Neen Cohen

IFASRC Review: Sky Breaker: Tales of the Wanderer

August 16th, 2023

An intriguing collection. I did enjoy the copper eyes that threaded the stories together alongside the broken skies. I enjoyed many of the stories but my top two were definitely Bring down the Sky by David Green and Topher the World by Derek Power. Two ultimate ends of the fantasy spectru0m. Here are a few notes (all my own personal opinion) about each of the stories.

Swampers:
Interesting world building. A familiar past comes back to haunt you theme. Was a little jarring in places and think it might work better as a longer story, with characters developed more.

Darkwhale:
Enjoyable and visual. I am such a fan of riders in stories. There is so much more to be discovered in this. I love to think Tom grew as a person to care more about his own acceptance rather than his fathers.

Topher the World:
A chuckle of a read. Gave me complete terry Pritchett vibes. Loved it. Was a great break on the intense seriousness of the collection.

The righteous old guard:
Pretty gory read. Well written but for me it dragged a little with the detailed battle. Vicious and brutal and felt as though it were perhaps a starting chapter to something bigger but on its own not complete.

Ocean Cloud:
A good read with some enjoyable use of language. I liked the history of the world and the king, and it was an unexpected ending.

Bring down the sky: Oh my. This story is such a beautiful example of David Green’s writing. It’s brilliant and consuming, pulling you along while engaging the senses.
I love Green’s characters in this story. The unwilling MC, not by any means a hero and complex baddies are definitely my cup of tea. Bravo! Easily my favourite story in the collection so far.

Stormchild:
I enjoyed the writing and story, lots of description, though it felt a little out of place in the anthology. An epic adventure a little too long for the rest of the pieces of the anthologies puzzle.

Something wondrous:
This is a fun, and quick read. Set in a prison in the past, we get into the story with brilliant skill from the author.
And then, just when I was wondering how this fits in to the anthology. Boom! We get these answers and freakin twisted ties and turns.
Some Never Ending Story vibes.

The ending was unexpected but it left me unsatisfied.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen
IFASRC Review: The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea

August 15th, 2023

This book is so much darker than I expected it to be. Not sure if the cover gave me false ideas of the ‘cuteness’, or that it is considered a YA novel, but man did it hit hard in places.
It was a really interesting experience. I enjoyed it, but not sure how to recommend it with such dark triggering things and yet, I want others to read it and talk to me about it. I want to discuss it until I see it on the back of my eyelids.
The writing was truly magnificent and delicious, the story weaved perfectly together, and the world building was so real and tangible.
Cruelty of the seas is a huge theme, while the characters fight against the binaries and seeming fates of their births.
Betrayal and heartbreak, loss and revenge are also huge themes. As well as ideas of what makes family or loyalty, and what breaks them.
I loved this read and will add it to my ever growing list of must have a physical copy of.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen
IFASRC Review: Pirates of Aletharia

August 14th, 2023

OMFG … I think I might have repeated this many many times throughout listening to this book, but I’ll try to real it back and go a little step by step.
First, we have two smashing (Sapphic) main characters, stubborn and as similar as they are different. There’s an enemies to lovers, slow burn romance delicately balanced within fear and bravery and loyalty. With a whole lot of swearing, drinking, fantastic orgasms, and moments where the only way you can really react is by laughing out loud.
The sex scenes were well worth the wait, and though there were not many of them the steaminess of the book was brilliant and intense. I also adored the brilliant way consent was handled.
OMFG!
The narrator, Lindsey Dorcus was incredible. I adore her skills at truly pulling you into the story, and damn if I didn’t find myself swooning along with several of the characters.
The story itself was brilliant. From the very beginning you knew exactly what world you were diving in to. And that world is phenomenal. Pirates, sword fights, dragons, and magic. I mean, who am I to deny a OMFG here, really?
Next we get these absolutely well rounded, contradictory and entirely realistic characters that you can’t help but love, no matter just how absolutely messed up they are.
And the writing, oh the writing is absolutely freaking spectacular. The push and pull between action and emotion, information and clarification is so beautifully weaved together that yes, I do believe in this world and the reality of magic.
And the ending …. OMFG!

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen
The Void

August 2nd, 2023

I know, I know I have many review posts to catch up on. But right now I have super exciting news about my upcoming release The Void.

My publisher, Eerier River Publishing have put together a special limited edition book box for the Void. You can preorder it now *SQUEEEEEE*

ORDER The void BOOK BOX

I’m so excited for ya’ll to see the wild and crazy world Kiera is thrown in to.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen
IFASRC Review: Dragon Queens

June 23rd, 2023

Title: Dragon Queens

Author: Kathleen De Plume

Pages: 313

Format: Audio – Narrated by Gabrielle Baker

Tags: #IFASummerChallenge23, #ElfYeah,

Categories: #romanticfantasy, #debutauthor, #lowfantasy

Steam Level: 4/5

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:

A Sapphic fake relationship adventure set in a medieval fantasy world where dragons are real, and seers read prophecies of the future. A very fun and enjoyable read. I found it quite a light read, with lots and lots of steaaaaaaaaaaam.

I enjoyed the main characters and the banter between them as they got to know each other. I also loved the authors decision to only show the story from one of the characters perspective.

For all that there is a dragon, I was worried through the mid section of the book as we don’t see the dragon, though it is mentioned often. Extremely happy to see the dragon return in the second half of the book.

I got total old school dragons and knights vibes with the Sapphic twist I always needed. Not only are the two women in the fake relationship, and while it’s questioned it is more accepted than now. I also adored the play with gender in this world building. It is wonderful, refreshing, and made me smile through much of the book.

The audio was well done, though a little slow for my taste. Speeding it up to 1.5 fixed that for me though.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen
Indie Fantasy Addicts – Summer Reading Challenge

June 22nd, 2023

This is the second year I am participating in this amazing event.

And of course with the event starting during Pride month means I get the extra kick out of focusing on LGBTQIA fantasy reads. I will be focusing on sapphic fantasy as much as possible over the 10 weeks, but there may be the odd non-sapphic/non-queer reads.

I will be posting every book review as a new post, because WE NEED to promote more indie fantasy authors AND LGBTQIA reads … so why not both.

To find the reviews you can find them all with the tag IFASRC

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen
It’s the little things:

June 22nd, 2023

I don’t often talk about the ‘day job’. And since my day job changed about 9 months ago I’m actually uncertain if I’ve mentioned it at all. But let me take on a little journey.

The History:
Years ago I started a career. I loved it, I loved the kids I looked after. I was also a lot younger than I am now. After several years of trying to fall pregnant, working with kids all day every day became unhealthy to my mental health. I changed careers.

Fast Forward:
I have the coolest 5yo.
I gave up the working from home, data entry and accounts job I had been doing for over 5 years. Over that time the stress and pressure became more intense and as my kiddo started school the benefits became not nearly worth the anguish.

Then:
When the idea came to me that I could always go back to childcare, I was sceptical. I remember loving the kids, and the job. I also remembered the downsides. I’ve never had a job without downsides, but I just wasn’t sure. However, I was also unsure I wanted to be a person without a regular ‘day job’. Yes, I have the long term goal of being a full time author as my day job and passion job rolled in to one, but well aware I was not at that place yet.
After many discussions with my OH, I realised I could try and see. I could walk away again if I needed to.

Now:
I have the coolest, sweetest 6yo who often tells me how much happier I am and asks about my day, getting excited about what I did with my ‘kindy kids’ and often making craft suggestions for the next day.
My health has been shit, this is no secret. But the support I have had and the care and understanding from my workplace has blown me away. I am so happy and proud to be part of the team, working again under the very first director I ever worked for, all those years ago.

Today:
But today ensured me that yep, while there are bad days and sometimes my buttons get pushed, that no matter what, I truly love this job and the sweetness of the ‘kindy kids’ I look after.

While I was off work last week with a severe chest infection, one of the Kindy Kids had been asking about me daily, and collecting a new rock for me each day I wasn’t in. Today the same child drew a picture of me … and asked to see how my rock collection was going (pictured below) . The child then explained that even though my rainbow hair isn’t so rainbow anymore (being sick has put a dampener on getting my hair redone), I’m still a rockstar, which is why they have been collecting me rocks, so I don’t forget.

My 6yo thinks this is awesome, cracked up laughing at the clever use of rock and rock, and concurs whole heartedly with this ‘Kindy Kid’.

It might or might not seem like little things, but these are the things that if I don’t stop and appreciate really could be taken for granted or ignored. I love the little things that mean the biggest things.

Thanks for coming to my TEDtalk.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen
My Day in the ER

April 15th, 2023

Yes, my day … and night … and half of the next day. A total of just over 20 hours.

I went to the ER after talking to my doctor about the intense pain that had gotten worse over the week. Worse to the point of not being able to eat, bend, or pee without pain.

It took 11.5 hours in the ER waiting room before I was put into a cubicle with a bed. I felt for the nurses. There were a LOT of people around and the wait wasn’t all bad, I got to meet some lovely new humans who helped pass the time with entertaining stories and kindness.

The shift change for the hospital staff happened and the nurse and doctor I got were lovely and thoughtful. They listened to my concerns and helped with patience, kindness and respect.

Eventually I was moved to a short stay cubicle and they discovered I had a UTI (Urinary Track Infection) which had been exacerbated by the current complications of my uterus and ovaries. The joy just keeps on coming.

So I got hooked up with painkillers and antibiotics and finally I managed more than a three minute head drop and jerk from sleep moment. I think I got almost the entire half an hour of the drip antibiotics.

Things were ok.

I must have fallen asleep again while the antibiotics kicked in because I woke to a different Doctor introducing himself as the surgeon who had gotten the referral for my surgery.

THEN things went down hill fast.

He began talking AT me about my body and my pain levels. Patronised the shit out of me by not going on the pill (oh well done) to help with the period and the pain, and this was apparently evidence that the pain I experience with my endometriosis mustn’t be that bad. There couldn’t possibly be any other reason I didn’t wish to go on the pill (GRRRRR).

He then continues, before I can actually explain the experience that I go through at a near 24/7 these days, and tells me he does NOT recommend the surgery (despite the UNKNOWN grey mass taken over my ovary) and suggests I get a Marina put in. I’ve looked up the Marina, they are NOT for me. I told him so. His response was to say that he can help me understand why the Marina is what I need to do. I told him no, and I want the hysterectomy. He went on to say how he didn’t want to regret his choice …. HIS CHOICE.

NO!

Me: In the end it’s my body and I don’t consent to the Marina.
Him: Well I just wanted to introduce myself and we will discuss the rest when you come in for the appointment.

Me: THE HELL WE WILL!!! (I wish I had said this out loud)

After 20 hours of being in agony and in the hospital. Being poked and prodded he had the nerve to come and medically gaslight me and tell me HIS CHOICE is more valid over MY body then my own, and my pain is irrelevant.

This attitude is unfortunately NOT unique or rare. I will be fighting this and I WILL be getting the recommendation from my doctor followed through and ensure my health and safety as I had discussed and agreed on with her.

We should all have a right to say no when we do not agree to another persons ideas about what we do with our own bodies, despite what is happening in far too many places with legislation and misogynistic control.

If you are worried that you couldn’t possibly know as much about your body as them (let’s be honest it’s how we’ve been raised to think), let me tell you a little secret I recently learned. A secret that’s not really a secret, just not often mentioned in the light of day. Even a specialist in an area of medicine has not lived in your body. This same specialist has not spent their entire education learning about YOUR body, or even what medical issues you may have.

I also want to give out the biggest KUDOS to my GP doctor who has always listened to me and given me all the options, the pros and cons, and understood that it is my choice about what does and does not happen. She does not give me permission to make my own choices, she gives me knowledge to make informed choices that should be every single human beings right to make about their own body.

I hope you all are in a safe enough place to say no when ‘professionals’ are trying to medically gaslight you.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen x

P.S. At least I found a model to base the bad guy on in my sci-fi … I suspect a really nasty slow evisceration might end up being their doom.
Don’t Ignore Pain

April 7th, 2023

I hesitated writing this post. Not because I think there is a lack of importance to it, but because I’m not used to sharing things I am going through at the time. Later on, I’m all about the overshare.

But there are two reasons I’ve decided to be brave and get it out there.
The first: It might help others feel seen. Those who push aside growing pain, who might have been told to suck it up or stop acting like a princess at some point in their lives. Your pain is valid and it’s ok to seek professional help about it. If the first doctor shrugs it off, if you can, find another.
The Second: The love and support I have received in the 24 hours I have indicated that my health has taken a bad turn has been tear inducingly sweet, and this way I can direct anyone who would like to know what’s going on to here.

I have shared, many times, my experiences of Endometriosis while growing up. What I haven’t shared to any great extent is the amount of increased pain and issues I’ve had over the last year or so.

Well, it’s all come to a head now.

Two weeks ago I had blood tests that came back with tumour markers.

I then spent an entire day having scans and tests, being poked and prodded (OUCH, three days later and still higher OUCHNESS continues). The results came back that night. A quick call from my doctor to tell me we needed to discuss them and organise next steps and referral for surgery. Despite her amazing cool, and insistence that I do not need to panic … panic I did.

The next day I spent almost 2 hours with my amazing doc going through the grey mass that has taken over my right ovary and may potentially be ovarian cancer, but there is hope that it is endometriosis gone crazy and grown from outside of the ovaries to inside. The mass is unusual and there is no playing around with it, so off we go to surgery.

A referral for a complete hysterectomy and removal of ovaries has been sent to the hospital.

Waiting sucks, truly sucks. But, had I not mentioned the growing uncomfortableness, the increased daily pain I have been experiencing who knows what would have happened in 6 months or a year.

If it is cancer, it’s very early stages and the prognosis is very good.

I beg you, if you have pain that can’t be explained, if you have pain that seems to be increasing or just doesn’t feel right, please please please do not ignore it. Early prognosis saves lives.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

Neen x
Sunday Musings

March 26th, 2023

What I’m musing on this Sunday is, my actual relationship with Sunday’s. To clarify I mean the day of the week not the delicious dessert … hmmm I wonder if there is any ice-cream in the freezer.

Right, *shakes head* the day of the week.

When I was growing up, me and Sunday’s had a distinct love hate relationship. At the beginning of my memory, they loomed at the end of every week, and were shucked off once we returned home, never to be thought of again … until they inevitably loomed once more.

I owe a lot of my hobbies and enjoyment ‘leisure’ activities to Sunday’s. Hobbies and activities I carry with me to this day like reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, Lego, and playing board games. I know, I know. I hear you saying, but then Neen what could make you hate Sunday’s?

Ah, yes, the hobbies and activities were indeed born out of Sunday afternoons, but oh the Sunday mornings were the price I had to pay for them.

Sunday morning’s (and later the afternoon’s on alternate years) I was wrestled in to a dress and told to sit still and listen to people telling me all the ways I could burn in hell once I died. Urgh, church! THREE HOURS every single Sunday. Some days the reward of my afternoon freedom was not nearly worth the cost.

The thing about Sunday’s is that in the beginning I wasn’t specifically told I could indulge in these activities. What I most clearly remember was being given a list of things I could NOT enjoy on those afternoons.
* No rough or loud play (we were energetic active kids who loved playing all kinds of ‘rough’ games in the bush)
* No television
* No visiting friends
* No non-church music
* No choreographed dancing (my older sister loved choreographing is younger ones to be her back up dancers .)

What we were told to do was churchy things like reading one of the 4 gospels, thinking about god and subsequent churchy things like listening to church (ie slow and boring) music.

It took me a long time to find ways to enjoy my Sunday afternoons. And soon I discovered I almost looked forward to Sunday’s, almost. It got a little easier once I realised I could start my hobbies a bit earlier then I technically should have. Most notably was my smuggling books in to my church bag. Books that were most definitely not one of the 4 gospels the religion practiced. I read my first Virginia Andrews, Stephen King, and Babysitter’s Club books tucked into the back corner of my ‘class’. The second hour of church where everyone split into age groups.

So yes, there were fantastic things that eventually came out of Sunday’s but it’s taken many years to truly shrug off those mornings and the weight that pressed against my chest when I would wake up on a Sunday dreading what I would learn about hell and my inevitable place there. Especially when I realised I didn’t think about the boys at church the way I thought about the girls. And wheeew did I feel like a pervert when I thought about the girls – burning in hell #16395

The last few months, it’s really hit me how much Sunday’s have not just redeemed themselves but have become my favourite day of the week. Yeah, I do some of the life and house prep for the week on Sunday’s but those chores are definitely worth the fun I get to spend with my family.

Reading while the boys play Minecraft

Lego time with the kiddo

Thus endeth today’s musings

Be safe
Be brave
Be kind

Neen x