Here is my interview with Val Tobin
Name – Val Tobin
Age – Fifty-three
Where are you from – Ontario, Canada
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
A Canadian who hates winters, I muddle through by spending as much time as possible snuggled up with a book.
I studied literature and philosophy at the University of Waterloo, then switched to computers and got a diploma in Computer Information Systems from DeVry. While I worked in the computer industry, I received a Bachelor of Science in Parapsychic Science from The American Institute of Holistic Theology (AIHT). I’m currently working on a thesis for a master’s in Parapsychology from AIHT.
During those years, I also became a Reiki Master/Teacher and an Angel Therapy Practitioner® with Advanced Standing trained by Doreen Virtue, PhD in Kona, Hawaii.
I have two kids and three grandkids, and live with my husband and cat.
Fiona: Tell us your…
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Paradox – Equilibrium, book 4
Writing tips from Authors
Review
An informative and enlightening compendium from published authors – and all for less than the price of an average coffee. Brilliant fun. I was entertained by the stories and anecdotes in each of the authors’ publishing journeys, and it was interesting to see the various walks of life that culminated with the same thing: writing.
This book is not a manual of how to write; more of an informal chat between friends. Reading it felt heart-warming, like a twenty-six person group hug. If you feel lonely on your writing journey, or simply wonder ‘how it is’ for someone else, read it. You’ll be glad you did.
Book review By Ella Medler. Author/Editor
The book is written in casual manner, from the heart, by authors as if they were sitting with you in conversation sharing their personal thoughts. It should not be taken as a college textbook nor searched for typos. I believe that defeats the book’s overall intent.
Many of these authors are friends and I enjoyed reading their views to questions and learning from their experiences. The publishing industry is swiftly changing and I find that all information about the writing world is beneficial.
Free ebooks for Marines & ARMED Forces – World Wide.
Recently I received a message from a young marine ( John Korben Leiby Jr.) serving in Afghanistan. Just 25 years old, he is in a foreign country away from his wife and family. On his deployment, he bought a kindle and uploaded my books.
“TV series” length episodes in a book…. A whimsical series for Teens, YA, and all those young at heart… There is something very evil lurking in the woods surrounding Witchwood Estate…
Book 1 on Goodreads HERE
Witchwood Estate blog HERE
– Includes spells –
Alexandria Santorini learns as a child that she comes from a long line of Harvey witches. Now, as a teenager, Alexandria must say goodbye to Catnip Cottage and the Barnabys, her loving guardians for the last twelve years, and go home to Ferntree Falls to claim her inheritance. Witchwood Estate. The home where she was born and her parents were murdered. Her journey home becomes even more sinister, however, when she discovers that there are those who have other plans for her and her new friends…
What a delightfully magical read! For the young at heart or others who don’t fear to dream. I enjoyed it so much! The wonderfully created world that you have so vividly written is easily envisaged! Katrina Whittaker
Book 2 in the Witchwood Series, Ferntree Falls, is due out in April. The print version of book one and two combined in May 2013.
I hope you will try Witchwood Estate, and enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing !
Where you can download:
Available from all online stores soon. Or you can buy it right now from Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/296460
Book 2 on Goodreads HERE
Book also includes witchcraft terminology at the end of the book.
Goodreads listing HERE
Book also includes spells and witchcraft terminology at the end of the book.
Book 1 and 2 Double Print Edition
Book 3 release July 2013
Further details HERE
Book 4 due for release early 2014
Episodic, TV series length episodes from 99c
5.0 out of 5 stars SPELLBINDING!!!!
You see, the book is truly a work of genius!!!
The main character is a young girl by the name of Alexandria, by she goes by Alex. And after many years of being of being away from her home ; she is finally going home. She is going to claim her birth right. Witchwood Estate. a long her journey other she meets a young man by the name of Andrew(who is a ghost).
Now the estate has always belonged to her and is the home of all her family ‘s spirits.
The plot is pure captivating and imitative!!! The way that the author works the magic spells into the story is so awesome. The scenes and the characters come alive right before your eyes.
This book is totally Genius!!! And it is a MUST read for ya and even adults. I give this book a total of 20 stars even though I can only put 5 stars . Patti Roberts you are awesome and Genius and your imagination is truly amazing.
Edited by Tabitha Ormiston-Smith & Ella Medler
Web page HERE
“Witchwood Estate” A New series By Patti Roberts
Book 1 currently free from all online stores.
Book 5 due out late 2015
For those that love Witches, Ghosts and other enchanting characters, I am in the process of writing a book just for you.
Alexandria Santorini must say goodbye to Catnip Cottage and the Barnabys, her
loving guardians for the past twelve years,
and go home to Ferntree Falls
to claim her inheritance
— Witchwood Estate —
before it is too late.
On her journey, however, things take an
unexpected turn when Alexandria befriends
Andrew, a ghosts on a quest to find his
one true love.
A story about witches, ghosts and other creatures — that are only supposed to exist
in story books.
The Barnabys
The Count
“Every time I read another book from Patti Roberts her imagination amazes me.”
Natalie Hillier.
Facebook Page – HERE
Goodreads Page – HERE
Official Editors: Tabitha Ormiston-Smith
Brainstorming: Leslie Hansford
Poet: Chris Taylor
“The daylight now faded from within my heart,
A veil now between us that keeps us apart,
You’re gone from this realm, but you’re still in my soul,
As I lay on this ground, where you rest still and cold,
If tears could bring you, back here to my arms,
I’d cry out an ocean, of moist crystal charms,
Child of the moon, who brought light to my world,
Here in this place, on your tomb I lie curled.”
Chris Taylor
The Pagan Wildwood – Facebook
Witchwood Estate Characters
Save $$$ and buy direct fro the printers – HERE
Paradox – Bound By Blood. First reviews
As readers of Ms Roberts’ work will be aware, this is the third book in a series about fallen angels, and a love that transcends space and time.
My remarks are primarily about Bound by Blood, but in a more general way can be taken to apply to the series as a whole as published to date, comprising the first three books.
CONTENT
The story is gripping and well told, and it seems clear that Ms Roberts has carefully planned out the whole series before starting. The world in which the action takes place is convincing and believable, provided that one can accept the idea of fallen angels as vampires. Some readers may find this theologically questionable, but in a work of fantasy fiction these things are perfectly allowable. With all of the vampire fiction that is constantly spawning these days, it was refreshing to find a genuinely original take on the subject.
The action moves swiftly and the book is a real page turner. The characters are beautifully drawn and quite believable. I was quite delighted with it, and will certainly look forward with pleasure to the advent of further books in the series. This is in spite of the fact that in general I find vampires appallingly tedious.
In the few places where sexual activity is depicted, it is treated with delicacy and restraint. I wish more modern writers would exert such control.
FORM
Ms Roberts is a seasoned writer and has quite obviously spent many years developing her craft. To me, this book is like a richly embroidered sampler, demonstrating her mastery of many techniques.
The voices of the different characters use different language and are most believable. The tone of the writing varies according to the subject matter, and at different times we are treated to low comedy, spine-chilling horror, romance and at times the true Gothic tone. Ms Roberts’ descriptions of scenes are a particular treat, and in my opinion her ability in this area stands with that of Dickens. At different times we see used past tense, present tense, first and third persons, all with equal facility, and, which is even more rare, used appropriately to further the impact of the work. I was glad to see no instances of the egregious second person narrative.
I have only one serious criticism to make of this work, and that is that the suspense ending prevents the book from standing alone, as a truly perfect novel must be able to do.
Overall, I was delighted with the book, and its preceding books, and I believe that in this writer we have a truly major talent.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bound By Blood is the third instalment in the Paradox series, and what a sweet treat it is! If book one – The Angels Are Here – was a promising beginning and book two – Progeny Of Innocence – a tantalizing dip into this gloomy and mysterious realm ruled by the Grigori, the Fallen Dark Angels, Bound By Blood connects the dots and gives depth and understanding to how this whole world came to be.
“The world, and heaven, are a little off-balance at the moment,” Patti Roberts says through the mouth of little Tia Lilly, the Angel of Death. How true. Events, characters and emotions have the ring of authenticity. Patti is very generous in her descriptions and she has the gift of being an incredible storyteller. The ultimate Scheherazade, Patti layers story over story, and nestles myth and legend into each other, so that at every step you’re tempted to wonder – Ah! Is that what happened? Take the legend of St. Valentine, for example.
But I don’t want to give you spoilers. I will say only that the characters are beautiful, very well developed. There is no question in my mind when I read the dialogue as to whose words they are. The storyline takes us back in time and explains in intricate detail the cause and effect, taking the reader full circle, and at the same time Patti continues to develop current events and takes the story forward. The style is smooth and trance-like in places, sharp and dramatic in the battle scenes, enigmatic and sly when Weasel goes about his business, and back to normal contemporary conversation in the human world. Don’t try to guess the outcome – you’ll get it wrong. I’ve never met an author so able to send me on a wild-goose chase, only to make it perfectly clear I should be looking elsewhere for my answers.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading the first two books in the series, if you haven’t already done it. Read them all back to back, but take your time. This is one of those stories you could lose yourself into, a tale to savour and dream about, not something you could cram in a hurry. There is a lot of hidden wisdom in Patti’s words, and it would be a pity to miss it. You never know, you might find in there the odd question you haven’t yet thought to ask, or even the odd answer.
I love this world, I love the characters, I love the entire concept. There is a lot to love in Paradox, and the picture is vivid and real. I would like to point you in the direction of the Paradox site, where you can see the map of Altair, the sigils of the six tribes, family trees, characters, answers to frequently asked questions, and much more:[…] This alone is huge proof of the author’s dedication to her work and also her readers.
This book, and indeed the whole series, is fully deserving of the five stars I’m giving it, and well worth spending some time immersed in its magic. Well done, Patti Roberts.
Storytelling at its best, By M Medler “Ella”
Paradox Bound By Blood – available now!
Book review by Ella Medler
Bound By Blood is the third instalment in the Paradox series, and what a sweet treat it is! If book one – The Angels Are Here – was a promising beginning and book two – Progeny Of Innocence – a tantalizing dip into this gloomy and mysterious realm ruled by the Grigori, the Fallen Dark Angels, Bound By Blood connects the dots and gives depth and understanding to how this whole world came to be.
The style is smooth and trance-like in places, sharp and dramatic in the battle scenes, enigmatic and sly when Weasel goes about his business, and back to normal contemporary conversation in the human world. Don’t try to guess the outcome – you’ll get it wrong. I’ve never met an author so able to send me on a wild-goose chase, only to make it perfectly clear I should be looking elsewhere for my answers.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading the first two books in the series, if you haven’t already done it. Read them all back to back, but take your time. This is one of those stories you could lose yourself into, a tale to savour and dream about, not something you could cram in a hurry. There is a lot of hidden wisdom in Patti’s words, and it would be a pity to miss it. You never know, you might find in there the odd question you haven’t yet thought to ask, or even the odd answer.
I love this world, I love the characters, I love the entire concept. There is a lot to love in Paradox, and the picture is vivid and real.
Available at Smashwords here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/246820
and Amazon:
Print edition coming soon…
If you have enjoyed reading this post, sharing it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much, Patti Roberts.
Available at Smashwords here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/246820
and Amazon:
Bound By Blood is the third instalment in the Paradox series, and what a sweet treat it is! If book one – The Angels Are Here – was a promising beginning and book two – Progeny Of Innocence – a tantalizing dip into this gloomy and mysterious realm ruled by the Grigori, the Fallen Dark Angels, Bound By Blood connects the dots and gives depth and understanding to how this whole world came to be.
“The world, and heaven, are a little off-balance at the moment,” Patti Roberts says through the mouth of little Tia Lilly, the Angel of Death. How true. Events, characters and emotions have the ring of authenticity. Patti is very generous in her descriptions and she has the gift of being an incredible storyteller. The ultimate Scheherazade, Patti layers story over story, and nestles myth and legend into…
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Some will love until it hurts – Grace & Riley
Book 3 in the Paradox series – Bound By Blood is here on the 28th October 2012
Book 2 in the Paradox Series – Progeny Of Innocence, currently free on Amazon
Bound By Blood
Love is not counted in years
Love is counted in heartbeats
Love is not bound by distance
Love is bound by blood
In the Ancient World
In the New World
Love will prevail
Some will kill for love — Some will die for love
Some will love until it hurts
If you have enjoyed reading this post, please share. Many thanks, Patti Roberts
Paradox – Bound By Blood. Sample of back and front cover.
Ebook available from Amazon 28th October
Print book available 5th November
Excerpt:
“What would you do, to have her back, my Lord?”
“The question you should be asking me is, what wouldn’t I do to have her back.” Cerberus lowered his head. “I know I would lay down my sword, surrender my life, just to spend one more day with her,” he said, feeling the heart shaped locket between his fingers.
“Be careful what you wish for, my Lord. Especially in the presence of a witch,” Lilura said, smiling.
Cerberus nodded, laughed. “It would be worth it,” he said, removing the locket from his pocket. He reached for Lilura’s hand, opened her fingers and placed the locket on her open palm.
Lilura stared at the locket, then slowly opened it. For a long moment, she looked at the tiny portrait of the beautiful fair-haired girl inside.
“This is the one who saddens you? Why, my Lord?”
“Because I loved her. Because I have never stopped loving her, and because she did not love me back.”
“How do you know she did not love you back?”
“Because she left me.”
“Perhaps she had her reasons, my Lord?”
Enter to win – Bound By Blood. Book 3 in the Paradox Series.
Bound By Blood – the story continues in the Paradox Series…
Visit Pinky’s blog and send her an email to ENTER
Love is not counted in years
Love is counted in heartbeats
Love is not bound by distance
Love is bound by blood
In the Ancient World
In the New World
Love will prevail
Some will kill for love — Some will die for love
Some will love until it hurts.
And some will make the greatest sacrifice of all.
Evil has a name… Grigori
Blood thirsty Fallen Angels, the true Demons behind the legendary Vampire stories.
From an Ancient World they came…
Enter to win… But remember to ask yourself one question before you do.
Is your Guardian Angel from Heaven or Hell?
Visit Pinky’s blog and send her an email to ENTER
One lucky winner will receive:
The 3 Ebooks in the series
1 x Spiral Notebook
10 x Postcards
2nd to 4th Prize:
The 3 Ebooks in the series
10 x Postcards
How to enter – Visit Pinky’s blog and send her an email to ENTER
- Follow this blog
- Tweet about this giveaway – make sure you include the hashtag #ficstory
- Facebook this post – paste a link to your Facebook post into the comments area below along with your email address so I can contact the winners.
Book 2 – Progeny Of Innocence – free download on all online stores
…Hearts are broken…
Some monsters are created to be desired…. To be saved, to be loved and to love!
A love so strong, one man would forfeit an Ancient Kingdom, lay down his sword and die, to spend just one more day with her.
Visit Pinky’s blog and send her an email to ENTER
Paradox – The Angels Are Here
Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence
Always leave the audience wanting more.. you did.. I’m waiting! Danie UK
Book 2 – Progeny Of Innocence – free download on all online stores
Visit Pinky’s blog and send her an email to ENTER
Book 4 Paradox – Equilibrium due for release 2013
***
If you have enjoyed reading this post, Please share. Many thanks, Patti Roberts
Oh, and don’t forget to go visit Pinky’s blog to ENTER
Book reviews with Pinky of Twitter – HERE
***
Paradox – Bound By Blood. Characters
Book 3, Paradox – Bound By Blood – BBB – is due for release 28th October 2012
“Shh,” Damon said in a hushed whisper, his face so close she could feel his warm breath on her cheek. “Do you believe in destiny, Grace? That the unimaginable power that creates time and space can be altered for a purpose?”
Some of the faces behind the names.
Excerpt – Bound By Blood – – –
Pandora swallowed, choked, spluttered for breath. Her chest heaved, drawing gasps of fiery air that her lungs could not extinguish. “It hurts,” she said, grabbing her throat. “You never told me it would hurt.”
“Sit up,” he said, his tone indifferent. He handed her a goblet. “Drink, it will help the transition.”
Pandora raised the goblet to her mouth and drank, hesitantly at first, but when the fire in her chest subsided with each mouth full, she drank hungrily. “I will not fail you, my Lord,” she said, placing the empty goblet on the table.
“Welcome to the family,” Lord Grig said. “Now, I think you should run along. Go find yourself a prince to sweep you off your feet.”
“Will I have abilities?” Pandora asked.
“Limited. You will no doubt have the power of coercion which will allow you to survive in our world.”
“And Abaddon?”
Lord Grig rested back in his seat. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about Abaddon. Abaddon has a very short memory when it comes to pretty little things like you.”
Lord Grig drank from the second goblet on the table. “A toast,” he said, raising his goblet, “to the future Lady of House Grigori.”
Pandora stood, straightened her gown, and smiled, euphoric with the life that lay ahead of her. A privileged life, where she would never grow old again. A life where no man, mortal or otherwise, would ever hurt her again.
Pandora would soon discover, however, that in life, there is always an exception to every rule, and that exception was Theria.
—-
Excerpt:
“The Human Brain Book,” he said, reading the title. “Hmm, pretty heavy topic for lunch time reading, don’t you think? You look more like a Fifty Shades girl.”
“Oh please, give me some credit. I’d rather shoot myself in the foot than read that dribble.”
“So what’s with this then?” he said, holding up the book. “You thinking about becoming a brain surgeon?”
“I thought it might help me understand the human brain. See what makes the entire male species of the human race so stupid.”
The boy smiled. “Not all of them, surely? I, for example, am most certainly not stupid.”
“Then you aren’t human,” Emily said smugly.
He slapped his forehead playfully and grinned. “Oh, you’ve found me out, and so quickly. Now I will have no choice but to kill you.
“Oh, little flower, I see you have met my brother, Chace,” Caleb said, materializing in front of them.
Lyssa skulked up behind him, and smirked. “So, Chace, this is the kind of girl you fancy these days,” she said, raking a black fingernail down Emily’s arm.
Emily shoved Lyssa’s hand away, looking from Caleb to Chace. “You’ve got to be frigging kidding me. You’re brothers?”
Chace shrugged. “What?” he asked innocently.
Emily, shook her head, shoving the book in her bag. “You can all go to hell,” she said, turning her back and walking away.
“Let her go, Chace,” Lyssa said dryly, studying her fingernails, then the look on Chace’s face. Lyssa slid a hand through the crook of his arm and wiped his lower lip with her finger. “You’re drooling, my dear sweet, Chace.”
Chace pulled away, forcing Lyssa to tighten her grip on his arm. “Let her go. You can do a lot better than that if you ask me.”
“Nobody’s asking you, Lyssa,” Chace said, peeling her fingers from his arm. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Lyssa scoffed. “Are you just plain stupid, or high?”
“Neither,” Chace replied, tilting his head. “You just don’t do it for me anymore, Lyssa.”
“Really? Then you’re very stupid and high.”
“Brother,” Caleb said, putting a hand on Chace’s shoulder to study him. “I nearly didn’t recognize you with the new Justin Bieber hair cut. Looks good on you, shorter hair suits you, but what are you doing here? I though you preferred Europe this time of the year? Souls, snowflakes and roaring fireplaces… All very romantic. Far more desirable than a school library, don’t you think?”
Excerpt:
In the West, a grey mist rose slowly from the ground. Akimi walked her white stallion in the forest, something she had taken to doing every morning since her pregnancy. The stallion, a gift from her husband, the emperor, nudged Akimi’s hand, making her giggle. She pet the animals nose, put her hand in her pocket and presented the stallion with a wedge of apple.
Fallen leaves, crisp with age, crackled beneath foot and hoof as they ambled along the well-worn path.
“Ouch,” Akimi moaned, frowned, then clutched her pregnant belly, barely noticeable under the soft layers of her flowing white gown. Beads of perspiration dotted her brow. Her cheeks flushed with the excruciating pain in her belly. “No, no, no, no,” she groaned, bending over to ease the pain. “It’s too soon,” she whispered to herself.
Another set of footfalls on the fallen leaves made Akimi turn her head. A Mongol girl, the same age as Akimi, stepped from the shadows cast by the tall trees. “Help me,” Akimi begged, dropping to her knees on the bed of damp leaves, still damp with morning dew. “Fetch the doctor. My baby is coming. Hurry!”
“I have a message for you,” the girl said, putting an arm around Akimi’s shoulders. “Rest against me,” she encouraged tenderly.
“You have a message from my husband, Ye Wen?” Akimi asked, squeezing her eyes shut with each new wave of pain. “Please, I need a doctor,” she panted.
“Your husband has cast Judgment. Now it is you who must pay for his sins.”
Akimi looked at the girl through her tears. “What? I don’t know anything about judgment. I just need a doctor, please. I beg of you. My baby, it’s coming!” The stallion nudged Akimi’s cheek with his damp nose.
The girl, holding Akimi firmly against her, slid a dagger from the folds of her brown robes and slid it effortlessly across Akimi’s throat.
Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence – book 2 – currently free on Amazon US – HERE
Amazon UK – HERE
Facebook – HERE
Bound By Blood – Bits and Pieces of Inspiration – pics and music
Pieces that inspired me while writing book 3 in the Paradox Series.
The Ancient World – Akimi – The Khitan Princess from the Khitan Empire. The youngest wife of Yu Wen, the Emperor.
Flashback to the Bombing of Darwin during the second World War – More bombs were dropped on Darwin than during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Character Phoebe Preble/Juliette was inspired by and dedicated to Iris Bald.
Fact: Arrangements had been made that Iris would shelter in the trenches near her employment with her fellow workmates. However, as she was in the Post Office complex when the air raid siren sounded, it was natural for her to join her parents in the Post Office trench.
When the air raid siren sounded the post office staff took shelter in the trenches that had been dug around the complex. Unfortunately a bomb landed on the one sheltering Hurtle, Alice and Iris Bald, among others, killing them all instantly.
Iris Bald was buried in a temporary grave at Kahlin Beach; she was then re-buried at the Berrimah War Cemetery, and her final resting place is the Adelaide War Cemetery.
Iris received a Civil Service Medal 1939–1945 posthumously on 9 January 1998. This medal is for civilians who served in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort as part of organizations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service.
Iris, Alice and Hurtle Bald each have a street named after them in the Darwin suburb of Alawa. Nearby there is also a Bald Park and Bald Circuit named in their honor.
R.I.P
Roll Of Honor – HERE
Music – Especially, Two Steps From Hell
Epic Fantasy Worlds
Battle Scares
Love Scars Us All
The Ancient World
Grace and Riley – Halo & As long as you love me.
Cleona and Cerberus – Fireflies
Wade and Kate – A drop in the ocean.
Wade and Kate
—
Enter to win a copy of Paradox – Bound By Blood. Send Sharon an email to enter – HERE
—
Love is not counted in years
Love is counted in heartbeats
Love is not bound by distance
Love is bound by blood
In the Ancient World
In the New World
Love will prevail
Some will kill for love — Some will die for love
Some will love until it hurts
Some will make the greatest sacrifice of all.
—
The Paradox Series – The Books
Paradox – Equilibrium, due for release mid 2012
Paradox – Bound By Blood book review by Ella Medler – HERE
Book 2 – Progeny Of Innocence is currently free to download from online book stores – HERE
Win a kindle touch – HERE
Many thanks for dropping by. If you have enjoyed this post, sharing it on twitter/facebook etc would be GREATLY appreciated. Patti
Cover Reveal for Paradox – Equilibrium. Book 4 in the Paradox Series
Due for release 2013
Equilibrium – A state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.
Currently listening to –
Wallpaper for your PC
Click on image to open, then right click to set as desktop background.
Thank you for dropping by, Patti
Book 3 Paradox – Bound By Blood is due for release 28th October 2012
Book 2 Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence – currently free from all online stores
Book 1 Paradox – The Angels Are Here – $1.99 available on all online stores
Amazon – HERE
The Paradox Series Book Trailer
Twitter
Goodreads
Facebook
ebook from Smashwords – all eReader formats all countries.
UK – ebook from Amazon
Nook – Barnes & Noble
Paperback – Createspace
For Readers Of Fantasy – Paperback Copies
Reader Reviews
Thank you for dropping by the home of the Paradox Series. If you have enjoyed your time here, please share with a friend on Twitter or Facebook.
All the very best, Patti Roberts.
Contact: pattiroberts7@gmail.com
Excerpt: Bound By Blood. And The Boy Becomes The Monster
Excerpt:
Cerberus tosses in his sleep, dreaming. He dreams about the past, the present, dark creatures from the future, circling, preparing to posses him.
He dreams about Cleona. Holding her hands in his, dancing barefoot, flowers in her hair, her long gown brushing the grass under her feet as she twirls. Her head thrown back, laughing, arms out stretched. Fireflies dance above her head, as though they, too, are in awe of her joy, her beauty, her innocence.
Darkness falls; a cool breeze chokes the golden leaves from twisted tree branches. Fingers like knotted twigs reach down and pull Cleona into the misty shadows. Cerberus reaches for her, calling her name as he runs into the darkness after her, his arms searching. Cleona sees Cerberus’s face, his teeth bared, his chin damp with blood, and she screams, horrified by the monster standing in front of her.
In that moment, Cerberus knows that he has lost Cleona, his reason, forever.
Cerberus’s eyes flashed open, and for the first time in his life, they burn a fierce angry yellow, the eyes of a monster.
Ron Pope – Fireflies. The piece that help to inspire Cerberus’s Dream, and his love for Cleona.
Due for release October 2012 – Bound By Blood. Book 3 in the Paradox Series.
Paradox – The Angels Are Here (book 1 ) available AMAZON and other online stores.
Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence (book 2 ) available AMAZON and other online stores. Currently free as an online promotion leading up to the release of book 3.
Thank you for dropping by.
If you have enjoyed this post, please tweet and facebook.
Patti Roberts
The Story:
Long ago, in an almost forgotten Realm, a race of fallen Angles called the Grigori clash with a ruling house of Angels Called the Bulguardi. Their battle changed events in the Ancient World and the New World forever. A Realm where a year can last centuries and an Ancient magical people still rule, even the immortals face danger. Rising up from their imprisonment underground on Altair, evil has returned and the Grigori are on a destructive path of revenge. When their preferred food source becomes scarce, Earth, a world teaming with humans, becomes their target.
Trapped in the middle between the old world and the new, a little girl is cursed with horrific visions from the past. From an Ancient world to the new world on Earth, this is a tale of myth and legend, mayhem and magic, birth and death. A tale of families torn apart, souls searching for lost loves, and evil is walking out of the shadows. You can run, but you cannot run forever.
Over the centuries, from the time before time, the Grigori were called many things. In Greece, they called them, Vrykolakas. In Romania, Strigoi. In earlier times, there were others. Other blood-sucking demons, that preyed on the innocent. In ancient Babylonia, it was Lilitu and her sistren, who instilled fear among the Babylonians. In the new world, they would go by another name. Vampire.
A world that defies logic and reason. A world that may very well be true: Paradox – The Angels Are Here.
I have loved and lost in so many different ways. And I have died endless deaths… So when I ask myself the question today, who am I? My answer is…I do not know. My name is Juliette. Nine hundred years ago, I died. Today, I am alive… this is my story.
Paradox – Progeny Of innocence (book 2)
Paradox – Bound By Blood (book 3) October 2012 Release
Excerpt from book 3 – Bound By Blood
Chapter 1 – I Will Remember
New World – Darwin 2009
You will fly and you will crawl; God knows even angels fall. No such thing as you lost it all. God knows even angels fall. It’s a secret no one tells; One day it’s heaven, one day it’s hell.
Even Angels Fall – Lyrics by Jessica Riddle
“Run!” A girl’s voice screamed into the night, breaking the spell of Damon’s kiss, and tearing me away from his embrace.
However, it wasn’t the warning from the blond-haired girl standing rigid with bow in hand preparing to shoot that alerted Damon to the pending danger, but the guttural sound resonating from the throat of the advancing black beast from the shadows. He swung around, pushing me behind him and then crouched, preparing for the attacking animal. The menacing growl from Damon’s lips made me shudder. In the eyes of any mortal, boy and beast were both adept instruments of death in their own lethal way.
“Run!” the girl shouts again over the crashing waves far below as she swiftly pulled an arrow taunt in her bow until her fingers rested gently against her cheek. Then she took aim, released her fingers, and let the arrow fly toward the predator leaping high into the air. The arrow, true to its target, pierced the skull of the animal dead center between its yellow eyes, felling the rancid smelling beast with a heavy thud at Damon’s feet. Immediately, as if on cue, with lips pulled back over a row of razor-sharp fangs, another beastly hound leapt forward to take the downed beast’s place.
The blonde girl released another arrow, sending it soaring through the air, and impaling the beast solidly in its hindquarters. The beast howled in agony, whipped its massive head around, seized the projectile between its fangs, and yanked the arrow, coated with its own blood and sinew, from its flesh with one quick flick of its head.
The animal, although wounded, stayed true to its task.
Its enormous paws drummed the earth as the beast powered forward at an alarming pace. Then suddenly it leapt into the air, long claws protruding from its paws, ready for its lethal impact.
The girl shot another arrow, bringing the beast down at our feet. “Get her out of here, now!” She yelled at Damon as a bolt of lightening crackled through the black sky, charging it with an electric humming sound, inaudible to the human ear. “I can take care of this. Go!” she yelled, as she aimed and released another arrow. She shot another, then another as further beasts, fangs drooling with threads of saliva, leapt out of the long shadows cast by the walls of the two-story school building.
Damon nodded and called back, “Holly, are you sure you can do this?”
“Yes, go!” she shouted again as she worked another arrow taunt in her bow. “I’ve got this. Go!”
Damon grabbed my hand and swiftly spun me around – and we ran… The storm escalated with each footfall, whipping the beautiful long gown around my legs – Grace’s legs. I started to fall, but Damon gripped my hand tighter and pulled me back onto my feet. Muddy puddles of water, from the earlier storm, splashed up my legs as I ran, soiling the skirt of the long gown. I reached down with my free hand and gathered up the layers of fabric in my arm.
I could smell the foul breath of the beast as it thundered behind us along the dark cliff face, each second bringing it even closer. I could feel Grace’s heart pumping in my chest as she struggled against me to take back her body. Another wave crashed, spraying us with a mist of salty seawater. I hung on with all of my strength onto Grace’s body. I was stronger, faster. I could do this. I could save her.
“Are you okay, Juliette?” Damon’s shout, almost inaudible by the howling wind as it whips around us. I nod in response. Inside I sensed Grace shaking her head. Her eyes are wide and frantic, brimming with tears. I tried to subdue her, telling her that everything will be okay, if she would just let go, close her eyes, and pretend to sleep. Even if she didn’t know it, didn’t trust me, she needed me to take care of her…
“Just a bit further,” Damon shouted, indicating a spot just up ahead. “The rocks begin to fall away just beyond that tree. If we jump out far enough, we will miss the rocks and land on the beach. Can you do it?”
‘Nooo!’ I hear Grace’s panicked voice scream in my head, deafening me until all I can hear is her voice. ‘I can’t do it. The cliff’s too high. Please don’t do this… The fall will kill me!’ I can feel Grace’s fist beating against me from the inside in a vain attempt to escape this insanity. ‘It’s just a dream,’ I whisper to her silently. ‘Go back to sleep, Grace.’ For a moment, I feel her let go, giving me control of her body.
Damon squeezes my hand. “Juliette, are you ready?” he shouts as we neared the edge of the cliff face.
I spin my head around. The beast is only seconds behind us, leaving us no choice but to jump.
“Yes!” I reply, as I feel Grace gasp, hold her breath, and grip Damon’s hand even tighter. I hear her uttered a prayer, ‘God help me,’ and then, ‘I don’t want to die. Don’t let me die!‘ Then Grace did something that I was not expecting. She squeezed her eyes shut, leaving me blind…
I feel nothing but air beneath my feet as we jump, hand in hand, into the dark void. Had we jumped out far enough to miss the rocks? I can’t tell. I feel Grace’s body prepare for the fatal impact as every muscle tenses, leaving me with one thought – that I had failed this girl, too. I will Grace to open her eyes. ‘Please, Grace,’ I say, pleading with her. ‘I can’t see. You have to let me see. Please, open your eyes…’ I feel the quickening pulse of electricity crackle through her veins, and then her eyelids spring open, giving me sight once again. ‘Thank you,’ I say silently, praising her.
For a few precious moments, as though frozen in time, we stop falling and we appear to float, suspended by an invisible thread from the heavens. All at once, my hearing becomes amplified, allowing me to hear the most miniscule of sounds all around me – a twang, the flutter of a bird’s wing in flight, a sizzling disturbance in the air currents. Grace’s breathing. Then the unmistakable sound of death. A morbid pop followed by a sharp crack – the sound of tearing flesh and bones being broken. A garbled hissing sound, as air escaped from a punctured lung, as one of Holly’s arrows tore into the ribcage of a ravenous beast.
A gush of putrid smelling blood and saliva spews from between the animal’s fangs as it opens its mouth and exhaled one last breath. Then its lifeless body, contorted by death, crashed on the rocky outcrop far below.
A bolt of lightening streaks across the sky, severing the invisible thread that keeps us suspended, and we begin to fall. I am alarmed at how fast the earth below is rushing up to greet us… I turn to look at Damon, searching for answers, but he just smiles, unaffected by the foreseeable death on the rocks below.
For I see now, with absolute certainty, that we have not jumped far enough out from the cliff face. The white sandy beach, which would have cushioned our fall, is still too far away to offer us any refuge from our pending fate.
So this is how this life, Grace’s life is going to end. I will remember her, of course, just like I remember all the others. This beautiful girl, Grace, who misses her dead father everyday, I will remember. The girl who fears the loss of her mother, and being left alone in this world, I will remember. A girl who dreams about a boy, and falling in love, I will remember. The same boy who is going to let her die, so that I may live again, I will remember.
How could I have been so wrong to put my trust in Damon? Had I learned nothing? Was this his plan all along, to sacrifice Grace’s life in a bid to take me from this place?
Grace, sensing her looming predicament, inhaled a sharp breath and screamed, blocking out the sounds from the thunderous claps of thunder and the smashing waves that are crashing violently all around us – just Grace’s scream, exploding in my mind and the sensation of the salty damp air on my skin as we plummet earthward… toward Grace’s death. I see faces flash before my eyes. Kate, Brian, Wade, Angela, Joshua, Abe, Patrick and Zach. Grace is saying goodbye to all those she loves.
“I’m so sorry, Grace,” I whisper. “I’m so sorry.” Then I close my eyes, too, and wait for the end. I will remember.
Paradox – The Angels Are Here. 2nd edition
You can download the latest version from smashwords for $1.99 – HERE
The latest version is also available now on Amazon HERE for 99c
Many thanks to Ella Medler for all her unwavering, heartfelt support and guidance.
Excerpt from book 1:
I see a girl, an Angel I think, with the most beautiful blue eyes. She is swimming toward me, and I knew then that my time on this earth had come to an end.
I let go of my body and allow it to drift silently away, it rocks to-and-fro gracefully in this watery grave. I thought how peaceful I looked in death. How beautiful, as my hair falls free and hovers placidly around my face. My colorful skirt billows out around me, like a flower coming into bloom. My arms are open wide, longing for a nurturing embrace.
I keep watching my body drift farther away as I float up. Up, toward the bright light that illuminates my heart, my eyes, and my soul. I am gone now, I suspect – forever – from this place, this family.
But I am not alone; I see the faces of thousands of lost souls, young and old, that have also perished on this day. We are immersed in a mass of glistening bubbles. Like a bouquet of rainbow coloured balloons held together by a long golden thread.
This day would be recorded and forever remembered as the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755.
I can still recollect this life, this death, as if it was yesterday. I taste the rancid seawater as it filled my mouth, burned my lungs, and choked me to death. I still feel the weightlessness of my soul as it separated and drifted away.
The elements – Earth, Fire and Water – had indeed been unrestrained when they unleashed their fury on their unsuspecting victims.
Astonishingly, the only remaining element that could have assured my survival on this day—was absent.
Tomorrow, on All Souls Day, the Faithful will pray. They will pray for the dead seeking sanctification and moral perfection, prerequisites for Souls seeking entry into Heaven. They will kneel, bow their heads, and say a prayer for me.
Promotional Giveaway:
Book 2: Progeny Of Innocence is currently free on Amazon and other online stores as a promotion to the lead up of the release of book 3: Bound By Blood. Due to be released October 2012
Book trailer for book 3 – Bound By Blood HERE
Author Interview By Rayven – The Paradox Series
1) When did you first realize you first wanted to be a writer? After I finished and published book 1 – Paradox – The Angels Are Here. What started of as therapy (the broken heart kind of therapy) has turned into a brand new career path. And I have loved every minute of it.
2) As the Author of the Paradox Trilogy, can you tell us what is difficult about writing a trilogy? Time, nothing more. I wish there were more hours in the day! I wish I had a full-time house cleaner, gardener and cook! The bathing and eating I am still happy to do myself 🙂
3) Where do you get information or ideas for your books? Imagination – definitely dreams. I have also been inspired by movies, TV series and other authors. My current hero in the writing realm is George R. R. Martin – The author of Game Of Thrones. I love his world building and huge cast of awesome characters. It is impossible to pick just one favorite character. I have four.
4) Social media has taken the internet by storm, and you do a fantastic job at utilizing all the web has to offer, what advise can you offer new authors on how to use the internet as a tool for promoting their work? Facebook, Goodreads and twitter is a must! Along with 20 hour days. There is as much time spent marketing – it not more – as there is writing. And a blog. Blogs are also very handy for communicating with the public that will hopefully become your readers.
5) What do you like to do when you are not writing? What? Okay seriously… Research. And the best research – homework – a writer can do to get better is to read, read, read. And read some more. If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time to write… I think Stephen King said that somewhere – and he couldn’t be more right about that. And who am I to question one of the great writers of our time.
6) There are so many fantastic characters in our Paradox Series, do you have a favorite one and if so why? Oh, that is like asking a mother who her favorite child is… But they are not my children so no ones feelings are going to get hurt. I REALLY love the evil characters. Abaddon, Pandora, Theria, Lyssa and Caleb from the first 2 books. Book 3, Bound By Blood, introduces you to many more, like Weasel and Lord Grigori and his sons Grig and Orian. Book 3 also introduces you to the 3 Ancients – 3 wise men. I really like the part they will play… they are good guys though.
7) Can you share a bit about what you are working on currently? Bound By Blood – book 3. I have to have this one ready by October. I am also doing some rewrites on book 1 [The Angels Are Here] after a wonderful friend – Ella Medler – edited it for me. I can’t wait to republish that one this week with its brand new cover!
8) What do you think makes a good story? Different things appeal to different people. I personally like a story that holds back, makes you think. Makes you search for the answers and leaves you wanting more. I like it when I have read a book that leaves me hanging and thinking, noooo – crap, I have to have more right now…. Some people like to have all the answers tied up in a nice neat bundle when they finish a book – I’m not one of those people. I promise that none of my books will ever end like that! I enjoy leaving a reader hanging. Sorry.
9) How many books have you written, and which is your favorite? I’ve written two books in the Paradox Series and number 2 is my favorite… but not for much longer. Book 3 is going to even better still. And then there is book 4…
10) What is one of the most surprising things you have learned in creating your books? Like the universe – there is no end in sight anytime soon. Another would be how characters, even the ones you didn’t think would amount to much, just take over, to become GREAT characters. That really surprises me. It’s like watching a star being born. And you just think, wow, I never saw that coming.
Thank you for doing this interview with me, Rayven. Patti Roberts
The Paradox Series Book Trailer
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Book Trailer: Paradox – Bound By Blood. Book 3 in the Paradox Series
The Paradox Series - By Patti Roberts 