R.J. Hanson's Blog, page 3

Notable & Quotable

Welcome to this month’s Notable & Quotable! First, I have to tell you about the first annual Texas Author Con Sunday, July 10th, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. being held at the Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Richardson 1001 W President George Bush Turnpike, Richardson, Texas 75080. There will be autographs, giveaways and it’ll be your chance to meet some really talented authors.

Now on to your Notable & Quotable. This month’s N&Q comes from the Adventures of Stratvs Collection, a collection of short stories, lore, timelines, and maps from the Bloodlines Reforged Saga.

The torchlight pushed back the gloom of this underground complex only a few feet, but that would be all they would need once the drow moved in to engage them. For the first few moments of the assaults, for there had been many, they had to hope the flames of the torchlight would camouflage their body heat from the infra-vision of the godless elves of these caverns.

You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Stratvs Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group

Our book mention this month is The Crown of Stones, by C.L. Schneider, available in paperback, hardcover, ebook, audiobook, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited! What if you were born with an addiction to magic? What if your pleasure meant their pain?

As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. We adopted a new family member in May. Everyone say ‘hello’ to Rose. She’s another rescue and is half black lab and half great dane, and all heart. She settled in quickly and was napping on Pinker by day 3.

Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com

Until next time,

“Crush your Enemies!”

R.J.

Notable & Quotable

Welcome to this month’s Notable & Quotable! May’s N&Q comes from Stalking Shadows, Book IV in the Lords of Order & Chaos Series (Book VII in the Bloodlines Reforged Saga), due out later this year.

Thus, she turned her body and mind to her Dance, the Dance of the Ussa, the Dance of the Disputed Isles. The Dance required grace juxtaposed with exacting accuracy. She’d found that her speed, strength, and agility had increased dramatically as a result of her ascension. Yet, her focus and force of will seemed to constantly rage on the edge of chaos. Her body ached at the temptation to execute her katas with harsh velocity.

You can find an evergrowing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Stratvs Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group

Our featured theme this month is BLOOD! Blood of the Raej is available for FREE and you can get your copy today! “Terhese’s dream of becoming an Official is within her grasp. Weeks before she is to leave for the Sandstone Academy, her powers show their true colors.”

The next book is Blood and Loyalty, which you can read for FREE through Kindle Unlimited! “She is your daughter,” Yenderen agreed, “but not your possession. The path she is to take in life is hers and hers alone.”

As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. We took a bit of a vaca last month and I got to catch up with an old college buddy (and fellow author) Jon Black at the best burger joint in Austin Texas. Top Notch Burgers (featured in Dazed and Confused, of course) makes a darn fine burger. Oh, and you can check out some of Jon’s work here: https://jonblackwrites.com/

Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com

Until next time,

“Crush your Enemies!”

R.J.

Notable & Quotable

Howdy,

Here’s our April Notable & Quotable! I hope this month’s newsletter finds you well. This month’s quote comes for Stalking Shadows, Book VII in the Bloodlines Reforged Saga scheduled to be published by this coming fall.

Your father and I faced a Dark Guardian once, many centuries ago, Ellz continued without acknowledging the comment, or the accusation it seemed to imply. They are more dangerous than any dragon in combat and virtually indomitable. However, they can be fooled. The demon soul used to power them is stripped of any higher thoughts leaving behind only their combat expertise and their understanding of what their master represents. They are not capable of initiative, nor are they capable of identifying most ruses. Leapold represents a unique creation in that most of his higher thought processes are intact. He is absolutely loyal to you and your rule, but he is also capable of taking actions he deems necessary to protect your interests. Should the Warlock hint at some threat to our coven, Leapold may act against him without warning, and you’ve sent him into the Warlock’s den having offered no word of caution. What if…

You can find an evergrowing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged and dive into the lore of Stratvs at our official wiki page here: Bloodlines Reforged Stratvs Wiki. You can also join other fans in our Facebook discussion group here: Facebook Group

This month we’re taking a look at C.J.R. Isely’s The Cutthroat Price, FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

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Next up is a FREE download of Jack Adkins’ short story, The Vustaan Incident.

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As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. I made some additions to the budding playground I’m adding to the backyard and Pinker was kind enough to help me out.

Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com

Until next time,

“Crush your Enemies!”

R.J.

Notable & Quotable

Howdy,

Here’s our March Notable & Quotable! I hope this month’s newsletter finds you well. This month’s quote comes from one of our most recent gaming sessions.

Player 1 to Player 2: “No one should have to kill their father… alone.” Yeah, it was a bit dark.

You can find an evergrowing glossary and geographic guide on our website here: Bloodlines Reforged

This month we’re taking a look at three new reads. The first, The Hard Blokes of Sparta, is a FREE read by Jamie Brindle!

Next up, Keeper of the Mirror by Theresa Nellis. Another FREE read!

Finally, we have The Black Eyed Witch by Rowan Staeffler. FREE on KU!

As to life here in our own little corner of the world, we are all doing well. I know the picture is a little hard to make out, but, if you study it, you’ll find that Pinker has made herself right at home lying on Kaya to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark with her.

Let me know how you’re doing and always feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com

Until next time,

“Crush your Enemies!”

R.J.

Notable & Quotable

Before we get to the Notable & Quotable for this month I have to announce some HUGE news!  I’ve been conversing with wiki editor, Korra Baskerville, for some weeks now and she’s created the first and official Bloodlines Reforged Wiki! How cool is that!?  She’s done a deep dive into the lore of Stratvs and the page contains exclusive content not published anywhere else.

Now, on with the newsletter. This week’s Notable & Quotable comes from Bloom of Blood & Bone, Book II of the Lords of Order & Chaos Series (book V of the Bloodlines Reforged Saga).  

            The pup continued to bite and tear at the exposed portions of the snake, not noticing the ever-encroaching danger of the other end of the beast.  The serpent rolled its flesh into coils and poised itself mere feet from the wolf pup’s back legs.  As the snake’s fangs shot forward to strike the wolf pup, the talons of a red raven tore the remaining eye from the snake’s head.
            The suddenness and violence of the raven’s attack shook both Dunewell and Jonas from the trance that had so completely enthralled them.  The snake, now blinded, thrashed wildly as the rose bush drew blood from a thousand cuts.  The wolf pup, undaunted, continued her attacks as well, biting and clawing to tear the snake out of the bush.  In bare moments the snake fell limp.  The wolf pup dined on the meat of a fateful kill.  Dunewell and Jonas watched as the red raven carried the serpent’s eye to a nest high in the trees nearby.  They listened to the cawing of young ravens as the injured bird dropped the eye into its nest. 

You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here; www.bloodlinesreforged.com.  You can also find a few spoilers such as the lineage of kingdoms, the Code of the Cavalier, and so on.   

This month we’re taking a look at Paris Hansch’s The Last Stand-Empire of the Dragon Gods: Prequel, which you can get for FREE for a limited time.  Celia is about to break her vow. As the head priestess of the most powerful dragon temple in the empire – Celia is a shining example of knowledge, purity, and unquestioning loyalty to the imperial couple, the legendary dragon gods themselves.

And, for you Kindle Unlimited readers out there, Forbidden Healing, by Rachael Watson, is a great tale!  Forbidden Healing is an action-packed, page-turning YA Fantasy read, that features dark secrets, plot twists and compelling characters, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Mary Weber and Laini Taylor. 

We’re also taking a look at C.J.R. Isely’s first in series, Ranger of Kings. Training to be a knight isn’t fun…if you die  Living as a lowly village boy, Will finds himself thrown into a world he could only dream of when he meets the mischievous son of an influential Lord and a calculating last heir of a powerful Count. 

As to life here in our little corner of the world, we are all doing well.  Our two exchange students have become full-fledged members of the family.  They help with Pinker, help me work around the ranch, game with us, and we have come to love them so much.  I think Texas has made an indelible mark on their hearts.



Let me know how you’re doing.  Feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com with word of how you’re doing, questions about our tales, or comments about the story or the world of Stratvs.  If you enjoy our brand of ‘humor’ or just want more frequent updates, you can follow us on Facebook here; Roland’s Quest!
Until next time, ‘Crush your Enemies!’
R.J.

Notable & Quotable

I hope this month’s newsletter finds you all well.  This week’s Notable & Quotable comes from Whetstones of the Will, Book III in the Lords of Order & Chaos Series, which just released on Audible.com! Get the audiobook today!
           Ivant, more than seven feet tall, had a great stride that lent to his speed.  However, burdened with Truthorne’s weight and dodging hatchlings and collapsing buildings made for slow progress.
            “I can make another stand,” Truthorne grunted as Ivant’s shoulder pounded into his gut while he jogged along.  “Put me down and let me stand!”
            Ivant had hastily thrown Truthorne over his shoulder before running for the protection of the vast stone citadel of Ivory Rose.
            “I can see the bone sticking out of your leg,” King Ivant barked, perhaps harsher than he intended.  “It’s in its death throes now, I’m sure.  I have to get you back to a priest or a healer.”
            As he spoke, a black tentacle struck a chunk of stone the size of a five-masted ship from the top of a nearby temple.  The ground beneath Ivant’s feet trembled with the force as the mountain-size steeple loomed over them, blocking out the sun.

You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here; www.bloodlinesreforged.com.  You can also find a few spoilers such as the lineage of kingdoms, the Code of the Cavalier, and so on.   

This month we’re taking a look at Rachael Dunn’s tale, Vessels.  You can get this adventure for FREE for a limited time! “Ashira is the reincarnation of the legendary pharaoh. All she has to do is reclaim her throne.”

As to life here in our little corner of the world, we are all doing well. 
Well… some days Pinker has a rough time.  She hates it when I have to work late.

https://www.facebook.com/RolandsQuest/videos/468799471519040

Let me know how you’re doing.  Feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com with word of how you’re doing, questions about our tales, or comments about the story or the world of Stratvs.  If you enjoy our brand of ‘humor’ or just want more frequent updates, you can follow us on Facebook here; Roland’s Quest!
Until next time, ‘Crush your Enemies!’
R.J.

Notable & Quotable

I hope this month’s newsletter finds you all well and MERRY CHRISTMAS!  For Christmas this year we’re giving away 5 autographed 8×10 maps of Stratvs!  The first 5 people to respond to this email with the super-secret codeword, “Snowman,” will receive one. 

This week’s Notable & Quotable comes from Whetstones of the Will, Book III in the Lords of Order & Chaos Series, set to release as an audiobook via Audible.com and Amazon January 2022!

Now, his eyes strayed over artifacts such as the Chalice of C’Lea’yth, a goblet of pure roarkor capable of transforming anything placed in it to holy elven wine.  He saw the Locket of Bengyll, a gold locket given to the champion of Time, Millynne, by her human lover, Bengyll.  This was the charm that began the jealousy of the gods.  He examined Guardian’s Bane; a black steel dagger said to be able to destroy the soul of its victims so that no sleuth or cleric could discern the events of the victim’s death.  He looked over these wonders and many, many more.  Lynneare had warned Ashcliff of this danger as well; the temptation to fill his pockets, and, in so doing, get himself caught.  Ash did make a mental note of what was present and how it was secured, though.  Someday…

You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here; www.bloodlinesreforged.com.  You can also find a few spoilers such as the lineage of kingdoms, the Code of the Cavalier, and so on.   

As to life here in our little corner of the world, we are all doing well. 

As you can tell, decorating the tree and wrapping the gifts wore these two out.  Pinker has a standing rule; if you nap on her couch, she naps on you.

Let me know how you’re doing.  Feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com with word of how you’re doing, questions about our tales, or comments about the story or the world of Stratvs.  If you enjoy our brand of ‘humor’ or just want more frequent updates, you can follow us on Facebook here; Roland’s Quest!
Until next time, ‘Crush your Enemies!’
R.J.

Notable & Quotable

I hope this moth’s newsletter finds you all well.  This week’s Notable & Quotable comes from Stalking Shadows, Book IV in the Lords of Order & Chaos Series and Book VII in the Bloodlines Reforged Saga set to be released in spring of 2022.
            She knew that the Door of Will could put her on the trail of the escaped demon, last seen in possession of Lady Erin’s body.  However, to reach that magic portal, one had to first pass through the Dark Hall, a span of absolute black haunted by nightmares it somehow pulled from the minds of those who traveled within.  Lady Dru was vain in some regards, yet she was not foolish.  She knew in her current emotional state, attempting to traverse the Dark Hall would be tantamount to suicide.

I have two novels to mention this month. The first is Blood of a Fallen God, by Joshua Cook.  What do you do when a long dead god chooses you to help it return? What will you have to sacrifice?

Next we have Blood & Loyalty, by Luna Fox and F. Lowberry.  “She is your daughter,” Yenderen agreed, “but not your possession. The path she is to take in life is hers and hers alone.”  There’s some excellent advice in the tagline.

You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here; www.bloodlinesreforged.com.  You can also find a few spoilers such as the lineage of kingdoms, the Code of the Cavalier, and so on.   

As to life here in our little corner of the world, we are all doing well.  I had a new experience this past month.  Due to the insistence of my son, Alex Hanson.  He’s an actor and, I’m guessing based on his profession, felt I needed professional headshots taken for the back of the next book cover.  So, much to my chagrin, I did.  I must say, Julian Race did an excellent job given what he had to work with and it was much more fun than I anticipated.

Michelle likes the first one best but I like the one below.  What do you guys think?  Sort of a Hemmingway feel.  

Oh, I and must tell you about Blondie!  So, some of you know I spend way too much time playing video games.  I’m a huge Fallout 4 and Call of Duty fan.  Blondie (aka Lindsay the badassblondchk) is one of my regular teammates on CoD Modern Warfare.  You can follow her Omelet account.  She’s hilarious!

Let me know how you’re doing.  Feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com with word of how you’re doing, questions about our tales, or comments about the story or the world of Stratvs.  If you enjoy our brand of ‘humor’ or just want more frequent updates, you can follow us on Facebook here; Roland’s Quest!
Until next time, ‘Crush your Enemies!’
R.J.

Notable & Quotable

I hope this week’s newsletter finds you all well. So, tomorrow’s my BIRTHDAY! I will be… well, probably older than you.  To celebrate, I will send a signed paperback of Roland’s Path to the first person that emails me at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com with the code, “Happy Birthday.”  Clever, right?

Player 1: So, what’s your DB (defensive bonus)? 
Player 2: Oh, sorry, what? I wasn’t listening, I was thinking about solid state batteries. 

I swear that’s exactly what he said.  I play with some weird dudes.

You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here; www.bloodlinesreforged.com.  You can also find a few spoilers such as the lineage of kingdoms, the Code of the Cavalier, and so on.   

As to life here in our little corner of the world, we are all doing well.  Our annual Hanson Halloween Hayride and Party (our first was in 2005) will start up in a few hours.  Wish me luck!
Here are some pics from previous parties.

Let me know how you’re doing.  Feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com with word of how you’re doing, questions about our tales, or comments about the story or the world of Stratvs.  If you enjoy our brand of ‘humor’ or just want more frequent updates, you can follow us on Facebook here; Roland’s Quest!
Until next time, ‘Crush your Enemies!’
R.J.

Notable & Quotable

I hope this week’s newsletter finds you all well.  This week’s Notable & Quotable comes from Fires that Forge, Book I of the Lords of Order & Chaos Series.
“Whoever reported the body was somehow involved,” Medaci said, now drawing deeply from his pipe.  “Following the line that this murder was mocked up to look like the work of a vampire and, failing that, to look as though Whillyd is the one who killed your witness.”
“It is a stretch,” Dunewell said.
“Yes,” Medaci agreed.  “But it does seem to fall into a pattern.”
“Who reported the body?” Keryk asked.
“A street boy,” Medaci said.  “The watchman didn’t get his name.  I’m following up with him tomorrow to obtain a description.”
“We have business at the temple near House Morosse tomorrow,” Dunewell said.  “Perhaps we can meet for lunch and discuss our findings.”
“Agreed,” Medaci said.  “One more thing.  Steward Silas asked to see my notes on the vampire attacks.”
“You are your own man,” Dunewell said.  “But I see no harm in allowing it.  He is very curious about them and may be able to offer some insight.”
“Very well.”

You can find an ever-growing glossary and geographic guide on our website here; www.bloodlinesreforged.com.  You can also find a few spoilers such as the lineage of kingdoms, the Code of the Cavalier, and so on.   

As to life here in our little corner of the world, we are all doing well.  We do have a bit of exciting news to announce.  I may have gotten the cart before the horse, because the ebook cover for Stalking Shadows, Book IV of the Lords of Order & Chaos is HERE!  Let me know what you think.  As to my progress on the fourth installment of this series (Book VII in the Bloodlines Reforged Saga), I hope to have it to my editor by December and possibly publishing it as early as late January.

We, like many others, are gearing up for our annual Hanson Halloween Hayride!  Michelle has been trying out different outfits hoping to find some inspiration for her costume this year.

Let me know how you’re doing.  Feel free to drop me a line at rj@bloodlinesreforged.com with word of how you’re doing, questions about our tales, or comments about the story or the world of Stratvs.  If you enjoy our brand of ‘humor’ or just want more frequent updates, you can follow us on Facebook here; Roland’s Quest!
Until next time, ‘Crush your Enemies!’
R.J.