Saturday, January 31, 2015

Paul's Top Books Read in 2014

2014 was another wonderful year for Young Adult books, especially in the Fantasy genre. I didn't meet my Goodreads Reading Challenge, but I did read over 50 books in 2014. I wanted to share a few of my favorites. First, I have my favorites that are not sequels. Then at the bottom I have listed my favorite sequels. Click on the titles or the cover pictures for links to my reviews!

TOP BOOK OF 2014




Runner Ups

                                   
The Wizard's Promise                                   No Place Like Oz



Honorable Mentions

                  






Here are some sequels that I loved in 2014:

                      


What were your favorite books of 2014? Check out my reviews of these books by clicking on the titles or the cover images.

-PAUL

Friday, January 30, 2015

Month9Books FRIDAY REVEAL: Gods of Chaos (Daughter of Chaos #2) by Jen McConnel - Cover Reveal + GIVEAWAY!

M9B-Friday-Reveal

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Gods of Chaos (Daughter of Chaos #2) by Jen McConnel
presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Gods of Chaos
The gods of chaos cannot be trusted.
When Darlena Agara declared to follow Red Magic last fall, she had no idea what she was getting into. Since then, however, she's had a crash course in danger, deceit, and destruction. In an effort to gain an ally, Darlena heads to Scotland in search of another Red Witch, but she didn't count on the new obstacles (and crazy gods) that await her.
add to goodreads

Title: Gods of Chaos (Daughter of Chaos #2)
Publication date: March 31, 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Jen McConnel
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author
Jen McConnel
Jen McConnel now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches writing composition at a community college. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
(Winners will receive their book on release day)

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The Body Electric by Beth Revis - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Scripturient Books on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: 
The Body Electric
Author: Beth Revis
Publication Year: 2014

My Pre Reading

Synopsis: 

The future world is at peace.

Ella Shepherd has dedicated her life to using her unique gift—the ability to enter people’s dreams and memories using technology developed by her mother—to help others relive their happy memories.

But not all is at it seems.

Ella starts seeing impossible things—images of her dead father, warnings of who she cannot trust. Her government recruits her to spy on a rebel group, using her ability to experience—and influence—the memories of traitors. But the leader of the rebels claims they used to be in love—even though Ella’s never met him before in her life. Which can only mean one thing…

Someone’s altered her memory.

Ella’s gift is enough to overthrow a corrupt government or crush a growing rebel group. She is the key to stopping a war she didn’t even know was happening. But if someone else has been inside Ella’s head, she cannot trust her own memories, thoughts, or feelings.

So who can she trust?

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: Beth Revis delivers another excellent YA science-fiction novel. The technological concepts in this novel are very interesting. This is definitely sci-fi, not space fantasy like many sci-fi out there (which I really enjoy as well). 


The way going into others' dreams is done reminds me of the 90's version of Johnny Quest. The way it is used throughout the story changes in an interesting turn of events.

Like Revis's prior trilogy, The Body Electric excellently blends mystery with science-fiction. This book had me questioning everything and with good reasons. 


The future world is renewed world, coming back from a damaging past. The politics in this novel are subtle, but take a major role in the plot. I liked that the story takes place in Malta. 

Although there aren't many connections, this book does take place in the same world as Across the Universe. I liked the Godspeed reference. 

This was a great science-fiction YA. I definitely recommend it. I give it a 4/5. Some of the pacing was a little off for me, but overall I really liked this novel. I will continue to consume anything Beth Revis I can find!
--PAUL

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Fairest: Levana's Story (The Lunar Chronicles #0.1) by Marissa Meyer - Paul's Pre-reading

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Fairest: 
Levana's Story
Author: Marissa Meyer
Recent Release Date: January 27, 2015

My Cress (#3) Review
My The Little Android (#2.5) Review
My Scarlet (#2) Review
My The Queen's Army (#1.5) Review
My Cinder (#1) Review

Ashley's Cress (#3) Review
Ashley's The Little Android (#2.5) Review
Ashley's Scarlet (#2) Review
Ashley's The Queen's Army (#1.5) Review
Ashley's Cinder (#1) Review



Synopsis: In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now. 

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series. 



------------------------------------------------------------

Why?: I have ABSOLUTELY LOVED every book in The Lunar Chronicles! An ensemble sci-fi YA series based on fairytales! There is nothing about that I dislike. This book follows Queen Levana. I'm super excited to discover her origin. Even though she is super villainous, I'm sure by the end of this book I'll be at least somewhat sympathetic. I think this will really contribute to the emotions of the last book Winter. 


Expectations:   I'm expecting a tragic origin story that lead Levana to who she is in the rest of The Lunar Chronicles. I'm sure I'll see Levana become more villainous from the events in this book. 


Judging a book by its cover: I love this cover. It is perfect. The inside flap is also perfect. 



--PAUL

BOOK BLAST: Chasing Ravens by Jessica E. Page - Excerpt + GIVEAWAY!



Chasing Ravens 
Author: Jessica E. Paige
Genre: YA Fairy Tale/Folklore

Synopsis: Orphaned at a young age, 15-year old Anouk’s punishment for being too outspoken is an arranged marriage worse than any she could imagine. Fleeing on horseback, yet without a sense of where to turn, she stumbles upon an idyllic village where she finds safe haven. Could this be home?

Ultimately, it will lead her to confront the very face of death, yet amidst the danger and darkness, she meets a handsome woodsman and finds a glowing blue flower with power beyond her wildest dreams.

Inspired by Russian fairy tales and steeped in ancient folklore, Paige’s novel is ripe with fantasy, love, and courage.





   

Friday, January 23, 2015

BLOG TOUR: A Hole in the Ice by McCallum J. Morgan - Dream Cast #3 + GIVEAWAY!


Hello again! Today, we're back with our last post as part of the blog tour for McCallum J. Morgan's debut novel, A Hole in the Ice! Today, McCallum has done a third painting for his dream cast - this time of Lady Vasille - and we're really excited for you to see it! This one might be the best yet!

The giveaway is also still going on, and it's still full of chances to win awesome swag, books, and a handmade Kindle cover. So make sure to enter for your chance to win via the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post (especially if you haven't already)!

Also, be sure to check out McCallum's Playlist & Top Steampunk Books, as well as the Portrait Reveal for Parsifal and the Portrait Reveal for Balder!

But before we get to Balder, how about a little information about A Hole in the Ice and McCallum, in case you missed it before?

About the Book

 Title: A Hole in the Ice
Author: McCallum J. Morgan
Publication Date: September 20, 2014
Publisher: Little Bird Publishing

Synopsis: Parsifal is a young man with an incredible secret – only, he isn’t quite sure what that secret is. All he does know is that it is something to do with a mysterious object that looks like a compass, but behaves like something from a different Realm.

As he sets off on a rich and decadent adventure across Europe with his eccentric, explorer uncle, Parsifal comes to learn one more thing about the mysterious object – there are people prepared to kill him to get their hands on it.

Accompanying on their epic quest for a mythical city inhabited by mermaids, is the bewitching Lady Vasille, unlike any woman, Parsifal has ever come across. Eloquent, beautiful and pistol toting, the Lady Vasille casts a spell over Parsifal that is both enchanting and destructive.

The question is, who can you really trust when the real world starts to slide into a fairytale?

A high epic Edwardian fantasy adventure, including Mermaids and other supernatural and fantasy creatures


Purchase Links: Little Bird Publishing | Amazon | Amazon UK 




About the Author

As a child, McCallum always wanted to write a book. He scribbled in notebooks, drew pictures, and lived largely in a world of make-believe. Into this fertile field a seed was planted. Notebooks began to fill and they didn’t stop. It was a soaring waltz with words among the silvery clouds and he loved it. He was thirteen. 

McCallum discovered the Institute of Children’s Literature and enrolled in their writing course, Writing for Children and Teenagers. For their second, advanced, course, he rewrote those bursting notebooks. Now McCallum is eighteen and working on the sequel, and enjoying every minute of it knowing that finally, it’s real. It’s not just a pile of notebooks anymore, it’s ‘A Hole in the Ice.’ 

McCallum still draws and occasionally attacks an unfortunate piece of fabric with a sewing machine. He may be spotted around his home town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, sporting his collection of bizarre clothing items, singing ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in French, or at the bakery near his home, drinking a caramel macchiato. His day job is log home finishing. He lives with his parents in a house perched on the hillside twenty miles south of the Canadian border and takes his tea with milk and sugar in a cup and saucer.


McCallum's Dream Cast for A Hole in the Ice

Lady Vassilissa Vasille


The model for Lady Vasille is Natalie Portman (Star Wars, The Black Swan, V for Vendetta). I have been in love with Natalie Portman since I was about five. To me, she’s the epitome of beauty and there’s a kind of sweetness to it, not so much the plastic overly sensual beauty that’s in all the beauty magazines (although she can certainly rock that, too). She’s how I imagined Lady Vasille from the very beginning. Plus, she’s an amazing actress, the depth that she’d give Lady Vasille…oh, it’d be good. If that didn’t work out, I might settle for the French actress Louise Bourgoin (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec ).

The rest of the cast: Daniel Craig (007 Skyfall) could be Sir Oaktree, with some bright green contacts. Possibly Gerard Butler (Phantom of the Opera, 300) with spectacles for Dr. Liam. Eva Green (007 Casino Royale, TV’s Penny Dreadful) with red hair for the Duchess. I love Christopher Lee (Star Wars, The Hobbit), so he’d appear briefly as Sir Laszliliescu and in the process further my nod to Dracula in that scene. The Estonian singer Kerli for the mermaid. I still don’t know who would play Lord Keazund. He’d have to be tall, and have a very commanding presence, and be very good-looking. I thought maybe James McAvoy because of his intense acting, but I’m not sure. Furthermore, (allow me to dream) Tim Burton would direct with music by Danny Elfman, of course. :)
Thanks again Paul and Ashley! It was fun.

--McCallum J. Morgan
Now, how about all three together? 
What do you think? Do you love them as much as we do?

The Giveaway!

So many awesome prizes here! Don't miss the opportunity to win! 


Thank you to McCallum for taking the time to actually paint this portrait, and thanks to you for supporting him!


--Ashley & Paul

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Month9Books FRIDAY REVEAL: Nobody's Goddess (The Never Veil #1) by Amy McNulty - Cover Reveal + GIVEAWAY!

M9B-Friday-Reveal

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Nobody's Goddess (The Never Veil #1)
by Amy McNulty
presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Nobody's Goddess
In a village of masked men, each loves only one woman and must follow the commands of his “goddess” without question. A woman may reject the only man who will love her if she pleases, but she will be alone forever. And a man must stay masked until his goddess returns his love—and if she can’t or won’t, he remains masked forever.
Where the rest of her village celebrates this mystery that binds men and women together, seventeen year old Noll is just done with it. She’s lost all her childhood friends as they’ve paired off, but the worst blow was when her closest companion, Jurij, finds his goddess in Noll’s own sister. Desperate to find a way to break this ancient spell, Noll instead discovers why no man has ever loved her: she is in fact the goddess of the mysterious lord of the village, a Byronic man who refuses to let Noll have her right as a woman to spurn him and who has the power to fight the curse. Thus begins a dangerous game between the two: the choice of woman versus the magic of man. And the stakes are no less than freedom and happiness, life and death—and neither Noll nor the veiled man is willing to lose.
add to goodreads

Title: Nobody's Goddess (The Never Veil #1)
Publication date: April 21, 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Amy McNulty
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author
Amy McNulty
Amy McNulty is a freelance writer and editor from Wisconsin with an honors degree in English. She was first published in a national scholarly journal (The Concord Review) while in high school and currently spends her days alternatively writing on business and marketing topics and primarily crafting stories with dastardly villains and antiheroes set in fantastical medieval settings.
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
(Winners will receive their book on release day)

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Inked by Eric Smith - Paul's Review

*I received this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books as an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

My Pre Reading

Title: Inked

Author: Eric Smith

Recent Release Date: January 20, 2015

Synopsis: Tattoos once were an act of rebellion. 

Now they decide your destiny the moment the magical Ink settles under your skin. 

And in a world where Ink controls your fate, Caenum can't escape soon enough. He is ready to run from his family, and his best friend Dreya, and the home he has known, just to have a chance at a choice. 

But when he upsets the very Scribe scheduled to give him his Ink on his eighteenth birthday, he unwittingly sets in motion a series of events that sends the corrupt, magic-fearing government, The Citadel, after him and those he loves. 

Now Caenum, Dreya, and their reluctant companion Kenzi must find their way to the Sanctuary, a secret town where those with the gift of magic are safe. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Ink, its dark origins, and why they are the only ones who can stop the Citadel.

Eric Smith takes you on a high-octane fantasy adventure, perfect for anyone who has dreamed of being different… only to discover that fate is more than skin deep. 



------------------------------------------------------------

Review: The imagery in this book is so cool. People are given tattoos when they turn a certain age. These tattoos determine their profession. If that isn't cool enough, the tattoos aren't just any old normal tattoos. They move. They glide across the skin and contort to the person's emotions, movements, or different things like that. 


The main character is hesitantly about to get his tattoos when something goes wrong. The tattoos may be more nefarious than they seem. 

I really enjoyed the concepts in this story. In addition to the tattoos, there are also people called Conduits who have special powers, think Avatar or X-Men. Smith utilizes these powers in some pretty interesting ways. 

There is one thing that reminded me of The Dark Crystal with the skekSis drawing life force from the Gelfings. 

Although I found the beginning very interesting, as the book progressed the story began to follow a predictable path. I also thought the protagonist was dull. I enjoyed some of the more minor characters more. 

I could see this first book being the first arc or first season in either a comic or tv series. The visuals of this story would be captivating. 

Overall I found this book entertaining with very cool concepts, but with a story that didn't quite have me on the edge of my seat. I give this a 3.75/5, just short of a 4. If you like fantasy coming of age stories with X-men like powers, you will enjoy this. 


--PAUL

BLOG TOUR: Nanovision by Paul T. Harry - Ashley's Review + Excerpt


Hello! Today we have an excerpt of Paul T. Harry's Nanovision, as well as Ashley's review for you! Before we get to those though, how about a little bit about the book and Paul?

About the Book

Title: Nanovision
Author: Paul Harry 
Genre: YA Science fiction / Fantasy

Synopsis: Daniel Raye was only sixteen when he walked in on a mob hit against his father. Brutally beaten and left for dead, Daniel awakens in a hospital to find himself blind and with no memory of the hit. Placed in the FBI’s witness protection program, Daniel is relocated to Northern California where he’s given residence with a long, lost Aunt who runs a bio-tech firm called NanoBytes. 

Over time, Daniel rebuilds his life and adapts well to his newfound family, but as fate would have it, comes under the scrutiny of the mob once again–but not before his Aunt finds a cure for his blindness. Using a radical untested procedure incorporating robotic nanites spliced with the DNA from animals and insects, Daniel is injected with a serum that only a mad scientist could create.

Does it work?
Better than anyone imagined.
What would you do with x-ray vision? 


About the Author

As a young boy I cut my teeth on Marvel Comics, Edgar Rice Burrough's serial novels,(John Carter & Tarzan)and classic movies like "The Day The Earth Stood Still." I also spent many days reading classic science fiction works by authors such as Asimov, Heinlein, Clark, Silverberg, and Bradbury to name a few.

In school my favorite subjects were English and Theater Arts. It is the combination of all of this that led me into writing, especially screenplays. I love the visual medium of movies and television though too many movies today put special effects ahead of the story. I think the greatest compliment I've received about my writing is that people can see the visual images I am creating as I write.

NANOVISION is my latest novel and I think readers will have a lot of fun with it. In writing the novel I used my forty years of experience in the Las Vegas gaming industry as a background for the story. So for those of you who might ask—Are the casino scenes real? The answer is most definitely, Yes! 

My other works on Amazon are: THE 5 MOONS OF TIIANA, and THE GARDEN, The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve.



Read an Excerpt

“This is our animal bay,” noted the CEO with a wave of her hand. “It’s in this area that we house a wide variety of animals for our medical research. We use these animals to extract DNA samples for analysis. Then, splicing their stem cells and combing them with nanites we are able to create medicines that will rebuild tissue, conquer diseases like cancer, eliminate infection, and possibly−though we’re not there yet, rebuild entire genetic sub-structures.”

“So why are all these animals injured?” asked Judy, “Was it done solely for product testing?
Judy’s observation stopped Ethyl in her tracks.

“No, no, heavens no!” exclaimed Ethyl in disbelief. “All the animals you see here were injured or sick long before arriving here. We have an arrangement with the humane society and veterinarians in the area to provide us with animals that need help. Every animal you see here was either sick, hurt, or abused, then abandoned or dropped off at the pound by their owners−most were ready to be put down. We rescued them. Here at NanoBytes we are about extending and improving the quality of life, so we provide them with sanctuary. This is a place where these animals can receive the attention they need along with the medical expertise necessary to cure them. From this relationship we are able to create drugs and medicines that can heal without invasive procedures. Here, let me show you.”

Ethyl took Judy to the cages near the end of the kennel. She stopped and pointed to one. Inside was a small kitten about four months old, sound asleep, with all four of its legs bandaged. Ethyl’s anger was evident as she related the story about the kitten to Judy.

“Some heartless, sick, son-of-a-bitch, if you’ll excuse my French, decided to torture this poor creature by cutting its legs off with pruning shears. It was left to die in a garbage can. Can you imagine? Someone found it and brought it to one of our vets, who stabilized its condition then brought it here where we immediately began nanite infusion−the only option available if this kitten was ever going to walk again.”

There was an extreme look of pride in Ethyl’s eyes as she explained what they did next. 

“We extracted the kitten’s DNA and broke down the various genomes that relate to the growth of its extremities. Then, using coded stem cells fused with nanites and lizard DNA, which has the ability to rejuvenate cells, we began a series of injections and already we’re seeing results. It’s only been two weeks but each leg has grown a full quarter inch in size with no deformities or cellular degeneration. We’re very excited and hopeful that this little thing will regain the full use of all four legs.”


Ashley's Review

It's been a while since I've read a straight sci-fi novel. Lately, it's been sci-fi mixed with fantasy, or more of a space opera. So I was pretty excited to be able to read Nanovision - how cool does x-ray vision sound?! What I got though, was so much more.

Most of this book doesn't really focus on the extraordinary vision that Daniel ends up with. Which, to me, was a little bit of a disappointment, but at least it kept things moving along and exciting. Well, mostly. Especially if you don't read the synopsis very closely. Because the synopsis gives away at least 60% of the plot and I really hate when that happens. Like I wish it had stopped with the x-ray vision and just mentioned a little bit of the mob stuff, or maybe mentioned the mob stuff and just briefly touched on nanovision. I don't know, I just think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't known EXACTLY what was going to happen.

But, aside from that, it was still one heck of a ride. I don't read many mob books, but Mickey was absolutely terrifying. I would NOT want to be the one on the run from him, and I'd be so scared if I realized he was coming after me again. That being said, I did think it was way too easy for Mickey to find Daniel after the fact. I'm pretty sure the Witness Protection Program works better than that, but who knows what can happen when the mob gets involved. Everything just seemed too... convenient? I think that's a good word for it.

The science was really interesting, and I loved that Nano-Bytes is such an animal-friendly place. I'm glad they only test on injured animals to make them better, and don't hurt them in order to have something to fix. I probably would have given up on the book immediately if that was the case though, so I'm glad I didn't have to throw it across the room and curse at it. I did  give it quite the side-eye before Ethyl explains though! 

My favorite scenes were probably the ones in the casino, as I could definitely tell that a lot of care and knowledge went into them. They're so detailed and were exactly what I imagined a casino to be like! I loved how Daniel used his new-found abilities in the casino, and still played the fool. It was hilarious! 

Overall, this was a pretty decent book. I think a lot of my frustration with it came from the synopsis being too long and not quite enough of the science, but I think that boils down to personal preference and that many people would still enjoy this book. If you like your sci-fi mixed with the mob, suspense, and a little gambling definitely get your hands on Nanovision ASAP! I'd give it a 3/5.





Thanks for stopping by! 

--Ashley & Paul

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

BLOG TOUR: A Hole in the Ice by McCallum J. Morgan - Dream Cast #2 + GIVEAWAY!


Hello again! Today, we're back with another fun post as part of the blog tour for McCallum J. Morgan's debut novel, A Hole in the Ice! Today, McCallum has done another painting for his dream cast - this time of Balder - and we're really excited for you to see it! The giveaway is also still going on, and it's still full of chances to win awesome swag, books, and a handmade Kindle cover. So make sure to enter for your chance to win via the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post (especially if you haven't already)!

Also, be sure to check out McCallum's Playlist & Top Steampunk Books, as well as the Portrait Reveal for Parsifal!

But before we get to Balder, how about a little information about A Hole in the Ice and McCallum, in case you missed it before?

About the Book

 Title: A Hole in the Ice
Author: McCallum J. Morgan
Publication Date: September 20, 2014
Publisher: Little Bird Publishing

Synopsis: Parsifal is a young man with an incredible secret – only, he isn’t quite sure what that secret is. All he does know is that it is something to do with a mysterious object that looks like a compass, but behaves like something from a different Realm.

As he sets off on a rich and decadent adventure across Europe with his eccentric, explorer uncle, Parsifal comes to learn one more thing about the mysterious object – there are people prepared to kill him to get their hands on it.

Accompanying on their epic quest for a mythical city inhabited by mermaids, is the bewitching Lady Vasille, unlike any woman, Parsifal has ever come across. Eloquent, beautiful and pistol toting, the Lady Vasille casts a spell over Parsifal that is both enchanting and destructive.

The question is, who can you really trust when the real world starts to slide into a fairytale?

A high epic Edwardian fantasy adventure, including Mermaids and other supernatural and fantasy creatures


Purchase Links: Little Bird Publishing | Amazon | Amazon UK 





About the Author

As a child, McCallum always wanted to write a book. He scribbled in notebooks, drew pictures, and lived largely in a world of make-believe. Into this fertile field a seed was planted. Notebooks began to fill and they didn’t stop. It was a soaring waltz with words among the silvery clouds and he loved it. He was thirteen. 

McCallum discovered the Institute of Children’s Literature and enrolled in their writing course, Writing for Children and Teenagers. For their second, advanced, course, he rewrote those bursting notebooks. Now McCallum is eighteen and working on the sequel, and enjoying every minute of it knowing that finally, it’s real. It’s not just a pile of notebooks anymore, it’s ‘A Hole in the Ice.’ 

McCallum still draws and occasionally attacks an unfortunate piece of fabric with a sewing machine. He may be spotted around his home town of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, sporting his collection of bizarre clothing items, singing ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in French, or at the bakery near his home, drinking a caramel macchiato. His day job is log home finishing. He lives with his parents in a house perched on the hillside twenty miles south of the Canadian border and takes his tea with milk and sugar in a cup and saucer.


McCallum's Dream Cast for A Hole in the Ice

Balder Balfra


The guide for Balder’s painting is Eddie Marsan (he played Inspector Lestrade in Sherlock Holmes and Crawe in Jack the Giant Slayer). He’s a bit older than the role, but I think there’s something Balderish about him. I’m not convinced he’s the perfect actor for the role, my physical visualizations of Balder were pretty vague. Balder is the comic relief, but he also has his serious moments.

I had a lot of trouble with his complexion, it came out too rosy and then when I was trying to work in the shadows, there was some weird mixing going on…I had to repaint over the whole thing with a slightly more natural color. He turned out healthier looking than Parsifal and Lady Vasille at any rate.
 

Lady Vasille is the next painting, we’ll be revealing her on the 23rd. Thanks again Ashley and Paul!

--McCallum J. Morgan

The Giveaway!

So many awesome prizes here! Don't miss the opportunity to win! 


Thank you to McCallum for taking the time to actually paint this portrait, and thanks to you for supporting him! Also, be sure to come back in a couple of days for the second painting reveal!


--Ashley & Paul