A young woman’s life is turned upside down as the brother she thought lost to her forever returns to the land of the living, fighting alongside her people’s enemy, in author Adrienne Young’s novel “Sky in the Deep”.
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The Synopsis
Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.
Faced with her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.
She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.
Part Wonder Woman, part Vikings—and all heart.
The Review
This was a powerful and original YA adventure like no other. Bringing to life a fantastic new YA heroine that embodies strength, power and emotion all at once, the series brings a unique blend of history and mythology while creating a cast of characters readers will instantly connect with.
Showcasing a strong message about the power that comes from understanding the differences between cultures and the tragedy that comes from warring over those differences, the novel does a great job of both entertaining and highlighting real world struggles through the use of historical and mythological context. More than anything, the novel does an excellent job of showcasing a strong female protagonist amidst an era of battle that saw men and women taking to the battlefields.
The Verdict
In a novel that has equal parts entertainment with equal parts historical and mythological content, the first book in a world filled with Viking warriors and ancient gods dictating the laws of the land, the book highlights how underneath all the different gods, ways of life and landscapes that people live on, at the end of the day they are all just human after all. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “Sky in the Deep” by Adrienne Young today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
New York Times bestselling author of SKY IN THE DEEP, THE GIRL THE SEA GAVE BACK & the upcoming FABLE duology from Wednesday Books. Agent: Barbara Poelle, IGLA
Adrienne Young is a born and bred Texan turned California girl. She is a foodie with a deep love of history and travel and a shameless addiction to coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her yoga mat, scouring antique fairs for old books, sipping wine over long dinners, or disappearing into her favorite art museums. She lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and their four little wildlings beneath the West Coast sun.
For information on release, appearances, ARCs, giveaways, and exclusive content, sign up for the newsletter at https://adrienneyoungbooks.com/
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve always loved writing, but it wasn’t until my late twenties that I made it a priority. I started by joining a few online writing groups and connecting with other writers, but then just bit the bullet and started!
2) What inspired you to write your book?
It was an idea that had niggled at me for awhile. There is always so much going on in the world and I wondered what would happen if the Fates (or some other entity) decided to get rid of us. An extinction by the powers that be.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That it’s never too late to make a difference.
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4) What drew you into this particular genre?
With this particular book, it’s a combination of mythology/horror/fantasy. I’ve always had a huge love of ancient history and mythology, so it came naturally to me. To be honest, it’s the same with horror! They’re genres that I just feel at home with.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I think I would have a long sit down with Zeus – but I can’t reveal what we’d discuss without giving anything away!
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Hmm…that’s a tricky question. I’ve utilised Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and they’re all fairly on par.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Dive in feet first and go for it. Write, write, and write some more. Build connections with other writers and invest in an amazing editor.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Hopefully a successful writing career! I’m presently querying a YA horror titled LeRoux Manor, and I’ve almost finished my next novel, an adult paranormal/crime titled Never, Never. After that I’m starting a paranormal serial titled Luna Zimmer…and much more!
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About the Author
Liz Butcher resides in Australia, with her husband, daughter, and their two cats. She’s a self-confessed nerd with a BA in psychology and an insatiable fascination for learning. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, Liz enjoys road trips, astronomy, music and knitting.
Want to keep up to date on the latest book reviews on author Anthony Avina’s website, as well as other book related news? Sign up now for the monthly newsletter and receive a free short story when you subscribe!
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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I always wanted to write, but had actually only ever written for our family business (home inspection). When we realized so many people purchase homes with no idea how one works I wrote four seasonal newsletters to cover their first year of homeownership.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I continued to write other newsletters, such as hiring a contractor and how to paint, and thought househould insect infestation might be another useful topic. However, after my initial investigation, including discovering way more insects than originally thought, I understood there was no way to whittle the information down to 4-6 pages. But, I was fascinated with what I was learning and kept going.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I really hope people firstly understand insects are important and we need to actually ensure we have a diverse range of them in our gardens. Secondly, I hope they realize most infestations are not that difficult to get rid of. Very few infestations require the assistance of a pest-control company and their chemicals.
4) What is one thing or one fact about pest and insect infestation that the average home owner will get wrong when it comes to insects in general and how to proceed with removing them from your home?
Believing the inflammatory disinformation on the internet, perpetrated by people with an economic reason for you to stop by, and consequently wasting time on products that don’t work or getting conned into a contract to spray your house on a regular basis. The book indicates which insects can be dealt with and how, and which require the pros along with tips on hiring one.
5) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
If you know absolutely nothing about composing a novel, start reading books that explain the process. Beyond that, explore your inner voice for what gets you excited, positively or negatively. Ruminate with different characters that come alive within that excitement.
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6) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’ve begun the planning stage for a novel. I’ve had two characters in my head for a couple of years and with Little Buggers! finished, I’m thrilled to now have time to devote to letting them come out and play.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man returning home on his thirtieth birthday finds himself thrust into a global phenomenon and his fate tied to a mysterious woman with red hair in author Liz Butcher’s novel “Fates’ Fury”.
The Synopsis
The last thing Jonah Sands expected on his thirtieth birthday was to have his life thrust into the hands of a dangerous, red-haired woman—or to be the only person in the world to survive an encounter with her.
As the death toll skyrockets, Jonah and his two best friends, the siblings Tristan and Ava Carter, find themselves at the epicenter of inexplicable phenomena—a stranded ferry transforms into a barge headed for the Underworld; young girls levitate to whisper ancient riddles; technology across the globe is controlled by some unseen hand. And it all seems to lead back to the woman with red hair. When a stranger finds them in the midst of a thunder storm and offers his otherworldly assistance, Jonah finally unravels the truth about who he really is. And what it means for the rest of humanity.
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The Review
What really sticks out from the very first chapter is just how fast the author takes readers into the action and mystery of this story. A brand new take on the lore and mythology of Ancient Greek Mythology, the reader is shown a modern day world where the past and present collide. The blend of ancient mythology with character building that feels natural in the face of such unnatural events.
What really stands apart and makes this story so great however is the core relationships between Jonah, Tristan and Ava. A friendship between Jonah and the siblings that has lasted for decades showcases a bond that is tighter than even some families readers may know. In the face of such otherworldly events and soul-shattering secrets revealed, the author does a great job of bringing this friendship to light.
The Verdict
This is a wonderful modern day fantasy/mythological story that redefines the genre and creates a lore than fans can sink their teeth into. From shocking revelations and emotional bonds tested, and even some surprising romances blooming, this is a story that feels epic and powerful in it’s delivery, creating a narrative that readers will not be able to get enough of. By the novel’s end, readers will be blown away as the entire narrative gets flipped on its head. Be sure to grab your copy of Liz Butcher’s “Fates’ Fury” today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Liz Butcher resides in Australia, with her husband, daughter, and their two cats. She’s a self-confessed nerd with a BA in psychology and an insatiable fascination for learning. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, Liz enjoys road trips, astronomy, music and knitting.
Want to keep up to date on the latest book reviews on author Anthony Avina’s website, as well as other book related news? Sign up now for the monthly newsletter and receive a free short story when you subscribe!
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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young bear searches for answers to some of life’s toughest questions in author Mawson Bear’s novel, “She Ran Away From Love”.
The Synopsis
The Light of Love pours down on Frilly. It shines so brightly that she quails and runs away.
Upset with herself for feeling scared, she wakes her good friend Mawson and pours out her confusions. She wants to learn how to be bold and is convinced that she can do this by going on a quest.
With muddled help from Mawson she sets off into the great Out There. But is a quest to find oneself really the answer?
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The Review
This short yet heartwarming tale of a young bear struggling to find herself and write the story of her life will really speak to both children and adults. A beautiful blend of original photography with a creative, one of a kind narrative that brings the iconic classic teddy bear to life makes this read truly engaging.
Whether you read it to your child or are fascinated with the world of antique and collectible teddy bears, this book will really entertain and touch an emotional chord within the reader. The age old question of who we are in the grand scheme of things and what our place in the universe is are eloquently highlighted in this profound book for audiences of all ages.
The Verdict
If you are looking for a blend of humor, original photography and artwork, and even a hint of meditation that can teach readers younger and older the path to finding their place in the world can come from a place of calm meditation, then author Mawson Bear’s “She Ran Away From Love” is the book for you. Emotional and heartwarming in the story’s narrative, this is a book that is not to be missed, so be sure to grab your copy today!
Mawson, the big hearted, soul searching teddy bear, is here to help. He is one of the few writer-bears in this bright world. He ponders about how to be one’s best. Then he puts his ponders into books.
A modest bear of generous proportions, distinctive in his white fur coat and bow tie, he is confident that things are going to be All Right.
In It’s A Bright World To Feel Lost In he ponders the loss of love. Can you rescue yourself from loneliness when you feel you have been left behind? (viewbook.at/ABrightWorld)
In She Ran Away From Love, Mawson helps his friend Frilly in her quest for answers to big questions. (Viewbook.at/SheRanAwayFromLove )
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
If you’ve ever wanted a new solution to bug infestations that won’t cost an arm and a leg and will also help you understand the insects infesting your home, then look no further than author Tess Watson’s novel “Little Buggers!: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Insect Infestation”.
The Synopsis
Got unwelcome houseguests of the teeny tiny variety running around like they own the place? Not every insect infestation requires a call to a pest-control company. Little Buggers! offers facts, figures and pictures along with practical guidance on how to evict them on your own and when to call in the pros. It also includes preventive measures to keep them from ever returning… or ever beginning.
The Review
This was a well written, thoroughly researched and quick read that will fully help home owners and people in general to understand the insects that commonly infest a home and how to properly work to rid them from your home without hiring an exterminator to come out and do it themselves. The author diligently goes through the various insects that may find themselves calling your home their nest, from ants and fleas to spiders and wasps.
What really stood out as a guide book and how-to style book was the depth of detail the author presented on each insect. While most would only think to look for the quickest and easiest way to get rid of the bug, the author details the insects carefully to help the average homeowner gain an understanding of these creatures, the benefits they provide the outside of a person’s home and how to remove the infestation to keep and maintain that balance from the outside of a person’s home to the inside.
The Verdict
Although a quick read, the author hits the reader with precision and a straight to the point voice that commands the readers attention. The author even details the various chemicals that can be used on a person’s home, what goes into these chemicals and how they will affect the home and the insects in general, making for a very thorough read. If you are looking for a way to not only rid yourself of an insect infestation but understand the nature of the bugs who have crawled their way into your home, then grab your copy of “Little Buggers!: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Insect Infestation” by Tess Watson today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A royal prince’s mission to uncover a mystery surrounding missing mining ore reveals a massive conspiracy that spans a galactic empire that threatens to destroy his father’s reign once and for all in author Timothy Burn’s sci-fi epic novel, “Edj of the Empire: Herrig’s World”.
The Synopsis
Edj Dumarc LaRand Bronacious Tarkle, the son of Emperor Risherd Fontanue LaRand Bronacious Tarkle, and the Crown Prince and Heir to the Crystal Throne of the Empire of the Ninety-Nine Stars is on his way to Herrig’s World, a remote planet that rarely warrants attention. However, production of the ore critical to anti-grave tech, minzite, has recently cratered.
There are many ways to address the decline. The navy could be sent in to investigate, but they never do anything small. An official auditor could be dispatched, but he would inevitably find several perfectly good reasons for the decline and file a report saying, oh well, that’s just the way it is. Or Edj could go and make a few quiet, discrete inquiries and find out precisely who is profiting. It seemed so simple when his father asked him to investigate matters.
But nothing is ever simple. What Edj uncovers on Herrig’s World is a plot to destroy the foundation of the Empire. With a mindbender named Mala and his loyal android companion, JD, in tow, Edj begins an adventure across the Ninety-Nine stars to stop the conspiracy in its tracks. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what they expect. With his ship barely functional, and the odds stacked against him, can Edj save the Empire before time runs out?
The Review
A fantastic tale that seemed to blend films like Star Wars, Blade Runner and Alien all into one epic story with an almost high fantasy feel. The author does a great job of immediately establishing this new galactic mythology while also making the narrative feel personal and intimate with the protagonist’s narration.
The tough, rough and tumble Prince living the life of a heroic pirate through space immediately grabs the reader’s attention, as Edj first stumbles into a bar looking for information, finds himself drawn to a beautiful woman and subsequently attacked. The novel only takes off from here, as missions to clear land filled with dangerous animals without harming said beasts pushes the prince to his limits, and soon the simple job of finding some missing ore turns into a full blown, galactic conspiracy that could have dire consequences on the Empire he was born into.
The Verdict
Edj is a likable, humorous and thrill seeking protagonist that any sci-fi and action fan can get behind. With the aid of a loyal if all too serious android companion and the mysterious mind bender who enters his life, author Timothy Burns takes readers into a whole new sci-fi epic tale that begins a saga that fans can really sink their teeth into. With an engaging cast of characters, action-packed drama and a fantastic understanding of the sci-fi genre as a whole, this is a book that readers have to see to believe. Be sure to grab your copy of Timothy Burns novel “Edj of the Empire: Herrig’s World” today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A serial killer’s final act comes to fruition as the authorities are forced to ask themselves if the infamous 4MK is who they always believed he was, or if the hero of this tale is the monster all along in author J.D. Barker’s The Sixth Wicked Child.
The Synopsis
In the riveting conclusion of the 4MK trilogy, Barker takes the thriller to an entirely new level. Don’t miss a single word of the series James Patterson called “ingenious.”
Hear No Evil
For Detective Sam Porter, the words “Father, forgive me” conjure memories long forgotten; a past intentionally buried. For Anson Bishop, these three words connect a childhood to the present as he unleashes a truth concealed for decades.
See No Evil
Found written on cardboard near each body, these words link multiple victims to a single killer—discovered within minutes of each other in both Chicago and South Carolina—clearly connected yet separated by impossible miles.
Speak No Evil
Chicago Metro and the FBI find themselves caught in chaos—a hospital on lockdown, a rogue officer, and corruption at the highest levels. When Anson Bishop, the prime suspect in the notorious 4MK serial murders turns himself in, he reveals a story completely unexpected, one that not only upends the current investigation, but one that will change the lives of all involved.
Do No Evil
With unrelenting tension and pulse-pounding suspense, the past unravels at breakneck speed as the truth behind the Four Monkey Killer’s motive is finally revealed in this masterfully crafted finale.
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The Review
The absolute best thriller of 2019 and one of the most heart-pounding, shocking and well crafted endings to a thriller series in years. The haunting and spine-chilling actions of 4MK have struck the nerve of fans around the world as this series has progressed, but author J.D. Barker outdoes himself in this incredible read.
The way the author starts to share the connections between 4MK and protagonist Sam Porter bring about one of the most satisfying slow burn reveals of a thriller, delving into Anson Bishop’s past and revealing that 4MK may not be the most evil person in this tale. Forcing the reader to confront the true meaning of evil and the depths of human villainy that exists in our world, this story blends shocking revelations with high octane action and character development that plays like a film across the pages of this novel.
By the story’s end, readers will realize that no one is who they seem. Heroes can be villains, just as villains can be the hero, even if it’s the hero of their own story. Any reader who has been following this series closely will thoroughly enjoy seeing threads even from book one reveal their connection to the story of Anson Bishop, and the final page of this tale will leave readers reeling as all if finally revealed.
The Verdict
An absolute must read novel of 2019, author J.D. Barker writes a compelling, engaging and satisfying conclusion to an epic thriller like no other. Creating a serial killer and villain that can stand up to the greats like Hannibal Lecter and The One-Armed Man of the hit tale The Fugitive, 4MK will forever be cemented as an iconic and terrifying foe. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of author J.D. Barker’s “The Sixth Wicked Child, the third and final chapter of the 4MK Thriller saga.
Barker was born January 7, 1971 in Lombard, Illinois and spent the first fourteen years of his life in Crystal Lake, Illinois. A staunch introvert, he was rarely seen without a book in hand, devouring both the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series by the age of six before moving on to classics such as the works of Dickens and Twain. The discovery of Shelley, Stoker and Poe fueled a fire and it wasn’t long before he was writing tales of his own which he shared with friends and family. These early stories centered around witches and ghosts thought to inhabit the woods surrounding their home.
At fourteen, Barker’s family relocated to Englewood, Florida, a climate better suited to his father’s profession as a contractor. He attended Lemon Bay High School and graduated in 1989. Knowing he wanted to pursue a career in the arts but unsure of a direction, he enrolled at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where he later obtained a degree in business. While in college, one of his writing assignment found its way into the hands of Paul Gallotta of Circus Magazine. Gallotta reached out to Barker and asked him to join the staff of 25th Parallel Magazine where he worked alongside the man who would later become Marilyn Manson.
Assignments dropped him into the center of pop culture and by 1991 Barker branched out, interviewing celebrities for the likes of Seventeen, TeenBeat, and other national and local publications. In 1992, Barker syndicated a small newspaper column called Revealed which centered around the investigation of haunted places and supernatural occurrences. While he often cites these early endeavors as a crash course in tightening prose, his heart remained with fiction. He began work as a book doctor and ghostwriter shortly thereafter, helping others fine tune their writing for publication. Barker has said this experience proved invaluable, teaching him what works and what doesn’t in today’s popular fiction. He would continue in this profession until 2012 when he wrote a novel of his own, titled Forsaken.
Stephen King read portions of Forsaken prior to publication and granted Barker permission to utilize the character of Leland Gaunt of King’s Needful Things in the novel. Indie-published in late 2014, the book went on to hit several major milestones – #2 on Audible (Harper Lee with Go Set a Watchman held #1), #44 on Amazon U.S., #2 on Amazon Canada, and #22 on Amazon UK. Forsaken was also nominated for a Bram Stoker Award (Best Debut Novel) and won a handful of others including a New Apple Medalist Award.
After reading Forsaken, Bram Stoker’s family reached out to Barker and asked him to co-author a prequel to Dracula utilizing Bram’s original notes and journals, much of which has never been made public. The novel, titled Dracul, sold at auction to G.P. Putnam & Sons, with film rights going to Paramount. Andy Muschietti (IT, Mama) is attached to direct.
Barker’s initial indie success drew the attention of traditional agents and publishers and in early 2016 his debut thriller, The Fourth Monkey, sold in a series of pre-empts and auctions worldwide with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt set to publish in the U.S. and HarperCollins in the UK. The book has also sold for both film and television.
Barker splits his time between Englewood, FL, and Pittsburgh, PA, with his wife, Dayna.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
My first experiences with storytelling were around the campfire in my childhood. My family spent many nights around campfires sharing stories, retelling old tales, or making up new ones to keep the night at bay. When I was very young, I shined shoes in my grandfather’s barbershop for a time. I admit to being terrible with a rag and brush but I listen to every story that was passed back and forth between the old men that haunted the place as they waited for their trim or shave. I found my way into theater as a young man and eventually into independent film in college. The entire time, whether I was sitting by the fire or behind a camera, I was always writing, always composing my own stories or at least witnessing them as they composed themselves.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
Most of my work is inspired by a simple moment that ignites my senses. Ration started in the hallway of a hotel, a single small sound caused a ripple in my mind that blossomed into a scene in the book. Most of my work begins with this kind of small spark and then blooms across the bones of a story that grows from the world around me. I have been an educator for nearly two decades, food insecurity and violence are constant issues many of my students face. I wanted this story to reflect struggles that I witness in the real world.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Ration is about love, which seems to be incongruous with horror and dystopia, but the truth is each of these characters is worthy of some form of love, no matter how ugly their own idea of love is. With Ration I wanted to write a kind of book that could explore the imperfections of how we see love and experience it, especially in the darkest moments of our lives.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Writing horror offers a great deal of freedom, and while I am not bound by genre in my writing, I recognize that horror gives me the opportunity to write about dark and beautiful things. I want my writing to stretch across all genres, but I also want to write something that reflects the terrible little personal horrors that we must all face and at the same time, demonstrate how those horrors simply make us human.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I think I would sit down with Ms. Tuttle and ask her why she didn’t break away from her mother like she so wanted to. I would ask her why she struggles to remember her love until she is quite sure that she can no longer feel love.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Twitter is an interesting mechanism for developing a readership. I have no gift in social media, in fact, I admit to enjoy hiding in my office and quietly writing in the hopes that the world might simply stumble across my work, but unfortunately that’s not the way things are. Twitter has been a remarkable platform to put me in touch with hundreds of other writers. This has been a tremendous boon that does my heart good to find such a supportive community. So, no matter how clumsy I am at it, it remains one of my most useful tools.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
The thing I can offer is something that I’m sure most writers have heard before, but it remains profoundly true: you must write the thing that you love, no matter how risky or terrifying that might be. If you love what you write, and you feel what your characters are feeling when you write it, the reader will feel these things also. Writing is about passion, one that you can share with your readers, but one that you must cultivate by yourself. And never forget that there will be people who love your work just as much as you, so even though you must write by yourself, you must never read alone.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I am currently working on a new novel. It’s also a scary story about how each of us sees the world in very different ways. This story will also be about love, centering on a family, a town in the Pacific Northwest, and a terrible loss.
Cody’s stories have appeared in Pilgrimage, Cirque, KYSO Flash, Menda City Review, Swamp Biscuits & Tea, and others. He is fiction winner of the 2016 Montana Book Festival Regional Emerging Writers Contest.
Cody teaches at Portland Community College and works as a story editor. He completed an intensive MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College. Cody grew up listening to stories in his grandfather’s barber shop as he shined shoes, stories told to him at bedsides and on front porches, deep in his father’s favorite woods, and in the cabs of pickup trucks on lonely dirt roads. Cody’s work explores those things both small and wondrous that move the soul, whether they be deeply real or strikingly surreal.
