Isis Sousa's Blog: Tragic Books' news - Posts Tagged "review"

I have just joined this fantasic community and resource for authors & readers that is Goodreads.

Have just added my book to GR database, now, I need poeple who is interested in reviewing Art of Isis Sousa & Guests: Fantasy Digital Painting Techniques & Video Lectures

I can offer a PDF but also a TRADE physical book.

the Special Edition (Hard cover, heavy glossy paper + embossed slipcover) is still being printed, so it will take a couple of months to be available.

Looking forward to hear from you, dear reviewers!

Marilena Mexi is a Fantasy Illustrator and author friend of mine and has recently published her third novel, Deerward.

I prepared an interview with her, which you see here, followed by a book review:

What was the main difference on the process of illustrating Antara and Ninemia and your latest Novel Deerward? Which one was most difficult and why?

The most difficult part was when I was working on Antara's illustrations, because it was going to be an illustrated novel. So, I had to devote much more time for this book compared to Deerward. That one had no interior illustrations, and the story was more clear in my head. Overall, Deerward took me around 3 months, while Antara took me around 2 years.

Why did you decide to make Deerward a non-illustrated work? Do you plan to make more illustrated books in the future?

I'd love to make Deerward an illustrated novel too, but then it would it be even more difficult for me to find an agent, since no one accepts illustrated adult fantasy novels. Therefore, unfortunately my next books won't be illustrated either.

Did the experience of publishing your third novel work change something within you? Do you see yourself as more experienced, for example?

I don't feel too experienced yet; maybe that's because of the fact that I was forced to self-publish my third book again, so I don't think that procedure taught me something more than I already knew.

Why do you write YA/New Adult works? Which other genres do you like and plan to write?

In general I prefer fantasy themes, so I'd like to focus on that. I write new/young adult because the hero/main character's age is a bit restraining, so the character's age plays a key role in defining the book's category.

Where do you take inspiration for the names of your characters? Why do you think it is important to give them a unique/proper name?

I give names that would fit to the personality of the characters. I spent a lot of time in searching names for both novels; I think that plays an important role in the overall mood of the story, and adds an extra layer of interest.

Do you see any difference in the publishing market from the time you published your first novel and today?

I think that the trend leans toward to sci-fi more nowadays, but I believe that classic fantasy will make a comeback in a few years.

Can you tell us about your current writings? Are you already writing your next book or scribbling new ideas for future novels?

I was going to start a new fantasy novel last summer, but that got delayed due to personal issues and a lack of inspiration. I found out that the "winter" mood is much more inspiring for me and I tend to be more creative during the winter, so I hope I'll start the new novel this winter.

Any message you would like to communicate to your readers?

I'm going to sound a bit cliché, but I'd like to encourage everyone to keep on dreaming and pursue their dreams, no matter how distant or impossible they may seem.

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BOOK REVIEW - DEERWARD

5 out of 5 stars!

I have read Marilena’s first book, Antara and I immediately realized she was a natural born storyteller. Marilena writes from the heart and it reflects in the way she builds her characters.

In her third book, Deerward, I noticed her writing skills are sharper than ever: her characters have very distinct personalities and back-stories, her scenarios are more complex and her plot full of surprises in a fast tempo.

Deerward is not one story, but many. It tells of the hero’s home and birthplace, the story of his life, of his one great love, of different battles against evil, and last: his legacy.

Deerward is a great read for those who like dragons, magic and other epic elements. It is also very exciting, full of action, adventure, love and even twists of sorrow. Alcander, the main character, is good, brave, curious and has a tough decision to make by the end of the book, which is also my favorite part as it reveals more of his personality and internal values.

This is an original story, great for bedtime for those who have a warrior soul… And for those who love a classic epic read!

I have a Gothic Short story coming this Halloween: Eleanor's Gift. It is Victorian Gothic, like The Night of Elisa - but with more elements of Classic Gothic Horror to it.

And here is an excerpt, the story's opening.

.:Eleanor’s Gift
.:The darkness

A downpour washed the dark pointed roofs, old cobblestone roads and woods surrounding Rivercrook. The strong wind shook the plants and carried away their yellow leaves. It howled at windows and doors, scaring infants and their mothers. Lightning flashed around the town’s monuments and sculptures, distorting stone faces and casting twisted shadows.

On the old cemetery road there was not a soul to be seen, yet the shadow-play of the storm made the graves seem to dance without rhythm or grace. Soon there came a wagon, pulled by two horses running for their lives and tormented by the lashes of a mad coachman; only a mad person would dare to travel in such conditions.

Inside the wagon, in complete darkness, a lady held tightly to the bench. Her breathing was shallow, her heartbeat so strong she could feel it in her throat. The wagon rocked terribly and threw her belongings in all directions.

The wagon hurried along that road and then took an exit onto an earthy countryside bridleway, narrower than the roads across Rivercrook and much darker, as the trees grew tall on each side and formed a natural roof of branches and leaves. The only light the coachman could count upon was the faint reddish-yellow glow of his lamp. He knew they needed to make their way along the bridleway to the clearing. It wouldn’t take too long, but still he lashed the exhausted horses to run even faster.

They were almost there when the dying light flickered one last time. Now there was nothing but the darkness amidst the trees. The coachman saw the clearing when it was illuminated by lightning. Once they crossed it, it wouldn’t be long until they reached their destination, just a day or two more of harsh travel.

The terrain was uneven and soaked, making it difficult for the horses to stay on course. The storm obscured the moonlight and the frightening flashes were now resting in the clouds so the travelers could not see where they were going. The coachman was forced to slow the horses against his will. He had a calling, a duty to fulfill, and it could not wait any longer.

But the powers of nature can go with you or against you, and that night, despite having come so far – already such a great victory – nature was indeed against the struggling man. All it took was a slide of the left-hand horse to drag the other horse and the entire wagon with it, down the soft, muddy cliff that gave into the river. The horses, the coachman and the lady struggled against the darkness and the waters.
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>>> Anyone interested in reviewing it until Halloween , drop me a message :) And I will provide you a free e-book :)

Enjoy your autumn! ^.^

This June/July, I travelled to Sao Paulo, Brazil to spend some time with my parents, brother and extended family. Besides the amazing moments I got, I received some beautiful and great books as gifts. I’d like to share with you two classics (one old, one modern) of Dark Fiction.

I’ve been in love with their layout and paper and you can have a glimpse here on this short video.

Click on the link to watch the video:
http://tragicbooks.com/2017/08/28/spe...

Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley was even more special, due to the extra illustrations and the 4 bonus short stories. However, my favourite cover is that of Books of Blood, by Clive Barker. It’s utterly beautiful.

PS: Yes, they are in Portuguese, my native language :-)

So, what do you think about special editions and hardcovers? Or do you prefer paperback? Would you have a book in multiple formats? Share your opinion :-)