Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings

Author News & Stuff:

Karen Mahoney posted a teaser from Beautiful Ghosts, it’s on Moth! Moth is a character I became fascinated with in Karen’s short story Falling to Ash in The Eternal Kiss: 13 Tales of Blood and Desire.

Shiloh Walker has launched her 30 Days of Giveaways in anticipation of her new paranormal romance Hunter’s Need (December 1, 2010). There are will be daily prizes and a grand prize of a one-of-a-kind purse filled with bookish goodies. Too many prizes to list here plus the list might get added to, so head over and check it out.

Kelly Gay and Kelly Meding have kickoff their 2K event: Same Name, Same Date, Same Genre – Two Awesome Debuts! in celebration of their new debut urban fantasy novels, The Better of Darkness and Three Days to Dead, release date November 24, 2009. They have a lot prizes up for grab including a grand prize: a $100 Amazon.com gift card.

The Book Pixie has an exclusive excerpt up for Chloe Neill’s upcoming YA Firespell, January 5, 2010.

New Covers:

Meljean Brooks posted the cover for Burning Up, an anthology due out on August 3, 2010. Burning up will include her short story Here There Be Monsters, that will be the start of her new series The Iron Seas. Here’s the synopsis for Here There Be Monsters.

Two years ago, blacksmith Ivy, desperate to flee London, purchased her overseas passage by agreeing to spend the voyage in the bed of the pirate captain, Mad Machen. Saved at the last minute by his rival, Ivy scraped out a new life in Fool’s Cove…until Mad Machen finds her, forces her to accept a job that will create a monster, and reminds her that she still owes him the price of a journey…

Jess Granger posted the cover for Beyond the Shadows (May 4th, 2010), the sequel to her debut release Beyond the Rain.

A man of deception. A woman of justice. Can their fragile trust be strong enough to prevent a war?

Commander Yara knows perfect leadership requires perfect control and discipline. She has spent years living without the distraction of caring for anything—or anyone. It’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make. Yara has honed herself into the perfect heir to the Azralen throne, but a bloody coup could destroy everything she’s worked so hard for. She must return home to prevent war. Unfortunately the only ship available belongs to an Earthlen trader with no regard for authority—especially hers.

Cyn is a rebel, driven to protect those suffering at the hands of the Elite leaders of Azra. Using his alias to manipulate the lovely but icy commander onto his ship, he has to keep her from Azra long enough to ignite the revolution. But when he awakens a vibrant and feeling woman beneath that icy exterior, he gets more than he bargained for—love. He must find a way to convince Yara to join him, before they get caught in a web of deception that could tear their world apart.

Michelle Rowen posted the cover for The Demon in Me (May, 2010), the first book in her new series Living in Eden. She also posted an excerpt to chapter two.

Hell hath no fury…

Fate has led Eden Riley to become a “psychic consultant” to the police, even though her abilities are unreliable at best. Those paranormal powers are about to get her into a jam she couldn’t have predicted. After her hunky police detective partner guns down a serial killer in front of her, Eden realizes that she’s quite literally no longer alone. A voice in her head introduces himself as Darrak. He’s a demon. But not in a bad way!

…like a woman possessed.

Darrak lost his original body 300 years ago thanks to a witch’s curse. This is the first time he’s ever been able to speak directly to a host, plus there’s a bonus. Eden’s psychic energy helps him to take form during daylight hours. He wants to use this chance to find a way to break his curse — finally. Otherwise, Eden’s going to have to learn to live with this sexy demon…like it or not.

And she thinks she might like it.

Maggie Stiefvater posted the cover for Linger, her sequel to Shiver, due to release on July 20, 2010. Here’s the first paragraph:

• grace •

This is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one.

Just a few months ago, it was Sam who was the mythical creature. His was the disease we couldn’t cure. His was the good-bye that meant the most. He had the body that was a mystery, too strange and wonderful and terrifying to comprehend.

But now it is spring. With the heat, the remaining wolves will soon be falling out of their wolf pelts and back into their human bodies. Sam stays Sam, and Cole stays Cole, and it’s only me who’s not firmly in my own skin.

Interviews:

• Ann Aguirre aka Ava Gray at Fantasy Literature
• Susan Blexrud at SciFiGuy.ca
• Steven R. Boyett at The Book Smugglers
• Kelly Gay at Dark Faerie Tales
• Julie Kenner at SciFiGuy.ca
• Beth Kery at DIK
• Jennifer Lyon at Something Wicked
• Jenna Mclaine at Writings Of A Wicked Book Addict
• Kelly Meding at Dark Faerie Tales and Obfuscation of Reality
• Devon Monk at Ilona Andrews
• Nicole Peeler at Ellz Reads, Suburban Vampire and Writings Of A Wicked Book Addict
• Jennifer Rardin at VampChix
• Nalini Singh at Rip My Bodice
• Susan Sizemore at Borders True Romance
• Anton Strout at Genreville

Interesting Tidbits:

The legendary 87 year old Dracula, Christopher Lee has been knighted this past week by the Prince of Wales. Congratulations Sir Christopher Lee! [i09]

Pure Imagination is having a Twilight Kickoff Month for the upcoming New Moon movie that will include guest and Twilight themed posts plus a contest. Yesterday was the kickoff with Smexy Books’ post: Guest Post: New Moon - The Condescend Version. <—Hilarious!

I’d like to point everyone over to Dirty Sexy Books for updates on book related news and reviews. Rebecca has a great all genre book review site and she posts a weekly news post also.

Did you know they are going to make a new Mad Max movie? Yep, the fourth movie Fury Road will star Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy. [SCI FI Wire]

There is a new publication Survival by Storytelling now available in print or electronic by young authors. One of the editors is Shaun Duke of The World in the Satin Bag:

“Survival By Storytelling Magazine is dedicated to publishing fiction, poetry, and non-fiction by young authors. Included in this volume are twelve short stories, seven poems, and one article, all by authors under the age of twenty-five. In addition, authors Paul Genesse (The Golden Cord and The Dragon Hunters) and T. M. Hunter (Heroes Die Young) have contributed two articles on the publishing industry and writing.
From vampires struggling with identity to guilty lovers trying to raise the dead to humorous and dark tales of life, the first issue of Survival By Storytelling is sure to tingle the senses and remind us all that age has nothing to do with a good story!” [Lulu]

New free books available at the Suvudu Free Book Library:

A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton	Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon	The Best of Robert E. Howard, Volume 1: Crimson Shadows by Robert E. Howard

Giveaways Around the Virtual World:

As always, I hope you find a new a book or an author that you've not heard of before listed here. Good Luck! The ongoing contest list is on my blog's sidebar.

Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings: Giveaway: Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis
Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings is giving away a copy of Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis, courtesy of Book Reader Times. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is at 8pm CST on Sunday, November 8th.

• Fantasy Literature: Kindle my Nook - A Bitter Night Giveaway!
  Fantasy Literature has discussion question: Paper or e-book? And, if e-book? Which reader and why? Do you have an e-reader? Considered one? They want to hear your thoughts on these questions. One lucky commenter will receive a copy of A Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis. Deadline to enter is Wednesday, November 4th.
   
• Odd Shots: Release week, woohoo!
  Nalini Singh is giving away a copy of An Enchanted Season anthology. Deadline to enter by noon Wednesday, Nov 4th, NZ time.
   
• SciFiGuy.ca: Giveaway - "Bound to Shadows" by Keri Arthur
  SciFiGuy.ca is giving away a copy of Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur, courtesy of Moss Media Relations. Deadline to enter is by Midnight on Wednesday, November 4th.
   
• All Things Urban Fantasy: 50+ Followers TRIPLE Giveaway
  Abigail is celebrating 50+ followers on her blog by giving away to 1 lucky commenter these books: Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs, Dark Time by Dakota Banks and Red-headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is by Midnight MST on Wednesday, November 4th.
   
• Patricia's Vampire Notes: Sarah Jane Stratford - Interview and Contest
  Patricia has interviewed Sarah Jane Stratford and St. Martin Press will be offering three lucky readers a copy of Sarah's debut novel The Midnight Guardian: A Millennial Novel. Deadline to enter is at 11:59 PM Hawaii Time on Wednesday, November 4th.
   
• Stumbling Over Chaos: Book Giveaway: Chosen by Desire by Kate Perry
  Chris is giving away five copies of Kate Perry’s new paranormal romance novel, Chosen by Desire (Guardians of Destiny), courtesy of the Hachette Book Group. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is by 7 pm CST, Wedneday, November 4th.
   
• Lovin' Me Some Romance: Guest Post with Charlotte Featherstone/Sophie Renwick & Giveaway
  VampFanGirl has both Charlotte Featherstone and Sophie Renwick guest posting, and they are giving away a copy of the anthologies, Winter’s Desire and A Higlander Christmas to two lucky commenters, one book for each. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is by Midnight PST on Thursday, November 5th.
   
• DIK - Desert Island Keepers: Please Welcome Beth Kery To The Island!
  Beth Kery giving away a copy of Paradise Rules. Deadline to enter is by Thursday, November 5th, Beth will announce the winner on her blog on Friday morning. --Added After Posting--
   
• Seanan McGuire - Rose-Owls and Pumpkin Girls: A LOCAL HABITATION ARC giveaway #1
  Seanan McGuire giving away a signed ARC of A Local Habitation, the second book in her October Toby Daye series. Deadline to enter is by Friday, November 6th.
   
• Jeri Smith-Ready: Blogtoberfest Day 24 - Jeri Smith-Ready
  Jeri Smith-Ready is giving away a signed ARC of Shade (mailing in November), her new upcoming YA novel. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is by 11:59pm Eastern, Friday, November 6th.
   
• Stumbling Over Chaos: Book Giveaway: Simon’s Cat
  Chris is giving away five copies of Simon's Cat by Simon Tofield, courtesy of the Hachette Book Group. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is by 7 pm CST, Friday, November 6th.
   
• Jess Granger's Butterfly Blog: Trick or Treat?
  Jess is celebrating her new book cover for Beyond the Shadows by giving away a signed copy of Beyond the Rain. Deadline to enter is before Jess's Saturday post on November 7th.
   
• Deadline Dames: Book Party!
  Devon Monk and Jackie Kessler are celebrating new book releases by giving away their books, in sets. Devon is giving away signed copies of her Magic series and Jackie is giving away a complete set of her Hell series, signed. Winners will be announced on Sunday, November 8th.
   
• The Book Smugglers: Book Review & Giveaway: Elegy Beach by Steven R. Boyett
  The Book Smugglers are giving away two prize packs that include: an autographed copy of Elegy Beach, bookmarks, book fliers, and a signed copy of author Steven Boyett’s live DJ set from WorldCon, all courtesy of Ace and Steven Boyett. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is by 11:59pm Pacific, Saturday, November 7th.
   
• Jeri Smith-Ready: Blogtoberfest Day 25 - Rachel Vincent
  Rachel Vincent is giving away a signed copy of My Soul to Take or My Soul to Save, winner's choice. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is by 11:59pm Eastern, Saturday, November 7th.
   
• Deadline Dames: The Joy of Covers
  Jenna Black is giving away a copy of her book Speak of the Devil, the fourth book in her Morgan Kingsley series. Deadline to enter is on Saturday, November 7th.
   
• Jocelynn Drake: Contest Round 17: Jeri Smith-Ready
  Jocelynn Drake is giving away a signed copy of the second novel in Jeri Smith-Ready's WVMP Radio Series, Bad to the Bone. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is at midnight on Saturday, November 7th.
   
• Vampire Wire: Contest for MJD Swag, Derek's Vamp Anniversary, Crappy EW Vamp Surveys
  Vampire Wire is giving away a MaryJanice Davidson gift pack that includes a t-shirt, a book, and some tattoos. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is by the evening on Sunday, November 8th.
   
• Amberkatze's Book Blog: Halloween Special with Stacia Kane!
  Amberkatze has interviewed Stacia Kane and Stacia is giving away a signed copy of the second book in her Megan Chase series, Demon Inside. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is by 4pm CET on Sunday, November 8th.
   
• Amberkatze's Book Blog: Halloween Special with Tony Paul
  Tony Paul is a guest over at Amberkatze Book Blog. Amberkataze is giving the winner of this contest a choice of one published book from by Julie Kenner, Terri Garey or Stacia Kane. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is by 4pm CET on Sunday, November 8th.
   
• Amberkatze's Book Blog: Halloween Special with Terri Garey!
  Amberkatze has interviewed Terri Garey and Terri is giving away two signed copies of her latest Nicki Styx book, Silent Night, Haunted Night plus beaded bookmarks to two lucky winners. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is by 4pm CET on Sunday, November 8th.
   
• Amberkatze's Book Blog: Halloween Special with Julie Kenner!
  Amberkatze has interviewed Julie Kenner and Julie is giving away a signed copy of her new urban fantasy, Tainted. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is by 4pm CET on Sunday, November 8th.
   
• SciFiGuy.ca: Guest Author - Julie Kenner (Interview & Giveaway)
  Doug has interviewed Julie Kenner and is giving away an ARC of Torn and a signed copy of Carpe Demon. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, November 9th.
   
• Enchanted by Books: Debut authors Kelly Meding and Kelly Gay's 2K Quiz Contest!
  Rachel has a 2K Quiz up for a chance to win signed copies of Kelly Meding and Kelly Gay's novels, The Better Part of Darkness and Three Days to Dead, as well as an additional surprise novel of their choice from each author. Four book total for one lucky winner. Deadline to enter is on Monday, November 9th.
   
• Book girl of Mur-y-Castell: New Giveaway: Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis
  Blodeuedd is giving away a copy of Bitter Night by Diana Pharaoh Francis, courtesy of Book Reader Times. Open to everyone. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, November 10th.
   
• Graeme's Fantasy Book Review: Giveaway! '7th Son: Descent' (J.C. Hutchins)
  Graeme is giving away three copies of 7th Son: Descent by J.C. Hutchins, courtesy of St. Martin's Press. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is on Monday, November 9th.
   
• Graeme's Fantasy Book Review: The 'Big Fat Horror Giveaway!'
  Graeme is giving away five packs containing Nightlight and The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror 20, courtesy of Constable Robinson. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is on Monday, November 9th.
   
• Book Love Affair: Giveaway: Harry Connolly
  TJ is giving away 5 copies of Child of Fire by Harry Connolly, courtesy of Del Rey. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is at midnight on Monday, November 9th.
   
• mis(h)takes: Day 323 - WIN Legacy
  Mishel is giving away her ARC of Legacy by Cayla Kluver. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is on Monday, November 9th.
   
• Ellz Readz: Author Interview and Giveaway: Nicole Peeler
  Nicole Peeler has been interviewed over at Ellz Readz and Elnice is giving away a copy of Nicole's debut novel Tempest Rising. Deadline to enter is on Thursday, November 12th.
   
• Wondrous Reads: Hush, Hush Week: GIVEAWAY - Win 5 UK Copies of Hush, Hush!
  Wondrous Reads is giving away 5 UK copies of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, courtesy of Simon & Schuster UK. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is on Thursday, November 12th.
   
• Suburban Vampire: Interview and contest: Nicole Peeler, author of TEMPEST RISING
  Catherine Karp has interviewed Nicole Peeler and thanks to Orbit Books, she is giving away two copies of Nicole's new release Tempest Rising. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is Friday, November 13th.
   
• Fangs, Fur, & Fey: Fangs, Fur, and Fey Happy 3 Year Anniversary contest!
  Fangs, Fur, & Fey writers are celebrating their third blog anniversary with a hugh giveaway! Grand Prize - One (1) Kindle Reader. Other prizes - Twenty-two (22) gift card for $20.00 from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-A-Million, or Powell's - winner's choice. Head over and check out the rules for entry. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is at 11:59 pm Eastern time on Friday, November 13th.
   
• The Book Faery Reviews: Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, Amanda Grange - Author Guest Post & Giveaway
  The Book Faery Reviews has interviewed Amanda Grange and is giving away 1 copy of Mr.Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is on Friday, November 13th.
   
• Pure Imagination: Twilight Month Giveaway!!
  Lori is celebrating the upcoming New Moon movie with a giveaway. One lucky winner will get: A New Moon calender, New Moon sountrack (gently used) New Moon movie tie-in book, braclets, a key chain, and A Caution I Drive Like A Cullen sticker. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is by Sunday, November 15th.
   
• Mondo Vampire: Review + Giveaway: Vampire Taxonomy by Meredith Woerner
  Derek Tatum had reviewed Vampire Taxonomy: Identifying and Interacting with the Modern-Day Bloodsucker by Meredith Woerner and is also giving away two copies, courtesy of Perigree/Penguin USA. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is on Monday, November 16th.
   
• Patricia's Vampire Notes: Vampire Taxonomy - Contest
  Thanks to Perigee, Patricia's Vampire Notes has two copies of Vampire Taxonomy: Identifying and Interacting with the Modern-Day Bloodsucker by Meredith Woerner to giveaway. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is at 11:59 PM Hawaii Time on Monday, November 16th.
   
• SFF Chat: Help me Interview Jasper Fforde and win a Fforde Book
  Help Simcha with interview questions for an upcoming interview with Jasper Fforde. Winner will get a choice of one of Jasper Fforde's books. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is by Tuesday, November 17th.
   
• Neth Space: Giveaway: 10th Anniversary Edition of Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
  Neth Space is giving away 5 copies of the 10th Anniversary Edition of Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson, courtesy of Transworld. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is by Tuesday, November 17th.
   
• Dark Faerie Tales: Author Interview: Kelly Meding
  Dark Faerie Tales has interviewed Kelly Meding and Kelly is giving away an autographed copy of her soon to be released book Three Days To Dead and some lovely SWAG. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is at 11:59 PM EST on Friday, November 20th.
   
• Dark Faerie Tales: Author Interview: Kelly Gay
  Dark Faerie Tales has interviewed Kelly Gay and Dark Faerie Tales is giving away an autographed ARC of her soon to be released book The Better Part of Darkness, cover flat, and a bookmark. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, November 23th.
   
• Book Whisperer: Bite Marks Contest
  Book Whisperer is giving away a copy of Bite Marks by Jennifer Rardin, the sixth book in the Jaz Parks series. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is Thursday, November 26th.
   
• Layers of Thought: Give Away and Preview: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble (signed copy)
  Layers of Thought is giving away a signed soft bound copy of Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is on Sunday, December 6th.