Caroline Sciriha's Blog, page 4

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A lonely girl with a terrifying ability. The penniless soldier who loves her. And a lord with the power to destroy them both.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames over her skin. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will protect his memory, as well as reveal the true nature of Maia’s fire and restore her lost memories.

To save herself and Vane, Maia resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will shatter all she’s been told about herself and the Goddess she reveres, and even worse, will destroy Vane’s trust and love.

FIRE DANCE is a gripping blend of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and adventure that will resonate with fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series.

When protecting family means losing the one you love.

Maia and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to return to their home world. Only Ryse’s presence there can stop a war erupting between their two rival countries. But Maia’s heart is torn: their craft is too small to take them as well as all her family and leaving with Ryse means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by war and rebellion.

When on their journey to reach their craft they stop to help a galley under enemy attack, they attract the attention of Dardarin, the Lysenthean army’s general, who suspects Maia and Ryse are not who they claim to be but are in fact enemy spies. With Dardarin following their every move to entrap them in their lies and with the plight of the downtrodden Lisentheans entangling Maia in the rebellion’s web, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she cares about on both worlds—even if doing so could mean she’d lose Ryse.

Fire Storm is a compelling blend of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and political intrigue, perfect for fans of gripping adventures like Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

P.S. If you’ve read any of my novels, I would really, REALLY appreciate a review for the book/s, even if it’s not a great one! Ratings are also gratefully received. It really helps other fans of fantasy to decide whether to pick up the book or not.

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Published on August 23, 2024 16:54

R is for Redcap

Hello!

Today’s fantasy creature takes us to the border region between England and Scotland, an area associated for centuries with conflict and warfare. Redcaps (sometimes referred to as Powries, Dunters, Redcombs or Bloody Caps) are often found in ancient ruins and abandoned castles especially those associated with conflict and bloodshed.

A Redcap or Red Cap, is a malevolent, vengeful being, goblin or spirit, that looks like a short, old man with long, sharp teeth, fingers like talons, and eyes that gleam with a fiendish light. The most distinctive feature, however, is the blood-soaked red cap that a Redcap wears.

Redcaps are known to ambush lone travellers and those foolish enough to wander into their territory, offering no mercy to their victims. They soak their caps in the blood of their victims, hence the name Redcap. According to legend, Redcaps must continue to kill in order to keep their caps red as they will lose their strength if their caps dry out. This grisly detail makes them one of the most feared creatures of the British Isles.

Despite their fearsome reputation, Redcaps are not invincible. Some tales mention that Redcaps are bound by certain rules—such as being unable to enter a house uninvited. They can also be driven away by the sight of the Christian cross or by prayers.

Another curious aspect of Redcaps is their apparent vulnerability to iron, a substance traditionally believed to repel evil spirits and faeries. Iron weapons, tools or charms could fend off a Redcap, providing a rare chance for survival in an encounter with these deadly creatures.

So, the next time you find yourself exploring an ancient ruin or wandering the misty moors of the British Isles, be wary. For in the shadows, a Redcap might be waiting, eager to add another stain to its bloody cap.

References: https://clan.com/blog/folklore-friday-the-red-cap; https://mythicalcreatures.info/red-cap-mythical-creatures/

Books You Might Like

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

A wedding for a witch and a werewolf. What could possibly go wrong?

A paranormal cozy mystery.

Regan is a fire witch in a Supernatural town, engaged to the local pack’s Alpha’s son. Mack has spent his whole life raised as the next Alpha but he is ready to give it all up for her. Except, it seems that some people don’t agree that he should and try to prevent the wedding from taking place. But Mack and Regan are determined to be together, no matter what. Can they stick together to the end? Will something drag them apart? Can a witch and a werewolf truly be happy together? Read to find out!

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A lonely girl with a terrifying ability. The penniless soldier who loves her. And a lord with the power to destroy them both.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames over her skin. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will protect his memory, as well as reveal the true nature of Maia’s fire and restore her lost memories.

To save herself and Vane, Maia resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will shatter all she’s been told about herself and the Goddess she reveres, and even worse, will destroy Vane’s trust and love.

FIRE DANCE is a gripping blend of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and adventure that will resonate with fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series.

Fire Storm

When protecting family means losing the one you love.

Maia and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to return to their home world. Only Ryse’s presence there can stop a war erupting between their two rival countries. But Maia’s heart is torn: their craft is too small to take them as well as all her family and leaving with Ryse means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by war and rebellion.

When on their journey to reach their craft they stop to help a galley under enemy attack, they attract the attention of Dardarin, the Lysenthean army’s general, who suspects Maia and Ryse are not who they claim to be but are in fact enemy spies. With Dardarin following their every move to entrap them in their lies and with the plight of the downtrodden Lisentheans entangling Maia in the rebellion’s web, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she cares about on both worlds—even if doing so could mean she’d lose Ryse.

Fire Storm is a compelling blend of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and political intrigue, perfect for fans of gripping adventures like Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

P.S. If you’ve read any of my novels, I would really, REALLY appreciate a review for the book/s, even if it’s not a great one! Ratings are also gratefully received. It really helps other fans of fantasy to decide whether to pick up the book or not.

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Published on August 09, 2024 16:05

R is for Roc

Hello!

Today’s creature is one I should have recognised – but didn’t immediately do so, perhaps because it’s also known by other names: the rukh and the rok.

Few creatures have inspired awe and wonder like the roc. The roc is an enormous bird of prey which resembles an eagle but is much larger. Its wingspan can blot out the sun and its feathers – which can be several colours including gold and silver – are said to be as long as palm leaves. Its powerful beak and talons are capable of crushing bones and uprooting trees. The roc is large enough and strong enough to fly off with an elephant.

The roc appears in a number of tales and accounts, such as in the Sinbad the Sailor stories in The Arabian Nights. It is this gigantic bird that saves Sinbad by flying him away from the diamond-filled valley. In the 13th century, Marco Polo too described the roc as a bird which was similar to an eagle but so enormous each quill was twelve paces long.

This creature evokes a sense of power and mystery wherever it appears. As a symbol of ultimate power and mystery, the roc challenges the boundaries of what is possible, inviting us to imagine a world where the skies are ruled by magnificent, otherworldly beings.

References: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Roc ; https://mythologyvault.com/mythic-beings/creatures/roc-mythology-profile/

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Traitors lurking in the halls. A kingdom under siege. A secret that could rock the foundation of an entire realm.

Will dreams of an escape. Hesitant to return home to his cruel, abusive father, the lowly village boy encounters two youths walking his way and is delighted when they engage him in playful sword fighting. And when he joyfully accepts an offer to move to the castle and become a squire, he’s utterly unaware of the deadly perils he’s about to confront.

Training as a knight-to-be, Will and his companions discover tunnels running beneath the castle and are viciously attacked by murderous exiles intent on toppling the monarchy. Narrowly escaping with help from the king and his men, the loyal young man meets a mysterious hooded figure ready to unlock a mystery that will change his world forever.

Can Will survive a land descending into chaos, betrayal and brutal grabs for power?

Ranger of Kings is the action-packed first book in the William of Alamore YA low fantasy series. If you like compelling casts, gripping plot twists, and royal maneuverings, then you’ll love C. J. R. Isely’s riveting adventure.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

A Sci fi adventure

In the aftermath of a devastating bomb blast in Afghanistan, young Dana Jasper’s life is forever altered. As an autistic boy, he had always felt like an outsider, finding comfort in his own bubble. But when the tragic loss of his parents forces him to move to the bustling city of Chicago, little does he know that this pivotal moment will unleash a remarkable transformation.

Amidst the challenges of adapting to a new life, Dana discovers a mysterious presence that follows him from the war-torn lands of Afghanistan. Unraveling a hidden gift within himself, he begins to sense the world in ways he never thought possible. Guided by an invisible force, he embarks on a journey that will lead him to unearth long-buried family secrets and confront truths about his own identity. Little does he know that these revelations will ignite the emergence of a new hero—one that will defy all odds and inspire the world.

Join Dana Jasper on an extraordinary adventure filled with self-discovery, resilience, and the unwavering power of the human spirit. In this heartwarming and action-packed tale, watch as an ordinary boy becomes an extraordinary superhero, proving that even in the darkest of times, hope and courage can shine through, illuminating the path to greatness.

A Gargoyle and Sorceress Tale Prequel

When an Avatar to the gods wakes to a new life, he finds the female half of his soul is missing. He soon learns she has been captured by their oldest enemy—the Lady of Battles. To save his Sorceress, he will risk everything.

Chaos and adventure ensues in this epic series unlike anything you’ve read before with noble gargoyles, an action-packed plot, rich world-building, and a little romance tossed in for good measure.

Join the battle today.

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A lonely girl with a terrifying ability. The penniless soldier who loves her. And a lord with the power to destroy them both.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames over her skin. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will protect his memory, as well as reveal the true nature of Maia’s fire and restore her lost memories.

To save herself and Vane, Maia resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will shatter all she’s been told about herself and the Goddess she reveres, and even worse, will destroy Vane’s trust and love.

FIRE DANCE is a gripping blend of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and adventure that will resonate with fans of Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series.

When protecting family means losing the one you love.

Maia and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to return to their home world. Only Ryse’s presence there can stop a war erupting between their two rival countries. But Maia’s heart is torn: their craft is too small to take them as well as all her family and leaving with Ryse means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by war and rebellion.

When on their journey to reach their craft they stop to help a galley under enemy attack, they attract the attention of Dardarin, the Lysenthean army’s general, who suspects Maia and Ryse are not who they claim to be but are in fact enemy spies. With Dardarin following their every move to entrap them in their lies and with the plight of the downtrodden Lisentheans entangling Maia in the rebellion’s web, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she cares about on both worlds—even if doing so could mean she’d lose Ryse.

Fire Storm is a compelling blend of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and political intrigue, perfect for fans of gripping adventures like Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

P.S. If you’ve read any of my novels, I would really, REALLY appreciate a review for the book/s, even if it’s not a great one! Ratings are also gratefully received. It really helps other fans of fantasy to decide whether to pick up the book or not.

References: https://thoughtsonfantasy.com/2017/02/28/crows-and-ravens-in-fantasy/; https://treesforlife.org.uk/into-the-forest/trees-plants-animals/birds/raven/; https://www.learnreligions.com/the-magic-of-crows-and-ravens-2562511

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Published on July 26, 2024 17:57

R is for Ravens

Hello! Hope the summer is treating you well! School broke up this week but as part of the SLT I’m still finishing off some tasks at school. Once that is done, I intend to dive into editing Quest of Ghosts and Dragons. Wish me luck as it needs some re-writing – looks like it will take all summer.

In the meantime, Dawn of Purple and Grey is on sale this weekend. If you’ve wished to read book one of the Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy this might be a great time to do so. And of course all my novels are always free through KU.

Enough said about my work . Today’s fantasy creature is the raven. While practically all the creatures I’m mentioned in these posts only exist in fantasy or in myths, ravens have fascinated people throughout the world and several fantasy characteristics have been attributed to this creature.

R is for Ravens

Perhaps because of their black features, ravens are often linked to death and dark omens, as well as believed to be harbingers of death and murder. Incidentally, even Shakespeare often used ravens to create a sense of evil and doom, as seen in Macbeth, for example.

Ravens are sharply intelligent and have sometimes been gifted with the ability to foretell the future. As such, they are often in the employ of mages and gods.

In Celtic legends, the goddess Morrigan often took on the form of a raven.

In other instances, they are tricksters or vessels for spirits.

For more information on these fascinating birds, I urge you to read the following:

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For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A terrified girl with a deadly ability. A penniless soldier who loves her. A lord with the power of life and death over them.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her as a demon unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will reveal Maia’s true nature and restore their memories of who he and Maia were in previous lives.

To save herself and Vane, Maia goes against her principles and resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will destroy her beliefs about who she is, the nature of her world, and even worse, Vane’s trust and love.

How do you choose between protecting your family or following your heart?

Maia, her family, and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to reach their spacecraft and return to their home planet. Only Ryse’s presence there can prevent a devastating war from erupting. But Maia’s heart is torn: the spacecraft is too small to take them all and leaving means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by conflict and rebellion.

Their plans are further thrown into disarray when they attract the attention of General Dardarin, who suspects they are enemy spies.

With the enemy armed with alien weapons, with the rebellion entangling Maia in its web and with Dardarin following their every move, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she loves on both worlds. Even if it means sacrificing her happiness and her centuries-long love for Ryse.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

P.S. If you’ve read any of my novels, I would really, REALLY appreciate a review for the book/s, even if it’s not a great one! Ratings are also gratefully received. It really helps other fans of fantasy to decide whether to pick up the book or not.

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Published on July 12, 2024 17:39

Q is for Quetzalcoatl

Today’s fantasy creature is one I first heard about through critiquing the work of one of my crit partners, Nick Wisseman.

Q is for Quetzalcoatl

Quetzalcoatl (pronounced Ket-zal-ko’-wat) is a feathered serpent god in Aztec culture. His description symbolically captures the deity’s dual nature as it merges the earth-bound serpent with the sky-soaring bird, creating a bridge between the earthly and the divine.

Quetzalcoatl is the god of wind, rain and wisdom as well as the creator of the world and its inhabitants. The appearance of comets in the sky is considered a sign of his presence. He is also linked to the morning star, the planet Venus. He is also the patron of learning, knowledge and the arts.

Quite a complex character, don’t you agree?

References: https://www.worldhistory.org/Quetzalcoatl/; https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/gods/god-of-the-month-quetzalcoatl

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Immerse yourself in a mind-bending urban fantasy that will leave you craving for more!

Meet Diana Hawthorne, an ageless psychic with a snarky edge and an amnesiac past stretching over two millennia. Time may have left her appearance untouched, but her memory bears an unfathomable blind spot, concealing the secrets she’s desperate to unveil.

When a dire case involving missing girls emerges, Diana finds herself entangled with the captivating, albeit a tad self-righteous, PI, Blake who doubts her abilities and thinks she’s a hack. But here’s the twist—the enigmatic Blake is yet another blind spot in Diana’s psychic abilities.

As they join forces to crack the case, the tantalizing mystery deepens, gradually unraveling a web of secrets steeped in the echoes of Greek mythology. Beneath the surface of their electrifying partnership lies a divine reason behind their inexplicable connection, echoing tales of gods and mortals from a time long past. With every step they take, the lines blur between the ordinary and the mythical, their intertwined fates pointing towards a grand destiny yet to be unveiled.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

An epic dark fantasy featuring the unlikeliest of alliances.

Prince Caer Cymraeg never thought he’d get tangled up with an Untouchable like Mali LaSalle… …But after a chance encounter, he and Mali are fleeing across Tamuria together. If they’re caught, Caer will be forced to marry the Tamurian Empire’s spoiled princess, and, as Caer’s supposed captor, Mali will face certain death. With danger lurking at every turn, can they reach the safety of Cymraeg’s border before it’s too late? Spirit Summoner is a 22,000-word epic fantasy novella depicting Prince Caer Cymraeg’s and Mali LaSalle’s first day on the run from the Tamurian Empire.

Enemies by nature. Companions by choice.
Warrior-Scout Ashayna Stonemantle has no awareness of her fate until her sentient magic manipulates her into seeking out one of the enemy—Sorntar, Crown Prince of the Phoenix. If she dare trust the word of an enemy prince who is also an avian shape-shifting mage, their souls and futures are eternally linked.
When their willful magic awakens early and forces them into an unbreakable bond, Ashayna and Sorntar are accused of being corrupted by an ancient evil. To prove their innocence, they must work together to discover what happened in the past to pit bondmate against bondmate. As the search for the truth draws them closer together, Ashayna realizes she has growing feelings for Sorntar. But before she can tell him, his tainted power enslaves him.

Faced with an impossible decision, Ashayna chooses to fight for Sorntar’s soul even at the risk of her own.

Two hearts longing for a soulmate. The nature of one might be the death of the other. Will she risk her life for a chance at love?

The enchanting companion novella to the Dark Spelled Romantasies series of standalone fantasy romances.

Laura is always the second choice. As she bids goodbye to the village where her dreams shattered, she swears to never let love sway her again. Yet while seeking solitude by a waterfall, she stumbles upon a creature whose sparkling smile and charm threaten to undo her resolve… and her life. Nøkken drowns his victims, and only a magical bracelet keeps Laura from the same fate. But even as his music opens her heart, she begins to wonder if a human can find happily ever after with a twilight creature. Will they defy death and find their together forever?

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A terrified girl with a deadly ability. A penniless soldier who loves her. A lord with the power of life and death over them.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her as a demon unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will reveal Maia’s true nature and restore their memories of who he and Maia were in previous lives.

To save herself and Vane, Maia goes against her principles and resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will destroy her beliefs about who she is, the nature of her world, and even worse, Vane’s trust and love.

How do you choose between protecting your family or following your heart?

Maia, her family, and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to reach their spacecraft and return to their home planet. Only Ryse’s presence there can prevent a devastating war from erupting. But Maia’s heart is torn: the spacecraft is too small to take them all and leaving means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by conflict and rebellion.

Their plans are further thrown into disarray when they attract the attention of General Dardarin, who suspects they are enemy spies.

With the enemy armed with alien weapons, with the rebellion entangling Maia in its web and with Dardarin following their every move, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she loves on both worlds. Even if it means sacrificing her happiness and her centuries-long love for Ryse.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

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Published on June 28, 2024 17:13

P is for Pixie

Hello! Hope all is well.

These last couple of weeks have been quite slow, writing-wise. As I mentioned in my last post, I’m currently waiting for feedback on my work-in-progress, Quest of Ghosts and Dragons, an epic fantasy with a paranormal element. As I usually do while waiting for critiques, I work on another project, in this case a new story which will probably be set in the Fire Dance universe. What do you think about finding out more about Maia’s sister, Zeela, who was mentioned in passing in Fire Storm, and about the enigmatic character Quei and his future?

With that little teaser, let’s now go to today’s fantasy creature, a fun creature, in my opinion.

P is for Pixie

Pixies are diminutive creatures, with delicate features, pointed ears and mischievous grins. They are known for their playful nature and love of dancing, often gathering in circles under the moonlight to enjoy the magical beauty of the night.

Typically, pixies wear green clothing which helps them blend into the natural landscape. In fact, they are often regarded as guardians of forests and meadows. At times, however, they are seen wearing rags.

While pixies have a reputation for being mischievous, they are also known to help the destitute, as well as guide lost travellers to safety. However, they enjoy playing pranks on humans, such as leading people astray. In fact, if one stumbles upon their secret gathering places, accepting their hospitality might bring one good fortune or result in being ‘pixie-led’ and wandering in the wilderness unable to find one’s way home. The only remedy, it is said, is to turn your clothes inside out which breaks the spell and reveals the true path.

When you’re travelling through a forest or a meadow, keep an eye out for a flicker of movement, a flash of green—who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of a pixie in the wild.

References: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Pixy; https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Pixie

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Angry nature spirits. Stubborn elite soldiers. A homeless girl is all that stands between them, but which side will she take?

Rika can talk to spirits. For her, it has always been natural, but most people can’t see the many nature spirits inhabiting Europe’s wild places. They’re the ones behind wild weathers and natural disasters. To Rika, they’re her friends.

Eight years ago, the police took her Mum and sent Rika to a youth home. Two months later, Rika escaped. She’s been living on the streets of Berlin ever since, finding shelter from friendly bush dryads and warmth during long winter nights from fiery salamanders. But when she crosses the Erlking, a powerful storm sprite, Rika’s only chance are the Spirit Seekers, elite soldiers in the war against nature. And her spirit friends’ bitter enemies. To face the storm, Rika must pick a side and relinquish all hopes for peace.

If you like fast-paced adventure, action-packed urban fantasy with unique creatures, and secret societies, you’ll love the Spirit Seekers. This series will take you on a supernatural sight-seeing tour around Europe. In this collection, you will find the complete series plus the prequel: Natural Selection.

In the unforgiving land of Lamore, magic is a curse, survival a game, and love a dangerous distraction.

Firesky is the ultimate weapon. It will either obliterate or liberate all of Kypria. One silver-eyed girl has the power to determine their fate – if she dares to question everything she believes in.

Arisa is a silver-eyes – a magical race feared and hunted in the Kyprian nation of Lamore. She has survived by hiding her identity but her best friend and father weren’t so fortunate.

Her luck runs out when she is forced to serve at the Lamorian Royal Court with her guardian, Erun, who is conscripted to weaponise a great power known as firesky – a power not seen since the time of the last Firemaster.

With war on the horizon, and no hope of a prophesied saviour materialising, Arisa formulates a deadly plan to tear the brutal regime apart from the inside. There’s just one problem…the arrogant, exasperating and intriguing Prince Takai.

Immerse yourself in this gripping tale of forbidden magic, treacherous betrayals and precarious alliances, woven intricately with threads of hope, sacrifice, and unimaginable strength. In the vein of Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass, Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow & Bone and Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen, it’s a thrilling ride that will leave you breathless till the very end.

And…

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

What’s a ghost to do when the guy of her dreams doesn’t even know she exists? Literally.

A spooky love triangle with a difference! Elle’s been stuck haunting her share house for the last four years. Being dead is frustrating enough, but when her newest housemate sets her sights on Elle’s longtime crush, Dean, she reaches her limit. She needs to get her ghost on and break these two up before she becomes the ultimate third wheel! Or worse, Dean moves out…

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A terrified girl with a deadly ability. A penniless soldier who loves her. A lord with the power of life and death over them.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her as a demon unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will reveal Maia’s true nature and restore their memories of who he and Maia were in previous lives.

To save herself and Vane, Maia goes against her principles and resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will destroy her beliefs about who she is, the nature of her world, and even worse, Vane’s trust and love.

How do you choose between protecting your family or following your heart?

Maia, her family, and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to reach their spacecraft and return to their home planet. Only Ryse’s presence there can prevent a devastating war from erupting. But Maia’s heart is torn: the spacecraft is too small to take them all and leaving means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by conflict and rebellion.

Their plans are further thrown into disarray when they attract the attention of General Dardarin, who suspects they are enemy spies.

With the enemy armed with alien weapons, with the rebellion entangling Maia in its web and with Dardarin following their every move, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she loves on both worlds. Even if it means sacrificing her happiness and her centuries-long love for Ryse.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

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Published on June 14, 2024 17:47

P is for Pegasus

Hello! Hope you are all well. Just a quick update on my work: I’ve finally finished editing a first (or is that third ) draft of Quest of Ghosts and Dragons, an epic fantasy with a paranormal element, and have sent it to my crit partners for feedback. It’s always a relief to reach this point and so I’m taking a few days break from my writing to relax and critique one of my crit partners’ ms.

So without further ado, let’s go to today’s fantasy creature, another loved creature, in my opinion. Pegasus is a white stallion with feathered wings. In Greek mythology, he is the son of Poseidon and Medusa and was born from Medusa’s blood when Perseus beheaded her.

Naturally, Pegasus is able to fly. He is also able to bridge the gap between the mortal and immortal realms. It’s also believed that where his hooves strike Earth, spring water sprouts, water that helps inspire art. In fact, perhaps because of his heritage, Pegasus is associated with spring water as well as the muses. Pegasus is a noble creature that sometimes has an independent and wild streak.

References: https://mythopedia.com/topics/pegasus; https://mythology.net/greek/greek-creatures/pegasus/

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The thunder and lightning were echoes of her emotions.

A relic from her past hung on a cord around her neck. Now, as she fled into the midst of the furious storm, the pendant glowed brightly, matching her own resolve to escape from a life planned for her.

Everything was turned on its head. Who was she, really? She thought she knew, but then began the dreams, violent dreams, of a life she had never lived. Were they telling her future? Or her past?

Evelina’s quest for answers will lead her on a journey to understand who she is and the power that pulses through her.

A witch on the run. Two brothers determined to help her. A king scouring the kingdom for revenge, and a holy man burning it to the ground.
The Kingdom of Burasal has been hunting out and destroying witches long before the great fire that took the life of the new prince, and destroyed half of Sunsong Castle. The fire fuelled the hunt, and the new king is determined that no witch shall survive, particularly the one responsible for his son’s death.
Nelda has spent her life hiding who she truly is, not that she knew what was until that night she was lost to the flames. A night that has scarred a kingdom, a king and her brother. But in all the years they searched for her, she remained hidden. Until the man burning his way across the kingdom flushes her out.
Now she is running for her life again, with two brothers, and a young witch. They are only drawing more attention from those she is trying to hide from. Should she have abandoned them to save herself? Is she leading them to danger, or are they leading her? If they are discovered she will be killed on the spot, and the young men she is trying to protect will burn with her.
The Burning Prince is the first in a sword and sorcery fantasy series, where family is not what you think it is and the flames burning across a kingdom reveal more than they destroy.

They are all that stands between victory and defeat!

After tragedy tears Gerald’s world apart, he serves as a soldier for years until a single act of sacrifice cuts him off from all he knows.

Seeking a new purpose, a fateful meeting with another lost soul unmasks a shocking secret, compelling him to take up the mantle of guardian as the kingdom erupts into civil war.

Enter Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam, who has trained for this moment since she first held a sword. Swearing to protect their lives, they travel across the kingdom fighting desperate battles, surrounded by powerful enemies who conspire to bring down the Crown.

Their destiny will be determined in a monumental clash of forces where success can save the kingdom, but failure can only mean certain death.

Heir to the Crown is an action-packed medieval fantasy series. If you like epic battles, compelling characters, and a gripping story, then you will love Paul J Bennett’s tale of a kingdom on the brink of war.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A terrified girl with a deadly ability. A penniless soldier who loves her. A lord with the power of life and death over them.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her as a demon unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will reveal Maia’s true nature and restore their memories of who he and Maia were in previous lives. To save herself and Vane, Maia goes against her principles and resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will destroy her beliefs about who she is, the nature of her world, and even worse, Vane’s trust and love.

How do you choose between protecting your family or following your heart?

Maia, her family, and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to reach their spacecraft and return to their home planet. Only Ryse’s presence there can prevent a devastating war from erupting. But Maia’s heart is torn: the spacecraft is too small to take them all and leaving means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by conflict and rebellion.

Their plans are further thrown into disarray when they attract the attention of General Dardarin, who suspects they are enemy spies.

With the enemy armed with alien weapons, with the rebellion entangling Maia in its web and with Dardarin following their every move, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she loves on both worlds. Even if it means sacrificing her happiness and her centuries-long love for Ryse.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

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Published on May 31, 2024 18:57

P is for Phoenix

Hello! Today’s fantasy creature is one of my favourites. Phoenixes are associated with many positive aspects of life, so it’s no wonder that they have appeared in innumerable novels.

The phoenix is a beautiful, large bird, similar to an eagle, usually having golden-red feathers and a long tail. It is often associated with the sun. Phoenixes are believed to live for several hundred years, and one of the phoenix’s most well-known characteristics is its ability to die and be reborn from its ashes. As such, the phoenix has become a symbol of renewal and resurrection, hope and the possibility of a fresh start, the cycle of life and immortality.

Perhaps one of the most well-known phoenixes in modern fantasy novels is Professor Dumbledore’s Fawkes. Fawkes’s tail feathers provide the core of the twin wands that are key to the Harry Potter story; Fawkes too plays a key role in helping Harry Potter defeat the Basilisk and his tears’ healing properties come into play too. After Dumbledore’s death, Fawkes flies away and sadly we never get to know what becomes of him.

References: https://mythopedia.com/topics/phoenix ; https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Fawkes

In my work so far, I have only depicted a human style of phoenix where a character dies and is reborn. In both the short story Shades of Red and Wolf and in the Fire Dance series, the protagonist is faced with the element of resurrection and therefore the stories tackle the intriguing aspects of how this affects family relationships, memory, age differences, care of newborns…

If you’re interested in knowing more about Fire Dance, I was recently interviewed about this new release. You can read the interview here.

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For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

A young man determined to protect his girl… A teenage boy offering prophecies… and a series of unexplained events.

A ghost story with suspense and sweet romance set in a Greek mountain village (full-length novella)

A young man determined to protect his girl… A strange boy offering prophecies… and a series of unexplained events. Lefteris and his darling girl, Evgenia, live a quiet and happy life together in a mountain village in Zagori, Greece. One day, as Lefteris crosses an old stone bridge, he meets a strange boy who warns him that Evgenia is in danger. What follows is a series of astounding events as the boy’s prophecies of mortal danger continue, and Lefteris does his best to protect his girl. Now, he considers reverting to his old ways of solving all differences with his fists. Will he allow himself to resort to violence? How does the mysterious boy on the bridge fit in all this? And why does he refuse to meet Evgenia? Could it be that he is not of this world?

“A magical, quaint setting in rural Greece where you’ll meet relatable characters and lose yourself in a story full of love, magic and suspense.” ~MariaM, Amazon US reviewer

“From the outset I was drawn into this story and left intrigued throughout, I couldn’t get through the pages quickly enough!” ~Amy T., Amazon UK reviewer

“You can feel the love between Lefteris and Evgenia emanating from the pages of this book.” ~Jean Symonds, Amazon UK reviewer

Do you enjoy suspenseful, non-scary ghost stories? Escape to a Greek mountain village today and lose yourself in this fabulous, awarded novella!

When legends come to life, so do the monsters . . .

If you like fast-paced novellas, engaging mysteries and innovative fantasy, then you’ll love this insight into Bronwyn Leroux’s engaging new series.

When legends come to life, so do the monsters. . . What is the Council hiding? After they divulge an ancient legend, Aiken can’t shake the feeling something’s off. No heroic outcome. No hint of what the mystical box imprisons. And what legend concludes with dire warnings of an apocalypse? As enclave life makes demands on his time, Aiken hunts for survival instead of answers. It’s a choice he’ll regret. When fate intervenes, Aiken’s life spirals out of control. With the legend come to life, his village under attack and no sign of reprieve, can Aiken prevail before the world ends?

And many more FREE books…

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In 1900 a massive hurricane wiped out Galveston, killing thousands and leveling the island.

One building survived, the Dark Waters Inn. The proprietress made a deal with the angel who watches over Texas . . .

Over the years the island rebuilt. But Dark Waters remains untouched, haunted by a ghost whose successive granddaughters continue running the inn. Macey Davenport shows up late for her grandmother’s funeral and suddenly finds herself the new owner of a very special place.

Cord Dupree is a lonely highway patrol officer in West Texas. One night, he pulls over a werewolf . . .

Suddenly Cord finds himself promoted, handed a silver badge tied to the ghost of an old Texas Ranger. His job now is to serve as the living half of a paranormal law enforcement team stretching back to the 1800s.

When Cord and his partner become guests at the Dark Waters Inn, old ghosts are reunited and romantic sparks fly in the land of the living. But a secret organization keeps tabs on the paranormal in Texas. When guests start showing up dead in Galveston, it will take Cord, Macey, their ghosts and Bogey the dog to figure out whodunit and do something about it.

Grab all five books in the complete Dark Waters Inn series with this box set:
A Bite for Dinner
Paws for Lunch
A Breakfast Tail
A Nosey Brunch
Snacks for Packs

I’ve made enemies of the wrong people and they’re coming for me.
My name’s Rekia and I’m wanted dead or alive.
A normal day for me is hiding thieves and criminals in alternate universes where their pursuers can’t find them.
On my latest assignment, I ran across a plot between two powerful worlds.
If left unchecked, it could destroy all worlds, including my own.
I can’t let that happen.
My enemies put a price on my head, but I never go down without a fight.
Now, I’m coming for them. I’ve gathered a few friends and we’re hunting.
If I die, I’m taking a few hundred of them with me.

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A terrified girl with a deadly ability. A penniless soldier who loves her. A lord with the power of life and death over them.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her as a demon unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will reveal Maia’s true nature and restore their memories of who he and Maia were in previous lives.

To save herself and Vane, Maia goes against her principles and resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will destroy her beliefs about who she is, the nature of her world, and even worse, Vane’s trust and love.

Fire Storm

How do you choose between protecting your family or following your heart?

Maia, her family, and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to reach their spacecraft and return to their home planet. Only Ryse’s presence there can prevent a devastating war from erupting. But Maia’s heart is torn: the spacecraft is too small to take them all and leaving means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by conflict and rebellion.

Their plans are further thrown into disarray when they attract the attention of General Dardarin, who suspects they are enemy spies.

With the enemy armed with alien weapons, with the rebellion entangling Maia in its web and with Dardarin following their every move, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she loves on both worlds. Even if it means sacrificing her happiness and her centuries-long love for Ryse.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

http://beyondheroes2.altervista.org/orc.htm

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Published on May 17, 2024 18:48

O is for Orc

Hello! Somehow it’s May, the days are longer and warmer and as I usually do after finishing one project, I’m immersing myself in another. I’ve returned to a first draft of an epic fantasy story I wrote sometime last year. It revisits the Hyllethan universe with a completely new set of characters and the events take place a few hundred years before those we read about in Dawn of Purple and Grey. The main character is Kari, a noble girl relegated to servant status who sees ghosts…

I’m still figuring out the right title for the book. I’m toying with Quest of Ghosts and Dragons. What do you think? Appropriate? Too long? Do let me know in the comments whether book titles influence you when choosing a book to read.

Today’s creature is quite appropriate when thinking of epic fantasy.

O is for Orc

We’re probably all familiar with the terrifying humanoid / goblin-like creatures J.R.R Tolkien created in Lord of the Rings. In Tolkien’s world, orcs are brutish, violent creatures who serve an evil master. Tolkien was influenced by a similarly evil creature in Beowulf. Edmund Spenser, too, in The Faerie Queene mentions an Orcus, an ogre-like monster.

But it came as a surprise to me to learn that the term Orc has been used in various ways to describe other evil creatures. Pliny the Elder in Historia Naturalis (77CE) mentions the orc but in this case, it is a large sea-creature. The orc threatened Andromeda and was killed by Perseus. Robert Browning, in Caliban Upon Setebos also mentions an orc and here too it is interpreted as referring to a sea monster.

It is believed that this conception of orcs gave the name to orca whales.

References: https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Orc;

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This Is Not A Fairy Tale. This Is A Nightmare.

An exhilarating paranormal fantasy, action-adventure, thrill ride. You’ll be weak in knees with romance feels swooning and on the edge of your seat cheering as they train for the Immortal Testing.

It’s like a thousand ways to die with dark comedy and scenes that will make you blush. There also may be cannibalism, dinosaurs, rat spiders, tar lizards and stone lions that hack up ice loogies. Welcome to Immortal Testing. The new Ankh are about to be dropped into a floating crypt the size of New York city in another world full of their worst nightmares, where they must die thousands of times to prove they’re capable of being Immortal. This is not a fairy tale. This is a nightmare.

Warning The information contained within this book is not intended for mere mortals. Reading this may inadvertently trigger your Correction. If you show great bravery during your demise, you may be given a second chance at life by one of the three Guardians of the in-between. For your soul’s protection, you must join one of three Clans of immortals on earth. You are totally still reading this, aren’t you? You’ve got this. Welcome to the Children Of Ankh Series Universe.

By sixteen, everyone must choose.

A telekinetic dystopia from Schism 8

For the telekinetic youth of New Teotihuacan’s Worker City there are two choices: an enslaved life or a free death. By sixteen, everyone must choose. Calli Bluehair’s only hope of escaping a violent death in the self-indulgent underground of Worker City is the government-run Masa Academy. Choosing to ignore the rumors that the Academy is an option worse than death, Calli determines to claw her way onto the registry and take her brother, Olin, with her.

When, only days before registration, Olin is thrown into a state of telekinetic shock capable of detonating half of Worker City, Calli is forced to seek help from an infamous crime lord or risk losing her future and her only remaining family. It turns out that many have intentions for the uniquely gifted siblings and survival may no longer be enough.

Brown’s page-turning, dystopian adventure revolves around a heroine who must maintain her humanity in the midst of monstrous decisions. His vivid rendering of telekinesis births a complex, mysterious, and provocative world that reveals itself to the reader in a kaleidoscope of detail the longer one chooses to stare through his fractured lens. The Green Ones series is a mix of The Hunger Games, Ready Player One, and Ender’s Game.

And several more FREE books by clicking on the banner below…

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A terrified girl with a deadly ability. A penniless soldier who loves her. A lord with the power of life and death over them.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her as a demon unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will reveal Maia’s true nature and restore their memories of who he and Maia were in previous lives.

To save herself and Vane, Maia goes against her principles and resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will destroy her beliefs about who she is, the nature of her world, and even worse, Vane’s trust and love.

How do you choose between protecting your family or following your heart?

Maia, her family, and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to reach their spacecraft and return to their home planet. Only Ryse’s presence there can prevent a devastating war from erupting. But Maia’s heart is torn: the spacecraft is too small to take them all and leaving means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by conflict and rebellion.

Their plans are further thrown into disarray when they attract the attention of General Dardarin, who suspects they are enemy spies.

With the enemy armed with alien weapons, with the rebellion entangling Maia in its web and with Dardarin following their every move, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she loves on both worlds. Even if it means sacrificing her happiness and her centuries-long love for Ryse.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline

https://www.feelnopain.it/en/blog/the-ouroboros-history-meaning-and-symbolism

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Published on May 03, 2024 17:21

O is for Ouroboros

Release Day for Fire Storm…

I’m thrilled that today is Release Day for Fire Storm, Book 2 of the Fire Dance Chronicles. Fire Storm concludes Maia’s story. If you’ve been thinking of getting hold of a copy of book 1, this is the weekend to do so as, to celebrate, the price of the ebook version of Book 1—Fire Dance—has been slashed to 99c (Amazon.com only).

Today’s extract from Fire Dance introduces us to Quei, an enigmatic figure who shatters Maia’s plans to live a quiet life as a temple follower.

The envoy brought Maia’s hand up to his eyes and he examined her palm and the back of her hand. “For a girl who plays with fire, you’d expect some burn marks.”

Her breath fluttered, panic and confusion momentarily clouding her mind. But Quei was talking about her dance not her behaviour. Maia forced her words out as nonchalantly as she could. “My lord, we acolytes of the Goddess of Light know how to protect ourselves from our Mother’s gift.” She gave a stiff bow and again tugged at her hand. “I have to leave.”

He didn’t let go. Instead, he traced a line down her palm. “You were in no hurry before. The burns on the High Sentinel’s face show that Sentinels aren’t always able to protect themselves from fire.” He gave a snort of derision. “If you wish me to release you, call your flames.”

Her breathing grew shallower; her insides knotted. He couldn’t know. No one knew.

And now on to this week’s fantasy creature…

O is for Ouroboros

The ouroboros is a symbol more than an actual creature. The name derives from Greek for ‘tail devourer’ and in fact the ouroboros is a serpent, or dragon, continuously devouring its tail. As a symbol it represents eternity, as well as the cycle of life, death and re-birth.

In some cultures, the ouroboros is a symbol of fertility, in others a symbol of the seasons. In modern fiction it’s been used as a symbol of time travel, especially looping through time.

The oldest image of an ouroboros was found in the ancient Egyptian tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun.

References: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20171204-the-ancient-symbol-that-spanned-millennia

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Ouroboros

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Nicholas Woolde-Smith is offering a TEN book Box Set for just over a dollar. Now that’s a bargain!

I was orphaned and left for dead…

Until a ghost found me and taught me to slay monsters.

My name is Kat Drummond. Part-Time Monster Hunter. Full time badass. After watching a necromancer dissect my parents, I swore vengeance against the undead and the maniacs who bring them into this world.

But hunting monsters isn’t easy. Especially in Hope City. The city at the end of this magical, monster-filled world.

Lucky for me, I’ve got a ghost from another world here to train me.

He’s got a bone to pick with the undead just as much as I do. Together, we’ll become the greatest monster hunters Hope City has ever seen.

There’s a new necromancer on the block, and an army of undead monstrosities at his command. This could be my shot at entering the big leagues.

Or wind up a walking corpse.

For lovers of all things fantasy… FREE BOOKS

“Terry Pratchett meets Ghostbusters in an RPG world.”

Beast Be Gone is a comedic fantasy fiction that follows Eric, a pest control agent in a fantasy world plagued by adventurers who are putting him out of a job.

Creatures in your basement? Undead spooking your castle? Infestation of goblins? Beast Be Gone will clear out those pesky pests and save your health and business – (no dragons)

Adventurers rampage across the land, stealing everything from bread rolls to ancient heirlooms, slaughtering countless innocent monsters in their hunt for glory. Eric, the owner of Beast Be Gone pest control, knows that most creatures can be removed with a bit of repellent, however, the adventurers want to do things the flashy way; blowing up half of the dungeon with fireballs in the process. With no work left, Eric is broke and desperate. That is until a young woman equipped with mechanical gadgets becomes his apprentice. Together they uncover the mystery of a diabolical plot that answers the timeless questions about adventuring… Why are there so many Chosen Ones? Are goblins inherently evil or are they just misunderstood? Why do all the shopkeepers say they have the best swords in the land? What are the socio-economic implications of all these sword merchants? Somebody wants a world full of adventurers, but why…

And Free through KU…

Some self-promo!

When sixteen-year-old Shael helps a mortally wounded messenger, he entrusts her with delivering to the queen three magical statuettes stolen from the Hyllethans, her country’s feared enemies. But Shael accidentally cuts her fingers while handling the statuettes and magic links her to them—any breakage or pressure on the clay is felt on her flesh. Shael’s fate is now inexorably tied to the Hyllethans, the statuettes, and the political turmoil in the land.

A terrified girl with a deadly ability. A penniless soldier who loves her. A lord with the power of life and death over them.

For seventeen years, Maia, a promising acolyte of the Goddess of Light, has hidden her unholy ability to conjure flames. But when she performs in the temple’s Summer Solstice ceremony, the Emperor’s envoy, Lord Quei, tells her he knows her secret. Quei threatens to enslave Vane, the young man Maia loves, and execute her as a demon unless Maia recovers coins that were stolen from him. He claims these will reveal Maia’s true nature and restore their memories of who he and Maia were in previous lives.

To save herself and Vane, Maia goes against her principles and resorts to deceit and thievery in her search for both the coins and the truth about her fire. But if what Quei says is true, the coins will destroy her beliefs about who she is, the nature of her world, and even worse, Vane’s trust and love.

How do you choose between protecting your family or following your heart?

Maia, her family, and Ryse, the love of her several lives, are desperate to reach their spacecraft and return to their home planet. Only Ryse’s presence there can prevent a devastating war from erupting. But Maia’s heart is torn: the spacecraft is too small to take them all and leaving means abandoning family members in a land ravaged by conflict and rebellion.

Their plans are further thrown into disarray when they attract the attention of General Dardarin, who suspects they are enemy spies.

With the enemy armed with alien weapons, with the rebellion entangling Maia in its web and with Dardarin following their every move, Maia races against the clock to find a way to protect all those she loves on both worlds. Even if it means sacrificing her happiness and her centuries-long love for Ryse.

Not enough time to read, but love fantasy?

Colours of Fantasy is an anthology of short stories that range from magical realism to sci-fi fantasy. They are short enough to be easily read while commuting or during a lunch break. Read about paintings that are truer than true-to-life, or the heart-wrenching decision Poseidon’s human son-in-law has to take, or perhaps you’ll prefer a glimpse of life after an apocalypse, or a story about a space pirate with an uncomfortable past.

And if you like longer reads, Colours of Fantasy gives you a taste of Book One of two series: The Hyllethan Gifts Trilogy and Fire Dance Chronicles.

Till next time! Wishing you a great two weeks with a good book!

Caroline