Franz McLaren

Franz McLaren was sucked into the world of fantasy at ten years old when he read Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. After that, he delved headfirst into the stories of Dr. Seuss, and from then on, the stories of J. R. R. Tolkien, Terry Goodkind, Holly Lisle, J. K. Rowling, and many others have grown to be a significant part of his life.

Throughout his life, Franz McLaren has traveled extensively, living in forty-eight of the fifty United States, England, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, and vacationing in a host of many other nations. After experiencing all of the fantasies that his travels had to offer, Franz has now settled down into manifesting fantasies of his own. He uses his books to share these worlds and adventures with the rest of us. By entering his novels, you enter the part of his mind that forever lives just a bit to the left of reality.

Website: http://www.franzmclaren.com
Twitter: @franz1370
Facebook: Facebook profile
Wattpad: franzmclaren
Blog: http://www.franzmclaren.com/blog

http://www.amazon.com

• 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 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 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.
  
• Semester Aboard: An Urban Fantasy Adventure 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.
  
• 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
  
  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.