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...
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.
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...
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...
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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...
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
Chloe Fredericks (New York, NY) - See
all my reviews
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
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.