Tag: fantasy

Moonlight Rhapsody Reissue

I am excited to announce the reissue of Moonlight Rhapsody. This science fiction romance is book two in The Light-Year Series. It was previously published by Dorchester. This Author’s Edition has been updated with added bonus materials.

Moonlight Rhapsody

MOONLIGHT RHAPSODY
Copyright ©1994 by Nancy J. Cohen
Published by Orange Grove Press on Sept. 15, 2020
Digital ISBN: 978-1-952886-07-2
Cover Design by The Killion Group, Inc.

Sparks ignite when a diplomat turned spy meets a beautiful slave overseer in this action-packed science fiction romance.

When an ion storm causes Rolf’s spacecraft to crash on the planet Souk, he is captured and thrown into a slave labor camp. A diplomat turned spy, he’s on a secret mission to contact the resistance. But his plans go awry when he catches the eye of the beautiful female overseer who fancies him for her personal attendant.

Ilyssa is excited to meet the new slave. With his piloting skills, he might be able to fly her off the planet. But first she must rescue her parents, who are being held hostage by Pasha Ruel. Ruel uses Ilyssa’s power of siren song to mindwash his enemies. Can she convince the new slave that she’s been forced into her role?

Rolf isn’t sure if he can believe her story, but he accepts Ilyssa’s offer of freedom. Together they flee Ruel’s camp and begin a cross-country trek. Their trip is fraught with perils, including their forbidden passion for each other. Ilyssa’s gift comes with a price, and to follow her heart means to lose her special talent. Can she love a man when it means sacrificing her dreams?

Praise

“Nancy Cohen creates a richly detailed futuristic world sure to stimulate the reader’s imagination.” Award-Winning Author Kathleen Morgan

“Ms. Cohen keeps our excitement at fever pitch as Rolf and Ilyssa fight their way to freedom and love in this thrilling novel of the far future.” RT Book Reviews

“The well-drawn characters put your imagination into overdrive. Add forbidden passion and you have a futuristic adventure that is scintillating and heart-stopping. Ms. Cohen has definitely proven herself a master of this genre.” Rendezvous

“A well-conceived plot, great characters, enough future technology and aliens to satisfy the dedicated science fiction fan, and a sensual romance all come together in a terrific story that will appeal to romance and science fiction readers alike.” The Paperback Forum

“Moonlight Rhapsody is an action packed, fast-paced futuristic romance. The lead couple are magnetic together as they cope with planetary-wide problems and their growing love for each other. Nancy Cohen has a visionary gift of writing about the future in a manner that makes it seem like it’s happening today.” Affaire de Coeur

Excerpt 

“Look at me,” Ilyssa commanded. When he’d raised his face, she said in a purposefully loud voice, “I have brought you here to act as my personal server.” 

Surprise sprang into his crystal blue eyes, but he stayed silent as she continued. 

“I’ll expect you to assist me with my meals, keep my chamber clean, maintain my wardrobe, and satisfy any other needs of mine that may arise. Hopefully, in time, you will grow to anticipate my requirements. You’ll sleep in the adjacent parlor. That way, you’ll be close at hand if I want you during the night. Now, shut the door and I’ll show you where I keep everything.” 

The man complied, closing out the buzzing of the Hortha guards stationed outside the door. 

“Pardon, mistress, but I’m not exactly clear on my duties,” he said in a soft tone. “You wish me to maintain your suite and serve your meals, but what else am I to do?” 

“My name is Ilyssa. You may call me that in private.” 

As she rattled off a list of chores, Rolf listened carefully, but it was the unspoken duties that worried him. She’d said she might want him during the night. That meant only one thing as far as he was concerned. She expected him to service her personally. Rolf wondered if he would be able to perform under forced circumstances. 

Studying her physical attributes, he decided it wouldn’t be too difficult. Soft waves of auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders. Tiny wisps framed a face with features so perfect they might have been chiseled from porcelain. Her eyes were a remarkable shade of green flecked with gold. His gaze drew to her lips, perfectly contoured for a man’s kisses. She was lovely, but with the beauty of an ice queen. It didn’t extend to her heart. 

Sparks ignite when a diplomat turned spy meets a beautiful slave overseer in this action-packed science-fiction romance. MOONLIGHT RHAPSODY #fantasy #romance Share on X

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Circle of Light Reissue

I am excited to announce the reissue of Circle of Light. This science fiction romance is book one in The Light-Year Series. It was previously published by Dorchester. This Author’s Edition has been updated with added bonus materials.

Circle of Light

CIRCLE OF LIGHT
Copyright © 1994 by Nancy J. Cohen
Published by Orange Grove Press on Sept. 8, 2020
Digital ISBN: 978-1-952886-06-5
Cover Design by The Killion Group, Inc.

A Dream Come True 

Circle of Light started as a story dream. I was at work as a clinical nurse specialist in my hospital office when in strode the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen. He was tall with thick black hair and celestial blue eyes. His silvery jumpsuit fit his lean body like an animal skin. The man strode over to me and announced that I was the one he sought. I must accompany him immediately.

My boss had told me to expect a visitor, so I followed the guy to an elevator down the hall. The lift skyrocketed upward, and when we emerged, we were in a spaceship.

That’s when I woke up. I had to finish the story. And so I did. This book went on to become my first published novel and winner of the HOLT Medallion Award.

Circle of Light was great fun to write. Having been an avid Star Trek fan and romance reader, it was a treat to combine the genres of science fiction and romance. The futuristic setting became the backdrop to a passionate love story.

Short Blurb

Attorney Sarina Bretton is kidnapped from Earth by Captain Teir Reylock of the Coalition Defense League. As the legendary Great Healer, Sarina is destined to marry Lord Cam’brii, a stiff politician. But on the way to meet her betrothed, she falls in love with the dashing captain instead. Although Teir returns Sarina’s passion, he must fulfil his duty as her bodyguard to protect her from the Coalition’s enemies and from his own heart.

Praise

“Nancy Cohen sparks your imagination and melts your heart with her wonderful tale of galactic adventure and star-crossed lovers.” Marilyn Campbell, award-winning author of Lovers in Time and The Innerworld Affairs series

“Circle of Light is a well-constructed futuristic romance that will appeal even to die-hard Star Trek and general Science Fiction readers. Great plot, believable aliens, and interesting locations all make Nancy J. Cohen an author to keep your eyes on.” The Paperback Trader

“Nancy J. Cohen is a shining light in the futuristic galaxy, a writer whose amazing talent propels readers into a universe filled with strange new worlds, amazing technologies, and unusual species that would have made George Lucas sit up and take notice. Circle of Light glows with a radiance that few writers can ever achieve.”  Affaire de Coeur

“Circle of Light is a luminescent futuristic romance filled with fabulous characters. The action-packed novel will excite and satiate fans of science fiction and romance works alike. Nancy Cohen is a tremendous talent whose novel will remind readers of the Star Wars trilogy.” The Talisman 

Excerpt

“By the Gods, Sarina, you’re so beautiful,” he murmured, kissing her again. She was everything he’d expected and more, but he wanted to make their first time together special. He pulled back, regarding her dazed expression. “Let’s find a more comfortable place to continue this.” 

“Wait, I’m not ready,” Sarina protested, uncertain she wanted to go that far. 

“Why not?” His heated gaze raked over her. “We’re both enjoying this, so why stop?”

Sarina might be attracted to Teir, but she was engaged to two other men. The absurdity of her situation made her want to laugh or cry, or both. Robert was waiting for her back home. How could she face him again if she slept with another man? And Rolf would be furious if he found out she’d been unfaithful. She couldn’t allow herself to give in. 

These thoughts took but a moment to flash through her mind. “I can’t. It’s not right. Lord Cam’brii—” 

“Is a chunk of ice. I’m not.” Teir reached out to grasp her, no doubt intending to dissolve her resistance with a kiss, but she stepped out of range. 

“I said it’s not right.” It annoyed her that he was going against the very principles of duty and honor he supported. “I’m sure Rolf wouldn’t take lightly to his bride having an affair with her bodyguard.” 

“To Zor with Cam’brii. All he cares about is politics. You’re just a means to an end as far as he’s concerned. I’ll make you feel more than he ever will.”

Attorney Sarina Bretton is kidnapped from Earth to become the legendary Great Healer & save the galaxy from a devastating plague in CIRCLE OF LIGHT #sciencefiction #romance Share on X

The story continues in Moonlight Rhapsody and Starlight Child. I hope you’ll hop aboard for this “rip-roaring adventure to the stars.”

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Reach for the Stars Giveaway Sept. 1 – 14
Enter to Win a signed first edition copy of Circle of Light and a polished hematite stone known for its calming influence.

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Free Ebook Warrior Prince

Warrior Prince, book one in my Drift Lords series, is free today at The Wild Rose Press and through the weekend until December 3rd. Order for FREE Here

Warrior Prince

Set in a contemporary world woven with magic, intrigue, romance, and suspense, Warrior Prince is based on Norse mythology. Nira Larsen is having a bad day when she gets attacked at a seedy employment office in Orlando, FL. Rushing to her defense is a team of men clad in black and carrying futuristic weapons. Their leader offers her a proposal. He and his men are strangers in town, and they need a local guide. Would Nira be interested in taking the job? Eager to earn extra money, she accepts. Thus begins her descent into a nightmare of ancient prophesies, legendary myths, and danger.

Drift Lord leader Zohar Thorald recognizes Nira as one of the prophesied women destined to prevent a coming apocalypse, and he determines to keep her safe. But can he keep himself safe from her charms? Not only does she have the power to defeat the enemy but she could easily enslave his soul.

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“With a mix of humor and action, this exciting intergalactic romance is based on an Old Norse legends brought up to date for a new generation…Warrior Prince is not only a great romance but it’s about two strong people. This journey is fast paced and exciting as our characters fight the bad guys and find true love.”—Night Owl Reviews

“For a funny bone tingling non-stop action and adventure sci-fi thriller with a swirl of romance, Nancy J. Cohen’s Drift Lords series is one you won’t want to pass up.”—Oh, for the HOOK of a BOOK!

“This is a most enjoyable tale, with suspense in more than ample supply, leavened with romance, mystery, and mythology. Cohen excels, too, in creating memorable and quirky characters, both ‘real’ world and mythic. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy!” —Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore

“Cohen’s Drift Lord series weaves science fiction, fantasy, and ancient Norse mythology into a sexy tapestry of action, adventure, and love.”—Muddy Rose Reviews

 

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New Release Day!

Today is the official launch day for Warrior Lord, book #3 in the Drift Lords series. Join my LAUNCH PARTY today only 10am – 4 pm at https://www.facebook.com/NewReleaseParty   Giveaways all Day!

Warrior Lord

Pottery sculptor Erika Sherwood has no idea her televised wedding in Las Vegas is for real until an official confirms she and the stranger she’s just met are legitimately wed.

A Drift Lord and warrior of the Tsuran, Magnor tricks the redhead into marriage because she’s one of six women prophesied to save Earth. But as he’s forced into her company in their race against the apocalypse, he wonders if he risks his heart more than his life.

Can a free-spirited ceramic artist and a fierce swordsman trust each other enough to prevent disaster?

 

 

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Necronomicon Conference Part Two

Necronomicon, Part 2

Getting Started: Writing Believable Dialogue with Nick DiChario, K.L. Nappier, M.B. Weston, Nancy J. Cohen, and William Hatfield. A lot of good advice came from this panel. Be true to your character. Determine your target audience because it makes a difference in the language you can use. Listen to the people around you to get ideas for speech patterns. Read your material aloud to see if it sounds stilted. For more detailed advice, see my Blog on Writing Effective Dialogue. Below: Author Gary L. Zeiger and his lovely wife selling his book in the Dealers’ Room.

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I skipped out next to roam around the hallways and to stop in to the hospitality room for a snack. You could attend such subjects as Higgs Boson [Particle] and You, Steampunk Invasion, Author/Publisher Contract Do’s and Don’ts, the Music of Science, and Anime Timeline. Then I met up with my husband for lunch and we strolled across the street where a farmer’s market was in full swing.

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Why Sell Your Books to a Small Press with Eric Beebe, Lucienne Diver, Ed Howdershelt, and K. Piet. The reasons are many. First of all, Lucienne said the term Indie Author applies to writers who are published by an independent press. This is different from self-published and authors who are published by small presses or by vanity presses. One advantage of going with a small press is the individualized attention you get that you may not receive from one of the Big Six. You can build up your following and increase your readership. You may also have a say in your cover art. Discoverability is always an issue, so see what the small press publisher will do for you in terms of marketing.

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Lucienne said the best chance for a high level of success is still with the big presses, with some exceptions. She discussed the agency versus the wholesale model in regard to pricing. Brick-and-mortar stores may devolve into smaller boutique shops over time. Humor can be a hard sell in today’s market, but anything erotic is still hot. Science fiction and fantasy aren’t doing as well in e-book format as romance and erotica, which are the biggest sellers. YA Paranormal doesn’t sell well in ebook either, because not all kids have e-reader devices. This genre is also hard to sell right now because Barnes & Noble has decreased demand for them.

Getting it Right: Paranormal Elements in Fiction with Nancy J Cohen, Lucienne Diver, Pamela Labud, Will Ludwigsen, and Brandy Stark. As I was on this panel, I didn’t take notes but we each talked about the elements we use in our fiction. My new series deals with Norse mythology. Being consistent in your world building is essential.

Getting Started: Writing Fight Scenes with Richard Byers, Johanna Bolton, R.M. Garcia, T.S. Robinson, Michael Joy, and William Logan. One of the recommendations is to give glimpses of your hero’s special ability along the way. Build anticipation and get to know your villains. Johanna writes spaceship battles, and she visualizes the scene ahead of time. Richard suggests that you consider the level of realism you want to achieve. Consider scene length also. Is this meant to be the grand finale or merely a build-up to the end? The fight scene should have a purpose, such as showing team work. And don’t forget physics. When you hit a wall, what happens? Does the wall crack? What are the results on your body? Michael says his fight scenes serve as the action around the dialogue.

Problem areas can be giant battle scenes with multiple armies, unfamiliar technology, mercenaries for hire, psychic combat, lack of experience with weapons. What are some common mistakes? If you use very specific terms such as Japanese martial arts moves, you are appealing to a narrow audience. Either rename the move or qualify it through action. A general audience won’t understand the jargon. Fight scenes can go on too long. Get back to the people. Factual errors can be a problem, like when the gun is putting out the wrong caliber bullet. Or the choreography can be wrong. Make sure the sequence of events is physically possible. Also if somebody gets killed, give a definitive ending for that person before the story moves on. And remember that injuries need time to heal. It’s unrealistic when your hero pops up the next day after a major fight scene, and he’s perfectly fit.

Your hero’s background will determine how he approaches the scene. A trained fighter will observe how the enemy holds his weapon, and that may tell the hero how to confront the guy or if it’s wiser to get out of his way. Women can fight for different reasons than men, so keep that in mind. Alternate moments of high tension with those of low tension but don’t ever completely let go.

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On Saturday night, the Masquerade brought out characters in all sorts of costumes, including the bagpipe artist in a kilt and the dog. We skipped outside to have dinner at a restaurant just past the yacht club and alongside the marina. It was breezy but clear with a full moon. I’d had a great time but left early Sunday to head over toward Orlando and a revisit to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

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Necronomicon Conference Part One

Necronomicon was the first SciFi/Fantasy convention I’ve attended. In many ways, it’s similar to a mystery conference. There were more men than at a romance con. The panels were professional and moderated by a host. Aspiring authors attended in abundance. However, here’s the biggest difference: Gamers. One darkened breakout room held 3 rows of computers where people sat all day and sometimes all night playing Halo. Other guys sat at round tables engrossed in role playing games. And the hospitality room was open 24/7 with free food and soft drinks. A guard on sentry duty made sure you were wearing your badge if you walked by. The mode of dress differed, too. At a mystery con, many of the men would be wearing sport coats. Not so much here. No editor/agent appointments either. So it was a curious mix of writers and fans of the genre.

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Authors who paid for a table sat in Author’s Alley down the hallway at tables with their books for sale. The Dealers’ Room was similar to the ones at mystery cons, where authors have to hope one of the vendors has their books for sale or else make a consignment deal. Few booksellers showed up here; vendors sold mostly jewelry and games and other knickknacks. Did this mean people weren’t booklovers? I only sold two books. Granted, my name isn’t known by this crowd, but I’m thinking most readers of this genre probably buy e-books since they’re tech savvy. Or else they are just not familiar with sci fi/paranormal romance. This convention was unlike those huge SciFi cons with celebrity stars. The cost is reasonable to attend and many panels are geared toward writers.

Instead of a forensics track like at a mystery writers con, this event had a science track led by scientist guests. All in all, it was a valuable introduction to an entirely new audience. People were very welcoming and if I went again, I’d start to recognize familiar faces. The panels were all interesting and parties ranged into the night if you were so inclined. We arrived the night before to settle in and become familiar with the hotel. Across the street was a big sports arena where a soccer game played on Saturday night. Down the road was the Dali museum. And nearby was a popular Mexican restaurant, the Red Mesa Cantina, where we had dinner. The food was delicious and the Halloween decorations really neat. I had grilled mahi mahi on a bed of plantains with mango salsa and my husband had shrimp with beans and rice and veggies.

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Now here’s what I learned at some of the talks.

Friday

The Resurgence of Fairy Tales with Tracy Cornett, David Berger, Lucienne Diver, Kat Heckenbach, and K.L. Nappier.

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How did you get interested in the genre? Kat replied that she wanted to see how contemporary fantasy fit the fairy tale model. Lucienne was interested in anthropology and how creation myths are similar and different for various cultures. Comparative religion sparked her interest. David was inspired by books and mythology. A high school English teacher, he mentioned how many mythologies are similar to each other regarding the Hero’s Journey.

What’s the difference between fantasy and fairy tales? David said both can have magical elements, but fairy tales are lighter. Our exposure is Disney-fied. Lucienne mentioned that the original fairytales were dark and cautionary. They were meant to strike fear into people and their dangers still apply. For example, the big bad Wolf could be considered the serial killer in the woods today. People are trying to recapture the earlier mythos and not the sickly sweet tales we’ve come to know. We would rather have the Princess save herself these days.

Can things swing too dark? Not if the demand is there, Lucienne advises. “Dark really sells.” She said that fairy tales don’t teach kids that there are dragons. The stories teach kids how to defeat dragons. David writes about Greek mythology. The kids in his classes write dark stories with vampires, werewolves, and dragons. The dark experience in literature can be safe and cathartic. K.L. Nappier added that the overall plot arc and character growth are important. Fairy tales derive from folklore, while mythology has religious origins. For example, myths have gods that are similar in the various creation myths. Legends have heroes, while folktales are more achievable by human standards.

Romantic Elements in F&SF: The Male Perspective with Nancy J. Cohen, William Hatfield, Chris Helton, Rick Wilber, and Linnea Sinclair. In this panel, we discussed the male viewpoint in romantic relationships. Some of the men write female protagonists. Linnea suggested you have to target the audience to know what readers you are trying to reach. And Chris gets into the emotional depth of his male characters so he has no problem showing their feelings. You can show characterization through dialogue as well as action.

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The Future of “Star Trek” was a fun panel where we discussed the recent movie that reinvented the series. People had vocal opinions on whether they liked certain elements or not, and a lively debate ensued. You could tell from the episodes bantered about that the audience members felt great affection for the show, whichever version we discussed.

A delicious Italian buffet dinner followed the last panel after which Guest of Honor Linnea Sinclair gave an inspirational speech. After 8 PM, you could either attend more panels such as Settling Mars: The Next Great Challenge; You call it Urban Fantasy, I call it Horror; Dr. Who and the 21st-Century; It’s the End of the World: Apocalyptic Fiction. If you are still awake at 11 PM, you could attend Sex and Science Fiction/Fantasy or still other topics. There were ongoing sing-alongs, cartoons, art shows, and role-playing games into the wee hours. Pix below: Linnea Sinclair on left. Bestselling author Timothy Zahn with me and Linnea on right.

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Movies as Inspiration

MOVIES THAT INSPIRED THE DRIFT LORDS SERIES

TROLL (1986)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092115/
Michael Moriarty, Shelley Hack, and Noah Hathaway

A troll king searches for an emerald ring that will transform him back to human. His search is centered in a San Francisco apartment building where a boy lives whose name is Harry Potter. This boy discovers he is special and only his wizardly powers can save the world. Hmm…Does this scenario and character name sound familiar?

THOR (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/
Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, and Natalie Portman

Thor disobeys his father and garners the wrath of the frost giants. As punishment, he’s cast from the celestial home of the gods in Asgard and sent to Earth minus his superpowers. Here he meets scientist Jane Forster and learns compassion for the mortals on Earth. Their lives are threatened when Thor’s estranged brother Loki decides to conquer the world for himself. Wondrous world building, special effects, and superheroes make this an entertaining film, but the father-son relationships at the heart of the story are what makes it memorable.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY (2001-2003)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/
Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Orlando Bloom

Hobbit Frodo Baggins and friends go on a quest to throw an evil ring into the pit of fire where it was forged in order to destroy it. Various nasty creatures try to stop them. Excellent world building and a classic example of epic fantasy.

PRINCE OF PERSIA: The Sands of Time (2010)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473075/
Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, and Ben Kingsley

A young prince invades an enemy city and steals a dagger containing the sands of time.Too late, he realizes the mistake he’s committed. Forced to flee after being accused of murdering the king, he wonders if he can use the magic sands to reverse time, correct the wrongs, and prevent an evil plot to change the world. Helping him is the princess whose land he had invaded. This film is pure escapist fun.

CITY OF EMBER (2008)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970411/
Saoirse Ronan, Toby Jones, and Bill Murray

The people of Ember rely on their electrical generator for power, without which their mysterious world would go black. Lighting fluctuations cause alarm to the citizens but none more than two children who suspect there may be an escape route leading out of the city. But the rules forbid anyone from venturing beyond the borders, and the corrupt Mayor is quick to punish transgressors. Clues left by a previous official may lead our heroes to the answers, if the Mayor doesn’t capture them first. This fascinating YA science fiction adventure sticks in your mind.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2 (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1201607/
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint

Wizard Harry Potter and his friends face a final battle against evil Lord Voldemort and his allies at the Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. I kept these scenes in mind when crafting the final battle between my heroes and their foes.

ALMIGHTY THOR (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1792794/
Cody Deal, Patricia Velasquez, Richard Grieco, Kevin Nash

[SPOILER ALERT!]

This cheesy, low-budget film starts out with Loki arising from the fires of the Underworld. He seeks the Hammer of Invincibility so he can destroy the Tree of Life that supports the nine realms. From Hell, he opens a gateway to Asgard where he attacks Odin, the ruler of the gods, and his sons, Thor and Baldir. Loki, a black-cloaked figure who speaks like a New Yorker, wields his magic through a bone wand with a globe on its end. He summons the Garmr, three monsters to aid him.

“This portends to be an evil day,” says Odin before he consults the 3 Norns. His dreams of stars turning black means destruction, the goddesses tell him. The magic hammer is the only weapon that can destroy the Tree of Life, and Odin must give it to Loki. Ragnarok, the end of the world, is upon them.

Through trickery, Loki kills Baldir and slays Odin. The dying Odin begs Thor to retrieve the hammer. “You’re our chance to change the fate of gods.”

Jarnsaxa, a servant of Odin, rescues Thor from Loki’s grasp. “Find them. Kill the girl anyway you like but Thor lives for now,” Loki orders his minions.

The girl leads Thor to the gateway for Midgard. She had been second in command under Odin’s father of the Valkyries and teaches him warrior skills.

Loki’s beast finds them and they escape through the portal to Los Angeles. J. lives there and takes him home. “This does not seem like the dwelling of a demi-goddess,” Thor says upon surveying her modest apartment. She claims she has to live like a human while in Midgard and shows him a gun. They don long coats as disguises and set off to find the Tree of Life. “Humans don’t believe in it anymore,” the girl claims with a hint of sadness. They pass through another portal. Thor feels the essence of life inside the great tree beating like a heart. Before he can near the center, a guardian knight challenges him. Thor wins the battle and retrieves the magic hammer. He and the girl return to Midgard.

Loki arrives in L.A. in his spiky black armor and cape and tries to trick Thor into betraying the girl. Thor fights him and wins his wand, tipped with the bone of Urrl. Loki claims it can release Odin and Baldin from Hel, but Thor doesn’t believe him and kills Loki.

The girl says Thor must get rid of the wand because it’s the devil’s tool. Then Loki materializes in front of them. “I killed you,” Thor says in astonishment. “Killed me? I never was alive.”

Loki summons a monster to keep Thor from going with the girl to Vahalla to train for battle.

Thor harnesses the power of the hammer to fight them. The girl kills the beast.

Thor is wounded but the girl saves him. They attempt to escape but Loki holds them baack. Thor heals himself with a magic potion. The girl is hurt when he finds her. As she dies and Thor sobs over her body, she turns into Loki. Having deceived Thor, Loki snatches the hammer from him.

Loki unleashes monsters who tear apart L.A. causing fires and destruction. He keeps Thor and the girl bound and forces them to watch. “It is the end of life, the end of time, the end of you…Soon the nine realms will no longer exist.” He hurtles the girl into the fiery depths of Hel and Thor is next. Loki passes through the gateway to the Tree of Life and demolishes it.

Thor realizes he is unable to stop Fate. Ragnarok comes. While in Hel, he forges a new hammer and returns to Midgard. With renewed vigor, Thor battles Loki. “Nothing is over. We control our own fate.” Thor defeats Loki, heals the Tree, and life blossoms again.

If you’re looking for purely escapist entertainment, this film will provide that much. But there are barely any actors involved except for the three principles mentioned. The dialogue is as over the top as the acting. See Thor with Chris Hemsworth for a movie worth its weight.

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Do you watch a movie and get inspired to read the book, or do you read the book first and then watch the movie?

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Warrior Prince: The Drift Lords Series by Nancy J. Cohen

When mythologist and Florida resident Nira Larsen accepts a job as tour guide for a mysterious stranger, she’s drawn into a nightmare reality where ancient myths come alive and legendary evils seek to destroy her. To survive, she must awaken her dormant powers, but the only person who can help is the man whose touch inflames her passion.

After a dimensional rift in the Bermuda Triangle cracks open and an ancient enemy invades Earth, Zohar—leader of the galactic warriors known as the Drift Lords—summons his troops. He doesn’t count on a redheaded spitfire getting in his way and capturing his heart. Nira has the power to defeat the enemy and to enslave Zohar’s soul. Can he trust her enough to accomplish his mission, or will she lure him to his doom?

Watch the Trailer: http://youtu.be/aVm2FIumw0o

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