Showing posts with label Aries Fire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aries Fire. Show all posts
My Book Addiction Reviews Aries Fire by Story Merchant Client Elaine Edelson
Available at Barnes & Noble
SOURCE: Received for an honest review from the author.
Overview(from author’s website)
The Roman Empire. 415 AD. Renowned scholar Hypatia of Alexandria is brutally murdered. Why? And by whom?
Hypatia’s death leaves her 17 year old bastard daughter, Seira, fleeing for her life…herself a target for extermination. Alone and homeless, Seira is thrust into a life of struggle and survival amidst the rise of the Catholic Papacy and the savage Roman battles with the Huns.
So begins Aries Fire, an epic historical fiction spanning three continents and two decades during the surgent Roman Christian campaign to swallow the Eastern and Western European territories.
During her seafaring escape from Egypt to Ashkelon, the sea captain and protector Alexander falls in love with the young Seira. But once in Ashkelon, the rabbinical scholar Isaac and wise ‘seer’ Kiki take Seira under their tutelage, conceal her identity for her safety, and immerse her in medical studies and mysticism.
The fates relentlessly test Seira’s mettle as she searches for her mother’s murderer and her father’s identity.
In Spain, Seira is found out and becomes the target of a Hun political kidnapping gone awry. She saves the life of the great Khan, Attila, who befriends her. Attila–seeing the rage consume Seira and her bitterness with the world and her fate–channels her anger and shapes Seira into a commanding warrior and strategist. Attila is enraptured by Seira as he discovers what a strong, independent, and willful woman she truly is.
Seira is now torn between Alexander and Attila, lovers who vie for her affection and attention. Two great men, one powerful woman.
Her epic journey across Europe and the Middle East throws Seira onto a never ending precipice of conspiracy, war, passion, mysticism, initiation, and self discovery. What Seira ultimately discovers could cost her her life. It’s a secret that can destroy an empire and change the tides of history.
Hypatia’s death leaves her 17 year old bastard daughter, Seira, fleeing for her life…herself a target for extermination. Alone and homeless, Seira is thrust into a life of struggle and survival amidst the rise of the Catholic Papacy and the savage Roman battles with the Huns.
So begins Aries Fire, an epic historical fiction spanning three continents and two decades during the surgent Roman Christian campaign to swallow the Eastern and Western European territories.
During her seafaring escape from Egypt to Ashkelon, the sea captain and protector Alexander falls in love with the young Seira. But once in Ashkelon, the rabbinical scholar Isaac and wise ‘seer’ Kiki take Seira under their tutelage, conceal her identity for her safety, and immerse her in medical studies and mysticism.
The fates relentlessly test Seira’s mettle as she searches for her mother’s murderer and her father’s identity.
In Spain, Seira is found out and becomes the target of a Hun political kidnapping gone awry. She saves the life of the great Khan, Attila, who befriends her. Attila–seeing the rage consume Seira and her bitterness with the world and her fate–channels her anger and shapes Seira into a commanding warrior and strategist. Attila is enraptured by Seira as he discovers what a strong, independent, and willful woman she truly is.
Seira is now torn between Alexander and Attila, lovers who vie for her affection and attention. Two great men, one powerful woman.
Her epic journey across Europe and the Middle East throws Seira onto a never ending precipice of conspiracy, war, passion, mysticism, initiation, and self discovery. What Seira ultimately discovers could cost her her life. It’s a secret that can destroy an empire and change the tides of history.
BOOK TRAILER FOR ARIES FIRE AT: http://youtu.be/2_WduawzEHM
My THOUGHTS:
ARIES FIRE by Elaine Edelson is an exciting historical fiction set in 415
AD Roman Empire. This is an action packed,fast paced non-stop adventure
with intrigue,suspense,romance,and tragedy.
The Empire Roman may be at
risk and they will do whatever and harm whoever gets in their way.The
Catholic Papacy,Romans savage battle with the Huns,a
kidnapping,rape,brutal battles,the need for survival and the struggle to
survive,the heroine,Seira has her life laid out before her. While,
Seira,is torn between two men Attila,the Hun, and Alexander,the Sea
Captain,she is determined to find the truth of her mother’s tragic death
and who her father is,why he is determined to be rid of her and her
mother. A fascinating look into the world of the early Romans,the
Huns,the Catholic church,and Christianity in the early years.
A must
read! This author has gathered a wealth of information,with characters
who not only capture your heart but who will also have you turning pages
as you go with these characters on their flight for survival during the
turbulent years of the Roman Empire. An epic journey of
sacrifice,love,and war as Seira travels across Europe and the Middle
East with a secret that could very well turn the tides of history. I
enjoyed “Aries Fire”from the first page to the last page. Received for
an honest review from the author. Details can be found at the author’s
website,Merchant,and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: Mild
REVIEWED BY: AprilR
New at bn.com: Aries Fire by Elaine Edelson
Aries Fire
by Elaine Edelson
Nook eBook: download at bn.com
Author’s website
“The violent and conspiratorial murder of the renowned scholar, Hypatia of Alexandria, 415 CE leaves her tempestuous 17 year old bastard daughter, Seira, fleeing for her life. A target for
extermination by unknown forces, Seira is hurled into a world of
religious wars and political intrigue between the Roman Empire and
Attila and the Huns.
The fates relentlessly test Seira’s mettle as she searches for her mother’s murderer and her father’s identity. As she matures from an impatient, obstinate, and reckless young woman to a brilliant warrior, scholar, and healer, Seira seizes control of her destiny and
finds herself in Constantinople–the center of power for the Eastern
Roman Empire–in the presence of the Empress and Emperor, the men who
loathe her, lust after her, and fear her. It is in the high court that
all the forces that have shaped her over the years converge in the final
act that will determine her fate and forever shape the tides of
history.”
Four Star Review For Story Merchant Client Elaine Edelson's Aries Fire
Aries Fire: by Elaine Edelson
A respected woman of her day, Hypatia taught
students in Alexandria, Egypt about astrology and mathematics.
Slaughtered by Christians and dumped in front of her house, she left
behind a legacy that affected many scientists and scholars. In Edelson’s
novel, “Aries Fire”
Hypatia also left behind a stubborn, fiery bastard daughter: Seira.
Worried that Hypatia’s murderers will come after Seira, Theon, her
grandfather, quietly and quickly smuggles her out of Egypt. Seira is
suddenly thrown into a world where civility and rules no longer cater to
her whim. Sailing on a merchant vessel, she meets a handsome sailor,
Alexander. While fantasizing about their future, Seira is unexpectedly
secretly escorted off the ship and joins forces with a quirky elderly
woman named Kiki and a Jewish rabbi, Isaac. This all happens within the
first two chapters! Juggling her love for two men, Attila (the heir to
the Hun throne) and Alexander, Seira also struggles to accept her role
as her mother’s daughter and find her father, a secret hidden by her
unwed mother.
“Aries Fire” is filled with
twists and turns and develops into a love story with an unexpected
ending. Edelson creates a main character that the reader learns to love.
As the novel progresses, the reader witnesses a stubborn, cocky
teenager mature into a wise and patient woman. Seira makes rash
decisions that the reader will most likely not agree with, but Edelson
adds these into the plot to show the growth and evolution of Seira’s
personality. While graphic in detail and a slow beginning, Edelson picks
up the pace when Seira meets Attila, a prince in the Hun community. The
chapters are extremely long, spanning more than forty pages at times,
and while I disagreed with the ending (we all attach ourselves to
specific characters that we wish would triumph in the end), this book
certainly surpassed my expectations. I certainly will be looking forward
to reading Edelson’s next creation!
Aries Fire is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble and other places books are sold.
4 stars
Interview With Story Merchant Client Elaine Edelson Author of Aries Fire
Aries Fire Available on NOOK devices and apps
Q. Elaine, you’re an internationally recognized astrologer and intuitive channel. And you used astrology and your intuitive gifts to write “Aries Fire.” Please tell us about that.
A. Yes, I did use astrology to help create my characters. Each astrological sign, for those who don’t know, has certain traits and characteristics and qualities associated with them. You might have heard comments like, “She’s such a Gemini,” or “It’s just like a Capricorn to do that.” Since astrology is part of my profession, I used it as a tool to guide me in creating Seira, my main character.
What I did was create Seira’s astrological natal chart. The natal chart is a picture, or a snapshot, of the position of the planets at the moment of someone’s birth based on their birthdate, exact time of birth, and location, where they were born.
A natal chart illustrates the theme of a person’s life. So in looking at Seira’s chart, I could see certain events unfold which helped me to create tension and conflict based on her personality traits…her stubborness, her impulsiveness, and even her gift for ‘seeing’ and as a healer. Ya’ know, I’ll tell you, what gave me the idea for this was something that happened to me long ago.
I did a chart for a client. He emailed me his birth information. I immediately did a preliminary chart and thought…WOW …this guy is like the second coming of Christ or something.
I called him on the phone to verify his birth information because I like to be absolutely sure of the data. When I spoke with him on the phone a few days later, he told me he’d given me an incorrect birth time! So, I course-corrected and we proceeded on our merry way. So I essentially created a chart for someone that didn’t exist. (Or maybe they did, I just didn’t know it.)
And I thought, “Hey! I could create a chart for anyone, even someone fictitious.” So that’s what I did.
Regarding intuition…this might sound a bit odd, but as an intuitive channel, my frequency is open to those who’ve passed on. (Yes, I hear and see dead people.) Chatting with spirits is not uncommon for me and so I utilize this…gift…in all areas of my life.
For instance, when I’m writing and can’t think of a word I’m looking for, I’ll take a moment and get quiet. And then, I’ll hear the word and then think, ’what does that mean?’ I’ll look it up and viola! It’s the perfect word for the description or scene. I also trust my intuition when I’m stuck or stumped about what to write next. I’ll see an image, or smell certain scents or foods, hear a piece of music, and it’ll trigger a scene.
The world beyond our immediate and physical vision exists–sentient beings or whatever you wish to call them–angels, guides, passed on loved ones, muses, spirits. They love a good story, too, and are so willing to interject. I’ll read something I’ve written a few weeks after I’ve written it and think, “Wow, I don’t remember writing this!” We’d like to think we do things all by ourselves, but I know it’s all about collaboration.
Q. Did you use astrology to help you create other characters or situations in the book?
A. Actually, I focused solely on the Seira. ‘Aries Fire’ is dedicated to the astrological sign of Aries, so I made sure my protagonist was an Aries, through and through. But the other characters were taken from the history of the time OR I created them. In Kiki’s case, for example, I heard an accent in my head and used that as a jumping point to create her physical attributes and behavior. Both methods are just as fun.
Q. The characters you created are wonderfully rich and textured. And you’re very specific and nuanced when you describe behavior, whether it’s two characters interacting or a character responding to a situation or their surroundings. Would you elaborate on that?
Thanks! Sure. Happy to. Every person is unique, no matter the era. I’ll spend time at a lunch counter or on line at the grocery check out and observe people; what they do, what they say, how they say it. I’m amused by some, surprised by others, but this is the stuff of story.
I’ll pull up to a red light in my car and glance over at the car next to me and see a middle-aged man in a business suit singing his lungs out, pounding the steering wheel like he’s the drummer for Guns N’Roses. And I think, “This is hysterical. What makes this guy tick? Who is he? What’s going on in his life?”
No matter how major or minor the character, I want them to stand out in some way, in their own way. I need them to make a difference. When I wrote ‘Aries Fire’ I intentionally set out to breathe dimension into each character, no matter what their role. I hope that’s something I conveyed in the story. For instance, when Bishop Cyril is approached by his steward, I deliberately gave this man a distinct attitude evidenced by his efficient and brisk behavior. I love the steward… and he doesn’t even have a name! For me, it’s really critical that I envision each character fully, no matter what their role or station. They have a distinct purpose for being.
Q. This story grabs us from the very first pages, and doesn’t let up. Your main character Seira is really put through the ringer in her journey across the continents. How were you able to keep up this pace?
A. You know, honestly, all I did was create and mirror an Aries pace. Do you know any Aries? (Or any Aries Rising signs for that matter?) They can go all day and never see the dust clouds they leave behind. I’ve got a friend who’s an Aries Rising sign (In astrology, the Rising sign denotes the way the world sees you and interacts with you…your Rising sign is your worldly persona.)
Anyway, we used to live in neighboring towns in New Jersey. One day in winter we were slammed by a full-scale blizzard. I mean I was trapped in my house because the snowdrifts covered my door. Everything was at a stand-still. My friend called me and said she wanted to drive to Queens to visit her boyfriend, and wanted to know what I thought. I said, “Sweetie. The airports have shut down. The buses aren’t running. We’re nearing a state of emergency and you want to drive to Queens? I think you’re in denial!”
An Aries acts and behaves with almost blind determination. They surround themselves with constant motion. They shake things up, intentionally or not! You just cannot say ‘NO’ to an Aries and have them effectively hear you. In a lot of cases, conversation means confrontation to an Aries. So with Seira, she wasn’t going to be sitting around watching life happen. Not possible. She was going to blast her way through life…and many times without any thought as to the consequences.
What it comes down to for anyone, whether they’re an Aries, Aries Rising or not…who you are is what you’ll attract in the world. You create your world–your own peace, your own chaos, your own boredom, your fears, your own joy. Seira was angry. She wasn’t going to stop moving until she figured out a few things. I think I’d vote for her if she ran for President.
Q. You write very visually. In fact, you have a way of immersing all the reader’s senses in the story…smell, taste, touch, sound. Is this intentional?
A. It’s intentional in the sense that each day I set my intention. I’m a very sensual woman. (I think it’s one of the reasons my husband likes me!) I take great joy in feeling, seeing, tasting, touching, smelling, sounds, music. I live in this heightened sense of awareness when I set my intention on being present.
So when I begin my day, I start out by stating an ‘intention’. And I keep it simple. Before I even get out of bed, my thoughts are on gratitude, then intention. “Today my intention is to be as productive as possible, but not at the sake of myself.” Or…”Today, my intention is to be as health conscious as possible.” Or…”Today, my intention is to be as calm as possible.”
On a day that I know I’ll be writing, I’ll say, “Today, my intention is to be as clear as possible in my writing.” Or…”Today, my intention is to be an open channel for creativity.” Like that. And when you state an intention, your whole being gives you gentle reminders all day so you stay on track. Do it. It works.
When I’m writing, I don’t think about immersing the reader’s senses in my story. I visualize what my characters are experiencing, with all their senses, immersed in their surrounding, and write as if I’m experiencing it.
Q. The story takes place in the early years of the 5th century, in and around the Middle East, in what was then the Eastern Roman Empire. What attracted you to this period in history?
A. When I was searching for an era to write about, I didn’t have to go far. Soon after I began thinking about what to write, I attended a friend’s 50th birthday party. One of the party favors was a yellow 12” ruler. On the ruler were was a list of “Great Women Rulers of Art” throughout history. Something sparked inside me.
After the party I went home and Googled “famous women in history.” Hypatia of Alexandria was the first name to pop up, #1 on Google. Sidebar…how does that happen? She’d been dead for 1600 years, did no marketing, no SEO, and yet she ranks first on page one. I always trust that the Cosmos has my back!
There was little information and historical data on her but the morsels I did find were fascinating. I was enamored with her, and thought this is a terrific woman to write about. Since what we know about her is minimal–and yet her legacy and the impression she left grand—the tidbits did lend themselvles to a great story. It gave me the freedom to play without adhering so much to historical fact. I thought, “This is a perfect setting for my story. I’ll give Hypatia a bastard daughter.” And the seeds for my story were plopped into fertile ground.
I did extensive research ( I love research!) about the era and surrounding countries and cultures. I then created a timeline of the era that incorporated religion, spirituality and mysticism, peoples, the political climate, wars, and conquests. Rome, the Huns, the Jews…they all popped up during this turbulent time in the 5th century C.E. There it was, waiting for me all along.
That’s the thing about history. There’s so much of it out there, all we need to do is pick one small thing and it leads you down a path. I remember doing research on the type of ship that would take Seira to Ashkelon. And that led me to the types of wood used to build the ships, which led me to life in the marketplace. On and on. I think some famous book said, “Seek and ye shall find.” Wait a second…that’s what my mother used to say when I was looking for my favorite socks. It happens to be true.
STory Merchant Client Elaine Edelson's Aries Fire Book Trailer
Aries Fire Available on NOOK devices and apps
The Roman Empire. 415 AD. Renowned scholar Hypatia of Alexandria is brutally murdered. Why? And by whom? Hypatia’s death leaves her 17 year old bastard daughter, Seira, fleeing for her life. Alone and homeless, Seira is thrust into a life of struggle and survival amidst the rise of the Catholic Papacy and the savage Roman battles with The Huns. Two men—the sea captain Alexander and the great Khan, Attila-- vie for Seira’s love as she searches for her mother’s murderer and father’s identity. Her epic journey across Europe and the Middle East throws Seira onto a never-ending precipice of conspiracy, war, passion, mysticism, initiation, and self discovery. What Seira ultimately discovers can destroy an empire and change the tides of history.
The Roman Empire. 415 AD. Renowned scholar Hypatia of Alexandria is brutally murdered. Why? And by whom? Hypatia’s death leaves her 17 year old bastard daughter, Seira, fleeing for her life. Alone and homeless, Seira is thrust into a life of struggle and survival amidst the rise of the Catholic Papacy and the savage Roman battles with The Huns. Two men—the sea captain Alexander and the great Khan, Attila-- vie for Seira’s love as she searches for her mother’s murderer and father’s identity. Her epic journey across Europe and the Middle East throws Seira onto a never-ending precipice of conspiracy, war, passion, mysticism, initiation, and self discovery. What Seira ultimately discovers can destroy an empire and change the tides of history.FIRST STORY MERCHANT BOOK by Elaine Edelson Available at Barnes
Aries Fire Available on NOOK devices and apps
The Roman Empire. 415 AD. Renowned scholar Hypatia of Alexandria is brutally murdered. Why? And by whom? Hypatia’s death leaves her 17 year old bastard daughter, Seira, fleeing for her life. Alone and homeless, Seira is thrust into a life of struggle and survival amidst the rise of the Catholic Papacy and the savage Roman battles with The Huns. Two men—the sea captain Alexander and the great Khan, Attila-- vie for Seira’s love as she searches for her mother’s murderer and father’s identity. Her epic journey across Europe and the Middle East throws Seira onto a never-ending precipice of conspiracy, war, passion, mysticism, initiation, and self discovery. What Seira ultimately discovers can destroy an empire and change the tides of history.
The Roman Empire. 415 AD. Renowned scholar Hypatia of Alexandria is brutally murdered. Why? And by whom? Hypatia’s death leaves her 17 year old bastard daughter, Seira, fleeing for her life. Alone and homeless, Seira is thrust into a life of struggle and survival amidst the rise of the Catholic Papacy and the savage Roman battles with The Huns. Two men—the sea captain Alexander and the great Khan, Attila-- vie for Seira’s love as she searches for her mother’s murderer and father’s identity. Her epic journey across Europe and the Middle East throws Seira onto a never-ending precipice of conspiracy, war, passion, mysticism, initiation, and self discovery. What Seira ultimately discovers can destroy an empire and change the tides of history.
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