C. M. Skiera currently lives in the American Southwest, a long way from Michigan, where he grew up, graduated from Michigan State University, and started a thirty-plus-year career as a professional environmental engineer.
He and his wife are devoted dog-lovers who share their home with rescue dogs. Plea to a Frozen God is his fourth fantasy novel following The Oxbow Kingdom Trilogy (Crimson & Cream, Mirrors & Mist, and Warlock & Wyrm).
Author Brenda Perlin gives Plea to a Frozen God 5 stars. "There’s so much heart behind the message that had me falling in love with Plea to a Frozen God right away. The author has a special talent of making the reader feel something. This tale is full of soul. . . This novel is such an intense escape into fantasy but also has one thinking about life and the future of humanity. Frozen God is a smart, clever way of sharing an alternative reality. A place and time that feels different and yet familiar."
Author Shyler Tibbs at Almost Anything gives Plea to a Frozen God 4.5 stars. "The strong character arcs, particularly for Prince Ligo and Riggan, coupled with the thought-provoking themes and satisfying conclusion, make this a standout entry in the fantasy genre. The blend of familiar fantasy elements with more original concepts results in a fresh and entertaining read that leaves readers eager for more stories set in this world."
Amazon Top 500 Reviewer Diane Bylo (Tome Tender) rates Plea to a Frozen God 5 stars: "PLEA TO A FROZEN GOD unfolds to conflict and intrigue with characters that are so well-rounded, they come to life off the pages and the story never lets up once it’s out of the gate. A wonderful read that doesn’t disappoint!"
Author Sandra Kerns rates Plea to a Frozen God 5 stars: "There is a perfect blend of intensity and calm. I was never overwhelmed with the action (intense and exciting), dialogue (pulls you in as if you're part of the discussion), scene description (I tend to skip these in many books, but his were never too long or overly 'technical' but give a real feel of the space), or anything. I truly enjoyed it."
BookSirens reviewer Klara rates Plea to a Frozen God 5 stars: "The book keeps you on edge, and I was constantly surprised by how things played out. . . Secondly, oh my god, this book is wow!"
Jenny from Goodreads rates Plea to a Frozen God 5 stars: "I truly enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging and well-developed, with each chapter labeled by character point of view and opening quotes. The story was filled with adventure and excitement, making it a must-read for fantasy lovers."
Lovely Reads Press gives Plea to a Frozen God 4 stars: "Being able to be so immersed in a book that you haven't realized the hours that passed and that you've reached the final page, is a book that you want to get your hands on. Get into that escape that readers look for in a book and this one definitely fits that role."
Booksprout reviewer SmaGon rates Plea to a Frozen God 5 stars: "Great story with a lot of twists. A page turner."
Fantasy Book Reviews Gives Crimson & Cream 8 out of 10: ". . . this book is an amazing example of the quality that should be expected from any self-published novel."
Amazon Top 500 Reviewer Dii at Tome Tender rates Crimson & Cream 5 Stars: "Absolutely wonderful reading and the perfect cornerstone for a new fantasy trilogy!"
Author Jennifer Thompson gives Crimson & Cream 5/5 Stars: "For those devotees of Fantasy/Epic Fantasy this is a definite "must read." I wholeheartedly, and without reservation, recommend CRIMSON & CREAM!"
Author Brian Beam's Blog: "C.M. Skiera has a wonderful talent for description and dialogue, and his characters are unique and interesting."
Shaykitteh's World of Books: "A fun and exciting story, full of magic but - more importantly - likeable characters, I highly recommend reading Crimson & Cream."
A TiffyFit's Reading Corner: "I absolutely loved every minute I spent in this world. Your heart breaks for Jetsam, his band of orphans will make your heart ache . . ."
Rabid Readers Reviews Crimson & Cream: "The negative aspect of this novel is that I couldn't put it down."
Books, Reviews, Etc.: "There is never a dull moment when you think you want to quit reading."
Amazon.com Customer Reviews: "I found myself wanting to know more about the main character, and loved the way everything is intertwined."
Goodreads Reviews: "The action in this novel was written with a sense of urgency that invests the reader in the plot."
Shaykitteh's World of Books: "CM Skiera has managed to write another spellbinding tale, expanding on the first adventure while also tying in Seryn's past."
Tome Tender Book Blog: "The tension created by Mr. Skiera’s words is thick, the energy, heady and the loyalty of allies simply amazing! High adventure, dimensional scenes, sounds, smells and inner turmoil, it’s all here, all riveting, all addictive and an epic fantasy that will engage anyone with an eye for great storytelling."
Author Brian Beam on Goodreads: "Mirrors and Mist, book 2 of C.M. Skiera's Oxbow Kingdom Trilogy, far surpasses its predecessor in just about every way. The characters are given more depth, there are more twists and turns throughout the increasingly complex plot, the action scenes are more exhilarating, and there is a bigger dose of emotion."
The Reader's Hollow: "Just like the first book, I think fans of classic High Fantasy will really enjoy this trilogy."
Amazon Customer Reviews: "As the eagerly awaited 2nd book in the trilogy, Mirrors & Mist does not disappoint! I love the way the author writes and captures your attention, from start to finish."
Author Jennifer Thompson on Goodreads: "It is a perfectly-paced page-turner that sucked me in practically from the get go... I loved that I cared even more deeply about the characters with a genuine concern for their plights and triumphs."
Author Brenda Perlin on Goodreads: "The writing lures you in while the characters capture your heart and attention."
Tome Tender Book Blog: Once in a while an author creates a world that combines humor, action, danger and the grit of a desperate battle for survival, transporting readers out of their reading chair and into the heart of the unfolding tale. C.M. Skiera has done that with his Oxbow Trilogy, building a world of fantasy that is filled with characters that will steal your heart, characters that will raise your ire and evil that seems insurmountable!
Warlock & Wyrm is the stunning conclusion to an epic tale of survival, coming of age, allegiance and sacrifice that hits with the force of a tsunami, page after page! C.M. Skiera has built a world to believe in, heroes to cheer for and tension that never lets up as once again, good versus evil meet on the battlefield where unlikely allies stand together, finally united in understanding and acceptance. I cannot recommend C.M. Skiera’s Oxbow Trilogy enough to anyone who wants to feel part of another world whose heart beats on the pages of every scene.
Amazon Customer Review: "A thrilling end to an amazing trilogy! After waiting with much anticipation for the final book of the Oxbow Kingdom trilogy, I was not disappointed. This one had all the excitement, adventure and fantasy as the first two, and then some! The descriptive writing captivated me, and as each chapter came to a close, I found myself wrapped up in the story and not wanting to put it down. Warlock & Wyrm took everything from the first two books, and added to the character's depth. The story line was well-developed throughout, and filled with descriptions and details that made me feel like I was inside of the Oxbow Kingdom. I could feel the emotions and empathize with the characters. I loved this well written fantasy trilogy and highly recommend it to everyone from ages 12-112."
Amazon Customer Review: "...truly an epic fantasy! I loved the first two books in the series and this one was a welcome return. A smart escape with some paranormal elements to add to its surprises. Sublime and original. This mega trilogy lured me in with so much action and drama. The mystery that was about to unfold would leave me curious with questions and guessing where this would lead us. The author has the ability to tell a fictional tale but done so in a way that the characters and their actions are believable."
Amazon Customer Review: "Once again I could not put this third book in the trilogy down from the moment I started reading. The book is written so well that it fills your head with imagery as if you were watching the story play out on a big screen. I am sorry that the story is ended but thoroughly enjoyed reading each book in this trilogy."