Isobel Robertson's Blog
February 15, 2019
Wolfdark and Waxheart
It’s been a while since I updated anything on this blog – but that means I have two lots of good news at once! The Witchfog series has two new additions: Wolfdark and Waxheart. Here’s a little bit about them both…
Wolfdark
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Lily Gabriel expected a busy winter, but this is ridiculous. Keeping her magic secret from her witch-hating fiance – that’s one thing. But a vicious wolf roaming the streets of London? Too far.
When a magical wolf crashes into a London ballroom, the social season suddenly gets exciting. Now, Lily finds herself torn between keeping her secrets and doing whatever she can to keep her friends safe.
In this sequel to Witchfog, follow Lily and Theo on their adventures around London. They are joined by a cast of new characters – and plenty of secrets…
Waxheart
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It’s hard to have a peaceful Christmas when witches surround the house, and the dead keep on rising…
Lily Gabriel returned to her family home with the intention of relaxing and recovering. But someone wants to drive her away – and they will do whatever it takes. As Lily learns that nothing is what it seems, can she find a way to protect what she loves?
The full Witchfog series is now available on Kindle Unlimited, so it’s time to get reading! If you haven’t tried Book 1 yet, you can read it here: Witchfog.
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November 14, 2018
My Writing Tools: 4thewords
I’ve used a lot of different writing tools over the years, and most of them don’t last long. I have a burst of enthusiasm, then I slip back to my old bad habits (i.e. no habits at all). There’s one tool that I’ve been using for the past few months, though, that I think is a real winner. It’s a website called 4thewords.
What is 4thewords?
First, a quick description. 4thewords is an online RPG crossed with a writing productivity tool. To progress through the storyline, you have to earn items, complete quests, and defeat monsters. And the only way to do that is by writing! When I first started using the site, a few months ago, there were a few things I didn’t like, such as the lack of mobile functionality, and the awkward way files and projects were structured. BUT, I am delighted to say that these problems have been fixed! 4thewords is now new and shiny, with all kinds of excellent features – including mobile, which is fantastic for reaching your writing goals even on a busy day.
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Should you use 4thewords?
Of course, much as I like 4thewords, I know that no one writing tool or technique is right for everyone. So, based on my experience so far, I’ve put together a list of pros and cons, so that you can decide whether it’s worth looking into. They also have a month-long full-featured trial, so it’s worth checking it out for yourself!
Pros of 4thewords
Having monsters to defeat by writing forces me to keep writing, even at points when I might otherwise have paused and forgotten to come back.
Defeating a monster gives me regular, small-scale achievements. Writing a book is a long and largely thankless task, so it’s fun to have regular confidence boosts.
It works on mobile, which means you can access your work anywhere, on any device – very useful for squeezing in a few words at different times during the day.
It encourages you to maintain a daily streak.
There are leaderboards, which is great if you’re competetive (like me) and enjoy watching your rank gradually improve.
You can earn powerups and valuable pieces of equipment, which make it even easier to defeat monsters.
The game has a fun storyline and lets you explore different worlds.
There are occasional special events and short-term challenges, which are great for giving an extra burst of enthusiasm.
It has a nice big writing screen, with a fullscreen mode to minimise distractions.
There’s a 4thewords forum if you want to connect with other writers.
They’re an official NaNoWriMo partner.
Cons of 4thewords
You do have to pay. Currently, it’s about $4 a month. BUT, the first month is free, and if you sign up with my special referral code (AYLXL08742), you’ll also get your second month for 50% off. This might make it out of reach for some people (and put me off at first), but $4 per month is a pretty low fee for something this helpful.
The RPG style won’t suit everyone. You might not really enjoy this kind of game, or you might find it frustrating trying to complete all the quests when you really just want to write.
It only works online. So, if you need to do a lot of your writing without an internet connection, this might frustrate you.
The mobile version is a little cramped compared to writing in a purpose-built app. But the mobile version is very new, so I have faith that things will continue to improve!
If you write very slowly, or can only write occasionally, it’s possible that you’ll find the site discouraging rather than encouraging. I’ve seen some talk in the forums about making a version that’s more accessible for those who find writing difficult, but I don’t know if that will actually happen.
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Conclusion: I’m glad I found 4thewords
Unfortunately, I can’t remember who first pointed me in the direction of 4thewords. It’s a shame, because I’d like to thank them. I find it to be a great tool for increasing my writing productivity, and turning daily writing into something fun. That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy writing – I absolutely love it – but the task of sitting down and beginning to type can sometimes seem daunting. It’s easier to battle a virtual monster than to wrestle with my own self-discipline.
Want to try 4thewords yourself?
Sign up with my special referral code (AYLXL08742), and you’ll get a free trial month PLUS 50% off your first paid month! (and I get money off as well)
P.S. I wrote this blog post in 4thewords! And I’m also writing my current novel, and working on an essay for my PhD. I like it that much!
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October 26, 2018
What is Gaslamp Fantasy?
I’m starting a mini-series where I discuss one of my favourite fantasy sub-genres… gaslamp fantasy. If you haven’t come across this particular genre before, it’s time for you to discover something great! With a hint of the gothic combined with steampunk and historical fiction, it’s a magical genre (with just enough darkness that it seems autumn-appropriate). I’d actually categorise my book Witchfog, and its upcoming sequels, as gaslamp fantasy, so you can tell that this really is a favourite of mine!
But before I get into why I love gaslamp fantasy, or what my favourite gaslamp fantasy books are (they might be separate posts, now I think about it), I’d better answer the question: what is gaslamp fantasy?
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Gaslamp fantasy is a spinoff of Alternative History, or perhaps Steampunk, or perhaps Historical Fantasy. Actually, it’s a little bit of all the above! The most famous comparable genre is probably Gothic; Gaslamp fantasy borrows lots of the tropes and characters of traditional Gothic fiction, but puts a more modern fantasy spin on them. Like Steampunk, it’s set in the Regency, Victorian, or Edwardian periods, but it focuses far less on machines than Steampunk does. Instead, it deals with the supernatural and the paranormal, particularly the darker sides of these.
The name ‘gaslamp’ comes from the gas-fuelled lamps which lit the streets and homes of the period. ‘Gaslamp’ fantasy also evokes the dark, often creepy atmosphere of this genre. If you enjoy classic Gothic books like Dracula and Frankenstein, then gaslamp fantasy may be perfect for you. On the other hand, gaslamp covers so many styles that there is probably a perfect gaslamp fantasy book out there for most readers, whether you prefer romance, adventure, horror, or literary fiction.
Upcoming Posts:
Gaslamp Fantasy Novels
Gaslamp Fantasy Films
Writing Gaslamp Fantasy
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October 5, 2018
Book Review: The Iron Butterfly Series, by Chanda Hahn
I came across this series a few weeks ago, thanks to a free download of the first book. It was one of those books that I had sitting in my Kindle library for ages (just me? or does anyone else do that) until I finally got round to reading. At first, it didn’t seem like something I’d particularly enjoy; it’s very fantasy, and recently I’ve been reading more real-world or historical-type fantasy.
Anyway, The Iron Butterfly was on my Kindle, and I had some time to spare, so I read it. Then I bought and read books 2 and 3 in the space of just a few days. I should mention that I hardly ever do that! I usually read a free book, conside buying the sequel, then never get round to it. Actually, I often don’t even finish free downloads. I’m quite picky.
This definitely isn’t a perfect series. There were a few bits that didn’t quite make sense to me, and the climax seemed a bit rushed. But there was something about the series overall that I found very compelling. For example, I usually don’t like books with multiple/competing love interests, but this series may have finally converted me! (note: it seems it actually has; I am currently reading and enjoying another love triangle series…)
I recommend that you give this series a try and see what you think. I wasn’t expecting much from it when I began reading, but it surprised me in a very good way!
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September 30, 2018
Book Review: The Andari Chronicles, by Kenley Davidson
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve already heard me talk about this series. But I wanted to post here as well, because I honestly can’t stop talking about The Andari Chronicles.
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I read this entire series (5 books) in just a couple of weeks. If there were more books, I would have read them by now. In fact, I really hope the series isn’t yet done. There are characters I still want to know more about!
The series, as you might be able to guess from the title, is set in (and around) the fictional fantasy country of Andari. Each book is a retelling of a fairy tale – but only loosely, so there’s still a lot of room for surprises! Fairy tale retellings can sometimes be a bit too predictable, but these stories were full of surprises. I especially enjoyed the Rumpelstiltskin retelling, Goldheart, which I thought was imaginative and engrossing.
The protagonists change from book to book, so you get to enjoy different characters and different areas of this fantasy world. Characters do recur from book to book, but each story is completely standalone. I fell in love with quite a few of the characters, and I absolutely loved the worldbuilding! Pirouette, the Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling, was especially fun to explore – it’s not a pseudo-European setting, for a change.
As you may have gathered, I 100% recommend this series! Go buy Book 1 (Traitor’s Masque) and then just… keep reading! And when you’ve finished the entire series, make sure to come back here and tell me which book was your favourite!
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September 5, 2018
Dark Fantasy
As autumn arrives and the summer warmth vanishes, it seems like the perfect time to delve into the darker side of fantasy. I love light-hearted fantasy romance, but there’s something about dark fantasy that I can’t resist. Maybe it’s the shivers up my spine, or the thrill of uncovering an ancient secret. Here’s a list of ten dark fantasy books that I enjoyed and recommend. They cross genres, from epic fantasy to paranormal romance, but they all mix magic and violence in a way that is tense and unsettling. Choose one you’ve never read before, and settle in for an evening of tension and terror.
(And, of course, you could read my very own Witchfog for a spot of autumnal terror on the wild Yorkshire moors)
The Magicians, by Lev Grossman
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This novel (and the rest of the trilogy) will rip up your childhood dreams and leave you shaken. It’s like a combination of Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia – but where everything goes wrong in the darkest way possible. From the dark sides of life as a magic-user to the consequences of addiction and sexual assault, this book is the ultimate in dark fantasy.
Perfume , by Patrick Süskind
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An unsettling dark fantasy set in the filthy streets of eighteenth-century Paris, Perfume delves into smells and emotions in a way that no other book manages. It’s brutal and vicious, with one of literature’s most unsettling anti-heroes, but its descriptions of scents are sublime in their beauty and power.
Keturah and Lord Death , by Martine Leavitt
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With the tone of a fairy-tale and the presence of an anthropomorphised Death, Keturah and Lord Death is unusual and fascinating. When Keturah ventures too far into the forest and meets Lord Death, she finds herself trapped in a series of bargains to secure her own life and the lives of those around her – while also searching for her true love.
The Court of the Midnight King , by Freda Warrington
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This is a lush historical novel set during the life of Richard III. But this War of the Roses is very different to that in history books; strange beasts fight alongside human soldiers, and the worship of a mother goddess continues alongside Christianity. It follows the story of Kate, a witch whose life is tangled up with that of the young Richard III.
The Bloody Chamber , by Angela Carter
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This short story collection is famous for good reason. I love every single story; my boyfriend said they made him feel sick. Take from that what you will. With werewolves, vampires, and shapeshifters galore, these fairytale retellings are the darkest of dark fantasy, and are all utterly spellbinding.
The Lies of Locke Lamora , by Scott Lynch
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Before Six of Crows, there was The Lies of Locke Lamora, a dark, twisty heist novel with memorable characters and rich worldbuilding. Nothing is as it seems, no one is safe, and no rule is too sacred to be broken. This dark fantasy is action-packed and emotionally exhausting – you’ll definitely want to race on to Book 2.
Kushiel’s Dart , by Jacqueline Carey
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Dark, sensual, and imaginative, this story of an alternate medieval France is a classic for good reason. With morally ambiguous characters and a whirlwind of dramatic action, every page is tense and erotic. This is a huge book, but it’s well worth the reading commitment to discover one of the greatest dark fantasy books.
Sabriel , by Garth Nix
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This is the only Young Adult book that I’ve included on this list, but it’s no less dark than the others. Title character Sabriel inherits her family’s powers to enter the world of the dead – and the responsibilities that come with that. As dark, ancient magics creep south, Sabriel must use her powers to save the Old Kingdoms.
Sunshine , by Robin McKinley
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For me, this is the vampire romance, and it predates the recent wave of paranormal romance. It’s dark, unsettling, and far more raw than many better-known vampire romances. Robin McKinley is best known for her fairytale retellings, but this dark fantasy takes the darkest parts of every fairytale and ties them together into a gritty urban fantasy.
Guilty Pleasures , by Laurell K. Hamilton
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And, speaking of vampires, I couldn’t finish this list without a mention of Anita Blake. The later books in this series got a little too much for me, but there’s no denying the power of these gory, sexy, vicious novels. Vampires, shapeshifters, and lots of guns makes for dark fantasy that never slows down for a second.
What are your favourite dark fantasy books, and have you already read any of these? (You may notice that I’m not really an epic fantasy reader… but I know there are some amazing epic dark fantasies, so maybe I should relax that rule!)
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August 4, 2018
How to Get Free Fantasy Books
If you’re a big bookworm, you’ve probably come up against a big problem… books cost a lot of money. We’d all love to have free books, but writers do have to eat! When money’s a little tight, though, there are ways to get your fantasy fix for free. Here are some of my top suggestions for getting free fantasy books.
(Throughout this post, please remember that I am not suggesting that authors should give away their books, or that illegal downloads are ok!)
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1) Check out the Kindle ‘free’ section regularly. You can find free fantasy Kindle books here, free YA fantasy here, and free paranormal romance here. Want more? Each category has a top paid and free section – just navigate to your favourite book, click on the link to the category (under the book details) then click across to the free section.
Some of the books in this section are permanently free, while others are free as part of a short-term promotion. Unfortunately, that means that not all countries have access to the same free books. But there should be at least a few free books for you, wherever you are!
2) Join Instafreebie. It’s an entire website dedicated to free books! Lots require you to sign up for an author’s mailing list – which, if you enjoy the book, might be a great way to stay in touch with a favourite new author.
3) Join authors’ mailing lists. Instafreebie isn’t the only way to sign up for an author’s mailing list – and a lot of authors offer free books for subscribers. Keep an eye out for links at the back of ebooks; there will often be a way to sign up for a mailing list and get a bonus novel or short story as a thank-you. This is a great way to get extra material from your favourite authors! You can join my list here to receive a free copy of my novella Lady of the Icy Shores.
4) Read advance review copies. Reviews are very important in online book sales, so most authors have a team of advance reviewers who receive the book before it’s published and post their reviews on publication day. If you get on one of these teams, you might receive all the author’s future books for free!
But how to join an advance review team? Lots of authors advertise through their mailing list, so sign up for a few and check your emails regularly so that you don’t miss out. Other authors might be happy to sign you straight up! If you’d like to join my advance review team, you can sign up for my list here. I’m always looking for enthusiastic new reviewers!
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5) Join review websites. If you aren’t sure where to start with advance reviews, or want to try lots of different books, there are websites to help you with this. Places like AuthorsXP link authors with potential reviewers, who receive free ebook copies of books. Sign up for a few of these and you’re bound to have a steady stream of new reading material.
6) Goodreads giveaways. Unfortunately, these giveaways are now only open to readers in the USA – but if that’s you, this is an amazing way to get free books from indie authors and big publishers alike.
7) Launch your own book review blog, bookstagram, or booktube. Social media is completely changing the world of book marketing – and if you’re influential, publishers and authors want to work with you. Even a few hundred readers or followers can be enough to land you free books, as authors hope that your recommendation will drive sales. I know I’m always looking to work with book Instagrammers, and the big publishers are just as keen. Build up your blog and social media now and you may receive a lot of free fantasy books in future!
(This is also the best method if you prefer physical books to ebooks)
Of course, don’t forget that authors aren’t making money for free books. Help them out! Write a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Share it with your friends. Maybe even buy the sequel! I can assure you that the author really appreciates your help, however small it is.
And enjoy your new books!
What’s your favourite way to find free fantasy books?
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Underwater Fantasy Books
Although I’m a terrible swimmer myself, I’ve always loved the ocean, so it’s no surprise I’m fascinated by underwater fantasy books. Mermaids, sirens, selkies – if it’s a fantasy book that takes place underwater, I’ll give it a try. I’ve even written my own underwater fantasy series.
I’ve put together a list of 20 underwater fantasy books. Some I’ve read, some I haven’t (yet). I’m always looking for more reading suggestions, so please let me know any other amazing underwater fantasy books that you think I should add! And if you’ve already read some of these, what did you think of them? Do they deserve a place on this list?
1 – Ink by Melanie Karsak
I’ve loved all of Melanie Karsak’s books so far and this magical mermaid novella was no exception! A mermaid princess in Florida is married off to the king of the Gulf mermaids, only to find that there’s a much bigger political game afoot. I thought this was a fun modern twist on mermaid stories. Plus it had an alligator shifter, which I’ve never come across before! Buy on Amazon
2 – Everblue
I have this one loaded on my Kindle and ready to read! It sounds like a fun teenage romance with a mermaid-y twist. And it has some good reviews on Amazon! Have you read this one? Buy on Amazon
3 – Sink, M.E. Rhines
I downloaded this book largely because it has such a beautiful cover! And because the series title (Mermaid Royalty) sounded slightly similar to my Selkie Kingdom series. It turned out to be pretty different to my own writing, but I still really enjoyed it! Fun characters, a fast pace, and a visit to Atlantis – what’s not to like? Buy on Amazon
4 – The Siren, Kiera Cass
Kiera Cass’s The Selection series was a huge hit – but did you know she also wrote a book inspired by The Little Mermaid? This one has been on my TBR list for ages. Maybe this summer I’ll finally sit down and read it! The premise – a nearly-drowned girl becomes a deadly siren – sounds fascinating. Buy on Amazon
5 – To Kill A Kingdom, Alexandra Christo
This one has been big news in the YA world recently, so you’ve probably already heard of it! I’ve only read the first chapter so far, but the rest already has a guaranteed place on my (very crowded) reading list. It seems dark and dramatic and beautifully written. I’m very excited to read the rest! Buy on Amazon
6 – Into the Drowning Deep
We already know that underwater settings can be terrifying in movies. So why not in books? Mermaid horror sounds amazing to me. Have you read this book, or any other underwater fantasy books with a horror twist? Buy on Amazon
7 – Breakwater, Catherine Jones Payne
The description promises mermaids, murder, and mayhem. I don’t know about you, but I’m sold! Apparently, this entire book takes place underwater, which I really love the sound of. So many mermaid books don’t make enough of the amazing worldbuilding possibilities! Buy on Amazon
8 – The Mermaid Trials, Cameron Drake
Like The Hunger Games… but with mermaids? I stumbled across this book for the first time while researching this list. It sounds dramatic and exciting, with a fun new twist on mermaid legends. Another one for the reading list (which is getting ridiculously long). Buy on Amazon
9 – The Syrenka Series, Amber Garr
The first book in this series, Promises, seems to have been a big hit in the mermaid book world! If that’s even a thing. Anyway, a three book box set with bonus short stories sounds like a pretty good buy to me, especially with merfolk, selkies, and water sprites. Buy on Amazon
10 – Ingo, Helen Dunmore
Yet another one I haven’t read but plan to. Writing this post has done terrible things for my reading list! This book sounds like a charming YA fantasy with a wonderful underwater fantasy world. The whole series sounds worth reading! Buy on Amazon
11 – The Little Mermaid, Hans Christian Andersen
There’s no beating the original! This beautiful short story is not quite like the version you may remember from Disney – it’s haunting and tragic but still lovely. I read it as part of a Hans Christian Andersen collection, but this illustrated edition looks beautiful. Buy on Amazon
12 – The Wild and Lonely Sea, Isobel Robertson
I’m going to sneak in one of my own books here. I’ve always been fascinated by stories of the sea, from selkies to Atlantis to the Little Mermaid, and I decided to combine them all here. This is Book 1 in the Selkie Kingdom series, with even more underwater adventures coming up in Book 2 (Kingdom of the Sea). Buy on Amazon
(There’s also a Selkie Kingdom introductory story available for free!)
13 – The Surface Breaks, Louise O’Neill
The cover of this really caught my eye – isn’t it beautiful? And a feminist retelling of The Little Mermaid sounds wonderful! If you’ve read this book already, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Buy on Amazon
14 – Of Poseidon, Anna Banks
This is another YA merfolk series that seems to have been a big hit. Once again, I haven’t read it but plan to – it sounds like fun! Buy on Amazon
15 – Deep Blue, Jennifer Donnelley
This sounds like a fascinating story – and what a beautiful cover! I love books that are basically high fantasy but set underwater. It makes such a change from all the Middle-Earth-inspired fantasy worlds that are out there. High drama and mermaid politics sounds like exactly my kind of thing. Buy on Amazon
16 – Lost Voices, Sarah Porter
Mermaids in Alaska! With a dark twist! I love how underwater fantasy has been used to tell all kinds of stories. This one sounds like a dark YA fantasy with some very gritty elements, which fascinates me as a combination. Buy on Amazon
17 – Monstrous Beauty, Elizabeth Fama
Mermaids and ghosts? Two different timelines? I really want to read this! (I can’t say for sure if this counts as underwater fantasy – correct me if it doesn’t belong on this list!) Buy on Amazon
18 – Lies Beneath, Anne Greenwood Brown
Killer mermaids! This is another book I haven’t yet read but hope to. It sounds dark and spooky, which is a wonderul way to use merfolk legends. Buy on Amazon
19 – The Vicious Deep
I’m actually in the middle of this right now! I literally put it aside to sit down and write this post. So far, it’s dramatic and eventful, with a good mystery. More to come when I actually finish it. Buy on Amazon
20 – Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits, Robin Mckinley and Peter Dickinson
This book of short stories is an old favourite of mine. Not all of the stories are set underwater as such, but each one is somehow linked to water. With a lovely folklore-inspired tale, this is a book I keep recommending to people. Buy on Amazon
What are your favourite underwater fantasy books?
What have I missed or got wrong? I’d love to extend this post with a few bonus books, so please leave your suggestions in the comments below!
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May 26, 2018
Witchfog is now available!
My new Young Adult fantasy novel, Witchfog, is now on sale!
When Lily Gabriel sets off across England to visit a long-lost uncle, she hardly expects to stumble across the supernatural. But with her path blocked by women the locals call witches, everything Lily knows is unravelling around her. And worse, she finds herself more and more attracted to the mysterious Mr Amberson, who seems to know far too much about witches. What dark secrets hide in her uncle’s house? And why do these witches seem so intent on hunting Lily?
A dark, romantic YA fantasy set on the wild Yorkshire moors of Victorian England.
And, to celebrate the launch, the Kindle copy is only 99c for this first week!
Get your copy now before the price goes back up!
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