Tag Archives: magic

Interview with Elaine Calloway

Urban Fantasy – With a Twist 
Q&A with Amazon Bestselling Author Elaine Calloway
 
 
 
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your books.
 
A: Thanks for having me here! I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. Journals in elementary and high school gave way to short stories and novellas in college and beyond. Then one day I wanted to try novel-length fiction and I’ve never looked back.
 
As far as genre(s), I write paranormal & urban fantasy books, but with a twist.
 
Q: Intriguing! Can you explain?
 
A: I follow most of the rules of Urban Fantasy. Lots of world-building, a confident hero/heroine, a very specific task to execute. But instead of killer vamps or dark hunters, my characters are a bit more human. My Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind Elemental protagonists have super powers just like many in the genre do. However, it was never my intent to write a comic-book themed story, so I added a twist to ratchet up the tension: My Elemental
characters do have super powers. Yet they cannot show their powers in public. This adds a layer of conflict as they must rescue innocent humans.
 
Q: How did you come up with the idea for Elementals?
 
A: I’d been toying with a good vs. evil tale for a while. Then “The Fifth Element” came on TV one night. I’d also read a recent article about how readers were loving books with fallen angels in them. That was when everything came together. So many stories come alive by nuggets of tales having the time to marinate before they gel together. So my Elementals are the good guys, protecting humanity from the evil fallen angels who want to take over.
 
Q: You’re working on Book Five now? Will there be any more in the series?
 
A: Maybe. I think Book Five ends on a good note, so any additional books in the series would really be offshoots of the main series. I’m also busy writing my other series, The Southern Ghosts Series, and I have
ten planned for it. Only three are out now, so that keeps me busy typing and writing!
 
Q: Are your books available at all retailers?
 
A: Yes, all except Google Play. My Elemental Clan Series is four separate books (with the first one being free) or you can purchase the boxed set of four books for a discounted price. Links are below.
 
 
 
Get Water’s Blood for Free (Book 1) – Links to all Retailers on my Website
 
 
 

 

Get the 4-Book Set  – http://amzn.to/1LhbNF8
 
 
 
Q: Tell us about your other series.
 
A: It’s called the Southern Ghosts Series. Part humor, part romantic suspense, part ghost stories, part humor. Readers seem to really enjoy the characters in each one. So far books 1, 2, and 3 are set in Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, respectively. Book 4 will take place in Texas and I’m outlining that now. For more info, go to my website here: http://www.elainecalloway.com/books/southern-ghosts-series/
 
Q: How can readers get in touch with you if they want to know more?
 
A: I love to hear from readers! My website is www.elainecalloway.com and has links to all my books and info. You can also sign up for my Readers list here and that gets you access to sneak peeks, cover reveals, and
discounts that the general public won’t have access to.
 
Thanks again for having me here, and I look forward to meeting new readers!
 
 
Kam: As always it’s a pleasure having you on my blog. I just know readers will love this interview, love your works, and you’ll make many more fans.  Best of luck on all your projects. 
 
Until next time…….
 

 

 

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Grandma Must Die by Maureen L. Bonatch (Book Review)

Author: Maureen L. Bonatch
Series: A Touch of Magic Series, Book 1
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy

 
 
Carman has worn out more towns and last names than impractical shoes protecting the secret of her magic blood. But when a friend goes missing, and another is infected with a deadly spell, Carman must choose. Expose her magic blood by curing the spell—or stop the infection from spreading by killing the source…the grandmother.

Magic bounty hunter Dylan has scoured libraries of banned magic paraphernalia seeking a method to distinguish genuine witches from impersonators. He suspects unorthodox librarian Carman might hold this information tighter than the hair he’s dying to unleash from her bun. With a past as hidden as his sleeve of tattoos, Dylan discovers he’s been used to gain Carman’s trust and their passion risks more than mixing mortals and magic.

 
 

 

…once she’d started Carman couldn’t stop,

the book beckoned. Pressing its spine against her palm, begging her to search within the pages to find the answers she’d unconsciously sought her entire life. As she lifted the book, her scalp tingled and her hair elevated like a halo.

“Whoa.” Dylan shielded himself with his hands. “Put it back, slowly, because this is reminding me too much of the incident with the chest. Having my apartment blown up from magic isn’t covered in my rent.”

The plastic evaporated in a puff of smoke in Carman’s hands and the book unsealed with a sigh. She smiled, the welcoming warmth emanating from within its pages against her palms. Why had Mother kept her from this? This is what she’d been waiting for.

As curiosity overtook his common sense, she detected Dylan’s cautious approach. He stood close enough to peer over her shoulder into her book, but far enough away to avoid touching her.

After the shockwave the last time their skin met, he probably worried he’d ruin another pair of pants. Carman closed her eyes, absorbing the power from the book. The delicious feeling evoked a sensation like melting chocolate, sweet and satisfying.

“I remember hearing about her, Esmeralda Wrath. I wonder if this was her book?” Dylan’s warm breath caressed her shoulder.

Carman opened her eyes and examined the page. To stare right at a photo of the most powerful witch of all time…her grandmother.

 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
I want to start off this review discussing the basement under the library. The area, which housed magical artifacts, reminded me of two great shows — Warehouse 13 and The Librarians. The basement was truly a wonderland for the magically gifted humans. Heck, it’s pretty impressive for the “normal” folks, too. 
 
Speaking of normal folks, I was glad Maureen finally enlightened me what the heck an m ‘n’ m was on page 165 (in paperback). I knew she wasn’t referring to the sweet treat and was pleased to learn it stood for magic mimiker. With that bit of knowledge tucked away, the previous passages made more sense and proved to be more enjoyable. 
 
All in all, this story was cute. I wasn’t blown away by it, but I also wasn’t bored out of my mind either. 
 
Would I recommend it to others? Sure. I definitely think many readers will find this witchy tale most entertaining. 
 
Now with that said, I’m off to watch The Librarians. 
 
(Update: It was pointed out to me by Sophia Kimble (visitor – see comments below) that Maureen actually stated what an m ‘n’ m was on page 68. I want readers to have accurate information, so I felt this revelation needed to be shared. Sorry for any confusion I might’ve caused.)
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
DON’T WAIT, GET YOUR PAPERBACK OR KINDLE COPY TODAY!! 
 

 

 

I write books about heroines who can laugh at themselves while dealing with magic, mayhem and love. The quirky friends and family who insist on coming along for the ride are just a bonus.
I’m so glad you stopped by. Let me turn down the music and get you a drink while you pull up a chair to settle in and escape with some bookcandy. Something to make you smile while you enjoy all the sweet, satisfaction with none of the calories.

You deserve it…you’re extraordinary. 

 

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Magic of the Gargoyles: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles by Rebecca Chastain (Book Review)

Mika Stillwater is a mid-level earth elemental with ambitions of becoming a quartz artisan, and her hard work is starting to get noticed. But when a panicked baby gargoyle bursts into her studio, insisting Mika is the only person she’ll trust with her desperate mission, Mika’s carefully constructed five-year plan is shattered.
 
Swept into the gritty criminal underworld of Terra Haven, Mika must jeopardize everything she’s worked so hard for to save the baby gargoyle from the machinations of a monster—and to stay alive…
 

 

 

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

Who needs a guard dog when you have a gargoyle at your disposal and where can I get one? 🙂
 
This book was non-stop action and will please the readers who love magical stories. Yes, this book is short but the page count didn’t hinder the quality of the work.
 
Great job, Rebecca. 
 
FYI: Not kidding about wanting a pet gargoyle. Is there a store for this? Maybe, Gargoyles R Us…. HA!! 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score:❤❤❤❤
 
 
 

Rebecca Chastain is the international bestselling fantasy author of A FISTFUL OF EVIL, A FISTFUL OF FIRE, and MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Dreaming up the absurd and writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in northern California with her wonderful husband and two bossy cats.

 Website Link

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Twitter Link 

Goodreads Link

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Dances with Demons by Lori Handeland (Book Review)

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When a demon comes calling Megan Murphy’s bar blows sky-high, and she’s suddenly on the run with her klutzy day shift bartender, the exceedingly gorgeous Quinn Fitzpatrick.

Quinn has been in love with Megan from the moment he saw her. Too bad he’s living a lie. He isn’t as klutzy as he makes out, nor as human as she believes. Quinn was sent to protect Megan from anything that slithers.

But there’s danger afoot, and the best place for them both is one that’s far, far away. A place Quinn Fitzpatrick once called home. Ireland–land of fairies and gargoyles, shape-shifters, dragons and more.

There they will dance with demons, and Megan will uncover every secret Quinn has.

 
 
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It’s rare that the hero in the story is a virgin. That, I found refreshing. 
He was also a shifter, but was also something more. What else…..yeah, I’m not telling you. You’ll have to buy the novella and discover that secret for yourself. *grins*
 
I was thrilled to see Liz back in the series. She was “missing” in the last short story and it wasn’t the same. Now if only Sawyer would return. He’s one of my favorite characters and I know his story isn’t over. Can’t be. 
 
 
Heart rating system – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤1/2

 

Purchase Links: Amazon – Print / Kindle

 

 

MORE STORIES IN THE SERIES

ANY GIVEN DOOMSDAY -11/08
DOOMSDAY CAN WAIT -4/09
APOCALYPSE HAPPENS -11/09

CHAOS BITES -5/10 
IN THE BEGINNING (A FREE Phoenix Chronicles Short Story)
Click here to download. (PDF Format)

HEX APPEAL – 6/12 (an anthology containing “There Will be Demons,” a Phoenix Chronicles)

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Illusion by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Book Review)

 

 

Be careful what you wish for…You just might get it.

Nick Gautier is tired of his destiny. He doesn’t want to be the son of a demon who’s fated to end the world. Nor does he want to see another demon or other preternatural creature who wants to kill or enslave him. He just wants to be normal and have normal problems like everyone else.

But normality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. When he gets sucked into an alternate reality where his mother has married his mentor and his Atlantean god best friend has become a human geek, he begins to understand that no life is free of pain, and that every person has a specific place in the universe… Even the son of a hated demon.

Most of all, he sees that his powers aren’t the curse he thought they were, and that the world needs a champion, especially one its enemies can’t imagine rising up to defend the ones he should destroy.

Old enemies and new friends square off for a major battle that will either restore Nick to his real world, or end him forever.

 
 
Warning – spoilers included in review!!! 
 
Nick awakens to an alternate state and let me tell you, it was wonkie as hell. 
 
*Nick 2 was a whiny ass boy
*Ash was married to Artemis
*Friends were now foes
*Bubba was married to Cherise
*We met high school Ash and Simi
 
I loved it. 
 
We also found out more about Nekoda. (Keep her daddy’s name under wraps)
Savitar was prominent in the alternate universal and he was pretty much the same aka I STILL HEART HIM! 
 
And Nick…..oh yeah, he was Mr. Badass with a heart of gold in this latest installment too. 
 
I can’t wait for the next book! 
 
Heart rating system 
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
 
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