Top Books & Authors & Summary of 2012!

2012 is now over and the new year of 2013 has begun…big deal, right? Well Yea, for me pretty much that’s how I feel; just another day and all that jazz. But despite that, the year of 2012 was a productive one for me. It’s probably my most productive year so far in my life.

I read a total of 150 books/novellas/stories/etc. That’s 3 times 2011′s total of between 40-50, which is also the first time I’ve read enough books to actually keep track. Aside from just the productive amount of reading I’ve done, so many other great things have happened. I took the dive into the Indie World of Books very early in 2012. That was a great decision. Since then I’ve made so many friends who are readers, authors, bloggers, or just people who smell books to get high. Of these friends I’d like to make special mention on a few Indie authors who’ve been going along with me for many many months and really feel like family at this point.

Thank you to the first two to make it into my bookish “family,” Rebecca Hamilton and S.M. Boyce. I read The Forever Girl (Hamilton) and The Grimoire: Lichgates (Grimoire Saga book 1) (Boyce) and fell in love with both of those books. They were my first Indie releases to read and they disrupted all the stereotypes places on “Non-Traditional” books. They are both well-written, well-edited, original, beautiful and fucking amazing reads. Boyce and Rebecca haven’t only provided me with two great books (each) to read this year, they’ve also be part of the inspiration for me to finally sit down and publish my first collection of poetry, From Where I Stand. If I didn’t see how great of a community they are a part of and didn’t continue to stick my head out a  bit to get to know more and more authors, I don’t think I’d be here typing up this blog post. I’d probably be reading some paperback, and not even have a Kindle, haha.

More authors who’ve made it into this family of sorts are fellow poets Ben Ditmars and Amber Jerome~Norrgard, both of which will be working on an anthology with me, as well as Scott Morgan, due to release in February. (Psst…all proceeds will be going to a no-kill animal shelter!!! Find out more on this project here.) Tiffany King, I don’t even know where to start with her. Since picking up Wishing For Someday Soon and not putting it down until I was almost in tears at the end, I knew “this author won’t produce anything bad.” I was write, I’ve been following along with her writing since and loved it all. Aside from being a great author, her generosity to her fans and huge heart to all is simply amazing. King might be one of the nicest authors I’ve met so far (no offence to all you other nice authors).

Thank you to every author who has become my friend. Thank you to all of my blog readers and general people who creepily follow me around on Twitter and Facebook. I keep doing this because there are people out there who care to stop by every now and then to say hi.

Thank you also to everyone who’s picked up a copy of my book, read it, reviewed it, loved it (or hated it without telling me yet ). It’s a great feeling to know there are people out there supporting my work and who have pushed me to get it published in the first place.

And now…enough of the mushy shit. How about  few lists of great books I’ve read and authors who need mention? Sound good? Well here they are!

*note: these lists are NOT in any real particular order. I don’t feel it fair to compare one book to the next, especially when I jump around genres a lot. I do have a few HUGE I LOVE THIS BOOK books, but you’ll just have to read my reviews to find out which

Top Books

1. Treason (S.M Boyce)
2. Lichgates (S.M. Boyce)
3. The Forever Girl (Rebecca Hamilton)
4. Wishing for Someday Soon (Tiffany King)
5. The Sin Collector (Jessica Fortunato)
6. Gideon’s Corpse (Douglas Preston/Lincoln Child)
7. The Devil’s Metal (Karina Halle)
8. Vaempires: Revolution (Thomas Winship)
9. Vaempires: Zombie Rising (Thomas Winship)
10. Slammed (Colleen Hoover)

Top Novellas/Short Stories/Collections

1. The Night Walk Men (Jason McIntyre)
2. The Memoirs of a Gigolo series (Livia Ellis)
3. Walking Away (Adriane Boyd)
4. The Bassinville Witches series (Miranda Stork)
5. The Sin Collector: Thomas (Jessica Fortunato)
6. Being His Favorite (Charity Parkerson)
7. My Last Blind Date (Susan Hatler)
8. Dark Spaces (Dionne Lister)
9. Here Sweetest Downfall (Rebecca Hamilton)
10. The Allegory of Dusk (Amber Jerome~Norrgard)

Top Poetry

1. B (Sarah Kay)
2. Night Poems (Ben Ditmars)
3. What the Living Do (Marie Howe)
4. Searching for Cecy: Reflections on Alzheimer’s (Judy Prescott)
5. Ghost Girl (Laura Madeline Wiseman)

(I didn’t read enough poetry books this year to make a top ten list. Maybe next yet, though.)

Top Authors

1. S.M. Boyce
2. Amber Jerome~Norrgard
3. Thomas Winship
4. Rebecca Hamilton
5. Tiffany King
6. Colleen Hoover
7. Susan Hatler
8. Miranda Stork
9. Charity Parkerson
10. Livia Ellis

(There were many great authors to put on this list, but there are ten authors who’ve proven their worth through continuing to publish great book after great book, and have really stuck with me. Please, don’t feel bad for not being left out, you know I still love you all )

From Where I Stand Blog Tour – Day Four

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It’s day four of the From Where I Stand Blog Tour. I’ve been having fun these last few days, and can’t wait for some more fun while we ride this out to the end.

Today we have one stop, but it’s a great one. Author Miranda Stork have allowed me to hold a discussion on her blog. Is poetry fiction? Is poetry non-fiction? Or is poetry it’s own entity in the world of “genre”? Hear my thoughts on this guest post and please tell me your view, whether you agree, disagree, or want to throw a new idea on the table. I’d love to hear from people on this.

Don’t forget that if you do comment today, that’s ANOTHER entry in the big giveaway I’m holding…hope that makes you think again about stopping by

MIRANDA STORK

Release Day Tour: Vigilante of Shadows By Miranda Stork (with Giveaway)

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Today is the official release of Vigilante of Shadows! The beginning of a new series from Miranda Stork, the action begins fast and hard with a murder, an immortal murderer, and a bright young police officer caught in the action. Oh, and shadowpeople and a demon. Did I not mention those? Vigilante of Shadows sets the series off on a path that will be humourous, horrifying, and just a little bit steamy. A path where this time…the whole of humanity hangs in the balance.

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Aodhan clutched uselessly at his head, groaning. He knew it was useless, because the voice was not inside his head. It followed him, skimming across buildings and land. It had followed him since he was sixteen, and it still followed him today, like a memory too horrific to be forgotten…

Aodhan is a shadow-demon, hardened and cold after years of being alone, after his love, his Entwined, was cruelly taken away from him. He has closed his heart to the world, and now spends his life ridding the world of men like those who took his beloved away, an immortal hit-man…

Arianwen Harris is a young DCI, working for York City Police. When a known criminal is found viciously killed, she finds herself trailing a hit-man who has seemed to escape clutches again and again…but she begins to find herself drawn to his dark charms and roguish good looks…

As their two worlds collide, Aodhan and Arianwen find themselves coming together to escape a far greater enemy, one that threatens to create a world far worse than the one they live in. As they battle to hold back the oncoming forces, fate has another plan; one to draw them together and heal their broken pasts together…

EXCERPT

He paced along speedily, hands shoved deep in the pockets of his jeans. The sounds of the night surrounded him–distant cat song, the steady hum of far-off cars, the soft sound of wind whistling underneath people’s windows. He loved being out at night, not because it was a time when his ‘kind’ were more active, but simply because it was so much quieter than the day. The sounds of people rushing around disappeared, and left a peaceful calm with the soothing darkness.

Of course, there were the voices in his head, but that was another story.

He shrugged his shoulders up, cutting off the wind whistling around his neck. He wasn’t particularly cold, but the noise was annoying when your ears were so sensitive that a pin dropping could sound like a two-ton weight.

Aodhan’s mind went back to the girl from the bar. He hadn’t meant to be so brisk with her, but it was really best that no-one got that close. He…didn’t do well with people any more. They always brought back memories of simpler times, of her. And besides that…he killed people. People who wouldn’t die if they hadn’t found out about them…

Aodhan was a demon.

A rare demon, as well, a shadow demon. He had been born to a Scottish clan just over eight-hundred years ago, to humans. Contrary to what he saw people believed in the media and books, demons were actually born to humans. There was no line of them, like vampires or werewolves. They were simply…random.

When he had been born, there were no noticeable signs of what he was. He just looked like any of the other babies born to them, strong and healthy, but definitely human.

As he grew older, he had shown great proficiency with all weapons, learning faster than any of the other boys in the clan. Even some of the boys older than him had a hard time keeping up. He was never big-headed about it though, simply trying to fit in with everyone else. However, the clan talked about how the strange-eyed boy was so much quicker and stronger than others twice his age, and whispered about ancient gods coming back to the earth. His looks weren’t too odd for his clan, everyone having black, brown, or auburn hair. But his eyes were odd. All others in his clan had mostly blue eyes; some of them had brown eyes. But he had startling clear green ones, more like a cat than a human.

When he was thirteen, he suddenly began developing strange growths near his temples. After going to see the clan’s wise woman about it, she simply cackled, and whispered, “Those who are given the gift of darkness, should not fear the unknown.” He had shaken off the wise woman’s words, telling himself that she had finally gone crazy.

The growths had developed further, until they started to look like small dark horns, about the length of his thumb. They curled close to the curve of his head, smooth with small ridges forming at each stage of their growth. Luckily, Aodhan’s hair grew wild and long, allowing him to cover them up as much as he could.

By the time his twentieth year was reached, he was a well-loved member of his clan. He was kind and helpful to all, and helped to fight off their enemies more times than he could count on both hands. But he was holding a dreadful secret from his clan. Since his horns had grown, he had also noticed many other things.

He had begun to…see things. Shadows.

When he was out hunting in the forest near to their home, he would think that he had seen someone moving in the trees behind him. But when he swung around to face them…nothing. Then he would hear a soft chuckle, his name being called on the wind. At night, in his bed as he tried to sleep, he would see black figures running around the walls.
He had tried to tell the wise woman of the village again, thinking them to be spirits sent to drive him mad, or something worse. She simply shook her head at him, and chuckled, rocking herself to and fro. He had got used to the shadows by now, drawing the blanket up over his head so that he couldn’t hear their taunting murmurs….

Aodhan suddenly stopped walking, snapping out of his daydream. He was sure he had seen one of…them. Looking all around, he scanned the buildings with his vivid eyes. The problem with them was that they could hide anywhere they chose–walls, buildings, floors, anywhere–especially at night.

The red brick buildings around him looked empty, the few alleyways just leading alongside the backs of houses, a small number of bins scattered about. No-one else was walking near him on the pavement, no sound anywhere.

Just as he was about to turn around and carry on walking, pulling his jacket up again, he heard something behind him. Something whispery and cold.

“Aodhan…”

All images and writing related to Vigilante of Shadows is copyright and property of Moon Rose Publishing, and may not be copied, reproduced, or used in any form, digital or print, without the express written permission of Moon Rose Publishing

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GIVEAWAY

Click the link below to enter the giveaway Rafflecopter

https://www.facebook.com/MoonRosePublishing/app_228910107186452

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You can purchase the book, and all of Miranda’s books:
Amazon

Vigilantes of Shadows
US | UK

Miranda’s Author Page
US | UK

Moon Rose Publishing

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About Miranda

I was born in Guisborough, North Yorkshire in 1987 and have lived in various places around Britain, including Newcastle and Glasgow.

My writing is inspired by various writers, including the vivid characters of Charles Dickens, the imagination of Stephen King, and the gothic imagery of Anne Rice.

My love of horror began at an early age, when I was only three or four. I could read proficiently at the age of three, and devoured fairy-stories, but I always had a bent towards the darker stories, such as the Brother’s Grimm’s tales…Red Riding Hood was always a firm favourite, although I always felt sorry for the wolf, despite him having tried to eat everyone!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Breaking the Nexus by Lindsay Avalon

Today I’d like to share the cover of Lindsay Avalon’s upcoming release, Breaking the Nexus. Here’s a little message from Lindsay, and more on the book.

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My debut paranormal romance, Breaking the Nexus, is coming 12/12/12! This gorgeous cover was designed by none other than Miranda Stork and I’m proud to share it with the world! Breaking the Nexus is the first in a series featuring the Mythrian Realm, and will be available from Amazon.com in ebook and print form on 12/12/12. Don’t miss your chance to discover what happens when mythology blends with reality!

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Throughout history, myths and legends of extraordinary creatures have been told and retold. Fantastic tales of demons and banshees, gryphons and dragons, and of course, magic. Stories that every child grows to learn are nothing more than fantasy…or are they? Beyond the world you see lies a hidden realm, the Mythrian Realm, inhabited by all of the creatures you’ve been told are mere fiction. Only one thing lies between humans and the truth: the Nexus. A magical barrier erected millennia ago to separate the two realms, it has stood the test of time. Until now.

For Mythrian Sha Phoenix, magic is nothing new. But when she stumbles upon a portal on the verge of collapse, her fate will forever change. Pulled through the portal into the Human Realm, she lands in the middle of Detective Connor Flynn’s brutal murder scene. Soon it is obvious someone is using blood magic to try to bring down the Nexus. Together, Connor and Sha must work to unravel the secrets before the barrier falls and the realms collide.

The Nexus is breaking and all hell is about to unleash…literally.

Find more on Lindsay:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Blog
• Amazon Author

GIVEAWAY

Contest will run from November 11 to midnight EST November 15

Clicking here directs you to the rafflecopter

Once Upon A Twisted Time Release Day!!!!!! (And Giveaway)

This is the official release day of Once Upon A Twisted Time, the first anthology from Moon Rose Publishing! A collection of dark adult fairytales, these stories will turn your idea of what a fairytale should be on its head! From Steampunk to Fantasy, there is something for everyone in this fantastic collection of four novellas. The novellas are based upon The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Snow White, and Beauty and the Beast-see if you can work out which one is which! It is now available on the Moon Rose Publishing site, and from Amazon!

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Buy from Amazon
US | UK

Think you know your fairytales? Think again. These aren’t your normal happily-ever-after. Within these pages, a murderous Little Mermaid gets her revenge, the Cinderella doesn’t really want to wear the slipper, Snow White is up to her eyes in industrial experiments, and the Beauty is in fact the Beast.

This collection of four novellas will surprise you, make you gasp in horror, sigh with relief, and sit on the edge of your seat. And most of all…they will make you rethink everything you think you know about dark fairytales…

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Song of the Abyss

Princess Nerissa had envisioned a perfect wedding to a handsome prince. Instead, she fell into a nightmare. When her new husband tries to murder her just hours after pledging his life to her, she must flee towards the sea. Caught in transition from woman to selkie, she is trapped by the dark waters she hoped would be her salvation. Now her destiny becomes that of luring young men to their death…until one comes along that reignites the spark of love inside her. However to ensure her future, she must first face her past. Revenge must be taken…for both her life, and the life of the young man she now loves.

Miss Cavendish and the Spark of Salvation

In a city toiling under the iron fist of the Spiegel Syndicate and its monopoly on coal, Miss Georgina “George” Cavendish is on the brink of a breakthrough that could change the world forever. There’s just one thing standing in her way, her aunt – Xenobia Cavendish. Threatened by her efforts, the Syndicate procures the services of a notorious assassin with a past tied to her own, known as The Huntsman, to dispatch the brilliant scientist. But once he gets a glimpse of the headstrong beauty, will he be able to do the job, or will Georgina sway him to The Cause? And will George find the breakthrough she needs in time, or is New London Town doomed to forever lie under the dark shadow of her aunt’s factories?

Hawke and the Beast

Some curses last forever, and some can be broken with the whisper of three little words. Isabella Rose Woodward fell in love with a witch’s son over a century ago. Her punishment for breaking the young man’s heart was a beastly one. Every month she turns into a different creature, aging on the full moon when her curse allows for a brief return to her human form. Her only salvation is to find a man that will love her as she is…be it adorned in feathers, fur or scales. Has she found this love with the handsome Jasper Hawke? Or will a mysteriously determined Hunter find her first, and snuff out the life she so desperately seeks? A life of normalcy, where she loves and is loved in return… just as she is.

Reborn City

Nyx has one mission in life; bring down the brainwashing of New Omsk’s citizens, and release them from their mundane lives of toil. The year is 2355, and the world is a new place. A Governor is in charge of every city in the world, and humanity is attempting to rebuild itself after recovering from a war that nearly killed it. But this Governor has set his eyes on the intrepid little hacker, Nyx, and he will stop at nothing to get her. But perhaps he needs her more than he ever dreamed he would…as do his citizens.

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Lindsay Avalon:

• Facebook Author page
• Amazon Author page
• Moon Rose Publishing page

Tara Stogner Wood:

• Facebook Author page
  
• Amazon Author page
  
• Moon Rose Publishing page
  

Trish Marie Dawson:

• Facebook Author page
  
• Amazon Author page
• Moon Rose Publishing Page

Miranda Stork:

• Facebook Author Page
• Amazon Author page
  
• Moon Rose Publishing Page
  

Moon Rose Publishing 

• Website
• Facebook page

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CONTEST

Moon Rose Publishing, to celebrate its newest release, is also having a huge contest over on Facebook and their website!

One grand prize winner will win;

• Five free ebooks, including a copy of the Once Upon A Twisted Time anthology
• A personalised fairytale ring from http://www.etsy.com/shop/Coryographies
• Once Upon A Twisted Time postcards and bookmarks
• Exclusive charm necklace and bookmark from Tara Stogner Wood
• Exclusive Once Upon A Twisted Time glossy poster.

And three runners up will win;

• Five free ebooks, including a copy of the Once Upon A Twisted Time anthology
• And bookmark and postcard swag!

You can enter by going to the link below, to the rafflecopter contest!

https://www.facebook.com/MoonRosePublishing?sk=app_228910107186452