Making Connections Group: Genre of the Week: ACTION/ADVENTURE

This week in our Making Connections Group: Genre of the Week: ACTION/ADVENTURE:

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1. MARIE (Teumessian Trilogy #1) by Ana Elise Meyer The human search for a solution to disease and physical decay has driven many to go to extreme measures. Dr. Carl Stanley’s efforts are no exception, his creation, Marie becomes the picture of physical perfection; possessing the ability to heal at a rapid rate.

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2. JAMES (Teumessian Trilogy #2) by Ana Meyer As the lone survivor of the destruction brought on by Marie, James is left to question: Who am I? However, dark force have begun to arise that will try to answer that question for him and shape his destiny.

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3. VANISHED by Mark Bierman Tragedy . . . heartache . . . how much more can Tyler Montgomery and John Webster take? This mission’s trip, the “healing” one, has only added fresh layers of pain. Construction of an orphanage in Haiti’s northwest . . . yes. But a doomed rescue operation, human traffickers, human anomalies, and extreme personal danger . . . risk of death? They hadn’t signed up for any of those.

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4. SECRETS & LIES IN EL SALVADOR by Sherrie Miranda In a conscious effort to heal from recent trauma and her mother’s lies about her closest relations, Shelly Dalton Smith travels to war-torn El Salvador. Unwittingly used by someone she trusts to implement a mission too dangerous for anyone to complete, she captures shots of her host family, and listens to their secrets and lies, which reveal her mother's deception is not so different from that of others, including her own.

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5. THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE by Charles Michael Landry An American working at a US Government contracting firm stumbles upon a secret plot against the American people involving his own company. His discovery is quietly detected and he is sent on a mission to South Korea where he is framed for spying against the foreign government and placed under house arrest. He has been successfully silenced. Living through the painful emotions of solitude, confinement and isolation, he turns to music and in a moment of epiphany, finds hidden musical notation in the characters of the Korean language.

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While you're here, stop by and check out the new books posted this week in Making Connections:

BOTS AND BEANS: CULT Group Coffee Sequence Volume 1 by Colin Spindler

THE HEAVINESS OF KNOWING (The Conscious Dreamer Series #1) by Sharolyn G. Brown 

LEGEND OF THE EAST ROAD (The Roads of Luhonono #1) by Hamilton Hill

HOW YOU GET THE GIRL by Quirah Casey AT YOMI'S GATE by John Meszaros

LOST HUNTERS, Second Edition by Deanne Devine

PANDORA RED by Jay Tinsiano

BLOOD TIES (Modern Tales of Na Fianna #1) by Hazel B West

21 Days to Change Your Body by Helen M. Ryan + Giveaway

21 Days to Change Your Body
by Helen M. Ryan

Have you ever wondered why you don't lose weight on a diet? Is it the diet program itself that is ineffective? Or is it your mindset?

In this fresh, new approach to weight loss, 21 Days to Change Your Body (and Your Life) will show you how to lose weight by changing the way you think about dieting. Be healthier, be happier and enjoy a better quality life--while eating the foods you love.

Based on the author's own experience with losing more than 80 pounds, Helen M. Ryan shows you how to overcome the mental blocks to weight loss success, how to fit exercise into your busy day, and what you should doing and eating to fit into your "skinny jeans."

Finally, a real book for real people that offers a step-by-step guide that will help you win the weight loss war. It's real, honest, refreshing and engaging.

Are you ready to take back your life and lose weight? Let's begin your future. It starts now.

Paperback, 204 pages
Published May 1st 2012 by Real World Guides

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I was once severely obese and living a sad life. I had no dreams or goals of my own, and just silently ate myself to death, hoping to one day to simply fade away and out of my misery.



In August of 2003 I was faced a life-changing experience. I sat next to my dad, who was riddled with cancer, and held his hand as he died.
 At that very moment I realized I was mortal and that some day I, too, would die....and I would die without accomplishing anything or helping anyone. My life would not have mattered.

So as my father took his last breaths I realized I had had a decision to make: Either stay with more of the same or make a change in my life. I chose change and became a certified fitness pro, speaker and writer.

My first book, 21 Days to Change Your Body (and Your Life, is a result of all I have learned, and I hope it makes a difference in your life.

Connect with me on the web, share your story, and keep in touch.

Social Links for Helen Ryan:
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Twitter
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Facebook
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My Review:
4 out of 5 stars

21 Days to Change Your Body is a great source of information for anyone looking for a fresh start.  The author has gathered many helpful tips and ideas for a healthier lifestyle in this step-by-step guide.  The ideas she gives in the book are not radically new or different, most are common sense.  However, they are presented here in a new and fresh way, and set up so they are easy to follow through on.

Along with the tips for healthier living, the author also gives us insight into her own life, showing how these steps helped her to become a healthier, happier person.  I thought this personal touch brought a lot to the book, and I look forward to implementing some of the ideas presented in the book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Life of the Party by Christine Anderson

 

Life of the Party
by Christine Anderson

Genre: Dark / Drama / Romance / Sociology-Abuse
Paperback, 500 pages
Published November 19th

Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Taylor can't wait to be free; free from high school, the shadow of her perfect older sister, and her disapproving parents. The rebellious party girl has a perfect accomplice in best friend Riley, a boy from the wrong side of the tracks who scores them drugs, booze and under-age entry into the only club in town. But then everything changes. A traumatized Riley suddenly decides to give up the party life, and a wide-eyed Mackenzie meets Grey Lewis, a broodingly talented, gorgeous older man she falls instantly in love with. Though Riley warns her to stay away, the aspiring rock star's body and ample drug supply are too tempting for her to resist. Previously inseparable, Riley and Mackenzie go their separate ways.

When summer hits, Mackenzie has new friends, a new apartment and new drugs to mask the pain of Riley's absence. And of course, she has Grey. But despite the fierce, consuming passion they share, the mysterious bad-boy always leaves her guessing. Is Grey really a good guy? Or was Riley right about him all along? Mackenzie's in too deep to care. Unable to curb her mounting addictions, before long the lust-for-life teen totally loses control. She forgets Riley, forgets life, forgets everything but Grey and their next hit.

But luckily for Mackenzie...Riley has never forgotten about her.

This novel contains mature themes and graphic content.

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My Review
5/5 stars

Life of the Party is one of those books. You know the type…it makes you think, and I mean really think; it sticks with you long after you have finished because you have become invested in the characters; it makes you cry. I hate it when books make me cry.

Mac and Riley are best friends. Their favorite pastime is to get drunk and high. Hey, they're young, why not? Everything is great until Riley decided he needs to get clean. Mac, feeling abandoned by her best friend, delves deeper into the world of drugs, trying to forget Riley and everything that is wrong with her life.

I loved, loved, loved the characters in this book (which I guess is why I felt so much for them that I was bawling my eyes out by the end). The author let us get into Mac's head and really enjoy being there. Mac, though young and stupid and obviously making mistake after mistake, was real. She had real problems and real choices and real feelings. And Grey…I so love Grey. It is obvious from the way he treats her that he loves Mac, but he is young and free and has the world ahead of him, so of course he makes mistakes, too. When he realizes, however, that things have gone too far he does the only thing he can think of to fix it, even if it is the wrong thing. We do not see much of Riley for most of the story and mostly get to know him through Mac's feelings and memories of him. Though Mac feels he abandoned her, he had always been there just waiting for the right time.

I think the thing I really loved about this story was about how realistic it is. From Mac's mom and dad (just ignore the problem, it will go away) to her sister and Mac's feelings of inferiority around her (which I can relate to having two perfect older sisters myself) to the drug use. The author did an exceptional job (in my humble opinion) of detailing and describing Mac's drug use and feelings. I did find myself thinking a few times, can someone really use that much cocaine and still be alive/walking/standing/coherent? But, I have absolutely no first-hand knowledge of the subject so it could be true. Even if it's not accurate, the author did a great job faking it and making me believe it was real.

I sincerely hope this author writes more books in the future. I loved everything about this story from the characters to the story to the writing style. She is an amazing storyteller and I thank her for sharing her story with us.  

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Making Connections would like to welcome Christine Anderson today!


Q:  Tell us a little bit about your main characters.
Mackenzie Taylor is a rebellious seventeen-year old who lives for a good time. She tries to be a bad ass but she’s really sweet, and naive. Her anger stems from feelings of inferiority and jealousy towards her very perfect older sister, and feelings of abandonment from her parents who live very busy lives.

Riley is her best friend, from the “wrong side of the tracks.” Despite dealing drugs, he’s a good guy. Brought up by his single mother in the trailer court, Riley is loyal and sweet. He never stops caring for Mackenzie, even when they’re miles apart.

Grey Lewis is the ultimate bad boy, a mysterious older man who steals Mackenzie’s heart. He had a hard upbringing and threw himself into music to cope. Talented and gorgeous, he could have any girl he wants, but he only has eyes for one.


Q:  I haven't read a single review where the reviewer wasn't in tears by the end of this book. Your characters deal with some tough issues and the consequences of choices. Was this a hard book for you to write, and where did your ideas come from?
This book was definitely a challenge to write, but also very satisfying. The main idea for this novel stemmed from wanting to share some of my own experiences. I wanted to show the dangers of drugs and addiction in a real, authentic, personal way…for the reader to relate to the addict and see, firsthand, how hopeless the situation can become. Deep stuff aside, I love angst and romance and teenage drama. The hardest part for me to write, hands down, was the ending… I have an obsession for happy endings! The reality of drug addiction doesn’t always end that way.


Q:  What do you see as the biggest challenge for new authors and what have you been doing to overcome that?
I think the biggest challenge facing a new author today is just trying to be seen! Never mind writing a book, that seems to be easy in comparison, lol. There are so many great books out there now, especially with self-publishing gaining such popularity. Trying to stand out and effectively market your novel are definitely huge challenges for the self-published author. What worked for me was simple, I gave copious amounts of my novel away, for free, in exchange for honest reviews. Once the reviews built up and word spread a little, I was able to start selling some copies. It’s always a work in progress. Sites with an author/reader community like Goodreads have played a huge part in getting my novel out there.


Q:   I heard a rumor about a possible sequel to Life of the Party. Is there any certainty to that, and if so when, and what can your readers expect from that story?
I’m writing the sequel right now! I hope to have it finished and published sometime in 2014. This novel focuses on Charlie, picking up where Life of the Party ended, following her journey through the aftermath. I don’t want to give too much away, but Mackenzie will make an appearance.


Q:  What do you do to unwind and relax?
I’m a huge introvert, so to really unwind I like to be totally alone. Preferably with a coffee and my laptop and basking in the sunshine.


Q:  Hard/paperbacks or ebooks?
I’m a fan of a good paperback, but I’m not picky as long as it’s instantly available.


Q:  What book are you reading now?
I am working through the fifth Game of Thrones book, I can’t remember what it’s called. George R.R Martin’s writing is just so brilliant and the story lines are so complex…it’s not an easy read by any means, and I’m constantly forgetting the characters, but I’m a huge fan.

I’ve had a love affair with writing for as long as I can remember. Growing up on the farm left me ample time for imagining, and having the longest school bus ride in history really helped me hone my craft. I spent countless hours listening to Everclear on my tape-deck, staring out at the prairie fields season after season and happily writing stories in my head.

Having a license changed all that. Actually, from age sixteen to nineteen I don’t think I wrote a word (and that includes homework). Those years I lived in a haze my father will never approve of. And from that lengthy blur in my life comes my first novel, Life of the Party.

I should emphasize that Life of the Party is not an autobiography…but it’s not entirely fiction either. While it was inspired from the experiences my friends and I shared when we were younger, it was also inspired by the lessons I learned from them.

In my blog, you’ll find a little bit of everything pertaining to Life of the Party–some book excerpts, book info, random stuff on music and clothes, and anything else I find helpful or inspiring. And of course, my current addiction of choice–writing.

Thanks for checking it out.

Blog: http://christineandersonbooks.wordpress.com/about-me/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristineAndersonBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/c_anderson2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4528548.Christine_Anderson

 



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Ransom by Denise Mathew

Ransom by Denise Mathew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lexie is your typical high school senior. She has a normal, relatively good life until one decision takes away everything she's ever known and leaves her with the overwhelming guilt and shame that only tragedy can. Determined to find forgiveness and the answers to all of life's questions, she heads out on a road trip with her two best friends. A trip that will forever change Lexie's life. Ransom has spent his whole life taking care of his brother. He has had to put his wants and needs aside in order to make those around him happy. His sole purpose in life is to keep his brother safe. Until even that is taken from him.

Lexie and Ransom don't have a typical relationship. It starts out as an alliance of necessity and slowly evolves into a connection of acceptance and forgiveness…something both of them needed. Alone Lexie and Ransom were falling apart, but together they could be more. But fate has other ideas. Neither Lexie or Ransom are perfect. They both are dealing with internal issues, guilt for Lexie and anger for Ransom, as well as external forces that are trying to pull them apart.

I love the idea of density, circumstance, fate…whatever you want to call it…in this book. Lexie and Ransom's lives were two threads that most likely would have never crossed at all, until they did. There were one thousand and two things that had to have happened in precisely the right order for those two threads to cross, and they just happened to do that. The author has written a beautiful story here, one that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you think about love, friendship, destiny, and right and wrong. I am looking forward to more from this series to see where Lexie and Ransom's story goes.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


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Dreamscape by Christie Rich

Dreamscape by Christie Rich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the death of her grandmother, 18-year-old Amelia is alone in the world. Figuring out how she is going to survive on her own should be her biggest problem. However, after being taken from her apartment and ending up…somewhere, her biggest problem is now Seth and how to get back home.

I loved Amelia. She has all the qualities of a successful heroine – she is strong, independent, curious, and has attitude. Amelia questions everything and will not give up without a fight. Seth may have been in for more than he had bargained for when he decided to grab her and force her into his world. I'm very glad we got Seth's viewpoint as well as Amelia's. I think if we would not have known what he was thinking and feeling throughout the story it would have been hard to like him. He basically came in and took Amelia prisoner for his own purposes, but when we get his reasonings, regrets, and insecurities he becomes more real and much more likable.

Told from alternating points of view, Dreamscape is a unique, engrossing story. The world created here was complicated and incredibly detailed, and the story puts your imagination to work. The author did such a great job bringing this story to life.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


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Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne

Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for books about celebrities, covert love affairs, and creepy deadly stalkers. It's probably not healthy, but hey, what can I say? I purchased this book over a year ago after first reading Deadly Addictions (Deadly Vices #2), and I have no idea why I put off reading it for so long. Just so you know, these books can be read as stand-alone stories. As mentioned, I read #2 in the series without having read #1 and had no problem jumping into the stories, the characters, etc. However, I'm glad I finally have some of the back story on the characters who are in both books.

So about Deadly Obsession…Lauren is a single mom who is still trying to get over the loss of her husband years before. She is struggling to find her place in the world and start her career. She is strong and passionate, and she cares deeply for her friends and family. Nic is your seemingly typical playboy celebrity type. He likes to have fun and doesn't take life too seriously. Or at least that's what he lets people believe. Inside he is fighting to keep his life together and to put on the perfect face for the crowd. Both characters were realistic with real problems and emotions.

Overall I love Kristine Cayne's writing. She has a way with words, and her stories are sexy, fun, engaging. I am definitely looking forward to more from this series.


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Always Remember by Sheila Seabrook

Always Remember by Sheila Seabrook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Always Remember is the story of Jessie and Nate. Jessie left home 17 years ago to follow her dreams. She made a life for herself and stayed away, knowing she could never have what she really wanted – to change the past and erase her mistakes. Nate is afraid of losing Jessie again – along with the rest of his heart and everything else that is good in his life.

I loved all of the characters in this story. They showed a lot of emotion and were fun to read about. I loved Nate and Jessie's playfulness when they were together. You could feel the strain of their relationship coming through the pages, but they were so good for each other. Both had made mistakes and were living with the guilt of their choices, which constantly threatened to drag them down and apart. The overall theme of the story seemed to be love and redemption. Each of the major characters had to learn how to face their mistakes and take responsibility for them. They had to learn to stand up for themselves and what they wanted/needed, better late than never.

The author's writing was clean and simple, but so descriptive she was able to bring the story to life. From the background scenery to the smells and sounds described, each page drew me in and made everything just a bit more real.

My only complaint is that I would have liked to have more resolution with the ending. But wanting more is a good thing, right? I felt the ending really did not bring closure to the story like I would have wanted and I was left with too many unanswered questions. First is what happened to Jessie's mother? While she did not play a huge role in the story that we read, she had played a huge role in Jessie and Nate's lives before we met them, and her influence was everywhere. Second is what happened with Sara and Hale? I kind of felt left hanging with that relationship. Overall, though, it was a great story and a lot of fun to read.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


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Equinox by Bryan W. Dull

Solstice (Solstice Chronicles #1)
by Bryan W. Dull

Genre: Horror/Paranormal 

Book Description: In Gavin Moxley's world, there is no thin line between right and wrong. In a personal crusade to help sever a line of disease carried by a clan of vampires; Gavin has no choice to be ruthless. The Vampires are purposely infecting the human population…waiting for humans to actively pass it on to each other. Gavin takes no chances and executes them one by one. Not strong or powerful, finding humans before they turn into full vampires is ideal and Gavin’s best bet. Yes, this is Gavin’s life… …And nothing ever changes it until a young half breed vampire with special abilities, Solstice, attaches and makes herself a fixture in his life when she asks for his help and protection and when a reluctant Gavin agrees he joins a dangerous game of cat and mouse. There is no safe place and the pair are constantly watching their backs. Torn between his hate and his love for Solstice Gavin is thrown into a moral dilemma that only he can figure out but two things are clear… His faith and Humanity are being tested and the past is not always forgotten.

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4 out of 5 stars
I received this book as an ARC from the author.  

Gavin is a vampire hunter. He hunts humans who have been 'infected' and kills them before they fully turn. Gavin, like any good main character hero sort, has a past that continually haunts him. Gavin's past has made him a bit cynical, but he is overall a good guy. When he meets Solstice, he can't just turn her out on her own, no matter how much he would like to. Gavin is the sort of guy that makes a great main character, and he might just be getting his second chance at life.

Solstice is a half vampire, half human. She is alone in the world, and all she really wants is to be normal. She appears sweet and innocent, but there is a danger lurking underneath the surface that we only get a very small glimpse of in this book. I love the mystery surrounding Solstice. Even though she is the book's namesake, we really don't know very much about her, but just enough to peak interest.

I enjoyed the author's writing style. The story flowed smoothly and was easy to read. Gavin's sarcastic wit and humor was refreshing in this dark story. Really the only thing that brought this book down for me was the prologue. The scene itself was powerful, and I really liked the potential there but felt it just didn't deliver. I can't really put my finger on what is bugging me about it, though. It very well could be the third person narration, which I'm not a huge fan of, but I just think it could have been given more force.

As I said above, I received an unedited ARC, so there were many grammatical errors and a few timeline issues in this book. I heard that Solstice was picked up by a publisher, so going through that process and an editor should fix all of those issues. Overall I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to see where the author takes it. Thank you to Bryan Dull for letting me read your book!


Equinox (Solstice Chronicles #2)
by Bryan W. Dull

Genre: Horror/Paranormal 

 
 

 Book Description: Confined in an old plantation home with Vampires lying in wait Gavin and Solstice are forced to wait them out until sunrise that is perilously approaching. Unbeknownst to them the remnants of the house are even more terrifying than what is lying in wait outside. Solstice is coming into her own and her feelings for Gavin begin to come to light. Gavin is stuck in the memories of his deceased family, but the apparition he sees that resembles his dead daughter doesn’t help. Lying in wait to escape at the first chance possible, will they make it through the vampires and the supernatural creatures that have inhabited the home for a very long time? “Equinox” ups the ante in the Solstice trilogy, and no one involved will come out the same.

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4 out of 5 stars
The first thing I have to say about Equinox is that cover is just a tad creepy.  I love it!  Continuing the story right where the first book left off, Gavin and Solstice find themselves hiding out in an abandoned plantation home, waiting out the vampires who are trying to break down the door. 

There was so much going on in this book, and the story was taken to a completely new level.  Besides the vampires trying to get Solstice, they also have the phantoms of the home they are taking shelter in causing trouble and making Gavin question his sanity (who wouldn't faced with a haunted house?).  Additionally, Solstice is growing up and growing into her abilities, and it is a struggle for her as she learns how to use those abilities.

To make things even harder for them, the relationship between Solstice and Gavin is constantly changing.  Where he used to see Solstice as a daughter, a child who needed protecting, at some point he realizes she isn't so little anymore, and she is not as sweet an innocent as she once appeared to be.  Solstice herself went through a lot of changes in this book, growing up emotionally and becoming more self aware. 

The author took a different approach to this story, writing it in third person narrative rather than first person from Gavin's point of view.  While it seems odd to switch narrative styles from book to book, I can understand why he did it, and it works here.  There was a lot going on in this book and seeing things just from Gavin's point of view would have been limiting.  Although I missed being in his head, we still got his wit and humor in this book as well, bringing a bit of fun to the story. 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt

Gavin threw down his imaginary cigarette in a hateful manner and proceeded to walk in the deep snow towards the shed. In the back of his mind he knew that any chance for escape is minimal given the height of the snow he had to tread across; it would slow him down. He had to quick on the draw if vampires emerged. Dammit it all to hell, I should have brought my halogen light to make an escape easier.

As he got closer to the dilapidated shed, unaware, ghostly children started to emerge to the windows of the house from inside. They watched as this pit of rage of a man started to march down to beat of his own drum and possible death. The children started placing their hands on the windows. One child occupied each window facing the back yard. They knew something was about to happen.

About the Author:  Currently living in Cincinnati, OH with his wife (and fellow author Brandy Michelle) and their daughter. Bryan W. Dull goes leaps and bounds to get away from the norm and be his own person; with himself and his writing. Since middle school he has always known what he was good at: entertaining and telling stories. He has been consistently writing and coming up with plots for the last twenty years, but just recently decided to share one with the world. His first novel, "Solstice" is a vampire book inspired by his daughter and noir literature. Born in Anderson, IN, Bryan has also lived in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina (where "Solstice" is based). Being a lover of all things art and pop culture "nerdism"; his interests lie in film, television, comics, games, anime, and books. For a short while, Bryan dabbled in voice acting work only to shift his focus to his family and writing. His favorite authors include; Chuck Palahniuk, Robert Kirkman, Clive Barker, Ernest Cline, and Neil Gaiman

Social Links:
Blog: http://bryanwdull.blogspot.com/

Webpage: www.Bryanwdull.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Solstice.Chronicles

Twitter: BWDull

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/bwdull/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829383.Bryan_W_Dull