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Is it me or does the week before a long weekend always go particularly slowly?  Wednesday feels like a month ago.  Luckily, despite my whining, Friday has arrived and so has Memorial Day Weekend.  I hope you have lovely weather, delicious barbecues, and some time to relax with a good book.  Below are some links to get you through the day.  See you all on Tuesday!

Tina Fey wins the Mark Twain Prize for Humor!

Speaking of Mark Twain, here comes his autobiography.

Are we really friends with our friends?

Sequencing the bugs in our bodies.

A simple swab can save a life.

Do paywalls kill traffic?

The unicorn at Microsoft was real.

The Kagan kids.

Bookshelves to make you drool.

EMT’s in Massachusetts and New Hampshire faked their papers.

Devil’s Kiss
Sarwat Chadda
Hyperion Book
2009

Billi SanGreal has been recently recruited as the first woman in Knights Templar’s history. Well it doesn’t get any better for Billi when a war is brewing in her city. Billi may have to sacrifice her wants and needs for the greater good to save humanity from an Ancient who’s after one of the Order’s protected treasures and if unleashed will bring about the 10th plague…

Can Billi and fellow Knights Templar stop this powerful enemy and his ban of Unholy from unleashing this evil on London when death is only one knock at her door?

Sarwat creates a dangerous world full mystifying characters with action-packed and adrenaline pumping scenes. With its sinister and tension filled plot, Devil’s Kiss kept me turning the pages. Devil’s Kiss is filled with rich biblical history and Sarwat did an amazing job linking the history to the story. The creatures in this book are sinister indeed with ghuls, devils, and dark angels providing Devil’s Kiss with notable foes for the Knights Templar to protect the world against.

Billi is this bad-ass heroine who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it even if it could lead to her death. I love the characters in this work. Sarwat created powerful and unforgettable characters, and their struggles to do what’s right for the greater good left a lasting impression. Kaye was a welcomed surprise and I was in awe of him from the first time he was introduced. Arthur, Billi’s dad and master of the Templar Knights is something straight out of RAMBO. I can only describe him with one word – RUTHLESS. He’s embodies what a leader has to be. He's the hero you want when millions of lives are at stake.

Sarwat’s Devil’s Kiss story line is PERFECTION! I was kept on the edge of my seat. It’s a thrilling and powerfully entertaining tale, and I was completely wrapped up in the chaos that surrounded Billi’s and the Templar’s lives right down to the very last page.

The Dark Goddess is the next installment in this series and I can’t wait to see what the Unholy unleashes next to grab hold of Billi’s and the Knights Templar’s attention. If you’re a big fan of Supernatural & Buffy, I think you’ll enjoy the Devil’s Kiss.

Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 Stars
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I run a blog called Fantastic Book Review which is basically my outlet for my book obsession for both YA and adult novels. I have a special love for all things fantasy, paranormal, and supernatural. I love spreading the word on great books all around the world by featuring information and reviews on previous, new and upcoming novels and authors.

Writing is a craft. It is a craft that requires nurturing and inspiration, along with skill and knowledge. Most writers look for news ways to be creative and inspired. I remember years ago listening to the audio tape of Julia Cameron talking about THE ARTIST'S WAY. I realize she is most well-known for the implementation of morning pages - but it was something else she said that struck me. She spoke of the possibilities that open up when you allow yourself to be creative. In my own words that means when you let creativity in the front door, it's amazing what comes in through the back door. Julia said to notice the things you start doing - suddenly you will be making curtains for your windows. The concept gave me pause. If I spent time doing other creative things, I would run out of time to write! I didn't have time to paint, or sew, or even plant flowers. If I made the time for these pursuits, wouldn't it detract from my writing? I struggled with this notion for years - really! I found myself actually avoiding other creative endeavors in rebellion. But the universe gave me signs, and friends!

My friend Tina Nichols Coury is an illustrator/artist who made the decision to become a writer - and her first book about Mount Rushmore is coming out in the Fall of 2008. Tina showed me the similarities between art and writing - they are skills that require passion, commitment, and a tenacious spirit. She writes in her studio, surrounded by paints and canvases - and the colors nurture her words.

Then I had the blessing to have Julie Williams, author of ESCAPING TORNEDO SEASON, in my critique group. Julie is an artist's artist. She creates beautiful works of art - she loves pens and beautiful papers and incorporates photos into her art. Knowing Julie made me realize that different art forms will actually foster the creativity needed to write. Art nurtures art.

Finally, I took a wonderful workshop from author Robin LaFevers. She encouraged us to create collages of our stories to provide insight and inspiration. I was hesitant, tentative - but I felt myself beginning to let go. I went home and pulled out a stack of magazines. I cut and pasted with abandon. I looked at my final product with awe. It was my story - with details I hadn't yet discovered in my words. That's when it hit me. I am a writer. I am an artist. I finally gave myself the permission I needed to be a fully creative person.

Now I gotta go - I have to sew some new curtains.