What makes great fantasy novels great?
I’ve been reading some great fantasy recently, so good that I read the first in a series then want to read the rest. That’s the kind of book authors want to write and readers want to read. So what makes great fantasy novels great? There are plenty of books out there that don’t have the elements they need to make their stories great, so clearly this is something worth looking at. Of course writing a great book in any genre is not easy. You never know if what you’re writing will hit that sweet spot with readers or not, but you can know what your story needs to have if it is to have any chance of being popular. What makes great fantasy novels great? Great plot, Great characters and believable relationships, Great world-building, Believable actions, reactions, dialogue and relationships, Great writing and professional editing. What does ‘great’…
Kelee’s world: Worlds Within Worlds #3
Worlds Within Worlds is the working title of a series of loosely connected writings that are shaping themselves into a story without my conscious direction. These are essentially unedited first drafts that I have made no attempt to shape with my conscious mind. An introduction to the series and a list of the posts in order (should you want to begin at the beginning) is on the Writer’s World page. This follows on from Worlds Within Worlds #2 www.informationliberation.com. New World Disorder: Patterns Of Psychopathy And Other Fractal Anomalies Kelee’s World: Worlds Within Worlds #3 Kelee slammed the dusty tome on the table and froze. The thump had sounded far too loud in the silent household. But no querying mother’s voice rang along the corridors, and Kelee reminded herself that the walls were thick stone. She breathed again. Dust motes danced in the sliver of rising sun that pierced the library’s gloom. She shouldn’t have…
A huge jump towards awesomeness: another review of Demon’s Grip.
Another review of Demon’s Grip has appeared and this reviewer agrees with the first two reviewers who think that it’s a big improvement on the first two books. Perhaps it’s because for this one, I decided that I didn’t care what anyone thought. It’s a fairly comprehensive review that gives you a good idea of what’s in the book and it includes a few quotes. Please pop over and share what you find. http://ruthannereid.com/book-review/book-review-demons-grip-by-tahlia-newland/
Another 5 star review for Demon’s Grip.
Okay, so I’m boasting again, but if I can’t do it on my own website, where can I do it? Here’s my latest Amazon review for Demon’s Grip. 5.0 out of 5 stars Deep Running Waves of Emotion and Cunning Demons. July 27, 2013 By Mr. Richard Lw Bunning This is the third of a planned four parts. All three books already published can be read as one offs, but I advise starting with “Lethal Inheritance: Diamond Peak”. Just how original Newland’s fantastical vision is becomes far clearer in this latest book. Meat is being put on the characters, even on those of the demons. Also, we are beginning to understand better what the Peak itself is all about. The metaphysical aspects of the series are being steadily reinforced, as are the human and humanistic interactions. As we are drawn along this other path, which stands alongside our physical world, I increasingly wonder…
A contemporary fantasy that rivals such young adult favorites as J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordian
The title of this post was something that Awesome Indies Approved reviewer Tammy Dewhurst said about my book, Lethal Inheritance. It’s always nice to be compared to a famous writer. Here’s some other things she said about it. “I was hooked from the moment Ariel watches as her mother is kidnapped. The brilliant economy of words employed by Newland in conveying the event magnify the terror felt by a girl in hiding and her mother who does not know what has become of her.” “Newland provides us with a depth to even the briefest of encounters. Her settings are so rich and wonderfully described that a reader can feel as though they’re approaching Diamond Peak.” To read the rest, visit her review blog, Rabid Readers Too. http://www.rabidreaderstoo.com/lethal-inheritance-diamond-peak-1-by-tahlia-newland/
“Trust me when I say read this book” Latest awesome review & GIVEAWAY of Lethal Inheritance
Today I’m with Stacy at Book Broads. She wrote a review of Lethal Inheritance today and will be publishing one of Stalking Shadows in a couple of days. Stacy’s review isn’t just high praise, it makes great reading. This reviewer has a unique and enjoyable voice. I loved the way she described the book. She didn’t miss the light-heartedness in the story. “One wrong word and you are a human pancake” Thanks Stacy for the delightful review. So pop over and give her some support AND you get another chance to WIN Lethal Inheritance http://bookbroads.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/stalking-shadows-blog-tour-giveaway.html
Blog tour, day one: Review; ‘an instant winner’
Pop on over to Little Hyats for the first review in the Lethal Inheritance Blog Tour. She says, among other things, ‘Fans of YA fantasy will find an instant winner with this book.’ See the full review here. http://littlehyuts.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/lethal-inheritance-blog-tour-stop.html
An excerpt from ‘Lichgates’, a YA epic fantasy by S.M.Boyce
Today we have an excerpt from S. M. Boyce’s Lichgates, the first in the epic fantasy Grimoire Trilogy. With a unique blend of action, lifelike characters, and breathtaking imagery, Lichgates will keep you riveted and turning page after page to the heart-pumping finale. On S.M’s blog today, she has an exerpt from ‘You Can’t Shatter Me.” I hope you can pop over there and have a read. Synopsis for Lichgates (Grimoire Trilogy #1): The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it, and Kara Magari is its next target. Kara has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she’s thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things that all want the Grimoire’s secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, and most want to…