the chronicles of trellah: the perpetual rain by t.s. graham

"The World's Toughest Book Critics" have weighed in, and it's high praise for Trellah! "An excellent choice for readers eager for a suspenseful, emotionally satisfying fantasy adventure." 

Kirkus Book Reviews 

Title: The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain
Author: T.S. Graham
Pages: 164
Rating: 4/5
Cover Rating: 2/5

Summary:
Fourteen-year-old Sophina Murray will be the first to tell you: Bad luck comes in threes. First, her father is lost at sea. Then, the rains start . And don't stop. And finally, her little brother is taken from his bed by a monster straight from her worst nightmare. A glimpse into the parallel universe of Trellah - a land of giant trees, bizarre creatures, and a glowing red mineral with mystical properties - convinces Sophina that all may not be lost. But first, she'll have to survive in a hostile world where her darkest fears live and breathe. Trellah is an original and realistic fantasy for ages 12 to 112. Parental guidance suggested for advanced readers ages 10-11 for moderate elements of horror. 

My Say:

The book is full of imaginations. Maybe a little like Alice in Wonderland with a Fringe-ish kind of Twist. However, the book has the horror that I feel like it is well complimented the adventurous storyline. Apart of the adventure, the story started with mysteries. I know it sounds as if the book is complicated read, but trust me, the author did it well to make simple with words and full of emotions. Sophina, losing her father and a missing brother are very tough for a 14-year old girl to accept and face it alone. Of course, with no one to be with her, looking for her brother is the best way to avoid her from being lonely forever. And now I know why the author love Sophina the most (please read the interview below!). As I love Harry Potter and The Lords of the Ring, I love the magical things the author included in the book. Simple words to describe things in sentences made my imaginations easy. Even with simple words, not too much unneeded details, the characters in the books are actually quite well-developed. It has a progress which increased, at the right pace towards the ending. Until I reached the last page, I never thought the story is already ended. For a debut novel, I think T.S. Graham made his bid well.

Interview with the Author

What inspired you to write the book?

My family, without question. Having read countless bedtime stories to my five daughters, I decided it was time to spin them a tale from my own heart and mind.

Who is your favorite character in the book and why should we love him/her too?

For me it’s Sophina, because she is a combination of all five of my daughters. She is brave, loyal, stubborn, and there is no one else like her in this world or any other. When times get desperate, her mind gets sharper. I think that’s what most people look for in a hero.

Tell us why people should read your book?

If you’re looking for a fresh take on the YA fantasy genre, free of vampires, witches, werewolves, magic, and talking animals, then “The Chronicles of Trellah” may be just what the doctor ordered. If you’re obsessed with the status quo, then my book may be out of your comfort zone.

What books have most influenced your life?

For me it’s always been about Stephen King. He has the talent and education to write Pulitzer Prize winning works, but he chooses to thrill and entertain instead. He taught me to write for myself and my audience (in this case YA), and not to worry about what those who prefer works outside my genre think. A writer’s genre can change with each new book, but they always need to put their intended audience ahead of the big-time critic who might scoff at their creation.

What is the most recent book you read?

I have two girls under the age of 6, so it’s all about picture books at my house. The stories we revisit the most are “Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Napping House,” and anything by Dr. Seuss. I would love to write a children’s book someday. In many ways, I think it would be harder than writing a novel.

If you are not a writer, who would you be?

A scientist. It would be my job to find a safe, natural cure for folks who suffer from irrational stress. Seriously…. No matter how many times you ask certain people to take a deep breath and chill, it never seems to work. My wife and children are not included in this equation. They’re always chill. ;p

Any advice for young authors?

Always write for yourself first, your audience second, and… well, there is no third. That’s it.

About the Author 

T.S. Graham was born and raised in midcoast Maine. He has worked as a sea urchin diver, fish monger, home renovator, and in several group homes for children and adults with disabilities. His original screenplay, Stone's Point, written as Clint Elliott, has won multiple awards. He studied English Literature at the University of Southern Maine, where, despite developing a strong dislike of the traditional curriculum focused on old, dead (and boring) scribes, he somehow managed to graduate with honors. His greatest influences are writers like Stephen King and Michael Crichton, whose talents would have allowed them to write more literary fare, but they chose to thrill and entertain instead. He now lives on a horse farm with his beautiful wife and five daughters, two poodles, two cats, two happy turtles, four playful ferrets, three fish, a corn snake named "Tiger," dozens of chickens, and, of course, four awesome equines. The Chronicles of Trellah, Book One: The Perpetual Rain is his debut novel. 

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chasing the witch by jessica gibson

Title: Chasing the Witch

Author: Jessica Gibson

Series: Boston Witches #2

Pages: 229 (pdf)

Rating: 4/5

Cover Rating: 4/5

Summary (Goodreads):
After the events of Mark of the Witch, Jilly at last begins to breathe easier though her powers are still growing. But can she harness them in time to confront a new chain of events that threatens to change everything? Caroline has finally accepted her life as a witch, but when a stranger comes into her life she's forced to question her family loyalty. The sisters are thrown together to protect a young girl from the enemy determined to hunt her down. Can they save her -- and themselves?

My 2 Cents:
I read Mark of the Witch few days before cant wait to finish the second book. As I predicted, the second book is much better even when there's a few unsatisfactory scenes in my opinion. The best thing I like about the book is more details on Caroline, the other twin sister. Normally, it's either a balance with the hero and heroine, but this time, I wont say Caroline is only a supporting character when she's also a heroine. When there's a minor clash between Caroline and Jilly, I was kind very nervous, in case Caroline will lose her way or vice versa. Blood is thicker than water. No matter how bad your sibling is, they're still pat of you. That was what I thought about Patrick, the so-called evil brother of William. There was a twist about him that O would never have guessed, but it happened. All the characters played their part quite good and I was impressed with new powers too (Maybe I just love superheroes and spells too much). Of course, when there's a sequel, means there will be new character as well, and lead to another cliffhanger! As much I love the book, this part made me kind of hate it. In a good way though. I would love to read the author's third book in the series. Hope it will be real soon!

About the Author

Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she’s down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the “someday” section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write. Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future. Aside from writing, she runs an online event planning business called the Release Day Diva. In addition to novels, Jessica writes and maintains the blog Book on the Bright Side. Keep up with Jessica and her latest releases and events on her blog.

Find her here: Website \ Author Blog \ Book Blog \ Facebook \ Twiter \ Amazon Kindle \ Amazon Paperback

mark of the witch by jessica gibson

Title: Mark of the Witch

Author: Jessica Gibson

Series: Boston Witches #1

Pages: 89 (pdf)

Rating: 3.5/5

Cover Rating: 4/5

Summary (Goodreads):
Magic flows through Jillian Proctor's veins as surely as blood, but so far her life outside Boston has been peaceful. William Morgan blows into Jilly's life like a hurricane, unleashing her magic and sending her out of control. Unknowingly, William brings an enemy who only wants to posses the power of the witch. Jilly must learn to harness her magic before she loses it - and everything in her life is destroyed.

My 2 Cents:
This book is the first book of Boston Witches series. Physically, the book is a short story of a twin sisters, Jillian (Jilly) and Caroline. How I root for sisters protagonists! Once, I read a book (which I love the movie, Practical Magic) also about sister's act, not twin though. It was quite a while I read something like this. It is such a great read to know that both characters get even and ample story about them in a book. I don't think either of them get outshone by one another. It's a great love story too, just when one of them facing marriage's problem. There's also William, a hunk that is immortal, has love interest with Jilly and I think they made a lovely couple even though Jilly is kind of fierce? The story is quite straight forward and quite predictable. Maybe there's one flaw that I would highlight here; character's development is just so-so.But even with that, the characters are still likable. I like them. However, the next book is way better!