April 15, 2007 (Press Release) -- Out of the Shadows
And Into the Light:
A book of shadows for the modern world
by Theresa Chaze
Valkyrie Publishing, 2007
105 pages, illustrated
Review by Jeffrey Redmond (April 2007)
This is my very first introduction to the actual works of Theresa Chaze. A Wiccan priestess and author of the Dragon Clan trilogy, she has greatly impressed me with her teaching and wisdom. I have been able to read and experience her Out of the Shadows via the PDF file as an e-publication, fully reflective of the modern 21st Century.
Theresa's book is also timeless, in that it draws about the knowledge of our ancient ancestors, as Wicca is indeed a many centuries old religion and way of life. Fully explained are such relevant and useful topics as Wicca itself, rituals, circles, candles, altars, magic, prayers, spells, and the roles of pagan practices. And, especially, the practical applications of these in our modern living today.
Wicca remains a completely relevant concept of life, and an additional positive dimension in our daily activities. This work is thus a highly useful tool to use as guidelines and a manual for learning, understanding, and applying the study and practices of this important way. Out of the Shadows can be a highly effective guide for both those who are new to Wicca, as well as those much more familiar and experienced with it.
It can be completely safe to say that Theresa Chaze begins where J.K. Rowling leaves off. This is a much more detailed work of the magic and applications, as are done by the characters in the Harry Potter series. And Wicca always emphasizes the positive forces of nature and the universe, in order to promote and maintain a more happy and prosperous life for everyone and everything. Those interested in fantasy, mythology, New Age, and alternative living included.
Out of the Shadows is a terrific non-fiction book, and I can definitely recommend it. The lovely and detailed color illustrations, created and taken from different sources, truly enhance this wonderful work throughout. Pagani of all crafts and paths will find this an excellent addition to their libraries. And this applies to each and every priest and priestess, lord and lady, and all practitioners as well. Theresa Chaze has definitely done it again. Read, learn, and enjoy!
I appreciate the opportunity to read, review, and keep this book of shadows for my own modern world. Thanks Theresa!
{:-) Jeff Redmond
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Out of the Shadows and Into the Light can be bought at www.theresachaze.com and as a Amazon Kindle.
Showing posts with label Jeff Redmond. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff Redmond. Show all posts
Monday, January 05, 2009
Thursday, January 10, 2008
JEFFREY REDMOND IGNITES PASSION, SUSPENSE AND BETRAYAL WITHIN HIS FANTASY WORLDS
Jeffrey Redmond Ignites Passion, Suspense and Betrayal Within His Fantasy Worlds
Jeffery Redmond opens the doors to his fantasy realms of romance, suspense and betrayal with Amazon's new Kindle program. Starting in the magazine and newspaper industry, Redmond switched to fiction to explore the more creative side of his personality.
As he states it, "I try to never let the facts get in the way of a good story. Fiction lets me be completely creative. I can invent all my own characters, places, and situations. And - especially - I don't have an editor breathing down my neck. I pace myself, can be my own boss, and write more of what I want to (though, of course, also what the market is buying)."
He has the ability to go beyond the facts to explore the depth and breathe of not only makes his characters, but also the challenges he places them. More than just a typical romance, he creates characters that are multi-dimensional and complex. They are not perfect, but they are comfortable familiar and likeable. Although the situations on the surface seem extraordinary, they are in fact all about the defending of loved ones, seeking truth, and questioning our judgment, as common themes in every day life. Redmond just uses the backdrop of other worlds to provide his readers with the opportunities to not only enjoy the reading experience, but to see a fresh perspective on their own life issues.
Romance in has always been of one of the most successful subplots in the fantasy and sci-fi genres. However, Redmond reverses the mixture by making the romance and passion primary.
He explains, "I have found that a science fiction setting, in the distant future, is best for me. I try to avoid overuse of robots, space ships, androids, and other 'hard sci fi' elements. I use fantasy as a way to enhance the story, but there has to be romance to have good interactions between the main characters. I believe that people (and alien humanoids) will have the same emotions that they have always had before."
By exploring all the emotions including the deepest passions, which drive the characters’ behaviors, his work examines not only characters purist aspirations, but also their darkest desires and their deepest insecurities. It is the conflict that makes his characters exciting, believable and likeable.
Although most romance readers are female ages 15 through 45, there is enough action and adventure to entice the males of the same age demographic. He has been able to find the balance between the romance the female readers desire and the adventure that attracts the males. By finding this equilibrium, Redmond creates a niche market that is under-utilized. In the style of the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and the many others in the same genre merging works, Redmond creates characters and worlds that are appealing to both genders and most age groups. However, instead of following the typical formula that others have found successful, Redmond has blazoned his own trail to these other worlds.
Looking back, Redmond compares his life and his work to his favorite author:
"My personal favorite author is Ernest Hemingway. He lived in northern Michigan, and traveled all over the world. He wrote about his own experiences in his stories. And he was lucky to have Max Perkins as his editor and publisher. I will never be as great as 'Papa' Hemingway, but I identify with him greatly. I too have widely traveled, been through many experiences, and also have a beard (though I can't drink like he did).”
Like Hemingway, Redmond bases his characters on real people. He can also be an intellectual recluse and a survivor. Through his characters, he shares his life lessons and the challenges--the successful and those that were not so triumphant. Even though he could give his characters whatever traits and abilities he could imagine, he prefers to make them more realistic.
“They need to use their own physical, emotional, and mental abilities to overcome - rather than any magical or super powers. The planet they live on is much like Earth, except there's no major oceans. I do include 'fresh water seas' which I get from the Great Lakes surrounding my home state of Michigan."
Redmond can be reached through his website at www.erdabooks.net or through his Myspace page at www.myspace.com/jeffringr. His books can also be brought through
www.double-dragon-ebooks.com and www.lulu.com/DDP-INC. And his e-mailing address is redmondjeff@hotmail.com.
"Fair Aer-Inn"
ISBN 1-55404-443-X
Amazon.com Kindle Edition
ASIN: B000V1R8OO
Fleeing Svayn's savage army, Princess Katarina leads her people toward the safety of the distant and unknown regions of the mountains. Although she had always considered her beauty to be her best asset, she quickly learns that it takes more than a pretty face to lead her people. Through the tears and fears, she guides them toward what she prays will be safety where they can regroup and rebuild their strength so they can once again return and free their countrymen from slavery. As her own bleak thoughts quickly steal her confidence as her decisions repeatedly put them more at risk. At her darkest moment, Briyan appears. Handsome as he is mysterious, Briyan quickly makes himself invaluable to not only Katarina, but to her people as well. Yet as they travel along the mighty river toward its source, Katarina falls deeply in love with him. But as their enemy draws closer, she realizes there is more to the warrior. As a woman, she loves his strength and comfort. As the leader of her Aerinn, she must set her feelings aside and question why this handsome stranger has chosen to risked his life to protect her and her people. Is Briyan a friend or foe? To chose wrong means all the people of Aerinn will suffer and she will face a fate worse than death.
"The Valley of Von-Dar"
ISBN 1-55404-441-3
Amazon.com Kindle Edition
ASIN: B000V1R8O4
Ellena’s parents escaped from Er-Da to protect their unborn child from the harsh judgments surrounding her conception. Born on Earth, Ellena grows up sheltered from the secrets of her family’s past, yet she knows she is in the wrong place. Part of her longs for the place her soul calls home. It is only when she finds pieces of her parents’ past that she learns where she must go to find her answers. As her ship lands, the restless that she has felt all her life suddenly finds peace, only to be replaced by apprehension and suspicion after she meets Mitir of Hastell. At first, she sees coincidental meeting of young and powerful landowner as a two fold blessing. The attraction between them is immediate and intense. but so is her mistrust as the twist of fates reveal his family‘s secrets. Within his arms, she has found the passion of two familiar souls embracing each other, yet she cannot let her guide down. Will he help her find the answers she seeks or sacrifice her to those who wish the truth to remain hidden, thereby protecting his family’s wealth and position.
"The Islands of Mak-Naw"
ISBN 1-55404-442-1
Amazon.com Kindle Edition
ASIN: B000V1R8OE
Katarena is sent from Earth to the Planet Er-Da to investigate the disappearance Rafer. Known for her rashness and professional tenancy to get to the truth, Katarena has never allowed anyone or anything stop her from getting her story--until she met Bersten or at least that is what his handsome stranger called himself at first. She found his elusiveness and need for isolation is as intriguing as his handsome features. Quickly, Katarena find herself at distracted from her goal of finding the missing singer. Instead, she ignores Bersten’s warnings and follows him into his world. As their passion ignites, she learns he is not who she thought he was. As the Imperium closes in, she must decide if she should trust her heart or her head. One of them is lying to her. Her heart says Bersten is a hero. Her head points to the evidence against him. If she chooses wrong, a planet will die.
Jeffery Redmond opens the doors to his fantasy realms of romance, suspense and betrayal with Amazon's new Kindle program. Starting in the magazine and newspaper industry, Redmond switched to fiction to explore the more creative side of his personality.
As he states it, "I try to never let the facts get in the way of a good story. Fiction lets me be completely creative. I can invent all my own characters, places, and situations. And - especially - I don't have an editor breathing down my neck. I pace myself, can be my own boss, and write more of what I want to (though, of course, also what the market is buying)."
He has the ability to go beyond the facts to explore the depth and breathe of not only makes his characters, but also the challenges he places them. More than just a typical romance, he creates characters that are multi-dimensional and complex. They are not perfect, but they are comfortable familiar and likeable. Although the situations on the surface seem extraordinary, they are in fact all about the defending of loved ones, seeking truth, and questioning our judgment, as common themes in every day life. Redmond just uses the backdrop of other worlds to provide his readers with the opportunities to not only enjoy the reading experience, but to see a fresh perspective on their own life issues.
Romance in has always been of one of the most successful subplots in the fantasy and sci-fi genres. However, Redmond reverses the mixture by making the romance and passion primary.
He explains, "I have found that a science fiction setting, in the distant future, is best for me. I try to avoid overuse of robots, space ships, androids, and other 'hard sci fi' elements. I use fantasy as a way to enhance the story, but there has to be romance to have good interactions between the main characters. I believe that people (and alien humanoids) will have the same emotions that they have always had before."
By exploring all the emotions including the deepest passions, which drive the characters’ behaviors, his work examines not only characters purist aspirations, but also their darkest desires and their deepest insecurities. It is the conflict that makes his characters exciting, believable and likeable.
Although most romance readers are female ages 15 through 45, there is enough action and adventure to entice the males of the same age demographic. He has been able to find the balance between the romance the female readers desire and the adventure that attracts the males. By finding this equilibrium, Redmond creates a niche market that is under-utilized. In the style of the Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and the many others in the same genre merging works, Redmond creates characters and worlds that are appealing to both genders and most age groups. However, instead of following the typical formula that others have found successful, Redmond has blazoned his own trail to these other worlds.
Looking back, Redmond compares his life and his work to his favorite author:
"My personal favorite author is Ernest Hemingway. He lived in northern Michigan, and traveled all over the world. He wrote about his own experiences in his stories. And he was lucky to have Max Perkins as his editor and publisher. I will never be as great as 'Papa' Hemingway, but I identify with him greatly. I too have widely traveled, been through many experiences, and also have a beard (though I can't drink like he did).”
Like Hemingway, Redmond bases his characters on real people. He can also be an intellectual recluse and a survivor. Through his characters, he shares his life lessons and the challenges--the successful and those that were not so triumphant. Even though he could give his characters whatever traits and abilities he could imagine, he prefers to make them more realistic.
“They need to use their own physical, emotional, and mental abilities to overcome - rather than any magical or super powers. The planet they live on is much like Earth, except there's no major oceans. I do include 'fresh water seas' which I get from the Great Lakes surrounding my home state of Michigan."
Redmond can be reached through his website at www.erdabooks.net or through his Myspace page at www.myspace.com/jeffringr. His books can also be brought through
www.double-dragon-ebooks.com and www.lulu.com/DDP-INC. And his e-mailing address is redmondjeff@hotmail.com.
"Fair Aer-Inn"
ISBN 1-55404-443-X
Amazon.com Kindle Edition
ASIN: B000V1R8OO
Fleeing Svayn's savage army, Princess Katarina leads her people toward the safety of the distant and unknown regions of the mountains. Although she had always considered her beauty to be her best asset, she quickly learns that it takes more than a pretty face to lead her people. Through the tears and fears, she guides them toward what she prays will be safety where they can regroup and rebuild their strength so they can once again return and free their countrymen from slavery. As her own bleak thoughts quickly steal her confidence as her decisions repeatedly put them more at risk. At her darkest moment, Briyan appears. Handsome as he is mysterious, Briyan quickly makes himself invaluable to not only Katarina, but to her people as well. Yet as they travel along the mighty river toward its source, Katarina falls deeply in love with him. But as their enemy draws closer, she realizes there is more to the warrior. As a woman, she loves his strength and comfort. As the leader of her Aerinn, she must set her feelings aside and question why this handsome stranger has chosen to risked his life to protect her and her people. Is Briyan a friend or foe? To chose wrong means all the people of Aerinn will suffer and she will face a fate worse than death.
"The Valley of Von-Dar"
ISBN 1-55404-441-3
Amazon.com Kindle Edition
ASIN: B000V1R8O4
Ellena’s parents escaped from Er-Da to protect their unborn child from the harsh judgments surrounding her conception. Born on Earth, Ellena grows up sheltered from the secrets of her family’s past, yet she knows she is in the wrong place. Part of her longs for the place her soul calls home. It is only when she finds pieces of her parents’ past that she learns where she must go to find her answers. As her ship lands, the restless that she has felt all her life suddenly finds peace, only to be replaced by apprehension and suspicion after she meets Mitir of Hastell. At first, she sees coincidental meeting of young and powerful landowner as a two fold blessing. The attraction between them is immediate and intense. but so is her mistrust as the twist of fates reveal his family‘s secrets. Within his arms, she has found the passion of two familiar souls embracing each other, yet she cannot let her guide down. Will he help her find the answers she seeks or sacrifice her to those who wish the truth to remain hidden, thereby protecting his family’s wealth and position.
"The Islands of Mak-Naw"
ISBN 1-55404-442-1
Amazon.com Kindle Edition
ASIN: B000V1R8OE
Katarena is sent from Earth to the Planet Er-Da to investigate the disappearance Rafer. Known for her rashness and professional tenancy to get to the truth, Katarena has never allowed anyone or anything stop her from getting her story--until she met Bersten or at least that is what his handsome stranger called himself at first. She found his elusiveness and need for isolation is as intriguing as his handsome features. Quickly, Katarena find herself at distracted from her goal of finding the missing singer. Instead, she ignores Bersten’s warnings and follows him into his world. As their passion ignites, she learns he is not who she thought he was. As the Imperium closes in, she must decide if she should trust her heart or her head. One of them is lying to her. Her heart says Bersten is a hero. Her head points to the evidence against him. If she chooses wrong, a planet will die.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Out of the Shadows and Into the Light--a review
Out of the Shadows
And Into the Light:
A book of shadows for the modern world
by Theresa Chaze
Valkyrie Publishing, 2007
105 pages, illustrated
Review by Jeffrey Redmond (April 2007)
This is my very first introduction to the actual works of Theresa Chaze. A Wiccan priestess and author of the Dragon Clan trilogy, she has greatly impressed me with her teaching and wisdom. I have been able to read and experience her Out of the Shadows via the PDF file as an
e-publication, fully reflective of the modern 21st Century.
Theresa’s book is also timeless, in that it draws about the knowledge of our ancient ancestors, as Wicca is indeed a many centuries old religion and way of life. Fully explained are such relevant and useful topics as Wicca itself, rituals, circles, candles, altars, magic, prayers, spells, and the roles of pagan practices. And, especially, the practical applications of these in our modern living today.
Wicca remains a completely relevant concept of life, and an additional positive dimension in our daily activities. This work is thus a highly useful tool to use as guidelines and a manual for learning, understanding, and applying the study and practices of this important way. Out of the Shadows can be a highly effective guide for both those who are new to Wicca, as well as those much more familiar and experienced with it.
It can be completely safe to say that Theresa Chaze begins where J.K. Rowling leaves off. This is a much more detailed work of the magic and applications, as are done by the characters in the Harry Potter series. And Wicca always emphasizes the positive forces of nature and the universe, in order to promote and maintain a more happy and prosperous life for everyone and everything. Those interested in fantasy, mythology, New Age, and alternative living included.
Out of the Shadows is a terrific non-fiction book, and I can definitely recommend it. The lovely and detailed color illustrations, created and taken from different sources, truly enhance this wonderful work throughout. Pagani of all crafts and paths will find this an excellent addition to their libraries. And this applies to each and every priest and priestess, lord and lady, and all practitioners as well. Theresa Chaze has definitely done it again. Read, learn, and enjoy!
I appreciate the opportunity to read, review, and keep this book of shadows for my own modern world. Thanks Theresa!
{:-) Jeff Redmond
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Out of the Shadows
And Into the Light:
A book of shadows for the modern world
by Theresa Chaze
Valkyrie Publishing, 2007
105 pages, illustrated
Review by Jeffrey Redmond (April 2007)
This is my very first introduction to the actual works of Theresa Chaze. A Wiccan priestess and author of the Dragon Clan trilogy, she has greatly impressed me with her teaching and wisdom. I have been able to read and experience her Out of the Shadows via the PDF file as an
e-publication, fully reflective of the modern 21st Century.
Theresa’s book is also timeless, in that it draws about the knowledge of our ancient ancestors, as Wicca is indeed a many centuries old religion and way of life. Fully explained are such relevant and useful topics as Wicca itself, rituals, circles, candles, altars, magic, prayers, spells, and the roles of pagan practices. And, especially, the practical applications of these in our modern living today.
Wicca remains a completely relevant concept of life, and an additional positive dimension in our daily activities. This work is thus a highly useful tool to use as guidelines and a manual for learning, understanding, and applying the study and practices of this important way. Out of the Shadows can be a highly effective guide for both those who are new to Wicca, as well as those much more familiar and experienced with it.
It can be completely safe to say that Theresa Chaze begins where J.K. Rowling leaves off. This is a much more detailed work of the magic and applications, as are done by the characters in the Harry Potter series. And Wicca always emphasizes the positive forces of nature and the universe, in order to promote and maintain a more happy and prosperous life for everyone and everything. Those interested in fantasy, mythology, New Age, and alternative living included.
Out of the Shadows is a terrific non-fiction book, and I can definitely recommend it. The lovely and detailed color illustrations, created and taken from different sources, truly enhance this wonderful work throughout. Pagani of all crafts and paths will find this an excellent addition to their libraries. And this applies to each and every priest and priestess, lord and lady, and all practitioners as well. Theresa Chaze has definitely done it again. Read, learn, and enjoy!
I appreciate the opportunity to read, review, and keep this book of shadows for my own modern world. Thanks Theresa!
{:-) Jeff Redmond
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)