Here’s a way to start your Monday with laughter. And while you’re at it, pick up a copy of Charles’ latest installment in the Legends of Windemere series. This list will make you want to.
As you may know, I have a great deal of respect for the talent of Charles E, Yallowitz. He is a prolific writer of prose and poetry and has a marvelous sense of humor. We were discussing a guest post in support of the launch of his latest book The Mercenary Prince and I casually suggested that he do a Top Ten Things Not to Do list. To my surprise and delight, he did one. This is a list that made me laugh out loud and decided to run it on my regular feature day. I think you will enjoy it and know you would like Charles’ fantasy stories. So here is Charles and his list.
Thank you to John W. Howell for hosting this guest post, which I hope is entertaining. I step into the realm of the master with a ‘Ten Things’ list that…
I’ve come rather late to the Sir Terry Pratchett party. I’ve seen him and his writing discussed on several blogs, but didn’t even have a clue what he wrote until a month ago. Now I’m a huge fan of his.
First, some background. I’m a fan of audiobooks. Best. Thing. Ever. I love listening to audiobooks while I walk or knit or commute. If it weren’t for audiobooks, my imaginary worlds be far poorer. I have a subscription to Audible.com and when preparing for my recent vacation, I was on the website casting about for some audiobook that could easily entertain or at least distract me if I had any down time, such as on the flights or in the late evening while knitting. Snuff was on sale. It sounded like a good old police procedural. Yeah, even the novel’s description wasn’t enough to clue me in on the world I was about to enter. And obviously I didn’t look close enough at the cover.
Snuff (Pratchett novel) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The first evening I started listening, I was totally blown away: dwarfs? trolls? vampires? werewolves? social commentary on discrimination against other … hmmm … not really people but let’s say, sentient beings? WTF?
What riotous fun Snuff was to listen to! The narrator, Stephen Briggs, was wonderful, one of those great narrators who doesn’t resort to high-pitch whines when he reads the female characters. Snuff was so amazing that I want to buy the book (eventually) since oftentimes I literally could not believe my ears at what I was hearing.
To anyone who is a long-time fan of Sir Pratchett’s, my apologies if I sound (as I am) like an idiot for not already knowing of him and all the great work he has done. To top off my “discovery” of his work, I find that Sir Pratchett is not just an extraordinary writer, but an extraordinary human being.
You don’t have to enjoy fantasy (high or low) or police procedurals or supernatural/paranormal fiction to enjoy Sir Pratchett. You just have to enjoy good writing, full of humor and heart. Many thanks to Cate Russell-Cole for posting his quotes!
Swords will clash and spells will fly in the newest adventure of young warrior Luke Callindor, Nyx the magic-flinging caster, and their friends.
With Sari captured by their enemies, the champions of Windemere are determined to get her back and destroy the Lich’s castle. Little do they realize, their battles in the Caster Swamp are only the beginning of this adventure. Trinity and her Chaos Elves have invaded the city of Gaia in search of a relic called the Compass Key. Rumored to be the key to rescuing Sari from a magical island, our heroes are in a race to find the mysterious artifact.
Which side will claim the Compass Key? And, what will our heroes do when they’re faced with an enemy whose evil power overshadows anything they have ever faced?
New to Windemere? Then check it Volumes 1-4 of this exciting series by CLICKING ON THEIR COVERS!
Cover Art by Jason Pedersen
“I greatly enjoyed the vivid characters, the gripping plot, and the refreshingly unique writing style (present tense).” –kdillmanjones
“This the start of a great series and i cant wait to read to read more.”– F. Guy
“FANTASTIC, RIVETING READING. Great characters, fantasy, magic, mystery and adventure all in one series.” – S/F Old Reader 1962
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Cover Art by Jason Pedersen
“There is plenty of drama and action; everyone has a battle or crisis at some point in the story. The adventure, betrayal, loss, and grief throughout this installment makes it a must read for any upper MG or YA.” – Lilysback
“The series kept me on the edge of my seat waiting for more.” – C. Dewey
“This book is a wonderful mix of magic, mystery and adventure. With well developed characters. I look forward to the next installment.” – Amazon Customer
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Cover Art by Jason Pedersen
“The action is very well written and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Also the story is engaging and it flows very well and it keeps your attention right up until the very last page.” –zombie phreak
“This book is alive with great action new characters and unexpected twists.” -Eugene Chambliss
“One of the things I love most about this series are all the characters! They are developed so well that I feel like I know them personally. Even the newly introduced characters fit in immediately.” -BarbBookWorm
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Cover Art by Jason Pedersen
“This book follows a linear path from the last book in the series, and this series has everything; intrigue, battles, romance(but not too mushy), plot intelligence, and great storytelling. Really looking forward to the next book!” -lala
“This book would easily compare to Brooks, and sets a good pace. Looks forward to next chapters.” -Mark Potterf Sr
“I really enjoy the battle scenes and the inventiveness and creativity of the author. There is also further character development as we get to know them just a little bit more. The fights are fast paced and held my interest.” -Pamela Beckford
Swords will clash and spells will fly in the newest adventure of young warrior Luke Callindor, Nyx the magic-flinging caster, and their friends.
With Sari captured by their enemies, the champions of Windemere are determined to get her back and destroy the Lich’s castle. Little do they realize, their battles in the Caster Swamp are only the beginning of this adventure. Trinity and her Chaos Elves have invaded the city of Gaia in search of a relic called the Compass Key. Rumored to be the key to rescuing Sari from a magical island, our heroes are in a race to find the mysterious relic.
Which side will claim the Compass Key? And, what will our heroes do when they’re faced with an enemy whose evil power overshadows anything they have ever faced?
About the Author:
Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After his wife decided that she was tired of hearing the same stories repeatedly, she convinced him that it would make more sense to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house under orders to shut up and get to work, Charles brings you Legends of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and his wife is happy he finally has someone else to play with.
Read the Previous Volumes of Legends of Windemere!!!
Cover Art by Jason Pedersen (CLICK FOR AMAZON SITE)Cover by Jason Pedersen (CLICK FOR AMAZON SITE)Cover Art by Jason Pedersen (CLICK FOR AMAZON SITE)Cover Art by Jason Pedersen (CLICK FOR AMAZON SITE)
In honor of Charles Yallowitz’s birthday, I’m making this post sticky so it will be the first post anyone sees when they come to my blog. And if you really want to celebrate with Charles and his friends, do more than read this post. Buy the books! I’ve read the first in the series, Beginning of a Hero, and it’s great action-packed, fantasy fun!
The magical adventure continues after Luke Callindor and his friends recover from their battles in Haven.
Nyx still has nightmares about casting the genocide spell in Hero’s Gate. Every night her heart is gripped by the sensation of hundreds of goblins dying by her magic. By the request of Lord Highrider and Duke Solomon, she is returning to fix the damage she caused. With Luke Callindor and Sari by her side, Nyx is ready to face the vengeful goblins and opportunistic thieves that plague Hero’s Gate. Yet, there is a darker threat that was born from her violated magic: The Krypters.
It is another action-packed, character driven story that will reveal one of our heroes has been lied to for their entire life.
Wondering what you’re in for? Check out the praise earned by the first three installments of this high fantasy series.
“I greatly enjoyed the vivid characters, the gripping plot, and the refreshingly unique writing style (present tense). ” – kdillmanjones
“One of the things that won me over was the bouts of humor. Especially in the beginning. “This is not possible! I am a Paladin!” I thought I was going to die with delight.” – C.N. Faust
“Nyx is such a strong personality. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and more of the other characters, new and already known, with the rich tapestry of Windemere unfolding in between intense actions scenes and moments of kindness and budding friendships.” – Danielle Taylor
“Almost like the Harry Potter series. The books start out so young and innocent, but by the last book – watch out!” — Momto4Booklover
“One of the things I love most about this series are all the characters! They are developed so well that I feel like I know them personally. Even the newly introduced characters fit in immediately.” – BarbBookWorm
“Let’s talk about action. The author creates interesting action sequences with believable use of fantasy elements. He is very creative. There are also good sections where the characters stretch out and we get to know them better.” – Donald L. Mitchell “Music Lover”
Author Biography:
Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After his wife decided that she was tired of hearing the same stories repeatedly, she convinced him that it would make more sense to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house under orders to shut up and get to work, Charles brings you Legends of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and his wife is happy he finally has someone else to play with.
Cover Art by Jason Pedersen
Marie at 1 Write Way 