Reviews – Wild Robot, Black Bag, and The Bondsman; Fanfiction; plus New Releases

Surprise! I’m posting on a non-IWSG day. That’s because I had more reviews and new release announcements than room that day.

And, most importantly, I wanted to highlight something very special.

People write fanfiction all the time for Star Wars and Star Trek. They are huge franchises. But last week, someone wrote fanfiction for me! Truedessa posted part of a story that happens after the end of Dragon of the Stars.

So, please check it out. Truedessa, thank you. I feel like I’ve arrived as an author!

The Wild Robot

An AI service robot is stranded on an island and finds herself raising a baby goose with the help of a fox.
A bit of a clumsy beginning (literally, as Roz is the clumsiest robot ever) but once the orphaned goose and fox enter the picture, the movie shines. It’s about finding one’s place in the world, working together, and the meaning of love and family.
The animation is beautiful and the setting adds to the lushness. (Wild guess is the island is near/actually is Vancouver Island.)
There are some funny moments – when you have voice talents such as Bill Nighy, Ving Rhames, and Mark Hamill, no surprise there!
Recommended

Black Bag

An intelligence agent is giving a list of people and told to find the spy among them. The twist – his wife, also an intelligence agent, is on the list.
This is MI6 – a mix of Mission Impossible meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, it will keep you guessing. The dialogue is fun and the characters quirky.
And at ninety-three minutes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome!
Recommended

The Bondsman

Series streaming on Amazon. A bounty hunter is resurrected and told his new bounty targets are demons.
Stars Kevin Bacon and Beth Grant (who plays his mom) are the reason to watch this show. They are both excellent and funny, with Grant stealing nearly every scene she’s in.
The show is quirky and irreverent, but it also has a heart. It also takes dark subjects and makes them light and sometimes funny.
It is a twisted premise though so the show might not be for everyone.
Love the thirty-minute format though. Again, doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Season ends on a cliffhanger so there better be another one.
Recommended

New Releases

Dirtbag Satan Worshippers From Down by the Bay (Gale Harbour Book 3) by CD-Gallant-King

Niall O’Neil is wallowing in teenage angst, still getting over Harper Jeddore, his childhood crush who helped him save the sleepy town of Gale Harbour from otherworldly monsters. Twice. When he meets a new, less-complicated girl named Stacey, it seems his life might be turning a corner. But Niall is pulled back into his old world when people start disappearing around town again, seemingly abducted by Satan-worshipping rednecks.
Torn between his new existence of simple happiness and his messy feelings for his old flame, Niall must make a decision: Enjoy dating girls, experimenting with drinking and making new friends, or risk his life to save the town one more time?
The fate of the entire world may depend on the choices of a hormonal fourteen-year-old with a flair for the dramatic.
Join Niall, Harper, Pius, Keith and Skidmark as they band together for one last adventure…

Find it on Amazon

A Murder Down Memory Lane by Elizabeth Spann Craig

Reunions can be murder, especially when the past refuses to stay buried.
Myrtle is less than thrilled to receive an invitation to her high school reunion. Fond memories of her teenage years? Not quite. Besides, who throws a 67th reunion, anyway? But curiosity gets the better of her when she learns that several classmates are making the trek from far-flung places.
The reunion turns out to be a haphazard affair, with a sparse turnout. Things take a turn for the mysterious as the event unfolds. Who organized this affair? Who sent out the invitations? And what’s the real reason behind the oddly-timed gathering?
When a body is discovered, the reunion goes from awkward to alarming. It’s up to Myrtle and her trusty sidekick Miles to unravel the mystery before anyone else takes a fatal trip down memory lane.

Find it on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo

Badlands (Book 2 of Savage Land trilogy) by Jacqui Murray

In Badlands, Book Two of the trilogy, the tribes split up, each pursuing dangerous but necessary goals, all at the mercy of the Nature. How they collaborate despite their inborn distrust could end this journey before it starts or forge new relationships that will serve both groups well in the future.

Find it on Amazon Amazon

Have you seen either movie or the show? Which new release strikes your fancy?
Thanks for all the IWSG co-host offers! We are set through September. And the responses to this month’s question were touching.
Enjoy your May and see you next month!

Bloody Mary with Chrys Fey! Plus the You Rock Award and Ninja News.

Today I have the honor and privilege of appearing at C S Lakin’s Live Write Thrive. My topic - How to Handle Writer Insecurity.

I was that Kid...

By Chrys Fey

I was the skinny girl who would sit in the dark with a flashlight, making up ghost stories to frighten my friends. Their squeals were cheers to me.

When I was twelve, my friends and I liked to huddle in a dark bathroom, stand in front of the mirror and call out, “Bloody Mary.” One of my friends would say “Bloody Mary” once and then chicken out. Another would shriek, “Did you hear that?” or “Something touched me!” Yet another would be in charge of the lights and would turn them on if we got too scared. The lights went on a lot.

I was the girl who would have the guts to blurt out “Bloody Mary” three times. Immediately after, I’d hear gasps of fear and awe. Seconds later someone would scream, which would prompt us all to scream and shove each other out of the bathroom only to go back in minutes later and do it again.

Available Now: GHOST OF DEATH at Amazon US, Amazon UK, The Wild Rose Press, and Nook.

Available for PRE-ORDER: WITCH OF DEATH at Amazon US and Amazon UK

Find Chrys: Blog, Facebook, Website, and Goodreads

Ninja News

Today at the A to Z Blog, I am kicking off the Themes That Rocked the Challenge feature with someone really awesome - J.H. Moncrieff! You like strange, ghostly, and bizarre? Then check it out.

Edi at Edi’s Book Lighthouse announced a writing contest – Epic Worlds. Check out his site for details.

Available now!
Iron Warrior by Jay Noel
(The Mechanica Wars Book 3)
Find it at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Available May 13!
A Taste Of Pain by G. B. Miller
Find it at Smashwords

The Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest is May18 – next Monday! Movie/show/book that exemplifies the theme, or part of the theme. Hosted by me and Heather Gardner. Join us – it will be epic!

You Rock Award!

I started this five years ago, right after the very first A to Z Challenge. This is to honor blogger buddies who have come to mean so much to me over the years.

Past recipients include Arlee Bird, Yvonne Lewis, RaShelle Workman, Hannah, Jeffrey Beesler, Gail, Rusty Webb, Chuck, George, Jeremy Hawkins, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland Yeomans, Melissa Bradley, Robyn Engel, Lynda Young, Michael Di Gesu, Heather Gardner, Stephen Tremp, Father Dragon Al, the late Tina Downey, Damyanti, Edi, Karen Walker, Elizabeth Spann Craig, and Suze.

Every year, it gets harder! There are those on the IWSG team, the A to Z Challenge team, and my faithful blogger buddies. How do I only pick a handful when so many are worthy? You guys are all awesome. I can only honor a few though.

This year’s You Rock recipients are…

Susan Gourley
She’s one of my IWSG admins and a fellow A to Z co-host. She’s a talented writer and an excellent organizer. No matter what, I know I can always count on her. But more than that, she’s been an awesome friend for so many years now. I don’t know what I’d do if this amazing woman vanished from the blogging world. Susan, you rock!

Pat Hatt at It’s Rhyme Time
Pat is a talented writer and poet, with dozens of books to his credit. He is owned by two cats, Orlin and Cassie, and blogs a snarky poem every single day. His sense of humor is awesome and matched only by his giving heart. Despite the fact he’s buried Mini-Alex in the litterbox more than once, Pat is a dedicated and amazing friend. Dude, honored to call you a friend – you rock!

Jo at Jo on Food, Life, and a Scent of Chocolate
Hailing from Canada, Jo posts daily about her life, interesting facts, and recipes. She also has a quick wit – her animal for Z last month was a zebra, followed by a recipe for zebra! She is also Grandmother Dragon to our private Dragon Fellowship group, watching over us and giving sage advice. Jo, you’re a very caring and supportive friend – you rock!

Michelle at Writer in Transit
From South Africa, Michelle is one of my IWSG admins. She’s a flash fiction master and isn’t afraid to tackle anything. What I admire most about Michelle is her enthusiasm. Plus her creativity knows no bounds. She gets an idea and runs with it. I’m fortunate to know her. Michelle, you keep me on my toes – you rock!

Brandon and Bryan at A Beer For the Shower
I’ve known these dudes for five years now, although we lost touch for a while during blogging growth spurts. The authors of numerous books, their site is bursting with humor and snark. These boys pull no punches – they call it like it is. Despite the rough edges they exhibit, both have morals and strong values. (Bryan is even a minister!) They are just the nicest guys and I’m honored they are my friends. Brandon and Bryan – you guys rock!

Christine Rains
Christine is a talented hybrid author, dabbling in numerous genres. I’m always astonished by what she accomplishes considering her busy schedule. She writes and blogs on a tight schedule, and always with considering as to how she can help her fellow writer. She is indeed ‘Fearless’ and an amazing friend. Christine, I really admire you – and you rock!

Truedessa
Most of the You Rock recipients I’ve known for years, but every now and then someone comes along who really speaks to your heart. Truedessa is an amazing poet, one with a gentle and loving spirit. She often embarks on adventures with Pat Hatt, and her natural innocence and pure heart shines through even then. Truedessa, you are the brightest star in the sky – and you rock!


Did you ever say Bloody Mary to a mirror? Ready for Blood, Boobs, and Carnage? Do you miss the A to Z Challenge? (Road Trip opens this week.) Are you following those blogger? Who rocks your world…?

Be sure to visit C S Lakin’s Live Write Thrive!

A to Z Challenge – X – Cult Classics: Symphony X, Xenocide, Xanadu, and More! Plus May Movie Preview Continues – Mad Max: Fury Road and Maggie

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – X

Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term

Movie –

Xanadu
This 1980 musical fantasy starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly and won the first ever Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director. However, the soundtrack album went Double Platinum and spawned five Top 20 singles for Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra.

Music –

Symphony X – Paradise Lost
Released in 2007, the band’s seventh album was the first to hit the Billboard and many other charts. It’s a concept album, loosely inspired by John Milton’s 1667 epic poem, Paradise Lost.

Science Fiction Book –

Xenocide by Orson Scott Card
This was the third book in the Ender’s Game series and nominated for both the Hugo and Locus Awards in 1992.

Bloggers –

Since no one had an X name, I decided to go with those who had the X-factor instead!

Truedessa
Want to read some of the most beautiful and flowing poetry online? Want to follow the adventures of Pat and the Cat? Then you can do no wrong following this lovely lady, Truedessa!

Dixie at An Artful Blogger
Like a daily dose of humor? A funny image or comic (or two or three or more…) to give you a smile? Want to meet someone who is dedicated to her friends? Then you need to meet Dixie!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

X Factor
Defined as ‘a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome,’ Dragon of the Stars has several X Factors, both in terms of people and in situations. While the obvious factor might be the Dragon itself, it’s an assortment of smaller variables that make the difference in the story.

Dragon of the Stars is out now!
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.

May Movie Preview

Here is a continuation of the upcoming theatrical releases for May! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

May 8 –

Maggie - (Limited Release)

A teenage girl in the Midwest becomes infected by an outbreak of a disease that slowly turns the infected into cannibalistic zombies. During her transformation, her loving father stays by her side.
Director: Henry Hobson
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson
This one is actually getting some good buzz. (Arnold could sure use a good film about now…)


May 15 –

Mad Max: Fury Road
In a post-apocalyptic world, in which people fight to the death, Max teams up with a mysterious woman, Furiousa, to try and survive.
Director: George Miller
Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
It’s a continuation of the story, not a remake, and it looks bad ass!

Agree Xanadu’s soundtrack was better than the film? (RiffTrax needs to tackle that film!) Fan of Symphony X and prog rock? Following those two wonderful bloggers? Eager to learn more about the Dragon and the Kargrandes? And do either of those two films spark your interest…?

And if you missed it, yesterday I visited Jay Noel to talk about the Dragon – legend or myth?

A to Z Challenge – K – Cult Classics: Kung Fu Hustle, Kansas, King’’s X, Kindred, Kargrandes, and More! Plus Some Upcoming Science Fiction Cons and the Mini-Alex Scavenger Hunt Answers and Winner

Today I have the honor of visiting Natalie at Literary Rambles, one of the largest book blogs on the web. She asked some interesting questions, so check it out.

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – K

Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term

Movie –

Kung Fu Hustle
This quirky 2004 Chinese film mixes action, comedy, and martial arts, and it won numerous awards.

Music –

Kansas – Point of Know Return
The band’s most successful album made them an FM staple and was certified Quadruple Platinum. Its biggest hit was the iconic Dust in the Wind.

King’s X – Gretchen Goes to Nebraska
One of the finest from the band, this concept album features Christian themes and fan favorite song, Over My Head.

Science Fiction Book –

Kindred by Octavia Butler
Published in 1979, her bestselling book is a cross between science fiction and slave narrative, and it has been used in many college courses over the years.

Bloggers –

Kathe at It’s a Snap
Enjoy flash poetry and beautiful pictures? Like shadows and cats? Then you need to follow this delightful lady from the West Coast!

Kristen Smith
Want to know how a writer juggles her craft, a husband, and five little boys? Want some fun and an insight to ‘This Writer Mom?’ Then follow the beautiful and fun Kristen!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Kargrandes
The million dollar question – What Are the Kargrandes? Natives of the planet Kavil, they play a huge role in the story. These creatures have unique abilities, one of which could be both a power source and a weapon. What else can they do? That would be a spoiler! You’ll have to read to find out.

Dragon of the Stars is out now!

Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.

Science Fiction Cons

My publisher has been doing promotional work with several upcoming science fiction cons, including ads in program books and sponsorship. If you attend any of the following cons, you can score bookmarks and possibly some of my books:

RavenCon - Richmond, VA - April 24-26, 2015

Treklanta - Atlanta, GA – April 24-26, 2015

OASIS - Orlando, FL – May 1-3, 2015

MobiCon - Mobile, AL – May 22-24, 2015

BaltiCon - Hunt Valley, MD – May 22-25, 2015

ConCarolinas - Concord, NC – May 29-31, 2015

Scavenger Hunt Answers and Winner!

First, where was Mini-Alex in each photo?

Melissa Maygrove - in the bathtub.
Eva Solar - with one of my guitars.
Father Dragon Al - hanging with friends in a chair.
Suzanne Furness - in the fridge’s vegetable bin.
Karen Walker - in the oven.
Dianne Salerni - in the sink.
Christine Rains - on a bush.
Nick Wilford - hanging by a tree.
EE Giorgi - on the hood of my car.
Murees Dupe - on a bench.
L Diane Wolfe - with his favorite t-shirt.
Helena - in a pile of leaves. (And due to hacks, her site’s high security meant it was unavailable to some of you, and she’s sorry you weren’t able to visit. I didn't include it in the hunt totals.)
Tyrean Martinson - on the sidewalk.
Robin - in the driver’s seat of my car.
Heather Gardner - hanging with my favorite CD’s.
Jo - with a Canadian beaver.
Lynda Young - hanging with my MST3K DVD collection.
SL Hennessy - hanging with my Firefly game.
Toi Thomas - in the fireplace.
Lori MacLaughlin - on exercise equipment.
Jess at Author Tracker - in the dishwasher.
Truedessa - hanging with his favorite poster.
Annalisa Crawford - in front of my guitar’s amp.
Patricia Lynne - on my front steps.
Lisa at Flash Fiction - in my sock drawer.
Julie Flanders - driver’s seat of lawn mower.
Julie Kemp Pick - on another bench.
Nicki Elson - in the dryer.
Mark Koopmans - at the beach.
Sydney Aaliyah - in my computer chair.

Many of you followed along for the scavenger hunt, and seven of you visited every single site.

And from those seven, Random.org picked this winner:

Truedessa!

Congratulations, Truedessa! You get an autographed copy of Dragon of the Stars, a bunch of swag, and $20.00 in iTunes cards.

Thanks to everyone who posted, played along, gave me a shout out, or bought the book. You guys rock!

Seen Kung Fu Hustle? Fan of those bands? Read Kindred? Following the bloggers? Have you read Dragon yet and figured out What Are the Kargrandes? Going to an Sci-Fi cons? And how’d you do in the scavenger hunt?

Don’t forget to visit Literary Rambles!