Victoria DeLuis's Blog, page 5
October 24, 2018
Ogham Alphabet ~ Rune Witch Mysteries
As the Rune Witch Mysteries is coming to an end with Unbroken, the fourth and final installment out in the next month (Although, who knows, I may revisit Summer and Thomas in the future), I thought it might be nice to learn some more about the story and also some of the creatures and myths I have incorporated into the story. So, over the next few weeks, I will write a series of posts on these influences.
When I first started writing about Summer and Thomas it was for a short story in an anthology that I had been invited to take part in. This set, which is no longer available, was titled Rebels & Runes. So, I began by researching runes.
You may have noticed that I like to set my stories in Wales. I’m Welsh, Wales is my home and when I learnt that Wales has the greatest number of stones inscribed with Ogham runes than any other country outside of Ireland, I knew I had found my magic system, one that already existed and had a very interesting lore behind it.
I began to read a lot about the Ogham Runes and the trees associated with them. Yet, despite reading hundreds of articles and a fair few books, one resource I have gone back to over and over as a quick guide to their properties is a fabulous site by a lady called Avia. Avia has gathered a wealth of resources at What’s Your Sign, where there’s “a universe of information on interpreting signs and symbols” – one that I am sure that I will refer to for future books.
The Ogham alphabet consists of twenty letters and a further five supplementary letters. The twenty letters, seen to the left, are the ones I used for Summer’s magic. In the books, I have used the Celtic names for the runes and not their Welsh names, as the Celtic names are more well known.
Seasons and Trees
“Not everyone can tap into the magic of trees and use it as their own, but everyone feels the cleansing of their spirit as they stand beneath a canopy dappled with yellow, red, and orange. They can’t help but embrace the ancient song of the birds singing, the wind whistling, and the leaves rustling. The woody incense seeps into their soul and caresses them like the fine morning mist that entwines the thick underbrush and lichen-encrusted trunks in its ghostly veil. Everyone feels a tree’s longevity, its peace. But nothing, nothing compared to the feeling of an ancient woodland, and Wentwood was the largest of its kind in Wales.”
~ Summer, Taken ~
Each rune in the Ogham alphabet represents a tree and each tree has it’s own moon cycle covering 28 days. This starts with the Birch on 24th December, and follows with Rowan, Ash, Alder, Willow, Hawthorn, Oak, Holly, Hazel, Vine, Ivy, Reed and Elder. British Druids used the runes as a system to measure the cycle through the lunar months and as a celebration of the four Solstices. This passage of time is something I have tried to subtly incorporate into the Rune Witch Mysteries. Taken occurs in Autumn, Hidden in Winter, Forgotten in Spring, and the final story, Unbroken leads up to Summer – or more specifically, ends on Beltane, the Gaelic seasonal festival which marks the beginning of the pastoral summer season, you’ll see why when the book comes out 
Blood & Stone ~ Shadows & Spellcraft
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In a world where magic holds demons at bay…
Life is measured in death.
And souls are Lucifer’s play things.
Maddox has spent a lifetime ridding the fifth world of demons. He has sacrificed his virility, his family, even risked his life.
But it isn’t enough.
Now the stone that holds Lilith at bay is cracked. And the magic is waning. With dark magic threatening the worlds, Maddox is offered immortality.
He just has to do one thing:
He has to go to Hell.
You’ll love this historical fantasy because everyone loves rooting for the underdog.
Get it now.
GENRE: Historical Fantasy novella
Author Bio
If you want to know more about Thea, she has the ever so nifty ‘letters’ that tell folk she is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author, but in truth, she writes more than she sells.
She calls her little ditties, fiction to the left of mainstream and pens them with her black lab at her feet and miniature gargoyles on her desk to protect the muse. And She ALWAYS has a cup of tea on the go or going cold.
She has been an editor, a freelancer, and a teacher, but fiction is her passion.
Shadows And Spellcraft
The Ultimate Urban Fantasy Binge Collection
A boxed set with over a dozen amazing reads, that will take you to lost worlds, fall in love with unlikely heroes, and kick some butt with no-nonsense chicks. With a collection that includes New Adult romance, urban fantasy, and Young Adult, there’s something for everyone.
Each story is exclusive to this collection, and includes some shiny new stories from USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors.
If you love to binge on stories that take you away from the ordinary, this boxed set of fifteen books will keep you reading for days. It’s stuffed with vampires, shifters, mages, fae, ghosts and more in everything from modern day Earth to Apocalyptic settings. Bury your nose in this box set now. Order your copy of SHADOWS AND SPELLCRAFT NOW
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October 21, 2018
The Awakening ~ Shadows & Spellcraft
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Trent Matheson fights to keep his true identity a secret from all those around him, including the love of his life. After losing the only one privy to his secret and who had guarded it his entire life, Matheson now has to contend with a sinister force so powerful that seeks to destroy him. A fierce battle is imminent and the future of the world, as we know it, is in jeopardy.
Author Bio
Tanya R. Taylor has wowed readers with her riveting plots and compelling themes.
She is the author of several #1 bestsellers on Amazon and published her first book titled: ‘A Killing Rage’ as a young adult. She has worked in the Financial arena and is also a seasoned ghostwriter. Her book ‘Cornelius’ climbed to #1 in the Teen & Young-adult Multi-generational Family Fiction category. And her supernatural, suspense/thrillers – ‘CARA’ and ‘INFESTATION: A Small Town Nightmare’ are multiple times #1 international bestsellers.
America’s Most Haunted tweeted about her book ‘Haunted Cruise’: “With HAUNTED CRUISE: THE SHAKEDOWN, Tanya R. Taylor Joins Ranks of Horror Greats.”
Tanya writes in various genres including: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Thrillers, Science-fiction, Mystery and Suspense.
She has a passion for the welfare of children. Her hobbies include: Reading, writing, and researching. She’s also keen on documentaries and is planning to pursue a degree in Psychology.
Shadows And Spellcraft
The Ultimate Urban Fantasy Binge Collection
A boxed set with over a dozen amazing reads, that will take you to lost worlds, fall in love with unlikely heroes, and kick some butt with no-nonsense chicks. With a collection that includes New Adult romance, urban fantasy, and Young Adult, there’s something for everyone.
Each story is exclusive to this collection, and includes some shiny new stories from USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors.
If you love to binge on stories that take you away from the ordinary, this boxed set of fifteen books will keep you reading for days. It’s stuffed with vampires, shifters, mages, fae, ghosts and more in everything from modern day Earth to Apocalyptic settings. Bury your nose in this box set now. Order your copy of SHADOWS AND SPELLCRAFT NOW
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October 19, 2018
Unbroken ~ Snippet
I am busy working on the final book in the Rune Witch Mysteries, and thought it might be nice to share a snippet.
This is the first chapter. It’s unedited so subject to change but the bare bones are there. I hope you like it
October 17, 2018
Primal Nature
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Known simply as subject 336, she was the unwilling subject of sinister and brutal experiments designed to replicate her enormous strength, healing powers, and apparent immortality.
It didn’t work that way. They unleashed her primal nature.
Now they’re dead and she’s lost.
From the sweltering heat of the Mexican desert, her journey leads her to the tropical jungle of the Columbian Amazon.
Against the backdrop of the Third World War, she fights her own grueling battle to come to terms with what she is: a killer, a monster, or maybe worse.
The world is at war, and she is caught up in the middle.
Joining the revolution, her newfound talents sway the balance of war in their favor.
But is she a blessing, or a curse.
Primal Nature captivates you from the first page and plunges you deep into the struggles and terrors of a random woman cursed with immortality
Warning: 18+ Adult content.
I don’t write standard Urban Fantasy, the characters go through dark times and don’t always come out on top. Primal Nature is not a romance, it is an awakening. This book has been written in UK English
Author Bio
Monique Singleton writes compelling stories that mix fantasy with realistic psychological suspense and unique insights into the mind of the main characters.
As the daughter of a British soldier and his Dutch wife, Monique was born in an English military hospital in Germany. The family toured the world where she was exposed to different cultures in many countries. Finally settling down in the Netherlands she pursued a career in Art and later in ICT.
About six years ago Monique started to put the scenes she had running around in her head, down to paper.
Scenes led to a story, the story to a book, and the first book to a series.
In addition to her writing, Monique still holds down a full-time job as a business consultant. She lives in a beautiful old farmhouse in the south of Holland with her two sloppy monster dogs, some horses, and a cat.
The cat is the boss.
Shadows And Spellcraft
The Ultimate Urban Fantasy Binge Collection
A boxed set with over a dozen amazing reads, that will take you to lost worlds, fall in love with unlikely heroes, and kick some butt with no-nonsense chicks. With a collection that includes New Adult romance, urban fantasy, and Young Adult, there’s something for everyone.
Each story is exclusive to this collection, and includes some shiny new stories from USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors.
If you love to binge on stories that take you away from the ordinary, this boxed set of fifteen books will keep you reading for days. It’s stuffed with vampires, shifters, mages, fae, ghosts and more in everything from modern day Earth to Apocalyptic settings. Bury your nose in this box set now. Order your copy of SHADOWS AND SPELLCRAFT NOW
Amazon / iBook / Kobo / Nook
October 14, 2018
Fall for Me ~ Shadows & Spellcraft
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Some rules are made to be broken.
Grace is a Protection Angel and Vampire Hunter, and she has always followed the rules. Until now, fighting evil has been simple: kill the bad guys, keep the good guys safe. Falling in love was never part of the plan.
When she least expects it, Grace falls for the wrong guy. Her worst enemy becomes her most important ally, and amongst the love and betrayal, Grace must make a life changing decision.
Blood will be shed, lives lost, and friendships tested. Can Grace save those closest to her? Or will she pay the ultimate price for breaking the rules?
Fans of Buffy, Fallen, and Twilight will love this fast paced young adult read. Fall For Me will make your heart race, but it will also break it along the way.
Author Bio
K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam, and fell in love with it. K. A. Last is currently studying her Bachelor of Arts at Charles Sturt University, with a major in English, and minors in Children’s Literature, Art History, and Visual Culture. She now resides in the countryside on the mid-north coast of NSW.
Shadows And Spellcraft
The Ultimate Urban Fantasy Binge Collection
A boxed set with over a dozen amazing reads, that will take you to lost worlds, fall in love with unlikely heroes, and kick some butt with no-nonsense chicks. With a collection that includes New Adult romance, urban fantasy, and Young Adult, there’s something for everyone.
Each story is exclusive to this collection, and includes some shiny new stories from USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors.
If you love to binge on stories that take you away from the ordinary, this boxed set of fifteen books will keep you reading for days. It’s stuffed with vampires, shifters, mages, fae, ghosts and more in everything from modern day Earth to Apocalyptic settings. Bury your nose in this box set now. Order your copy of SHADOWS AND SPELLCRAFT NOW
Amazon / iBook / Kobo / Nook
October 11, 2018
Shadows & Spellcraft Giveaway
Enter to win the Agent of Hel Trilogy by Jacqueline Carey, brought to you by the Shadows & Spellcraft authors!
Pre-order Shadows & Spellcraft for only 99c! https://books2read.com/shadowsandspellcraft/
October 10, 2018
Evil’s Unlikely Assassin ~ Shadows & Spellcraft
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Vampire Alexis Black is on a mission – to rejoin the human race.
But how does a vampire become human again?
She signs an iron-clad contract with an angel-with-an-attitude. A contract that requires her to kill one vampire, werewolf, or creepy-crawly every night for fifty years.
The reward for killing without conscience – her humanity. The punishment for refusal – her death.
Too bad the contract didn’t mention the badass vampire who now rides shotgun in her brain. Her new insatiable bloodlust. Or the I-hate-everything-with-fangs human sidekick.
But when a revenge seeking bloodsucker tries to turn her city into an all-you-can-suck buffet, Alexis has to fang up to ensure there is a humanity to return to.
Author Bio
Jenn Windrow loves characters who have a pinch of spunk, a dash of attitude, and a large dollop of sex appeal. Top it all off with a huge heaping helping of snark, and you’ve got the ingredients for the kind of fast paced stories she loves to read and write. Home is a suburb of it’s-so-hot-my-shoes-have-melted-to-the-pavement Phoenix. Where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and a slew of animals that seem to keep following her home, at least that’s what she claims.
Shadows And Spellcraft
The Ultimate Urban Fantasy Binge Collection
A boxed set with over a dozen amazing reads, that will take you to lost worlds, fall in love with unlikely heroes, and kick some butt with no-nonsense chicks. With a collection that includes New Adult romance, urban fantasy, and Young Adult, there’s something for everyone.
Each story is exclusive to this collection, and includes some shiny new stories from USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors.
If you love to binge on stories that take you away from the ordinary, this boxed set of fifteen books will keep you reading for days. It’s stuffed with vampires, shifters, mages, fae, ghosts and more in everything from modern day Earth to Apocalyptic settings. Bury your nose in this box set now. Order your copy of SHADOWS AND SPELLCRAFT NOW
Amazon / iBook / Kobo / Nook
October 7, 2018
Expelled Reaper ~ Shadows & Spellcraft
Amazon / iBook / Kobo / Nook
Lara is a reaper, locked out of Heaven, and the worst part is she doesn’t even know why. She’s not even sure if she’s still an angel anymore. On the bright side, she can still see the dead which makes her think that she hasn’t been fired. However, with each passing year, she realizes she’s been naive to think Heaven would make a mistake of this magnitude.
Lara finally starts thinking about accepting her situation and making plans for the long term. Then she witnesses a young woman die in a car accident. It’s one thing to arrive after the fact to retrieve a soul, it’s another to actually see someone killed in person. Since Lara is the only one who can see the dead, she feels compelled to console the woman. But something is wrong. Since when are reapers late to pick up souls?
Convinced that her eternal soul may be at stake, Lara is pulled back into the life. She’s died once already. Now, flesh and blood, she’s worried about what will become of her if this new vessel is mortally wounded. Will she gain access to Heaven again, or will she plummet into a fiery Hell?
About the Author
Robyn is the author of Expelled Reaper and the Into the Ether trilogy. She enjoys writing when she’s not at her day job, Zumba to release, and when all else fails, a glass of pinot and a good suspense novel at the beach
Shadows And Spellcraft
The Ultimate Urban Fantasy Binge Collection
A boxed set with over a dozen amazing reads, that will take you to lost worlds, fall in love with unlikely heroes, and kick some butt with no-nonsense chicks. With a collection that includes New Adult romance, urban fantasy, and Young Adult, there’s something for everyone.
Each story is exclusive to this collection, and includes some shiny new stories from USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors.
If you love to binge on stories that take you away from the ordinary, this boxed set of fifteen books will keep you reading for days. It’s stuffed with vampires, shifters, mages, fae, ghosts and more in everything from modern day Earth to Apocalyptic settings. Bury your nose in this box set now. Order your copy of SHADOWS AND SPELLCRAFT NOW
Amazon / iBook / Kobo / Nook
October 4, 2018
Taken ~ Snippet ~
I thought I’d share a quick snippet of Taken with you 
