Novel Ideas and Writing Projects

Hello fellow writers!!

Yes, I’ve been away for a few months and honestly I questioned the benefits of blogging… slight existential crisis. We’ll call it my five year blogging itch… ha. In the end, my fellow blogging community is what drew me back. There will be a few changes: I won’t be posting as much and I’ll repost some of my earlier content. That way, I’ll be able to keep up with the demands of working, writing, training, and all the other stuff that keeps me busy… I hope.

Today, I’m sharing my updated website and I’ve included some information about my writing. So you’ll get to see my aesthetic boards and learn a little bit about the novels I’m currently querying, editing, or plotting. If you have any questions feel free to ask and don’t forget to follow my blog for writing tips and inspiration. If you’re at the querying stage too, take a look at my ‘Contact Me!’ page if you’d like me to critique your query.

I’ve really missed you all. I hope you enjoy. Xx

Crown of Lies

My third manuscript: Adult historical-fantasy novel at 98,000-words, currently being queried.

Romeo and Juliet meets Robin Hood.

A rebellious prince and a damsel in disguise risk their lives to save their Sister Kingdoms from corruption.

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Mischief and Mayhem

My second manuscript: Adult high fantasy-romance novel at 95,000-words, currently being queried.

Grisha meets The Wicked King.

Impish spy Tali is blood-bound to a ruthless magician. But when he gets trapped in another realm, she gains his magic. To save the kingdom she must: Control his fickle power, track him down, and exile his monstrous mother—before she’s killed.

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Entangled

My fourth manuscript: Speculative fiction novel at 90,000-words

Inspired by the TV show Fringe and quantum physics.

Theoretical scientist, Ebony Hayes, gets caught up in a rogue operation with Cayden Quinn, exploring multiple universes. Each Merge causes entanglement with their hosts emotions, leaving Ebony and Cayden unsure of what’s real or not. But with a top secret facility and a multi-dollar operation, they both know that danger lays much closer to home.

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Raven’s Tale

Gothic inspired fantasy novel where the female protagonist is Death.

Currently being plotted.

Raven strikes a bargain with a recently deceased man. She’ll grant him four months of life in the mortal realm, if he agrees to take her place in the underworld for the remaining time, giving Raven her dream of gracing the mortal planes. But when the recently deceased seeks revenge for his short lived life and rules the underworld in her stead, Raven must regain control of her realm before the balance of life and death is thrown into chaos, putting her immortal soul at risk.

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Knights of Secrets and Shadows

My first YA fantasy-romance novel at 60,500 words

No longer querying.

Sheltered, telepathic princess bargains with a magician to save her beloved, knowing the vow will have powerfully binding consequences for her kingdom and king.

Photo/ digital art credit – Elfine 2 by LaMuserie http://www.lamuserie.net

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Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. You know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2021.

Photo by bongkarn thanyakij on Pexels.com

Figurative Language – Writing Tips

Ways to use language in literature.

There are many ways in which we can convey meaning within our writing, figurative language uses words to deviate from their literal interpretation to achieve either a powerful effect, or a subtle nuanced one. Writers use techniques such as metaphors to create powerful imagery with in their settings, adding depth and substance, whilst playing with the sound and flow of the words.

What’s the most common method of figurative language you use in your writing? And what would you like to explore more of? Share your preferred writing style with me, you know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2020.

Review: Six of Crows

Blurb

Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams – but he can’t pull it off alone.

A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist.

Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction – if they don’t kill each other first.

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I award this novel 5/5 stars

My review

This story combined the cunning antics of Peaky Blinders with the extraordinary world building of Game of Thrones.

I was blown away by each of the characters, enthralled by their lives and how they all came to be entangled in such an elaborate heist. I hadn’t read the prior Grisha trilogy, and that didn’t affect the story. But I regret it, simply because the story was outstanding and it is obviously a crime not to dive into Leigh Bardugo’s world.

The world building was rich, colourful and diverse. Effortlessly spanning continents, with its culture hinted at through the characters. And let’s not forget the unique magic system, whereby individuals are capable of manipulating matter.

This novel seamlessly covers diversity; it’s about the characters, not their race or preferences. And each character was memorable and loved. With their own complex histories, goals and aspirations. Plus I got the anticipation of two, possibly three blossoming romances.

I had no idea how they were going to navigate any of the dilemmas and I certainly couldn’t predict the outcome of the story. Leigh Bardugo, you legend. I think I’ve found my next big author crush.

Without any spoilers: the ending blew my mind. I usually hate cliff-hangers, but all the plots were sown together. I felt satisfied by the direction of the character’s lives and ready to embrace the next adventure. So instead of throwing the book across the room, I immediately ordered The Crooked Kingdom.

Tell me, are you a fan of Leigh Bardugo? And what did you think of Six of Crows?Thanks for reading folks, see you soon. 🙂

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.

 

Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Blurb

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The terrifying assassin abducts all three girls to the world of Faerie, where Jude is installed in the royal court but mocked and tormented by the Faerie royalty for being mortal.

As Jude grows older, she realises that she will need to take part in the dangerous deceptions of the fey to ever truly belong.

But the stairway to power is fraught with shadows and betrayal. And looming over all is the infuriating, arrogant and charismatic Prince Cardan . . .

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I award this Novel 5/5 Stars.

Oh my, where to start. This novel has appeared everywhere. Scattered across the blogging community and plastered over Instagram. Mine included, so I delved in. In part because of the hype, but also because The Cruel Prince is my favourite genre YA fantasy/romance.

Prince Cardan and his fae friends are spiteful and vindictive at the best of times, but to the mortals residing in their realms they are merciless. Twin Jude has played the long subservient game. Until she realises they will never stop. Refusing to bow to them any longer, she promises to humiliate Cardan by never backing down.

From the first page, I was gripped. Each chapter engaged my attention and enticed me further into the well developed world of the fae. Elfhame is rich, full of depth and beautiful. A contradiction to the fae themselves.

I loved the dynamics of Jude’s fae family. All of whom, had their own secrets and agendas. . I loved Jude’s defiant attitude, her burning anger that pushes her to become great in a ruthless world.

Locke and Jude’s romance seemed too good to be true, and even though Cardan was the villain I loved to hate, I longed for the romance to be between him and Jude. Their developing relationship was pure dynamite. Perilous, dark and twisted. And not what I anticipated, the whole novel was a glorious surprise. And the story turned out all the more delicious for it.

As always, thanks for reading. Have you finished The Cruel Prince? If so, what did you think? Or do you have any sugesstions of similar novels? Share them with me!!!

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.

Review: The Magician King by Lev Grossman

Blurb

Meet Quentin Coldwater, king of the bizarre and wonderful land of Fillory. But he is getting restless, even in heaven a man needs a little adventure. So when a steward is murdered on a morning’s hunt Quentin gets exactly that. But this quest is like no other. What starts as a glorified cruise to faraway lands soon becomes the stuff of nightmares…

I award this novel four out of five stars

Today I’m reviewing the second novel of the Magician series. A fantastic series that has been made into a TV show for the SyFy channel. It’s one of my much-loved shows, if you haven’t seen it yet, and you’re a fan of fantasy, I highly recommend it.

Feel free to check out my review of the first novel The Magicians. Lev Grossman’s writing is awe inspiring. He’s easily one of my top ten favorite authors. His descriptive way of defining the ordain and extraordinary is effortless and imaginative.

I loved the journey into Julia’s life, and her harrowing route to becoming a Magician. I was fully engrossed in every chapter from her point of view. Her crippling depression was well written and I felt accurate. I could fully identify with her darkness.

I missed the terrific characters from the first novel; Alice, Janice and Eliot were hardly mentioned. This was a shame. They were well developed, complex characters, bringing a lighter touch of comedy and love for Quinten.  I didn’t fully connect with some of the others. We experienced Poppy, Josh and Penny through the Quinten’s lens. They weren’t always favourites of his, it made for comical encounters or lacklustre ones.

I adore Quinten’s mind, his restlessness. I loved how the seemingly inconsequential threads lined up to complete Quinten’s quest. And although I routed for a happy conclusion, Que’s acceptance of his journey and the consequences made for a surprising and satisfactory ending. Leaving a beautiful hook for the next novel, whilst tying off all the loose threads.

There were parts of the novel which dragged, hence four stars instead of five. In places, Grossman’s elaborate writing slowed the plot and pace. I struggled to maintain reading, it took weeks to finish. But once the momentum of the Magician King’s quest finally took off, I was once more engrossed until the bittersweet end.

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Thank you for reading. Have you read The Magician series? If so, what did you think? Or drop me a message about what you’re currently reading. Until next time, take care my friends. 🙂

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.

Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas

I love this author!!! My dream is to one day be as successful as her, to sign books at the same function. Ahh, did I mention daydreaming is a big deal for me. If you’re a fan of Fantasy Romance, then I strongly recommended you read this series. Check out my reviews A Court of Thorns & Roses and my personal favourite A Court of Mist & Fury. So without further delay, here is my review of the third installment of this series #ACOTAR

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Blurb.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit – and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

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I Award this Novel 5/5 Stars … my Heart and Soul with it.

My favourite quote from the novel is one that rings true in my own life.

‘If I had not met a shadowslinger, I would not have known that it is the family you make, not the one you are born into, that matters. I would not have known what it is to truly hope, even when the world tells you to despair.’

Feyre is lethal and daring, a female that holds her own. Rhysand is still charming, cunning and a force to be recommend with. He makes my heart melt. He’s ruined me for real life, nothing can compare to the emotions their love invoked in me. Truth be told, I found a lot of similarities between Rhys and my hubby. Particularly the way he treats her, lets her hold her own, but is always there to turn to.

What most inspired me, was the friendships that formed into family. The dynamics of the complex characters and how they all work, sometimes don’t work, together… because that’s what a family is. This novel delves into the other characters more, we start to unravel their pasts. To see what makes them all tick.

The war fair, is gritty, catastrophic and brutal. My heart was in my throat for most of the novel. I couldn’t predict the ending and when it arrived it was spectacular, heart-breaking and beautiful.

Sarah J Maas knows how to put her readers through the wringer. The whole series is complex, rich in belief systems, diversity, races and social status. Her world building is breath-taking; she weaves a rich, lush tapestry of realms and characters.

Spoiler: I only have one Qualm with this story and its Mor’s revelation. I have no issue with her choices; it makes a lot of sense. I’m just disappointed for Azriel. Unrequited love is a hard pill to swallow. Something I’ve had to deal with. I hope brighter things are aligned for his future.

Have you read this series? What did you think? If you’re a fan of fantasy Romance, what other series did you enjoy reading?

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Blurb

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. The black sign, painted in white letters that hangs upon the gates, reads:

Opens at Nightfall, Closes at Dawn

As the sun disappears beyond the horizon, all over the tents small lights begin to flicker, as though the entirety of the circus is covered in particularly bright fireflies. When the tents are all aglow, sparkling against the night sky, the sign appears.

Le Cirque des Rêves – The Circus of Dreams.

Now the circus is open. Now you may enter.

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I award this novel 5 stars.

My Review of Erin Morgenstern’s debut novel – The Night Circus.

The Night Circus is imaginative, dark and magical. A mix of fantasy and realism that portrays a tale of coming-of-age. The novel is thrillingly wonderfull, a delicate blend of romance and friendship. It fired up evocative images, played to my senses and delivered me into the marvellous world of The Night Circus.

I read this book when I was in Disney World. The magic and tantalising playfulness of the creation blended seamlessly with my holiday. In fact, it heightened my experience. Each caramel popcorn stall I passed reminded me of the vibrant story. The acrobats performing at the Cirque du Soleil blurred with vivid tale of The Night Circus. In the day I was transported into childlike wonder and at night Erin’s debut novel whisked me away, with the rich tapestry of her character’s lives.

I adore the book cover, with its timeless beauty, simplicity and cleverly designed intricate details. Simply stunning!

Throughout my holiday I carried the book in my heart and soul. Like the Reveres in the story, I too fell in love with the fantastical circus.

Have you read The Night Circus? What did you think and do you have any similar favourites? Let me know I love hearing from you.