Gregory S. Close's Blog
September 1, 2017
FREE BOOK 9/2-9/4, in support of Histiocytosis Awareness Month
September is Histiocytosis Awareness Month
Every year I try to do something to help raise funds for Langerhans-cell Histiocytosis (LCH). It's an overlooked disease, classified as a cancer, that needs a lot more money for research. With budget cuts looming from Washington, the need for private contributions is greater than ever.
This year, I'm giving away free Kindle versions of In Siege of Daylight. I can't make it free for the whole month (Amazon rules), but I am making it free for the holiday weekend: September 2nd - 4th.
The eBook normally retails for $4.99. My request is that if you take advantage of procuring the free book, please consider donating (at least) that value to this cause (link below).
Dear Friends Campaign: Histiocytosis Association.
If you already own the book, feel free to share the link, gift the free book, or even share your existing copy with a friend. The real point is just to create awareness and raise some money for LCH.
If you want to buy an autographed paperback, you can do that at my online store. I'll donate the entire amount to the Dear Friends Campaign.
Best wishes to all.
-Greg
Every year I try to do something to help raise funds for Langerhans-cell Histiocytosis (LCH). It's an overlooked disease, classified as a cancer, that needs a lot more money for research. With budget cuts looming from Washington, the need for private contributions is greater than ever.
This year, I'm giving away free Kindle versions of In Siege of Daylight. I can't make it free for the whole month (Amazon rules), but I am making it free for the holiday weekend: September 2nd - 4th.
The eBook normally retails for $4.99. My request is that if you take advantage of procuring the free book, please consider donating (at least) that value to this cause (link below).
Dear Friends Campaign: Histiocytosis Association.
If you already own the book, feel free to share the link, gift the free book, or even share your existing copy with a friend. The real point is just to create awareness and raise some money for LCH.
If you want to buy an autographed paperback, you can do that at my online store. I'll donate the entire amount to the Dear Friends Campaign.
Best wishes to all.
-Greg
June 20, 2016
It's Alive!!! It's Alive... and on Kickstarter now! Got Demon?
GREYSPACE...
I started this one back before I finished In Siege of Daylight, but shelved it to get that giant epic monkey off my back. It's been sitting there for a while, but I hadn't gotten back to it seriously until last summer.
Why? Complicated question. For a while it was just a matter of focus - life had other things for me to worry about. For the past eight months, the manuscript was in consideration for the Hodderscape Open Submission window (it made it to the final 100 of 1600 entries before dropping out).
Now, no other publisher or agent is sitting on this, so I'm Kickstarting it to life (I hope).
GREYSPACE is a different sort of book than ISoD. It's shorter, single POV, and it's a science fiction/fantasy rather than a straight up epic fantasy.
There's a Native American heroine (and villain), Faeries, LASERS, Demons, nanobots, Evokers, pulse rifles, power armor and the eponymous GREYSPACE itself - basically a magical hyperspace. I think, at the very least, it's not a typical.
Sort of like a cross between the smooth lines of Mass Effect-style SF and the creepier, gloomier, demon-ier, world of Doom.
Stop by the Kickstarter and see if it interests you (there's a sample of a few chapters posted there). I would love your money, of course, but even if you aren't interested yourself, I would really appreciate your shares and likes and any help getting the word out on social media.
Cheers,Greg
I started this one back before I finished In Siege of Daylight, but shelved it to get that giant epic monkey off my back. It's been sitting there for a while, but I hadn't gotten back to it seriously until last summer.
Why? Complicated question. For a while it was just a matter of focus - life had other things for me to worry about. For the past eight months, the manuscript was in consideration for the Hodderscape Open Submission window (it made it to the final 100 of 1600 entries before dropping out).
Now, no other publisher or agent is sitting on this, so I'm Kickstarting it to life (I hope).
GREYSPACE is a different sort of book than ISoD. It's shorter, single POV, and it's a science fiction/fantasy rather than a straight up epic fantasy.
There's a Native American heroine (and villain), Faeries, LASERS, Demons, nanobots, Evokers, pulse rifles, power armor and the eponymous GREYSPACE itself - basically a magical hyperspace. I think, at the very least, it's not a typical.
Sort of like a cross between the smooth lines of Mass Effect-style SF and the creepier, gloomier, demon-ier, world of Doom.
Stop by the Kickstarter and see if it interests you (there's a sample of a few chapters posted there). I would love your money, of course, but even if you aren't interested yourself, I would really appreciate your shares and likes and any help getting the word out on social media.
Cheers,Greg
May 20, 2016
A merciful death, but still dead
I will start this post with a voluminous sigh.
>Sigh<
My science fiction/fantasy novel Greyspace spent the last 8 months (8/16/2015 - 5/16/2016) being considered as part of Hodderscape's call for Open Submission. Basically, this means that Hodderscape, a major publisher, was accepting manuscripts not represented by an agent. For us lowly folk, this is a big deal.
According to Anne Perry, the editor at Hodder in charge of the Open Submissions, there were about 1600 entries. Greyspace made it to the final 5% before being politely dismissed (about a week after the linked post, above). They were very nice. Very gentle. Very professional. But it's still a NO. No doesn't feel good.
I am disappointed. I'm not bitter, though. In fact, I'm extremely grateful to Anne and her team at Hodderscape for even opening such a door, let alone inviting me into the waiting room. Was the last 8 months torture? Yes. Was I anxious? Yes. Had I finally started believing that this might actually work out, and that Greyspace might be published by a major house? Yes, damn it.
That is the nature of the business. It is often the nature of Life. You have to fail to succeed. Being in the final 5% is actually pretty great! Etc. etc. I know the words I have to tell myself, even if they sound a little hollow right now.
So, back to Kickstarter for publication funds. Hopefully soon.
>Sigh<
My science fiction/fantasy novel Greyspace spent the last 8 months (8/16/2015 - 5/16/2016) being considered as part of Hodderscape's call for Open Submission. Basically, this means that Hodderscape, a major publisher, was accepting manuscripts not represented by an agent. For us lowly folk, this is a big deal.
According to Anne Perry, the editor at Hodder in charge of the Open Submissions, there were about 1600 entries. Greyspace made it to the final 5% before being politely dismissed (about a week after the linked post, above). They were very nice. Very gentle. Very professional. But it's still a NO. No doesn't feel good.
I am disappointed. I'm not bitter, though. In fact, I'm extremely grateful to Anne and her team at Hodderscape for even opening such a door, let alone inviting me into the waiting room. Was the last 8 months torture? Yes. Was I anxious? Yes. Had I finally started believing that this might actually work out, and that Greyspace might be published by a major house? Yes, damn it.
That is the nature of the business. It is often the nature of Life. You have to fail to succeed. Being in the final 5% is actually pretty great! Etc. etc. I know the words I have to tell myself, even if they sound a little hollow right now.
So, back to Kickstarter for publication funds. Hopefully soon.
September 17, 2015
Giving 100%: Childhood Cancer, Histiocytosis & Extended Charity Sale
In March, I promised to donate all book profits to Texas Children's Hospital in support of their ongoing research into Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).
"For the entirety of March 2015, all author's profits for any sale of In Siege of Daylight (paperback or Kindle through Amazon, or any purchase direct from the author) will be donated to the Texas Children's Hospital in support of research to find a cure for Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The disease is rare. It stinks. The government doesn't fund it because they can't decide if it's cancer or not - therefore since it defies convenient categorization it also avoids convenient funding."
I did raise some money - and thank you so much to those who made that possible - but I would like to write a bigger check, and maybe even move that place holder over a decimal point, if possible. To that end, I've decided to use my author's prerogative and edit that above statement as follows:
For the entirety of March 2015, all author's profits for any sale of In Siege of Daylight will be donated to Histio research.
Click to learn more about HistioAll profits, from all channels, all year long. Get a copy for yourself, a gift for a friend, a donation for a library, or a fancy fantasy-themed doorstop. Any version for any reason from any outlet will benefit kids who are relying on a piece of the 4% for a chance at a cure to their very rare condition.Direct from the author (If you'd like it autographed or dedicated to anyone). From Amazon: Kindle or Paperback (quick and easy).(Even if you read it for free with the Kindle Unlimited program through Amazon, I still earn some royalties on each page read - that will be donated too).
To be totally clear - I will in no way make money on any sale through this promotion. When Amazon tallies up my profits at the end of the year, that's the amount I'm scribbling on the check.
Since September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Histiocytosis Awareness month I thought that this was the opportune time to do this officially and maybe spread some of that awareness along the way. For example:
Here's a fact you might not know. The National Cancer Institute devotes a whopping 4% of its budget to research pediatric cancer. 4%. Not to belittle the good work of the organization, or to question helping adults with cancer, but... 4% for children with cancer?
4% does not buy a lot of "cure."
Some rare diseases like LCH haven't always been classified as a cancer. So despite the fact that there are lesions, potential multi-sytem involvement, and it's routinely treated with chemotherapy (and all the side-effects that accompany it), it hasn't always even had access to that piddly 4% of funding.
I am not smart enough to fix this disease. I'm barely smart enough to contribute to meaningful discussion about it. I would very much like to help in the effort, so I'm giving 4%100% in 2015.
June 17, 2015
In Siege of Daylight still in the running for the Self Published Fantasy Blog Off!
This gets an official "YAY!"
In Siege of Daylight made the first cut in the #SPFBO contest. YAY! http://t.co/CoAE3FIvcG
Posted by Gregory S. Close on Wednesday, June 17, 2015
March 4, 2015
All profits to charity in March 2015
For the entirety of March 2015, all author's profits for any sale of In Siege of Daylight (paperback or Kindle through Amazon, or any purchase direct from the author) will be donated to the Texas Children's Hospital in support of research to find a cure for Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The disease is rare. It stinks. The government doesn't fund it because they can't decide if it's cancer or not - therefore since it defies convenient categorization it also avoids convenient funding.
I might sell 5 books this month, or 10, or maybe I'll have a banner month and move 20 copies. Regardless, I'm going to put that money to work helping to find a cure for this disease.
I often wonder what I can do. I'm not a famous author. I don't have hundreds or millions of sales to donate to the effort.
Well I can at least do this. So I am.
If you're wondering what you can do... HEY! I have an idea!! Buy a book or two! Keep one for yourself, and send one to a friend. The paperbacks are huge - you can use it for self defense, as a door stop, or even as a booster chair with fantastic fantasy artwork by Mike Nash (and it's recyclable, too)!
Cheers,Greg
I might sell 5 books this month, or 10, or maybe I'll have a banner month and move 20 copies. Regardless, I'm going to put that money to work helping to find a cure for this disease.
I often wonder what I can do. I'm not a famous author. I don't have hundreds or millions of sales to donate to the effort.
Well I can at least do this. So I am.
If you're wondering what you can do... HEY! I have an idea!! Buy a book or two! Keep one for yourself, and send one to a friend. The paperbacks are huge - you can use it for self defense, as a door stop, or even as a booster chair with fantastic fantasy artwork by Mike Nash (and it's recyclable, too)!
Cheers,Greg
June 15, 2014
99 Cent Sale for Father's Day - LOTS of Epic Fantasy.
In Siege of Daylight is dedicated to the memory of my father, Maxwell L. Close.
Since it's Father's Day I made a spur of the moment decision to drop the price to 99 cents for the day.
You may get it here.
I compiled as many of the reviews to date as I could find (good, bad or indiffierent) in case you want to see if the book might be for you without traveling all across the interwebs. Overall, I think it is averaging a rating around 4.5/5 Stars across the different sites.
In Siege of Daylight was recently featured on r/fantasy's Official Underrated and Underread List, which is also really cool.
Editorial Reviews"It is no mean feat to craft a fantasy world that is different, familiar, interesting, and fresh. Gregory S. Close has done that and more with In Siege of Daylight: Book One in the Compendium of Light, Dark & Shadow, a weighty and daunting tome, but one worth delving into."- Mark McLaughlin, Clarion ForeWord Review (4/5 Stars).
"Close gives us one of the most interesting introductions to a main character I've ever read."- M. Todd Gallowglas, author of the Tears of Rage and Halloween Jack series.
"If you're a fan of RA Salvatore's fantasy brawling and fascinating cultures, and you want a double dose in a six-hundred-page epic, try In Siege of Daylight by Gregory S. Close." - A.E. Marling, author of Brood of Bones, Gravity's Revenge & Gown of Shadow and Flame.
"Close's greatest strength is his prose, which brings this world to life with a literary sensibility that stands out in a sea of standard, boilerplate fantasy novels."- Kirkus Reviews (But in fairness, Kirkus was 50/50 on the book, overall)
"As a fantasy novel, In Siege of Daylight has the right amount of magic, romance, action and conspiracy, making it a classic high fantasy tale that rivals the likes of Tolkien and Leiber." - reviewed by Lit Amri for Reader's Favorite (5/5 Stars)
"Throughout this story, Close manages to bring together the terror, fear and difficulty of a world at war with the romance and emotions of the people facing it. In Siege of Daylight is not something to pass up." - reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Reader's Favorite (5/5 Stars)
Amazon Reviews"This book is the epic-est of epic fantasy. Full stop. It's been a long time since I've read a door-stopper like this one, and even longer since I've enjoyed one half as much."-5/5 Stars, Christopher Kellen, author of the Sorceror's Code books. (You can see Chris's full review on the Genre Underground site, here.)
"In Siege of Daylight maintains a sharp focus on its characters while also providing a fully realized setting for their story to unfold. The writing is strong and engaging, and the pace draws us along yet allows us time to appreciate the depth and detail of the world. In Siege of Daylight is a must for anyone who appreciates high fantasy, especially those readers eager for an author who isn't beholden to Martin or Tolkien."- 4/5 Stars, D. Schuler
"Despite the many stories already told in the epic fantasy genre, I found In Siege of Daylight to be unique and exciting, with a great cast of believable characters. The balance between action, intrigue, world-building, character development, and plot was appropriate. Can't wait for Book 2!"- 5/5 Stars, N. Lee
"If you like sprawling, multi-character epic fantasy, "In Siege of Daylight" belongs on your shelf (whether of the physical or digital variety). Author Gregory S. Close manages to take many of the traditional elements we're familiar with and combine them in new, interesting ways for something that's refreshingly original. Where I think the book shines the most, however, is in the presentation of some of the characters from non-human races. Each is given enough flavor and time to give the reader the feeling of a vast history without overwhelming with details." - 5/5 Stars, Jeff Hebert
"It's got strong characters embarking on epic journeys through varied and original terrain. The world of the story has a rich and checkered history, the lore of which adds a depth of intrigue to hero's journey. I could go on about the characters and the land they travel over (and under), but I will let you discover them for yourself."- 4/5 Stars, Jeff Erickson
"The story itself is good. The pace picks up after the slump in the middle and the story goes for a spurt towards the ending. Most of the POV-characters are well done and interesting to follow. If you plan to pick this book up I'll encourage you, but only if you like slow moving epics. There is action here, and rather good one too, but only at times breaking the unhurried pace." - 3/5 Stars, Mike Wants (his full review is a great, well expressed critique for those looking for something that details the strengths and weaknesses in equal measure).
"A complex yarn of magic, action & politics in an imperfect world populated with a multitude of characters each with his/her/it strengths & weaknesses. A tremendous start for such a prolific writer. I'm always wary of multiple point of views story line but each character's story is so immersive that in melds so seamlessly into the story."- 5/5 Stars, Donnie
"The only real drawback from having read this book is that it's the start of a much larger overall storyline and I am very eager for the next book to come out. Gregory does a a great job of integrating the motivational attitudes of seemingly very disparate characters in significantly unique settings into larger unified goals."- 5/5 Stars, James Henry McKeen
"This was a wonderful read! My favorite thing was the interaction between the characters...superbly done! Though I did have slight trouble keeping up with some the "who's who" with some of the characters (though not the main ones). World building was excellent. And I found myself checking the percentage from 90% on, hoping I would get answers (which I did to some, others I'll have to wait for the next installment). Well written and well edited. I definitely recommend this book for fantasy lovers and am looking forward to the next installment!"- 4/5 Stars, TrinityJo
"The unique aspects embedded in Gregory's story hearken a new type of fantasy: the kind where the author isn't afraid to take his time and weave the story according to his own preference, no matter the pacing or the page-count. The payoff is worth it. Highly-recommend read."- 5/5 Stars, Anthony DeRouen
"Having read In Siege of Daylight, I am anxious to find the next books to see how this twist of characters mix and conclude. Loved the prose and didn't find the violence over whelming. A proud relative! Hey, relatives read too."- 5/5 Stars, My Mom. Thanks Mom!
"If you enjoy Tolkien, magic as the physics of a world, and Hnefatafl board games, then you will enjoy this."- 4/5 Stars, Hunter
"Too many Protagonists which lead to too many story lines. It is very difficult to pick out a main character to sympathize with because each of them have so little exposure. Great prose, however."- 4/5 Stars, Amazon Customer
GoodReads Reviews
"This novel is just short of 244 THOUSAND words long. I've read it twice. ANY story that can hold my attention that long is a good story. And In Siege of Daylight is more than merely good. I seldom see epic fantasy with such skillful interweaving of plot lines, complex characters -- and not just the human ones! -- and an overall story arc that makes me care what happens next."- 5/5 Stars, Thomas Weaver (editor)
"This book has definitely not yet garnered the attention that it deserves, so please, if you are thinking about reading it, bump it to the top of your list! I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and can not give this book enough praise!"- 5/5 Stars, Monica
"EPIC, in every sense of the word. A superb fantasy on par with the works of Robert Jordan, Tad Williams etc. The story and characters are very well developed. A definite must read for anyone who enjoys a dark fantasy where the victory of the light over the dark is anything but assured." - 5/5 Stars, Michelle
"Perhaps this is a known fact, perhaps not. But for those who relish every moment of epic fantasy and realize how hard it is to find works that actually deliver, this book is a treasure." - 5/5 Stars, Robert
"I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads. This book is huge, 600 pages long.It is a great fantasy adventure story with lots of likeable characters. If you love fantasy, magical or adventure stories you'll enjoy this."- 4/5 Stars, Ilonka Bruce
"Ok. I'm sorry, but I have to label this as DNF. But I promise, I will do my best to revisit it in the future." - 3/5 Stars, Melissa
"I can't wait for the next installment!" - 4/5 Stars, Sarah Houts
Alrighty. I think that's all or most of them, for anyone who is interested.
If you pick it up, I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to leave a review - all well expressed opinions are valuable and appreciated.
Thanks,Greg
Since it's Father's Day I made a spur of the moment decision to drop the price to 99 cents for the day.
You may get it here.
I compiled as many of the reviews to date as I could find (good, bad or indiffierent) in case you want to see if the book might be for you without traveling all across the interwebs. Overall, I think it is averaging a rating around 4.5/5 Stars across the different sites.
In Siege of Daylight was recently featured on r/fantasy's Official Underrated and Underread List, which is also really cool.
Editorial Reviews"It is no mean feat to craft a fantasy world that is different, familiar, interesting, and fresh. Gregory S. Close has done that and more with In Siege of Daylight: Book One in the Compendium of Light, Dark & Shadow, a weighty and daunting tome, but one worth delving into."- Mark McLaughlin, Clarion ForeWord Review (4/5 Stars).
"Close gives us one of the most interesting introductions to a main character I've ever read."- M. Todd Gallowglas, author of the Tears of Rage and Halloween Jack series.
"If you're a fan of RA Salvatore's fantasy brawling and fascinating cultures, and you want a double dose in a six-hundred-page epic, try In Siege of Daylight by Gregory S. Close." - A.E. Marling, author of Brood of Bones, Gravity's Revenge & Gown of Shadow and Flame.
"Close's greatest strength is his prose, which brings this world to life with a literary sensibility that stands out in a sea of standard, boilerplate fantasy novels."- Kirkus Reviews (But in fairness, Kirkus was 50/50 on the book, overall)
"As a fantasy novel, In Siege of Daylight has the right amount of magic, romance, action and conspiracy, making it a classic high fantasy tale that rivals the likes of Tolkien and Leiber." - reviewed by Lit Amri for Reader's Favorite (5/5 Stars)
"Throughout this story, Close manages to bring together the terror, fear and difficulty of a world at war with the romance and emotions of the people facing it. In Siege of Daylight is not something to pass up." - reviewed by Samantha Rivera for Reader's Favorite (5/5 Stars)
Amazon Reviews"This book is the epic-est of epic fantasy. Full stop. It's been a long time since I've read a door-stopper like this one, and even longer since I've enjoyed one half as much."-5/5 Stars, Christopher Kellen, author of the Sorceror's Code books. (You can see Chris's full review on the Genre Underground site, here.)
"In Siege of Daylight maintains a sharp focus on its characters while also providing a fully realized setting for their story to unfold. The writing is strong and engaging, and the pace draws us along yet allows us time to appreciate the depth and detail of the world. In Siege of Daylight is a must for anyone who appreciates high fantasy, especially those readers eager for an author who isn't beholden to Martin or Tolkien."- 4/5 Stars, D. Schuler
"Despite the many stories already told in the epic fantasy genre, I found In Siege of Daylight to be unique and exciting, with a great cast of believable characters. The balance between action, intrigue, world-building, character development, and plot was appropriate. Can't wait for Book 2!"- 5/5 Stars, N. Lee
"If you like sprawling, multi-character epic fantasy, "In Siege of Daylight" belongs on your shelf (whether of the physical or digital variety). Author Gregory S. Close manages to take many of the traditional elements we're familiar with and combine them in new, interesting ways for something that's refreshingly original. Where I think the book shines the most, however, is in the presentation of some of the characters from non-human races. Each is given enough flavor and time to give the reader the feeling of a vast history without overwhelming with details." - 5/5 Stars, Jeff Hebert
"It's got strong characters embarking on epic journeys through varied and original terrain. The world of the story has a rich and checkered history, the lore of which adds a depth of intrigue to hero's journey. I could go on about the characters and the land they travel over (and under), but I will let you discover them for yourself."- 4/5 Stars, Jeff Erickson
"The story itself is good. The pace picks up after the slump in the middle and the story goes for a spurt towards the ending. Most of the POV-characters are well done and interesting to follow. If you plan to pick this book up I'll encourage you, but only if you like slow moving epics. There is action here, and rather good one too, but only at times breaking the unhurried pace." - 3/5 Stars, Mike Wants (his full review is a great, well expressed critique for those looking for something that details the strengths and weaknesses in equal measure).
"A complex yarn of magic, action & politics in an imperfect world populated with a multitude of characters each with his/her/it strengths & weaknesses. A tremendous start for such a prolific writer. I'm always wary of multiple point of views story line but each character's story is so immersive that in melds so seamlessly into the story."- 5/5 Stars, Donnie
"The only real drawback from having read this book is that it's the start of a much larger overall storyline and I am very eager for the next book to come out. Gregory does a a great job of integrating the motivational attitudes of seemingly very disparate characters in significantly unique settings into larger unified goals."- 5/5 Stars, James Henry McKeen
"This was a wonderful read! My favorite thing was the interaction between the characters...superbly done! Though I did have slight trouble keeping up with some the "who's who" with some of the characters (though not the main ones). World building was excellent. And I found myself checking the percentage from 90% on, hoping I would get answers (which I did to some, others I'll have to wait for the next installment). Well written and well edited. I definitely recommend this book for fantasy lovers and am looking forward to the next installment!"- 4/5 Stars, TrinityJo
"The unique aspects embedded in Gregory's story hearken a new type of fantasy: the kind where the author isn't afraid to take his time and weave the story according to his own preference, no matter the pacing or the page-count. The payoff is worth it. Highly-recommend read."- 5/5 Stars, Anthony DeRouen
"Having read In Siege of Daylight, I am anxious to find the next books to see how this twist of characters mix and conclude. Loved the prose and didn't find the violence over whelming. A proud relative! Hey, relatives read too."- 5/5 Stars, My Mom. Thanks Mom!
"If you enjoy Tolkien, magic as the physics of a world, and Hnefatafl board games, then you will enjoy this."- 4/5 Stars, Hunter
"Too many Protagonists which lead to too many story lines. It is very difficult to pick out a main character to sympathize with because each of them have so little exposure. Great prose, however."- 4/5 Stars, Amazon Customer
GoodReads Reviews
"This novel is just short of 244 THOUSAND words long. I've read it twice. ANY story that can hold my attention that long is a good story. And In Siege of Daylight is more than merely good. I seldom see epic fantasy with such skillful interweaving of plot lines, complex characters -- and not just the human ones! -- and an overall story arc that makes me care what happens next."- 5/5 Stars, Thomas Weaver (editor)
"This book has definitely not yet garnered the attention that it deserves, so please, if you are thinking about reading it, bump it to the top of your list! I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and can not give this book enough praise!"- 5/5 Stars, Monica
"EPIC, in every sense of the word. A superb fantasy on par with the works of Robert Jordan, Tad Williams etc. The story and characters are very well developed. A definite must read for anyone who enjoys a dark fantasy where the victory of the light over the dark is anything but assured." - 5/5 Stars, Michelle
"Perhaps this is a known fact, perhaps not. But for those who relish every moment of epic fantasy and realize how hard it is to find works that actually deliver, this book is a treasure." - 5/5 Stars, Robert
"I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads. This book is huge, 600 pages long.It is a great fantasy adventure story with lots of likeable characters. If you love fantasy, magical or adventure stories you'll enjoy this."- 4/5 Stars, Ilonka Bruce
"Ok. I'm sorry, but I have to label this as DNF. But I promise, I will do my best to revisit it in the future." - 3/5 Stars, Melissa
"I can't wait for the next installment!" - 4/5 Stars, Sarah Houts
Alrighty. I think that's all or most of them, for anyone who is interested.
If you pick it up, I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to leave a review - all well expressed opinions are valuable and appreciated.
Thanks,Greg
June 1, 2014
Weave - new short story published!
I'm proud to announce that my short story, Weave, is included in the new fantasy anthology The Dark Beyond the Door from www.fictiongarden.com.
It is currently in e-format only, but if you are so inclined, please feel free to check it out and give it a read on the eReader of your choice or on your PC or Mac!
Weave features some characters from In Siege of Daylight, and it may or may not provide some hints and clues about some of the mysteries therein.
Also included in the anthology are stories by M. Todd Gallowglas (author of Tears of Rage, Halloween Jack and the new Dead Weight series), Christopher Kellen (author of Sorceror's Code and The Arbiter Codex), and none other than one of my aboslute favorite new authors, Michael J. Sullivan, whose Riyira novels are amongst my favorite of all time.
I have no other news to report on the writing front at this time. Maybe a few short stories will trickle in and maybe, just maybe, Greyspace will see the light of day this year. The sequel to In Siege of Daylight, The End of Dreams, has an ending, and merely awaits a beginning and middle before I can hit publish. Maybe 2015.
Take care and Happy Reading!
- Greg
It is currently in e-format only, but if you are so inclined, please feel free to check it out and give it a read on the eReader of your choice or on your PC or Mac!
Weave features some characters from In Siege of Daylight, and it may or may not provide some hints and clues about some of the mysteries therein.
Also included in the anthology are stories by M. Todd Gallowglas (author of Tears of Rage, Halloween Jack and the new Dead Weight series), Christopher Kellen (author of Sorceror's Code and The Arbiter Codex), and none other than one of my aboslute favorite new authors, Michael J. Sullivan, whose Riyira novels are amongst my favorite of all time.
I have no other news to report on the writing front at this time. Maybe a few short stories will trickle in and maybe, just maybe, Greyspace will see the light of day this year. The sequel to In Siege of Daylight, The End of Dreams, has an ending, and merely awaits a beginning and middle before I can hit publish. Maybe 2015.
Take care and Happy Reading!
- Greg
March 27, 2014
So, I was at Lucasfilm today… That was cool.
BEHOLD THE SHRINE OF LUCAS!
Yes, I spent a chunk of my day as a guest of Lucasarts. Or, more accurately, as a guest of a different company that happens to have offices at the Letterman Digital Arts Center at the Presidio, in San Francisco. And let me tell you - those are some cool offices!
Unfortunately, it was all just part of the day job, and nothing to do with securing the film rights to In Siege of Daylight. You know what they say here, though: A New Hope Springs Eternal!
Ah, the irony.
It was a fantastic place to visit. The creative vibe was palpable. Or maybe I was just having nerd-palpatations. I dunno.
Also, there was a gift shop, and that took A LOT of self control, let me tell you.
Okay, really, nothing worthwhile to report. Just geeking out.
Slainte,
Greg
Yes, I spent a chunk of my day as a guest of Lucasarts. Or, more accurately, as a guest of a different company that happens to have offices at the Letterman Digital Arts Center at the Presidio, in San Francisco. And let me tell you - those are some cool offices!
Unfortunately, it was all just part of the day job, and nothing to do with securing the film rights to In Siege of Daylight. You know what they say here, though: A New Hope Springs Eternal!
Ah, the irony.
It was a fantastic place to visit. The creative vibe was palpable. Or maybe I was just having nerd-palpatations. I dunno.
Also, there was a gift shop, and that took A LOT of self control, let me tell you.
Okay, really, nothing worthwhile to report. Just geeking out.
Slainte,
Greg
February 8, 2014
Operation Supply Drop Donation, Book-Match & Challenge for February 2014
When I returned from WorldCon last year I came home with some extra books. Okay, a lot of extra books. I over-ordered for the event, plain and simple. Since then I've been giving away promotional copies here and there on the /r/fantasy subreddit, and plan to donate a few to the local library also. I had toyed witht the idea of finding a charity that might like some copies, but really wasn't sure where to start. Who would want or need giant epic fantasy books for their charity?
Then a kind redditor made me aware of Operation Supply Drop.
Operation Supply Drop is an all-volunteer charity organization that delivers care packages to U.S. troops deployed to threat zones around the world or recovering at hospitals back home. They bring video games, peripherals, systems, and recently, books to those who need a little fun and distraction in their lives.
The DonationProblem solved! I just shipped off 14 copies of In Siege of Daylight yesterday, autographed and inked with questionably witty inscriptions. It seems like a small, but very heavy, token of appreciation for those who are in harm's way (or recovering from harm's way).
The Book MatchI thought it might also be a cool idea to offer an OpSupplyDrop Match for the remainder of February. Here's how it works:
For every purchase of the paperback version of In Siege of Daylight through Amazon.com (through the end of Feb 2014) I will donate another autographed/inscripted copy to Operation Supply Drop. Anyone purchasing the book gets the book (and a free Kindle version to boot, since I'm enrolled in the KindleMatch program) and the knowledge that they have helped out someone else in a pay-it-forward kind of way. (I would lower the price of the book for this challenge, but I can't - it's set by CreateSpace).
The ChallengeTweet and share this around, and let the friendly gauntlet be thrown… to any self published, indie published or traditionally published authors out there who have not already done so (and a lot of you already have): donate some books, or join me in matching your sales for February!
That is all.
Cheers,Greg
Then a kind redditor made me aware of Operation Supply Drop.Operation Supply Drop is an all-volunteer charity organization that delivers care packages to U.S. troops deployed to threat zones around the world or recovering at hospitals back home. They bring video games, peripherals, systems, and recently, books to those who need a little fun and distraction in their lives.
The DonationProblem solved! I just shipped off 14 copies of In Siege of Daylight yesterday, autographed and inked with questionably witty inscriptions. It seems like a small, but very heavy, token of appreciation for those who are in harm's way (or recovering from harm's way).
The Book MatchI thought it might also be a cool idea to offer an OpSupplyDrop Match for the remainder of February. Here's how it works:
For every purchase of the paperback version of In Siege of Daylight through Amazon.com (through the end of Feb 2014) I will donate another autographed/inscripted copy to Operation Supply Drop. Anyone purchasing the book gets the book (and a free Kindle version to boot, since I'm enrolled in the KindleMatch program) and the knowledge that they have helped out someone else in a pay-it-forward kind of way. (I would lower the price of the book for this challenge, but I can't - it's set by CreateSpace).
The ChallengeTweet and share this around, and let the friendly gauntlet be thrown… to any self published, indie published or traditionally published authors out there who have not already done so (and a lot of you already have): donate some books, or join me in matching your sales for February!
That is all.
Cheers,Greg
