Michael Curry

Biography

Michael Curry is an attorney living in southern Illinois with his beloved wife and daughter. Michael plays a poor guitar and enjoys listening to British Invasion rock. He also collects - and reads - comic books from the 1960s and 1970s. Groovy. He writes - and reads - science fiction, fantasy and horror (thriller) short stories and novels

Smashwords Interview

How do you approach cover design?
I wanted something whimsical to reflect the light tone of the book. It shows the sheer joy of a father playing with his daughter. She wears a tiara and cheers her father on in whatever adventure is to come! Behind them are blue skies and green fields.

I think it captures the book perfectly: I love reading and writing fantasy stories and old comic books. The cover shows a father playing a gallant knight protecting his royal little princess. The art captures that adventure feel without being too cartoony. The cover fonts also show that whimsy and joy I hope you find in the book, too.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, are you surprised? The others might surprise you: Path to Power by Robert Caro, London by Edward Rutherford, Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough and A Christmas Carol by Dickens - I read that one every weekend after Thanksgiving to get me in the holiday mood!
Read more of this interview.

Books

The Brave and the Bold: from Silent Knight to Dark Knight; a guide to the DC comic book
Price: Free! Words: 47,790. Language: English. Published: November 30, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Comics (nonfictional), Fiction » Graphic novels & comics » Superheroes
(5.00 from 1 review)
The comic book The Brave & the Bold ran for 200 issues from 1955 - 1983 where the best writers and artists in the business introduced, among other features, the Justice League, the Teen Titans and the Suicide Squad to the world. From Silent Knight to Dark Knight is a guide to one of the most influential comic books of the Silver Age. Come meet some old friends and long-forgotten characters!
Toddler TV: a Befuddled Father's Guide to What the Kids are Watching
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 82,800. Language: English. Published: October 30, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Entertainment » Television, Nonfiction » Entertainment » Humor & satire » Form / essays
One of the problems of becoming a father in my late forties that I DIDN'T expect was watching television with my pre-schooler: “Daddy, can we watch Barney?” “Sure! The Andy Griffith Show is on in a few minutes!” “No Daddy, the purple dinosaur.” “Dino? I LOVE The Flintstones...” Reviews and commentary on over 100 shows aimed at ages 0-5 from the 1960s to now! Just what ARE our kids watching?
Abby's Road, the Long and Winding Road to Adoption; and how Facebook, Aquaman and Theodore Roosevelt helped!
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 72,350. Language: English. Published: July 12, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Relationships & Family » Adoption, Nonfiction » Parenting » Adoption
Abby's Road leads a couple through their days of infertility treatments and adoption. It is told with gentle (and sometimes not-so-gentle) humor from the perspective of a nerdy father and his loving and understanding wife. Join Mike and Esther as they prepare their house, prepare their family and prepare themselves; and then wait for their daughter to be born a thousand miles from home.

Smashwords book reviews by Michael Curry

  • Elven Jewel (book 1 in the Hunters of Reloria series) on Dec. 23, 2015

    Elven Jewel, Book One of the Hunters of Reloria series by Kasper Beaumont. An excellent adventure in a Tolkien-esque world populated by elves, dwarves, humans and halflings. Reloria is “a peaceful land, protected by a massive force field” from the reptilian Vergais, who are determined to invade and complete their conquest of this world. The evil lizard men can occasionally rend a hole in the field and enter Reloria. During one incursion they meet a family of halflings. The family travel through Reloria gathering allies, including a kingdom of dwarves and a few humans. They also meet an elven princess and her protector. Through the eyes of the halflings we learn about the societies and peoples of the other humanoids of Reloria. We also learn of the halflings world – unique among the Relorians (and most of fantasy) are their fairies. Each halfling has their own fairy linked to their host. If one dies, apparently, so does the other. Although the halflings are not magical, their fairies certainly are. They are also fun and lighthearted for the most part. It is a nice and unique bit of flair added to the race. We are also treated to some fun battle scenes against the Vergais, including a fun and epic final battle. The book does not end on a cliff hanger, but it IS a continuing series and leaves some plot threads dangling. Friends are killed in the battle; enemies unite, if not as friends, then at least as allies. Fun fantasy and highly recommended! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and I am looking forward to reading the complete epic!