Looks like DA Vinci Code doesn't it? Well it is a bit similar. Now most people I knew found Da Vinci Code to be a heretical book, one that no one should touch. Yet.. I am not one to listen to others opinions on things and do like to check it out for myself and judge for myself. For example Harry Potter is a series I turned out to love and I generally accept the fact many do not like it and find fault with it, while some like me find that it has some great messages about accepting those with differences, courage, and friendship. Plus, Harry Potter somehow made me a stronger Christian helping me to get through some of my darkest times. One quote mentioned by Sirius Black is one that I always hold close to my heart. "We all have good and bad within our hearts. its the choice of whether to act on the good or bad side that shapes who we are" That is not the accurate quote from the book but.. it goes somewhere along the lines of that.
Sorry, that is a bit random I am supposed to reviewing The Begotten yet I go off on one of my Harry Potter tangents. Pretty much what I was trying to say is that I actually really loved Da Vinci Code, and took what ridiculous junk Dan Brown concocted as fiction, and read through the book in about a day. His ideas and the way he writes it so ingeniously is something to really admire.
When I first received The Begotten, I was so excited because I've been craving for a DA Vinci Code clone done right. but I was surprised to see Lisa T. Bergen did it both differently than any of the others and in many ways supersedes Da Vinci Code. I was madly flipping through this book, and its every tosses and turns. When I got to the end, the word Sequel Coming soon.. I cried out,"NOOOO" as like every other good series, the worst is when one reaches a cliffhanger and now must wait for the next installment. But then I saw The Betrayed is actually available and well.. when I gather up the money I'll definitely be getting it. Sorry my post is late, I've noticed since I post so late I barely get anyone anymore, hopefully by commenting on other people's blogs today, I'll get some visitors.. since Wednesday seems to be the dead day of the CSFF Blog Tour. Anyways, till next time! Sayonara!
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
Karri Compton
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Michael Greene
Michael Heald
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Terri Main
Margaret
Melissa Meeks
Pamela Morrisson
John W. Otte
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
Where to buy the book?
Author's main site

Well I never received this month's book due to me signing on for the Blog alliance, Teen First about a week after copies of this book were ordered. Also due to me being busy yesterday, I never checked my email. But I checked it today and noticed that I had to post today. This is my first time posting for this pacticuliar blog alliance, and I'm still on the novice level when it comes to it, so please be patient. I did not read the book as I never got the copy. But I really do have a lot of interest in reading it since it is a Ted Dekker novel and the first chapter I read made me want more. The first chapter is below, enjoy, and hopefully next month I will have a thorough review of the book!!




First Chapter of Chosen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

beginnings

our story begins in a world totally like our own, yet completely different. What once happened here in our own history seems to be repeating itself thousands of years from now,

some time beyond the year 4000 AD.

But this time the future belongs to those who see opportunity before it becomes obvious. To the young, to the warriors, to the lovers. To those who can follow hidden clues and find a great

treasure that will unlock the mysteries of life and wealth.

Thirteen years have passed since the lush, colored forests were turned to desert by Teeleh, the enemy of Elyon and the vilest of all creatures. Evil now rules the land and shows itself as a painful, scaly disease that covers the flesh of the Horde, a people who live in the desert.

The powerful green waters, once precious to Elyon, have vanished from the earth except in seven small forests surrounding seven small lakes. Those few who have chosen to follow the ways of Elyon now live in these forests, bathing once daily in the powerful waters to cleanse their skin of the disease.

The number of their sworn enemy, the Horde, has grown in thirteen years and, fearing the green waters above all else, these desert dwellers have sworn to wipe all traces of the forests from

the earth.

Only the Forest Guard stands in their way. Ten thousand elite fighters against an army of nearly four hundred thousand Horde. But the Forest Guard is starting to crumble.

one

Day One

qurong, general of the Horde, stood on the tall dune five miles west of the green forest, ignoring the fly that buzzed around his left eye.

His flesh was nearly white, covered with a paste that kept his skin from itching too badly. His long hair was pulled back and woven into dreadlocks, then tucked beneath the leather body armor

cinched tightly around his massive chest.

“Do you think they know?” the young major beside him asked.

Qurong’s milky white horse, chosen for its ability to blend with the desert, stamped and snorted.

The general spit to one side. “They know what we want them to know,” he said. “That we are gathering for war. And that we will march from the east in four days.”

“It seems risky,” the major said. His right cheek twitched, sending three flies to flight.

“Their forces are half what they once were. As long as they think we are coming from the east, we will smother them from the west.”

“The traitor insists that they are building their forces,” the major said.

“With young pups!” Qurong scoffed.

“The young can be crafty.”

“And I’m not? They know nothing about the traitor. This time we will kill them all.”

Qurong turned back to the valley behind him. The tents of his third division, the largest of all Horde armies, which numbered well over three hundred thousand of the most experienced warriors, stretched out nearly as far as he could see.

“We march in four days,” Qurong said. “We will slaughter them from the west.”

1. At what age did it hit you that you wanted to write? Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

I've wanted to write since I was about 8 years old. There was a brief period in the third grade when I wanted to be an archeologist, but since then, it's pretty much been a desire to write.

I honestly don't feel qualified to give tips or advice on writing since I am still a newbie to the publishing industry myself, but I will repeat what I have heard most other authors/editors/agents say: write, write, write and read, read, read. It's amazing what you absorb for your own craft when you read books you love.

2.What books influenced you the most?

As a kid, I loved adventure books, and my favorites were A Dog Called Kitty and Trapped in Death Cave, both by Bill Wallace. Then in the sixth grade I discovered R.L. Stine, Christopher Pike, and Dean Koontz (obviously not a YA author). Still love all of Mr. Koontz books.

3. What's the latest book that you read, that you just have the need to recommend?

Well, in ABA I just finished Dean Koontz latest book (referenced above), and in CBA I've been reading Leaper by Geoffrey Wood, which is funny and offbeat. Just my kind of book.

4. When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

Reading, playing with my kids, watching sports with my husband, and traveling.

5.So after this book, what is your next project?

The second book in this series in under review with the publisher at the moment. Hopefully WWCH is the first book in a series of five about the Parker twins, and their little sister, Zoey.

6.What is your favorite quote, that you believe most lines up with your philosophies. In other words, what is your favorite quote?

Actually, I love the quote Betsy Ann St. Amant uses by Sir Isaac Asimov: "I write for the same reason I breathe - if I didn't, I would die."

I'm also fond of the "Live, Laugh, Love" approach to life.

7.What type of music if any do you listen to?

Oh, I love music. Favorite type of music of all time is cheesy 80's music. I also listen to contemporary Christian when I need a spiritual super-charge, classical when I am writing because it helps me concentrate and sets the mood, and at the moment I am listening to oldies from the 50's and 60's. Country, Big Band and Swing, Disco...I'm all about the music.

8. What's your favorite place to write?

Well, I don't have my home office set up yet, so I tend to write anywhere I can find some peace and quiet; the living room couch when my kids are taking a nap, or my bedroom in the evenings after my husband gets home.

Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your blog. It's been an honor.
D.C. Stewart

-Thanks for giving me the chance to promote the book. It sounds interesting and I'll be sure to put as much as effort as needed to do a thorough job in promoting your book. Good Luck! God Bless!

I first received this book as a pre published edition straight from the author and I must confess.. never did I expect for this book to be even more riveting than DIOM. For me what even amazed me more is Mr. Davis seamlessly combines high packed action sequences, deep characters, and wonderful spiritual messages without speaking down to the reader. Even better was that any of the spirituality never came off as preachy. Once a book can show a message and not just preach it, that's when you know you are a writer. What your English teachers have always told you is rather true, show don't tell is much more effective. I must say during the bitter cold months of winter, with all the turmoil of my life, I became very depressed and slowly went into a slumber because of depression. Yet this book was the shining torch in the dark months of my life; it really helped me to get out of my depression and I thank god that this book was written and was shone to me at the appropriate time. For any reader out there, I full heartedly recommend this awesome book to you, for this one like the works of Madeleine L'Engle, Karen Hancock, and CS Lewis seamlessly combines wonderful character with deep spiritual messages. For any reader out there, this is a must buy. The only problem with the book now I must wait till October to get the next

So lately, I have been busy but unlike last month, I read the book and absolutely loved it!! I wish I could transport myself in front of a fireplace and just read this to a audience, since this is the perfect book to be read aloud; yet it can be enjoyed as anyone sees fit. I do not have really much to say about it. After reading and still not yet commenting other's blogs, I feel sort of whatever I may want to write might be a lacking, especially since my mind is on a million things right now. Those millions of things plaguing my mind were rather alleviated as I read this book. It felt wrapped about with great messages of hope, something I most needed when I feel sometimes I am reaching my hands out trying to feel around me for upon how to choose how to do things. Pretty much, I say definitely go read the book; great choice for this month since I needed something light but deep to transport from my currently stressful life.
I added a link to sword of gryffindor, since its a site for Harry Potter made by Christians and this book is even mentioned within the site. Why not recommend a site that does what many other Christians would never do, write of Harry Potter from a Christian perspective. Maybe I am a bit biased since I am a huge Harry Potter, and no one can dissuade me from the series. Anyways, I am stoked for next month's book, it looks awesome!
Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Beth Goddard
Marcus Goodyear
Todd Green
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Pamela Morrisson
John W. Otte
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
Author's blog
Andrew Peterson's site
Where to buy the book?

Sooo... wow I'm losing track of time. I think you know what is kicking in, seasonal affective disorder. I can feel it, sucking out all my energy, causing me to feel lethargic and I just need help to get out of the ditch I have dug myself in. For this month's post I'm trying my hardest to not whine as Christopher Hopper's one post said a few weeks ago, maybe sometimes blogs are used a bit too much to rant. This book really did not catch me, I seriously was somewhat skimming somewhat in the beginning. The writing was spent plodding to the point I quit at page thirty. Now I do not believe Chris Walley is a bad author, I just have not the energy to read something like this. If I had the stamina I may have gotten past that hump and like with Karen Hancock's Arena discovered a true gem (I had so much trouble getting into Arena, when I first read it, now its one of my favorite books.)The book sounds from the other posts I've read as though it got very good once you got past the first hundred pages. Maybe if I take the time in the next week, I'll try again. That is until I get out of this ditch and stop brooding. Also I need to stop rereading Twilight, I love it way too much!
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Rebecca Grabill
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Heather R. Hunt
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir’s Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
Chris Walley's blog
Chris Walley
Click here to buy the book

Its January 2008, and this year starts another great year of the CSFF Blog tour. As I look back at all that has progressed in this genre, I literally look down in amazement at it all for so much has occurred. Such things as a Eastern Coast book tour, Wayne Batson being on Fox News near the release of Deathly Hallows, and a ton of wonderful books. This month's book Auralia's Colors by:Jefferey Overstreet spoke to me in great volumes. I feel as though I am holding a piece of something that like Door Within may be a market jumper. Meaning anyone of either the nonsecular and secular market may buy it and enjoy it. The story itself is not obscenely Christian, though the message of color being taken by those higher up, and art being controlled is quite universal in its scope. When I first cracked the spine of this book, at once I did not love it. My mind merely drifted with the words, flipping the pages, somewhat thinking of other things I could be doing for the day. Throughout my reading, I felt no real connection to the characters, that for me remained throughout reading the biggest issue. But the writing started to absorb me as Overstreet has a real knack of painting a picture in your mind, that and his message for me is what may this for me a rather great read.
It was the message that I fell in love with. The book spoke, of color (art) being restricted by those higher up. Color was richest when outside the kingdom. Hmmm.... this is really started to sound like what I have been thinking lately. This to me reflected one of my main issues with "some" churches. No, I am not turning this into a religious debate. Its just sometimes I feel as though instead of looking and analyzing art, some Christians barely stare at the source material and mark it as heresy.
A good example of this is anime. I have literally seen some mark "all anime" as a work of Satan. No not just one title, "all anime" That made me rub my head and say "Huh!" How can a whole genre be bad. But even some mark fantasy as such, I have literally have been hounded for recommending Door Within to some just because it looks similar to Harry Potter. Now I personally love Harry Potter, but that is unimportant to this. What is, is that sometimes the banning and all out campaigns against art sometimes makes people afraid of any art even if its good. By making Harry Potter look to be the worst, makes some believe then all fantasy must be bad. Instead of banning, instead of pervading online forums and shouting out random verses upon Harry Potter forums, saying all who read this are going to hell. Let us instead gently provide discernment against such books, instead of banning. All banning does is either make people want to read it more or make people universally hate everything of that genre.
*Take deep breath* One of the reasons I joined this Blog tour, was for raising the awareness of such a great genre. I have been on here for about six months, the people, the communication is awesome. I literally have been reading some great stuff by being on here. My book drought ended, and my money depleted.. We are Auralia, raising awareness of art that others frown down upon, showing we can depict God in a way that also mixes the fantasy elements of great masterpieces as LOTRs and Narnia. I have seen more God in Lord of the Rings than in mere "How to do" Christian books. No other genre to me paints God better. Through the mystic elements, he shows his wonders and majesty.
As 2008 starts let us like last year, spread the word to all, show how the art of fantasy could be used as wonders and for great expression of our spiritual gifts! I am only writing one post for I have been busy writing the rough draft of my novel. But I will take time to visit other blogs of this tour, I have been religiously reading Jefferey's Overstreet's blog, his posts are wonderfully written and some of his musings of the day, I fully agree upon and sometimes I think we think alike. I especially loved what he wrote about His Dark Materials!! Auralia's Colors is one of those rare novels, that anyone can enjoy, if they love great messages! Spread the word! Anyways, I'm off to write! God bless! Sayonara! Good bye!
P.S.-Check out Christopher Hopper's site, not only does he have a great contest running, but he also has written other great posts as well. Hey! also check out his books, believe me they are good!-
Links Of Interest-Other Participants-
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Heather R. Hunt
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Kait
Karen
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Cheryl Russel
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise

Where to purchase the book?
Author's website
Author's Blog

Happy New Year to all!!

As I look before of the dischevelment of events, good and bad, that have happened, I get this sense of overwhelment. God really has done so much, whether I make sense of it all or not. What were the best memories, what happened during the holiday break? Going to my first anime convention, attending one of my first concerts, meeting four wonderful Christian Fantasy authors and also the women who really knows how to write an awesome Vampire series and reading some amazing books that have helped to escape and discern the fragments of life and find meaning of the mess that lays around me.

But the question is as I walked through the continious shadows of the darkness. There occurs for me a feeling of trepidation. It ails my soul, I am afraid to take the next steps.

For me the New Year does not toll rebirth and joyous. But fear, what awaits me! I have no sense of what God may put me through this year. My heart jumps, the water drips from the top cieling of the labyrinth. My torch's light resonates around me, giving me hints upon the right direction of where I am to go.

So as I walk into the New Year, I worry and fear what lays ahead of me. I am almost afraid to walk through the Labyrinth. But I know sooner or later I must walk, or I may be stuck where I am, making no progress.