I'm thrilled to return to Farpoint 26 next weekend for my second year! I had a blast last year and made some excellent friends. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with them and other local fans. Here's where you can find me on the official schedule: Friday 10 PM: Farpoint Book Fair Saturday 10 AM: Alternate … Continue reading Farpoint 2019 Schedule
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January Wrap-Up & February Goals
Okay, kids. Something isn't working, and I'm pretty sure I know what it is. I have reached that point where I have so much to do that I'm getting overwhelmed and not doing any of it (as evidenced by the 11 books I read this month). Time to re-evaluate and change a few tactics. Because … Continue reading January Wrap-Up & February Goals
Build Report: Hogwarts Castle
Since I acknowledged that I'll never have room for the largest LEGO set ever, I set my sights slightly smaller -- on the second-largest LEGO set ever. I also thought this dream was unattainable, even though it was my number one wish-list item for the 2018 holiday/birthday season. Even though my birthday is 6 days … Continue reading Build Report: Hogwarts Castle
Review: Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin #1) by Jordan L. Hawk
I picked up the first book in this series because I'd heard good things about it from readers who also enjoyed the stories in K.J. Charles' Charm of Magpies world. They were spot-on in their recommendation, and I'll also throw in my hat that fans of either series will enjoy the other. Once you get … Continue reading Review: Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin #1) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Into the Sounds (Taine McKenna Adventures #2) by Lee Murray
Disclaimer: I consider the author a friend; however, I purchased the electronic version of this novel for full price. After reading the first book in this series, I kind of thought I knew what I was getting into. It's really awesome that I was completely wrong. On the surface, lots of things are similar to … Continue reading Review: Into the Sounds (Taine McKenna Adventures #2) by Lee Murray
Review: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by K.J. Charles
This intertwining collection of "short stories" are a blast to read, and I love the idea of a Holmes and Watson style pairing working together in the occult realm. This is definitely a case where the author's notes at the end enhance the coolness of what I just read, and shows how the author's research … Continue reading Review: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by K.J. Charles
Review: Into the Mist (Taine McKenna Adventures #1) by Lee Murray
Disclaimer: I consider the author a friend; however, I purchased an electronic copy of this novel for full price. For those of you who are averse to the horror genre, I'm happy to report that this novel is instead a thrilling action-adventure. There are some gory bits, but it's not gratuitous, and the moments that … Continue reading Review: Into the Mist (Taine McKenna Adventures #1) by Lee Murray
Review: Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm
Disclaimer: I received an electronic version of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have a soft spot for contemporary romance stories that have evolved with the times. So many relationships begin with the partners meeting online these days (my own included) that more traditional "meet-cutes" almost start to feel … Continue reading Review: Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm
Build Report: LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2018
I had so much fun with the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar in 2017 that I had to do it again! Below is a quick summary of all the cool things I added to my collection. LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2018 (75213) -- 307 pieces First, the holiday-themed elements! Christmas Moisture Vaporator, A New … Continue reading Build Report: LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2018
Review: “A Queer Trade” and Rag and Bone (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
This connected short story and novel take place in the world of A Charm of Magpies. A reader will get the most of these stories after reading the initial trilogy and Jackdaw. This story looks at yet another side of the magic world established in the trilogy A Charm of Magpies. Crispin and Ned are … Continue reading Review: “A Queer Trade” and Rag and Bone (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
Review: Ragnarok Unwound by Kristin Jacques
Disclaimer: I received an advanced electronic copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This novel starts with a bang and hooks you right from the start. Despite what the title implies, this is a story about more than just Norse mythology. It's a world where every pantheon of gods … Continue reading Review: Ragnarok Unwound by Kristin Jacques
Review: Jackdaw (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
I thoroughly enjoy this historical fantasy world, and I'm so glad that it extends beyond the initial trilogy. Part of what I loved most about this book in particular was seeing this world through new eyes, by a person who is neither magic nor cushioned by wealth and privilege. I was not expecting to see … Continue reading Review: Jackdaw (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
Review: Between the Lines by Sally Malcolm
Disclaimer: I received an advanced electronic copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book is set in the same world (and town) as the author's previous book, Perfect Day. It is not necessary to have read that book first, but it puts certain events into perspective. Otherwise, Theo and … Continue reading Review: Between the Lines by Sally Malcolm
December Wrap-Up & January Goals
Another year, come and gone. As with any year, I've had some major successes and minor disappointments. On the writing front, the success was my fourth book published, which means that my series is officially over halfway complete. The fifth book is also in the midst of the publication process. Unfortunately, on the disappointment side, … Continue reading December Wrap-Up & January Goals
Reviews: “Interlude with Tattoos,” “The Smuggler and the Warlord,” and “Feast of Stephen” (A Charm of Magpies short stories) by K.J. Charles
The following short stories are part of the Charm of Magpies series, an historical fantasy-romance world by K.J. Charles. They are best read as companions to the main trilogy. Lucien Vaudrey, or Lord Crane, has seven magpie tattoos. This is presented in the first book of the trilogy, and only part of what makes him … Continue reading Reviews: “Interlude with Tattoos,” “The Smuggler and the Warlord,” and “Feast of Stephen” (A Charm of Magpies short stories) by K.J. Charles
Steel Time Deleted Scenes!
Happy New Year's Eve to all of my awesome friends and blog followers, but more importantly -- happy birthday to me! I'm planning a lovely low-key evening with a small group of friends to involve pizza, cake, and games. I hope that whatever you plans have, you remain safe and have a blast. To celebrate … Continue reading Steel Time Deleted Scenes!
Review: Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies #3) by K.J. Charles
I found this series right before the previous publishing company it was being published with folded. I was devastated, because it meant waiting months until I could finish the trilogy. Luckily, it was absolutely worth the wait. The conclusion to this trilogy brought together much of the story and plot elements from the previous books, … Continue reading Review: Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies #3) by K.J. Charles
Review: The Omega Objection (San Andreas Shifters #2) by G.L. Carriger
I pre-ordered this book, and immediately tore through it as soon as I had a free evening. I do not regret either of these decisions. Returning to the wacky werewolf pack of San Francisco was a delight, especially with the new focus on characters Isaac and Tank. Carriger could have gone the expected ways with … Continue reading Review: The Omega Objection (San Andreas Shifters #2) by G.L. Carriger
Free Copy of Steel Victory! (Today Only)
My publisher decided to give everyone a fabulous gift this holiday season. Today is the last day to pick up a copy of the first book in the Steel Empires series for free! Grab your electronic copy of Steel Victory here, and remember: Feel free to share the link far and wide! I hope everyone … Continue reading Free Copy of Steel Victory! (Today Only)
Reviews: “Song for a Viking” and “Wanted, an Author” by K.J. Charles
The following stories are available for free on the author's website and cannot be read as stand-alones. They are lovely follow-ups to the novels referenced in the reviews. "Song for a Viking" takes place immediately after the novel Think of England and is best read with the ending of the book in mind. I enjoyed this … Continue reading Reviews: “Song for a Viking” and “Wanted, an Author” by K.J. Charles