Showing posts with label Geonn Cannon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Geonn Cannon. Show all posts

Sunday, January 24, 2016

The Rise & Fall of Radiation Canary by Geonn Cannon



The Rise & Fall of Radiation Canary

By Geonn Cannon

Karen Everett is a poet and a musician. She plays the cello, and has a crush on her fellow band mate and lead singer, Lana Kent.

Karen longs for her poetry be heard by a larger audience. I mean, what kind of person, doesn’t want their beautiful words to be heard by everyone?

Eventually Karen and the Band, “Radiation Canary” land themselves a spot on National Television. This is a good thing, because it causes the band to have a jump on their popularity.

Soon after they end up touring the country and recording the music videos and albums, this is like a dream come true for their band. But with all of this comes a lot of time and responsibilities.  With all of this going on, Karen and Lana find less and less time to work on their relationship. 

Also, we all know that fame doesn’t last forever. With that, comes the responsibilities of keeping the band on top of the world, and keeping the fans entertained. There is a lot of work involved in that. So carefully, working on their albums, their tracks, and performances, together they work strongly on everything, together. 

What is so unique is that Karen is somewhat of an innocent kind of lesbian. She likes to be the quiet little cell playing poet, most don’t see and recognize, but adore. Since the up and coming fame of the “Radiation Canaries” Karen, has learned to come out of her shell a little more, slowly.
This book, “The Rise and Fall of Radiation Canary” was a different kind of read for me. Kind of like a star struck, you’re a groupie kind of person, following the band, as you read it. That is what I felt like. It was somewhat a little educational, because like I’ve said, I’ve not read anything like this before. And I’ve never been a groupie, so this was my first encounter. 


I have however, been a fan of many writers. And Geonn is one of them, he is quite an excellent writer, an always keeps me entertained. And with this book, I was just that. This book kept me wanting more. I truly was wanting to know what would happen, and if Karen and Lana would find time for their romance, and make it work. I was rooting for them all throughout, as well as for the band. And I honestly felt like a groupie. I however, felt like their could’ve been a little bit more depth put into Karen, like a piece was missing from her, within this book. Perhaps maybe that’s because there is more to come in another book? I don’t know….But whatever it is, this book is a five star book, worth reading especially if you are into bands, and lesbian lovers. This book is truly a fascinating read, for any groupie!

My questions for Geonn:

1. What made you write "The Rise and Fall of the Radiation Canary" and how long did it take you to write it?
I did not want to write this book. I had no interest in it, as I mention in the dedication. My friend suggested a novel about a musician, and I kind of placated her and said "Maybe someday." Then she was deployed overseas, and I said, "She's fighting for our country and I can't write a damn novel for her?" So I focused up and I absolutely fell in love with this band I created. I LOVE these women. I love their music. It took me over a year until I was happy with what I had and considered it done.

2. Did you do any research for this book?
I did a lot of research in terms of record companies, musicians, I read up on how to write songs. Some people might not consider this research, but I listened to a lot of female musicians. Brandi Carlile, The Corrs, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles... I watched them perform, I watched their videos, and I got a feel for the kind of musicians I wanted the Canaries to be. 

3. How many books have you written?
Over 30? That's as specific as I can be without actually going and counting. ;) The sequel to this will be my 30th release!

4. Is there going to be more to this book?
There is! February 1, "Radiation Canary: Greatest Hits" continues the story!

5. What do you have in store for your future?
More novels! Trafalgar & Boone is a series that's taking off, Underdogs is still going strong, and very soon I'll have a webseries on Tello Films! So things are moving!

6. What all education have you had?
High school educated, and then self-taught from research for all my novels. <g>

7. How long have you been writing?
I think I started writing in earnest around 2000. That was around when I decided I wanted to be an author.

8. Do you have any photos of Karen or Lana or descriptions?
I actually drew a picture of them! (Attached) I cast both Lana and Karen in my head, but I'm keeping that to myself so readers can envision whoever they want.

9. What was your favorite part about this book?
So many things! I love how Seattle became a character. I love how it's really about the friendship between four women rather than a love story (although there is that). I just love the characters. I wish they were a real band so I could have all their albums and see them in concert. ;)

10. What do you suggest to people who desire to become writers?
I'm going to steal Stephen King's advice, which became my philosophy: "If you want to write a lot, you have to read a lot." It shows you what other people have done, it shows you how to do what you want to do, and it shows you how to tell a story. 

11. Please share with us your links and social media sites:




The Rise and Fall of Radiation CanaryThe Rise and Fall of Radiation Canary by Geonn Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Karen Everett is a poet and a musician. She plays the cello, and has a crush on her fellow band mate and lead singer, Lana Kent.

Karen longs for her poetry be heard by a larger audience. I mean, what kind of person, doesn’t want their beautiful words to be heard by everyone?

Eventually Karen and the Band, “Radiation Canary” land themselves a spot on National Television. This is a good thing, because it causes the band to have a jump on their popularity.

Soon after they end up touring the country and recording the music videos and albums, this is like a dream come true for their band. But with all of this comes a lot of time and responsibilities. With all of this going on, Karen and Lana find less and less time to work on their relationship.

Also, we all know that fame doesn’t last forever. With that, comes the responsibilities of keeping the band on top of the world, and keeping the fans entertained. There is a lot of work involved in that. So carefully, working on their albums, their tracks, and performances, together they work strongly on everything, together.

What is so unique is that Karen is somewhat of an innocent kind of lesbian. She likes to be the quiet little cell playing poet, most don’t see and recognize, but adore. Since the up and coming fame of the “Radiation Canaries” Karen, has learned to come out of her shell a little more, slowly.

This book, “The Rise and Fall of Radiation Canary” was a different kind of read for me. Kind of like a star struck, you’re a groupie kind of person, following the band, as you read it. That is what I felt like. It was somewhat a little educational, because like I’ve said, I’ve not read anything like this before. And I’ve never been a groupie, so this was my first encounter.

I have however, been a fan of many writers. And Geonn is one of them, he is quite an excellent writer, an always keeps me entertained. And with this book, I was just that. This book kept me wanting more. I truly was wanting to know what would happen, and if Karen and Lana would find time for their romance, and make it work. I was rooting for them all throughout, as well as for the band. And I honestly felt like a groupie. I however, felt like their could’ve been a little bit more depth put into Karen, like a piece was missing from her, within this book. Perhaps maybe that’s because there is more to come in another book? I don’t know….But whatever it is, this book is a five star book, worth reading especially if you are into bands, and lesbian lovers. This book is truly a fascinating read, for any groupie!

View all my reviews

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Two Roads (Stargate SG-1 #24) by Geonn Cannon



Two Roads

(Stargate SG-1 #24)

By Geonn Cannon
Okay, let me start by saying I am a big time Stargate fan. So much so, that when Geonn came to me and told me that he wrote these books, I was totally in disbelief. And when he showed me all of us his work, and what all he had written, and the fact that he had sought me out, I was totally honored. 

As a big time Stargate fan, this was and always will be one of the biggest honors I have ever had. And not to play favorites, this will always be one of my favorite reviews too.

I will tell you, as I read this book, knowing the characters as I do, Geonn can and does represent them just as they are on the TV Series. Jack is just as corny, and Daniel Jackson is just as nerdy and into the relics as ever. 

And bringing back Vala, also another one of my favorite characters, is another great choice. She is so sexy and silly. 

The Goa’uld as we all know, have been defeated, and the Jaffa are free. But fortunately Daniel Jackson, while on another planet makes a discovery and finds a device designed to exterminate the Jaffa who have dared to defy their gods.

And as we all know, Vala is a common thief, and this device could be a prize to her…I mean if you know Vala the goal is money and who can get the best prize, so to speak.

I also like the fact that Geonn wasn’t afraid to bring two new characters into the fold. Artifacts and investigations, and the team of SG1 all tight knit. I could see everything as if I was literally watching the show on the television. Only without the annoying commercials, but the best part was, I felt like I was right there!

The writing was amazing, and I felt like MGM made the right choice in choosing Geonn to carry on their wonderful saga. Even though MGM decided it wasn’t worthy of airing any further.

If, like me, you are a stargate fan, you will need and want to read this. It is an excellent book. It’s well written and follows along completely, and the characters are exactly as they are on screen, when put into print. 

I give Geonn Cannon five stars, more if my scale went beyond five stars, but it doesn’t. He is an amazing writer, and a true artist. I suggest buying this book, and joining the Geonn fan club, as I have! He has true talent!

Here are my questions for Geonn:

1. What made you write this book?
You'd have had to fight me not to! It was a dream of mine to write for Stargate because the world was so rich and full of potential, and I loved the characters so much. I got to know a few people who were Stargate authors (Jo Graham, Melissa Scott, and Amy Griswold) and they ended up mentioning me to the publisher. 

2. Are you a stargate fan?
Oh absolutely. I used to record the episodes on VHS, then I would copy that onto another tape so I could edit out the commercials. This was before every show was on DVD, of course. So much easier now. And in 2004, I went on my first real vacation to attend Gatecon in Vancouver, where I met the late great Don Davis, Amanda Tapping, Teryl Rothery, and far too many others to name them all (see picture). 

3. How long did it take you to write this book?
It took about a month to write, and then a bit longer for revising and edits, etc. The whole process was incredibly quick, even waiting for MGM's round of edits didn't take very long. I think I started it in January and it was published in June or July of that same year.

4. How many Stargate books have you written?
Just this one! I've also contributed two short stories to their anthologies.

5. Who is your favorite stargate character?
Either Sam Carter or Janet Fraiser. Tough women in a typically-male world is my genre, and both characters were just so great. Funny, brilliant, tough, not afraid of emotion but not crippled by it, either. There's a little bit of both Sam and Janet in every character I write.

6. Have you ever met anyone from Stargate?
See above! I bumped elbows with Apophis (he was eating fries at the time, so his fingers were greasy), I nodded at Christopher Judge and Corin Nemec in a hotel corridor, JR Bourne accidentally stole my pen, and Don S Davis proved to be one of the most amazing and down-to-earth human beings you'll ever meet. I was hugged by Amanda Tapping and sat next to Teryl Rothery for a photo. I mean, in the picture you can see Amanda and Teryl are both touching me. ::g:: 


7. Do you plan on writing more stargate books?
I don't know! I have so many writing projects going on, and a Stargate novel requires so much prep and cooperation from both sides, that I'm not sure I'd have the time to commit to it. I would love to revisit the world, and hopefully I keep being brought in for the short story anthologies! 

8. What are your hobbies?
Reading and watching TV... and writing. I keep a tough schedule of releasing four books per year, so I don't really have time for other hobbies. ;)

9. Please share with us your links to follow you:
I have free stories on my website (http://www.geonncannon.com/). Squire's Isle may spoil some novels, but Underdogs is spoiler-free if you stick to Volume 1. All of my novels and the short story anthologies I've contributed to can be found in my website's store (http://store.geonncannon.com/) and you can subscribe to my Patreon to get exclusive stories and sneak peeks at future novels! (https://www.patreon.com/GeonnCannon). And follow me on Twitter! @GeonnCannon


Stargate SG-1: Two RoadsStargate SG-1: Two Roads by Geonn Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, let me start by saying I am a big time Stargate fan. So much so, that when Geonn came to me and told me that he wrote these books, I was totally in disbelief. And when he showed me all of us his work, and what all he had written, and the fact that he had sought me out, I was totally honored.

As a big time Stargate fan, this was and always will be one of the biggest honors I have ever had. And not to play favorites, this will always be one of my favorite reviews too.

I will tell you, as I read this book, knowing the characters as I do, Geonn can and does represent them just as they are on the TV Series. Jack is just as corny, and Daniel Jackson is just as nerdy and into the relics as ever.

And bringing back Vala, also another one of my favorite characters, is another great choice. She is so sexy and silly.

The Goa’uld as we all know, have been defeated, and the Jaffa are free. But fortunately Daniel Jackson, while on another planet makes a discovery and finds a device designed to exterminate the Jaffa who have dared to defy their gods.

And as we all know, Vala is a common thief, and this device could be a prize to her…I mean if you know Vala the goal is money and who can get the best prize, so to speak.

I also like the fact that Geonn wasn’t afraid to bring two new characters into the fold. Artifacts and investigations, and the team of SG1 all tight knit. I could see everything as if I was literally watching the show on the television. Only without the annoying commercials, but the best part was, I felt like I was right there!

The writing was amazing, and I felt like MGM made the right choice in choosing Geonn to carry on their wonderful saga. Even though MGM decided it wasn’t worthy of airing any further.

If, like me, you are a stargate fan, you will need and want to read this. It is an excellent book. It’s well written and follows along completely, and the characters are exactly as they are on screen, when put into print.

I give Geonn Cannon five stars, more if my scale went beyond five stars, but it doesn’t. He is an amazing writer, and a true artist. I suggest buying this book, and joining the Geonn fan club, as I have! He has true talent!

View all my reviews

Friday, December 4, 2015

Into the Furnace by Geonn Cannon



Into the Furnace

By Geonn Cannon

Kelly Lake is one hot tempered, strong willed, blonde bisexual fire fighter with a mouth on her! And you will fall in love with her instantly. 

As we follow along, one week into Kelly’s life, in that time it just all seems to fall apart. It becomes a true test of her will, to see if she can and will make everything work.

She has a relationship, but does love always prevail? Her job, which as everyone knows, fire fighters become a family unit because they live together. But as with family-even work family, it too is a relationship that requires work.

The part that really pulled me in was reading the Arson, and how in depth it was, and how the lives were affected. Eleven people, and of course the fire fighters. You can just feel the pain. The writing was very descriptive, and it was almost as if I was right there watching it. Actually, in all honesty, I think this would make a descent movie. I mean- personally I can see it.

However, as I came to the end of the book, I just felt Kelly Lake could deserve more of her story being told. I felt her calling out to me, telling me she had more to tell me. I can feel her words, and needs as a character, and that she has more to tell.... I will ask the Author that when I ask questions, you can trust me on that!


This book was amazing, and I give it five stars. I just felt very drawn in, and I just could feel and see everything. As I said, it would make for an excellent movie. It was very well written, and very understandable. And it was a very different kind of read than I expected, especially when he told me it had to do with a bisexual woman. I was thinking it was going to be a sex book, and no, it wasn’t. It was all in all a very good literary read. And I am glad to see someone give recognition to the bisexual women! Well deserved! 




My questions for Geonn:

1. What made you write this story?
Everyone loves firefighters! There's just something about a female firefighter who can hold her own in one of the toughest, most physically daunting professions that appeals. And they look good in the uniform. The reason I made her bisexual was because of another author's blog conversations about how there's so little representation for the "B" in LGBT. I thought it would make an interesting aspect to her character, and it would be a fun perspective to write.

2. Don't you feel Kelly has more of a story to tell?
Oh, absolutely. I want Kelly to come back again and again, at least until she gets her happy ending. She's got a lot more stories to tell.

3. Do you have a photo or a description other then blonde of Kelly?
I cast all of my novels, just so I can get images of the person in my head and the scenes can play out right while I'm plotting. For Kelly, I used Emily Wickersham from NCIS, but I added a few details. I made her more muscular in the arms and I added dark eyebrows and a strong jaw because those are familial traits that end up having an important element in the plot.

4. Did you do any sort of research for this book?
Oh, very much. It's tough to just dive in and write a firefighter novel without learning their jargon, their codes, and their hierarchy. I knew a lot of it from the first firefighter novel I did ("World on Fire") but I had to dig back in for this one.

5. How long have you been writing?
I think I posted my first story way back in 2001, but I was writing in high school. I wrote something for a girl I had a crush on, and it made her laugh. That was when I realized I had Power, if I could just hone it. I could entertain women with my writing! That was my "in"! And then I chose a genre where 95% of my readers are lesbians. Go figure. ;)

6. Who is/are your favorite Author(s)?
So many! Neil Gaiman, Max Gladstone, Elizabeth Bear, Caroline Paul (a real life Kelly Lake!), Jonathan Evison, Greg Rucka... the list goes on and on.

7. Out of everything you personally have written- what is your favorite book you have written?
"The Rise and Fall of Radiation Canary" was my pinnacle, I think. Not that it's my best book, but because it was the culmination of everything I'd written, everything I'd learned, and it felt like the lynchpin of my career. It's a book about the formation and sudden rise to fame of a band from Seattle, and I just fell in love with the characters and their world. I really want to hear their music on the radio. ;)

8. What can you suggest to future writers out there?
Never give up! Never let people tell you that it's not worth trying or that you won't make it. I'm a straight man who writes lesbian fiction, and that's a heck of an uphill battle. But if you work hard on your craft, the doors will open. I'm the only man who has ever won a Golden Crown Literary Society Award, and as of this summer I've won TWO of them. I'm the only man with a webseries in production with Tello Films, whose tagline is "100% Women 100% of the time." I'm their diversity and I'm honored to be included. So never give up! And don't feel like you have to be restricted to one genre or type. I've written westerns, I've written historical steampunk with magical elements, I have a contemporary romance next to a supernatural werewolf mystery series. Write what you want and the readers will hopefully follow.

9. Have you met anyone famous since or because of your writing career?
I'm not hanging out with Stephen Colbert or anything, but I've met some movers and shakers in the industry. Probably the coolest celebrities I've met are Liz Vassey, who follows me on Twitter, and Max Gladstone, who I befriended when I got an early review copy of his first novel and got in on the ground floor of his meteoric career.

10. Please share with us links to follow you and read your work:
I have free stories on my website (http://www.geonncannon.com/). Squire's Isle may spoil some novels, but Underdogs is spoiler-free if you stick to Volume 1. All of my novels and the short story anthologies I've contributed to can be found in my website's store (http://store.geonncannon.com/) and you can subscribe to my Patreon to get exclusive stories and sneak peeks at future novels! (https://www.patreon.com/GeonnCannon). And follow me on Twitter! @GeonnCannon
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Into the FurnaceInto the Furnace by Geonn Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kelly Lake is one hot tempered, strong willed, blonde bisexual fire fighter with a mouth on her! And you will fall in love with her instantly.

As we follow along, one week into Kelly’s life, in that time it just all seems to fall apart. It becomes a true test of her will, to see if she can and will make everything work.

She has a relationship, but does love always prevail? Her job, which as everyone knows, fire fighters become a family unit because they live together. But as with family-even work family, it too is a relationship that requires work.

The part that really pulled me in was reading the Arson, and how in depth it was, and how the lives were affected. Eleven people, and of course the fire fighters. You can just feel the pain. The writing was very descriptive, and it was almost as if I was right there watching it. Actually, in all honesty, I think this would make a descent movie. I mean- personally I can see it.

However, as I came to the end of the book, I just felt Kelly Lake could deserve more of her story being told. I felt her calling out to me, telling me she had more to tell me. I can feel her words, and needs as a character, and that she has more to tell.... I will ask the Author that when I ask questions, you can trust me on that!


This book was amazing, and I give it five stars. I just felt very drawn in, and I just could feel and see everything. As I said, it would make for an excellent movie. It was very well written, and very understandable. And it was a very different kind of read than I expected, especially when he told me it had to do with a bisexual woman. I was thinking it was going to be a sex book, and no, it wasn’t. It was all in all a very good literary read. And I am glad to see someone give recognition to the bisexual women! Well deserved!


View all my reviews