Fantasy Reading Piano Playlist

Looking to get some reading done, but you don't want music with lyrics that will distract you from the fantasy book that you are reading?

Good news, here is my playlist

Ludovico Einaudi — Nuvole Bianche
Experience — Experience
Yiruma — River Flows in You
Kiss the Rain — Kiss the Rain
Joep Beving — Ab Ovo

Max Richter — On the Nature of Daylight
Ólafur Arnalds — Saman
Near Light — Near Light
Hammock — Turn Away and Return
Nils Frahm — Says 

George Winston — January Stars
Alexis Ffrench — Bluebird
Waves — Waves
Olivia Belli — Aria
Dustin O'Halloran — We Move Lightly

Hania Rani — F Major
Glass — Glass
Peter Broderick — Float
Goldmund — Threnody
Balmorhea — Remembrance 

Joe Hisaishi — One Summer’s Day
Joe Hisaishi — Merry-Go-Round of Life
Howard Shore — Concerning Hobbits (piano arrangements)

 

And my personal favourite, Edvard Grieg's Hall of the Mountain King on piano. Perfect for reading some indie fantasy books from your favourite authors.

 

 

Gail M. Murray's Poetry Book: Reflections & Reveries

If you enjoy poetry by Canadian poets do check out Gail M. Murray's book: Reflections & Reveries

She has a book launch coming up on April 14th 2024 at the Stone Cottage Pub in Scarborough, Ontario. See the book launch details below:

About the Author

Gail M. Murray B.A. B. ED. was an English teacher and teacher-librarian with a focus on drama and literature. Gail grew up on a small farm in Pickering surrounded by nature, walking in woods, fields and gardens like the Romantics. For several years, Gail performed with Scarborough Theatre Guild and Scarborough Music Theatre. After retiring Gail became a free-lance writer. Like Keats, she seeks to capture the essence of the moment. Gail’s writing is a response to her natural and emotional environment.

Her poems have been published in Written Tenfold, Blank Spaces, Wordscape, Arborealis, The Banister, CommuterLit.com and her collection Reflections and Reveries. Her creative non-fiction has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Trellis, Heartbeats,  Renaissance, The Ontario Gardener, NOW Magazine, Blank Spaces, Just Words Volume 2, Stony Bridges, Ottawa Review of Books, Historical Novels Review, Our Canada, More of Our Canada, Devour and Our Canada, Our Country, Our Stories.

Peasant Magazine, Call for Fantasy Short Stories

 

Peasant Magazine is seeking submissions for Issue #2. Specifically it is looking for fantasy, historical fantasy, historical fiction and magical realism stories that are between 1,000 and 8,000 words in length.

PM is a free nonprofit fantasy/historical fiction/magical realism literary magazine that focuses on stories set on earth prior to 1750 or set in a fantasy world.

Furthermore stories don't have to be 'first time publications'. They also accept reprints of previously published works.

Peasant Magazine is available in both 8x11 magazine format from Amazon, and as a free PDF for download.

Peasant Magazine Issue #1, 8x11

Peasant Magazine Issue #1, Free PDF

 

 

Christmas Books that contain Songs or Music

Below is a list of Christmas-themed books that incorporate music or songs within their narratives:

1. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens: This classic novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. While not primarily focused on music, it includes references to Christmas carols and the joyous spirit of the season.

2. "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg: This beloved children's book follows a young boy's magical journey on the Polar Express train to the North Pole. The book references the "Jingle Bells" song and captures the enchantment of Christmas through its illustrations.

3. "The Nutcracker" by E.T.A. Hoffmann: This classic tale, which has inspired numerous adaptations, including ballets and movies, features a magical Christmas Eve adventure and incorporates the iconic music of Tchaikovsky's ballet.

4. "The Christmasaurus" by Tom Fletcher: In this heartwarming children's book, a young boy named William Trundle befriends a dinosaur named the Christmasaurus. The book includes original songs written by the author, who is also a musician.

5. "Letters from Father Christmas" by J.R.R. Tolkien: This collection of letters written by Tolkien to his children over several years presents tales of Santa Claus and his adventures at the North Pole. While not focused on music, the letters contain references to songs and poems.

6. "A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story" by Berkeley Breathed: This delightful picture book follows Opus the penguin as he tries to fulfill his dream of flying with the help of Santa Claus. It features song lyrics and includes a musical theme throughout the story.

7. "The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey" by Susan Wojciechowski: This touching story follows a lonely woodcarver named Jonathan Toomey who experiences healing and love during the holiday season. Music is subtly intertwined with the narrative, capturing the spirit of Christmas.

8. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" illustrated by Jan Brett: This beautifully illustrated book presents the classic Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," with each day featuring a different intricate scene. The book brings the song to life through stunning artwork.

9. "The Night Before Christmas" illustrated by Charles Santore: This timeless poem, also known as "A Visit from St. Nicholas," is beautifully illustrated by Charles Santore and captures the anticipation and magic of Santa's visit on Christmas Eve.

10. "A Merry Christmas Cookbook" by Disney Book Group: While not a traditional narrative book, this cookbook features holiday recipes inspired by beloved Disney characters and movies. It includes festive songs and carols throughout, adding a musical touch to the Christmas cooking experience.

These Christmas-themed books incorporate music or songs in different ways, capturing the joy, wonder, and festive spirit of the holiday season. Enjoy reading and singing along during the most wonderful time of the year!

 

 

Fantasy Books that contain Songs or Music

 Below is a list of fantasy books that incorporate music or songs within their narratives:

1. "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss: This popular fantasy novel features a musician protagonist who uses the power of music to shape the world around him.

2. "The Kingkiller Chronicle" series by Patrick Rothfuss: Comprising "The Name of the Wind" and "The Wise Man's Fear," this series delves into the life of Kvothe, a talented musician whose songs hold great significance in the story.

3. "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien: While not primarily a musical-focused book, it contains numerous songs and poems that add depth and charm to the narrative.

4. "The Lord of the Rings" series by J.R.R. Tolkien: Like "The Hobbit," this epic trilogy includes several memorable songs and poems that enhance the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.

5. "The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle: This enchanting novel features beautiful prose and incorporates songs that evoke emotions and play a crucial role in the story.

6. "The Wandering Inn" web serial by pirateaba: A web serial set in a fantasy world where innkeepers have a unique power called "Inn Skill." Music and songs have a significant presence throughout the series.

7. "The Song of Albion" trilogy by Stephen R. Lawhead: This series combines Celtic mythology with modern-day elements and features a protagonist who discovers the power of music in an ancient realm.

8. "The Riddle-Master Trilogy" by Patricia A. McKillip: In this series, the power of music and riddles intertwines with the narrative, creating a sense of mystery and magic.

9. "The Broken Empire" trilogy by Mark Lawrence: While primarily a dark fantasy series, it includes songs and music that play a role in the protagonist's journey.

10. "The Inheritance Trilogy" by N.K. Jemisin: This series features a unique magic system where certain individuals have the power to manipulate and shape reality through song.

These are just a few examples of fantasy books that incorporate music or songs within their narratives. Each book offers a different take on how music can be a powerful element in the fantasy genre. 

Happy reading!

 

Horror Books that contain Songs or Music

 Below is a list of horror books that incorporate music or songs within their narratives:

1. "Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill: This chilling novel follows a rock musician who purchases a haunted suit through an online auction, with the haunting taking a musical and sinister turn.

2. "Hex" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt: Set in a small town cursed by the presence of a witch, this book incorporates a haunting song that serves as a reminder of the town's dark secret.

3. "The Devil's Detective" by Simon Kurt Unsworth: In this supernatural detective story set in Hell, a detective comes across a mysterious song that leads him deeper into a demonic conspiracy.

4. "The Ruins" by Scott Smith: While not primarily focused on music, this terrifying novel features a haunting sound emitted by the malevolent entity lurking within an ancient Mayan ruin.

5. "A Choir of Ill Children" by Tom Piccirilli: This dark and atmospheric tale revolves around a family of grotesque, psychic siblings who communicate through eerie songs.

6. "The Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux: Although not traditionally classified as horror, this classic novel contains elements of horror and features a mysterious opera ghost who influences the music and events within the Paris Opera House.

7. "The Wasp Factory" by Iain Banks: This disturbing novel revolves around a young protagonist with a fascination for ritualistic music and gruesome acts.

8. "The Red Tree" by Caitlín R. Kiernan: In this atmospheric horror novel, a writer discovers a haunting folk song that seems connected to the supernatural events unfolding around her.

9. "Dark Melodies" edited by William Meikle: This anthology gathers horror stories inspired by music, showcasing various authors' interpretations of how music can evoke fear and dread.

10. "The Ballad of Black Tom" by Victor LaValle: This reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft's "The Horror at Red Hook" incorporates music and the power of the blues to tell a haunting tale of cosmic horror.

These horror books incorporate music or songs to create an eerie atmosphere or enhance the overall sense of dread. 

Enjoy exploring the darker side of literature!

 

Free Fantasy Magazine

 

 

Download a copy of the free PDF version by visiting the Peasant Magazine website, or order the 8x11 magazine of Peasant Magazine via Amazon for $4.99 USD.

Mystery Books that contain Songs or Music

Below is a list of mystery books that incorporate music or songs within their narratives:

1. "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series by Alexander McCall Smith: While not strictly categorized as mystery, this series features a Botswana-based detective agency where music plays a significant role in the characters' lives.

2. "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" by Alan Bradley: This charming novel follows an aspiring chemist and amateur detective, Flavia de Luce, who discovers a dead body with a postage stamp pinned to its mouth and unravels the mystery with the help of her love for chemistry and her interest in music.

3. "The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton: In this mind-bending mystery, the protagonist wakes up in the body of different guests at a party and must solve a murder within the time loop. Music and its connection to memory play a crucial role in unraveling the truth.

4. "The Final Solution" by Michael Chabon: Set in England during World War II, this novella follows an elderly detective known only as "the old man" as he investigates a murder involving a parrot who recites a series of mysterious numbers, which leads to a larger mystery involving a missing boy.

5. "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield: This gothic mystery novel explores the life of a famous writer and her connection to a family with a dark secret. Music, particularly a haunting song, is intertwined with the story's secrets.

6. "The Choirboys" by Joseph Wambaugh: This darkly humorous novel follows the lives of police officers in the Los Angeles Police Department, who form a choir as a way to cope with the stresses of their job.

7. "The Silkworm" by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym of J.K. Rowling): This second book in the Cormoran Strike series follows the detective as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a controversial writer, with the plot delving into the world of publishing and the lyrics of a disturbing song.

8. "The Templars' Last Secret" by Martin Walker: In this mystery novel set in the Dordogne region of France, Chief of Police Bruno Courrèges investigates the murder of a music professor, which leads to the discovery of a hidden Templar treasure.

9. "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie: This classic mystery novel features renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he solves a murder aboard the Orient Express. While music doesn't play a central role, it is present in the background as part of the train's atmosphere.

10. "Harmony" by Carolyn Parkhurst: This gripping mystery follows a family who participates in an experimental retreat called "The Harmony Project," where music therapy is used to help troubled families. As they delve deeper into the program, dark secrets and mysteries arise.

These mystery books incorporate music or songs in various ways, adding an extra layer of intrigue and atmosphere to their narratives. Enjoy the suspenseful melodies and unraveling mysteries!

 

 

List of Popular Books that use Passive Voice

Below is a list of authors and famous books that often used passive voice:

William Shakespeare:

• "Hamlet" - e.g., "To be or not to be, that is the question."
• "Romeo and Juliet" - e.g., "A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life."

J.D. Salinger:

• "The Catcher in the Rye" - e.g., "I was surrounded by phonies."

Jane Austen:

• "Pride and Prejudice" - e.g., "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

George Orwell:

• "1984" - e.g., "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen."

Harper Lee:

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" - e.g., "It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived."

F. Scott Fitzgerald:

• "The Great Gatsby" - e.g., "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made."

Charles Dickens:

• "A Tale of Two Cities" - e.g., "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Mark Twain:

• "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" - e.g., "I was a-trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it."

Emily Brontë:

• "Wuthering Heights" - e.g., "I have dreamt in my life, dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they have gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the color of my mind."

Ernest Hemingway:

• "The Old Man and the Sea" - e.g., "He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream."

Virginia Woolf:

• "Mrs. Dalloway" - e.g., "She had the perpetual sense, as she watched the taxi cabs, of being out, out, far out to sea and alone."

Toni Morrison:

• "Beloved" - e.g., "124 was spiteful. Full of a baby's venom."

Leo Tolstoy:

• "Anna Karenina" - e.g., "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."

Joseph Heller:

• "Catch-22" - e.g., "It was love at first sight. The first time Yossarian saw the chaplain he fell madly in love with him."

Herman Melville:

• "Moby-Dick" - e.g., "Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul."

Nathaniel Hawthorne:

• "The Scarlet Letter" - e.g., "It was the scarlet letter, blazing forth on his breast."

Oscar Wilde:

• "The Picture of Dorian Gray" - e.g., "He was conscious of the terrible pleasure that he had brought on himself."

Aldous Huxley:

• "Brave New World" - e.g., "It was a relief to be told what to do."

Charlotte Brontë:

• "Jane Eyre" - e.g., "It was three o'clock; the church bell tolled as I passed under the belfry."

John Steinbeck:

• "Of Mice and Men" - e.g., "A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green."

These are just a few examples of authors and famous books that have used passive voice. Passive voice can be employed as a stylistic choice to convey certain tones or perspectives within a narrative.


Why do Modern Authors often Dislike Passive Voice?

The preference for active voice over passive voice is a common recommendation in modern writing and is often emphasized in writing workshops and style guides. There are several reasons why contemporary writers tend to look down on the use of passive voice, despite its presence in many classic books. Here are a few key explanations:

1. Clarity and directness: Active voice is generally considered more direct and straightforward. It places the subject of the sentence as the "doer" of the action, making the sentence structure clearer and easier to follow. Active voice often leads to more concise and engaging writing, as it keeps the focus on the subject performing the action.

2. Engaging the reader: Active voice tends to create a stronger connection between the reader and the narrative. By using active voice, writers can convey a sense of immediacy and involvement, allowing readers to experience events more vividly. Passive voice, on the other hand, can create a sense of detachment or passivity, which may hinder the reader's engagement with the text.

3. Style and tone: Many contemporary writers value a dynamic and energetic writing style. Active voice contributes to a sense of liveliness and movement in the narrative. It often lends itself well to action sequences, dialogue, and engaging storytelling. On the other hand, passive voice can sometimes be perceived as more formal, distant, or bureaucratic, which may not align with the desired tone or style of many modern works.

4. Varying sentence structures: Overuse of passive voice can lead to monotonous sentence structures, where the subject of the sentence is often omitted or de-emphasized. In contrast, active voice allows for more sentence variety, which can enhance the rhythm, flow, and overall readability of a piece of writing.

However, it's important to note that the disdain for passive voice in contemporary writing doesn't mean that passive voice should never be used. Passive voice can still serve a purpose in specific contexts, such as when the focus is on the recipient of the action rather than the doer, or to create a sense of objectivity or formality. Moreover, as seen in classic literature, passive voice has been used effectively by renowned authors to convey specific narrative effects and to suit the stylistic preferences of their time.

Ultimately, the decision to use passive or active voice should be based on the writer's intent, the context of the narrative, and the desired impact on the reader.

 

What are some advantages to using passive voice?

While active voice is generally preferred in most writing situations, there are still some advantages to using passive voice in specific contexts. Here are a few advantages of using passive voice:

1. Shifting the focus: Passive voice allows the writer to shift the focus from the doer of the action to the receiver or object of the action. This can be useful when the emphasis is on the result or impact of the action rather than the agent performing it. It can create a sense of mystery or intrigue by withholding the doer of the action.

2. Politeness or diplomacy: Passive voice can be employed to convey politeness or soften the impact of a statement. By omitting or downplaying the doer of the action, passive voice can be used to discuss sensitive or delicate topics without explicitly assigning blame or responsibility.

3. Objectivity and formality: In some cases, passive voice can lend an air of objectivity or formality to the writing. By removing the subject or doer of the action, it can create a more impersonal tone, which can be appropriate in certain academic, scientific, or technical writing contexts.

4. Variation in sentence structure: Active voice dominates most writing, and excessive use can result in repetitive sentence structures. Passive voice offers a way to vary the structure of sentences, adding diversity and interest to the writing.

5. Stylistic choice: Some writers intentionally use passive voice to achieve a specific stylistic effect. It can contribute to a slower pace, create a sense of detachment, or evoke a particular mood or atmosphere in the narrative.

It's important to note that while there are advantages to using passive voice in certain situations, its usage should be judicious and intentional. Overuse of passive voice can lead to wordiness, unclear communication, and a lack of directness. It's crucial to consider the context, purpose, and desired effect of the writing when deciding whether to use active or passive voice.

 

Does Yoda use passive voice?

Yoda, the wise and iconic character from the Star Wars franchise, often uses a form of speech known as Yoda-speak or Yodish. Yoda-speak is characterized by an unusual sentence structure that can sometimes resemble passive voice or employ inverted word order. Here are a few examples of Yoda-speak:

1. "Do or do not. There is no try."
2. "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."
3. "Judge me by my size, do you?"
4. "Named must your fear be before banish it you can."

While Yoda-speak may occasionally resemble passive voice due to its unique sentence structure, it is important to note that Yoda-speak is not a strict adherence to passive voice rules. It primarily reflects Yoda's distinctive speech pattern, which has become an iconic part of his character. Yoda's speech often places emphasis on wisdom, riddles, and conveying profound ideas in a poetic and unconventional manner.

 

Passive Character Voices

Characters in stories can and should use passive voice if it aligns with their speech patterns, personality, or narrative purpose. Here are a few reasons why characters might frequently use passive voice:

1. Authenticity and consistency: Characters, like real people, have unique ways of speaking that reflect their background, personality, and upbringing. If a character's established traits or background suggest a tendency towards passive voice usage, using passive voice can contribute to their authenticity and consistency. It helps create a distinct voice for the character and reinforces their individuality.

2. Cultural or linguistic influence: Characters from different cultures, regions, or time periods may naturally gravitate towards passive voice due to specific language conventions or speech patterns. For example, characters from formal or traditional societies, or those influenced by bureaucratic or hierarchical structures, might use passive voice as it reflects their cultural norms and linguistic habits.

3. Expressing passivity or powerlessness: The consistent use of passive voice by a character can convey a sense of passivity or powerlessness, highlighting their vulnerability or lack of control in a given situation. This can be effective in storytelling, as it adds depth to the character's emotional state, internal conflicts, or external challenges they face.

4. Stylistic choices and narrative effects: Characters with a poetic or introspective nature might naturally use passive voice as it can create a more reflective or contemplative tone. Additionally, in certain genres like gothic or atmospheric storytelling, passive voice can contribute to the desired mood or atmosphere, enhancing the reader's immersion in the narrative.

5. Plot or thematic relevance: In some cases, a character's frequent use of passive voice might serve a specific narrative purpose or thematic element. For example, a character struggling with a sense of identity or agency might employ passive voice to reflect their internal conflicts or feelings of being acted upon by external forces.

It's important to consider the balance and purpose behind a character's use of passive voice. While it can add depth and authenticity, it should be used judiciously to avoid hindering clarity or creating a burdensome reading experience. Ultimately, the consistent use of passive voice by a character should serve a narrative or character-driven purpose and contribute to the overall storytelling objectives.

 

Submit your Fantasy Stories to Peasant Magazine

As a pianist and blogger, I'm always on the lookout for new creative outlets and sources of inspiration. Recently, I came across Peasant Magazine, a literary journal that's seeking submissions of fantasy short stories and historical fiction set pre-1750. As someone who loves both music and storytelling, I immediately saw the potential for a unique and exciting collaboration.

Peasant Magazine is a literary treasure trove, where writers can showcase their skills at weaving tales of magic, monsters, and adventure. As a pianist, I'm particularly drawn to the potential for music to enhance the storytelling experience. Just like a piece of music, a great story can transport you to another time and place, evoke a range of emotions, and leave a lasting impression.

If you're a fellow pianist who's also passionate about writing, or just someone who loves to explore new creative avenues, then Peasant Magazine is the perfect opportunity to combine your interests. Whether you have a fantasy short story that takes readers on a thrilling adventure through a world of magic and wonder, or a historical fiction piece set in a bygone era, Peasant Magazine wants to hear from you!

Submitting your work to Peasant Magazine is easy. Simply head to their website and follow the magazine submission guidelines. Make sure to polish your work to perfection and ensure it aligns with the magazine's requirements before submitting. And don't forget to check out past issues of the magazine for inspiration and to get a feel for the kind of stories Peasant Magazine publishes.

If your work is selected for publication, you'll not only have the chance to showcase your talents as a writer, but you'll also be part of a unique creative collaboration that celebrates the power of music and storytelling. So why not dust off your keyboard, fire up your imagination, and submit your fantasy short story or historical fiction set pre-1750 to Peasant Magazine? You never know what magical and musical tales might emerge from this exciting opportunity.

List of Websites for Downloading Public Domain Books

January 1st is known as "Public Domain Day". It is called this because it is the day hundreds of old books enter the public domain, meaning anyone can download that book for free, since it has now lost its copyright.

It starts at midnight January 1st every years. Tens of thousands of books suddenly lose their copyright and effectively become free.

2019 marks the first time a large quantity of books published in 1923 have become legal to download for free now that ebooks are a thing. Including books by Virginia Woolf, Agatha Christie, and Robert Frost.

As the years go by more books will be added to the public domain, giving readers a lot more options to read some fantastic ebooks for free.

So where can you download these free books, and older books which have also lost their copyright?

Well here is my alphabetical list of websites for free ebooks:

• https://archive.org/details/texts
• http://www.authorama.com/
• https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ls?a=srchls;c=149827760;q1=*
• http://www.bartleby.com/
• https://www.bibliomania.ws/shop/bibliomania/index.html?id=32m2gmtX
• http://en.childrenslibrary.org/
• http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/
• https://www.free-ebooks.net/
• http://freecomputerbooks.com/
• http://www.freetechbooks.com/
• http://www.fullbooks.com/
• http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page
• http://manybooks.net/
• http://www.online-literature.com/author_index.php
• https://openlibrary.org/
• https://www.questia.com/library/free-books
• http://www.readprint.com/
• http://www.sacred-texts.com/
• https://www.slideshare.net/
• https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Main_Page
• https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Main_Page
• http://worldebookfair.com/
• http://worldlibrary.net/

Free Audiobooks!

• https://librivox.org/

Almost Free List - Not quite free, but inexpensive.

• http://worldpubliclibrary.org/
• https://www.scribd.com/

Note

It is also possible to get free ebooks via Amazon, including books that are not in the public domain. Some authors do promotions and allow their books to be free briefly (or they have countdown promotions where the book is cheaper temporarily). The trick to getting those is to follow the writer on Twitter or Facebook and look out for when they announce promo deals. It doesn't happen much with big name writers, but it is common for writers who do self-publishing to offer such deals.

Some authors will also write a series of books and then offer the first book for free.

For example British author V. Moody used to offer the first ebook of his popular series "How to Avoid Death on a Daily Basis" for free, but it is now $0.99 instead. So what happened was he offered the first book of the series for free for a long time, allowing the book series to become more popular. Then once his popularity was secured, he raised the price of the first book from free to 99 cents. The 2nd, 3rd and other books sell for $4.99 CDN.

So clearly there is some marketing strategy there.

Some authors also do web series, making money off of advertising instead of selling the book. So you read the book for free off their website, and the author still makes money off the advertising.

So there is plenty of options if you want to read good books and don't want to spend much.

Book Review: "The Assassin's Trail" by Charles Moffat

I don't usually do book reviews, but here goes... No Spoilers!

Prepare to embark on an exhilarating literary journey like no other with Charles Moffat's captivating masterpiece, "The Assassin's Trail." This riveting novel weaves an intricate tapestry of suspense, adventure, and moral exploration that will leave readers spellbound from the very first page to the breathtaking climax.

"The Assassin's Trail" transports us to a world where ancient traditions and the primal instincts of survival converge. At the heart of this enthralling narrative is a lone hunter, entrusted by his tribe with a formidable task: To track down a ruthless murderer and return with the ultimate proof of justice—the murderer's head. As the hunter delves deeper into the treacherous unknown, the reader is drawn into an all-encompassing quest filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Moffat's expert storytelling unfolds with a precision that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. From the vast, untamed landscapes to the dense undergrowth of the wild, every scene is brought to life with vivid detail and masterful prose. The author's exceptional ability to create a palpable atmosphere allows readers to immerse themselves completely in the world he has crafted, experiencing the rush of adrenaline, the strangeness of magic, and the electrifying tension alongside the protagonist.

However, "The Assassin's Trail" offers much more than an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride. It delves into profound themes of morality, justice, and the complex nature of humanity. As the hunter confronts his own inner naivete while navigating a perilous path, Moffat skillfully explores the shades of gray that exist within every individual, including Wrathgar's friendship with a young necromancer named Soljargon. With every encounter and revelation, readers are compelled to question their own beliefs and ponder the delicate balance between vengeance and redemption.

What sets Moffat's work apart is his deep understanding of archery, hunting and tracking skills, and the emotional depth he brings to his characters: Both the hero Wrathgar and the villain Muddenklaw. Wrathgar, in particular, is a fascinating and multi-dimensional protagonist, a young man still on his journey into adulthood.

"The Assassin's Trail" possesses all the elements of a pulse-pounding adventure, yet its underlying themes and nuanced exploration of a young man tasked with bringing a murderer to justice elevate it to a work of profound significance. Moffat's brilliant prose and his ability to captivate the reader with every sentence make this novel an absolute must-read.

In conclusion, "The Assassin's Trail" showcases Charles Moffat's exceptional storytelling prowess, which shines brightly, offering a gripping narrative that combines the thrill of a hunt with thought-provoking introspection. Prepare to be enthralled by this remarkable work, as it takes you on a wild ride through the fictional kingdom of Korovia, where the hunter's path reveals secrets that are as much external as they are internal and will leave you questioning:

Who is the real assassin in this story? The villain? Or the hero?