Jo Barker has been writing short stories for many years as a hobby and has now finally published.
Her stories take you on weird and wonderful journeys using a combination of fantasy and strange facts that makes the narrative more engaging.
At the moment she is writing children’s tales but there are plans for other other books.
Jo also creates videos with her partner. You can see some of these videos in her Blog at www.jrbarker.info or or you can visit The Ian and Jo Show on YouTube.

Website: http://www.jrbaker.info
Twitter: JRbarker101

Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog: http://www.jrbarker101.wordpress.com/

adventure    alternative fairy tale    animal    castle    childrens    fable    faery tale    fairy tale    fiction    folk tale    frog    kids    king    magic    prince    princess    queen    retelling    retold    spider    story    transform    whodunnit    witch    witchcraft    witches   

Laura Hart
Latest book: The Final Prophecy. Published on December 12, 2012. (4.33 from 3 reviews)
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Michael Cargill
Latest book: Jake. Published on March 8, 2013. (4.00 from 4 reviews)
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View their blog. Latest post: "Justin Bieber’s diary"

Patricia Puddle
Latest book: Ominous Love. Published on December 1, 2012. (5.00 from 2 reviews)
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• The Toy Sorcerer on Feb. 20, 2012
  
  This book contains spells, potions, incantations, gods, goddesses, elementals, talking animals, flying horses, witches and, of course, witchcraft; the religious sort of witchcraft with gods and elementals, not the fantasy sort of witchcraft with wands and brooms. There are so many aspects to the book that it’s a wonder that the author managed to stitch it all together. But she did, and she did it well. As a result it took me a while to write an adequate review of this book. The main thing that struck me about The Toy Sorcerer was how beautifully written it is. It’s what attracted me to it in the first place. The use of language and imagery really sucks you into the story, at times it’s as if she is painting with words. Laura also has a knack of making you really feel for and care about the characters, which makes you really root for them. There are many characters woven into this tale, some of them are from Myth, some are from the Wiccan religion and some are masterful creations of the authors very own. The author is very adept at inventing worlds for these characters as well as describing the world around her. The real world is painted so vividly as ordinary that is seems a very strange to have something as extraordinary as a fully fledged witch and her familiar running around, fighting demons and casting spells. On the flip side the dream realms allow you to encounter strange lands and even stranger locals that at times seem more real than the real world. This is a steadily paced, well thought out book that I would recommend to anyone. Although there are a few minor expletives so perhaps not for very young children, unless parents are prepared to edit. The only fault in this book that occasionally jarred me from the story are the interactions between the characters. At times mannerisms and turns of phrase tend to swap characters. Some of the conversations between characters felt also felt a little too ‘nice’ or contrived at times. But I have to say that this is me nit picking. I found this book to be extremely well written, gritty and imaginative with well thought out twists and turns, complete with characters that suck you into the story and make you root for them.
  
• The Curse Girl on May 11, 2012
  
  I received this free as a read and review from Read it and Reap I found this to be a nice and easy read and the story was a rather sweet one. I really loved the Fey lands and would like to read more about them, perhaps in another book. There were a few inconsistencies, but these were minor. The descriptions were fantastic and sucked you into the story. However I didn’t gel with the main character as she was a bit of a stroppy mare. Unfortunately the ending felt a tad rushed. That aside, it was a good tale. The witch was witchy, the drama was dramatic. The tale was not quite as old as time (apologies, couldn’t resist) and had a nice blending of the old and new, both in ideals and lifestyles. Would recommend to younger Teens.
  
• Howl - Kane Wolves #1 on June 27, 2012
  
  I don't normally read romance books but I won this one online. I have to say that I'm very glad that I read it. It was well paced and believable. I really felt for Sophie as she struggled between her love of her family and the love of her life. It also showed just how damaging it can be to ignore an integral part of yourself.
  
• The Final Prophecy on March 06, 2013
  
  Laura Harts writing style is incredibly lyrical which makes this story incredibly easy to read. Although this was apparent in the Toy Sorcerer, she has managed to refine her style even more. Everything comes together in this book, the characters have fleshed out more, their back-stories are compelling. My favourite character to date has to be Ruthergore, he appears to be a man of many layers, flawed, damaged and utterly believable. The whole affair has become more sinister as the world sinks into utter chaos, yet you get to see glimpses of humanity and compassion that give you that genuine ahhh moment. Even the dream worlds have less of a Alice in wonderland style and it suits it more. I have to say that if Laura keeps on improving at this rate I cannot WAIT to read the next book!! I know this is a short review, and it deserves a longer one, but I can think of nothing more to say without giving away the storyline except *Gush gush gush*
  
• The Final Prophecy on March 06, 2013
  
  Laura Harts writing style is incredibly lyrical which makes this story incredibly easy to read. Although this was apparent in the Toy Sorcerer, she has managed to refine her style even more. Everything comes together in this book, the characters have fleshed out more, their back-stories are compelling. My favourite character to date has to be Ruthergore, he appears to be a man of many layers, flawed, damaged and utterly believable. The whole affair has become more sinister as the world sinks into utter chaos, yet you get to see glimpses of humanity and compassion that give you that genuine ahhh moment. Even the dream worlds have less of a Alice in wonderland style and it suits it more. I have to say that if Laura keeps on improving at this rate I cannot WAIT to read the next book!! I know this is a short review, and it deserves a longer one, but I can think of nothing more to say without giving away the storyline except *Gush gush gush*