Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

“Lord knows I’ve needed a friend these last few months.”

� Mackenzie, Dead Spots by Rhiannon Frater

In the dead spots, dreams become reality, terror knows your name, and nightmares can kill you.

The stillbirth of Mackenzie's son destroyed her marriage. Grieving, Mac reluctantly heads for her childhood home to seek refuge with her mother, who constantly reminds her of life's dangers.

Driving across Texas, Mac swerves to avoid hitting a deer...and winds up in a dead spot, a frightening place that lies between the worlds of the living and the dead. If they can control their imaginations, people can literally bring their dreams to life—but most are besieged by fears and nightmares which pursue them relentlessly.Ìý

Mackenzie's mother and husband haunt her, driving her to the brink of madness. Then she hears a child call for help and her maternal instincts kick into overdrive. Grant, Mac's ally in the dead spots, insists Johnny is a phantom, but the boy seems so real, so alive....

As the true horrors of the dead spots are slowly revealed, Mackenzie realizes that time is running out. But exits from the dead spots are nearly impossible to find, and defended by things almost beyond imagination.

Dead Spots by Rhiannon Frater

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Okay now that I have some time I can finally put my thoughts on Dead Spots down.

Rhiannon has crafted a brilliant look into the mind.

How it can trick you, cause you fear, weaken your body, weaken your senses, play on your hopes, your fears. The mind.

Being stuck in a world of your nightmares - tell me that doesn't sound horrible. But for some people (myself included) that's where we are. Always. Stuck in our fears (which are never-ending, mind you), trying in vain to still them, to be at peace with what those around you cannot understand. And there are those you hold close that are causing the anxiety but you are unable to realize it, trapped as you are in this never-ending cycle of dread, of overwhelming negativity.

She's placed those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Depression or OCD or any mental and/or physical illness bearer into a world where their everyday plights are common, and it helps one recognize their symptoms, locate the cause, and perhaps even fight their way through, if only by seeing it on a page. The thought, "I am not alone," came to mind while I read it.

If anything else, Dead Spots merely shows that people, that women, are not any 'less' for dealing with what they do, that the horrors of the world are not our fault, that the true way to gain power is through the self, and that no one can truly help you, but you. No one can take the step for a better life, but yourself.

But it's one hell of a ride getting to that point, just like real life.

This was a wonderfully done novel, chilling me to the bone, causing me to maybe not sleep right away once I'd put it down for the night, and wonder just what prowled outside my window while I slept.

She caught my interest with Pretty When She Dies, now she has me as a reader for life with Dead Spots. Rhiannon Frater is on my list as my absolute favorite author, her ability to weave a rather 'real' story placed in a nightmarish 'almost fictional' world is quite frightening in its execution.

She's a master of character, of depth, and story, and I feel I'm beginning to notice her trademark flair for the grotesque. (It startles me when I do read a particularly gruesome scene, only for me to go 'She's a sick one.') Yet it only endears me to her work further.

I will be looking at Mrs. Frater's backlog of work to pick up what I haven't read, and I will be eagerly devouring all her new work.

She's sunk her claws into me and I'm afraid they won't come out.



View all my reviews

Two authors of the few I sent out manuscripts to have gotten back to me with their endorsements for The Dark World: Book 1, and so far they've all said the same:

It's a mix of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles and/or Underworld for good measure.

I, considering I've yet to read Anne Rice's work at all, (though I have watched a few of the Underworld movies but never all the way through except for Rise of the Lycans which was my favorite), this is a huge compliment and I hope they like the next two books as well if they're inclined to read them.

Work, on another front, has been stellar, and I've absolutely devoured (pun intended) every task put before me and I see myself selling books for a long, long time to come. :)

After taking Xavier (my Siberian Husky for new readers) out to do his business, I had an idea that I would use each social media platform I frequent to hold giveaways conducive to the platform. For example:

My would have image-inclined giveaways.

My would have 'share this, comment, take a photo of yourself with book 1, answer this question, and sing a song while on your head' kind of giveaways.

My would have 'reblog this and like this to enter' kind of giveaways.

Because I'm starting not to post the same things on each social media. Some days my Instagram is left alone while I frequent Facebook. At others, my Tumblr sees me reblogging everything in sight, sparking up conversations with other writers and readers, and at others my Facebook sees me sharing everything I can.

Even my would have 'subscriber-only' giveaways right through emails.

I'm rarely on but my Facebook Author Page automatically sends things there.

So these are my ideas, what do you think?

And while you're at it, be sure to contact me or the lovely if you're interested in joining my upcoming Street Team. Those who are a part of it get lovely swag and see EVERYTHING FIRST (yes, even before those in my newsletter), and they get additional swag to spread around and pass on to others. :) Check back here for when the Facebook Group is made so you can join it!

That's all for now, I'll be back with more random updates and book-related updates soon, I promise! For now, it's time to write Book 4!

With blood and love,Ìý

As the saying goes.Ìý

I've recently taken some necessary steps to turn the next page or chapter of my life if you will, and as such I feel so much more refreshed, focused, and hmm...very much like a writer.

That writing part of myself was stamped down until recently, wallowing beneath some sort of veil I couldn't lift over excruciatingly tired eyes. I was exhausted, mentally more than physically.

But I didn't really know how depressed I was until I had a turning point, realizing where I was in my life wasn't where I needed to be for happiness sake. That realization didn't come overnight, it was a long, arduous journey of self-realization with positive affirmations such as

to help me be where I knew in my soul I needed to go. I started to feel freer the more I affirmed the above and other various affirmations, keeping in mind it would pay off, that I would, indeed, be taken care of, that I didn't 'have' to stay where I was: sad, depressed, angry, and withdrawn.

It's amazing what dedication can do.

I'm now entering a position where I feel I am making a difference, I'll be around the things I enjoy the most aside from my family and pets, and I'll be more inclined to buckle down and write, something that, I realize now, was increasingly impossible the more I stayed 'stuck' in what seemed an endless cycle of negativity.

I feel...like a writer again.

I know it's silly to say, but it's true.

I feel like my words matter again, and yes, they are to be published for all to devour soon enough, but between signing the contract and this moment, I had lost, resolutely, the drive to be a 'writer,' to take my words where they needed to be. Or if I did, it was through flirts with clarity before depression and anxiety would ultimately settle back down upon my head and make me feel inadequate.

I'm a writer.

And it's time I get back to writing.

As it is, I will leave you with one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies: Interview With The Vampire.

“Vampires pretending to be humans, pretending to be vampires.”

� Louis

You can keep up with me on Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, and my Newsletter.

With blood and love.

I am also open to submissions for fantasy and horror at .

So much has happened these past few days, many things I won't get into as I've already expanded upon them if you follow my , , and/or .

But as of today, or yesterday, who's keeping tabs, I'm a contributing editor for , and I just put an article up, which you can read .

Anywho, I'm utterly exhausted from my romps about the city this week, and I think I'll take a nap, but if I don't, you'll definitely see me on Tumblr or what have you posting random things while I should be writing.

*Also, I'm patiently waiting for the editing/covers process to begin for as the first book comes out February 26, 2016 with the next two to come out montly after that. (twiddles thumbs) But you know. Publishing. Heheheehheee. (Screams in agony.)

Have a good one lovelies!

“The past isn’t glorious. Right now is everything. And I love where I am.”

� Me ()

Yup because I'm bored at home (and somehow not writing, I know, I know,) I decided to hold a flash giveaway on my Facebook Page! Because I know my Likes could be a bit higher, I've decided to make that the stipulation for entering the giveaway! All you have to do is like the page and you're entered to win!

Deciding to host a random giveaway just because! Only stipulation? You must like the page! When I get to 400 Likes, I'll...

Posted by ´Ç²ÔÌý

Happy Entering!

With Blood and Love!

So I updated my and headers/cover photos (photos below) and found a trending hashtag I thought I'd lend my own two cents to.

Below is my contribution:

1. So, is your book like Twilight?
2. Do your vampires sparkle?
3. Why don't you stop writing if it's stressing you out?
4. I have a book idea. Maybe you can write it for me.
5. How much are your royalties a year?
6. If you're a writer, why do you work?
7. Man, it must be great to sit at home and make up stories all day.
8. Can I get a friends and family discount on your next book?
9. Oh, you expect me to actually PAY for your book?
10. C'mon, you've known me FOREVER, just give me the book for FREE.

What's yours? Comment or share your own below.Ìý

Yup! I'm switching over to MailChimp instead of TinyLetter. The amount of things I'm able to do with MailChimp makes it a no-brainer!

So subscribe to my new newsletter below:

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I'm in the process of adding all old email newsletters to this new one so bear with me if you receive some emails in your inbox! And don't forget to spread the word! You can also subscribe at my !

With blood and love,

S.C. Parris

I was getting out of work when I got an awesome email from Hannah Yancey, the current managing editor/marketing person, and you can imagine my pleasure at it being about my release dates.Ìý

They'd (Permuted) sent out mass release dates to all authors on their authors I'd say a year ago or so, that was when I learned my books wouldn't be coming out yearly (like I'd put in my contract), but monthly. They were due to come out February, March, April, May, and then November, respectively of 2016.Ìý

I'd placed a year between the novels not originally written in order to give myself time to actuallyÌýwrite them (I know how convoluted the plot is, the time I would need to actually get a worthy book out, however lengthy), so you can see with the previous release schedule, I would have had roughly 6 months between each book to get it written.Ìý

And I had no idea what the actual due dates were with this release schedule.

Well now, I can gladly (finally), say I do.Ìý

The release dates for The Dark World Series are as follows:

Th e Dark World: Book 1 - February 2016
The Immortal's Guide: Book 2 - March 2016
The Two Swords: Book 3 - April 2016
The Goblet: Book 4 - November 2016
Dracula: Book 5 - November 2017

ThisÌýgives me a full year in between each book being handed in (or published) to focus on the remaining books, giving them the full attention needed to bring the series to a satisfying conclusion.

I'm glad to have some clarity on the release dates, and now I can breathe a bit easier as I continue writing them.Ìý

I hope to see you all at future cons!

Stay tuned for more updates and event news!

And be sure to pick up a copy of A Night of Frivolity (with a free sneak peek ofÌýThe Dark World: Book 1 added) today!

Ìý

I woke up today not wanting to get up or do anything - so what did I end up doing? I turned on my phone and went to my Kindle app and decided to finish reading Burning Bridges by the wonderful Nadège Richards.

Here's my review below:

Burning Bridges by Nadège Richards

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Cinderella in Reverse

Nadège's tale of blood, death, and love was craftily formed, only making me more interested in the world she's created.
A princess who finds she is something else, I suppose you could say it's Cinderella in reverse, a lot more death and battle in this story than the other. And save a glass slipper, it's a chance meeting between our two protagonists, which leads them down this path of survival - for their love.
Though this is just not a love story, love burns at the center of every page, and reminds me what I felt like when I had my first love, though it wasn't as fantastical, perhaps only in my head. :)
Nadège Richards has set up a series many fans of YA and/or dystopian novels would love to read, though its reach is potentially much farther.
I look forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series and seeing where Echo and Ayden's love takes them next.



View all my reviews

Kill or be killed. Love or let go.Ìý

In a world divided between the Hunters and the Warriors, the prisoners who have fallen prey to King Cyrus's decrees are forced into the arena to fight until death. The winner is granted mercy and the privilege to see another sunrise–for the loser, it’s death unto the weak.Ìý

Seventeen year-old Princess Echo races towards freedom to find out who she really is, and to put a world that has been swallowed by lies back together again.Ìý

And then there’s Ayden. His very existence as a Hunter is forbidden, and with his otherworldly, violet eyes Echo is finding it hard to stay away from him. When death threatens their forbidden love Echo and Ayden are forced to do the unthinkable–how far will they go to be together?Ìý

“Everything and everyone has a place to be, Echo. It’s just a matter of how they get there and when. You have a place; you just have to find it.”

� Nadège Richards, Burning Bridges

Be sure to pick up your copy of today if YA, dystopian-esque tales are your thing!

With blood and love, and some bite,

S.C. Parris

Bloodline Inheritance: The Magicians series, #4

byÌýLindsey R. Sablowski

Genre: Fantasy,ÌýNew Adult

Cover Art byÌýChrista Holland

Dyanna Carpathia has been a runner her entire life. A handsome man offers her love and a new beginning, but the war could change everything. Now her dreams of leaving behind magic and living as a human seem unrealistic. The magical war demands strength and focus, but Dyanna is haunted by a dark secret. Who will save her from a potential downfall?

Nearby on the battlefield is Malin Petrescu, a survivor who views Dyanna as a potential threat. They share different opinions on the magical world and the future. Marrying the love of his life demands him to fight no matter the consequences. However, victory means defeating their greatest enemy, Christopher. Dyanna’s loyalty is tested, but can she and Malin set aside their differences to save their loved ones?

In the fourth and final installment to the Magicians series we witness the war and the aftermath. This is the last stand for the Dark magicians, and for some it will cost them everything.

Release date: Saturday, July 25th * date will only change if any problems arise Add to Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. Purchase links will be available in July.Ìý

Excerpt

“Kill her,� he said.

She shook her head fiercely and whispered, “Please don’t. Please� I will surrender, but please
have mercy.�

Her eyes were wide, and she winced from the pain the orbs had caused. They struck the body
like daggers, but they were not lethal. She could live, though she would require a lengthy recovery. I held the shard and debated the options in my head. Malin still stood behind me, whispering to end her life. Tears streamed down Jacquette’s face, and for the first time she did not look like a threat. She was a woman like myself, one who had left Dark magic. Had I fallen for a man like Christopher I would be in her exact position, but instead we were on opposite sides. She once had the respect and love from Malin and the others in Destin. Now she laid on the ground entirely defenseless. I knelt down and grabbed the dagger from her hand, but she continued to beg for mercy. How many times could I kill someone before I became a monster? Malin wanted me to kill her, but the more I looked at her the more she reminded me of myself.

“I’ll do it myself,� Malin grumbled, withdrawing his sword. He raised it in the air, but I quickly
threw my body over top of Jacquette’s. She groaned, but without my body over hers I doubted I could stop Malin.

He glared at me. “Move out of the way, Dyanna! If you were in her position she would have
killed you. Don’t make me choose.�

Ìý

About Lindsey:

Lindsey R. Sablowski is a fantasy author who lives in Maryland with her fiance and two cats.

Lindsey has always adored reading and writing. At twelve years old she discovered her love for magical stories and wrote her first novel. By the age of eighteen a traditional publisher expressed interest in her novel, Cursed With Power.

Since 2010 Lindsey has worked on the Magicians series. She has been both traditionally published and self-published her work. Cursed With Power, Shadows and Embers, and Thicker Than Blood are amongst her published books. The series follows the lives of five Dark magicians, fighting for survival. The fourth installment, Bloodline Inheritance, is expected to release in the summer of 2015. Follow her books and learn more at her website:

The Magicians series:

Ìý|ÌýÌý|ÌýÌý| Bloodline Inheritance (book 4)

Twitter hashtag: #BloodlineInheritanceCoverRevealÌý

Follow Lindsey Online

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With Blood and Love,Ìý

And a Bit More Bite,

I'm