Young Elle’s words cause her grandmother, Ama, to flinch. “It pains me,” she answers, “to hear you say such things.”
Elle is defiant. “How can there be magic?” she demands. “If such a thing existed, we would not be trapped here with housefires every night.”
Ama considers her granddaughter’s skepticism.
Outside, the singe of smoke alerts them that another shabby seaside home has gone up in flames. In the district to which they’ve been condemned, authorities do not bother to help. She hopes that the fire can be contained before a life is lost.
She admits, grudgingly, to understanding her granddaughter’s bitterness. In her thirteen years, Elle has known only a violent home.
Young Merpeople, folk with ocean-blood, have grown up with violence. They’ve never seen the magic their ancestors once practiced. For reasons that Ama can’t explain, the magic of Merpeople stopped—it seems to have dried up, as if the sea itself were empty.
“I promise you,” she tells Elle, who is crying silent tears—so young, and she knows she is trapped—“I feel in my old bones that you, in your lifetime, will see magic.”
For the sea has not dried up. Ama knows she is merely preparing, gathering her strength, for the great wave that will free her people.
Ama might not live to see it—but she is confident, and grateful, that Elle will.
I have not yet read many mystery novels, my preferred genre being historical fiction. However, I’ve noticed that a mystery tends to be memorable if the protagonist—the sleuth—is interesting.
Holmes and Watson are great sleuths! I scarcely remember the plot lines of those novels (I know, I know—due for a reread!) but I can remember their character traits and witty exchanges.
I can name a few other sleuths, but to keep this review to the point, I will refrain. Soon, I’ll share a list of some of my favorite mystery books.
Currently available on Kindle Vella, The Daring Adventures of Honoria Porter are hidden gems in the mystery category. Honoria is bored with being told what to do. Rather than being forced into a marriage she does not want, she packs her things and boards a ship with her maid, Lia, in search of an independent life. When a fellow passenger on the barque falls victim to jewel theft, Honoria can’t help but take a closer look—and perhaps track down the thief.
The dialog sparkles with wit, and it is refreshing to read of a female character in a historical setting who does not simper. She knows what she doesn’t want—and what she does want—and is unafraid to tread the path she chooses, regardless of what others might think.
With an engaging plot, lively heroine, and fascinating alternate-universe historical setting, this has become one of my favorite Vella stories. Book two is ongoing. I hope that you will give it a try!
Though ghosts and tales about them are popular, especially around the time of Halloween, nothing is really known about them. How would a ghost spend all of that free time? Does a ghost ever wish to have a biscuit or a conversation with the living?
THE DUKE’S GHOST BRIDE by Fanny Finch is a charming, quick read that plays on themes of ghosts and unfinished business. We meet a female protagonist, Elaine. Having fled from her wedding, Elaine is forced to play the part of a ghost bride in an old castle.
She had gone there in hopes of finding shelter, but was found by its master, Nelson, who discovered her in the wedding dress while exploring the dusty corridors. Elaine has no choice but to make up stories explaining her presence.
She is a ghost with unfinished business—but doesn’t mind a conversation. She does not need food, but spirits are pleased with offerings. Bits like this fool Nelson initially, but then he goes into town and learns of the runaway bride. Soon, he is playing along, not because he believes in ghosts—but because of love.
Will their interactions become real enough for a happily ever after?
This book was a delight and perfect for October. I hope you will give it a read; Fanny Finch is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
After 70 episodes of my serial, I find myself contemplating it—wondering how it got to 70 episodes—and marveling at how great a difference it can make to have readers.
Writing is by nature a very isolated activity. I now wonder how much of that isolation is self-imposed. Why does every writer have to brood over a typewriter in a dark room? I have found in recent months that writing blossoms when warmed by the presence of friends.
It might be a cliche romantic notion, the lonely writer with the quill pen, hidden in a castle tower (or dungeon.) Maybe it’s just me: If I don’t have company to provide encouragement and ideas, I lose my own direction. I question the point of what I am doing. It’s easier to fall into the trap of “no one is going to read what’s on this page, so I have no need to improve anything.”
I have written 70 episodes and that makes almost 2 novels. That would not have happened if not for the writing friends who read each episode as it was published and provided motivation. Before Vella, I did write—but those stories went nowhere, since no one was egging me on. After Vella, everything changed.
Of course, some writers will be the sort to work better in secrecy and privacy. We are all different. But I personally have come to realize that I wouldn’t have made it to 70 episodes if I had stayed in that dark corner with my desk (or laptop.)
Are you a social writer, or do you prefer to keep private and take your time? Have you ever tried doing the opposite of what you’re accustomed to?
Hi! I’m Emma Smith, the author of young adult novel ‘Guided’. I self-published it at nineteen, and I’m so proud of my story and everything it represents.
‘Guided’ is about Macey Collins, a seventeen-year-old girl who is just navigating the world of being a teenager. But when she helps out at a camp one night in charge of five twelve-year-old girls, everything spirals out on control and one ends up dead. Haunted by grief and regret, Macey can’t tell anyone what really happened that night…
My story was inspired by my own times as a teen growing up camping and girl guiding, but also witnessing horrific bullying, peer pressure and judgement. I cover all of these things throughout my book because I think it’s so important to discuss important topics in YA fiction, and to I focus as much as I can on the bullying aspects and what the consequences of bullying can be. It was such an honour to be able to write the story because of that, and share such poignant experiences.
I decided to self-publish simply because I wanted to get my story out there to the world, and I was eager to do everything myself. Marketing, editing, controlling the story and all its elements… I wouldn’t have it any other way, even now. The book is a part of my soul, and I’m eager to help it grow by writing more and more stories which will eventually all link together through side characters like Nima and Darcie.
I do actually have a sequel coming out hopefully next year, called ‘Wasted’. It follows four of the characters – Lucy, Chloe, Orla and Kayleigh – five years later, at a second camp, now that they’re seventeen. If you enjoy ‘Guided’, watch out for that!
Thank you so much Mariella for giving me a space to talk about my book. It’s been great!
I believe that humans are, by nature, fascinated by the ocean—and what is not known about her. That’s why so many legends of varying kinds have crept up over time.
The best-known sea myths involve Mermaids and their cousins, Selkies. THE BLUE SALT ROAD is the story of an adventurous Selkie who, in an act of curiosity, set foot on land a few times too many.
Throughout the book, we do not learn his name. We know only that he is a Selkie, that he met a woman whose beauty ensnared him, and that his Selkie skin was stolen during one of their nighttime meetings.
Losing his skin meant that he could never return to seal form, that he could not communicate with his people—indeed, forgot his memories entirely. Now a very confused human man, he does feel a draw to the ocean, but can’t say why.
Since the woman is expecting his child, he agrees to marry her and look after his family. The Selkie, despite his amnesia, makes a valiant attempt to belong among humans. He wants to be a good man and father.
If only he did not feel a curious emptiness, as though something had been robbed from him. If only the seal skins on his father-in-law’s wall did not make him so uneasy.
When the Selkie agrees to join his father-in-law aboard a whaling ship, he finds the discomfort is too much to bear. He cannot wield the harpoon; he can’t stomach ending the life of a whale, though the reasons behind his apprehension are cloudy to him—until one night, a strange woman climbs aboard the ship.
She claims to have known him in another form. She claims to know why he cannot fit in as a whaler, or even a human.
The truth will set him off on a quest for revenge and freedom. It could end well; he could meet his death. But the nameless Selkie will not sit still once he knows the truth. Where is his seal skin? Why was it hidden from him by a person he had thought cared for him?
If he managed to find that skin again, would he remember who he is and be able to return home? Would they even welcome him back after such a long absence?
THE BLUE SALT ROAD is pure, beautiful, storytelling. If you read it, prepared to be ensnared by the lyrical prose and vivid imagery. You’ll find yourself rooting for the Selkie, too.
Once I’ve moved past the stinking mess that is a first draft, edits & rewrites become puzzles–very personalized puzzles.
When adding new scenes, I’m figuring out what the story lacks; I’m filling gaps for character development, making conversations meaningful, using words to increase tension.
When adding/removing words and sentences, it’s much like mixing watercolors. If I want to achieve the desired tone, if I wish for prose that I will like, I don’t mind rearranging phrases over–and over–and over.
Not a real cover, just a mock-up, but isn’t it pretty?
Of the 58k that makes up this draft, I’ve edited about 30k. A beta reader has looked at the opening and reassured me it’s worth continuing in this direction.
Editing tends to be a writer’s nightmare. If it’s a story I like, I always enjoy the process. I’m optimistic that I can have a sparkling novel (and prequel, with MERMAID) by the end of the year.
There is no immediate response, as tea is being set. I watch as Grandmother arranges plates, cups, spoons on the old dining table.
She has left the window ajar; through it drift scents of rest, of nature preparing to slumber. Drops of dew from occasional rain. Pinecones gathering along the sidewalk. A whiff of smoke from neighbors’ chimneys.
Grandmother does not answer until the biscuits and sugar cubes are in place. “We should let go, too,” she says.
I pour water into my cup, wondering what I would release if I allowed myself to be bold as the trees outside. What would I be comfortable with forgetting, tossing aside, never to pick up again? Which burden, once released, would make me free to rest for months and months?
“So should I,” adds Grandmother, sitting. “Alas, humans do not think that way. When we choose lives of worry and fuss, it is difficult to go another way.”
Art by Bruce Crane (1857-1937)
“Do you know what you would let go of?” I ask, fascinated for a glimpse into her mind. Her perspective has more years behind it than I can fathom.
Grandmother offers a vague smile. “What to release after seventy years? There were bad events, yes—but all served to teach me about life.”
I am puzzled. “Should we not let go at all, then?”
She is stirring her tea now, a slow, patient movement, allowing the sugar to dissolve at its own pace.
“Perhaps trees do not release their leaves,” she muses. “Perhaps the leaves release the trees—so the tree has no choice in the matter. What will go, will go, dear. You won’t ruminate later, because it is gone.”
I look outside and see a leaf drop from a bough—breaking free, escaping, its work done.
Grandmother might be right.
Thoughts and memories might do the same thing for us, and we will never need to know.
Sometimes, on a cool autumn’s evening, what we need is light-hearted romance with a happy ending!
The book title, THE DUKE’S WRITER, is what first hooked me.
All of those years ago, writing was an activity shared by all. Letter-writing was an art, and most people kept some form of diary. We don’t see these things as much anymore, which is a shame.
THE DUKE’S WRITER is a tale of two writers. Our female protagonist, Lady Maeve Felton, comes from a family that is struggling financially. They count on her to marry well, hoping she can make a match that will settle their debts.
Maeve wants nothing but to write. Her favorite place is the writing bureau; she fills pages with stories from her heart. She wishes to see her work in print, but the publishing industry at that time was not a place for women.
Maeve is sent to London in hopes of finding a suitable match. She brings along her friend Chloe, a daring young lady who takes risks for herself and Maeve.
Chloe knows of Maeve’s dream to be a writer; she will push for that dream when Maeve is afraid to.
In London, Marquess Benjamin Lestenmeer is a bachelor, though he has no shortage of ladies at his tail. None of them strike him as worth a thought; he knows that they care for little but climbing up in society.
Benjamin’s interests are literary. In his library, he finds refuge from the chaos of the outside world. He also attends meetings with a literary society, where writers of different backgrounds gather to share work and ideas.
A humorous first encounter make Maeve and Benjamin acquaintances. Being friends with Maeve’s brother, with whom she is staying, there are many opportunities for Benjamin to drop in for conversation.
During one of these chats, he mentions the literary society—and regrets it. This society is for gentlemen only; he cannot bring Maeve, no matter how he wishes to.
Maeve’s interest is piqued. A literary society! What writer does not dream of such a thing? With Chloe, she concocts a plan to attend these meetings without the others suspecting she’s a woman.
Posing as a shy male writer, she dons a suit sewn by Chloe to one of their meetings. She brings her notebook. When her work is read aloud, it’s so well received that she’s soon in popular demand.
Maeve, in her male writer form, has entered higher circles.
It is a precarious plan. How long can she maintain this charade—especially when Lord Lestermeer begins to take interest in her? Can she fool him forever?
Will Maeve have to choose between writing and love?
This book is for lovers of happy endings. It features a female MC who wants more from life than is offered to her, a best friend who is supportive to a fault, and a transformation of almost Cinderella proportions.
If you need a quick read to bide chillier days, or want a Happily Ever After, try THE DUKE’S WRITER.
September is here! The hot weather is retreating; pumpkin spice has returned.
As I wait eagerly for leaves to fall from the trees, I am looking for spooky and Halloween-themed books to read.
Ghost stories have always been among my favorites. I enjoy learning about old houses and historical figures; knowing that some people claim them to be haunted adds to the excitement!
I don’t love ghost stories for the scare of it, though. Ghosts are fascinating because they provide a link between the past and future. A ghost is a time traveler, albeit often unwillingly. A ghost would see our world so differently, appreciating things that we take for granted, like touch or a chat about the weather.
I have no opinion about whether ghosts are actually real, but they’re definitely fun to read about.
Originally published in Vella format, The Court Under the Sea is a tale of suspense and magic.
Protagonist Karina Starheart lives a quiet life with her parents and sister. Theirs is a happy family, united and strong. It isn’t the sort of family that would expect a large change or challenge.
Perhaps Karina’s life has been arranged that way on purpose. She does not know the truth about her past, the king and queen who, in times of peril, sent their baby daughter away to safety. She hasn’t a clue about the magic in her past.
What she does know is that she’s always wanted to visit the ocean, but her parents won’t allow it. They offer no satisfying explanation as to why. It simply is not an option.
Karina’s life loses the stability she has known when a the current king issues a decree. Prince Zarek, also known as the Dark Prince, is of age to find a wife—but he cannot marry just anyone.
The decree states that several eligible ladies will visit the Court Under the Sea and pass a series of tests so that Zarek can meet a woman worthy of one day being his queen. Being of minor noble descent, Karina is one of these ladies—and none too excited about it, as the rumors about Zarek do not paint a wonderful portrait.
However, she has no choice. From her parents’ savings, a modest wardrobe is purchased, and Karina finally has the opportunity to see the ocean.
Her dream does not come true peacefully, though. When a handful of ladies are vying for the Prince’s hand, there is bound to be chaos—those who do not like him are still very fond of his title. Ambition makes a person careless; several of the competing ladies are willing to do what’s necessary to eliminate competition.
That turns out to be the least of Karina’s troubles. Something more sinister is happening at the Palace, something too dark for any of the ladies to achieve. A series of attacks and a death interrupt the competition; all of a sudden, nothing matters to Karina or Zarek more than keeping the guests safe.
Karina faces something intangible—her own past, a history she does not know yet. How can you deflect attacks if you do not know their nature? How do you know your enemy if you can’t even see the shape of their shadow?
Will Karina find love in the Court Under the Sea? Will she be forced to run for her life?
Powerful characters and description verging on magic make this a gripping read. We are eager to follow Karina into the sequel. She is very much a character to root for, because she fights for the defenseless and puts others before herself.
Fans of romantic reads, strong female characters, and a healthy dose of suspense will enjoy The Court Under the Sea.
If you wish to read the sequel, it is currently being published on Kindle Vella, where episodes are being released periodically.
I do not typically enjoy high fantasy novels, but SISTERSONG was different.
A tale about the bond of three siblings during a time of war, SISTERSONG has everything.
The reader is given epic scenes, romantic conflict, and a character who struggles for acceptance. I found it immersive. What was more, there wasn’t a character I did not like.
This is a novel that portrays its antagonists in such a way that readers can sympathize with them. Their actions can be abhorrent, but when motives are presented, a reader realizes that the despicable character is human.
The sisters in question are Riva, Sinna, and Keyne. They are princesses, but the times in which they live make life difficult. Magic is fading, their religion being replaced by missionaries, and there is no peace between kingdoms.
As the eldest, Riva faces pressure to represent her kingdom. Sinna struggles with envy of her older sister; though Sinna is the beauty, though she has an urge to live and sing about life, she is not the firstborn.
This hierarchy prevents the sisters from forming a meaningful bond, which will result in tragedy.
Keyne is, of the three, most interesting. When battles break out, Keyne is comfortable taking the role of a warrior. When Riva and Sinna have petty arguments, Keyne is objective. Mistrustful those who court her sisters, Keyne has the instinct to protect.
It is Keyne who one day inherits then kingdom, earning respect after many acts of bravery. There is a poignant sentence near the end—I paraphrase: The king finally acknowledged Keyne as the son he always had.
It was a sentence that made me happy.
SISTERSONG is haunting. It acknowledges that all actions have consequences; forgiveness is possible, but the results might be long lasting.
There is not always a happily ever after.
Some characters, through perseverance and effort, earn the respect they crave.
There can be love in midst of evil.
A deceased person can sing of truth.
An honored individual can take the name they always knew was theirs.
The complexity of this novel, as well as its readability (unlike many fantasies, I did not find it wordy and difficult) make it one of my favorites.
You will enjoy SISTERSONG. It is a hymn about humans who make mistakes. It’s a story of envy and hurt dealt with in a realistic manner. It’s about the struggle many people face in order to be accepted for what they are.
You might find a bit of yourself in each of these siblings. In my opinion, this is the mark of a good book.
Mariella Hunt 