Monday, December 31, 2012

Gladiator's Pen: A Gladiator, Tardis, and The Great Liebster Award

Gladiator's Pen: A Gladiator, Tardis, and The Great Liebster Award: This author has been given the honor of being nominated for the Liebster Awaard . I was nominated by Mary Ann Bernal , author of the Bri...

Independent Author Index Short Story Compilation, Volume 2

The Ritual, a short story by Mary Ann Bernal, is included in the
Independent Author Index Short Story Compilation

 

The Ritual is a story about an impressionable young woman's initiation into a modern-day pagan sect on All Hallows' Eve in a mausoleum.  She becomes terrified when she witnesses the first initiation amidst a raging storm and flees for her life, but will she survive the tempest?
Excerpt

Loud rolls of thunder shook the earth, bright flashes of lightning streaking across the darkened sky as fierce winds battered the countryside.  Swollen storm clouds hovered menacingly above the cemetery, threatening the celebration of All Hallows' Eve.

The small crowd had gathered in the old section of the graveyard where the mausoleums of the city's once eminent families still stood, long forgotten by their descendants and falling into disrepair.  Statues of angels protected most of the marble and stone structures, their sightless eyes watching every move.  However, two buildings were bereft of religious connotation and the inscriptions above the doors were difficult to read.  Yet the family names were well known to the men and women who were waiting patiently for the high priest to arrive.

Ashley held onto Kent's arm tightly, standing firmly against the wind gusts that toppled the nearby treetops and scattered the fallen leaves while glancing at the neglected tomb where her ancestors rested.  She was proud to be a Raven just as Kent was proud to be a Wolf, their lineage tracing back to the ancient Celts.  She envisioned the ancient rituals in her mind's eye, smiling when she remembered being married to Kent.  However, when she thought about her own initiation she was overcome with fear, recalling her terror when the high priest placed her naked upon the altar.  She had tried to be brave for Kent,not wishing to embarrass him before his friends, but she could not control her tears.  She had kept her eyes closed when they prayed above her, their  hands perilously close to her exposed flesh.  She remembered being relieved when the initiation was over, but she also remembered her anger when Kent had chastised her for crying and for her misplaced modesty.

Two new members would be initiated this night, but only Devona mattered, and Devona had no knowledge of what the ritual entailed.  Ashley wanted to tell Devona so she would not be afraid but Kent had forbidden it, reminding her of the punishment she would suffer once the high priest learned of her meddling.

Devona and Ashley met at the Laundromat, and they quickly became friends.  Devona was a country girl, having moved to the city recently to perform on stage, but the play closed within a week and Devona needed a job.  Ashley found her a position in her law firm where she had met Bronson Wolf, and it was Bronson who had introduced her to their religious beliefs.

The high priest and his assistants walked solemnly through the crumbling gate as the thunder and lightning intensified.  He opened the entrance to the Wolf mausoleum, entering quickly with his followers not far behind just as a heavy rain began to pummel the earth.  Once the fire was lit, one of the assistants closed the door, sealing them in.

The group encircled a stone coffin that had been placed in the center of the small building that was being used for an altar that was covered with flaming candles.  Incense burned in a bronze offering bowl, the billowing smoke filtering through the air.  The assistants kept their heads covered, their black garments blending well in the darkened room, their piercing eyes glaring menacingly at Ashley, or so she thought.

Ashley grasped Devona's hand, squeezing her fingers reassuringly, mouthing words of comfort while noticing beads of sweat dripping down the side of her face.  She would have said something, believing Devona wanted to leave, but the high priest raised his hands above him, chanting the offertory prayers loudly to be heard over the thunder.  The ritual had begun.

Purchase link:  http://amzn.to/VkY2pK

History Trivia


December 31
192 The Roman emperor Commodus, whose brutal reign ended 90 years of peaceful prosperity, was assassinated.
406 Vandals, Alans and Suebians crossed the Rhine, which began an invasion of Gaul.
535 Byzantine General Belisarius completed the conquest of Sicily, defeating the Ostrogothic garrison of Syracuse, and ending his consulship for the year.
870 Skirmish at Englefield: Ethelred of Wessex beat the Danish invasion army.
1229 James I of Aragon the Conqueror entered Medina Mayurqa (Palma, Spain) thus consummating the Christian reconquest of the island of Majorca.
1502  Cesare Borgia (son of pope Alexander VI) occupied Urbino (walled city in the Marche region of Italy).
 
 

Sunday, December 30, 2012

The Briton and the Dane: Concordia

 
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia - available early 2013

Travel back in time to late Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain where Alfred the Great rules with a benevolent hand while the Danish King rules peacefully within the boundaries of the Danelaw.  Trade flourishes, and scholars from throughout the civilized world flock to Britannia's shores to study at the King's Court School at Winchester.
 
Enter Concordia, a beautiful noble woman whose family is favored by the king.  Vain, willful, and admired, but ambitious and cunning, Concordia is not willing to accept her fate. She is betrothed to the valiant warrior, Brantson, but sees herself as far too young to lay in the bedchamber of an older suitor.  She wants to see the wonders of the world, embracing everything in it; preferably, but dangerously, at the side of Thayer, the exotic Saracen who charms King Alfred's court and ignites her yearning passions.
 
Concordia manipulates her besotted husband into taking her to Rome but her ship is captured by bloodthirsty pirates, and the seafarers protecting her are ruthlessly slain to a man.  As she awaits her fate in the Moorish captain's bed, by sheer chance, she discovers that salvation is at hand in the gilded court of a Saracen nobleman.
 
While awaiting rescue, Concordia finds herself at the center of intrigue, plots, blackmail, betrayal and the vain desires of two egotistical brothers, each willing to die for her favor.  Using only feminine cunning, Concordia must defend her honor while plotting her escape as she awaits deliverance, somewhere inside steamy, unconquered Muslim Hispania.
 
 
Cover design by Steven Novak, Novak Illustration




History Trivia


December 30
39 Titus was born. He was Roman emperor from 79-81 and during his reign the Coliseum was completed.
 
1370 Pope Gregory XI elected pope. Gregory attempted to foster peace between England and France during the Hundred Years' War, defeated Florence in its war against the Papal States, and returned the papacy to Rome from Avignon.
1460 The Lancastrians routed the Yorkists at the Battle of Wakefield, and executed Richard, Duke of York.

In the Midst: Book Review: Cowboy by Staci Stallings

In the Midst: Book Review: Cowboy by Staci Stallings: Staci Stallings is acclaimed to be a best selling author with 23 books under her belt since 2005. I have read two of her books with t...

In the Midst: Underneath by Michael Cargill

In the Midst: Underneath by Michael Cargill: Click  here  to see The Examiner article! My Review on Amazon: Underneath is the first novel that I have read from this author and I...

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Being Normal Is So Overrated: The Forgotten Ones

Being Normal Is So Overrated: The Forgotten Ones: When tragedy strikes, such as the shootings of 12/14/2012, everyone automatically thinks of the families and loved ones and what they can do...

Book Review and Radio Interview: Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry

Book Review and Radio Interview: Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry

Book Review and Radio Interview: Ultra Violence by Mark Barry

Book Review and Radio Interview: Ultra Violence by Mark Barry

History Trivia


December 29
1170 Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered while at vespers in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights of King Henry II. Acting on the frustrated outburst of King Henry II, four knights entered the Cathedral and struck down the Archbishop. The knights fled.  Henry would later do public penance for his ill-considered words that ultimately ended the quarrel between one-time friends.

Friday, December 28, 2012

History Trivia


December 28
418 Boniface I became Roman Catholic pope.
1065 Westminster Abbey in London, built under the auspices of Edward the Confessor, was consecrated. The Benedictine monastery had been re-endowed and enlarged under the oversight of Edward the Confessor, but the King had been too ill to attend the consecration ceremonies. He was buried in the abbey after his death on January 4, 1066.
 
 

Thursday, December 27, 2012

History Trivia


December 27

418 Etalius began his reign as Catholic Pope. 

537 The Hagia Sophia (Church of the Holy Wisdom of God), one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces, was dedicated in Constantinople by the Emperor Justinian. This was the third Cathedral, the previous two having been destroyed by fire.

1390 Anne de Mortimer, Countess of Cambridge, and the mother of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, and grandmother of King Edward IV and King Richard III, was born. 



Richard III



 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Wizard's Cauldron: Sanguinary: The Review

The Wizard's Cauldron: Sanguinary: The Review: In 2003, I was a member of a forum in America called The Nook.  It was quite a social place at a time when social networking was just begi...

Kid Atomic by Mark Barry featured on The Examiner



About Author Mark Barry:

Mark Barry is the author of six books of different genres. He has written extensively on a variety of topics including, horse racing, football, personality disorders and human relationships.

Currently, Mark is a full time fiction writer and freelance blogger. He has been interviewed on several Radio talk shows where he has given readings of his work. His work has been featured in The Sun, Daily Mail and he has also been interviewed on television.

You can find his intensive independent author interviews at: http://greenwizard62.blogspot.co.uk/ .

You can find his interview by the well-known Phil Naeesen show at http://www.philnaessens.com/.

Click on the links below to hear the radio shows of Hollywood Shakedown and Ultra Violence.

Hollywood Shakedown:
http://www.philnaessens.com/apps/blog/show/20300689-book-review-and-radio-interview-hollywood-shakedown-by-mark-barry#.UNCS_X0DiGY.twitter

Ultra Violence:
http://www.philnaessens.com/apps/blog/show/21140840-book-review-and-radio-interview-ultra-violence-by-mark-barry

About Kid Atomic
Two childhood friends, Ricky and Kevin, are dispatched on a mission to London to bring back riot gear for an upcoming Citywide protest, part of the widespread national youth disenchantment with the Bankers, the Financiers, the Rich, the Normans, the Capitalists, the Tories and the rest of the “Haves” in an increasingly unequal Great Britain.

Actually, forget the politics. They think the job is going to be a right nobble. A road trip.
There’s thrash metal on the van CD player, money for as much food and drink as they can handle, and there’s a hot older babe waiting to meet them at the rendezvous. The job couldn’t be going better.
Everything is squeaky clean and hunky dory until they are told to take back an extra trunk.

A trunk the color of fire emblazoned with a Phoenix. A trunk no one planned for and which seems to have turned up from out of the blue. A trunk soon to be hidden in Kevin’s Mum’s garage.
Streetwise Ricky becomes seriously ill. Soon Kevin, a Gameboy playing, introverted geek, finds himself the center of attention for the local Police, a sinister Scottish Special Branch officer they call "The Devil", Mum’s nosy boyfriend, and the amoral leader of his own protest group - one Lance Brando, a thirty year old Machiavellian perpetual student with designs on Kevin’s girlfriend, Rachel.
A man who’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.

If this isn't enough, one day, when things are seriously getting on top, something happens inside the trunk…and Kevin’s life will never be the same again!

What readers are saying:
~ the character development to be quite intricate and pulls the reader into the mind of several characters within the story
~ What makes this book a delight to read is the British quirk.
~ What makes this book a delight to read is the British quirk.

Click here to get KID ATOMIC FREE for a limited time!
http://www.amazon.com/Kid-Atomic-ebook/dp/B007X507U8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356543375&sr=1-1&keywords=kid+atomic+mark+barry


History Trivia on Boxing Day


December 26
 
 
795 Leo III was elected Roman Catholic pope. Pope Saint Leo recognized Charlemagne as the patricius of the Romans, crowning the great leader Holy Roman Emperor who protected Pope Leo from his enemies.  He was an effective administrator of the papal territories, and contributed to the beautification of Rome.

Boxing Day - is a traditional celebration, dating back to medieval times, when gifts were given to employees, the poor, or to people in a lower social class. 
 
 

Ngaire Elder: Well Known Author K Meador Spotlighted...

Ngaire Elder: Well Known Author K Meador Spotlighted...:   In the Midst: Author K Meador Spotlighted... : About the Author: Born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Texas since age four,...

Ngaire Elder: Well Known Author K Meador Spotlighted...

Ngaire Elder: Well Known Author K Meador Spotlighted...:   In the Midst: Author K Meador Spotlighted... : About the Author: Born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Texas since age four,...

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): e-edition Kid Atomic is free todayCelebrate Boxi...

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): e-edition Kid Atomic is free today

Celebrate Boxi...
: e-edition Kid Atomic is free today Celebrate Boxing Day with a free Kindle edition of Kid Atomic by Mark Barry. US Link http...

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): e-edition Kid Atomic is free todayCelebrate Boxi...

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): e-edition Kid Atomic is free today

Celebrate Boxi...
: e-edition Kid Atomic is free today Celebrate Boxing Day with a free Kindle edition of Kid Atomic by Mark Barry. US Link http...

Kid Atomic by Mark Barry - Free Kindle Edition to celebrate Boxing Day


Celebrate  Boxing Day by downloading a free kindle copy of Kid Atomic

 US Link

 

 UK Link

 
 

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

English Historical Fiction Authors: An Anglo Saxon Christmas

English Historical Fiction Authors: An Anglo Saxon Christmas: by Richard Denning Christmas is coming . Along with the new year celebrations that follow it, it is in Britain the most important festiva...

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): Kid Atomic is FREE on Boxing Day

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): Kid Atomic is FREE on Boxing Day: KID ATOMIC is FREE on Kindle and KINDLE adjuncts (IPADS, PC'S, IPOD's etc) on BOXING DAY FOR 24 HOURS (That's the 26th of December for you...

In the Midst: Author K Meador Spotlighted...

In the Midst: Author K Meador Spotlighted...: About the Author: Born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Texas since age four, K-Trina Meador is the youngest of five chil...

History Trivia


December 25, the date recognized by the Roman Catholic Church for the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas was also known as Yule (Anglo-Saxon) or Noel (French). 337 Earliest possible date that Christmas was celebrated on Dec 25th. 352 First definite date that Christmas was celebrated on Dec 25th.
 
498 French king Clovis baptized himself.
597 England adopted the Julian calendar.
795 Pope Adrian I died. The relationship of Adrian to Charlemagne was considered an ideal expression of Church and State in a united Christian society.
800 Charlemagne, King of the Franks, was crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in Rome.
 875 Charles the Bald was crowned Holy Roman Emperor.
1066 William the Conqueror was crowned king of England, at Westminster Abbey, London.
 1100 Baldwin of Boulogne was crowned the first King of Jerusalem in the Church of the Nativity.
1156 Peter the Venerable died. As Abbot of Cluny, Peter of Montboissier made great reforms to the monastery that restored its influence in European religious politics.
1223 St. Francis of Assisi assembled the first Nativity scene.
1559 Pius IV was elected pope. Born Giovanni Angelo de'Medici, Pius concluded the Council of Trent and pursued reforms of the Papal Curia.

Monday, December 24, 2012

History Trivia


December 24

3 BC Servius Sulpicius Galba was born. He was emperor of Rome from 68-69AD.

563 The Byzantine church Hagia Sophia in Constantinople was dedicated for the second time after being destroyed by earthquakes.

640 Pope John IV was elected. In his brief pontificate, John sent help to the victims of invaders in Dalmatia, opposed monothelitism and the Irish choice for the date of Easter, and defended the orthodoxy of Pope Honorius I.

1167 King John I of England was born. The youngest son of King Henry II, John lacked the trust of his barons and was maneuvered into signing the Magna Carta.



1294 Pope Boniface VIII was elected Pope, replacing St. Celestine V, who had resigned.

1476 400 Burgundy soldiers froze to death during siege of Nancy (Burgundian Wars, the battle finally being fought outside the walls on 5 January 1477 between Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and René II, Duke of Lorraine. René's forces won the battle, and Charles' mutilated body was found three days later.)

1515 Thomas Wolsey was appointed English Lord Chancellor.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): Kid Atomic is FREE on Boxing Day

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): Kid Atomic is FREE on Boxing Day: KID ATOMIC is FREE on Kindle and KINDLE adjuncts (IPADS, PC'S, IPOD's etc) on BOXING DAY FOR 24 HOURS (That's the 26th of December for you...

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): Kid Atomic is FREE on Boxing Day

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): Kid Atomic is FREE on Boxing Day: KID ATOMIC is FREE on Kindle and KINDLE adjuncts (IPADS, PC'S, IPOD's etc) on BOXING DAY FOR 24 HOURS (That's the 26th of December for you...

Kindle Edition of Kid Atomic by Mark Barry FREE on Boxing Day 2012

 
 
Mary Ann Bernal Review of Kid Atomic

 Intrigue on Campus

 Kid Atomic is a story about Kevin Taylor who has joined a protest group on University, and soon finds himself dangerously involved with a radical faction whose sole purpose is to destroy Great Britain.  Mr. Barry expertly weaves into story the complexities of coming of age as Kevin deals with a myriad of emotions, from dealing with bullies to falling in love.  Once Kevin becomes the keeper of the Device, the opportunity for vengeance suddenly is a reality, but could he destroy everyone, including himself in the process?  No spoilers here.  An enjoyable story.

History Trivia


December 23 
484 Huneric died and was succeeded by his nephew Gunthamund, who became king of the Vandals. During his reign the Catholics were freed from persecutions.
619 AD Boniface V became Roman Catholic pope. 962 Arab-Byzantine Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city of Aleppo.
 
1116 St. Ivo of Chartres died. He was one of the most notable bishops of France at the time of the Investiture struggles and the most important canonist before Gratian. Gratian was a legal scholar and the founder of the science of canon law, which is the body of law based on the legislation of the councils (both ecumenical and local) and the popes, as well as the bishops (for diocesan matters) in the Roman Catholic Church

.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

The Wizard's Cauldron: A Christmas Interview With Phil Naessens

The Wizard's Cauldron: A Christmas Interview With Phil Naessens: The choir at York Minster. You know what? Christmas gets earlier each year doesn't it.  My Christmas guest on this Christma...

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): New mini Green Wizard Catalogue

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): New mini Green Wizard Catalogue: Of course, this catalogue is downloadable to your right!!!  or drop me a line and you can have  a copy...

History Trivia

December 22

69 Roman Emperor Vitellius was killed in a street battle in Rome by soldiers of Vespasian, who succeeded Vitellius as emperor.

1135 Norman nobles recognized Stefanus van Blois (Stephen, grandson of William the Conqueror) as English king. His reign was plagued with civil war with his cousin, the Empress Matilda, whose son Henry II succeeded him upon his death.

1216 the Dominican order was formally sanctioned. Founded by St. Dominic, the Dominican order of mendicant friars emphasized scholarship as well as preaching. The organization received official sanction from Pope Honorius III.

Ngaire Elder: Autumn Reading List Part 2

Ngaire Elder: Autumn Reading List Part 2: Ooops, I'm a day or 2  late in publishing this post, since it is offically winter. Never mind, I want to share more great books with you. Th...

Friday, December 21, 2012

In the Midst: Let's get real...

In the Midst: Let's get real...: Sacrifice...               Determination...                                    Willpower...                                              ...

In the Midst: The Examiner - Austin Texas

In the Midst: The Examiner - Austin Texas: Are you interested in books? Check out the Book Article Column in The Examiner - Austin Texas and consider subscribing for future art...

Book Review - The Ritual by Mark Barry

 
 
 
The Ritual by Mark Barry
 
Review By K. Meador


This is the fifth book (of six at present time) that I have read by Author Mark Barry and rarely have I read an author who can write consistently engaging, and well constructed conceptually stories as he does.

I don't usually read horrors but knowing the style and quality of this author's writing, I gave it a try and was not disappointed. From the first page I was hooked. The details in this story left me in awe and I finished the book in one sitting.

The main characters were portrayed with depth and accuracy. In addition, the cover captured my visual attention as did the graphic descriptions.

Read this book. You will find you will want to read his other five books too.

December 21, Winter Solstice / History Trivia


December 21
Happy Winter Solstice
 
 69 the end of the Year of the four emperors: Following Galba, Otho and Vitellius, Vespasian became the fourth Emperor of Rome within a year.
The Roman Forum
 
882 Hincmar of Reims died. As archbishop of Reims, Hincmar was one of the most influential political and ecclesiastical figures of Carolingian Europe. 
1118 Thomas A. Becket was born. 1140 Conrad III of Germany besieged Weinsberg.
1163 A hurricane hit villages in Holland/Friesland, causing massive flooding.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Phil Naessens Media

Phil Naessens Media

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): New mini Green Wizard Catalogue

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): New mini Green Wizard Catalogue: Of course, this catalogue is downloadable to your right!!!  or drop me a line and you can have  a copy...

History Trivia


December 20
 69 General Vespasian's troops occupied Rome after defeating the Emperor Vitellius.
 860 King Ethelbald of Wessex died.
 1192 Richard the Lionheart was captured and imprisoned by Leopold V of Austria on his way home to England after signing a treaty with Saladin ending the Third crusade.
Richard the Lionheart
1334 Benedict XII was elected pope. The third pope to reside at Avignon, Benedict attempted to reform the church and its religious orders. His pontificate saw the beginning of the Hundred Years' War.
1522 Suleiman the Magnificent accepted the surrender of the surviving Knights of Rhodes, who were allowed to evacuate. They eventually settled on Malta and became known as the Knights of Malta.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Ngaire Elder: Book Review and Radio Interview: Ultra Violence by...

Ngaire Elder: Book Review and Radio Interview: Ultra Violence by...: Book Review and Radio Interview: Ultra Violence by Mark Barry Author, Mark Barry, was invited by Phil Naessens to chat about his bestselli...

Book Review and Radio Interview: Ultra Violence by Mark Barry

Book Review and Radio Interview: Ultra Violence by Mark Barry

History Trivia


December 19,
 
211 Publius Septimius Geta, co-emperor of Rome, was murdered.
324 Licinius abdicated his position as Roman Emperor.
1075 - Edith of Wessex, wife of Edward the Confessor of England, died.  
1154 Henry II of England was crowned at Westminster Abbey.
Henry II
 
1187 Clement III became Pope. The fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in the Third Crusade occurred during his pontificate.
 1490 Anne, Duchess of Brittany, was married to Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor by proxy.
1551 The Dutch west coast was hit by a hurricane.
 
 
 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Book Review - Carla by Mark Barry

 
 
Amazon UK review
5.0 out of 5 stars A haunting, lovely tale, 19 Dec 2012

By 
 
This review is from: Carla (Kindle Edition)
A lovely but dark tale of love with hints of Wuthering Heights. Deep, passionate, beautifully penned. A definite must read!

The Wizard's Cauldron: An Interview with Nikki Prince

The Wizard's Cauldron: An Interview with Nikki Prince: Nikki Prince   Nikki Prince lives in Riverdale, California. She  is a mother of two, who always had a dream to be a published romanc...

Book Review and Radio Interview: Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry

Book Review and Radio Interview: Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry

History Trivia


December 18
218 BC Second Punic War: Battle of the Trebbia – Hannibal's Carthaginian forces defeated those of the Roman Republic.
1118 Afonso the Battler, the Christian King of Aragon captured Saragossa, Spain, causing a major blow to Muslim Spain.
1352 Innocent VI became Pope. He introduced many needed reforms in the administration of church affairs and also sought to restore order in Rome, where, in 1355, Charles IV (1346–78) was crowned Holy Roman Emperor with his permission, after previously having made an oath that he would quit the city on the day of the ceremony.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): New mini Green Wizard Catalogue

Carla (and other Green Wizard stories): New mini Green Wizard Catalogue: Of course, this catalogue is downloadable to your right!!!  or drop me a line and you can have  a copy...

Blog Share - Wendy Steele / Aurelia B Rowl

Check out the post at:

http://wendysteele.com/2012/blog-share-with-aurelia-b-rowl/

History Trivia


December 17
 
546 Gothic War: The Ostrogoths of King Totila conquered Rome by bribing the Byzantine garrison.
 920 Romanos I was crowned co-emperor of the underage Emperor Constantine VII.
1187 Pope Gregory VIII died. In his brief pontificate, Gregory initiated the Third Crusade and began reforms in the Curia.
1531 Pope Clement VII established a parallel body to the Inquisition in Lisbon, Portugal.
1538 Pope Paul III excommunicated Henry VIII of England.

In the Midst: Author Glynis Smy Spotlighted!

In the Midst: Author Glynis Smy Spotlighted!: About Ripper, My Love: Growing up in late nineteenth century East London, Kitty Harper’s life is filled with danger and death ...

Sunday, December 16, 2012

In the Midst: New Book Blogger: Transcendence by K. Meador

In the Midst: New Book Blogger: Transcendence by K. Meador: New Book Blogger: Transcendence by K. Meador :  Transcendence is a collection of poetry for the soul written from the author's perspective...

In the Midst: Author LaLani Black Spotlighted!

In the Midst: Author LaLani Black Spotlighted!: Author LeLani Black Boss with Benefits Hot Honolulu bachelor Jack Sloane has finally fallen in love. Problem is, ...

M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES: DINOSAUR AND MONKEYS

M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES: DINOSAUR AND MONKEYS:    * Clip Art from Billybear4kids page  FREE TO COPY DINOSAUR AND MONKEYS by M.C. Arvanitis Once there was an Ancient Land Where dinosau...

M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES: DINOSAUR AND MONKEYS

M. C. Arvanitis, writer / WORDS TOGETHER MAKE TALES: DINOSAUR AND MONKEYS:    * Clip Art from Billybear4kids page  FREE TO COPY DINOSAUR AND MONKEYS by M.C. Arvanitis Once there was an Ancient Land Where dinosau...

History Trivia


December 16

882 Marinus I was elected Roman Catholic pope, replacing the murdered John VIII.

955 Ottaviano (age 18), the only son of Duke Alberic II of Spoleto, who ruled Rome, became Pope John XII when his father ordered his election. John's pontificate lasted nine years.

1431 Henry VI of England was crowned King of France at Notre Dame in Paris. Though young Henry had been proclaimed king at age ten months, it was not until he was ten years old that he was officially crowned at Notre Dame Cathedral. 1485 Catherine of Aragon, Spanish princess and first wife of Henry VIII was born.

1631 Mount Vesuvius, Italy erupted, destroying 6 villages & killing 4,000.




1653 Parliamentarian general Oliver Cromwell became lord protector of England, Scotland and Ireland.

In the Midst: Author Emma Edwards Spotlighted!

In the Midst: Author Emma Edwards Spotlighted!: About the Author: Neo-gothic Welsh wordsmith Emma Edwards has written since childhood. She worked in Business Administration, married...

In the Midst: Author Mary Ann Bernal Spotlighted!

In the Midst: Author Mary Ann Bernal Spotlighted!: The Briton and The Dane: Collection The Briton and the Dane novels bring to life the tumultuous ninth century when the formidable Viking...

In the Midst: Author Ngaire Elder Spotlighted!

In the Midst: Author Ngaire Elder Spotlighted!: The Adventures of Cecilia Spark is an adventuresome story suitable for the age group between four and nine years. The Author is from Sp...

In the Midst: Author Wendy Steele Spotlighted!

In the Midst: Author Wendy Steele Spotlighted!: Five Books, One for each generation. Destiny of  Angels  - Traumatic events in her childhood, send Angel Parsons upon a different l...

In the Midst: Author Mark Barry Spotlighted!

In the Midst: Author Mark Barry Spotlighted!: Ultra Violence: Forty. Receding pate. Failing marriage. Delinquent, uncaring son. Psycho boss parachuted in to cut the big earne...

In the Midst: Author Cheryl Ramirez Spotlighted!

In the Midst: Author Cheryl Ramirez Spotlighted!:     Bobby’s Dove by author Matthew Hamilton and illustrator Cheryl Ramirez Bobby’s Dove is a poem that is transferred to book form ...

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Carla by Mark Barry - Book review

 
 
 
 
 
 
5.0 out of 5 stars Unforgettable, December 15, 2012

By
Chloe Fredericks (New York, NY) 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Carla (Kindle Edition)
After several days and two books later, I'm still thinking about Carla. A compelling read that wuthers through the heights of your memory for a long time. Must read!

History Trivia


December 15,

37 Nero was born. He was the Roman emperor who is alleged to have fiddled while Rome burned.

533 Byzantine general Belisarius defeated the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of Ticameron.

687 Sergius I (Saint Sergius) was elected Roman Catholic pope. He received Caedwalla, King of the West Saxons, and baptized him (689) but because the King died in Rome, he was buried in St. Peter's. Sergius also ordered St. Wilfrid to be restored to his see (Bishopric at York), greatly favored St. Aldhelm, Abbot of Malmesbury, and is credited with endeavoring to secure the Venerable Bede as his adviser. Finally he consecrated the Englishman St. Willibrord bishop, and sent him to preach Christianity to the Frisians.

Caedwalla, King of the West Saxons
 

Friday, December 14, 2012

History Trivia


December 14
 
867 AD Adrian II was elected Roman Catholic pope. Adrian had difficulties with international politics. The eighth ecumenical council and the fourth Council of Constantinople took place during his reign. He died on this date in 872.
 
872 AD John VIII was elected Roman Catholic pope on the very day Pope Adrian II died. His pontificate was marked with political intrigue, and he is believed to have been murdered by conspirators involved in a plot of local politics.
 
1503Nostradamus was born. Author of a collection of predictions in quatrains published in the book Centuries, Nostradamus gained fame in his lifetime when some of his prophecies appeared to come true.
 
 
 
 
1542 Princess Mary Stuart became Queen Mary I of Scotland.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Carla by Mark Barry

Mary Ann Bernal review of Carla by Mark Barry



Carla is the story of a perceived mentally-ill person, John Dexter, who shares his story truthfully about his psychiatric illnesses, hospitalizations, and his obsessive love for a woman half his age. He speaks to the reader, as if writing a blog, sharing painful memories with acceptance, his writings cathartic, purging his fear. The story held my interest to the very last page and I look forward to reading more novels by this author.

History Trivia


December 13

863 Boudouin with the Iron Arm, earl of Flanders, wed Charles II the Bald of France's daughter Judith. He was daring warrior who fell in love with the youthful widow of two English kings, married her and fled with his bride to Lorraine. Charles, though at first angry, was at last conciliated, and made his son-in-law margrave of Flanders, which he held as a hereditary fief. The Norsemen were continually devastating the coastlands at this time, and Baldwin was entrusted with this outlying borderland in order to defend it. He was the first of a line of strong rulers of Flanders, who early in the 10th century exchanged the title of margrave for that of count.




1294 Saint Celestine V resigned the papacy after only five months; Celestine, who founded the Celestine order, was the first pope to abdicate. He had accepted the position only because the papacy had been vacant for years and needed a leader. In his eighties when elected, the work proved too problematic, and he resigned. 

1545 Council of Trent began.  The council would pass legislation dealing with the doctrinal challenges of the Protestant Reformation.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Ultra Violence by Mark Barry

Mary Ann Bernal review of Ultra Violence by Mark Barry




Mr. Barry delves the reader into the bygone days of British football where team followers of Notts County clash with the myriad of opposing fans, resulting in violent clashes on game day.

The story revolves around a middle-aged man whose life is in turmoil - a failed marriage, a disinterested son and a career on the line. He suddenly finds himself reunited with friends from his youthful past, and while nostalgic memories are forefront, replicating events from an earlier era becomes a reality.

I enjoyed this story and recommend it to both men and women.

Interview with author K-Trina Meador

Interview with author K-Trina Meador

History Trivia


December 12

884 Charles the Fat inherited the West Frankish lands and briefly reunited the empire of his ancestor Charlemagne.

1098 First Crusade: Massacre of Ma'arrat al-Numan – Crusaders breached the town's walls and massacred about 20,000 inhabitants. After finding themselves with insufficient food, they resorted to cannibalism.





1112 Tancred of Antioch died.

1189 Richard I left England, where he spent less than six months of his reign, to join the Third Crusade.

1408, The Order of the Dragon a monarchical chivalric order was created by Sigismund of Luxembourg, then King of Hungary.

Ngaire Elder: Liebster Award Nominee

Ngaire Elder: Liebster Award Nominee: I was fortunate to be nominated to participate in the Liebster Award by author, Mary Ann Bernal http://maryannbernal.blogspot.com . Here ...

The Briton and the Dane Trilogy featured in The Examiner





Read the article in its entirety at:

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-briton-and-dane-series

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Book Review and Radio Interview: Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry

Book Review and Radio Interview: Hollywood Shakedown by Mark Barry

The story behind The Briton and the Dane Trilogy



 
The Story behind The Briton and the Dane Trilogy

Cover design by Steven Novak
 
 

I fell in love with medieval England after reading Sir Walter Scott’s “Ivanhoe” in my sophomore year of high school, but my interests soon turned towards the Dark Ages when the formidable Vikings harassed the civilized world once Hollywood released such blockbusters as “The Vikings,” “The Longships,” and “Erik the Viking.” Add to the mix “Alfred the Great,” “Prince Valiant,” and “King Arthur,” and an incurable romantic anglophile was born.

As time went on Hollywood changed its venue of period movies, but I found solace with the many British programs being aired on our local PBS station. With the advent of BBC America and History International, I was able to find great documentaries such as “The Dark Ages,” “Life in Anglo-Saxon Times,” “Dark Age England,” and “Viking Exploration,” to name but a few.

During this time, Erik the Viking was hovering in the cobwebs of my creative mind, waiting to escape oblivion, waiting to tell his story, waiting and waiting and waiting, but it was not until 2008 that I was able to find the time to devote to fulfilling my lifelong dream of writing my Erik the Viking novel.

Why did I focus on Alfred the Great and King Guthrum? I chose these two formidable characters because I find them fascinating.  This was a time of conflict and change, when Christianity was replacing the pagan religion, and the feared Vikings no longer plundered the fertile country of Britannia but remained and settled the land.

When King Alfred defeated King Guthrum in 878, one of the terms for peace was the Christian baptism of the Danish King.  I wondered how this heathen King might have felt about denying the gods of his ancestors as he willingly accepted the Roman Christ God, and also wondered how willing his subjects had been to submit to the rules of the new religion.

In addition to the religious conflict, there were also petty Kings who coveted the throne, not only King Alfred’s crown, but King Guthrum’s as well.  Throw into the mix, illegitimate offspring and you have all the makings for a great story.

While Erik started out as my main character, the supporting characters quickly sought to usurp the protagonist role.  I had often heard the phrase, “but then my characters took over,” and suddenly discovered that the statement is very true. Erik had to share the limelight with the many prominent figures, and these characters refused to play a minor role in an ongoing saga.

The same holds true for the antagonist; there are many opponents as the story unravels, each with their own agenda, but each seeking power and wealth.

I delve into the minds of the characters as they deal with conflicts that are quite common today: father/son relationships and acknowledgement of paternity, religious confrontation, and warfare. The people who lived in the Ninth Century were flesh and blood as we are flesh and blood.  They faced the same problems, made similar choices, and perhaps regretted their decisions, just like us.

I also wanted to reach out to the families of our modern day warriors, and to remind everyone that the only thing that has changed in warfare over time has been its weaponry.  What has not changed is the anxiety as one awaits the fate of loved ones; waiting is difficult no matter which century a person lives in.

Since “The Briton and the Dane: Legacy” is the third and final installment of the trilogy, I should be willing to say goodbye…the key word here is should…but there are many stories still to tell, and many characters to meet, and enough passion, intrigue, treachery and betrayal to enthrall an audience…so fear not my faithful fans, the series will continue. 

“The Briton and the Dane” trilogy has been a joy to write, and I trust a joy to read.  Enjoy the adventure, it only gets better.

Coming Soon:

“The Briton and the Dane:  Concordia” - available 2013
 

 
Cover design by Steven Novak
 

Visit my webpage (http://www.maryannbernal.com) for more information.