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A review of Zed by Stephen Herfst to compliment today’s feature

mel's avatarMel Cusick-Jones

I first came across this book when the author came on board for the Indie Author Month on Aside From Writing and I loved the cover 🙂 It fits perfectly with the book / blurb and really made me want to read it. And so I have…

The Blurb

The story revolves around a teenage girl’s promise to save Zed from the human hordes.

Zed is not your typical zombie. He is cursed with the affliction of thought … although he tries to make the best of a bad situation. The goals for his unrest are simple: to improve his stride, to taste a lightly-seared pork loin once again and avoid Activists at all costs.

His life was predictable, controlled and good until chaos crashed the party. In just one day his world is destroyed and his ability to survive is tested. Would he be able to get through this…

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Zed by Stephen Herfst

The story revolves around a teenage girl’s promises to save Zed from the human hordes.

Zed is not your typical zombie. He is cursed with the affliction of thought … although he tries to make the best of a bad situation. The goals for his unrest are simple: to improve his stride, to taste a lightly-seared pork loin once again and avoid Activists at all costs.

His life was predictable, controlled and good until chaos crashed the party. In just one day his world is destroyed and his ability to survive is tested. Would he be able to get through this in one piece? And would he somehow be able to survive the unstoppable force that goes by the name of Chase?

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***EVENT EXTRA*** First three people to visit Smashwords and enter code UJ48W will be able to pick up a free copy today!

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Author Interview

Where do you find your inspiration?

The inspiration came to me while I was watching The Walking Dead. I was bored at the drama and the angst that unfolded so much so that I wanted something else – and then it hit me. I wondered what it would be like to write a zombie story from the perspective of a zombie. This snowballed into the basis of a story that would be humorous, touching and inspirational; not things that you usually associate with the average zombie story! I then spent the next month writing the story, followed by over two months editing and polishing.

What is your favourite aspect of Zed?

My favourite aspect was the interaction between Zed and Chase. It was interesting for me to see the way they interacted and to play their strengths and weaknesses against each other. I also enjoyed twisting the traditional horror aspects around so that normally mundane situations had a horror element from Zed’s perspective.

Who is your favourite character from Zed and why?

My favourite character is Zed, as he reflects a lot of the thoughts and musings that course through my mind. He served as a vehicle for pointing out the hypocrisies and contradictions of society. He also amused me most of the time, although my sense of humour is an acquired taste.

What are you working on now?

I am working on another novel which is not zombie-related. It’s about a manic-obsessive who is forced into a situation that is very much outside of his comfort zone. I am taking a more structured development process to building the story and characters, so I will see whether that pans out when I finally begin writing it. My first novel took just over a month to write, although I think if I get the planning done well, this one might even be quicker. I have established the story arc for the two remaining books in the Zed Trilogy, although I want to stagger the release.

What do you love about most about writing?

I think the thing I love most is being able to contribute to the literary world. I have read a good number of books in my time (I would estimate at least a thousand), and so, contributing my voice to the world is exciting and humbling. Hopefully others will gain enjoyment from the stories that I enjoy writing and reading.

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About the Author

If I had to define myself in a few words, it would be:

“Quiet, outgoing, thinking, reflective, driven, lazy, observant, competitive, confident, doubtful”

Depending on my mood, the topic and the people around me, I can be many things. When I began life I wanted to be a programmer but now I just want to be independent. I am always open to trying new things and have always made it a habit of doing things I haven’t done before.

I was born in Germany, from Dutch-South African descent and currently live in Australia although I’m currently working in Philadelphia and my family lives in Malaysia. I don’t believe that I can define one country as my home and hope to travel for the rest of my life.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Goodreads Author Page

Author Blog

Zed at Smashwords

Zed at Amazon.com


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The Cimaruta by Lady Ellen

Persephane Pendrake Chronicles – Book One: The Cimaruta

After an incident at school incenses her to the point of allowing one of her little ‘abilities’ to slip out and be observed, Persephane’s life becomes a cascade of weird events. A fairy pleads for her help and a large bear tells her that her destiny is about to start unfolding, beginning with her first experience with the Time-Linx!

It’s after this that she and her familiar Benson (a VERY cheeky dragonfly) meet Thaddeus, a wizard and his sidekick P-C (a ‘not so brave’ dragon). These four get the shock of their lives, when it’s revealed that their actual destiny together includes a dark, dangerous and on the surface – nearly impossible task.

They must stop the cold and evil Melanthios from collecting nine magical objects and becoming the “All Powerful One” which would allow her and her demonic minions to rule our planet in darkness and Black Magic.

Remember…you could win a copy of The Cimaruta in the event giveaway, so make sure you’ve entered to win! Follow us on Facebook / Twitter and get vocal on the Indie Author Event comments to earn yourself additional entry points 🙂 

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? Reading myths and legends give me ‘seeds’ to work with.

What is your favourite aspect of The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles? They are limitless, occurring in a host of magical realms.

Who is your favourite character from The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles and why? Benson, definitely. He’s irreverent and reflects my personality the most.

What are you working on now? Book Two – The Cauldron of Ceridwen

What do you love about most about writing? The world is mine to develop and evolve – it flows…

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About the Author

It says on the back of the first book of The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles: “About Lady Ellen – Weaving and scribing of the eight remaining tomes continues in Lady Ellen’s remote witch’s hut…on her tiny piece of Ontario’s Cambrian Shield” …and indeed that’s where the series began. After more than three decades as an alternative health care practitioner, I finally managed to start devoting some serious time to my secret love–fantasy fiction. I’ve always loved fantasy, magic and mythical kingdoms.  We home-schooled our kids and lived on a 100 acre farm..which had about twenty-five acres in forest. We’d make up stories and adventures..lots of fairies, witches, wizards, etc. Now, all these years later, I’ve started on my nine-book, three trilogy magical series…The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles and have just re-published the first book “The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles-One-The Cimaruta.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Website: http://www.lady-ellen.com

Blog: http://ladyellen9.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PersephanePendrake/8956033698

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/LadyEllen

Ordering: http://www.lady-ellen.com/order.html

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Hope’s Daughter by Mel Cusick-Jones

Life should be simple for Cassie.

For the small population of Earth survivors who live on the Space Station Hope everything they do is planned and scheduled, down to the cyclical food menus, their roles in the station, even how many children they have.

Despite rigid controls directing her life, Cassie feels more out of synch than ever and worries she won’t find a place for herself within the station community. Perhaps that’s because she’s hearing things inside her head that can’t possibly be real. Or maybe it’s the regular elopements of her peers, heading off to a romantic future in the Married Quarter of the space station, whilst she’s never even been attracted to a boy – no matter how hard her best friend Ami pushes them at her. Then there are the odd questions her work placement partner Balik keeps raising. His questions are just as troubling for her as his distracting smiles and eyes that seem to see inside her.

As Cassie draws closer to Balik she finds that everything else in her life begins to shift. He tells her things that call into question the system they live within. She can’t believe he is right, but at the same time she finds it hard to deny the sincerity of his ideas. Could there be a connection between Cassie’s problems and Balik’s questions? The truth will drag them both to a terrifying and deadly conclusion beyond anything they could have imagined.

Remember…you could win a copy of Hope’s Daughter in the main event giveaway, so make sure you’ve entered to win! Follow us on Facebook / Twitter and get vocal on the Indie Author Event comments to earn yourself additional entry points 🙂 

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***EXTRA GIVEAWAY – Visit the Giveaway Site to Win Hope’s Daughter – EXTRA GIVEAWAY***5  copies to be won***EXTRA GIVEAWAY***

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? All types of people, books, life, films, family and love.

What is your favourite aspect of Hope’s Daughter? The complimentary relationship between Cassie and Balik – love conquers all…

Who is your favourite character from Hope’s Daughter and why? Cassie, because it is her story, her world, her life.

What are you working on now? Rainbow Maker’s Tale, which is Balik’s story and Outlanders.

What do you love about most about writing? Solving character’s problems – the freedom to go wherever you want

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About the Author

After graduating from The University of Sheffield with an English Literature Masters in 2003, Melanie has been writing fiction – time permitting – ever since.

The Ambrosia Sequence (started in 2008) and The Elementals (begun in 2004) are both ongoing, extended projects each containing several novels, aimed primarily at young adults and hover somewhere in the middle of sci-fi, futuristic and fantasy genres. Hope’s Daughter, released in December 2011, is her debut novel and the first of The Ambrosia Sequence, with the sequel – Outlanders – due in 2012.

When she’s not writing Melanie enjoys the wet weather of the north of England with her dogs or disappearing into a book for a few hours (no surprise there then). Unfortunately, all too often the ‘day job’ gets in the way of the nicer things in life!

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Find the author:

Website – http://cusick-jones.com

Blog – http://melcj.wordpress.com and Aside from Writing!

Facebook – Hope’s Daughter and Mel Cusick-Jones

Twitter @melabupa

 

Buy the book:

You Tube Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/kLuf6DKg8I8

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Apple iBooks   Barnes and Noble

Also available at: Kobo, Sony Reader, Copia, Ebook Pie, Baker & Taylor

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Shades of Grey by Michael Cargill

John is not a very nice man. He works for the government. So who has tied him to a chair and what do they want? James is a British soldier during WWII. Tom is a young boy with a terrible secret. Three stories. Three very different people. All of them battling to survive.

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? Imagine eating spaghetti with a knife.  Everything just falls out.

What is your favourite aspect of Shades of Grey? Hearing people say they enjoy it.

Who is your favourite character from Shades of Grey and why? John the Baptist.  He is the action-man’s Don Draper.

What are you working on now? A mixture of sleep, brain storming and exercise.

What do you love about most about writing? Turning ideas into words is the world’s greatest magic trick.

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About the Author: Living in England, Surrey and about to break the 33-years old barrier.  I can honestly say that coming to terms with getting older is worse than puberty.  At 14 every extra hair was greeted with rapturous applause and a desire to show it off at school.  Every time a small breeze blew I would worry that it was going to blow away.

These days whenever I spot a new nasal hair I can hear it laughing at me.  I even have to make use of electronic devices to prune it back.

A profile picture? I am too shy.  I might pluck up the courage later though.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

http://michaelcargill.wordpress.com/

Twitter – @MichaelCargill1

 

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/134401

US Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Shades-of-Grey-ebook/dp/B007BFJ45E/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329831640&sr=1-3

UK Amazon – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shades-of-Grey-ebook/dp/B007BFJ45E/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1329831691&sr=1-5

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Just Finished…Shades of Grey by Michael Cargill

To accompany today’s feature on author Michael Cargill, here’s our review of his fantastic short story collection Shades of Grey – make sure you’re entered in the massive event giveaway for your chance to win this and over thirty other books by our featured authors!

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I’ve not read a short story collection for a long while so, as it turns out Shades of Grey, was a perfect choice – because it is fantastic!

I read quite a lot and I have to say that it has been a long time since I found myself so ‘transported’ by a book – to the point that the descriptions and world built in the story feel so alive and real that I feel I could turn my head and actually see what the character is looking at – but that was a regular sensation when I was reading this.

So…what about the stories themselves?

Shades of Grey – Thrust into the tortured mind of an intelligence officer undergoing interrogation the story propels you through this flawed character’s disturbing life and memories in a interesting stream of consciousness style. I liked the erratic jumps through time, which felt right for the character and situation he’s in. The frequent f*%$ language also fitted with the situation. It’s a bit of a roller-coaster ride and reminded me a little of books I’ve read in this genre (Ian Flemming, Robert Ludlum). What is done particularly well is the dissection of the main character’s mind – it felt very realistic and vivid.

There and Back Again – Where Shades of Grey takes you deep inside someone’s mind, There and Back Again takes you into the world of war. Although you again get inside the minds of the main characters, for me it was the landscape and horrors of being a normal human being walking through a world torn apart by war that stood out. The difficulties of trying to get your mind to reconcile the brutality of what you see and do with your rational mind are nicely drawn out and explored in this short story.

Down the Rabbit Hole – I actually think this was my favourite of the three stories – there’s a slightly King-ish vibe to the story: the uneasiness of normal life being pushed slightly out of kilter – and I loved Tom! The depiction of a child’s acceptance of the unusual, the painful and interesting was perfectly delivered and I really wanted to step into this story – aside from the fact it creeped me out! – and put my arm around Tom to keep him safe.

My Overall Thoughts: The writing style is great – I liked the immediacy, the vivid reality created in the minds of the characters we meet in these short stories. Each is quite different in the content of the story and the perspective it’s written from, but at the same time there is a clear voice of the author.

One of the things Michael Cargill does very well is crawl into the ‘heads’ of the characters, places and objects he depicts: whether it’s the convoluted inner workings of a tortured, disturbed intelligence officer; the war-torn landscape of WWII France; or the playtime friend of a lonely little boy; his ability to bring the various aspects of a story to life was spot-on for me and I would heartily recommend this collection to people who like a rollicking good read – you’ll race through the stories and enjoy every minute.

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This review was originally posted at Mel Cusick-Jones’ author blog on 26th April 2012.

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Pretty Killers: Diamonds by Jordan McKinney

Book One: Diamonds – Life had not been too kind to little Tomika Drake. Other than growing up in one of the most ill-reputed cities in the state, at age 13, she lost her beloved mother and soon after, her father was incarcerated. For the next three years, she lived her life stuck in a suburban hell with her narcissistic half-sister and her equally evil mother, but on her 16th birthday, her life changed when she was forced to unwrap the powerful superhuman gift that was bestowed upon her at birth. Pretty Killers examines millennial American pop culture, politics, and society through a whirlwind week starting when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a famed fashion mogul brings the feuding family to the sparkling metropolis of Queen City. But the shine quickly fades when they learn that the neighbouring burg has been tackling an issue with humongous mutants and other terrors, including a gang that Tomika’s half-sister gets caught up in. When the fate of the city ends up on Tomika’s shoulders, will she find it in her heart to save her half-sister, or take the chance to finally do away with the scourge while saving the city from her gang’s tirades?

Remember…you could win a copy of Diamonds in the event giveaway, so make sure you’ve entered to win! Follow us on Facebook / Twitter and get vocal on the Indie Author Event comments to earn yourself additional entry points 🙂 

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? Strangely, I find my inspiration mostly in  music.

What is your favourite aspect of Pretty Killers:Diamonds? I like the double meaning. How pretentious of me, right?

Who is your favourite character from Pretty Killers:Diamonds and why? Tomika. because she’s overtly sardonic, but still sensitive inside.

What are you working on now? Currently, working on the follow-up to Diamonds.

What do you love about most about writing? I love how you can stretch the limits of reality.

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About the Author

Jordan McKinney is that quintessential ’90s kid. You know, the kind of person who repeats ad nauseum how cartoons and the economy and just everything was better up until the year 2000. But with growing up in a small city just outside of Detroit, Michigan, there isn’t much to do but observe, and analyse. Maybe that’s why he grew up to study Sociology in college and then, in turn, used that knowledge to scrutinize subjects in popular culture against sociological and psychological concepts in his writing. Maybe he likes to eat burgers and uses writing to pay for his habit. Who knows anything, but the fact that  he’s a writer who tries too hard to be funny. But, no, seriously, Jordan McKinney became a writer because books are such an important–or used to be an important–part of life. They pass on information, and create worlds that you thought could not exist. And to speak on life from a young Black kid’s perspective is Jordan’s goal.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/PancakeMcKennz

Amazon: http://amzn.com/1463734018

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/119698

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/pretty-killers/id496761737?mt=11

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/948069.Jordan_McKinney

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The Weeping Empress by Sadie Forsythe


Chiyo Alglaeca was happy in her life. That is, until it was all taken away. Forced into notoriety, stalked by a mysterious cult, hunted by the emperor, and facing betrayal at every turn she clings to the only safety she can find: two enigmatic men and the sharp bringer of death, Salvation.

The Weeping Empress explores the devastating effects of loss, the hunt for redemption, and the price of destiny. It questions the true meaning of evil and asks what monster is not also an innocent?

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? Everywhere and nowhere, even I don’t always know.

What is your favourite aspect of The Weeping Empress? I adore the cover. I find it beautiful & symbolic.

Who is your favourite character from The Weeping Empress and why? Senka, I like his unassuming strength.

What are you working on now? The sequel– it addresses why Chiyo and how it happened.

What do you love about most about writing? Getting the story out of my head.

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About the Author

Sadie Forsythe hails from the Southeastern United States, lives in Northwestern England, and is a fan of all things Japanese. She holds degrees in Anthropology/Comparative Religion, International Criminology, and Social Change. She loves local coffee shops, geek culture, everything bookish, and tea (steaming with milk and sweet iced). She is married with two daughters and an imaginary dog.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Website: http://sadieforsythe.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SadieSForsythe

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SadieForsythe

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Blue Sky Days by Marie Landry

A year after graduating from high school, nineteen-year-old Emma Ward feels lost. She has spent most of her life trying to please her frigid, miserable mother – studying hard, getting good grades, avoiding the whole teenage rebellion thing – and now she feels she has no identity beyond that. Because she spent so many years working hard and planning every moment of her life, she doesn’t have any friends, has never had a boyfriend, and basically doesn’t know who she is or what she really wants from life. Working two part-time jobs to save money for college hasn’t helped her make decisions about her future, so she decides it’s time for a change. She leaves home to live with her free-spirited, slightly eccentric Aunt Daisy in a small town that makes Emma feel like she’s stepped back in time.

When Emma meets Nicholas Shaw, everything changes – he’s unlike anyone she’s ever met before, the kind of man she didn’t even know existed in the 21st century. Carefree and spirited like Daisy, Nicholas teaches Emma to appreciate life, the beauty around her, and to just let go and live. Between Daisy and Nicholas, Emma feels like she belongs somewhere for the first time in her life, and realizes that you don’t always need a plan – sometimes life steers you where you’re meant to be.

Life is wonderful, an endless string of blue sky days, until Nicholas is diagnosed with cancer, and life changes once again for Emma in ways she never thought possible. Now it’s time for her to help Nicholas the way he’s helped her. Emma will have to use her new-found strength, and discover along the way if love really is enough to get you through.

(Read the Aside from Writing review of Blue Sky Days)

Remember…you could win a copy of Blue Sky Days in the event giveaway, so make sure you’ve entered to win! Follow us on Facebook / Twitter and get vocal on the Indie Author Event comments to earn yourself additional entry points 🙂 

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? Life, love, art, family, music, travel, books.

What is your favourite aspect of Blue Sky Days? The love story. Emma and Nicholas make my heart happy.

Who is your favourite character from Blue Sky Days and why? Emma. She learns and grows and changes so much.

What are you working on now? Chick-lit about lifelong best friends…and a hot guy! 😉

What do you love about most about writing? The creative outlet, freedom, and simply the act of writing.

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About the Author

Marie Landry has always been a daydreamer. She has created imaginary worlds for as long as she can remember, so it only seemed natural that she would become a writer. With a passion for words that started in early childhood, Marie has written a varied range of works, and has been freelance writing since 2009. She resides in Ontario, Canada, and most days you can find her writing, reading, blogging about writing and reading, listening to U2, or having grand adventures with her two precious nephews.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Facebook – Author Page

Facebook – Blue Sky Days – Book Page 

Twitter – http://twitter.com/SweetMarie83

Book blog – http://sweetmarie-83.blogspot.com

Author blog – http://marielandry.blogspot.com

Buy Blue Sky Days…

Amazon.com – http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sky-Days-ebook/dp/B006U97B20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325915568&sr=8-1

Amazon.uk – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Sky-Days-ebook/dp/B006U97B20/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1

Smashwords – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/120238

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-sky-days-marie-landry/1108336817

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Welcome to Indie Author Month!

 

It’s finally arrived – forget about our usual features, reviews and guests…for the entire month of May we’re dedicating the blog to promoting a whole host of indepedent authors from the YA world, covering all genres and tastes to help you gear up your reading lists for summer with something a little different!

Of course, no event would be complete without a giveaway – which you’ll know that we don’t normally do – and one lucky reader will be chosen to win a whole host of hard copy and e-book lovelies. Not only that, but along the way you’ll be able to find free download vouchers and extra giveaways from the featured authors, so check in daily Won’t that be nice to take away on your summer jollies?

So without further ado we’ll get on with the event – visit the Facebook page (HERE!) or the giveaway page to enter for your chance to win anything up to THIRTY books donated by the authors featuring in our event and then check back with us each and every day this month to see some great books and mini-interviews with the people who’ve written them!

Our first book and author of the day will be up shortly! Enjoy!! 🙂