Book Review: The Calling by M.D. Neu

Title:  The Calling

Author: M.D. Neu

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: January 1, 2018

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 108300

Genre: Paranormal, paranormal, gay, dark, immortal, magic users, psychic ability, vampires

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36990715-the-calling

Blurb:

Being a nobody isn’t Duncan Alexander’s life goal, but it’s worked for him. He has a nondescript job, a few good friends, and overall he’s content. That’s until one fateful trip to San Jose, California, where he is “Called” to meet the mysterious Juliet de Exter. Juliet is a beautiful, wealthy, powerful Immortal who is undertaking The Calling—a search for a human to join her world of Immortals. Inexplicably, Duncan’s calling is more dangerous than any of the Immortals, even Juliet, ever thought it would be.

There is more to this nobody, this only child of long-deceased parents, than anyone thought. When Duncan experiences uncontrollable dreams of people he doesn’t know and places he hasn’t been, Juliet and the other Immortals worry. Soon, his visions point to a coven of long-dead witches. The dreams also lead Duncan to his one true love. How will Duncan navigate a forbidden romance with an outcast Immortal? How will he and the others keep the balance between the Light and Dark, survive vicious attacks, and keep the humans from learning who they truly are? More importantly, who is this implacable foe Duncan keeps seeing in his dreams?

The Review:

The Calling by MD Neu is an interesting romp through a new version of the Vampire mythos. Neu has created (for me) a version of the legendary creature that is reminiscent of the Fae, featuring both Light and Dark sides to this tribe of predators. As the story unfolds and the vampire lore is discovered I was reminded (fondly) of The Hunger (1983 film with Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon), Lost Girl (TV series 2010-2015 with Anna Silk) and the infamous Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers.

The writing is unapologetically casual, and easy going. The blurb states “Being a nobody isn’t Duncan Alexander’s goal, but it’s worked for him.” And as Duncan is the narrator of the story, you quickly get a sense that his character is uncomplicated, honest, and simple.

Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. 

Without spoiling any fun, let’s just say that Duncan is anything but ‘a nobody’ and as he becomes enveloped into the world of immortals we find out how truly unique and special he is.
I suppose the one downside for me was the oddly lighthearted, and at times glamorous lifestyles of the Light side of the vampire clan where Duncan starts his journey. I had a hard time relating to Juliet, Duncan’s maker, and leader of the Light as she was more like a fairy godmother than a vampire. 

I’ve always had a penchant for dark and creepy, and it wasn’t until the introduction and more grotesque scenes of the Dark side of the immortal world, and the brilliant descriptions of Duncan’s visions where I was treated to the dank underbelly of the magical realm I so enjoy. I instantly fell for the charms of Victor, the leader of the Dark clan. He was quick to anger, prone to whim and fancy, and decidedly nefarious in his dealings – just the kind of creature I enjoy – he was charismatic, handsome, spellbinding and completely untrustworthy. I loved him, and his motley crew of dark companions.

Neu captured my attention with his main character’s coupling – a love interest from the Dark tribe. The history of Kirtus was most inventive. A vampire who through strange circumstance ended up on the wrong side and who shall remain there forevermore. Neu adds a special element to vampiric lore as each one has a special gift. Kirtus has the ability to control the elements, and is a redhead, so what’s not to love? I’m excited to see where this relationship goes.
There are little shots of humor scattered throughout this story as well, including a small dig at the current political climate – well done – that gave me a good giggle.
I was disappointed to discover that true magic with its infinite possibility and unchecked potential is not something humans can handle. I’d love nothing more than to see a clumsy witch attempt spells with this type of magic. The carnage would be spectacular.
The last few pages of the novel set this story up for a sequel and I’m already chomping at the bit to read how the next great battle between good and evil (or perceived good and evil) comes to pass.
So, if you’re interested in a new spin around the block in the Vampire-mobile, one where high fashion meets creative blood infused cuisine, masquerade parties, magic, pomp, and circumstance, tradition and ritual, then you’re in for a treat.

Rating:

Purchase Links:

NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/the-calling/

Amazon: http: http://hyperurl.co/uhvg88

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/769919

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1127687304

Kobo: https: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-calling-80

Meet the Author:

M.D. Neu is a LGBTQA Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.

Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man, he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.

                                         

When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric, his husband of eighteen plus years.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.mdneu.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdneuauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Writer_MDNeu

Book Review: Darkling by Brooklyn Ray

Title:  Darkling

Series: Port Lewis Witches, book one

Author: Brooklyn Ray

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: January 8, 2018

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 33200

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, paranormal, trans, magic users, bonded, demons, friends to lovers

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36572967-darkling

Synopsis

Port Lewis, a coastal town perched on the Washington cliffs, is surrounded by dense woods, and is home to quaint coffee shops, a movie theater, a few bars, two churches, the local college, and witches, of course.

Ryder is a witch with two secrets—one about his blood and the other about his heart. Keeping the secrets hasn’t been a problem, until a tarot reading with his best friend, Liam Montgomery, who happens to be one of his secrets, starts a chain of events that can’t be undone.

Dark magic runs through Ryder’s veins. The cards have prophesized a magical catastrophe that could shake the foundation of Ryder’s life, and a vicious partnership with the one person he doesn’t want to risk.

Magic and secrets both come at a cost, and Ryder must figure out what he’s willing to pay to become who he truly is.

My Review

Every now and then I read a book, see a movie or watch a TV show, and then sensations that are elicited through the soundtracks, visuals, and words linger...the vibe of the experience settles into your bones and it becomes part of you.

Now, it's no secret, I tend to like the dark and creepy stuff, and if it's sitting on the edge of "oh man, I can't believe it went there", so much the better.

Darkling is a perfect example of this. After every reading session, I found myself walking off the train (my mode of transportation to and from work) with dark powers swirling around me, Ryder's angst sat comfortably within my skin, and I looked at strangers as if they were playthings...toys to be tormented - in other words, the dark magic was brewing.

This was my 'takeaway' from Brooklyn Ray's short novel. The book is steeped in clever descriptions and laced with flavors and sounds, in short, the story is magical, witchy, and absolutely dark.

Those who have issues with blood, be forewarned, this may not be the story for you - but for me and my inner horde of demons, we screamed in delight as the story unfolded.

Each character was distinct and unusual in their own mystical way. I loved Christy's psychic white witchery and Liam's water mastery. But by far, Ryder with his blend of Fire and Necromancy stole my heart. Donovan has us guessing as to his true nature, and Tyler was the one you loved to hate. I particularly loved the dynamics within the Wolfe clan, and how they treated Ryder and his 'coming to terms' with his necromantic talents. And I can't forget to mention the familiars - super wow!

This is a well thought out story, steeped in history, with rich characters and an intriguing setting. I anxiously await whatever else may come about from the Port Lewis witches!

I want to live in Port Lewis, and I want to be a witch.

Well done!

Rating:  

Available at:

NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/darkling/

Amazon: http://hyperurl.co/wju4ae

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/769959

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1127687735

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/darkling-13

Meet the Author

Brooklyn Ray is a tea connoisseur and an occult junkie. She writes queer speculative fiction layered with magic, rituals and found families.

Author Links

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BrookieRayWrite

Tumblr: http://www.brooklyn--ray.tumblr.com/

The Journey to Getting Published or How I Captured a Genie and Got My First Wish Granted

First off, let me start by saying that I had intentions of doing this blogging thing every week.

FAIL.

Okay, so, maybe a blog post every other month? I mean, the first one went up in June, this is August, so…yeah. There it is. A blog post every other month – means I should be putting one up here for anyone’s reading interest about six times a year.

Anything more than that is a total bonus, right?

Sure.

Ugh. Life. If I only had unlimited time and energy.

Okay – now that we all have more realistic expectations, let’s talk about capturing that genie. He was blue…well, okay, maybe not. Still, I did end up with a granted wish.  A wish that I had been harboring and cultivating for 20 some odd years.

In fact, I remember the conversation quite clearly. I was sort of losing my mind about what I was going to do with the rest of my life, being somewhere in my late twenties and not having had a career to speak of, and feeling lost and not sure where I was going next. Okay, I might have been a little drunk, and wow, my husband deserves many awards, and commendations. But during that meltdown, I quite emphatically stated that I wanted to write a book and have it published.

That was on my bucket list and it was an important item. Star, star, underline, highlight.

Fast forward 15 years or so.

At the ripe old age of forty-five, I started to look back on that bucket list, and I realized that I hadn’t really accomplished a whole lot.

Cue meltdown.

Me having said meltdown. Not very pretty. I'm an ugly crier.

I had to do something about that. So, I grabbed the laptop and started banging out a story. I didn’t have a freaking clue what I was doing.  I had no training, save one creative writing class in University and, dear lord, that was over 20 some odd years ago.

But I did it. I let nothing stop me and I wrote a story that had a beginning, middle and an end. It was also over 100,000 words.

And then, by chance, an editor type like person saw a little bit that I had posted online. You know, I put a little sample out there just to gauge people’s reactions. Was this any good? Were there things I could have done better? And this editor saw something in my haphazard writing skills. She took me on, and for 2 years the very lovely Samantha Cook (http://scookiereviews.blogspot.ca/) helped me hone that 100,000-word monster into a novel that was worthy of tossing around.

I owe Samantha a great deal. She was a fantastic editor and a very patient teacher. I learned a great deal from her.

At the end of those two years, I had a shiny, brand new novel.  I did what every aspiring author then attempts: Getting a Literary Agent.  Right? Because that’s what you do!  Those literary agents are the gatekeepers to the publishing houses who’ll take your book and sell ALL THE COPIES!

Except, after sending out dozens and dozens of requests, bio’s, book blurbs and synopses…I had squat. Null.  Nada.

Most agents never responded. Some said, thanks but this isn’t for me. Still, a couple said – we’re really not doing any more urban fantasy stuff, the market is so saturated right now.

I won’t lie – I was devastated, disheartened, and more than once thought….fuck it. I wrote the story, and that in and of itself is enough. But there was this nagging voice inside my head that just kept on pushing me. Just try a few more times.

Twitter – for those who don’t know – is a veritable wonderland of authors and writers, and literary agents and publishing houses, all of them scrambling to grab the next best author or story. And this, my friends, is where I caught that elusive blue genie – remember? The one who granted my wish?

There was this contest: Pitch your book in a tweet.

So I did.

And nothing happened.

Two weeks after the contest my phone buzzed and I the notice said: “NineStar Press Liked Your Tweet.”

What? Who? Which Tweet?

After doing some digging, I discovered who NineStar Press was, and more importantly, someone from that publishing house was interested in the concept I had tweeted!

Okay – submission guidelines…researched, formatted, and then sent! Here goes one more attempt. Maybe this time…maybe.

And then I forgot all about it.

Another two weeks went by, and then late one night, while sitting in my cubicle at work, I get a new email.

“We are happy to offer you…”

The end result of my first published novel! Many thanks to the folks at NineStar Press!

There was much screaming and giggling and generally behaving like a grade four school-girl who just discovered that her boy crush also liked her too.

Really – grown ass bearded man was jumping up and down screaming at work. If they hadn’t thought I was completely crazy then…

And so began my journey with NineStar Press, and all I can say is, it’s been nothing but sunshine and roses.  A delightful group of enthusiastic, supportive people who have done everything possible to ensure my every success as an author.

And now we’re working on book two…so stay tuned!

See – genies do exist – and they grant wishes!

Who Am I?

So many different things.

I figured that if I'm going to have a blog, I should probably introduce myself. I mean, why would anyone want to follow someone without knowing who they were? And so, to that end, here it is, my blog, and an introduction as to what makes J.P. Jackson (that's me) the person I am.

I guess first things first, I am a husband. Now, many of us are, that's no big deal, but I list it first because the other person in my life gets an equal amount of credit. After all, I wouldn't be the person I am today without him. ❤ to Lonny. He is everything to me.

Oh yeah, I guess that would be item number two. I am gay. No biggie. It just is. It's not everything I am, but it certainly flavors everything I do. 

I am also a writer. Wow. That's kind of weird to say. A writer. What does that mean (and it sounds sort of pretentious - don't you think)? Here's the thing.  I know many people who like to sit down and be creative, and some of those folks are writers. Truly, every day they sit down and bang out inspiring words, amusing anecdotes and stories told with finesse and style. I find myself lacking in that department, after all, for me, just being creative is the important part - and it really wouldn't matter how that happened. 

Sometimes I write. I don't do it every day. I do it when the mood strikes me. I do it because I find it fun. I don't do it because there's a burning need inside of me to put words on a screen. And that's why I sometimes feel that calling myself a writer is a mislabel. But, on July 10, 2017, my first book, Daimonion: Book One of the Apocalypse is being released by NineStar Press (https://ninestarpress.com/product/daimonion/). So, if nothing else, I guess I'll have to call myself an author.

Sometimes I knit. I'm a color whore. (Warning, NSFW language in these posts is a definite possibility.) I love how stitches and colors come together to create a wonderful array of patterns and textures - and if you can wear them, EVEN BETTER! So yeah, sometimes I knit. Not crochet though. I don't get that. I've tried to. Abysmal results.

Sometimes I color in my adult coloring book - no not an NSFW kind of coloring book, you know, the ones where the pictures are way too intricate for any child to do, and yet my nine-year-old niece did a better job than I did? Yeah, that kind of coloring book.

And sometimes I garden or play with my African Violets. I have a room full of them, and I hybridize them. I know, weird right?

This is Imp's Fairy Berry
One of my African Violet hybrids.

But all of these avenues are in the end, a path to create - and I suppose, it's that self-expression that is important to me.

So let's go back to the writing thing because, in all honesty, that's what I'm doing here, and that's why you're sitting there, reading this. This blog will be about the writing, and from time to time, it might stumble across the other bits of my life.

Without getting too much deeper into it, part of that need for self-expression turned into an item on my bucket list.  Item number 22 - write a book and get it published. I did that. And it was an interesting prospect, a journey of learning, and also one of self-exploration and also of learning to let go. A 'where do I choose battles and where do I give in to the experience and wisdom of others'?

I think I'll save all that information for the next installment on this blog, but for now, let's just say Item number 22 has been checked off, and that, my friends, is why I am here now.  

Blog it. Have your blog ready. Make sure you're blogging.  All statements made from those in the publishing industry in preparation for the release of the first book.  Have a social media presence.  Sigh...but I just want to write. Okay, fine. A blog it is.

And so, a blog it shall be.

And voila!

So, who am I? I am a middle aged gay guy, who is a bit of bear (look it up), and who has a wild an insatiable creative streak, married to the best damn man ever. I thrive on public approval (please like me), and who, on occasion, writes things.

Sound fun? Sound interesting? Stick around. I'm sure I'll do or say something bizarre. I usually do. Oh, and I tend to like the dark and creepy things. Demons, witches, shape-shifters, you know, all the fun beasties. Have a peek around, take a look. Just be warned; if you open the closet, or look under the bed, you might find something there you'd wished you hadn't seen.