Recently, an author friend pointed me toward Grit City
Publications, Publishers of the Emotobook Revolution. http://www.gritcitypublications.com/Grit_City_Publications/GCPHome.html
What is an Emotobook? The definition on the Grit City Website defines it as: The term emotobook was conceived
by GCP founder, Ron Gavalik, in 2011 to label our first exclusive tablet
fiction medium, which heightens emotional awareness in stories. Emotobooks
have a unique style and structure, unlike any other entertainment form. Abstract,
emotionally provocative illustrations are tied into each story to depict
what characters feel during peak moments of tension. These expressionistic
elements provide both a cerebral and visual stimulation, which
enhance the impact of the experience.
I was very intrigued being an author of dark paranormal and
suspense stories myself. And, after
reading Grit City Issue #1, an Emotoserial, and Lingering in the
Woods, a Emotosingle, I was not disappointed.
Let’s start with the Emotoserial, Grit City Issue #1 by Ron Gavalik
Blurb from
Smashwords:
Grit City is a dark and calamitous world in the throes of
self destruction. Dillon Galway, a freelance journalist and blogger, risks his
life to expose violent corruption from the heights of skyscrapers to the depths
of the underground. He relies on Alyssa Stephano (gun for hire) to help expose
the perpetrators and deliver justice.
My Review:
From the first page, I knew I would get hooked on this series
for several reasons. First, the writing style is descriptive, a dark sort of
poetic, gritty I must say in a literary way. I was drawn in immediately by the
tone the language created, one modern, eerie, and realistic. The descriptions
brought a believable depth to the setting. The main characters were tough but
real, cynical but still goal-oriented hopeful. They both had drive, dreams, and
did what they had to, to get by, to live life their way.
This was a suspense and horror-filled tale from one page to
the next. The setting of Grit City, the
blog and newspaper writing characters, the bloody plot, it was all excellently executed.
But, lets get to the illustrations in the story. They were vague, surreal, but poignant,
open to reader interpretation, but still dead on, only enhancing the story
being told. They gave me something more to focus on, something more to think
through, adding to my own visualizations as I read. I always rate a story by how
much it makes me “see”. This story was already creating clear pictures, but
then added in its own from time to time.
They were great additions, a brilliant idea for the ebook era.
Smashwords Buy Link https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/67656
Okay, now onto Lingering in the Woods by Cynthia
Raveinski
Blurb from
Smashwords:
In the untamed wilds of ancient Finland, Chrigle is a young
new shaman with a demanding chieftain. He is charged to provide safety over his
tribe’s hunters and has much to prove. With only his Spirit Guide to consult,
Chrigle must protect the hunters from the ravages of the forest and lead his
chieftain and tribe across unfamiliar land, which brims with unknown dangers.
My Review:
Already impressed with the first emotostory I read, Grit
City, Lingering in the Woods was no different. The strength of the
writing was consistent, edgy, even if this was a more magical, fantasy tale. The
greatness of this tale was in the depictions of magic actually. The spells or
rituals were complex, detailed in steps and tools used. The mythology was
sound, and while different easy to follow, riding a nice balance with the
suspense built of the unknown elements. I know personally how hard that is to
achieve.
There were complicated relationships set up in this tale,
ones that tugged on your heart, as well as incited other emotions. The plot was
unique and engaging, the fantasy characters believable, the writing superb, the
descriptions and illustrations wonderful. As an author with many pubs, I am
very impressed with the caliber of authors Grit City has published. Seriously,
that is one of the best compliments I can give.
Smashwords Buy Link https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/142354
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