"Reading is an escape from life, one that fills the empty spaces within the soul."

Worlds molded by the immortals that inhabit them. Stories of supernatural beings so beautifully woven that they make you desperately want to believe.

Of course, Bram Stoker is the reigning king, but in the world of immortals he is certainly not alone. In Anne Rice's novels, she creates a vivid world in which these beings live on the periphery, just out of reach. Sensuality and raw emotion drive the stories, leaving the reader begging for more.

Favorite Book by Anne Rice: The Witching Hour & The Servant of the Bones (I couldn't choose just one)

Rice grew up in New Orleans storytelling with her sister Alice Borchardt. Alice's interests include little known periods of history - something that translates beautifully in her works. The scenes, and characters captivate the spirit leaving behind an anxiousness for what will come next.

Favorite Book by Alice Borchardt: Devoted

In Donna Boyd's Devoncroix Dynasty the author creates a complex society of werewolves. The two volumes (The Passion & The Promise) are masterfully written; at times making you wonder if the story she is telling is fiction at all.

Not of this world. Authors have the ability to create an entire world for their audience. These hold true to their creator’s vision, we have but to open the cover to become entranced...

I believe that really good books should leave an enduring, insightful impression on the reader's life. That is exactly what Guy Gavriel Kay did for me. Though I was not introduced to his works until a couple of years ago, he has very quickly taken on the role of favorite author. The worlds of fantasy that he weaves around periods of history are breathtakingly beautiful. As with fine art and music he holds the power of entrancement in his vision.

Favorite Book by Guy Gavriel Kay: The Lions of Al-Rassan

~Karen

 

Numerous authors fall under the category of “favourites” for me but it is not because of their manner of writing overall but rather one or two books or stories that have set them apart.

Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot” was one of the first books to capture my attention. Vampires have always held a soft spot for me and having been a child when I read it, one that had a fascination with all things horror, it was easy to identify with the young character Mark.

That book started my love affair with King’s writing but it wasn’t until “Cujo” that I once again found myself terrified. Cujo took horror to a new level for me. Here there were no vampires, werewolves or otherwise fictional beings. This was reality, something that could happen to any one of us. (For a while, I was extremely cautious around canines)
H.G. Wells “Food of the Gods” terrified me. Obsessive by nature, man’s need to play God has always made me nervous. Here, in black and white, was the result.

Writing for me, whether my own or someone else’s is a glimpse into an alternate reality.
Some are far-fetched others far too possible. The mark of a good storyteller is their ability to make that reality possible.

~Donna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Bar Seven 2005