If you read my last blogpost you already know that I am a member of a supportive writing group called the #WolfPackAuthors. You would also be aware of the fact that, as a group, we put together a short story anthology called, Once Upon a WolfPack, that was published on May 19th. If this information is new to you, please go back and read the last blogpost to catch up on the anthology project -- why we did it and what it means to us.
Go ahead - I'll wait. ⌚ tick... tick... tick
Oh good! You're back! Now that you're all caught up, let's continue.😃
I am very honored to say that I have a story included in this book filled with amazing, talented writers. I am extremely impressed with the stories found within the pages, and since I have read them all, I am going to give a short review of each. My intent is to give you an idea of what to expect when you download your own copy of the ebook, or the paperback arrives in your mailbox.
So, here we go:
Listed by genre, title, and author --
Cozy Mystery - Yuletime at Cherrywood Hall: Veronica Cline Barton
This is a wonderful story to begin your adventure through 'Once Upon a WolfPack'. At its core it is a lighthearted love story, but with tense undertones of jealously weaved throughout, it'll keep you slightly on edge. Secrets are uncovered as the story unfolds, revealing jealously as the motivator for things that might have been. This tale has all the elements of a great Hallmark Cozy Mystery movie - It's the holidays, there's a sublime buildup to a crime, skillfully deceptive storyline, and, of course, romance. What more could you want? This short is a delightful introduction to Veronica Cline Barton's world of the Cozy British Mystery with an American twist.
Fairy Tale/ Parody - Unfairy Prosecuted: J.W. Crawford
This is not your mother's fairy tale. You must suspend your believe system held for the unbelievable world where fairy tales exist. A unique telling of the story of the big bad wolf crosses with several other "children's" story characters, giving more of a naïve personality to the wolf. There are twists and turns around every corner, and I found myself willingly playing along as some of my favorite characters took on slightly different roles. Is there a happily ever after? Decide for yourself. This story is the perfect way to dive into the world of J.W. Crawford.
Fairy Tale - Poppy: Tia Fanning
A magical tale told by a young woman who is taken in by her grandmother when it becomes evident that her parents are not fit to care for her.. This is an unconventional fairy tale that twists and turns through an enchanted forest, whose woods are filled with dark secrets. When the young woman meets a man who is taken with her, she finds he holds a dark secret of his own. Her grandmother sees the man for what he really is, and fears for her and her granddaughter's lives. That is, until she sees the love shared between them. This appears to be a very liberal telling of a tale loosely based on a story about a wolf, a grandmother, and a girl who came to wear a cloak with a hood. Sound familiar? Well, that's where that familiarity ends. This is a truly original fairy tale for today's believers. It is a unique story, and one written outside of her normal box, and introduces you to the very talented Tia Fanning.
Horror/ Meta horror - The Untold One: B.L. Clark
This is an impressively written tale told in a very interesting and unique way. As the horror unfolds through a series of notes written by the story's protagonist, the reader is kept guessing about what is truly happening. Is the beast of this world or is there an otherworldly presence causing the carnage left behind? This short is tightly written and hits you hard and fast. It's not so much what is written in the notes, but what is not, that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A great introduction to the bizarre world of B.L. Clark.
Horror - Frost Harbor: Alexander Pain
This is a fascinating story told in the form of a flashback by a Naval Veteran to his grandkids. It's a gruesome account of an armed conflict left off the books due to its unbelievable nature. The tension builds slowly, but when the action begins, it comes fast and furious. Did the story really happen as the old sailor remembers it, or is it a creative way to cover up a battle action that went terribly wrong? Read it and come to your own conclusion. This is a great way to discover the darkness inhabiting the mind of Alexander Pain.
Literary - Omega Road: Lee M. Tipton
Omega Road speaks to the hidden truth within a family where the children are perceived as property. And as soon as they became a woman in body, if not in age, they're virtue was treated as a commodity worth selling. This is the story about one of the daughters, and how a chance meeting with a kind old man helped to save her from her parent's narrow-minded, and often dangerous ways of treating her for their own personal gain. When she finally becomes trusting enough and is able to confide in the kind man and his neighbor, they help her through her situation by teaching her how to survive on her own, and helping her find the confidence to succeed in life. This is a powerfully written narrative that introduces you to the amazing literary world of Lee M. Tipton.
Magical Realism - An Early Snow: Andi Marchal
Dr. Rowan Prescott has dedicated her life's work to the tracking of wolves and believing that they will return to areas where they are now extinct. A video, that was taken near a cabin in the Catskills, that she frequented as a young girl, could prove that wolves have returned to the area. Against her colleague's better judgement, she immediately plans a trip to verify the find. What she finds is much more than she anticipated, and it awakens a memory buried deep within her. A memory that couldn't be real... or could it? This is a heartwarming magical story of a little girl, now grown, finally discovering who she is, and accepting her new reality. A wonderful way to introduce yourself to the writing styles of Andi Marchal.
P.I./ Detective - The Wolf: Joe Congel
Wisecracking PI Tony Razzolito, puts his sleuthing skills to the test when he is asked to help locate a former mob assassin who went missing from the Witness Protection program. The Razzman enters this case wrestling with thoughts of how much he really wants to be involved with a missing persons case that centers around a Mafia hit-man who turned his back on La Familia. The Razzman, as he is known to his friends, is smart, not afraid of hard work or danger, and although a bit more contemporary, stacks right up there with more traditional gumshoes, like Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade. This short is a great way to become immersed into the fictional detecting world of Tony Razzolito through the eyes of Joe Congel.
P.I./ Detective, Cozy Mystery - Mrs Solberg’s Problem: CW Hawes
As always, CW Hawes has written an interesting tale starring my favorite brother/sister detective team of Harry and Justinia Wright. This time they are asked to help a woman find out if and why her husband may be cheating on her. If you love a great detective story with substance and great characters, then you will enjoy this short story, AND most likely become a fan of Minneapolis' finest detective duo. The mind of CW Hawes expands beyond mystery and detective stories, but this is a great introduction to one of the many worlds hidden inside the creative side of his brain.
Poetry - Wolf Pack United: Angie-Marie Delsante
Although at times, they may be down in numbers, you can never count them out. This is a haunting poetic tribute to the strength of the wolf and their dedication to the pack, and how it takes the pack to ensure the survival of their family. This a wonderful introduction to the creative mind of freelance and multi-genre writer, Angie-Marie Delsante.
Told through the mind's eye of the wolf, this poem shows the strength and powerful bond the alpha feels with his pack. He is responsible for their well-being, and he is dedicated to ensuring their survival. This is a wonderful introduction into the mind of the amazing poetic wordsmith, Lori Katherine.
Romance/ Supernatural - The Soap Maker’s Mother: Christina van Deventer
A life for a life. What would you do for love? What if the person you loved was actually a werewolf, and you, a witch? You could keep each other safe, but at what cost? Such is the dilemma Maria must face for a deal she made with a demon years ago. Can the debt be settled in such a way as to allow for a long and wonderful life? This is a tale of love, hardship, and perseverance. It tells of the struggles endured and the realization of how cruel and unfair life can be. This is a story of love and survival. It is a wonderful introduction into the worlds created by Christina van Deventer.
Science Fiction/ Military - Sacha: Jeff DeMarco
How do you fix a problem you helped create? When Sasha and others like her--beings beyond human--tried to raise the standard of the people for a better tomorrow, they found that the trappings of humanity, like greed and power, had seeped into those chosen as the new leaders. This caused Sasha and her team to feel the need to correct the mistakes of the past. But how? By taking out the very leaders they had put into place. While she waited for orders to eliminate her target, she felt a presence. The wolves had come and Sasha was forced to make a choice. A choice of destruction, or perhaps of discovery. This is a story about how a simple decision is not so simple after all. The consequences of the actions must be considered for survival. A well-written introduction into the strategic, military mind of dystopian, scifi writer, Jeff DeMarco.
Science Fiction/ Paranormal - Wolf Cry: Z Gottlieb
A companion piece and continuation of her wildly popular, scfi story, Connor's Gambit, this tale finds Brad having strange dreams of being the alpha in a wolf pack. The dream is real enough that he feels the need to search for the wolf and the cliff where his dream takes place. Brad is used to fighting aliens and protecting the earth. He is not used to a wolf, who has the ability to call to him through his dreams. How is this happening... and why? This story has everything you want in a scifi/paranormal story -- spaceships, aliens, alien technology, and wolves that have ways to communicate their need when in danger. This is a fun voyage into the mind of writer Z. Gottlieb.
Science Fiction/ Paranormal - Circus of the Night: Stefan Angelina McElvain
I was quickly drawn into this story. It has otherworld beings, mind control, telepathy, wolves, a sexy element, and the big top! However, this is not like any circus I've ever attended! There is a dark element that is slowly revealed as you follow along with the main character's journey of self-discovery after he joins up with a traveling circus troop. This is one of the longer stories in the collection, but as with most interesting and entertaining stories, I was so immersed in the characters and how they played off each other that I found myself wanting more. This is a satisfying introduction into the sexy, sci-fi, paranormal world of Stefan Angelina McElvain.
Urban Fantasy - True Nature : Luna Selas
Fairy Tale - Poppy: Tia Fanning
A magical tale told by a young woman who is taken in by her grandmother when it becomes evident that her parents are not fit to care for her.. This is an unconventional fairy tale that twists and turns through an enchanted forest, whose woods are filled with dark secrets. When the young woman meets a man who is taken with her, she finds he holds a dark secret of his own. Her grandmother sees the man for what he really is, and fears for her and her granddaughter's lives. That is, until she sees the love shared between them. This appears to be a very liberal telling of a tale loosely based on a story about a wolf, a grandmother, and a girl who came to wear a cloak with a hood. Sound familiar? Well, that's where that familiarity ends. This is a truly original fairy tale for today's believers. It is a unique story, and one written outside of her normal box, and introduces you to the very talented Tia Fanning.
Fantasy/ Supernatural - For the Love of the Pack: Sharon Lopez
A young woman's awakening as to her true self sheds light on the strange feelings and abilities she can no longer ignore. Deep down, she always knew she was part of a pack. And now that she's turning and her inner wolf has emerged, her friends, her family... her pack, can help her understand, adjust, and keep her protected. But danger for the pack is right around the corner, and comes in the form of estranged family. Long ago secrets are revealed, and choices that need to be made become clear. This is a story of love, hatred, sorrow, and loss. But it's also a story about new beginnings and the strength found in survival of the pack. It is an exceptional way to experience the writing talents of Sharon Lopez.
Horror/ Meta horror - The Untold One: B.L. Clark
This is an impressively written tale told in a very interesting and unique way. As the horror unfolds through a series of notes written by the story's protagonist, the reader is kept guessing about what is truly happening. Is the beast of this world or is there an otherworldly presence causing the carnage left behind? This short is tightly written and hits you hard and fast. It's not so much what is written in the notes, but what is not, that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A great introduction to the bizarre world of B.L. Clark.
Horror - Frost Harbor: Alexander Pain
This is a fascinating story told in the form of a flashback by a Naval Veteran to his grandkids. It's a gruesome account of an armed conflict left off the books due to its unbelievable nature. The tension builds slowly, but when the action begins, it comes fast and furious. Did the story really happen as the old sailor remembers it, or is it a creative way to cover up a battle action that went terribly wrong? Read it and come to your own conclusion. This is a great way to discover the darkness inhabiting the mind of Alexander Pain.
Literary - Omega Road: Lee M. Tipton
Omega Road speaks to the hidden truth within a family where the children are perceived as property. And as soon as they became a woman in body, if not in age, they're virtue was treated as a commodity worth selling. This is the story about one of the daughters, and how a chance meeting with a kind old man helped to save her from her parent's narrow-minded, and often dangerous ways of treating her for their own personal gain. When she finally becomes trusting enough and is able to confide in the kind man and his neighbor, they help her through her situation by teaching her how to survive on her own, and helping her find the confidence to succeed in life. This is a powerfully written narrative that introduces you to the amazing literary world of Lee M. Tipton.
Magical Realism - An Early Snow: Andi Marchal
Dr. Rowan Prescott has dedicated her life's work to the tracking of wolves and believing that they will return to areas where they are now extinct. A video, that was taken near a cabin in the Catskills, that she frequented as a young girl, could prove that wolves have returned to the area. Against her colleague's better judgement, she immediately plans a trip to verify the find. What she finds is much more than she anticipated, and it awakens a memory buried deep within her. A memory that couldn't be real... or could it? This is a heartwarming magical story of a little girl, now grown, finally discovering who she is, and accepting her new reality. A wonderful way to introduce yourself to the writing styles of Andi Marchal.
P.I./ Detective - The Wolf: Joe Congel
Wisecracking PI Tony Razzolito, puts his sleuthing skills to the test when he is asked to help locate a former mob assassin who went missing from the Witness Protection program. The Razzman enters this case wrestling with thoughts of how much he really wants to be involved with a missing persons case that centers around a Mafia hit-man who turned his back on La Familia. The Razzman, as he is known to his friends, is smart, not afraid of hard work or danger, and although a bit more contemporary, stacks right up there with more traditional gumshoes, like Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade. This short is a great way to become immersed into the fictional detecting world of Tony Razzolito through the eyes of Joe Congel.
P.I./ Detective, Cozy Mystery - Mrs Solberg’s Problem: CW Hawes
As always, CW Hawes has written an interesting tale starring my favorite brother/sister detective team of Harry and Justinia Wright. This time they are asked to help a woman find out if and why her husband may be cheating on her. If you love a great detective story with substance and great characters, then you will enjoy this short story, AND most likely become a fan of Minneapolis' finest detective duo. The mind of CW Hawes expands beyond mystery and detective stories, but this is a great introduction to one of the many worlds hidden inside the creative side of his brain.
Poetry - Wolf Pack United: Angie-Marie Delsante
Although at times, they may be down in numbers, you can never count them out. This is a haunting poetic tribute to the strength of the wolf and their dedication to the pack, and how it takes the pack to ensure the survival of their family. This a wonderful introduction to the creative mind of freelance and multi-genre writer, Angie-Marie Delsante.
Poetry - Welcome to the Den: Lori Katherine
Told through the mind's eye of the wolf, this poem shows the strength and powerful bond the alpha feels with his pack. He is responsible for their well-being, and he is dedicated to ensuring their survival. This is a wonderful introduction into the mind of the amazing poetic wordsmith, Lori Katherine.
Romance/ Supernatural - The Soap Maker’s Mother: Christina van Deventer
A life for a life. What would you do for love? What if the person you loved was actually a werewolf, and you, a witch? You could keep each other safe, but at what cost? Such is the dilemma Maria must face for a deal she made with a demon years ago. Can the debt be settled in such a way as to allow for a long and wonderful life? This is a tale of love, hardship, and perseverance. It tells of the struggles endured and the realization of how cruel and unfair life can be. This is a story of love and survival. It is a wonderful introduction into the worlds created by Christina van Deventer.
Science Fiction/ Military - Sacha: Jeff DeMarco
How do you fix a problem you helped create? When Sasha and others like her--beings beyond human--tried to raise the standard of the people for a better tomorrow, they found that the trappings of humanity, like greed and power, had seeped into those chosen as the new leaders. This caused Sasha and her team to feel the need to correct the mistakes of the past. But how? By taking out the very leaders they had put into place. While she waited for orders to eliminate her target, she felt a presence. The wolves had come and Sasha was forced to make a choice. A choice of destruction, or perhaps of discovery. This is a story about how a simple decision is not so simple after all. The consequences of the actions must be considered for survival. A well-written introduction into the strategic, military mind of dystopian, scifi writer, Jeff DeMarco.
Science Fiction/ Paranormal - Wolf Cry: Z Gottlieb
A companion piece and continuation of her wildly popular, scfi story, Connor's Gambit, this tale finds Brad having strange dreams of being the alpha in a wolf pack. The dream is real enough that he feels the need to search for the wolf and the cliff where his dream takes place. Brad is used to fighting aliens and protecting the earth. He is not used to a wolf, who has the ability to call to him through his dreams. How is this happening... and why? This story has everything you want in a scifi/paranormal story -- spaceships, aliens, alien technology, and wolves that have ways to communicate their need when in danger. This is a fun voyage into the mind of writer Z. Gottlieb.
Science Fiction/ Paranormal - Circus of the Night: Stefan Angelina McElvain
I was quickly drawn into this story. It has otherworld beings, mind control, telepathy, wolves, a sexy element, and the big top! However, this is not like any circus I've ever attended! There is a dark element that is slowly revealed as you follow along with the main character's journey of self-discovery after he joins up with a traveling circus troop. This is one of the longer stories in the collection, but as with most interesting and entertaining stories, I was so immersed in the characters and how they played off each other that I found myself wanting more. This is a satisfying introduction into the sexy, sci-fi, paranormal world of Stefan Angelina McElvain.
Urban Fantasy - True Nature : Luna Selas
This story has all the elements you are looking for if you're a fan of vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, and spirits. What really struck me was the way the character's non-human, immortal existence is handled so matter-of-factly. The story opens with friends, one who just happens to be a Vampire, one a Werewolf, and one an Irish Spirit Bean-Sidhe, who are just hanging out like any other friends. They're enjoying each other's company, having a few drinks, and lounging around the house. But someone, or something, is killing off lycanthropes in their human form and this has the friends worried. They are especially worried when the Bean-Sidhe has a vison, referred to as a calling, of the death of someone within the family, killed in their wolf form. The clock is ticking while they try to figure out and hopefully prevent the next death from happening. I loved how this story could've just as easily been ripped from the headlines about a serial killer striking terror in a community. The community, in this case, just happens to be otherworldly in nature. This is an excellent introduction to the paranormal worlds created by Luna Selas.
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So there you have it - Fifteen 5⭐stories and two 5⭐poems, all tied together by one common theme - Wolves. This anthology will provide you with a couple of hours of entertainment and allow you to lose yourself in the worlds of some pretty terrific storytellers. But more importantly, you will help fund a great cause, as all the proceeds are being donated to the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center.
From their website:
The Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC), offers a therapeutic work environment for our returning combat veterans and a forever home to wolves, wolfdogs, coyotes, horses, parrots and other animals. Located on a 20-acre facility with a 3,000-acre buffer, we offer both the veterans and our rescued animals an opportunity to heal and thrive in a back-to-nature setting. You can learn more by clicking here: LARC To purchase your copy of 'Once Upon a WolfPack' CLICK HERE _____________________________________________ As always, I welcome any comments you may have. I also encourage you to visit me at the following links, where you'll find more information on me and be able to purchase a book or two😎:
Find all my books here: amazon.com/author/joecongel
Follow me on twitter: @JoeCongelAuthor
