It’s been one of the most beautiful fall seasons I’ve ever seen on our mountain. The dogwoods have been wearing the biggest crown of colors. Their pinks, reds, and golden hues actually glow at times. Maybe it’s because we’ve had such a dry fall and that’s left the leaves alone to change and stay on the trees longer? I’m not sure of the science behind it, but I’m enjoying it. But, as beautiful as this is and capturing it on my camera has been fun, I’m hoping California gets some rain soon. I’m not used to being on high fire-alert in November, but my house is as ready as can be and certified by CAL Fire as such. Until the day we get the goats (that I always talk about getting who keep the underbrush down) it’s up to my husband and I to make that fire-break around our house–and we have.
Since I wrote this more devastating fires have started. My thoughts and prayers go out to the residents of Paradise and other effected communities in Northern California, along with all the people dealing with the out of control fires in Southern CA and their losses.
Destroyer’s Blood: The Adventures of Devcalion- The Blood Series Book 1
By Michael Lynes
This is a fantasy about a young Greek demi-god Devcalion “Dev” and his sword, and closest friend, the Betrayer “Tray”. Although his father is Prometheus and uncle is Zeus, it starts out with Dev doing a normal human activity climbing half-dome, with his telepathic sword after several months of hiking. Dev runs into a relative during a fall, Hermes, who has a warning for him. This message changes Dev’s carefree life and leads him back to Mt. Olympus—or a place he hates. Here things happen quickly that could throw him into a task with someone he’d rather avoid. The characters pulled me into the story. I really enjoyed the relationship between Dev and Tray including their inner communications and battles. There were a lot of details, so you could easily imagine his god-filled world. I don’t want to give away any of the surprises in the story, but some of the descriptions had me wanting to take a long shower after reading them. This is a well-written story of a complicated relationship between not only a young man and his father and uncle, but someone who considers himself an outsider. Dev had to learn what he, and others, were capable of, besides learning what was important to him. If you love fantasy with lots of intrigue and plenty of action this is the book for you. I eagerly await the second book in this series.
“A Long Walk Home: A Christmas Novelette” went live this week. It includes a character from “The Button”. Thanks for the review Mae:) I’m smiling in Nevada City.
Embrace your inner child, D.L. Finn
Sounds like a good book from Michael. Congrats on your short story.
It was a good one. Thanks John:)
I’m very intrigued. I love mythology, so this book reads fascinating. Another one for my Kindle! Thanks for the review, Denise! <3 Beautiful fall pictures. I'm sorry to hear about the fires. I'm hoping that the powers that be gain control over it quickly. <3
Thanks Vashti. I’m a fan of the use of mythology in books, too. I’m hoping the same thing about the fires and helping where I can.
Michael’s books sound nice. I’m praying for everyone in and around the fires and all of the service providers such as police, firefighters, etc.
It was a good book for sure, Mary. Thanks. Yes, want to keep everyone safe above all.
Offering prayers for all affected or at risk of the fires. Hopefully a big rain comes soon.
Thanks Staci. I’ve seen so many personal videos of it…it’s chilling. Rain would make a huge difference and can’t come soon enough.
Very nicely done!
The fires in California are just devastating. Praying you and yours will be safe in your area.
Congrats to Michael on the great review!
Thank you Mae! It seems to get worse every year. So far we are safe and as ready as can be at the same time.
Prayers for your continued safety, Denise. The fires are heartbreaking. Great review for Michael’s book!
Thanks Jan they are. Yes, it’s a good book:)
Marvelous review, Denise.
I’m glad to know you’re safe and well. I wish I could send rain. It’s terrifying.
Great big hug.
Thanks Teagan it was a fun read:) We thankfully are safe and well so far. This has been the worst fire conditions I’ve ever seen in the 28 years we’ve lived in the woods. I will definitely be dancng in the rain when it comes.
Hugs back.
Thanks for sharing your review Denise. Beautiful photographs. Thinking of all of there families affected by the fires. Stay safe everyone.
Thank you Lizzie it’s easy to get a good shot when everything is so beautiful. Yes thinking of them all and doing what we can for them.