Dear Anne Rice,
When I was young, like early high school young, I had a picture of you up in my room. I thought you were so cool, because I loved your vampires and even guiltily read your series about witches. Those books were well loved, beat up around the edges. When I had to write a character study for a creative writing class I chose Louis from your Interview with a Vampire book.
I also grew up in a fairly conservative evangelical Christian home and while my parents weren't thrilled about my fascination with vampires they tolerated it.
I moved on to other reading material and other interests. A few years ago I heard you'd written a book from the first perspective of Christ and the idea freaked me out a little to be honest. I was quickly assured you'd come to a place of faith or restored faith and the book wasn't meant to mock Jesus but I've never been able to read it. He is the one figure I can't read historical fiction about. I do have your memoir sitting in my towering pile of books waiting to be read though, and have watched with interest as you continue to write interesting books.
The other day my google reader was full of posts about your decision to "quit Christianity" I have to admit my heart sank. I understand that faith can be fluid, I do. But it feels like losing a sister. I read on and realized you weren't abandoning Christ but rather the concept of Christianity.
Truthfully, there's a huge part of me that understands this. Parts of the world have an extremely negative take on Christianity and I know many believers who choose not to use the word Christian because of how polarizing it is. There's a history there and it's not always a pretty one. But I have continued to use the word for myself because it is easy and because, I think, most people understand what I'm communicating...I believe Jesus is God.
It is so hard to be lumped together with other people who may not share your practice of faith. I can understand wanting to disassociate but I feel like in so doing you lumped the rest of us together. Many of the reasons you cited for leaving I suspect I feel the same as you and it makes me sad that you've drawn a line and said "these are things Christianity is" I don't believe that to be true and what is so beautiful and splendid about Christianity is that it's an umbrella term for a group of people from all over the world who believe Jesus is God. That's the tie that binds us together, the thread that pulls us close. We have many different theological ideas and beliefs, we practice and worship in a variety of ways, we speak different languages, and we experience life differently. Yes we argue. And yes we get things wrong and yes we need to learn how to give space to differing interpretations. But we're a family, we share a heritage, and a common Father.
One of reasons I so often defend Christian fiction is because it was through a Christian fiction book I was first introduced to the concept of owning the sins of our people. It's so tempting to assume we have nothing to do with what has happened before but it's my deepest longing that we accept that by taking the name Christian we also have the chance to admit we've been wrong. Yes we've been hateful. Yes those who have gone before us and even those with us now have done the most atrocious things in the name of faith. And I am sincerely sorry for the pain it has caused you and others.
I have often felt like I don't fit in as well. I'm a little liberal in some areas and more conservative in others. I'm single and most of the churches have nothing for me. I love reading and the arts and deep Bible study and those are so hard to come by in Christian fellowship. But despite all of this I cannot quit Christianity...I guess I hope by staying that I can begin to reclaim this term, I can be a part of this big messy glorious diverse family. I know you may not reconsider, and I respect your decision to make the choice you feel you must make now. I just want you to know that your voice will always be welcome at my table and in this little section of Christianity.
Yours,
Friday, July 30, 2010
Faith and Fiction Saturday: A Letter to Anne Rice
Penguin's 75th Anniversary and a Giveaway
I have to admit I really love Penguin and I'm thankful for all the wonderful books they've brought us over the past 75 years, and the wonderful books they continue to bring us.
They are celebrating their 75th anniversary today!
Penguin knows how to celebrate in style:
**A bright-orange Penguin Mobile (an adorable mini-cooper with the Penguin logo) is driving to bookstores all over the US to bring some of our bestselling authors to parties in their hometowns, increase awareness of The Nature Conservancy, and promote literacy. At each event, a set of 75 Penguin Books is donated to a local library or literacy group. Each author is signing the Penguin-mobile as it makes its way across the United States, and the summer’s events will culminate with a party at the New York Public Library in September where Penguin will auction the car with the proceeds going to the New York Public Library. Penguin is also donating sets of books to numerous U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.
History of Penguin
The awesome history of Penguin can be learned about by visiting this essay on the original 10 books. (Agatha Christie and Ernest Hemingway were among the original ten!)
You can also check out a timeline of Penguin's history.
Why am I mentioning this on my blog? I'm mentioning it because I think as readers we take part in a rich heritage. We read books that have a history in how they come to us and how they endure, or slip into obscurity, over the ages. Knowing the history of our publishers helps us understand the way literacy and the reading culture has developed over time and led us to where we are today. And in troubled times, it's important for us to learn about the resiliant nature of books and to have hope that they will always play an important part in our world.
Penguin is celebrating by giving away a book here today! The book I'm giving away is The True Story of Hansel and Gretal. 
About the Book: A powerful retelling of the famous fairy tale set in Nazi-occupied Poland
In the last months of the Nazi occupation of Poland, two children are left by their father and stepmother to find safety in a dense forest. Because their real names will reveal their Jewishness, they are renamed "Hansel" and "Gretel." They wander in the woods until they are taken in by Magda, an eccentric and stubborn old woman called "witch" by the nearby villagers. Magda is determined to save them, even as a German officer arrives in the village with his own plans for the children.
Combining classic themes of fairy tales and war literature, this haunting novel of journey and survival, of redemption and memory, powerfully depicts how war is experienced by families and especially by children, and tells a resonant, riveting story.
To enter just fill out this form! I'll pick a winner on August 13th.
CFBA Book Spotlight: Dark in the City of Light by Paul Robertson
Baron Ferdinand Harsanyi — After his wife's mysterious death, this Austrian attaché holds control over mines whose coveted ore could turn the tide of war.
Therese Harsanyi — Swept up in new romance and the spectacle of Paris, the Baron's daughter is blind to the dangers stalking her family and the city she loves.
Rudolph Harsanyi — Unsure whom to trust, the Baron's son's grief over his mother's death twists into growing anger and a desire to break free.
As France and Prussia plunge toward war, one family is caught in a web of deceit, political intrigue, and murder that threatens to tear them apart.
Is that not a gorgeous cover?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
San Diego Comic-Con 2010: TV
(I'm going to attempt to recap some of my SDCC impressions by theme. Starting with TV!)
One of my favorite things about San Diego Comic-Con are the TV panels. As much as I love books, I also love story-telling in general and television is probably my second favorite form of it. I really enjoy checking out the panels for the shows coming up because it gives me a good chance to see if I'll be interested in watching them and also they tend to be MUCH less crowded. I have to admit the loss of LOST was extremely noticeable to me, but more on that later.
My first day at Comic-Con I had nothing to do with television, but my second day, Friday was almost completely devoted to it.
The first panel I went to was for the CBS reboot of Hawaii Five-O. Honestly, I expected this one to not be very crowded since it's off-genre, but I had misjudged the immense popularity of the panel following it. (They don't clear rooms between panels at Comic-Con so a good rule of thumb if you really want to see a certain panel is to go to the one before it). So when I arrived at the convention center, the line was already really long, and people were tweeting about being worried about getting in! I ended up only being in line for about 30 minutes, which for SDCC is really not bad. I enjoyed the clips they showed, and I especially enjoyed all of the hot actors that will be in this show. I was happy to hear from Daniel Dae-Kim that he had liked the ending of LOST as well. (I did, too, and still hope to blog my thoughts on it before the release of the DVD set) And lucky me, I also met up with Florinda during this panel. Even luckier for me, Florinda snagged one of the Vampire Diaries bags I was coveting and gave it to me. It's absolutely gorgeous and I'll show it to you in a different post. Many thanks for Florinda!
Florinda headed off to meet her husband at this point but I stayed for The Walking Dead panel. AMC has got to be the most exciting channel producing scripted drama today. They've brought us Mad Men, Breaking Bad (which I haven't watched, but will!), and in October they are bringing us the first serialized television show about zombies. Oh the love! The Walking Dead is an extremely popular series of graphic novels from Image Comics. The creator of these comics, Robert Kirkman, has been extremely involved in the making of the show and trust me...it looks awesome! I was really hoping AMC would release the official trailer but for now you can watch this leaked version someone illegally recorded! Tell me does it not look insanely good? This might the be the post-apocalyptic TV show I've been hoping for!
You can also check out the official AMC site for The Walking Dead.
I also sat in on the panel for NBC's The Cape which is a superhero show. They showed us the pilot which was fairly entertaining. I felt certain segments of it were a little bit confusing and the plot moves incredibly quickly. Having said that, I enjoyed it enough to consider tuning in this fall and seeing where they take it. I also just really love Summer Glau.
Immediately following this one was the panel for Teen Wolf. I was all kinds of interested in this panel because I remember watching these movies with Michael J. Fox when I was but a young thing and the idea that MTV was creating a scripted drama inspired by these movies was almost too much. But for better or worse, I'm a huge fan of the paranormal and while we have vampire-centric shows that also have werewolves, I can't think of any (besides maybe Being Human) that are werewolf-centric. They showed us just the very first act of the show (I bet you can guess what happens) and I do think the show is fairly early in production...they don't have a premiere date or anything. But I'm really excited about it because they're taking away the cheese factor and aiming to make a show that's edgy. One thing they've changed is the sport...it will be Lacrosse instead of basketball which is really interesting itself. I only knew one member of the cast, but I think this will be a really fun show and I'm looking forward to it. And yay for MTV dipping its toes into scripted drama!
My final TV panel on Friday was for Falling Skies. Falling Skies doesn't premiere until next summer on TNT, but once again, I'm looking forward to this show! It's a Steven Spielberg produced post-apocalyptic alien invasion show. I mean that's all you need to know right? Whee! Evil aliens destroying the earth! Also it stars Noah Wyle and Moon Bloodgood. I was skeptical they were going to be able to show us any footage, but they did have a short trailer. Apparently, a lot of people were disappointed by it, but I thought it was pretty awesome. I mean I feel so lucky that when I was mourning the loss of LOST one of the things I wanted was a post-apocalyptic show and now I'm going to get two. Yay! Admittedly this panel was fairly low energy...the cast doesn't really have much chemistry yet and there's not much to say since no one has really seen anything but I'll definitely be anticipating it!
On Saturday I attended three panels for shows already on the air: V, Fringe, and The Vampire Diaries
V--I have to admit I almost dumped V last season when it started to drag. I'm glad I stuck with it, though, because the season finale was pretty exciting. The panel teased things to come in the second season. Part of the reason I wanted to attend this panel is my love for Elizabeth Mitchell! The other reason is my favorite television writer, Jace Lacob of Televisionary was the moderator.
Fringe--I stopped watching this show halfway through the first season, but clearly I need to catch up on it, it looks like it's gotten a lot better! Also I just love Joshua Jackson! If you're wondering why I attended when I don't watch the show it's because it was right inbetween the V panel and The Vampire Diaries.
The Vampire Diaries--this panel was full of fun and energy. It's funny because last year when I attended this panel, most of the people were waiting for the Mythbusters panel and made fun of The Vampire Diaries. It was irritating for devoted fans like myself! So it was fun this year to be in the company of fans, and see a short teaser of the season premiere which looks AWESOME! I'm so excited with the direction this show is going. As a reminder, I'll be recapping it every week and inviting you to link up your recaps as well.
Of the new shows I saw, I'd say I'm looking forward to them in this order:
The Walking Dead
Teen Wolf
Falling Skies
Hawaii Five-O
The Cape
Of the existing shows, I think they all look like they have promising seasons ahead but I'm really just excited for The Vampire Diaries.
Do any of these shows look good to you??? What shows are you most looking forward to coming back on air?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Review: The End by Salvatore Scibona
"...we may perceive ourselves to be careening aimlessly through space, when in fact distant events have thrown us into long, elliptical, cometlike, orbits, far from our origins, and eventually we will circle back on people whose lives preceded and gave rise to our own."
The End is the kind of book for people who primarily enjoy language in their reading, and lots and lots of character introspection. It's for someone with buckets of patience who is rather unconcerned with a forward moving plot but is content to reread passages in order to understand what the heck is going on.
In other words, it's not the sort of book for me, especially when I'm having a hard time reading anything!
I think I should give you an idea of what the book is about...there are a bunch of characters, each of them rather sad if you ask me, and after looking up some reviews on this book apparently the majority of the story takes place on Ascension Day in 1953 but there is a lot of time flashes in the book where it jumps around. And that's really all I can say because I'm not sure I understood the plot for this one. There are several characters, it takes place in Ohio--primarily in an Italian immigrant community. There's a baker, an abortionist, a farmer, a student, and more!
I can't even tell the point of view the book is written in, at times it seemed third person, third person omniscient and even second person. And there were flashbacks or were they dreams? that were in all italics. Much of what happens is embedded in the constant stream of thought of the characters, for example, I didn't realize a character had died and had to go back and reread a passage to understand what happened.
It isn't that there weren't some lovely passages, there were some passages and thought provoking sections that even I could enjoy, but this is not the kind of book I like to read. As I was struggling to get through it, I noticed the book compared the writing to Faulkner, Joyce, and Woolf. Oh, I should have been more careful in choosing my book!
I read this as part of the Spotlight on Small Press blog tour for Graywolf Press.
Rating: 2.5/5 (because while I understand that this was a well received book critically and a National Book Award Finalist no less, I didn't enjoy reading it)
Things You Might Want To Know: I think there was a little bit of profanity
Source of Book: bought a used copy
Pubisher: Graywolf Press
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Reflections on Peeta and Reading
Earlier today I saw a tweet that seemed to lean negatively towards Peeta (of The Hunger Games fame, one of my favorite book characters) This was really the case of eavesdropping or overhearing a conversation and so I went to investigate why Peeta was a boy in YA fiction that a blogger wouldn't want their daughter to date.
I was sort of shocked to see the blogger say Peeta was manipulative! I've heard things like, Peeta is a wimp, or clumsy and those arguments seem like reasonable interpretations of the books to me. But Peeta as manipulative and self-serving does not. (I should note that yes Peeta is manipulative of the audience of the Hunger Games but does he manipulate Katniss for his own survival?)
Of course it's possible that Suzanne Collins has a card to play that will reveal this to be true, but I suspect unless it's brilliantly done, I will feel deceived. I don't need for Peeta to end up with Katniss, in fact, I think the most reasonable outcome is that Katniss will end up alone. But I don't want this character that I love to turn out to be false.
This is all a really long way of saying that I set out for comfort and started looking up theories on The Hunger Games. I was almost immediately led to John Granger's Hogwarts Professor site and have unfortunately spent a good part of the day reading his many posts, not just on The Hunger Games, but also Twilight. It's funny because I've known of his site for a long time and did read some of his work on Harry Potter, but I clearly should keep reading because much of his approach towards books, and in particular his thoughts on the validity of popular fiction match mine. I often felt like cheering as I read what he said, not least because I just came off of Comic-Con, a weekend celebrating the critically disregarded comics and genre story-telling.
In any case, it was all quite timely, especially having just read Iris's post on liking Twilight. Her post bothered me (not because of what she said but because she had to write it), because I have noticed a tendency to apologize for liking Twilight or romance. I have even had the impulse in myself to apologize for my love of The Vampire Diaries and vampire fiction in general. Or to add a disclaimer.
It makes me sad that we live in a society in which we may be made to feel shame for what we like to read. Especially as reading is such a deeply personal experience and something we do out of need. I'm not suggesting we all have to like the same things, that's simply not possible. But there's a huge difference between not liking something and dismissing it as useless to all. The voice of Twilight dissenters is loud and at times quite cruel. It makes me wonder--why such a strong reaction?
Long time readers of this blog know this is not a new subject of discussion here, and it's something I am constantly thinking about especially as I read various blogs and sites and tweets devoted to books. I've been thinking about a lot of things in regards to book culture lately and hope to dive into a few of these topics in more depth in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, I leave you with a paragraph from John's blog in which he responds to an article about literate women being ashamed of their love for Twilight:
Read the rest at Forks High School Professor.
These readers are consequently stunned when, having suspended disbelief and entered a “cheesy vampire romance” novel that by their arbitrary checklist of literary do’s and don’ts is “trash,” they have the mythic, borderline religious experience the best stories deliver. What is so stunning — and embarrassing? — is less the “out of nowhere” surprise of this experience (think Susan Boyle) than that their usual fare of reading, the right sort of books, is nowhere near as engaging, even transformative as Mrs. Meyer’s “junk.”
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thoughts on Andrew Peterson's Counting Stars
There are certain artists who create art we find ourselves turning to again and again throughout our lives. There is no author or songwriter who doesn't have certain themes that define their work. When we find someone whose creative expressions resonate with us, we often feel we've found a friend who has peeked into our souls and given us a gift...even if we never lay eyes on them.
There is no one like this for me quite like Andrew Peterson. From the moment I first discovered his music I have followed with great interest what he does. He writes beautiful music, fun books, and stirring essays on his collaborative blog, The Rabbit Room. And in everything he shares with the world, we find the same themes layered within, the same characteristics displayed. Faith that gives us a rich heritage, wonder in the ordinary, a longing for home, the audacity to live with hope, the treasure of family. His words and music communicate with something deep within me that cries out to know, that yes, there is more.
My anticipation for Counting Stars, Peterson's newest album, was high as it is with every new release. I have not been disappointed. Not at all. The more I have listened to this new collection of music, the more I've been moved and the more I love it.
The early track "Planting Trees" speaks to choosing the eternal investment over the temporal. Consider these beautiful words that have been making me tear up these past few days:
"So sit down and write that letter
Sign up and join the fight
Sink into all that matters
Step out into the light
Let go of all that's passing
Lift up the least of these
Lean into something lasting;
Planting trees"
"The Magic Hour" is another stunning song about the beauty and mystery to be found right at home. It's the kind of song I can listen to a million times in a row, it's just so achingly beautiful.
From a lyrics standpoint, "World Traveler" excels and I found this part so romantic!
"She opened the gate and took my hand
And led me into the mystic land
Where her galaxies swirl
So many mysteries I never will unravel
I want to travel the world."
My favorite song is probably "The Last Frontier" which is labeled a lament in the CD booklet. And it surely is, but it's one that ends with the hope that sustains those of us who believe. I have not been able to listen to this song without getting all misty eyed, and then wrapping up the album with "The Reckoning" is pitch perfect.
Andrew Peterson has given us another gift of music that is deeply personal and yet universal, another collection of songs that tell us a story--the story of the beautiful bright mystery of life and love and faith. If you appreciate thoughtful faith driven music I just can't recommend Andrew Peterson enough. Please go buy the CD today!
Join Me Tonight on Blog Talk Radio
August 6-8 is a special online conference for book bloggers and authors. This online conference is organized by Terry of Romance in the Backseat but is for book bloggers and authors of all genres. They have a great line-up of panels and the registration is just $15 for a weekend long conference covering many topics. You can check out the full details at the site devoted to the con.
Tonight, Terry and I will be chatting on Blog Talk Radio--about this blog and blogging in general. I hope you'll listen in and also call in to chat! :)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
We Read Out of Need
In her piece on The Salon about the fine art of recommending books, Laura Miller quotes Lorin Stein of The Paris Review. I absolutely loved this, because I have always thought there was more to reading than just pleasure--even for those who claim to read only for pleasure.
I don't think people read 'for' pleasure, exactly," he went on. "Of course there is pleasure in reading. But mainly we do it out of need. Because we're lonely, or confused, or need to laugh, or want some kind of protection or quiet — or disturbance, or truth, or whatever.
I like a lot of the other things he has to say about recommending books, about our moods and the way they change and shift and how that affects what we read. That recommendations can't be made without asking personal questions.
We read out of need. I like it.
(Also Lonesome Dove is suggested as a book to please readers of any taste! I hope you'll join my readalong in October!)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Oh Those Influential Reviewers!
While I am certainly trying to control my book acquisition since my reading has slowed to almost a standstill, there are still a few reviews floating around out there that capture my interest. On a recent trip to Borders, the following books entered my collection:
I bought this book on Beth Kephart's recommendation. Thankfully, it doesn't look too long, and Beth's review was SO glowing I couldn't resist.
This book made it's way onto my radar thanks to a bookstore blog in Wisconsin I read frequently. It was Entertainment Weekly's review, however, that pushed me over the edge.
This came into my collection on the recommendation of Rachel of A Fair Substitute for Heaven. She was actually praising this author's YA books, but this one looked like a good read. I'm not sure Rachel and I share the same taste, but it's definitely worth a shot! Her enthusiasm for the author is contagious!
What's the last book you bought because of a review?
CFBA Book Spotlights: Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl and Stars in the Night by Cara Putnam
Una, smitten instead with a more dashing prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in grave danger. When Una makes the wrong choice, catastrophe ensues for the princess and her family, and love, courage, and trust are needed when darkness engulfs the kingdom.
Only those courageous enough to risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil.
There are some delightful things and scenes: the Twelve-Year Market that appears in its own good time and sells fairy goods; a clever blind cat who is invariably underfoot and has, of course, a secret!
Any day Audra might have been flattered by the friendly overtures of Robert Garfield, a real-life movie star. But on the flight from Indianapolis to Hollywood, Audra can think of little else than finding her missing sister. When Audra arrives in the city of glitz and glamour, and stars, and learns her rising starlet sister has been murdered, all thoughts of romance fly away.
Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan.
Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister.
Could the killer be the man with whom she's falling in love?
Lately, I haven't been able to read. I'm going through some kind of reading blues and it's really depressing me. I keep finding books I want to read but I can't seem to actually read them.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Movie Review: Inception
I have to admit to looking forward to Inception the moment it was first put on my radar. I loved the way this film was marketed....for once we didn't see the entire story told in the trailer, but were just given glimpses of the incredibly visual element of the film. I've enjoyed most of what Christopher Nolan has done in the past and I'm not ashamed to admit to being a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio.
I went to see the film in IMAX as a summer treat..I figured a film that advertises it's incredible visuals should be enjoyed on the large screen and I really enjoyed it.
Inception is a movie that must explain itself a fair bit...it's a sort of science-fiction fantasy world, but also a thriller with lots of shooting and big explosions. At it's heart is a man who is filled with regret. Yet he's one of the best at what he does...which is to extract knowledge from people's brains while they sleep..through their dreams. Inception, however, is the story of the attempt to do the opposite...to plant an idea in someone's mind.
This is a smart film. Yes, it's action packed and exciting, and it's possible that emotional story at the heart of it is less than original. But it doesn't matter. Inception both entertains and engages the mind. It's discussion worthy as well, there are many angles to consider once leaving the theater, not least of which is the very real ethical question of what they do.
It's refreshing to have something this big to entertain us this summer...original material. While it's not my favorite film of the year so far (that honor goes to Toy Story 3) it's certainly memorable and worth your time.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Faith and Fiction Saturday: The Other Than Romance Books
Faith and Fiction Saturday is a weekly discussion of the intersection of faith and fiction. To participate, simply leave your comments below or write a post on your blog and leave a link in the comments section.
Last week, I asked about the men and Christian fiction and this week I thought it would be interesting to talk about the different roles men and women characters play in today's Christian fiction.
I should note that in trying to pull my thoughts together on this subject that the problem comes back to so much of Christian fiction being romance. I have no problem with romance, personally I enjoy it. What concerns me about calling something Christian fiction and then having most of it be romance is the sheer number of people it ends up excluding, and the way it emphasizes certain ideas. An example of that would be that it emphasizes an incompleteness to life outside of marriage and more often than not, marriage and children.
But I don't want to seem as if I'm complaining...rather I thought it would be fun for us to brainstorm together some books that depict characters in different life stages and that don't emphasize the romantic aspects of their life.
I was trying to think of a book where the character stayed single...and the first example I thought of was Embrace Me by Lisa Samson. There are other reasons this character might remain single, but at least it's a stating place. Can you think of any others?
How about some books that center more on family conflict? Or single moms or dads? People who are retired?
I really loved the SAHM series by Meredith Efken for all of the different roles the women played.
I'm sorry to say I'm having a hard time remembering the last great male main character in Christian fiction I read!
I look forward to you refreshing my memory and suggesting great books!
FIRST: Nightshade by Ronie Kendig
Currently reading this one and really enjoying it! Look for a review soon.
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
and the book:
Barbour Books; Discarded Heroes edition (July 1, 2010)
Ronie Kendig grew up an Army brat, married a veteran, and they now have four children and a Golden Retriever. She has a BS in Psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers.
Visit the author's website and her book website,.
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books; Discarded Heroes edition (July 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 160260777X
ISBN-13: 978-1602607774
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Crazy lights swirled against the evening sky. Day morphed into the merriment of night. Cotton candy and hot dogs. Teens decked out in Goth gear contrasted sharply with young couples dragged from ride to ride by squealing offspring. White smeared over a man’s face as red encircled his mouth. Like a giant maraschino cherry, his nose squawked when a child squeezed it. He threw his head back and laughed. The little boy stood perplexed, as if uncertain whether to laugh or break into tears.
Olin Lambert shifted on the park bench as a parade of kids trailed the balloon-toting clown through the park. He glanced at his watch. His contact was la—
The boards under his legs creaked. A man dressed in a navy jogging suit joined him.
“You almost missed the fun.” Olin tossed a few kernels of popcorn into his mouth.
Rolling his shoulders, the man darted his gaze around the carnival insanity. “You know how dangerous this is? What it took for me to get out here without being seen?”
The danger and risk to his contact were no greater than what was stacked up against Olin. They both had a lot to lose—careers, reputations, families. . . . “We could leave now.”
“You know this has to happen.”
After a sip of his diet cola, Olin stuffed the half-full bag of popcorn on top of the overflowing trash bin. He wiped his hands and turned back to the man. “So, the body count’s finally high enough?”
Blue eyes narrowed. “I’m here. That should tell you something.”
“Indeed.” Olin waited as the ice cream vendor wheeled his musical cart past. “I need full autonomy for me and my team.”
Music burst forth as swings whirled occupants in a monotonous circle. A performer tossed flaming sticks and maneuvered one down his throat, swallowing the flames. Ohs wafted on the noisy, hot wind from the audience gathered around him. A scream pierced the night—a woman startled by another clown.
“Okay, fine. Just get on with this. I’m a sitting duck out here.” He rubbed his hands and glanced around.
Olin swiped his tongue along his teeth, took a draught of his soda, then slumped back against the slats. “I want it in writing. Two copies. Mine. Yours.”
The man shook his head. “No trails.”
The corner of Olin’s mouth quirked up. “You’ve already got one.” He nodded to the ice cream vendor, who reached over the register and tapped a sign with a hole in the center where a camera hid.
A curse hissed through the night. “You’d bleed me out if you could.”
“Whatever it takes to protect these men.”
Eyeing him, the man hesitated. “The men? Or you?”
“One and the same. If they’re protected, I’m protected. Whatever happens out there, we’re not going to take the fall for it.”
“If it goes bad, someone will get blamed.”
Olin pursed his lips and cocked his head to the side. “More dust has been swept under the proverbial Capitol Hill carpet than anyone will ever admit. You have to decide: Is the cost high enough? How many more lives are you willing to sacrifice?”
“Seven.”
On his feet, Olin tugged up the hood of his jacket. “Then we’re through.”
The man caught his elbow. “Sit down.”
Teeth clamped, Olin returned to the bench. He bent forward and rubbed his hands together, more than ready to forget he’d ever tried to deal with this man, the only man with enough power on the Hill and the right connections to both fund and authorize deep-six missions. Missions nobody wanted to acknowledge.
The din of merriment swallowed the silence between them. A beat cop worked the scene, glancing their way as he walked, no doubt making a mental note to watch them.
“Get me their names. I’ll write a carte blanche.”
Olin’s gut twisted. “Not happening.” If he revealed the names of his elite, he would essentially place them on individual crosses to be crucified by some politician who got wind of this or by someone far more dangerous—media—if something went south. “Project Overlook happens under my guidance with all the freedom and resources I need, or it doesn’t happen and you have one heckuva mess to clean up.”
“If I do this, I could get put away for a long time, Lambert.”
“And a million people will die if you don’t.”
“We should sit back and let Congress grant the authorization to go in there.”
A deep-chested laugh wormed through Olin. “You’ve been around too long to believe that. Thick bellies and big heads crowd the halls of the Hill. They want the power and none of the responsibility.” Had he been wrong in talking to the man next to him? What if he went to the Hill and spilled the news about Project Overlook? They’d be dead before the elite soldiers he had in mind could get their feet wet.
He let out a long exhale. “If you aren’t going to pony up, this conversation is over. You contacted me because you knew I could take care of this little snafu. So let us go in and quell this before it destroys more and the body count rivals 9/11.”
He eyed Olin, a slow grin cracking his lips. “You’ve always impressed me, Lambert, even though you’re Army.”
“Navy lost the last game, Admiral.” Olin let his gaze rake the scene around him. “These men are fully capable, and the situation can be tamed before anyone is the wiser. We don’t have time to wrangle the pundits. Let’s get it done, Mr. Chairman, sir.”
Chairman Orr stood and zipped his jacket. “You’ll have it by morning.”
Chapter 1
Cracking open the throttle ignited a wild explosion of power and speed. Zero to sixty in less than three seconds left Max Jacobs breathless. Gut pressed to the spine of his Hayabusa, he bore down the mountainous two-lane road away from civilization, away from . . . everything. Here only pine trees, concrete and speed were his friends.
His bike screamed as it ate up the road. The thrill burst through him. He needed the rush. Craved it. Stop running, Max. Her words stabbed his conscience. Made him mad.
Rounding a bend, he slowed and sighted the drop-off in the road—remembered a full 10% grade, straight down. His gaze bounced between the speedometer and the cement. Common sense told him to decelerate. The boiling in his veins said otherwise.
He twisted the throttle.
Eighty.
Max leaned into the bike and felt the surge.
Ninety.
He sucked in a breath as he sped toward the break.
The road dropped off. The Hayabusa roared as the wheels sailed out. He tried to grip the handlebars tighter as nothing but tingling Virginia oxygen enveloped him. Silence gaped.
This could be it. This could end it all. No more pain. No more life without Syd . . .
Take me. Just take me.
The Hayabusa plummeted.
Straight down. Concrete. Like a meteor slamming to earth.
The back tire hit. A jolt shot through the bike. Then the front tire bounced. Rattling carried through the handlebars and into his shoulders. He grabbed the brake—
Stupid! The brake locked. Rear tire went right. He tried to steer into the skid but momentum flipped him up. Over. Pops snapped through his back as he spiraled through the air. In the chaos his bike gave chase, kicking and screaming as it tore after him.
Crack! Pop! The sound of his crashing bike reverberated through the lonely country lane. Scenery whirled. Pine trees whipped into a Christmas-color frosting. Tree bark blurred into a menagerie of browns, drawing closer and closer.
Thud! His head bounced off the cement. He flipped again.
Finally. It’d be over. He closed his eyes. No more—
THUD! “Oof.” The breath knocked from his lungs. Pain spiked his shoulders and spine. Fire lit across his limbs and back as he slid from one lane to another. Down the road, spinning. Straight toward the trees.
He winced, arched his back. Kicking, he tried to gain traction. If he wasn’t going to die, he didn’t want to end up paralyzed. Just like you not to think it through.
He dumped into a ditch.
Smack!
Everything went black.
He blinked. Pain shrieked through his body, his thighs and shoulders burning. “Argh!”
Max pried himself onto all fours, hanging his head. A crack rent the face shield. A wicked throb pulsed through his temples and . . . everywhere. He fought with the helmet. Growled as he freed the straps. He pawed it off, cursing at the thing for saving his life. Those head whacks as he somersaulted through the air should’ve punched a hole in his skull. Warmth dribbled down his brow. He pressed a palm against his forehead. Sticky and warm. Blood. He grunted and strained to look across the road. Mangled. Twisted. His bike. Him.
Why couldn’t God just let him die? Humanity would be one up, and he wouldn’t have to face his consummate failures in life. “Just let me go!” he growled and pounded a fist against the pavement. He’d do anything to go back to the Middle East, pump some radicals full of lead, and unleash the demon inside. Anything that told him he still had purpose in life.
But that wasn’t an option anymore. Another bad choice. Could he get anything right? Maybe his father had been right to up and leave them. Just like his mother.
A glimmer of light snagged his attention. Less than a mile down the road, a black SUV barreled up the road from town. Max tensed. He’d seen a vehicle like that three times in the last week. But out here? In the middle of nowhere, invading his self-inflicted punishment? This wasn’t a coincidence. And he didn’t like being hunted.
Max dragged himself into the trees, wincing. Using his forearm, he wiped the blood from his face. Why? Why couldn’t he just die? Nothing here for him. No reason.
Sydney. . .
He banged the back of his head against the tree. Pain drove through him like an iron rod. Good. It felt good to hurt. A relief to the agony inside.
Glass popping and crunching snapped his attention to the road. The SUV sat like a giant spider. He wondered who was in the vehicle as he eased farther into the foliage. A carpet of pine needles concealed his steps. He glanced back to the intruder.
The SUV shifted as a man climbed out. Large, African American, and an expression that said he didn’t mess around. Whatever the guy wanted, he wouldn’t take no for an answer. At least not easily.
Even from ten yards away, Max could see the muscle twitching in the man’s jaw. He swallowed and licked his lips, readying himself for a confrontation. He swung back and gazed up at the canopy of leaves. Could he hoof it back to his apartment? Gathering his strength, he shrugged out of the shredded leather jacket, wincing and grunting as it pulled against raw flesh.
“You through? Or you want another go at it?”
What? Max peered around the trunk, surprised to find the man at the edge of the road, hands on his hips as he stared into the trees.
“We took you for stronger.” The man glanced back at the bike. “But maybe you’re nothing but broke and no use to no one.”
Heart thumping, Max jerked back and clenched his teeth. Who was this joker?
“So, what’s it going to be, Jacobs? You ready to face a little reality?”
How does he know my name? “Who are you?” Max hissed as the tree rubbed his raw shoulder. “What do you want?”
“You.”
Max drew the SOG knife from his pocket and opened it. Holding it down, he pushed into the open, making sure his injuries didn’t show him weak. “What’s the game?”
The man’s eyebrow arched. He angled his left shoulder forward, tugged up his sweater’s sleeve, and flexed his oversized bicep. A tattoo expanded across his muscle. Marine. Force Recon, if Max made out the symbol correctly.
An ally? As he struggled out of the ditch and back onto the road, Max collapsed the blade. Heat rose from the cement, aggravating the exposed flesh on his back and legs.
“Navy and Marines, you and me. Almost brothers. It’s the Rangers I don’t like. So, I forgive you for coming at me with a blade. This time.”
Max stared. Confusion—and pain—wrapped a tight vise around his skull.
“What’s it going to be, squid?” The guy pointed to the wreck of a bike on the road. “You don’t have a ride back to town. So why don’t you climb in and listen to what I have to say?”
Might ignore the nickname jab, but the guy assumed too much. “You flash a tattoo and think I’ll just bend my knee? I don’t think so.” A silent brotherhood had closed Max’s knife. But he didn’t want company. The oaf’s or anyone else’s. But how else would he get home?
“What? You think you’re going home? To your can opener and mattress?”
Mr. Recon had a point. Still, he knew too much, and that made Max stiffen—fiery shards prickling his back.
“No obligation. Show me a little respect, and just hear me out.”
At least, as the man had said, he’d have a ride. Eyes on the large man, Max pocketed the knife as he trudged to the other side of the SUV and opened the door.
He paused at the plastic covering the seat. He jerked his gaze to the driver.
Mr. Force Recon grinned. “You’re predictable, Jacobs.”
Max lowered himself onto the seat, cringing as new fire crawled over his back and legs. He buckled in, the irony of the seat belt crossing his mind. “So what’s this about? Why have you been following me?”
A crisp cologne swirled in the air-conditioned interior as Mr. Recon folded himself behind the steering wheel. “You’ve been recruited, Lieutenant Jacobs.”
Max snorted. “Already did my time. I’m out.” He gulped against the flurry of emotions within.
“Yeah? How’s that working out for you?”
Glaring, Max resisted the urge to thrust his SOG into the guy’s gut. He’d left the service for Sydney. Only it’d been too late. And in one fell swoop, he lost everything. “Why don’t you tell me? You seem to know everything.”
Mr. Recon pursed his lips and nodded. “Okay.” He rubbed his jaw. “You were discharged ninety days ago. In that time, you’ve been arrested twice, once for fighting. The second time—less than three days ago—for assault against your now-estranged wife.”
The words cut deeper and stung worse than his now-oozing flesh. Max looked at his hand and flexed his fingers.
“Yesterday you were hit with a permanent protective order by said wife. She filed for separation.” He leaned on the console and again arched that eyebrow. “How am I doing?”
“If you knew anything about me, you’d dull your edge.”
Wrist hooked over the steering wheel, Mr. Recon continued unfazed. “The military discharged you. Honorably. A veteran of two wars. Untold combat situations and medals. They tried to put you out medically two years ago, but you fought it.”
“And won.”
“Yessir.” The man nodded for several seconds. “So, why now? Why’d you let them put you out this time?”
Max shoved his gaze to the heavily tinted windows. That was a story nobody needed to hear. Bury it six feet under and walk away.
“You’re a discarded hero, Lieutenant Jacobs.”
Head whipped back to the driver, Max fought the urge to light into the guy. But something in the amused eyes betrayed a camaraderie. An understanding. Acceptance.
“Who are you? What’s your story?”
“Name’s Griffin.” He bobbed his head as they pulled onto the highway, driving east toward the Potomac. “My story. . . ?” A toothy grin. “Let’s just say I got smart.”
The sound of crinkling and rustling plastic pervaded the cabin as Max shifted to alleviate a pinprick fire shooting down his leg. He hissed and clamped a hand over his thigh. “So, what’s the gig?”
“The gig is whatever nobody else will do. What you should ask about is our group—and I do mean our group, Lieutenant. Because you are fully a part of this. Are you ready to step out of the medical trappings of your discharge, of the devastation that has become your life since you’ve returned from your last tour?”
Max grunted. “Yesterday.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Tires thumped over docks as Griffin steered into a warehouse. “Then this is where it starts.”
Elite soldiers stood in a semicircle, waiting. For what, Max wasn’t sure. And he wouldn’t ask. If his guess was right, then time would tell—because Griffin seemed to be the guy in the know, and his relaxed posture against the SUV said things were going according to plan.
“Hey, dude, want me to look those over?” A blond guy dressed in khaki shorts, a faded tank, and a pair of flip-flops motioned to Max’s scrapes and lacerations.
Right. Beach bum wanted to play nurse. “I’m good.”
“About as good as a dog in a meat grinder,” the guy replied.
Max clenched his teeth. Whatever kind of circus Griffin was running. . .
A diesel engine growled, the sound reverberating off the aluminum in the cavernous space, preempting the shiny blue dualie truck pulling into the dank building. The engine cut. A guy stepped out and donned a black cowboy hat that added about five inches to his six-foot-two frame.
Griffin’s laugh rumbled as he pushed off his SUV. “Colton.”
A broad grin spilled under the rim of the man’s Stetson. “Hey.” The two clasped hands and patted backs. “How’s Dante?”
A quiet dialogue carried between the two for several minutes that effectively cut out the rest of those gathered. Yeah, they had a friendship, one that said they trusted each other with more than superficial things. Something about the tight bond rankled Max. Hit deep.
“Why are we here?”
Max’s gaze bounced to the shortest and youngest of the six men in the building. The Kid had read his thoughts. A warehouse full of warriors? This setup smelled rotten.
“If you’ll be patient—” Griffin paused and glanced behind him. “I think it’s time.”
A black Chrysler 300 glided into the middle of the grouping. The hollow clunk of an opening door echoed off the steel rafters and grime-laden windows. A man emerged. White hair feathered back. A sun-bronzed nose sported dark-tinted sunglasses. The thud of the door almost swallowed the crunching of his squeaky shoes. New, expensive shoes. Maybe even tailor-made. He gripped the rim of his glasses and drew them off.
Was the old man supposed to mean something? Be someone who mattered? Irritation skittered along Max’s shoulders as the old man shook hands with Riddell and the cowboy.
“Who’s the hoo-hah?” Max mumbled to himself.
“You kidding me, man?” The blond look at him and smirked. “That’s—”
“For those not enlightened,” an authoritative voice cut through the surfer’s explanation, “my name is General Olin Lambert. I am a member of the Joint Chiefs. But among the seven of us, I am merely a citizen of the United States just like you.” Blue eyes probed each man.
Right into Max’s soul.
“With Mr. Riddell’s help, I’ve hand-chosen each and every one of you for a very specific purpose. There isn’t anything about you or your lives that I don’t know.” Lambert paused, as if to let his words sink in, but Max just wished he’d get on with it. Scabs were forming on his scrapes.
“Chosen us for what, ese?” asked the Hispanic man.
“A black ops team.”
And that meant two things: military and that this meeting was over. Max turned and started walking.
“It’s not military, Mr. Jacobs.”
Hesitation held him at the large, garage-style door he’d entered. “How can you do black ops without military aid, intelligence, and backup?” He turned around, ignoring what felt like glass stuck to his calves and thighs.
“I didn’t say we wouldn’t have aid or intelligence.” Creases pinched Lambert’s eyes at the corners. “I said it’s not military.”
“Come again?” the beach bum asked, disbelief coloring his words.
“Let the general explain.” Griffin leaned back against the truck with his cowboy buddy.
“Thank you, Mr. Riddell.” Lambert tucked his sunglasses in his left breast pocket, then threaded his fingers in front of him. Impressive and commanding. “Each of you has returned from combat changed, affected.”
Nervous glances skidded from man to man. Max glued his attention to the general, refusing to acknowledge the truth of Lambert’s words.
“You’re what I’ve dubbed discarded heroes.”
Grunts of approval rang through the building, and the group seemed to tighten in around the old man. Being a general, he knew what it was like to have slanted glances of pity from those who knew where you’d been, what you’d probably done, and what it was like to go against a politically correct ideology and fight for freedom on foreign soil. Or to have some tree hugger spit in your face and call you a murderer.
“You served your time, saw and experienced things no normal person would be expected to deal with. Sure, you were trained. Taught to expect evil. Demanded success. However, when confronted with the true terrors of war, no human mind can dissolve the images embedded in memory for all time.
“Then it’s time to get out. They yank you back here, give you a once-over, and toss you out with a ‘thank you very much and have a good life.’ So you go home, try to reintegrate into society, and—”
“It’s screwed up,” the Kid said. He shrugged when the others scowled at him. “Well? I’m right, aren’t I? From what I heard you saying earlier,” he pointed to the beach bum, “you’ve spent time in Afghanistan—a lot.” Then to the Latino, “You probably did your tours of duty in Panama or the like.” His gaze came to Max.
“Don’t.” Fists balled, Max willed his feet to remain in place. He didn’t want anyone digging in his brain.
“Mr. Vaughn is correct,” Lambert said. “You’ve all seen combat. You’ve all been trained to kill; then you come back, and what do you do with those skills but go out of your mind?”
Max shifted. Was it over yet? He eyed the wide-open berth to freedom behind the blue dualie.
“Max Jacobs.”
Hearing his name felt like a detonation that blasted his attention back to the general.
“You served eight years with the SEALs. Your experience in command and combat no doubt left indelible scars. Watched your best friend toss himself on a grenade to save the team.”
Bile pooled at the back of Max’s throat as the memory surged. He flared his nostrils, pushing the images back into the pit from which they’d been drawn.
Lambert stalked the inner perimeter, as if prepping troops for war with a pep talk. “Lieutenant Jacobs is the man I’ve chosen as team leader, but his position is no more valuable than anyone else’s. You’ve all seen war. In this building are years of tactical experience. Incredible wisdom. And one element that makes each of you vital for this to work.”
“What’s that?” Cowboy asked, his arms folded over his thick chest.
“Loyalty, Mr. Neeley. Your duty with the Marine Special Operations Team is bloated with exemplary conduct, commendation after commendation.” He waved his hand around the cozy circle. “I’ve reviewed all of your files and found the same thing in every one.”
Awkward silence cooled some of the tension in the room, and once again Max eyed the exit.
“Mr. Reyes, your career as a pararescue jumper, specifically your medic skills, saved dozens of lives.”
“Pair o’ what?” Cowboy taunted.
“Hey,” Reyes grinned. “You’re just jealous. I’m a PJ. Why you think they call me Fix?”
“Because you put everyone in one?” Griffin chuckled, eliciting more laughter.
“Nah, man. It’s ’cause of this,” he said as he drew out a crucifix from his shirt and kissed it. “My crucifix. They called me Cru at first, then since I’m a medic, they started calling me Fix.”
Swallowing his groan, Max ran a hand through his short crop. Religion and military. This was starting to feel worse than an AA meeting. And there wasn’t a point. “This is a lot of flowery, moving discourse, but what do you want from us?” Max mentally shook off the way the others looked at him. Was he the only one who was still waiting for the boom to lower?
“Mr. Riddell, if you please.” Lambert pointed to the black SUV as Griffin opened the tailgate. “Give each man one.”
Griffin handed out small black packs that bore a lone symbol. A strange star backed by a sword and wings. The Kid, the Beach Bum, and the Latino dug into the packs, almost excited. In seconds, a black phone, keys, a watch, and a set of duds spilled across the gray cement floor in front of them.
Max remained in place, his pack dangling from his clenched fist. He didn’t like being played. And this definitely felt like a setup.
General Lambert faced him. “Is there a problem, Mr. Jacobs?”
He dropped his pack onto the floor. “Not seeing the point.”
Behind the general, Griffin seemed to grow several inches as he towered over the aged officer. “What?” he growled. “You want to take another nose-dive off that hill? Hope this time there’s only enough of you left to fill a baggie? Want to make that estranged wife of yours a widow before you can be called a failure?”
Hands coiled, Max drew up his shoulders. Saw red. No. No. He wouldn’t give in to the goading. He dragged his attention back to the general.
“Ease up, Legend,” Cowboy said, patting Griffin’s chest. “Give the guy a chance.” Lambert remained unwavering. “The point, Lieutenant, is to establish a team that can penetrate hostile situations without any entanglements, without any blame on the good ol’ US-of-A or any other entity or government. You returned from two tours in Iraq, one in Afghanistan, and a covert mission nobody in this room will ever know about. You were the best, a natural, your CO said. But you were so volatile after those experiences took their toll they tried to discharge you, and your compatriots nicknamed you after a volatile chemical. Somehow you held it together. Then jumped ship out of the blue.” More than recitation of information lurked behind the general’s blue eyes. A knowing—no, an understanding, quiet and unnerving. “Tell me, Mr. Jacobs, what are you doing with your life now?”
“Minding my own business,” Max answered through tight lips.
Lambert laughed. “And that’s exactly what you’ll be doing as part of my team. Funding isn’t a problem. You’ll have unlimited resources.”
“That’d be a change,” the Kid grumbled.
“To go where?” the Beach Bum asked.
“Doesn’t matter,” the Kid interrupted. “Man, how is this any different than military? Igot out for a reason.”
“You’ll go wherever needed.” The general turned toward the younger man. “Yes, Mr. Vaughn, you did get out for a reason. Tell me, did abandoning the one thing you loved the most give you the love of your father after all?”
The Kid paled.
“Why?” Max couldn’t stand it anymore. “Why are you doing this? What’s this thing to you?”
Lambert lowered his head then looked back at Max. “I am. . .discarded just like you.”
“Bull.” Max tucked his hands under his arms. “You sit in a cushy chair in a carpeted office. You’re paid, you’re connected—”
“I know what you guys have been through.” The general tapped his temple. “MAC-V SOG in Nam. Two tours.”
Max’s eyebrows shot up. That meant the man before him had likely seen more carnage than the rest of them put together.
“Heard the phrase ‘peace with honor’?”
Max shrugged. “Yeah, sure. Who hasn’t?”
“It was a platitude.” Lambert’s eyes flamed under his passion. “The armchair generals lost the war, not the grunts on the ground. We won every battle they let us win. But that doesn’t make it any easier when you’re the only guy who comes home from your unit with all his parts and pieces still connected where God put ’em.
“I may not be young, I may not have done combat tours in Iraq like you, Lieutenant, but I was tossed aside, too. For years I languished.” The general pushed to his feet, his voice thick and his eyes weighted by the story. “But I slowly remembered that I’d joined the military for a reason—I wanted to be a man. A real man willing to defend my country with life and limb. I knew then I could screw up my career or I could do my best to make a difference in the lives of those who came after.”
Silence hung rank and thick in the abandoned warehouse. Something akin to admiration leaked past Max’s barriers as he watched the indignant rise and fall of the old man’s chest. A smile threatened his resolve as the old man glared at the hulking men around him.
Lambert’s lips tightened over a clean-shaven jaw. “What’s it going to be, gentlemen? Do you have what it takes to finish the fight with the gift God gave you? Or are you going to turn tail, accept what the government stamped on your papers, and leave—go quietly into the night?”
“Whoa-hoa!” Laughing, Beach Bum stepped forward. “Old Man’s got some fire under that shiny dome.”
Lambert spun toward the bum. “What’s it going to be, Sergeant Metcalfe?”
The blond pursed his lips, considered Lambert, then nodded. “I’m in.”
The bright blue eyes shifted to the Latino.
“You need some CPR, ese? You look worked up.”
A half smile slid into Lambert’s face. “A little passion never hurt, eh, Mr. Reyes?”
“You all right, old man.” He hooked Lambert’s hand and patted his back. “You all right.” Reyes leaned in toward the general’s shoulders and looked at the Kid. “But I don’t know about this kid. He don’t look like he’s out of diapers yet.”
“That’s wrong. That’s just wrong.” The Kid’s face flushed. “I spent six years in the Rangers. I have enough—”
“Rangers.” Max couldn’t help but grunt his disapproval. “That explains a lot.”
The Kid’s chin jerked up in defiance. “I’m in.”
It seemed Lambert grew with each affirmation. He shifted to the cowboy. “Mr. Neeley?”
Cowboy gave a slow, firm nod, his hat shading his eyes. “I’m ready.”
Lambert smiled. “Good. Good.”
They were all crazy. Joining a group like this meant more problems. “What if we get in trouble out there?”
“Then get out of trouble,” Lambert said. “Understand that this team does not exist. If anyone comes looking, there will be nothing to find. Only one man besides those of us in this facility knows it exists, and he’ll pay the highest cost if that confidence is broken. No one—and I mean no one—will know your names.”
“So our orders are coming from on high?” Metcalfe asked.
A twinkle brightened Lambert’s eyes and gave silent assent to the question, although he gave no answer. Instead, he continued. “Any mission, any activity will be utterly and completely disavowed by the United States. You will be disavowed. If you get into trouble, Mr. Jacobs, count on your ingenuity to get out. If you are killed, no one will know.”
“Or care.” The Kid shrugged, a sick smirk in his face.
Max wanted to punch him.
“Or maybe that’s where Sergeant Metcalfe, call sign Midas, will come in with his golden touch.” Lambert ambled toward him.
The beach bum made a tss noise and shook his head. “Nothing golden, just hard work.”
The general’s smile disappeared behind a stern facade. “What is your answer, Lieutenant Jacobs?”
“This is crazy.” What else could he do? Flip burgers at the nearest fast food? What was worth staying here for? No wife. No family. “Fine.” The separation papers told him he had nothing left here anyway. “I’m in.”
“Good.” General Lambert’s smile softened his commando persona. “Look around. The men here are your new brothers, your family. Only they will understand when the horrors of war invade your sleep. Only they will be there when you’re pinned down and need an extraction.
Arms wide, Lambert smiled like a proud father. “Gentlemen, welcome to Nightshade.”
San Diego Comic-Con for the Bookish Set
It's that time of year again! San Diego Comic-Con is next week. This is one of my favorite times of year, an event as epic as BEA to me. What's great about Comic-Con though is it actually allows me to indulge in some fun time for one of my other great loves...TV. But even though Comic-Con is like mecca for the TV fan, there's a ton of great bookish stuff going on and I will be joining in for quite a bit of it.
If you're a fan of fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, that kind of thing, Comic-Con is really one of the best places to go since literary festivals often ignore this type of fiction. I've scoured the schedule to check out what bookish events will be happening and present them for you below. I've included some panels that aren't strictly bookish but may have a well known author on the panel or TV shows based on beloved books.
*Please note this doesn't include any booth events such as signings or giveaways. Publishers if you have this information and would like to share please let me know by emailing me at mypalamyATgmailDOTcom or leaving a comment and I'll add it. Also! If you are one of the bookish people planning to be at Comic-Con please fill out this form. Maybe we can meet up!
THURSDAY
10:00-11:00 The Spark of Imagination— Peek inside the minds of leading authors and filmmakers to explore how imagination informs the creative process. New York Times bestselling children's author Tony DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles) details the precedent-setting augmented reality used in his new Simon & Schuster novel The Search for Wondla; LAIKA president/CEO Travis Knight (lead animator, Coraline) explains his studio's commitment to bold subject matter; artist/writer Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy) pinpoints how and where inspiration strikes; director John Stevenson (Kung Fu Panda) explores how creativity is enhanced by artistic collaboration in moviemaking; and graphic novelist and Comic-Con special guest Doug TenNapel (Earthworm Jim) describes exactly how a blank page comes to be inhabited with his compelling imagery. Join moderator Geoff Boucher, reporter and HeroComplex.com blogger with The Los Angeles Times, for this fascinating panel discussion and Q&A. Room 25ABC
10:30-11:30 The Power of Myth— Fantasy authors discuss claiming world mythology to shape one's own stories. Authors include Amber Benson (the Calliope Reaper-Jones Novels), Esther Friesner (Sphinx's Princess), Thomas Greanias (The Promised War), Lev Grossman (The Magicians), Les Klinger (editor, The New Annotated Dracula), Seanan McGuire (the October Daye novels), Michael Scott (the Secret of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series), and Thomas Sniegoski (Where Angels Fear To Tread). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 24ABC
1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Charlaine Harris— Author and Comic-Con special guest Charlaine Harris gathered a huge fan base with her novels and stories featuring her characters mystery-solving librarian Aurora Teagarden; Shakespeare, Arkansas resident Lily Bard; and the telepathic barmaid who befriends vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures, Sookie Stackhouse. Once Sookie and company moved to the small screen with HBO's True Blood, Harris entered the superstar realm. Be a part of the very first Spotlight panel devoted to Charlaine and hear what she has to say about what comes next for Sookie and everyone else! Room 6BCF
1:30-2:30 Once Upon a Time— Fantasy authors discuss whether Epic Fantasy requires bigger-than-life heroes and heroines. Authors include Lynn Flewelling (The White Road), Christopher Paolini (the Inheritance cycle), Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind), Brandon Sanderson (The Way of Kings, Book 1 of The Stormlight Archive), Megan Whalen Turner (the Queen's Thief series), and Brent Weeks (the Night Angel Trilogy). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 24ABC
3:00-4:00 Kiss Them or Kill Them? Conflict Management for the Creatures Among Us— Urban fantasy and paranormal romance authors discuss when to kill the monster, date the monster...or both and in what order. Authors include J. F. Lewis (ReVamped), Maria Lima (Blood Line series), Adrian Phoenix (the Maker's Song series), Kat Richardson (the Greywalker novels), Diana Rowland (Kara Gillian -- Detective and Demon Summoner series), Samantha Sommersby (the Forbidden Series), Anton Strout (the Simon Canderous urban fantasy series), Linda Thomas-Sundstrom (Wolf Moons series), and Rob Thurman (author of the Cal Leandros Novels and The Trickster Novels). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 25ABC
4:00-5:00 Twisting Genres— Fantastic fiction authors talk about pushing the envelope on genre, not confining it to one definition. Participants include China Miéville (Kraken), Justin Cronin (The Passage), Naomi Novik (Tongues of Serpents), Daryl Gregory (The Devil's Alphabet), Jeffrey J. Mariotte (Cold Black Hearts), Robert Masello (Blood And Ice), Keith Thompson (The Leviathan trilogy), and Scott Westerfeld (The Leviathan trilogy). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 25ABC
FRIDAY
10:00-11:00 With Great Power Come Great Stories— Authors discuss creating superhero superfiction, including novels and stories in anthologies like Masked and Wild Cards. Authors include Lou Anders (Masked), Jackie Kessler (the Icarus Project novels), Caitlin Kittredge (the Icarus Project novels), Gini Koch (Touched by an Alien, the Katherine "Kitty" Katt series), Kevin Andrew Murphy (the Wild Cards series), Chris Roberson (Book of Secrets), Caroline Spector (Wild Cards contributor), and Matt Sturges (Justice Society of America). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 32AB
11:30-12:30 Dark Horse Comics: Make Contact in 2010— Couldn't get into the Dark Horse panel last year? Well, here's another chance to be at the forefront of breaking news from comics' most dynamic publishing house. Dark Horse president and publisher Mike Richardson, plus a host of the industry's top creators, present a firsthand look at the future of the medium. Featuring everyone from Eisner award winner Gerard Way to New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich, this is one panel you don't want to miss. Room 3
12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Tanya Huff— Special guest, author Tanya Huff (the Blood series, The Truth of Valor) will read a short story and then throw the room open to a Q&A; if you've got questions, now's the time to ask. Room 5AB
2:00-2:45 Bones— Creator and executive producer Hart Hanson and star David Boreanaz are on hand to discuss what went down in Season 5 of Bones and the cliffhanger finale as well as what's in store for Booth and Brennan in the exciting new Season 6! The panel will be followed with a Q&A session. Ballroom 20
3:00-4:00 Bite Me: Evolving Urban Fantasy Beyond the Vampire Phenomenon— Some of the top names in urban fantasy gather to discuss how to evolve the urban fantasy genre beyond the vampire phenom, spurred by the mass commercial appeal of The Twilight Saga and True Blood. Authors include Tanya Huff (the Victoria Nelson novels), Mario Acevedo (the Felix Gomez detective-vampire series), Merrie Destefano (Afterlife: The Resurrection Chronicles), Jocelynn Drake (Pray for Dawn), Richard Kadrey (Sandman Slim), Lauren Kate (Fallen series), and Marjorie M. Liu (In the Dark of Dreams). Moderator: Diana Gill, executive editor at HarperCollins Publishers. Room 8
5:15-6:15 True Blood Panel and Q&A session— Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, True Blood kicked off its 12-episode third season June 13 on HBO. The series, which has earned two Golden Globe nominations for Best Television Series-Drama, follows the romance between waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin, Golden Globe winner for True Blood season one; Oscar-winner for The Piano), who can hear people's thoughts, and her soulmate, 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer). Alan Ball (creator of the Emmy-winning HBO series Six Feet Under) created and serves as executive producer of the series, which is based on the best-selling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The series also features Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam, Denis O'Hare as Russell Edgington, the Vampire King of Mississippi, and Joe Manganiello as Alcide Herveaux. (Note: names in bold will be appearing on the panel.) Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly. Ballroom 20
5:30-6:30 What's up with Penguin— Anne Sowards (executive editor, Ace/Roc), Jessica Wade (editor, Ace/Roc), and Mardie Cohen (marketing coordinator, Penguin Young Readers Group) give you the dish on forthcoming books from such exciting authors and licensed properties as Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, S. M. Stirling, Rachel Caine, Heather Brewer, Richelle Mead, Kathy Reichs, John Flanagan, Star Wars: Clone Wars, and many more. You can expect lots of giveaways you won't see anywhere else at Comic-Con, including free advance reading copies! Room 32AB
SATURDAY
11:00-12:00 Reading with Brains: The Rise and Unrelenting Stamina of Zombie Fiction— Authors and survivors include Amelia Beamer (The Loving Dead), Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide), Seth Grahame-Smith (Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer), Mira Grant (The Newsflesh trilogy). Walter Greatshell (Xombies: Apocalypticon), Jonathan Maberry (Rot & Ruin), Ryan Mecum (Zombie Haiku), John Skipp (Zombies: Encounters with the Hungry Dead), and Joan Frances Turner (Dust). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart, Mysterious Galaxy. Room 7AB
12:00-1:00 Fang Girls and Fang Boys: The Popularity of Vampire Lit— Authors of vampire fiction for young adults and adults discuss the appeal of their worlds and characters. Authors include Charlaine Harris (the Sookie Stackhouse Series), Heather Brewer (the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod), Rachel Caine (the Morganville Vampires series), Christopher Farnsworth (Blood Oath: The President's Vampire), Chris Marie Green (the Vampire Babylon series), Richelle Mead (the Vampire Academy series), and Jeanne C. Stein (the Anna Strong series). Moderated by Brian Truitt, associate editor, USA Weekend Magazine/USA Today. Room 7AB
1:30-2:30 Spotlight on China Miéville— Multi-award-winning author and Comic-Con special guest China Miéville talks about his books -- including The City & the City, and his most recent, Kraken -- in this special Spotlight panel. Room 5AB
3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Ray Bradbury— He was at the very first Comic-Con and we kind of think he'll be at the very last one, too, far off in the future. Science fiction author Ray Bradbury is literally a national treasure. Ray talks with biographer Sam Weller and moderator writer/producer Arnold Kunert in his yearly visit with his fans at Comic-Con.
4:15-5:00 The Vampire Diaries Screening and Q&A— The cast and creative team behind The Vampire Diaries return to take a bite out of Comic-Con! Series stars Nina Dobrev (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Paul Wesley (Roll Bounce), Ian Somerhalder (Lost), Michael Trevino (Cane), and Matt Davis (Blue Crush) join executive producers/writers Kevin Williamson (Scream) and Julie Plec (Kyle XY) to show fans a fang-tastic season-one highlight reel, followed by a Q&A session. This edgy, romantic drama quickly became the number one series on The CW in its first season. The Vampire Diaries director/co-executive producer Marcos Siega (Dexter) will moderate the panel. From Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Vampire Diaries will return for its second season this fall, airing Thursdays at 8 pm ET/PT on The CW, and The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD August 31. Ballroom 20
6:00-7:00 Lost But Not Forgotten— Lost Encyclopedia authors Tara Bennett and Paul Terry, along with other special Lost guests, discuss this seminal show's legacy, their thoughts on the finale, and the creation of the forthcoming Lost Encyclopedia. Attendees will have a chance to win a signed copy of the Lost Encyclopedia. Room 8
6:30-7:30 What's Hot @ Harper: A Special Sneak Preview of Upcoming SF, Fantasy, Urban Noir, Horror & More— Want to hear about The Fall by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan? Get a sneak preview of the next Kim Harrison? Meet some of the Eos and Avon authors and hear about their upcoming books? Plus get free stuff (including a chance to win a new e-Reader, so you can enjoy all of Harper's 'e' offerings)? Then don't miss this panel on HarperCollins's upcoming sci-fi/fantasy/horror titles and more! Moderated by Diana Gill, executive editor, HarperCollins Publishers, with authors Brom, Richard Kadrey, Marjorie M. Liu, and others. Room 26AB
SUNDAY
10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Rick Riordan— Comic-Con special guest Rick Riordan discusses his blockbuster book series Percy Jackson & the Olympians as well as his recently released The Kane Chronicles series and the upcoming all-new The Heroes of Olympus series. Join Rick for this one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 6A
11:00-12:00 Entertaining One's Inner Child— Ever since Harry Potter burst onto the scene, children's books have been taking over the bestseller lists. Creators discuss the thrills and challenges of creating memorable characters for the younger set. Panelists include Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Sina Grace (Among the Ghosts), Matt Holm (Babymouse), Adam Rex (Fat Vampire), David Steinberg (Daniel Boom), Greg Van Eekhout (Kid Vs. Squid) and moderator Jennifer Holm (Babymouse). Q&A to follow. Room 24ABC
12:00-1:00 Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Teen Angst in Young Adult Fiction— A discussion of the appeal for youthful protagonists in young adult fiction and beyond. Authors include Emily Drake (The Magickers novels), Nancy Holder (Wicked series), D. J. MacHale (Morpheus Road series), James Owen (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographic series), Christopher Pike (Thirst series), Kathy Reichs (Virals), Neal Shusterman (The Skinjacker Trilogy), and Michael Spradlin (The Youngest Templar Novels). Moderated by author Cindy Pon (Silver Phoenix). Room 24ABC
1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Douglas E. Richards— Comic-Con special guest Douglas E. Richards is the author of The Prometheus Project series -- science fiction thrillers that have been widely acclaimed by kids, adults, and SF fans alike (including Asimov's Science Fiction magazine). Douglas has also written extensively for National Geographic KIDS and American Fencing magazines. Bring your kids and join Douglas as he gives a fun and engaging presentation that has delighted students at middle grade assemblies. Douglas will touch on the secret to happiness, fiction plotting and writing, continuity errors, a behind-the-scenes look at his books, and more -- followed by a Q&A. Room 3
(Elizabeth Briggs also has a schedule for the bookish folk!)
