Dan Antion

Dead of Winter – Journey-11 Review

Welcome to my crazy early winter break. Between Thursday Doors being on hiatus and the major holidays falling on Saturdays, I decided to skip rather than force a bunch of posts onto the page. Then I finished “Dead of Winter – Journey-11” – what can I say, I had to say something.

If you had told me a year ago that I would be impatiently awaiting the 12th volume in a serial publication of an epic novel, I would have told you, you were crazy. And yet…here I am. And I have to say that after completing “Journey-11 The Sumelazon” in Teagan R. Geneviene’s “Dead of Winter” series, I can’t wait to open the next Journey!

In Journey 11, Teagan leans heavily on her signature strength of description to bring the reader completely into the scene. We are in a world where messages are being received from people who are long dead – where images might be portals into another realm – where our young heroine, Emlym’s otherworldly ability to move between the realms of the living and the dead continues to grow. Where Emlyn’s friends encourage her, and she shows an inner strength that is well beyond her age. These seemingly incomprehensible aspects are all brought into living, palpable clarity by this author.

Scenes like finding a safe place to bed horses, discovering an ancient sword, playing on the memories and fears of others, facing people in authority, and finding support from unlikely players are all vividly brought to life in this Journey. Teagan is bringing a complex world together around us and I can feel the energy building as we near the end of this remarkable series of Journeys.

I have taken a peek at Journey-12 on my Kindle app, and the paperback (my preferred way to read) is on it’s way. If you are ready for Journey-12, check out this post by Teagan. If you haven’t been reading this series, you have been missing a lot. You can get the entire series on Amazon – click here to see how.

We had snow on Friday and ice on Saturday, so I haven’t been taking many pictures, but I’ve included a few from my phone in the gallery. I hope you’re enjoying an easy week.

Faith gave Maddie a new toy for Christmas – a duck. It didn’t seem like it was going to last very long.
Maddie is working on the duck – “gotta get that squeaker out!”
“I’m done with the duck, for now.”
The ducks beak
The wind was causing ripples on the surface of my favorite puddle.
Maddie and I finally got to walk on Sunday. This snow is probably gone now, but it was a fun, cold and windy walk.
Ice, snow and a bit of autumn
The sky after a few stormy days.
We had freezing rain on Saturday. We did manage a white Christmas, but then it was covered in a thin layer of ice.
Hi Smokey
The sun was giving this squirrel an interesting light
Bunny sighting

91 comments

  2. Hi Dan … Maddie’s present doesn’t last long, does it … but we’re just warm, and wet – at least it’s not buckets of the white stuff, I guess. Cheers and have a good run up to NY – and enjoy Teagan’s journeys … cheers Hilary

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  4. Maddie and her new duck……ummm, now dead duck! I’m cracking up! That’s how Murphy treated every stuffed toy given to her. Now that she’s pushing 14 she just tries to lick them to death. You can’t even get mad at them for destroying the stuffed toy because they just radiate with joy doing it.

    Love the backlit shot of the squirrel. Is she trying to compete with Maddie’s feathers? She won’t win!

    Aww, looking at the bunny makes me want to run up there and wrap him up in a warm blanket.

    We had a coating of ice too, but a bit less than you. Cold and windy today.

    Enjoy your ‘winter break” Dan. Stay warm and safe. Hope what’s left of 2021 is good to all of you,
    Ginger

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    • Thanks Ginger. Maddie ripped the feet off the duck first, then went for the squeaker. She left the head intact for Christmas. Sunday morning, she was flipping the beak around.

      We do want to hug the bunnies. They seem to be content with us keeping Maddie away from them. Nice and dry today. Yesterday’s wind blew everything out to sea.

      I hope you have a great week.

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  6. Maddie needs indestructible toys, like those long flat animals and/or Kong toys! Lol! Love to look at snow, hate ice! We enjoyed 82 degree weather for Christmas! I got an Apple Watch, so I started short walks and standing more-even stood for 30 minutes night before last to work on my Diamond Art and start watching The Witcher. I will check out the series on Amazon. Have a joyful week, Dan!

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  9. Beautiful winter scenes, Dan, and Maddie with her duck — hilarious! Thank you for the morning laugh and congratulations to Teagan. Happy New Year to you both. ✨🎉✨

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  11. Your squirrels are looking a little… how shall I say it… rotund! Lovely picture of the leaves caught in a seasonal struggle. It amazes me how Teagan’s mind works. So incredibly creative.

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    • Some of the squirrels have bulked up for winter, but we don’t judge. We don’t really overfeed them. They’re outside most of the day (on nice days) foraging. But they stay in their nests on really cold and/or stormy days.

      This series has held my attention for a year (amazing). She is so very creative, and she moves her ideas forward with what seems like ease, but which must take a lot of wordsmithing.

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    • You are so kind, Pam — thank you. For many years I’ve told people, “I’m just not wired right.” I know my thought process is different to say the very least. But that’s what makes all my stories. Wishing you a brilliant 2022. Stay safe and well. Hugs on the wing!

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  12. The book series does sound intriguing Dan. I hope you copy of 12 arrives soon! Our dog (maniac) Buddy used to destroy a squeaky toy in under 20 minutes. Every time. 🤦‍♀️You guys stay bundled up!

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    • Thanks Cheryl. I hope you had a lovely Christmas.
      Doggies do seem to like… deconstructing things. Maybe they’re reincarnated inventors or engineers. I’m sticking with my (comment above) idea of Dan holding a “Duck Demolition Derby” with bloggers sending photos of pets demolishing the ducks. Or maybe videos timing how long it takes them. LOL.
      Stay safe and well. Hugs!

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  13. That duck barely quacked, I’m guessing. Maddie does look quite pleased with herself, though… Christmas here was warm. After all these years, I am still not a fan of warm Christmas’s in Florida. The backlit squirrel is pretty, and Smokey looks like maybe he packed on some winter weight? Still a cutie.

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  15. First, OMG! You found a Deae Matres, magical squirrel! It’s glowing!
    Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system…
    Dan, this is such a beautifully crafted review — I’m honored. I can’t describe how much it means to me. It’s also a lesson to writers, because your favorite is the volume in which I felt the least confidence. I love that you mentioned those specific things that you enjoyed. Thank you so very much.
    Thanks for sharing Maddie’s fun Christmas duck destruction moment through the photos. I agree that she looks very self-satisfied. LOL.
    What a marvelous way to top-off the year. Hugs on the wing!

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  16. Teagan, I’m with Dan in preferring a printed book. Journey #12 is arriving today. Dan’s review is magnificent. I’m committed to reading all of them in the new year. I know once I get started there’s no stopping! Dan, your photos are amazing. I especially like the peak of an Autumn leaf & footprint in the snow. Maddie and the duck demolition made me laugh. Our Border Aussie pups, Maddie & Max are both chewers-rugs, wood surfaces and toys. Our living room is enclosed in metal fencing. And we keep a supply of bully sticks for them to chew. 🙄🤣 Dan, you have a photographer’s eye for detail. Teagan, your strength writing creative detail is what sets you apart from other fantasy writers. And of course your characters are likable & strangely believable. Both of you have a wonder-filled week and a Happy New Year. 🥳🎶 Christine

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    • Thank you so much Christine for this lovely comment. This series has held my interest from Day-1. I want to know how it ends, but I don’t want it to end.

      Our Maddie is a destructive force, but mainly confined to her stuff. Although she has destroyed a few cuddles and crate mats.

      Enjoy this week and I hood you have a wonderful new year.

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    • Christine, you and Dan were forefront in my mind when I decided to go the extra mile and make the print version. But it does give me an excuse to make a new image each month. LOL. Heartfelt thanks for this beautiful comment. Wishing you every good thing in 2022. Hugs on the wing.

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  19. I just finished reading a heavy and realistic environmental novel so finally have time to get back to The Dead of Winter. Funny how that title sounds heavy, but it’s been a lot of fun to escape into.

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