Lilo documents her milestones and achievements here. Think of this as the BIG NEWS!
Editorial Review of THE LIGHT WHO SHINES by San Francisco Book Review
Editorial Review of The Light Who Shines
by Ruth Duran-Chea for San Francisco Book Review
During the 1600s, the first Vampire was created, bringing about extreme chaos and the beginning of the Red Ages.
Over two thousand years later, Bluebell Kildare, homicide inspector for the Supernatural Investigation Bureau, is faced with solving the murder of a boy found naked, tortured, and beaten near a bar. She is able to examine the emotions and feelings left over in the area, as well as of those near her through the use of her sixth sense; she is Gifted, and very good at her job. By closing her other senses off, she can focus in on the many emotions that permeate the area, so as to center her attention in on evidence and clues that others may miss.
Sadly, despite Blue’s passion for her job, and the other Daylight Vampires who ensure the safety of the people around them, not everyone during this time is so understanding of sharing the world with people who have come to be so different from themselves. Extremist groups, such as the Dilectus Deo, are constantly protesting the very existence of the Gifted humans among them and the Daylight Vampires that protect them from the dangerous Dark Vampires — beings who have fallen prey to their more base natures and given up their ability to roam in daylight after killing in bloodlust. It is a dangerous world, and it takes only the best and bravest to search after criminals who would do harm to others.
“The boy is stark naked, and dried blood streaks extend from the crushed area of his forehead down to the hollows of his eyes where they pool like small, bloody twin lakes. […] I’m going to catch the person who did this. I want to tear his heart out with my bare hands and squeeze it into a bloody pulp.”
Fortunately, Blue is not only a talented investigator, but she also counts on the help of her boss, Jack Tanner – or as she prefers to think of him,
“quite possibly the sexiest man alive. He exudes danger in a quiet, stealthy sort of way. I often think I should be frightened of him – quite possibly because he’s a very old and incredibly strong Vampire. But I can’t seem to muster any fear, even when he’s in an obvious rage. That only makes me question my sanity.”
It’s a complicated and strained relationship – but the clear and palpable tension between them only makes watching them work together all the more enjoyable.
In The Light Who Shines, Lilo Abernathy has created an amazing and fantastic world in which normal humans, Gifted humans, Daylight and Dark Vampires must coexist despite the magical dangers, intolerance, and greed that run rampant on a day-to-day basis. The mystery of the tortured boy is the driving force behind this intriguing novel. As clues are discovered, witnesses questioned, and tips followed from one place to another, it becomes progressively more disturbing to get closer to the person responsible for such a heinous crime. Yet, the more we learn about Blue and her commitment to fight for those who have been victimized by this bigoted society, the more we realize she is just the investigator needed to get to the bottom of these kinds of transgressions. She proves to be not only fully dedicated to her job despite any dangers that come her way – including her own safety – and surprisingly strong-willed for someone who’s most prominent gift is the ability to sense emotions. Still, it is her imperfections and limitations that make her an even more likable character we can all relate to… especially when it comes to her weakness for Jack.
As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly evident that there is much more at stake than meets the eye. The torture and death of this young boy leads Blue down a path of unprecedented self-discovery and a much larger role she must play not only at the Supernatural Investigation Bureau, but the world. Furthermore, it brings her and Jack much closer than they’ve ever been. The Light Who Shines is a fast-paced, extraordinary, and provocative tale of high stakes and deep losses that demands to be read!
Link: http://bit.ly/1Lf5cHA
Bragging Rights
On my author journey, occasionally I attain new notable milestones that I’d love to share with you here. This section is reserved for my biggest, most important news, besides new release announcements (of course).
Editorial Review of THE LIGHT WHO SHINES by Reader’s Favorite
Editorial Review of The Light Who Shines
by Tracy Slowiak for Readers’ Favorite
I just finished The Light Who Shines: Bluebell Kildare Series Book One by author Lilo Abernathy. I am always thrilled to find a new series that promises to be fantastic, and this book has all the elements needed to make that the case! The story starts with a witch-burning 2000 years ago, one with serious consequences for the people in our story. Bluebell Kildare, more commonly called Blue, an agent with a paranormal investigative team in the year 2022, has many gifts. With the abilities of a Sensitive, she is able to sense magic, see souls, and feel emotions, and is able to assist in solving crimes in a very unique way. When we’re first introduced to Blue, she’s at the scene of a supposed hit and run car crash that has killed a teenaged boy. It quickly becomes apparent that his death is more than a simple hit and run and, before she knows it, Blue is wrapped up in a complex and dangerous situation that could lead to her solving the mystery or coming to harm. Combine that with her growing attraction to her boss, a daytime vampire, Jack Tanner, and you’ve got an extremely intriguing story on your hands.
I loved this book! I really enjoy paranormal reads, and this book has everything the genre needs; vampires, wolves, witches and Sensitives, but so much more as well. Mystery, intrigue, action, adventure and romance also abound in The Light Who Shines, and I so appreciate author Lilo Abernathy’s ability to pull all that together in one book. This novel would appeal to any reader of paranormal fiction, mysteries, romances or action/adventure novels, or just those ready to try a creative read that is very well done. Ms. Abernathy does a great job of world-building in this novel, and sets the reader up for the next in the series. I, for one, can’t wait to read the next installment!
Link: http://bit.ly/1EPilrx
Amazon Kindle Daily Deals
November 20, 2014, Thursday
Amazon contacted me and announced that The Light Who Shines will be the Science Fiction and Fantasy selection for Kindle Daily Deals on Thursday, November 20th. Holy Cow! I can’t wait. I’ll update this post on that day with the results. HAPPY DANCE!
Just to show you what an honor this is, the image shows the selection and out of the year, no more than 365 books are selected for the Science Fiction and Fantasy category since they only select one a day at most. I’m sure you can imagine how ecstatic I am.
Update!
I made it to the Amazon #47 slot so I am officially an Amazon Best Seller! I made it to #1 in Paranormal Romance > Psychics. I also made it to the #2 slot in 5 other categories. In all five of those categories the same product beat me out. It was a box set with like a zillion books for only 99 cents. So the competition was stiff.
A special thanks to all the people who supported me on this special day. 193 authors and book lovers attend a Facebook event to lend support and help me push toward Amazon number one. Though I didn’t quite make it, I came so darn close, I’m thrilled. But even more thrilled about the rank, my heart just swelled at the outpouring of support from the book community. 193 is just the number on Facebook. There were sooooo many Twitter folks, Linked-in Friends, Google Plus friends, and Bloggers lending support as well. I didn’t have time to check, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I trended on Twitter that day.
For as long as Facebook keeps the event, you can view it here: https://www.facebook.com/events/487144214760082/
Here are some photos of my rank and stats. After promoting for nearly 72 hours I had to rely on my international friends to help keep me posted as I finally caught some sleep after Midnight. My rank kept going up while I slept. What an amazing day!
HUGE NEWS! Amazon selects The Light Who Shines for a Kindle Daily Deal!
In September Amazon emailed me and asked my agreement to do a potential special Kindle promotion any time before the end of the year. The caveat: I couldn’t reduce my price until they did. So, no promotions for The Light Who Shines for a while.Naturally, I’ve been checking my email three times a day, waiting for their confirmation. Checking, checking, checking . . .
And it came!
They said that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, The Light Who Shines is going to be on a Kindle Daily Deal on Thursday, November 20th, 2014. It will be marked down to $1.99 for one day only.
Another author friend of mine was offered a one day Kindle Daily Deal and he sold like 3000 copies in one day!
HOLY COW!
I read up on this and sometimes a book can get to the Amazon #1 spot with 3500 buys in 1 day. So, I’m going to take advantage of this situation and see how high I can get in rank. Wouldn’t it be awesome if The Light Who Shines made it to the #1 spot on Amazon, even if for one day only? I thought about this, and I’m committed to try.
If you want to help me try to get to #1, please mark your calendar and help me promote it on November 20th. I’ll do a separate post that day you can share if you like. Some of my author friends and fans have already volunteered to do this and that is what gave me the idea. But any additional help is really appreciated.
Any way you want to share the news will help: Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, GooglePlus, telling your work comrades about it . . . I’ve already signed up for every advertising option I can find that will take me on such short notice.
This is a huge stretch goal, but I’m going to work every free minute between now and Thursday to try to make this happen.
Now, for a little additional news. I’ve done a small make-over of the cover. The art is the same, but I’ve revamped the typography a bit and I think it makes it look that much sharper. What do you think?
And finally, I think that it is safe to say that The Light Who Binds, Book Two, will move into the revision phase by December 1, 2014.
Lilo
Amazon Link: amzn.to/11nuVM5
The Light Who Shines Amazon Rank Hits the 2000’s!
September 7, 2014, Sunday
The Light Who Shines has been hanging around on Amazon with a rank in the 4000’s and 3000’s for a while. Let’s not mention my lowly beginnings of a Rank of 1,500,000 ish. (Oops, I mentioned it.) Though my the rank has been higher at times, it has never been this high sans-promo. Today it made it to 2910. That means out of the millions of books sold on Amazon, only 2909 books are selling more copies. OMG!
Plus as a little teeny tiny side note, you may notice that it is in three best seller categories! It has been hanging out in those categories for a while. This is so exciting!
The Light Who Shines Hits Bestseller & Top Rated Status!
June 11, 2014, Wednesday
The Light Who Shines hit bestselling status again in the Psychic category:
#78 Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Romance > Paranormal > Psychics
What is most exciting about this event is I have no promotion running
The Light Who Shines is also in the #2 position for Top Rated in the Romance, Psychic category.
New Video Trailer
August 18, 2014, Monday
After weeks of slaving away and debating clips, at the behest of my readers, I’ve produced my first book trailer. It has received tremendous support with some viewers even saying it is “the best ever!” However, the accuracy of this statement cannot be validated.
Style: Eerie / Gothic
Narrator/Producer: Me
Enjoy . . .
Great News: The Light Who Shines Hits 4.9 Stars!
My news is short and sweet. So short it is hardly deserving of a blog post, but I must mark the moment.
Today, The Light Who Shines hit 4.9 stars on Amazon!
I am so excited; naturally I’m doing the HAPPY DANCE! However, I’m writing this post with some trepidation. I worry that sharing this great news will inspire a troll to leave a bad review. Even knowing the risk, I’m braving it because I think, I hope, that most of those who read this will just be happy for me, and with me.
Part of what amazes me about this is I know my book isn’t perfect. I know of at least two editing errors remaining, and I just paid for another round of proofing and editing to tighten it. I have the changes, but I haven’t reviewed and pushed them yet. Still, the book seems to make people happy, as is.
I’m also a realist and can’t expect the rating to stay this high as it continues to expand it’s reach. Right now I’ve sold 871 copies and I’ve received 61 reviews. I attribute some of that rating to the fact that I’ve marketed it to the correct genre audience. Eventually, people outside of my target audience will read it and I can’t expect such good reviews from the expanded crowd.
For now, I’m going to try to bask in the glory. I’m not really a basking kind of person, so we will see how that goes.
Best,
Lilo
Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/VGJHL3
#UrbanFantasy #Paranormal #Mystery #Romance #Vampires #ebook #Kindle
Note: I’ve corrected this post. Previously, I stated that I’d sold between 300 – 500 copies. I just did an actual count and it is much higher than I had thought. I’ve corrected it to 871 based on my sales reports.
Editorial Review of THE LIGHT WHO SHINES by KIRKUS
Editorial Review of The Light Who Shines
May 28, 2014
by KIRKUS
Debut author Abernathy offers a supernatural detective novel set in the near future.
In 2022, society consists of more than mere humans. There are, of course, regular people (known as “Norms”), but there are also Gifted humans with a talent for magic in the mix, as are vampires who, as the name suggests, feast on blood. Bluebell Kildare, a Gifted human with blue eyes and a streak of blue hair, fights crime as a member of the Supernatural Homicide Investigation Unit. She has the ability to sense souls, and with her trusty Glock at the ready, she investigates supernatural hate crimes as well as deaths that occur “due to a motive relating to magical gifts or blood theft.” When a 17-year-old Gifted human is brutally murdered, Kildare vows to find the culprit even as the investigation compromises her personal safety. Aided by her vampire boss, Jack (“quite possibly the sexiest man alive”), who helps narrate this tale, Kildare dives deeply into a world of crime and prejudice. The book abounds with action, supernatural creatures and tinges of sexiness (“I select a pair of bright fuchsia, French cut panties and a matching push-up bra, both decorated with tiny, black satin bows,” says Kildare) and will please readers looking for a gun-toting, magical hero who’s independent yet yearning for companionship. The novel is lengthy but readable, although it’s sometimes repetitive and slowed by unnecessary dialogue (“Well, if that is it, I should head back to my men,” one character says to conclude a conversation). As much as she’s defined by her butt-kicking attitude, Kildare is complex, confident and introspective. Readers will find her a likable character as she earnestly pursues both justice and romance.
An often enjoyable delve into urban fantasy.
Link: http://bit.ly/1Q2dgwi
Editorial Review of THE LIGHT WHO SHINES by Douglas C. Meeks
Editorial Review of The Light Who Shines
May 19, 2014
by Douglas C. Meeks
(Author Note: Mr. Meeks is one of Amazon’s top 500 reviewers. He’s actually #257 if you want to be exact, and I do!)
Where do we start, the prologue gives us the history that the entire series will be based around and since it promises to bring down what amounts to a Goddess that will be a tall order but that is more of a series ender rather than this story, but it gives us a bit of insight.
Bluebell Kildare (a.k.a. Blue) is a Sensitive, basically she can feel people emotions and feelings to the extent she is almost a walking lie detector, and these skills have proven very effective in her job as an investigator for the Supernatural Investigation Bureau. Her boss Jack Tanner (A Daylight Vampire, the good guys) has feelings for her which are reciprocated by Blue but both pretty much keep their feelings to themselves for most of the book but this is a very on/off again thing with a heaping share of “I’m not worthy” thrown in for good measure, never fear, I think it will eventually work out …….. maybe.
This novel centers on finding the killer of a young boy and the search for why he had a very powerful item in his possession when he dies. The killer wants it back and is willing to torture and kill to get it, this puts Blue right in the crosshairs of the action and drives Jack a bit crazy trying to protect someone that does not want to be protected.
The mystery of the “whodunit” is pretty good but you can get a pretty good idea of the culprit about halfway through, a goodly portion of the book (as most Book #1 in a series are) is dedicated to world building and a bit of the characters history which feeds into the story very well. A big background into the overarching storyline is the racist type movement against the “Gifted” which was a bit overdone in the first few chapters but evened out and fit into the story right nicely although the “religious fanatic” moniker has been overused and a more secular sect would have been just as effective and a bit more original IMHO.
The secondary cast was excellent and I hope will be fleshed out a bit more as the series progresses, good mix of characters. The one that steals the show though is a wolf (Varg) who seems to appear from nowhere, decides he is Blue’s guardian and proceeds to do just that on several occasions, there are a lot of questions about him since he seems to understand language and displays a few not so normal wolf powers. I am sure we will see more of him in future books.
The plot was done well even interspersed with the history and world building, the ending was great and entices the reader to continue without the use of any cliffhanger (I hate cliffhangers).
Bottom Line: Excellent novel, alpha male hero/strong heroine, good reading, no scanning, loved the wolf, loved the characters almost as much, sex was in line with the story and not overdone even though mentally chaotic, violence is about as graphic what you should expect after reading about the first death (not overdone and not whitewashed in any manner). Highly recommended and will be continuing with the series, great new world. 4.5 Stars round to 5 for Amazon/Goodreads.
Link: http://amzn.to/1gaAQKO
The Light Who Shines Becomes an Amazon Best Seller!
April 11, 2014, Friday
The Light Who Shines hit bestselling status in the following categories:
#15 Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Romance > Paranormal > Psychics
#36 Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > Urban
#37 Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Romance > Paranormal > Witches & Wizards
Tidbits and Bragging Rights
A little over a month ago I published my debut novel, The Light Who Shines
I’m proud to say it has achieved the following ratings:
- Amazon: 4.8 stars
- Goodreads: 4.36 stars
- Barnes and Noble: 5.0 stars
- Smashwords: 4.4 stars
So far, it appears that it will be a solid 4.0 average rating. Since this is my first book ever, and my first creative writing endeavor since a college composition class over 20 years ago, I hope you understand why I’m ecstatic with this great start!
Wait! There is more.
It has been listed in two giveaways:
- Goodreads Giveaway: three autographed print copies offered: 1079 requests
- LibraryThing Giveaway: ebook copies offered: 32 requests
It has been reviewed by the following blogs:
When I first published it, I had no social media set-up to speak of. Since then I’ve achieved the following stats:
- Facebook Page Likes: 180
- Twitter Followers: 680
- Goodreads Friends: 134
- Goodreads Fans: 10
- Goodreads To Be Read Shelves: 539
Thank you all for your support!
In just under two weeks I’ll be diving into writing Books 2 and 3 of the Bluebell Kildare series. Meanwhile, I hope you will follow along with upcoming happenings available on my website events page. There’s more fun to come!
Lilo
Book Release of Lilo’s Debut Novel, The Light Who Shines!
I’m posting this news retroactively. This is the day I debuted my first work of writing, The Light Who Shines. This was a quiet release as at this time I had no platform to speak of. It’s amazing how things have changed and what a wonderful first year it has been.
As a side note, when I searched my photo website for “stealth” and “quiet” it kept giving me images of owls. I have no idea why. Regardless, I picked the best one out for you!
Lilo