Tag: anthony avina

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Interview with E.M. Markoff

1) Tell us a little bit about the conception of The Deadbringer and this fantastic world you have created.
The Deadbringer is
an amalgamation of reading, visual media, and culture. It’s a
Frankenstein’s Monster of the literary genres I love (epic fantasy and
classic fiction), the movies I grew up watching as a child (Hammer
Horror, Roger Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe films, anime, David Lynch films),
and of what I experienced growing up in a first-generation Latina
household. My mother, who was born in 1933, had some very tall tales to
tell filled with magic and surrealism. It made for some great stories.

2) What inspired you to delve into this dark fantasy realm over other genres?
My
mom was a huge fan of older horror films. As such, I grew up watching
Dracula (Christopher Lee) chase Van Helsing (Peter Cushing); Dr. Phibes
(Vincent Price) avenge his lost wife by committing pernicious acts, yet
still be the hero; Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan) become a messiah who
would lead the people. Not being strict in what I read, I picked up
Stephen King, Carlos Fuentes’ Aura, and Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman. All of this, consciously and subconsciously, helped shape my love of ‘dark’ things. To me, the dark is beautiful. It had much to offer and so much more to show you.

3) Which character do you think you can identify with most, and why?
I
hate to sound cliche, but there is a little of me in each character.
But, if I had to pick only one, I would say E’sinea. The fact that I am
reluctant to say why I relate to him is probably the reason I do relate to him.
4)
Do you think readers should view this as a clear cut good versus evil
kind of story, or do you like to look at it as more of a story that
resides in shades of grey, morality-wise?
The Deadbringer is
very much a story told in shades of gray with respect to its
moral ambiguity and how the characters’ actions have consequences. Some
of the characters in the book have unique abilities that historically
are associated with evil (necromancy, shadow affinity, the literal
ability to rot flesh) but it does not mean that they are evil, and yet
they are persecuted as such. So, the book is very much written in shades
of gray in the sense that it demonstrates how the classic trope (or
natural human tendency) to categorize people into good or bad is
directly responsible for the misfortunes of the characters. As the
author, this this how I feel, but I believe that readers should feel
free to interpret the book how they wish. It’s part of the joy of
reading, after all.

5) What authors have inspired you as a writer?
Oh, that’s a long list! Stephen King and Neil Gaiman, as I mentioned before, Clive Barker, Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allan Poe, J.R.R. Tolkien, Alan Moore, Paulo Coelho…really, the list is never-ending!
6)
If you could meet any of your characters in person and have a
conversation with them, who would it be and what would you ask them?
E’sinea, and I would ask him if he wanted to play a game.
7)
When it comes to the marketing side of publishing your book, which
social media platform has been the most beneficial as far as reaching
an
audience is concerned and why?
Bookstagram,
which is a community of booklovers within Instagram, has been
fundamental to my career as a writer. I am grateful to this community
not only for their love and support, but also because I have made some
wonderful friends through this social media platform.

8) When developing your story, which is your favorite part: developing plot or character development?
I’ve
been told by my editor that I am obsessed with ‘playing house’ with my
characters, so I’d have to say character development.

9)
Since you have developed a lot of fictional towns and cities in this
epic story, where would you live in The Deadbringer and why?
Suelosa,
because its just far away enough from the governing powers that be and
no gods have come around to fuck things up! It’s still very much a free
city…for now.
10) What are your future plans for this series? Any other books on the horizon?

Future
plans include the second book in the Ellderet Series which is
tentatively scheduled for late next year. From there, only the Twin God
knows what the future holds. With any luck, Fortune, and not Travail,
will be on my side. As for other books, I’ve been working on a fantasy
novella that takes place in the world of the Ellderet Series and is a
sort of standalone prequel to The Deadbringer. My goal is to get
that out before the second book, but I don’t want to curse myself, so I
best leave it at that! What I will say is that I hope my readers will
enjoy the novella as much as I am ❤

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Star Wars: Dark Disciples by Christine Golden Book Review

One of the most complicated love stories ever told in the Star Wars universe!

Let me start off by stating the obvious: I’m a huge Star Wars fan. No, I can’t speak Wookie or list the entire history of the Republic, but I do
love the story and the characters of the Star Wars universe started by George Lucas and curated by several writers and creators over the decades.
In Christine Golden’s novel Star Wars: Dark Disciple, fans are treated to an untold story from just before the end of the Clone Wars, when the
Jedi Order became desperate and turn to an unlikely ally for a mission to end the war. Here is the synopsis:

Based on unproduced scripts from the blockbuster TV show Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

The only way to bring down the dark side’s most dangerous warrior may be for Jedi and Sith to join forces.

In the war for control of the galaxy between the armies of the dark side and the Republic, former Jedi Master turned ruthless Sith Lord Count
Dooku has grown ever more brutal in his tactics. Despite the powers of the Jedi and the military prowess of their clone army, the sheer number
of fatalities is taking a terrible toll. And when Dooku orders the massacre of a flotilla of helpless refugees, the Jedi Council feels it has no
choice but to take drastic action: targeting the man responsible for so many war atrocities, Count Dooku himself.

But the ever-elusive Dooku is dangerous prey for even the most skilled hunter. So the Council makes the bold decision to bring both sides of the
Force’s power to bear—pairing brash Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos with infamous one-time Sith acolyte Asajj Ventress. Though Jedi distrust for the
cunning killer who once served at Dooku’s side still runs deep, Ventress’s hatred for her former master runs deeper. She’s more than willing to
lend her copious talents as a bounty hunter—and assassin—to Vos’s quest.

Together, Ventress and Vos are the best hope for eliminating Dooku—as long as the emerging feelings between them don’t compromise their mission.
But Ventress is determined to have her retribution and at last let go of her dark Sith past. Balancing the complicated emotions she feels for
Vos with the fury of her warrior’s spirit, she resolves to claim victory on all fronts—a vow that will be mercilessly tested by her deadly enemy
… and her own doubt.

The intimate and complicated love story of Ventress and Vos is something to behold. Both beheld to a sense of duty, (Vos to the Jedi, Ventress to
her revenge and mission to leave the dark side behind her), the novel does an excellent job of exploring the shades of grey that exist amongst
the Force users of the Star Wars universe. While for some it’s as simple as the light versus the dark side, there are others who see a chance to
explore the depths of both sides of the force. The ruthless nature of the Clone Wars and the way these two characters are tested between their
mission and their feelings for one another makes this a gripping tale that every Star Wars fan should read.

Overall, this is a fantastic novel. I love the chemistry between Voss and Ventris, and the way their story impacts major characters like Obi-Wan
and Anakin Skywalker. I especially loved getting to see more sides of Ventris, who has always been a complicated character in the mythology, from
a Sith assassin to a fallen Nightsister to a bounty hunter for hire. Author Christie Golden really has done a masterful job of bringing these
characters to life in a way where you feel emotionally connected to them, and this is a true testament to the power of the author’s writing. If
you haven’t yet, you should check out Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden today!

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The Day My Fart Followed Me Home and The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey by Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence Reviews:

I was recently contacted by an author I worked with before about a pair of illustrated children’s stories and I agreed to read and review them
both. As they are short reads I will be combining the reviews in one post. These stories were fun, beautifully illustrated, and each imparted
a message that will resonate with young children, and will have them laughing as well. First, the synopsis for The Day My Fart Followed Me Home:

If you and your child love to read together, then you are going to love this!

The Day My Fart Followed Me Home is a beautifully illustrated journey of Timmy and how he meets his new friend!

If you enjoy reading funny books with gorgeous pictures and love your child to read along with you, then make sure you grab The Day My Fart
Followed Me Home.
Discover and giggle along with Timmy on his unexpected journey with his new best friend! Scroll up and get ready to giggle along with your
children!

The illustrations are amazing, and the simple tale of this young boy and his fart is a fun read that parents can enjoy with their children. Filled
with humor, heart and passion, this book is a great first foray into a beautifully created world that can last for several books to come.

Now, the synopsis for the second book, The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey:

Timmy and his best friend the Fart are back again!
If you and your child love to read together, then you are going to love reading along with Timmy and his Fart as they play hockey together!

The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey is a beautifully illustrated journey of Timmy and his best friend the Little Fart as they attend Timmy’s
first hockey tryouts. Chaos and laughter ensue as the Fart attempts to help out his best friend the only way he knows how.

If you enjoy reading funny books with beautiful illustrations and love having your child read along with you, then make sure you grab The Day
My Fart Followed Me To Hockey.

Discover and giggle along with Timmy and his best friend on their exciting day at the hockey arena!

The illustrations became even more gorgeous the second time around. The humor increases with this longer story, and kids and parents alike will
enjoy the message of this story, which explores the stress that children go through and the pressure to fit in.

This is a fantastic series of children’s books that are well drawn and showcase a talent to capture children’s imaginations and hearts. Everyone
should get their kids a copy of The Day My Fart Followed Me Home and The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey by Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence today!

Rating: 10/10

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Satan’s Beckoning by Michael K. Foster Review:

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!

The never-ending work of DCI Mason and David Carlisle continues in the explosive sequel to Michael K. Foster’s The Wharf Butcher, titled “Satan’s
Beckoning”. Filled with an even darker murder plot and shifting perspectives that keep the action and investigation of the plot moving forward
at an even pace, this was a fantastic sequel that builds upon the success of the first book and takes giant strides forward.

The Synopsis: The DCI Mason & David Carlisle Series: Book 2

When a fatal road crash turns out to be murder, JACK MASON is sent to investigate. Within the seemingly dark vaults of the police missing persons
files, lay untold dangers. Young women are easy pickings for a serial killer who believes God has sent him to rid the world of an overindulgent
appetite for greed. When criminal profiler DAVID CARLISLE is drafted in to assist, Carlisle is met by the killers wrath.

Delving into an even darker mind that uses religion to fuel his anger and devilish desires, this killer does something different that The Wharf
Butcher did: he gets into David Carlisle’s mind. The cat and mouse game the two play while the police hunt for the killer is mesmerizing to read,
and the mystery behind the killer’s identity will take the investigation into many different directions. Getting to see the investigation from
so many different views, from the bullish, physical take no prisoners approach of DCI Jack Mason to the analytical, psychological approach of
David Carlisle to the demented mind of the killer as he stalks his prey makes this a fantastic thriller that no one wants to miss out on.

Overall, this was a phenomenal read and actually manages to build upon the success of The Wharf Butcher with an even more thrilling and action
packed story that will lead readers into a climatic battle of wits between the killer and the investigators. Being a US blogger, I really enjoy
these books because it’s great to see the different approach to police investigations that this UK-based novel takes, and the setting plays a
huge part of the plot. The characters are well developed and given more insight after the first book, and this plot makes this one of my favorite
thrillers of 2016. Be sure to pick up your copies of Satan’s Beckoning by Michael K. Foster on October 20th, 2016!

Rating: 10/10

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anthonyonrequest:

Haters Back Off: A Netflix Original Series Review:

If you still doubt the legitimacy of YouTube and the talent they curate, then the all new Netflix Original Series “Haters Back Off” should change
your mind. The series, which follows the character of Miranda Sings, a parody character of YouTube cover singers created by actress and singer
Colleen Ballinger, showcases smart humor and surprising heart and emotion that will captivate loyal “Mirfandas” (fans of Miranda Sings), and
new audiences alike. Developed by both Ballinger and her brother Chris Ballinger and developed by a fantastic team at Netflix, (including show-runners
Perry Rein and Gigi McCreery, whose credits include Friends and Wizards of Waverly Place), the show is a fantastic study of fame, how it changes
people, and how we all crave acceptance and recognition. Here is the synopsis for the show.

This comedy series, exclusive to Netflix, follows the oddball family life of a fictional YouTube star named Miranda Sings, a character created
and portrayed by Colleen Ballinger, who also serves as an executive producer. Miranda is an incredibly confident, self-absorbed teenage
singer/dancer/actor/model who is on the rise – despite a complete and utter lack of talent. Miranda continues to luck into failing upward,
fueled by her belief that she was born to be famous, even if no one else knows it yet.

Now this show was definitely funny. The jokes ranged from the perfectly timed dry humor of a film like Napoleon Dynamite that focuses on oddball,
outsider like characters, and the more adult themed humor that reminded me of a film like Step Brothers. The show features some incredible
performers, from Colleen Ballinger as Miranda herself to Angela Kinsey, who plays Miranda’s eager to please mother who believes she suffers from
a multitude of diseases, to her Uncle Jim, played by actor Steve Little, who plays the over-eager uncle who feeds Miranda’s belief that she is
destined for greatness in all things and fuels the drama in this family unit. There is a surprise character that definitely will bring the
heart and emotion into the show, acting as the voice of reason and a surrogate for the audience in a way, which I will not spoil their identity
in this review. However a character that does steal the show is the boy next door who is smitten with Miranda herself, Patrick, played by actor
Erik Stocklin. Her best friend and love-sick neighbor who will do anything for her, the lengths this boy goes to in order to help this often
clueless and fame obsessed girl achieve her dreams is a great showcase for any of us in the audience who has ever fallen in love and walked
through the friend zone, hoping that they will come out on the other side with their love by their side.

While the humor is just as great as fans would expect from a show about the untalented YouTube sensation that has stolen so many hearts, what was
pleasantly surprising was the amount of emotion that was in this show. What really sold this show for me was the perfect blend of comedy and
heart, with Miranda herself showcasing moments of real human feeling when interacting with cast members on the show, (before stumbling back into
her self-obsessed self). By the end of the series, audiences will be able to see the many layers of themes and storytelling devices that are going
to be alluded to, from the hardships of fame and the price people have to pay to achieve it, to the lengths family will go to for one another. I
think this show is also a great way to showcase the people behind the camera that we all sometimes take for granted when exploring the world of
YouTube. The four to eight minute videos that capture so many people’s attention and hearts don’t define a person’s entire life, and this show
does a marvelous job of showcasing the struggles, the flaws, and the ups and downs that creators go through off camera.

Overall, this was an amazing show. In eight episodes, Colleen Ballinger has proved that real talent can be found on the internet, and her incredible
creation of Miranda Sings is the unsung hero of the current generation, much like Napoleon Dynamite was the hero of the 2000’s or Anthony
Michael Hall’s The Geek from Sixteen Candles was the underdog hero of the 80’s. The awkward, uncomfortable humor that has skyrocketed the Miranda
Sings brand to stardom is expertly explored in this series, and with a cliffhanger that will hopefully lead to a second season, Netflix has found
a character driven comedy that will merge the younger audiences from the YouTube world with the more adult audiences of the Netflix world in a
phenomenal way. We here at On Request Magazine are incredibly impressed with this amazing show, and sincerely hope to see a second season in the
future. Congratulations to Colleen Ballinger for becoming one of the first heroes and stars to emerge onto the world stage in the digital age!

Rating: 10/10 stars

@mirandasingsofficial

@netflix

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Dead by Morning (Ritual of the Night #1) by Kayla Krantz

Death wears a beautiful face in the spine-chilling thriller Dead by Morning, the first in the Ritual of the Night series written by author
Kayla Krantz. Here is the synopsis:

Obsession is deadly. No one learns that better than Luna Ketz, a pessimistic high school senior. She wishes more than anything to graduate but
things don’t always go as planned. Luna quickly finds herself trapped in a web of lies and murders, spun by the least suspected person in her
hometown. It’s not long before she realizes she’s being targeted by the person she despises most in the world. When Luna figures out who is
behind the killings, things make a turn for the bizarre when she is contacted by a friend she has not heard from in years. It is then Luna
realizes she is very much in danger, but although she can avoid the killer in reality, she cannot avoid him in her dreams.

There’s something about nightmare killers that is especially troubling. Like a Nightmare on Elm Street before it, Dead by Morning plays on the
fear that a lot of people have, and that is that our dreams will somehow follow us into our waking world. The book was well written and
progressed at a steady pace. The characters and the events of the book were quite shocking, and watching main character Luna struggle with what
might be the worst parents in the world, students and friends who have fallen under a killer’s charming facade, and a killer who’s obsession
begins to tear her world apart was both intriguing and heart-pounding to read.

Overall, Dead by Morning was a fantastic read and a great start to an amazing series that promises a wealth of world-building mystery. The
interactions between Luna and the killer throughout the book are chilling to read and I think both teenagers struggling through high school
and adults who enjoy a good mystery and horror story will enjoy this novel. Everyone should pick up a copy of Dead by Morning by Kayla Krantz
today!

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Powered by Indie: Why I Love Being An Indie Author

It’s not easy doing things on your own. Yet as many have said before me and as many will say once I’m long gone, nothing in life worth doing is
easy. It’s these words that have kept me inspired to pursue a career as an author, and have kept me going all these years. Over time, my writing
has improved and has grown, as have my ideas and ability to connect with readers and writers alike. The sense of community, of creative vision
and of belonging have helped reinforce my belief in the written word, and that’s why in honor of Amazon’s month long celebration of indie writing,
I thought I’d talk about why I love being an indie author.

There’s a very simple reason why I love being an indie author: I love having creative control over my story. While I dream of being able to work
with a publisher someday, I love being able to decide how to develop my story. I like having a say in not just the story, but the direction I take
the marketing and the way my story is formatted. When you have a creative vision, you like to have a sense of control over your final product, and
with indie publishing you don’t have anyone to answer to in that regard.

Overall, I think I enjoy the deeper connection I feel with my readers as an indie author. I think indie authors have an added advantage of being
closer to their audience because they come to it as readers themselves, and they are more in touch with what the average reader is looking for.
I know my writing has improved greatly as a result of connecting with readers over the years, and that’s why I wouldn’t trade being an indie
author for anything. Like I said, I hope to be able to work with a fantastic publishing company someday, and I actually have an opportunity to
work with a great publisher in the coming year, which I’m looking forward to. However my career began in indie publishing, and I love the
freedom that comes from having control and passion at your fingertips. That is why I love being an indie author, and I hope you aspiring authors
out there will consider taking a shot on yourself and self-publish your book.

You fellow authors out there: why do you love being an indie author? And all you readers out there, who are some of your favorite indie authors?
Leave your comments down below!

@amazon @amazonkindle-blog

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Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas Book Review:

Political intrigue, fantasy based action and a complex protagonist are the cornerstone of the bestselling novel, Throne of Glass, the first in the
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Mass. The intricate world building that went into this first novel and the deeply layered mythology of the
book really pulled me into this fantastic world. Here is the book synopsis:

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before
the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal
assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king’s council. If she beats
her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training
sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more
interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her… but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead… quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a
victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

I really enjoyed the character development of Celaena Sardothien in this story. Rather than being just a one-dimensional assassin for hire, this
story showcased the person underneath the hardened killer persona that this world has come to know. Getting to see the assassin that was trained
for years struggle with the young woman filled with doubt, with emotion and with human compassion was a treat to behold, and a lot of YA fans
will enjoy this character growth as well.

The pace of this novel was evenly done, and the incredible climax to the competition Celaena finds herself in will delight and shock readers. In
the end, this is a perfect start to an incredible YA Fantasy series, and it’s one I cannot wait to dive more into with the rest of the series.
If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend giving this book a read and diving into the Throne of Glass series by the amazing Sarah J. Maas.

Rating: 5/5 stars.

What are your thoughts on Throne of Glass? Leave your comments down below and let me know!

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The Prince, a Betrayal, & a Kiss by Kristin D. Van Risseghem Book Review:

One of the best parts of getting invested in a book series is getting to explore secondary characters in one-off stories, and that is what fans
will get when they read The Prince, a Betrayal, & a Kiss by Kristin D. Van Risseghem, a short story in the Enlighten series. Getting to explore
a character’s backstory that was only touched upon in the first Enlighten book, fans will be delighted to get this fun look into the Winter faerie
realm and a deeper look into a forbidden romance.

First, the synopsis:

Like most Winter fairies, Finnegan is one of few words, but he fulfills his princely duties without too much protest. That is, until he meets
Sidelle—a Summer fairy princess. For the unlikely pair, it seemed their meeting was destiny. But their forbidden bond is discovered and torn
apart.

Now, the Finnegan must escape his mother’s clutches to find his love and apologize, beg forgiveness, and show her the depth of his feelings.
But instead of finding Sidelle, Finnegan befriends a dark stranger who leads him down a troubling path, tricking him into becoming someone he
despises—exactly how a Winter fairy should behave—one who Sidelle may never trust.

Blending the elements of the first Enlighten book with some historical context and an in-depth look into the other side of the complex relationship
between Winter faerie Finnegan and Summer faerie Sidelle. The action is very fast paced and in just a short amount of time we get some great
character development and get to see another side of this complex war brewing between the various realms, and who is siding with who. The
grand mythology in the Enlighten series is expanded upon greatly here, and gives fans a look at where the characters may be heading in the future
of the series. Be sure to pick up this fun read The Prince, a Betrayal, & a Kiss by Kristin D. Van Risseghem today!