Azaria by J.H. Hayes

Azaria

By: J.H. Hayes

Azaria is only a fifteen years old girl. She is a very curious and brave teen too. Always out to show the boys and the men, she was their equal, if not even better!

Sadly, for her, one day she accidentally witnessed her Father, Azerban, involved in the sacrifice of a rival tribesman. This upset her very much.

Azaria is a character driven historical novel in the vein of Jean Auel’s Earth Children series. It’s woven around the mysterious hunter-gatherer culture that erected Gobekli Tepe the massive, 13000-year-old-temple structure in modern day Turkey whose discovery rocked the archaeological community and is now widely believed to mark man’s transition to civilization.

Natu customs are under the microscope, and Azaria must lie, deceit and keep her own secrets from those in Natu in order to try to make what she hopes- a difference. Azaria might be only fifteen, but she thinks much wiser, and knows and goes after what she wants. She wants to show those of her world, that she can be the first to be the one, to make the stand of a difference, and show her father, and the people of Natu, it’s time to make changes.

This book “Azaria” not only is a wonderful read, it guides you through History, and enlightens you about the people, and the World around the Natu people. You will feel like you are right there, you can see and feel like you are learning the ways of these people, and their world. It is a whole new time, and it is truly amazing. This is true five star educational read. It is like a History lesson, and so much more.

Here are my questions for Mr. Hayes:

1. What made you decide to write the book Azaria?

I was fascinated with the idea of the temple structure of Gobekli Tepe. What sort of people built it? Why? How? We really know very little so far about the civilization that built GT. We know they were hunter-gatherers who were perhaps just beginning to domesticate certain grains and maybe animals too. We know a little bit about their iconography and what they hunted and how they lived. But we don't know much more.

No matter how much I read and researched I just couldn't quench my thirst for why and how GT was built. This fascination (almost obsession) needed an outlet and eventually the ideas for a story came together. After several months of pondering and more research, I started writing. After that, it was all downhill.


2. Do people need to read www.Azariablog.com first before the book?

No. The novel stands on its own. Azariablog.com is a nice supplement after reading it though. There are posts on scientific articles related to the subject matter of the novel, as well as some excerpts and cut scenes. In the future, I plan on including brand new content that you'll only be able to find on my blog: short stories taking place in the Azaria universe and such.


3. How long did it take you to write this book?

It took about a year to research and another year to write the first draft. The editing process took the longest - 2 whole years. It was great fun though. I thoroughly enjoy every part of the process from beginning to end.


4. Other then the cover, do you have any other photos?

I don't have any illustrated artwork, but I do have some some personal photos of Gobekli Tepe I took when visiting the site in the winter of 2012-2013. I really should post those to Azariablog.com


5. How did you learn about Natu's Customs?

The specific customs and traditions are a result of my imagination based heavily on research. I studied the Natufi (Natu) and Kebaran (Kebar) Cultures, which are both historical neolithic cultures in the Levant and Fertile Crescent areas. The excarnation ritual is borrowed from a Tibetan practice.


6. Have you been in this temple?

Yes. I visited Gobekli Tepe in Southeastern Turkey in the winter off-season. The site was officially closed, but I was able to gain access by bribing the security guard with a couple of loaves of bread. It's a truly magnificent, awe-inspiring location. The monumental slabs tower over you. The reliefs are cryptic and exotic. When you stand there trying to take it all in, you feel like you should be able to gather some meaning from it all. You know it was built for some purpose, but you just can't put your finger on it. I really envy the researchers that get to spend their lives their. Besides all the incredible discoveries they are making, it's just a majestic place to get to work.

7. What is you very most favorite book of all time?

That's a really tough one. I'm tempted to say The Princess Bride, but it's really my favorite movie, even though the book is even better. I guess I'll go with Douglass Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. His satire slays me. Another favorite is Mysts of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.


8. Who is your favorite Author(s)?

My favorite authors, in no particular order, are Neil Gaiman, Jean Auel, Mark Twain, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Isaac Asimov, Douglas Adams and Carl Sagan.


9. What are your hobbies?

Obviously I like to read and write. If you've read Azaria, it's probably no mystery either that I like history, archeaology and anthropology. I also like politics and religion. When not working, reading or writing, I love to travel.


10. What all education do you have?

I have a B.S. in Physics and Astronomy from Sonoma State University. I also took some graduate level courses at Harvard while working on the Chandra X-Ray Telescope at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.


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

www.Azariablog.com

@azariablog = Twitter

www.facebook.com/azariablogpage/


12. Anything to add:

Just thank you so much to Deneale for reviewing and spotlighting my novel. Independent writers can not have success without good people like her.

Azaria by J.H. Hayes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Azaria is only a fifteen years old girl. She is a very curious and brave teen too. Always out to show the boys and the men, she was their equal, if not even better!

Sadly, for her, one day she accidentally witnessed her Father, Azerban, involved in the sacrifice of a rival tribesman. This upset her very much.

Azaria is a character driven historical novel in the vein of Jean Auel’s Earth Children series. It’s woven around the mysterious hunter-gatherer culture that erected Gobekli Tepe the massive, 13000-year-old-temple structure in modern day Turkey whose discovery rocked the archaeological community and is now widely believed to mark man’s transition to civilization.

Natu customs are under the microscope, and Azaria must lie, deceit and keep her own secrets from those in Natu in order to try to make what she hopes- a difference. Azaria might be only fifteen, but she thinks much wiser, and knows and goes after what she wants. She wants to show those of her world, that she can be the first to be the one, to make the stand of a difference, and show her father, and the people of Natu, it’s time to make changes.

This book “Azaria” not only is a wonderful read, it guides you through History, and enlightens you about the people, and the World around the Natu people. You will feel like you are right there, you can see and feel like you are learning the ways of these people, and their world. It is a whole new time, and it is truly amazing. This is true five star educational read. It is like a History lesson, and so much more.

View all my reviews

Burlesque by Christopher Logan

 Burlesque

by Christopher Logan

If you remember the book D.R.A.G.

then allow me to introduce to you

yet another book by the same producer:

Christopher Logan

 Today we bring to you:

 

Another book that belongs on your coffee table, that everyone will admire, and adore. A book of pure beauty, and class.

                    Within this, I have given you a few teaser photos, as well as ask Christopher to give me a few lines to share with you.

    So here we are from Christopher himself: "The sequel to the dr.a.g. coffee table book will be available as of this Monday the 15th for Orders, with books arriving in March.

This time we focused on the stars of the world of BURLESQUE, including Michelle L'Amour, Immodesty Blaize, Lou Lou D'Vil, Scarlett James, Dita Von Teese, The Stage Door Johnnies and many more."

Again, here we have more input from Christopher:

"I started making these books as a window to funding film projects: hence, our name Bookthefilm Publishing. But it's become so much more to me. It's become a way to celebrate diversity and inclusion through showcasing other people's art. There's such a rich variety within each sub-genre: drag, burlesque, etc....

The first book was beautifully (and critically) well-received, but the finance of it was another thing altogether. Could be my inexperience at publishing, or that the 'downloadable' world of today isn't fit for someone making only one or two books (and printed ones only) at the time. 

This time around, the Burlesque book will be only available by direct sales at www.bookthefilm.com. It's an effort to take control and move forward in a way that will allow many more books to come. In the US, UK and Canada, the books are available at www.bookthefilm.com, and will be available in rest of Europe through bookstores, online, etc after June.

I was thrilled with the easy and honest connection I had with the drag community, due to being in the film Connie And Carla. The Burlesque community proved just as open and embracing. I'm hopeful they will adore this new book as much as the drag community and others embraced the first.

I'm pushing headlong back into acting now that my bookworld is 'off and running' enough that I can step away from time to time. I've a trifecta of Science Fiction parts coming up this month, with roles on DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Supernatural, and a guest starring role on the new X-Files."

 I then decided to ask Christopher if he would be putting these beautiful books together every year, and he answered with this:

"I would love to be able to do one book each year...but I'm not quite that fast yet. Hopefully things will keep on moving and pick up steam and I can pull things together in a shorter timeframe."

For those who don't know....D.R.A.G. is where men are dressed as women. And these books are used to raise funds for the photographers, and artists, and people. So, in conclusion, if you would kindly tell your friends about www.bookthefilm.com and his books,m this one and D.R.A.G. you would be helping. 

Thank you for any and all help that you can give in sharing this book, the idea behind this book, with your friends and family.

Before I close, I would like to say, that I give this book, "Burlesque" five fancy stars. It is a pleasure to see and admire for anyone who enjoys art, beauty and class. And I speak from experience, I have grandchildren from the ages of several months old to five years. All have seen this book, they ask to see it constantly. As do my own Children. Get this book, I guarantee, it will entertain everyone. Trust me, I know.

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:

https://twitter.com/GeonnCannon

https://www.facebook.com/neil.miser.5

http://squiresisle.geonncannon.com/

http://underdogs.geonncannon.com/

The 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

Pushed (Torn Book One) by A.F. Crowell

Pushed (Torn Book One)

A.F. Crowell

My dear readers, you are probably going to get tired of me saying this, as repetitive as it is, but it is true. And the best way to meet new Authors and their amazing books! Yes, I met A.F. Crowell attending another facebook party, where I won this amazing book, that she was sharing as a prize. Until this event, I had never heard of Ms. Crowell, or her writing. 

As I opened this book, I noticed right from the very beginning the fact that this book is about a trauma ward, and the main character is a nurse. Those are usually my favorite shows to dig into on TV. But I’ve never really delved into them as a book until now-minus the book “Coma” many years ago. (I know right?! Who has thought of ‘that’ book in years?!)

Leila Matthews is one of those kind of nurses who thinks she has been around the block so much she has seen everything. However, lets face it, once you are so sure of yourself-someone or something is gonna prove you wrong.

The irresistible Brody Davis is everything any woman would want. The only thing his priorities are himself. Although his best friend has a baby sister that has always made him desire her. And if there is any female who has a chance of getting through to Brody, Leila believes she can change his ways of loving and leaving women.

The question being, is with a know-it-all, seen-it-all, nurse, and a love ‘em and leave ‘em heart breaker, do you think it will work? And do you think Leila can actually change this sexy billionaires attitude about women and give them the true love he needs at the same time?

This is a very beautiful five star book, with all the excitement you could ever want and need. "Pushed" kept me on the edge of my seat, whereas I was wanting to help both Leila and Brody in every way. I loved every minute of this book, and could not put it down. I think I found myself a new favorite writer! Ms. Crowell is an amazing writer, and she truly will make you see, feel and believe that you are right there. If you want a real love story, with a twist, you truly need to read this! A definite edge of the seat mix with romance, and two people who truly seem stubborn, but well worth the wait. Once you start reading it, plan on making yourself comfortable, because like I said-you won’t be able to put it down. 

My questions for Ms. Crowell:

1. What made you decide to write this book AND how long did it take you?

I had just finished reading another book and I kept wanting something completely different to happen but it didn’t. More and more books were doing that to me. I thought to myself, I could do this. I love to tell stories. Figuring out what to write about stumped me though. Then it happened. I woke up in the middle of the night from this dream that rocked me to the core. Pushed was born. I can only guess about how long it took to write because I wrote both Pushed and Pulled back to back with no break. All together it was 4 months, so approximately two months.

2. Did you have to do any research for this book?

 
Not really. I live in Charleston, where the book is set and I work in a surgery center. I definitely asked several of the nurses I worked with questions on specific details and complications.


3. Other then the cover, do you have photos or descriptions of Leila and Brody?

 
Brody Davis 31 yr old, muscular not too bulky but defined, unruly dark hair, blue eyes, no tattoos.

Leila Matthews 27 yr old, thin, curly auburn hair, brown eyes, tan skin, voluptuous. RN at Medical University of South Carolina.


4. As you are writing your characters- can you visualize the scenes? AND if it's sex scenes do you make certain the scenes are workable?

 
I definitely can see the scenes. I will actually stop and try to picture it so it is a do-able thing. The sex scenes are a little more tricky, but I do try to make sure they aren’t impossible or cheesy.

5. What are you working on now?

 
I’m actually working on my fourth book, Redemption. Because it is a spin off from the first three books, Pushed, Pulled and Torn, I won’t give any details.


6. What are your hobbies?

 
Reading!! I also really like making teasers and crocheting scarves. Blankets take too long and I’m not that patient to be able to count that many stitches.

7. Who is/are your favorite Author(s)?

 
Kristen Ashley, JC Valentine, L Wilder, Audrey Carlan, Jordan Marie, Emily Snow, JC Emery, Pepper Winters, Katy Evans, K Bromberg, Lauralin Paige, HM Ward, Vi Keeland, Sandi Lynn, Meredith Wild, Jasinda Wilder, Kaylee Song, River Savage…… this list could go on and on.

8. What is your favoritist book of all time?

 
Hands down, Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley

9. How long have you been writing?

 
I’ve been writing just over a year. My first book was self-published on February 18^th 2015 before I was signed to Boroughs Publishing Group.

10. What all education have you had?
I graduated high school at sixteen and immediately went into college but I only finished two years. I wish now I had stayed with it.

11. Please provide us with your social and book links:
www.afcrowell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorafcrowell

Reader Group on FB: http://on.fb.me/1Q70L4H

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1NhraYq

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NePev9

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1QOhuvg

PUSHED, Book One in the Torn Series

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1DhwQU6

B&N: http://bit.ly/1LQG1LS

SW http://bit.ly/1OfOoBl

PULLED, Book Two in the Torn Series

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1gyXwEU

B&N: http://bit.ly/1O3L5iu

SW: http://bit.ly/1MVIxhe

TORN, Book Three in the Torn Series

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ofpz8B

B&N: http://bit.ly/1TflRNG

SW: http://bit.ly/1lvuokO

12. Anything to add?

I will be signing at Angels and Sirens in Pittsburgh, PA March 12, 2016 and at Authors With Southern Charm in Charleston, SC July 23, 2016.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/353482244859112/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/southerncharm2016signing/

Pushed by A.F. Crowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My dear readers, you are probably going to get tired of me saying this, as repetitive as it is, but it is true. And the best way to meet new Authors and their amazing books! Yes, I met A.F. Crowl attending another facebook party, where I won this amazing book, that she was sharing as a prize. Until this event, I had never heard of Ms. Crowl, or her writing.

As I opened this book, I noticed right from the very beginning the fact that this book is about a trauma ward, and the main character is a nurse. Those are usually my favorite shows to dig into on TV. But I’ve never really delved into them as a book until now-minus the book “Coma” many years ago. (I know right?! Who has thought of ‘that’ book in years?!)

Leila Matthews is one of those kind of nurses who thinks she has been around the block so much she has seen everything. However, lets face it, once you are so sure of yourself-someone or something is gonna prove you wrong.

The irresistible Brody Davis is everything any woman would want. The only thing his priorities are himself. Although his best friend has a baby sister that has always made him desire her. And if there is any female who has a chance of getting through to Brody, Leila believes she can change his ways of loving and leaving women.

The question being, is with a know-it-all, seen-it-all, nurse, and a love ‘em and leave ‘em heart breaker, do you think it will work? And do you think Leila can actually change this sexy billionaires attitude about women and give them the true love he needs at the same time?

This is a very beautiful five star book, with all the excitement you could ever want and need. "Pushed" kept me on the edge of my seat, whereas I was wanting to help both Leila and Brody in every way. I loved every minute of this book, and could not put it down. I think I found myself a new favorite writer! Ms. Crowl is an amazing writer, and she truly will make you see, feel and believe that you are right there. If you want a real love story, with a twist, you truly need to read this! A definite edge of the seat mix with romance, and two people who truly seem stubborn, but well worth the wait. Once you start reading it, plan on making yourself comfortable, because like I said-you won’t be able to put it down.

I proudly represent Borough's Publishing Group as one of their ARC readers.




View all my reviews