Summer Reads Blog Tour – Sophie Tallis

Summer Reads Blog Tour – Week Eleven
Sophie Tallis

I’m beginning to wonder where all the time has gone, I mean eleven weeks have already slipped by in this Summer Reads Blog Tour. Where has the summer gone?

I sure hope you’ve been enjoying the Summer Reads Blog as much as I have with meeting all these new faces and new reads. We’ve just got two more weeks left and I’ve saved the best for last. Let’s welcome Sophie Tallis and her books along with her recommended reads.

A Bristol born gal, I grew up in a sleepy village, dreaming of dragons and wild adventures. I haven’t grown up much and sincerely hope I never do. I live in the Cotswolds with my family, two enormous white wolves, two even bigger Alaskan Malamutes and a load of wild ducks who basically run the place! I was a full-time teacher, dulling young minds…ahem…I mean inspiring young children for the past 16 years and am now a librarian, a dream job being surrounded by books all day!

Although I primarily write epic fantasy, I enjoy most genres and love science-fiction, classics and contemporary literary fiction. Basically I’m a sucker for any good story.

I’m a painter, artist and illustrator and have a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art, photography and sculpture and a Post-Grad in Education. But, my first passion has always been for writing stories and poetry, which I’ve done since I was a child.

Apart from writing, reading, drawing and painting, I am an avid film buff, love stargazing, playing chess and traveling (when I get the chance) and am passionate about nature and conservation. I’d describe myself as a lover of wild places and the written word.

I have a passion for ancient history, anthropology, African and Asian mythology, natural history, archaeology, astronomy, geology, world geography, Paleolithic civilization, art history, photography and of course fantasy and science-fiction! Did I mention that I’m a huge nerd?

White Mountain – Book 1 of the Darkling Chronicles
Amongst our modern world lies another, an archaic and hidden world of tradition, sorcery and magic. As dark demons awaken from our past, the last remaining wizards are being hunted and murdered by a changeling of terrifying strength. Attacked and drained of most of his powers, a dying sorcerer must race against time to save himself and the fate of all, from an enemy intent on cleansing the plant and destroying humanity…
















Links:

Facebook Book Page: http://facebook.com/FantasyEpic


Publisher’s Websites: http://kristell-ink.com/ and http://www.grimboldbooks.com/

Sophie’s Goodread list in no particular order:

1) Behind the Hood by Marita Hensen – Having spent 4 glorious months in beautiful New Zealand, this broody and compelling book by fellow Authonomy writer, Marita Hensen, really hooked me in. It centers around a group of disillusioned Maori youths and you realize the power of broken dreams.

2) Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro – I loved this book to my core. It reminded me of the wonderful melancholic sci-fi books of my youth like when I read Philip K. Dick’s ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep’, Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ and tones of Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Mesmeric and stays with you for weeks after.

3) The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold – A gut-wrenching story, beautiful, scary and tragic. You really feel every dangerous step the young protagonist finds herself on. MUCH better than the film!

4) The Last Mask by Stephen Winterflood – Wickedly and unreservedly dark. This puts the bitter in bitter chocolate! A truly unique book that twists its readers with every turn of its decadent theatrical blade!

5) In Search of Gods and Heroes by Sammy HK Smith – although I’ve not finished reading this yet, I just HAD to include this (lol, and not because she is my publisher – it’s just very VERY good!).

6) Vortex by Lindsey J Parsons – I LOVED this book and I’m not a big reader of the paranormal genre, but this was a delight from beginning to end. I found myself wishing I was Sam, the main protagonist as she begins to uncover another world within our own and her own part in it, and finds love in the most unexpected place.



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Summer Reading Challenge – Week Nine

Week 9 already! Get more great Summer Reads here! 😀 xx

Andrea Baker Author

Firstly, an apology from me, as I’ve been away so this latest blog is slightly late…

This week is Michel Prince…

Summer Reads Blog Tour – Week Nine
Michel Prince

Week nine in the Summer Blogs Tour is here and I’m hoping you’ve been enjoying meeting new faces and trying new reads. It’s time to welcome Michel to my blog tour, another friend I met through Authonomy when we were all just newbies starting out. You won’t want to miss out on her reads list and her own books. Check them out if you’re a romance junkie like me, you won’t be disappointed!

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.
With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can…

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Summer Reads to take your mind off the weather

Summer Reads Blog Tour – Week Six, and it’s the turn of my lovely friend and ultra talented fantasy and paranormal writer, Tricia Drammeh. If you haven’t checked her blog out yet…what are you waiting for? 😀 xx

Suddenly they all died. The end.

Today’s Summer Reads guest is the wonderful Tricia Drammeh, a terrific friend and author.  Let’s see which books she recommends!

Summer Reads Blog Tour – Week Six Tricia Drammeh

Super excited to introduce you to Tricia Drammeh! Tricia is another friend that I’ve had the privilege of getting to know over the last several years from a site called Authonomy. It’s a site where writers go to post their manuscripts and have their peers read and critique. I loved her manuscript, her style of writing from the moment I first read her work. It’s really cool to be able to say “I read her original work before it was published!” And now a word from Tricia!

me-3Hi everyone! My name is Tricia Drammeh, and I’m super excited to be a part of the 2014 Summer Reads Blog Tour. I hope you all are finding lots of great books to read…

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In need of a good read? I know I am!

Week Five of the wonderful Summer Reads Blog Tour with the brilliant Andrea Baker, a fantastic writer and our own lovable castle! 😀 xx

Suddenly they all died. The end.

Here in the Midwest, the last couple of days have been a nightmare, at least at our house (well, part of the time was a lot of fun, but the storms have definitely taken their toll), so I’m glad to have another Summer Reads Blog Tour post to share today. Let’s have a look at the books that fellow Worldbuilder Andrea Baker has chosen, shall we? That oughtta keep my mind off the river forming outside my door, at least for a little while…

Summer Reads Blog Tour – Week Five
Andrea Baker

It’s week five already, and it’s time to welcome Andrea Baker. I had the privilege of meeting Andrea a number of years ago on a forum, we became fast friends and have watched each other’s work develop over the years. It’s always amazing for me to look back and see all the changes we’ve been through. Take…

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Summer Reads Blog Tour – Week Four

And here is my friend, the marvellous and talented Mr. Will Macmillan Jones, to share his list for the best Summer Reads! 😀 Check it out my sweeties! 😀 xx

Andrea Baker Author

This week, please welcome Will Macmillan Jones, one of the most prolific authors I have ever met, with his Banned Underground series, The Showing and of course the wonderful Snort and Wobbles for children.

So what features on Will’s Summer Reading list?

Summer Reads Blog Tour – Week Four
Welcome Will Macmillian Jones!

Well, week four of the Summer Reads Blog Tour brings us a dear friend and fellow author, Will Macmillian Jones. Will’s the comedic act in our group with his dry sense of humor, I can’t help but smile when I read his posts or chat away in a lively conversation.
Will Macmillan Jones live in Wales, a lovely green, verdant land with a rich cultural heritage. He does his best to support this heritage by drinking the local beer and shouting loud encouragement whenever International Rugby is on the TV. A fifty something lover of blues, rock…

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Summer Reading Blog Tour – Week Three

Week Three of the Summer Reading Challenge! Check it out folks! 😀

Andrea Baker Author

So, here we are in Week Three of the Summer Reading Blog Tour – have any of the books and authors given you ideas yet?

This week it is Carrie’s turn – so let’s find out a bit more about her, and her favourite Summer Reads here 🙂

Summer Reads Blog Tour - Week Three
Welcome Carrie Fetzer!

This week it's our beloved Carrie's turn to share her favorite reads with you. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have her come into my life and support me the way she has. Last November, I half jokingly put it out on the page that I needed a page administrator, and our lovely Carrie messaged me! Not only did she volunteer, but she's run with it wholeheartedly.

She's done an amazing job with keeping the conversation going, and filled a huge gap for me when I needed it most…

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More great summer reads

Week Two of the Summer Reads Blog Tour, and fantasy writer, Sam Dogra is invited to take part. Check it out folks! 😀

Suddenly they all died. The end.

Today’s stop on the Summer Reads Blog Tour features Sam Dogra, Vice Captain of the Alliance of Worldbuilders.  To see what books she recommends, read on!

Let’s welcome Sam Dogra!



Hey everyone, this week it’s my turn to feature in Lisa’s Summer Reads Blog 2014! This summer, Lisa will be showcasing the top 5 favorite books of various authors, in the hopes of sharing hidden gems for new readers to get into.

My name is Sam. By day I’m a doctor, running around taking blood samples, saving lives and getting grilled by consultants. When I’m not on duty, I’m also the author of The Chronicles of Azaria Series.



It’s a YA Fantasy Romance with a slight twist. The first two books, The Binding and The Parting, are available on Amazon and Smashwords. If you’re looking for something outside the paranormal genre, I’d definitely recommend it (but I would say that…

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A Summer of Reading – Summer Reading Blog Tour Week One

Here is a marvellous new Reading Blog Tour for the Summer. So for all of you jet-setting to sunnier climbs or just hoping for some chill time in the garden with a good book, this is for YOU! Over the next few weeks I’ve been lucky enough to be able to participate in this wonderful Summer Blog Tour (brainchild of the ultra-talented Lisa Weidmeier) – highlighting the very best new books and authors for you to enjoy! Have a happy Summer! 😀 xxx

Andrea Baker Author

As you’ll know from my earlier post, my wonderful friend and fellow author Lisa has put together a 13 week experience where you get to meet new people, and discover some of their favourite summer reads.

Lisa is one of my favourite up and coming authors, her “Timeless Series” is a fantastic read, and there are already four of them available. Be warned though, you may become a fellow sufferer of CATTS (chronic addiction to Timeless Series) 😉

Find out more about Lisa here

I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself!! Sam, Carrie and I wanted to provide for you, my avid readers, a way to not only meet new authors, but also books you might not have seen or heard about. A way to expand your reading list for the summer.

Over the next 13 weeks, I've asked various authors I know to come share not only…

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