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Sophia ~ Stone Magic
My Review
I loved this quick little read! Stone magic is not rocks, I will give that away but it's so cool how "stone" really is important in this book. When a girl who knows about her magic is sent on the run with a boy who doesn't know about magic because people are trying to kill them- magic flies! Lol oh and I should have used adult terms as they are adults lol but this was a really fun, fast paced, sweet story with a freaking awesome dog as a leading character! Yes I love the dog most! Lol
Sophia was a dog groomer with a little magic. She helps the dogs she sees. Until she is kidnapped by a guy who's dog she just saved. He tells her he knows nothing except people are trying to kill him and her name was on the list. So she goes with him. Oh boy does she go on an adventure. Sophia is struggling with her magic, especially since she feels guilt that the death of someone so dear seems to be her fault. She hides behind that guilt. But with Fritz, she can't hide everything. Until we meet her family- whom I really loved- where we get more details and things fall into place. I liked Sophia and she turned out to be a strong formidable woman willing to die for what she loves.
Fritz is broken. Orphaned, abused, recovering drug addict, he has it mostly together. Well, until he finds out people want to kill him and he doesn't know why or how. His awesome dog Nougat, by his side, he kidnaps the one person he hopes can help him. He didn't expect to like her or her family. He didn't think she'd be valuable other than self preservation. Or heal his broken heart. Or help him figure out his magic or his past. And a witch hunt is on for them, sparing no lives from those who want them dead. I wanted to hug Fritz the whole book. I may have felt sorry for Sophia but I wanted to bubble wrap him and hug him forever. But nougat and Sophia fix it!
The bad guys were horrible. I'm talking torture crazy nuts so freaking terrible!! And it's not over. But Sophia and fritz learn a lot about their awesome magic. They learn to be a team! Le Divinita doesn't stand a chance with them!
The writing is great! There's a wonderful mystery plot, a little romance, a lot of healing, some awesome side characters- I loved Sophia's family and of course Nougat! I'm hooked! I absolutely cannot wait for book two! I can't wait to see tabitha's POV- Sophia's sister- and how far Le Divinita is willing to go to kill witches! Yay for another fun read! 5 PAWS!!
About the Author
Her wish is
to retire to a thatched yellow cottage on Hayling Island with a typical English
country cottage garden. Where she’ll be surrounded by
rescue dogs and can write full time.
Funds from the sale of her books go towards herdog rescue effort.
visit her at : http://jnewwrites.com/
Author Interview
First, tell me a little about your book and why you wanted to write this particular story….
I've always been a lover of magic and fantasy, in both the written word and on the big and small screens. I grew up with the likes of Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Witch Mountain. Now of course, there's Nanny McPhee, Harry Potter and a wealth of other magically inspired books and films, and a series about sisters who are witches is something I have always wanted to write.
Sophia ~ Stone Magic Book One, is the first of those, with Tabitha and Ophelia hopefully also due out this year, and the remaining two, Nadia and Elissa due out early next year (2016).
Each of the YA Novella's is the individual story of one sister and her gift, with a touch of romance as they all meet their soul-mates in their stories. Whilst each one can be read as a stand-alone and are complete stories with no cliff-hangers, they are better read in order, as some details from prior books will be mentioned in those that follow.
Sophia is running away from a tragedy for which she blames herself and has chosen a relatively solitary life in London, where she only uses her gift for good. But a chance meeting with a stranger leads them both on the run for their lives, from a centuries old organisation hell-bent on erradicating witch craft. It's full of suspense and excitement, but will they make it out alive?
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated or did you always just know?
My interest in writing has been lifelong, and was borne from the fact that I am a voracious reader. Some of my earliest and happiest memories are from being completely immersed in a book, and I think writing is a natural extension of that. I write what I love to read, and my other series, a cosy paranormal mystery is another of my favourite genres. I'm a huge Agatha Christie fan. An Accidental Murder, the first of my Yellow Cottage Cosy Mysteries, has been in the top one hundred in it's categories since it's publication in March, and I have received many a message from readers saying how much they loved it. Once the Stone Magic series is completed, I will be concentrating my efforts on subsequent adventures with Ella and Phantom the cat.
Is your book part of a series, and if so, how many will there be?
Yes, Sophia is the first in a series of five, all following one of the sisters. In order they will be: Sophia, Tabitha, Ophelia, Nadia and Elissa. The end of the Sophia has also been left open for a posible spin-off series, but I have other projects ahead of that, and of course it will depend on how the Stone Magic series is received by readers, as to whether that goes ahead.
What are you working on now?
Currently I'm working on Tabitha, the second of the Stone Magic series, but I also have two partially completed manuscripts for stand alone novels, which I am hoping to publish toward the middle/end of next year. The first is a Police procedural murder mystery, and the second a Victorian Mystery. Plus of course the second Yellow Cottage Cosy Mystery.
Who do you look up to as a writer?
As I mentioned previously I adore Agatha Christie, but I also have several authors whose books I also read avidly. Terry Pratchett is an author I've been reading for over twenty years and I have all of his published works. It was a huge loss to the literary world when he passed away. Dean Koontz is another, particularly the Odd Thomas series, as is Stephen King, both as an author of fiction and non-fiction, particularly his 'On Writing' book. Tolkien in my opinion is a must have addition for any home library. And as a mystery fan Arthur Conan Doyle has plenty of space on my bookshelf. I am also a fan of Neil Gaiman, Carole Hedges, Jodi Taylor and Estelle Ryan.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I am challenged every day in my writing, that's what makes it such an interesting and stimulating profession. To have the kernal of an idea in your mind, to getting into book form, in a way that readers can understand an immerse themselves in, is intensely satisfying, especially when you receive messages from readers saying how much they enjoyed it. If there was no challenge then I don't think the work would be half as exciting for either myself as the writer, or the reader.
Who designed the cover? And do you help with them?
My book cover designer is Ida Jannson from Amygdala Design. She also designs my social media covers and does the formatting for both digital and print books. She is an absolute gem to work with, very knowledgeable and immensly talented. I give her the synopsis of the book and the genre / setting, with a brief idea of what I'm looking for and she always comes up with something perfect. I can't recommend her highly enough.
Did you learn anything from writing your books and what was it?
I'm constantly learning actually, the book publishing industry is in a constant state of flux, particularly for indie-author's, and consequently if you don't keep your finger on the pulse of the market, then you will be left behind. For a beginner this can be a difficult place to navigate, but my advice would be to, write the absolute best work you can, get a professional editor and a professional cover. Learn from those who are successful in the industry and are willing to share their knowledge. But most important of all, enjoy what you do.
If you could be one of your characters, who would you chose?
I think it would have to be Ella Bridges from my Yellow Cottage Cosy mystery series. It's set in England in the 1930s and is an era in which I would have loved to have lived.
Are there any books you think some of us should read, just because?
Well it would depend upon the type of books you like, but a couple I've come across recently and very much enjoyed are, The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag and The Paper Magician series by Charlie N. Holmberg.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you! - Thank you for reading and reviewing my work. If it wasn't for readers and fans, then I wouldn't be able to bring my work to life. As a thank you I have a free short story available on my website for those who sign up to my readers group. It's called The yellow Cottage and is the reason the cosy mystery series came to life. http://jnewwrites.com/tyc-free-download-1.php
This or that...
A. Coffee addict?
I do like cappucino and a weak coffee, but I'm a Brit so tea really does go with the territory.
B. What’s your favorite alcoholic beverage
I'm not really much of a drinker, but I like an occassional white wine.
C. Favorite Food?
Anything sweet, cakes or buscuits usually.
D. If you had to chose Coffee or Chocolate? –don’t laugh, I don’t like chocolate so it’s quite easy for me, but a LOT of people NEED both LOL
It would have to be coffee if I had to choose between the two, as I'm not that much of a chocolate lover. I live with a chocoholic so that may be why.
E. Beach or mountains?
Beach
F. Winter or summer?
Summer
G. vampires or werewolves?
Vampires
H. Cold or hot?
Hot
I. Favorite color?
Green
J. Night or day?
Day
K. Moonlight or sunlight?
Sunlight
L. Bad boy or good guy next door?
Good
Ok, that’s enough! LOL thanks so much for coming visit me, and thanks so much, for doing this with us! I appreciate it and I look forward to the next time!
And thank you for having me, it's been a real pleasure to talk with you.
"PERFECT WAY TO START A SERIES LIKE THIS. I downloaded this on a bit of a
whim as I didn't fully know what to expect but I have to say this turned
out to be a great read. The story is very well put together with just
the perfect amount of fantasy, thrill, and suspense that kept me glued
to it until the very end. All of the characters, my favorite being
Sophia of course, are all unique and really well developed as you go
through this. This is actually my first time reading something by J. New
but I am impressed. Really good start to what appears to be a great
series." MONICA G. TOP 1000 REVIEWER for Amazon.
Funds from the sale of her books go towards her
visit her at : http://jnewwrites.com/
Author Interview
First, tell me a little about your book and why you wanted to write this particular story….
I've always been a lover of magic and fantasy, in both the written word and on the big and small screens. I grew up with the likes of Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Witch Mountain. Now of course, there's Nanny McPhee, Harry Potter and a wealth of other magically inspired books and films, and a series about sisters who are witches is something I have always wanted to write.
Sophia ~ Stone Magic Book One, is the first of those, with Tabitha and Ophelia hopefully also due out this year, and the remaining two, Nadia and Elissa due out early next year (2016).
Each of the YA Novella's is the individual story of one sister and her gift, with a touch of romance as they all meet their soul-mates in their stories. Whilst each one can be read as a stand-alone and are complete stories with no cliff-hangers, they are better read in order, as some details from prior books will be mentioned in those that follow.
Sophia is running away from a tragedy for which she blames herself and has chosen a relatively solitary life in London, where she only uses her gift for good. But a chance meeting with a stranger leads them both on the run for their lives, from a centuries old organisation hell-bent on erradicating witch craft. It's full of suspense and excitement, but will they make it out alive?
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated or did you always just know?
My interest in writing has been lifelong, and was borne from the fact that I am a voracious reader. Some of my earliest and happiest memories are from being completely immersed in a book, and I think writing is a natural extension of that. I write what I love to read, and my other series, a cosy paranormal mystery is another of my favourite genres. I'm a huge Agatha Christie fan. An Accidental Murder, the first of my Yellow Cottage Cosy Mysteries, has been in the top one hundred in it's categories since it's publication in March, and I have received many a message from readers saying how much they loved it. Once the Stone Magic series is completed, I will be concentrating my efforts on subsequent adventures with Ella and Phantom the cat.
Is your book part of a series, and if so, how many will there be?
Yes, Sophia is the first in a series of five, all following one of the sisters. In order they will be: Sophia, Tabitha, Ophelia, Nadia and Elissa. The end of the Sophia has also been left open for a posible spin-off series, but I have other projects ahead of that, and of course it will depend on how the Stone Magic series is received by readers, as to whether that goes ahead.
What are you working on now?
Currently I'm working on Tabitha, the second of the Stone Magic series, but I also have two partially completed manuscripts for stand alone novels, which I am hoping to publish toward the middle/end of next year. The first is a Police procedural murder mystery, and the second a Victorian Mystery. Plus of course the second Yellow Cottage Cosy Mystery.
Who do you look up to as a writer?
As I mentioned previously I adore Agatha Christie, but I also have several authors whose books I also read avidly. Terry Pratchett is an author I've been reading for over twenty years and I have all of his published works. It was a huge loss to the literary world when he passed away. Dean Koontz is another, particularly the Odd Thomas series, as is Stephen King, both as an author of fiction and non-fiction, particularly his 'On Writing' book. Tolkien in my opinion is a must have addition for any home library. And as a mystery fan Arthur Conan Doyle has plenty of space on my bookshelf. I am also a fan of Neil Gaiman, Carole Hedges, Jodi Taylor and Estelle Ryan.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I am challenged every day in my writing, that's what makes it such an interesting and stimulating profession. To have the kernal of an idea in your mind, to getting into book form, in a way that readers can understand an immerse themselves in, is intensely satisfying, especially when you receive messages from readers saying how much they enjoyed it. If there was no challenge then I don't think the work would be half as exciting for either myself as the writer, or the reader.
Who designed the cover? And do you help with them?
My book cover designer is Ida Jannson from Amygdala Design. She also designs my social media covers and does the formatting for both digital and print books. She is an absolute gem to work with, very knowledgeable and immensly talented. I give her the synopsis of the book and the genre / setting, with a brief idea of what I'm looking for and she always comes up with something perfect. I can't recommend her highly enough.
Did you learn anything from writing your books and what was it?
I'm constantly learning actually, the book publishing industry is in a constant state of flux, particularly for indie-author's, and consequently if you don't keep your finger on the pulse of the market, then you will be left behind. For a beginner this can be a difficult place to navigate, but my advice would be to, write the absolute best work you can, get a professional editor and a professional cover. Learn from those who are successful in the industry and are willing to share their knowledge. But most important of all, enjoy what you do.
If you could be one of your characters, who would you chose?
I think it would have to be Ella Bridges from my Yellow Cottage Cosy mystery series. It's set in England in the 1930s and is an era in which I would have loved to have lived.
Are there any books you think some of us should read, just because?
Well it would depend upon the type of books you like, but a couple I've come across recently and very much enjoyed are, The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag and The Paper Magician series by Charlie N. Holmberg.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you! - Thank you for reading and reviewing my work. If it wasn't for readers and fans, then I wouldn't be able to bring my work to life. As a thank you I have a free short story available on my website for those who sign up to my readers group. It's called The yellow Cottage and is the reason the cosy mystery series came to life. http://jnewwrites.com/tyc-free-download-1.php
This or that...
A. Coffee addict?
I do like cappucino and a weak coffee, but I'm a Brit so tea really does go with the territory.
B. What’s your favorite alcoholic beverage
I'm not really much of a drinker, but I like an occassional white wine.
C. Favorite Food?
Anything sweet, cakes or buscuits usually.
D. If you had to chose Coffee or Chocolate? –don’t laugh, I don’t like chocolate so it’s quite easy for me, but a LOT of people NEED both LOL
It would have to be coffee if I had to choose between the two, as I'm not that much of a chocolate lover. I live with a chocoholic so that may be why.
E. Beach or mountains?
Beach
F. Winter or summer?
Summer
G. vampires or werewolves?
Vampires
H. Cold or hot?
Hot
I. Favorite color?
Green
J. Night or day?
Day
K. Moonlight or sunlight?
Sunlight
L. Bad boy or good guy next door?
Good
Ok, that’s enough! LOL thanks so much for coming visit me, and thanks so much, for doing this with us! I appreciate it and I look forward to the next time!
And thank you for having me, it's been a real pleasure to talk with you.
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