</i>, edited by <b>Robert Poyton</b> - an anthology of sword & sorcery</li><li><i>Blackfoot Dawn</i> by <b>John Legg</b> - western, book 2 in <i>Mountain Times</i> trilogy</li></ul></div><div><b>In my TBR Pile</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Laws and Prophecies</i> by <b>L. S. King</b> - sword and planet, book 3 in Sword's Edge Chronicles</li><li><i>Point of View - Better Writing through Stronger Narrative: Drake's Brutal Writing Advice</i> by <b>Maxwell Alexander Drake</b> - non-fiction book on writing</li></ul></div><div>For more booky blogs and reviews, head over to <a href="https://thebookdate.wordpress.com/2023/01/09/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-352/" target="_blank">Book Date Monday</a> - and yes, today's Wednesday, so I'm a little slow off the mark this week. What pages are turning in your household? Comment below.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpceDOy_cLJySXFj1ER5r4jMPsP6LVt3TKNu_azDjX1MB3m_NlJARhD2kjoEfS4e6tP3EIQTxYBnioKAaMPIRDwr2kfCd8_UOf1dagb8puk7OCTpQqERxul2Xop9W_hK5_wAnyRqtecKdy8Pt7UanN9EkqNIz2ToDoG5wU2Hd7mNf8aB0PjjI/s362/a%20BookDate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="362" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpceDOy_cLJySXFj1ER5r4jMPsP6LVt3TKNu_azDjX1MB3m_NlJARhD2kjoEfS4e6tP3EIQTxYBnioKAaMPIRDwr2kfCd8_UOf1dagb8puk7OCTpQqERxul2Xop9W_hK5_wAnyRqtecKdy8Pt7UanN9EkqNIz2ToDoG5wU2Hd7mNf8aB0PjjI/s320/a%20BookDate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>(This is <a href="http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/search/label/Sunday%20Roundup">Sunday Roundup</a> #8)</div><p></p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-21080933142293402012023-01-06T03:28:00.001-06:002023-01-06T03:28:46.930-06:00A Collect for the Epiphany<div>O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-21431135782098047782023-01-05T07:34:00.001-06:002023-01-05T07:34:28.104-06:00ResAliens Zine is Live!<p dir="ltr">Now live - #specfic #ebook and #paperback - ResAliens Zine, Issue #6. Featuring stories by Mike Chinn, Adrian Cole, TM Hunter, Cliff Hamrick, Mike Lynch, HA Titus and Stoney Setzer. #fantasy #sciencefiction<br>
UK Kindle - <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRHMWZWR">https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRHMWZWR</a><br>
US Kindle - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRHMWZWR">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRHMWZWR</a><br>
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As I do here in my #FreeFictionFriday <a href="https://lynperry.substack.com/p/the-story-of-my-life" target="_blank">post on Substack</a> #memoir #autobiography</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqywptA6WwkF5IuKBhJAVHLHwg53wRI_T5n0CNbWBnoVO0pSTA_UYLlM-QBebvdx6tniTyhsQxtUQ8HOFenxMgPIcdGXX95mAP4Ox5aewhfYwNCvH5-rpptkeY_GWcnx0ksrSQYeiEaBb7bJSzuo1zkqHOsIlvsz0gHflAvsjOkY15knsowI/s625/1970%20Mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqywptA6WwkF5IuKBhJAVHLHwg53wRI_T5n0CNbWBnoVO0pSTA_UYLlM-QBebvdx6tniTyhsQxtUQ8HOFenxMgPIcdGXX95mAP4Ox5aewhfYwNCvH5-rpptkeY_GWcnx0ksrSQYeiEaBb7bJSzuo1zkqHOsIlvsz0gHflAvsjOkY15knsowI/w288-h400/1970%20Mexico.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in 1972, I think. Gotta love those shorts!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-6237516862598662262022-12-29T04:31:00.004-06:002022-12-29T04:32:34.504-06:00Happy New Year! (Tradition!)<p>What traditions help you ring in the New Year? At Boom Travel and Wellness Julie wrote up a short list of some interesting celebrations around the globe involving food. Here's to a wonderful 2023!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-_kBVQKNi6XXJUK91t5XH1gf-Z_nhiVcahKfsZ3K57l2oKVxQT7op2YZkiXU04UXU9HbFoehgvXde6RD7mECB87_jU4eYPmdjxr64k95qgakoFbwaHCF4frlC5WwS-cK2bqrBbOEUNxAWieyNqG0xGgxNo4NQMfcvDOdTDMTHshqTg7pyvM/s2304/IMG_20221227_194414064.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-_kBVQKNi6XXJUK91t5XH1gf-Z_nhiVcahKfsZ3K57l2oKVxQT7op2YZkiXU04UXU9HbFoehgvXde6RD7mECB87_jU4eYPmdjxr64k95qgakoFbwaHCF4frlC5WwS-cK2bqrBbOEUNxAWieyNqG0xGgxNo4NQMfcvDOdTDMTHshqTg7pyvM/s320/IMG_20221227_194414064.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-39771858819997734002022-12-09T11:39:00.002-06:002022-12-09T11:39:17.435-06:00Experiment in Microfiction<p>It's #FreeFictionFriday ! Here's an experiment in microfiction - one a literary short first published by <i>Every Day Fiction</i> in 2008. The other a bit of alien fun. Titled "The Anniversary" and "Golden Anniversary" respectively. Hope you enjoy these two very short stories. Tell me which you like better!</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;"><em><strong>The Anniversary</strong></em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">“Those three words,” I say as I pour her another glass of wine.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">“Love you, too,” she coos. An impish grin flickers across her face.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">I quickly refill my glass and snuggle back down beside her. The fire crackles in front of us. After all these years we’re still caught up in the romance.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">“Perfect ending to a perfect day,” I murmur in her ear.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">She takes in a deep breath and sighs out a yes that makes my heart jump. The wildflower bouquet we brought back from our afternoon picnic must be releasing its aphrodisiacal magic. I’m in love with the world.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">“I love the fall,” I say. “The Flint Hills are gorgeous this time of year. We should buy this bed and breakfast and live here forever.”</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">“You say that every anniversary,” my wife teases.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">“And you’d think after fifty years I’d finally convince you,” I say, smiling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZEzPTaBXXg3VN9KRHG594HCfVGQKcunJ127NmvUe912sXBNNp_l-_HnDKVtWG7YVMjzZ8jFPh_i_VHaPp1kMJm0GM-L_Q6zM_6cSxOG6ffQ1BP8RCi26-gMRYm9nc6V6ULKOz0ZOLtX0V4e0N31QVWOKdG3yJL3fe1AUIgc1H09D-mm59Ec/s640/pay-2661736_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="640" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZEzPTaBXXg3VN9KRHG594HCfVGQKcunJ127NmvUe912sXBNNp_l-_HnDKVtWG7YVMjzZ8jFPh_i_VHaPp1kMJm0GM-L_Q6zM_6cSxOG6ffQ1BP8RCi26-gMRYm9nc6V6ULKOz0ZOLtX0V4e0N31QVWOKdG3yJL3fe1AUIgc1H09D-mm59Ec/s320/pay-2661736_640.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;"><em><strong>Golden Anniversary</strong></em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;"><em>Those three words</em>, I say to her as I pour another glass of Rigelian wine.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;"><em>Love you, too</em>, she coos. An impish grin flickers across her fluorescent face.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">I quickly refill my glass and snuggle back down beside my love as we wrap our seven free limbs around each other in tender embrace. The holofire crackles in front of us. After all these aeons were still caught up in the romance.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;"><em>Perfect climax to a perfect century of celebration</em>, I murmur in her ear.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;">She takes in a deep breath and sighs out a ‘yes’ that causes my four hearts to beat in syncopation. The Aurilian bouquet we brought back from our afternoon picnic must be releasing its aphrodisiacal magic. I’m in love with the universe.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;"><em>I love this planet</em>, I say. <em>The Milky Way is in a spectacular rotation. We should buy this solar system and live here forever</em>.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;"><em>You say that every millennium when we vacation here</em>, my wife teases.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #241e12; font-family: system-ui, Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 10px 0px !important; white-space: pre-line;"><em>And you’d think after fifty of them I’d finally convince you</em>. I smile.</p><p>Also post on my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/free-friday-75715603" target="_blank">Patreon Page</a> and on my <a href="https://lynperry.substack.com/p/the-anniversary" target="_blank">Substack Page</a>. Copyright 2008 by Lyndon Perry.</p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-56769547974747874292022-12-05T09:09:00.003-06:002022-12-05T09:09:39.800-06:00New Series on Kindle Vella<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4l43DqgGxbw6eblZpjolwy3t2VDnTPbOGO8ty_fHeb2s8ori-RXDBgps2QgF8-cymV7nCae6QWIPMFEWDv4-e6F5u4jFvMTlxKXOXHdcnbKeit75WPkTw-vRfqFyfukpQVmm1AS0I44XFFZyyKxUfLHjGwi5S48MveoFwZodngwzlQPZcvQ/s200/Matthew%20MBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4l43DqgGxbw6eblZpjolwy3t2VDnTPbOGO8ty_fHeb2s8ori-RXDBgps2QgF8-cymV7nCae6QWIPMFEWDv4-e6F5u4jFvMTlxKXOXHdcnbKeit75WPkTw-vRfqFyfukpQVmm1AS0I44XFFZyyKxUfLHjGwi5S48MveoFwZodngwzlQPZcvQ/s1600/Matthew%20MBC.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Are you a Kindle Vella fan? Are you into "The Chosen" streaming series? (Season 3 drops soon!) <p></p><p>Then you might like my historical fiction series on how <b>Matthew the Tax Collector became a Follower of Jesus</b>. </p><p>I've published 6 are 21 episodes with new chapters coming out every Sunday and Thursday. Click "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B09B1K1Q69" target="_blank">Follow Story</a>" (link to Amazon's Kindle Vella) to be notified when a new episode drops. Read the first 3 episodes for free. (artwork by Jacob Aybara, btw)</p><p><br /></p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-16703487243832186222022-12-03T12:52:00.002-06:002022-12-03T12:52:12.073-06:00New Short Story of Mine Online<p>Hey, long time no chat!</p><p>A few weeks back, we snuck off to Las Vegas for a surprise wedding - our oldest daughter got married! Immediate family only, so we had to keep it a secret from our friends and extended family. It was a group elopement, kind of! ;-)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGE7d6nEtZ5EF0MU_jNIzeQAwrsYNSOr1fUrGZcpMRecT_QgDRELbWDwZuMcNjVJotGKqaS4XNZDJM3TbVDmOdLCmaHCMpp2XnJCe49hXgOvi7LtVUU4EFgksxRyEMQpvEdfqzUYYUn3eVf5Cl1hUnZlLxtU_lUZ4oMgFjZOTmrSa5KHMR64/s960/Maysi%20First%20Assignment.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGE7d6nEtZ5EF0MU_jNIzeQAwrsYNSOr1fUrGZcpMRecT_QgDRELbWDwZuMcNjVJotGKqaS4XNZDJM3TbVDmOdLCmaHCMpp2XnJCe49hXgOvi7LtVUU4EFgksxRyEMQpvEdfqzUYYUn3eVf5Cl1hUnZlLxtU_lUZ4oMgFjZOTmrSa5KHMR64/w300-h400/Maysi%20First%20Assignment.png" width="300" /></a></div>Then I attended #20BooksLasVegas, a huge writers conference that explores the business of being an independent author. Great learning experience. But coming home from that I had “conference crud” and was sick Thanksgiving week! Ugh.<p></p><p>Plus, my wife was away visiting her mom in Chicago, so I was a lonely puppy. But I had my 19-year old cat Charlie to comfort me. Then I got some good news! A story of mine would go live by the end of November. And here it is!</p><p>It’s called “Maysi’s First Assignment” and is a contemporary urban fantasy with a sword & sorcery, demon-slying vibe. Check it out at <a href="https://electricspec.com/Volume17/Issue4/perry.html " target="_blank">Electric Spec</a>. I had a lot of fun writing it.</p><p>Welp, hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and wish you great times as you gear up for Christmas. Enjoy this week’s free story and I’ll chat with you soon.</p><p>As always, thanks for reading. - Lyn Perry</p><div><br /></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-54990116019944342062022-11-27T08:41:00.001-06:002022-11-27T08:41:03.714-06:00First Sunday of Advent <div>Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty, to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and ever. Amen.</div><div>- Collect for the First Sunday in Advent (BCP)</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17595589.post-25029694803381238342022-11-08T05:23:00.001-06:002022-11-08T05:23:09.953-06:00ResAliens Relaunch<h3 style="text-align: left;"> ResAliens Zine is back with a brand new issue!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFb91Z9waT_e0x4PulL9RfxlnxD0T5U-yrCTNRjW8UoELSE3r9evDc1WUlPYw9okvXRo19Q5UtTCXKEfaGcHql7hXME_gFAcWq0NDMHXjyugnFsk7Bho--8a-OImbZsEmRO3pxD8CCC8lb-pKPb8kZmMwwsV9cXeCyDuT8bNzkNo0554xft8/s1280/KS%20Banner%2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFb91Z9waT_e0x4PulL9RfxlnxD0T5U-yrCTNRjW8UoELSE3r9evDc1WUlPYw9okvXRo19Q5UtTCXKEfaGcHql7hXME_gFAcWq0NDMHXjyugnFsk7Bho--8a-OImbZsEmRO3pxD8CCC8lb-pKPb8kZmMwwsV9cXeCyDuT8bNzkNo0554xft8/w640-h360/KS%20Banner%2004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Remember the days of underground zines and fan-fic newsletters? When indie readers and writers came together to create something magical? Then you might enjoy becoming a fellow alien sighter (and project backer!) as I relaunch of Residential Aliens, a #zine of spiritually infused speculative fiction.</p><p>Drop by <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lyndonperry/resaliens-zine-returns" target="_blank">my Kickstarter page here</a> and check out the various reward levels. Lots of options and you'll get some great reading in return. Thanks for your interest. Should be a fun ride!</p><div><br /></div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11998346902027037420noreply@blogger.com0