Two Great Reads for the Summer by Author Anna L. Walls

One of my favorite authors, Anna L Walls, has two new books recently published.

Trials of the Youngest Princess by Anna Walls.

When I recently got a copy of one of my favorite authors, Anna L. Walls, upcoming book, I was a bit under the weather, which usually leaves me easily distracted and unable to focus. As with all her stories, I had no need to worry about that with her latest book, The Trials of the Youngest Princess. Being a huge fan of medieval history, this book was right up my alley. However you don’t have to be a medieval fan to be captivated by Princess Anella’s story. Having been a prolific reading and reviewer in the past, life can sometimes get in the way and make reading more of a challenge. This book was a breath of fresh air and hard to put down. The characters are developed so well, that you will feel you know them. Anna seamlessly blends back story in with action, without going overboard on either. She points you in the direction and lets you follow her characters and their journey as if you were riding alongside them. She gives you a lot of back story at the very beginning about her family. You may be tempted to skim past, but these are important details that help you understand who she is and why she is so willing to go to the ends of the earth to fight for her kingdom.

Her story is one of family, growing up and overcoming obstacles. The story begins and ends in the kingdom of Mayrit, but the journey in between covers many adventures and places. When I first began reading, Anella reminded me of the youngest daughter on The Game of Thrones (another favorite of mine). However, as the story develops you will discover that her tomboy ways are the only thing she has in common. Anna develops the character of Anella with many nuances and breathes life into our young heroine. Anella isn’t petulant. She has cunning and focus and uses what she learns to grow, but I get ahead myself.

Anella is not a frilly princess, she wants to do what the men and the boys do. It is not long before she begins sneaking to the training rooms in the middle of the night to play with the swords after spending time watching the men practice. She becomes quite good at recreating what she observes and of course one night she is caught by the Sword master. Although he’s afraid he may one day regret his decision, he begins to train her as long as she keeps up her studies with the ladies of the house.

One day, when the kingdom is over-thrown and her family killed before her eyes, Anella sets out on a journey to reclaim her birthright. There will be times when she runs into obstacles and times when she will stumble, but she is cunning and fierce and never gives up. In the end, winning back her kingdom, becomes only part of her goal. Saving and protecting her people is becomes her mission.

This is the perfect book to lose yourself in. It’s definitely a must read.

Guardians by Anna L Walls.

Strap on your helmet and fasten your seat belt, because Anna is about to take you on an intergalactic ride. Shortly, into reading this book, I discovered that the main nemesis are intelligent huge bug creatures. Being a sci-fi geek, I was instantly reminded of all the Robert A Heinlein books I had read in the past, specifically Starship Troopers. No, not the cheesy movies, but the classic stories Heinlein penned.

Well, if you have ever read one of Anna’s novels, you quickly learn that nothing is ever predictable or what it seems. This book is no exception. Prepare to travel across space and time as a voyeur of two generations of Guardians. What are Guardians, you ask? They are soldiers. Brave men and women who volunteer to go into battle with the enemy to protect mankind and the planets they colonize. But these aren’t just ordinary soldiers. These individuals are given magical abilities and those come with a cost. They must give up their memories and risk death to serve in a war, that makes our real war look like child plays.

Anna, expertly weaves in all the action a video game junkie would love with a very poignant human story. She will shock you and have you on the edge of your seat, then you’ll turn the page and sigh at the raw emotions her character emote. A few pages later you’ll be cheering on one character and then growling in dismay at another. She takes you to places you don’t expect to go and just when you think you know what will happen next, she throws in a twist. A must read for the summer!!

 Check out more of Anna's works here:

GUARDIANS

THE TRIALS OF THE YOUNGEST PRINCESS

HALF-BREED

THE SPEED OF DREAMS

THE FORTUNES OF MAGIC

MAGE KING - book #3 of The Making of a Mage King Trilogy

WHITE STAR - book #2 of The Making of a Mage King Trilogy

PRINCE IN HIDING - book #1 of The Making of a Mage King trilogy

 

KING BY RIGHT OF BLOOD AND MIGHT

Her blog novel - THE FORTUNES OF MAGIC - Read the book here for free

Her writing blog - Anna's Obsession - Writing tips - Book reviews - Author Spotlights

Her website - Anna's Passion - Buy one or more of her books and browse through the tabs to

      see what might be coming next.

A window into her life - Anna of Alaska - every day is an adventure.

Thanks for Following

Thank all of you who have followed this blog. I have not had time to keep this one going over the past year or so. I wanted to officially say Thank You and farewell to those who have followed my posts- the stories and reviews. To the authors who provided books for me to review and all the wonderful blogging friends I made over the years.

I will be coming back to blogging soon, but with a new blog devoted to Ember and her continuing saga. This new blog will have all the original posts and will pick up where we left off. Ember has been sleeping in limbo cyber space for some time and it is time for her to awaken and begin new adventures.

I hope you will join her. Her new blog will be http://wrilogonzia.blogspot.com

I'm Still Alive.....

Just wanted to post a quick note to let my visitors and fans know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Just extremely swamped with moving and wedding planning and the business of every day life.

I will be back to blogging in January after the wedding is over. I may try to post a new Ember or two over the holidays so check back towards Christmas.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by to see if I have posted anything new. You're the best!! I will be back!

Episode 12 - Ember's Adventure Continues...

In her sleep, Ember absently swatted at the bushy tale that swished back and forth across her nose. Groggily, she moaned, “Perhluna, stop that.”


“When did you rename --- or should I ask what’s this Perhluna you’re dreaming about sleepy head?” a deep voice behind her chuckled.

Ember’s eyes flew open and she almost toppled from her chair, sending Nym, Nuet and her keyboard flying. “Wyndel!” she exclaimed launching herself into his surprised arms.

“Is it really you? I thought I’d never see you again! Especially after the Water Tart had you…and then there was the cheese and the dragon and the”

“Whoa there, little sis. Slow down. Wow, that must have been some dream.”

“Are you going to sleep all day?” Misty calls from the hall. Ember lets go of Wyndel long enough to grab Misty and pull her into the hug. “Alrighty then, nice to see you, too, sis.”

“Well, what am I chopped liver? Where’s my hug?” Fossylia teases as she enters the room.

“I’m back! You’re all here! Oh, where’s Elspeth? You’re never going to believe where I’ve been. I thought I’d be stuck… and gosh, I missed you all, but it was exciting, sorta scary at times, but…wait what day is it? How long…”

“Em, breathe. You were just dreaming. Aunt Ellie said you’ve been up here on the computer since dinner yesterday. You must have fallen asleep. You really need to stop these all night computer sessions and get outside more. You’re lucky to have a job that lets you work from here, but there is a whole world out there you are missing. We worry about you always being cooped up in here with your computer.” Fossylia admonishes.

“Yeah, you need to hit the town with us tonight. My firm is in charge of the opening of a new gallery in Epirotes Falls and I want to show off my beautiful sisters. Well, we’ll have to comb that hair of yours and see if Aunt Elspeth can do some real magic and make Fossy presentable, but….owww!” All three women playfully punch, Wyndel before he can continue. “I’m just saying. But first, I think I smell some of Ellie’s fine cooking downstairs. Race you…” The four take off for the staircase, playfully dodging and pushing each other; looking more like children than the adults they are.

“You sound like a pack of wild animals, “ Elspeth chides, shaking her head and chuckling. She removes a pie from the oven and sets it on the counter to cool, only to be grabbed from behind by Ember.

“Oh, Aunt Ellie, how I’ve missed you!” Ember gushes, as she presses herself against the woman who raised her. “And I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I smelled your roasted chicken… squash casserole and… is that your soda bread?”

“Well everybody sit down and let’s eat while it’s still hot, “ Elspeth says as she extracts herself from Ember’s embrace. “Ember, why don’t you tell us all about that adventure story you’ve been working on, “ she adds with a wink.

Ember’s jaw drops, but Elspeth just pushes her chin up to close her mouth, then pats her shoulder and gives her a knowing look.

“Is that what you were babbling about upstairs?” “Story? What story?” Fossy and Wyndel say at the same time.

Clearing her throat first, Ember begins to tell them of the adventure her “character” is experiencing. They all begin passing dishes, filling their plates and eating as they listen to her story, occasionally interrupting with comments and questions. As the meal wore on, Ember took a moment to really see her family, while they enjoyed a new animated side of their shy sister, Ember was about to tell them about the Druid Derrick, when suddenly she was jolted awake by Perhluna’s chattering.

“NO!!” she cried, “No, no, no! I can’t have been dreaming!”

Perhluna disappears from his perch on the windowsill and reappears in Ember’s lap. “Dream? Is that what you human’s call that motor sound you were making when you sleep?”

“I do not snore! And no… dreaming is…. Oh, Perhluna, I was home. I was with my family. We were eating dinner and I was telling them about you and this place. It was so real! I can still smell the peach pie…. No, no, no! It’s not fair…”

“Well, this world must not be through with you yet.” Perhluna said with a shrug as he popped back to the window, then added, “Derrick is up to something strange in those woods.There are strange sounds and lights coming from them when he goes in… look he’s about to enter them again. Come see!”

Perhluna continued chattering as Ember crossed to the window, just in time to see Derrick turn and look behind himself before he disappeared in the trees.

“We should follow him…” Perhluna encouraged.

“I don’t know. You saw how upset he got when I was wondering around before.”

“Hmm. What do you call it…hmm… oh yes… CHICKEN!”

“What!?! Fine, but if he gets mad, I’m telling him it was yooouuuuur iiiidddeeeaaa!” As Ember opens the bedroom door everything goes black and she has the sensation of falling….

~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Tennessee, just outside Epirotes Falls city limits, Ember’s family is gathering around the breakfast table.

Yawning, Misty says, “man, I had the strangest dream about Ember…”

“ I had a dream about Ember. We were all eating dinner…” Fossy adds before Wyndel finishes her thought, “and she was telling us a story about a woman who gets drawn into the internet world.”

Fossy and Misty simultaneously exclaim, “Yes!”

Aunt Elspeth chuckles, “Well it seems we all had the same dream. Maybe Ember is trying to speak to us from where ever she has gone….”

Book of Souls by Glenn Cooper

What do a retired FBI agent, Nostradamus, Shakespeare, John Calvin, Area 51, the granddaughter of Lord Cantwell and an order of mute monks in the middle ages have in common?

Why are a dying man, government agencies and Watchers all desperate to get their hands on an ancient book of names and dates?

The only clue as to the book's origin is the number 1527 on the spine.

Will Piper is the FBI agent forced into early retirement and trying to adjust to a life of leisure with his new wife and baby, only to be drawn into international intrigue as he begins a quest to find the origin and meaning of the book. Once the book is in his possession, he discovers even more riddles, whose answers could hold not only the key to the world's future but proof of the existence of God.

Cooper has written an excellent tale that takes the reader on a journey across continents and spans hundreds of years. He gives you a glimpse at how one book inspired not only Shakespeare and Nostradamus, but also caused the birth of Calvinism and one of the biggest mysteries in US history. What is really hidden at Area 51? Cooper has a very compelling theory on what is being kept under wraps and why politicians will do anything to keep the world from discovering the secret. He does jump back and forth to different time periods, but places them strategically so as not to confuse the reader. Not once was I left saying, "Now wait a minute, what time period is this? Who are we reading about now?" Too often less skilled authors lose the reader with this style of writing. Cooper has mastered it and his story flows beautifully from beginning to end. He combines just the right amount of action, mystery, history and human interest to make this a page turner. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Five out of five stars.

Our new addition....

David and I have a new addition to our family due to the cruelty of someone out there.... yesterday I came home from work to find a severly matted half starved kitty on my doorstep. This poor little creature had been dumped on our street so this moring I took him tothe vet and had him checked out and cleaned up. unfortunately, they had to shave his long beautiful hair because it was so matted, but he feels so much better. When his hair grows back out it will be about 3" long and he will look a lot like my Merlyn. You can't tell from the picture but he has beautiful pale blue eyes just like the love of my life.

Meet Alistar Blue.....

I'll post more pictures of him in a few months, when he's less naked.

A Look at the Headlines of the Future....

More fun forwards:

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California.


White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica . No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking..

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only..

85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba.

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.

Abortion clinics now available in every High School in United States ..

Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays..

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet seven inches with only 3 illegitimate children.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2030..


IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent..

Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines.

Book Reviews

The following books were all provided by the authors.

Langata Rules: Pirates at Lat 10 by Ken Miller
When one thinks about a story about pirates, we generally envision the historic swashbuckling characters and adventures. Even though there is the occasional hadline, we don't think of igh seas pirates as a modern problem, yet it is. In Langata Rules, Ken Miller brings to life the modern day pirate tale. His story is a fast paced action pact story that evolves as it progresses. The author does a good job of showing all sides of the picture, including the circumstances that produce the pirates that terrorize the seas. Miller also gives a view of the political climate in Africa and how business and politics are impacted by pirates and how they all impact each other creating an endless cycle.  Starting out, there are numerous characters, which can be confusing for some readers, but if pirates and political intrigue interest you, stick with it. A well written book that will appeal to many, although it is geared more toward a male audience. 3.5 out of five stars.

Web of Deceit by Darlene Cox
Web of Deceit is the story of Peter Brock and how he goes through life manipulating others until things begin to unravel. Cox has assembled and interesting cast of characters in this murder mystery/crime thriller. She weaves a tale of greed and corruption with multiple characters, flashbacks and twists. While I found the story well written and easy to read, I can't say that I liked any of the characters. Everyone seemed to have deceitful and unlikable qualities. For me this made it hard to care about what happened to any of them. Where Cox did draw me in was with the complexity of the plot. I liked the fact that there are  multiple murders as well as other crimes and just when you think you have it all figured out, she surprises you. 3.5 out of five stars.

Universal Truths

Words of wisdom from a forwarded email:

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.


2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories!

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again..

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dang it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Budweiser than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber and dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than the millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I hate cyclists.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what times it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey- but I'd bet my behind everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!