Winners!

The winner of Dust by Joan Frances Turner:

Michael Draper
(claimed =D)

The winner of Manifest by Artist Arthur:

Crystal Broyles
(claimed =D)

The winner of Wind and Fire by Cheryl Landmark:

Stephanie
(claimed =D)

Thanks for being patient with me and my announcement of the winners. I've emailed all of you and you have until the end of Saturday, February 26th to contact me back. Thanks so much for everyone who entered!

Giveaway: Wind and Fire

Want to win a signed copy of Wind and Fire by Cheryl Landmark?

Simply fill out this form!

Giveaway ends February 19th

US & Canada Entrants Only

Good Luck!!

Q&A with Cheryl Landmark

Please welcome author Cheryl Landmark to P.S. I Love Books.


Cheryl lives in a quiet, picturesque hamlet called Gros Cap in Northern Ontario, Canada with her husband Mike and a faithful canine companion. She loves dogs, reading, jigsaw puzzles and, of course, writing fantasy novels in her spare time. WIND AND FIRE is her first published novel.

Welcome Cheryl! I appreciate you taking the time out to visit P.S. I Love Books.
My pleasure, Mishel! Thanks so much for having me.

Can you tell us a little bit about your novel Wind and Fire and what your inspiration was?

Wind and Fire is the story of a young woman named Tenya, who finds herself plunged into a world of terrifying danger and evil as she struggles to save her mother and the world of Tellaron from a Demon Master. She must quickly learn to control the white fire that runs through her veins in order to accomplish her mission.

I’ve always been fascinated by the fantasy genre, and it seems my imagination is overly active because I’m constantly inventing worlds and characters in my head that I simply must put down on paper. Over the years, I’ve read many incredible fantasy/sci-fi books, including Lord of the Rings, Dragonriders of Pern and Shannara, and they’ve inspired me to create my own magical worlds where one can lose oneself among mystical creatures, brave, loyal companions, evil villains and clashes between good and evil.

What was one of your favorite and least favorite things about writing Wind and Fire?

My favorite part was writing about Tenya’s interactions with Sindril and seeing her grow and develop during her journey as she faces all the challenges thrown her way. My least favorite part was the editing and revising after I completed the manuscript. It’s tough to go through your story over and over again and change things after you’ve typed THE END, but I know it’s a necessary and vital component of writing.

If you had the chance to do it all over again would you change anything in Wind and Fire?

I would definitely do more revising and editing, even though it’s my least favorite part of the writing process as I mentioned above! I’ve had a few reviewers comment on the overuse of descriptive adjectives and dry, clunky writing in places. This constructive criticism has helped me to become more aware of the common mistakes I make in my writing and I would certainly apply the lessons learned to Wind and Fire. I think I would probably make the novel a little longer, too, to allow for a bit more world building and character development.

Sending my baby,Wind and Fire, out into the big, scary world of publishing has taught me many valuable lessons and I hope I can use those insights to make my future writing better.

When did you first realize that you wanted to write?

Probably from the first moment I learned the alphabet! That may be somewhat of an exaggeration, but I do know that, from a very early age, I was always scribbling poems and short stories on scrap pieces of paper, and I excelled in English class because I loved writing essays and book reports. I developed a passion for writing back then that has, if anything, become almost an obsession with me now.

If your life were made into a movie who would you like to see play you on the big screen?

Hmm, let’s see. Who is the most beautiful actress in Hollywood? LOL! I have no idea.

If you could write a book about absolutely anything with any other author (dead or alive) what would it be about and who would you choose?

Another tough question! I’d love the opportunity to work with someone like Agatha Christie. Her mysteries have always been among my favorites. I just adore Hercule Poirot! A few of my unfinished manuscripts are mysteries and I think Ms. Christie’s insights would be invaluable.

What’s your ideal writing environment like?

My writing room is far away from the living-room so I’m not distracted by the T.V. and my husband can watch it all he likes. I like my environment to be quiet when I write; I don’t listen to music and I don’t have any kids, which means they’re not running in and out every five minutes asking Mom to do something. I write on a laptop, so in the summer, I’ll sometimes take it out on to the front deck and enjoy the warm, sunny weather at the same time.

I’m always looking for books to add to my ginormous TBR (to be read) pile. What books are you currently reading or have read recently? Any good recommendations?

I recently read a series of children’s fantasy books called The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness by Michelle Paver. They were so enjoyable I practically flew through the five books in a matter of days. Another fantasy series that I would highly recommend is The Castings Trilogy by Pamela Freeman. Kristen Britain’s Green Rider is also quite good. I’m currently reading Masques by Patricia Briggs and am finding it very entertaining and engaging.

I’ve been on a book buying frenzy for the last couple of months. My local bookstore draws me like a magnet, so I can totally relate to your ginormous TBR pile, Mishel!

What are some of your favorite things to do when given a break from the writing life and other work-related things?

My second favorite hobby is reading, so I spend a great deal of time indulging in that passion when I’m not writing. In addition, I enjoy the great outdoors--hiking, canoeing, and snowshoeing--with my hubby and canine companion.

Are you currently working on any projects that we may see from you in the future?

Yes, as a matter-of-fact, I’m putting the finishing touches on my second fantasy novel, called Pool of Souls, in preparation for sending it off to the publisher. I’ve found myself an amazing critique partner/editor, who has been invaluable in helping me to revise the manuscript.

Again, thank you so much for stopping by.

I’ve enjoyed visiting with you and all your readers, Mishel. Thanks again for this opportunity to chat.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a chance to win a signed copy of Wind and Fire!

Review: Wind and Fire

Wind and Fire

Cheryl Landmark

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: May 2010

Publisher: Asylett Press

Pages: 232

Author Site: http://www3.sympatico.ca/cheryl.landmark/

My Rating: 3/5

Source: Received from author for review

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

Zardonne, Master of the Dark Rift, has ripped a hole in the fabric of Tellaron and invaded with an army of hideous demons. Oblivious to the dangers and evil brewing beyond the borders of the quiet Ardis Valley where she lives, nineteen year old Tenya toils through a life of dreary loneliness and drudgery plagued by strange, disturbing visions, yearning desperately for the beautiful mother she had not seen since she was three. Her life is abruptly turned upside down when she is abducted in the middle of the night and sent on a perilous journey that will test her courage and the fledgling powers buried deep within her. For not only does she discover that her missing mother, Elea, is a powerful sorceress able to control the forces of the wind, Tenya also learns that she herself possesses a singing power that manifests itself as white fire throughout her body. Can she find her mother, and the strength to use her own powers, in time to save Tellaron from the evil Demon Master? Her world depends upon it.

Review:

The synopsis above describes the plot of the story really well so I’ll limit the details in my own summary. Nineteen-year-old Tenya starts out as a weak and fragile character as she struggled through her daily life. Her father was drowning himself, literally, in his depression while her step-mother acted more like a slave-driver than any kind of mother figure. Tenya does show some backbone when she finally breaks and decides to stand up to her step-mother. But her actions come with a heavy price when Tenya finds herself abducted by an old hag of a woman and her frighteningly huge companion in the middle of the night.

Tenya has always been plagued by dreams filled with fiery demonic images that leave her scared and confused. She soon finds out that these visions are part of a set of powers that she possesses deep inside. She also learns that the mother she hasn’t seen since she was three has magical powers as well and is better known as the Mistress of the Wind. The Mistress has been held captive by Zardonne, an evil entity bent on controlling the entirety of Tellaron, for the past sixteen years. After being rescued by a small courageous man, Tenya sets out with him on a dangerous journey to free her mother and bring down Zardonne in the process.

Wind and Fire is an epic quest novel that also has a coming-of-age theme as Tenya matures and grows into a strong, brave, and independent woman. Although the time frame is really short, Tenya’s character completely changes throughout her journey. After discovering her powers and realizing that she’s a part of something much bigger than herself, she is determined to save her mother and the people of Tellaron. She really steps up and puts on a brave face despite the fear she feels inside. I think a lot of readers will warm to Tenya’s personality and spirit.

There is a lot of magic and action in the book. The world-building is pretty good considering the length of the novel. I think a map of Tellaron would have been an excellent addition to the reading experience, but one can certainly do without. The character development could have been focused on a little more in my opinion. I really enjoyed following Tenya’s journey with Sindril as her companion, however I wanted a little more of who they were as characters. Some of the writing was a little dry and I would have enjoyed more interactions between the main characters. I understand the point of the novel was the quest to free Elea (Tenya’s mother) and to destroy Zardonne, but that seemed to be the only goal with no additional details. But all in all, Wind and Fire was a very enjoyable read and I think a lot of readers will enjoy it.

P.S. (cover talk)

I like the fact that Elea and Tenya’s respective powers are portrayed on the cover but that’s pretty much all I like about the cover.

Book Arrivals

----------

For Review:

Wind and Fire :: Cheryl Landmark

(May 2010 - Asylett Press)

Zardonne, Master of the Dark Rift, has ripped a hole in the fabric of Tellaron and invaded with an army of hideous demons.


Oblivious to the dangers and evil brewing beyond the borders of the quiet Ardis Valley where she lives, nineteen year old Tenya toils through a life of dreary loneliness and drudgery, plagued by strange, disturbing visions, yearning desperately for the beautiful mother she had not seen since she was three. Her life is abruptly turned upside down when she is abducted in the middle of the night and sent on a perilous journey that will test her courage and the fledgling powers buried deep within her. For not only does she discover that her missing mother, Elea, is a powerful sorceress able to control the forces of the wind, Tenya also learns that she herself possesses a singing power that manifests itself as white fire throughout her body. Can she find her mother, and the strength to use her own powers, in time to save Tellaron from the evil Demon Master? Her world depends upon it.

 

The Human Bobby :: Gabe Rotter

(August 2010 - Simon & Schuster)

 
THE GRIPPING STORY OF THE UNRAVELING OF ONE MAN’S SEEMINGLY PERFECT LIFE, AND HIS STRUGGLE TO GET EVERYTHING BACK.

A new baby, a loving wife, a solid career, a dream house in Beverly Hills: Dr. Bobby Flopkowski has it all. Until a complicated series of events snowball into a disaster that changes the course of his life forever.
Now, with a tent on the beach as his only home and an addiction that has cut him off from everyone he once loved, Bobby has a revelation that could put him back on track: he believes he has solved the puzzling crime that led to his downfall. But as the reality he’s always known slips farther away, will he be able to convince someone—anyone—that his suspicions aren’t merely the pleas of a desperate man?

 

The Twisted Path Home :: Fae Bidgoli

(September 2010 - Dog Ear Publishing)

It is 1991. Arezoo, an Iranian woman is living in Berkeley, California with her second husband, Robert, and working as a university professor. Recurring, terrifying dreams of eminent death lead her into therapy with a widely respected psychotherapist. As her memories unfold during therapy sessions, she flashes back to painful memories of her first marriage to Afshin, an Iranian man. Still, the dreams continue, prompting Arezoo to try hypnosis. Arezoo's life takes an unexpected turn under hypnosis and she begins to channel the dramatic life story of Sogand, a woman who lived in a village in Persia (now Iran) in the late 1800's. This seemingly inexplicable experience, and her sudden, intimate knowledge of Sogand's identity leads Arezoo back to Iran after many years in America. Through this woman's history Arezoo makes some life changing discoveries - key to both her past and her ex-husband's tortured, secret life.

French Letters: Engaged In War

(September 2010 - Vire Press)

French Letters: Engaged in War, is the second book in the French Letters Trilogy. The companion to Virginia’s War, it is the story of Will Hastings, an army doctor caught up in the D-Day landings in Normandy and the drive to capture St. Lo, France. Isolated from Virginia Sullivan and the events taking place at home, Will faces the demands of combat surgery under fire and the losses of his brother, his friends, and his connection to home. Historically accurate and precise and covering events from exactly the same time frame as the events in the first volume, Engaged in War is a novel of the will to survive when war, distance, loss, and the uncertainty of the future separate a couple far beyond the breaking point.