Another ARC (Advance Reading Copy) has made its way to my doorstep, but this time from The Brothers Washburn. Berk and Andy Washburn , aka “The Brothers Washburn,” are both lawyers by profession, writers at heart. They grew up together roaming the wastelands of the Mojave Desert, where most of this novel series is set. Both brothers returned from lengthy and successful careers in the wastelands of the law to write YA horror stories based on the wastelands of their youth. They currently live north of Denver, Colorado. The Dimensions in Death series is merely the beginning of the ingenious and spine-tingling world of The Brothers Washburn. Be on your guard, people, there is a new Grimm in town.
Pitch Green, my friends, is an exciting thriller that gets your blood pumping from beginning to end. One specific character, Camelot Mist Smith, is destined to be the Nancy Drew of this decade. She definitely has the brains and courage to keep her unauthorized and even prohibited sleuthing moving forward.
The supernatural happenings in the book are grounded just enough to give you the impression that there might be a scientific explanation behind them. Washburns' descriptions are vivid enough to leave you with an extra sense of vulnerability. You will be scared. No questions asked.
In August of 2008, I first created the Beholders series. Since then, my life has been filled with ups, downs and all sorts of turn-arounds. One of the ups, however, came in January of 2012, when I was first introduced to Jolly Fish Press. At that point, I had no interest in querying a publisher, but I was so impressed by the knowledge, connections, and ambition of Jolly Fish Press that I couldn't stop myself. A couple months later, I joined the ranks of many talented authors who contracted with JFP.
Since contracting with JFP, my book-writing journey has been an absolute joy! JFP has never ceased to inspire and amaze me. The latest came about through their creation of my cover for Insight, book one of Beholders. Observe and be amazed!
I've got a major fire under me right now. I am SOOO inspired to write! I can only imagine how my ambition will escalate in April, when my three maps for Insight are finalized. Can't wait!
In short, if you're looking for a publisher (or, like me, not looking) who puts your success first in their priorities, Jolly Fish Press is the publisher for you. Don't wait. Query them now! I know I speak for all of my fellow JFP authors when I say that our publisher has our backs, through and through! Take a look at JFP's recent releases (CLICK HERE) and ask any of those authors. They'll all tell you the same thing.
I was recently honored with an ARC. For those who have never heard of an ARC, it is an Advance Reading Copy of a book that is scheduled to be published in the near future. In this case, my ARC came from Adrienne Monson, winner of the 2009 Oquirrh's Writer's Contest and the Utah RWA's Great Beginnings. Adrienne has immersed herself in different kinds of fiction since she was a wee lass, but she has always found herself to have a voracious appetite for vampire novels.
Now, before you turn your head with Twilight disgust, let me clarify. Adrienne's book, Dissension, is an AWESOME vampire novel, one which takes us back to the origins of vampire stories (before they started sparkling 'n' stuff). Not only is her story fantastic, but Adrienne's writing skills are phenomenal. Her honed craft grabs you by the shirt collar and drags you through the pages. You can't stop reading, no matter how hard you try. Yes, it's that good. If you don't believe me, take a look at this book trailer:
Now, on to my own personal review of Dissension. When you pick this book up and start reading it (yes, you WILL read it *waves hand across your face*), don't be fooled by the first chapter. It initially appears to be a very erotic novel, and you might even start asking yourself why a half-naked man didn't fill the front cover, but worry not. The sleazy rapist gets his comeuppance. In Adrienne's novel, vampires don't eat animals. They feed on worthless rapists and murderers. At least that's the case with the protagonist, Leisha.
If you've never read a REAL non-Twilightish vampire book before, you might find yourself distressed in Dissension's complexities, but don't become discouraged. Don't stop reading. By the time you get to chapter 8, everything comes together. The author will enthrall you through simultaneous fulfillment and anticipation.
I loved Monson's unique descriptions of vampires and immortals, as well as the conflict and tension between them. To make a non-spoiler point, I especially enjoyed the relationship between Samantha and her father. Hands down, I would give this book a solid five stars. I'll be waiting anxiously for the rest of the Blood Inheritance series to come out.
I know you're asking yourself, "Where can I get this amazing book?! I can't wait any longer!" Well, the good news is, you don't have to. It was released the end of last month, both in hard copy and e-book formats (CLICK HERE to see purchase links). However, if you can make it, I recommend that you attend Adrienne's official book launch party tomorrow. It sounds like it's going to be quite the event, something you don't want to miss. I certainly plan to be there. Here are the details:
Dissension Book Launch Party!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
330 E University Pkwy, Orem, Utah 84058
"We want you all to dress like vampires so you can be in the first ever Vampire Themed Harlem Shake video. This party is to launch Dissension, book 1 in the Blood Inheritance Trilogy; now available! Please join us for a big celebration! Feel free to dress as a vampire and Adrienne will be signing as many books as possible that night."
Make sure to check out Adrienne's website (CLICK HERE). If you scroll to the bottom of her web page, you will see all of Adrienne's contact info, including facebook, twitter, and blog.
