Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy New Year...2018 in Review!



Read 199 books for a total of 62,479 pages

First book of the year I read was Guilty by Association by E.A. Copen 
Last book of the year I read was Vengeance Road  by Christine Feehan

The longest book I read was Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
The shortest book I read was Suffer a Sea-Change by Seanan McGuire

The most popular (on Goodreads) book I read was Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
The least popular (on Goodreads) book I read was A Tracker's Tale by Karen Avizur

Posted a total of 320 blog posts
with
81 of those being reviews

First review of the year was Everless by Sara Holland
Last review of the year was Scattered Plume by J.M. Miller


Was there anything about UFI in 2018 that sticks out as your favorite? How many books did you read in 2018?

Here's to another fantastic year in 2019!

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Week in Review: 12/23-12/29



Books Received for Review

Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep

Books I've Read

How to Live an Undead Life by Hailey Edwards
For the Blood by Debbie Cassidy

Reviews Posted

Scattered Plume by J.M. Miller
The Phoenix Illusion by Lisa Shearin (@LisaShearin)

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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?

* Tuesday- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings....

* Friday- DNF's of 2018

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* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?


You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.
 

 * I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.

Friday, December 28, 2018

DNF's of 2018


 I really hate to give up on books so it isn't often that I mark a book as Did Not Finish (aka DNF). I only marked 2 books as DNF in 2018 and here is why. 

The Queens of Innis Lear

by Tessa Gratton


There seems to be a lot of fantastic reviews for this book, but after a few chapters, I just couldn't get into the story. I might try again in the future.





Branded 

by Abi Ketner


I don’t even know what to say about this book. I can't even begin to tell you how many WTF moments I had while reading. I wanted to love it, but it was extremely disappointing. I finally gave up about 1/2 of the way through it-after skimming for quite a while-and marked it as DNF.




Thursday, December 27, 2018

Review: Scattered Plume by J.M. Miller

Scattered Plume
Author: J.M. Miller
Release Date: September 27, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published
Fallen Flame Book #2
ASIN:  B07HJCZ4L5
Genre: Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Author

In the wake of death and betrayal, Vala flees the island of Garlin with Xavyn in search of the truth about her identity.
To find the answers they seek, they must first cross The Divide—a mass of cloud and fog that has separated human lands from the rest of the world for hundreds of years. As they pass through what is meant to kill all who draw near, a surge of magic emerges, bringing death to some and more power to others. In turn, The Divide is weakened, the fog dissolving enough to reveal what lies beyond, reigniting thoughts of war between sides.

But the imminent collapse of The Divide isn’t the only thing concerning Vala and Xavyn. They discover what Vala needs the most is also what the Islain queen had been searching for—a feather. Not only could it help prevent war, it could restore Vala’s immortality despite all she has forgotten. Though there are others also searching, waiting for magic to return, prepared to risk it all for the same immortal goal.

I really enjoyed FALLEN FLAME, but SCATTERED PLUME didn't do much for me.

I found quite a bit of things to be confusing. I'm not sure if it was because I didn't remember everything that happened in FALLEN FLAME or if there just wasn't enough explaining. I'm leaning towards not enough explaining between info dumps and new character introductions.

I wasn't that into the romance of SCATTERED PLUME. I didn't feel their connection or really care if they ended up together or not. I just wasn't feeling it.

I'm on the fence about if I want to continue the series at this point. I probably won't unless something in the blurb really jumps out at me.

I gave it 2.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Quick Thought Review: The Phoenix Illusion by Lisa Shearin (@LisaShearin)

*Sometimes I read a book where I just don't have a lot to say about it. Hence the name quick thought review. This will be short and sweet.

The Phoenix Illusion
Release Date: November 6, 2018
Publisher: Murwood Media
SPI Files Book #6
ISBN:   1732722609
ISBN13: 9781732722606
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Author

The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigation (SPI) are used to dealing with the weird and the wacky, but even they are stunned when a building from another world suddenly appears on an empty lot in New York. . .

I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and it’s just my luck that my birthday party is literally crashed by a building from another planet. And it’s not just any building—it’s my goblin boyfriend’s house from his home world. SPI’s mission, to keep the public clueless about the supernatural, has us scrambling to find who did this and why, not to mention how.

The deeper we dig, the more we realize this incident is the opening gambit to a much larger event. Old enemies have combined forces with an even older nemesis to develop the means to kidnap an entire building and everyone in it. But who, or what, is their ultimate target? Finding out and getting to the mark before they do will require all hands on deck, including some extraterrestrial help from the goblin home world. We’re running out of time, and if we can’t get our act together, we’ll have front-row seats for the end of the world as we know it.

I'm a fan of the SPI Files series, but THE PHOENIX ILLUSION didn't blow me away.

What I liked: I enjoy watching Makenna and Rake's relationship grow. The overall story was interesting. I truly enjoy all the characters in this series.

What I didn't like: There was a LOT of explaining of past events and re-introductions of already known characters.

I honestly don't know 100% why I didn't totally love THE PHOENIX ILLUSION. It didn't grab me like the previous books in the series and had a different feel to it. Hopefully book 7 will draw me back in.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings....


Warm wishes to all! I hope no matter what holiday you are celebrating this month, that it's filled with family, friends, love and joy.

Monday, December 24, 2018

New Releases: 12/23-12/29


Tue. Dec. 25th

Nothing this week. Enjoy your holiday!!

Happy Reading!!

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Week in Review: 12/16-12/22



Books Received for Review

Nothing this week!!!

Books I've Read

Ever After by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
The Witch With No Name by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)

Reviews Posted

Death Knell by Hailey Edwards (@HaileyEdwards, @PiatkusBooks)
Captive of Darkness by Debbie Cassidy (@amoscassidy)
The Dragon Tamer by Ava Richardson

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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?

* Wednesday- Deck the Halls w/ Books Holiday Extravaganza: The Dear Departed by Anne Roebuck (@RoxanneRhoads)

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* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?


You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.
 

 * I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Quick Thought Review: The Dragon Tamer by Ava Richardson

Sometimes I read a book where I just don't have a lot to say about it. Hence the name quick thought review. This will be short and sweet.

The Dragon Tamer
Release Date: October 31, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B07HSYHMFP
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Review Copy Source: NetGalley

A kingdom divided cannot stand. For those caught in the middle, it means death.


For centuries humans and dragons existed side by side in Alveria, bonded by their care of one another. But no longer. After decades with no viable eggs, humans far outnumber dragons, and the survival of the species appears bleak. The outlook for everyday humans is little better as rogue dragons raid and torment villages. Yet it’s far worse for the tamers, beaten and killed simply for serving the noble dragons.


But eking by at the bottom of Alverian society isn’t any easier for seventeen-year-old Kaelan Younger. Harder still when her loyalty to the dragon crown is no secret. But when her dying mother reveals a horrifying truth about her identity, Kaelan is thrust into a world for which she is ill prepared.


Faced with a new life at the proving grounds for humans and dragons alike, Kaelan must reconcile not just her past but embrace the future laid out before her. When her responsibilities as an Akademy tamer collide with her feelings for a powerful dragon shifter, it will take everything she has to prepare for the danger threatening them both. The fate of the dragons she has sworn to serve rests in her hands.

Now Kaelan is no longer an outsider.

She’s the enemy.

I really enjoyed the beginning of THE DRAGON TAMER and had no problem getting into the story, the middle was a bit slow and I found myself drifting, but it did pick up again towards the end.

The plot was very intriguing, the characters were interesting, but the romance was too YA for me and took up more of the book than I would have prefered.

I probably won't read more, but I enjoyed THE DRAGON TAMER.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Review: Captive of Darkness by Debbie Cassidy (@amoscassidy)

Captive of Darkness
Release Date: December 4, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN:  B07JCXYK65
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Author

A century old curse forgotten by time. A sleepy town cut off from the world by an ominous chasm. And a girl with the heart of a warrior.

The town of Justice Falls is slave to an annual tithe, but only those with the sight recall the true price of survival. As one of the gifted, Wynter Ashfall has made peace with the curse, for when the silver riders climb out of the chasm in the dead of winter, there is no force on earth that can stop them from claiming their cargo.

But when the man who holds her heart is marked, there is nothing she won’t do to get him back, even if it means climbing into the pit itself. With Death as her guide she must navigate a realm forbidden to the living, a place where every creature hungers for her soul and nothing is as it seems.

In a world where time has no meaning, time is running out, and Wynter must make a choice— finally claim her heart or find the courage to let it go.

Let the tale begin…

A dark fantasy with horns and teeth, Slavic gods and immortal fey.

While CAPTIVE OF DARKNESS started out strong, it lost my interest about 1/3rd of the way in and I had a hard time staying in the story.

I really wanted to love CAPTIVE OF DARKNESS. Wynter really caught my interest early on and the story pulled me in, but when she went into the 'forbidden realm' the storyline lost me. I found Wynter's constant lack of following directions a bit annoying at times and I didn't really connect with Veres' character. I'm not quite sure how I would feel about them really being together romantically. I liked Finn and could definitely relate with his and Wynter's relationship, but there wasn't enough of Finn in the story to really get a feel of how they would be together romantically even though they already love each other and they make sense. 

I didn't HATE the story. In fact I found a lot about it interesting. I think I just didn't totally GET it. I was a little confused at times about what was happening and I don't think there was enough information given about Veres and the realm that they were traveling through. The pacing also seemed off to me. Some points dragged and other times felt rushed.

Going into my review I was going to give CAPTIVE OF DARKNESS a 2.5, but I realized that I kinda want to see what happens next and to find out more about Veres and his realm SO, I'm round up. There is potential here.

I gave it 3/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Deck the Halls w/ Books Holiday Extravaganza: The Dear Departed by Anne Roebuck (@RoxanneRhoads)


The Dear Departed 
Amazon
Young widow Virginia Paley has no interest in attending the séances at The Society for Eternal Love, but the women of the society are dying mysteriously in their sleep, leaving their fortunes to Professor Arthur Chadwick, its charismatic medium. As her aunt might very well become the next victim, Virginia will do whatever she must to ensure that doesn’t happen. She will even join forces with the darkly mysterious Jonathan Bradshaw, a man who isn’t what he appears to be.

From the moment he spies her, Jonathan is smitten. But romance is impossible.

Mrs. Paley is a respectable woman, and he himself is outside of society, an orphan, an ex-thief and a true wizard, able to hypnotize with a word and even separate his spirit from his body. No, he must instead remain focused on his goal, avenging his mentor’s death. But, facing a foe with power over demonic forces and Virginia’s very life in the balance, love might indeed be the only salvation.
 

A Ghost for Christmas

   
Snow, like a pall of white crepe, smothered the trees and bushes.  Belinda looked out of her window and sighed.  It was Christmas eve again.  In the distance, she heard carolers singing.  “God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.” 
    One year ago, her husband Chester lay dying, a fever wracking his withered frame.  He had been twenty years her senior and had been sickly for nearly all of their marriage.  As he slipped away, she had vowed she would never forget him.  And she hadn't.
    But a year had gone by.  Her small millinery business had prospered.  She was an independent woman now, no longer the innocent girl she had been when she had married Chester. 
    And there was Daniel.
    She really shouldn't be thinking of Daniel on the anniversary of Chester's death.  But Daniel had literally waltzed into her life last year at a New Year’s Eve ball.  The ball was held in an old warehouse that someone had desperately tried to decorate so that it didn't look like what it was.  She wasn't particularly a good dancer.  But in Daniel's arms, she had transformed into a graceful nymph, whirling around and around as the tiny orchestra played Strauss's Gold and Silver waltz.  She didn't care if they played out of tune or if the decorations were tattered and tawdry or the punch was watery and the cake stale. 
    All she saw was Daniel.
    He was in his mid-thirties and handsome in a boyish way with twinkling eyes and a quirky smile.  But he had recently come back from the Spanish war, and there was an expression in his eyes, when he thought nobody was looking, that told her he had seen unspeakable tragedy and horror.  The first time she had seen it, it tugged so hard at her heartstrings that it nearly brought tears to her eyes.  It hadn't taken much else for her to fall desperately in love with him.
    The year had whirled by like a Strauss waltz.  The seasons had changed, spring, summer and fall.   Now here it was winter again.  How she had changed in a year.  Then, a month ago, Daniel had asked her to marry him.   She had said yes before she even thought about it.
    But there was still Chester.
    She gazed out at the snow, her eyes filling with tears.  "I'm sorry, Chester," she said out loud.  "I tried to be a good wife to you, but Daniel ... " 
    Her throat tightened, and she couldn’t finish her sentence.  How could she explain to Chester what Daniel meant to her?  Chester hadn't been a bad husband.  He had treated her kindly and supported her in comfort.  But his constant illness meant that she had been more of a nurse than a wife.  It hadn't been his fault, but still ...
    Chester hadn't been her true love, her twin flame, her soul mate.  Daniel was.
    She turned away from the window and sat down on her bed, her heart heavy with … what?  Sadness?  Grief?  Guilt?  She wasn't sure.  Somehow, she had to leave the past behind and stop holding any more Christmas Eve vigils.  Would she still do it when she was married to Daniel and had a blazing Christmas tree, presents, pastries, mulled wine and possibly even children?
    She shut her eyes.  “Chester,” she breathed.  “Forgive me.”
    The clock on the nearby church steeple began to strike midnight.  A small gust of wind blew through the room, teasing the bed curtains.  The candle flame sputtered and went out, leaving the room in darkness.  Belinda froze in place, tendrils of terror crawling up her spine.  A light that wasn't from the candle glowed in the corner of the room.  A figure took form.  The figure of a man.
    Chester.
    He stood before her surrounded by a nimbus of light.  She knew deep within her that she was seeing his ghost, but he didn't look at all ghastly.  He looked young and strong as though his spirit had shed a frail and never-quite-right physical body and was now free.  She stopped being frightened and surprised herself by feeling happy for him.
    He raised his hand and smiled.  “Thank you.” 
    It was only a whisper.  It could have been the breeze at the window.  but something inside Belinda knew it wasn't.  At last, she understood.  She had done him a service by tending him during his final illness.  But now he was free.  And so was she.
    She smiled.  “You’re welcome.”
    Then, he was gone.  She blinked.  The candle blazed again on the dresser.  The clock had ceased chiming.  Outside her window, she heard the voices of the carolers rising up from the street.  She rubbed her eyes.  Good Lord, what had just happened?   Had it even been real? 
    She frowned in puzzlement.  There was something on her dresser next to the candlestick, something that hadn't been there moments before.  She rose to her feet, walked slowly to the dresser and picked it up. 
    It was a white rose.
    "We wish you a merry Christmas,” the voices sang.  “And a happy New year."
 


__________________________________

From her first poem at age 10 and her first short story at age 12, Anne hasn’t been able to help writing about her two favorite things—magic and love. An unrepentant nerd, Anne started out in biomedical research but ended up writing software manuals instead. She spent many years as a member of science fiction and historical reenactment groups and has been at various times a Renaissance scholar, a druidess, a pirate wench, a saloon floozy, a belly dancer and a chainmail-wearing warrior maiden.

Still, her first love is writing. It doesn’t matter whether the story is set in the Middle Ages, Victorian times, the present day or far in the future. If it has both love and magic, Anne will write about it. Anne also writes young adult historical fantasy under the name of Ann Finnin.

A native of Southern California, Anne lives in the hills above Los Angeles with her husband Dave, and a Dog of Indeterminate Breed named Rufus.


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Monday, December 17, 2018

Review: Death Knell by Hailey Edwards (@HaileyEdwards, @PiatkusBooks)

Death Knell
Release Date: December 4, 2018
Publisher: Piatkus
Foundling Book #3
ASIN:   B07CKV98N9
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Luce is back in the third book of The Foundling, the bestselling fantasy series perfect for fans of Shannon Mayer, Jenn Stark and the Sookie Stackhouse novels

War burned her. Famine nearly killed her. Now Death is at her heels.

After her two worlds clashed apocalyptically, Luce Boudreau needed some time out. But Destiny had other ideas. When bodies begin washing ashore down the Mississippi River, Luce discovers they are part of a gruesome, lethal message. Her final sister, Death, is trying to break through.

Every sign is clear: the end is coming, but earth will be destroyed - quite literally - over Luce's dead body, even if that means she'll be battling her own nature. And her coterie will stand with her, though Cole keeps standing one step too goddamn far away. Her mysterious new partner, Adam Wu, on the other hand, seems determined to keep her close at all times. And the more Luce learns about the new world she's part of, the deeper the secrets go. Who - if anyone - can she really trust?

As the final pieces of an ancient war come together, Luce's chance to fight back comes sooner than she expected. Death can come at her . . . she's eager to return the favour.

'An inventive and multifaceted world with serious heart and one hell of an emotional kick, this is a series that needs to be on your TBR' Bookish Em

There was a lot revealed in DEATH KNELL, but there is still so much to learn.

I'm really enjoying the characters in this series. Luce doesn't just sit back and let others take care of things and those around her are protective, but know she's a bad-ass as well.

I love a slow burn release of information, but I feel like the slow burn in this series has been a little too slow. I need a little more with each book or my frustration will ruin my enjoyment at some point.

The relationship between Cole and Luce is really frustrating in itself, but the developments in DEATH KNELL kinda threw me. I can't say more without revealing a spoiler, I just can't decide if this huge development is something I will be able to get into or not. Next book will definitely tell me.

I'm still upset about the rift between Luce and Rixton. I really want there to be a way that she can tell him what is going on and they can be in each others lives. I know she is trying to protect him and his family, but I really don't like it.

DEATH KNELL wasn't my favorite installment of the Foundling series, but I'm still hooked enough to want to know what will happen next. 

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Week in Review: 12/9-12/15



Books Received for Review

For the Blood by Debbie Cassidy
How to Live an Undead Lie by Hailey Edwards
Grave Destiny by Kalayna Price

Books I've Read

White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
Black Magic Sanctions by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
Pale Demon by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)

Reviews Posted

Echoes of Fire by Suzanne Wright (@suz_wright)
Seasons of Sorcery: A Fantasy Anthology (@jeffekennedy, @Jennifer_Estep, @GraceDraven, @AuthorABouchet)

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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?

* Monday- Deck the Halls w/ Books Holiday Extravaganza: Trial of a Warrior by Mary Morgan (@m_morganauthor, @RoxanneRhoads)

* Thursday- Interview + Giveaway: Black Widow Curse and The Coven by M.D. Fryson (@madelyn_fryson, @RoxanneRhoads )

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* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?


You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.
 

 * I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.

Friday, December 14, 2018

Review: Seasons of Sorcery: A Fantasy Anthology (@jeffekennedy, @Jennifer_Estep, @GraceDraven, @AuthorABouchet)

Seasons of Sorcery
Release Date: November 13, 2018
Publisher: Brightlynx Publishing
ASIN:   B07HHL3KJQ
Genre: Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Author

WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET

A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY

As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN

The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced.

WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP

All my favorite Elemental Assassins characters in a short story? Heck yes!!

Trouble follows Gin wherever she goes, but in WINTER'S WEB we got to see someone else be the center of an assassination attempt for once. I enjoyed this little peek into one of my favorite worlds and look forward to seeing what kind of trouble Gin and her friends will get into next.

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET

This was a cute romance with in a neat fantasy world. 

I like both main characters and was rooting for them from the beginning. The plot was unique and flowed nicely. I would read more.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY

I have not read this series and didn't know if I needed to to be able to enjoy this short story, so I chose not to read THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER at this time.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS was different, but in an interesting way. I am not familiar with Draven’s Wraith Kings world, but was assured by other reviews that this installment was a good standalone and it was. I didn't feel like I was missing anything and never felt lost.

The relationship that developed between Brida and Ahtin was believable and I liked that there was a bigger plot to the story beyond the romance. I think I will look into the authors other books.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Interview + Giveaway: Black Widow Curse and The Coven by M.D. Fryson (@madelyn_fryson, @RoxanneRhoads )

UFI welcomes Author M.D. Fryson. Thanks for Joining us!!

What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?

One thing is for sure, I am a pretty direct person.  Now having aged and a few experiences under my belt, well I have learned to tone that down.  But at home we are as direct as they come to include my husband and my family back home.  No beating around the bush!  I really admire people who are direct and to the point but while maintaining respect.  I believe that is a wonderful virtue and one that is hard to find these days.

Underneath my sarcastic and joking around exterior, I am a pile of mush!  I am a big softy, but I save that side of myself for my kiddos, husband and those close to me who I trust to share that side.  

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?  

What is down time?  Just kidding.  Well I have three boys ranging toddler to teenager.  Between them, their schedules and my husband’s crazy work schedule I feel like things pile up on me pretty quick.  When I get a minute, I do like to read but lately I have been reading more articles on different things relating to writing etc.  and then I read a novel.  I also love a good comedy show.  I can’t forget, sleep!  I am still catching up from newborn sleep depravation a year later!  My husband actually gets onto me and tells me I don’t take enough down time.

What is your Favorite part of writing? 


Having an over active mind that will not shut off, it seems to be the only thing I do where I can really dial in and focus and get my mind off of things.  I write for escape.  

Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write? 

No not really.  I dedicate so much time a day on writing alone aside from other things I have going on. 

What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Genres?

  I like some of Cassandra Clare books and I like Ann Rice. I would have to say that Ann Rice’s books are so far my favorite.   I like other authors from other genres too. 

How would you pitch Meridian Chronicles:  Black Widow Curse & The Coven to someone who has not heard of it before? 

I would ask them if they have ever heard of many books where the spirit goes to Earth to be a human versus the other way around.  I would tell them that this spirit’s way home is through her twin soul and not finding her twin soul leaves humans at the risk of demons and the fall of her realm.  That is the quickest way to get down to it in pitching the book.   It says this book has romance, spirits, demons and the main character must be somebody pretty important.  The title eludes that there is something dark with a curse and there are some witches that play a part.

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Meridian Chronicles:  Black Widow Curse & The Coven is set in?

There are a few places this story takes place.  Two are on Earth, one in Salem Massachusetts and a small town where a palm reader/psychic lives.  There are 3 other realms.  One is the dark realm where the demons exist, the fairy realm where fairies live and Etheria, which is the realm where spirit guides exist that watch over humankind. There is some portaling to the different realms through out the book. 

Do you have a favorite scene in Meridian Chronicles:  Black Widow Curse & The Coven ? 

Yes, a couple actually.  One of my favorite scenes is when Aiden after having met Meridian for the first time, stops by her house one evening to see her.  The second scene I love is when the Fairy Queen and the Fairy Nymphs show up to Esmra’s house, who is a good witch.  They come to aid the coven in a ritual to expose the true identity behind the one who cursed Meridian with the Black Widow Curse. 

Which one character out of all your books was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about? 
 
That changes at times.  Right now, I would say that Lahash, who is a demon of the high court has been my favorite.  He is a sophisticated demon who makes no apologies for his openly selfish ways.  He is who he is and doesn’t try to hide it from anyone.  He does have his own agenda that may not always be on the surface, but he doesn’t really hide that he has an agenda either.  He may be nearly like an anti-hero in some respects.

Hardest character for me to write is one of the main villains, Warrick.  His character is comprised of some real traits of real people who I have had cross my path.  Drawing from that inspiration is hard for me because it reminds me of the things I don’t like to think about, but he is necessary to the story.  

What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?

The third book to the series, Meridian Chronicles:  Fairy Nymphs & The Demon Court will come out in Sept. 2019.  The fourth and last book, will come out in 2020. Only my street team know more details about the fourth book.  I have already outlined my new series that will come out in 2020.  I can’t wait to start that one!
 
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MD Fryson is a wife and mom to three boys.  When not writing, she likes to read, hike, jog, garden and she loves to travel.  Favorite place aside from the U.S.A. is London England where she has some family. 

One of her favorite authors is Cassandra Clare.  She also likes to read inspirational and anything on astrology.  Lover of all music, she is an equal-genre-tunity.

Apart from her family she can’t live without, is the ocean and beach vacations,  chocolate, coffee and tons of creamer where her husband asks if she would like some coffee to go with her creamer. 

An animal lover of all sorts, horses hold a special place in her heart from when she used to ride, train and show.  


Find M.D. Fryson and her books
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Black Widow Curse and The Coven
Meridian Chronicles #2
Books2Read
Exiled from her realm, living with the Black Widow Curse, Spirit Guide is at the whims of the dark one and a dark witch. Fairy Nymphs may help and a high demon has grown tired of the politics.

Will she break her curse with her twin soul?

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/-JBhIUwdXgo

Excerpt:

In the empty space above the center of the table a heat emerged and with it a face that appeared through the smoke and flames that engulfed the space above the table.  The demon did not make a total appearance but almost appeared as though he was checking a part of himself through from his own realm.  “Oh, dark sister, you call upon me. What do you wish to know from the dark places I only know?”  the demon asked.
“Oh, dark one, hear my plea. I beg of you to unveil the workings of the curse on Meridian!” Raina shouted out.
The demon answered Raina, with ease. “The curse bestowed on the once-spirit guide is The Black Widow curse, and one that only a dark one can cast.  A dark one born of a demon with powers for only the dark with a heart of black.”
“Dark one, I am in your debt. We understand, on the surface, who has cast this curse on Meridian.  We now need to understand how we may find a way to break this curse,” Raina spoke to the demon.
The demon gave his answer in riddle form.
The being whose work is dark can only be stopped with the twin soul.
 The being you seek is hard to hold.
 Spirit guides who engage with a mortal are not pure of heart in that act, but in the face of true love all remains intact. 
Meridian does not trust herself in her choice.
She will not listen to her inner voice.
So many can enter her mind, her greatest challenge in the true find.
The demon disappeared and was gone from sight.





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