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Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 11:38 am: | 
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On the flip side of my other post...here is one of the most gracious authors I have ever met and the pleasure was definitely all mine. Such an awesome lady. Anyone read the book yet? It's on my to read list and I can NOT wait! I love her writing and to see her cross over into this genre is exciting.
-Tee
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Novelist, Leslie E. Banks (also known as Leslie Esdaile), author of several BET romance novels and the hit SOUL Food book series based upon the popular Soul Food TV show by Paramount/Showtime -- has done it again, flipped the script, and has entered a new horror genre as a FIRST!
Writing as L.A. Banks [this time], the University of Penn and Temple U Film School grad has created a HOT new African American vampire huntress series coming to all major bookstores this June 2003, entitled, "Minion," published by St. Martin's Press. This is THE FIRST African American vampire huntress series with a multi-ethnic, multi-religion cast of characters ANYWHERE in print developed by an African American author, editor, and NYC agent at William Morris Agency, Inc. For more information on this 4 book urban legend, go to: www.vampirehuntress.com
Always socially responsible in her work, despite being cutting edge--Ms. Banks has incorporated the following profound themes within this gritty, hip-hop, 4 book urban legend:
· The intrinsic value of the individual - each life can make a difference.
· The importance of life, parenthood, and creating life when one is ready
for the responsibility.
· The serious nature of lyrics, words, and messages in all forms of
entertainment (particularly music.)
· The relevance of history, and the perspective of elders as guides for
growth.
· Sexual responsibility as a function of a larger social responsibility.
· The exploration of the spiritual versus only considering the material
world.
· Cause and effect: understanding that every choice and action bears
consequences--either positive or negative.
· The power of young women to reset the bar and standards, defining their
choices--based upon integrity.
· The coming together of people, regardless of race or religious
preferences, to uphold worthy causes.
· Answering the call to a gift or positive life purpose through
preparedness.
* The tranformational nature of knowledge--once you know certain things, you
can never go back to the way things were before.
* The underdog can win!
The author, L.A. Banks, who lives and works in University City, Philadelphia--will be signing books in the near future at the following venues:
Wednesday, June 4th :: Booksigning
12:00 noon--2pm, University of Pennsylvania Bookstore
3601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Chris 215-898-7595 [P]
Tuesday, June 10th :: Booksigning
7:30-9pm, Barnes and Nobel Booksellers, Bryn Mawr Store
720 Lancaster Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA
Contact: Kathy 610-520-0355 [P]
Friday, June 13th :: Booksigning
12noon-2pm, Walden's Bookstore, The Gallery Mall
9th & Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Rita 215-922-3647 [P]
Saturday, June 21st :: Booksigning
2-4pm, It's A Mystery To Me Bookstore
723 Church Lane
Yeadon, PA.
Contact: Juanita 610-623-1006 [P]
NOTE: Each book in the vampire huntress legend series will come out every six months, and each book builds on the action in the previous novel. "The Awakening," book #2 in this series, will be released in January 2004.
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Sandra
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 01:44 pm: |
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hmmmm..I do like reading about vampires. This looks yummy...Thanks T! |
Thumper
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 02:03 pm: |
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Hello All,
I read this book. Actually, it was one of the books that I dogged out a couple of weeks ago and wouldn't tell anyone what the title of the book was. Keeping it short and sweet, the book is seriously lacking!! Let me give you an example, Chapter 1 begins in the middle of a conversation. Not only is the conversation boring as hell, it goes on for 30+ pages. The book is flat, boring, and generally a waste of good paper and ink. |
Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 04:56 pm: |
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Aw Thumper, say it ain't so, say it ain't so!! ROFL. The one person I know that read it already liked it. Have you read any of her previous titles? If so, what did you think of those?
Sandra, I think so too and I'm definitely going to check it out. Hopefully later this month or early next month. I've enjoyed the books of hers that I've read, though I haven't read her latest two or three. |
Thumper
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 09:01 pm: |
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Hello Tee,
I haven't ready any of Esdaile books. Ain't feeling a burning desire to check them out. I know I'm somewhat hard on the book but Minion was up against Bram Stoker's Dracula, the Blade comic books and movies, and all of Anne Rice's novels. I've been into vampires since I was a small boy and say the movie Dracula for the first time. Banks had to bring something more to the table than what she did. I wasn't impressed. |
Bayou Lights
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 09:31 pm: |
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Tee--
I love vampire stories, witches, that whole thing so I will check out the website.
Thmp-- I remember your post about this book. Guess I'll read the first chapter before I pick up.
Bayou |
Kola
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 09:34 pm: |
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Tee--
I actually played a vampire in the Egyptian film "Lay al Zafif" ("The Wedding Night"). It's a horrible Arabic film about a man haunted by his incestuous mother (a vampire)--I played, you guessed it, "the topless singing Ethiopian lesbian vampire girl" (the only African in the film). Atrocious flick, but I played that heffa. I bit it off--literally! LOL
I agree with thumper--Banks's book sucks big time. I pray the editor (Monique) doesn't get mad at me for saying that. But I don't know how St. Martin's Press bought not one...but 3 installments. It must be because Banks's previous books sold so well.
Tee, I REALLY wanted to like this book, but I couldn't even get through my advance copy. Thumper keeps talking about the opening chapter. The Prologue itself was weak to me. Nothing new at all. I wish Monique would of let me write that bad boy.
No offence to Leslie Esdaile--she's OFF THE CHAIN when she does her romance books. Really good at those.
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akaivyleaf
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 07:48 am: |
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I'm reading it now... Literally. I took a break from page 42 to read these boards. I don't want to give an opinion either way about the book until I'm finished but I have to say that I'm anxiously reading right now to figure out how the prologue ties in.
I have started and stopped the book 3 times but I must get through it by this weekend. Other books have come my way that immediately grabbed me.
I've read other books by Esdaile - her romance books and I've truly enjoyed them. This is different for her and I'm excited to give it a chance. I like authors that are varied in their writing styles. Keeps them fresh! |
yasmin
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 09:08 am: |
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akaivyleaf--okay you have me a little worried about minion...'started and stopped the book 3 times'...hmm okay. Hopefully you'll get through it by the weekend and be able to give us the full 411. ;) |
Thumper
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 11:33 am: |
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Hello all,
akaivyleaf: Hey, there. Let me give you a hint. The prologue doesn't get tied into the book until almost the end of the book.
Youse has my sympathies. |
yasmin
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 01:48 pm: |
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Thumper: Stop being bad...let the gurl finish reading the book...hehe. Also, what are you reading right now...hmm I guess we should start another thread for that one tho. |
Thumper
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 05:50 pm: |
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Hello Yasmin,
I just finished Fire In The Canebrake and it was excellent!! Wexler did a remarkable job. I'm in the rare space of being in between books. I'm leaning towards Mojo: Conjure Stories edited by Nalo Hopkinson, Stagolee Shot Billy by Cecil Brown or A Love No Less by Pamela Newkirk. |
akaivyleaf
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 11:23 am: |
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Thump.... I know you're on your reading pilgrimage but I had to let you know that I've sadly concurred with your assessment of Minion.
I finally finished it. I don't know which word to underscore... finally, or finished so I'll leave my statement there.
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Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 08:44 am: |
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Awwwwwwwww, so sad to hear this. I hope to read it this month though. :-)
-Tee |
kc_trudiva
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 08:29 am: |
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I totally agree with all the "bad" reviews for Minion. It sucked, it was a hard read, and since I never got past chapter one... there's nothing more to be said.
-Ess |
Tee C. Royal
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 10, 2003 - 07:53 am: |
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Aw Ess...say it ain't so! Well, I still haven't read it yet, but it is on my list for this month. I'm not throwing in the towel just yet. I like Leslie's writing and am interested in the genre and how she's set up the story. I'll be back to report in later.
-Tee |
Tee C. Royal
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 04:02 pm: |
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Okay, I had to find this thread and come back since I've now read Minion AND the follow-up The Awakening which comes out next month!! I can not BELIEVE y'all did not like this book. OMG...this is some GOOD STUFF! Umph umph umph, I picked up The Awakening yesterday and read it non-stop. Not only did I read the book, I "SAW" the action in living color flashing across my eyelids, holding me captive. It was amazing.
Even after reading the comments here, I am so glad I wasn't deterred. It was our October Book of the Month and of the members that read it, most of them enjoyed it as well. L.A. Banks (Leslie Esdaile) is onto something. And the way the book parallels life is amazing. Using vampires was the perfect metaphor!!! Whew... let me stop here.
If anyone read and enjoyed and want to discuss, I'm down!
-Tee |
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