Zweihander

Zweihander means two-hander. As in a two handed sword.  Which means the sword is large and heavy enough that it requires two hands to use.  The Zweihander is also known as a Great Sword.  Also known as a Long Sword.  

And unlike most swords, these swords are not carried in a sheath on the hip but across the back.  

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Reflection posts!

Don't forget, on May 3rd we are linking up to post about our thoughts, comments, concerns, and what we love about this years A-to-Z Challenge!  You can read more about the reflections posts HERE! 

Displaced by Joni Heirtzler

Joni Heirtzler is living the dream, even when it takes a tremendous amount of work, sweat and tears.

In the ninth grade, she began attending an early-college high school so she could graduate with her associates degree at the time of her high school graduation. She’s attained that degree, earning two scholarships in the process to further her education.

At the age of eighteen she’s ahead of most students her age, academically, and she wants to do more. She has a dream to see the world, but not only see it, to serve others while she’s overseas.

She’s chosen to do this through the International Language Program, a nonprofit organization that places people from the U.S. with schools in other countries to help teach the students English.

She’s signed up for Lithuania.

But there’s a setback. Because Joni has been enrolled in college courses, serving the community in association with the National Honor Society, finishing her high school degree, and participating in track and orchestra, she’s had little time to find regular employment. Her family has helped, but she needs more.
She’s worked hard to earn her own way to go to Lithuania with ILP, and she’s drawing on her talents any way she can to get the remaining funds.

As a talented writer, she’s compiled three short stories to sell as an ebook, all the funds going to help children she doesn't even know. 

The three story compilation is entitled Displaced and can be purchased on Amazon for only 2.99. It contains three stories, The Influence, Last Minute and Rain.

 ~ Purchase on Amazon ~ 

 ~ To make additional donations, an account has been set up on Razoo. ~ 

Excerpt from The Influence:
“Precious memories swam through my mind. I hadn't realized how dull life was without a body until I'd received one. The world had become vibrantly beautiful. I remembered the first day; all of the senses overbearing.”

Bio:

Joni Heirtzler is the second of five children. She’s active in track, plays the violin and loves to serve others. She’s kind and compassionate and dreams of seeing more of the world before settling down to complete another two years of college to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She’s planning on pursuing a degree in marketing through Southern Utah University as soon as she returns from Lithuania.

 ~ Review coming soon ~ 

Yatagan

The Yatagan (or Yataghan) is knife (or short sabre). It is a single edged, thin, curved blade. And one of the weapons I was able to find the most on.  However mostly it is a history of the actual weapon rather than how the weapon was used.  You can read more about it on Wikipedia. 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Reflection posts!

Don't forget, on May 3rd we are linking up to post about our thoughts, comments, concerns, and what we love about this years A-to-Z Challenge!  You can read more about the reflections posts HERE! 

Cover Reveal: The Warriors Code ~ David James

Live by the Code. 

Die by the Code. 

 "In the magical world of the Order, Warriors fight for justice, freedom, and peace. Becoming a Warrior is an honor given to few, and twelve-year-olds Zackery Solts and Kate Black will do anything to have a place among the elite. Zack and Kate must compete against eighteen others and pass three deadly tests of courage and skill. Above all, they must be strong because while the dangers of the tests are unknown, one thing is clear: not everyone will survive."

Available 5.14.13

The Warrior’s Code (Book 1.2) is an e-format prequel short story in the Legend of the Dreamer series that can be read before or after Light of the Moon (Book 1) and The Witch's Curse (Book 1.1). 

David James writes books about stars and kisses and curses. He is the author of the YA novel, LIGHT OF THE MOON, the first book in the Legend of the Dreamer series, as well as the companion novellas, THE WITCH'S CURSE and THE WARRIOR’S CODE. The sequel, SHADOW OF THE SUN, will be released in late 2013. Living in Michigan, he is addicted to coffee, gummy things, and sarcastic comments. He enjoys bad movies, goofy moments, and shivery nights. Be sure to visit David’s blog and Facebook to learn more about his various addictions and novels.

Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads  Amazon  Blog

Paperback Release: When Silver Moon Rise ~

Title: When Silver Moons Rise (The Lost Immortals 2)

Author: KaSonndra Leigh

ebook release: January 20, 2013

Paperback Release: April 21, 2013

Genre: Young Adult

Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Facing an unstable future, Chela Prizeon leaves Castle Hayne and crosses over to enemy territory in pursuit of Faris--the boy of royal blood who is cursed by a bitter rival. But soon Chela learns that he has been taken deep into the treacherous frozen prisons--a majestic, but deadly place where people enter and are never seen again. To find the boy she loves, Chela must join forces with one of her greatest enemies. And even though she pulls strength from the good in her powers, she finds herself drawn to the dark side's temptation as well.

Narrated from both Chela's and Faris's point of view, this enchanting sequel to When Copper Suns Fall will take them on a voyage into unknown lands, where the dark, twisted, and revengeful wait to make this their most dangerous journey ever.

Please Note: This book contains mature content including profanity, drug/alcohol use, and sexual situations/language.

I live in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina. I write about people doing fantastical things in magical worlds. Sometimes they fall for each other and make sacrifices for their friends. Oh, and sometimes they love music and nature too. I live with my two sons,a guinea pig, a cat, and two dogs. Now that I have completed my MFA in creative writing, I find that I have a little extra time to play CLUE more often. I live in an L-shaped house dedicated to my grandmother. It has a secret library complete with fairies, venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass.

The Lost Immortals: When Copper Suns Fall is my debut novel.

 ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ 

 ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Smashwords ~ 

Xiphos

The Xiphos is the Greek short double-edged. It was their secondary battle weapon, next to the Javelin. 

Xiphos' can have cross sections, sometimes decorated.  And sadly not many Xiphos survived.  

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Reflection posts!

Don't forget, on May 3rd we are linking up to post about our thoughts, comments, concerns, and what we love about this years A-to-Z Challenge!  You can read more about the reflections posts HERE! 

War Hammer

The War Hammer, -not to be confused with a nail hammer (unless you're going to war against a bucket of nails) - was used as a close combat weapon.  

The hammer was made hard and out of metal so when fighting against a sword or other long weapon like it, it would simply bounce off rather than cut the handle.  

Against armor, the War Hammer was very handy.  Unlike a sword that would simple ricochet off the armor, the War Hammer was sturdy, and strong enough to land a deadly blow to the helmet.  

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Reflection posts!

Don't forget, on May 3rd we are linking up to post about our thoughts, comments, concerns, and what we love about this years A-to-Z Challenge!  You can read more about the reflections posts HERE! 

Voulge

A Voulge is another Glaive, or like the Glaive.  One large difference is how the secondary blade is attached. Rather than having a socket built for it (like on the Glaive), two thirds of the blade was attached to the side of the pole.  

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Undetermined

No, the name of the weapon is not undetermined.  I just couldn't decide which U weapon to write about.  You see, I actually took requests/suggestions on this one because I really couldn't come up with anything.  And here is what I got: 

Usury:  "the practice of making unethical or immoral monetary loans." (Source Wikipedia) 

Uchigatana: A Japenese sword much like the Ninjato or Katana (which I already posted about!) 

and last but not least, my personal favorite; 

Unicorn.  Why is this one my favorite? Because I love mythical creatures and it's true! No really, though Unicorns are myth, they were actually evil.  Well in some myths. Most myths depict Unicorns as beautiful, kind, enchanting creatures who heal and protect.  But then there are the myths that say Unicorns are evil, disgusting creatures that are beautiful on the outside only to lure people to them before impaling them with their horns. 

See? All weapons! 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Tomahawk

The Tomahawk is also referred to as simply 'Hawk'.  It is an axe. The kind you throw. Though it was also used as a hand to hand combat weapon. Most commonly used by Native Americans.  (Not the kind of Axe Dwarves use, in case you were wondering). 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Stiletto

I'm not talking about the kind you wear on your foot, but the deadly dagger that shoe was based off of. 

Yep, the Stiletto didn't start out as a shoe.  It started out as a weapon.  But if you know what a stiletto heal looks like, you can guess what the dagger is like.  

The blade is small, long, and painful.  And of all the daggers, this one is probably my favorite. 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Rope Dart

The Rope Dart is as exactly as it sounds.  A long rope with a deadly dart on the end.  In Medieval times, if you knew how to use a Rope Dart, you were treated with the highest respect.  

Why? Because more people died trying to learn how to use them than people who actually mastered it. You use the rope as a means to control the dart, much like in Shanghai Noon when (Jackie Chan) is fighting the two guys behind the bar and he winds the rope around himself multiple times, making it so he can use the shoe horse as a weapon.  

Just replace the horse shoe with a dart, a very sharp, deadly dart. 

That really isn't the best example because it wasn't quite like that. But this at least gives you an idea. 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Book Blitz ~ Magic School USA: Easy "A"

Title: Magic School USA: Easy "A"

Author: Li Chaka

Genre: Paranormal Comedy

Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Book Description:

Harry Potter meets Animal House in this magical comedy about a school crazier then

any other!

Richard "Vegas" Beltran is an underachiever. That’s bad for any student, but it’s

especially bad when you go to a wizardry school. Black Magic is something to

be taken very seriously, but Vegas has been caught smoking “eye of newt” in

the boys’ bathroom, and all of his bubbling cauldrons seem to contain ice and

alcohol…

The principal, Professor Diaz, is ready to drop Vegas into a slower-paced magic

class. But Vegas would rather die, Houdini-style, in a botched escape act than

have to suffer through “remedial magic.” After all, Vegas only came to Absolution

High, school for the “Special Sciences,” to learn a spell that would bring his

girlfriend, Katherine, back from the dead.

Unfortunately, now that his tuition's been paid, he finds that resurrecting the

dead is an act of Godslaughter—a forbidden form of magic—and at Absolution

Academy, an illegal activity.

But “illegal” is a funny word…and one among many that Vegas doesn’t know the

meaning of…

Author Bio:

Li Chaka is spends her time dreaming about drunken wizards, music obsessed necromancers and Bill Murray movies (Ghostbusters 2 being the FAV!). Sometimes she writes down these strange ideas just for her own enjoyment. Then she heard that some people actually make MONEY off of writing and selling their strange ideas. Lord have Mercy! Will wonders ever cease !? Magic School U.S.A is her first published book but it won't be her last.

~ Purchase a copy on Amazon ~ Websites ~ Fanpage ~ 

Quarterstaff

Quarterstaves (plural), also known as a short staff or just staff, is a pole weapon. Used for stick fighting.  Yep, it's a stick.   So why call it a Quarterstaff?  It it believed to be that they would cut a tree into quarters, and each quarter was shaped into a staff.  

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Portcullis

The Portcullis, is a very sneaky weapon.  Armies charging at your door, you wait, and wait, and wait, and just when they think they're getting in, you drop it on them. They are stabbed, crushed, dead, and the men behind them can't get to you.  

Archers would also shoot through the holes in the Portcullis giving them something to stand behind while still having enough room to shoot the arrow through.   

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Obsidian

Obsidian . . . , who knew that one of the oldest weapons around would have come  from the ground and not something man created?  

Obsidian is natural glass, an igneous rock created by lava.  And it is sharp, beautiful, and deadly. 

Arrowheads were carved from obsidian, still are.  And these arrowheads were tethered to poles creating hatchets, spears, and arrows.  

It is quite painful getting cut on a piece of Obsidian (I know from experience). 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Ninjato

There isn't any actual evidence that the Ninjato, a Katana like sword used by Ninja's actually exists. 

But how could I talk about weapons and not mention Ninja's? 

And no joke, everything I looked up about this word came up as "Due to lack of proof that it exists . . . " on and on and on, I really don't have much info to give you on it. 

 Maybe that is because the Ninja's are so stealthy and sneaky, they keep the information hidden.  

But now you can wonder. *Smiles* 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Morning Star

The Morning Star is a club with one or more spikes. It resembles a mace, when hit with one, they can be very deadly, and if it doesn't kill you, you will wish it had.  The length of the spike can vary greatly. 

The Morning Star was most often used by, and considered a the Horseman's weapon. 

The Mace was considered to be the weapon of knights.  

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge.  

Longbow

In case anyone was wondering, the longbow is my weapon of choice. And to give you an acurate idea of what a longbow is, Legolas (from Lord of the Rings) uses a longbow.  Hawkeye (from The Avengers) uses a re-curve bow. (The two are very often mistaken for the same thing.)

The Longbow was a very specialized weapon in medieval ages.  It took years to be trained by a master to learn how to accurately shoot a Longbow.  Where as the Crossbow only took a few weeks. BUT as I already said, the longbow had more accuracy.


 *Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Knives

You know what a Dagger is. Now I am going to teach you what a knife is. And what makes them different. 

What is a knife?

A sharp blade used for slicing, chopping, and cutting. 

And here are a list of things that make a knife different from a dagger or sword: 

• One Edged, only one side of the blade is sharp. 
• They are shorter than swords. 
• Not good for thrusting or stabbing, they usually don't have as good of balance. 
• You use a knife to cut vegetables and other food products. (Unlike the sword and dagger.)

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Cover Reveal: Octavian's Undoing ~ By Airicka Phoenix

Octavian’s Undoing by Airicka Phoenix

Book Name: Octavian’s Undoing

Series Title: Sons of Judgment Series

Author: Airicka Phoenix

Publisher: Airicka Phoenix

Release date: May 2013

Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance

Warnings: Sexual content, Language

Formats: eBook & Paperback

Other Novels:

Touching Smoke ~  Touching Eternity ~  Games of Fire ~ 

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Facebook ~ Airicka's Design page on Facebook ~ Goodreads

Synopsis:

Octavian Maximus has already given up his life once for a love that left him empty. He isn’t about
to give up his afterlife for a green-eyed, red-haired spitfire with no sense of self-preservation and a smile
that could melt even his icy heart, especially since he’s so close to being given a second chance at living
again. For a Son of Judgment, being offered life is the reason they were so willing to murder without
remorse. Octavian is one of the best. He’s never failed to take out a Mark, until the night one got away
and he let it, unsuspecting of the consequences of his mistake. When the Mark tracks him, hell bent on
revenge, Octavian is ready for it. What he isn’t prepared for is Ryleigh jumping in to protect him or her
death because of it.

Ryleigh Masters has her own problems. Her father was laid off… again, bills are piling up and
the rent is due. When she’s given the waitressing job at Final Judgment, it’s a dream come true, until
she meets the owner’s son. Octavian makes it no secret that he wants her gone, but Ryleigh has already
signed the contract and she needs this job. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep it, even put
up with the unreturned feelings Octavian provokes in her. The night he’s attacked, the last thing she
expected to happen was to die and wake up with Octavian’s knife at her throat and her life irrevocably
changed.

Javelin

Many old Egyptian paintings, carvings, and hieroglyphs depict a picture of various beings throwing javelins. 

Javelins have been used by many countries, through different cultures, and though they have many names, they are still the same thing.  

 The Javelin is even still used today, though as a sport rather than a weapon.  What they are used for has changed, but not the how.  The Javelin is a throwing weapon, a long pole with a spear on the tip.  

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge.

Iklwa

The Iklwa is another version of the Assegai (which is like a Javelin). Other known names: Ixwa.  It was created by Shaka of the Zulu.  The Iklwa has a two foot shaft with a much larger, wider blade about one foot long.  And used as a stabbing weapon. 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

Help Someone in Need: A Book Bomb for Ben Wolverton

Ben Wolverton, age 16, was in a tragic long-boarding accident on Wednesday the 4th, 2013. He suffers from severe brain trauma, a cracked skull, broken pelvis and tail bone, burnt knees, bruised lungs, broken ear drums, road rash, pneumonia, and is currently in a coma. His family has no insurance.

Ben is the son of author David Farland, whose books have won multiple awards, and who is widely known as a mentor to many prominent authors, such as Brandon Sanderson, Stephenie Meyer, and Brandon Mull. Costs for Ben's treatment are expected to rise above $1,000,0000. To help raise money for Ben, we are having a book bomb (focused on Nightingale and Million Dollar Outlines) on behalf of Ben.

You can learn more about Ben's condition, or simply donate to the Wolverton family here: http://www.gofundme.com/BensRecovery

What is a Book Bomb?

For those that don’t know, a Book Bomb is an event where participants purchase a book on a specific day to support the author, or, in this case, a young person in serious need: Ben Wolverton. 

David Farland’s young adult fantasy thriller Nightingale has won seven awards, including the Grand Prize at the Hollywood Book Festival—beating out ALL books in ALL categories. It has been praised by authors such as James Dashner (The Maze Runner), Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn), and Paul Genesse (Iron Dragon series), and has received four and a half starts on Amazon. You can read reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P7SEBY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B006P7SEBY&link_code=as3&tag=davidfarnet-20

(Book Synopsis)

Some people sing at night to drive back the darkness. Others sing to summon it. . . .

Bron Jones was abandoned at birth. Thrown into foster care, he was rejected by one family after another, until he met Olivia, a gifted and devoted high-school teacher who recognized him for what he really was—what her people call a "nightingale."

But Bron isn't ready to learn the truth. There are secrets that have been hidden from mankind for hundreds of thousands of years, secrets that should remain hidden. Some things are too dangerous to know. Bron's secret may be the most dangerous of all.

Nightingale is available as a hardcover, ebook, audio book, and enhanced novel for the iPad. 

You can purchase it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P7SEBY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B006P7SEBY&link_code=as3&tag=davidfarnet-20 (If you buy ANYTHING else on Amazon, with or without Nightingale, through this link a small percentage will also go to David Farland. So if you have a few other books you want to read, get all of them if you can.)

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nightingale-david-farland/1107084747?ean=2940016100463 

on the Nightingale website: http://www.nightingalenovel.com/ 

or, you can get the enhanced version, complete with illustrations, interviews, animations, and its own soundtrack through iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nightingale/id560309064?mt=11




If you are a writer, you may want to consider purchasing David Farland’s Million Dollar Outlinesinstead. Both books are part of the book bomb. Million Dollar Outlines has been a bestseller on Amazon for over a month and is only $6.99.

(book description:)

As a bestselling author David Farland has taught dozens of writers who have gone on to staggering literary success, including such #1 New York Times Bestsellers as Brandon Mull (Fablehaven), Brandon Sanderson (Wheel of Time), James Dashner (The Maze Runner) and Stephenie Meyer (Twilight).

In Million Dollar Outlines, Dave teaches how to analyze an audience and outline a novel so that it can appeal to a wide readership, giving it the potential to become a bestseller. The secrets found in his unconventional approach will help you understand why so many of his authors go on to prominence.

Get it on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B9JYJ6W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00B9JYJ6W&link_code=as3&tag=davidfarnet-20 (If you buy ANYTHING else on Amazon, with or without Million Dollar outlines, through this link, a small percentage will also go to David Farland. So if you have a few other books you want to read, get all of them if you can.)

Or on Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/million-dollar-outlines-david-farland/1114285069?ean=2940015965148

Read one of the 26 reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B9JYJ6W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00B9JYJ6W&link_code=as3&tag=davidfarnet-20


Would you like to just donate money? You can do that here: http://www.gofundme.com/BensRecovery 

If you can’t spare any money, but would still like to help, you can do so by telling others about Ben’s donation page, and/or this Book Bomb. Share it on facebook, twitter, pinterest, your blog—anywhere you can. We have an event page set up on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/453677124707603/

There is also a website set up here: http://www.helpwolverton.com/p/books-for-book-bomb.html

Thank you!

Ben and his family greatly appreciate your support, and so do all who love and care about them.

Halberd

Halberd translates to Staff Axe and that is exactly what it is.  

A cross between the Bec de Corbin and the Fauchard.

The Hallberd is also known as the Hellebarde.  It has an axe blade, sitting atop it is a long spike that all sit on a long pole.  This weapon was most common among the Swiss. It as  cheap to make, and very versatile in battle. Later on metal rims were added on over the shaft making the Halberd very effective in blocking other weapons.  Plenty of images can be found on Google and other search engines. 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge.

Glaive

Glaive is a very open term really, being the French term for Roman Short sword, however  also believed to originate from Celtic and Latin meaning just sword.  

Either way, most often believed to mean sword.  

But the European Glaive is known as a polearm, a single one edged blade at the end of a long pole. And very much like the original Fauchard (before being modified). 

Either way, a deadly weapon with a blade that is sharp and not something you want to be on the 

wrong end of. 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge. 

F is for a Friend in need

Yes, I know I already posted today but I have more to share and on a different topic. It just worked out that I post this today on all of the days in April.

You see my friend David Farland (Wolverton) has a son who was just in a long-boarding accident. They had Life-Flight him to Las Vegas, put him in a medically induced coma due to a crushed skull, many broken bones, bruised lungs, broken ear drum, and many other injuries.

And the bill is already reaching 4 million dollars.

SO, If you haven't read any of his books now would be a fantastic time to go get them and help support a friend, and his family during a really hard time for them!

David Farland ~ Amazon

Dave Wolverton ~ Amazon

David Farland ~ Barnes and Noble

Dave Wolverton ~ Barnes and Noble

Read the full story, Donate ~ HERE! 

Fauchards

A Fauchard is a pole with a long and curved blade, the cutting edge being on the concave side. 

It greatly  resembles a scythe or sickle.  

It was soon realized that the design made the weapon rather useless and was then shortly after changed to the Fauchard-fork.  The fork being the defining change, rather than one blade, two forked from each other. 

Again, I couldn't find very much information about the weapon or even pictures (aside from the modified version) but it is a very interesting weapon and I will definitely be looking into it again in hopes of finding more.  

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge.

Ear Dagger

This dagger is a rare one. Named because the distinctive shape of its pommel. Ear Daggers most often have a single sharpened edge that ends with an acute point. You can see many different versions on Google. 

I was unable to find much information about the dagger but found it rather interesting, the name and what it looks like. However I did find THIS website and they do have a bit more info. 

*Disclaimer: I have done extensive research on each of these weapons. I am aware that there are many different versions of each of these weapons. I am not trying to spread false information. If you know and can prove any information wrong, please let me know and I will fix my errors.  I have at least three references for all research on the weapons I will discuss through the challenge.