Book Spotlight: Spirits (Sparks Saga, Book Two) by RS McCoy

Bonjour, Beardies!

It has been far too long, so please forgive my absence...

Today, however, I have a special treat, and it's not just my return from the depths of non-existence.

A while back, I spotlighted the first book of Sparks, an exciting new series by RS McCoy. The book, also titled Sparks, was phenomenal. After reading the 5-star book, I was so happy that RS McCoy stumbled upon the blog and requested a review. There was one hiccup, however. Although a top-rated book for me, the editing was lacking. Luckily, RS McCoy agreed to my pleading that I edit it for her. I couldn't let such a great story suffer the stigma of a bad editor.

With that said, I also edited Spirits, the subject of this Spotlight. Let it be known, however, that I show no bias to either book given my involvement—my involvement was a direct response to my absolute love with this series and not the other way around, and I can't wait to give you all the juicy details. And by details, I mean Gems—not spoilers.

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Giveaway: June 2014 Kindle Fire HDX OR $229 ('I Am A Reader' Tour)

Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. 

Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!

The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

Cover Re-Reveal: Sparks by RS McCoy

Sparks 
Cover Re-Release Day Extravaganza!

"Everyone in the world has a Spark, a light inside that guides them, keeps them alive.”

Myxini School for Children specializes in training young men and women who have powerful Sparks. Strikers are taught to manipulate fire. Trackers learn to find animals in the most formidable terrains. Handlers are instructed in communication with large predators. But forty years have passed since the last time they had a Reader–a student with the ability to read minds.

When Lark Davies enrolls at Myxini, he knows there aren’t many like him, but he doesn’t realize just how rare his abilities really are. He thinks nothing of being asked to keep his Spark a secret; after all, he can barely control it. Thoughts and emotions flood unbidden into his mind until he can scarcely walk or hold a conversation. But just when he needs it most, his ability fails him.

Lark meets Khea, a small frightened girl who mysteriously ignites his protective nature. He has no explanation for the curious strength of their relationship, and it doesn’t help that she is one of the few people in the world whose thoughts can’t be read. As he struggles to get to the root of their unique bond, Lark begins to unravel more power than even his mentor expected, but in the process makes himself a target to political leaders eager to take control.

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Book Spotlight: The Orphan & the Thief by ML LeGette (An 'I Am A Reader Not A Writer' Tour)

Tour Schedule

Cheers, Beardies!

There are few books that have stumbled into my inbox that make me think, "Damn! That's a great title!" The Orphan and the Thief was one of these and, upon seeing its marvelously creative and beautiful cover, I knew I had to read its premise. But don't worry, Beardies—while I love outstanding covers and think they really enhance a book's appeal (after all, why put a cover on them at all if not to entice?), I do not judge a book by its cover. If anything, I judge a cover by its book. (Some covers really do their book little service, no?)

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Book Blast: The Boxcar Baby

The Boxcar Baby by J.L. Mulvihill

Born in a boxcar on a train bound for Georgia. At least that is what Papa Steel always told AB'Gale. But now, fifteen years later, the man who adopted and raised her as his own is missing and it's up to AB'Gale to find him. Aided only by a motley gang of friends, AB'Gale train hops her way across the United States in a desperate attempt to find her papa and put her life and family back the way it was. Her only guide is a map given to her by a mysterious hobo, with hand written clues she found hidden in her papa's spyglass. Here is the Great American Adventure in an alternate steampunk dystopian world, where fifteen-year-old AB'Gale Steel learns that nothing is as it seems, but instead is shrouded in secrets and mysteries ... and that monsters come in all shapes and forms.
The Boxcar Baby is the first book of the Steel Roots series.



Praise for The Boxcar Baby

“Miss AB’Gale Steel, is a pure spitfire girl, full of strong-minded grit, who draws strength out of adversity, and endures hardship by bracing herself against self-pity.” – Jorie Loves a Story
“One thing I really loved about this one was it was fast paced and moved quickly. Mulvihill did an amazing job making realistic characters.” – Bee’s Knees Reviews
“J.L. Mulvihill is quite a talented writer and I think she has such a creative mind to come up with this Steampunk Southern American Adventure.” – Book and Movie Dimension

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The Boxcar Baby Excerpt

I have always loved the sound of the train whistle, especially when I hear it from far away; the moaning echo across the valley gives it a sorrowful sound like a Piper bird calling for its mate. Sometimes I can imagine the sound is a mournful spirit seeking its long lost love. Sad as it may sound, it calms me when I hear it at night and lulls me to sleep, or wakes me peacefully in the early morning. Every two weeks when I hear the train, I know it’s time for Papa to come home. But one morning about five weeks ago, Papa didn’t come home.

I’m pretty sure my Granny is going to ask me to go to New Joplan to look for Papa. I don’t really mind going to New Joplan, the city is way jigin’, but I’ve never gone to the city alone before, and I’m sure there’s creepers there. Of course Granny will have it all worked out for me to stay with a friend of hers, but I will still have to go it alone. I need to go, though, because I have to find out what happened to my Papa. We ain’t heard from him or the railroad since Papa left for work last; he usually works a few weeks on and a couple weeks off, but this time he’s been gone longer than ever.

If Papa doesn’t come back, I can’t say what will happen to Granny and me. Granny and I waited four weeks for Papa but when he still hadn’t come home we got worried. Granny decided maybe we should go on into Jasper and sell the eggs and milk like we usually do when Papa comes home. So we hitched up the ponies and loaded the cart up and head into town.





Author J.L. Mulvihill: Born in Hollywood and raised in San Diego, CA, J.L. Mulvihill has made Mississippi her home for the past fifteen years. Her debut novel was the young adult title The Lost Daughter of Easa, an engaing fantasy novel bordering on science-fiction with a dash of steampunk, published through Kerlak Publishing. The Boxcar Baby, the first novel of her Steel Roots Series, was released by Seventh Star Press in the summer of 2013.

J.L. also has several short fiction pieces in publication, among them "Chilled Meat", a steampunk thriller found in the Dreams of Steam II-Of Bolts and Brass, anthology (Kerlak Publishing) and "The Leprechaun’s Story", a steampunk urban Fantasy found in the anthology, Clockwork, Spells, & Magical Bells (Kerlak Publishing)

J.L. is very active with the writing community, and is the events coordinator for the Mississippi Chapter of Imagicopter known as the Magnolia-Tower. She is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA), The Mississippi Writers Guild (MWG), as well as the Arts Council of Clinton, and the Clinton Ink-Slingers Writing Group.

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BookBlast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/31/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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New Project Manager

Hello Beardies,

Passion, dedication, and hard work often go unnoticed and under-appreciated in everyday life, but such is not the case on The Bearded Scribe.  Since its inception a little over two years ago, our blog has grown, matured, and its scope and focus widened.  With its ever-growing scope, however, so grows the demands of its dedicated and busy Executive Editor—yep, that's me!

Shortly after its founding, I could no longer ignore the insight and passion of Ms. Elizabeth Norton, one of the blog's biggest fans and heralders, and so I asked her to join the team. Not much longer after that, Beardies, I had to acknowledge Elizabeth's dedication, passion, and hard work by asking her to join the Editorial Staff as my Assistant Editor.  I'm honored that she accepted.

The time has come, yet again, to acknowledge the hard work and passion of another dedicated Contributor, and today I have an exciting announcement—exciting for me, and hopefully for the subject of this post.  After weeks of planning (and still more to come), the Editorial staff has grown.  Our very own Autumn Jones has agreed to take on the title of Project Manager.  She will be working closely with Elizabeth and me, helping to organize the various tours featured on the blog.

I hope you all will join me in thanking and congratulating her! :)

And, in the meantime, you can learn more about our very own Autumn Jones in our quaint-but-insightful interview below.


One-on-One with Project Manager Autumn Jones...

Joshua Mercier: When did your love affair with books begin?
Autumn Jones: My earliest memories involve books and reading so I guess you can say I have always loved books. There are so many photos of me as a small child surrounded with books, someone reading to me, or me curled up with my nose in a book. I’m eternally grateful to my parents and elementary school teachers who encouraged and shared their love of reading with me.

Autumn's Grandmother reading The Big Red Apple to her.

Joshua Mercier: Which Speculative Fiction title was the one that got you hooked to the genre?
Autumn Jones: It’s a toss-up between The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or A Wrinkle In Time. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the first book I remember reading multiple times, so if I had to pick one, I guess that’s the winner.

Joshua Mercier: Do you have an absolute favorite speculative book?
Autumn Jones: That’s kind of like asking me which of my children is my favorite. I also have a hard time hammering down a favorite because it seems to be changing all the time. Currently, I’m digging The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer.

Joshua Mercier: An absolute favorite non-speculative title?
Autumn Jones: Again with the favoritism?! Hmmm. Either The Great Gatsby or To Kill A Mockingbird.

Joshua Mercier: A favorite author?
Autumn Jones: John Steinbeck. Jane Austen. Beverly Cleary. Stephen King.

Joshua Mercier: I've met one of the four of the above—as a Maine-iac, can you guess which? LOL!
Anywho... The Bearded Scribe is all about Speculative Fiction, which encompasses several sub-genres. Which sub-genre(s), would you say, are your favorite(s) to read?
Autumn Jones: Dystopian, hands down, is my favorite. I also really enjoy urban, dark and epic fantasy. I especially enjoy those genres when they are in a YA book.

Joshua Mercier: I know you're a television & movie fan, too. What are some of your favorite speculative shows and movies?
Autumn Jones: I’m a huge TV junkie. In my teenaged years I loved The X-Files. I watched Lost from the very beginning all the way to the disappointing ending. I may or may not also have a strange obsession with Twin Peaks and Quantum Leap. As far as movies, I’m borderline ashamed to say, I watch Minority Report on a regular basis.

Joshua Mercier: Nothing wrong with Minority Report. And I, too, am an X-Filephile.  (I should trademark that nickname!)  Besides reading and film, what are some of your other hobbies?
Autumn Jones: I love to cook and enjoy experimenting with new foods and flavors. I’m also pretty crafty. Maybe I should have just said Pinterest is my hobby.

Joshua Mercier: I know you're a voracious reader...I'm curious—are you are writer, too?
Autumn Jones: If you count mommy blogging for a few years and keeping a journal then, yes. Otherwise I’m just a big wanna-be who jots down ideas but never follows through. If I were to be a writer I’d want to write my semi-fictional, autobiography (because one should never let the truth get in the way of a good story). The working title is, How Working for the Government Ruined My Life and Other Happy Tales.

Joshua Mercier: If you could have dinner with three people—dead, alive, or any combination—who would you choose and why?
Autumn Jones: What will be served at this dinner? That would be helpful to know when picking. I will just assume you can pick between beef, chicken or fish, like a classy wedding. Um...Lee Harvey Oswald because I NEED to know if he was the one who killed Kennedy or if there were others involved. Former President Gerald R. Ford because I want to know about the whole Nixon pardon thing and other questionable decisions he made while serving as president. He’s also from my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, so maybe we could gossip about that. It would be fun to argue about our political differences, because nothing makes a dinner party more enjoyable than contentious, political arguments. Lastly, Tina Fey, which I don’t think needs any explanation. I love her. We’ll also need someone to lighten up what is kind of a heavy, borderline-boring-to-most party.

Joshua Mercier: Who is your favorite literary hero/heroine? Why?
Autumn Jones: I’m on Team Katniss right now. I dig The Girl on Fire. Yeah, she can be whiney and can’t make up her mind about boys, but I try and be a little forgiving given the whole Hunger Game survival x2 thing. Maybe it’s the brooding revolutionist in me, but I can really relate to Katniss and her rebel rousing ways. She’s fearless, loyal, family-centric, intelligent,0- and a survivor.

Joshua Mercier: Favorite literary villain? Why?
Autumn Jones: Police Inspector Javert from Les Misérables. Poor, poor Javert. He’s the kind of character I love to hate. He’s obsessed with Jean Valjean and so in love with justice and being right. While being the world’s #1 stalker, he turns a blind eye to all the good Valjean has done and lingers over the bad. Poor Javert just can’t reconcile his own feelings of justice and mercy after Valjean spares him on the barricade. That ultimately leads to Javert ending his own life. To me, Javert is the perfect antagonist around.

Joshua Mercier: It's rather funny you mention Javert.  According to Elizabeth, and referring to the Musical, I sing a mean rendition of his hit, Stars.  But enough of that.  Is there a book or story for which you'd like to re-write the ending? What is it and how would you re-write it?
Autumn Jones: I’m a sucker for a happy ending. I’d re-write most books that have terrible, tragic endings to make them happy, for sure. (I’m looking at you Veronica Roth…cough…cough…Allegiant…cough.)

Joshua Mercier: Do you have anything else you'd like to share with the readers that I have not asked you?
Autumn Jones: Ummm…I don’t think anyone cares about my usual Starbucks order (venti, skinny cinnamon-dolce latte) or the color of my car (blue). I’m pretty sure no one will care that I spontaneously break out into show-tunes either. So, I think we’re good here. Thank you!

Book Blast (with Excerpt): Silent Intrusion by Adam Gillrie (A Bearded Scribe Blog Tour)

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Cover Reveal: Sacrifice (Daughters of Lilith, Book 3) by Jennifer Quintenz

For fans of Braedyn Murphy, the wait is almost over. Sacrifice, the third book in the Daughters of Lilith series, will be released on January 31, 2014.

Sacrifice (Daughters of Lilith: Book 3)

Just when Braedyn Murphy thought she understood the danger descending on Puerto Escondido, a new threat arrives. A cult devoted to Lilith has taken up residence in the little town, and when Cassie gets tangled up its intrigue, Braedyn realizes she might have to chose between protecting her friends and stopping Lilith from reclaiming this earth.

With her duties to the Guard wearing on her, Braedyn turns to Lucas for solace. Together they wonder if now is the time to claim their one night together—knowing that one night is all they may ever have.

Darker forces have their own plans for Braedyn and the Guard. Braedyn knew this fight could be brutal—but how much can one girl be asked to sacrifice in order to save the world?

Check out the previous books in the series:

Praise for Thrall (Daughters of Lilith: Book 1)

"Before you even start this review, put down anything you are doing and go read Thrall. It's AMAZING! BREATHTAKING! Engaging and smart, Thrall leaves you speechless!"
- Savannah, Books With Bite

"The writing style is so smooth, yet gripping. Add some good characters, well-paced story and you have something that I like. No, not like. Love... No surprise that “Thrall” gets full five stars and the highest recommendations I can give."
- Linda, The Fantasy Librarian

"How do I even begin to put all the crazy, gushy, ramblings in my brain about this book onto paper?!? Where to even begin?....This book is a MUST read!"
- Hooked In A Book review on Amazon

Praise for Incubus (Daughters of Lilith: Book 2)

"If you like gutsy fantasy of the urban variety this should definitely be on your 'must read' list. Don't let the YA label put you off either, like all the best YA fiction, this can be enjoyed by adults as well. I give it an unreserved 5 stars."
- Tahlia, Awesome Indies, http:// awesomeindies.net/2013/10/01/hard-book-put-review-incubus-jennifer-quintenz/

"This is one of those books that I have been looking forward to since June of last year... I loved this book and I'm so happy I finally got to read it. I recommend the entire series for the fully developed characters, the impressive mythology, and the fight scenes. I am dreading waiting for the next book."
- David, David-Reviews.com

"Great reading. LOVE IT. Jennifer Quintenz is a special writer who can be very riveting... Spent several sleepless nights in a crazy rush to see how it ends. Can't wait for the next books."
- Terri, review on Amazon

About the Author:
Jennifer Quintenz is an award-winning film and television writer, author, and graphic novelist. She has written for Twentieth Television, Intrepid Pictures, and Archaia Studios Press. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son.

JenniferQuintenz.com
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Book Spotlight: The Weird of Math by Matt Schutt

Bonjour, Beardies!

When we first started offering Review Requests, the title of this Spotlight appeared in my inbox. I was very intrigued by its premise, therefore wanting to read and review it for myself, but I had to put it on the back burner as my commitment plate was already full. I'm glad I decided to hoard it for my own reading pleasure—and I am excited to spotlight it for all of you today!

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Author Spotlight: Jon Bassoff—Complete with Interview

About the Author

Jon Bassoff was born in 1974 in New York City and currently lives in a ghost town somewhere in Colorado. His mountain gothic novel, Corrosion, was called “startlingly original and unsettling” by Tom Piccirilli (a four-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award) and “beautifully bleak” by international bestselling author, Jason Starr. In addition to his work as a writer, Bassoff is the founder of the crime fiction publisher New Pulp Press, which was called “genius masked as genre” by New York Magazine.

Connect with Jon Bassoff:

The Interview

Joshua Allen Mercier: Which book introduced you to speculative fiction?
Jon Bassoff: I’ve always been passionate about crime fiction and noir fiction, but I remember seeing the movie Angel Heart, and later reading the book (called Falling Angel) by William Hjortsberg. A very powerful experience for me, which showed some exceedingly creative things that could be done within genre fiction.

Book Spotlight: Corrosion by Jon Bassoff

Happy New Year, Beardies!

I hope everyone had a great Holiday Season!  Speaking of Holidays...I apologize for the lack of content on the blog from around Thanksgiving until now. I started a new job around Halloween, and getting used to having a schedule that changes from week to week has been an adjustment—not to mention working during days every once and a while (something I haven't done since 2005). Enough about that, however; we have a book to discuss.

Today's title, Corrosion, comes to us from DarkFuse—a publisher that specializes in horror and dark fantasy, and one from which I've already spotlighted two other titles. Let's just say that I'm a DarkFuse Fan!

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Giveaway: Sparks by RS McCoy (A Bearded Scribe Blog Tour)

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Blurb:

"Everyone in the world has a spark, a light inside that guides them, keeps them alive.”

Myxini School for Children specializes in training young men and women who have powerful sparks. Strikers are taught to manipulate fire. Trackers learn to find animals in the most formidable terrains. Handlers are instructed in communication with large predators. But forty years have passed since the last time they had a Reader—a student with the ability to read minds.

When Lark Davies enrolls at Myxini, he knows there aren’t many like him, but he doesn’t realize just how rare his abilities really are. He thinks nothing of being asked to keep his spark a secret; after all, he can barely control it. Thoughts and emotions flood unbidden into his mind until he can scarcely walk or hold a conversation. But just when he needs it most, his ability fails him.

Lark meets Khea, a small frightened girl who mysteriously insights his protective nature. He has no explanation for the curious strength of their relationship, and it doesn’t help that she is one of the few people in the world whose thoughts can’t be read. As he struggles to get to the root of their unique bond, Lark begins to unravel more power than even his mentor expected, but in the process makes himself a target to political leaders eager to take control.

Teaser:

Wearing only my loose brown pants, I crawled into the most comfortable bed I had ever known and sank into the soft down pillows. I had just started to drift off when I heard a knock at the door. I’m going to kill Avis.

“What do you—” I started until I realized it wasn’t Avis. It was a stunning blonde with blue eyes. Khea.

“I’m sorry to wake you. I just—I had to see you.” Her arms moved to wrap around my waist and hold me tight as I questioned if I was really sleeping or not.

“Uh, do you want to come in?” We both knew the rules about being in someone else’s
room after hours, so I pulled her in and sat down on the edge of the bed, still a little surprised she was there.

In the dim light her hair looked a little darker, but her face was still sweet and there was no denying that the last two years had done her well. Who would have thought such a beautiful young woman would come from that skinny little girl in Lagodon?

“How’d you know I was back?” I asked her, trying to appear less tired or shocked than I was.

“A friend told me.”

“I didn’t think you—” Cared? It wasn’t the right word, but I was beyond amazed that she was interested in my whereabouts. I hadn’t seen her since that night at the Moonwater and it had changed everything for me since then. But for her, I wasn’t aware that she had been affected in any way.

“Ride with me tomorrow?”

“Uh, yea, of course.” It was a struggle to cover how little I wanted to wait. I would have given anything to have her stay.

A wide smile erupted across her sweet lips as she said, “meet me at the lake at noon.” With a lingering kiss on my cheek, she walked back through the door and disappeared into the dark stone corridor.

What just happened?

I hadn’t seen her in person in years, and we were hardly close before that. And now she arrived in my room in the middle of the night and kissed me on the cheek. Was it a kiss like a friend would give another? Or more? I couldn’t make any sense of it, but there was only thing I was sure of. I would be at the lake at noon if it was the last thing I did.

Praise for Sparks:

"...spellbinding..."

                "...fantastic characters..."

                                       "...imaginative and creative..."

                                                                    "...simply could not put it down..."

About the Author:

RS McCoy didn’t ever plan on being a writer. With a career teaching high school science, writing is the last thing she expected. But life never goes the way you think it will. 

While battling cancer, she picked up her laptop and let the words flow out. One year later, her first published fantasy novel has been released on Amazon and her second novel is in the works. 

She is a wife, mother of one with another on the way, a scientist, baker, gardener, and life-long science fiction and fantasy addict.

Connect with RS McCoy

Blog Tour Giveaway

Five (5) Digital Copies of RS McCoy's debut novel, Sparks.

Ends 01/14/14

Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by "A Bearded Scribe Blog Tours," a division of The Bearded Scribe and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Author Spotlight: RS McCoy—Complete with Interview (A Bearded Scribe Blog Tour)

About the Author:

RS McCoy didn’t ever plan on being a writer. With a career teaching high school science, writing is the last thing she expected. But life never goes the way you think it will. 

While battling cancer, she picked up her laptop and let the words flow out of her fingertips like magic. One year later, her first published fantasy novel has been released on Amazon and her second novel is in the works. 

She is a wife, mother of one with another on the way, a scientist, baker, gardener, and life-long science fiction and fantasy addict.

Connect with RS McCoy

The Interview:

Joshua Allen Mercier: Which book introduced you to speculative fiction?
RS McCoy: Hmmm. I guess I’d have to call a toss-up between Asimov’s I, Robot and Tolkien’s The Hobbit. My dad is a major sci-fi guy, so I guess I was a little doomed when it came to finding a book to read. In middle school I really cultivated a love of reading, and my dad’s extensive sci-fi collection made it easy to find a good book.

Book Spotlight: Sparks (Sparks, Book One) by RS McCoy (A Bearded Scribe Tour)

Bonjour Beardies!

I am so excited to talk about this next title, so I'll keep my introduction of it short. I get several emails daily inquiring about our Promotional Services; when I received RS McCoy's email, I had already turned down every single one in my inbox that day until I came to hers. Now before everyone thinks I'm a cruel jerk, I'll let you know I turned down the others because they were not Speculative Fiction titles and, therefore, did not fit the requirements. Which is why Ms. McCoy's email was so darn refreshing; after I read the premise of it, I had to read it!

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Book Spotlight: Shattered by C. S. Kane

Bonjour, Beardies!

After reading Luke Walker's Mirror of the Nameless, I decided to check out the rest of DarkFuse's ARCs on NetGalley. I ran across this next title and decided to request it. I never expected to finish it in only 3.5 hours; part of me wished it were longer or that it were at least the first in a series just so I could read more.

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Book Spotlight: Heritage (The Grimoire Saga, Book 3) by SM Boyce

Bonjour, Beardies!

Yesterday I featured a Book Spotlight on Treason, the second installment of SM Boyce's Grimoire Saga, and today the I am excited to announce that the third installment, Heritage, releases today! Let's begin, shall we?

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Book Spotlight: Treason (The Grimoire Saga, Book 2) by SM Boyce

Bonjour Beardies!

A while back, I featured a Book Spotlight on SM Boyce's Lichgates, the first book in her Grimoire Saga. She was kind enough to send me the second book in the series, too, but I only just found the time to read it—just in time for the release of the third book, Heritage, which is due out and will be featured in its own Spotlight tomorrow. Until then, let's take a look at Treason.

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Author Spotlight: Angela Castillo—Complete with Interview (A Bearded Scribe Blog Tour)

About the Author:

Angela Castillo is a Work-at-Home-Mom with three small children, Judah, Levi, and Celise. She was raised in and currently lives in the small town of Bastrop, Texas. She studied Practical Theology and Music at Christ for the Nations in Dallas. She has had many small works published in periodicals and one self-published volume of short stories and poems. She and her sister, Cherie Haines, own several online stores featuring Cherie's photographs and Angela's prose. In addition to writing, Angela enjoys singing, designing greeting cards, and walking through her town.

The Interview:

Joshua Allen Mercier: Which book introduced you to speculative fiction?
Angela Castillo: When I picked up The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis, I was expecting Narnia—but in space. Instead I was hurled into a world of flying frogs and mysterious Elves. All three of the books were intense, terrifying and wildly beautiful. Then I read Till We Have Faces by Lewis, and my sheltered, Christian world was shattered. The book opened up so many new thoughts and ideas for me, deeper than I thought I was allowed to experience.


Joshua Allen Mercier: I am ashamed to admit that Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia is the only work of his that I've read. I will have to check into the titles you've mentioned above. Do you have an all-time favorite book? What about it makes it your favorite?
Angela Castillo: Oh goodness. I really, really love The Moonspinners by Mary Stewart. Every time I read it, I am there with the characters. I also love the The BFG by Roald Dahl.

Joshua Allen Mercier: Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors; I think I've actually read most—if not all—of his works. The BFG is definitely among my favorites (it's one of my Assistant Editor's favorites, too!), but I think the really magical one for me was Matilda. After reading it, I think I gave myself quite a few headaches trying to access my own telekinetic powers—unfortunately, to no avail. It's safe to say that I've even attempted to tap into them even in my adulthood (I think most of us have had that itching desire to slam a door in a bully's face without even having to touch it); I dare say, however, that I've had perhaps even less luck in doing so than I did as a child.

Which author and/or book inspired you to start writing?
Angela Castillo: Probably Little Women. I loved Jo and her determination. She wrote herself out of poverty, and since I grew up in a large, very poor family, I thought I could do the same. As reality has set in over the years, my goals have changed a little bit!

Joshua Allen Mercier: I think a bit of every person raised in poverty has wished to overcome the odds and the stigma of the being classified as poor. Poor, unfortunately, has often be equated with failure. As a child, I, too, wished to write myself out of poverty. It wasn't, however, my sole reason for wanting to pursue the career. I love creating worlds and sharing the stories that happen within them. I still want to be successful, of course, but now I hope to have wealth in other ways that can't be measured by gold. Which leads in perfectly to my next question! As an aspiring Fantasy author trying to shop his first manuscript, could you tell me why you chose to self-publish versus traditional publishing?
Angela Castillo: This was a very difficult choice. Like most writers, I love that “American Idol” moment when you get that editor’s acceptance letter in the mail. Toby is a novella of 17,000 words. Most agents won’t even consider a book this length. Also, Christian Speculative Fiction is a touchy, complicated genre many editors shy away from. I decided to invest my energy into making my book the best it could be instead of trying to market it to the handful of companies that even consider the genre. One more issue was target audience. My main character is twelve years old, so most people would say I should target MG readers. But the philosophical ideas are geared more towards older children and adults, and some of the subject matter might be considered slightly violent for younger readers.

Joshua Allen Mercier: After reading your story, I would have to agree with you: though your character is young, he is still wise. Some often mistake naïvety and curiosity for stupidity; I see it as room to grow and learn, which Toby certainly does. Of the entire publishing process, what would you say is the most difficult aspect to endure?
Angela Castillo: I made the decision to post my book to a critique forum. I thought it just needed a few tweaks and it would be ready. I was not prepared for the grueling, three month re-write that resulted, but I’m so glad I did it! It’s a much better book.

Joshua Allen Mercier: I finished my first manuscript in September of 2011; since then, I've literally been tearing it apart—into two separate books. The re-write has been difficult—is still difficult—but I think it's developing into a much better story now. Do you have a favorite character (to write) from your books? If so, what sets them apart the others?
Angela Castillo: Toby, of course! Many of his characteristics are based on my oldest son. He is loyal, sweet and curious, plus he has cat ears! I just want to pick him up and squeeze him, but he wouldn’t appreciate it very much.

Joshua Allen Mercier: It is clear, in reading The Amazing Adventures of Toby the Trilby, that you are passionate in your faith; do you anticipate that a religious theme will run through all of your future books, too?
Angela Castillo: It would be impossible to separate who I am from my writing, but I have several pieces of writing about different subjects. Many of the short stories in my first book, Hidden Pictures, are just fun stories and not faith-based. I have rough drafts for mainstream stories all over my house. Toby just kept beckoning to me and I had to finish writing it.

Joshua Allen Mercier: What project(s) are you working on at the moment?
Angela Castillo: I’m working on a few blog articles for our town’s information blog. I also have a sequel for Toby in the works.

Joshua Allen Mercier: I'm not sure of the topic or in what capacity, but would you consider writing a guest post on The Bearded Scribe at some point?
Angela Castillo: Of course!

Joshua Allen Mercier: Is there anything else that you would like to share with The Bearded Scribe's readers that I did not ask you (and you wished I had)?
Angela Castillo: I’m a little nervous about how this book will be received. The whole speculative idea of a child made from cat and human DNA is more controversial than some might realize. We all have purpose. We all have hope. There is a point to our lives and everyone needs love. This is the message I am trying to convey.

Joshua Allen Mercier: Your message is delivered very well in the book, Angela. Thank you for sharing it with the world, and thank you for agreeing to be a part of The Bearded Scribe.

Book Spotlight: The Amazing Adventures of Toby the Trilby by Angela Castillo (A Bearded Scribe Blog Tour)

Bonjour, Beardies!

Although most of our Book Spotlights are either for Young Adult or Adult Speculative Fiction, when this intriguing Middle Grade story fell into my inbox for a Blog Tour, I couldn't pass up the chance to review it.

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Blog Tour: Enduring Chaos (Book One of the Sisters of Chaos Series) by Catherine Fitzsimmons & Ruins of Change Giveaway

Years ago, the last remnants of magic were banished. Yet some forces cannot be suppressed by human hands. For a girl with a gift she can no longer control, her troubles with magic are only beginning.

Book Blurb:
Cursed with fearsome eyes and a dangerous gift, any chance of Damian Sires having an ordinary life was dashed the moment she was born. All her life, she has hidden her abnormalities and fought for acceptance behind the shadow of a veil and her respected merchant father.

When Damian's power spirals out of control and casts her out alone into the world, she finds herself caught up in plots as old as the gods themselves. Bitter exiles, deposed nobility, clandestine knights, and a divine being with an ancient grudge all close in on the unstable power radiating from Damian.

Desperate to keep that power contained, she sets out with mysterious allies in an attempt to find someone who can help her in a world that fears magic. Yet the source of Damian's ability is far more deadly than she imagined.

The World of Elderra:

Enduring Chaos, Book One of the Sisters of Chaos Series, is set in JR Dwornik's world of Elderra, visible in the map above, and featured in Dwornik's novel, Ruins of Change.