Author Spotlight - Dr. Bon Blossman on her award-winning book, Behind the Mirror (Book One)

WHAT/WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER? My father was a surgeon who wrote poetry as a hobby. He ventured on to writing a novel, and I was amazed by the process and learned from him.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUIRKY OR FUN WRITING HABITS? I still use a spiral notebook to get started with my outline. I am old-school!

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK? I wrote a murder mystery game called Murder Behind the Mirror for my murder mystery game company. I was so interested while writing that game, new ideas spawned from the game to the premise of the book series. The game was only a seed of an idea, and the book series is entirely different.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
"I lost my balance and tumbled toward the mirror, but as my hand connected with the glass, it pushed through the surface into a colder, electrically charged space."

This is the moment that Ella, while chaos ensues around her, discovers the world on the other side of the mirror.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK?
I hope young teens can get inspiration from the book series and learn from Ella's courageous decisions to take on and embrace the challenging quests ahead of her.

IF YOU WERE STARTING YOUR JOURNEY AS AN AUTHOR TODAY, WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY?
I would not. I realize you need many years of learning and growing as an author before you find yourself, so I wouldn't.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TIP FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS? Write every day. Write because you love to write.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? Social media is your best bet. Grow an audience, engage with them, and do free giveaways and promotions on occasion to keep them on their toes.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT? I have made it to the first 'best-selling' page of various search terms on Amazon for different books, and that always feels amazing. Also, being recognized by organizations such as Literary Classics for my work is my greatest literary accomplishment. I feel honored and proud each time I win an award, as it gives me the confidence to press on with my next book.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS? To keep doing what I'm doing because I enjoy it. If someone likes the story - that's even better!

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

Wormhole (Behind the Mirror Trilogy, Book 2) 

The Noxhelm Murders

Dregs Island (written with Zakk Myer)

Books in The Fiona Frost series: 

Blood Dolls (Volume 5)

Shillingstone Witch (Volume 4)

Fatal Souvenirs (Volume 3)

Order of the Black Moon (Volume 2)
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Foster Manor (Volume 1)
DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Yes, my son (Zakk Myer) and I are currently working on a creepy collection of short stories. After that, I plan to finish the Behind the Mirror Series.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author Spotlight - Krysten Lindsay Hager on her award-winning book, Landry in Like

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?
I have taken ideas from my own life growing up for the Landry character. In this book I wanted Landry to go through the struggles of speaking up for herself, dealing with friendships and how to handle outgrowing a friend. Landry has grown a lot throughout the series and she wants to stay friends with her longtime best friend who hurt her feelings, but there’s not just a mistrust there, but the fact that as the two girls have grown, they’ve also grown apart. I wanted to show that you can evolve as a person without leaving anyone behind, but also without holding yourself back. That was a theme I never saw in books when I was growing up; I believed drifting apart didn’t mean moving on, but rather meant losing a relationship.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK AND WHY?
It would be the line Landry says about going to the pool, because there’s an age where swimming goes from having fun in the pool to feeling awkward about being seen in a bathing suit and feeling judged. I shared this line on social media and had so many comments and messages over it from women and girls of all ages who have felt this way. “When did that all change? I remember being so excited to go to the pool. Swimming and having fun. When did it get all awkward and become about what we look like in bathing suits or with our hair wet?”

WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE IS MOST LIKE YOU?
Landry is most like me because she has gone through many of the same situations I did and she has my sense of humor. She’s a bookworm who overthinks and she keeps her sense of humor in even the most anxious moments in life.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK?
I’d like my readers to see how important it is to stay true to yourself and your values and to appreciate what makes you unique. Growing up I often wanted to be more like other people because I felt different--even my interests were different. I wanted to fit in more than anything and I now realize it’s what makes you different that makes you special.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?
I loved to read growing up and I always thought it would be amazing to impact someone’s life the way my favorite authors impacted mine.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR WRITING STYLE?
I would say Judy Blume, as she really gets to the way tweens and teens feel. While reading her books I could see she felt what her characters were feeling.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:
I had an experience where I was on a talk show and was asked if I had gone through an experience like Landry where I felt insecure and left out. I was on live TV and realized I was about to expose a side of myself that had been difficult for me, but I knew I needed to so the readers would know I had experienced these issues firsthand. It was awkward and uncomfortable, but ever since I have shared experiences like that I find more and more people reach out to me to share their own experiences.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR WRITING PROCESS:
I don’t outline, but if I’m working on a series then I have an idea where I’m going with the story. I make playlists for all the stories I work on to inspire me and use notebooks to jot down ideas and dialogue. I also keep a Pinterest board for each story I work on and then make it public when the book is released.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A WRITER?
Probably marketing. I think most writers would just like to focus on writing as the business side of things is not what we prefer to work on, but it’s part of the business.

HAS YOUR WORK BEEN COMPARED TO ANY WELL-KNOWN AUTHORS ?
I had a review compare me to Ann M. Martin and one say my work reminded her of Melody Carlson, and that meant a lot since I respect their work so much.

HOW DID YOU GET PUBLISHED?
I was in a group for freelance writers and two of the women were writing fiction as well and shared that they were happy with their publisher and I filed that name away for down the road.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?
I think being yourself is best so people know what to expect from your writing. Sometimes I see someone online and their persona is so different from what they write and it throws me. It’s like when an actor who is known for being funny and lighthearted on a show goes on a talk show and is serious and so unlike their character that you feel taken aback.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?
I think when I had my first sequel published and I could say I had a series. That had always been a dream, but it was one I never thought would come true.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS?
To reach more readers and to keep putting books out that people want to read.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MIGHT FIND INTERESTING:
I do tons of research for my rockstar romance series, The Cecily Taylor Series, and I have watched and read tons of music biographies. I’ve learned so much and discovered a lot of singers from the past that I’m a big fan of now.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
I write upper middle-grade books as well as clean young adult fiction. I’m also working on writing women’s fiction as well. I love reading (and watching) mysteries even though I don’t write them, but Landry loves them as well. In fact I have a Nancy Drew-type series she’s obsessed with in the books that’s also a video game.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
Middle grade: 

True Colors

Best Friends...Forever?

Landry in Like

Young adult: 

Next Door to a Star

Competing with the Star

Dating the It Guy

Can Dreams Come True

In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE, BOOK DEPOSITORY, WALMART,  AND INDIEBOUND

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?
Yes, I’m working on the next book in my clean teen romantic comedy series, The Cecily Taylor Series, about a teen who gets the chance to be in her favorite singer’s music video and they begin dating. I’m also working on some women’s fiction.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
In Over Her Head: Lights, Camera, Anxiety, hit number one on Amazon’s Hot New Releases for young adult humor books. It’s the second book in my rom-com series and in this one Cecily gets the opportunity to model in New York and see her teen rock star boyfriend, but it’s hard being in high school and dealing with keeping their relationship secret and reading about all the girls who want to date him online—not to mention the relationship gossip! It’s a fun take on what it’d be like to date your dream crush.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

2019 Book Award Finalists Announced

For Immediate Release

Literary Classics

pr@clcawards.org

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11/01/19

Rapid City, South Dakota

Tradition continues with the arrival of one of the most anticipated moments in the world of children’s and young adult literature. The 2019 Literary Classics Book Award Finalists and Top Honors Book Awards Finalists have been announced. Selected from submissions by entrants around the globe, these distinguished honorees are recognized for their contributions to the craft of writing, illustrating, and publishing exceptional literature for a youth audience. In this highly competitive industry, these books represent the foremost in literature in their respective categories.

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The competition this year was quite impressive, and we congratulate all the finalists for their outstanding and inspiring work. Final awards, categories, and levels will be announced on November 15, 2019. 

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The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize this year’s titles in literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics award selection committee. 

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Lester Aradi, Tricycle and Friends, Post Hill Press 

Bon Blossman, Behind the Mirror, My Mystery Party

Annie Boochever, Fighter in Velvet Gloves, University of Alaska Press

Laura Bullock, The Traveling Javelinas, Create Space Independent Publishing

Lisa Calhoun-Owen, The Moonlight Dancer, Warren Publishing

Geanna Culbertson, Crisanta Knight: Inherent Fate, BQB Publishing

Tracy Detz, No Fish for Charles, Warren Publishing

John Egenes, Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America, Delta Vee

M.J. Evans, PERCY - The Racehorse Who Didn’t Like to Run, Dancing Horse Press

Patrick Finegan, Cooperative Lives, Two Skates Publishing LLC

Diana Forbes, Mistress Suffragette, Penmore Press LLC

Barbara Freeman, Mirror Mirror, Laredo Publishing Company

J.W. Garrett, Remeon’s Destiny, BHC Press

Patrick Garry, In the Shadow of War, Kenric Books

V. A. Givens, Sealed with a Twist, Eclectic Quill Publishing

Lori Harrison, Why Water’s Worth It, Water Environment Federation

Ndaa Hassan, Ramadan Around the World, Self-Published

Melanie Hooyenga, The Edge Rules, Left-Handed Mitten Publications

Connie Huddleston, Greg’s Fourth Adventure in Time, ITP Press

Mutch Katsonga, The Melancholy History of Mayfly, Self-Published

Courtney Leigh Pahlke, Life Force Preserve, EBooks2Go

Wendy Leighton-Porter, The Shadow of Camelot, Silver Quill Publishing

Gloria Lintermans, SAM: The Cat Without a Tail, Blooming Twig Books

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw, I Campaigned for Ice Cream, Warren Publishing

Alison McBain, The Rose Queen, Fairfield Scribes

Jackie Minniti, One Small Spark, Anaiah Press

Susan Morrison, Home Front Girl, Chicago Review Press

Edy Nathan, It’s Grief: The Dance of Self Discovery, As I Am Press

Daniela I Norris, Premonitions, Roundfire Books

Christina M Pages, The Woodland Adventures of Lucy and Will, Waldorf Publishing

Jeannie Panchal, Oregon Trail Activity Guide, Self-Published

Jessica Reed, Running with the Wolves, BHC Press

Jessica Renwick, The Book of Chaos, Starfell Press

A. M. Robin, Hidden Scales, A.M. Robin

Joseph Ruder, Daydreaming Danny and the Pirate Treasure, CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Sylvia Sanchez Garza, Cascarones, Floricanto Press

Navya Sarikonda, The Enchanters’ Child, Ingramspark

Chad-Michael Simon, Yellowstone: The Bears of Caldera, Hyphenated Press

Sonya Song, Pirate Bear, Chinchilla Books

Sonya Song, City of More, Chinchilla Books

Kena Sosa, The Unhuggables, River Road Press

C.R. Stewart, Britfield and the Lost Crown, Devonfield Publishing

Astrid V.J., Aspiring, Part 1 of the Siblings’ Tale, New Wings Press

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Final award levels & categories will be announced on November 15, 2019

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Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic literature which appeals to youth while encouraging positive values in the impressionable minds of future generations. To learn more about Literary Classics, you may visit their website at www.clcawards.org or www.childrensliteraryclassics.com

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LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Greg's Fourth Adventure in Time, by C.M. Huddleston, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Greg's mom is worried about her son's safety and has grounded the boy from time travel. Greg is fairly certain that, while he may be safe from the Pirate, he will now die from boredom.  But soon after, the Pirate is seen in their time dimension and Greg's dad lifts the ban so the boy can help his father track down the elusive time-traveling bandit. But before long, it would appear the Pirate would instead find them; and Greg, his family, and their friends would all be forced to travel to the 1800s with no way to return to the present.

The stakes are high in this fast-paced thrilling adventure as Greg's friend Rose must find her friends who are struggling to survive in another time. History comes to life once again in C.M. Huddleston's Greg's Fourth Adventure in Time.  Huddleston continues to delight young readers with the fourth installment in the Adventures in Time Series.  Prepare to be enthralled by this highly entertaining and fascinating foray into the past.  Greg's Fourth Adventure in Time is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author S.A. Larsen on her Award-Winning Book, MOTLEY EDUCATION

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?

I was a huge film buff when I was in middle grade and high school. I’d examine scenes, plot-lines, and character motives, trying to dissect the workings of the tale. It always irritated me when a scene took a twist I didn’t agree with or when a film ended differently than I believed it should have. So I’d rewrite the scene or the ending. Eventually, that fixation turned total focus on my dance career – the first way I conveyed stories to the world. But I never lost sight of my affection for storytelling.

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

At twenty-two months, my youngest child was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a neurological disorder where no pathways from the brain to the mouth muscles exist. Picture books and puzzles become his outlet to communicate with us. Through this process, he became fixated with mythology, and in turn, so did I. (Side note: after years of speech therapy, he’s now a thriving thirteen-year-old at the top of his class academically, which I actually attribute to his years of disciplined therapy.)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?

“Look beyond the extraordinary and you will see most value in the simplest of things.” Life can sometimes distract us with all sorts of bobbles and trinkets. We look for answers in all the wrong places, making us lose focus on what’s really important. That doesn’t mean we can’t have all these other things. Just don’t let them cloud your judgment and the truth of happiness in life.

WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?

Without a doubt, it’s Ebony Charmed – my main character. I was a Catholic school kid. We had rules and daily rituals about attire, homework, and attitudes to follow. While those are needed, such set structure limited my growth as a child. Ebony is the closet middle-grade me. I wanted to wear combat boots and dye my hair funky colors. My favorite color was black and I liked the creepier side of life. Cemeteries and the lives of those residents fascinated me. The only difference between me and Ebony is that I really can’t see ghosts and she can.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

With MOTLEY, I set out to convey one special theme – self-acceptance. I want kids to grasp the truth that their uniqueness is a gift, not a detriment and that, despite any flaw they might have, they are valuable.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:

My journey as a magazine writer gave me the opportunity to interview some amazing youth athletes. All were martial artists, but some were also stars in other athletic arenas, modeling, and even childhood acting. It was wonderful talking with these young kids. A few still stay in touch with me through social media.

IF YOU COULD BE COMPARED TO A WELL-KNOWN AUTHOR WHO WOULD YOU MOST WANT THIS TO BE AND WHY?

My answer, hands down, is Jane Austen. The depths of her writing and the mastery of her character development go without saying. Simply amazing. But to do it during a time in human history when woman were thought of as lesser, as homemakers and a product to marry off to increase the family’s standings in society was remarkable. I often ponder the courage it must have taken her to do so. I can only hope to live my life in such a way.

WHAT  INCIDENT HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

I’d say the death of my grandmother, who was the greatest support system any young thirteen-year-old girl could have asked for. Not simply in life, but in dealing with my mother, who is a severe depressant. My memere – as I called her – understood the uncertainty I faced every day with my mother. The grace with which she continued to love my mom and shield me from as much pain as she could is a priceless gift, one I’ve tried to live my life by in return and pass on through my work.

HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?

As with most writers, my journey to publication has been a twisted one. I began writing for small news publications, youth athlete magazines, and eventually young adult anthologies. Somewhere between all of that I began writing children’s manuscripts.

After many near-missed signings with agents, I submitted my young adult manuscript to publishers and received multiple offers from smaller presses. Instead of accepting an offer, I signed with an interested agent. A sale looked promising at first, but then my author-agent relationship fizzled and I found myself going it alone, again. Listening to my gut, I did a complete rewrite of that YA manuscript. Fortunately, this resulted in another round of several offers, and I chose my YA publisher.

IF A CLOSE FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

This question made me laugh out loud a little because when I think about it my answer has nothing to do with the act or craft of writing. It’s all about self-belief and the stubborn pursuit to achieve. The journey of writing a book takes pure determination, a will of steel, the openness to learn, and the acceptance of one’s flaws.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?

People always talk about branding. I’d rather describe it as ‘Being you.’ You must decide who you are as an author, what you stand for, and what purposes you want your books to have in the lives of others. The key is to be genuine. When focusing on the physical sale of a book know that each book will sell differently. Discern what is unique and important to each and use that as a catalyst to pique the interest of purchasing readers. Also, mingle with the writing community because they will be your greatest asset in promoting your work.  

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?

MOTLEY has been well received by the award-giving writing community, receiving five literary awards to date. As affirming as these recognitions are to me, my greatest accomplishment has been seeing the sparkle in the kids’ eyes when I chat about MOTLEY with them at their schools. I can see their little brains aspiring to be more than they thought they could be. I am truly blessed.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS?

Like most writers, I’d love to achieve the title of New York Times Bestseller. But at the heart of it all, my greatest literary yearning is for my writing to touch people’s lives, inspiring, encouraging, and giving them a mirror to reflect on themselves and their world. Ultimately, I want to leave my mark to help others long after my time here has ended.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MIGHT FIND INTERESTING:

While a high school senior, I was approached by a professional Broadway dancer who was impressed with my skills. She offered me a position in her New York City class. However, I never took the position because multiple sclerosis struck my mother, who already was a severe depressant. For the sake of my family, I stayed home to help care for her. I was lost, having no idea what to do with my life. Looking back, I realize that I’ve always been a storyteller. Back then it was exploring the joys and tests of life through motion and music. Today, it’s through words.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?

If your readers would like to stay in touch with me they can sign up to be part of my MVR Mulisha, where I share great books and sales from other authors, updates on my work and latest releases, and giveaways for members-only: Newsletter.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 

Marked Beauty – Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Smashwords | Kobo | Website

Gears of Brass – Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | Publisher

Under a Brass Moon – Amazon | B&N | IndieBound 

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

Yes, the second book in the Motley Education series and book II of Marked Beauty. I also have a young adult story that explores the realities of living with a parent who suffers from depression.

The second book in the Motley Education series is tentatively entitled The Shifting Hollow. Think the eeriness of Sleepy Hollow mixed with the adventure of Sleeping Beauty. But with crows and zombies. And of course, all that Norse Mythology has to offer.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Great & the Small earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Humans have been destroying rats for generations.  Now the rats have decided that it’s time for a revolution.  With plans to exterminate the humans who have caused nothing but grief and misery for so long, the rats are staging a high-stakes war.  But when Fin, nephew of the rat’s beloved leader, is injured and a human comes to his rescue, he has a change of heart and the rat colony becomes divided.  Author A.T. Balsara is an extremely gifted writer who has skillfully crafted an insightful novel about courage, loyalty and social responsibility.  This gripping tale speaks volumes on many underlying themes which add greater depth and symbolism to an already powerful story.  Highly recommended for home and school libraries, The Great & the Small has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Ghost Hand, by Ripley Patton, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Ghost Hand is a paranormal work of fiction about Olivia, a seventeen year old girl with PSS (an affliction causing one’s flesh to be replaced by an ethereal energy).  She discovers her PSS hand has unusual powers. Under the guidance of other afflicted teenagers she learns to direct her hand’s energy.  But she soon discovers there are those who wish to harness her hand’s energy and will do so at any cost.

This highly engrossing book, the first in a trilogy, is well written and immediately commands the attention of its readers.  Elements of danger, excitement, and romance make this book an intriguing read that is not easily put down.

The character of Olivia is depicted as a strong and empowered young lady.  Teens will find this book to be quite relatable.  The author’s ability to depict vivid and extraordinarily tangible scenes helps awaken strong emotions in the reader.  The foundation has been solidly built to continue this trilogy with the reader left deliriously wanting  for more.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Oathtaker, by Patricia Reding, has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Oathtaker, the first book in a series by Patricia Reding, is the refreshingly unique novel about Mara, a trained oathtaker living in the land of Oosa.  The sacrifices made by oathtakers are great, but those sworn to fulfill the task have willingly accepted the burden of their responsibilities.  Oosa, a world full of rich traditions and powerful legends, is the setting for this fantasy fiction novel of epic proportions in which ancient prophecies are revealed and good wages war upon evil.  This highly engaging book boasts a robust plot paired with a healthy share of life and death struggles and a delightful love story woven throughout.

In this adventure-filled tale Reding incorporates devious characters and charming heroes, cunningly beautiful ladies, and enchanted buildings.  Each character is distinctive, believable and well developed.  We loved the story, the flow, the excitement and can’t wait for the next book in what promises to be a great series.

Oathtaker comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Knights of Nevertheless earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

R.A. McClure's Knights of Nevertheless, Escape from the Shadows is a riveting post apocalyptic novel about two boys and their mother who must escape the shadows of darkness which threaten their very existence.  Brothers, Stranth and Onar are on the cusp of manhood.  The two have a keen connection with each other and with their mother who will stop at nothing to ensure their protection from the evil which lurks in every corner.  Together, they battle darkness while clinging to the hope that they may somehow find a place where light casts out the shadows of darkness.

Escape from the Shadows is the first book in The Knights of Nevertheless series.  Destined to be a cherished classic, this book offers all the elements of young adult reading at its finest.  From the first page to the last, this book will capture and keep the attention of readers young and old.  McClure exhibits rare talent as a story-teller in this eloquently penned fantasy fiction novel.  We look forward to reading the next installment in the series by McClure who shows true promise as an up-and-coming author.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org