Joshua Kern's Blog, page 3
February 7, 2022
Portals of Albion- Prologue (The Nameless Chronicles: Book 1)
A portal gleamed in the middle of a large room, the surface undulating gently.
Zack glared at the man holding his little sister tightly by the neck, her small sock-clad feet barely scraping the ground. His own small hands were trembling in a mix of fury and fear. Anger like he had never felt before warred helplessly against the fear he felt at doing as they requested. Fear for his sister and himself.
There was no guarantee he would come back if he went through the portal, and then who would protect her? Even more worrying, though, was the thought of whether or not they would even do as they said they would? They had already experimented on her as well, even though they had said they wouldn’t. It was the entire reason he hadn’t fought them as they ran their experiments on him. He hadn’t known, then he found the scars on her neck.
Zack was all she had left in the world. Their parents had died years before when she was little more than a baby. Her safety was his responsibility, it was a heavy weight for a ten-year-old’s shoulders to bear. Still, she was only barely-seven and he would do anything for her.
Even if it meant believing them for now.
The experiments that were supposed to only be run on him, had found their way to her whenever he could no longer handle the pain. He could still see the bruises from the straps they had used to hold her against the chair, and the tiny track of needle marks at the base of her skull.
They were the same marks he had, though his were far more numerous.
The hand holding her slim pale neck tightened enough for the skin to turn red and her feet to come completely off the floor. Zack knew in that moment he would go through the portal, and he would come back, even if he had to do it all alone.
His eyes burned with shame and the prick of hot tears as he forced himself to look away and step closer to the portal. There wasn’t supposed to be one here, wherever here was. The locations of all the portals in the world were supposed to have been recorded since they appeared over a hundred years ago. No new ones had been reported since, and none had disappeared.
It made no sense that one wouldn’t be under the control of the government or larger corporations. They were intensely valuable commodities, even as a child he understood that. Not that the knowledge was doing them any good at the moment.
“Are you ready?” One of the scientists standing off to the side asked.
Equipment lined the walls, each piece connected to a different sensor they had strapped to his body.
“This isn’t going to work anyway so we might as well hurry!” Zack snapped at them irritably, desperately wanting to scratch at the fresh line of stitches lining the back of his neck. The portal stood silent at his back as he turned one last time to look at his little sister.
Instead, he was just in time to catch her as she was thrown at him like a ragdoll. Her ever present teddy-bear Zelda gripped tight in one tiny little hand. Their parents had named the bear after a long-eared princess in a story. The impact pushed them both through the portal and through to the other side.
Zack held his sister tight as the portal fought against their entrance. They were both too young, not to mention that neither had even awakened their status pages or the ability to go through the portal yet. That only happened when someone was halfway through maturity, around fifteen years old for most people.
The experiments the scientists had been doing on them were all designed to overcome that limitation. Despite the pain they were both feeling, it was clear that whatever had been done to them had worked as they fell to the ground on the other side. Now they only had to survive for twelve hours, and they would be automatically ejected back to their world.
Leaving before then was not an option, this side was dangerous. But the other was hell. He just prayed nobody came to fetch them before then.
January 29, 2022
The Forgotten Spies Rewrite is Out Now!
Hi everyone, the Forgotten Spies rewrite officially goes on sale February 2nd 2022.
You can get it on Amazon here!
Family secrets are about to be revealed, but first they have to find the truth. Why were they forgotten?
James Refton is an insecure 20-year-old still living at home with his sick grandfather. A man who wants him to leave his familiar stomping grounds and move on with his life.
When his childhood friend Lexie is unexpectedly thrust back into his life, and a secret involving the death of her parents is revealed. James must step up to support her during their journey of self-discovery and adventure into the unknown.
Together they head to France. Where they discover that the history of their families is far more intertwined than they ever imagined.
Will they be able to learn the rest of her family’s secrets while dodging bullets through the countryside of Europe? Can James overcome his insecurities and support Lexie when every step they take is more uncertain than the last?
A fast-paced, page-turning novel of secrets, family, and deception in unlikely places from author Joshua Kern.
(This is the second edition of the book.)
Forgotten Spies- Prologue (Refton & Thomas: Book 1)
Lexie held the letter from the safe deposit box with trembling hands in front of her. This age marked envelope contained the secrets they had been looking for. The sound of tearing paper filled the room as she ripped it open and carefully unfolded the paper inside.
The contents of the box were everything they had been hoping for and more.
“Do you know what this means?” She asked, after reading the letter aloud to Jay. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears while her cheeks were wet with the countless others that had already fallen.
Jay nodded silently, in shock at what she had read. “We know who my parents are now. Your grandpa was wrong, just like we thought.” He managed to utter after a moment, his voice thick with emotion.
The cold rasp of a slide being pulled back on a gun echoed through the room, bringing them back to reality. “Is that really something the two of you should be worrying about right now?”
Jay stilled, as next to him Lexie barely dared to breathe. Slowly, they both swallowed in fear, before turning to see who had joined them.
January 19, 2022
The Dungeon Alaria 2: The Creator���s Daughter Audiobook is Out Now!
Hi everyone, I just got an awesome email from Audible telling me that the audiobook version of The Dungeon Alaria 2: The Creator���s Daughter is Out Now!
A dungeon destroyed. A kingdom collapsed. A reunited family.
Liam has settled into his life on his new home of Alaria with relative ease. He has Elli on one side, and the mother he thought he had lost on the other.
Their time has been spent hard at work with the dungeon, claiming the territories in the local kingdom of Alaria. Meanwhile, Elli is pressing for a more intimate relationship, while barely keeping her own darker urges at bay.
When suddenly the dungeon protecting his mother's capital city is attacked. Together they must work to reclaim his mother's kingdom and push back the evil that threatens them all. The Goddess Alaria is in the midst of her own plans, ones that will affect more than just her world.
The world of Alaria is about to undergo its largest change yet. Plots created by both spirits, and Gods are coming to an explosive head.
Will Liam be able to protect all that he holds dear, or will someone prevail in their plot to destroy all he holds dear? Scroll up to buy the thrilling conclusion to the first arc of 'The Dungeon Alaria' series and start reading today!
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089R58RN7
US: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Creators-Daughter-Audiobook/B09QMSSKYY
UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Creators-Daughter-Audiobook/B09QMSDJW3
CA: https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Creators-Daughter-Audiobook/B09QMTC5XV
The Dungeon Alaria 2: The Creator’s Daughter Audiobook is Out Now!
Hi everyone, I just got an awesome email from Audible telling me that the audiobook version of The Dungeon Alaria 2: The Creator’s Daughter is Out Now!
A dungeon destroyed. A kingdom collapsed. A reunited family.
Liam has settled into his life on his new home of Alaria with relative ease. He has Elli on one side, and the mother he thought he had lost on the other.
Their time has been spent hard at work with the dungeon, claiming the territories in the local kingdom of Alaria. Meanwhile, Elli is pressing for a more intimate relationship, while barely keeping her own darker urges at bay.
When suddenly the dungeon protecting his mother's capital city is attacked. Together they must work to reclaim his mother's kingdom and push back the evil that threatens them all. The Goddess Alaria is in the midst of her own plans, ones that will affect more than just her world.
The world of Alaria is about to undergo its largest change yet. Plots created by both spirits, and Gods are coming to an explosive head.
Will Liam be able to protect all that he holds dear, or will someone prevail in their plot to destroy all he holds dear? Scroll up to buy the thrilling conclusion to the first arc of 'The Dungeon Alaria' series and start reading today!
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089R58RN7
US: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Creators-Daughter-Audiobook/B09QMSSKYY
UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Creators-Daughter-Audiobook/B09QMSDJW3
CA: https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Creators-Daughter-Audiobook/B09QMTC5XV
January 2, 2022
2022 Has Begun
Well folks, it's officially 2022.
2021 was an experience... that's all I'll say on the matter.
I decided to try something different as an author last year and banked my books. I normally release them fairly closely after they have been finished. This time I'm letting them sit before their rewrites and releases. It may work out, or I may go back to the old model. Either way, the new series is going to be fun.
Speaking of which, I have two new series coming out this year. Then I will hopefully finish off Game of Gods, and possibly start the next arc on Alaria. It depends on what everyone wants, though I do want to finish off GoG soon. I know where it needs to go. I can see the ending and how it influences the other series will be potentially... interesting. :D
I've made a lot of progress over the last few years as an author, especially so in 2021. I was finally able to meet some of my fellow authors in person and talk to them.
I would just like to thank all of you for supporting me. In all honesty, your support is what has allowed me to continue writing.
I love crafting these stories and following the characters. I hope to continue for many years to come.
The easiest way to help if you want is to spread the word about the books, leave reviews or ratings, buy them, or simply join Patreon for early chapters.
It all helps no matter what you choose
Happy New Years, and I hope everyone has an excellent year to come.
December 24, 2021
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
Hi everyone,
It's the holidays and yes, I'm still writing.
Game of Gods 1: The Beginning will be on sale from December 25th to the 28th in the US and the UK.
The Ridden will be free from December 30th to January 3rd, so please spread the word to all your friends about both books.
I have a few updates to let you all know about.
First, in case you missed it, the audiobook for ‘The Ridden’ is now available. Grab a copy and leave a review or a rating, if you do, they help more than most people realize.
Second, the first book in ‘The Nameless Chronicles', formerly known as 'The Aperra Chronicles’, is done, or at least the first draft is. I’ve already started on the second book as well. I’ve also commissioned a cover for the book, so I won’t have a firm release date for the book until I get that.
Thirdly, I have commissioned covers for the re-releases of the ‘Refton & Thomas’ series. I’m still in the middle of rewriting the second one, but I’m trying to get ahead on that item. The first book will likely be released sometime in January.
As the fourth item, I have gotten Neil Hellegers to narrate the second book in ‘The Dungeon Alaria’ series. He started on it earlier this month, so look forward to that coming out soon.
Lastly, I’ve been in contact with Podium, and it looks like the ‘Game of Gods 4’ audiobook will be coming out around March next year. You can find the pre-order link below if you are interested.
That's about it for now, and I hope everyone is doing well.
Stay safe!
Joshua Kern
The Audible pre-order for 'Game of Gods 4: Pieces of Divinity' is now live!
https://www.audible.com/pd/Pieces-of-Divinity-Audiobook/B09NZTSZ71
December 21, 2021
GoG4: Pieces of Divinity Audible Pre-order!
The Audible pre-order for Game of Gods 4: Pieces of Divinity is now live!
December 4, 2021
Quick Update
Hi everyone,I just wanted to put out a quick update to let everyone know what the state of a couple of my projects were.The rewrite for Forgotten Spies, the first book in the Refton & Thomas series, is nearing completion. I only have a couple of chapters left to do. It has taken more time than I thought it would, mainly because I only work on it in the morning before I start working on my main project. Despite that, I have cleaned it up, and added a lot to it as well. The new covers for it are done and I will be putting them up on my Patreon soon as well.The second book in my new series is about a third of the way done. I'm hoping to release the first two books fairly close together. We'll see how that works out. The covers for these two books are going to be awesome.That's all for now.
November 5, 2021
November Update/Newsletter
Hi everyone,
It's a new month, and Halloween has already come and gone. I’m still writing, and I have a few updates to let you all know about.
First, in case you missed it, the audiobook for ‘The Ridden’ is now available. Grab a copy and leave a review or a rating, if you do, they help more than most people realize.
Second, the first book in ‘The Aperra Chronicles’ is done, or at least the first draft is. I’ve already started on the second book as well. I’ve commissioned a cover for the book, so I won’t have a firm release date for the book until I get that.
Thirdly, I have also commissioned covers for the re-releases of the ‘Refton & Thomas’ series. I’m still in the middle of rewriting them, but I’m trying to get ahead on that one.
As the fourth item, I have gotten Neil Hellegers to narrate the second book in ‘The Dungeon Alaria’ series. So look forward to that happening soon.
Lastly, I’ve been in contact with Podium, and it looks like the ‘Game of Gods 4’ audiobook will be coming out early next year sometime. Not sure what the delay was, but things happen.
That's about it for now, and I hope everyone is doing well.
Stay safe!
Joshua Kern
Hi everyone,
It's a new month, and Halloween has already come and gone. I’m still writing, and I have a few updates to let you all know about.
First, in case you missed it, the audiobook for ‘The Ridden’ is now available. Grab a copy and leave a review or a rating, if you do, they help more than most people realize.
Second, the first book in ‘The Aperra Chronicles’ is done, or at least the first draft is. I’ve already started on the second book as well. I’ve commissioned a cover for the book, so I won’t have a firm release date for the book until I get that.
Thirdly, I have also commissioned covers for the re-releases of the ‘Refton & Thomas’ series. I’m still in the middle of rewriting them, but I’m trying to get ahead on that one.
As the fourth item, I have gotten Neil Hellegers to narrate the second book in ‘The Dungeon Alaria’ series. So look forward to that happening soon.
Lastly, I’ve been in contact with Podium, and it looks like the ‘Game of Gods 4’ audiobook will be coming out early next year sometime. Not sure what the delay was, but things happen.
That's about it for now, and I hope everyone is doing well.
Stay safe!
Joshua Kern
