J.M. NORTHUP's BLOG

Monday, April 29, 2019

Tom Fallwell's THE SHADOW OF NARWYRM

The Shadow of Narwyrm, by Tom Fallwell

Rated 5 Stars on Amazon!
Author Fallwell has done a great job creating characters that are vividly real and relatable. Magic thrusts action into gear in this wild ride series. - RJS

The Shadow of Narwyrm is an exciting climax of a wonderful series. Tom Fallwell has created a world where conflict and adventure keep the reader turning pages.” – Michael R. Stern

The war scenes take you to the heart of the battle and you can hear the drums and the cries of the soldiers. – Luciana Correa

“The book had me hooked from the first chapter and I settled myself in to read it almost in one sitting! It was beautifully crafted and allowed me to lose myself in the pages. Very much enjoyed!” - Joey

The Shadow of Narwyrm (Rangers of Laerean #3)
The world of Hir now stands on the brink of war with the demonic Manenase and their massive horde of Morok minions. Baric and his friends journey to the haunted Ghost Swamp to find the lost Amulet of Thiranor, which holds the key to stopping Doomrage, once and for all.

In the epic conclusion to the Shadows Trilogy of the Rangers of Laerean series, much lore from the ancient past is learned, while the shadow of the great Dragon Spirit, Narwyrm, looms over them all.

About the Author
Early in life, Tom Fallwell discovered a love for fantasy and science-fiction, delighting in the wonderful escape into realms undreamed of. Weaned on the greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert E. Howard, Roger Zelazny, Robert A. Heinlein, and Michael Moorcock, just to name a few, Tom's imagination was forever inspired by those marvelous tales.

One day, he discovered a simple book of rules called 'Chainmail', by Gary Gygax, and found a new love: the love of creating adventures and stories of his own. 'Chainmail' evolved into 'Dungeons & Dragons', and Tom played consistently with friends as both a player and a dungeon master (DM) for decades. Such activities helped him develop his ability to create worlds and stories for other players to enjoy.

Now retired from his long career as a software developer, Tom writes all the adventures and characters that constantly fill his mind and shares them with the world.

Connect with Tom Fallwell
Smashwords: https://goo.gl/adtpGn
Goodreads: http://goo.gl/hYZOso
   

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Weldon R. Shaw's VICTORIA: In Search of Herself

Book Spotlight

1)    What is the title of your book?
Ø  What is the story about?
Victoria is about a young New York City model who became successful after being raised as a poor child in an abusive environment. Victoria had everything money could buy, except one thing, and that was love. Due to Victoria's father being an abusive alcoholic during her childhood, she taught herself to have no trust for men.
The life Victoria lived was lavish, but in the end, it turned out to be nothing more than a prison that kept her confined. She always thought about her past, and it tormented her deeply. Victoria knew for her to get over her childhood and to be able to find true love, she would have to go home to confront her demons that haunted her. Victoria is a beautiful story filled with deep emotions. It has many qualities that many women can relate to.
Ø  Who is the main character?
·  Victoria
2)   What inspired this tale?
Ø  How did the story come to you?
·   Victoria is my first attempt at a modern day romance. Most of my romance sex scenes are what I would call midstream in their graphic content. Victoria, well it is a little different. I wanted to step outside of my safe box and go graphic on the sex scenes. I just wanted to try it one time to see if I was up to the challenge.
·  With that being said, I want the reader to know Victoria is not an erotic story based on sex. It only has three sex scenes in it and there in the tale to spice up a beautiful story that many women will be able to relate to.
Ø  Did you have to research for this novel, and if so, why?
·  No
Ø  Is your protagonist anything like you, personally?
·  Maybe

ü   If yes, then how?
o   Victoria is a strong character
Ø  About the character:
ü   What should readers know about this character?
·   When I was very young, I came in contact with a young girl at school who used to sit at my table at lunchtime. She never talked, and you could tell she came from a low-income family. The other kids pretty much outcast her from their groups so I never really saw her talking to anyone.
·   I often wondered how this little girls life turned out, so I created a life for her in Victoria In Search Of Herself.
ü   Why is this character important to you?
o   This character shows people they’re not alone as far as their past tormenting them.
Ø  Do you consider the main character of your story to be good or bad, and why?
·  Good, but a very strong woman that no one is going to push around.
Ø  What’s the objective of your character?
o   I want people to know that no matter how bad your childhood was or how poor you were raised, it doesn't have to dictate who you become in life.
4)     Is there anything you specifically want readers to know about this piece of work?
Victoria was a challenge for me because not only were the sex scenes graphic but I also had to think as a woman would think while writing this story. I must have pulled it off because reviewers raved about the story. (I will attach two reviews to this area.)
REVIEW - One of the most exciting new books I've read this year comes from Weldon R. Shaw. His new book "Victoria: In Search of Herself" is an addictive read that leads the reader into the mind of a woman who wants it all. The writing reminded me of "Scruples" by Judith Krantz. A tough woman who makes the right decisions and created by a writer who has a keen insight into the mind of the female.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a novel that will keep them hooked for hours. I just hope this author turns out another book in the same vein.
- Jen Hill
REVIEW - When I was asked to be an early review for Weldon R. Shaw and his new romance novel "Victoria: In Search of Herself" I took a look at his other books. Not only did I find that he was a writer of many different genres--I realized that this new one was the best thing he had written so far. If women don't get excited by "Victoria “and her story--I don't know what's wrong with them. Shaw has a delicate way of writing about the mystique of the female mind. He has a keen sense of understanding what the reader wants to know. He understands how a story can take the reader from their life and transport them into the lives of his characters. I found this book to be utterly charming and impossible to put down.
-        Charlotte Hamilton
ü   If yes, then why did you chose it?
o   The moral of Victoria is anyone can succeed if he or she tries hard and do not allow obstacles to get in his or her way.
5)     Is this novel a standalone?
   Yes
Ø  If it is a part of a series, what’s the series name?
·  no
6)     Where can readers connect with you and purchase your book?
Available on Amazon in Kindle/Paperback.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Tom Fallwell's WHERE SHADOWS FALL

Where Shadows Fall, by Tom Fallwell

Rated 5 Stars on Amazon!
Speckled with great imagery, Tom Fallwell’s 2nd book in the ‘Rangers of Laerean’ is just as, good as the first. - RSJ

It kept me guessing throughout, and had some real moments that caught you by surprise.” – reviews

“New races join the human ranks, and they are amazing. Lots of magic and unexpected twists bring pace to the adventures.” – Luciana Correa

Where Shadows Fall (Rangers of Laerean #2)
When the Rangers discover that a deadly and horrific dragon of unspeakable power has been loosed upon their world, they must find a way to destroy the monster before the creature of shadows burns them all into oblivion. Complicating their efforts, the discovery of a secret and hidden dragon cult that worships the monster, and a conspiracy of dark forces from the realm of shadows, threatens to destroy the peace their world has known for centuries and bring war to the people of Hir.

Struggling to survive the deepest of betrayals, the Rangers face a dark and foreboding time, as the world of Hir changes dramatically around them.

About the Author
Early in life, Tom Fallwell discovered a love for fantasy and science-fiction, delighting in the wonderful escape into realms undreamed of. Weaned on the greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert E. Howard, Roger Zelazny, Robert A. Heinlein, and Michael Moorcock, just to name a few, Tom's imagination was forever inspired by those marvelous tales.

One day, he discovered a simple book of rules called 'Chainmail', by Gary Gygax, and found a new love: the love of creating adventures and stories of his own. 'Chainmail' evolved into 'Dungeons & Dragons', and Tom played consistently with friends as both a player and a dungeon master (DM) for decades. Such activities helped him develop his ability to create worlds and stories for other players to enjoy.

Now retired from his long career as a software developer, Tom writes all the adventures and characters that constantly fill his mind and shares them with the world.

Connect with Tom Fallwell
Smashwords: https://goo.gl/adtpGn

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Meet Weldon R. Shaw's Victoria

MEET MY CHARACTER

1.     Who are you?
o   What is your name?
·   Victoria
o   Are you a fictional or historical character?
·   Fictional
o   What should we know about you?
·   I am a successful model in New York City. People should also know I am a woman who came from an abusive upbringing and I refuse to allow anyone to push me around.
2.     Tell us about your story:
o   When and where is your tale set?
·   2000s New York city/London Kentucky
o   What is your personal goal?  I mean, what do you ultimately want?
·   I want people to know that their upbringing does not dictate who they become in the end. I want other women out there who are abused to know they’re not alone in this world that we all seem to get lost in.
o   What is standing in your way?  What conflict(s) do you face?
·   My greatest obstacle is confronting my past and to do so I know I have to go home where it all started.
3.     How do I get a copy of your book?
o   What is the title or working title for this piece?
o   Is it available now or when can we expect to see it released?
·    Available on Amazon in Kindle/Paperback

Monday, April 22, 2019

Jo Ann Wentzel's ULTIMATE BETRAYAL (and its sequel)

Book Spotlight

1)    What is the title of your book?
Ø  What is the story about?
The novel is about sexual abuse of children, one of my issues I am passionate about, and takes place in the beginning of end times when the Bible tells us about hearts growing cold and people just caring about themselves and their own pleasures. One sector of the criminal element has grown beyond anything the world can prepare for and has no solutions to stop it.
Ø  Who is the main character?
Andrew Zenith, a TV reporter for a local station, in a town where an unbelievable announcement takes place about scientific breakthrough.
2)   What inspired this tale?
Ø  How did the story come to you?
After years of working with a population of teens who had a myriad of problems, in many cases, the root of their difficulties could be found in sexual abuse.
Ø  Did you have to research for this novel, and if so, why?
I did some research as I described pedophiles to keep it realistic. I had a good bit of this knowledge from dealing with both victims and predatory sex offenders. I tried hard to not get too graphic, but still get my point across. I did not want this work to be salacious in nature but needed it to be real enough.
Ø  If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn, and why?
That parents did not recognize the signs of sexual abuse upon their children and that parents trusted so many people with their children.
3)   Do you relate to your character?
Ø  Is your protagonist anything like you, personally?
Andrew is a fighter and once he realizes the problem he does everything in his power to save the children. That is one of my missions in life. I spent many years as a foster mom, training parents and foster parents, working with troubled teens and dysfunctional families.
ü   If yes, then how?
We are both devoted to children. We are both Christians and see many things from that viewpoint.
ü   If no, how do you differ from one another?
o   I am more cynical about the world since I have seen some terrible things in relation to families, relationships and children. I believe there is evil and good people who care for others must fight it.
Ø  What made you write this character; were they based on a real person or something that inspired you?
I needed someone to discover the story that is underneath the obvious tale. I needed someone to get vested in the problem to show others that this concerns all of us, not just parents. Not based on a real person, maybe a conglomerate of the good traits in many people.
ü   What should readers know about this character?
He is determined once he believes the story he thought unbelievable. He is willing to act and fight for what is right.
ü   Why is this character important to you?
Because we need more good guys. Some people do not believe it is any of their business when it happens to other people’s kids. I say we all need to care because this is the future generation and it cannot consist of broken, non-functioning adults who lead sad lives.
Ø  Do you consider the main character of your story to be good or bad, and why?
He is good, and he feels deeply about people.
Ø  What’s the objective of your character?
He wants to find the truth. There are many layers to this story and many truths. He is an example of how even one person can accomplish much when the odds are against you.
4)   Is there anything you specifically want readers to know about this piece of work?
It is fictional but could be all too real.
Ø  Is there a particular idea or morale you are trying to convey?
It is fiction and set in a dystopia time, but could be now, the signs are there. This book is to make everyone aware that the problem is widespread and all around us.
ü   If yes, then what, and why?
My favorite question to ask is, “What does a pedophile look like?”
5)   Is this novel a standalone?
It is not.
Ø  If it is a part of a series, what’s the series name?
Not a series, but there is a sequel- UltimateObliteration.
Ø  If it is the first in a series, when can we expect to see the next book published?
Both are available now.
Ø  If it is a part of a book series, can it be read as a standalone or do you need to read the entire series to experience the full realm of the tale?
The two books go together like Love and Marriage.
6)   Where can readers connect with you and purchase your book?
You can connect with me on my Facebook page,  https://www.facebook.com/authorJoAnnWentzel  and can purchase this book and its sequel on Amazon in e-book and paperback format.

Saturday, April 20, 2019

TOXIC Is Available Now - two versions!

TOXIC
Clean and Erotic Versions

Two authors, two versions of the same book in two exciting genres of fiction. Karen J Mossman and Karina Kantas present, Toxic.

Blurb
Lexi isn't your normal Malok. She craves adventure and freedom from the mundane life forced upon her. 100 years ago, the first drop of acid rain fell. Maloks fled to the mountains, building a new way of life—a desolate life—a life Lexi knows all too well.

Lexi has a plan, her ticket out of this miserable existence, becoming a ranger. Aron, her partner, believes she’s not strong enough to fight alongside him. Lexi will stop at nothing, no matter what the danger, to achieve her independence, even if that means defying him.

Amidst everything, Marcus, Lexi’s childhood best friend makes a sudden return. Before she can rejoice in a reunion, her happiness is crushed when she sees Mae, the bully that had terrorized her in her teens. Marcus was aware of the mental abuse Lexi had suffered and yet the person she loved and the person she hated the most, stand before her, together.
“A powerful dystopian thriller that captures the heart and imagination”.


   

Friday, April 19, 2019

James J. Cudney's ACADEMIC CURVEBALL

Book Spotlight

1)    What is the title of your book?
Ø  What is the story about?
·   When Kellan Ayrwick returns home for his father’s retirement from Braxton College, he finds a body in Diamond Hall’s stairwell. Unfortunately, Kellan has a connection to the victim, and so do several members of his family. Soon after, the college's athletic program receives mysterious donations, a nasty blog denounces his father, and someone attempts to change students' grades. A clever culprit is playing games on campus, but none of the facts add up. With the help of his eccentric nana, Kellan tries to stay out of the sheriff’s way while solving the investigation.
·   In Kellan’s own personal life, he’s raising his six-year-old daughter by himself and deciding whether to move back home to Braxton or stay in Los Angeles. When he’s roped into filling in for a deceased professor at the local college, his decision is made for him… but it’s the cliffhanger at the end of the book that forces him to stick it out for even longer.
Ø  Who is the main character?
·   Kellan Ayrwick. 32. Single-father. Widowed. Professor of film & communications. Former director on a Hollywood reality TV show. Searching for love. Sarcastic and fun-loving. Takes a lot of grief from his family, boss, and friends. A true modern hero for us all. He’s brilliant but acts goofy. He’s handsome but shy and distant.
2)   What inspired this tale?
Ø  How did the story come to you?
·   As a kid, I loved playing and watching baseball. College campuses are my favorite place to visit. Checking my grades was always an obsession. When I combined all three together, I developed a fun and clever murder plot. I took it to new heights by adding in some components of blackmail, love, and blogging. Before I knew it, we had a fully fleshed out story complete with subplots and future cliffhangers.
Ø  Did you have to research for this novel, and if so, why?
·   Only for a few things. For example, I wanted to verify the college baseball schedule compared to the Major League Baseball schedule. Most colleges begin to play their season in February, but it’s often dependent upon where they are in the country, what the weather is like, and whether the playing field is indoors or outdoors.
·   I modeled my campus after a few in Pennsylvania I’d once visited.
Ø  If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn, and why?
·   In this one, not too much was a surprise; however, I did spend time researching what happens when someone falls out of a window to his or her death. I confirmed my expectations, but those are still quite scary – especially when you don’t just hit the ground but bounce off a few things. Ouch!
Ø  Is your protagonist anything like you, personally?
·   Kellan is a combination of who I used to be and who I am today. But I’ve imbued a few of my primary personality traits in multiple different characters such that no one is clearly identifiable as me. Even Myriam and I have a few things in common, and those might just make me a very scary person!

Ø  What made you write this character; were they based on a real person or something that inspired you?
·   The cozy mystery fiction genre is often written by female authors and usually focuses on female characters. As a male author, I wanted to do something different. Kellan is just as nosy, often gets himself into trouble, and is loved by most of the town. However... there are moments where he acts like his 75-year-old grandmother, so it’s funny to find the balance in his youthful attitude but old-fashioned approach to people.
ü   What should readers know about this character?
o   Kellan is both an easy and a difficult character to write for. Since my series is told in first-person POV, everything that’s said that’s not someone else’s dialog comes from his perspective. How do you make someone sexy when he’s talking about himself!?!? Not easy…. Other characters have to do that work to show off why Kellan is loved by women and adored by the town.
o   On the flip side, when I want to describe clothes or things about a setting, it has to come from a mostly male perspective which means I can’t often go into details about a lot of things that usually only a woman might notice. I try to cross stereotypes as much as possible, but it has to be believable just as much as the plot itself.
o   There are moments I just write what I want and let the chips fall where they may.
Ø  Do you consider the main character of your story to be good or bad, and why?
·   100% good. He will cross a line if he needs to, but only to protect someone or find out the truth. Never for personal gain.
Ø  What’s the objective of your character?
·   To figure out who killed a close family friend, but also to decide his own future. His life is turned upside down in the very last line of the book – just one line changes everything for him… and it will either make you immediately want to read book 2 or decide, ‘I hate cliffhangers!!!’
4)   Is there anything you specifically want readers to know about this piece of work?
This is my first cozy mystery novel. It is a tad longer than most because I really wanted to develop the overall setting. This is not just a book series about the life of a guy who solves crimes. It’s an introspective focus on life in a small town where everyone is capable of doing something they might regret. It’s about facing real-life problems, showing diversity, and understanding why people do the things they do. Toss in my personal brand of humor, and hopefully you can’t stay away from these characters!
5)   Is this novel a standalone?
No
Ø  If it is a part of a series, what’s the series name?
Ø  If it is the first in a series, when can we expect to see the next book published?
·   Book 1, Academic Curveball came out on 10/15/18.
·   Book 2, Broken HeartAttack, came out on 11/25/18.
·   Book 3, Flower PowerTrip, came out on 3/30/19.
·   Book 4, Mistaken Identity Crisis, will be released on 6/30/19, but you can pre-order it now.
·   I’ll share the name and cover of the 5th book in June 2019 for everyone to see what it’s all about! As a hint… it’ll come out just before Halloween!
Ø  If it is a part of a book series, can it be read as a standalone or do you need to read the entire series to experience the full realm of the tale?
·   Each mystery can be read stand-alone, but Kellan’s personal life changes over the course of the books, especially his relationship with his wife and family.
·   I'd suggest reading them in order, so that you get the full shock and awe of the cliffhangers and surprises I’ve built throughout the series.
6)   Where can readers connect with you and purchase your book?
My website will always have the most current information about the books. It is https://jamesjcudney.com. From there, it will link you to the books on Goodreads and Amazon for reviews and purchase.

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