Smashwords — About Franz McLaren, author of 'Darl and the Spider Cult', 'Trial In Lavondel', 'Journey's End', etc.

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Location: United States
Member Since: June 25, 2010

16 users have added this author as a favorite.

Franz McLaren

Biography

I was born in South Carolina and raised in Pennsylvania. I've spent time in 48 out of the 50 United States, and lived in Japan, Germany, and South Africa. I have also spent significant time in half a dozen European countries. All of this leads to a more sedate lifestyle now, but a vivid imagination.

Where to find Franz McLaren online

Facebook: Facebook profile

Books

Darl and the Spider Cult by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 103110 words. Published on June 17, 2012. Fiction.

(5.00 from 3 reviews)
A simple errand, a nap, and Darl awakes a prisoner on a flying ship to be questioned by a sadistic pirate about his father - a father who is obviously not the man that raised him. Unable to provide answers he is thrown, shackled and confused, overboard for the amusement of the crew. Alone, chained, in a desert of stifling heat, he is left to die.

Trial In Lavondel by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 85930 words. Published on December 2, 2011. Fiction.

(4.67 from 3 reviews)
For ten years Zack managed to intercept abuse that might have been directed at sister. Now the two of them are thrown into Lavondel, a world where machines do not work and magic does. Zack is surprised to find that in this world his sister is nearly all powerful. But that power could come at the loss of her soul. Can Zack find the key to saving his sister, and Lavondel, from an endless evil rule?

Journey's End by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 89710 words. Published on June 16, 2011. Fiction.

(4.50 from 2 reviews)
“Clarion of Destiny” is the eight volume fantasy tale of Leena, a heroine selected by destiny. In Volume 8, “Journey's End”, Leena must prepare for a battle that will decide the fate of the world she lives in. However, at every step, the evil that rules her nation is always one step ahead, until she has to ask herself; in the final battle will her skills be enough?

Return To Allivan by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 83180 words. Published on May 17, 2011. Fiction.

(5.00 from 1 review)
“Clarion of Destiny” is the eight volume fantasy tale of Leena, a heroine selected by destiny to combat the greatest challenge her world has ever known. In Volume 7, “Return to Allivan”, Leena and her group return to an Allivan changed by Lord Arvin’s rule. As they retrace Leena’s original journey, they find a lawless land where evil rules and might makes right.

Sire Demon by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 91190 words. Published on April 16, 2011. Fiction.

(5.00 from 1 review)
“Clarion of Destiny” is the eight volume fantasy tale of Leena, a heroine selected by destiny. In Volume 6, “Sire Demon”, Leena must enter a city controlled by the Sire Demon that seeks to take her soul.

Into The Demon Realm by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 86090 words. Published on March 13, 2011. Fiction.

(5.00 from 2 reviews)
“Clarion of Destiny” is the eight volume fantasy tale of Leena, a heroine selected by destiny. In Volume 5, “Into The Demon Realm”, Leena meets a mysterious little girl that speaks a strange language and could hold the key to finding Leena's family.

Welcome to Kalder by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 82710 words. Published on February 12, 2011. Fiction.

(5.00 from 3 reviews)
“Clarion of Destiny” is the eight volume fantasy tale of Leena, a heroine selected by destiny. In Volume 4, “Welcome to Kalder”, Leena and her friends find their way into a land ruled by learned magic. A land where Leena's natural magic may not be enough ensure their survival.

Beyond the Horizon by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 93080 words. Published on January 17, 2011. Fiction.

(5.00 from 2 reviews)
"Clarion of Destiny" is the eight volume fantasy tale of Leena, a heroine selected by destiny. In Volume 3, "Beyond the Horizon", Leena and her friends must cross an impassable desert in hopes of finding the knowledge they will need to save their land.

To Save Elderon by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 87250 words. Published on December 8, 2010. Fiction.

(4.33 from 3 reviews)
“Clarion of Destiny” is the eight volume fantasy tale of Leena, a heroine selected by destiny. In Volume II, “To Save Elderon”, Leena and her friends have lost everything. Hunted as outlaws, they discover a horrible secret, one that could mean the end of their society. Against impossible odds they must stay free, warn the Great Wizard, and try to defeat an invincible army.

Home Lost by Franz McLaren
Price: Free! 77940 words. Published on November 23, 2010. Fiction.

(4.56 from 9 reviews)
In “Home Lost”, Volume I of the the eight volume fantasy “Clarion of Destiny”, Leena receives the Garlan branch. From first contact her life is changed. After a solitary journey she returns home to find her village in ruins. Confused and alone Leena sets out to search for her family and to discover the reason that the Garlan branch has selected her.

A Night of Dark Delicacies by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 90140 words. Published on August 17, 2010. Fiction.
Alone in a strange city, Frank Barone is pleased when a mysterious woman joins him for dinner. To avoid a boring night in a lonely hotel room he accepts her invitation to a Halloween party. However this party is being held at Dark Delicacies, Americas only all horror shop. He finds out too late that the party is being held just for him and it is one that he may not survive.

Demon Drift by Franz McLaren
Price: $3.99 USD. 77440 words. Published on July 24, 2010. Fiction.

(3.67 from 3 reviews)
In a dark alley, two bullets find a home in Drift’s chest. He awakes to find himself hurled into impossible worlds where pain is the norm and death is no escape. As if this was not enough, it appears that an unseen demon is out to kill him. Who was he? Where did he come from? What has he become? His life and the life of his sister depend on finding his past, before it finds him.

Franz McLaren’s tag cloud

adventure adventure magic ya fantasy sorcery heroic dark horror demon demonology epic fantasy epic fantasy swords female heroic heroic fantasy horror magic mystery mystical noir occult paranormal saga sorcery supernatural swords and sorcery

Smashwords book reviews by Franz McLaren

Spore on Sep. 21, 2010

An interesting book. Far too short. I like the concept and would like to see it developed farther.
The Gateway (An Epic Fantasy Novella) on Sep. 25, 2010

The Gateway is fast paced and exciting with characters real enough to leap out of the pages. It leaves the reader craving more.
The Fallen Angle (Harbinger of Doom Volume 2) on Oct. 01, 2010

“The Fallen Angle” picks up where “The Gateway” left off and raises excitement to a whole new level. In this case the sequel exceeds the original. "The Gateway" is great but "The Fallen Angle” is a must read.
Knight Eternal (A Novel of Epic Fantasy) (Harbinger of Doom Volume 3) on Oct. 03, 2010

In “Knight Eternal”, Glenn Thater pits two mighty forces, armies of men, magic, and supernatural forces in a conflict that will decide the fate of the world. Once again the author has superseded his previous efforts in this third book of a saga that can only be labeled epic. This book leaves the reader breathless yet panting for more.
Shades of Green on Jan. 01, 2011

I felt winded by the time I finished this book. From page one the action never stops and the expected never happens. The plot is creepy and the characters creepier. The lack of a final edit was at times a bit distracting but not to the point where I wanted to put the book down. Thank you Ian for a spine tingling read. I would definitely read any future book from this author.
The Story on Jan. 20, 2011

This story about a story made me want ot ignore the warning of its decription and read the story that so haunted the teller. THis tale is masterfully written. Thank you.
The Sagas of Surgard the Traveler on Jan. 30, 2011

The "Sagas of Surgard the Traveler" is brilliant. In search of bards' tales for his god Durn, Surgard not only finds tales but is himself the source for many future tales. This book is bard wisdom at its best. With basic homespun wisdom, Robert Colliins not only tells exciting tales but manages to impart knowledge without letting us know we are learning. Thank you Robert for a great book and I look forward to a sequel.
The Converging on March 15, 2011

In "The Converging", George Straatman demonstrates a command of story, plot, characterization, and description that is rare. From the onset, Mr. Straatman carefully spins a tale, one strand at a time, until his web is complete and the reader is fully ensnared. Once entrapped, he leads us into our greatest fears. These run the gambit from lost children to unseen things that stalk us in the night and from confrontation with our own deepest selves to an invulnerable evil that relishes pain and knows no pity. This is a novel that can stand toe to toe with the masters of horror. It is a must read for all dark horror fans.
The Converging: Mark of the Demon on April 10, 2011

Few authors can equal their first success with a great sequel. In "The Converging: Mark of the Demon", George Straatman has exceeded his first effort. In addition to an enviable mastery of story, plot, characterization, and description, he has added the skill of making even the landscape seem ominous. He deftly weaves subplots, horrors that the viewer sees and the protagonists do not suspect, into a chilling series of nightmares. Noose after noose tightens as the ultimate evil spins an inescapable web of terror. Again Mr. Straatman has demonstrated that he deserves a place amongst the masters of horror. This novel too, is a must read for all dark horror fans.
The Converging: Mark of the Demon on April 10, 2011

Few authors can equal their first success with a great sequel. In "The Converging: Mark of the Demon", George Straatman has exceeded his first effort. In addition to an enviable mastery of story, plot, characterization, and description, he has added the skill of making even the landscape seem ominous. He deftly weaves subplots, horrors that the viewer sees and the protagonists do not suspect, into a chilling series of nightmares. Noose after noose tightens as the ultimate evil spins an inescapable web of terror. Again Mr. Straatman has demonstrated that he deserves a place amongst the masters of horror. This novel too, is a must read for all dark horror fans.
Peril: A Ger Mayes Thriller on Sep. 03, 2011

I had little idea what to expect when I opened this book. From the teaser I suspected that it would probably be a suspense noir using Dublin as a setting and, in all honesty, there is a bit of that. But Ruby Barnes' writing style and story telling skills were a pleasant surprise. In Ger Mayes he has created complete scoundrel, with few redeeming qualities, that nonetheless steals the reader's heart. Ger is a person hopelessly self-centered who makes all the wrong moves and yet I found myself constantly hoping that he would extricate himself from the hopeless situations he instigates. However, Ruby Barnes skills are not limited to the creation of a single, well-rounded, character. With the consummate ease of a born story teller, Mr. Barnes weaves a tale that draws the reader in. Through speech patterns and mannerisms, his characters develop distinct lives, while the threat of impending disaster locks the reader until the final page. Mr Barnes has penned a tale that will stay with the reader long after the last word is read.
More than Magic: Semester Aboard on Sep. 12, 2011

In "More Than Magic: Semester Aboard", Elizabeth Kirke has penned a novel that has nearly everything that a fantasy lover could want. She has combined a college course cruise through Mexico and South America with a discovery of self through interaction with a host of magical creatures. With the deft touch of a natural story teller, she brings to life vampires, werewolves, elementals, witches, and a host of enchanting creatures in a believable mix of legend and contemporary insight. All of this while still ensuring that her heroine, Jen, maintains good grades in class. This is a tale that touches the reader on many levels. The interaction between the characters is believable. The angst of a college student is skillfully portrayed. The confusion of meeting and trying to understand unfamiliar cultures is deftly handled. All of this, while simultaneously maintaining a high level of suspense, leads to a book that is hard to put down. Fortunately for us, Elizabeth Kirke has left this book wide open for many sequels. I for one look forward to reading more of Jen's tale in the near future.
Winter's Awakening:The Metahumans Emerge (Winter's Saga, Book 1) on Nov. 19, 2011

"The little girl was crying…" With those words I was instantly drawn into a story that completely submerged me in the author's realm. From the first I could not put this book down. On the surface this is the tale of three young Metahumans vs Evil doctor. But beneath it is so much more than that. With the deft touch of a master, Karen Luellen draws us into the characters lives. We see the world through their eyes and feel their fears and joys. The story revolves around Meg who is 15, Alik who is 14, and Evan who is 12. These children are at the age where they are making the tough transition between fading childhood and the confusion of becoming young adults. This is a stage that is difficult for the most secure of us. But these children have led a sheltered life. Their childhood comes to a screeching halt when their home is lost and their mother has disappeared. With only their own unsuspected abilities and a coyote for a pet, they are forced into the large and frightening world. Through realistic dialogue and subtle description we live with them on their journey to find their mother. Along with them we balance the need to find someone to trust with the knowledge that anyone that knows them could be endangered. There is something in this book for all of us no matter what age. As with any great novel, by the end I felt that I had made new friends, ones that I cared about and wanted to know better. I look forward anxiously to the sequel.
Winter's Storm: Retribution (Winter's Saga, Book 2) on Nov. 19, 2011

Many new authors have penned a great first book and then never matched that level again. A few authors have managed to write a second book that matched their first. Fewer still have written a second book that exceeds the first. Karen Luellen is one of these. I was instantly intrigued by her first book "Winter's Awakening". Using snappy dialogue, she brought her characters to life. By the end of her tale, I felt that I knew 15 year old Meg and had seen the world through her eyes. Meg was the star of the first book In "Winter's Storm", the author gives Meg's brothers, 14 year old Alik, and 12 year old Evan a chance to shine. Through their words and actions the boys take life and the scenes come alive as they are forced to challenge a greater threat than the group met in the first novel, only this time, without the help of Meg. In this book we also meet Creed a new and interesting metahuman torn between what he has been taught and what he knows is right. Along with the tension of being stalked by the most relentless hunters in the world, we are left wondering which side Creed will be on when the final battle comes. Tension starts with page one of this book and does not relent until the final chapter. With "Winter's Storm", Karen Luellen has cranked up her series a notch higher. Be prepared to spend a few sleepless nights glued to these pages. Once again I find myself impatiently asking when the next book will be available.
Untraditional Publishing on Jan. 07, 2012

“Untraditional Publishing”, by Ron Knight, is one of those books that makes you ask ‘Where has this been all my life’. From the first page this book is filled with common sense and well researched knowledge. There are plenty of books available to tell an author how to write and as many that provide paths to ebook and traditional publishing. Ron Knight provides not just a path, but a roadmap to a third way of publishing. With gentle and caring concern he shows how to create unique opportunities using confidence, knowledge, self-discovery, experience, and relationship marketing to build sales. Along the way we learn how to write for our market, how to structure books that readers will want, how to use our strengths and caring to build a platform, and much, much more. There is so much knowledge and wisdom here that a single reading could never be enough. This is a book that I know I will read many times over the coming months and years. It is an indispensible book for authors seeking to build a platform and increase sales.
Dwellers of the Deep (Harbinger of Doom Volume 4) on Jan. 29, 2012

In this forth volume of the “Harbinger of Doom” series, Glenn Thater has taken his tale to new heights. This book is filled with non stop adventure, epic battles, evil creatures, and invincible demons. These are well rounded out with a healthy dose of intrigue and deception. This series is a must read for those who like their fantasy epic and powerful and this book is the best so far.
I am Morte on May 24, 2012

"I am Morte" is a story that may be quickly read but will linger long. In this short story Elyse Draper uses words as precise tools to strip open the reader's consciousness and implant seeds of what could be. I found myself reading the words and simultaneously pondering the implications they had on my inner perspectives of the purposes of life and the possibilities that death might bring. This is a story that ignites the mind and encourages it to travel paths rarely selected. Its impact will not soon be forgotten.
Eternity's Handmaiden on July 31, 2012
(no rating)
I was astounded to discover that Eternity's Handmaiden is R. Peter Ubtrent's first published novel. With the skill of a master, the author creates believable worlds and characters then deftly interweaves them in time. Through the eyes of Alexis Locke, a retired agent reluctantly pulled back into service, we see a deteriorating world that could well become tomorrow's reality. Suspense builds from page one as Alexis is forced to interface with people she dares not trust. Someone is out to destroy her, someone who will go to any lengths, and she has no idea who it could be. Her only hope is to find a way to stop the madness before it begins. But, in a world where no one can be trusted, how can she do that? For gripping suspense and top-notch science fiction, this book cannot be beat.
Eternity's Handmaiden on July 31, 2012

I was astounded to discover that Eternity's Handmaiden is R. Peter Ubtrent's first published novel. With the skill of a master, the author creates believable worlds and characters then deftly interweaves them in time. Through the eyes of Alexis Locke, a retired agent reluctantly pulled back into service, we see a deteriorating world that could well become tomorrow's reality. Suspense builds from page one as Alexis is forced to interface with people she dares not trust. Someone is out to destroy her, someone who will go to any lengths, and she has no idea who it could be. Her only hope is to find a way to stop the madness before it begins. But, in a world where no one can be trusted, how can she do that? For gripping suspense and top-notch science fiction, this book cannot be beat.