Aster North's Blog, page 2

#TheReaperIsHere

Forgotten Essence, cover art by Nichole Witholder @ Rainy Day Artwork




It’s Release Day!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m really excited to say that Forgotten Essence is finally out in the world. I began writing Forgotten Essence way back in October, right after Box of Puppet released. My intent was to have it out sooner, but alas, that didn’t happen.

Instead, the idea of doing a short Christmas novella popped up and wouldn’t leave. So, I paused FE and began Igniting Bonds. Both IB and BoP released in November. But that was months ago, you might be thinking, and you’re right.

Life happened. The holidays came, illness struck, and I got to a part of FE where it just didn’t feel right. So, I took it apart, thought on it, and got back on track. Why am I telling you all of this? Well, I’m not sure, beyond the fact that this book was a thoughtful piece and occasionally I wondered if Zella herself wasn’t trying to kill me so she could reap my soul.

But I survived, and I think I poured enough of my soul into the story to satisfy her for the time being. Zella’s story isn’t one of lightness and easy living. It’s difficult and aching and sometimes, it’s hard to breathe because her pain and her monster are so consuming. It’s something that I can relate to, something I think we all can relate to.

I’m not tooting my own horn or claiming to be the best that ever was, but I do believe that this is my best story so far. With each book, I continue to learn and grow. Every release teaches me something, and I am applying those lessons. I truly hope that you all enjoy the journey of Zella, and I hope I’ve done it justice.

Now, about the book itself. I can’t seem to think in terms of the “normal” thing to do. Reapers are usually in the urban fantasy category and often have a scythe toting female in leather doing badass things. But I didn’t see Zella that way, nor did my Reaper look like all of the others. So, my science fantasy was born about a Reaper who had real problems. FE is mostly set on the planet of Delon. Both Reapers and Angels live there, carrying out their duties. The overall book universe explains many of our fantasy characters, and I’m hoping people like the series enough so that I can continue exploring the other species there such as the angels, fae, and demons. I suppose we’ll see after everyone gets their hands on FE.

If you haven’t checked out the blurb and have no clue what book I’m talking about, just hop over to the book post where I add the blurb or click the link below to be taken to kindle.

Before I end this post, I wanted to drop a quick update on what I’m working on now and what’s up next. I’m finishing up a bonus scene that will go in the back of the box set I’m preparing for The Anomaly series. It will also be going out as a bonus for signing up for my newsletter. I just need to get it finished, formatted, and a cover.

After that, I’ll be finishing my partially finished anthology piece. It will tell the Earth side view of when Reapers stopped Reaping. In June, the anthology, Tales of the Apocalypse, will release. That is currently on preorder for only $.99 and you can find it on Amazon.

Once that is sent off to the editor, I’ll begin either the second and final book of Mei’s story, Cutting My Strings or the second of the Soul Fiend series, Stolen Essence. It just depends on reader demand.

Thanks for making it this far into my rambling mess! I’m going to finish up now because I need to go prepare for my release day party in my Facebook group, North Stars. I hope you’ll consider picking up Forgotten Essence, but either way, happy reading!

Forgotten Essence Cover and Preorder Link

Forgotten Essence Cover Reveal
Cover Design copyright 2019 by Nichole Witholder @ Rainy Day Artwork




Forgotten Essence



Soul Fiend Series 1

Release Date: TBA, but currently set for Feb 29, 2020 though I expect it sooner

books2read.com/FE1

Hey! It’s been a while since I’ve updated. Between the holidays, all the birthdays, the plethora of germs and sick kids, and just life, it’s been chaotic at best. But, I’m working on FE and even though I’m not as far as I’d like, it’s coming along nicely. And isn’t this cover ah-maz-ing? I love, love, love it! It was impossible to find a Reaper cover without a scythe or with a UF feel(chick in leather). Which is great if that’s what you’re writing, but that’s not what I’m writing. So when my cover designer showed me this one, I drooled a bit and typed back a quick “yes!”

This kicks off a new series called the Soul Fiend series and follows Zella Healani. She’s a Grim Reaper… but of course, I can’t do the regular thing and have a scythe wielding hell-friendly Reaper. Nope. Mine is more scifi than that as I spin everything usual about the trope.

I’ll get back to the follow up for Box of Puppets once I finish FE. It will be the final book of that series and called Cutting My Strings. Unfortunately, BoP didn’t do as well as I’d hoped so I’m condensing the planned two final books into one. It will complete her story, but I’ll be chopping out some things I had planned originally. That’s just the way it goes sometimes. Anyway, back to Zella.

I put the preorder up this morning and did a cover reveal in my Facebook group, North Stars. Figured I’d do the same here!

Below, I’ll list the blurb and add a button for easy clicking. Thanks so much for reading!

Blurb:

Death is an insurmountable fact. We all will experience it at some point. The question is what happens after. Where does the soul go?

Well, it goes to me. Or someone like me, at least. My name is Zella Healani. I’m a Grim Reaper. Not the kind most think of when they picture the old skeleton guy either. Nope. I’m young, have no swinging stick thing, and am usually swimming with some kind of mind-altering substance.

Don’t let that deter you. Not that you actually could. Like it or not, I’ll pull your soul free from your husk and ferry it back to the big soul soup we all start from. You get a new life, and I get a hit of euphoria so pure, it’s addicting. Oh, and some additional powers here and there.

But, what happens if nobody comes for you? And why would someone keep Grims from reaping? That, my new friend, is exactly what I’m going to tell you. Have a seat and open the pages to discover what happens when you mix evil, Earth souls, and one screwed-up Reaper together.

***Forgotten Essence is a fast burn RH. This means she doesn’t choose between the men. It contains potentially triggering content. This book is not meant for those below age 18 and may not be suitable for everyone.

US Amazon Link (you can also use books2read.com/FE1 for easy linking to international amazon sites.

November Update and Audio News

Hey there! I’m just dropping by to add Igniting Bonds to the list and give a mid-November update. I also have some exciting news for all of my audio lovers out there.

November is the month of gratefulness, and I’m beyond grateful for every single reader who picks up my books. As a new author, the simple fact that people keep reading my stuff is amazing. I hope I’m improving with each new book, each new story that I put out into the world. So, thank you all for sticking with me or just giving me a shot, even if my stuff isn’t your cup of tea. Thank you!

November has beeen a busy month for me. Not only is it NaNoWriMo, I’ve also released two books and have an audio book set to release.

The first book was Box of Puppets which came out early November. Mei’s story was one that I’d had in my head since I started writing Everly’s story. I know it’s odd and even confusing, but I promise that’s on purpose. Since you are learning as Mei learns and (hopefully) feeling what she feels, that was my goal. By the end, it should all make sense as the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. I love a good secret and keeping the whole premise to the book hidden until the end is the ultimate secret. It’s like reading a good mystery and not knowing who the killer is until the last page. If you’ve read my first series, you know that I like making you ferret out the truth. Box of Puppets is no exception. I’ll begin work on the second book after I finish the water witch story.

Because I began to feel some burn out when I did Everly’s story one after the other, I decided to try a staggered release schedule like so many other authors. I believe once I finish these three series and get them wrapped up, I’ll return to the one after another schedule or perhaps just two alternating since my next sets will be Willie/Cassie and Everly’s sister. Thsoe two are from the same world so I may do those together. That won’t be until fall so we’ll see.

My second release this month was Igniting Bonds and it just came out yesterday. It’s a story I hadn’t really planned on doing. I was done with Everly’s story. At least, for a while. But, Ren’s family began playing in my head and the idea of Everly going to meet them all for Christmas began circulating. So, I paused reapers and started. Because of the theme, it wasn’t one I could really put off unless I wanted to wait a year, and I didn’t. It’s a 37k word story and shows a different side of Everly. She’s grown a lot throughout the series so I wanted to reflect that within the novella. I’ve gotten some flak about her not being socially adept, but she remained hidden away for a long time. She’s also withdrawn herself form most interactions and lived a generally lonely life until recently. Being around the hunters has helped her, mostly because, for them, she wants to try.

I also have the first audiobook of mine releasing. Tantor media produced Twisted Flames, and it is releasing on November 26th. Preorders are up now as well. The narrators for it are Tor Thom and Elizabeth Russell. They were the ones I wanted, so I’m very excited to hear the full length audio. I think Elizabeth Russell’s voice and inflections will do Everly justice while Tor Thom sounds like I picture Ren’s voice to sound and his rich, deep tone will do the other guys justice. I’ll add a link on to the end, just in case anyone wants to check that out.

Now update time. I’m hard at work on the reapers novel. I have the cover, and it is gorgeous. I’ll do a cover reveal once I get closer to the end. Right now I’m just about to the point where she’s heading to Earth, so I’m excited to get back to it. I’m still tweaking the blurb, so I’ll reveal that as well. The overall story follows Zella as she discovers a massive mistake and tries to fix the wrong that’s occurred. She’s not the typical reaper. She doesn’t have a scythe. She’s not a skeleton. She doesn’t come from Hell. And she has a bit of an addiction issue. But she’s also a hard worker who’s just trying to survive. The series name I have for it is the Soul Fiend series, and I’m hoping to have it out at the end of December or early January, but that depends on a lot of factors so I hesitate to give a more definitive date until I finish the first draft.

This thing keeps skipping back to the top, so I hope I didn’t miss any errors since I can’t see what I’m writing. As always, feel free to come over to my facebook group ( North Stars) or follow my Insta account for more updates. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates it and happy November to everyone.

https://www.audible.com/pd/Twisted-Flames-Audiobook/1541435656

Igniting Bonds

Cover design by Aster North

Book 1 of The Anomaly Series Companion Novella

Release Date: November 17, 2019

US Link: https://www.amazon.com/Igniting-Bonds...

Blurb:

Family. Festivities. Four letter words.

Now that things are finally settled, life is easing into a routine: an assasination here, a rescue there, the normal things. Until the guys spring a Christmas surprise on me. The six of us are off to spend a week with Ren’s family.

Combine the pressure of meeting the parents with the chaos of the holidays, and I find myself floundering. Thankfully, with the guys at my side and Ember nipping at my heels, I can face anything. I hope.

***
Igniting Bonds is a Christmas themed novella featuring the characters from The Anomaly series. It is an RH urban fantasy and contains both small bits of violence and a steamy scene. It is not suitable for those under the age of 18 and is best read after the original series.

Box of Puppets is alive! Muwhahahaha

Box of Puppets released today. It’s been crazy. Not so much because of the book but because of life. I’m knee (finger?) deep in NaNo trying to get Reapers finished while editing the Christmas novella about Everly, Ren, and the gang. My son is also sick, so a good part of the day was spent at the drs office and trying to find one that was open. Plus, a bunch of other mess. So, nutty day all around!

But, I’m really looking forward to seeing what everyone else thinks about it! So far, reviews are good. They’re consistent. They all say it’s confusing. Wait! That’s not a bad thing! Mei’s very confused, so why shouldn’t the reader be? She’s telling the story, after all, right? But, at the end, it all falls in place. If you’ve read it, let me know what you think!

[image error]http://www.books2read.com/BoP

Box of Puppets

Box of Puppets cover by Kendra Moreno @ The Rabbit Hole Graphics

Book 1 of the Foxy Witch series

Release Date: November 9, 2019

Universal Link: www.books2read.com/BoP

Blurb:

Witch. Kitsune. Crazy cat lady.

Hey there! My name is Mei. Normally, I’m a ‘roll with the punches’ kind of girl, but I fear I’m going insane. I say things I do not think and do things I cannot control. My reality has become a nightmare. I feel like a puppet dangling from frayed strings.

Three vampire hunters alter my course when they stumble into me one night. Plagued by the same instability, they work their way into my life and my head. Together, we must try to find a way out of our madness. Hopefully.

Sounds like I have a plan, right? Wrong. You see, I have a couple of other problems that are pretty pressing as well. I’m almost sure that my boyfriend, Finn, is going to ask me to marry him. And, well, I can’t stand him. Oh, and there are a few other things, but I can’t tell you about them just yet. That would spoil the surprise.

Throughout it all, my search for the truth never falters. Insanity is the easier answer, but no one ever said life is easy.

**********

Box of Puppets is the beginning of a slow burn, reverse harem series. This means that she will not choose between men in the end. It does have cursing and some violence. It may not be suitable for all readers.

Ashen Feathers is live!

It’s been a crazy five months since the release of my first book. In that time, I’ve completed this series, written another book, and started on yet another.

I’ve learned about the business, ads, editing, schedules, and so much more. I’m still learning, and that’s OK. My hope is to keep growing each word, each day, each book.

For now, I’m excited to say that my very first series is complete. I’m sure I should be sad to see Everly go. That’s what people usually say, right? But, I know that I’ll see her again soon.

With the Cassie/Willy book on my schedule, I know she and the guys will be popping in to lend a hand and stir up some trouble. I’ll also get to write more about her from the Before as I start her sister’s story next fall. So, while she will be away for a bit, I know I’ll get to listen to her again soon.

In the meantime, I’ll be editing and publishing Mei’s story next month. She’s quite different from Everly, and her world is nuts, so it has been fun working on her.

I’m working on Zella’s story now. She’s a mix of the two. A badass like Everly but crazy like Mei. I’m not deep into her story yet, but she’s been wild so far.

So, I’m going to end this post because it’s 230 AM on release day and I have to be up in a few hours to get ready for the release party in my Facebook group. Stop by if you can! And of course, go check out how Everly’s story wraps up. Thanks so much to everyone who has kept me pushing forward with every page read, review, and message.

Oh, and keep an eye on this space next month! I have some exciting news about Twisted Flames that I’ll be sharing!

http://www.books2read.com/AshenFeathers

Ashen Feathers Cover Reveal

It’s getting so close to being time to release Ashen Feathers. I’m currently editing, which I hate. But I did get my cover, which I adore. It’s such a fabulous cover.

I’ll post more info when I have the link for the preorder, but for now, here’s the blurb and cover.

Blurb:

Sharpened Edges. Spilled Lifeblood. Avenging Magics. My name is Everly Banks, assassin, creator, and loner. Or I was, until four hunters pushed their way into my life. Add in a cursed goat, sassy fox, and stubborn witch, and I have a whole circus following me.

That’s the least of my problems though. I have promises to keep and enemies to slaughter. Two innocents are caught in the center of a battle that I failed to finish long ago. I won’t let them pay for my mistakes.

We will have to rescue them while dodging a bounty on my head and preparing for war. As if that wasn’t enough, whispers of my past are colliding with my present, and I’m not sure I’m strong enough to handle them.

Unfortunately, life isn’t waiting on me to get myself together. My own personal hell is coming whether I like it or not. But it’s not only my future at stake if I lose. My nightmare has come to haunt me, and if he succeeds, the world will be forced to fall at his feet. 

So, if you’re unlucky enough to see the clash between the creator and the destroyer, look for me beneath the falling ashen feathers. I’ll be the one who duct taped herself back together again.

 *******Ashen Feathers is the final book in The Anomaly series. It is an urban fantasy with a reverse harem romance. That means she will not choose between her men. This series is not for those under the age of 18 because it contains sensitive content. Please see the foreword for specific triggers. They are located in sections that are listed so anyone who wishes to do so can skip said section without getting lost. There is also a warning by Everly herself just before the break. This book does contain steamy scenes as well as battles. 

Falling?

I really need to write more blog posts on here! Alas, most of my words these days are going into Ashen Feathers.

The release of Blazing Petals went very well so thank you to all of you who have supported me and checked out Everly’s story!

Between school starting back, releasing Blazing Petals, farm life, and trying to do all the books that keep bumping into my head, life is busy around my part of the world. I really need one of my kids to figure out how to pause time so I can get more done!

So, update on Ashen Feathers. I’m currently 49k into the first draft. I feel like I have a long way to go though. After all, I’m only at the part where she does that thing. We still have two more things, a happening, three wowsers, and two well thens to go! I may have to chop some parts out just to keep the book at a reasonable length. There’s not a natural break point that I can see currently that would allow me to make two books, and I’m not sure i would want to do that anyway. I suppose we’ll see when the final word count and alpha read comes through. I’m ultimately hoping for a late Sept/early Oct release, but that depends on a lot of people and several factors. I’m really hoping for sooner, but no promises. Life tends to smack me down when I do that!

Beyond that, I do have a book started called Box of Puppets that I planned to release after AF. Again, that depends on a couple of people so I may be forced to push it back. But, never fear, I’m also playing with two other series, trying to decide which one will be after BoP as well as a standalone.

So, that’s where I’m at. Trying to type, type, type Ashen Feathers and decide which idea wants to be next!

One last note, I do have plans to do a story about Everly’s sister. It will be on another planet(and I love the concept for it) and will tell more of their background. That one will come sometime next year.

Again, thank you to everyone who has taken a chance on Everly and me.

Aster North

The beginning of the end

I’ve started on book three, Ashen Feathers. It will be the last book of Everly’s story.

It’s exciting and a bit sad. To be honest, I’ve been dragging my feet the past couple of days. For the last four months, I’ve done nothing but write or edit. Weekends, holidays, day or night…..just write, write, write.

I’m really excited to move on to the next world though. That’s not to say I’m done with Everly’s. No. I plotted book one of another series that will explain a lot of backstory and introduce a whole new planet to the book universe Everly lives in. I’m pretty excited about it, but it will have to wait.

I’ve been debating what to do after The Anomaly series ends. I finally settled on alternating series. Doing one after another in the same setting has given me a bit of burn out so I’m hoping that will help.

The plan is to finish Ashen Feathers, then do Box of Puppets. I’ve already started it and it’s about 1/3 done already. After that, I’m going to do a standalone novel. Then book 2 of the puppet one. Then I’ll begin the Reapers series. Then back to the Puppets to finish it off.

Lots coming up! I need to write faster! Hope everyone is having a good week. I’m off to put in some more words.