K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 73

The Severaine, available for pre-order

Hi all, it is with great pleasure I announce that the second book in The Forgotten Legacies Series, The Severaine, is now available for pre-order

10% of the royalties from this title with be going to:

The St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) who provide practical and emotional support to military personnel, their families and other entitled civilians when they are in hospital, rehabilitation or recovery centres and support patients from all three services, wherever they serve.

Cover:

Synopsis:

Civilisations rise and fall leaving only dust and legend in their wake. Kingdoms were lost, and races forgotten. Across the countless span of time one threat rises, heralding the end of man’s rule, and laying to waste those who defiled its mistress. It is known as the Severaine, a power that in vengeance could bring even the Gods themselves to their knees. Each era overcame this peril so a new world could rise from the ashes of old. Lost within such wisdom could be the answers our heroes seek, a means to stop the threat before a new cycle is born.

But legends can lie and history can be mistaken.

There is another tale, a fable on the lips of few, it speaks of the means to force this power into submission, and there are those who would seek to bend this devastating might to their will.

Creatures rise, guardians wake, and sometimes even the meddling hands of man can turn divine plans awry. The prophesies of old were reforged by death and whisper now a chilling truth. If this path continues unobstructed there is only one conclusion. The end of man and god alike.

But there are some secrets that should never be uncovered and paths which mortals must fear to tread.

When revenge knows no boundaries there are some bonds even death cannot destroy.

Whilst only the e-book is available for pre-order I would like to remind my readers that if you buy the paperback of any of my books: Herbal Lore, Darrienia, and The Severaine, through Amazon as it is enrolled in the Kindle Matchbook program you will can get the kindle edition for free.

Book links:

UK The Severaine

US The Severaine

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The Severaine: Cover reveal

It is with great excitement and pleasure I take this moment to reveal the cover of my next book, The Severaine, Book 2 in The Forgotten Legacies Series.

I want to take a brief moment to thank the person who painstakingly designed not only the cover, but the amulet from the description in my book. This cover is beyond what I could have hoped for. You know who you are, you don’t wish to be named, but thank you.

Without further ado, I give you, The Severaine

Whilst The Severaine is a stand alone story, here’s the link to the first book in the series, Darrienia, which is currently a finalist in the Independent Author Book of the Year awards, in case you want to read it. Darrienia book link

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Book review: Hungry Ghosts by Calvin Demmer

Hungry Ghosts is a short horror story written by Calvin Demmer

The Hungry Ghost festival is the most important festival of hungry ghost month in China. The gates of hell are opened and hungry ghosts are released to find food or to take revenge on those who have behaved badly. Their ancestors present offerings to feed these ghosts, as well as burn clothes, money and items they may need in the after life. But some ghosts are not so easily appeased.

Lara and Ray take a vacation in China in the middle of this festival, they are at a crossroads in their relationship and this vacation, for Lara at least, is make or break. Lara was given a card advising of the correct etiquette to observe during Hungry Ghost month, and already Ray has disrespected their traditions. His whole attitude is wrong, and soon the future of their relationship is the least of their concerns.

This was a really nicely written short story which not only teaches about the Chinese festival but gives you the feel of actually being there. For a short story you get a good feel for the characters, and the situations they are facing. Nicely descriptive with a good flow and certainly suitable to fans of point horror, young adult, and adult horror.

Amazon link: Hungry Ghosts

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The Severaine, teaser two

Good morning all,

Given the favourable response to the first teaser I posted on social media I’ve decided to post my teasers here now as well until The Severaine is released in September

Without further ado, here is teaser two[image error]

Progress update: The final polishing of The Severaine is underway and I am receiving positive feedback from my beta readers, thank you to those of you out there honouring me with this favour[image error]

I am still working on the synopsis, I find it the most difficult part to write. It is almost right now, it just needs a little tweaking.

I hope you all have an amazing week, I’ll be back soon with my latest book review. Take care.

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Book review: The Witch’s Kiss by Tricia Schneider

The Witch’s kiss by Tricia Schneider  is the forth book the Merriweather Witches series and is the first one I have picked up. This particular book follows the plight of Sage, a witch harbouring a dark and deadly secret, and Marianne, a ghost for all intents and purposes but for one small detail, her body still draws breath. Marianne and Sage seek for the means to undo the curse placed upon her but a cure seems beyond the realm of hope. Side by side they battle the odds together, learning untold secrets about each other, and some of these secrets are so dark, so life altering, it could bring to question the very nature of their relationship. Both are cursed, both are haunted by events of their past.

Since I started at book 4 I can confidently say Tricia Schneider does what all great series authors do, creates a stand alone tale when no foreknowledge of the previous books are required. Never at any point did I feel I had missed an important snippet of information, and anything I needed to know from the previous books was nicely explain in context to the story unfolding.

I found The Witch’s Kiss to be a gripping and interesting romantic paranormal, with a twist or horror and humour to keep the reader on their toes. The characters were enjoyable and the style easy to follow with nice pacing and flow. There is certainly enough curiosity to ensure the reader keeps turning the pages.

Amazon link: The Witch’s Kiss

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Book review: Destiny Series: Five Novelettes With A Twist by Casi McLean

Destiny Series: Five Novelettes With A Twist by Casi McLean is a wonderful collection of five short stories. Fate plays a role in everyone’s future, and to some nothing short of a miracle is needed to ensure things are as they should be. From strange happenings, alternate lives, all the way to time travel, this collection has something for everyone and shows deep insight into the author’s diversity.

Casi McLean shows great talent, creating five short yet captivating tales. Each filled with vivid characters, different plots, and unique twists, all encompassing a single theme, destiny. From paranormal to enchanting, these stories contain a touch of magic to warm the heart.

I have to say I really enjoyed all five of the stories, but if I had to choose one to be a favourite it would have to be the second. For me it had a very ‘It’s a wonderful life.’ feel to it. It was beautifully descriptive and the scenes were set perfectly. But making a choice between them is hard, each tale has so much to offer and its own little piece of magic. It’s very difficult to write a review without giving away spoilers, so I’ll simply say this, if you enjoy paranormal, romance and tales woven on fate this is a book that you will love.

Here’s the link on Amazon: Destiny Series: Five Novelettes With A Twist

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Darrienia, a finalist in the 2016 IAN book awards!

Good evening all,

Those of you who follow me on social media will already have heard the brilliant news.

This morning I was informed that Darrienia, Book one in The Forgotten Legacies Series is a finalist in the Independent Author book of the year awards.

I can still barely contain my excitement. I am so truly honoured to have made it this far and can honestly say I never expected it.

I want to take this opportunity once again to thank everyone who has encouraged me.

Book link: Darrienia

Have a brilliant night everyone xx

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Book review: Grind by Edward Vukovic

Grind by Edward Vukovic  is a fiction novel touching on aspects of romance, mystery, and occult. However the main focus of Grind is the effect people unknowingly have on other people’s lives. It follows Ziva, Michel, Simon, Isaac, and Danielle. Five strangers whose paths cross and alter the course of another’s future.

Ziva was raised to read coffee, her skills taught to her by her baba (Grandmother.) whose skills were sought far and wide by those wishing to learn of the future. Ziva understands all too well people do not always want to hear what they are foretold, yet she speaks the truth, whether they accept it is another matter. Ziva avoids reading for herself, but to know the future is tempting, and an urge she could no longer resist.

One of the most interesting things about Grind is the manner in which it was written. It takes the lives of five different characters and subtly combines them so they each have a profound and sometimes unknown effect of the lives of those mentioned. The book is written in parts, and whilst from multiple perspectives is all done in first person with a unique voice for each character. Each character has their own story, their own plot, it would be easy to view this book as a collection of shorter stories with two common themes, coffee and consequence. The descriptive voice of the author is well-developed, and the unfolding of events toward the dramatic conclusion is expertly executed. I can honestly say I’ve not read anything quite like it. It truly makes you sit back and reflect on how the things you do can effect people you may never even have met.

 

Amazon link: Grind

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Book review: Soul Retrievers by David Burton

Soul retrievers is an occult horror novel written by David Burton.

Getter is a soul retriever with a reputation, he always gets his soul. So when young Brittany’s parents enlist his services after discovering their daughter was mistakenly sent to hell they expected results. But no one expected these results. Soul retrievers are expected to operate discretely, delivering those misjudged to Heaven’s gate, but discretion isn’t always an option, especially when you’ve made enemies of some very influential demons. Running the mazes of Hell in search of Brittany, while avoiding the traps, perils, and monsters is one thing, doing so while being hunted is another. But why exactly does Mephisto seem so intent to ensure Getter never leaves. There is more to his hatred than meets the eye, and the discovery of the truth only brings more danger. Getter needs allies if he is to survive, but who in Hell would consider helping him?

Author creates a fantastic and plausible, nail biting, tension filled adventure through Hell. Filled with unique demons, native and scary wildlife, and brilliant scenery. He remaps hell, and believe me, everyone has a home here, a punishment to suit the crime. Filled with an array nicely developed characters, each with their own individuality you can’t help but want to discover where their paths lead. This book is not door the faint-hearted and there is imagery that will haunt you for long after you’ve finished.

Amazon Link: Soul retrievers

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Great news, Darrienia is now on multiple platforms

As you all my know my book Darrienia hit the Amazon.com number one best seller in two categories for a little over two weeks. An amazing achievement for which I thank my wonderful readers.

Given the recent interest it has been suggested to me, by a number of you, that I should release my book across other platforms. Your words have been heeded my friends. Darrienia is now available on Blio, iBooks, Inktera, Kindle, Kobo, Nook, Oyster, Scribd, Smashwords and  Yuzu. Not to mention enrolled in e-book library distribution and reaches OverDrive (world’s largest library ebook platform serving 20,000+ libraries), Baker & Taylor Axis 360, Gardners (Askews & Holts and Browns Books for Students), and Odilo. So whatever your preferred device you can rest assured you can find it.

As a special thanks, until the end of July, for anyone who has already purchased my book on Kindle I will provide a coupon for Smashwords with 100% price discount allowing you to download the book for free on your desired device. To get your voucher simply complete the contact form at the bottom of this post and include your Amazon order number as proof of purchase and I will send you a code.

Done forget, book two of the Forgotten Legacies Series will be out later this year.

 

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