Wednesday, April 23, 2014

First Look - Underworld's Daughter by Molly Ringle.

Seattle based author and fellow Central Avenue Publishing alum Molly Ringle took her impressive writing career in a new direction in 2013 with the release of the first entry in her Chrysomelia Stories. Titled Persephone's Orchard, Molly delved into a rich body of classic Greek mythology to craft a compelling tale that was seated in the mythic world of the Greek Gods while simultaneously criss-crossing into the present day world of her protagonist, the earnest and otherwise "normal" Sophie Darrow - young woman on the cusp of university life in the Pacific Northwest.



I remarked in my own pre-release feature for Persephone's Orchard, that Molly Ringle had stepped out of her comfort zone to craft a thrilling story that combined elements of that classic mythology, action, adventure and romance that was grounded in the present day Pacific Northwest that Ringle has portrayed in a number of her titles with great affection.

A follow up novel was always on the cards, and I was given the distinct privilege of being a part of the beta team of readers on that follow up project, the labors of which are now about to bear fruit. 

The team at Central Avenue Publishing are very pleased and proud to present the cover for Molly Ringle's new novel and the second in the Chrysomelia Stories: Underworld's Daughter. 



image credit: Central Avenue Publishing.

The story for Sophie Darrow (Persephone) and Adrian Watts (Hades) continues with their war against the evil Thanatos. But now a new character enters the story - Hekate.

The tree of immortality discovered by Persephone and Hades opens the door for the creation of new immortals. But with their new joys come their darkest sorrows yet.

Long ago in ancient Greece, the evil cult Thanatos destroyed nearly all the immortals. In the modern day, those heartbreaking memories bring Sophie Darrow to her knees. At the same time, the pressure of juggling university studies, a worried family, an immortal boyfriend, and a cult set on murdering him is crushing her. But she cannot give up, for this time the lives of all her loved ones are at stake. And even the gods can't save everyone.

Having had the opportunity to beta read the manuscript whilst in development, Underworld's Daughter promises to deliver what every good sequel should - a strong continuation of the characters, a greater intensity to the story telling and much more adventure. The cross currents between the mythical realms and our own present-day world are expertly balanced with each feeding off one another to drive the story forward.  

If you like stories of Greek mythology, a bit of paranormal & true love and a lot of action - you'll love this series. Underworld's Daughter is due for an international release in July across both print and digital formats, but in the lead up to the release, Molly and Central Avenue Publishing have partnered with Goodreads to offer a lucky reader the opportunity to pick up an advance copy. Enter to win the competition at Goodreads here.



Molly Ringle is the author of several novels including the award winning The Ghost Downstairs, Relatively Honest, and What Scotland Taught Me. She is best known for winning the Bulwer-Lytton Prize in 2010, which is a tongue-in-cheek contest sponsored by San Jose State University. Entrants are invited to compose the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels – that is, deliberately bad. The contest is named for English novelist Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, author of the much-quoted first line, “It was a dark and stormy night.”

Enter the Goodreads sweepstakes here.

Connect with Molly Ringle here.

Tweet with Molly Ringle here.


DFA.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Pieces of Broken Time by Lorenz Font - Cover Reveal & Preview.

cool TWCS logo
       
PRESENTS. . .

Cover Reveal for


Pieces of Broken Time
by
Lorenz Font

Pieces_of_Broken_Time_Hi-Res_Cover


Release Date: July 24, 2014



Summary:


When wounded soldier Blake Connor returns from Afghanistan, he wants nothing more than to hide from the world. He’s plagued by the memory of his best friend’s death and the pain of his own injuries. On top of all that, he has another burden to carry.

Take care of our girl.

Blake’s vow to watch over the woman who was left behind is overshadowed by his self-contempt and bitterness, making it impossible for him to reach out to her like he’d promised.

Jennifer Owens had expected to get married the moment her fiancé returned home from the war, but the news of his death changed everything. Shattered by her loss, she is still struggling with feelings of guilt when she receives an unexpected letter that raises new questions and reopens old wounds.

Jennifer’s need for answers leads her to Blake’s doorstep, but she is met with hostility and rejection from a man who only vaguely resembles the head-turning charmer she remembers from so long ago. Blake is determined to keep her at arm’s length, and Jennifer soon discovers that she must decide whether to push back or let him go.

Caught up in circumstances beyond their control, Jennifer and Blake have to learn to accept the truths that lie below the surface. She comes to recognize the beauty underneath the scars, and Blake realizes that he’s broken in more ways than he cares to admit.

Nothing will ever be the same for this ex-Army Ranger once he faces the truth. If he can learn to accept the help he needs, he might be able to overcome his warped self-image and emotional scars. To be the man Jennifer deserves, he must heal his wounds before he loses the woman he loves forever.


Excerpt:



“What is this?” She traced one finger along the shape of the body art.


“It’s Trent’s dog tag,” he whispered.


“Why are you wearing his name?”

“It is tribute to a brave man and a friend.”


His gaze was unwavering, so intense that she shuddered. When she didn’t say a word, his voice was filled with uncertainty.


“Am I disgusting you?”

Jennifer shook her head and spoke in a firm voice.


“I love everything about you. This . . .” She traced a finger on the raised skin. “Is what makes you, you. I would never ask for anything more.”


She lowered her mouth to kiss each scar, feeling his breath hitching with every touch of her lips.

He cupped her face and planted a kiss on her lips. “I want to be perfect for you.”


FINAL 945C0814


About the Author:

Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her vampire novels Hunted and Tormented, the first and second book of The Gates Legacy trilogy, Indivisible Line, a romantic thriller, and Feather Light, an erotic romance.

Lorenz’s perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch, aka the office, with a glass of her favourite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres, with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.

Lorenz lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between her full-time job as a hospital office manager and her busy writing schedule.

Connect with Lorenz Font on:
Pieces-of-Broken-Time-3D-Bookstack
TWCS-Cover-Reveal-Banner

DFA.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Adena Atkins - New Single "As The World Falls Down".

I featured singer/songwriter Adena Atkins here a couple of years ago, when this Seattle based artist debuted her four track EP "The Slowest Curve". I enthused at the time that Adena Atkins was a rare artist with an impeccable ethic - one who hand crafts her music with great care and attention - and her intoxicating blend of lyricism, music and artistry was something I was eager to hear more of. 

Well, it's been a little while - only because Adena has spent the best part of the past year working on a new music project that has expanded from an EP to a yet to be released LP - but her diligence is now bearing fruit. Working between Seattle and Las Vegas, Atkins has collaborated with acclaimed music producer Angelov while recruiting some exquisite musical talent to bring her artistic and musical vision to life. Adena has just released a brand new single - a magical reworking of a David Bowie classic "As The World Falls Down" through Istar Records.



Featuring Maria Alexieva and Caleb Kelly on backing vocals and Ryan Kingsley on sitar, "As The World Falls Down" is a sumptuous recording which Adena Atkins re-imagines and makes her own. Imbuing the song with a distinctly eastern feel, Adena's uplifting vocals are rich and polished and the instrumentals within the recording offer something akin to an aural feast. The musical production of the single and album has been enhanced by Adena's collaboration with esteemed producer Angelov, whose rich background in both classical and popular music has lent a quality to the project that makes it stand proudly forward. Adena herself recalled to me this past week that Angelov's contribution has been invaluable as he shared a similar artistic vision for the project which aligned perfectly with Adena's own. It made the journey for both of them just that much more special.

To coincide with the release of the single, Adena has recruited some brilliant artistic talent to package the single and the artist herself and is worth exploration on its own.  Adena Atkins herself painted the sumptuous costume, backdrop and the lettering seen in the cover art - a homage, Atkins says, to a personal hero in Gustav Klimt. Additional graphic design was contributed by Andrew Ries, while Jady of Steamtropolis crafted Adena's costume and styled her hair. The end result has been captured for posterity by celebrated Seattle based photographer Debora Spencer.



"As The World Falls Down" showcases an artist of pure integrity and offers a preview of what will be a beautiful full length recording to savor. 

Download the "As The World Falls Down" from iTunes.

Download "As The World Falls Down" from Google Play

Connect with Adena Atkins here

Tweet with Adena Atkins here.

DFA.