“The Grimoire Chronicles: Veil between Worlds by Sally Dubats

Book Description :
Halloween looms and the Veil between Worlds thins. Seventeen-year-old Cassie heads home from school and meets Trenton, a beautiful boy with an enchanting voice. Darkness blankets the encounter so Cassie forgets she ever met him...and what he did to her. For other girls the lost time would have been the end of the story, but Cassie is Wiccan and she uses her intelligence and authentic witchcraft to remember the truth. Her spell sets in motion a mind blowing adventure that takes her to another dimension, the astral plane, where anything is possible and a dangerous romance with Trenton blossoms.


But who....or what....is Trenton?   


Don't let the classification of young adult stop you from reading "The Grimoire Chronicles : Veil between Worlds" By Sally Dubats. This is a story for all ages, even I was a bit skeptical after reading the first few pages but soon found out that this author had written a fantastic fantasy story! The novel is told from Cassie's POV, like other normal teens she is trying to find out where she fits in. But she is a witch and comes from a line of witches so that in itself makes it difficult to "fit in". Then she meets Trenton and her life becomes very complicated and dangerous for her and those around her. We see Cassie come into her own as a person and a witch as she fights for what she believes in and for those she loves.


The story line is well thought out and moves at a very exciting pace and I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride as the author revealed the dangerous element to the story. This element of danger and threat really gives the book the boost it needs to push it past the young adult genre and was enough to keep me wanting more. One thing that really stood out was the authentic portrayal of Wiccan ritual and lore ; combine that with Ancient Myth and it added a whole new dimension to the book that was fascinating.


The Characters in the story had depth and substance, which is refreshing in a young adult story. We see Cassie as the main focus in the story, but as each character is introduced we see them through Cassie's eyes. As their relationships grow the supporting characters really come to life and are well woven into the plot and I found myself emotionally engaged with all the characters by the end of the story.  I was touched and drawn to the character of Cassie as she learned to deal with grief and loss all while staying focused in the midst of chaos as she was trying to protect herself and those she loved. Trenton on the other hand remains a bit of mystery, which I can understand since this is the first book in the series. I hope in the next book we will learn more about Trenton and his family. The background to Trenton's family is a brilliant twist to the story and introduces something that I have yet to see in the paranormal genre. I could tell you more.....but I won't!  I don't want to give it away.


"The Grimoire Chronicles : Veil between Worlds" is a fun and exciting read, and I am looking forward to book 2 "The Grimoire Chronicles : Winter Solstice".  With that said I give this book 4 Stars!
                                           4 Stars! 

You may find "The Grimoire Chronicles : Veil between Worlds" here : DarkissReads Store

Sally Dubats is a published author of a non-fiction compendium on the practice of witchcraft. She has held editorial positions for green non-profit organizations, and was the editor of a metaphysical newspaper for several years. Sally is Wiccan and continues to practice and research the Craft. You may find her on the web here :


http://www.sallydubats.com/


Reviewed by Witchofthemists

Bending the Boyne by J.S Dunn

Book Description :

Circa 2200 BCE: Changes rocking the Continent of Eire with the dawning of the Bronze Age. Well before any Celts, marauders invade the island seeking copper and gold. The young astronomer Boann and the enigmatic Cian need all of their wits and courage to save their people and their great Boyne mounds, when long bronze knives challenge the peaceful native starwatchers. Banished to far coasts, Cian discovers how to outwit the invaders at their own game. Tensions on Eire between new and old cultures and between Boann, Elcmar, and her son Aengus, ultimately explode. What emerges from the rubble of battle are the legends of Ireland's beginnings in a totally new light. 

My love for Ireland and her myths is what drew my attention to "Bending the Boyne" by J.S Dunn. "Bending the Boyne" is classed as Historical Fiction, but it does have a bit of a fantasy feel to it. For the story starts and finishes in present day. But for me it was much more than that. It was a tale of people who loved their way of life, who have walked gently on the earth and who are observers of the heavens. Their way of life is threatened as change descends upon them and their only way of survival is to adapt. 

This story is told from the view of the Starwatchers, who watch and learn from the heavens above. In this observation their stories and knowledge of the heavens are passed down from generation to generation in the stone carvings and mounds that sprinkle the Boyne Valley. Among the Starwatchers are Boann, daughter of Oghma a sacred stone carver. Boann is also a Starwatcher and healer to her people. Dagda who is the leader and for lack of a better word Shaman to the heavens and the people of the Boyne. The tale begins when tragedy strikes at the hands of the invaders, who search for the "Sun Metal. We see the beginnings stages of the Iron Age and have a front row seat to what it might have been like as the lust for gold,copper and tin swept the Isle of Eire. Boann and her people struggle to keep peace as the two clans unite under Boann's  marriage to the "Ard Ri" Elcmar. Even with attempt at peace the struggles continue and the only way for the Starwatchers to survive lies in the fate of Cian. Cian's love for his people sends him deep into the world of the invaders where he must learn their ways and gather knowledge that will help his people deal with the changes to come.

J.S Dunn is a master storyteller, as we see this story and archaeological fact merge together in such a beautiful way. The depth to which this book was researched truly shows the author's love and passion for Ancient Ireland and her people. The storyline drew me in as much as the detail that was given to the surrounding landscapes of the Boyne. I have visited the sacred sites and there were many times in I was caught up in the feeling of Deja vu, as I found myself along side Boann deep in the central chamber of Newgrange waiting for the Solstice sun to rise, or walking along side of her as she visited the surrounding area of Loughcrew. Through J.S Dunn's writing I was seeing these sites through ancient eyes.

All the characters in this novel were so well developed that I was emotionally invested with each one. There were so many times where I was so caught up in the emotion of the story that my heart stopped, for there were twist and turns that I did not see coming. Within the story the ancient myths of Ireland were woven into the plot in such a cleaver way.  This book is so well written and the story line moved at just the right pace and kept me interested to the point that I was getting up in the middle of the night to read. I could not put my kindle down!

This book is not an easy read, however if you are looking for a book that engages all of your senses and your intellect then this book is for you. Reading this book was such an enjoyable experience and with that said I give it 5 Stars. 

                                           5 Stars! 

You can find "Bending the Boyne" here DarkissReads Store

"Bending the Boyne" is published by :Seriously Good books : 

http://www.seriouslygoodbooks.net/#!__about-us

You may find J.S Dunn on the web :

http://www.jsdunnbooks.com/

Reviewd by Witchofthemists

Good Tidings by Terri Reid

Black Friday - the official opening of the Holiday Shopping Season and Patrice Marcum is stuck in the middle of her local superstore with a crying infant, a near hysterical desire to just abandon the diapers and milk she desperately needs, and the snowstorm of the century dumping a half-foot of snow on the parking lot outside. She needs a miracle.

The little old lady seemed sweet, but there was no way Patrice was going to leave three-month old Jeremy with a stranger. She looked outside at the snow-covered parking lot and saw yet another distressed shopper’s cart topple over in the drifts. The old lady sensed her distress and volunteered to call a store employee to help watch over Jeremy while Patrice got her car. The older gentleman, wearing a store badge with the name “Ron,” seemed too good to be true. What could be safer?

Less than five minutes later, after brushing the snow off the van and driving across the crowded and snow-packed parking lot, Patrice pulls up in front of the store. Jeremy is not there. Pushing back panic, she rushes into the store and looks around. Jeremy is not inside either. She pushes through the line at Customer Service, the associate calls Ron on the intercom, and issues a Code Adam. When Ron appears and he’s only seventeen years old, Patrice realizes the worst. “Oh God! They’ve taken my baby!”

Book Description

Back in April I reviewed the first Mary O’Reilly story Loose Ends by Terri Reid. I really enjoyed it and gave it a great 4.5 stars. Now there are five novels in the series and I decided to treat myself to the second instalment.

Good Tidings is a fantastic follow on novel, written in the same fast paced, character driven style as the first. We see Mary and Bradley investigate the kidnapping of a baby from a mother at a busy superstore while being surrounded by Christmas shoppers. This opening scene gripped me from the start as it described the mother’s fear and panic so well and as a parent I could empathise with her in every way. As with the first book the subject matter of Good Tidings could have led to a dark brooding story but in the hands of Terri Reid and her cast of lovable characters the story remained light, upbeat and enjoyable. Once again there is nothing new to the genre here and the plot doesn’t throw any real surprises your way. This is a feel good novel that will brighten up your day, not darken it.

Terri Reid has a wonderful skill in writing character inter-play that just carries you on from one page to the next. I managed to fly through this book in just two sittings. Don’t attempt to read this book if you have something else that needs doing because time will just slip through your finger with this story in your hands. You will find yourself totally engrossed in the storyline and characters. This book is so easy to read that you engage with it within minutes.

The relationship between Mary and Bradley develops well and the inclusion of Mary’s family brings a new depth to her character. The supporting cast feels well rounded and gives plenty of opportunity for the author to show her talent for understated humour. For me the star of this book was Mary’s client, who just happens to be a ghost. I won’t reveal who the client is but I will say they are the most heart warming uplifting aspect of that tale. The ending is something of a cliff hanger that leaves you wanting to read the next in the series straight away.

This second novel confirms my belief that Terri Reid is an under-rated author who deserves much more recognition. Her stories are incredibly enjoyable to read and leave you wanting more every time. I have been told that her third instalment (Never Forgotten) is a little darker and to my mind that may improve the series a little. Giving the Mary O’Reilly tales a bit of a darker edge without taking away from the existing characters would push them in my mind from great novels to something close to perfection.  We will have to wait and see as I have plans on reading/reviewing all of Mary O’Reilly’s adventures. I award this an excellent 4.5 stars. 

Good Tidings is available from the DarkissReads Bookshop

Interview and Contest with Shalini Boland

Today we have a treat for you @ DarkissReads!  An interview and contest with Shalini Boland the author of "Hidden" which was reviewed earlier here on DarkissReads. Shalini  graciously accepted our request for an Author interview and choose DarkissReads as forum to announce her latest contest! So without further ado, let's welcome Shalini Boland.....

1) What was your life like before becoming an author?

Much more simple, lol. Now I feel like I'm leading multiple lives - my life and my characters' lives.  But I wouldn't change it.

2) How personal is your writing?

I think it's intensely personal. Even though I'm not writing about myself, I'm drawing on my own emotions and experiences. Sometimes I worry about putting certain things in, in case a friend looks at me funny after they've read it! 

3) Which comes first?  The Character's story or the idea for the novel?

I don't have a set way of doing things. In one book, I had a great ending and built the story around it. In another I had a compelling character in an interesting situation and made it the opening scene.

4) What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Definitely Young Adult. I'm not grown up enough to write grown up stuff. And I love writing things with a paranormal or otherworldly twist. Real life isn't escapist enough for me.

5) If you could leave your readers with one legacy, what would you want it to be?

That they bonded with my characters and want to know more about them.

6) What scares you?

I don't even want to write it down...okay then, anything to do with eyes, like when people turn their eyelids inside out - gross, can't even think about it.

7) What is your favorite horror movie?

30 Days of Night is a pretty good one and Pan's Labyrinth is an amazing fantasy horror.

8) Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?

Yes. For Hidden, I spent hours reading about Turkish mythology and, although it was really interesting, I didn't end up using much. I did research the area though and I desperately want to go do Cappadocia. The place looks amazing and the landscape is like something from another planet.

9) With all the "Vampire Legends" and whatnot already out there ( i.e wooden stake, burn in the sun, immortal) how do you keep your characters original?

I think it's all in the character and personality. As long as you have an intriguing/interesting person who you want to know more about, then the vampire part takes care of itself. I also tried to create a separate mythology, so my vamps come from a different place. I am really exploring this in book 2, Thicker than Blood, where I take the reader back to Byzantium in the 6th century.

10) How much Vampire reading had you done before you began as an author? Do you think the vampires that you got to know in literature aided you as you developed both your plots and characters in your own writing?

I've been a vampire nut since I read Dracula in the eighties and the Interview with the Vampire series in the nineties. I've since devoured a ton of vampire literature. I've definitely been influenced by what I've read, but I hope I've still managed to retain some originality and add a new twist to the genre.

Ever dream of becoming a Vampire?

Well now your dream just may come true,  as Shalini Boland offers a chance to be lured over to the dark side with a chance to become immortal in book 2 Thicker than Blood : 

I'd like to give readers the chance to get more interactive with my books, so I had the idea of running a competition where you can become a character in my next novel Thicker than Blood. But not just any character, I'm giving you the chance to be a Vampire! So if you've always dreamt of being a vamp, you can enter over my blog :

http://someonewotwrites.blogspot.com/2011/10/become-vampire-in-my-latest-novel.html

So don't delay!  Come out, Come out, Where ever you are.....

Thank you Shalini for sharing a bit about yourself and your contest.  We look forward to finding out who wins!  And to our DarkissReads followers, if you enter let us know by leaving a comment! 


You can find "Hidden" in the DarkissReads Bookstore


Interviewed by Witchofthemists