Caraval by Stephanie Garber (Lauricia)

In his book Zen in the Art of Writing, Ray Bradbury discusses his habit of making lists and how it helped him generate story ideas. He especially discusses making a list of favorite things and using those things as the basis for his stories. One of the things on his personal list is circuses, which led to his writing of Something Wicked This Way Comes. However, I’m not discussing either of those books today. I mention them only because I imagine Stephanie Garber having circuses on her list of favorite things every time I think of her book Caraval.

Caraval is the tale of Scarlett Dragna, who seeks to free her sister and herself from an abusive father by escaping into an arranged marriage. The only bright spots in Scarlett’s life are her sister and the hope of one day attending Caraval, a once-a-year performance game that is a cross between a carnival and a season of the television reality show Survivor, but with magic thrown in. In this game, players look for clues hidden throughout a small city on an island owned by an enigmatic figure known only as Legend. The first player to find all of the clues wins the grand prize: the fulfillment of a single wish. For Scarlett, winning Caraval could mean achieving her greatest desire.

Scarlett’s sister Donatella is the complete opposite of Scarlett. Stubborn and willful, Donatella has no problem looking for trouble and is not satisfied with Scarlett's arranged marriage. She has her own reason for wanting to win Caraval, and she does whatever she thinks necessary to make sure she and her sister are invited to the next game.

I love this story because of its unique concept and originality. Caraval combines a Victorian (but not steampunk) setting with mystery and the sense of wonder most children associate with circuses and carnivals. The characters are well drawn, the plot is nicely paced, and the ending is as right as it is satisfying.  If you love young adult/new adult fantasy or magic realism, this is definitely a read for you.

Top 3 Reasons to See The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

I grew up watching a VHS recording of The Nutcracker ballet every Christmas. It was a fantastic production, wondrous and magical. I've loved the story (and the music) ever since and for a while wanted to write a retelling of it. Then I my critique partners and I decided to do anthology of retellings, and I decided to do on of E.T.A Hoffman's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which inspired the ballet. It was so much fun to write! So much so I ended up with two versions. :) And then it was so much fun to go see a very different retelling in Disney's The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. I very much enjoyed the movie, and here are three reasons why you should go see it if you haven't already.

1. A cute, clean story

It was a good story, sad in places for sure, but sweet and clean in a time when many stories aren't. I liked the adventure and the beautiful Victorian setting at the beginning and Clara and Philip (the Nutcracker) were very likable.

2. Amazing music and they sneaked in some ballet

The music, of course, was Tchailkovsky's The Nutcracker Suite. How could you not like it? And they managed to sneak in a bit of ballet as entertainment for Clara in the fantastic world she finds. A little culture for movie goers. :)

3. Familiar faces

I not only enjoyed picking out characters from the The Nutcracker story (and smiling at the fact they gave the nutcracker character the name Hoffman, after the author) but also seeing familiar actors--Keira Knightly as the Sugar Plum Queen and Matthew Macfayden (Little Dorrit and Pride and Prejudice) and Morgan Freeman as Drosselmeier.

All in all, it was a great movie, enjoyable even for the friend who went me who didn't know a thing about The Nutcracker ballet or original story.

Have you seen the movie? If so, did you enjoy it?

A Writer's Online Life (Julie)

As you know, we live in the age of technology now where we pretty much do everything online. As writers, this has opened up a whole new world for us to gain resources, make connections, and marketing. I've been a bit behind on the whole internet as my biggest writing resource, and am now trying to play catch up.

I first joined American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and enjoyed their critique groups. In fact, it was the crit group that showed me, in a good way, that I knew nothing about writing. And through a small crit group, I've grown so much!

But other than that, I haven't done anything because I've been so focused on writing my novel. Until recently. Now I'm starting to wade into the depths of the online writing world. My awesome and much more knowledgeable sister has introduced me to some Facebook groups like Realm Makers and Fellowship of Fantasy.

I've really enjoyed being a part of these groups because I've been introduced to many new books and authors of similar interests.  It's a great community where we all have a story to tell (or multiple) and know the struggles other are facing because we have faced them as well. But that's not all! Having a writing community provides encouragement and motivation and accountability for all of us writers and aspiring writers!

What kind of online blogs, sites, and groups are indispensable to you in your writing journey that you would like to share?
 

Top 3 Books by Melanie Dickerson (Laurie)

You may remember back a few months ago when I shared about my Top 3 Authors Who Write Books Faster than I Can Read Them. I'm happy to report that I'm making some progress catching up! Not only did I finally read my first book by Morgan L. Busse (which was excellent, by the way!), but I've also listened to audiobooks of FOUR of Melanie Dickerson's novels. Not totally caught up, but it's a good start! And because I've been in such a Melanie Dickerson phase lately, I thought I would share my Top 3 Books by Melanie Dickerson - at least of the ones I've read so far :)


3. The Captive Maiden

This was one of those books that made me all gooey inside. I felt bad for Valten when his betrothed was stolen by his younger brother in The Fairest Beauty, so I was very ready to root for him when he got his own story! And I seem to be attracted to the strong, silent type - his emotions just felt so much more raw and authentic at the few points where he did express them.  Gisela was an easy character to cheer for as well, and I was eager to see her get a happily-ever-after following the cruelty she experienced from her stepmother. Action, cool historical details about knightly tournaments, and such swoony romance! *happy sigh*










2. The Golden Braid

I loved that The Golden Braid didn't follow the usual pattern of Dickerson's novels in many ways, and yet it had the same satisfying romance, adventure, and fairy tale connections. I thought the tie-ins to Rapunzel were especially clever in this book, and I really liked the way Mother Gothel's character was handled - the perfect blend of over-the-top protectiveness mixed with increasing hints of something a bit more sinister. It was fun watching Rapunzel and Sir Gerek move from dislike and distrust to affection for each other. Add to that the mystery of Rapunzel's identity, and I was totally sucked in!












1. The Merchant's Daughter

This was one of my very first Melanie Dickerson books, and I think part of the appeal definitely came from the fact that her romantic historical fairy tale retellings were still pretty new to me. But between Beauty and the Beast being one of my favorite fairy tales and the increasing vulnerability of gruff Lord Ranulf as Annabel makes an impression on him, this story really earned a place in my heart. I also appreciated the sweetness of Annabel's character and the way the meaningful faith narrative worked into the story. I may have to see if I can find the audiobook for this one so I can revisit... :)












How about you? Have you read any of Melanie Dickerson's books, and if so, which are your favorites? Do you have any authors you love so much you could do an entire post about their books?


See you next time!
Laurie

The Characters of Stones of Terrene (Void Born Blog Tour)

We're excited to be a part of the Void Born blog tour today, hearing from author R.J. Metcalf! R.J. stopped by for an interview as part of the blog tour celebrating the release of the first book in her Stones of Terrene Chronicles, Renegade Skyfarer. Now she's back with a character feature, sharing a bit about some of the key characters in her latest release, Void Born. Enjoy!



Ben Dubray has always been the main protagonist of the series as Mike and I planned it. We knew from the get-go that Ben would find himself in Terrene, that he’d have to find his way home somehow, and that he’d have a whole host of challenges to face on his quest. What we didn’t know was how Ben would turn into his
own man before our eyes.

There aspects of him that I understand well as his author: his protective nature, his desire for justice, his caring for those around him. Then there’s aspects that I didn’t expect: his endearing (to me) clumsiness around Raine and the fact that he has a sister. Sara just showed up one day, and Ben gave me a whole slew of little stories about his younger sister. Suddenly he became so much richer and deeper as a character. Some of those stories were light-hearted and fun and made me love her. Other stories were dark, and broken, and suddenly I understood why he’s the protective heart that he is.

This entire experience of living in Terrene will give Ben such regrets that he’s never fathomed possible. If he stays in Terrene, he leaves his sister back home, utterly family-less. If he leaves Terrene, he leaves behind new friendships–and the one woman who has ever turned his head.

Christopher is someone new for readers to meet in Void Born, so I won’t give too much away here. I love Christopher. He’s going to experience so much change, and he’s going to undergo so many big decisions in his life. I’m really looking forward to seeing how readers will deal with this brainwashed Void Born.

Raine. Sweet, snarky, spicy Raine. Another character that Mike and I have known from the very beginning of it all. Watching her come to life has been utterly amazing. We had simple ideas: she’s Finn’s granddaughter. She likes swords. She can’t do elemental manipulation. From those brief little bits of knowledge, she’s grown into her own character–and a reader favorite.

She keeps her secrets close to her heart. Some of the reasons will be revealed in Void Born. I’d love to say that she gets an easy break in the last two books, but just like everyone else in legend and in reality, people really shine after they’ve survived adversity.

I was already hooked by those covers, and now I'm so intrigued! (And concerned for poor Raine!) Here's the back cover blurb for Void Born:

The bloodstone has been stolen.

Although the barrier remains, its stability is at risk. And if it falls, all of southern Terrene will be forfeit.

After the tragedies in Doldra, the valiant crew of the Sapphire struggles to regain their footing. Jade returns to Lucrum with the escort of Prince Weston only to find herself cornered by Lord Everett's political maneuvering. With her freedom at stake, Jade is faced with a choice: give up her dreams for the future, or watch as those closest to her die.

Ben hunts down Victor and his mysterious Void Born with the help of Finn and his granddaughter Raine. The longer they are together, the harder Ben falls for the enigmatic swordswoman. But mad sages and ruthless assassins aren't all he needs to fear–if Ben's friends find out his secret, he could lose everything.

With Terrene at stake, they cannot lose sight of their goals.

Even with the past and the future pulling at them.

Void Born just released last week and can be purchased here. And here's a little more about the author:

During the day, Becky is a stay at home mom of two active little boys. When she has ‘free time’, she enjoys reading, writing, baking and sewing. After many years of creative writing classes, writing fanfiction drabbles and daydreaming, it was high time to start writing her husband Mike's story. She dove into the world of Terrene and hasn’t looked back—except for when she runs out of dark chocolate. Any free time not spent in Terrene is typically expended on hosting dinner and game nights, running amok with the two little monkeys or watching nerdy movies with Mike.

You can connect with her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and her website. Thanks for visiting today, R.J., and congratulations on your new release!!

Nick Newton Is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida (KaLyn)

At Realm Makers in July, I picked up a middle-grade steampunk called Nick Newton is not a Genius. It was not a book I was familiar with, but it looked like a fun read and I couldn't pass up a middle-grade steampunk.

Nick Newton, named after his legendary grandfather General Nicolas Newton, is an average child in a family of genius. But he's more like the late grandfather he idolizes that even he realizes.

The story opens with Nick's prestigious school's pronouncement that he's an average child and therefore can no longer attend their school (a school only for genius). Undeterred, Nick stays optimistic about his changing situation and seeks to make his own discoveries - the first of which is the discovery of a mechanical bird, Plink, invented by his grandfather.

While he isn't a genius and may never be a great inventor, Nick is a child with above average compassion. It is his humility and concern for others that leads to his greatest discoveries. It is also how he is most like his namesake.

Nick Newton is not a Genius showcases compassion, friendship, curiosity, understanding, and a healthy family dynamic in a delightful, middle-grade steampunk tale.

The second book in the series, "Nick Newton: the Highest Bidder," released on November 7th. I actually pre-ordered the second book in paperback, hoping to get it before this post. However, the book went out of stock before release day. Amazon informed me I wouldn't get a copy until December.

But anticipation is part of the fun, right?

Looking forward to joining Nick and Plink on their next adventure!

About Book One

Nick Newton is not a Genius. He’s just a merely average boy from the country of Thauma. He may not be brilliant like his mom and dad or a child prodigy like his sister, but he won’t let that stop him from uncovering the mysteries of a clockwork factory or revealing a war hero’s greatest secret. With help from two new friends and his butler named Jude, Nick embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.

About Book Two

Nick, a merely average boy from the country of Thauma, has learned that one doesn't need to be a genius or wealthy to have amazing adventures. All one needs is to keep going. When Solomon decides to put Elizabeth the android back together, Nick promises to help in any way that he can. He learns many important lessons, like the value of a speck, and to dodge mechanical baby strollers, fencing sisters, and auction bids. If all goes well, he might even make a few new friends too. 

Top Three Fairy Tale Retellings (Lauricia)

For many of us, fairy tales supply our first taste of the fun of fantasy. At a young age we are introduced to magical adventures in which the good guy always wins, and we explore wondrous worlds with just enough danger to add a sense of urgency while assuring us that, as long as we keep our wits about us, we can overcome any threat.

As we grow older, many of us think back on those stories with fondness. We love to revisit them, but the sense of wonder is gone, replaced with the comfort of something so familiar that we have it memorized. We long to return to the original stories, but we wish they weren’t so well worn. It is this desire that makes fairy tale retellings so popular.

I have yet to write a fairy tale retelling. I worry that I will not do the original story justice, or that my version will come off as hackneyed and flat. However, every once in a while I come across a retelling that I am drawn to read, and I am happy to share my top three most recent discoveries with you.

 Masque by W. R. Gingell

This is a delightful retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" that takes the story in a way readers would never expect it to go. Think Disney’s Beauty and the Beast meets Sam Spade, private detective, set in Regency England. In this version, Isabella Farrah, the daughter of an ambassador, is more interested in getting her man than she is in being rescued. The only problem is Lord Pecus, Commander of the city’s Watch, keeps getting in the way. Well, Isabella actually keeps getting in his way, but if Pecus would just let Isabella have her way, she’s certain she could nab the murderer of one of her oldest friends.  A feisty heroine whose nobody’s fool and witty dialogue highlight this story’s unique blend of the fairy tale and murder mystery genres, making Masque a retelling must-read.

The Firethorn Crown (Firethorn Chronicles, Book 1) by Lea Doue

Before I knew this story was a retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses", I fell into it in a way that I hadn’t done with any story for a long time. I was pleased with the cast of characters, with the author’s attention to detail, with the way she managed to include all twelve girls without causing confusion, and—most of all—with the love triangle. While love triangles seem to be obligatory recently, Doue handled this one in a gracefully realistic way. As I finished the book, I was already looking forward to the second book in the series.

Waking Beauty by Sarah E. Morin

This is an excellent retelling of "Sleeping Beauty". However, this version examines the story from a unique angle, asking: What happens if, every time Beauty thought she woke up, she found out that she was truly still asleep? Once Prince Charming rescued her, how could he convince her she was truly awake? This story is a cleverly thought out variation of the original with slightly allegoric overtones. The author cleverly challenges the assumptions readers naturally make when thinking of the story and does so with developed wit and poignancy.

Do you enjoy fairy tale retellings? Why or why not? If so, which ones are your favorites?