Book Review: Kindred by Erica Stevens

Kindred is a paranormal novel bursting with emotional turmoil, spilling feelings all over the prose like the wet tears of Cassie, the protagonist.
From the first page I was held captive by a scene of unrest. We learn that events of the past have dictated a rather unsteady future for Cassie and her two best friends. Born vampire hunters with inherent gifts to equip them against the fanged miscreants intent on wiping out their race, they've come to accept their responsibilities. In the first few chapters this is made quite clear, a scene even detailing a face off between hunter and vampire - action at its best.
Then a stranger by the name of Devon moves to town, and suddenly Cassie is disarmed by his charm, the effect he has on her and the aloof manner that sets him apart from others. What is it about her that draws him near, and for that matter, why can't he seem to stay away from her?
Honestly, I had to take a step back and remind myself that not every book that starts with action and twisted secrets will continue on that path. This novel is clearly an exploration of romance and the conflicted emotions of two people at war with their own inner demons - the journey being how they overcome their differences.
I appreciated the author's dedication to honesty and the insatiable urge to describe every little caress, thought and expression crossing her character's faces. I never doubted the significance of each encounter or the feelings portrayed. What did annoy me was the constant repetition, paragraph after paragraph of the same conflicting emotions readdressed without resolve or reason for reminding the reader of its significance. I also found the prose heavily burdened with unnecessary adverbs; 'sighing softly', 'laughing lightly', 'frowning heavily' - just to name a few.
Apart from a few personal grievances, I did appreciate the simplicity of the story and the heightened sense of drama crafted in every page. I'll be rating Kindred three out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

What do you do when the one you love is also you worst enemy? Trapped in a destiny she does not want, Cassie finds herself lost and adrift, until he walks into her life, turning it upside down and awakening her in ways that she never dreamed possible. 
Cassie is stunned and devastated to learn that she belongs to a long line of vampire slayers known as The Hunters. A murderous rampage by a group of elder vampires has left the Hunter line decimated and the remaining Hunters scattered around the world. With her friends Chris and Melissa’s aid, Cassie struggles to rid the world of the monsters that murdered her parents. Though Cassie knows it is her fate, she chafes against her heritage, and is resentful of the shortened lifespan that has been placed upon her by the circumstances of birth. Struggling to get through every day, Cassie finds herself simply going through the motions of living. That is, until Devon arrives. Tall, dark, and mysterious his arrival turns the school, and Cassie’s life, upside down. Fighting against her fierce attraction to him, and the chaos he represents in her carefully ordered days, she is irresistibly drawn to him. Though worried that what she truly is will place Devon in danger, she is unable to fight her feelings for him. He is the one light, and the only source of hope she has in a world that revolves around death and fear. What she does not know is that Devon has some dark secrets of his own, secrets even more frightening and dangerous than hers. Secrets that threaten to tear them apart forever.

Book Review: Body Jump by K.C. Webb

Imagine this; a world where certain individuals have the ability to jump inside your mind, wander through your thoughts, feel what you feel - literally become you.
Body Jump explores such a notion with endless possibilities. Naturally, in the hands of a seedy low-life this 'gift' teeters on the edge of sexual depravity, but when Walker jumps inside the mind of a woman at the point of her own murder, he's never to be the same again. With each bloody slash of steel, the pain is unfathomable and the fear all encompassing. He's witnessed a murder, but who would believe him?
Susan Claw, all round seductive, hard-ass cop, has a hard time believing Walker's story. But after a little show-and-tell, and a quick rummage through the dangerous compartments of her mind, Walker makes a believer out of her.
The trick now is using this gift to her advantage. How can a sexual deviant like Walker be serious long enough to help them catch this killer? And what happens when the killer discovers their methods and tries to beat them at their own game, hunting them down like animals?
Needless to say this interesting concept is heavily explored and brilliantly executed. I even enjoyed Walker's perverted nature and incessant rambling. With one action-packed scene after the other and explosive moments of true terror, I had trouble putting the book down.
Characters were imaginative, underhanded and decidedly consistent in their roles. The imagery was descriptive and when combined with the no nonsense approach of the detectives involved in the case, the facts were clearly delivered and hard-hitting. With an unexpected twist at the end, I will happily be rating this novel four and a half fangs out of five.

Synopsis:
Susan Claw is a no nonsense, straight-talking homicide detective with a dark side and a penchant for licentious sex. But when a serial killer starts murdering his victims in the bedroom, Susan’s carnal cravings take a nose dive. She has witnessed horrific murder scenes before, but nothing compares to these gruesome killings. The killer has an unparalleled lust for blood and flesh, and will do anything to satisfy his unnatural appetite. Their only suspect, Walker, is a smart-mouthed sleaze who possesses the unique ability to body jump. He has seen the killer’s face but the truth is something the police won’t believe. As Susan and her partner continue their investigation they’re unaware that they’re being stalked by the serial killer they have dubbed “the butcher,” who has his own special plans for Susan. What will happen when Susan comes face to face with the butcher?

An Interview with John Hundley

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Mr John Hundley, a sublime indie author with vast talent. I've read both of John's books to date, and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed both of them, ploughing through each page with gusto.
Usually indie authors display potential but often fall short with their editing techniques, but it is more than clear that John has taken the time to smother his manuscript with love but cut the 'unnecessary' with brutal efficiency, thus drawing parallels between himself and other quality writers of his genre such as, Richelle Mead and Karen Chance.
Needless to say, adding John Hundley's books to your 'to-be-read pile' is a must - you won't regret it! 
So now let the twenty questions commence, and apologies to John for my warped sense of humour. You were a good sport!

Describe your novel in twenty words or less.

Turned into a werewolf to fulfil a prophecy, Clifford Crane must discover what it is and why. (Damn, that was hard!)

Edgar Rice Burroughs

What were some of the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome while writing?

The Draculata Nest was my first novel. I struggled with verbosity (hence the struggle with your first question) and pace. My editor suggested I cut 100,000 words from the first draft, but I could only bring myself to get rid of half that. I think I did better in the second book, The Dragon of Doughton Park, both with pace and word count.

Are you also a reader, and if so, what’s your preferred genre?

Since I’m writing a paranormal fantasy series, that’s mostly what’s on my kindle at the moment, but it’s a toss-up between that and science fiction.

Isaac Asimov

If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Oh, that’s easy. Edgar Rice Burroughs. No, he might have been too British-y (probably wouldn’t want to eat the same stuff as me, you know?) Isaac Asimov! No, he’d probably be too smart. You know, I’d really like to ask Taylor Swift a few questions. No, wait, forget that – no privacy. Maybe Richelle Mead. Yeah, her. I’d love to pick her brain about some of her writing and characters and she knows so much about different religions and cultures. As long as we didn’t have to talk about music and fashion. Wow, that’s not as easy as it sounds. Maybe Kristy Berridge?

Taylor Swift

Do you have any weird little habits that get you in the writing mood—downing a bottle of wine, eating an entire bar of chocolate, fornicating on a porch swing?

None of those would work. I’d just want more of the same. I dedicated my first book to the baristas at my favourite coffee shop, so that should tell you something. Most of my writing is done in coffee shops. I have too many distractions at home, although pictures of your writing cubby have inspired me to try and set up something similar for myself. I always play a game of FreeCell before I start, but I play a game of FreeCell before I do anything. I have to keep my kindle and a little notebook on the left side of my laptop.

What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?

Good question! All the marketing gurus say I need to promote that aspect of my books. But what is it? There is so much in this genre right now. How can there be anything new and different? But I think the thing that stands out most is the perspective of a character who’s been around the block a few times. I really enjoy exploring the dynamics of relationships between old and young, especially romance-wise. And supernatural characters that live for a thousand years or more get to carry around a lot of emotional baggage. It’s fun to speculate how that works out.

Okay, so I bet you secretly hate one of the characters in your novel. Who is it and why?

Hate is a strong word, Kristy. But the character that’s giving me a lot of grief right now is Cynthia Lamelle, best friend of Heather Felton, Clifford Crane’s current romantic interest. I made her Cajun and although I love the accent and I hear it in my mind so clearly when she speaks, I cannot translate it to the page. I have a Cajun blogger friend, Maghon Thomas (Happy Tails and Tales Blog), who is trying to help me, but... argh! It’s frustrating.

Kristy: Haha! I knew it.

You’re on death row and it’s your last meal. What will you choose to eat?

There’s a little barbecue restaurant in Salisbury, North Carolina, that has the best barbecued chicken... ever! I’d have to order a half chicken plate from Hendrix BBQ, with creamy cole slaw and hushpuppies (not fries). Damn the heartburn. I’m gonna be dead anyway, right?

Tell us three crazy things about yourself that you wish no one else knew (I promise I won’t post this … but I lie).

One of my all-time favourite movies is an old Disney B-grade with Michelle Trachtenberg and Hayden Panettiere called Ice Princess. I have the DVD, and I’ve watched it maybe 50 times. I cry at the end every time. I’m a sucker for that sappy shit.

Kristy: Okay, I've seen this movie a few times, I get where you're coming from, but I laughed myself stupid when I read this. Oh John ...

I have an old hiking stick with a wood-spirit face carved into the handle. I like to twirl it when I’m on the trail by myself, and I keep hitting myself in the head. It really hurts, and I know it’s going to happen every time, but...

Kristy: Still laughing ...

I like to sit around the house naked. No, it’s not a pretty sight, but I live alone, so... Anyway, I enjoy it so much that I have this recurring vision of the future, when senility sets in big-time, and I start wandering around the neighbourhood. Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s gonna happen eventually. Sigh.

Kristy: Really laughing now, but I suspect this could be me very soon.

Are you a scruncher or a folder? (Yes, this is a toilet paper question)

It depends. There are times when you need to conserve, like when backpacking in the woods, where folding is the best way to achieve a consistent, even ply. But there are other times, like... uh, why are we talking about this again?

If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack to your novel, what would it be and why?

Oh, I’m determined to write my own theme, and I have a number of local singers and musicians in mind to assemble as the perfect band to perform it. But, if that doesn’t work out, well... naw, I’m drawing a blank here. That’s going to require a lot of research.

Do you have any future projects lined up that you want to tell us about?

I’m writing the third book in the Red Wolf of Prophecy series right now, Red Wolf Rising, which will complete what was originally conceived to be a trilogy. But Clifford’s story, and the overall struggle among the Fae over the fate of humanity goes on for at least another thousand years. I’m outlining something with the working title of Half Human Enterprises that picks up three or four hundred years into the future. I also have a short story in progress with a sword-and-sorcery-type character who’s vying for a novella... or more.

E-book or paperback, what’s your preference?

I vaguely miss poking my nose into print and paper and always being able to flip the book over and look at the cover, but I’m head over heels in love with my Kindle. And if it weren’t for ebooks I couldn’t afford to publish. I feel so fortunate to live in an age when I can hone my craft to a real audience rather than having to write just to please a publisher before I can even get my books in front of a real, honest-to-god reader. E-book power, yeah!

What books or authors have most influenced your writing style?

My greatest writing influence has to be Stephen King, although I doubt you could tell by reading my work. But the books he’s written in the third person, shifting character perspective, are what I’m trying hardest to emulate.

15.          If you were stuck on a deserted Island would you choose:

a)            A total hottie to keep you company over the lonely nights ahead.

b)            A solar powered Kindle with limitless reading potential.

c)            Tom Hanks and Wilson to help get your ass off the Island.

No way I’m leaving the island with Tom and Wilson. Me, I’m staying. Are you sure I can’t have the total hottie and the Kindle? Sigh. In that case, I’d probably be better off with the Kindle. Tom would probably end up with the hottie anyway.

Where can we find you?

Alas, I still don’t have an official website. Soon, I promise. In the meantime, I try to post once or twice a week on my blog, and I include links to all my books at the bottom of each post (you know, for your convenience J). I also have a Red Wolf Novels page on Facebook, feel free to go ‘like’ it or send me a friend request.

Who has been your biggest support on your writing journey, and please, feel free to add my name here …

You know, Kristy? I was really surprised when some of my close friends embraced this unexpected writing path I embarked upon. I can’t thank them enough. But the first author group I joined on Facebook, one of the administrators sent me this lengthy email with all kinds of wonderful advice and immediately hooked me up with other bloggers and writers who were willing to read, review, and network. That led me to connect with you (my favourite, of course) eventually, but I’ve been completely blown away by the helpfulness and camaraderie of this global writing community from the beginning. It’s one of those debts you can’t repay to one individual. You just have to keep passing it on.

Kristy: You know what, John? I couldn't agree more. Supporting others enriches your own life in so many ways.

What is one of your favourite scenes from your novel? Feel free to provide a small excerpt to entice the readers.

Clifford’s vampire friend, Kent, was based on a real friend of my own from days gone by. *Spoiler alert* I can’t believe I killed him off in the first book, because Clifford could really use a friend right now, but I loved some of the scenes between the two in the first book. Here’s a little quickie that shows their interaction, just driving in the car...

No one said anything further until Clifford came to a stop at the intersection of Seventh Street and King’s Drive, signaling for a left turn.

“Where are you going?” Kent challenged.

“I’m going to go up Trade and cut over on whatever-the-f@#$k street so I can park on Third.”

“Why don’t you just continue on Seventh and cut over on Whatever-the-F@#$k Street?”

“Don’t give me any shit. I’m going this way.”

“Seventh would be faster. Well, it would have been. Too late now.” Clifford had made the left turn and was halfway down the block.

“Let me drive,” Clifford said. “We’ll get there this way just fine.”

“Eventually,” Kent retorted. “You got two extra lights this way, and you had the sequence going Seventh. It would have been green all the way.”

“F@#$k you. We’re going this way.”

Clifford turned on Trade, heading uptown. Sure enough, he had to stop for the red light at McDowell. Kent sighed. They caught another red light at the next intersection. Kent sighed again.

“F@#$k you,” Clifford reiterated, chuckling.

“I didn’t say a damn thing,” Kent deadpanned. “Oh look, here it is, Whatever-the-F@#$k Street.”

If you had to cast your characters, who would you reconcile to play their parts?

It’s funny, because every movie I watch these days, I go, “Wow, she’s perfect for Danielle,” or “He should play Kendall.” I’m afraid I’m too wishy washy, so I’d have to leave the casting up to the director. However, I’m definitely holding out for Natalie Portman as Nicole. We have to hurry, though, because like all of us, she’s getting older. No matter, I love her, and she’d have no trouble pulling it off.

Any last words? (feel free to write Kristy Berridge is super awesome right here)

You are super awesome, Kristy! You know I’m a fan of your writing, and I hardly ever miss one of your blog posts. Your reviews of my books have been a big help both in getting the word out and for the constructive criticism. It’s a huge delight to be featured here! Thanks so much. Keep up the great work and, dammit, get The Damned ready for my Kindle, hear? I need to find out what Elena’s up to.

Okay, so that's the illustrious John Hundley who I now can't stop thinking about sitting in the buff, banging his head with a spirit stick LOL!

Anyway, head over to Goodreads and add his fabulous books to your TBR pile, I promise you won't regret it. Or, just go straight to Amazon and buy these fantastic books!

Have a good one,

Kristy :)

Book Review: The Mystic Wolves by Belinda Boring

The Mystic Wolves  is the first book in the aptly named Mystic Wolves series. It can be classified mostly as paranormal romance as there were enough heated gazes, sordid caresses and looks of longing to make you want to take a cold shower.
Interestingly enough this story has nothing to do with boy meets girl like so many other paranormal romances currently on the market. In fact, the Mystic Wolves are a well established pack, settled in a sleepy town and ruled by a charming and confident alpha known as Mason. Already tethered to his proposed mate, Darcy, it was refreshing to see an established relationship without the need for a lot of back story or those awkward "I'm attracted to you but can't tell you because I want to be ridiculously mysterious" moments. That is not to say that there wasn't a lot of self-doubt between the mated pair.
The novel begins with a tragic event, the death of a beloved pack mate that sets a range of events in motion. What was originally classed as a possible accident soon becomes clear to the alpha as something more. His pack and those that he loves are under threat and with a strong alliance with the local vampire king, Mason believes that he can protect Darcy from the same fate as his sister.
But can all the vampires be trusted? Are Mason and Darcy merely pawns in a game much bigger than are capable of playing?
Truthfully, I struggled with a few sections of this novel - mostly the sweet and sentimental alpha and the overly affectionate relationship he shares with Darcy. I'm all for a bit of sexual teasing but honestly, these two werewolves were at it constantly with absolutely zero follow through. I found that the sexual nature of their interaction was often inappropriate and unnecessary - a derailment from the importance of the actual story, especially after recent deaths and moments of intense despair.
What I did like was the sub-plot when it wasn't focused on Darcy and Mason's foreplay. I enjoyed the moments of action, the shape shifting and the conveyed emotions both in character speech and action. The last few chapters were compelling and an appropriate climax to an otherwise mostly sedate story. Imagery was sufficient and the lead into another novel was a hanging promise but not exactly stirring.
I will happily rate this novel two and half fangs out of five. It was enjoyable but it wasn't as gripping as I might have liked.

Synopsis:

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?
Someone is trying to send a deadly message to Mason, arranging the deaths of those he loves and it puts the entire pack and Alpha on high alert. Darcy understands the primal instincts driving her beloved Mason's commands. With the help of those he sets as protectors, she learns about herself and the things she'll need to help support her Alpha and pack. When events turn dire however, one truth offers her strength - once given, oaths are unbreakable ... even if it means risking it all.

Book Review: Rook by Cristyn West

What isn't there to love about this book? With a smart-ass protagonist called, Rook, and a whole host of crazy characters ranging from a transgender arranger named Beauty, to an institutionalized kid named Fanny, this novel takes you on an unexpected journey of epic proportions.
Rook is aptly named for it's leading character - strong, arrogant, mysterious and decidedly sexy despite the obvious lack of romance and intense commitment to action within the story. With a particularly dry sense of humour, the author had me laughing-out-loud with the first few pages of the chapter one.

Rook sat back on his heels. Carefully, he reached a hand out and picked up the rough piece of paper. Grotesque scenes of human suffering bordered the edges.
How delightful ... not.
The inscription was not just in Latin, but an ancient form of the dialect. He translated it rapidly.
"There is nowhere you can hide. We will eat your intestines and feast on your ... yada, yada, yada."
Typical demon smack talk. All it was doing was making Rook hungry.

I found myself continuously amused by the witty dialogue which in effect, captured most of the action in surprising detail. I never felt like I was outside of the unfolding plot but standing within it, embroiled within dire circumstance and seemingly implausible scenarios.
Rook is a play-by-play story unraveling over a twenty-four hour period that follows the motley group likened to CIA operatives tasked with supernatural missions.
Not surprisingly, with this fast paced novel, we jump immediately to the African jungle and uncover an ancient seal masking its brutal secrets of hell-gate potential on the young flesh of the President's nephew. Teamed with slippery demons and cannibalistic natives, Rook soon discovers that the hell gate is merely the beginning. The ever thickening plot also introduces an immaculate conception and a government conspiracy masking the true intent of both good and evil.
Seriously, the action and drama never ends!
With ample descriptive content and enough antagonistic one-liners to keep the pages turning, I will be rating Rook four out five fangs. Absent of romance, but action packed, I didn't feel as if I were missing out on anything.

Synopsis:
"Saving the world twice a week is a crappy job, but hey, somebody's got to do it." And yes, Rook would like to be quoted on that. In a world where the earth is the DMZ between Heaven and Hell, Rook and his team try keep the forces of good and evil at bay. But like we said... try.

The Damned is Coming ...

Hey guys,

Guess what? I finally have my files for The Damned, the second installation in my Hunted Series. And because you've all been waiting so long for this release, it is my gift to you to provide 5 free days of Kindle downloads of The Hunted to get you ready! (Go here for Download)
Yes, you heard me. I am putting the first novel The Hunted for free on Kindle for five days!
This is your chance to grab a copy, tell your friends and family and generally just share the information so when the Damned is released everyone is ready for round two.
The promotion starts on the 23/2/2013 and will run until the 27/2/2013. Remember  these promos run on Pacific Standard time, so keep checking in if it's not registering free when you read this post.
If you've never heard of The Hunted series, check out the two trailers below to whet your whistle, view the upcoming cover for The Damned and read the synopsis's right here!
Cheers guys, thanks as always for your support and don't forget to share, share share!

The Hunted Book Trailer (Book one)

The Damned Book Trailer (Book two)

The Hunted Synopsis:

Elena Manory is by no means an ordinary teenage girl. Being born with the ability to heal herself from any injury, and with the knowledge that on her eighteenth birthday she will become a Vampire, Elena is aware that she is more than a little different from other girls her age. 

It isn’t until she meets William Granville, an alluring and impossibly handsome vampire, that she begins to question her destiny and what secrets the Institute of Magical Intervention and her adopted family have withheld—secrets that could change the fates of not only her own life, but of the lives of all the immortals.

As events spiral out of control, William may be the only person Elena can place her trust in. He, and Elena’s magical family, must fight to save her, joining forces to defeat a common, deadly foe. For William, it is his chance to save the girl that he has searched eternity to find.

The Damned Synopsis:

Life for Elena Manory skipped past ordinary just over a month ago. Discovering she was born a practically invulnerable vampire-werewolf hybrid was shocking enough, but she’s also become a target. Elena is being hunted by the Alpha werewolf Roshan, who’s fixated on the properties of her unique blood and the pleasurable possibilities of her flesh.

Moving to the Institute of Magical Intervention in Romania was supposed to provide her with protection and anonymity, but Elena soon realises her enemies are legion. None are as they seem, with no agenda truly without nefarious intentions. 

A strange twist of fate and the actions of a vampire previously pressing for her affections lead Elena into the arms of another—one whose middle name spells trouble. Himself a vampire, Sebastian is perplexingly familiar, handsome, and arrogant. He introduces Elena to a world she never thought possible, uncovers a past believed long buried, and unearths a future she may not survive.

Kristy :)

Author Interview with Komal Lewis

Describe your novel in twenty words or less.
It’s about a mean girl, and a “freak”. It’s about childhood friends who grow apart and learn to forgive.

What were some of the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome while writing?
I used to be a HUGE procrastinator and would put off the writing. I also had a few health problems which got in the way. Finally, I was just very insecure. I was scared to let people read my work, and it’s still hard if I happen to see a negative review of my book, but I am learning to let those insecurities go.

Are you also a reader, and if so, what’s your preferred genre?
I love most genres, but lately I have been addicted to Contemporary Romances. They make me so emotional!

If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Kurt Vonnegut. I would love to pick his brain about his stories, and by the end of the night I would hope that some of his quirkiness would've rubbed off on me.

Do you have any weird little habits that get you in the writing mood—downing a bottle of wine, eating an entire bar of chocolate, fornicating on a porch swing?
I must have a bottle of water. And I need to be sitting in my “spot” which is actually nothing special, just the sofa.

What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?
I wasn't afraid to make my main character mean. Like, really mean. She’s also selfish, makes stupid decisions, and complains when things don’t go her way. Let’s face it, there are people like that in the world and I’m fascinated by what makes them that way. In many Young Adult novels, the “mean girl” is usually a side character, but I wanted to see how readers reacted when they were placed in the mind of a mean girl.

Okay, so I bet you secretly hate one of the characters in your novel. Who is it and why?
I hate Ashton’s dad for what he did to her mum.

You’re on death row and it’s your last meal. What will you choose to eat?
My mum makes THE BEST Mexican food ever. It’s entirely vegetarian because she uses lentils, but don’t let that put you off. It is delicious!

Tell us three crazy things about yourself that you wish no one else knew (I promise I won’t post this … but I lie).
I only drink water (which people think is really weird for some reason). I have the mind of a hormonal teenage boy (I can’t believe I just admitted that!). I say randomly weird things that can be taken out of context (like that “hormonal teenage boy” remark).

Are you a scruncher or a folder? (Yes, this is a toilet paper question)
I’m a folder!

If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack to your novel, what would it be and why?
With Me by Sum 41. The song really inspired me while I was writing Impossible. And I get to see Sum 41 next year at Soundwave (a music festival they have in Australia) so I’m super excited for that!

Do you have any future projects lined up that you want to tell us about?
I have lots of future projects! My Young Adult Paranormal novel, Runaway Mortal is coming out in February, which I’m super excited for as it’s been in the works for almost two years now. I also have the second book coming out in the With Me series, Falling for Hadie. Don’t worry, it’s not a direct sequel, so it won’t be about Ashton (for those people who don’t like Ashton)! And I’m also working on a secret New Adult novel on the side which I plan to release mid next year.

E-book or paperback, what’s your preference?
If you’d asked me this a year ago, I would’ve said paperback, but I’ve changed my tune. My Kindle app on my phone is my best friend. It’s so convenient (and cheap!) buying e-books, but do love paperbacks too. I can’t decide!

What books or authors have most influenced your writing style?
I do love my Australian children’s authors like Andy Griffiths, Morris Gleitzman, Paul Jennings and Emily Rodda. As for non-Australian authors, I love the randomness of Lemony Snicket (A.K.A. Daniel Handler)! C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and Philip Pullman are some influences too.

If you were stuck on a deserted Island would you choose:
a) A total hottie to keep you company over the lonely nights ahead.
b) A solar powered Kindle with limitless reading potential.
c) Tom Hanks and Wilson to help get your ass off the Island.
Ooh, we’re getting down to the tough questions now. Well, I need a holiday, so I’d stay on the island with my solar powered Kindle.

Who has been your biggest support on your writing journey, and please, feel free to add my name here …
There’s this wonderful woman named Kristy Berridge who has helped me so much (Kristy Berridge made me say this!). But, seriously, my husband and my critique partners, Erica and Michelle have been my biggest supporters on my writing journey. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys. *Gets all mushy and sentimental*

What is one of your favourite scenes from your novel? Feel free to provide a small excerpt to entice the readers.
This scene is referred to as the “kitchen counter scene”. It’s kinda steamy!

Her hand touched my cheek and she turned my head so I was forced to look at her again. There was a flash of blonde hair, and then Ash’s lips were on mine. For a split second, I thought I was dreaming. She couldn't really be kissing me, could she?
The tension in my mouth eased and I finally regained control of my senses. I pushed her back and crushed my lips against hers. A moan escaped Ash’s mouth as I pressed against her harder. Those sweet lips of hers were hungrily tearing against mine like she might die if she didn’t have me. Her kisses were driving me insane. Sure, I’d kissed girls before, but none of them compared to this. Maybe because none of those girls had been this girl. 
None of those girls had been Ashton.
I pulled away and Ash looked up at me in surprise, her cheeks a deep pink. Placing both hands on her waist, I lifted her up onto the counter top. Before she had a chance to say anything, I resumed kissing her. She sighed deeply against my mouth and wrapped her legs around me so there was no space between us. I could feel every inch of her body and she could feel every inch of mine.

If you had to cast your characters, who would you reconcile to play their parts?
I never once thought about this while I was writing, but a lot of readers have been asking me this question so I finally did a bit of Googling to find the perfect actors. I picture Alex Pettyfer as Luca. Alex has that longish, messy, unkempt hair that I imagined Luca to have, and I’m pretty sure his eyes are green too. Alex would need a lot of tattoos, and his hair needs to be much darker, but I can see him pulling off black eyeliner and a punk rocker wardrobe. Teresa Palmer (an Australian actress who was in December Boys with Daniel Radcliffe) would be great as Ashton!

Any last words? (feel free to write Kristy Berridge is super awesome right here)
Kristy, you ARE awesome! Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog and for the great questions. I really appreciate it!

And now you can stalk Komal at these locations!

Twitter

Facebook

Web/Blog

Amazon

Goodreads

Book Review: Sin by Shaun Allan

This is without a doubt the most difficult book review I've ever had to write. I've even had sleepless nights over it, wondering how best to phrase my opinions without overly swaying the thoughts of other readers. So here I go ...

Sin, aptly named after the decidedly self-depreciating and clearly troubled protagonist, Sin Matthews - walks the fine line between sanity and the musings of a mentally unbalanced character. Chained by the oppressive nature of his ability, Sin is convinced that his darker nature controls the fate of those around him. A mere flip of a coin shows the troubled past of sinners and his unleashed ideals rock the boat between life and death - death almost always the punishment befitting the crime.

Sin despises his lack of control and the ever expanding weight of responsibility that rests upon his shoulders. So he seeks solitude in a mental institution under the care of Doctor Connors, a man driven by power and an underlying desire to control Sin and his credible ability. With brief appearances from minor characters and a deluge into teleportation, the basis of this story does not spread its wings particularly far.

For me, Shaun Allan is an exceptional writer - witty, creatively descriptive and blooming with insane but aptly collated analogies that often left me with 'laugh out loud' moments. However, it was hard for me to weigh up the brilliant word-smithing versus the deathly sedate pace of the somewhat lackluster story line.

At 25% into the story we were still extensively and excessively rehashing some relative points of interest in the past, consistently interspersed with random ramblings. At 50% I seriously considered not finishing, wondering in retrospect what the point of the story was and how the plot-to-date had not progressed spectacularly. This was where I warred within. As 'Sin' is written from the perspective of an insane man, I could appreciate the constant deviation in plot as a true reflection of character, but as a reader it drove me absolutely insane and I coincidentally found myself skipping whole paragraphs in favour of getting back on point.

At about 75% I was finally drawn into the culminating story, the web of deceit and the climatic ending that left me breathing a sigh of relief and silently applauding Sin's personal growth and wicked retribution.

As I've said before I've been very torn with this read - enamoured with the author's writing style, sense of humour and original idea, but unfortunately the constant deviation from point infuriated me as a reader intent on purpose. Therefore, I can only rate this novel two out of five fangs despite my admiration for the author's obvious skill and writing passion.

Synopsis:

Dead, dead, dead. Say it enough times and it becomes just another word.
What would you do? Could you kill a killer? Does the death of one appease the deaths of a hundred? What about that hundred against a thousand?
What if you had no choice?
Meet Sin. No, not that sort of sin, but Sin, crazy as a loon (you ask Sister Moon), and proud of it. Sin locks himself away in a mental home and, every so often, gets violent. That’s only so they’ll give him those nice drugs, though. The ones that help him forget.
It’s a pity they don’t work.
Sin, you see, has a serious problem. Well, it’s not so much his problem, as ours – yours, mine and everyone else’s. People die around him. He doesn't like it and he can't help it. But someone else knows, and he has to stop them... and himself...
Flip and catch...

Book Review: Thirst by Claire Farrell

Thirst for me was undeniably an enjoyable novella. At 149 pages, it was succinct, suitably written with a clear concept from start to finish.
We follow the story of Ava Delaney, a willowy red-head living on the brink of society. She hides from human interaction, fearful of the dark seed that blooms within. She is what the vampires call a hybrid - half human, half vampire, otherwise known as a day-walker. She craves fresh blood, a constant, aching need that drives her virtually crazy, her only form of calm is to count - count the heartbeat of a would-be victim.
Ava hates the very essence of herself, determined to avoid human contact and beat the burning thirst within. Unfortunately, in trying to avoid and or help the very thing that her vampiric side covets, she winds up with a thrall - a human called Carl, a poor soul lost to her very whims.
The book sees her explore her nature to extent, remaining true to her protective instincts and urge to help those who cannot help themselves. I enjoyed her consistency and the writer's ability to stay on track with topics - a clear cut story line with inevitability in keeping with the character's chosen paths.
Despite this novella being perfectly on target for flow of interpretation, I felt slightly cheated by lack of descriptive content. Sometimes it was hard to picture certain characters, grasp their moods, or envisage the scenes when the novella only allows so much time for detail.
The story itself was built on basic subject matter, a blossoming introduction in which the author makes very clear that there is definitely more to Ava Delaney. The action was plentiful, though brief as every other aspect of this novella projects, and I must admit, I am a little curious to see if this relatively sedate girl will unfurl into a dangerous vixen. At least, I certainly hope so.
I rate this book three out of five fangs. I enjoyed it, and I am curious about future works, but I wasn't completely engaged from beginning to end.

Synopsis:

Ava Delaney calls herself a hybrid - a living, breathing human who happens to have vampire poison running through her veins. The only thing greater than her thirst for human blood is her capacity for guilt. She does her best to avoid the human world, for everyone's sake.

When Ava accidentally enslaves a human while saving him from a vampire, she realises she has to look for help setting him free. Despite her misgivings, she expands her world but finds herself dragged into a possible vampire civil war. With the help of some new friends with ambiguous loyalties, she tries to find a way to keep her human, and herself, alive.

Book Review: The Draculata Nest by John Hundley

The Draculata Nest is a recent addition to my Kindle library. I'd been 'umming' and 'ahhing' for a while about picking up this supernatural fiction, as the title didn't grab me and the cover design was not overly enticing. But, I am a firm believer of not judging a book by its cover, and I am honestly relieved that I didn't in this instance.
The Draculata nest by John Hundley, is a fantastic addition to this much loved and well-read vampire/werewolf genre. Bound by a carefully constructed plot and met with consistent and interesting characters, I found myself enthralled in this hidden world of darkness. But the most surprising and yet enjoyable aspect of the novel was that it essentially follows the inner turmoil of an older protagonist - an interesting twist on what is otherwise usually dominated by young, irresistible, headstrong characters driven by teenage notions of love, revenge and need.
At 65 years of age, Clifford Crane is the unexpected hero of this story. Born into an ordinary life, he become  a werewolf quite late in the game. Though he maintains his 35 year old body, his mind and his experiences have aged with him, setting him up to be a protagonist that is both wise and alluring.
Yes, Clifford is a werewolf, but his expectations of that role are confused and unexplained. His best friend is a vampire, and the only wolf he's ever known died before uniting him with a pack. 
Soon he is thrust into a situation where natural instinct overwhelms common sense. A vampire from a visiting nest is killed by his hand in order to protect the young college student he secretly lusts after. As events spiral out of control, Clifford is forced to reconcile his origins, open his heart to a pack of wolves that could help him out of trouble, and question his desires for natural attraction and dangerous liaisons.
For me, the writing was free-flowing and well interspersed with necessary dialogue and only short references of important information. The characters were consistent and well written into their corresponding parts. I liked that the author moved the focus from character to character depending on the importance of their role at the time, and I enjoyed how enmeshed their plans became as the story wove its final scenes. 
My only moment of discontent came from the lesbian scene. I wasn't sure of its relevance as it added no real depth to the story and only hastened to confuse two of the characters roles for me. Perhaps this was to draw a tighter bond between the two characters that I had already come to believe were firm friends, or perhaps it was to add an element of sexual excitement for the reader - it didn't do this for me. Despite this aspect, I found  John Hundley's writing intriguing, descriptive and thoroughly enjoyable. You will see me picking up more of this author's books in the future. 
I rate this book four out five fangs.

Synopsis:
Clifford Crane has led a tough life - failed marriages, bankruptcy, drug addiction, and a mind-numbing dead-end job. But he's made it through,  and now he's nearing retirement. He's looking forward to his golden years, until he meets an ancient Uwharrie Indian shaman, who turns him into a were wolf. She believes Clifford is the red wolf foretold in prophecy, the one who will unite the wolf packs and lead them to victory over the vampires for once and all time. Too bad she doesn't tell him that before she dies.Now, rescuing beautiful young women from the clutches of the undead has its rewards, but will it pay the rent for the next thousand years? The Draculata Nest is the first in a series of Red Wolf novels, depicting a world where vampires are mere generations away from realizing mankind’s destruction, the ultimate goal of the undead and the mysterious beings that created them. In book one, Clifford finds himself a lone wolf, still grieving the loss of Claire Deerfoot, the one who brought out the beast that lay dormant inside him most of his life. Without the pack bond that keeps a wolf sane, he struggles with his dual nature and the strange compulsions that urge him to prowl the night. When he rescues a beautiful young coed from a visiting vampire, one hunting illegally in the territory of the local nest, he suddenly finds himself a target of revenge. The visiting Draculata Nest still thirsts for the blood of young Danielle, and now they want to spill Clifford’s blood as well. But an unlikely ally surfaces in Roland Trudeau, a high-ranking vampire in the local nest, whose welcome aid seems too good to be true. Soon Clifford finds himself in the middle of a vicious game of vampire politics, a game where the losers die.

Book Review: Soul Mates: Scent by Elizabeth Lance

Soul Mates: Scent is an indie novel that I picked up based on the tenacity of the author's constant appreciation for the written word, whether by self promotion or the share and advertisement of other paranormal authors in the social networking world around her.
The novel starts typically of the young adult genre - schoolyard setting, jocks and cheerleaders, and the perpetual telling of boy meets girl.
Following the story of Max Fergus, high school football star, honour student, and all round stud - we fall into a world of incessant make believe. Max leads a somewhat ordinary and predictable life. He dates the head cheerleader, drives a corvette and surrounds himself with seemingly flexible friendships. It isn't until he meets Anna Lissa Felidae that his world begins to change. Max discovers that he was born a shifter, a fairy prince, and bound to be forever tied to Anna Lissa in matrimony and quick blooming love.
Okay, what I liked about this story was the great sense of imagination that the writer displays, the realms, the magic, and the never ending sense of danger that Max appears to stumble upon within each passing chapter. I positively enjoyed the sense of menace and looming action. I never questioned whether the author would deliver some crazy turn in events that would undoubtedly lead to conflict. The chemistry between Anna Lissa and Max as the story progressed was also very steamy and unexpected in a young adult novel but alas, welcomed.
Unfortunately what I didn't like about the story often outweighed the positives. The writing style was a little sedate with limited descriptive content when it came to outlining scenery, processing action, and defining aesthetic features. The base story was also a little unstructured, with characters interwoven into the plot when needed, and dispatched again when redundant, almost like an afterthought.
As I read from chapter to chapter, our protagonist constantly unraveled a new, somewhat convenient power to eliminate all possible resistance, thus eliminating the complexities of struggle, resolution and hard-won achievement. Definable plots also expand beyond necessary reason, addressing constant character re-structuring, which in turn re-shaped original, relateable behaviour that I enjoyed within the characters.
I would love to give this book three out of five fangs as I can see an exciting story blooming from this web of elaborate, fairy-tale inspired ideas, but unfortunately I can't if I'm being true to personal opinion - which I reiterate that this merely is. But I really do hope that the author develops this series further as there is a lot of potential for a great story.

Synopsis:
When the girl of his dreams walks into his homeroom class one October morning, Max Fergus, a seventeen year old quarterback and star student, has his world turned upside down. Everything he has ever thought about himself and his life is changed in that instant and nothing will ever be the same again, because once you know you aren't human, there's no going back, no pretending you are less than you are.
Anna Lissa Felidae, a pure-blooded shifter has been searching for her soul mate, the one guy that was meant for her, and just when she is sure that she is about to run out of time, Diana, Goddess of the hunt, appears to her and sends her in the right direction. With another shifter on her trail, one who is determined to have her no matter what the cost, Anna has just three short weeks to convince Max he is a pure-blooded shifter, among other things, and teach him to fight so they can be together. With the help of a few Fae friends, a motley crew of shifters, and Max's best friend Tony, they are sure to win.

The Damned Cover Reveal!

Hi everyone!

Well, it's the moment that a lot of you have been waiting for, and I know, very patiently at that. I can't apologise enough for the delays in the release of The Damned, but I can promise you this ... it will be worth the wait!
So without dragging my feet, here is the cover release for the second book in The Hunted series "The Damned" - I hope you love it as much as I do, but please feel free to leave opinion. You guys know how much I love your comments. Oh! And don't forget about the giveaway! Click this link to take you to the sign up page!
Have a good one,

Kristy :)

Here's the synopsis again if you missed it!

Life for Elena Manory skipped past ordinary just over a month ago. Discovering she was born a practically invulnerable vampire-werewolf hybrid was shocking enough, but she’s also become a target. Elena is being hunted by the Alpha werewolf Roshan, who’s fixated on the properties of her unique blood and the pleasurable possibilities of her flesh.

Moving to the Institute of Magical Intervention in Romania was supposed to provide her with protection and anonymity, but Elena soon realises her enemies are legion. None are as they seem, with no agenda truly without nefarious intentions.

A strange twist of fate and the actions of a vampire previously pressing for her affections lead Elena into the arms of another—one whose middle name spells trouble. Himself a vampire, Sebastian is perplexingly familiar, handsome, and arrogant. He introduces Elena to a world she never thought possible, uncovers a past believed long buried, and unearths a future she may not survive.

And the trailer!

Get Hunted!

Hey Everyone,


This is a quick post today to let you all know that my first book in The Hunted Series, aptly called "The Hunted" has now been reduced to $4.99 (Kindle version)!
Feel free to grab yourself a copy, especially in light of the fact that my second book, The Damned is due to be released in the up and coming months, so getting in and reading the very first installment is a must!
For those of you that don't know much about my series, I'll be as succinct as possible. The Hunted Series is supernatural fiction targeting young adults and seasoned lovers of paranormal romance. Vampires, Werewolves, Angels, Demons, and Magic rein supreme - peppered with true violence and a strong female lead, you've got yourself an epic little read (okay, not so little at 582 pages) but nevertheless pretty damn awesome according to just about every review I've received so far. Plus, you want to make sure that you're reading the next big thing ... it's uncool not to covet this book and tell everyone about its awesomeness. I'm just saying ...

Synopsis: 
Elena Manory is by no means an ordinary teenage girl. Being born with the ability to heal herself from any injury, and with the knowledge that on her eighteenth birthday she will become a Vampire, Elena is aware that she is more than a little different from other girls her age.
It isn’t until she meets William Granville, an alluring and impossibly handsome vampire, that she begins to question her destiny and what secrets the Institute of Magical Intervention and her adopted family have withheld—secrets that could change the fates of not only her own life, but of the lives of all the immortals.
As events spiral out of control, William may be the only person Elena can place her trust in. He, and Elena’s magical family, must fight to save her, joining forces to defeat a common, deadly foe. For William, it is his chance to save the girl that he has searched eternity to find.

The Great Kindle Debate

To Kindle or not to Kindle ... that is the question.
I say bugger it. Kindle away - once you can figure out how.
As many of you may know, I'm a first time author, lucky enough to be wrapped in the warm arms of a safe and ever present publisher to guide my way. But, naturally, being the stubborn woman that I am, I figured I didn't need a hug while circumventing the mystery that is the E-book.
Okay, stop laughing. I know many of you have been reading E-books for years, mostly because of convenience and in some instances, the variance in price between paperback and digital format.
Finally, this little hobbit has joined the revolution. I've always thought that sniffing the pages of an old book and feeling the paper between my fingers was what reading was all about. But, as I slip into bed at night with my phone, holding it with what I might add as 'one hand', and not needing a night light to see the text, I find myself questioning what the hell I was waiting for?

The Hunted was originally printed in paperback, the safe and most easily recognised form of distribution. And, I have been happy with this until now, knowing that a vast majority of the planet has joined the digital revolution, and as such, I have put my head down and my bum up to revise my tactics.
Research was my first portal. I was sucked into hours of fine print, scouring every digital media site in the hopes of finding a host for my book as an E-book file. I finally settled on Kindle Direct Publishing for a couple of reasons. One, the profit margin is good. Two, they offer the best form of digital protection for your books to avoid unpaid sharing. Three, the process is relatively simple to set up - if you're not a total jackass like me, scream and cry all over the keyboard because you have super high expectations of presentation.
Anyway, after figuring out MS Word styling, converting my document into HTML, and reading the entire book from start to finish to make sure all type-facing was correct, I tried uploading. This is fine if you are keeping your headings simplistic. Naturally, I have to be different.
So, with Mobipocket now downloaded, I've imported my HTML file, inserted all the text pictures into my document, and I've created a PRC file which allows fancy headings etc to be uploaded to Kindle with minimum fuss.
Alas, four wasted hours of tantrum chucking and crying, three days to read and review, half an hour to upload and check for imperfections and boom - it's done.
Then I find out I suck because I'm an Aussie!
Kindle Direct Publishing pay directly into US bank accounts of via check. I don't have a US account, nor can I open a cool Swiss bank account like they do in the movies because it doesn't make an ass bit of difference when requiring a 'routing number'. So what do I do? I go for the 'check' option, knowing that I have to wait three months to get it, suffer conversion rates, and then wait for my Australian bank to re-submit the cheque back to the US for release before the funds are cleanly deposited into my account. PS - Thank you IRS for the 30% tax deduction I will also receive upon money leaving the country.
Nice.
BUT ... Despite these few minor set backs, I am exceptionally happy with the quality of the upload. My fee breakdown is more than reasonable and Amazon have been excellent at answering any queries I may have.
I am going to be one happy camper - especially if you buy a copy or at least click on the link below and 'like' it.
Yep, that was not a hint. I am about as subtle as a brick to the face ;P

Kristy :)
(The Hunted Kindle Link)