Cover Reveal - Rhiannon Paille's Justice and Surrender!

Author Rhiannon Paille

So… Back in September of 2011 I got my hands on this book titled "Flame of Surrender (The Ferryman and the Flame, #1)" by author Rhiannon Paille.  Judging by the name and the cover... I didn't think it was a good fit for me as a reader, but I figured I'd at least give it a shot. I was surprised. I really enjoyed Surrender (as it has since been re-titled). I was really amazed. It was so much better... far better... than I expected, and a book I've since recommended to more than a few fellow fans of the fantasy genre. The world it was set in and its vivid characters are truly wonderful.

I originally read an eBook copy...  I've since had to buy the paperback...  this book is just too good not to have a copy around to read where battery life isn't a concern.

You can imagine, knowing that, how happy I was when the Author, Rhiannon, asked me to read a prerelease copy of Justice (The Ferryman and the Flame, #2). Due to life, and a million little things getting in my way I have yet to write my review for that one, but I will say here that it was a more than worthy follow up to Surrender.

Then a little over a week ago Rhiannon contacted me again. This time she asked if I wanted to participate in the all new cover reveal for Justice and Surrender. I jumped at the chance. Rhiannon is not only a talented author, but a genuinely good person, and I am all too happy to bring these new covers to you here on my blog.

Rhiannon also said that in celebration of the reveal of the new covers that for the whole day today (March, 19th) she would be offering both books (Surrender and Justice) on Kindle FOR FREE on Amazon. These are two you should definitely pick up!

So without further rambling from me… I turn you over to Rhiannon, and her books:
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SURRENDER (The Ferryman + The Flame #1)
Author: Rhiannon Paille
Cover Design: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design
Exclusively on Amazon / Kindle (don't forget to get your copy!)

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

JUSTICE (The Ferryman + The Flame #2)
Author: Rhiannon Paille
Cover Design: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design
Exclusively available at Amazon / Kindle

How far would you go to destroy yourself?

Krishani always knew he would have to go to the Lands of Men, but he never thought it would be like this. Enemies everywhere, an ancestor he can't respect, elders he can't trust, a curse he can't stop and friends he can't help but hate. Desperate to end the pain, he sets out on a quest to find the other Flames and face the enemy that took everything from him.

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 AUTHOR BIO

Rhiannon Paille

Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com

Author Links:
Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

Aiming for Neil Gaiman

No matter how many long I live, or become jaded or overwhelmed by life, I find that there is a part of me that will always be a starry-eyed child.

That's me. The kind of kid who sets his sights on something, no matter how unrealistic, and longs for it… or worse yet… hopes for it enough to ask for it… expecting a positive outcome.

We all know where getting one’s hopes up can get you. Don’t we?

Has that ever stopped me? Not even in the slightest.

It is with those facts in mind that I write this today… to inform you, dear reader, of my latest fool’s errand.

I was given (on by a former roommate, and one by a random trucker at a truck stop in the middle of the night) two of the single best works of fiction I’ve ever read. One was Sandman Issue #50 - Ramadan. It was given to me by a roommate when I was 19 years old, and it changed the whole way I viewed comic books (which I had been reading, at that point, for 12 years).


This was likely one of the single best stand alone, one issue, stories I’ve ever had the pleasure to read in my life. If you haven’t read it…  do so. Do so with all haste. It is so much worth your time that I don’t really have the proper words to express its value to you. I wouldn’t lie to you. It is as much a work of true art as any painting by a renaissance master painter. Don’t want to take my word for it? It was rated #60 on Wizard Magazine's "100 Best Single Issue Comics Since You Were Born" list. I still hold that it deserved to be higher.

The second was a beaten, dirty, and well-worn paperback copy of a little book called Neverwhere. This was the work that changed my outlook on storytelling. This amazing story, its intricate bizarre world, and its completely fresh and startling characters, all worked in concert to not only entertain me more than any book I’d read to that point. It served to show me that the kinds of stories I wanted to tell myself could actually be told. If you haven’t read this one then you are honestly doing a disservice to yourself. I’ve got 3 copies, as well as the BBC Mini-series on DVD (the sets and production value are nostalgic to me, because they look as though Tom Baker could stroll in at any moment and lead Richard and Door from London Below into the Tardis and take them on as new companions.


It is because of these two works… both written by Neil Gaiman, that I am a writer. I’m not saying I didn’t read a lot books before these… or after them for that matter… but these two were serious turning points in my life, and both of them came to me free.


It is because of these two books that I now have a stack of books, over 3 feet high, by Neil…  including Volume one and two of the Annotated Sandman, two Death graphic novels, and a world of wonderful Novels, short fiction, and his marvelous poetry.

The man and his words are a legitimate treasure to the world at large.


Why am I telling you all this?


Because, I have embarked on a fool’s errand, and it is because of all the things I’ve just told you. I have decided that I want to give a book back to Neil, for free, for the free words that have since inspired me to be more than I had thought I could be.


To be completely honest... I am only looking to give him an eBook.


I’m not trying to get anything out of the man, (Believe me when I tell you he’s given me more with his work than he’ll likely ever know)  I simply want to present him with this eBook personally… so I know he actually got it and it wasn’t intercepted somewhere along the way by one of what I’m sure is a veritable army of people he pays well to do exactly that.

I'm currently trying to reach him through social media, as I know he personally handles his accounts. This is another thing about Neil that I find noteworthy, and praiseworthy. He is in touch with his readers, no matter how successful he becomes. He was even nice enough to retweet a link on Twitter for me a couple of years back. It was for an anthology I had a story in, and all the proceeds were going to St.Jude's for brain cancer research. Did he have to do that when I asked? No. Not at all. He did it because he is... well, who he is. Neil is without parallel. 

I don’t know if I’m aiming too high, or asking too much, but this is my goal. Wish me luck.


I’ll let you know if I succeed or not.

Favorite Quotes

This post is simply a collection of a few... er... not so few, really...  of my favorite quotes, nothing more.


I felt as though, as much as people have been discussing their favorite quotes online lately, that it was only right that I share mine.


So... here you go.


Oh, by way of lessening confusion... some of these come from music I love, or books I enjoy reading over and over again, or films that I just couldn't do without... so, there is no hard and fast rule (not in my head anyway) for where a good quote can come from.


Take a look...  see if there are some you like... comment and add your own favorites...

Thanks,

-Dennis
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William Goldman

“Cynics are simply thwarted romantics.”
― William Goldman, The Princess Bride


“If you have ever lost a loved one, then you know exactly how it feels. And if you have not, then you cannot possibly imagine it.”
― Lemony Snicket, The Bad Beginning


“You get what anybody gets - you get a lifetime.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes

Terry Jones

“In my opinion, we don't devote nearly enough scientific research to finding a cure for jerks.”
― Bill Watterson


“Sarah: That's not fair!
Jareth: You say that so often, I wonder what your basis for comparison is?”
― Terry Jones, Labyrinth

Kurt Vonnegut

“All persons, living and dead, are purely coincidental.”
― Kurt Vonnegut, Timequake


“You know how they say you only hurt the ones you love? Well, it works both ways.”
― Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

Bob Marley

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”
― Bob Marley

Ogden Nash

“I have an idea that the phrase “weaker sex” was coined by some woman to disarm the man she was preparing to overwhelm. ”
― Ogden Nash


“I'm not blessed, or merciful. I'm just me. I've got a job to do, and I do it. Listen: even as we're talking, I'm there for old and young, innocent and guilty, those who die together and those who die alone. I'm in cars and boats and planes; in hospitals and forests and abbatoirs. For some folks death is a release, and for others death is an abomination, a terrible thing. But in the end, I'm there for all of them.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 3: Dream Country


“When the first living thing existed, I was there waiting. When the last living thing dies, my job will be finished. I'll put the chairs on the tables, turn out the lights, and lock the universe behind me as I leave.”
― Neil Gaiman

Steve Martin

“The public has a short memory. That's why all these big stars do these crazy, terrible things and two years later they're back in the biz, you know. 'Cause the public has a short memory. Let me give you a little test, okay? This is my thesis -- the public has a short memory and, like-- How many people remember, a couple of years ago, when the Earth blew up? How many people? See? So few people remember. And you would think that something like that, people would remember. But NOOO! You don't remember that? The Earth blew up and was completely destroyed? And we escaped to this planet on the giant Space Ark? Where have you people been? And the government decided not to tell the stupider people 'cause they thought that it might affect-- [dawning realization, looks around] Ohhhh! Okay! Uh, let's move on!”
― Steve Martin

Neil Gaiman

“Life is a disease: sexually transmitted, and invariably fatal.”
― Neil Gaiman


“Unrequited love is all right in books and things, but in real life, it completely sucks”
― Meg Cabot, Haunted


“Love is many things none of them logical.”
― William Goldman, The Princess Bride

Carrie Vaughn

“I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.”
― Rita Mae Brown


“Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.”
― William Goldman, William Goldman: Four Screenplays


“1980's: not a time period but a state of mind.”
― Carrie Vaughn


“Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning.”
― William Goldman, The Princess Bride

Ayn Rand

“Until and unless you discover that money is the root of all good, you ask for your own destruction. When money ceases to become the means by which men deal with one another, then men become the tools of other men. Blood, whips and guns--or dollars. Take your choice--there is no other.”
― Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged


"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
- Marcus Aurelius

Chuck Palahniuk

"An entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables; slaves with white collars. Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need. We're the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our Great War's a spiritual war, our Great Depression is our lives. We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won't. And we're slowly learning that fact. And we're very, very pissed off."
― Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

"The time has come," the Walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax—Of cabbages—and kings—And why the sea is boiling hot—And whether pigs have wings."
— Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass

"Life is a strange thing, just when you think you've learned how to use it it's gone."
- Shakespears Sister, Hello (Turn Your Radio On)

They Might Be Giants

"I don't want the world. I just want your half."
- They Might Be Giants, Ana Ng

"The rabbit's not like us. It has no... keen look at something in the mirror, it has no history books, no photographs, no knowledge of sorrow or regret... I mean, I'm sorry, Miss Pommeroy, don't get me wrong; y'know, I like rabbits and all. They're cute and they're horny. And if you're cute and you're horny, then you're probably happy, in that you don't know who you are and why you're even alive. And you just wanna' have sex, as many times as possible, before you die... I mean, I just don't see the point in crying over a dead rabbit! Y'know, who... who never even feared death to begin with."

Richard Kelly

- Richard Kelly, Donnie Darko

"You think you're what he wants? You think you fit the picture of how he wants his life to look? You think he would bring you back to our mother as a potential wife? Our mother? Sure she'd be nice to your face, but then the first opportunity, she'd pull him aside and warn him off. "Mongrel children have such a hard time fitting in dearest." He will lie to you. He will lie to you! He will use you up and marry some inbred Darien Frau who will beget him all the towheaded brats he can afford. They are rigid and they are cold! And you don't know! They are cold, cold, cold to the fucking bone!"
- Burr Steers, Igby Goes Down

"Do you ever feel like giving up?" - or - Advice for writers, and a little rant.

Recently, as I was reading an Indie Author group on Facebook, I came across this post:

"Do you guys ever feel like giving up? I'm just getting started in this business, but it seems like unless by some miracle, the "right person," like Mark Coker, happens to notice you and starts promoting you, you continue to swim as a little bitty fishy in a great, big ocean! It seems that EVERYONE is a writer, and EVERYONE is trying to get noticed. Unless you have money to spend on lots of ads, etc. (which I don't), you just keep swimming..." – Kitten Jackson ( https://www.facebook.com/kittenjackson )


This made me start thinking…  and this was the reply I posted to her:

“All the time... I feel like giving up all the time. When no one takes my working as a writer seriously... when I go days or weeks without sales... when I promote my work all over the internet and feel completely ignored... yes. For me, though... I am a writer. I have always been a writer. I will be as long as I live. I can't help it. I tell stories... and now I'm putting them out for the world to share. I'm going to continue to do it... noticed or not. I've made sales, I've been interviewed, I've been reviewed... it has long slow periods... but that's just what I've come to understand as the "nature" of the beast. It's worth it to me for those who read and like my work... and even if I don't ever achieve "wide-spread success" as an author... then, so be it. I can't help that I write, that I tell stories, that I want to share it with others... it's who I am, and I'm not going to let any of the slow periods, the successes of others, or any perceptions others might have (or even my own from time to time) change that.

I'm a writer. I write. I'm a storyteller. I tell stories. 

It's who I am, and that's just all there is to it. Noticed or not.”

I think sometimes people who aren’t in this business don’t comprehend what it’s like to do this kind of work.

The “Work” of it, as I often hear people call it, is perceived as writing things down that you make up. While this is a part of the job… it’s by far and away not the whole of it. You may ask “What then is this “work” you are talking about then mister writer man?”

Well…  it’s constant marketing. It’s Blogging, updating, following up with people, finding places that will review your work, for good or ill, and asking for those reviews. Trying to get exposure for your work. Trying to stay in touch with your readers.  Tweeting. Facebooking. Constant pushing, and obsessive checking and rechecking everything.

Why? Because if you don’t then there are literally thousands of other people in your field who will fill the void you leave, and your work thus far will all have been for naught.

Don’t believe me? Write a book. Get it edited. Format it. Get cover art for it. Get it to the services that print or offer eBooks for sale. Market yourself. Market the book. Track your sales.

It is a lot harder than it sounds… Trust me. It's even harder if you want to do odd things... like see loved ones, spend time with children, work a day job, have a social life... ya know, do anything besides what centers on the book.

Now I can hear someone out there saying, “Well, mister writer man, if it is so difficult, headache inducing, and time consuming, then why do you do it?”

My answer to that it this: For every single time that a reader tells me how much they enjoyed my work… how they were pulled in… how it spoke to them… how they couldn’t stop reading it… that makes all of it worth it to me. (Understand, now, that is a personal answer. I can’t speak for all writers)

Others still would say, “Mister writer man, if your work was any good it would be huge and everyone would know about it. Talent is all it takes to succeed in writing.”

To that I say: HAHAHAHAHA!!! No, really…  If I had a nickel for every indie author I’ve read and loved… or better yet, a nickel for every writer I’ve read from a major publishing house with poor story, grammar, and (evidently) a complete lack of spellcheck…  I’d be a far wealthier man, today.

Finally, my favorite… Still others say: “If your work is so good, mister writer man, you’d be published by a big publishing house. They’d drop a big check in your lap, and they’d pay people to do all that work that you claim is so hard for you, and you wouldn’t have any worries.”

This one is a blatant lie. It’s wrong on every level.

To begin with… I know authors who are signed with major publishing houses. Want to know how I met them? They were right there beside me (in an internet kinda way) doing the same things I was doing… to get their work out there… reviewed… read… enjoyed… and to get exposure for it.

Facts of life are the same as the facts of writing: You have to work hard to succeed. Talent is good…  don’t get me wrong… but talent without the endless hours of hard work is ultimately worthless (unless you are the luckiest single person to ever walk the earth).


So, do I ever feel like giving up? Yes.

Do I ever give up? Yes. I give up, walk away. Make a pot of coffee. Then I sigh, shake my head, and get right back to work.

"Mitch Will vs. The Queen of Evil and her Space Zombies!"

People ask me all the time what I am currently working on...  I figured that it wouldn't hurt to give all you readers who are on my blog a little sneak peak into an upcoming work of mine that has been seriously dominating my work time lately.

That project is:

"Mitch Will vs. The Queen of Evil and her Space Zombies!"

The year is 2413 and the Earth is in grave peril. The High Queen of the evil Intergalactic Necromantic Confederation has set her sights on conquest of our solar system, and sent the first invasion wave of the Z.D.A. (Zombie Doom Army) in as an occupying force! While the world turns inside out, the Queen herself is fast approaching with her heavily armed star cruiser to establish a new royal palace on Mars, and worst of all… she’s planning to deploy the Zombification Ray!

From the Horseshoe Nebula, streaking to Earth’s rescue, comes Ash’Ley – last of the Chapell, an alien race whose home world fell long ago to the evil Queen.  Can she manage to convince the Planetary Union to work with her, to save themselves and the Universe?

What can humanity do? Where can they turn in this time of need?
A hero must step forward, but who?

The hope of her plan, and freedom and liberty for all living beings, 

all rest on the shoulders of one man… 

The incomparable Star Commander Mitch Will! 

He’s the most decorated officer to ever give up his commission and leave the Star League. He’s a straight shooting, smooth talking, lady’s man with a loose cannon attitude and contempt for the bureaucratic fat cats calling the shots at Star League Command. 

Will he save us? Will he defeat the Queen? Will he free the zombies? Will he spread love throughout the whole of the universe?

If anyone can… Mitch Will!

* * *

This is the product of a silly Facebook fill-in-the-blanks quiz, a song by Queen, and an overactive imagination fed far too much Sci-Fi from the 50's, 60's, and 70's. 

I think I was able to sum it up best when I explained it to a friend by saying, "It's a Sci-Fi comedy for well-read nerds..." 

It's likely the funniest thing I've ever attempted to write, and while I'm certain no one shares my exact tastes, or sense of humor, I believe it will serve to draw a laugh or two and serve as a good and entertaining ride.

I'll be posting excerpts from it, and artwork as I get it, to keep everyone informed, so be sure and check back here for updates. ;)



Here's a little piece:

The transport shuttle shoots downward out of the night sky and slips quietly into the hanger accessible only to the ‘officer’s only’ decks of Star Command.  Mitch exits the craft, with his dress uniform draped over his shoulder, expecting some sort of fanfare to make a theatrical protest against. Instead he finds a lone familiar face. Erin McGavic, his longtime first officer, is waiting to greet him with a disapproving gaze.

The last time he had seen her was almost five years ago, when he retired his commission and left Star Command. He had always thought that she was the most wonderful and supportive subordinate officer he could have hoped for. While everyone else had argued with his decision to leaving the service, Erin had steadfastly stood by him.

He smirks at her, as though sharing an inside joke, but she doesn’t respond. Her arms are crossed and her expression is grim. She looks more severe in her dress uniform, with her ginger hair pulled back tightly to her head, than he remembers ever having seen her.

“I’m sorry to see you here again, Commander Will,” She says bluntly, then attempts to cover. “Especially under these dire circumstances.”

Erin turns and gestures to the open corridor and the two of them begin walking in step.

“They needed a hero, I understand that,” Mitch says waving his hand dismissively toward her. “But I retired for a reason, Erin”

Mitch recognizes where she’s leading him. They’re not more than twenty feet from the Planetary Union’s Presidential briefing room. He had been expecting no less, of course.

She takes a deep breath trying to keep her composure as they continue down the sterile white corridor. “I told them there was no need to reactivate you. I assured them that that I was perfectly capable…”

Mitch’s flamboyant laughter cuts her off. He almost loses his balance as the hilarity of her suggestion gets the better of him. He looks at Erin in expectation of her adoration. Instead she simply glares at him. He’s confused for a moment. Most women find it flattering when he shows his appreciation of their attempts at humor, and he had found this one to be genuinely funny. Then it begins to dawn on him, due to the ice in her eyes, that comedy was not her intent.

“Oh, Erin… you… you were serious. Oh. You…” Mitch’s voice betrays his unfamiliarity with awkwardness, or at least with being aware of it.

“You can address me as Captain McGavic, Commander,” her tone is frosty as she interrupts him.  “Now why don’t you just shut up and get into your uniform?”

She points to the male officers’ restroom and dressing quarters.

Mitch turns to go inside, and then blasts a smile back at her over his shoulder. “You’re sure you don’t want to help me with that?”

“I’d sooner seal myself shut with a welding torch, Sir.” Her emotionless monotone and implied sarcasm are lost on Mitch.

“Kinky.” He says as he winks and steps out of view.

The stunned Captain stares after him for a moment before shaking her head and continuing down the corridor

“How? How was I able to serve under that man for three years?” She asks herself under her breath. “I wonder how long it will take him to realize I outrank him now?”

Destroyer of Worlds - "Dimensional and thought provoking" Sci-Fi eBook Release

Even the end of the world isn't always what it seems...


There are sometimes larger and more powerful forces at play in the universe than those that could end all of existence. Even the seemingly most insignificant of lives can have an enormous impact on the world, and every living creature on it. Death isn’t always the end, and to some even an apocalypse can be little more than a means to an end.

Rated: 

4.8 stars on Amazon
4.71 stars on Goodreads


"Excellent story! Gripping and well-written." - Rachel Thompson, Bestselling Author of 'Broken Pieces'


"This story is dark, mind bending, yet has a poetic and beautiful/romantic quality to rival that of stories like The Fountain" - S.K.Whiteside, Author of 'Scribe' and 'Vexed'


"On a deeper level, we see a Gehenna-like abyss, the opening scene gently introducing us to humankind. The heart of this story tells of our inability to see beyond the here and now. Beyond our own meager existence.

I enjoyed his tiptoe into Panpsychism and thoroughly enjoyed the storyline espousing the theory that everything has a mental aspect AND a physical aspect, a subjective aspect and an objective aspect." - K.R. Jordan, Author of 'Riftglade'



Further Reviews of Destroyer of Worlds can be found here.



Excerpt: 

There was an exotic feel to her, buried inside the girl next door. She was slight, and lovely, and smelled lightly of vanilla. He knew he’d never seen her before this moment, but was this really the first time he’d been in this moment? 

There was something ‘off’ and yet so familiar about her. It went beyond the simple feeling of déjà vu, but he couldn’t bring himself to care just now.

“You either have good taste in older cars, or you really need a place to sit.” He smiled, fully aware he’d said it exactly that way before.

“It’s a Mach 1, isn’t it?”

Impressed, he replied, “That’s right. 1971 fastback. 351 Windsor tall deck V8. Metal flake blue, and corrosion. She’s…a monster, but she’s mine.”

The girl poured herself off the hood and down through the open passenger window. David opened the driver’s door and peered in at her questioningly, unable to say a word.

She slid down deep into the passenger seat until nestled to her satisfaction. Like a cat, the contentment spread over her slowly. Looking back at him with pursed lips, she seemed to own part of the car now.

“How fast can it go?”

“She.” David corrected her. “She can go one ninety without flinching. I really don’t know past that.”

He got in and shut his door. Curiosity had gotten the best of him. He turned the key, but couldn’t stop staring, trying to catch her eyes.

“My name is Dave,” he said, extending his hand. “And you are?”

“You can call me whatever you want to,” she said with a devious grin. “Names really aren’t as important as everyone seems to think they are.”

Just being near her made him feel better, more alive. He couldn’t explain it. He couldn’t recall ever feeling this drawn to anyone but Des. Maybe everyone was right. Maybe you can get over love, eventually.

“So Dave, what’s got you so depressed?”

He cocked his head to one side, taken a bit off guard by the question. “End of the world isn’t enough?” he joked, even though he knew she was asking more than that.

“Sorry about that, Dave. But everything has to end. I just figured now was as good a time as any to end it.” She looked out the window, her voice a casual monotone, like an afterthought.

“You figured? Wait. What?”

She opened the door and stepped out into the parking lot. Turning back, she bent down and peered into the car. Their eyes locked and he knew, as crazy as it sounded, that she was telling the truth. She was the cause.

“What’s your name?”

“Why do you dwell on things that don’t matter when there are so many things that do?” Her lips moved to smile, but it was obvious her heart wasn’t in it.

___________________________________________________________



Links to Destroyer of Worlds.

Kindle
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Listing on goodreads.com

A Review - The Luck of the Weissensteiners

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

This was not reading a book. This was experiencing literature.

First a word of warning for the faint of heart, or casual reader: This is a well-crafted work of literature.  It makes excellent and proper use of language. If you have never read a great work of literature you may feel overwhelmed. This is to be expected. What you should do, in this case, is sit back and let the story educate and enlighten your mind as well as entertain and enthrall your spirit.

That said… Wow! I’m personally used to reading and writing books that are a bit grittier and dirtier in language/tone/subject matter than this. This is not a bubble gum read. The word choice and sentence structure used is truly inspired, and shows artistry that is lost to more than 90% of writers today, I'd wager. I was barely into this book and I felt that I was reading a work that had been published out of its era, as though it were a classic work, only discovered and released in the modern age. I would have believed this book was written in the time it was set in.

As always, I will give no spoilers in a review, but I will speak to what you can expect from the work as a whole. The tale is set in 1930’s Europe, and shows us the lives, loves, fear, passions, and prejudices that effected and informed the lives of peoples who were impacted so greatly by Nazi Germany. Jew and Catholic alike, even Lutheran, no one was immune to the social implications of policies gaining traction at that time.

The themes the author chose to addressed, from classism and anti-Semitism to religious bias, mental illness, and sexual orientation, were all well presented in plot, and nothing felt forced or even slightly out of place. I was, and still am amazed at the quality of craftsmanship shown in the storytelling.

I started reading this book with expectations, based on its subject matter and the time period it as set in. Those expectations were shattered.

I expected a work of fiction. This was a work of art.



- Dennis Sharpe



The Luck of the Weissensteiners on Goodreads.com

The Luck of the Weissensteiners on Amazon.com (paperback)

The Luck of the Weissensteiners on Amazon.com (kindle)

The Luck of the Weissensteiners on Amazon.co.uk (paperback)

The Luck of the Weissensteiners on Amazon.co.uk (kindle)