I love connecting with readers. It was one of the reasons why, a few years back, I created Wine & Words. I love meeting readers, even those who don’t read fantasy. After more than a year of being my mother’s caregiver, I began to write again.
I’ve been slogging through my editor’s comments on Sen of the Woods, and it had often been slow going. There were weeks I didn’t get through five pages. I got stuck in chapter nine, and it wasn’t the writing, but the whole transition of my life from my beloved home, to my childhood home. Such familiar territory ought to not have been such a struggle. It was.
A few weeks ago I met with the husband of my childhood friend. We talked about books, and reading. However much I write, I often read quite a lot. The past year has been rough, and not a lot of new books, new or new to me came onto my shelves. He introduced me to Carol Berg’s Transformation. That book woke me up. The next thing I knew, I was writing a long awaited sequel to The Bone Reader.
I went back and looked at what I’d stopped looking at for more than a year. I stumbled through a few of my social media, and then discovered something about Goodreads that I wish I’d known years ago. Goodreads offered the means to comment. For those reviews that were open to comments, I actually replied.
Amazon does not offer the opportunity to thank the writer of the review.
This post is to share how I got to where I am right now. I’m writing again. And I want to engage with readers again, and more specifically MY readers.
For each and every one of the following reviews–professional and otherwise, readers all–I thank you.
Online Reviews on Amazon and Goodreads:
The Red Khémèresh
Reviewed on Amazon and Goodreads by Kathryn Hinds
I read this absorbing, fascinating novella in one sitting and found myself still thinking about the characters and setting for days afterward. The author does an impressive job of evoking a Mongolia-like steppe society and creating a fully developed mythology as a matrix within which the characters pursue their goals. And I love the protagonist, Phayaden, a seemingly failed shaman who may or may not be mad, walking a thin line between this world and the spirit world, trying her best to fulfill her duty to her family even as a mysterious stranger pulls her into a conflict that ripples out far beyond anything she has previously known.
Reviewed on Goodreads, and Amazon by Kim Megahee
This isn’t quite the type of book I usually read, but I picked up a copy at an author’s event and dove into it. I’m really glad I did. Mab Morris has built a world that seems alien and familiar at the same time. I loved her principal character Phayaden who, like most of us, struggles to overcome her fear of using all her gifts to become who she really is. It’s a quick read, but you won’t be wasting your time. Enjoy!
Reviewed on Goodreads Claire Ryan
The Red Khémèresh is a unique novella.
This is no sword-and-sorcery epic. You will find no wizards, elves, or magical rings here. Khémèresh draws nothing from the traditions of western fantasy, and instead takes its cue from eastern mysticism and shamanism. Its setting is that of the open, forlorn steppes, which comes to life in compelling detail, from start to finish, to a degree worthy of academia.
The story belongs to Phayaden, and her struggle with her visions. But it was written for the reader who truly appreciates the richness of the mythological world seen through her eyes, the conflicts she faces, and the dangers she overcomes. Khémèresh is a novella to be read slowly, to be absorbed, and to be returned to again and again; it is proof positive that the fantasy genre is capable of producing the highest quality literary fiction, without sacrificing its magical soul.
Reviewed on Amazon by J. A. Massa
Deep, Poetic Fantasy
The well-wrought setting is a nomadic “horse culture” in the midst of war. But the story ranges beyond the mundane world into the supernatural forces shaping events. The protagonist is a young woman shaman who must learn to cope with visions that go beyond established boundaries. Throw in a feud between brothers–one destined for greatness, the other possessed by a demon–and an exiled demi-god with problems of his own, and you have a deep, intriguing fantasy by a talented, poetic writer.
Reviewed on Amazon by Susan P. Baker
Fascinating World
Although this is not the type of novel I usually read, I found the world created by the author fascinating. It takes talent to create a whole new world so very different from our current one. The storyline was intriguing. The young female protagonist strongly portrayed. Good job!
Reviewed on Amazon by Johanna Boers
I can honestly say I don’t usually read any fantasy …
I can honestly say I don’t usually read any fantasy. Haven’t for decades. But this shamanistic fantasy may bring me back to the fold. It was a thought provoking mythological journey you shouldn’t miss.
Reviewed on Amazon by Jan Cooper
Review of The Red Khémèresh
The Red Khemeresh is the type of story that would garner accolades from many a college or university literary department. This author’s extensive knowledge and research into exotic cutures and esoteric and metaphysical matters is evident on every page.
Reviewed on Amazon by Emily Smith
Incredible
I absolutely loved this book. The descriptions and imagery made me feel as if I were inside the story. The interesting plot and intriguing story-line really sets a standard for other fantasy authors. Mab Morris is an incredible author that left me craving for another story.
Reviewed on Amazon by Mom Wonder
Five Stars
Great plot and again a book that is hard to put down once you start reading it.
Fate of the Red Queen
Reviewed on Goodreads by author Claire Ryan
Fate of the Red Queen is rather difficult to describe.
It is not a book for every reader. It will be most enjoyed by lovers of delicate, thoughtful prose, and those who look for deeper meaning in their reading. Mab Morris again uses elements of non-western mythology and anthropology in her writing, evoking images of Asian jungles and the pyramids of South America rather than European castles with richness and soul. It’s occasionally even difficult to read as it wrestles with themes of depression and grief.
Genre fiction sometimes has a bad reputation for being trite or even shallow, but Fate of the Red Queen is a fine example of fantasy that aspires to be art, and not just entertainment.
Anonymous Amazon Customer Review
Fate of The Red queen is a great book. If you enjoy stories that take place …
Fate of The Red queen is a great book. If you enjoy stories that take place in different cultures and lands or if you study Filipino martial arts, this book is for you. The writer weaves a rich tale of courage, sacrifice and finding your place in the world around you. Also she writes a good fight scene. So take a chance on this new writer, you will not be disappointed. I am looking forward to her next book and so will you.
Review on Amazon by Susan
Travel to a new time and place
I really enjoyed the this story, especially the creativity of the author. Her detailed descriptions of the location and characters brought her imaginary world to life. I’m looking forward to reading The Bone Reader. Highly recommend!
Review on Amazon by Lee Ford
Gritty, realistic, and powerful!
As a fellow student of Latosa Escrima, I forged a new life with Mab and reading her journey in Fate of the Red Queen was amazing!! The real feelings portrayed by the characters of grief, depression, and finally, hope and determination, really got me into the story and I read the book super quickly, I was hooked. Realistic depictions of Latosa Escrima style fighting was real and well done. Mab Morris is a writer to watch out for and keep reading her work!
Review on Amazon by Mary M. Murray
A great read
I’m not one who likes to know too many details about a book. The cover blurb that makes it appealing is enough information for me. What I want to say is that I highly recommend this fantasy. Mab Morris made me enjoy a genre I don’t normally read. She transported me to another world, made me care about the characters and kept me turning pages till the end, to find out how the time-warping curse was resolved. I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Review on Amazon by Johanna Boers
An uncommon female warrior
The main protagonist is not the ideal warrior. She’s dealing with grief, depression. No one has really told her what she’s in for till she’s in the thick of things. She still finds a way to find her strength and deal with her fate and, no pressure, the fate of others.
Review on Amazon by Akasha
Didn’t want to put it down!
I loved this book. It was very engaging and I didn’t want to stop reading it especially as I got into the story. Great story and it’s definitely one you can read again and again.
Review on Amazon by Mom Wonder
Excellent book. I love the way the author writes
Excellent book. I love the way the author writes. Story keeps you engaged and it is hard to put down.
The Bone Reader
Review on Goodreads by Barbara Brown
How interesting: a fantasy with a sort of quaint English whodunnit flavor. Wonderful idea and I’d love to see more of the same concept. Really enjoyed this book. I will probably explore more of this author’s work.
Review shared on Amazon and Goodreads by Keith
Very entertaining.
I picked up this book on a whim. A fantasy/murder mystery you say? Well I was intrigued. This book did not disappoint. The author used her words well to tell the tale. I really liked the imagination of it. The suspense was good too! Who done it? Read it and find out. Rumor has it that there will be a sequel and it will end up on my buy list as soon as I see it!
Ebook
Grade: B
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference.
Well, this was different, but interesting and good. Vaguely reminded me of the Abhorsen books, but is unique. I think this would have been an A read for me if the worldbuilding were more fleshed out–really, the book could have been longer in general. I guess that’s a good thing, in a way: a reader wanting more. I also wish there were a sequel since I’d like to see more of these characters.
Reviewed on Goodreads Janet E
Fantasy and mystery
I don’t usually read fantasy. This was a very enjoyable read. I loved the intrigue and mystery. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries.
Reviewed on Amazon by pattiecake
Interesting, believable fantasy
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It kept me interested and entertained. I would recommend it to anyone who like a good mystery with interesting believable characters.
Reviewed on Amazon by Janet Hartman
Fantasy and mystery
I don’t usually read fantasy. This was a very enjoyable read. I loved the intrigue and mystery. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries.
Reviewed on Amazon by ladyesmiles
Good
Good
Reviewed on Amazon by RGalloway
It’s real fantasy.
Even if you aren’t usually a fantasy reader, this will grab you. And hold on.
You will know the characters easily, both earthly and beyond. You will want more.
Reviewed on Amazon by Mary M. Murray
Great read
I liked it. I want a sequel.
Jewel of Gazanté
Review on Amazon by Jolaine
Short Gem
Did not expect this much enjoyment. The worldbuilding is 👌🏻
Would recommend to any fantasy fan.