Final Cover 'City of the Guardians' by Bee L. Kirk

Review of "Miss Nobody" (Shaw Family Saga Book 1)

I requested permission from Nicole Dunlap to give a review of ‘Miss Nobody’ (Shaw Family Saga, Book 1), and she was very gracious, replying, “yes, that would be great”. Well, that was June 15th and I have just now been able to complete the review. Not once did she bug me or tweet me about the review, which is one of the reasons I am so excited to share these next four to five minutes telling you about the amazing gift she has as a writer.

First thing’s first: the cover seizes your attention. The images draw you into the book and the story. They make you want to read the first, second, and third page, and so on. You get the urge to connect with the characters from the very beginning. For those of you who may not be familiar with the writing process, the author is responsible for the ideas and images that go on the front cover. This can either draw the reader in or make them pass by your book. Nicole Dunlap did her homework and came up with an intriguing and intense front cover. Okay, now that I have that off my chest, let’s move onto the heart of the story.

The rawness of the real truth always seems to shock oneself. This is just what you get with ‘Miss Nobody’. The character Charlene makes you re-read a few lines to make sure you heard her correctly in the prologue. The author entices your interest with the questions of “how could she?” and “what happened?”. She takes you back to the years of reckless abandonment--of bad choices and the consequences of those choices. You are in for a ride.

The adventurous story is easy to read and relate to, even if you haven’t made the same choices Charlene made. Human nature is something we can all relate to. The character Charlene allows you to live vicariously through her mistakes. Judgements wait at the door, and you can’t tell where this story will lead you. You can only hang on for the ride.

Nicole Dunlap has a passion for the interpersonal workings of the human spirit. She captures the imagination of the unsuspecting rationale of the everyday person. Unable to stop wondering, “what happens to this character?” or “where will this person end up?” gives the reader a healthy dose of anticipation. ‘Miss Nobody’ will give you more than you are expecting and then some more. I can’t wait to read the sequel, ‘Miss Scandalous’ (Shaw Family Saga, Part 2)!

It's an Amazing Feeling....

I began working on my, now finished book, 'The City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor' almost 4 years ago..Ikr...4 years. It's a long but inspiring story of why it seems I took 4 years to complete a book. This link will catch you up...http://beelkirk.com/how_it_began

Ok, now that you are caught up, you understand why I feel this book is something that I was meant to do.
The book's launch date is fastly approaching but not fast enough for me. I want the world to know about this book and it's message RIGHT NOW. lol,,,patience, I have to remind myself that anything worth having is worth waiting for. So, I will continue my endless effort of emailing, blogging, calling and telling people my books story. I say endless because I will never stop telling the story.

My publisher asked me who my target audience was and I knew he was going to ask this. So, I told him the truth. EVERYbody. The entire world has experienced a nudge or quiet whisper. Everyone has experienced that little voice that says 'Don't go there today or slow down'. Everyone......

The City of the Guardians gives you the opportunity to see what those little whispers and nudges look like and what they really think about us.

          *****FYI: THIS IS NOT A CHILD'S BOOK******

Here are some of the Guardians in the story:

Stilo 

Description of the Guardian named Stilo:
He represents Strength & is 6'8 / 251 lbs.
He is the one who whispers 'You can do it, don't give up, keep going'

Rip

Description of the Guardian named Rip:
He represents RAGE & is 6'8 / 250lbs.
He is the one whispering 'Kill, Hurt, Destroy'

Cadence

Warm greetings, I understand and am sorry for any pain or disappointment you have experienced. I am here though. I come to ease the burden of life.
My name is Cadence and I am your compassion.
~Cadence

Hurl

Description of the Guardian named Hurl:
He represents Hate & is 6'2 / 230 lbs.
He is the one who whispers 'Don't you hate your body?, you'll never be perfect, I hate every race on this planet, except mine'

Mica

Description of the Guardian named Mica:
He represents Mercy.
He is 6'1 and has Solid White Hair that is always blowing.
He whispers 'Forgive them, you've been forgiven before, give them another chance'

'The City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor' will cause you to rethink every decision you have ever made or will ever make.

I sent an excerpt to a few people and this is what they had to say:

I do understand, reading the little(excerpt) that you gave me, in my mind it's a start from the beginning stage. With the characters I see pictures (drawings)for the youth. I think you have a hit(something big). I'm a visual person, I see a series starting with youth. This world is dark if you don't understand what is true. So many times we start off with fairy tales and believe that the fairy godmother will bring us something good or Santa Claus will be here to give us our favorite whatever. And the whispers tell us to believe what they are whispering to us and we get caught up for a long time. And then along comes a Biranda Sims-Kirkpatrick and pushes the envelope and the ones who have been asleep reads your series and "WHOA, STOP THE PRESS"! I can relate to what I'm reading. Don't get me wrong my sister this is your thunder, I'm feeling it from my perspective. It's Sunday School all over again, it's home school learning, it's book club news, it's role playing for all that see your vision.... I'm becoming a fan....

Rodney B. Ellis- Washington, DC

I didn't get it at first. But after you started talking about Guardians and Shiners, I got interested. Then when the author introduces himself as Rip, I got intrigued to know what was gonna happen next. Who is this Rip, and what's his purpose. If it turns out that Rip is like a grim reaper of some sort, then I'll be extra interested. But if he's not the villain, with a name like Rip, I'd be sort of disappointed.... Good luck! I can't wait to read it all!

Janethia Traylor-Lee- Dallas, TX

Very nice and good, can't wait to read more.Actually what I got from reading it was more on spiritual a nature.

Shunta Price- Texas City, TX

Good... a little scary, but good.

Tuffy- DeSoto, TX

I like it... Interesting way of delivering a good Word...I'm sure this will be very successful. What I've read, I'm proud of you. Displaying your God-given talent and those strong AMEC roots...

Lowell Sanders- Camden, Arkansas

Good versus evil; those little nagging voices that we all hear. "The City of the Guardians" illustrates vividly through rhetoric how these little voices play a role in our everyday lives. Strategically placing certain human emotions with these guardians the story tells a tale of how we all fight to listen to the good and not the evil. The guardians bring the human emotions alive and draw you in; leaving you wanting to learn about the other characters and guardians.

Amanda Snyder-Mesquite, TX

What a creative and gripping way to open human beings eyes to the 'nudges' and 'whispers' that we encounter every day. From the moment Rip introduced himself by name, I instantly wanted to read more. A true and honest story about right and wrong, and who we are listening to in our decision making.

Dorian Walker-Jordan- McKinney, TX

I find this excerpt to be so real to the world that we live in. I too can relate to the little whispers that tend to occur from time to time. We are living in the age of advanced technology where if one does not recognize those whispers they will easily be misled. I know this book will Inspire the lives of all ages. I am excited about the publishing of this book and know that it will Impact the lives of many.  

Margie Lee- DeSoto, TX

Well thought out characters. Specifically, I enjoyed the exploration of the "Whispers".  This excerpt made me ponder the question "are your choices truly yours?" Once getting to the end, I wanted to keep reading to learn about Rip.  He sounds like he could be a beast.  Thank you for sharing your gift with me.  I can not wait to support you when your book is available for the public.

Sheree Maeweather- Little Rock, Arkansas

I thought it was pretty good you touched on some things that are known but never talked about. I liked it.

Mrs. Stewart- Little Rock, Arkansas

I just finished reading the excerpt u sent me. It was fantastic. From the beginning u caught my attention. The foreword was a great explanation of what was going on. Splendid job, I look forward to reading the entire masterpiece!!!!!!

Much love -E-

I just read it & it did keep my interest! Good job! Send me more....I'll give you all the support! Love you cuz! So proud of you!

LaKisha Yarbrough- El Paso, TX

I just got done reading and am feeling the whole concept! I don't read books often but will most definitely be reading this book

It's gonna capture people from the beginning.

Malik Scott- Ft. Worth, TX

Very interesting, science fiction/ reality thing going on!!!! The guardians with a dose of realism!!! Go cuz!!

Kenneth Yarbrough-Camden, Arkansas

I been trying to find out why these youngsters act like they do and I think you've found it!! I love it tho girl I'm interested..

Rico Porchia

At first looking at the title I thought this may be something I may not like, "The City of the Guardians" but after reading the introduction, I must say I am very intrigued about how this story will develop and end.  I like the way each character is described.  The description is very crafty and well thought out, even makes sense logically. There is a lot of truth about the little voices that are called guardians.  This story is very imaginative and brings out the curiosity of wanting to read more to find out how these guardians fight among each other and how the good can out weigh the bad.  I can't  wait to read more to see how these guardians operate!
LaVonne Hamby-Ft. Worth, TX

mclilly3@aol.com

I LIKE THIS.......this really makes you think about the choices we make, have made, or plan on making regarding our lives.  As I was reading, I had several reflections of my own life and decisions that I made.  This is going to be your first of many #1 sellers!!!!!!!-I'm excited for u.

Kahlil Watkins-Little Rock, Arkansas

This snippet caught and kept my attention....I think that many people will be able to relate to this, especially those who have spiritual and religious beliefs and practices. I for one would easily relate and I consider these soft whispers my angels and God's Grace and Mercy!!

Dr. W-Raleigh, North Carolina

Wow...  "No Love"  is an awesome chapter.  It was very dark but real, the way life is.  The whispers are something that we all can relate to and have experienced in the past.  It really makes you sit back and think about the energy that you have around you and how it all can come together and influence your behavior on a day to day basis.  I am really looking forward to reading this wonderful book when it comes out.  The author has really planned and structured the story very well.   Awesome!!!!

Larry Warren, Consultant-Addison, TX

This book is full of wisdom and truth! It speaks to the soul of a person. The City of Guardians help readers to identify “the voices” that are with them everyday – some good – some bad, but that are there! The dynamics of the chapters pulls the reader in, by providing transparency into the thoughts and rationale of the “why” people do what they do! We make choices daily, based on that inner man – based on “that voice” that told us to, but now thanks to The City of Guardians we are more knowledgeable and we know the purpose of each, their names, and their mission! We are in position to submit to that voice, which has come to give us life and life more abundantly or we must get in position to take authority and rebuke that voice which has to come to kill, steal, and destroy us!

Thank you Biranda for your caring and compassionate spirit, which has led you to help deliver and direct the people into their destiny!

Kamekio Lewis, Author, Entrepreneur, Playwrighter-Memphis, TN

From the beginning of the foreword my interest was piqued! We all have heard these whispers, and to be able to delve into their possibilities is exciting in itself! I can't wait to see how the story of the Guardians unfolds, to see the havoc that Rip is sure to unleash on the unsuspecting. This book is definitely a must - read! 

Tiffany Green-Hunter, Lonoke, Arkanasas

Thank you for sharing this foreword and chapter with me.

I'm very intrigued with your story as I must admit that I often get a nagging voice; don't go that way, do this, do that. Wait! And of course I'll (we'll) never know the outcome of my (our) opposite reactions - as I (we) cannot live my (our) life(ves) twice?

I like to think we have guardians who watch over us, but then why do bad things happen?

So maybe after reading your story we will find the answers...

I thought your suggestion; about the ease at which the bad guardians can influence modern society, could be true and is a reflection on how our societies are sadly (de)evolving.

I look forward to interacting with your characters - on both sides of the coin - and joining them on their adventures.

Thank you for you kind and encouraging review of my debut short story - 'Faithful' the first in 'A mid-life' series.

I wish you all the very best and every success with your literary adventure!

Bless you.

Steve X, Author-England,UK

Review for 'Faithful' by Steve Clarke

This book caught me off guard and gripped my minds eye, from the very beginning, the author gives it to you in so many good ways. I’m reading it on Kindle, on my way to my In-Laws, in a car filled with a 22 month old, a 12 y/o, and a talkative husband on a busy Dallas Freeway; and I am still entranced by the authors ability to capture the essence of the mechanical females enticing the main characters life. The way he describes his car makes you see vehicles in a different light and I know I will never look at my car the same way again. His descriptive undertones put me in the drivers seat with him.

Steve Clarke has a bountiful and imaginative style of describing the funny and sensual way he’s decided to handle his “mid-life crisis”. With each passing chapter getting more and more playful and mechanically erotic, I wonder how this will end. I also wonder if I will be able to keep myself from rushing to the last chapter to find out.  At the same time, I found myself wanting to read the next page  and the next and the next. So I chose to allow the story to climax, slowly, as it should, knowing my patience would pay off. And it did.

I would definitely recommend ‘Faithful’ by Steve Clark, it is suggestive writing at it’s best!

B. L. Kirk- Author of ‘The City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor’

Steve Clarke's information: 

'Faithful' @ amazon.com

srclarke69@wordpress.com

@Voracious_Steve

Review of Chapter 25 - 'No Love'

Reviews of an excerpt from "The City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor"

I do understand, reading the little(excerpt) that you gave me, in my mind it's a start from the beginning stage. With the characters I see pictures (drawings)for the youth. I think you have a hit(something big). I'm a visual person, I see a series starting with youth. This world is dark if you don't understand what is true. So many times we start off with fairy tales and believe that the fairy godmother will bring us something good or Santa Claus will be here to give us our favorite whatever. And the whispers tell us to believe what they are whispering to us and we get caught up for a long time. And then along comes a Biranda Sims-Kirkpatrick and pushes the envelope and the ones who have been asleep reads your series and "WHOA, STOP THE PRESS"! I can relate to what I'm reading. Don't get me wrong my sister this is your thunder, I'm feeling it from my perspective. It's Sunday School all over again, it's home school learning, it's book club news, it's role playing for all that see your vision.... I'm becoming a fan....

Rodney B. Ellis- Washington, DC

I didn't get it at first. But after you started talking about Guardians and Shiners, I got interested. Then when the author introduces himself as Rip, I got intrigued to know what was gonna happen next. Who is this Rip, and what's his purpose. If it turns out that Rip is like a grim reaper of some sort, then I'll be extra interested. But if he's not the villain, with a name like Rip, I'd be sort of disappointed.... Good luck! I can't wait to read it all!

Janethia Traylor-Lee- Dallas, TX

Very nice and good, can't wait to read more.Actually what I got from reading it was more on spiritual a nature.

Shunta Price- Texas City, TX

The excerpt from "The City of the Guardians" was a good read for me. I can see Rip and I know Rip sees me. Too bad we don't get a taste of Stilo to balance this terrible "anti-Guardian" Rip. I am interested. I am listening for Stilo. You can bet people will be listening for the other characters. Good... a little scary, but good.

Tuffy- DeSoto, TX

I like it... Interesting way of delivering a good Word...I'm sure this will be very successful. What I've read, I'm proud of you. Displaying your God-given talent and those strong AMEC roots...

Lowell Sanders- Camden, Arkansas

Good versus evil; those little nagging voices that we all hear. "The City of the Guardians" illustrates vividly through rhetoric how these little voices play a role in our everyday lives. Strategically placing certain human emotions with these guardians the story tells a tale of how we all fight to listen to the good and not the evil. The guardians bring the human emotions alive and draw you in; leaving you wanting to learn about the other characters and guardians.

Amanda Snyder-Mesquite, TX

What a creative and gripping way to open human beings eyes to the 'nudges' and 'whispers' that we encounter every day. From the moment Rip introduced himself by name, I instantly wanted to read more. A true and honest story about right and wrong, and who we are listening to in our decision making.

Dorian Walker-Jordan- McKinney, TX

I find this excerpt to be so real to the world that we live in. I too can relate to the little whispers that tend to occur from time to time. We are living in the age of advanced technology where if one does not recognize those whispers they will easily be misled. I know this book will Inspire the lives of all ages. I am excited about the publishing of this book and know that it will Impact the lives of many.  

Margie Lee- DeSoto, TX

Well thought out characters. Specifically, I enjoyed the exploration of the "Whispers".  This excerpt made me ponder the question "are your choices truly yours?" Once getting to the end, I wanted to keep reading to learn about Rip.  He sounds like he could be a beast.  Thank you for sharing your gift with me.  I can not wait to support you when your book is available for the public.

Sheree Maeweather- Little Rock, Arkansas

I thought it was pretty good you touched on some things that are known but never talked about. I liked it.

Mrs. Stewart- Little Rock, Arkansas

I just finished reading the excerpt u sent me. It was fantastic. From the beginning u caught my attention. The foreword was a great explanation of what was going on. Splendid job, I look forward to reading the entire masterpiece!!!!!!

Much love -E-

I just read it & it did keep my interest! Good job! Send me more....I'll give you all the support! Love you cuz! So proud of you!

LaKisha Yarbrough- El Paso, TX

I just got done reading and am feeling the whole concept! I don't read books often but will most definitely be reading this book

It's gonna capture people from the beginning.

Malik Scott- Ft. Worth, TX

Very interesting, science fiction/ reality thing going on!!!! The guardians with a dose of realism!!! Go cuz!!

Kenneth Yarbrough-Camden, Arkansas

I been trying to find out why these youngsters act like they do and I think you've found it!! I love it tho girl I'm interested..

Rico Porchia

At first looking at the title I thought this may be something I may not like, "The City of the Guardians" but after reading the introduction, I must say I am very intrigued about how this story will develop and end.  I like the way each character is described.  The description is very crafty and well thought out, even makes sense logically. There is a lot of truth about the little voices that are called guardians.  This story is very imaginative and brings out the curiosity of wanting to read more to find out how these guardians fight among each other and how the good can out weigh the bad.  I can't  wait to read more to see how these guardians operate!
LaVonne Hamby-Ft. Worth, TX

mclilly3@aol.com

I LIKE THIS.......this really makes you think about the choices we make, have made, or plan on making regarding our lives.  As I was reading, I had several reflections of my own life and decisions that I made.  This is going to be your first of many #1 sellers!!!!!!!-I'm excited for u.

Kahlil Watkins-Little Rock, Arkansas

This snippet caught and kept my attention....I think that many people will be able to relate to this, especially those who have spiritual and religious beliefs and practices. I for one would easily relate and I consider these soft whispers my angels and God's Grace and Mercy!!

Dr. W-Raleigh, North Carolina

Wow...  "No Love"  is an awesome chapter.  It was very dark but real, the way life is.  The whispers are something that we all can relate to and have experienced in the past.  It really makes you sit back and think about the energy that you have around you and how it all can come together and influence your behavior on a day to day basis.  I am really looking forward to reading this wonderful book when it comes out.  The author has really planned and structured the story very well.   Awesome!!!!

Larry Warren, Consultant-Addison, TX

This book is full of wisdom and truth! It speaks to the soul of a person. The City of Guardians help readers to identify “the voices” that are with them everyday – some good – some bad, but that are there! The dynamics of the chapters pulls the reader in, by providing transparency into the thoughts and rationale of the “why” people do what they do! We make choices daily, based on that inner man – based on “that voice” that told us to, but now thanks to The City of Guardians we are more knowledgeable and we know the purpose of each, their names, and their mission! We are in position to submit to that voice, which has come to give us life and life more abundantly or we must get in position to take authority and rebuke that voice which has to come to kill, steal, and destroy us!

Thank you Biranda for your caring and compassionate spirit, which has led you to help deliver and direct the people into their destiny!

Kamekio Lewis, Author, Entrepreneur, Playwrighter-Memphis, TN

From the beginning of the foreword my interest was piqued! We all have heard these whispers, and to be able to delve into their possibilities is exciting in itself! I can't wait to see how the story of the Guardians unfolds, to see the havoc that Rip is sure to unleash on the unsuspecting. This book is definitely a must - read! 

Tiffany Green-Hunter, Lonoke, Arkanasas

Thank you for sharing this foreword and chapter with me.

I'm very intrigued with your story as I must admit that I often get a nagging voice; don't go that way, do this, do that. Wait! And of course I'll (we'll) never know the outcome of my (our) opposite reactions - as I (we) cannot live my (our) life(ves) twice?

I like to think we have guardians who watch over us, but then why do bad things happen?

So maybe after reading your story we will find the answers...

I thought your suggestion; about the ease at which the bad guardians can influence modern society, could be true and is a reflection on how our societies are sadly (de)evolving.

I look forward to interacting with your characters - on both sides of the coin - and joining them on their adventures.

Thank you for you kind and encouraging review of my debut short story - 'Faithful' the first in 'A mid-life' series.

I wish you all the very best and every success with your literary adventure!

Bless you.

Steve X, Author-England,UK

So close I can see the light...

June of 2012 I began a journey that was finished on Mother's Day of this year.
I finished my very first novel!
I have always loved writing and it came really easy for me. Putting my thoughts on paper and allowing others to read them was a type of release. I just never thought it was my passion. Of course when you are young, you don't think about passions and destinies. At least I didn't. But if there is something that comes to you very easily and you would do it as a job, even if you weren't going to get paid...it might be what you were 
created to do. Just a Thought.

Now, back to the book, it's entitled "The City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor" and this is what it's about:

Do you ever wonder about those little nudges and whispers you get from time to time. Those “Don’t go down this street” or “Change lanes”?

"The City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor" will show you who is behind those whispers and nudges. This book will make you take notice to the existence of things beyond our sight. The characters Stilo, who stands for Strength, and Rip, who represents Rage, will fight to make their voice the one you listen to. Which will you choose?

Stilo and Rip are just 2 of the 10 Guardians that will be talked about in the series. Alex Honor is a young boy who is thrust into their world because of his amazing gift, a gift that will save countless lives. 

I cannot begin to explain to you how excited I am about taking this journey with you. I listened to the right voice, will you?

Just a Thought....................................

All works Copyrighted 2013

I can do this man

Good Morning!

I haven't blogged in a while because I have been uber busy. And working on my prioritizing skills. My book, The City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor, is finished!
The joy I feel from saying this is indescribable. I love the body of work I have created and can't wait to share it with you. So now the fun stuff like getting it edited, marketing it and letting the World know about it starts. Throw in the mix a 21 mth old, a 12 y/o, a radio show(www.DFWiradio.com,The Honey Hour @ 11:00 am on Thursdays), a husband, house to keep clean, clothes to wash, food to cook,BSWM(Best South West Mom) contributor, FB,Twitter and a photography business(A & J Photography). Now, do you understand. Of course you do.

And you know the crazy thing about it all......I like the busy, I like being responsible for so many things and ppl. I enjoy my life. I love when it works and try to learn the lessons when it doesn't.

I have a friend in California named Janice and we spoke last night for the 1st time in about 2 years. IKR, 2 years. We are friends on FB so we've been able to keep up with each others lives through pictures and posts. But after talking to her and hearing her voice and enjoying the conversation so much, I realized that I have to slow down. I have to make the effort to call more of my friends and hear their voices. Only so much can be said in a post.

I am determined to start remembering ppl's phone numbers, like back in the day. We've gotten so dependant on technology that some ppl don't even know their own phone number. Don't get me wrong, social media, technology, all that is great and sometimes a necessity. But life is about experiencing, it's about sharing, listening, remembering and cherishing. Call 1 friend a week and listen to them, laugh with them, remember with them. Slow down. It's okay.

Just a Thought.......