Darryl Frayne's Blog, page 3
September 19, 2020
Book Series about Dragon Riders for All Ages
While writing the third book of the Maidstone Chronicles, Into the Maidstone, we spent considerable effort researching other book series about dragon riders. We wanted to explore the feasibility of a human riding a dragon.
Of course, when thinking (and writing) about dragon riding, I’m making a few assumptions.
First, you are open to the possibility that dragons exist. Or that they could exist in a fantasy world.
Second, you believe that there could be a dragon who would either be enlisted as a beast of burden, or voluntarily submit to another creature riding on its back.
Third, you believe there are fictional characters who are crazy enough to climb onto a dragon’s back and risk their lives flying through the air.
Image by pendleburyannette from PixabayObviously, we’re not the first fantasy authors to write about dragons and consider the feasibility of someone riding a dragon. There are many classics and even more modern, self-published books about dragons and dragon riders.
But when we considered various book series about dragon riders, and popular movies with dragons and their riders, we looked for ideas that were believable…given their respective fantastical worlds and the three assumptions previously mentioned.
Here are some of the dragon rider stories we considered. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it a “best of” list for book series about dragon riders. And, in the interest of promoting other indie authors, I’m including some books in each age category that you may not have heard of.
Children’s (Middle Grade/Teen) Book Series about Dragon Riders
Dragon Rider Series (two books) by Cornelia Funke
This is perhaps one of the more popular dragon rider books. The author has recently (2017) added a sequel, The Griffin’s Feather and is apparently working on a third book in the series. Not to mention an animated film based on the book.
Dragon School Omnibus by Sarah K. L. Wilson
There are now about twenty books in this series (each book is quite short). The premise is hard to resist: “A disabled teen, an empathetic dragon, and a bond that will save the world.”
Teen and YA Book Series about Dragon Riders
Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
This classic series, which began with the first book in 1968, Dragonflight, is sometimes categorized as science fiction or science fantasy. The setting is the fictional planet Pern.
I had to include the old cover image. Now that’s a dragon rider saddle!
Buy it on Amazon (with the new cover!)
The Dragonwalker (7 book series) by D.K. Holmberg
DK Holmberg is a popular indie author who has written numerous books about dragons. In this series, Book 6 is actually titled Dragon Rider.
Adult Book Series about Dragon Riders
Temeraire Book Series by Naomi Novik
Some readers balk at the use of dragons as mere weapons of warfare in this series, but these dragons are intelligent creatures. And the blend of fantasy and history (Napoleonic Wars) is intriguing.
Dragon Riders of Elantia by Jessica Drake
Dragon Riders of Elantia is a new dragon rider series featuring “clever heroines, epic adventures, wild new worlds, and of course, dragon riding!”
Dragon Riders in Popular Movies
Children’s Dragon Riding Movies
One thing I like about How to Train Your Dragon (film adaptation) is the effort put into creating a saddle that just might work in the…um, real world.
Teen/YA Dragon Riding Movies
Eragon eventually gets a saddle, but would he really be able to stay in it??
Harry, Ron, and Hermione hang on for dear life…somehow.
Adult Dragon Riding Movies
Game of Thrones dragons are awesome, no doubt. But would even Jon Snow be able to hang on flying over the North? And those horns look sharp enough to skewer any inexperienced rider.
All writers of dragon rider stories must be granted some creative freedom. After, it’s all fantasy (I think).
What’s your favorite book or movie featuring dragon riders? Please comment below.
The post Book Series about Dragon Riders for All Ages appeared first on The Maidstone Chronicles.
July 28, 2020
July 2020 Book Promotions
To celebrate the fabulous launch of Book 3, Into the Maidstone, Book 2 of the Maidstone Chronicles will be available for FREE on Amazon for 3 days: July 29, 30, and 31, 2020.
We are keeping Book 3, Into the Maidstone (kindle edition) priced at $0.99 until July 31 only. After that, the price will go up.
Please share this offer with all your fantasy reader friends by using the Share links at the bottom of this page. Thank you!
July 2020 Giveaway
Win Your Favorite Dragon book
If you’re familiar with The Maidstone Chronicles, you’ll know that dragons play a significant role in the story. If you haven’t read the trilogy yet…well, no spoilers.
This month, everyone on our mailing list as of July 31, 2020 will be entered into a draw to win a dragon-themed book of their choice (value up to $20 USD, or an optional $20 Amazon gift card).
So, will it be a popular classic like The Hobbit, or a modern favorite like Christopher Paolini’s Eragon or Robin Hobb’s The Dragon Keeper? There are so many great dragon books, the choice may be difficult!
Find Another Fantasy Series
Or find something in another genre at BookRaid
Are You an Avid Reader and Book Reviewer?
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Print? eBook? Audiobook?
We’re curious about how you like to read books and thought it might be fun to take a quick survey. Please take a few seconds to let us know. Next month, we’ll publish the results.
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I prefer to read Print books (paperback or hardcover)...*NeverSometimesExclusivelyI prefer to read eBooks (e.g. kindle, kobo, etc.)...*NeverSometimesExclusivelyI prefer to listen to Audiobooks...*NeverSometimesExclusivelyIf I had to choose between formats, my #1 choice would be...*Print BookseBooksAudiobooksOther Comments(optional)NameThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
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June 23, 2020
Important Update to the Maidstone Chronicles trilogy
Book 3 of the Maidstone Chronicles, Into the Maidstone , launched on June 21, 2020.
If you’re familiar with the first two books in the Maidstone Chronicles trilogy (which we highly recommend before reading Book 3), you will see that we’ve renamed the “Black Dragon” the “Iron Dragon” and changed the elixir formerly known as “Black” to “Phyriad” (pronounced FEAR-ee-ad —for good reasons!).
We’ve updated all three books to reflect these changes.
So, why the changes now in the third book?
Since we started writing this story years ago, we were never 100% comfortable referring to the villain as the “Black Dragon” or to the poison he spreads as “Black.” But we’re two white authors and, sadly, we tend to follow “traditional” fantasy tropes that came before us. We weren’t sufficiently motivated to change it because there was enough work to do. That was wrong. But things are changing.
Recent events in our world have (finally) given us new insights and a deeper awareness of the implications of such terminology for Black/African-American readers, as well as for any person of color. Moreover, we now have a better (yet imperfect and constantly expanding) understanding of how these terms also affect us as white authors. We’re far from perfect, but we want to do something to address the oversight in our books and in our thinking as we continue to write.
So, we spent a couple of weeks revising all three books and running the revisions by our awesome editor. She appreciated the thought behind the effort and went the extra mile finding details and making suggestions.
Improvements to Across the Fourwinds
While we were in editing mode, we made some significant revisions to Book 1, Across the Fourwinds. The characters and storyline remain the same, but we’ve ironed out (pun intended) some rough or potentially confusing parts throughout. Once again, our professional editor (who’s been with us since Book 2) has done a fresh edit and proofread of Across the Fourwinds. As with most books, we don’t expect it to be without error, but we hope you’ll agree that it’s a major improvement.
Have we removed racism from this trilogy?
We would never make such a claim because racism is so engrained in us, in our culture, and in the fantasy genre (see this article for a more in-depth discussion of this issue).
We’re both (still) long-term fans of The Lord of the Rings, which set the tone for many of the racist undertones so prevalent in the fantasy genre (for a few examples, see this article).
But we cannot put the blame on JRR Tolkien or the fantasy genre. We’re part of this culture and our responses are important. We recognize that we still have work to do as we continue to create new stories. We don’t expect to please everyone. But we do hope to be more aware of all readers and change the way we think, speak, act, and write.
Winds of Change in Fantasy
In more recent fantasy books, we’re seeing the beginning of a positive, fresh way of looking at the genre. Discussions are sometimes complicated and divisive, but we’re learning and open to change.
Popular fantasy authors like N.K. Jemisin are imaging new ways of writing great fantasy books that are not rooted in racism or sexism.
Here’s N.K. Jemisin’s award-winning first trilogy (which Darryl plans to read this summer):
Other Voices?
Maybe you know of other fantasy authors seeking to break the racist mold. If so, please mention them in the Comments below.
Thanks for being part of this important conversation.
The post Important Update to the Maidstone Chronicles trilogy appeared first on The Maidstone Chronicles.
November 13, 2019
Fantasy Books made into Movies
It’s amazing how many fantasy books have been made into movies.
Most movie-goers are familiar with the popular big screen productions like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. But if you’re a real fantasy lover, you probably know of dozens more. And I’m sure you have your favorites.
I imagine you also have your own opinions about which films did the book justice and which ones failed miserably. Most of the comments I hear from readers who also love movies is, “The book was so much better!”
I’m curious, are there any fantasy movies adapted from the novel that you liked better than the book? Have you heard anyone honestly say, “The movie was much better!”?
There are many lists of fantasy books made into movies on the web. I’ve gathered some of my personal favorites in the list below. I’m not saying these are the best or that this is an exhaustive list. Or that my list is better than yours. But hopefully you’ll get an idea for the kind of stories that inspire me. And maybe you’ll find something new to read or watch.
Fantasy Books to Movies – Popular
The Lord of the Rings
When I first heard that this classic was being brought to life under the skillful hand of Peter Jackson and his team, I could not wait. Years later, when the box set became available, the hefty investment was a no-brainer for me.
While I love the trilogy in book form, I have to admit that these days I would prefer to watch the films…with one caveat. There are some characters and scenes missing in the films (e.g. Tom Bombadil) that may not advance the plot but are fun to read. It will be interesting to see if Tom shows up in the upcoming Amazon series.
Hobbit/Lord of the Rings Book SetPreview on Amazon
Hobbit/Lord of the Rings Movie SetPreview on Amazon
Harry Potter
It wasn’t until about the fourth film (or maybe it was shortly after The Deathly Hallows was published) that I decided to read the complete series. The story improved with each book, and by the time I finished the last page I realized why the series is so popular.
I have read the books only once, although I look forward to reading them again. But I have re-watched the films at least a few times. Does that mean I like the movies more? Not more, but perhaps equally. The main difference for me comes when the end draws near. In the final installment, I think the films fall short of the powerful story J.K. Rowling crafted. I’ll say no more. If you’ve watched The Deathly Hallows but have not read the book, you’re missing out on a much better ending.
And I suggest starting with book one and reading through all seven to get the full thematic impact.
Harry Potter Book SetPreview on Amazon
Harry Potter Movie SetPreview on Amazon
Game of Thrones
Whether you love the books, prefer the film series, love them both, or can’t be bothered with the hype, there’s no denying the popularity of this modern epic fantasy series by George R.R. Martin.
Game of Thrones Book SetPreview on Amazon
Game of Thrones Movie SetPreview on Amazon
Fantasy Books to Movies – Lesser Known
Howl’s Moving Castle
As the eldest daughter, Sophie Hatter is destined to a simple, obscure life of making hats for the family business. One day, the Witch of the Waste comes into the shop and curses Sophie, transforming her body into that of an old woman. Thus begins Sophie’s quest to break the curse and discover a new life beyond the hat shop.
Many people who’ve read Diana Wynne Jones’ novel (or the sequels) have also seen Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film. Because a single film is too short for this epic story, the differences make comparison difficult. As a result, most people find aspects of both the novel and the film that they love.
Preview on Amazon
Preview on Amazon
The Princess Bride
What?! There’s a book? Inconceivable!
I had to include this because it’s one of those classic tales that often gets better reviews for the movie than the book. But it’s true: there was once a classic novel.
Preview on Amazon
Preview on Amazon
Stardust
Granted, this Neil Gaiman classic is more like a modern fairy tale than fantasy, but it’s one of my personal favorites. The hero’s quest, the love story, adventure, evil enemies, and more make this a classic.
But I’m still looking forward to seeing the movie…. I think I’ll add it to my Christmas wish list.
Preview on Amazon
Preview on Amazon
Fantasy Books to Movies – In the Works
Now that the Game of Thrones film series is complete, studios are rushing to find the next fantasy series to keep fans happy. From what I can see, there will be plenty to keep you glued to your screens. Here are a few that could be very good if done properly.
The Wheel of Time
Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy classic is officially in the works. It will air as a live-action TV series on Amazon Prime. But, it could be a while. The first cast reading was September 2019. Details here.
Preview books on Amazon
Kingkiller Chronicle
The person who introduced me to Patrick Rothfuss’ Name of the Wind told me, “This book helped me fall in love with fantasy again.” I still remember sitting by a campfire reading the initial chapters.
It’s been a long journey for fans awaiting the final installment in the trilogy (apparently titled The Doors of Stone). And now we have rumors of a movie version and a TV series. Recent reports on the film adaptation of Kingkiller Chronicle make it seem like a “maybe someday.”
Preview books on Amazon
The Chronicles of Narnia
In 2018, Netflix acquired the rights to this classic book series. Before that, Disney had attempted 3 movie versions, but they didn’t do so well. Let’s hope Netflix has a better plan because there really are some good stories in this series.
Preview books on Amazon
Fantasy Books to Movies – My Wish List
The Riyria Chronicles
This series by Michael J. Sullivan is one of those rare self-published successes. The tales of assassin Royce Melborn and former soldier Hadrian Blackwater are exciting adventures that gradually introduce the reader to an incredible new world. The fast-paced action and the well-written dialogue between the unexpected friends keeps the narrative flowing from start to finish.
This is a series that is easy for me to visualize as I read. I would not be surprised if one of the streaming giants picks this up for a multi-season series.
Preview on Amazon
The Graveyard Book
Disney currently holds the film rights to this charming Neil Gaiman tale. Apparently, they’re “excited about” the project, but there are no reports of production. Let’s go, Pixar!
Preview on Amazon
Wayward Children
There are many stories of children carried away into fantastical worlds. But what happens when they return? According to author Seanan McGuire, they have the opportunity to attend Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children.
This series seems perfectly suited for a TV series, and Syfy seems to agree: they’ve optioned the rights to the series.
Preview on Amazon
So, there you have it. A few popular fantasy books made into movies, a few lesser known fantasy books made into movies, a few fantasy books now in film production, and a few I would like to see turned into movies.
What are your favorite fantasy books made into movies? What fantasy book would you like to see made into a movie?
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July 23, 2019
Portal and Adventure Fantasy – There and Back Again
For many people, summer is a time for family trips and new adventures. For some (well, for us at least), these trips can inspire new adventure fantasy stories.
Here in BC, Canada, life gradually slows down the closer we get to August. If people aren’t taking holidays away from home for a week or so, they’re either off to the park, on a hike or bike ride, or simply enjoying their backyards.
When Shane and I are out on a new adventure, big or small, we like to take pictures that capture our imaginations and inspire new adventure fantasy stories.
Shane recently took a trip from BC to Ontario and back…on his motorcycle no less! If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram, you probably saw the photos and stories he shared. Here are a few highlights:
Backroad maps, my favorite summertime genre.
When the shapeshifting demon crossed the Arden Road, it entered the northern community of Cochrane…
Why is it that we stop looking for portals as we get older? Here’s a classic.My holidays are often spent visiting family far away. In addition to an annual trip to Ontario, our family takes trips down to Vashon Island, WA. That little forested island has been a great source of inspiration for many years.
We found this remnant of an old house hidden in the woods on Vashon Island.
Or was there more to it than we imagined?But mysterious places can also be found close to home.
Shane shared this cool photo of a tunnel not far from his home…
“Every time I pass through an old abandoned railway tunnel, I imagine a different world on the other side.”And I love to explore the beautiful woods near my house.
I love trees and especially ones with doorways…
Imagining a place in a forest or elsewhere that could lead to a fantasy world might seem a bit geeky or even escapist. But I think it can be healthy to open yourself to explore your imagination now and then. Just don’t get trapped there.
But what if you did get trapped in a fantasy world?
How would you survive? Would you be able to communicate with the locals? What if the inhabitants were hostile? How would you get home?
These questions have been at the heart of portal fantasy stories and adventure fantasy books for generations. Such wonderings inspired us to write the Maidstone Chronicles.
Even if you haven’t read Across the Fourwinds or Beyond the Hollowtangle, you’re probably familiar with adventures of Alice, Dorothy, the Pevensie children, and other characters from treasured stories like Peter Pan, Inkheart, Outlander, Stardust, the Fionavar Tapestry, and Harry Potter (to name a few).
But what would happen when all your adventures in “Wonderland” are over? If you returned to your old life, what would it look like? How would you cope?
Some authors have considered this and come to difficult conclusions. Even the fictional Bilbo Baggins entitled his adventure, “There and Back Again.” The journey was difficult, but being back home again in the Shire was full of challenges.
There’s a modern portal fantasy series I wrote about before that explores what it might be like for adventurers who return from their journeys into alternate realities and fantasy realms.
The Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire begins with Every Heart a Doorway. That book has won numerous awards and accolades such as: “A mini-masterpiece of portal fantasy ― a jewel of a book that deserves to be shelved with Lewis Carroll’s and C. S. Lewis’ classics” ―NPR
There are now five books in the series, and I’m way behind. But I really enjoyed the first one. While it is a bit dark, McGuire’s writing and character building is brilliant. I came to feel for these kids and in turn for people I know and hear about who might be considered “wayward.” There’s nothing like hearing someone’s story to open your heart to them.
Enough of my adventure fantasy ramblings! Go out and enjoy your own summer adventures! Who knows where they might lead?
NOTE: Everyone on our mailing list as of July 31, 2019 will be entered into a draw to win either one of the books in the Wayward Children series, Terry Brooks’ Magic Kingdom for Sale: Sold! or book 1 and 2 of the Maidstone Chronicles. The winner gets to choose. If you don’t get our monthly email newsletter, be sure to sign up now.
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June 18, 2019
Popular Fantasy Books for June 2019
NOTE: Everyone on our mailing list as of June 30, 2019 will be entered into a drew to win one of the books in this post. The winner gets to choose. If you don’t get our monthly email newsletter, be sure to sign up now.
I recently came across a few blog posts that list some of the “most anticipated” or “the best” new fantasy books for June. Since we’re over half way through the month—and many readers are starting to think of a summer reading list—I thought I’d see how popular these books really are.
Of all the books listed on four blog lists, none of them have hit Amazon’s “Top 20 Most Sold” or the “Top 20 Most Read” lists this month.
It seems to me that at least a few of the “best” would hit the Amazon bestseller list. But we’re talking about Fantasy books, and only a few Fantasy books make it to the “Top 20” lists of all genres. This month, only Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and of course, Good Omens hit the “Top 20” lists.
Even so, the “best” books on these lists could hit Amazon’s bestseller lists soon. Here are three of the most common titles that keep showing up recently.
Fantasy Bestsellers from major publishers
Black Leopard, Red Wolf
Tracker is known far and wide for his skills as a hunter: “He has a nose,” people say. Engaged to track down a mysterious boy who disappeared three years earlier, Tracker breaks his own rule of always working alone when he finds himself part of a group that comes together to search for the boy. The band is a hodgepodge, full of unusual characters with secrets of their own, including a shape-shifting man-animal known as Leopard.
Read more on Amazon…
Magic for Liars
When a gruesome murder is discovered at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister teaches Theoretical Magic, reluctant detective Ivy Gamble is pulled into the world of untold power and dangerous secrets. She will have to find a murderer and reclaim her sister—without losing herself.
“An unmissable debut.”—Adrienne Celt, author of Invitation to a Bonfire
Read more on Amazon…
The Fire Opal Mechanism
The Fire Opal Mechanism is the fast-paced and lively sequel to Fran Wilde’s The Jewel and Her Lapidary
Jewels and their lapidaries and have all but passed into myth.
Jorit, broke and branded a thief, just wants to escape the Far Reaches for something better. Ania, a rumpled librarian, is trying to protect her books from the Pressmen, who value knowledge but none of the humanity that generates it.
Read more on Amazon…
And here are some great deals on boxed sets from a few indie authors I’ve been watching
The TruthSeer Archives
Everyone lies.
But what if you knew when they did?
And what if this knowledge caused you immense physical pain?
The TruthSeer Archives is an epic fantasy story spanning six kingdoms, rare stones of power, mighty wizards, that will leave you thinking hard about the next time you hear or tell a lie.
Read more on Amazon…
Runes of Issalia Complete Boxed Set
A controlling empire. An outcast behind a false identity. The secret behind a long forgotten magic.
Rejecting his role as an outcast, Brock risks his life and obtains a false rune, marking him a member of the Empire’s ruling class. Under a veil of deception and backed by natural talent, he then schemes his way into a school where the Empire’s future leaders are trained.
Can he maintain this charade?
Read more on Amazon…
Tree of Ages: Books 1-3
A tree’s memory is long. Magic’s memory is longer, and far more dangerous.
After a century spent as a tree, Finn awakens into a world she barely recognizes. Whispers of the Faie, long thought destroyed, are spreading across the countryside, bringing fears that they are returning to wreak havoc amongst the mortals once again.
Read more on Amazon…
Trees + Fantasy? Not to mention the awesome cover designs. I’m really looking forward to this series that seems to be gaining in popularity this year.
I hope you’re able to check out some of these titles. Happy reading!
REMEMBER: Everyone on our mailing list as of June 30, 2019 will be entered into a drew to win one of the books in this post. The winner gets to choose. If you don’t get our monthly email newsletter, be sure to sign up now.
The post Popular Fantasy Books for June 2019 appeared first on The Maidstone Chronicles.
May 20, 2019
Opportunities to Win Free Books this Month
At the risk of exaggeration, I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves the opportunity to win something for free.
We enjoy gifts, not only because the gift often meets a need or desire, but also because it makes us feel special and valued. Getting a gift means that someone has singled me out and given me something with no expectation of return.
There’s something magical about that.
And the magic usually affects the receiver of the gift and the giver.
Win a Fantasy Book of Your Choice
This month, we’re hosting our regular monthly giveaway. One lucky person, drawn from our email list, will receive a print edition of any book by a fantasy author of their choice (approx. value: $20 USD).
Imagine receiving a free copy of book one in a series you’ve been wanting to read for a long time. And then it arrives in the mail, just in time for summer! Nice.
If you’re already on our email list, start browsing fantasy books now so you’re ready if we draw your name! Here’s a handy list of fantasy genres and bestsellers on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca
Download 47 Fantasy eBooks for FREE
We’re also exploring other giveaway opportunities by collaborating with other up-and-coming authors.
Across the Fourwinds was one of 47 titles chosen to be part of the May “Fantasy Fix” promotion through Book Cave.
Follow this link to see the list of fantasy books. Click on the covers of the books you want, sign up to learn a little more about the authors, and start reading.
And as a bonus: enter to win a $25 gift card, which you can use at the ebook retailer of your choice.
And speaking of giveaways…
Our April Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Alex from California, winner of our April giveaway! Alex had the choice between two books by Jeff Wheeler or two books by Charlie N. Holmberg. He chose The Queen’s Poisoner by Jeff Wheeler (Details on Amazon).
As promised, Shane and I have also added this book to our personal libraries. We had hoped to have our review published on our blog by the end of June, but we’ve also been busy writing book 3 of the Maidstone Chronicles. So the review will have to wait until July.
If you haven’t read The Queen’s Poisoner by Jeff Wheeler, why not pick up a copy (available on Amazon and other retailers). We’d love to have a conversation about the book.
If you have ideas for giveaways that fantasy readers would enjoy, please let us know. We also love to hear what our friends and followers are reading.
The post Opportunities to Win Free Books this Month appeared first on The Maidstone Chronicles.
April 19, 2019
Two Fantasy Authors to Read for April 2019
A Reading Gift for our Email Friends
Book best seller lists change all the time. What’s hot this month might have fallen off the charts by next year. But some authors manage to stay at or near the top for a long time (e.g. J. K. Rowling, James Patterson, Nora Roberts, Stephen King, and others).
But not all the best selling books are household names.
There are two fantasy authors we’ve noticed who have had books in Amazon’s top 100 list for quite a while. Both Jeff Wheeler and Charlie Holmberg have numerous titles available, and we’ve been wanting to start reading them.
So, we decided to give ourselves some motivation in the form of a giveaway.
Here’s our plan:
Everyone on our email list as of April 30, 2019 will have the opportunity to win a copy (paperback or hardcover) of one of the four books below. One winner will get to choose one book.
If you not already on our email list, you can sign up using one of the forms here on the website (they’re hard to miss).
Whichever book the winner chooses, Shane and Darryl will also read that book. Then, in June, we’ll co-write a review that we’ll post on our website.
And because we believe in supporting up-and-coming authors (actually, these two authors are pretty successful already), we’ll probably post reviews on Amazon and Goodreads too (as all good readers should – wink, wink).
Here are the four books the winner will get to choose from:
From Jeff Wheeler
The Queen’s Poisoner
From Amazon: “King Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles…and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.”
Storm Glass
From Amazon: “Theirs is a world of opposites. The privileged live in sky manors held aloft by a secretive magic known only as the Mysteries. Below, the earthbound poor are forced into factory work to maintain the engine of commerce. Only the wealthy can afford to learn the Mysteries, and they use their knowledge to further lock their hold on society.”
From Charlie N. Holmberg
The Paper Magician
From Amazon: “Ceony Twill arrives at the cottage of Magician Emery Thane with a broken heart. Having graduated at the top of her class from the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined, Ceony is assigned an apprenticeship in paper magic despite her dreams of bespelling metal. And once she’s bonded to paper, that will be her only magic…forever.”
Smoke and Summons
From Amazon: “As a human vessel for an ancient spirit, Sandis lives no ordinary life. At the command of her master, she can be transformed against her will into his weapon—a raging monster summoned to do his bidding. Unlike other vessels, Sandis can host extremely powerful spirits, but hosting such creatures can be fatal. To stay alive, she must run. And in a city fueled by smoke and corruption, she finds a surprising ally.”
Good luck and happy reading!
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November 26, 2018
November 2018 Book Giveaway
A Reading Gift for our Email Friends
Hey Readers!
Everyone on our email list as of November 30, 2018 will be entered for a chance to win one of the following fantasy novels:
The Crimes of Grindelwald – by J.K. Rowling
The Fall of Gondolin – by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Magic Kingdom of Landover – by Terry Brooks
The Fifth Season – by N.K. Jemisin
One winner will get to choose one of these great books—just in time for the holidays!
Know someone who might like to win one of these books? Please send them to this page so they can subscribe to our email list (use the “Enter to Win” sidebar form). HINT: Use the social media “Share” icons at the end of this post!
We’re giving away one of these prizes:
The Crimes of Grindelwald
From Amazon: “At the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.”
The Fall of Gondolin
From Amazon: “In the Tale of The Fall of Gondolin are two of the greatest powers in the world. There is Morgoth of the uttermost evil, unseen in this story but ruling over a vast military power from his fortress of Angband. Deeply opposed to Morgoth is Ulmo, second in might only to Manwë, chief of the Valar: he is called the Lord of Waters, of all seas, lakes, and rivers under the sky. But he works in secret in Middle-earth to support the Noldor, the kindred of the Elves among whom were numbered Húrin and Túrin Turambar.
The Magic Kingdom of Landover
From Amazon: “Chicago lawyer Ben Holiday can’t fathom what lies ahead when he purchases Landover—a magical kingdom of chivalry and sorcery—from Meeks, the mysterious seller who placed the ad. Weary and jaded, Ben clings to the ad’s promise: “Escape into your dreams.” But Landover is not the enchanted idyll he expected.”
Includes the first three books in the series.
The Fifth Season
From Amazon: “A season of endings has begun.
It starts with the great red rift across the heart of the world’s sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun.
It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter.
It starts with betrayal, and long dormant wounds rising up to fester.
This is the Stillness, a land long familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy.”
Good luck and happy reading!
The post November 2018 Book Giveaway appeared first on The Maidstone Chronicles.
August 17, 2018
August 2018 Giveaways
Another Gift for our Email Friends
Everyone on our email list as of September 5, 2018 will be entered for a chance to win…
We’ll be announcing the prize in a few days, but it will be a good one.
$500 Midsummer’s Dream Giveaway
When: August 1 – 31, 2018
Prizes:
1 – Kindle Paperwhite Travel Bundle ($200 value)
2 – Kindle eReaders ($170 value)
1 – 8″ Kindle Fire HD ($100 value)
1 – $25 Amazon eCard
Once again, we’re sponsoring The Kindle Book Review’s awesome contest. This month (August 1-31), they’re giving away more cool gifts!
Visit The Kindle Book Review website for details.
Good luck in the contests and Happy Summer reading!
The post August 2018 Giveaways appeared first on The Maidstone Chronicles.
