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I got asked by Shepherd to be on their blog - YAY - and this is how it went:
You can also click this link to be taken there directly.
Who am I?
My name is Toni Cox and I’m a German-born author currently residing in South Africa. I write Epic Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Dystopian Urban fantasy. Aside from the fact that I passionately consume books in my genre, I have done extensive research for my own books and have come to be a champion of the genres I write in. I love to take the readers on their own adventure, something they can identify with and feel. Emotion is most important to me and readers should feel connected to the books they are reading.
I wrote...
Elemental Rising By Toni Cox What is my book about? An epic fantasy that was written with adventure in mind, this book will immerse you into Maia’s world. A life elemental and elf, she is destined to lead her people to greatness, but a shadow befalls the land; an unknown threat is hovering on the horizon. With the appearance of the death elemental, Maia knows things are going to change forever. She must protect her human family who she accidentally brought into her world, protect her people and protect herself.
The books I picked & why
The Clan of the Cave Bear: Earth's Children, Book One By Jean M. Auel
Why this book? Although an older book, this is a well-written book (and series) that takes you through a prehistoric journey that really challenges you because there are no modern amenities to really aid our hero through her journey. Aside from that, she is challenged from a tender age already and has to fight to survive horrid circumstances starting when she is five years old. She is at a disadvantage against the people who adopt her, and later brutalize her. But there’s a strong resonance of independence and fighting spirit that the reader can connect with.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone By J.K. Rowling
Why this book? What fantasy adventure-loving author wouldn’t recommend one of the most prolific books of the modern time for young adults and adults alike. This coming-of-age story has everything a good fantasy book should have from magical schools and fantastic beasts to a game played in the air with its own rules (death is a possibility—but we don’t talk about that.) I love this book and I love this series, it makes me feel younger than I am and I often wonder where my letter from Hogwarts got lost. The books do so much more than the movies, after all, who wouldn’t want to see what Peeves is up to?
Dragon Keeper By Robin Hobb
Why this book? Dragons. Do I need to say more? And not just any dragons, no. These hatchlings are weak and malformed and the woman who wants to study them is fierce and intimidating. This story is not about giant, fire-breathing dragons burning down the countryside. This is more than that. This is a story with more details and inside looks at dragons when they are not as they are expected to be. The characters are certainly colorful as is common in Robin Hobb’s books and she takes you on unexpected twists and turns that you couldn’t imagine coming.
Eragon: Book I By Christopher Paolini
Why this book? You might be noticing a trend in my recommendations. I have a thing for dragons. Eragon is a brilliant tale about, well, Eragon and his dragon. After an attack on his home, Eragon swears revenge against those who killed his only family. With his dragon, and a mentor, he sets out on his adventure. But there’s so much more to this story than a simple hero who suffers tragedy/hero sets out on a quest plot. There are elves and surprises, magic and hidden heroes. This is a coming-of-age tale that can remind you that even when you feel you’re the only one of your kind, there are others there who will fight alongside you.
Twilight By Stephenie Meyer
Why this book? Let’s look at one of my other favorite things. Paranormal Romance was thrust back into the spotlight with the release of Twilight whose main focus is on a girl who discovers a handsome peer is a vampire. From there she’s taken through unimaginable danger and culture shock, but she doesn’t want to withdraw from him to save herself. The inevitable adventure just seems to cement her love for him. Of course, there are wolves as well later on in the series which is definitely where my heart rests. It’s a well-written story and is a unique take on vampires.
Shepherd has some amazing pages on all sorts of topics and book recommendations. Why don't you hop on over and check it out?
A page a found interesting was one on magic books. Take a look here: