The Final Act (The Straton Trilogy Book 1) by F.R. Merrill Genre: Suspense
Bright lights. Curtain calls. A cruel and unsuspected murder
What is the price of success, and are you willing to pay that price? These are questions F.R. Merrill poses in her debut novel, The Final Act, a thrilling work of suspense set in Broadway.
F.R. Merrill takes us into the life of an assistant producer, Faith Straton who is just one step from bringing her Native American production to Broadway. As she inches closer to her dream, however, things start falling apart. A friend is lost forever, and Faith Straton discovers she is a target for murder.
A professional storyteller and short story writer of more than 15 years, F.R. Merrill’s first novel promises to be a gripping page-turner that’ll not only entertain and thrill readers, but also enthrall them with fascinating insights into Native American culture. The author’s mastery and understanding of human nature and motivations arms the book with all the necessary elements to be a memorable and touching read with valuable life lessons that we can apply to our own lives. The Final Act will have you confronting many of the most difficult questions that plague our times – from the value of financial success and popularity to the importance of other people in our lives. It’s certain to earn a spot as one of the most meaningful and most enriching books to be published this year.
Crossroads (The Straton Trilogy Book 2) by F.R. Merrill Genre: Suspense
Mountain ranges, Ocean Breezes, And Revenge
Seven women come together to journey across Spain. Unsuspected, one member arrives with hatred in her heart and revenge is her only mission.
Lives are threatened, emotions peaked, and miracles abound on this physically demanding hike over 550 miles of Spain’s most beautiful countryside.
This story will appeal to ages 16 to 70 who enjoy stories of determination, travel, history, and suspense.
Note: Characters from a previous book mature in this book. The title of that book is THE FINAL ACT, From Woodstock to Broadway. It too is a short read.
Murder in Mosaic (The Straton Trilogy Book 3) by F.R. Merrill Genre: Suspense
ROMANCE, THE ART OF MOSAICS, AND BETRAYAL
As an unpublished manuscript, MURDER IN MOSAIC won in the Amsterdam Book Festival. The third in the Straton trilogy, before Amanda Straton entrenches into a new life in Florida, she takes time to visit her parents and a friend in Washington, D.C. Then it’s off to Italy to study mosaics. Unprepared she faces the dark force that pursued her in her youth. Evil returns with a vengeance. At the end, the ultimate question that remains, who will pay evil’s demands?
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F. R. Merrill, author of the Straton Trilogy) The Final Act, Crossroads, and Murder in Mosaic, and storyteller since 1993 bases her stories on adventures from cycling across the U.S. in several directions, cycling the Almafi Coast, cycling from Vienna to Budapest, cycling the Himalayas in Bhutan, and more. She hiked the Camino Del Norte in Spain in 2006, and since childhood has always painted and sculpted. She’s devoted to studies relating to her Native American heritage, and spiritual understanding.
Merrill is married, lives in Melbourne, Fl., assists The Special Spotlight Theater, (helping the challenged build pride through dance), and is a member of the Florida Historical Society, Brevard Cultural Alliance, and Zonta International (fighting against human trafficking).
If you love Fairies, have an insatiable love for the unseen, enjoy a good riddle shrouded with demon twists and believe in soul mates; hang on for a ride with Meridian through the twists and turns in this paranormal love story.
Notorious leader, Warrick has it out for Meridian and her circle of Spirit Guides and plans to use the Hall of Souls to cast Meridian’s father away for fictitious crimes as a cover for his real agenda. Struggles for the balance of power over humankind and a battle for their existence have the Spirit Guides in a precarious position.
Seeking refuge, the Spirit Guides fall deeper in debt to the mysterious fairy Queen as she capitalizes on the Spirit Guides’ weak position. Answering the dark one’s riddle may be the answer, but the sly queen is no stranger to tricks and riddles. The Queen’s agenda may be Meridian’s downfall.
A love triangle is unfolding in the midst of this epic struggle threatening the unity of the Fairies and the Spirit Guides. Human boy Aiden, son of a fallen spirit guide, unbeknownst to him is in the middle of the love triangle and the source of Meridian’s obsession.
In a race to save her father from the Hall of Souls and a fight for humankind, Meridian is on the horizon to finding her soul mate and taking back her home of Etheria until the Fairy Queen’s deception becomes the ultimate price.
MERIDIAN’S curse has left her in a state all her own of amnesia.
She is on Earth lost and afraid with only fragments to piece together her mysterious circumstance. The curse has taken the unimaginable from her, but that is just scratching the surface. The Black Widow curse will reveal itself through the demon’s riddle, the Coven and the Fairy Nymphs.
A trip back to Salem is just what the psychic ordered, but treachery lurks with an ex coven member who calls on demons. The demon realm offers more riddles than answers, but a stroke of luck from the high demon court, brings in a sophisticated demon, Lahash who has grown tired of the games.
The curse hides Meridian’s identity and her memory will unlock the Universal secret of her twin soul to find her way home. As Meridian finds Aiden so do the impacts of her curse and what it could do to their budding relationship.
Meridian’s soul and fate are in the cross hairs, while the odds rise between the demons, witches and the fairies. Finally having found Aiden, the Fairy Queen comes through to send aid to Meridian, but she still doubts herself and contemplates running away from it all. Who is Meridian’s twin soul? Will she go back to Etheria or will the curse reign down on Meridian?
Find out in this dark and twisted paranormal romance.
“Great sequel to the first book in the series! I loved the introduction of Lahash. Reminds me of one of my favorite characters from an older book I read some years ago. It was great to get more into the minds of the lead characters and see that they have some of the same thoughts and emotions just like we do. Anyone who loves a good paranormal book with some villains you will love to hate or just hate and a great plot with some nice twists then I would definitely recommend this book!”
Meridian, stays with Raina the ex-coven member who uses black magic to keep Meridian at her side. Aiden struggles with Meridian’s absence having no idea why she really left him. The demon court has their own agenda in the fight for human souls by keeping Meridian banished, but the elemental fairy nymphs come back again to help and may be the ultimate undoing in the fight to send Meridian home. Using the demon’s lustful ways against the favorite of the court, Lahash, may throw a kink in their demonic plan that involves the hall of souls. One good witch answers another of the demon’s riddle setting off a battle in the dark realm, but the real answer still eludes everyone. Is Meridian’s twin soul Aiden? Is it Relic or Kieren? Meridian finds her twin soul but it comes with a price. In the third of the four installments of Meridian Chronicles series, hang on for love, treachery and a fight for one unique soul that will take you on a ride to a mind blowing ending you won’t see coming.
Keepers & The Soul Key (Meridian Chronicles book 4) by M.D. Fryson Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
What has happened to Aiden after his selfless act of sacrificing his life for Meridian? Where did Meridian go? True love can break the curse, but only an act of true love from a twin soul sets her free. Their epic and sudden departure have left their friends, witches, fairies, and spirits in search of their souls.
While the high court demons strategize their attack of the hall of souls to absorb the angels’ power — the only demoness at court has her secret obsession, and she used Moloch, the dark one’s soul collector, who may have taken more than just one soul of a wicked witch.
Astaroth’s secret obsession and help from Moloch may indirectly help the dark one’s plan. But there is one problem that lingers.
Lahash, the rogue demon of the high court, has been charged to destroy his obsession, Echo, the Earth nymph. After kidnapping her and taking her to the dark realm, she is weakened and cannot fend off the brooding demon’s lust. In a passionate moment, Lahash finally confesses why he is so obsessed with the nymph, and she admits her secret knowledge of human souls.
The search for Meridian and Aiden surfaces a shocking revelation. Aiden is trapped and needs to be saved, but from whom?
The spirit guides demand the return of a spirit guide from the keepers, who remains in the hall of souls. They believe this spirit guide can stop the demons, save the spirit guide realm, find Meridian, and save humankind.
The keepers, known as the angels, have one request that the chosen one must accomplish before Etheria can be saved, and Aiden to be returned. There is only one weapon that can destroy the demons, and it is the angels’ quartz sword hidden on Earth.
Will Etheria’s chosen one of the spirit realm find the sword? Will the demons be destroyed, or will dark one’s plan triumph? Can the fallen finally be freed of their awful fate? Will Lahash kill Echo?
Find out if all is to be in vain or if the chosen one can defeat the demons, connect with her twin soul, and form the powerful soul key that can save all.
The Chosen (SECTOR C Series Book 1) by Nina Soden Genre: Urban Fantasy
Set in a futuristic dystopian where society is governed by a council of vampires and lycanthropes, selection students are sheltered and raised in a deceptively utopian world. Strict rules are imposed to control population growth, education, and even personal interactions with other members of the Sector, all in the name of safety. When ‘A’ comes of age, she like all youth throughout Sector C and her selection classmates aren’t sent out into the world to find jobs, make money and lead happy carefree lives. They are forced to endure the rigorous physical and mental testing of Selection Week before choosing their destiny or being forced into a fate far worse. Those that make it out alive are announced as sector residence, given a position within the society, and allotted all the privileges of their chosen “culture.” However, when your only choices are vampirism, lycanthropy, breeder, blood donor, or banishment to the Wastelands, what choice do you really have? Suspenseful, intense, passionate, and awash in paranormal delights, Sector C captures the enchantment and mysteries of the supernatural world and the power of friendship.
The Hunted (SECTOR C Series Book 2) by Nina Soden Genre: Urban Fantasy
In the future, most of the world is governed by a council of vampires and lycanthropes. Sector residents are offered the freedom to live as they desire provided they stay and abide by the laws handed down. After being jolted awake by the blaring screech of the sector alarm, Zelina is dragged from her bed, gagged, and tied to a chair. Confronted with the brutal murder of one of her former classmates, she realizes that all eyes are on her as the primary suspect. Whether she was involved or not doesn’t matter. In the eyes of most sector residents, and most Council Members, Zelina is already a pariah—feared for the powers she will certainly come to possess. For she is the first human known to have both vampire and lycanthrope blood flowing through her veins. Zelina will find herself on a gripping adventure that will take her beyond the borders she’s known all her life in an attempt to save those she loves—and herself from becoming The Hunted.
The Bridge (SECTOR C Series Book 3) by Nina Soden Genre: Urban Fantasy
Change is happening all around Zelina and with it a prophesy is revealed. Is Zelina the key to unlocking a new way of existing on earth? What will she do when she discovers the true monsters of Sector C – the darkness that feeds off of the fear and the unknowing. Will she be able to suspend her own disbelief about what is possible and secure a new future? With the help of Merick, a motley crew of defectors, and a host of unexpected allies, Zelina bridges space and time in an attempt to bring forth a new future for all sentient beings. Join Zelina, Merick, and the others as they discover the power of the prophesy and their parts in setting their stagnant world free.
I have always been creative, be it art, theatre, film – anything but singing – you don’t want to hear that! I earned her bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Military Science from EMU where I spent most of my time either on stage, rappelling down buildings, or working one of three jobs. After college, I moved to Los Angeles, like so many other want-to-be actors, in pursuit of my dreams. I worked to pay the bills… but my love was acting and I was actually somewhat successful, mostly in commercials and independent films and I had a great time doing it.
In 2008, after some major life changes, I self-published her first book PRIVATE WORDS UNSPOKEN, a compilation of poetry. Since then, my dreams have gotten bigger and I would like to think my storytelling ability has gotten better. I have done everything from secretarial work to business development to being the Director of a private preschool. I have fired an M16, jumped out of a C130, and given birth – TWICE – but I always return to my art.
Though I’ll forever be a Michigan girl at heart, I now live in the South with my husband and two beautiful children. If I’m not working on my latest story, you can find me lounging with a good book, playing with my kids, or indulging in my unhealthy addiction to Starbucks coffee.
Since I’m participating in my own series blog tour, I thought it might be fun to have a Q&A. So, if you have any questions for me about the books, my writing style, or just being an author, let me know in the comments below. I’d love to start a dialogue.
Bastian Bucco, ghost hunter. Charged with gathering the souls of those chosen to fill the Black Zodiac. A nexus that holds the ultimate power. The souls must be of those who died suddenly. Those whose lives embodied the essence of the Black Zodiac.
The things that motivate people in life, carries over into death. Sex, revenge, power- these are the stories of the chosen ones. The ones to fulfill his duty. But why were they chosen? What, or who has selected these beings?
Find out in the Black Zodiac. Things will never be the same…
Zizi Cole, a born and bred native of Missouri, resides in a small town with her two boys and cat. When she isn’t writing, she likes to spend time with her children and do some reading.
She is a writer of horror, and more recently, has branched out into the realm of fantasy. She’s been an active member in the Indie community- making the best-seller list in her categories, she has also been nominated for several awards including “Best Horror Author”. Zizi’s co-authored fantasy, Afflicted, won second place for “Best Retelling” with Enchanted Anthologies in 2017. Her DAMNED series also took third place for “Best Horror” with Wild Dreams Publishing. She looks forward to meeting her fans at events and connecting with them on social media.
Would you like a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I’m Zizi Cole. I have been published for almost three years now. My first book Sweet Nightmares came out April 29, 2017. I started writing my first novel because I was bored and laid off from my muggle job. I wrote Sweet Nightmares in a month. Once it was done, I knew I had to publish it. It was a compulsion.
I think realistically I have always been a writer, just haven’t always put pen to paper. I would journal my feelings and thoughts when I was younger and still do when things become too much, but it was something I’ve always done. I would tell stories to my cousins. We would do a round robin type of storytelling.
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I’m shy. People tend to think that I am loud and outgoing, which I am once I get to know you, but I’m innately shy and takes me a while to open up. I was never good at making friends, but the friends I have are ones that I will have for the rest of my life.
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born and raised in Missouri. I still live in the town I went to high school in. It was only the second town I have ever lived in my entire life. It is a small town, quaint town.
If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I’d spend it with my kids.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I watch the Golden Girls or Gilmore Girls. I like the comedy and repetition. I also read or listen to audiobooks.
How to find time to write as a parent?
I find time to write as a parent after work, usually after the boys go to bed. Now that they are older, they give me time to write after I get off work, but I have a hard time concentrating on my books when I can hear them in the other room.
My best time to write is in the morning before everyone gets up. It is calm and peaceful, giving me time to think and let my imagination go wild.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I am a fan of the Hunger Games movies. I’m not sure what it is about them that pull me to them, but I absolutely love it.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I would love all of them to become a move, but I would like to see The DAMNED series to be made into a movie trilogy or Black Zodiac to be made into a Netflix original series. I would also love to see The Missing in a movie. Can I go back to my answer of all of them? 😊
Beverly Ovalle dabbled with writing on and off for years when her best friend finally dared her to submit a story to a writing contest. Beverly decided she had nothing to lose and since she’d always wanted to be an author sent it in and agonized for months waiting to hear back. Contract in hand she has never looked back.
Beverly has been obsessed with dragons and romance since she was a young girl, collecting dragon books and reading everything she could find on them even down to the care of real life dragons. She’s always been slightly panicked that the world as we know it will end, so has prepped for it, haunting survivalist pages and prepper projects she felt she needed in the event SHTF.
An avid fan of all romance, Beverly’s goal is to share her love of the written word and write the hot and erotic romances that she enjoys. She writes what she loves to read and it was only a matter of time before her obsessions crept into her writing for her to share. She hopes you enjoy her tales as much as she loves writing them.
Stealing Hope (A Dragon’s Fated Heart Book 1) by Beverly Ovalle Genre: Paranormal Romance
The apocalypse has come and gone. Those who survived learned to adapt. Dragons awaken to once again reign over the skies.
Upon eruption of a volcano, Ari awakens to a changed world, and a knowing that his dragon’s mate is near. He saves her twice—once as a dragon, and again as a man—and wins her confidence.
Hope cried out, moaning, “just change me with pleasure?”
Hope is restless and unfulfilled until she meets Ari, the man of her fantasies. The sensual tension between them heightens with every touch. When their passion explodes, Hope gets pulled into the dragon’s mating ritual…and into a world of erotic sensation she never dreamed existed but now cannot live without. The dragon binds his mate to him with a ritual that shows Hope her true nature in this humorous erotic romance.
Finding Faith (A Dragon’s Fated Heart Book 2) by Beverly Ovalle Genre: Paranormal Romance
The apocalypse had been and gone. Those left banded together for survival, creating safety from the chaos. They succeeded.
Faith wanted more, she wanted to live, to love, fly free. More than survival, Faith craved adventure. Leaving home, seeking a new life, all that ceased when she witnessed her sister being abducted-by dragons, creatures shrouded in myth. Determined to rescue her, Faith begins an adventure she never wants to end.
Dragon shifter Crag follows his heart, hunting for his fated mate. Once he finds her, Crag is determined to keep her safe, from all threats. Admitting he is a dragon shifter and involved in her sister’s kidnapping may be the end of them.
Until the interference of a race of dragons desperate for survival grasps their only chance, stealing Faith and drawing Crag along to save her.
Saving Grace (A Dragon’s Fated Heart Book 3) by Beverly Ovalle Genre: Paranormal Romance
The apocalypse had come and gone. Secrets lie buried waiting to be found. Dragons are not the only ones awakening to a new world.
Grace has always felt a bit like an outsider, even in her own family. She preferred to do things on her own, ignoring her loneliness. That all changes when Rog barrels into her life, opening her eyes to so much more.
Dragon shifter Rog has seen what problems hiding your inner dragon from your mate brings. Saving his mate from a precarious situation, he changes in front of her. Her awe and hesitant acceptance have him wrapped around her finger in a heartbeat.
Together they find a hidden, cryogenic facility. Do they awaken the lost souls hidden in the depth of the mountain? Dare they take the chance of possibly bringing back the diseases to once again ravage their world?
Those are easy questions, but how can Rog explain the mating ritual to change Grace into a dragon involving himself and other dragons giving her more pleasure in a once in a lifetime experience?
Are you interested in a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Read on as Author Beverly Ovalle shares a little about the world of A Dragon’s Fated Heart and reveals a glimpse into the next book in the series!
I’m a bit of a prepper so writing about a post-apocalyptic world isn’t a surprise to anyone that really knows me. In my kitchen I have my go to bag and necessities ready to go. Better yet, we bought an RV and I was dancing around excited that I have my own vehicle that I prep every year, lol.
Naturally I wanted to write about what would happen, but not during. We all know that will be death, destruction and lawlessness. For Pete’s sake most cities have riots when their sports teams win! Or if there is a natural disaster. Looting is the first thing that happens.
No, I wanted to show what would happen when people realize they need to survive. Stealing from others will only do you good for so long-if you don’t die when someone else defends themselves. So, back to an agricultural society. It will be the only way to eat. Hunting, growing and working together. But every community that survives will probably be different. What would you do?
I’m of the firm belief the Amish will be the ones to survive in America. Gasoline will run out eventually. Electricity will be gone unless you’ve got solar or wind power. They already have that going on.
But then I take it to a fantasy world. Dragons wake up, hidden in the recesses of the world.
Because? Obsessed! So much that at one point I had dragons as pets until they passed away.
Saving Grace is my fourth dip into this world. My dragons started out in Colorado and roam the United States, with Rog and Hark checking out Kentucky. An absolutely beautiful state. What I had planned to be stories about six siblings is expanding a bit. One of the dragons in Saving Grace, Indra, is practically begging for his own story. I’ve already bought the cover! You will also meet the future mate of one of Rog’s sisters. Not that any of them realize that. Not yet at any rate.
So, prepping, dragons and sexy men swirl in my brain and pour out to entertain. Once I start writing one of my stories, it’s hard to stop. I hope you enjoy my Dragon’s Fated Heart Series as much as I like writing them.
I’m excited to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about A Dragon’s Fated Heart Series. If you’re intrigued, make sure you order your copies today, just CLICK HERE!
Did you participate in last week’s #WritingWednesday post? It was about the little things in life. If you haven’t posted your response, click HEREso you can do that now. Then, make sure you check in here ~ every Wednesday ~ for the latest #WritingWednesday writing prompt! Now, back to today’s regularly scheduled post…
Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.
Read the writing prompt below,
Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!
The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.
Today I am writing in the voice of Tripp, a character in one of my current ‘WIP’ manuscripts.
Today’s writing prompt:
What is something that has required your patience?
That’s easy, teleportation. The power to transport runs in my family, my dad could do it, just like his father, his grandfather, his great-grandfather, and as far back as he knew. It wasn’t surprising when my powers started to develop, despite my mother’s hope that they never would.
Teleportation takes time and patience to learn and if not done right, it could be a death sentence. In all honesty, it is a death sentence either way. With every trip you make, you’re slowly killing yourself. It takes a toll on the body and the mind. I’m twenty-two, but my doctors can’t explain how I have the heart and lungs of a forty-year-old even though I look like I’m in the best physical condition of my life. I exercise daily, I eat right, and I’ve never smoked a day in my life.
When my great grandfather was thirty-nine, he was committed to a mental ward, he died their ten years later. When my grandfather was forty-six, he died of a heart attack while in transport. We lost my father when he was only forty-two. He had had two strokes before he turned forty, the third one killed him.
I don’t expect to live beyond my twenties, no male in my family ever has. I guess that’s why I live the way I do, on the edge. I never say no and I am willing to try just about anything. I can’t lie, it has gotten me in a bit of trouble from time to time. I’ve done things I don’t recommend but wouldn’t take back. That’s probably why the watchmen at Operation Atlas have put out a reward for my arrest. I guess we just have to see who catches me first, Operation Atlas or Death!
Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt [Patience] inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
What books have made your April 2020 reading list? Comment below and let me know! Then, click on the links below to check out my latest post for the New York Times Top Ten Lists and see which books you’d like to add to your reading list!
Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora for her most dangerous adventure ever: high school. Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots, Diego, a mysterious jungle inhabitant, and a ragtag group of teens on a live-action adventure to save her parents and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost Inca civilization. Written by Nick Moreau
Now let’s talk about the movie… That’s why we are here, right?
My kids are still young. Young enough that I remember them watching Dora the Explorer over and over when they were really little. Admittedly, because they watched it… so did I. I didn’t love the cartoon, but I didn’t hate it either. The ‘Map’ song got stuck in my head more days than it didn’t, but those were good times and good memories.
When I heard they were making a live action Dora movie, I was not surprised. My kids weren’t all that interested in seeing it in the theatre, nor was I, but free on TV… sure why not. Especially since I was asked by a reader to review it.
The screenplay was written very true to the original cartoon. It definitely felt like they brought the cartoon characters to life. I appreciated their loyalty to the original animation and found that it was surprisingly really fun to watch. I agree with Libby when she says it was refreshingly funny.
Cinematography ★★★★
It was live action… as life action as a kid’s movie can get. The cinematography helped to bring the audience into the action sequences making viewers feel like they’re in the action and running through the jungle right alongside Dora and her friends.
Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★
The kids in this film did a great job. They took on their roles 100% and looked like they were having so much fun during filming.
FUN FACTS:
* Isabela Merced, who plays Dora, had earlier starred as Dora’s friend Kate in Dora and Friends: Into the City! (2014)
* Weeks before the film’s release, a pair of red boots were digitally applied to Boots after it was found he wasn’t wearing any.
* The film was released in 2019 which is one year shy from the 20th Anniversary of the original Dora the Explorer (2000) series.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE:
“This is a golden poison tree frog! Can YOU say ‘extreme neurotoxicity’?” ~ Dora
“Oh look, Dora brought a knife on the field trip everybody!” ~ Sammy
TO SUM IT UP:
Not my favorite movie of the year and I probably wouldn’t watch it again, but I enjoyed it and I’m glad I saw it.
Have you seen Dora and the Lost City of Gold yet? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If not, I highly recommend seeing it for yourself and forming your own opinion.
The Rite of Wands (The Rite of Wands Book 1) by Mackenzie Flohr Genre: YA Fantasy
One boy…one Rite… And a world of deadly secrets that could change the course of history—forever
And so begins the tale of Mierta McKinnon. When a horrible fate reveals itself during his Rite of Wands ceremony, he must find a way to change not only his destiny but also the land of Iverna’s.
Forbidden from revealing the future he foresees to anyone, he is granted a wand and his magical powers, but still must master the realm of magic in order to save himself and those he loves.
But Mierta is not the only one with secrets…especially when it’s impossible to know who to trust.
When Lochlann becomes nervous about his upcoming Rite of Wands ceremony, his brother Mierta McKinnon reassures him everything will be okay. But when Lochlann staggers out of his ceremony and refuses to use magic, Mierta McKinnon is determined to find out what really happened.
Meanwhile, the kingdom of Vandolay is under attack by a dangerous, unidentified creature, and Mierta’s father, Mortain McKinnon, requests his son’s assistance to help aid the injured.
But the people of Vandolay aren’t the only ones Mierta must save when someone he holds dear comes face-to-face with the creature and their life hangs in the balance.
Now Mierta must draw upon his strength and his newly acquired magic skills to defeat a dangerous foe and save everyone from death.
2019 Author Academy Awards: Top 10 Finalist – Fantasy
2018 Literary Classics Awards Gold Medal Winner: Best Young Adult Fantasy Novel
2018 Imadjinn Award for Best Fantasy Novel
2018 International Book Awards Finalist in the Fiction: Fantasy
2017 Foreword INDIES Book of Year Awards Silver Medal Winner: Fantasy
Mackenzie is the award-winning author of the young adult fantasy series The Rite of Wands. A storyteller at heart, she loves to inspire the imagination. Mackenzie makes her home in Michigan, where she is currently penning her next adventure.
Would you like a chance to win a Swag Pack with a bookmark, Rite of Wands poster, and Rite of Wands character cards? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
I am excited to be one of many hosts sharing information about The Rite of Abnegation by Mackenzie Flohr. If you want to check out the books, you can order your copies HERE!
Back in high school, Jack Cunningham had everything going for him. A basketball phenom, he could have punched his ticket to college or even the pros, but, instead, he chose to walk away from the game, forfeiting his future. Jack’s glory days are long gone…but, as it turns out, not forgotten. Years later, he gets the chance to take back his life when he is asked to coach the struggling basketball team at his alma mater. Jack reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself, and as the boys start to come together as a team and win, he may get his last shot at redemption. Written by Warner Bros
Now let’s talk about the movie… That’s why we are here, right?
This was such a powerful script. If you are looking at this film as a sports film, it holds up. The story surrounding the basketball scenes are really good. It’s an underdog story where the worst team in the league ends up winning it all. I loved that.
If you are looking at this film for the human, emotional aspect… WOW! The dramatic aspects of this script along with the truly heartfelt acting take the movie beyond just good and make it a great film.
Character(s)/Acting: ★★★★★
The Way Back stars Ben Affleck and if I’m being 100% honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of his. I liked him in Good Will Hunting and he was ok in Gone Girl and a few other movies. Although, for the most part, he is just ok. He tends to play the same character in everything he is in. I guess that is why I was so surprised when I watched this movie. Ben Affleck gives us an AMAZING performance. It is the best acting I’ve ever seen him do. The emotion he puts into the role is so beautifully devastating and real. Knowing that he has suffered from addiction in his real life, I can only imagine that some of these scenes had to be extremely hard for him to do.
Cinematography ★★★★★
I have nothing bad or good to say about the cinematography. I think that because the script was so good and the acting was even better, I didn’t notice the cinematography, but that means it was also good enough not to be noticed in any negative ways. So, it gets five stars too.
FUN FACTS:
* The movie's original title was 'The Has-Been'.
* Like Jack, Ben Affleck has also struggled with alcoholism.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE:
“You want to know why they’re leaving you open? It’s because they don’t think you can hit the ocean from the beach.” ~ Jack Cunningham
TO SUM IT UP:
Four little words say it all, “I LOVED THIS FILM!”
Have you seen The Way Back yet? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments below. If not, I highly recommend seeing it for yourself and forming your own opinion.
When was the last time you found a book that just swept you away? Reading can be a great escape when your stuck at home during the quarantine. Why not read before you stream?
Take a loot at the books below and let me know which ones are the most appealing to you! If you’re daring, you’ll order a copy and read it before streaming it on Netflix, Hulu, or any of your other online streaming accounts.
BOOKS TURNED INTO TV SHOWS
Which of these books have you read? Which of the TV shows have you seen? Share your answers in the comments below and let me know if you would like me to review any of the books and/or shows!
BOOKS TURNED INTO MOVIES
Which of these books have you read? Which of the movies have you seen? Share your answers in the comments below and let me know if you would like me to review any of the books and/or movies!
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