I’m so excited to be a part of the new group. Check out what one of my new pals posted today.
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Mad Shadows: The Weird Tales of Dorgo the Dowser
Joe Bonadonna
“Valdar is a city of swordslingers and necromancers, witch cults and half-human races. It’s a city in a world of darkness, black magic and creatures of the night . . . a city where demonic entities serve the needs of any witch or magicman who can open a doorway into their domain. This is my city. This is my world . . . a world of magic, mystery, murder, mayhem and monsters. I hunt anyone and anything that poses a threat to the people of my city.
This is a special post I do once a month to highlight a book I reviewed some time ago, but never actually featured on my blog. Because this is an author blog and not a book blog, I don’t always feature all the books I read. Like all good and dedicated fans of the written word, I do my part and leave reviews on Goodreads.com, Amazon.com, and sometimes other places, but don’t always bring attention to what I’m reading, unless you follow me onYouTube… hint, hint, wink wink 😉 In any case, please enjoy this review of a book I read at some point in my life.
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Goodreads
Title: Torn from Troy
Series: Odyssey of a Slave #1
Author: Patrick Bowman
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: Audio Download (199)
Reading Level: Teen
Content: PG-13 (violence, adult situations and content, oppression)
It doesn’t take long for the action of this story to pick up, none the less, I had trouble getting into it. I received a free audio version of this book from a summer reading program I signed up for and was determined the give the book a fair shot. I’m glad I did. The overall story and lasting impression was good. It’s a different spin on an ageless tale and I’m glad I finished the first installment.
After the fires of the Trojan War have burned out, Alexi, a 15-year-old Trojan is taken as a slave by the Greeks and sent abroad to serve them on their journey because he just happens to speak Greek. The typical tale of the Odyssey is there in the background of this story, but all the vantage points are skewed. The great Grecian heroes are perceived as dirty barbaric oppressors and poor Alexi is caught between doing what must be done to survive or deciding whether or not there’s any point to trying to escape. With dangers lurking around every corner, path, and even wave, being a slave to the Greek armada might just be the safest place for him, if they don’t kill him first.
For me, this story is interesting enough to warrant me reading the next book, but then I do have a thing for finishing what I’ve started. I think this adventure will greatly appeal to the younger readers it’s targeted to, especially since many of them may not be as familiar with the original story as I am.
I’d recommend this to pre-teen and teen readers as well as anyone who likes new takes on old myths.
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, James P. McDonald. A good time was truly had by all,, and here’s how it went down… And since today is Indie “Author” Pride Day, I’m also sharing an in-depth look at Jim’s book Unbound and Determined over at “Who is so you?” Be sure to visit my side panel or head over.
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Toi Thomas:Hi thereJames! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
James: Hello Toi.
Toi Thomas:So tell me, who isJames P. McDonald?
James: I’m a business and technology consultant, and write urban mythology, professional development, tech, and business related material. I’m currently developing a Business 101 for Authors.
My fiction and some NF can be found at: http://www.jim-mcdonald.net/
Toi Thomas: Well before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
Toi Thomas:What makes you geek out?
James: Space… The final frontier… I’m a big fan of space exploration and looking into using off the shelf technology to get us moving along this path even faster.
Toi Thomas:What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
James: My favorite authors are still Heinlein and Asimov. If I had to go with a favorite book from those years, it would still be Stranger in a Strange Land, the unabridged version.
And yeah, I probably read it when I was too young.
Toi Thomas:In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
James: I’d love to talk to Nikola Tesla and find out why he couldn’t just be a little more capitalist. We’d be much further along technologically, and I believe would live in a much different world.
And I could have a death ray.
Toi Thomas: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
Toi Thomas:So whacha got for me today?
James: Unbound and Determined is the third in the Home Summoning series. The best description is Harry Dresden dropped into the world of “Good Omens” and Machiavelli is the editor.
Toi Thomas:So who’s starring in this 2-dimensional script read ofUnbound and Determined?
James: My main protagonist is a wizard type who has had most of his power stripped away because of something that happened in his youth, and even he isn’t sure what happened, but a lot of people including his parents were killed. He’s on trial for his life, and trying to find out what really happened first.
The greater arc is the traditional demigod journey, and seeing if he can survive it.
Toi Thomas:What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
James: It’s fast, fun, and more than a little twisted. And where else can you visit Hellywood?
Toi Thomas:Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
James: I’m always working on several projects. If I’m not writing, I’m reading, I’m listening to podcasts. I’m talking to people. If I don’t have 30 notes a day about potential characters, events, or plots, it’s a slow day.
Toi Thomas:What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
James: Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman have always been huge influences on me. They can write the darkest subjects with a light touch and humor.
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
James: What do you want now? 😉
Wikipedia
Toi Thomas:If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
James: Leon the Professional. It’s disturbing and a bit creepy, but there is a hopeful undertone in a dark world. Until the end.
Toi Thomas:When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
James: Bagpipes can do it all.
Toi Thomas: Let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a blackout in Central Park the day zombies attack?
James: A rope, a machete, and a lighter. After that, it’s all a bonus.
Toi Thomas:What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
James: Seeing the nine pound abused and frightened dog we rescued become the 13 pound loving ball of fury he is today.
Toi Thomas: Last question of the day; here we go.
Toi Thomas:Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
James: More books, more speaking, and more consulting. I want to help entrepreneurs build businesses, whether it’s authors, artists, or tech geeks.
****
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Want more IndiePrideDay fun and giveaways? Check out this FB event. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. Leave a comment below for a chance to WIN the ebook of Unbound and Determined. For more from James P. McDonald, check out these great links:
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