Marianne Curley's Blog
May 14, 2025
THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL RELEASE DAY
Hi everyone
My new novel THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL is released today the 15th of May 2025. You can purchase it as an e-book, a hardcover or a paperback from Amazon.com in your country. More locations and stores will become available soon.
Emerald Island has its secrets.
Some believe it is cursed.
People have disappeared.
Magic is outlawed.
Friends, Charlotte and Tristan, are determined to find out why.
The Impossible Spell is a young adult paranormal fantasy about trust, deceit and the courage to seek the truth at all costs. Even if family, love and loyalty are tested.
Even if time must be travelled.
On my website blog post for today, the 15th of May, there are some photos of my grandchildren Zach and Josie reading THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL. If you have a photo of yourself or someone close to you reading THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL, I would love to see it.
You can email it to me at: [email protected]. I will be selecting some photos to add to my website’s blog pages. I hope you have fun taking the photos, like Zach and Josie did.
Comments, reviews and sharing are most welcome.
Thanks for reading.
Marianne
My new novel THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL is released today the 15th of May 2025. You can purchase it as an e-book, a hardcover or a paperback from Amazon.com in your country. More locations and stores will become available soon.
Emerald Island has its secrets.
Some believe it is cursed.
People have disappeared.
Magic is outlawed.
Friends, Charlotte and Tristan, are determined to find out why.
The Impossible Spell is a young adult paranormal fantasy about trust, deceit and the courage to seek the truth at all costs. Even if family, love and loyalty are tested.
Even if time must be travelled.
On my website blog post for today, the 15th of May, there are some photos of my grandchildren Zach and Josie reading THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL. If you have a photo of yourself or someone close to you reading THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL, I would love to see it.
You can email it to me at: [email protected]. I will be selecting some photos to add to my website’s blog pages. I hope you have fun taking the photos, like Zach and Josie did.
Comments, reviews and sharing are most welcome.
Thanks for reading.
Marianne
May 1, 2025
THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL COVER REVEAL
The Impossible SpellMy new novel for Young Adults is called THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL. This novel will be available from midnight, the 15th of May 2025 from Amazon.com in your country. Available in Hardback in most locations, Paperback and Kindle in all locations, with more stores to come. I’ll update you as we draw closer to the release date.
Emerald Island has its secrets.
Some believe it is cursed.
People have disappeared.
Magic is outlawed.
Friends, Charlotte and Tristan, are determined to find out why.
The Impossible Spell is a young adult paranormal fantasy about trust, deceit and the courage to seek the truth at all costs. Even if family, love and loyalty are tested. Even if time must be travelled.
In the Southern Ocean between Australia and Antarctica, Emerald Island is home to Charlotte and Tristan. Two estranged childhood friends entangled by the past in ways they know, and ways they can’t imagine. All their lives they were told that their mothers, who were best friends, disappeared under mysterious circumstances shortly after they were born. Charlotte suspects it has to do with a spell their mothers cast, the last in their Book of Shadows, a spell that should not have worked.
Even today, at sixteen, Charlotte can feel her mother’s magic running through her veins. She believes that Tristan can too, though he’d never admit it. But Charlotte needs his help to recreate the spell that tore their families apart, that created the greatest mystery Emerald Island has ever seen and hopefully resolve what happened on the night their mothers disappeared.
Find out if she succeeds � 15th May 2025!
All the best, everyone, and thanks for reading.
Marianne
Emerald Island has its secrets.
Some believe it is cursed.
People have disappeared.
Magic is outlawed.
Friends, Charlotte and Tristan, are determined to find out why.
The Impossible Spell is a young adult paranormal fantasy about trust, deceit and the courage to seek the truth at all costs. Even if family, love and loyalty are tested. Even if time must be travelled.
In the Southern Ocean between Australia and Antarctica, Emerald Island is home to Charlotte and Tristan. Two estranged childhood friends entangled by the past in ways they know, and ways they can’t imagine. All their lives they were told that their mothers, who were best friends, disappeared under mysterious circumstances shortly after they were born. Charlotte suspects it has to do with a spell their mothers cast, the last in their Book of Shadows, a spell that should not have worked.
Even today, at sixteen, Charlotte can feel her mother’s magic running through her veins. She believes that Tristan can too, though he’d never admit it. But Charlotte needs his help to recreate the spell that tore their families apart, that created the greatest mystery Emerald Island has ever seen and hopefully resolve what happened on the night their mothers disappeared.
Find out if she succeeds � 15th May 2025!
All the best, everyone, and thanks for reading.
Marianne
April 25, 2025
MY NEW BOOK
Hi everyone
It’s been a long time since I wrote a blog post to announce the arrival of a new book. Before you get excited thinking that this must be Book 5 of the Guardians of Time Series, I need to tell you that Book 5 is still a way off. The storyline has developed into something amazing but complex. Some characters are returning, some are not. And some will appear from a long-time past to help with the catastrophe that Isabel foresaw in her vision of the future. It’s going to be an awesome book and definitely worth the wait.
The book that’s going to be released soon is a standalone and completely different to the Guardians of Time Series. Having said that, if I had to liken my new book to any of my published works, I would have to say it resembles Old Magic. Remember my first book? Kate and Jarrod were the central characters. Kate was drawn to Jarrod, sensing he had powers even though he had no idea. Together, they discover the curse put on Jarrod’s family. They find they must travel through the Middle Ages to conquer the ancient spell, and yes, fall in love.
My new book is called THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL. I have been working on this novel for a few years now, leaving it and returning to it many times in my attempts to create a memorable story with characters so realistic, so caring and loving, and even so evil, that you will either loathe them or they will become your best friends. Of course, there is time travel � to a place my books have never taken you before. And as the title suggests, there is magic. Spell working in a world where working spells is against the law. I can’t wait to introduce you to main characters Charlotte and Tristan.
THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL will be released on the 15th of May 2025, and since the release date is only a few weeks away, in my next blog post I will reveal the cover.
THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL � a new novel for young adults by Marianne Curley.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers
Marianne xxx
26th April 2025
It’s been a long time since I wrote a blog post to announce the arrival of a new book. Before you get excited thinking that this must be Book 5 of the Guardians of Time Series, I need to tell you that Book 5 is still a way off. The storyline has developed into something amazing but complex. Some characters are returning, some are not. And some will appear from a long-time past to help with the catastrophe that Isabel foresaw in her vision of the future. It’s going to be an awesome book and definitely worth the wait.
The book that’s going to be released soon is a standalone and completely different to the Guardians of Time Series. Having said that, if I had to liken my new book to any of my published works, I would have to say it resembles Old Magic. Remember my first book? Kate and Jarrod were the central characters. Kate was drawn to Jarrod, sensing he had powers even though he had no idea. Together, they discover the curse put on Jarrod’s family. They find they must travel through the Middle Ages to conquer the ancient spell, and yes, fall in love.
My new book is called THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL. I have been working on this novel for a few years now, leaving it and returning to it many times in my attempts to create a memorable story with characters so realistic, so caring and loving, and even so evil, that you will either loathe them or they will become your best friends. Of course, there is time travel � to a place my books have never taken you before. And as the title suggests, there is magic. Spell working in a world where working spells is against the law. I can’t wait to introduce you to main characters Charlotte and Tristan.
THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL will be released on the 15th of May 2025, and since the release date is only a few weeks away, in my next blog post I will reveal the cover.
THE IMPOSSIBLE SPELL � a new novel for young adults by Marianne Curley.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers
Marianne xxx
26th April 2025
March 9, 2021
Marianne's Writing Tips for Writing First Person Multiple Perspectives
I write my books in first person, multiple perspectives � in other words, through the eyes of different characters. Usually I will write alternating chapters through the perspectives of both the lead male and lead female characters, and on occasion there might be a third character, or even more. In my trilogy The Guardians of Time, the first book, The Named, was through the viewpoints of Isabel and Ethan. The second book, The Dark, was through Isabel and Arkarian’s views. While in the third, The Key, I chose two different characters� views, that of Matt and Rochelle. Why did I decide on first person, and in multiple perspectives? It goes back to when I began writing about twenty-five years ago. I experimented with third person versus first and found I enjoyed writing in first person the most. It was intimate, and it put me straight into the heads of my characters.
But writing in the first person has its restrictions, and I wanted to tell more of the story than only one character could provide. For example, say I wanted to show what was happening to Matt in Greece in The Dark, I couldn’t have done so unless either Isabel or Arkarian were witnesses, but in that case I wouldn’t get Matt’s inner thoughts. That’s why I decided to try writing in duel perspectives. It started with Kate and Jarrod in Old Magic, which was my first book, published for the first time in the year 2000. I was hooked on this style, and I still use it today.
The Guardians of Time Series
But writing in multiple view-points can be difficult to pull off successfully. You need to give your characters individual voices. They have to maintain their distinct sound right through the entire book or series. You do not want your reader flipping back to the start of the chapter all the time to check who is speaking. This will quickly irritate your reader and they might even give up altogether. Reading is a relaxing pastime, it’s not meant to be hard work.
To make multiple character viewpoints distinctive, the first and most important thing is to know your characters. I’m always squawking on about writing plans and outlines, but even if you like to wing it, to write your book by the seat of your pants, if you’re writing multiple perspectives you need to know your characters intimately. Who they are, what they think, feel, even what they dream and aspire to become. And to do this effectively, you need to prepare Character Profiles. These are essential for writing in multiple viewpoints, especially if you are writing from both a male and a female perspective, and for the duration of more than one book.
Your profiles should include such things as:
1 Description � starting with the obvious, what your characters look like � from physical appearance of hair, eyes, body shape and height to the scar behind the right ear � and importantly, how he/she got that scar behind the right ear. Did he save his twin brother from injury during an accident, revealing his ‘hero� quality, his strong protective instincts? Or did it happen when the pesky five-year-old kid next door threw a plastic wheelbarrow over his head after he teased her about being a weak little girl. If it reveals his/her personality, it goes in the profile.
2 Speech � how does your character talk? With a lisp, an accent, a stutter? Is she educated, or did she drop out of school young, leave home because an older step-brother abused her? Or does he sound like an English professor, a lyrical poet, a teenager from a low socio economic area? Does she talk with her hands? Are they always moving to make her point? Does she fidget, revealing indecision or nervousness? Does she sometimes forget she’s talking to an adult because she’s so used to talking baby talk with her two-year-old daughter, it’s been just the two of them for so long. Does your character run his mouth off, especially when he’s nervous, or is he so at peace that he is almost always calm, speaks few words but every word is effective.
3 Some writers like to pin a photo of their character near their computer while writing in that character’s viewpoint, swapping the picture when changing characters. Personally, I don’t do this because I usually get a strong visual image of my characters from the start, and if not, I will have by the time I finish the Character Profiles. But it’s also because I don’t like my characters resembling actors or models or someone I might know in case I inadvertently inject what I know of that person or actor’s personality, quirkiness or character trait into my character. But it works for others, and if you’re struggling to recall the physical image you created, then by all means try using a picture.
4 Being aware of your character’s body language will also help to make your characters distinct. Is their smile straight, curved or crooked? Is it only crooked when he’s teasing a girl? Is it straight when he’s upset? Are your characters impatient, always pacing the floor, or fiddling with a chain in their pocket? Is there a reason she’s always closing her hand around the antique locket she wears around her neck? Did someone special give it to her, or did she wrench it off her grandmother’s neck after she stuck a knife into the old woman’s heart? You also should think about how your characters move, how they use their hands, cross their feet, rub the backs of their necks. You have probably read many times how the worried man rakes his hands through his hair, the girl twirls her curls, or tucks her hair behind her ears. The thing she does that none of your other characters do will help to make her distinctive.
5 Giving your characters depth and making them true to life is what you want to aim for, the individual, memorable characters that no one can forget. These are the characters that readers can relate to, the characters that have a history, a past, a family, even if it’s her ‘family� from the five years she spent in juvenile detention. To achieve character depth, you also need to give them regular, everyday attributes such as good qualities and flaws. Everyone has them. But whatever the flaw or possible heroic quality you give them, you must also give them a reason for it. Like the girl who gets vertigo whenever she nears the edge of a cliff because her mother committed suicide by jumping off one when she was fourteen.
6 Resources � There is no set way to write a Character Profile. Some writers favour the Questionnaire where you fill in a list of questions. There are many good Internet sites where you can find these lists ready to print as well as giving you more information on this topic. Use the resources that are readily available to you.
7 How to start � Always start with your character’s name � this is the first important step to preparing your character’s profile. You will be amazed at how much you get from a person’s name from appearance to personality. My own profiles are usually 1 to 2 pages long, in paragraph form. I don’t use lists, but topic headings. In the end they are your characters and you can make up your own profiles how you like. Experiment until you figure out what works best for you.
But writing in the first person has its restrictions, and I wanted to tell more of the story than only one character could provide. For example, say I wanted to show what was happening to Matt in Greece in The Dark, I couldn’t have done so unless either Isabel or Arkarian were witnesses, but in that case I wouldn’t get Matt’s inner thoughts. That’s why I decided to try writing in duel perspectives. It started with Kate and Jarrod in Old Magic, which was my first book, published for the first time in the year 2000. I was hooked on this style, and I still use it today.
The Guardians of Time Series
But writing in multiple view-points can be difficult to pull off successfully. You need to give your characters individual voices. They have to maintain their distinct sound right through the entire book or series. You do not want your reader flipping back to the start of the chapter all the time to check who is speaking. This will quickly irritate your reader and they might even give up altogether. Reading is a relaxing pastime, it’s not meant to be hard work.
To make multiple character viewpoints distinctive, the first and most important thing is to know your characters. I’m always squawking on about writing plans and outlines, but even if you like to wing it, to write your book by the seat of your pants, if you’re writing multiple perspectives you need to know your characters intimately. Who they are, what they think, feel, even what they dream and aspire to become. And to do this effectively, you need to prepare Character Profiles. These are essential for writing in multiple viewpoints, especially if you are writing from both a male and a female perspective, and for the duration of more than one book.
Your profiles should include such things as:
1 Description � starting with the obvious, what your characters look like � from physical appearance of hair, eyes, body shape and height to the scar behind the right ear � and importantly, how he/she got that scar behind the right ear. Did he save his twin brother from injury during an accident, revealing his ‘hero� quality, his strong protective instincts? Or did it happen when the pesky five-year-old kid next door threw a plastic wheelbarrow over his head after he teased her about being a weak little girl. If it reveals his/her personality, it goes in the profile.
2 Speech � how does your character talk? With a lisp, an accent, a stutter? Is she educated, or did she drop out of school young, leave home because an older step-brother abused her? Or does he sound like an English professor, a lyrical poet, a teenager from a low socio economic area? Does she talk with her hands? Are they always moving to make her point? Does she fidget, revealing indecision or nervousness? Does she sometimes forget she’s talking to an adult because she’s so used to talking baby talk with her two-year-old daughter, it’s been just the two of them for so long. Does your character run his mouth off, especially when he’s nervous, or is he so at peace that he is almost always calm, speaks few words but every word is effective.
3 Some writers like to pin a photo of their character near their computer while writing in that character’s viewpoint, swapping the picture when changing characters. Personally, I don’t do this because I usually get a strong visual image of my characters from the start, and if not, I will have by the time I finish the Character Profiles. But it’s also because I don’t like my characters resembling actors or models or someone I might know in case I inadvertently inject what I know of that person or actor’s personality, quirkiness or character trait into my character. But it works for others, and if you’re struggling to recall the physical image you created, then by all means try using a picture.
4 Being aware of your character’s body language will also help to make your characters distinct. Is their smile straight, curved or crooked? Is it only crooked when he’s teasing a girl? Is it straight when he’s upset? Are your characters impatient, always pacing the floor, or fiddling with a chain in their pocket? Is there a reason she’s always closing her hand around the antique locket she wears around her neck? Did someone special give it to her, or did she wrench it off her grandmother’s neck after she stuck a knife into the old woman’s heart? You also should think about how your characters move, how they use their hands, cross their feet, rub the backs of their necks. You have probably read many times how the worried man rakes his hands through his hair, the girl twirls her curls, or tucks her hair behind her ears. The thing she does that none of your other characters do will help to make her distinctive.
5 Giving your characters depth and making them true to life is what you want to aim for, the individual, memorable characters that no one can forget. These are the characters that readers can relate to, the characters that have a history, a past, a family, even if it’s her ‘family� from the five years she spent in juvenile detention. To achieve character depth, you also need to give them regular, everyday attributes such as good qualities and flaws. Everyone has them. But whatever the flaw or possible heroic quality you give them, you must also give them a reason for it. Like the girl who gets vertigo whenever she nears the edge of a cliff because her mother committed suicide by jumping off one when she was fourteen.
6 Resources � There is no set way to write a Character Profile. Some writers favour the Questionnaire where you fill in a list of questions. There are many good Internet sites where you can find these lists ready to print as well as giving you more information on this topic. Use the resources that are readily available to you.
7 How to start � Always start with your character’s name � this is the first important step to preparing your character’s profile. You will be amazed at how much you get from a person’s name from appearance to personality. My own profiles are usually 1 to 2 pages long, in paragraph form. I don’t use lists, but topic headings. In the end they are your characters and you can make up your own profiles how you like. Experiment until you figure out what works best for you.
December 6, 2019
Do Reviews Help or Hinder?
Marianne Curley
Do reviews help or hinder a book’s chances of success?
The answer is not so simple as a yes or no. If I had to be succinct I would say reviews can both help and hinder. As a writer you hope that you have more positive reviews than negative. Much more. A negative review seems to sit a lot longer in a reader’s mind (and an author’s) than a positive one. The negative review has the capacity to sting. It can dig deep into the soul if you let it, and, let’s face it, it’s hard to keep it out. The positive reviews lift you as if you’re a in an air balloon flying over a landscape of mountains and rivers and stunning green valleys. It makes you sing at the top of your voice. The kids look at each other asking what’s wrong with Mummy, she’s never this happy. But what we do know is that reviews are important, we really do need them. They are someone’s honest opinion of whether he or she liked the book, and most importantly, why.
Remember, our world thrives on free choice and free speech, so it is wise to keep an open mind.
Here is my 5-point list on: Why reviews are important not just to the writer but also to readers.
The first thing you need to know is that there are two types of reviews.
The first is what is known as the “third party� review. This is the review of a stranger, a professional editor or reviewer from a printed or online periodical, blogger, or dedicated book review site.
The second is the “first party� review. These are written by the readers. People you might or might not know, but people who love to read, who know what they want in a book, the people who freely give their opinion for no reward. Both types are important.
A review is a recommendation. It’s as if a friend is letting you know whether this is a book they will enjoy and tells us a little more than the blurb on the back. It alerts the community of like-minded readers, spreading the word that there’s a book out that they’re likely going to enjoy. Or enjoy in part or not at all, whatever the case may be.
A review is exposure. Readers can buy with confidence, especially if you, the reviewer is known in the community as giving a good and fair assessment. You don’t have to be Einstein to write a good review. It’s your opinion, and the way you write a review showcases your own writing skills.
A review is a critique. It’s information a writer can take home and improve upon, because that’s what writers want, to constantly improve their craft and a well-written review can do that. It can give a writer advice on how to improve their books.
A review is an unwritten contract based on respect, understanding and admiration between the reader and the writer. A good reviewer will silently or verbally acknowledge the work, the time, and the blood, sweat and tears that the author put into creating the novel. In some cases that can be years. If there’s no understanding of this, the reviewer will have no respect and the review will lack real substance except perhaps to illicit sarcasm or humour. But when the reviewer acknowledges or honours the silent contract, the review will have merit beyond the critique, whether negative or positive.
A review makes a book known, not just to another reader, but on a broader scale � to booksellers, librarians, and especially the pre-publication professional reviews that give booksellers the information they need to make decisions on how much stock to carry, and where in the store to display it, and believe it or not, even its position on the shelf.
Below are some examples of reviews I’ve received for my latest book, THE SHADOW, both third party and first. They cover the range of five star reviews down to one star.
Oda Renate’s review � Five Stars � It was amazing � April 06, 2018
This book was perfection. Which is obvious because I read this LITERALLY all night (started it just before midnight, ended it around 5.30 in the morning). It was impossible to put down and sleep was not prioritized.
It was partly because I loved being back in this would, partly because it was THAT great.
I liked how this book (The Shadow) mentioned the setting � Australia � more and geographical places in Australia, yet it’s interesting how it’s not made a huge deal of. Probably because the author is Australian so why would she.
Also, I love how the cover FITS with the storyline. The plot-twist I did NOT see coming just as in the first three books. There weren’t many new characters but I did like the ones that were introduced. I loved the setting of the time they time travelled to 😀 😀
The conclusion was interesting how it was concluded yet at the same time left open to a 5th or even 6th book.
I really enjoyed that there were no explicit scenes. There was some subtle, I want to have sex cause I’m so happy, scenes, which I thought were fun. And it is a YA book so it was fun that that element was in there, it shows that the author respects YA readers.
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Rochelle’s review from Inside My Worlds Blog � Four Stars � I really liked it � May 03, 2018
“There is so much I want to say about this book, but I can’t because of spoilers! What I can say is that this is my favourite Guardians of Time book and I am so glad Marianne decided to self-publish it.
In The Shadow we pick up a week after the events that ended book 3 so this isn’t a book you can read without reading the others. We are introduced to the new leader of The Order � Jesilla � who is intent on seeking revenge for her mother and carrying on her legacy. Jesilla wasn’t just bad for the sake of being bad, but had a lot of depth and I actually really liked her.
I found Dillon much more lovable in this book as we got to see more of him and his true personality. He kind of just came across as a meat head before. It was heart breaking watching Ethan mourn. He has to go through a lot in this book!
All the characters we love � Arkarian, Matt, Isabel and the rest � are back, travelling through time and trying to save the world. There were lots of twists and turns and exciting surprises. I found this book to be the most romantic, and it had a very satisfying ending.
Fans of this series will definitely want to get their hands on a copy. You will not be disappointed. The Shadow was the much-needed ending to this series � although Marianne did leave room for more books if she wanted, and I wouldn’t mind! It was a highly enjoyable read. If you haven’t read this series and you like time travel, romance, good vs evil, and people with powers, you should start this series ASAP.�
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Allison Blanchard’s review � Five Stars � it was amazing � Apr 14, 2018
“Marianne Curley takes the reader on a beautiful journey back through the characters she created many years ago. We see all of our favorites: Ethan, Isabel, Arkarian (we know most people read just to see what our favorite blue-haired ageless mentor is doing), Matt, Dillon, Neriah, and many others.
Marianne also brilliantly weaves in new characters that seem they have been there the whole time. While most continuation to series can leave the reader empty or wanting more, Marianne Curley successfully and seamlessly brings this world back to life and transports readers to another world where The Named and immortals are real and protect our world from the powers of chaos.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if The Shadow would live up to the last three novels in this series, The Named, The Dark, and The Key, but it surpasses all of my highest expectations. This novel is true to the characters and to the story of The Named. Marianne Curley’s prose takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion � from sorrow to hope to suspense to laughing out loud (Legit, I love that Ethan and the others refer to using their wings as “wing out.�) to absolute happiness. Readers new and old will not be disappointed by this novel. It is one of my absolute favorites and one I will read and read again.�
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Haylie’s review � Five Stars � it was amazing � Apr 23, 2018
“I loved this book. Loved getting to see the lives of the characters I came to love when reading the earlier books. I loved meeting new characters. I really liked Jesilla and I had hopes for her. I have a lot of clear memories of reading this series especially The Key. I have a habit of sometimes reading the last line of a story before I finish it and this never backfired on me like it did with The Key. I had to tell myself not to do that with this. I loved how we got to go the future this time that was an interesting twist. A character was still heartbroken at the end but a couple of characters were a lot happier then we last saw them by the end. I hope we get to see more of this universe.�
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Zuzana’s review � One Star � I did not like it � Apr 25, 2018
“It’s been more than a month since I finished this book and until today I abstained from rating it or writing a review because � honestly � I was not sure what to make of it. When Marianne asked me how I liked the book, I told her it was great fun, which it was � I never laughed out loud while reading a book and I say that as a big Discworld fan. The problem is I laughed when I should not have. And to be frank, this feels less like a sequel and more like a fanfiction, and not a very good one. Most of the characters are actually very out of their characters, and those who had little to no character at all (like Neriah) are just left that way while more attention is paid to the new characters.
I have a lot more problems with this book, but the characterization is certainly the biggest one and I do not want to look too harsh, especially when Marianne herself is such a wonderful, kind person. Let’s just hope her next book is better.�
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Bronzehunny � Five Stars � Worth the wait! � March 22, 2018
“I’ve been waiting for this Book for 12 years. It was worth the wait! I read the Guardians of time in High School and reread the series last year. I am so thankful that Marianne Curley persevered through her illness to bring this to the fans!!!! She’s an excellent descriptive story teller. She creates worlds writing worlds spanning different spaces in time and it’s utterly believable. The book was dramatic and gave good closure to the previous story lines. Her portrayal of the character Jesilla had me low- key rooting for the Order of Chaos ! The romance is a little flowery sweet at times but c’mon they’re soul � mates :).�
All the best everyone.
Marianne
Do reviews help or hinder a book’s chances of success?
The answer is not so simple as a yes or no. If I had to be succinct I would say reviews can both help and hinder. As a writer you hope that you have more positive reviews than negative. Much more. A negative review seems to sit a lot longer in a reader’s mind (and an author’s) than a positive one. The negative review has the capacity to sting. It can dig deep into the soul if you let it, and, let’s face it, it’s hard to keep it out. The positive reviews lift you as if you’re a in an air balloon flying over a landscape of mountains and rivers and stunning green valleys. It makes you sing at the top of your voice. The kids look at each other asking what’s wrong with Mummy, she’s never this happy. But what we do know is that reviews are important, we really do need them. They are someone’s honest opinion of whether he or she liked the book, and most importantly, why.
Remember, our world thrives on free choice and free speech, so it is wise to keep an open mind.
Here is my 5-point list on: Why reviews are important not just to the writer but also to readers.
The first thing you need to know is that there are two types of reviews.
The first is what is known as the “third party� review. This is the review of a stranger, a professional editor or reviewer from a printed or online periodical, blogger, or dedicated book review site.
The second is the “first party� review. These are written by the readers. People you might or might not know, but people who love to read, who know what they want in a book, the people who freely give their opinion for no reward. Both types are important.
A review is a recommendation. It’s as if a friend is letting you know whether this is a book they will enjoy and tells us a little more than the blurb on the back. It alerts the community of like-minded readers, spreading the word that there’s a book out that they’re likely going to enjoy. Or enjoy in part or not at all, whatever the case may be.
A review is exposure. Readers can buy with confidence, especially if you, the reviewer is known in the community as giving a good and fair assessment. You don’t have to be Einstein to write a good review. It’s your opinion, and the way you write a review showcases your own writing skills.
A review is a critique. It’s information a writer can take home and improve upon, because that’s what writers want, to constantly improve their craft and a well-written review can do that. It can give a writer advice on how to improve their books.
A review is an unwritten contract based on respect, understanding and admiration between the reader and the writer. A good reviewer will silently or verbally acknowledge the work, the time, and the blood, sweat and tears that the author put into creating the novel. In some cases that can be years. If there’s no understanding of this, the reviewer will have no respect and the review will lack real substance except perhaps to illicit sarcasm or humour. But when the reviewer acknowledges or honours the silent contract, the review will have merit beyond the critique, whether negative or positive.
A review makes a book known, not just to another reader, but on a broader scale � to booksellers, librarians, and especially the pre-publication professional reviews that give booksellers the information they need to make decisions on how much stock to carry, and where in the store to display it, and believe it or not, even its position on the shelf.
Below are some examples of reviews I’ve received for my latest book, THE SHADOW, both third party and first. They cover the range of five star reviews down to one star.
Oda Renate’s review � Five Stars � It was amazing � April 06, 2018
This book was perfection. Which is obvious because I read this LITERALLY all night (started it just before midnight, ended it around 5.30 in the morning). It was impossible to put down and sleep was not prioritized.
It was partly because I loved being back in this would, partly because it was THAT great.
I liked how this book (The Shadow) mentioned the setting � Australia � more and geographical places in Australia, yet it’s interesting how it’s not made a huge deal of. Probably because the author is Australian so why would she.
Also, I love how the cover FITS with the storyline. The plot-twist I did NOT see coming just as in the first three books. There weren’t many new characters but I did like the ones that were introduced. I loved the setting of the time they time travelled to 😀 😀
The conclusion was interesting how it was concluded yet at the same time left open to a 5th or even 6th book.
I really enjoyed that there were no explicit scenes. There was some subtle, I want to have sex cause I’m so happy, scenes, which I thought were fun. And it is a YA book so it was fun that that element was in there, it shows that the author respects YA readers.
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Rochelle’s review from Inside My Worlds Blog � Four Stars � I really liked it � May 03, 2018
“There is so much I want to say about this book, but I can’t because of spoilers! What I can say is that this is my favourite Guardians of Time book and I am so glad Marianne decided to self-publish it.
In The Shadow we pick up a week after the events that ended book 3 so this isn’t a book you can read without reading the others. We are introduced to the new leader of The Order � Jesilla � who is intent on seeking revenge for her mother and carrying on her legacy. Jesilla wasn’t just bad for the sake of being bad, but had a lot of depth and I actually really liked her.
I found Dillon much more lovable in this book as we got to see more of him and his true personality. He kind of just came across as a meat head before. It was heart breaking watching Ethan mourn. He has to go through a lot in this book!
All the characters we love � Arkarian, Matt, Isabel and the rest � are back, travelling through time and trying to save the world. There were lots of twists and turns and exciting surprises. I found this book to be the most romantic, and it had a very satisfying ending.
Fans of this series will definitely want to get their hands on a copy. You will not be disappointed. The Shadow was the much-needed ending to this series � although Marianne did leave room for more books if she wanted, and I wouldn’t mind! It was a highly enjoyable read. If you haven’t read this series and you like time travel, romance, good vs evil, and people with powers, you should start this series ASAP.�
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Allison Blanchard’s review � Five Stars � it was amazing � Apr 14, 2018
“Marianne Curley takes the reader on a beautiful journey back through the characters she created many years ago. We see all of our favorites: Ethan, Isabel, Arkarian (we know most people read just to see what our favorite blue-haired ageless mentor is doing), Matt, Dillon, Neriah, and many others.
Marianne also brilliantly weaves in new characters that seem they have been there the whole time. While most continuation to series can leave the reader empty or wanting more, Marianne Curley successfully and seamlessly brings this world back to life and transports readers to another world where The Named and immortals are real and protect our world from the powers of chaos.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if The Shadow would live up to the last three novels in this series, The Named, The Dark, and The Key, but it surpasses all of my highest expectations. This novel is true to the characters and to the story of The Named. Marianne Curley’s prose takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion � from sorrow to hope to suspense to laughing out loud (Legit, I love that Ethan and the others refer to using their wings as “wing out.�) to absolute happiness. Readers new and old will not be disappointed by this novel. It is one of my absolute favorites and one I will read and read again.�
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Haylie’s review � Five Stars � it was amazing � Apr 23, 2018
“I loved this book. Loved getting to see the lives of the characters I came to love when reading the earlier books. I loved meeting new characters. I really liked Jesilla and I had hopes for her. I have a lot of clear memories of reading this series especially The Key. I have a habit of sometimes reading the last line of a story before I finish it and this never backfired on me like it did with The Key. I had to tell myself not to do that with this. I loved how we got to go the future this time that was an interesting twist. A character was still heartbroken at the end but a couple of characters were a lot happier then we last saw them by the end. I hope we get to see more of this universe.�
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Zuzana’s review � One Star � I did not like it � Apr 25, 2018
“It’s been more than a month since I finished this book and until today I abstained from rating it or writing a review because � honestly � I was not sure what to make of it. When Marianne asked me how I liked the book, I told her it was great fun, which it was � I never laughed out loud while reading a book and I say that as a big Discworld fan. The problem is I laughed when I should not have. And to be frank, this feels less like a sequel and more like a fanfiction, and not a very good one. Most of the characters are actually very out of their characters, and those who had little to no character at all (like Neriah) are just left that way while more attention is paid to the new characters.
I have a lot more problems with this book, but the characterization is certainly the biggest one and I do not want to look too harsh, especially when Marianne herself is such a wonderful, kind person. Let’s just hope her next book is better.�
The Shadow (Guardians of Time #4)
Bronzehunny � Five Stars � Worth the wait! � March 22, 2018
“I’ve been waiting for this Book for 12 years. It was worth the wait! I read the Guardians of time in High School and reread the series last year. I am so thankful that Marianne Curley persevered through her illness to bring this to the fans!!!! She’s an excellent descriptive story teller. She creates worlds writing worlds spanning different spaces in time and it’s utterly believable. The book was dramatic and gave good closure to the previous story lines. Her portrayal of the character Jesilla had me low- key rooting for the Order of Chaos ! The romance is a little flowery sweet at times but c’mon they’re soul � mates :).�
All the best everyone.
Marianne
May 24, 2019
The Guardians of Time Series
Marianne Curley
The new editions of The Guardians of Time Series, Books I to IV, with their exciting new Young Adult Paranormal covers are all now available from online bookstores.
All four books are available in Paperback or E-book from Amazon.com or in English from your own country's Amazon.com link. But more bookstore are coming on board where you can purchase the new edition of the GoT Series. For free delivery in Australia, you should try The Wordery at the website below: .
If you know of any other stores currently selling the new edition, please write to me and let me know, or leave a website link in the comments below. Thank you so much.
News:
For Turkey readers, I am now with an agency in Turkey who are acting on my behalf to find a publisher willing to take on the translation and publication not only of The Shadow, the new fourth book of the series, but to reprint the entire series with all new matching covers. Fingers crossed she is able to find us a publisher soon.
I hope to find other international agencies in other countries willing to do the same. If you have links to any, for example, in Spain or Germany or Poland, please drop me a line, leave a comment or email me at: [email protected].
And finally, for those of you asking what I'm doing next: I'm in the editing phase of my new book, a YA Paranormal Fiction. There is lots more to know about this new book, but that's all I can tell you for now except that I'm loving writing this book, that it's a stand alone, and I can't wait to shop it around for a publisher. Stay tuned because more information is coming soon.
Take care everyone. Thanks for reading.
Marianne
The new editions of The Guardians of Time Series, Books I to IV, with their exciting new Young Adult Paranormal covers are all now available from online bookstores.
All four books are available in Paperback or E-book from Amazon.com or in English from your own country's Amazon.com link. But more bookstore are coming on board where you can purchase the new edition of the GoT Series. For free delivery in Australia, you should try The Wordery at the website below: .
If you know of any other stores currently selling the new edition, please write to me and let me know, or leave a website link in the comments below. Thank you so much.
News:
For Turkey readers, I am now with an agency in Turkey who are acting on my behalf to find a publisher willing to take on the translation and publication not only of The Shadow, the new fourth book of the series, but to reprint the entire series with all new matching covers. Fingers crossed she is able to find us a publisher soon.
I hope to find other international agencies in other countries willing to do the same. If you have links to any, for example, in Spain or Germany or Poland, please drop me a line, leave a comment or email me at: [email protected].
And finally, for those of you asking what I'm doing next: I'm in the editing phase of my new book, a YA Paranormal Fiction. There is lots more to know about this new book, but that's all I can tell you for now except that I'm loving writing this book, that it's a stand alone, and I can't wait to shop it around for a publisher. Stay tuned because more information is coming soon.
Take care everyone. Thanks for reading.
Marianne
June 22, 2018
WIN! WIN! WIN! Old Magic First Edition
Hi everyone
I am giving away ONE Signed, Hardback, First Edition copy of OLD MAGIC. This book is one of only 500 printed in hardback and sold in the United Kingdom and Australia in the year 2000, and it is in pristine, new condition.
Old Magic was first published in October, 2000, and since then has had 49 editions and more than 34 different covers. In the eighteen years since Old Magic was first released, this book has been translated into 14 languages.
Today, Old Magic is no longer in print, though you can purchase it in e-book form. Any Old Magic books on sale through Amazon or other outlets are Used and Second Hand copies. The latest paperback edition was released in 2010.
This competition is open to anyone, anywhere in the world. It will run for three weeks from today’s date, June 22, 2018, finishing at midnight on July 13, 2018.
How do you win this Signed, First Edition, Hardback copy of Old Magic? It’s simple, and this is all you have to do:
Share this page on your favourite Social Media site � FB, Instagram, Twitter, or any other, tag two people, then send me an email at: [email protected], with the subject heading: Old Magic Competition, letting me know your name and that you have completed the task.
Your name will go into a barrel, and on the 21st day from today someone I trust will randomly select the winning entry. The winning entrant will be notified by email.
Best of luck . . . Marianne
Marianne Curley
I am giving away ONE Signed, Hardback, First Edition copy of OLD MAGIC. This book is one of only 500 printed in hardback and sold in the United Kingdom and Australia in the year 2000, and it is in pristine, new condition.
Old Magic was first published in October, 2000, and since then has had 49 editions and more than 34 different covers. In the eighteen years since Old Magic was first released, this book has been translated into 14 languages.
Today, Old Magic is no longer in print, though you can purchase it in e-book form. Any Old Magic books on sale through Amazon or other outlets are Used and Second Hand copies. The latest paperback edition was released in 2010.
This competition is open to anyone, anywhere in the world. It will run for three weeks from today’s date, June 22, 2018, finishing at midnight on July 13, 2018.
How do you win this Signed, First Edition, Hardback copy of Old Magic? It’s simple, and this is all you have to do:
Share this page on your favourite Social Media site � FB, Instagram, Twitter, or any other, tag two people, then send me an email at: [email protected], with the subject heading: Old Magic Competition, letting me know your name and that you have completed the task.
Your name will go into a barrel, and on the 21st day from today someone I trust will randomly select the winning entry. The winning entrant will be notified by email.
Best of luck . . . Marianne
Marianne Curley
April 30, 2018
Supanova Expo Gold Coast 2018
Marianne Curley
WHAT a wonderful way to spend a weekend. It wasn’t my first time at a Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Festival as a Guest Writer, but it was one of my most memorable. Everyone was so friendly from the amazing thoughtfulness and beautiful attitudes of the volunteers, who, by the way, are worth their weight in diamonds, to the fans dressed in their jaw-dropping outfits, some of which took many hours, over several weekends of tedious labour to produce. I was with my daughter Amanda Canham, and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for being my assistant for the entire weekend.
The other writers I shared the QBD Books tables with were a lovely, lively bunch, most of whom I hadn’t met before, which is always a bonus. The panel I attended was an all-ladies session with questions and answers chock full of advice for readers to new writers. It was a packed audience, and my usual initial nerves at speaking in public receded to a mild level once our talented hostess started asking questions and our panel of experts including Victoria Aveyard, Maria Lewis, Lynette Noni and myself, entertained the audience with warmth and a light-hearted banter that generated lots of laughs.
One of my special treats of the event was meeting Terry Brooks. What a wonderful and humble Super-star that man is! The writer of The Shannara Chronicles, and a list of fantasy novels too long to fit on this page, Mr Brooks entertained us all with his stories of his personal life and situations he found himself in over the thirty-plus years he’s been writing, and working as an Attorney before then. With his lovely wife Judine on hand, those two were an absolute joy to sit beside, and even though for most of the weekend it was back to back, it was still awesome. Okay, I have to tell you, we had lunch in the Green Room together, I got the opportunity to introduce Mr Brooks to my family, and� he gave me a warm hug at the end of the day.
And finally I must mention the readers who dropped by to meet me, have a chat, and have their books signed. As always, this is what I look forward to at these events. Meeting the people who love your stories, that love the characters that came flying, or scrambling, or maybe even kicking and screaming out of your soul. And the two years you spent wondering if you’re wasting your time, whether anyone will want to read your story, or even like it when they do, is all put aside and laid to rest when that fan stands in front of you with nervous excitement glistening in their eyes, your book clutched against their chest, with well-worn pages and corners bent. And then they say, “Oh my God, I loved it so much.�
WHAT a wonderful way to spend a weekend. It wasn’t my first time at a Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Festival as a Guest Writer, but it was one of my most memorable. Everyone was so friendly from the amazing thoughtfulness and beautiful attitudes of the volunteers, who, by the way, are worth their weight in diamonds, to the fans dressed in their jaw-dropping outfits, some of which took many hours, over several weekends of tedious labour to produce. I was with my daughter Amanda Canham, and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for being my assistant for the entire weekend.
The other writers I shared the QBD Books tables with were a lovely, lively bunch, most of whom I hadn’t met before, which is always a bonus. The panel I attended was an all-ladies session with questions and answers chock full of advice for readers to new writers. It was a packed audience, and my usual initial nerves at speaking in public receded to a mild level once our talented hostess started asking questions and our panel of experts including Victoria Aveyard, Maria Lewis, Lynette Noni and myself, entertained the audience with warmth and a light-hearted banter that generated lots of laughs.
One of my special treats of the event was meeting Terry Brooks. What a wonderful and humble Super-star that man is! The writer of The Shannara Chronicles, and a list of fantasy novels too long to fit on this page, Mr Brooks entertained us all with his stories of his personal life and situations he found himself in over the thirty-plus years he’s been writing, and working as an Attorney before then. With his lovely wife Judine on hand, those two were an absolute joy to sit beside, and even though for most of the weekend it was back to back, it was still awesome. Okay, I have to tell you, we had lunch in the Green Room together, I got the opportunity to introduce Mr Brooks to my family, and� he gave me a warm hug at the end of the day.
And finally I must mention the readers who dropped by to meet me, have a chat, and have their books signed. As always, this is what I look forward to at these events. Meeting the people who love your stories, that love the characters that came flying, or scrambling, or maybe even kicking and screaming out of your soul. And the two years you spent wondering if you’re wasting your time, whether anyone will want to read your story, or even like it when they do, is all put aside and laid to rest when that fan stands in front of you with nervous excitement glistening in their eyes, your book clutched against their chest, with well-worn pages and corners bent. And then they say, “Oh my God, I loved it so much.�
April 9, 2018
When You Get A Review Like This...
Marianne Curley
Review of The Shadow
By Daphne, as found on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ on 9th April, 2018
How poetic is it that a series about time travel made me travel back to my childhood.
I was 8 when The Key was published in 2005, but I only discovered the trilogy when I was 10. I remember I found the first two books at my local bookstore, translated copies of my mother tongue language. I bought the first one, thinking it seemed interesting. I started reading it at night when I was in my bed, and soon after my mom started coming to my room every five minutes telling me to turn off the lights, it’s past my bedtime. When she seemed too mad to argue with anymore, I turned off the light, waited for her footsteps to die down, then went under covers with a flashlight, the way every child should. The next day I demanded my mom to go to the bookstore and get me the second one.
When I was done with the first two, I made my mom take me to every bookstore in our area, searching for the third. When we couldn’t find the translated version, we ordered it off amazon, in English. It was the first English book I read. I remember having a dictionary open next to me, but as it turned out I didn’t need it much. I read it secretly under my desk at school the next day, and I finished it by that night.
And in the following eleven years, I’ve read it countless many times, so much so that the covers of the books are torn apart, there are years old chocolate stains on the pages, and ripped corners from where I doggy eared my page. Every time my dad saw the books on my nightstand, he would chuckle and say, “these, again?�.
I ordered The Shadow off amazon on Thursday, and received it six hours ago. I’m 21 now, alone in a college dorm with no mother near me telling me I should be studying instead, but as soon as I laid my hands on it, I ran into bed, went under covers, and started reading. From the very first sentence, I was back in my childhood room, with my stuffed dolphin under my arm, diving into this world in childlike wonder.
When I read the part in the first chapter where Ethan says “it’s been one week since the final battle� I actually teared up. It hasn’t been a week, it’s been 13 years. 13 years since the final book was published, and 11 years since I became a part of the Named. But then, it feels as though it really was only a week ago. I remember so vividly finding the first book in the bookstore; I remember exactly which corner of the store it was in, on which shelf. I even remember what the cashier looked like. I remember it so well, it could not have been more than a week ago. There’s nothing more effective than reading the books you grew up with to be transported to the time when you first found them.
What I’m trying to say is, thank you for the trilogy, and thank you for this additional book, which let me be the one doing the time traveling, and not just the one reading about it. It’s been a pleasure growing up with your books.
My Reply
Dear Daphne
What can I say to your heartfelt and eloquent review, except that you brought me to tears, and made every moment of the two years I spent writing The Shadow, worth it.
Thank you.
Marianne Curley
Review of The Shadow
By Daphne, as found on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ on 9th April, 2018
How poetic is it that a series about time travel made me travel back to my childhood.
I was 8 when The Key was published in 2005, but I only discovered the trilogy when I was 10. I remember I found the first two books at my local bookstore, translated copies of my mother tongue language. I bought the first one, thinking it seemed interesting. I started reading it at night when I was in my bed, and soon after my mom started coming to my room every five minutes telling me to turn off the lights, it’s past my bedtime. When she seemed too mad to argue with anymore, I turned off the light, waited for her footsteps to die down, then went under covers with a flashlight, the way every child should. The next day I demanded my mom to go to the bookstore and get me the second one.
When I was done with the first two, I made my mom take me to every bookstore in our area, searching for the third. When we couldn’t find the translated version, we ordered it off amazon, in English. It was the first English book I read. I remember having a dictionary open next to me, but as it turned out I didn’t need it much. I read it secretly under my desk at school the next day, and I finished it by that night.
And in the following eleven years, I’ve read it countless many times, so much so that the covers of the books are torn apart, there are years old chocolate stains on the pages, and ripped corners from where I doggy eared my page. Every time my dad saw the books on my nightstand, he would chuckle and say, “these, again?�.
I ordered The Shadow off amazon on Thursday, and received it six hours ago. I’m 21 now, alone in a college dorm with no mother near me telling me I should be studying instead, but as soon as I laid my hands on it, I ran into bed, went under covers, and started reading. From the very first sentence, I was back in my childhood room, with my stuffed dolphin under my arm, diving into this world in childlike wonder.
When I read the part in the first chapter where Ethan says “it’s been one week since the final battle� I actually teared up. It hasn’t been a week, it’s been 13 years. 13 years since the final book was published, and 11 years since I became a part of the Named. But then, it feels as though it really was only a week ago. I remember so vividly finding the first book in the bookstore; I remember exactly which corner of the store it was in, on which shelf. I even remember what the cashier looked like. I remember it so well, it could not have been more than a week ago. There’s nothing more effective than reading the books you grew up with to be transported to the time when you first found them.
What I’m trying to say is, thank you for the trilogy, and thank you for this additional book, which let me be the one doing the time traveling, and not just the one reading about it. It’s been a pleasure growing up with your books.
My Reply
Dear Daphne
What can I say to your heartfelt and eloquent review, except that you brought me to tears, and made every moment of the two years I spent writing The Shadow, worth it.
Thank you.
Marianne Curley
March 3, 2018
Countdown - Six Days to the Release of The Shadow
Hi everyone
I can’t believe after all this time there are only six days until The Shadow is unleashed on the world. It seems surreal that next weekend, on Saturday 10th of March, The Shadow will be available for purchase. It could be in your hands in one week’s time. In e-book or paperback, The Shadow will be selling from most bookstores, predominantly Amazon and other online stores in whatever country you happen to live. And all I can say right now is� happy reading everyone. But, wait, there’s more I want to tell you.
NEWSFLASH!!! NEWSFLASH!!!
For all of you Spanish readers, I have wonderful news. I recently made an arrangement with an awesome Spanish translator who will begin working on translating The Shadow into Spanish beginning this coming April. I will keep you informed of her progress, but all going well, the Spanish translation of Guardians Four, The Shadow, could be available late in 2018 or thereabouts.
I’m still looking for translators in other countries too, where The Guardians of Time books have become well-loved. Some of these countries include Germany, Turkey, Poland, Finland, Russia and of course the Czech Republic. Drop me a message if you are a professional translator and native to one of these countries. Email is best for me: [email protected].
Speaking of people I’m looking for, if you are a Blogger who has also read the Guardians of Time Books 1, 2 and 3, and would like to review The Shadow, you can now go to NetGalley and download an e-book edition in exchange for an honest review. If you have any problems finding The Shadow on NetGalley, email me privately for a direct link.
There's still plenty more to come in the final days of this countdown, so stay tuned.
