Author: byjehunter

I'm the author of the Black Depths and Artifacts of Avalum series. I'm also a reader and I love posting young adult book reviews and blogging about everything related to books. In the morning, I can be found drinking coffee and wishing it was still dark outside. In the afternoon, I'm stuck at my day job, and in the evening, I'm probably working on my latest creation.
book review · books · reading

What I’m Reading: Murder on The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

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I’m behind in posting reviews of books I’ve finished reading, so I’ll start with this one. Since I first saw the preview for the new Murder on the Orient Express movie, I’d wanted to read the book. I saw this copy at a local drugstore and purchased it on a whim. Doesn’t it have a lovely cover?

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When I was younger, my dad would sometimes bring home BBC Agatha Christie movies from the library. My favorite was Death on the Nile, but I’d never seen Murder on the Orient Express (and don’t even know if there was a previous movie, honestly).

I really enjoyed the book, it was a fast paced, and I kept wondering who did it, and of course I tried to solve the mystery before Poirot. I think I finished the book in two days-it is actually pretty short. After I read the book, I went to see the movie a few weeks later. The cinematography was beautiful, it really made me want to take a train ride, but compared the book, the movie felt slow. So, as per usually, I would recommend the book over the movie anyway.

Have you read the book and seen the movie? What did you think?

JEH

I love books · reading

‘Tis The Season

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This past month has been rather awful for me. I lost someone I love and have been a bit of a whirlpool, at a loss when it comes to a few things, especially this blog. But, I’m trying to slowly get back to it, though mostly I’ve been spending a lot of time reading.

Now that I’ve releases The Torc into the world, I’m hoping to take a bit of a break from stress (which to me means no deadlines), and just read. I have two books left  before I reach my 2017 Goodreads goal of 60 books, which sometimes feels stressful even though I know I’ll finish those two books.

Currently my reading pile looks like this:

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And actually, I just finished Rupi Kaur’s, the sun and her flowers before posting this. I’m about halfway through the massive, OATHBRINGER, by Brandon Sanderson (I think that title deserves all caps), and almost done Leia, Princess of Alderaan, by Claudia Gray. I’ve also got Spirit Animals Book 4, Fire and Ice on Audiobook right now, which keeps me mellow on my way to work.

Speaking of Leia, Princess of Alderaan, I have tickets to the new Star Wars for four o’clock today. I’m so excited I can hardly wait! Have you seen it yet? My fingers are tingling with anticipation!

JEH Continue reading “‘Tis The Season” →

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The Torc: Artifacts of Avalum Book 1 is Now Available

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The Torc: Artifacts of Avalum Book 1 is now available on Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords, and should be up on iBooks and Nook soon! Use the links below to check it out. I’m excited to get this book out before Christmas, for a while, I was pretty sure it wouldn’t happen. It always feels great to share a new project, and also to clear the plate and start something new—even if it’s a sequel.

Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

Kobo

Smashwords

Torc Draft 3

Blogging · books · I love books · reading

Happy December Reading

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I’m a wee bit behind, but happy December reading everyone! This month I’ve set aside a ton of time to read. I’m currently working my way through the over 1200 page long Oathbringer, and so far it is fabulous. December has been cold, and it’s only going to get colder and frostier. It’s a good thing I have three advent calendars to keep me busy: tea, stories, and chocolate! This month, I hope to have a few posts for you, book reviews, book purchases, and holiday goodness. Do you have special book related plans this month?

JEH

books · nanowrimo · Writing Goals

It’s Halfway NaNoWriMo Day

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If you’re a 2017 NaNoWriMo participant, then you know today is halfway day!

I hope your novel writing journey is going fantastically! Me, I’m exactly on target, though I’m hoping to write more tonight and finish at least one day ahead.

My trusty NaNo mug has been reminding me to write. I’ve also been attempting to work on my final edit of The Torc: Artifacts of Avalum Book One, which can be previewed here: https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/WNGLSOVB1GOP

The best news, however, is that I have finished my first draft of The Circlet: Artifacts of Avalum Book Two! I can’t wait to have these books out in the world, and to be done another successful NaNoWriMo!

JEH

nanowrimo · Self-Publishing · Writing Goals

Finding the Inspiration

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It’s another year of NaNoWriMo, and as usual I’m flipping up and down with both motivation and inspiration.

I had a great weekend marathon-ing with one of my writing groups. I drank plenty of coffee, brought out my favorite soundtracks (The Hobbit), and not only caught up on my word count but got a couple days ahead.

Fast forward a couple days later and I’ve slowed down again. Today, I’m currently sitting right on par, though I hope to get another couple thousand words done in short spurts throughout the day (yes, that’s often how I get my writing done).

As for the motivation problem, I’ve had to bribe myself again. This year, I’ve decided that if I win NaNo, I get to buy myself a three month subscription to a book box of my choice. I’m already excited, which means I better keep my fingers moving or no books for me! How is your NaNo writing going?

JEH

Nature · Photos

A Little Fall Escape

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Last week I had the opportunity to enjoy a couple days on the coast. I love the Pacific Coast of Canada, specifically, Vancouver Island. So much so that this was where I set the entire Black Depths Series, beginning with Sea-Witch. Below are a few photos from my trip. I had a great time trying out new cafes, watching the salmon run, and absorbing the cold wet mist on the beaches. I also got a bit of reading and writing done, which made for a super busy couple of days.

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I’m hoping so much that I can get back out to the Pacific Coast next summer. Two days was barely enough time to satisfy my craving for this place. For now, it is back to blowing snow. Have you been anywhere nice lately?

JEH

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Upcoming for November

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Happy first day of snow! (At least here!) November had arrived, along with winter and National Novel Writing Month!

This month, I can’t wait to dig into writing The Circlet: Artifacts of Avalum Book 2. If you haven’t checked out the preview for Book 1, The Torc, you can find it here: https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/WNGLSOVB1GOP

Coming up in the blog will be a few winter book reviews, my NaNoWriMo experience, and updates on the Avalum world. I can’t wait to share this with you so be sure to check in regularly! What does your month hold?

JEH