2012 Finish The Series Reading Challenge

Another great challenge to join, this one hosted at Socrates Book Reviews.  The point of this one is simple, finish up the series that you have started, it doesn't matter if you have only read one book in the series or only have one book to finish the series.  For specifics and to sign up go to this post.

I'm going to join at Level 2 which is to finish up 2 series, and I may up that if I get ambitious.  I'lll come back here and link up reviews and note when I finish the books.  Here are the two series I need to complete:

Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich:

• Sizzling Sixteen 
• Smokin' Seventeen
• Explosive Eighteen

Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris

• All Together Dead
• From Dead to Worse
• Dead and Gone
• Dead in the Family
• Dead Reckoning
• Deadlocked (coming out next year)

Author Interview: Lesley Kagen (Good Graces) Tribute Books Tour

Q. You're new book, Good Graces, is a sequel to the very popular, NYT' bestseller, Whistling in the Dark.  What challenges did you face writing a sequel?

A. My own fears.  Sometimes sequels don't live up to readers' expectations and I hate letting people down.  I was also concerned that I'd be able to recapture the voice of the narrator, Sally O'Malley.  And the feel of the neighborhood. I wasn't sure how to write a sequel either.  How much back story should I include, etc.  Seems like everything has worked out rather well, though! 

Q. You didn't publish your first novel until you were 57 years old.  Why so late?

A. (Laugh)  I was busy being a mother, actress, and restaurateur. 

Q. Do you find that your other "occupations" help you as a writer?

A. Being a mother has taught me patience and endurance, which you need a ton of to be an author.  The publishing process is arduous.  There is a temptation all along the route to give up.  Being an actress gives me a good feel for dialogue and character development.  Also the pace of a story, which is so important.  Owning my own restaurant offered lessons each and every day in dealing with people. ( I've also heard a few great stories while buzzing around tables.)

Q. What part do you like best about writing?  The least?

A.  I feel grateful that I have the opportunity to make a living at what I love.  The part I like the least is the frustration I can feel sometimes when I can't express how I'm feeling.  Grrrr.

Q. What do you most about being an author?  The least?

A. I love meeting and corresponding with people who read my work.  I attend a ton of book clubs and so enjoy them.  These women know how to knock back the wine.  The part I like the least is dealing with people who feel that because you're in the public eye they have the right to treat you rudely.  Grrr.

Q. Would you consider Good Graces a "stand alone" novel?

A. Yup.  But I do think if you read Whistling in the Dark first it would contribute to your enjoyment of the story.

Q. You often write in the voice of a child.  Is that tough?

A. In some ways I find it easier than writing in an adult voice.  Not so much emotional armor to penetrate.  Kids speak their hearts.  (And I don't have to use as many big words:)

Q. Who inspires you?

A. My family. I had a tough childhood and the sun never sets without me giving thanks for my loving, gorgeous, brilliant children and grandson.  I'm pretty nuts about my husband, too. 

Q. Animals always seem to play a part in your books. Why?

A. I love dogs and horses.  I've never been without either one.  I horse showed throughout my childhood.  And my daughter is a brilliant competitor in the hunter/jumper field.  My dogs--my German Shepherd, Johnny, and my little poodle, Daisy--- are adorable and crack me up. 

Q. Anything else you'd like to add?

A. Just to wish everyone a happy holiday and the best New Year ever!  And to thank them for their support!

***

Lesley Kagen web site:
http://www.lesleykagen.com

Lesley Kagen Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LesleyKagenBooks?sk=app_4949752878

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Good Graces blog tour site:
http://goodgracesblogtour.blogspot.com

Book Summary

Lesley Kagen returns with the sequel to her national bestselling debut, Whistling in the Dark.

Whistling in the Dark captivated readers with the story of ten-year-old Sally O'Malley and her sister, Troo, during Milwaukee's summer of 1959. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and was named a Midwest Honor Award winner.

In Good Graces, it's one year later, and a heat wave has everyone in the close-knit Milwaukee neighborhood on edge. None more so than Sally O'Malley, who remains deeply traumatized by the sudden death of her daddy and her near escape from a murderer and molester the previous summer. Although outwardly she and her sister, Troo, are more secure, Sally's confidence in her own judgment and much of her faith have been whittled away. When a series of disquieting events unfold in the neighborhood-a string of home burglaries, the escape from reform school of a nemesis, and the mysterious disappearance of an orphan, crimes that may involve the increasingly rebellious Troo-Sally is called upon to rise above her inner demons. She made a deathbed promise to her daddy to keep Troo safe, a promise she can't break, even if her life depends on it. But when events reach a crisis point, will Sally have the courage and discernment to make the right choices? Or will her false assumptions lead her and those she loves into danger once again?

Lesley Kagen's gift for imbuing her child narrators with compelling authenticity shines as never before in Good Graces, a novel told with sensitivity, wit, and warmth.

Lesley Kagen's Bio:

I was born in Milwaukee and spent my early years in a great working class neighborhood, much like the one where Whistling in the Dark and Good Graces are set.

I attended Marquette University for one year, fell in love, and followed my boyfriend to New York City. I lasted about six months. I was so intimidated, I spent most of my time running from my apartment to the grocery store and back to my apartment, which was located above a 24 Hour Soul Record Store. Hence, I have the dubious ability to recite every lyric to every James Brown tune ever recorded.

After returning to Milwaukee, I enrolled in the University of Wisconsin where I majored in Radio and Television. I fell into a job as a morning drive DJ on one of the country's first alternative radio stations—WZMF. I got to interview lots of very cool rock n' rollers like Frank Zappa, Hendrix and John Lennon.

In 1976, I moved to Los Angeles, where I began a ten year career working for Licorice Pizza record chain where I produced, wrote and voiced thousands of commercials as Lesley from Licorice Pizza. When I set out to expand my career, I ended up doing on-camera commercials, a couple of Movies-Of-The-Week, and a Laverne and Shirley.

I met my husband, Peter aka Sushi Man, in Malibu, which is pretty funny considering he was from Milwaukee as well. While we both loved living in California, after the birth of our kids, Casey and Riley, we felt this overwhelming need to return to the roost, so we moved back home in 1990.

Well, that's about it. Oh, wait. The writing. I adore it. I crave it. But it wasn't until Casey went off to college, and teenage Riley made it clear that any form of communication between us was to be restricted to—"With or without pepperoni"—that I found the opportunity to sit down and let 'er rip. I hope you love reading Whistling in the Dark, Land of a Hundred Wonders, Tomorrow River and Good Graces as much as I loved writing them.

Hardcover
Price: $25.95
ISBN: 9780525952381
Pages: 352
Release: September 2011

Amazon buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525952381/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20

Barnes&Noble.com buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=QzmqkDfF8Ig&offerid=239662.9780525952381&type=2&subid=0
 
IndieBound buy link
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780525952381

Books-A-Million buy link
http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780525952381?id=5003903803737




eBook
Price: $12.99

Kindle buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DIAUA4/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20

Nook buy link
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-graces-lesley-kagen/1100483667?ean=9781101549063&itm=1&usri=good%2bgraces

The Book Depository buy link

http://www.bookdepository.com/Good-Graces-Lesley-Kagen/9780525952381/?a_aid=crystalfulcher&a_bid=21478c1a

Book Review: The Black Shard by Victoria Simcox

The Black Shard by Victoria Simcox

Publisher: Two Harbors Press

Publish Date: October 4, 2011

Paperback, 255 pages 
Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
 ISBN: 978-1937293147

My Review:
I loved The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox, so when Victoria contacted me a little over a month ago to let me know that The Black Shard was being released and would I like to review it, I quickly agreed.  First let me let you in on a secret, I don't keep many books, most of my review books I offer up as giveaways when I am done with them.  When I read The Magic Warble, I kept it.  The Black Shard will join it there as well.  That should tell you something about the books right there.  They are delightful and I can see myself picking them up again.  I also want to share them with my sons as well.

So onto what I thought specifically of The Black Shard.  The Black Shard picks up a little in the future after The Magic Warble ends, Kristina is back in her real world and wondering if the world of Bernovem ever existed.  As the book starts it's summer and Kristina is headed off to horse-riding camp which she is excited about except for the fact that Davina and Hester will be there.  Davina and Hester were in The Magic Warble and are mean to Kristina.  You know the type, most books involving girls have them.  I really feel sorry for Kristina, because she is sweet and just wants them to leave her alone.  But soon enough the three of them are thrust back into the world of Bernovem and Kristina gets to see her wonderful friend Prince Werrien again.

Once they all return to Bernovem the excitement and adventure begin along with the confusion and misunderstood feelings between Kristina and Werrien (ah it seems that even in the fantasy world confusion abounds in the relationships between boys and girls).  I loved seeing the two of them together in this book.  But all is not perfect in the world of Bernovem and there is a lot going on.  The King seems preoccupied, various gnomes seem up to no good, a plague breaks out and so much more.  I was kept guessing through the book as I was introduced to new people and places and left wondering who could Kristina and Werrien trust and who could they not trust.  It was a great book plot-wise, with surprises and great fantasy scenes (love the dolphin).  Ms. Simcox has quite the imagination to further develop the world of Bernovem but does not make it too out there where it is too hard for middle graders to comprehend.

The book is an easy and quick read.  The plot moves quickly, the characters are interesting and I loved seeing more of Bernovem.  It was also great to see some more character growth.  Both Kristina and Werrien are now older and they show it.  They still act immature at times, but they are growing more mature and I liked that.  There are also some very interesting revelations about characters in this one and some great back story as well that supports what is going on in The Black Shard and will take us into the next installment as well.

What more can I say, The Black Shard was another winner from Ms. Simcox for me and will go in a place of honor on my keeper bookshelf.  These are wonderful fantasy books with good lessons for middle graders and young adults, but more than that, they are wonderful stories to be enjoyed.  I do recommend that you read The Magic Warble first for the background on the world of Bernovem and also for Kristina and Werrien's story.  It will help you to understand the characters and the story in The Black Shard better.  Ms. Simcox does a good job summarizing things that took place before so I don't think anyone would be lost reading The Black Shard on it's own, but you would miss out on a wonderful book in The Magic Warble.  So go get The Black Shard and dive into the world of Bernovem with Kristina and Werrien, fall in love with the place and the characters, you will definitely be in for a delightful afternoon of reading. 

If you are looking for that perfect gift for a middle grader or young adult fantasy lover, give them the gift of this series.  For a boy or girl, this series is a great escape for a tween or teen. 

My Rating: 5.0/5.0

Parental guidance:  Perfect for tweens, no cuss words, and the most that goes on is a kiss.  There is some violence, but it is mild as well, nothing objectionable - it is fantasy so some violence is expected and it is not gratuitous in nature.

My review of The Magic Warble

About the Book:
The Black Shard, Victoria Simcox’s fast-paced, intricately woven sequel to The Magic Warble, takes Kristina Kingsly and her schoolmates back to Bernovem … and into a thrilling, often dangerous adventure.

Kristina’s stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it’s all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester’s cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it’s actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can’t refuse.

Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends … and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn’t get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the “Black Shard”, Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it’s in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known.

About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
Victoria, known as Vicki, was born in 1966, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She has one older sister, Jeannette. When Vicki was 7, she moved with her family to British Columbia. In her early twenties Vicki moved to Western Washington and now resides in Marysville WA. She has been married to her husband Russ, for nineteen years and they have three children; Toby, who is fifteen, Kristina, thirteen, and William, eight. She has home schooled her children for the past nine years, and she also teaches elementary school art. Vicki’s other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy, two cats, Frodo, and Fritz, and two parakeets, Charlie, and Paulie. She did have a pet rat named Raymond when she started writing The Magic Warble, but sad to say, he has since passed away of old age. Vicki enjoys writing, painting watercolors, watching movies, hanging out with her family, and chauffeuring her kids around to their many activities. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and one of her fondest memories is when she was twelve. She would sit at the kitchen table and read The Chronicles of Narnia to her mother while she cooked dinner. These magical stories were very dear to Vicki and she remembers wishing, If only I could go to Narnia like Lucy and Susan. Vicki hopes that maybe, she can touch someone with her story in a similar way. 

The Black Shard Website
The Magic Warble Website
Twitter
Facebook
Blog

FTC Information: I received this book from the author for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.

Book Review: Watch by Sharde Richardson

Watched by Sharde Richardson

Publisher: Jolt Books

Publish Date: May 31, 2011

ebook
Fiction, Young Adult, Paranormal
 ASIN: B00562SET6

My Review:
This is a hard review to write.  I really like the concept of the book and I kept reading because I was interested in what happened.  However my one problem was the book felt choppy.  With that said, I want it to be known that I think this author has some true promise.  Her idea was really fresh and I am anxious for the next book to see what happens next to Mikayla and Lucas, so I do really care about her characters so she is obviously doing something right. 

The book did flow at times and I would be really excited and then it would get a little choppy and I would feel a little lost, but then again it may have just been me.  Then it would start flowing again and I would become deeply immersed in the story once again.  I really liked Mikayla but had a hard time figuring her out, which I think is really  the way she is supposed to be (like most teenagers).  She has been through a rough event right at the beginning of the book and then is hit with finding out she is different when Lucas shows up.  That is where Ms. Richardson shines, is with the creation of the paranormal element of this story.  And I think with further development in the next book this series could really take off.  It's less paranormal and more of an urban fantasy feel.  Mikayla has the ability to truly be a kick-butt heroine (she pretty much is, she just has to further develop her self-confidence, but hey, she's a teenager).

I am trying to give props to this book even though I felt it had flaws because I truly think it has potential.  And the truth is another reader may have read it and thought it was the best book ever.  I think it has that potential.  I am not slamming this author.  Please don't think that.  I want to read the next book and I did like this book, I did finish it and I wanted to finish it, I did not feel forced to finish it.  I liked the characters and I liked the storyline.

If you enjoy young adult urban fantasy and want to try something different, give Watched a try, it has great potential and it may be the book you fall in love with.  For me I will anxiously be awaiting the next book to give Ms. Richardson another try.  I'm ready to see some more of Mikayla and Lucas.

My Rating: 3.5/5.0

Parental Guidance: I would say this is for the 16+ age group - the language is pretty rough, but what I would call typical for teenagers (hey I was one once), but if you are a parent and worry about what your teen reads, I wouldn't suggest this for under 16.  Over 16, they've heard it all before, and honestly, they've heard it all by 10, I know because my 10-year-old told me so :)  Again I'm not picking on the author, I think she used real teen speak in the book and I find no fault in that.

About the Book:
Mikayla doesn't want much: just to rock out to her favorite band, become the next Kwiki Stop video gaming champion, and keep her Q-tip habit under control. What she does want is the sight of the sudden inexplicable dark auras around everyone to stop. Problem is, those auras are demons and Mikayla is the last trait holder with the power to ban them. Which is a total buzz kill.

To make matters worse, the town folk of Sulphur Springs don't look the same, and her classmates are a little dark in the eyes. There are murders, suicides, reckless skinny-dipping, gratuitous use of Q-tips, and newfound powers that Mikayla must learn to control.

Her past becomes present when a shape-shifter tells her what her true identity is, and how to keep the demons of Hell from nipping at her Converse. Through him she'll discover who to trust, who to kiss, and how valuable her abilities are to the right beings. Because the evils of Hell aren't staying down without a fight...

Or without her soul.

About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
Bio in 140 characters or less: Somewhere in the cosmic collision of life, God saw fit to make another Alabamian.

The nitty: An Alabamian who loves cheese and life. She works in a nursing home and steals stories from the elderly in exchange for sponge baths. Next year her debut YA novel, Watched, will be released.

The nitty-gritty: She grew-up in the South. Almost as far south as you can get. She says things like "y'all" and "ain't" and "shut the front door"(which is more or less an expression of shock). She married a giant man and they have one, semi-giant son who's sometimes called Cluckey or The Child. During the daytime hours she works in a nursing home with the elderly.(Side note: She wants to inform you never, under any circumstances, be late for a sponge bath or try to take their dentures. The elderly are very protective of their dentures.)At night, she churns out stories and conspires to take over the world from the confines of her computer room. 

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Blog

FTC Information: I received this book through Teen Book Scene for an honest review.  I do make money from purchases made at The Book Depository, but all money is used to fund giveaways and shipping for giveaways from the blog.

Reading Romances Challenge 2012

Ahh . . . another challenge, this one is being hosted at Reading Romances.  And it's the Reading Romances Challenge 2012.  Put in her words:

The Reading Romances Challenge is not about the amount of books you read, but the variety of titles you’ll have read when the challenge is over! Our goal is to read a bit of everything related to romance and open our minds to new genres we wouldn’t usually read.

Sound like fun?  I think so - I haven't been reading as much romance as I use to due to my reviewing schedule, but I am thinking of taking my reviewing schedule down a notch next year and working on some books on my tbr pile (some of those happen to be languishing review books) and a lot of those are romances.  I love a good challenge as well and look forward to seeing what challenges are thrown at us each month.  For the more specific rules, you can see the post at Reading Romances for the challenge here.

I can't wait, how about you?

Book Promo + Bookmark Giveaway: Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

Here's a book that's releasing tomorrow that looks like a great start to a new YA series, be sure and check it out!

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James

Publisher:St. Martin's Griffin

Publish Date: December 6th, 2011

Paperback, 352 pages
ISBN: 978-0312647025
Midnight Dragonfly #1

About the Book:
Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She is special. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.

Trinity arrives on her aunt's doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she's seen.

But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica's disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She is kind-of dating Jessica's ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.

Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her.

Find the book on Goodreads.
Ellie James' on the web
Midnight Dragonfly series on Facebook

Giveaway:
If you would like to win a signed bookmark of Shattered Dreams, just leave a comment with a way for me to contact you.   Open to US only, ends 12/10.

Guest Blog: How a Nasa Scientist's Theory Inspired a Paranormal Thriller

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of The Gaia Wars eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week.

What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including a Kindle Fire, Amazon gift cards up to $100 in amount, 5 autographed copies of the book, and 5 autographed copies of its recently released sequel, Battle for Cascadia. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 9th, so you don’t miss out.

To Win the Prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of The Gaia Wars for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes &
   Noble
2. Fill-out the form
   on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the
   book or a $50 gift card!
4. BONUS: If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another
   chance at $100!

...And I can win too!

Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of
prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll
will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out
the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in
the poll.

The Featured Events include:

Monday, Blogaganza on Novel Publicity! We’re kicking-off on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog. We’ll ask the writer 5 fun and random questions to get everyone talking. Leave a comment or question in response to the post, and you may win an autographed copy of The Gaia Wars or
its recently released sequel, Battle for Cascadia. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there!

Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny, only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. Autographed copies of The Gaia Wars and its recently released sequel, Battle for Cascadia, are also up for grabs. The winner will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet: Looking for a YA read that's full of adventure & intrigue? Check out The Gaia Wars. Reduced to just 99 cents http://ow.ly/7ywpZ #whirlwind

Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see The Gaia Wars book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. Autographed copies of The Gaia Wars and its recently released sequel, Battle for Cascadia, are also up for grabs. Three chances to win! How about that?

Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see The Gaia Wars book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. Autographed copies of The Gaia Wars and its recently released  sequel, Battle for Cascadia, are also up for grabs.

Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Win a Kindle Fire or a $100 Amazon gift card, simply by leaving a comment on Kenneth’s most recent blog post. How easy is that? Autographed copies of The Gaia Wars and its recently released sequel, Battle for Cascadia, are also up for grabs.

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About The Gaia Wars: DEADLY SECRETS have been
buried in the Cascade mountain wilderness for centuries. Hidden. Out of sight and out of mind. Until today… Warren Wilkes, age 13, doesn’t like what a greedy housing developer has done to his peaceful mountain community, so he vandalizes the developer’s property, flees into the wild, and stumbles upon an ancient human skeleton revealed by torrential rain. More than old bones have been exposed, however, and the curious artifact Warren finds makes him question his own identity, and his connection to an ancient terror. A terror destined to rise again and annihilate all that Warren loves. He must fight or see his whole world destroyed. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About Battle for Cascadia: When Warren Wilkes, age 13, stumbles upon a mysterious relic deep in the Cascade Mountains, wonder reigns. Brimming with secrets and sentient energy, the relic leads Warren to a fantastic chamber, and to shocking revelations about his identity. Now wonder has turned to dread. A forgotten terror—a demon that knows Warren better than he knows himself—has risen again and is assembling an army; gathering power with a singularly evil goal in mind: to capture and enslave the wild spirit of the Earth itself. As war erupts and the planet slips into chaos, Warren embraces his destiny and finds help where he least expects it. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the Author: Kenneth G. Bennett is the author of the Young Adult novels The Gaia Wars and Battle for Cascadia (the second book of The Gaia Wars), as well as the forthcoming Exodus 2018, a paranormal thriller set in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. A wilderness enthusiast who loves backpacking, skiing and kayaking, Ken enjoys novels that explore the relationship between humans and the wild. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and son. Visit him on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.
 

Now please enjoy this guest post from the author...

HOW A NASA SCIENTIST’S THEORY INSPIRED A PARANORMAL THRILLER


THE GAIA WARS is fiction, but it was inspired—at least in part—by The Gaia Hypothesis. This hypothesis, proposed by NASA scientist James Lovelock, states that the Earth—the entire Earth—is a living thing. A vast, “super-organism.”

I read an article about Lovelock’s theory a few years back and thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever heard.

The Earth is alive. Think about it. If Lovelock’s correct, the Earth isn’t simply a chunk of interstellar rock hosting a collection of random ecosystems; it’s a cohesive entity. An organism. A being. I daydreamed about this idea, mulled it over; wondered how it might be incorporated into a novel. And in my imagination, I took the theory to the next level: What if the Earth is not simply alive, I asked, but also sentient?

I did some reading, and discovered that a lot of so-called primitive cultures believed this very thing. Understood it in their bones. Our ancestors were in tune with the planet in ways that we’ve forgotten. They could feel her heartbeat. Interpret her rhythms. They created Earth Goddesses to worship and celebrate.

Gaia (pron. guy-uh) is one of the principal deities of the Greek Pantheon. Other cultures used other names: the Tibetan people called the deity Chomolungma—Goddess Mother of the World. The
Sumerians knew her as Ninhursaga. To Mesoamerican peoples she was Tlazolteotl.

A fictitious Pacific Northwest culture called the Denelai is at the center of THE GAIA WARS. As readers learn, the ancient Denelai people believed in the Earth goddess so profoundly that she would sometimes appear to them in human form.

At the start of the novel, troubled 13-year-old Warren Wilkes unearths a treasure deep in the Cascade Mountains while fleeing the law, learns about the Denelai and Gaia’s periodic visits, and finds that on one such occasion in 1550 AD, the tribe was attacked and the Earth Goddess wounded. The Indians were slaughtered and Gaia lost her memory and vanished into the wild.

As Warren soon discovers, Gaia is still alive and still trapped in human form. What’s more, the beast that attacked the Indian village 500 years earlier is on it’s way back with an army bred specifically to capture Gaia, unlock her secrets, and seize control of the planet. Warren must fight or see his whole world destroyed.

Readers seem to like the idea of a paranormal thriller with a thinking, feeling Earth at its heart. The feedback has been tremendous. Humbling. Yesterday (November 24, Thanksgiving Day) THE GAIA WARS rose to #17 on Amazon’s list of Top 100 Best Sellers in Children’s Action & Adventure. The Second Book of The Gaia Wars, BATTLE FOR CASCADIA, (just released) is also doing well. A huge thank you
to all the wonderful readers giving these books a try!