The Conquered Shore

Title: The Conquered Shore (Lodestone #5) 

Author: Mark Whiteway 
Kindle edition; 1324 pages
Published Nov 26, 2013

Following a momentous journey across space, two groups of Helvenans are locked in a struggle for survival on the strange, virgin planet they have named Kelanni. 
Their long journey over, the exiles from the planet Helvena must now carve out a new existence. But the stain of war still blights the two factions - the hubbers with their strict caste system, now enforced by the new, fearsome keltar in their flying cloaks, and the free community of rimmers. On an alien world beset by unknown dangers and complex life forms they must find a way to come together...or be destroyed. 
"This is the fifth book in Mark Whiteway's beautifully crafted Lodestone series".

The Conquered Shore is the fifth book from the Lodestone series. Author Mark Whiteway blew me away! He is absolutely genius. I actually read the first book (The Sea of Storms) before reading this one to better understand the characters and get familiar with the scenes. I was then transported to another dimension where I discovered a world with three suns shining up above, two of which rise from the west, and the other one is stationary. I discovered the world of Kelanni, the world where non humans exist. Kelanni people did not originate on this planet but they have travelled from a faraway world called Helvena.

Truth is, I have read a bunch of Sci-fi/thrillers before and the last one that really impressed me was the legendary Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land. Now, this! Yes, I am comparing the author Mark Whiteway to one of my favorite sci-fi genius because his works are at par with Heinlein. I am utterly astonished with these men because of their wild imagination and creative juices. I am jealous of their talent of creating a futuristic world, filled interplanetary devices and different races. I wish I could create worlds like them.

After the first book, which I actually couldn't put down, I found myself liking The Conquered Shore more. I felt like I was getting involved emotionally with Keris and the quirky hu-man, Alexander McCann. The author made the Kelanni native Keris more relatable as a human while Alex McCann was as always a delight to read. I also loved the other characters in the book, like Lokk, Aevan, Zemira, even the keltars, Glaisne, Torile and Ash.

Usually, when I read a book, it's either I forget about the characters and events right away, or I maintain them inside my head and dream about them. When these characters invade my sleep, it can only mean one thing: the book was highly effective and very engaging. And I felt this after dreaming about Alex and Keris. I would want to go with them in seeking out the Guardians of the Forest. In short, there must be a Book Six to watch out for and I can't wait to read it!

If you're in the mood to read some sci-fi, i highly suggest you read this one. Perfect for sci-fi fans like me. If you want to read a modern-day Robert A. Heinlein masterpiece, read Mark Whiteway's Lodestone series and be blown away!

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About the Author
Mark Whiteway 
website: http://markwhiteway.weebly.com/author-bio.html
twitter: https://twitter.com/mwhiteway1
genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy


Mark Whiteway (1959- ) lives in rural West Sussex, England, near the former home of H G Wells. The Lodestone series of novels is built around the concept of negative matter-an extension of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity.

book quotes

A good book on your shelf is a friend that turns its back on you and remains a friend. ~Author Unknown

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy. ~Edward P. Morgan

The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it. ~James Bryce

Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own.  ~William Hazlitt

My test of a good novel is dreading to begin the last chapter.  ~Thomas Helm

Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all.  ~Abraham Lincoln

The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television.  ~Andrew Ross

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~Author Unknown

A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. ~William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958


There is a great deal of difference between an eager man who wants to read a book and a tired man who wants a book to read. ~G.K. Chesterton

Under His Protection

Title: Under His Protection
Author: Stacy Von Haegert
Kindle; 202 pages
published november 2013

What really happened to the two young princes of York, who were held prisoner in the tower of London by their ambitious uncle following the death of their father, King Edward of York? Some think one son escaped and was later executed by King Henry VII when he returned to claim his rightful throne. But not before he sired a child. In, Under His Protection, the first in a new trilogy, Stacy Von Haegert artfully combines history, action, humor, and sizzling passion to provide a theory for one of England's greatest mysteries. The bloodline continues...

LONDON 1838, Present day...Title-hungry matrons of the upper class throw their daughters in Alexander's path. But the Duke of Ravenswood has no desire to give up his rakish, gaming lifestyle to get hitched. When the Kingston family from New Orleans enters London, however, Alex quickly finds himself unwittingly entangled. With her spirited personality and innocent aversion to all things proper. Greyland Kingston completely knocks him off his game.

The gossip fans flutter when Queen Victoria asks Greyland and her eldest brother, Perkin, to dance the scandalous Viennese Waltz at the Royal ball. Who is this family? How do they know the Queen? Why do they bear such a strong resemblence to the late King of York? Trouble ensues in the form of jealous women, ambitious men, and a vengeful Irish clan. Alexander quickly finds that having Greyland for his own will come at a steep price. He must risk everything to keep her protected.

Under His Protection is a regency novel about two lovestruck characters; one came from the America, who had zest and carefree attitude in life, while the other one was a brash young lord who was reputed to be a ladies man. Their love story began with Lord Alexander challenging a newcomer to a duel but got more than he bargained for when the young lad’s sister came to his defense instead. There was something mysterious and intriguing about the new family who arrived in London, which got everyone’s tongue wagging and eyes rolling. Something that got a man riled up and determined to have his way against them.

When I read the first chapter of Under His Protection, I was entranced. It’s like I was visiting a historical place at another era that is so different from my own timeline. Once I got past the second chapter, it made me crave for more.

Lady Greyland Kingston was really a lovable personality; she managed to make me smile because of her naiveté and casual outlook in life. It is obvious that she came from a noble line from the America who was quite liberated, compared to the conservative people of London.  She’s like a wanton bride, not very typical of a lady, but very entertaining, nonetheless. No wonder the lads and men vied for her attention every now and then. I don’t blame Lord Alex Hamilton of Ravenswood for being so protective of her. He was every bit a hero and warrior in my eyes. I liked the vulnerability and sensitivity he showed when he had fallen in love with Lady Kingston.

I also loved the other men in the novel, like Perkin & Edward, both gorgeous men and dependable brothers and of course, there was Thomas, the ever gracious friend and comrade. Bella, Thomas betrothed, was a friend that I myself would like to keep, and Annabel, a girl I would like to take as my own. And there’s Socrates and Malikite, two creatures who played pivotal roles in their masters’ lives.

I really find Regency novels like Under His Protection very engaging, seductive and irresistible. The characters were easy to love and relate to, even though they belonged to the era where the women’s ball gowns were made of layers of corsets and petticoats while men were clad with greatcoats, cloak and broad-brimmed hats.

Reading Regency novels has always been one of the most delicious treats in literature, in my opinion. I always get delighted reading unusual terms enthused by the characters. Like for example in this novel, I encountered the word "ton". I thought at first, it was a misspelled word for town, but after I did some research, I learned that the author actually referred it to a set of people who possess the characteristics of being rich, fashionable and well mannered. Three characteristics that must all be possessed by a group. Oh, how very ingénue of me, if I might say so.

I really had a wonderful time reading this debut from the talented Stacy Von Haegert. Her writing was quite exceptional and superb. She kept me intrigued and entertained all throughout, with her character’s vivid descriptions and believable personalities. I couldn't believe this is her maiden novel! I thought she can be the next Lisa Kleypas or Johanna Lindsey and I couldn't be more proud! I highly recommend this masterpiece to everyone who loves to read Regency love stories.

Friday Finds

TGIF!!! Thank Goodness, It's Friday ...Weekend, here I come..

 Welcome to another edition of Friday Finds sponsored by MizB from Should Be Reading.

 FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased).

 Here are my Friday Finds for this week:

The Baker's Daughter 

by Sara McCoy

Stranger in the Nursery

by Sharon Robards

Naked (The Blackstone Affair Part 1)

by Raine Miller

Premeditated

by Josin MvQuein

and last but not the least, fresh off the charts:

Under His Protection
by Stacy Von Haegert

Check out the book trailer for Under His Protection :

Dragonslayer Vol 7-8

Forever Together (Volume 7 of 8 Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer Series )
by Ruth Ford Elward
***** Ruth Elward effortlessly and vividly brought the magical realm into life!*****

Love indeed is a many splendored thing. What such power love can possess! In Forever Together (7th volume from the Dilemma of Dragonslayer series) the sorceress Raven finally returned as a changed woman, however, she was stripped of her powers. But her love for Carison paved the way to get her magics back and more. She discovered she could transport across time and space, but when she volunteered to help bring back the Guardsmen to assist Carison's army, she made a detrimental mistake of landing in a place infested by dragons, where escape is moot.

Forever Together successfully blended romance with action and adventure. I enjoyed the world and characters in this book. I couldn't help but get carried away with Raven and Carison's relationship. Theirs is a love story that transcends through time and space. Ruth Elward effectively got my attention with her simple sentences, imaginative world and unique plot. Her writing kept the story moving at a fast pace, the tone never wavered and the action never stopped. She effortlessly and vividly brought the magical realm into life.

Bittersweet Ending (Volume 8 of 8 Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer Series)
by Ruth Ford Elward
***** I didn't want to part with the characters in the end *****

Just finished the last book of the Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer series and I literally held my breath while I read this last volume. In Bittersweet Ending, Raven needed help but Carison was stuck in another place where there was no way out, no way to get to her. Lemore became more powerful than ever, after inhabiting a dragon's body. A lot of lives were lost, a lot of people were fooled by the Diamondscale's appearance and a lot of problems were still not solved. Will there ever be an end to Carison & Raven's dilemma?

Indeed it had been a tumultuous journey to a bittersweet ending. I love this last book from the series because it got all the ingredients i was looking for in a fantasy genre - drama, action, adventure, and romance. I didn't want to part with Carison and Raven, and I didn't stop my tears when some of the characters died. Big thanks and a chunkful of praises for Miss Elward for a superb end to a series.  I think I will never look at a dragon the same way ever again. This book deserved my 5 stars rating!

Dragonslayer Vol 4-5

The Aftermath (Volume 4 of Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer series)
by Ruth Ford Elward

***** the characters have captivated me! *****

I've read a lot of books where dragons reign supreme and soar above the heavens with their majestic wings. Ruth Elward, however, changed my perspective about them. Her book, The Aftermath is a well-crafted and beautifully written tale that kept me awake and made me want to keep reading for more.

The Aftermath happened to be the 4th installment from the Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer series, I met the hero, Paladin Carison Destine who barely escaped the tongues of death when Lemore's plans to bond with the Diamondscale went awry. Nevertheless, the Paladin was still intent on killing the Butcher. His betrothed, Raven, was able to finally cure herself through the help of an unlikely ally.  Soon Diamondscale was born and became a true monster, made possible by Lemore, and was caught in a battle between dragons and humans.

Things have gotten really interesting for the dragon slayer and the butcher. Lemor is the epitome of a villain gone wild. Carisone on the other hand, played a pivotal heroic role. These characters captivated me, and I can safely say that they would be forever be imprinted in my mind.



All in Good Time (Volume 5 of Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer Series )

By Ruth Ford Elward

*****I can no longer wait to read the next book in the series*****

Allow me to say this, I have just had the pleasure of meeting the most ardent characters in a mystical world.

Carisone and Raven. Two formidable forces.  King Lemore considered them the bane of his existence, the thorns in his rise to power, the hurdles that prevent him from  reigning over the old Fourth Kingdom. He would do everything and would use Diamondscale to accomplish his goal. Of course, not everyone agreed to do his bidding. That is why he wanted nothing else but to see Carison & Raven dead. All in good time.

Author Elward has created a different world of dragons that I have never read in any other books. She has a very creative mind and a talent in persuading you to continue reading her stories. She really knows how to make a reader crave for more. The fifth volume from the Dragonslayer series is action-packed and nerve-wracking. I felt what the other characters felt. I saw what lies ahead and I anticipated every step they take. I thought I knew it all, but then in the end, I was lost in my own thoughts and was shocked by the turn of event. I can no longer wait to read the next book in the series.

The Dragonslayer and His Sorceress

Volume 2 Dragonslayer and His Sorceress

Part 1 – Coming Storm
Carison Destine, Paladin of the Realm, has agreed to help an old friend prepare the defenses of the Governor’s Palace in what was once the Fourth Kingdom.

Along with his lover, the beautiful and deadly sorceress Raven, they begin their task, knowing it is only a matter of time before the deposed King Lemore tries to take his throne back by force.

An attack on the palace by a Yellowscale dragon leaves Carison’s friend poisoned and dying and Carison must find help in the most unlikely of places.

And all the while there are rumors from the lips of the dragons themselves that something is coming, something that Carison cannot prepare for…

Part 2 – Hidden Dangers
Dreams of impending terrors wake Carison Destine from his sleep. As Paladin of the Realm, he has faced untold dangers and always walked away from them, although not always without losing something of himself.

The dragons are anxiously awaiting something. Something that will be worse than anything Carison and the Sorceress Raven have ever faced before. They must find out what it is, and stop it if they can.

If they don’t die trying.

Part 3 – There is Death
On their way to stop the tyrant Butcher Lemore from raising a dragon army, Paladin Carison Destine, the sorceress Raven, and their friend Captain Orson Malidra are set upon by a group of Bluescale dragons.

In the middle of the fight that they are bound to lose, they are saved by a friend. A friend who gives his life for them.

His death tips Raven over an emotional cliff, unleashing powers and dangers she had tried so hard to bury within herself. She changes before Carison’s eyes. And then leaves.

Looking for help in the next town, what they find is rumors that Raven has slaughtered a nearby village. Carison knows it can’t be true. But he also knows he has to go to her, to try to bring her back to herself.

But at the same time, Butcher Lemore is plotting and scheming to regain his throne.

And kill anyone who stands in his way.

Dragonslayer No More? (Dilemmas of a Dragonslayer Vol. I)

Titles:
Dragonslayer No More (Vol 1)
Dragonslayer and His Sorceress (Vol 2)
Author: Ruth Ford Elward


Oh the delight I have experienced when I read the first two volumes of the book! Carison was a young and mighty warrior Paladin who seek out the best in people but defied those who wished the Valley of Shade ill. He woke up with only one arm, his spirit weakened at first but when a particular woman told her about his bravery, Carison made sure that he will slay the Dragon that was wrecking havoc in the Realm.

His sorceress lover, Raven was someone not to be taken lightly, for even if her eyes are trained on someone she was talking to, she knew when an incoming punch or kick would touch her down. She was immensely great with her powers and stunning with her beauty. No wonder Carison fell in love with her.

The tyrant Butcher Lemore was really someone you would root for in a villain. Cunning, ruthless, deceptive and mean. All in one package. He is someone who would do exactly everything that would help him regain his throne and build an army of dragons, destined to bring people to their knees and praise him. I'd describe him as the Wickedly Evil!

************************** SYNOPSIS ***********************

Dragonslayer No More?

Part 1 – Fire
After a disastrous attempt to slay a particularly dangerous Dragon plaguing the Valley of Shade, Carison Destine awakes to find his left arm has been torn off, eaten by the Dragon that still terrorizes the country.

He must overcome his fears if he is to ever recover. With the help of his truest friend in the world, a novice sorceress, he sets out to confront the Dragon again, against all odds, against all advice, and with little hope of ever returning.

The Dragon presents more of a danger than he realizes. He might not survive. But he’ll die trying.

Part 2 – Heart
Paladin Carison Destine is in the small Three Kingdoms town of Vedoran to deal with a dragon problem. A Digger, a dragon who attacks its prey from underground, has decided the townsfolk here are its prey.

The woman he loves, Raven, is with him. Before they can take on the dragon, Carison is approached by the Chamberlain Randithew Moorlock, with an offer of employment.

He wants Carison to help take back the throne of the infamous Butcher Lemore. Carison has no problem saying no. Until the Chamberlain ups the stakes and kidnaps his beloved…

Part 3 – Soul
Carison Destine, Paladin of the Realm, is being forced to murder the Governor of the former Fourth Kingdom. His cooperation is being forced by evil men holding the woman he loves captive. Raven is a powerful sorceress.

But as Carison points out, anyone can die if they let their guard down. He knows what he must do. He can’t hesitate. Hesitating could get Raven killed.

Sneaking into the Governor’s Palace was easy. But will killing a man in cold blood be that easy? To save the woman he loves, it just might be.

Dilemma's of a Dragonslayer book trailer

I got the chance to read this amazing series and my kids also loved this. I guess everyone is aware that I have always been fascinated with dragons and medieval fantasy book. Dilemma's of a Dragonslayer did not disappoint!

Dilemma's of a Dragonslayer is an 8-volume series about a dragon slayer named Carison and the dilemmas, challenges and battles he had to face in order to restore a fallen kingdom, slay the fiercest dragon, Diamondscale and find happiness in the arms of the one he truly loved. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. One of the best I've read so far!

Stay tuned for my book reviews on my upcoming posts. In the meantime, check out this beautiful book trailer from Ruth Ford Elward's Dilemma's of a Dragonslayer.

Poems Vol.2

Title: Poems (Volume 2)
Author: Lee Gliddon
Published Oct 2013

Volume 2 of another selection of my poems that have been pulled out of my emotional well. A mixture of tone. A story to read, a journey to discover, a moment to share.

Yet again, another incredibly beautiful and sensual love poems written by Lee Gliddon. His latest book contains some of the best (love) poems I have ever read. The stories behind his poetry plucked at my heartstrings.

If you are a man trying to make yourself known to the one you loves from afar, by putting your shoes on the other man's feet, A Strangers Love is perfect for you. If you want to walk down memory lane, A Moment By The Lake is what you need. My One And Only talks about the one who had been saved from the black beach of despair, and never letting go again. These were my three favorites from Gliddon's lovely poems.

The others were equally well written, like The Stray Cat - a perfect personification of someone who longs to be nestled in the arms of a mother and a place to call home. I also loved Death I Am and A Tear from a Dry Well, these are kind of intense and strong.

Overall, I'd say that Gliddon's poems aren't made of cotton candy words, but are written with heart, mind and soul. Simply beautiful! A must read for all poetry lovers!