Book review: Lake Ephemeral by Anya Allyn

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Description:
Six children without memories of their early years can never leave the valley that gave them life.

Seven manors surround Lake Ephemeral, and their residents are hiding terrifying secrets. Seraphin Ferón was first brought to the valley of Lake Ephemeral as an eleven-year-old orphan, to meet a mother she'd never known she had. But before Seraphin arrives, her mother falls ill with a mysterious illness and is kept locked away in the attic.

After Seraphin arrives, she discovers that the vast estate is plagued by an exotic, massive species of carnivorous plant—named the Coffin Flower, capable of consuming humans.

No one can answer Seraphin the riddle of why the residents stay at Lake Ephemeral year after year or why no one ever leaves. She decides, at all costs, to find her way into the attic and finally meet her mother. In the events that follow, Seraphin will be propelled into a horrifying new existence.

Teen science fiction for all ages. A group of scientists, a hidden valley, mystery, carnivorous plants, genetic experiments and thrilling adventure. Contains love and romance scenes that might not be suitable for ages under 14.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Transmissions release announcement

I'm pleased to announce the release of my latest book, Transmissions! This is a novella that is a little different from the usual science fiction/fantasy stories that I write. Since I first heard of numbers stations from watching Lost, I've been fascinated by these strange transmissions, and what better way was there to feed my curiosity than to research the heck out of the topic for a story? I hope you enjoy reading Transmission as much as I enjoyed writing it!

You can purchase Transmissions for just 99 cents from:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Smashwords
• iTunes

Using an old radio that he inherited from his grandfather, Charlie picks up unusual transmissions on a shortwave frequency. Every morning and every evening, a woman’s deep, monotonous voice recites a series of seemingly random numbers. The numbers change every day, and Charlie can’t figure out what they mean.

Enlisting the help of his best friend, Jenny, Charlie tries to unravel the mystery behind the messages. However, the more that he and Jenny dig into the significance of the transmissions, the more that Charlie realizes he has a bigger problem on his hands. 

99 cent sale!

Call me crazy (you wouldn't be the first), but this week, ALL of my books will be on sale for 99 cents or free on Amazon! That's right, every single book that I've ever published, even my most recent novels, will be discounted down to less than a dollar. Now is as good a time as any to try one of my books. The sale ends on May 16, so don't delay!

99 CENTS (novels):



FREE (short story):

99 CENTS (short stories):

FREE (short story anthologies):

Standing up

About two months ago, I switched to using a standing desk at my day job. I had read about the dangers of sitting for long periods of time. It's bad for your neck, shoulder, and back. It poses health risks that can shorten your life. On and on. Having spent my whole life sitting, first in school and then in the workplace, I wanted to make a change. After all, I'm not getting any younger.

My first week with a standing desk took some getting used to. Part of it was logistical because I was still trying to figure out how to get to everything on my desk that I need. My feet or knees would also get sore from standing all day. Eventually, I resolved both issues. When I start to get tired from standing, I take a walk to get a drink or to use the restroom. I'm often forced to walk anyway to go to a meeting (where I wind up sitting for half an hour or an hour anyway). Yes, exercising can make you less tired. Something about stretching your muscles and loosening your joints, I'm sure.

Two months in, I really like standing while I'm working. Not only is it supposed to be better for my health, but it's supposed to help me think. I've also lost a couple of pounds that I can attribute to standing! If you haven't tried it before, spend a few minutes each day standing up while working. You don't need a fancy standing desk. When I'm at home, I stand up with my laptop on the kitchen counter or some other surface that's at a good height. Once you start standing, you'll wonder why you've been sitting for all these years.