Ruby Moon-Houldson's Latest in Guardian Series Now Out in EBook...

Guardian of the Middle Realm
(Photo credit: www.ruffrootcreative.com)

“Vows are for those who wish to keep them,” Jadyn related with a huff. “And you no longer wish to keep the one that ties you to Remiel?” he asked with great interest.
 “I want more than he’s willing to give. I have to live out my own life just as others do. It doesn’t look like I’ll be in the Middle Realm for much longer.” 
“You’ve been spending quite a bit of time up here lately.” Jadyn turned her gaze upon Araboth once more. 
“You’ve noticed?” Araboth nodded. 
“Most certainly.” He then smiled. “So tell me, Hephate, what’s come about to make you feel the way you do now? What about your duty? What about the Middle Realm?” 
“To the devil with the Middle Realm. It’s nothing but a battle ground of chaos and unrest. Those who dwell there need to be on their own—fight for themselves if they want to make it—prove their own worth to save their own skins. Goodness knows I’ve given my all for them. And what have I received in return? Being surrounded by vampires. Working with kids. And being saddled with a Pure One who’s afraid to rock the boat a little every now and then. I need a stronger companion—one who’s willing to take a chance on having fun now and then. Strong arms and gentle whispers just don’t cut it any longer. I’m tired of the constant struggle to keep balance in the Middle Realm. I’m ready to rest now. I’m ready to come home to stay,” she shared with an air of finality. 
Araboth considered Hephate’s words. He probed the Great Master’s mind and read her thoughts. He also concentrated on and dissected the feelings which were flowing free from Hephate’s countenance. He concluded she was being sincere in her revelation. He drew an arm about the Great Master. “You can always count on us—those you’ve been with over the eons. And I’ll stand by you if you need someone to turn to while you work through your troubles,” Araboth offered. 
Jadyn smiled. “Thanks, Araboth. That means a lot to me.” 
“Anytime,” he replied as he lightly ran a hand down the long black hair which blanketed Hephate’s back. 
“I think I’ll head out for the Guardian’s abode,” Jadyn announced. 
“Need some company?” Jadyn smiled once again as she slowly eyed the Great Master up, down, and then up again. “Why not? We just may enjoy a stimulating conversation along the way.” 
“And maybe even something more,” Araboth returned in a suggestive undertone. And with that he slipped an arm around Hephate and proceeded to guide them down the golden path which would lead them to the nearest portico.

Guardians of Immortal Faith


By Ruby Moon-Houldson

The unbelievable has happened! Jadyn, the main character in The Guardian series by Ruby Moon-Houldson has turned against Christopher and her family. She wants to return to the Upper Realms, where she can use her power as a Great Master! Christopher could go too, if he wanted—but it is clear she really doesn’t care if he does! What could have caused it?

Christopher started having dreams in Guardians of Immortal Faith. Given that many important events have been foretold in their dreams, he is worried—because Jadyn has turned against him and has threatened his life so that he must defend himself in the only way he can—by showing his vampire side and covering the mark on Jadyn’s throat with his fangs! Each time he awakes, just as Jadyn screams, “No, Remiel!”

Although Christopher and Jadyn have routinely shared important dreams with each other at the appropriate time, Christopher felt he could not this time, for he had already begun to see actual changes in Jadyn that bothered him. For one, in the frenzy of battles, she had “accidentally” killed a number of good vampires. Many had become leery of being involved in a battle if she was there. At home, she had become impatient with the children; so much so that Christopher was concerned she might hurt one or more of them!

As he thought about it, things had started to be different when she first discovered that she was a Great Master and she was spending more and more time in the Upper Realms. While he is taking on more and more responsibilities and all are now looking to him as their leader. He has faith in Jadyn and believes she will rid of herself of what is bothering her and get back to her family. That is, until he starts hearing the rumors. Rumors that Hephate [Jadyn] is routinely seen with another of the Great Masters! Since their own intimacy has dramatically decreased, fear and jealousy brings about a confrontation.

Jadyn is almost relieved to tell him that she is tired of the never-ending battles that do nothing to help the Middle Realm, suggesting that the mortals should fight their own battles! She wants to move back into the Upper Realms and if Christopher won’t go with him, then she will take Rayna and live there! Christopher is so concerned that he decides that he must hide Rayna to protect her from her mother!

You can’t afford to miss Guardians of Immortal Faith by Ruby Moon-Houldson. One good thing that I can report is that Randu has become interested in a woman! Of course it is the same woman that had come to Christopher’s bed to tempt him into becoming unfaithful to his wife...
How long can Christopher keep his Immortal Faith? Trackle Ruby Moon-Houldson, put it on your calendar, or whatever you do to make sure you don’t miss Guardians of Immortal Faith. Not my favorite—but you gotta read it! For when the battle of the swords begins in the Valley of Fire, Christopher and Jadyn will be fighting on different sides!

Special Afterwords of conversations between Jadyn and The Great One, as well as Jadyn’s thoughts provide readers an intimate view of the struggles and turmoil she faced during this time in her life. Once again, the author has given us ample reason to follow The Guardian Series!

~~~

The Guardian series is a sensuous escape into the fantasy world of the ages. I am thoroughly hooked! When I read the More Than Angels books, I declared Moon-Houldson a must-read author. However, the Guardian series, in an entirely different genre, forces, yes, forces me to consider this author a Creative Genius! Book reviews cannot begin to describe the fascinating complexity, compelling story line and sensuality of these stories. While based upon well-researched somehow familiar magical stories, each idea from Moon-Houldson is unique but totally interwoven into an intricate tale that becomes a reality into which readers invariably fall! Building suspense through character development and constantly more exciting and seemingly impossible challenges is almost magically done through brilliant writing! The Guardian series demands to be consumed!


GABixlerReviews

Ruby Moon-Houldson has written over thirty books to date. She has met, spoken with, and conferred with many of the actors from the Original Series of Star Trek, as well as the many spin-off series. Ruby considers Leonard Nimoy to be her “hero” seeing she looked to his example as she was growing up. Ruby is a published author who enjoys writing in the science fiction/paranormal genres as well as children’s books, and reference books. 

She also submits material for online magazines, nursing textbook companies, and works with an Entertainment Company housed in CA which hosts Star Trek conventions for the fans. Ruby writes for Roddenberry Productions. She wrote a speech which was presented at the Great Bird of the Galaxy Conference in Texas and worked on the ‘Beam Me Up Scotty’ program that was presented by PlanetXpo in Hollywood, CA. 

Moon-Houldson has appeared as guest speaker at various conventions across the United States as well as conducted book signings. Ruby is a member of the Trek Writer’s Guild. She is the author of the book titled “A Tribute to James Doohan, ‘Scotty’” as well as the book “A Tribute to Spock,” “A Tribute to Walter Koenig,” and “A Tribute to George Takei.” 

Ruby is a member of the Indiana Literacy Coalition, the Greene County Speaker’s Bureau, and the Greene County Writer’s Group. She also dabbles in photography (getting tips from Leonard Nimoy) and creates artwork for book covers. She is the President of “The Moon-Houldson Foundation” which provides assistance to up-and-coming writers and to nursing students. She lives in Indiana, loves to hear from her readers, and takes time out of her busy schedule to answer all mail received from them. When not at her laptop, Ruby works full time as a College Professor. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Nursing. Virgil Franklin, music composer, credits the inspiration he found for creating his latest music CD release, “Night Sins”, to Ruby’s “Guardian” series. Moon-Houldson’s latest achievements consist of receiving rave reviews for her most recent novels, having two books nominated for Oprah’s Book Club, and earning the “National Indie Excellence Award” for Best Fiction novel (More Than Angels).

Callinan's New Series/Main Character is Winner!

The Immortality Plot:


a Mike Delaney Thriller




By David Callinan




In a recent article, David Callinan talks about whether a villain should ever be continued. Callinan had just published the first novel in this new Mike Delaney Thriller. I do enjoy series, and Mike Delaney is a man who definitely is one to capture your attention!...

The Villain? Well, he wasn't caught in the first book, so even though he was worthy of hatred, I believe he should at least be "captured" before readers will be happy.

Although...this villain is quite unique and very good in The Immortality Plot...

The media has dubbed him "The Priest" which is rather ironic since Mike Delaney is using The Monk as a moniker... By the way, I've read all four of Callinan's thrillers so far and have been intrigued with his use of some sort of spiritual connection for each of his main characters, the latter because he has spent time studying in an oriental monastery... I'll let you find out why and how the villain has been so named, but I will tell you that he leaves absolutely nothing behind and is a contract assassin, but he also is a serial killer who murders for fun as well...

The concept of searching for immortality by the rich and powerful is not new, but everything else in this novel is, at least in my experience. As mentioned earlier, Mike Delaney is definitely unique--a sympathetic character who is easy for both men and women, I am sure, to enjoy. Mike had been saved during time in the service by his friend Bob Messenger, who was hit by a sniper instead of Delaney. Messenger is an important minor character, at least in this first novel. He is now confined to a wheel chair and has started a computer site which pulls together people across the world to gather, work or talk about unsolved crimes. It is Messenger who contacts Mike to get him involved in the latest of a series of murders of young women.

A tape has been loaded on their site from someone who claims to have murdered Maria Montalban (Mike's wife who worked under a different name). There was no choice--Mike Delaney would find this villain!

I love when there are a number of different plots to move a story forward. There is the relationship between Mike and Messenger, who saved his life... Then there are those that are "waiting in line" to be next to be given the immortality they crave, no matter that it takes another's life to do it...and then there is the villain! Although there is not much sexuality in the book, the multiple characters played by The Priest (he is a transvestite) is fascinating and, having created such a unique character, it is no wonder that the author is wondering whether to keep him to torture us throughout the series. I vote to go for it! But please make sure he's suitably disposed of by Mike before the series ends! I want to be there! This novel is a prime example of the good and evil in humanity. Fortunately, The Monk has The Priest on the run as this novel closes... Can't wait to see what happens!

Highly recommended!


GABixlerReviews

Well-Written Novel Disappoints...

JosephWright-Alchemist-Cropped (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Taker


Alma Katsu




I had mixed feelings about this book from the beginning to end...

When I encountered the writing of Katsu, and found it very well done, I just kept on reading until I finished the book.

Perhaps it was the title and the cover that got me thinking...I now see that there have been a number of covers used for the book. I made an assumption that The Taker was the lead female--is she or isn't she? You won't really know from the first book, or at least I wasn't sure...

I prefer the cover that is now being used...

It's reminiscent of the location of much of the story but still gives the gothic, mysterious feel that is important.

The book begins in the present when a woman is brought into the emergency room and Luke Findley, who is one of the few doctors in St. Andrew, Maine, The woman immediately begins to talk to Luke, seeking his assistance in getting her out of the hospital!

Did I tell you she was wanted for murder?

And that ultimately Luke did help her, not only to escape but to then travel with her to Canada?

Again I formed an assumption that the woman, later called Lanny, had been able to mesmerize Luke...truthfully, I don't know for sure since he seemed to act correctly. Could he have fallen immediately in love?

Lanny certainly was not in love with him. In fact, she had just killed the only man she had ever loved... Jonathan had been her childhood friend and later lover. But he was also quite a handsome young man and had many of the young girls and sometimes wives, offering their affection.

Lanny was jealous of all others, but was able to remain aloof to his faults and remain his one close friend, no matter what...

The story of Lanny and Jonathan takes readers back to the early 1800s, where Jonathan gets one woman pregnant and then also Lanny. Her father quickly makes arrangements for Lanny to go away and give up the baby. However, she never makes it there. She is found on the street by a small group of people of about the same age and offered a place to stay for the night...

And there she meets Adair... Let me share a short excerpt:

"When I woke up, I was lying on a bed on my back, and I was nearly being suffocated by the man hovering over me. His face was unnaturally close to mine, his hot breath raking my face. I shuddered under his weight and the insistent slamming of his body against mine, and heard myself  moan and cry in pain, but the pain was detached, blunted for now by the drug. I knew, instinctively, that it would all come back to me later. I tried to call out for help and a sweaty hand covered my mouth, salty fingers pushed past my lips. "Quiet, pet," the man on top of me grunted, eyes half closed..."

Alma Katsu is a wonderful storyteller. And if you enjoy somebody telling a graphic sensuous, yet violent story, then you will undoubtedly find this tale of horror one that will fascinate you. Her writing is literary in nature and speaks of the past magic and alchemy that we have all enjoyed in other historically set books. I have to recognize that talent at the same time that, personally, I felt that there was too much telling and not enough action. Since Lanny is sharing her past with Luke, the first personal account is insufficiently relieved with actual dialogue. Though I don't profess to enjoy reading about violent actions, on the other hand, reading somebody telling us about that abuse, or even of having sex failed to pull me actively into the events. Some have said they were bored; I won't say that completely, but I did feel short-changed. The title, The Taker, implied to me much more action. I was disappointed that I never really got to "see" the action Adair supposedly did.

Perhaps because the violence would have been beyond our capabilities to accept? Yes, probably.  Still, I felt cheated. There were other minor characters that had undergone similar circumstances as Lanny but we never really learned about them; one, in particular, tries to help Lanny discover what is actually going to happen and help her to escape, only to be murdered. We learn of this from those who didn't see that killing...

Can we allude to actions so often that their impact loses any emotional commitment? Can we glamorize what was an undying love, supposedly, while the character admits to enjoying the sadistic side of the relationship she was involved in? I found too many questions unanswered in this first book. But I am not enticed to read further...


GABixlerReviews

Alma Katsu was born in Alaska and raised near Concord, Massachusetts. She holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins writing program. The Taker, her debut novel, is first in a trilogy. The Reckoning, second in the series, is forthcoming in hardcover. She lives with her husband in Virginia. Visit her online at www.almakatsu.com.

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What Would You Do If Your Child Was Dying?

Image via Wikipedia

The Immortalists


By Kyle Mills











What would you do if your child was dying? Of course, everything possible! But what if you had personal professional knowledge that could be used to help find a cure? How far would you be willing to go then?

Draman's daughter had been born with a genetic defect, progeria, that caused her to age faster than normal. The little girl was just 8, but she was old enough to understand--to know that this would bring her death. All of the family had become resigned to making the most of their life while they were together. Draman had sought fiinancial support for research; however, this condition was rare. Too rare to have limited funds invested in something which had a lower number of patients. When something like this is said, the mind can accept it as logical, but the heart never will.

And Richard Draman would never give up...

Then someone broke into their house and tried to kill the little girl...

Of course, they went on the run!

Draman, a microbiologist, had received research data from a colleague, Annette Chevalier, who was now dead--Richard felt it was a suspicious death! Annette's research revolved around the "fundamental structures of life." As he reviewed the material, he realized that the information could potentially be used for Susie if he could figure out how it could be applied!

But there were others who had also realized the potential--against aging--and wanted those research materials!

The story is well-written and well-paced, and even though there is travel as the chase takes place, for me, it lacked the depth to pull readers in to the overall action as once again rich, powerful men pull the strings... . On the other hand, the research activities being spotlighted are important for all of us, knowing that not every disease or medical problem can be solved. I was moved more from the sympathy toward the family then by any other emotion that normally comes with a thriller. Still it is recommended for many who find that medical novels provide a much-needed knowledge that few lay people would ever learn about.


GABixlerReviews

• From the Author
Kyle Mills is the New York Times bestselling author of twelve books, including the latest in Robert Ludlum's Covert-One series, The Ares Decision. Growing up in Oregon, Washington, DC, and London as a the son of an FBI agent, Kyle absorbed an enormous amount about the Bureau, giving his novels their unique authenticity. He and his wife live in Wyoming where they spend their off hours rock climbing and backcountry skiing.

Welcome - Dakota Banks! Author of the Mortal Path Series!

Dark Time: Mortal Path Book 1

In the 17th century, a woman is ripped from her husband's arms, thrown in jail, and then set afire as a witch. Saved from the flames by an ancient Sumerian demon, she becomes the Black Ghost, his Ageless assassin gifted with otherworldly skills and superbly trained in martial arts.

Centuries pass before Maliha Crayne finds a way out of the life she hates.

If she achieves a balance between lives taken and lives saved, she'll break the demon's hold on her.

If she fails, she will suffer the demon's torment ... forever.

The Mortal Path Series

What if a woman sold her soul to a demon
and 300 years later wanted it back?

Sacrifice: Mortal Path Book 2

Now Available!

A Sumerian demon's enslaved executioner--a ravager of lives and souls--Maliha Crayne has been reborn, willing to sacrifice her immortality for a chance at freedom ... and salvation.

Now she has an opportunity to prevent the death of thousands to help balance the countless lives she has obliterated over the centuries. To do so, she must locate and destroy an evil cabal of madmen in possession of a weapon of unspeakable power--and survive the immortal assassins who are now after her blood.

But it means reverting to the old ways and surrendering once more to the darkness. And if Maliha dies before the mission is accomplished, the hell she once knew will seem like a picnic compared to the eternal torments awaiting her.

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• Sacrifice, Dakota Banks, EOS, ISBN 978-0-06-168732-7, $7.99, 285 pgs., (booksfantastic.wordpress.com)