M.J. Gallagher's Blog, page 3
February 17, 2018
Regular Post 01
The post Regular Post 01 appeared first on Axtelera Ray.
February 13, 2018
The Seckry Sequence by Joseph Evans
.uc_elegant_team_member .uc_social {
padding: 21px 0 20px;
}
Joseph Evans
The Seckry Sequence
/* addon: Icon Hover Effect Button */
.uc_icon_hover_effect_button .uc_container_holder .uc_color-5 {
background:none;
}
Goodreads
/* addon: Icon Hover Effect Button */
.uc_icon_hover_effect_button .uc_container_holder .uc_color-5 {
background:none;
}
Amazon
Joseph Evans
Joseph Evans grew up in Cardiff, South Wales, UK, where he spent his childhood playing video games and watching anime. Reluctant to read for a lot of years, it was his love of Japanese animation that got him hooked, as his mum saw the book jackets for Chris Wooding’s Broken Sky series and bought him the first one as a gift when he was fourteen. He had read the odd book now and again before, but had never been so enthralled and captivated as he was by Broken Sky. Soon he began devouring the rest of the teenage fiction shelves and was introduced to the life changing His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman, and the masterpiece that is Harry Potter.
Joseph had always loved drawing and making music as a child, but with his new love of books, he began writing too, first short stories, then longer beginnings of novels. By the time he was sixteen, he had over a hundred pages written of a novel named The Unwanted Continent, but hadn’t planned the story beforehand, and became completely stuck (never mind being slightly distracted by his GCSEs).
At the end of sixth form college he began work on a second novel, Setasha, which he continued writing while at university studying Interactive Media. Ultimately his studies overshadowed the book (probably for the best, as he ended up with a 1st class!) and it suffered, once more, from a lack of planning.
On leaving university, Joseph got a job working part time in a bookshop alongside doing freelance CGI and visual effects for television shows and other projects. It was here amongst the books that he met the love of his life, Charlotte.
When the recession hit, and visual effects work dried up, Joseph grabbed an empty notebook and said to himself ‘This is it. This is the time to write my novel.’
It took him six months, between bookselling days, to plan the novel that would become City of the Falling Sky, and a further year and a half to write it.
Joseph still works as a bookseller today, and over the years he has had countless parents and teenagers approach him to ask, ‘what can you recommend?’ And although he has enjoyed books since, there are only a very small selection of books that he can truly recommend in terms of sheer reading pleasure, and the top of that selection is, unashamedly, Harry Potter.
Harry Potter was Joseph’s biggest inspiration when writing the first book in the Seckry Sequence (readers will undoubtedly see the similarities in regards to the structure of the book spanning one year of Seckry’s school life, and Friction being as important to Seckry as Quidditch is to Harry.) He wanted to write a book about characters that you would want to be friends with, a book in who’s world you would love to live.
Joseph’s love of all things electronic and the video game culture he grew up in also had a massive impact on City of the Falling Sky and writing about Seckry’s adventures in such a city felt like the most natural thing in the world. Seckry was always there, waiting for his story to be told.
Joseph loves writing The Seckry Sequence because it is the series he has always wanted to read.
He hopes you will love it too.
Book One: City of the Falling Sky
When Seckry Sevenstars is forced out of his village by the greedy Endrin Corporation and relocated to the daunting metropolis of Skyfall City, he harbours resentment for the company and vows to get them back one day for taking away his home, his school and his friends.
Fortunately, the marvels of the city do a good job in distracting Seckry from his anger and homesickness, and it isn’t long before he’s competing at Friction (the city’s most popular multiplayer video game), slurping awe-inspiring multicoloured milkshakes, and getting butterflies on his first date.
Then, when a mysterious email asks Seckry to break into the headquarters of the Endrin Corporation and steal a container full of worms for a hefty sum of money, his anger resurfaces, and he can’t resist the revenge he promised himself. Suddenly the question of what Endrin were doing with a few worms becomes the last thing on Seckry’s mind. What were Endrin doing with a human?
Book Series: The Seckry Sequence
Book One: City of the Falling Sky
Genre: YA Sci-fi fantasy
The post The Seckry Sequence by Joseph Evans appeared first on Axtelera Ray.
Moroda by L. L. McNeil
.uc_elegant_team_member .uc_social {
padding: 21px 0 20px;
}
L. L. McNeil
World of Linaria
/* addon: Icon Hover Effect Button */
.uc_icon_hover_effect_button .uc_container_holder .uc_color-5 {
background:none;
}
Goodreads
/* addon: Icon Hover Effect Button */
.uc_icon_hover_effect_button .uc_container_holder .uc_color-5 {
background:none;
}
Website
L. L. McNeil
Lauren has two writing careers, as a copywriter and as a self-published fantasy author. Her debut novel, Moroda, was released in spring 2017, the first book in a series of six. She is a member of Garage Fiction, a group of writers who commit to writing one piece of fiction every week, and discussing it on a podcast. She studied Psychology at Brunel University, has a fascination with MBTI, and loves reading and writing about introversion. Lauren lives in the UK and can’t wait for the day she can finally own a little cottage by the seaside!
Book One: Moroda
For Moroda, a former Goldstone, her life of luxury ends following her father’s sudden death. When her city is destroyed by a dragon, she and her sister ally with a sky pirate and narrowly escape the carnage—only to find a vigilante from an exiled race has left a trail of destruction everywhere his growing army has travelled. With compulsion at his fingertips, he strengthens his hold over Linaria’s people by stealing the power of dragons. It’s only a matter of time before Moroda, too, is forced to submit.
With war nipping at her heels and danger lurking in her companions and adversaries, Moroda must quickly learn about herself, her world, and the dragons so intent on reducing it all to ash.
Book Series: World of Linaria
Book One: Moroda
Genre: Epic fantasy
The post Moroda by L. L. McNeil appeared first on Axtelera Ray.
Mech Turtle
Mech Turtle by Rolf Bertz
Visit: rolfbertzart.blogspot.co.uk
The post Mech Turtle appeared first on Axtelera Ray.
Elena Dudina
ElenaDudina Professional Digital Artist
Elena Dudina is a Book and CD Covers designer, digital artist, photomanipulator, photo fantasizer…
Visit: elenadudina.deviantart.com
The post Elena Dudina appeared first on Axtelera Ray.
October 12, 2015
Hello world!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
July 1, 2015
Zeus: A Short Biography
Native name: Zεúς
Equivalent: Jupiter (Roman), Dyeus (Proto-Indo-European)
Deity of: Sky, Thunderstorms, Law, Justice, and more
Race: Olympians (Gods)
Spouse: Hera
Father of: Ares (to Hera), Hephaestus (to Hera), Apollo (to Leto), Artemis (to Leto), Athena (to Metis), Hermes (to Maia), Persephone (to Demeter), Aphrodite (to Dione) and Heracles (to Alcmene) among many others
In mythology:
Zeus is considered to be the “Father” of all gods and heroes, and chief of the Ancient Greek pantheon. From his throne in the divine palace – situated above the clouds of Mount Olympus – he watches over the universe, administering justice where it is required. The youngest son of the Titanes Cronus and Rhea, he was hidden on Earth by his mother so as to survive his father’s attempts of preventing his own prophecized downfall. When he had grown, Zeus rescued his siblings and led the rebellion against the Titanes, eventually overthrowing Cronus and being proclaimed ruler. Despite his authority, he is not omnipotent: he cannot change the fate of men and gods – only delay it – but has been responsible for the last few lifecycles to cleanse the Earth of its corrupt humans. He is also known for his multitude of consorts – including mortal ones – which have seen him father many Olympians and demi-gods, his favorite being Heracles. Zeus often rewards heroes, but brutally punishes wrongdoers; he once hung Hera upside down from the sky for her jealousy after she tried to drown Heracles in a tempest.
In Axtelera Ray:
Before the Age of the Great Forefathers, the Kingdom of Gaea was a violent and chaotic place ruled by the Titanes. When a third son was born to the wicked King Cronus, the baby was secretly taken to Earth where he would grow up on Crete without knowledge of his heritage. Upon his eventual return to Octavia, he united an army of several races and led an uprising against the throne. His victory heralded in the new Age, and Zeus reigned over Gaea for millennia as both a just king and valiant warrior. Often visiting Earth to influence its civilization and lie with human maidens, he in time fathered Heracles. It was upon Zeus’ insistence and guidance that Heracles came to live in Octavia, but his presence and immense strength would start a chain of events that would ultimately mean the doom of the elite.
Download the FREE 40-page preview edition of our forthcoming novel Axtelera Ray: The Chronicles of Astrone as a PDF or ePub to find out why it’s being rated at 5 stars!!!
Discover more from our incredible artists at their respective Facebook pages: and Andy Nicol.
Learn about other mythical figures by visiting our encyclopedia directory or mythical figures directory
The post Zeus: A Short Biography appeared first on Axtelera-Ray.
June 25, 2015
Write of the Valkyries
In Germanic mythology, there exist magnificent female beings that are associated with battle, fate and death – particularly of warriors killed in combat. While the Anglo-Saxon wælcyrie were sorceresses or female spirits of carnage, the Old Norse term valkyrjur translates as “choosers of the slain” and the legendary poems and sagas detail their roles.
“Helgi and Sigrun” by Johannes Gehrts
Characters in Celtic lore such as the war goddesses Baðβ (Badb) and Mororïganïs (Morrigan) also reflect certain aspects of the valkyrjur, unsurprising given that the cultures sometimes overlapped.
More than twenty valkyrjur are listed in the Eddas -though it is argued that only twelve served ant any given time – with names which often describe their appearance or traits. These include Gunnr (War), Göndul (Wand-wielder), Mist (Cloud) and Randgrið (Shield-truce), though the most famous may arguably be Brynhildr (popularized in German culture as Brünhilda) from the legends of Sigurðr (Sigurd, or Siegfried in German). Some of the fabled tales refer to the valkyrjur as being daughters of kings and lovers of heroic mortals, while others focus on their supernatural and shamanistic abilities of shaping the destiny of men. The maidens were also said to bear mead to the Einherjar at Valhöll, and attended the funeral of the God Baldr (Baldur), suggesting that their purpose in Old Norse traditions was varied.While valkyries are often depicted nowadays as beautiful maidens with noble agendas, it only tells part of the story with regards to the Norse valkyrjur. Valkyrjur were servants of Óðinn (Odin) who weaved their magic to determine the outcome of a battle, and in doing so “chose” who lived and who perished. They were described as burning bright with spears and shields, clad in helmets and armor, and riding horses across the sky. The warriors deemed to have died a glorious and honorable death were selected and carried by these women into the realm of the gods; half went with them to Óðinn in Valhöll (Valhalla) while the other half were sent to Freıə (Freyja) at Fólkvangr (Folkvang). At Valhöll, the deceased would become einherjar: soldiers of Óðinn who prepared each day for the events of Ragnarök.
In Axtelera Ray:
Lethal female fighters loyal to the Palace of Valhalla, the Valkyries are the Royal Guard whose sworn duty is to protect the Allfather and his family. They are carefully selected and trained at Fólkvang, Vanaheim, and differ from the Einherjar as their division is gender specific and their duty never lies beyond Valhalla. Valkyries are rarely seen, but their golden Dragonleather armor and winged helmets are easily recognizable. They are led by Commander Bjarg, an intelligent woman with a reputation for strategy and sarcasm.
Download the FREE 40-page preview edition of our forthcoming novel Axtelera Ray: The Chronicles of Astrone as a PDF, Kindle file or ePub to find out why it’s being rated at 5 stars!!!
Discover more from our incredible artists at their respective Facebook pages: and Andy Nicol.
Learn more about mythology by visiting our encyclopedia directory or mythological trivia page
The post Write of the Valkyries appeared first on Axtelera-Ray.
June 22, 2015
Thor in Norse Lore
‘Thor’s Fight with the Giants’ by Mårten Eskil Winge
Native name: Þórr
Equivalent: Thunor (Anglo-Saxon), Donar (Germanic)
Deity of: Thunderstorms, Strength, Protection, Hallowing and more
Race: Half-Aesir (Gods), half-Jotnar (Giants)
Spouse: Sif
Father of: Modi (to Sif), Thrud (to Sif), Magni (to Jarnsaxa)
In mythology:
An illegitimate son of Odin to the personified earth giantess, Jord, Thor’s immense strength and rash behavior are renowned throughout Germanic lore. He is among the mightiest of the Aesir and wields a dwarf-made hammer called Mjölnir that, by his hand, is capable of smashing valleys into mountains. Thor’s sworn enemies are the giants of Jotunheim which he is regularly engaging in contests or slaying outright. As the Jotnar are considered to represent the chaotic forces of nature, his role is more complex than simply violence and warmongering: his actions restore balance. He lives at Bilskirnir with his wife, Sif, on the fields of Thrudvang in Asgard, and travels in a chariot drawn by two goats. The prophecy of Ragnarök states that he will both kill and be killed by the monstrous serpent Jormungand. Thursday (Thor’s Day) is named after him.
In Axtelera Ray:
During the Age of the Great Forefathers, Thor was the epitomy of the tyranny shown by the Aesir towards other races in the Kingdom of Yggdrasil. While he would never be a prince like his half-brother Baldur, he was held in high regard by the nobles of Asgard. It was Thor’s reckless murder of the Jotun Lord Geirröd and his daughters in their own castle that sparked the rebellion of Ragnarök. He was ultimately slain by Jörmungand at the Battle of Vígrid, and was succeeded by his son Módi. His infamous weapon, Mjölnir, is now on display at the Ragnarök Memorial Museum in Stellarheim.
Download the FREE 40-page preview edition of our forthcoming novel Axtelera Ray: The Chronicles of Astrone as a PDF, Kindle file or ePub to find out why it’s being rated at 5 stars!!!
Discover more from our incredible artists at their respective Facebook pages: and Andy Nicol.
Learn about other mythical figures by visiting our encyclopedia directory or mythical figures directory
The post Thor in Norse Lore appeared first on Axtelera-Ray.
June 7, 2015
The Norse Fire Giants
Throughout global mythology, there is a huge variety of beings with destructive capabilities…but none more so than the Eldjotnar:
The Fire Giants of Old Norse.
‘A male Eldjotun’ by Meni Etim
Eldjötun is the Old Norse word for “Fire Giant”, Eldjötnar is plural. The lore of the Germanic religions heavily featured giants (Eutens – Anglo-Saxon, Etunaz – Proto Germanic, Jötnar – Old Norse), and they were generally seen as personifications of strong natural forces, though separate from the gods. Of the various races, the Eldjötnarare one of the least attested. While several tales in the Eddas and other historical Norse sources involve Jötnar or Hrímþursar (Frost Giants), only a single figure is identified as an Eldjötun. The role of the Fire Giants is very specific in Norse mythology: they are the destroyers of the universe at Ragnarök (Doom of the Gods). However, to understand them, one must understand where they come from.
In the Old Norse cosmology of Nine Worlds, the Fire Giants were believed to dwell in Múspellsheimr (Home of Muspell) – or simplyMúspell – one of the eldest realms. It was said to be a volcanic world far to the south, whose fires extended in ancient times and mixed with the ice of northern Niflheimr (Home of Mist) to create water, and thus all life. The name Múspell itself is derived from the Old High German term Mūspilli which appears in a 9th-century poem by the same title, describing the end of the world. The word Mūdspelli in Anglo-Saxon also denotes a similar thing, and is found in the poemHeliand. Immediately, parallels can be drawn between the domain of the Eldjötnar and their contribution to the Norse equivalent,Ragnarök. In particular, they are collectively given the epithet “Múspellsmegir” (Sons of Muspell) which suggests a double meaning: that, of course, depends on whether you interpret Múspell to be a place or an event.
Unfortunately, few details are given about the Fire Giants’ appearance or culture. As their primary function in mythology is to wreak destruction upon the Nine Worlds by engulfing them in fire, it could be assumed that they are a fierce warrior race. Their leader isSurtr (Surt) whose name means the “black” or “swarthy” one, and may allude to charred or leathery skin. In addition, he is considered the personification of volcanic activity, something that would have been historically important to the people of Iceland. The Prose Edda also mentions that during the final battles of Ragnarök, the weapons and armor of the Eldjötnar shine brilliantly, and Surtr’s own flaming sword is described as being “brighter than the sun”. However, other than Surtr, there are none who can be irrefutably distinguished as an Eldjötun, though a few bear their traits. For example, some texts list the giantess Sinmara as his consort, while one tale involving an eating contest between Loki and the giant Logi suggests the latter is an embodiment of fire. The Eldjötnar were nevertheless pivotal to Old Norse religion, and remain an interesting aspect of it.
In Axtelera Ray:
The Eldjotnar of Múspell are a race of muscular giants with dark skin and fiery veins, and can tolerate the great heat of their volcanic realm. Despite being at peace with the rest of the Kingdom of Yggdrasil, they keep themselves reasonably isolated. They can be rash and overbearing in nature, and retain ancient grudges of repression. It was their ancestors – though supported by many outside forces – who initiated the terrible war of Ragnarök and changed life in Octavia forever, something which every Eldjotun knows and is proud of. Strength and resolve are the attributes that these Fire Giants strive for, making them either tough opponents or useful allies on the political front. Lord Hitidróttin is their highest ranking official, and his council meets at Hraunstad, the capital city of Múspell.
Download the FREE 40-page preview edition of our forthcoming novel Axtelera Ray: The Chronicles of Astrone as a PDF or ePub to find out why it’s being rated at 5 stars!!!
Discover more from our incredible artists at their respective Facebook pages: and Andy Nicol.
Learn about other mythical races by visiting our encyclopedia directory or mythical races directory
The post The Norse Fire Giants appeared first on Axtelera-Ray.
