Crooked: Honest Criminality by Bronwen John @toydog16r @matadorbooks @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

Ashia ‘Ash’ Cox isn’t your average teenager. She’s a sixteen-year-old con artist headed for greatness – until celebrity criminal Harry Holmes destroys the family and life she loves.

Taking matters into her own hands, Ash links up with Esther Crook – a legendary con who has her own motivations against Holmes and his associates. After a little persuasion, Esther puts together a new crew using Ash as ‘the insider’. The crew feel the heat of the criminals on one side and the encroaching crime agencies on the other, but as the heist unfurls, who is really doing the conning and who is pulling the strings?

With plot twists aplenty, Crooked raises the stakes in crime fiction as the plot equally surprises – and cons – the reader.

 

Troubador| Amazon | Goodreads

I had a good impression while reading Crooked Honest Criminality.  The whole realm and art of “the con” is very fascinating. It provides a good insight into the criminal enterprise of the con artist. The characters kind of remind of the classic movie, Oliver, who also was an estranged orphan. Full of action, adventure, and dialogue, Crooked  will keep you turning the pages until the very end. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens next! 

AUTHOR BIO

Bronwen John is a Civil Servant with a Creative Writing degree from the University of Wales. She has previously published four poetry anthologies which include; The Kardomah Kid (2011), Mind The Gap (2013), The Lotus Blossom and The Kardomah Kid (2017), as well as a children’s book, The Mystery of Smugglers Drift (2017). She lives in a tiny village in Dyffryn Cellwen, Wales.












			

			
				


	



					
						


	

		
337 by M. Jonathan Lee @mjonathanlee – #337LEE @HideawayFall @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		









337 follows the life of Samuel Darte whose mother vanished when he was in his teens. It was his brother, Tom who found her wedding ring on the kitchen table along with the note.
















While their father pays the price of his mother’s disappearance, Sam learns that his long-estranged Gramma is living out her last days in a nursing home nearby.
















Keen to learn about what really happened that day and realising the importance of how little time there is, he visits her to finally get the truth.
















Soon it’ll be too late and the family secrets will be lost forever. Reduced to ashes. But in a story like this, nothing is as it seems.
















Amazon | Goodreads  | Book Depository
















MJL 337 EXTRACT #4


 


“I suggest you do,” he says in a voice which suggests there may be ramifications if I choose not to. 


My only remaining thread of control is severed when he hangs up the phone. I take a deep breath and wait for him to call back, which is something he does when he feels he may not have made his point as clearly as he might. I lay there staring at the dust that has collected in the corners of my phone. The screen stays black, and after a minute or two passes I feel safe again. I place the phone on the duvet and turn my face into the darkness of the pillow. 


For a moment I am gripped by anger, a feeling that twists in my chest like a coiled rope. I have spent a good part of the last ten years trying to remove this feeling from my life. I have been told on a number of occasions that if I cannot leave it behind, it will eventually consume me. I’ll be tossed into the black hole of its throat like Jonah and his whale. Gobbled up in one. My final resting place will be the belly of the giant beast and, unlike Jonah, I’ll never be seen again. 


The last person who told me this was Sara. In fact, she told me plenty of times that I needed to change aspects of myself. For some time I listened to her, convinced that my macabre back story was reason enough to be the person I’ve become. It was only latterly, when I had an awakening, that I realised that her criticisms of me were actually a product of her own insecurities. Her insecurities moulding me into an angry and self-pitying person. A person I never used to be, nor ever wanted to be. And so, over the last year or so, the words I had listened to so attentively were rubberised and deflected, unheard, back to where they came from. 


And of course, as I am sure you can now guess, Sara is gone. 


And I feel the real me returning. 


Slowly.

















M Jonathan Lee is a nationally shortlisted author who was born Yorkshire where he still lives today with twins, James and Annabel.


His debut novel, The Radio was shortlisted for The Novel Prize 2012. He has spoken in schools, colleges, prisons and universities about creative writing and storytelling and appeared at various literary festivals including Sheffield’s Off the Shelf and Doncaster’s Turn the Page festival.


His second novel, The Page was released in February 2015.


His much anticipated third novel, A Tiny Feeling of Fear was released in September 2015 and tells the story of a character struggling with mental illness. All profits from this novel are donated to charity to raise awareness of mental health issues. This was accompanied by the short film, Hidden which was directed by Simon Gamble and can be seen here.




www.mjonathanlee.com















		
	
	


	



					
						


	

		
Blog Tour: The Lost City by Bestselling Author Amanda Hocking

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		
 


 


The Lost City Amanda Hocking image


 


 


THE OMTE ORIGINS


 




New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking returns to the magical world of the Trylle with The Lost City, the first book in the final Trylle arc.



Nestled along the bluffs of the forested coast lays the secret kingdom of the Omte—a realm filled with wonder…and as many secrets. 


Ulla Tulin was left abandoned in an isolated Kanin city as a baby, taken in by strangers and raised hidden away like many of the trolls of mixed blood. Even knowing this truth, she’s never stopped wondering about her family.


When Ulla is offered an internship working alongside the handsome Pan Soriano at the Mimirin, a prestigious institution, she jumps at the chance to use this opportunity to hopefully find her parents. All she wants is to focus on her job and the search for her parents, but all of her attempts to find them are blocked when she learns her mother may be connected to the Omte royal family.


With little progress made, Ulla and Pan soon find themselves wrapped up in helping Eliana, an amnestic girl with abilities unlike any they have ever seen before—a girl who seems to be running from something. To figure out who she is they must leave the city, and possibly, along the way, they may learn more about Ulla’s parents.




 


Amazon | Goodreads


 


 


An open book with a magical fantasy. Night view illustration with a book. The magical power of reading and words, knowledge. Abstract background with a book.


 


 


Q&A with Amanda Hocking, author of THE LOST CITY: The Omte Origins, Volume 1


 


    

  1. There’s been so much excitement and anticipation for more books in the world of the Trylle and Kanin.  What made you decide to revisit those worlds now in The Omte Origins trilogy? 
    2. 





I knew as soon as I wrote Ulla as a small character in Crystal Kingdom (the final book of the Kanin Chronicles) that I was going to write a trilogy about her, but it was just a matter of when. After the Kanin Chronicles, I wanted to take a little break from that world and visit others – which I did with Freeks and the Valkyrie duology. By then, I was so ready to dive back into the world and answer some lingering questions I had left for the Trylle and Kanin.




 


    

  1. Why make this the final trilogy?
    2. 





With the Omte Origins, I feel like I’ve been able to say everything I want to about the worlds. Through the three trilogies, I spent time with all five tribes. Wendy’s mother is Trylle and her father is Vittra, and her story has her visiting both kingdoms. Bryn’s mother is Skojare and her father is Kanin, and her trilogy shows life in the Kanin and Skojare cities, as well as travelling to others beyond that. I won’t say who exactly Ulla’s parents are (that would be spoiling the story) but her journey takes her through the troll kingdoms, with interesting detours through the Omte, Trylle, and Kanin tribes.




 


    

  1. What are the most challenging aspects of writing a new trilogy that can be read independently, but is set in a world–the Trylle and Kanin–that you’ve written about before?  
    2. 





The hardest challenge is getting new readers caught up with the world and the lingo without feeling repetitive and boring to longtime fans of the series. I try use this an opportunity to show characters and situations from different angles. The Wendy the audience meets at the beginning of Switched is vastly different Wendy than the that Ulla knows in the Omte Origins. So for new readers, they get introduced Wendy as she currently is, and for repeat readers, they can see who Wendy has become and who she appears to be through the eyes of an average citizen with Ulla.




 


    

  1. What’s the most fascinating thing you researched while writing The Lost City?
    2. 





With the Omte Origins, I really looked back at the course of troll history, and their past has dovetailed with the Vikings and other artic peoples. So I did a lot research on early Vikings and indigenous arctic people, primarily the Inuit and the Sami. My favorite parts were reading their folklore. I even got an Inuit cookbook, and I attempted to make Bannock (a traditional Inuit bread). It did not turn out well, but I blame that entirely on my cooking skills (or lack thereof) and not the recipe.




 


    

  1. The “Glossary” and “Tribal Facts” sections at the end of the book are fascinating and really help create a layered, fleshed out world.  Was putting those together as much fun as writing the novel?  
    2. 





It was so much fun. It’s been over ten years and nine books (and several short stories), so I have spent a lot time of thinking and doing world-building. I honestly have enough information for a history book about the worlds of the Trylle, but I don’t know there’s a demand for fictional textbooks. The Tribal Facts were actually one of the first things I wrote for the Omte series, because I went through and get myself reacquainted and made sure I had all my important facts straight.




 


    

  1. Was your writing routine affected by the stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic?  
    2. 





My routine itself hasn’t been too affected, since I write from home, but I would say that the stress has a negative impact on me, the way it has for many of us that work in creative fields – or any field at all, honestly. My husband has been working from home, and my stepson had been doing long distance learning before summer break, but that hasn’t really changed too much for me. I usually work after they go to bed and stay up late into the early morning hours.




 


    

  1. Were there any favorite songs or music you listened to while writing this book?  
    2. 





Yes, definitely! I listen to so much music when I write, and I even have curated playlists to go along with my books on Spotify. open.spotify.com/user/127756215 Some of my favorite songs to write to were “Ella” by Myrkur, “Wild World” by Cat Stevens, and “Delicate” by Taylor Swift. I also listened to a lot of Wardruna, who are this Norwegian band who make traditional Nordic music with historically accurate instruments. For the soundtrack to the Omte Origins, I wanted it be a blend of traditional Nordic music, mellow seventies folk to go with the trolls delayed pop culture tastes, and pop music that gets through with the trendier younger generations of trolls.




 


    

  1. Do you think the music you listen to has an influence on the stories?  Or do the stories influence the music you choose?
    2. 





I think it’s both, honestly. When I’m picking songs for the playlist, I definitely choose them based on the kind of emotions I want to feel and the tone I want to set for whatever I’m writing. Sometimes I’ll put particularly romantic songs on repeat when writing a love scene or an angry fast-paced instrumental for a fight scene.




 


    

  1. What books or authors are you reading or excited to read lately?
    2. 





I’m super excited about Faith: Taking Flight by Julie Murphy. It comes out the same day as The Lost City, and it’s about a plus-size teenage girl who discovers that she can fly. I recently read A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Rosanne Brown, and I’m counting down the days until The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna and The Project by Courtney Summers.




 


    

  1. Any hints you can share about what’s coming next after The Omte Origins Trilogy?
    2. 





I’m currently working on a stand-alone fantasy inspired by Greek mythology, but I don’t know when it will be out yet. I’ve got ideas for dozens of projects after that, and I’m working hard (and having fun) getting through them all.




 


 


Amanda Hocking author image


 


 


AMANDA HOCKING is the author of over twenty young adult novels, including the New York Times bestselling Trylle Trilogy and Kanin Chronicles. Her love of pop culture and all things paranormal influence her writing. She spends her time in Minnesota, taking care of her menagerie of pets and working on her next book.


Several of her books have made the New York Times Bestsellers list. Her zombie series, The Hollows, has been adapted into a graphic novel by Dynamite. She has published over twenty novels, including The Kanin Chronicles, the Watersong quartet, My Blood Approves series, the Valkyrie duology, and  Freeks .


Her next books are the  Omte Origins, a trilogy set in the world of the Trylle and Kanin. The first book  The Lost City will be out July 7, 2020, and the second book  The Morning Flower  will be out August 5, 2020.


For more info about her and her books, here are some other places to check out and ways to contact her:




Website: www.hockingbooks.com


Amazon Author Page: Amanda Hocking




 


 


black train


 


 


 


 


 


 

	


	



					
						


	

		
Expeditionary Force Blog Tour: Paradise by Craig Alanson

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		
 


Expeditionary Force Banner


 


 


 


 


Paradise audiobook image


 


 


 


About Audiobook #3


Author: Craig Alanson


Narrator: R.C. Bray


Length: 15 hours 53 minutes


Publisher: Podium Publishing⎮2017


Genre: Science Fiction


Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 3


Release date: May 23, 2017


Synopsis: While the crew of the starship Flying Dutchman have been trying to assure people that hostile aliens do not have access to Earth, the UN Expeditionary Force has been stranded on the planet they nicknamed “Paradise”. The Flying Dutchman is headed back out on another mission, and the UN wants the ship to find out the status of the humans on Paradise. But Colonel Joe Bishop warns that they might not like what they find, and they can’t do anything about it without endangering Earth.


 


Buy Links for Audiobook #3


Buy on Audible


 


 


Planets of the solar system against the background of a spiral galaxy in space.


 


 


Good story development in this one. I’ve grown accustomed to hearing Skippy’s snarky remarks on Joe Bishop as they embark on another wacky journey across the universe. R.C. Bray really gets into character “as usual” with several “LOL” moments! The fact that someone can craft something like this is remarkable. The strong narrative and dialogue make you feel part of the adventure.


 


 


Four golden stars isolated on white background


 


 


 


NARRATOR INTERVIEW WITH R.C. BRAY


 


Did you find it difficult to “break into” audiobook narration? What skill/tool helped you the most when getting started?


I had two great champions get me through the door: Pat Fraley and Scott Brick.  Bringing my years of acting experience to narration impressed them enough to make suggestions, introductions, and continued support.  Also, ACX was launched the same time I got into narration. Being able to use that as a means to navigate the process (along with many patient authors, rights holders, and independent publishers), was a godsend.  Several of the titles I did via ACX garnered attention from bigger publishers and off I went.


 


A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career?


It’s not essential, but it does help.


 


What type of training have you undergone?


I was a CTA (Communications/Theatre Arts) major in college that performed Off-Broadway and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  I also attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting where, because of my theatre background, I excelled during the voiceover portion.  It was my abilities in voiceover that was a catalyst to getting the job at Kaplowe Studios.


 


How do you manage to avoid burn-out? What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for narrating?


I keep from burning out by thinking of my past jobs.  I don’t ever want to have to go back to doing any of them.  The thought of that lights a massive fire in me.


 


Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you? 


I used to listen to them nonstop when I was a commuter.


 


What are your favorite and least favorite parts of narrating an audiobook?


Unless it’s really brilliant writing, my least favorite part is when I get to the middle and realize I’m only halfway done.  My favorite part is being exposed to books I would likely have never picked up.


 


Is there a particular genre you feel unsuited for? Have you ever declined a project because you didn’t think you were right for it?


I’d love to be suited for children’s/YA novels, but I’m afraid my deep voice doesn’t jibe well with them.


 


How closely do you prefer to work with authors?


Enough to get certain information but definitely not so much they start to direct.  You wrote it, now let me read it.


 


Who are your “accent inspirations”?


Frank Muller, Paul Michael, Scott Brick


 


What types of things are harmful to your voice?


No idea.  I’m not a vocal warm-up kind of guy.  I just go for it. Pneumonia sucks though.


 


Has anyone ever recognized you from your voice?


No, but after I tell people what I do (only if they ask, I don’t like bringing it up) they inevitably “hear it now!”


 


 


 


 


Awesome red grunge round stamp isolated on white Background


 


 


 


About the Author: Craig Alanson


Craig Alanson is a NYT best-selling author. His first audiobook ‘Columbus Day’ was one of five finalists for Audiobook Of The Year 2018 Visit craigalanson.com for FAQs, blog posts, merchandise, etc.


Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads


 


 


About the Narrator: R.C. Bray


From an early age Audie, Earphones, and SOVAS Voice Arts Award-winning audiobook narrator R.C. Bray despised reading. Truly hated it with a passion.


And audiobooks? Even worse. Those were for people too lazy to read (not to be confused with those like himself who didn’t want to read to begin with).


R.C. eventually got older and wiser (he was always good-looking) and eschewing his capricious convictions fell head-over-heels with reading. Not just to learn words like “eschew” and “capricious” so he could use them in a bio line, but because someone was actually going to give him money to do it.


Note: R.C.’s gorgeous wife and three beautiful children begged him not to make this his official bio. Clearly he misunderstood.


 


Website⎮Facebook


 


 


About the Publisher: Podium Publishing


Podium is an industry-leading independent audiobook publisher built upon the foundation of successful partnerships with self-published authors and narrators. With deep share of voice in the genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Romance, the company has enjoyed quick commercial and critical acclaim, releasing almost 1,300 audiobooks, numerous best-sellers, winning an Audie Award and 13 Voice Arts Awards. Podium is best-known for supporting, nurturing and discovering independent authors and narrators from the U.S. and around the world. The company gained international notice when it took a risk on one-time unknown author Andy Weir (The Martian) and turned his e-book into the largest audiobook seller in the world.


 


Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Instagram


 


 


 


Rom Hoop market. Thai Railway with a local train run through Mae Klong Market in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Tourist attraction in travel and transportation concept.


 


 


 


 


 


 

	


	



					
						


	

		
Expeditionary Force Blog Tour: SpecOps by Craig Alanson

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		
 


Expeditionary Force Banner


 


 


 


specops expeditionary force book two


 


 


About Audiobook #2


Author: Craig Alanson


Narrator: R.C. Bray


Length: 15 hours 50 minutes


Publisher: Podium Publishing⎮2017


Genre: Science Fiction


Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 2


Release date: Mar. 7, 2017


Synopsis: Colonel Joe Bishop made a promise, and he’s going to keep it: taking the captured alien starship Flying Dutchman back out. He doesn’t agree when the UN decides to send almost 70 elite Special Operations troops, hotshot pilots, and scientists with him; the mission is a fool’s errand he doesn’t expect to ever return from. At least this time, the Earth is safe, right?


Not so much.


 


Buy Links for Audiobook #2


Buy on Audible




 


 


Review - 3d rendered headline


 


 


I had no idea how humorous the Expeditionary Force was until diving into the series, but it’s definitely hilarious. It also has an impressive amount of science fiction, technology, that give you a space adventure kind of feel. The author does an excellent job crafting an intricate story with well-defined scenes. The narrator R.C. Bray is in full form, of course, and seems like the characters were written specifically for him.


 


Four golden stars isolated on white background


 


 


NARRATOR INTERVIEW WITH R.C. BRAY


 


 


Did you find it difficult to “break into” audiobook narration? What skill/tool helped you the most when getting started?


I had two great champions get me through the door: Pat Fraley and Scott Brick.  Bringing my years of acting experience to narration impressed them enough to make suggestions, introductions, and continued support.  Also, ACX was launched the same time I got into narration. Being able to use that as a means to navigate the process (along with many patient authors, rights holders, and independent publishers), was a godsend.  Several of the titles I did via ACX garnered attention from bigger publishers and off I went.


 


A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career?


It’s not essential, but it does help.


 


What type of training have you undergone?


I was a CTA (Communications/Theatre Arts) major in college that performed Off-Broadway and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  I also attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting where, because of my theatre background, I excelled during the voiceover portion.  It was my abilities in voiceover that was a catalyst to getting the job at Kaplowe Studios.


 


How do you manage to avoid burn-out? What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for narrating?


I keep from burning out by thinking of my past jobs.  I don’t ever want to have to go back to doing any of them.  The thought of that lights a massive fire in me.


 


Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you? 


I used to listen to them nonstop when I was a commuter.       


 


What are your favorite and least favorite parts of narrating an audiobook?


Unless it’s really brilliant writing, my least favorite part is when I get to the middle and realize I’m only halfway done.  My favorite part is being exposed to books I would likely have never picked up.


 


Is there a particular genre you feel unsuited for? Have you ever declined a project because you didn’t think you were right for it?


I’d love to be suited for children’s/YA novels, but I’m afraid my deep voice doesn’t jibe well with them.  


 


How closely do you prefer to work with authors?


Enough to get certain information but definitely not so much they start to direct.  You wrote it, now let me read it.


 


Who are your “accent inspirations”?


Frank Muller, Paul Michael, Scott Brick


 


What types of things are harmful to your voice?


No idea.  I’m not a vocal warm-up kind of guy.  I just go for it. Pneumonia sucks though.


 


Has anyone ever recognized you from your voice?


No, but after I tell people what I do (only if they ask, I don’t like bringing it up) they inevitably “hear it now!”


 


 


 


galaxy image dark


 


 


About the Author: Craig Alanson


Craig Alanson is a NYT best-selling author. His first audiobook ‘Columbus Day’ was one of five finalists for Audiobook Of The Year 2018 Visit craigalanson.com for FAQs, blog posts, merchandise, etc.


 


Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads


 


 


About the Narrator: R.C. Bray


From an early age Audie, Earphones, and SOVAS Voice Arts Award-winning audiobook narrator R.C. Bray despised reading. Truly hated it with a passion.


And audiobooks? Even worse. Those were for people too lazy to read (not to be confused with those like himself who didn’t want to read to begin with).


R.C. eventually got older and wiser (he was always good-looking) and eschewing his capricious convictions fell head-over-heels with reading. Not just to learn words like “eschew” and “capricious” so he could use them in a bio line, but because someone was actually going to give him money to do it.


Note: R.C.’s gorgeous wife and three beautiful children begged him not to make this his official bio. Clearly he misunderstood.


 


Website⎮Facebook


 


 


About the Publisher: Podium Publishing


Podium is an industry-leading independent audiobook publisher built upon the foundation of successful partnerships with self-published authors and narrators. With deep share of voice in the genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Romance, the company has enjoyed quick commercial and critical acclaim, releasing almost 1,300 audiobooks, numerous best-sellers, winning an Audie Award and 13 Voice Arts Awards. Podium is best-known for supporting, nurturing and discovering independent authors and narrators from the U.S. and around the world. The company gained international notice when it took a risk on one-time unknown author Andy Weir (The Martian) and turned his e-book into the largest audiobook seller in the world.


 


Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Instagram


 


 


 


train


 


 


 


 


 


 

	


	



					
						


	

		
Expeditionary Force Blog Tour: Columbus Day by Craig Alanson

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		
 
 
Expeditionary Force Banner
 
 
 
Columnbus Day image audiobook
 
 
 
About Audiobook #1
Author: Craig Alanson
Narrator: R.C. Bray
Length: 16 hours 23 minutes
Publisher: Podium Publishing⎮2016
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Expeditionary Force, Book 1
Release date: Dec. 13, 2016
 
 
 
 
Synopsis: Nominee, 2018 Audie Awards — Audiobook of the Year
We were fighting on the wrong side of a war we couldn’t win. And that was the good news. 
The Ruhar hit us on Columbus Day. There we were, innocently drifting along the cosmos on our little blue marble, like the Native Americans in 1492. Over the horizon came ships of a technologically advanced, aggressive culture, and BAM! There went the good old days, when humans got killed only by each other. So, Columbus Day. It fits. 
When the morning sky twinkled again, this time with Kristang starships jumping in to hammer the Ruhar, we thought we were saved. The UN Expeditionary Force hitched a ride on Kristang ships to fight the Ruhar wherever our new allies thought we could be useful. So, I went from fighting with the US Army in Nigeria to fighting in space. It was lies, all of it. We shouldn’t even be fighting the Ruhar; they aren’t our enemy. Our allies are. 
I’d better start at the beginning.
 
Buy Links for Audiobook #1
Buy on Audible
 
 
Five golden stars isolated on white background
 
 
An extraordinary story that made me feel transported into the cosmos! In this case, the planet Paradise with the Ruhar and the Kristang alien species. The sheer depth of each chapter is remarkable and almost seems like a story in themselves. Narrator R.C. Bray delivers, of course, adding another level of entertainment. I didn’t know how funny this until I got into it. The interactions between the UN Expeditionary Force and the ancient Artificial Intelligence, “Skippy”, is hilarious. Good springboard for the rest of the series. 
 
 
Golden microphone on stage during the concert
 
 
INTERVIEW WITH NARRATOR R.C. BRAY
 
When did you know you wanted to be an audiobook narrator?
When I heard Frank Muller for the first time (The Dark Tower, Book II: The Drawing of the Three).  I always thought a narrator just “read” the book. When Frank started doing character voices and acting and just all-around engaging me as a listener, I knew that with my background it’s what I’m supposed to do.
 
How did you wind up narrating audiobooks? Was it always your goal or was it something you stumbled into by chance?
My last job before becoming a full-time narrator, was as Senior Producer and Voiceover for a company owned by a wonderful guy named Mark Kaplowe who was the voice of HBO, Butterfinger, Zest, and other big businesses in the 90s.  When his son was born, he wanted to eliminate traveling into NYC so he could be around him as much as possible. So he combined his love for automobiles and voiceover prowess, and began an ad company for local car dealerships. His big thing was “growing his business” and he loved audiobooks that were related to just that.  Since I had a commute of about 45 minutes (both ways) he wanted me to listen to them as well. I listened to countless business audiobooks before I decided to try a fiction title – The Dark Tower, Book I: The Gunslinger by Stephen King seemed like a good, short place to start. George Guidall was an outstanding introduction to audiobooks (Fiction), but it wasn’t until Frank Muller that I actually made an effort to find out more about becoming a narrator.
 
Did you find it difficult to “break into” audiobook narration? What skill/tool helped you the most when getting started?
I had two great champions get me through the door: Pat Fraley and Scott Brick.  Bringing my years of acting experience to narration impressed them enough to make suggestions, introductions, and continued support.  Also, ACX was launched the same time I got into narration. Being able to use that as a means to navigate the process (along with many patient authors, rights holders, and independent publishers), was a godsend.  Several of the titles I did via ACX garnered attention from bigger publishers and off I went.
A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career?
It’s not essential, but it does help.
 
What type of training have you undergone?
I was a CTA (Communications/Theatre Arts) major in college that performed Off-Broadway and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  I also attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting where, because of my theatre background, I excelled during the voiceover portion.  It was my abilities in voiceover that was a catalyst to getting the job at Kaplowe Studios.
 
 
 
CRAIG ALANSON 
Craig Alanson is a NYT best-selling author. His first audiobook ‘Columbus Day’ was one of five finalists for Audiobook Of The Year 2018 Visit www.craigalanson.com for FAQs, blog posts, merchandise.
 
 
Mountain railroad with train in tunnel in rock above landscape.
 
 
 
 
 
 
	


	



					
						


	

		
The Obsolescence Trilogy: Reset by Chris Muhlenfeld

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		
 


 


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Humanity teeters on the edge…




…One wrong move could mean extinction


Will anyone survive obsolescence?




 


 


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About Audiobook #3


Author: Chris Muhlenfeld


Narrator: Price Waldman


Length: 9 hours 52 minutes


Publisher: Chris Muhlenfeld⎮2018


Genre: Science Fiction


Series: The Obsolescence Trilogy, Book 3


Release date:  July 23, 2019


 


 




 


 


Synopsis: Humanity teeters on the edge…


…one wrong move could mean extinction.


James is lost in the desert, and may never find his way back. While his friends go on a desperate search to find him, the planet continues to unravel. Will they find him before it’s too late? 


Humanity’s next great leap in evolution is starting to look like the trap that Alexa had always suspected it was. 


A frantic escalation of action drags the world unwillingly to a mind-bending climax that will have you on the edge of your seat. 


Will anyone survive obsolescence? Grab your copy now.


Reset is the final book in The Obsolescence Trilogy. Plausible, near-future sci-fi that’s full of rich, insightful characters and compelling ideas. Make time now because you’ll be hooked instantly once you start listening to this thrilling pause-resister. Get it now.




 


Buy Links for Audiobook #3


Buy on Audible


 


 


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Review


Very entertaining read. Laughed out loud several times! Some of the concepts are quite bizarre but the execution and narration were done so well it made an excellent story. The Point of view alternates between two couples struggling to cope with the end of the world, artificial intelligence gone haywire, and the effects on they’re relationships. Great trilogy.


 


 


 


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About the Author: Chris Muhlenfeld


Chris has been reading and writing science fiction since he was a teenager. After roaming all over the world,  he finally settled down in the beautiful mountains of western Montana where he publishes Distinctly Montana magazine with his wife. When he’s not hiking, biking or camping in the Montana wilderness, he and his wife are traveling the world. 




Website⎮Facebook⎮Amazon


 


 


 


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About the Narrator: Price Waldman


Price Waldman is an actor and singer, born and raised in NYC. Classically trained, and working professionally in the theater for over 20 years he is new to the world of audiobooks. As an actor he has performed multiple times on Broadway, toured nationally and internationally and appeared on film and television.


 


 


 


 


 


 

	


	



					
						


	

		
The Obsolescence Trilogy: Book #2 UPGRADE by Chris Muhlenfeld

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		
 


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Billions are dead. The World is still smoldering. A terrifying new threat has emerged from the ashes. 


 


 


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About Audiobook #2


Author: Chris Muhlenfeld


Narrator: Price Waldman


Length: 8 hours 44 minutes


Publisher: Chris Muhlenfeld⎮2018


Genre: Science Fiction


Series: The Obsolescence Trilogy, Book 2


Release date: March 5, 2019


 


 




 


 


 


Synopsis: Billions are dead. The world is still smoldering. A terrifying new threat has emerged from the ashes.


Returning safely from their expedition, James and Alexa deliver the weird news to the survivors at Winona Station. Everyone still alive is now faced with an impossible decision: betray their very humanity to survive, or watch the human race regress into a new stone age.


The stakes could not be higher.


Will they choose wisely?


Make time now because once you start listening to UPGRADE, you’ll be instantly hooked. Get it now! 


UPGRADE is the second thrilling audiobook in The Obsolescence Trilogy. This audiobook is plausible, near-future sci-fi that’s full of rich, insightful characters, and compelling ideas.


 


Buy Links for Audiobook #2


Buy on Audible




 




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A solid follow up from book one, Upgrade has several fascinating story developments.  A mysterious Artificial Intelligence with unknown motives, intriguing technology, good characters, and a good dose of humor made this an entertaining book. The ending was a bit confusing, but I’m assuming that will be explained in the next book, RESET.


 


 


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About the Author: Chris Muhlenfeld




Chris has been reading and writing science fiction since he was a teenager. After roaming all over the world,  he finally settled down in the beautiful mountains of western Montana where he publishes Distinctly Montana magazine with his wife. When he’s not hiking, biking or camping in the Montana wilderness, he and his wife are traveling the world. 


 


Website⎮Facebook⎮Amazon


 


 


 


narrator Price_waldman


 


About the Narrator: Price Waldman


Price Waldman is an actor and singer, born and raised in NYC. Classically trained, and working professionally in the theater for over 20 years he is new to the world of audiobooks. As an actor he has performed multiple times on Broadway, toured nationally and internationally and appeared on film and television.


 


 


 


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Book Review: Realm of Knights by Jennifer Anne Davis

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		
 
 
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***The first book in a new fantasy series from best-selling author Jennifer Anne Davis.***
 
 
Realm of Knights (audiobook)
 
 
About the Audiobook
 
Author: Jennifer Anne Davis
Narrator: Kim Bretton
Length: hours minutes
Publisher: Reign Publishing⎮2019
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Knights of the Realm, Book 1
Release date: Oct. 11, 2019
 
 
 
 
Synopsis: Reid has spent her whole life pretending to be a man so she can inherit her father’s estate, but when a chance encounter threatens to expose her lie, she is forced to risk everything.
In the kingdom of Marsden, women are subservient to men, and land can only pass from father to son. So, when Reid Ellington is born, the fifth daughter to one of the wealthiest landholders in the kingdom, it’s announced that Reid is a boy.    
Eighteen years later, Reid struggles to conceal the fact she’s actually a young woman. Every day, her secret becomes harder to keep. When one of Marsden’s princes sees her sparring with a sword, she is forced to accept his offer and lead her father’s soldiers to the border. Along the way, she discovers a covert organization within the army known as the Knights of the Realm. 
If Reid wants to save her family from being arrested for treason and robbed of their inheritance, she will have to join the knights and become a weapon for the crown.    
To protect her family, Reid must fight like a man. To do that, she’ll need the courage of a woman.
This is the first book in a new fantasy series from best-selling author Jennifer Anne Davis
 
Buy Links
Buy on Amazon⎮Audible
 
 
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BOOK REVIEW
 
The Realm of Knights is a gem! I was very delighted to find this book via Audiobookwormpromotions.com. The premise, plotting, characterization is excellent. Reid Ellington is faced with a dilemma at every turn that forces her to comply and keep her family secret. I thought the writing was brilliant. It kept me turning the pages! 
 
 
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
 
How often do you write?
I write five days a week, 8-10 hours a day. I usually set a goal for myself, and I’ll work until I reach that goal. When I’m writing a first draft, I try and write 5,000 words a day. Then when I’m editing, I usually try and edit 10 pages a day.
 
Tell us a little bit about the characters in Realm of Knights.
Realm of Knights is centered around Reid Ellington. She’s an 18 year old young woman, and the fifth daughter of Duke Ellington. Since land and title can only pass from father to son, the duke tells everyone Reid is a boy when she’s born. So Reid has grown up wearing boy clothing and playing with boys. It has made her fiercely independent and she views the world differently than those around her. There are a few other characters of importance in the book. Her best friend, Harlan, helps her out. He’s the sort of guy that’s always there, fiercely loyal, and he respects Reid even when he learns she’s a woman. Then there’s the princes—Ackley and Gordon. They’re brothers and best friends. Ackley is tall and lean. There’s a fierceness to him that he manages to keep hidden. Gordon is the commander of the army. He’s shorter and stockier than Ackley, he’s fairly quiet, and he’s a little stubborn. 
 
How do you balance other aspects of your life with your writing? 
It’s hard to balance everything. I treat writing as my full-time job (because it is). It allows me the freedom to be there for my kids when they need me. However, when I’m on a deadline, it can be rough revising when I need everything to be quiet around me. Thankfully, my family is very supportive and we make it work.
 
What makes a great story line? 
Interesting characters that the reader can connect with, an obstacle the main character has to overcome, a fantastic villain, and a unique love interest.
 
What is the hardest thing about writing a book? 
Revising. Writing the first draft is the fun part. Revising—which is basically rewriting the entire story—is difficult for me. I want to make sure that everything I’m thinking and feeling in my head is exposed on the page. It usually takes me about 25 min to revise one page.
 
Do you have any people who help you with your story lines as well beta reading and such? 
Yes. I have two people that read everything I write. They’ve both been with me for years, and I couldn’t write without them. One started out as my biggest critic and now is my biggest cheerleader. The other is a pro at finding plot holes and inconsistencies. 
 
How did you choose your narrator?
For Realm of Knights, I wanted a female voice with a British accent. It was important to me that the narrator have a youthful voice since Reid is only 18. However, I also wanted her to have a maturity to her that hints at the hardships Reid has faced over the years. When I was listening to auditions, the second I heard Kim’s voice, I knew I’d found the perfect narrator. I was so excited when she agreed to take on the project, that I had her sign for all three books in the series. She is the perfect person for these books, and I couldn’t be happier. 
 
 
About the Author: Jennifer Anne Davis
 
Jennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer and mother of three kids, one weimaraner, and a tortoise. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart and lives in the San Diego area.
Jennifer is the recipient of the San Diego Book Awards Best Published Young Adult Novel (2013), winner of the Kindle Book Awards (2018), a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards (2014), and a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2014).
Publishers Marketplace listed Jennifer as one of the best-selling indie authors in June 2017. She has also been ranked among the top 100 best-selling authors on Amazon.
 
Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Instagram⎮Pinterest
 
 
 
Narrator Kim Bretton
 
 
About the Narrator: Kim Bretton
 
Kim is an accomplished and award winning actress and director with West End/Broadway theatre credits. Kim has narrated over 35 audiobooks and counting. She is also an in demand voice over talent in the commercial and corporate arena and owns her own class A recording studio in Nashville. Kim is from the UK but has lived in NYC, L.A. and now Nashville TN. She continues to work in Theatre, Film and TV as an actress and a director alongside narrating audiobooks and commercial voice overs. 
 
Website
 
 
 
Vintage Steam Train Billowing Smoke in the Snow as it Moves Through the Mountains.
 
 
 
 
	


	



					
						


	

		
Audiobook Blog Tour: Detective Hunter Series Book 4 – Hell To Pay

				

			Posted on  by Benjamin Thomas		

			


	
	
			


	

		
Detective Kay Hunter


 


 


Detective Kay Hunter #4 – Hell to Pay


 


 


Hell to Pay Cover AUDIO


 


 


About Audiobook #4


Author: Rachel Amphlett


Narrator: Alison Campbell


Length: 7 hours 14 minutes


Publisher: Saxon Publishing⎮2018


Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural


Series: Detective Kay Hunter, Book 4


Release date: Jan. 01, 2018


 


 




 


 


Synopsis: When a road traffic accident on a dark autumn night uncovers a disturbing conspiracy, Detective Sergeant Kay Hunter’s investigation exposes a ruthless serial killer exploiting vulnerable young women.


With her enemies unmasked and her career spiraling out of control, Kay’s determination to seek vengeance for the victims brings her dangerously close to those who want to silence her.

Undeterred, she uncovers the real reason behind a plot to destroy her career and sets in motion a terrifying chain of events.


 


Buy Links for Audiobook #4


Buy on RachelAmphlett.com


 


Rachel Amphlett does it again in book 4 of the series, Hell to Pay. Crafting a sinister plot that Detective Kay Hunter will find all to personal. This series has become on of my favorites of the year in crime fiction. And for good reason–They’re awesome! Kay comes across an old adversary when she come across a traffic accident with links to a ruthless serial killer. Brewing at the same time is a mysterious drama related to Kay. Another great one!


Narrator Alison Campbell is a pleasure to listen to in every book. Very professional and skilled at conveying the emotions of the characters. She delivers an exceptional performance in every book. Way to Alison!


 


 


 


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About the Author: Rachel Amphlett


Before turning to writing, Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio as a presenter and freelance producer for the BBC, and worked in publishing as a sub-editor and editorial assistant.


She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction and spy novels, including the Dan Taylor espionage novels and the Detective Kay Hunter series.


Originally from the UK and currently based in Brisbane, Australia, Rachel cites her writing influences as Michael Connelly, Lee Child, and Robert Ludlum. She’s also a huge fan of Peter James, Val McDermid, Robert Crais, Stuart MacBride, and many more.


She’s a member of International Thriller Writers and the Crime Writers Association, with the Italian foreign rights for her debut novel, White Gold sold to Fanucci Editore’s TIMECrime imprint, and the first four books in the Dan Taylor espionage series contracted to Germany’s Luzifer Verlag.


 


Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram


 


 


 


Alison Campbell photo by Libby Christenson


 


 


Narrator Alison Campbell