Fantasy – Page 9 – M J Mallon YA Author and Poet

COLLEEN’S 2019 WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 119 “MYSTERY & ATTRACT,” #SYNONYMSONLY

Here’s a short, unedited passage from the second book in the series The Curse of Time – Golden Healer which I’m currently working on. It fits in well with Colleen’s two synonyms this week – mystery and attract.

For mystery I’m using enigma and for attract I’d decided upon beguiling. Enjoy!

Too Tasty To Ignore!

A pleasing parcel,

Wrapped in black jeans, tight tee-shirt,

Enigma to solve,

Beguiling but dangerous,

Was I a fool to trust him?

How could I explain this? Had Ryder fooled me? The strange, charismatic young man who appeared to come to my rescue on the river pathway when I’d first met him. Could he be responsible for the Bloodstone’s disappearance? I doubted that he would taint his hands with such an act. Instead, I wondered whether he might have used an accomplice. His recent behaviour painted a new picture of him — one that showed his true identity — a nasty, vindictive portrait.

Had I been foolish to trust him? What kind of person was he? And what secrets lay hidden in his heart?

I pondered how I would react if he came through the front door. For a moment, I imagined him entering. He’d be dressed in his signature black tee-shirt peeled tight across his ripped chest. His buttoned jeans would scream touch me. His black hair and eyebrows would be immaculately trimmed highlighting his eyes that would make you pause and gasp in surprise. Perhaps, I’d stare at his sensual blue eye while his black eye would blaze back at me like a dark alleyway full of dangerous excitement.

His expression would alter as soon as he approached. He’d raise an eyebrow as if he registered a sudden change in the environment.

He’d say something innocuous like. ‘Have your mum and dad been decorating? It’s very bright. The sad old place looks like it has had a new lease of life. Even the mirrors look different. Like they’re missing something.’

After all that you might need a piece of cake… to wash down the sour taste of what Ryder may become… Ahh villains are so fun to write!

Here’s an extra bit of poetry just for fun. A lovely cake from Harriet’s tea rooms in Cambridge. It was almost too good to eat. It reminded me of Ryder, he is so mesmerisingly handsome that he makes your mouth water. Enjoy!

Shall I start eating?

This cheeky dessert mouthful,

Or just admire it?

Fork poised in the air trembling.

Such decisions, decisions!

Hope you enjoyed. I certainly did.

Do join in Colleen’s poetry challenge.

Here’s the link:

https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/01/15/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-119-mystery-attract-synonymsonly/

Bye for now,

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store:

Universal Buying Link

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

#Shortstory: The Old Man of Snow and The Snow Snake

IMAGE BY STEFAN KELLER

I’ve written a short story in response to Diana’s wonderful prompt on Myths of The Mirror.

Here is the link if you’d like to join in too:

https://mythsofthemirror.com/2019/01/01/new-feature-speculative-fiction-writing-prompt/

The Old Man of Snow and The Snow Snake

Today, the moon is full and high in the sky and a group of nineteen men travel with brave hearts to the mouth of the Snow Snake Cave.

The wind is biting cold. Each man carries a pack of provisions on his back and thoughts of his loved ones in his heart. They know that this journey might be one to their deaths and yet they trudge on.

At last after many exhausted steps they arrive at the forbidding entrance of the cave. It is no ordinary grotto. This cave is fashioned out of layer upon layer of snow. The mouth of which is an ice sculpture of a snake’s jaw gaping, its eyes furious and wide. The old man above is exquisite, his hair and snow beard fall in intricate icicles. He is leaning to one side, his hand of snow pushing down on the snake as if it coax it to move.

The Old Man of Snow startles the men, he stirs, his snow encrusted eyes open wide as he bellows,

‘Dare you approach us? I think not little men. I will crush you like ants and feed you to my friend the Snow Snake.’

The men stop so suddenly that they almost fall over with exhaustion. Several of them stagger backwards frightened by the sheer size and forbidding nature of the Old Man of Snow. But, one amongst them stays still, resolute and strong.

He squares his shoulders, takes a deep breath and replies. ’I have come to meet with the Old Man of Snow and the legendary Snow Snake. I wish to discuss what you’ve done with the countless others who have ventured here. That is all that I and this brave group of men want – my old friends back. We are not greedy men. We don’t desire wealth, or gold, we only want happiness.’

‘Happiness?’ the Old Man lifts his hand and pulls at his beard. The Snow Snake begins to wind his tail back and forth causing a volley of tiny snowballs to fall.

‘They are lying Old Man,’ said the Snow Snake, hissing. ‘They mean to trick us. Don’t allow them passage. If you do, I will swish my furious tail even more and they will be crushed under an avalanche of snow.’

‘Silence, Snow Snake! I am sick of your reptilian attitude. Let them speak. I have never heard a human ask for so little before and I am curious if indeed they speak the truth.’

The humble man bowed before the Old Man of Snow and then kneeled on the cold earth. ‘I swear by the almighty that I tell the truth. I, and my men are simple farmers, we tend the earth, eat our crops, and milk our herd. We don’t need riches and fame.’

‘You are a wise man. Unfortunately, your friends who came before you were foolish and greedy. They tried to steal from the Snow Snake and he and I were very angry.’

‘They were wrong to do so and I apologise on their behalf. Please forgive me for asking but what happened to their foolish souls?’

‘Within the cave there are a multitude of tiny snow snakes who wriggle free when they smell greed. These tiny snakes are lethal, one bite of their venom stilled these greedy mens’ hearts and froze them for all eternity. Here, come. I grant you entry to see the power we possess so you will not dare to steal from us. The ice sculptures of your friends are very beautiful.’

The men muttered. Some made as if to turn back but the leader spoke again.

‘Men come with me, we must pay our respects to our old friends.’

One replied, ‘Are you mad? They may do the same to us. How can you trust the Old Man of Snow, the Snow Snake and his allies the tiny venomous snakes?’

‘I only know what is right and good,’ replied the humble man.

‘So will it be,’ said several of his followers, but many turned away, retracing their steps back from where they had come.

The few that remained were granted a passage into the mouth of the Snow Snake’s cave. But the snake hissed and rattled his snow tail in a show of extreme displeasure.

The Old Man of snow stamped his snowy boots, and the snake stopped.

Once inside the cave, the humble man and his band of followers saw nothing but ice and snow. They heard no sign of life, no trickle of water, but still they walked on.

As they turned a corner, the cave widened, and they entered a room which was ablaze with a colourful array of magical stones. For a moment even the humble man was tempted to pop one of these magnificent stones in his pocket but then he remembered the Old Man’s warning.

The men began to question their desires. ‘Surely one small stone for each of us wouldn’t be a wicked thing to do?’ they clamoured.

The humble man turned to them in turn and spoke. ‘We are here to save our friends, not to steal. We must save them, or bid them farewell. Follow me.’

With much grumbling and moaning the men finally did as they were told and were rewarded with the sight of the ice sculptures.

How beautiful they were. Each of the trapped men had been saved for all eternity in a moment of rugged, albeit, frozen handsomeness. None of these men would ever age, hunger, or cry, ever again.

The humble man touched each sculpture and openly wept, greeting each by name. His tears fell on the sculptures and caused them to melt, little by little. His followers did the same. Soon the tears flowed so freely that each and every sculpture broke apart to reveal their living friends within.

All were reunited in the most beautiful moment. Hugs and words of regret were shared. They were no longer as rugged, or as handsome as they had been whilst enclosed in ice, but they wept true tears of joy that they lived. They could now go home to their beloved family and friends.

The Old Man bellowed so loudly that he could be heard. ‘Humble man, you are blessed by a natural inclination to fortune and good sense. Your heart is kind. Take one stone – a magical Sphene – back to your village. You are worthy. It will make your harvest plentiful forever more.’

The humble man wept, glad that he had not succumbed to greed’s desire but had been rewarded for his earnestness. He paused for a moment unsure how to proceed. Which stone was a Sphene? His fingers trailed the masses of crystals and alighted on a single one. It was plain in comparison to the rest, a clump of layered plates and flattened wedge-shaped crystals. But when he placed it in his hands it glowed in a dazzling array of colours.

He cried, his friends cried too, and they hugged each other. They started to move back towards the mouth of the cave.

The snow snake hissed. ‘How dare you, Old Man? I thought you were joking! That Sphene is our treasure. My treasure! Stop this immediately, or I will kill them all.’

Inside the cave, there was a rustling noise as a billion tiny snow snakes appeared, hissing in fury they slithered menacingly towards the men. The men clutched their hearts in fear, their eyes wide with panic.

The Old Man didn’t reply. Not one word slipped from his lips. Instead, he blew from his mouth, and continued to blow. The tiny snakes were blown back, tumbling and rolling into snowballs whence they had come. The wind picked up as a flurry of snow began to trickle from the Snow Snake’s body. The men ran as the Snow Snake’s body started to break apart, as small pieces of the entrance of the cave were thrown to the wind.

‘Hurry!’ shouted the Old Man. ‘If you don’t run, you will be crushed under the Snow Snake’s broken cave body.’

The men ran as fast as they could. Just as they exited the mouth of the cave the roof of the snow snake cave began to crumble.

The Snow Snake’s mouth blew apart in a final raging hiss before it crushed back together, closing the entrance to the cave forever more.

The men collapsed to the ground, safe but breathing heavily.

Once the humble man had recovered his breath he spoke. ‘Why did you protect and save us, mere strangers to you, above your companion the snow snake?’

The Old Man of Snow lifted his hand and cupped the area around where his heart would have rested. ‘There is no room for a greedy heart. It is lonely to live alone but it better to live alone than to blight the gift of true magic with greed.’

©M J Mallon

Oh I really enjoyed writing that!

Hope you enjoyed.

Bye for now,

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store:

Universal Buying Link

Social Media Links

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Happy Christmas!!! Exciting News

A very happy Christmas and a joyful New Year to all my dear friends. I will be busy over the next few days, eating, drinking and spending time with family and I expect you will be too. Enjoy!

I’ll be back with some scheduled posts after Christmas on the Sisters of the Fey blog about:

The magic of trees – the dawn redwood.
Crystal Magic: I also plan to share my prologue – The Curse of Time Book Two – The Golden Healer with you and a very unusual crystal I have discovered called Chiastolite.
Harry Potter Sorting Houses – Which house am I?

On my author blog I will be continuing with book reviews and the like and hopefully some poetry, short stories/flash fiction – time permitting.

EXCITING NEWS!!! I am making progress – The Curse of Time – Book two – Golden Healer – my YA fantasy series, is now standing at around 70,000 words.

In case you missed it I shared a fun, jokey Christmas cake recipe over on Solveig’s blog for her 4th Advent calendar.

Here is the link: https://solveigwerner.com/2018/12/22/magical-boozy-nutty-christmas-cake-by-marjorie-mallone-advent-2018-day-22/

Merry Christmas to you all. Keep smiling, writing, creating. Each day is a new, exciting adventure.

Much love,

My Christmas offer. The Curse of Time Book One – Bloodstone:

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store:

Universal Buying Link

Social Media Links

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

#Book #Review Vampyrie: Origin of the Vampire by Tina Frisco

Goodreads Synopsis

What if vampires were not the undead, but rather the dying? What if there were two factions among vampires: the sustained and the unsustainable? And what if those factions were at war with one another over the life of a young woman who promised them a future? Vampyrie brings the myth of the vampire into the realm of possibility. Phoebe Angelina Delaney is a reluctant genius and compassionate hothead. She finds herself in a pitch-dark underground and doesn’t remember how she got there. Did she drink too much alcohol and wander off in a stupor, or was she kidnapped by a malicious element determined to make her life a living hell? Sir Michael Alan David is a vampire – an enigma, charismatic and mysterious, who weaves in and out of Phoebe’s life. Does he intend to use his title as a ruse to draw her closer to an unearthly fate, or is he a cloak-and-dagger knight in shining armor? Too many secrets have been kept for too long. Phoebe must unravel the mystery in order to survive. Two major characters from the author’s first novel, Plateau join forces with Phoebe to battle the demons in Vampyrie.

My Review

Right from the beginning I really enjoyed Vampyrie Origin of The Vampire and found it to be a new and mysterious slant on the vampire story which has always fascinated me. This interest kept me reading throughout. It was a confident, well written story with excellent plotting, characterisation, dialogue and setting. I particularly enjoyed the martial art slant with Master Po and the emphasis on friendships and family relationships.

On a personal note I would have liked more detail of the rogue’s in battle (and wouldn’t be adverse to more gore,) in the battle scenes but that’s just me! Ha ha. At times long passages of dialogue made me impatient for the forthcoming battle! Yes I can be a bit bloodthirsty!

This novel would really appeal to readers who like vampire stories where the emphasis is less on the sexy lore of the vampire. Instead challenge your perceptions with this unique, and thoughtful read – questioning the legend, secrets and the nature of the choices we make with regard to good and evil. There are revelations to keep the reader on his or her toes too.

Definitely recommended reading. My rating: 4 stars.

https://tinafrisco.com/

I discovered the lovely graphic that heads this blog post via Marcia Meara’s blog. https://marciamearawrites.com/2018/12/19/sharinggraphics/
Isn’t it great? Writing reviews is the best present for authors…

Click link to Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store:

Click link to be directed to online stores to buy: Universal Buying Link

Social Media Links
Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
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#NEWS – Summoning My Superpowers – Writing/Editing The Curse of Time Book Two – Golden Healer.

Hi all,

Some of my more regular blog visitors might have noticed that I haven’t been posting, commentating, engaging in social media, etc, as much recently. This pains me a lot. Sigh. But, sadly this will continue indefinitely while I am writing/editing the second book in the series The Curse of Time. I can’t write, blog, and work in a demanding full-time job – it is just not possible.

I know that I profess to have magical powers but I am feeling the pinch. My superpowers aren’t holding up well. I am in desperate need of a magic wand to give me energy. Quite by chance I found this in the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge. It’s a bit small but I like the snake-like look to it. The top pic shows its eye well and the bottom one its mouth!

Abracadabara!!!

So bear with me. Don’t desert me!

I am very excited about the progress of the second book in the series. All I can divulge for now is: expect a cruel rollercoaster ride, a crazy grasshopper who natters incessantly and some seriously odd shadow demons.

Ha ha… my mind works in some crazy ways…

There will be the same cast of characters from book one: Amelina, Ryder, Esme, The Mirror Girl, The Creature Eruterac, Kyle, Amelina’s friends: Jade, Ilaria and Joselyn plus Shadow the cat, Toby the dog, The Spirit, and of course Amelina’s mum and dad and her dear aunt Karissa…

Yes quite a cast!

Recently I was tagged by Vashti Vega on twitter @VashtiQV who I’d cast as the leads in my book… I chose Tyler Posey, Dakota Fanning, Amanda Seyfried, and Colton Haynes.

5 Star Review News

I now have several reviews for The Curse of Time Book One Bloodstone on Goodreads and Amazon. My last two reviews were both five stars which made me do a double happy dance. This has really encouraged me to press on with this series.

Thank you to Galit for this awesome 5 star review: https://coffeennotes.wordpress.com/2018/08/12/book-review-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone1-by-m-j-mallon/
And to Karen for her fantastic 5 star review too: https://mytrainofthoughtson.wordpress.com/2018/07/29/the-curse-of-time-bloodstone-1-by-m-j-mallon-bookreview/

Here’s the link to my goodreads account with all my reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35850797-the-curse-of-time

I’ve been featured recently on:

https://lindasbookbag.com/2018/08/14/staying-in-with-m-j-mallon/

https://richarddeescifi.co.uk/the-indie-showcase-presents-marjorie-mallon/

Thank you so much to Linda and Richard for featuring me. Really appreciate it. 🙂 x

What are my other plans?

I will be focussing on writing my reviews on books I am reading – which I love to do! It makes me very happy to read and to share my thoughts with other readers/reviewers. I have several review requests which I have to catch up on and I will be reblogging book-related posts and anything which might be of interest to my readers.

Oh and recently I’ve been on a bit of a winning streak.

I’ve won:

You can find out more about Awen Thornbur on Lizzie Chantree’s blog here: https://lizziechantree.com/2018/08/23/introducing-awen-thornbur/

And I won:

Oh! I almost forgot! Happy Friday @Marjorie_Mallon #Rafflecopter chose you to #win a copy of #Eleanor's Secret by @CarolineBeecham Pleased DM postal address and happy #amreading #histfic pic.twitter.com/CzwvkaBByr

— Linda Hill (@Lindahill50Hill) August 17, 2018

And I’m the giveaway winner of Carolina’s mystery prize. More news about that to follow. Here is the giveaway winner announcement post: https://yesterdayafter.com/2018/08/22/and-the-giveaway-winner-is/

Yeah, I love that when that happens…

Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club News

Don’t forget to visit our amazing Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook. This FB club is growing and becoming a thriving community of writers, authors, creatives and book reviewers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/

Do come and join us. I’ve been sharing our hashtag: #ABRSC on twitter so if you see it doing its rounds I would be thrilled if you could retweet and spread the word.

So happy weekend dearest readers. Time to get back to summoning my inner powers…

Where has that wretched wand snaked off to?

Bye

Buying Link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media:
Authors Media Kit: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/media-kit/
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
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#Bookreview Godsgrave (The Nevernight Chronicle #2) – Jay Kristoff

Goodreads Synopsis
A ruthless young assassin continues her journey for revenge in this new epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff.

Assassin Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church ministry think she’s far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she’s no closer to ending Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo, or avenging her familia. And after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia begins to suspect the motives of the Red Church itself.

When it’s announced that Scaeva and Duomo will be making a rare public appearance at the conclusion of the grand games in Godsgrave, Mia defies the Church and sells herself to a gladiatorial collegium for a chance to finally end them. Upon the sands of the arena, Mia finds new allies, bitter rivals, and more questions about her strange affinity for the shadows. But as conspiracies unfold within the collegium walls, and the body count rises, Mia will be forced to choose between loyalty and revenge, and uncover a secret that could change the very face of her world.

Set in the world of Nevernight, which Publishers Weekly called “absorbing in its complexity and bold in its bloodiness,” Godsgrave will continue to thrill and satisfy fantasy fans everywhere.

My review

Wow. What an amazing read. How did Jay Kristoff manage to write such an incredible sequel to the first book in the series: Nevernight? He must be a demon. I spent most of it swearing about how amazing Jay Kristoff’s writing is and wishing I could crawl into his writer’s brain and feast on his mind for a day. Oh, one can dream. Fantastic characters, amazing plot, pulse racing excitement, entrancing sexy bits – murder plus sex, and did a certain someone give into the raging urges of her bisexual side?

Godsgrave has it all.

Passion, bravery, dark quips of humour, fantastic usage of unique phrases like: ‘byss and blood,’ and merciless death – what a combination. The twists at the end were crazy and I’m still reeling from them. Jay Kristoff had so many unexpected tricks up his sleeve. My poor wee brain couldn’t keep up.

It’s strange how much I love this blood-thirsty assassin story so much. It surprises me – perhaps it’s the Scorpio in me. The passionate sting in my tail is hidden but it’s there!

This series has captured my heart and soul because:

I adore character driven stories. Mia is such a well-crafted heroine. The reader can’t help but adore her even though she is a merciless killer. The violence is vindicated because she has been through hell. This isn’t just about a raging psychopath killing for the sake of it. She has a purpose – to avenge her family – and the reader longs for her to find love, and happiness and to succeed.

The subsidiary characters are beyond awesome and the shadow cat and dog are hysterical. I love their back and forth banter.

In the second book I particularly enjoyed Mia’s character arc – how she became more thoughtful, questioning her actions and the friendships she made whilst holding on to, and keeping sight of her ultimate goal.

My recommendation – read this series. It’s a must if you are a YA author. It’s a must for wannabe authors too. But it should carry a health warning for writers. You will swear. Loudly. And be very jealous.

Beware – if you’re squeamish about blood and gore this might not be for you – think arenas of death and Gladiator. And I’d suggest this is not for the tender eyes of younger readers due to the graphic sexual content and violence.

Conclusion: Welcome to my writer’s bible!

Jay Kristoff is undoubtedly my favourite author, no question. If I could give him six stars I would.

Love ya Jay!

Have you read The Nevernight Chronicle? And if not, why not?

Author’s website: https://jaykristoff.com/

My review link to Nevernight: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/03/03/review-of-nevernight-by-jay-kristoff/

Till the next time droogs … Don’t let my quiet persona fool you…

Buy Paperback Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

Social Media:
Authors Media Kit: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/media-kit/
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
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Book Review: The Curse Of Time (Bloodstone,#1) by M.J. Mallon —

Thank you to Galit for her amazing 5 star review of my book. 🙂 Very happy author!

Author: M.J. Mallon Pages: 242 Genre: YA, Fantasy Publication Date: August 26, 2017 Publisher: Kyrosmagica Publishing Blurb Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she […]

via Book Review: The Curse Of Time (Bloodstone,#1) by M.J. Mallon —

The Curse of Time (Bloodstone, #1) by M. J. Mallon #BookReview @Marjorie_Mallon

Wonderful 5 star review from Karen at My Train of Thoughts about my book! So thrilled – there is nothing quite like it when readers really enjoy your book. 🙂

My train of thoughts on...

Cover: The Curse of Time
(Bloodstone, #1)
by M. J. Mallon

The author sent me an ARC of this book (epub format) in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5 stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.

Genre(s):

Kindle eBooks > Children’s eBooks
> Science Fiction, Fantasy & Scary Stories > Fantasy & Magic > Coming of Age
> Science Fiction, Fantasy & Scary…

View original post 745 more words

Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge No. 88 Praise and Excite

I’ve been so busy of late trying to find a new job – I was meant to be starting a new contract just after the bloggers bash in London – but found my proposed terms of the new employment unacceptable which is a story in itself! When I read through the company pack it seemed that perhaps they might have a rat problem, asbestos on site and random drug testing – so that didn’t appeal! Lol. I decided not to accept that role. So, it’s been time-consuming trying to find another job.

In the meantime I’ve been taking my mind off the horrendous hassle of job hunting by writing book reviews, creating a mobi/epub copy of Book One for reviewers (SO REVIEWERS IF YOU’D LIKE A COPY DON’T BE SHY!) and working on Book Two in the Curse of Time series – The Golden Healer – which is currently standing at a rough draft of about 50,000 words.

Lots still to do in The Curse of Time Series. I’m starting to think about the potential for a powerful dragon – a volcanic stirrer of passions in Book Three!

It is my intention that Book Three will feature the Dragon Chronopage designed by Dr John C Taylor OBE who I had the pleasure of meeting in September 2017 with Tina Fotherby.

Images via Dr Taylor, courtesy of his publicity lady Tina Fotherby at Famous Publicity: http://www.famouspublicity.com/

So, my Tanka is dedicated to the dragon, the grasshopper and the fly which are all Chronopages created by Dr John C Taylor, OBE.

The dragon gave thanks,

To the kleptomaniac,

Grasshopper who danced,

Now came dragon’s pearly chance,

To spark volcanic passions.

For praise I used the synonym gave thanks, and for excite I chose spark.

To join in the poetry fun please follow the link to Colleen’s blog: https://colleenchesebro.com/2018/06/12/colleens-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-88-praise-excite-synonymsonly/

Hope you enjoyed the Tanka. Much love Marje xx

I’d love you to leave a comment.

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Buy Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’

“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage.

A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Founder of Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group #ABRSC:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
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A bit of fun! Avatars of my characters

It’s been a bit serious on my blog of late so this is a welcome change!

I discovered the Avatar Maker via Alicia Coleman’s blog: https://aliciacoleman.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/3-tools-used-to-create-my-characters/

It was such fun. I had a go at picking different noses, eyes, hair, lips, hairstyles and even ears! The hardest ones to create were undoubtedly Amelina’s mum and dad as they’re meant to look really odd. I think I succeeded up to a point, the wide eyes and stubble added the finishing touches to her dad! Ryder was tricky too as he’s meant to have two different coloured eyes so I opted for a multi-coloured eye instead.

So let me introduce you to the avatars of:

Ryder – who I couldn’t make up my mind about – should he have short hair?

Or a longer style? Vote on the poll on twitter: https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon/status/995242808565993472

Here he is with Amelina, my main protagonist.

Esme the mirror girl and Ilaria Miss Super Perfect.

Jade the rock chick and Joselyn the worry chick.

Amelina’s mum and dad who’ve had a rough time and it shows!

And Aunt Karissa and Kyle, because Karissa loves nothing better than the opportunity to flirt with young men! Poor Kyle, no wonder his hair is sticking up! But, he’s being polite – it’s only just a couple of protesting hairs!