Spinetinglers Book of the Year 2008

The Spinetinglers Book of the Year 2008 Winner
Plus
Our two Runners Up
&
Spiney News

This week I'm delighted to announce the winner and two runners up of the Spinetinglers Book of the Year Award 2008.

This was a very hard fought contest but the judges struggled through and came up with a very worthy winner and two runners up. I also have to apologise to our three authors - this should have been announced two weeks ago but unfortunately the Spiney team were completely decimated by the flu epidemic which hit Northern Ireland and we ended up having to shut up shop. We are however back (although some of them still look as if they should be home in bed) and will be on track very shortly.

Before I get to our winners however I have a couple of updates for you;

Firstly I have great pleasure in announcing the winner of the June Short Story Competition! No longer is the winning story Unknown by ????.

The June Winner

A Moment in Time by Simon Wicks

As always I asked Simon to tell us a little about himself and how he eventually found out that he was our winner, here's what he had to say;

"I found out I'd won as I checked back into the site and looked at June's winners; I was a little disappointed to see I hadn't been placed, and then when I clicked into the winning story by "Unknown" I was stunned to see it was mine - and, I must say, a bit embarassed that I'd neglected to supply any information!!

A bit about me... well, I'm an amateur, unpublished author, who enjoys writing short, dark stories with a twist... I'm 34 years old, married with two sons, and am a Regional Manager for a national recruitment consultancy by day... like most amateur writers, I dream of writing a novel one day and having it published, but am waiting to be hit with a flash of inspiration! The idea for 'A Moment in Time' came to me one day, when I was wondering what hell might be like for a murderer, and figured that to see the crime over and over from the eyes of someone who had been affected by it would be pretty torturous!"

Simon I'm just delighted that you found out - I was a little worried that your story would go into the 2009 Spinetinglers Anthology as an unknown story by an unknown author! I hope you'll be submitting more work to Spiney but please remember to include your details next time.

Spinetinglers Anthology 2008

Now to bring you all up to date with whats been happening with the Spinetinglers Anthology 2008. Some of you may have noticed that the anthology is listed on online book shops such as Amazon but there is a note saying that it is out of stock.

Hardback Edition

The reason for this is that when we received the proofs of the books we decided that the cover did not meet our exacting Spiney standards! As a result we asked the lovely and talented Colleen (our graphics designer) to re-work the cover. This she did several times and we're now very happy with the cover. As a result the Spinetinglers Anthology 2008 will be back in stock in the near future and we will start sending out the copies to everyone who has a story included in the Anthology.

If any of you would like to order a copy of the Spinetinglers Anthology 2008 from us please get in touch with me (Jodi) at info@spinetinglers.co.uk as we will be able to offer the books at a discounted price to all of you.

Paperback Edition

As a further note regarding the Spinetinglers Anthology, our founding member, Nolene-Patricia Dougan has asked me to make a special point of stating that she did not edit the anthology - even though she is listed as the editor on Amazon. Nolene wrote the foreword to the anthology. We have contacted them and been told that they understand this but they require a single name for their listing information. They also stated that it would be unfair to select a single author to be credited and for this reason along with the fact that Nolene wrote the foreword made them choose to use her name for their listings. We did have a choice of selecting the word Various to be used as the author name but it was very clearly demonstrated to us that this would put the Anthology at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to booksellers opting to stock it as well as causing it to be passed over by potential buyers.

Nolene has told me that she will be writing a review of the book and publishing it on the various sites - explaining that she is not the author but instead wrote the foreword.

The Spinetinglers Book of the Year Winner 2008

Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands by Wendy Willett

Spinetinglers Rating -

“Whosoever is in possession of thy book,
read thy words carefully, take a second
look.... Thou shall falter if thy heart is
untrue....”

The decision as to who would be the winner of the Spinetinglers Book of the Year 2008 was I am told long and arduous, the judges had been amazed at the standards in last years competition but these were maintained and if anything improved upon. However in the end it was decided that Wendy Willett was the very worthy winner. Congratulations Wendy and all of us here at Spinetinglers would just like to take this opportunity to wish you every success with Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands.

I was totally delighted when Wendy told me that Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands was going on a global tour of all the major book fairs and I'm sure that it will continue to impress everyone as much as it impressed our judges.

When I contacted Wendy to tell her that she had won Spinetinglers Book of the Year Award 2008 she was just a tad excited and extraordinarily pleased. I think it's perhaps safe to say that the news made her day! When Wendy calmed down I asked her to give us an update on her and her work, here's what she had to say;

"I have been writing for several years, as far back as grammar school. While growing up I wanted to be an actress, but never pursued my dream because of the responsibility I felt I had to my parents. I couldn't abandon them knowing my brother needed constant care. He was born handicapped due to a doctors' negligence.

I attended catholic school, graduated, and joined the working force. Back then, the local college where I lived did not have a Performing Arts department, so I left college after three months. I felt taking courses other than those I truly wanted to take was pointless. Shortly thereafter I found work managing a printing business. Later, I found employment with a wholesale sign company. In 1996 I got married, which ended four years ago.

My influences would have to be my love of live theatre, comedy classics on TV and reading other fantastic books of fiction (time permitting). Violin and chello concertos, The band the Hooters, Eric Bazilian (solo), Rick Springfield, Brian Adams, and various love ballads have always played a major part in my life too.

I'm an old romantic soul in my late thirties who loves old movies (even in this day and age where everything is High Definition and in color). The Black Adder series, Sherlock Holmes, and I'm a Doctor Who fan since the 70's, (David Tennant is brilliant!). I long to someday visit London, England, possibly live there a couple months out of the year. Alan Rickman has my heart forever, so guys don't go there! And yes, for those who have asked, I have two children who have influenced my writing as well, and they are my biggest fans.

Numerous people have told me they can envision Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands as a movie just from reading the book, and truthfully, I'm hoping it happens for all four books. Realistically though, I know my book series may have to wait a bit before this becomes a reality.

My first book, Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands has only been available on Amazon.com and most online stores, but it will be coming to stores very soon! So check with your local book stores like Barnes and Noble and Borders Books and Music for date of availability. If the brick and mortar stores have enough inquires about Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands, they will have to order it sooner than planned by me and my publisher! So please let your voices be heard!"

Well you heard the lady - make enquiries about Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands at your local brick and mortar book store - lets see if we can help get it into those stores a little bit faster!

Wendy once again congratulations and I hope you'll keep us up to date with any developments either with Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands or your future work.

Now to whet your appetite here's a review of Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands along with some more information about Wendy.

Spinetinglers Rating -

“Whosoever is in possession of thy book,
read thy words carefully, take a second
look.... Thou shall falter if thy heart is
untrue....”

Are you reeling from the loss of Harry Potter? Do you miss Hogwarts, Dumbledore, and Hagrid? Fear not! Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands has arrived!

Amber Shadows is your typical “Magia” teenager. She likes to read, she doesn’t completely hate school, and she is training to be a white witch. When researching a paper on her family history for her “Magia” Session (White Magic class), she is slightly disappointed by the lack of information. She cannot find any “Shadows,” past or present, who are remotely interesting. Disheartened, she ventures up into the attic – a place where she knows she is forbidden to go. While there, she finds the journal of one of her ancestors, Jocelyn Shadows. As Amber Shadows reads this journal, the secrets of her family’s past are unlocked. Amber is driven by voices from antiquity to begin a dangerous quest. Amber and a couple of trusted friends must face the evil Lady Gondara. Gondara is an ancient enemy of the Shadows and of every white witch. For the sake of her family and of all the people of Magia, Gondara must be stopped. Can Amber save her family from an ancient curse? Can she return the missing wands to their rightful owners? You will have to read the book to find out!

Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands is not your typical children’s book. For one thing, it does not patronise its readers. Instead, it opens up a magical world, filled with dwarfs, two- headed beasts, and talking cats. Every page enchants the reader with thrilling detail and wonderfully drawn out characters. Amber herself is heroic, courageous, and perhaps a little bit precocious. Lady Gondara is wickedly wise, but hopefully, no match for Amber. The book brings to life these fascinating characters and knits them together beautifully with a bewitching and thoroughly intriguing plot.

The problem that writers in this genre must inevitably face is a comparison to Harry Potter. Potter caused such a global sensation that most authors who write stories about teenage witches and wizards will have to put up with this. And, most books will regrettably suffer from such a comparison. Fortunately, Wendy Willett will not have to worry about this problem, as she has written a book that will stand up to any such comparison. And, as the Harry Potter story draws to a close, there is a gap in the market for another magical teenager. Amber Shadows may be just the book to fill this void.

Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands is a must-read for any fan of magical adventure. Wendy Willett’s first novel will charm and enthral its readers, and will leave you wanting to hear more from these enticing, fresh characters. The only question left to ask is, “When will Book Two be published?”

Wendy J. Willett to give our author her full and proper title is actually a prolific author. Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands is the first book of a planned four in the Amber Shadows series. All three sequels have already been written and are only in need of a final edit prior to their publication. The next book in the series is Amber Shadows and the Crystal Locket.

Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands has been listed as one of the most popular young adult/teen novels and will no doubt go on to achieve well deserved success amongst it's readers, as well as the critical aclaim it is already receiving. In addition to having written Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands Wendy also drew all the illustrations for Amber Shadows and plans to continue to draw the illustrations for the rest of the Amber Shadows as well.

Apart from the Amber Shadows series, Wendy has written over forty five poems, which have been published in both the United States as well as the United Kingdom. In addition to this in 2006 she won publication for a piece called Magical Love, published by Joyous Publishing in Internationally Yours: Prize Winning Stories. If you would like to know any more about Wendy Willett you can visit her homepage on Authors Den.

Runner Up Spinetinglers Book of the Year 2008
Second Place
The Torn Timeline by Ray LeCara Jr

This really was a tough decision for our judges with Ray LeCara Jr's book The Torn Timeline coming in a close second to Wendy's Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands

Congratulations Ray and to echo what I said to Weny all of us here at Spiney wish you every success with The Torn Timeline and your writing.

Ray was totally delighted that The Torn Timeline came in second in the Spinetinglers Book of the Year Award 2008, saying that simply "to be considered for the award was an honour" and I've now decided that the best part of my job is not actually telling any of you that you've won but receiving your replies to my emails.

To remind you all of The Torn Timeline here's a review of it and a little about Ray as well;

Spinetinglers Rating

Terminator for Tweens!

Sam is your typical twelve-year-old; he’s in love with a girl who doesn’t know he’s alive, and he is counting the minutes until school breaks for the holidays. However, Sam’s humdrum life is about to be abruptly interrupted.

A war has been raging for centuries. In the future, technology will have advanced so much that it is beyond earthly control. Fearless warriors battle across timelines, to stop malevolent invaders and to curb the rapid advance of cruel technologies, which threaten life as we know it.

Along with a few friends, Sam has been thrust into this war. Sam and his intrepid schoolmates must form new alliances and battle demons, if they are to fight against the future and get back to their past.

Will Sam, Cutter, Mouse, and Breather succeed in their mission? Only time will tell.... I first became aware of Ray Le Cara, Jr. just over a year ago, when I read his first novel, The Forgotten Prophecy. I was impressed then, and I have to say, I am doubly-impressed after reading his latest book, The Torn Timeline.

The Torn Timeline is a treat for all kids, young and old alike. It is packed to the brim with terrifically terrifying arch villains and bold heroes and heroines. The novel also contains a few life-lessons for all those “loveable” preteens, but never preaches to its audience.

In this reader’s opinion, The Torn Timeline is reminiscent of James Cameron’s Terminator, with the fun-factor of Spy Kids thrown in for good measure. These two elements combined create a wonderfully weird and scary world, which will keep you in a state of excited anticipation until the very last page.

In short, Le Cara has struck gold again, this time with a novel that thrills and delights in equal measure.

The Torn Timeline is a must-read for any preteen, and a must-buy for any “post-teen.”

Would you like to find out more about, Ray LeCara Jr's work? Just click on the link below to take you through to the Amazon listings of The Torn Timeline & The Forgotten Prophecy.

Runner Up Spinetinglers Book of the Year 2008
Third Place
Creator Born by Shirley Hiter

Third place went to Shirley Hiter with her excellent book, Creator Born.

Shirley was also delighted to receive the news that she had been a runner up in the book of the year competition and I received an email full of beaming Smiley faces!

Again I would like to take this opportunity to wish Shirley much deserved success with Creator Born and her writing career.

Now to remind you all of Creator Born here's it's review and a link to where it can be purchased on Amazon.

Spinetinglers Rating
Belina Stood at the Edge of a Precipice

For 1000 years, the people of Rheudauhism lived in a state of peaceful fragility. They tried to live in a world without magic and without the guidance of the Creator. The citizens of Rheudaushim are afraid to embrace the awesome omnipotence of the Creator. They believe that if they open links to the Creator, they will unleash the Destroyer. And, as a result, their world will plunge into darkness once again.

Belina wanted to have a life filled with children and grandchildren and to live in blissful anonymity. But this was far from the life that the Creator had chosen for her. Belina’s destiny was much more momentous and dangerous than she would ever have expected.

From a young age, Belina had prophetic dreams. She could manipulate the elements and harness the power of the Creator. However, Belina must keep her abilities a secret from everyone, apart from her mother. This is because she knows that if anyone finds out what she can do, she will be put on trial for her life. But fate, as well as the malevolent hordes that surround her, force Belina to act. She must face the Destroyer and save those whom she loves. She must battle forces that are all-powerful and all-consuming. If she fails, the world will be filled with torment and suffering once more. And no one will escape the wrath of the Destroyer...

Most fantasy fiction writers these days are Tolkien “wannabes.” They fill their novels with labyrinthine plots and a muddle of complicated gimmicks. All I can say to these writers is that there is only one Tolkien! Don’t try and copy him, as more often than not, you will fail. This is what is so refreshing about Creator Born. Shirley Hiter has written a fantasy tale that is both original and zestful. The world that Hiter creates is one filled with rip-roaring adventure and intriguing mysticism. Her characters are well rounded and passionate. And, her story is heart-warming, humourous, and simply stated.

If I had one tiny criticism, it would be that the book ends too abruptly. But I cannot get too upset about that. It is trick that most authors use, to get the reader excited about the next book. If the first book in this series is anything to go by, Book Two promises to be one filled with apocalyptic battles and glimpses of Machiavellian intrigue.

In short, Creator Born is an exuberant piece of fiction that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
As the battle between good and evil rages, only Belina can stop the dark forces of the Destroyer. However, the Destroyer is not all she has to fear. Ignorant superstition and those closest to her may hinder Belina in her task. Will Belina succeed against all odds, or will she fall at the final hurdle? Buy the book and find out!

All that's left for me to say is Congratulations to Wendy, Ray and Shirley keep up the great work and let's see what next year bring us in the book of the year competition!





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