Tag: dark-epic-fantasy • BookLikes

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text 2013-10-07 14:51

I Used to Love Bookshops :-(

Rayne Hall, Fantasy and Horror Author

Storm Dancer (Dark Epic Fantasy) - Rayne Hall

I used to love bookshops. When I was young, that's where I spent most of my money.

But these days? The few bookshops still in existence aren't real bookshops any more. The atmosphere, the selection, the whole essence has gone.

A few days ago, I visited several bookshops (in East Sussex, England). Shops that were once crammed with books from floor to ceiling and wall to wall were now selling stationary, greeting cards, party gimmicks, toys and gadgets.

The few books they still had - usually on a single wall - were a handful of bestsellers and a lot of books by television celebrities. Celebrity cookery, celebrity kiss & tell ... no thank you.

There was nothing - seriously: nothing - to tempt this reader. I mourn for days when I could walk into a bookshop and lose myself in a choice of thousands of titles. Today, in visits to several bookshops, I found a single book I wanted to read.

If bookshops don't provide a selection of books for genuine readers, is it surprising that genuine readers go online to shop for books?

It gets worse. One bookshop (that I would hesitate to call a bookshop, although it still had a shelf of books among the gadgets and toys) had a sign "Do not touch books unless buying."

Ahem. If I'm not allowed to pick up a book, to dip into it, to read the first couple of paragraph to see if I like the style, then I won't buy it.

Of course I'll go online where I can click 'look inside' or download sample pages to peruse at leisure.

If bookshops don't provide the selection, quality and experience that attract book loving customers, then they shouldn't complain if the customers stay away.

I hear brick & mortar bookshop owners whine about how Amazon is taking away their business... but I think they're digging their own graves.

Rayne

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review 2013-09-17 19:34

Fantastic Dark Read

All Over The Map

Storm Dancer is a dark fantasy novel, that includes such themes as: rape, torture, captivity, betrayal, demons, and death. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart, or the squeamish. The majority of complaints I have read have been due to the inability of the particular reader to handle and enjoy the darker themes. So do not read this if you cannot handle the themes I have previously listed (especially the rape).

This is set in a fantasy world with many similarities to historical Middle East or Persia. The land in which this takes place has been suffering from drought, bringing much distress to it's inhabitants. There is also magic and demons; that are very real in this story.

Dahoud, once the general known as the Black Besieger, is trying to leave his old life of rape and terror behind him. He is appointed the new Satrap of Koskara, despite his objections. Faced with rejection, betrayal, and much difficulty, Dahoud must try to fight his inner demons to protect the women around him from it's wrath. His story is entwined with that of Merida; a young woman who is to learn a lot about life's hardships and realities.

The characters are very interesting and well developed. There are all varieties of personality. Some are obviously meant to be hated while others are meant to be liked. Then there are the main characters, who you want to like and understand but at certain points just want to run away from or shake into reality.

Dahoud has been struggling with his djinn since the age of 11. A djinn is a demon that resides within him, fueled by his anger, causing him to rape women. This theme is a large recurring point in the story. He tries very hard to resist the things his djinn puts into his mind but cannot always resist, though I give him points for his persistance.

Merida is from a place called Riverland, where the people appear to be snobbish prudes who value social standing above all else. She views herself very highly and looks down on those she views as uncultured. Due to her sheltered upbringing in Riverland she is ill prepared for what awaits her.

From beginning to end Storm Dancer is packed with detestable villains, action, intrigue, and darkness. It shows how different people can be depending on where they come from and how they can strive (or are forced) to change. The writing kept me interested from beginning to end. I must admit that I had to stop myself from going to the end to relieve myself of anticipation.

I wish there had been a map of this fantasy land included. This would have helped build a better idea of the layout for those who have a hard time keeping track. Though the writing does paint a fairly clear picture so that it wouldn't be too hard to create your own.

This novel was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Please visit me at http://www.theproductschool.org.

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text 2013-09-13 09:08

I'm excited :-)

Rayne Hall, Fantasy and Horror Author

I'm excited. "Storm Dancer" is climbing in the bestseller lists.
Right now, it's #24 in Dark Fantasy on Amazon Kindle.
It's not in Epic Fantasy, though. (yet?)

(It's 99c this week to celebrate the 2nd publication anniversary)

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text 2013-09-07 15:48

TwitterParty this Wednesday

Rayne Hall, Fantasy and Horror Author

On Wednesday, I'll hold a TwitterParty to celebrate the 2nd publication anniversary of Storm Dancer. Who'll join me?

Times & details tba

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review 2013-08-20 16:36

Absolutely LOVE this book

junettar

If you are a wife, a mother, and life seems boring--- TAKE a look at this book you will find fun and excitement, I had quit biting my nails years ago--- I found myself with short nails on one hand and realized I BIT THEM OFF due to the suspense of the book. The writing is absolutely amazing (a different type of spelling) and some of the words were difficult to pronounce (names mainly) A story of a woman a VIRTUOUS woman with a goal to change every one to see her view points- gets caught in a tangled mess and then again another mess. Along side another story going on at the same time- a person rising to power and then comes in both of thier past secrets both guessing the others and both guessing wrong. In the end one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read with all the excitement of wars, fighting, descriptive and possibly a little harsh- adult content for sure but I will say the story seemed to resemble lives of people that were in the Bible and how amazing it was to me how this story was intertwined with so many biblical references...

Source: randomsparksthoughtsandgiggles.com/storm-dancer