Suzanne Rogerson's Blog, page 24

Silent Sea Chronicles: Cover reveal, Release date and Request for help

Two weeks ago I asked for your help choosing the cover of the box set for Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy.

Thanks for the votes and comments. One comment in particular made me look at the project in a different light so I went with…

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I went against what my heart wanted and chose with my head, going with the blue theme to symbolise the sea. I think it looks brilliant and I’m really happy with the job The Cover Collection have done on this and all my covers.

The release date is 4th October 2019 and here is the universal pre-order link.

The best news is, I’m selling the box set for a special price of 99p/99c for limited time only.

Here’s the working blurb. It’s short and to the point, plus I’m using my readers quotes, so post those reviews on Goodreads and Amazon and I’ll add a snippet of it to the sales page!

Blurb

This fantasy series is set within the magical islands of the Silent Sea and beyond.

Follow Tei’s journey as she attempts to save the dying island of Kalaya and restore its magic by finding the lost sentinel. She must prevent a civil war from destroying the Kalayan people and make alliances with other islands in order to stop the Elkenan invaders before their murderous quest to destroy all magic succeeds. Will Tei and her friends prevail? Buy the whole trilogy now to find out.

This is an epic fantasy adventure with friendship, love and sacrifice at its heart.

Praise for the Silent Sea Chronicles…

Sofii – A book. A thought. (Goodreads) – This is a story about war, magic, and destiny, which you cannot miss. Following the characters during their journeys has been incredible…

Jessica Belmont (Amazon) – Love this series!!…The Sentinel’s Alliance is an epic conclusion to a fantastic series. I haven’t been disappointed once in these three books, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read them!

Yvonne (Amazon) – I don’t want this series to end! This series has been a great read and I have enjoyed watching all the characters grow and adapt to whatever was thrown at them…

Jessica Bronder (Goodreads) – I have really enjoyed this series and strongly recommend it to those that enjoy fantasy stories. There is a little bit of everything in these books. I can’t wait to read more from Suzanne Rogerson.

Susan Hampson (Amazon top 1000 reviewer. Vine Voice) – What an epic journey this trilogy has been, such a huge pleasure to read all three books…There are some terrific battle scenes, with massive shocks, and mouth dropping moments that I just hadn’t seen coming, all delivered with Rogerson perfection.

KT Robson (Goodreads) – (The Sentinel’s Alliance) This has been a fantastic finale to the trilogy, it’s had everything that made the first two books to good and then some. All of Suzannes brilliant world building skills are still shining through… I have loved watching the characters grow and develop throughout this trilogy, and it was great seeing them band together for the final instalment.

Angela – Pooled Ink Reviews – Rogerson has managed to craft together a fantasy trilogy that is simultaneously complex and quick. So many layers and twists are woven throughout the books and yet it never feels too heavy, the pace moves at a determined clip and action holds one’s attention captive.

Shelley Clarke (Amazon) – Fabulous Saga… Phewee, just finished Book Three, I read all three books one after the other and now I’m at a loss. I hope Suzanne writes more about this world and its characters, it’s well written and utterly magical!

Karen (Goodreads) – “The Sentinel’s Alliance” – The story is skilfully elaborated, comprises interesting turns, and has a great flow. Suzanne Rogerson introduces each character with finesse… It is a very enjoyable read; a more than worthy completion of the ‘Silent Sea Chronicles’ trilogy. This is a book/series to read again. Highly recommended.

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Have you any thoughts or suggestions on the blurb?

Now for the big one, I need your help again.

I would love to get as many people as possible sharing news about the release of the box set. I will provide the promo details beforehand and if you’ve reviewed any of the books in the series you could link to those reviews too. You can post on release day – 4th October 2019 or any day of your choice, though the 99p price is only for a limited time.

Please comment below, or use the contact me form and I’ll add you to the list.

Thanks very much for your help and support; this series would never have been finished without all you readers and reviewers out there.

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Visions of Zarua #audiobook #sample #fantasy #epicfantasy

I was very excited to release the audiobook of my debut novel Visions of Zarua in July. I’m so proud of the wondeful job Guy Barnes did on the narration but I realise that I’ve never shared an audio sample on my blog before. So here it is, enjoy…

https://suzannerogersonfantasyauthor.files.wordpress.com/2019/09/visions-of-zarua-sample-for-radio-aug-2019.mp3

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You can pick up a copy at any of these places;

Amazon

Audible

iTunes

There are a few options for you to reduce the cost of your audiobook. If you purchase or have already purchased the ebook of Visions of Zarua (currently selling at £2.99) you can buy the audiobook at a much cheaper price through Amazon.

You can join Audible and receive a 30 day free trial in which you can listen to Visions of Zarua for free. You can cancel anytime but if you love audiobooks I highly recommend the monthly membership which is very reasonable. Follow these links for more information – UK  US  DE  FR.

Finally, if you are willing to review the book on Amazon and Audible I would be happy to provide a free code for you to redeem and listen to the book on Audible.

I’ll leave you with a reminder of what this standalone epic fantasy is all about and a couple of quotes.

Blurb

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria before the evil of Zarua’s past is unleashed?

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria. Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the royal order of wizards refuses to investigate. Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer. The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects, and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

Faith – Goodreads Intriguing characters, strong structure, high stakes, memorable world. The Visions of Zarua packs a punch in delivering all of these. A superb story that fantasy readers will definitely enjoy!

Jennifer – Goodreads Every fantasy lover should be reading this book… Overall, I found this story to be crafted to perfection. This may very well be the best fantasy genre book I have ever read. A brilliant debut novel!



Jo – Goodreads Visions of Zarua is very much a mystery stroke who dunit kind of a read, that just happens to be set in a mythical fantasy world with Wizards. But the two genres blend so beautifully together. This book really is an exquisite slow burner of a read, that needs to be savoured, there is no rushing this novel. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Jessica B – Goodreads I loved everything about Visions of Zarua! From the flawed, relatable characters to the intricately planned out world of Paltria, and the ancient abandoned city of Zarua…this book had everything I want to see in a fantasy novel.

Thehappymeerkat – Goodreads This book is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read to date! From the very first chapter I was hooked to read more and it isn’t many books that truly keep you reading from the very beginning to the very end.

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Silent Sea Chronicles news and narrator needed for #fantasy #ya #audiobook

Now that my trilogy is complete and published I’ve been looking into the options I have available for Silent Sea Chronicles. My plans are to release a box set in October and to begin the production of the first audio book.

I ran a recent poll regarding the cover options available for the box set, thanks to those who voted and commented. I have now made my decision and look forward to revealing the cover to you very soon.

I have also begun the audition process for book 1 The Lost Sentinel through ACX, though I would like the chosen narrator to produce the whole Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy.

I have two issues to decide upon before work can start.

Issue number one – Gender of narrator. The lead character is a young woman, but there are also two male main characters as well as numerous important male and female characters ranging from the very young to the old. On balance I feel a female narrator would be more suited to this but I’m asking for auditions from both and will see how that goes.

Issue number two – Age of the narrator. As this is more a YA trilogy, should I be looking for a younger voice actor? It’s not something I’ve considered before when I’ve listened to audiobooks so should I be worrying about it now? I haven’t listened to YA fantasy in audio so I’ve been listening to samples and am still researching what other authors have opted for.

Maybe you would like to have your say on your ideal narrator. If so please vote in the poll or comment in the post. I’m especially looking for comments from those who have read the series to see who they imagine would put voice Tei, Brogan, Farrell, Callisa etc. Even if you haven’t read the books, please vote. I appreciate all feedback.

Take Our Poll

If you are a narrator and interested in auditioning, please follow this link to ACX for more information.

Here’s a quick reminder of The Lost Sentinel – The magical island of Kalaya is dying along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?

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Finally, I’m looking to run a short promo when the box set is available, so if any bloggers are interested in running a feature on release day please let me know. I will blog about that again when I have a release date but it’s never too early to start planning!

Thanks for reading.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

You can follow me on

Twitter  Goodreads  BookBub  Amazon  Facebook Instagram

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I need your help! Vote for Silent Sea Chronicles box set cover #fantasy #trilogy

I am about to prepare the box set for my Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy but one major factor is holding me back. What should I use for the cover image?

I would love some feedback from you all so please vote on the poll below to show which cover you would recommend using on the box set image.

Here are the options:

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Take Our Poll

I have my favourite, but what’s yours?

Book Review: The Sentinel’s Reign by Suzanne Rogerson

I just had to share this brilliant review of The Sentinel’s Reign – book 2 in Silent Sea Chronicles.

The Strawberry Post

Title: The Sentinel’s Reign (Silent Sea Chronicles #2)
Author: Suzanne Rogerson
Publisher: Suzanne Rogerson
Genre: Fantasy
Book format: Paperback
Sweet Strawberries:

Description:  The Sentinel’s reign is doomed to failure unless Tei can prevent the Kalayan people from plunging into war. With the new Sentinel initiated and the magic restored on Kalaya, life is flourishing for Tei and the exiles. But Rathnor’s plans for war soon escalate and thwart any chance of peace.  Brogan’s position on the Assembly is uncertain as rumours circulate that he is an exile spy.  After an attempt on his life, Farrell is more determined than ever to build a home for his people on Stone Haven. But the council have their sights set on Kalaya and Farrell struggles to steer them from war.  As trouble brews within and outside forces gather against them, can the exiles keep their hold on the magic, or will this spell…

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#Booksale Over 130 fantasy books discounted to 99p #fantasy #epicfantasy #swordandsorcery

It’s that time again for self published fantasy blog off authors, past and present, to discount their books to 99p / 99c.

 

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Go to Emerald Dodge’s website where you’ll find links to over 130 fantasy books that are on sale. From sword and sorcery, epic, dark fantasy and more you can pick up some great bargains.

Right now my book Visions of Zarua is on sale 99p worldwide. And if you buy the ebook, you can pick up the audiobook for a huge discount!

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A dual timeline fantasy following two wizards 350 years apart as they battle to stop the evil of Zarua’s past from being unleashed.

Steeped in mystery, with plenty of magic and murder along the way, Visions of Zarua is a fast-paced fantasy whodunit.

Don’t delay, many of these books are only discounted for a few days!

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

You can follow me on

Twitter  Goodreads  BookBub  Amazon  Facebook Instagram

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11 Tips to Creating Heroic Characters #amwriting #writingtips #writingadvice

I’ve been neglecting my blog for longer than I care to admit. Writing and publishing has taken over my life but I’ve missed blogging and connecting with people. So today I decided to share my thoughts on creating characters. I wrote this guest post for another blog last June for the release of The Sentinel’s Reign. Unfortunately, the blog in question is no longer active but I really enjoying writing this and wanted to share it with you.

It’s all about character

Writing characters that touch readers is something I’ve always wanted to achieve. Raised on a diet of David Gemmell and Robin Hobb, authors who create such vivid and heroic characters, how could I aspire for anything less?

When I create characters they stem for a tiny seed of an idea or a scene that just pops into my head. I allow them time to grow naturally while I jot down some scenes. Later I go back to flesh out the details and build upon their history and how it has influenced them. They soon become like people I’ve known my whole life.

Some reviewers have pointed out how my character, Tei, is immature at the beginning and rebels at the situation she’s thrust into. With time and experience, she starts to mature and accept her role. That feels like a natural progression to me. Who would like to wake up in the morning and be told ‘By the way you’re off to save the world today, go pack your bags.’

I like how characters slowly reveal themselves to the reader. You don’t meet people and find out their life story in the first 5 minutes, although I have met a few people who do tell you everything and I wouldn’t want to embark on an adventure with them!

Characters are the lifeblood of any story. I can’t imagine writing anything without starting with a character. However vague and unknown, all I need is a character in a situation and then I’m away writing and the ideas start to flow.

When I think about my books – Visions of Zarua and Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy – the characters are what make the whole process worthwhile. I love them like family and I feel the pain and heartache they suffer. I urge them to find the courage to fight on even if everything is set against them.

I’m drawn to things with strong, heroic characters, be that in books, films or TV series. So with this in mind I thought I would share my tips to creating those kind of characters.

 

11 Tips to Creating Heroic Characters Your Readers Will Love

1. Let the characters find you

I cannot sit and draft out a character from nothing, instead they need to come to me. It starts with a situation, a scene or just a snapshot of the character in my head. I write and develop on that first impression and see who has come to tell me their story.

The Silent Sea Chronicles started with a young woman lost in the forest. With her father dying, she was completely alone until two strangers arrive. From that tiny beginning, a trilogy has grown.

2. Flaws all the way

No one likes a perfect person and if your character is perfect, it’s unrealistic. There is no room to develop and change over the course of the novel. Flaws make the character. Tei is immature and naïve at the beginning of the trilogy, but by the end my readers have commented on how much she has matured.

Both Brogan and Farrell are driven by the need to do what’s right, but that is also their flaw because they have to make difficult decisions that costs lives.

3. Everyone loves an unlikely hero

It is a troop, especially in fantasy, but the fact is if the hero of your story starts out unwilling and is thrust into situations they are not equipped to deal with, they will become better characters for it.

A word of caution though – make it for the right reasons not just to fit the story.

4. Give them backstory

Characters are shaped by their past and it gives them greater depth if the reader can slowly learn about the history of the character before the story takes place. It makes them seem more real, as though they live beyond the pages of the novel.

5. Make them suffer

Everyone in life suffers. The more your characters suffer, the more they can develop. Plus it would be boring to read (and write) about a character that doesn’t have any life changing events happening to them.

6. Allow them to love

Emotions help the reader connect with the character. Whether that is love of family, friends or a love interest. To me that love, and what the character is prepared to risk saving it, defines them and the book you are writing.

7. Allow them to grow

All great heroes need to learn how to become a hero in the first place. Showing that growth will also help the reader connect with the characters.

8. Let them make mistakes – the worse the better!

How else do we learn as human beings? How bad the mistake, how many others are affected, or die because of that mistake is up to you. The darker the outcome, the heavier the burden your character must carry.

Tei feels her decisions have led to people dying and this shapes her decisions and the relationships she forges. Brogan too feels that his decision, or what he perceives as cowardice, lead to catastrophe events.

9. The path to happiness is never easy

Like most people, I like a happy-ending. But I want my characters to battle for their lives to get there.

Often, as with life, that moment is bittersweet. Not everyone can have a happy ever after, it’s just not realistic.

10. Kill off your darling – literally!

My motto whilst writing the Silent Sea Chronicles has become ‘No one is safe!’

It makes the plot less predictable to the reader and hopefully sparks some emotion in them.

If a book makes me cry then I know it’s a good one. I want to evoke that same feeling in my readers. I know the emotional response will be different for every reader, but the Silent Sea Chronicles has made me cry, so if I can’t please everyone, at least I have pleased myself.

11. Villains matter

The villains your heroes are up against can be larger than life evil, as long as they have a motive to act the way they do. And make sure they are a worthy threat, and have a credible backstory too.

A final note about characters.

I have created characters I would want to be friends with, to love or to have as a family member. I even care for my villains, who aren’t all bad deep down.

To make the reader care about your characters, first you, the writer, must care deeply for these wonderful people that inhabit the world you have created. Hopefully your love will shine through in the writing and the readers will form those same bonds and root for your characters too.

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I hope you enjoyed my tips on creating characters and I hope to be back with more tips soon.

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

Visions of Zarua   The Lost Sentinel   The Sentinel’s Reign   The Sentinel’s Alliance

You can follow me on

Twitter  Goodreads  BookBub  Amazon  Facebook Instagram

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The Sentinel’s Alliance is 1 month old! #fantasy #bookreview excerpts

The month since The Sentinel’s Alliance was released has been a hectic one.

I’ve thrown myself into the task of finding my audience in the local community with things like a market stall, a pop up craft shop in my local shopping centre, attending a WI meeting with a view to doing a talk for a local group in the coming months and I’ve also met up with a group of local business women who help and support each other.

I’m hoping to be interviewed on local radio and am still trying to get my books into the local libraries. I’ve also signed up to be a part of Hastings Litfest on 31st August where I’ll have my own book stall. I’m looking forward to being in the birthplace of my hero and writing legend David Gemmell. Let’s hope the people of Hastings are up for some new fantasy blood!

I’ve had lots of reviewers and bloggers supporting my trilogy and posting their thoughts this past month. I can’t tell you how nerve-wracking it was to publish the last book in the trilogy. The fear that I had got something wrong has been blown away by their wonderful reviews. I shared a few snippets in this publication day push wrap up post, and today I thought why not celebrate the publication month by sharing a few more.

Angela – Pooled Ink Reviews – ‘The Sentinel’s Alliance is a thrilling conclusion to this unique trilogy of fantasy, magic, destiny, secrecy, and war. Characters come and characters go all while battle is waged for the future of magic in the isles of the Silent Sea. Exciting, determined, and satisfying, this series is one any fantasy reader might enjoy.’

Karen – My train of thought – ‘I was drawn into the story right away – very close to Tei, Brogan, and some wonderful allies, highly appreciating their integrity. As I assumed after reading the first book, I got closer to Tei in the second instalment because she has gained a little more maturity; this third instalment turned her into a friend. I could easily envision the characters and locations. I had a great time reading “The Sentinel’s Alliance”. It is a very enjoyable read; a more than worthy completion of the ‘Silent Sea Chronicles’ trilogy.’

Sofii – A Book. A Thought – ‘In this third book, we can appreciate more the alliances that have been forged during the previous books, in addition, there are many more characters, some new one and some who return to make our hearts happy. I think that Tei, Brogan, and Farrell are all characters that, although they’re very different from each other, achieved great growth and seeing how each one fights against their own demons while trying to fight for a common good, is sensational. I also enjoyed the dynamics and relationships between them, it was very entertaining to read.’

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Great quotes aren’t they!

I’d love for the series to get some more exposure and I’d love to see some more reviews going up so other readers can see the series is worth their time. Are you up to the challenge?

Check out the Silent Sea Chronicles on Amazon and Goodreads.

Now I must get back to my holiday in the beautiful Shropshire countryside.

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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

Twitter    Goodreads    BookBub    Amazon    Facebook

Instagram

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Call for #audiobook #reviewers for #epicfantasy Visions of Zarua #swordandsorcery

UPDATE 5pm 31/07/2019 –  The blog tour is now full, but reviewers are still wanted! Please contact me directly.

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There is just one space left in the October blog tour run by Rachel’s Random Resources. If you love audiobooks and fantasy with mystery, why not give Visions of Zarua a try?

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If you are not lucky enough to get on the tour, contact me direct and I can send you a free download code. All I ask in return is for an honest review to be posted on audible and amazon. The codes are for UK and US reviewers only, sorry about that.

Check out all the great reviews of the book so far on Amazon. You can listen to a sample of the audiobook, which showcases the skills of the narrator in bringing my characters to life.

Here’s a taste – ‘Suzanne Rogerson has crafted a novel with a mix of fantasy, mystery, and magic. The story is told from two timelines, 350 years apart. There wasn’t any point in the story where I felt confused. I knew where we were in the story the entire time, and I couldn’t put it down. This is full of choices and secrets, with flawed and well-developed characters. The magic system is unique, the world building is top notch and the mystery is intriguing. I highly recommend checking Visions of Zarua out!’ – JESSICA BELMONT – 5 STAR AMAZON REVIEW.

You can also buy the audiobook on itunes or audible where it’s free to listen to with your monthly credit.

Not an audible member but fancy a free 30 day trial? If you use the link below to join and listen to Visions of Zarua as your first book, both myself and the awesomely talented narrator Guy Barnes will receive a small reward.

UK readers – Audible link

US readers – Audible link

French readers – Audible link

German readers – Audible link

Blurb

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.

Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.

Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.

The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions and save the Paltrian people before the dark menace of Zarua’s past is unleashed?

***

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

You can follow me on

Twitter    Goodreads    BookBub    Amazon    Facebook

Instagram

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Call for #audiobook #reviewers for #epicfantasy Visions of Zarua

There is just one space left in the October blog tour run by Rachel’s Random Resources. If you love audiobooks and fantasy with mystery, why not give Visions of Zarua a try?

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If you are not lucky enough to get on the tour, contact me direct and I can send you a free download code. All I ask in return is for an honest review to be posted on audible and amazon. The codes are for UK and US reviewers only, sorry about that.

Check out all the great reviews of the book so far on Amazon. You can listen to a sample of the audiobook, which showcases the skills of the narrator in bringing my characters to life.

Here’s a taste – ‘Suzanne Rogerson has crafted a novel with a mix of fantasy, mystery, and magic. The story is told from two timelines, 350 years apart. There wasn’t any point in the story where I felt confused. I knew where we were in the story the entire time, and I couldn’t put it down. This is full of choices and secrets, with flawed and well-developed characters. The magic system is unique, the world building is top notch and the mystery is intriguing. I highly recommend checking Visions of Zarua out!’ – JESSICA BELMONT – 5 STAR AMAZON REVIEW.

You can also buy the audiobook on itunes or audible where it’s free to listen to with your monthly credit.

Not an audible member but fancy a free 30 day trial? If you use the link below to join and listen to Visions of Zarua as your first book, both myself and the awesomely talented narrator Guy Barnes will receive a small reward.

UK readers – Audible link

US readers – Audible link

French readers – Audible link

German readers – Audible link

Blurb

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.

Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.

Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.

The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions and save the Paltrian people before the dark menace of Zarua’s past is unleashed?

***

Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic and heroic fantasy

You can follow me on

Twitter    Goodreads    BookBub    Amazon    Facebook

Instagram

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