Helen Garraway's Blog, page 43
April 6, 2022
Realm of Darkness Author Spotlight – Charm and Mayhem by Sky Sommers
Some gorgeous covers have been revealed over the last few weeks for the Realm of Darkness Anthology. I am delighted to share Sky Sommers’ Cham and Mayhem
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.
Have you preordered your copy yet for the insane price of 99c/99p? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See all the covers revealed so far here.
Charm and Mayhem by Sky Sommers
After a stint in the Magic Kingdom, Marina returns to her glitzy Moscow life as the new goddess of Fate, with an angel in tow.
Gabriel a former guardian is atoning for his decisions as Fate’s bodyguard. First order of business: Keep Marina’s jealous ex away from her. Second: restore magic on earth. As Marina tries to explain botox and face control to Gabriel, the olden Goddess of Fate has schemes of her own.
Will Gabriel be able to let go of the past? Can Marina navigate the mayhem of her new job with charm alone or will she remain a goddess without magic? And how exactly do you tell your FSB-anointed father you’re now immortal?
Preorder Realm of Darkness Boxset
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available for preorder now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c/99p!
You can read my Book Review of Sky’s fairytale retelling: To Thaw a Heart which proivdes more background to Marina.
About the Author:
Sky was born to Estonian-Russian parents and for most of her life has lived and worked as a lawyer in Tallinn, Estonia, with brief escapes to Finland and the United Kingdom for work/study and to all but the top and bottom continents in search of her muse. Her debut e-book in 2012 was about ancient goddesses running amock, trying to get their wilted powers back.
She then proceeded to indie publishing her own ebooks and paperbacks and found her way from myths and legend via the Angelic Agency to fairytales retold for young adult and adult audiences. So far, Thumbelina has been updated for suspicious adults, a more sinister version of Cinderella was released on 21.12.20 and an adult Red Riding Hood retelling is about to be released on 21.03.21. A Wizard of Oz retelling and several short stories are in the works.
All her books are linked by some character or another and she loves making you choose at the end – by letting you pick an ending to read – one for the optimist and a slightly different one for pessimists (well, except in the Cinders-Embers-Ash trilogy because only Douglas Adams could pull off a trilogy in 5 parts). She lives in a house with a small garden with her husband and mostly one, but on occasion plus four kids. No dog.
Also by Sky Sommers
To Thaw a HeartCinders, Necessary EvilAsh, Crooked FatesEmbers, Beastly CursesTo Cure a CurseGodesses, Hubble Bubble Toil and TroubleThumbelinaThis TIme AroundKing of Time
April 5, 2022
Writing Challenge- Day Five #TurvyTruthOrDare
Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!
Admit quriky like/dislike OR Face greatest fear.
Join the Sentinals (and King Benedict) as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Swipe to read my truth or dare!!
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
Follow all the participants on Instagram.
You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!
The #TurvyTruthOrDare runs April 1–7 and is hosted by:
@nimmisheikhauthor –Writing a New Adult, sci-fi murder mystery trilogy planned for 2023 release: #Frostieverse
@saffron.amatti –Writes the spooky, ghosty, and oh-so-twisty #LucasRathboneMysteries
@sharitmitchell –Writes the thrilling #MarnieReillyMysteries with canine companions and haunting spirits
@writertracybrown –Writes the quirky #DoorToDoorMysteries + 
#BelleroseWitchline fantasy series
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Five
Context: Birlerion facing his biggest fear, that when he first awoke in Old Vespers he had failed Lady Leyandrii. This is an excerpt from Sentinals Discovery, a short story which is part of the Creatures of Magic and Myth Anthology which will release later in May.
Creatures of Magic and Myth AnthologyBirlerion held his head in his hands as he glared at Tagerill. “You swapped places with King Benedict for a day? Why didn’t you tell me?” He waved a hand in frustration. “I’m not even going to ask how!”
“I wouldn’t bother, ‘cos I can’t tell. I’ve never had so much fun, though Benedict did have a few words afterwards. I think I’ll keep out his way for a few days.”
“Years more like,” Birlerion said.
Tagerill chuckled. “He can be quite scary when he puts his mind to it.”
Birlerion nodded slowly. “As can Leyandrii.”
“I can’t believe you elbowed him in the side; the king! Do you fear nothing Birlerion?”
Twisting his lips, Birlerion’s gaze went distant as he remembered first awakening in Vespers all those months ago. Not recognising anything and the fear of failing Leyandrii overwhelming him.
***
The steel grey dawn was beginning to lighten the sky as Birlerion sat on the pebbly beach and stared out to sea. His stomach ached, his throat was raw, and a sharp pain beat behind his eyes. The whoosh of waves over pebbles and the soft clacking as they rolled under the water’s pull soothed him, calming jittery nerves that threatened to incapacitate him.
He had washed his face and hands in the sea, as well as his boots, glad that he had, at least, not vomited all over his clothes. Salt, sharp and tangy, filled his mouth and made him thirsty. His mind spun, images of the changed city on repeat. He didn’t know where to go or what to do.
A gentle tug of concern nudged his mind, and his heart leapt. Kaf’enir! But no, it wasn’t his Darian mare, it was the tree. Searching the vaults of his mind, his heart plummeted. Only the tree hummed there. Grief pummelled him, and Birlerion screamed at the sky. He couldn’t take much more.
He collapsed back onto the pebbles, chest heaving, tears streaming, but nothing had changed, except he was exhausted, lost, and hurting. Not only had Leyandrii forsaken him, Kaf’enir had abandoned him as well. Something he would never have believed possible. Darians bonded with their riders for life; only death separated them, and he wasn’t dead. A deep moan rumbled in his chest. Had she died? All alone without him? He would never have abandoned her.
Gradually, the cold lumpy stones began to bruise his skin, and he sat up. Shivering in the chill morning air, he rubbed his face and tasted salt on his lips, and after one last glance at the grey sea, he rose and stumbled back up the beach, his feet slipping on the loose pebbles. He ignored his body’s woes, the aches and pains; he deserved them.
He had failed those who meant most to him.
Not knowing where else to go, Birlerion returned to his tree in the temple gardens. As he touched the bark, it shimmered and he passed inside, where he was engulfed with love and concern and warmth. He stumbled to the cot and collapsed. His fingers and toes were as numb as his heart.
His sword belt and bow clattered to the floor as he curled in on himself as the tree fussed over him, infusing him with heat, wrapping him in its humming concern. Tears leaked down his cheeks as he dragged the blanket that appeared on top of him tighter around him, the weight a comfort as exhaustion dragged him down and he slept.
***
A gentle hand shaking his shoulder, made him start. “Birlerion?” Tagerill’s voice was soft. “Are you alright?”
Birlerion straightened. “Of course,” he replied. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Join my email list
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April 4, 2022
Book Review Alert: Graphite and Turbulence by Jami Fairleigh
Reviewed: April 5th, 2022
Released: March 1st, 2022
Genre: Urban Fantasy
He will need courage, resilience, and a bit of magic… to survive fatherhood.
Artist Matthew Sugiyama finally has a location to start his search for his birth family, but no one prepared him for the turbulence of a scowling, unhappy child. Not only is the depot is far away, his fledgling parenting skills are not cutting it… and everyone has plenty of advice to offer on fatherhood.
But before Matthew can find his bearings, Akiko disappears. In a blink, Matthew’s priorities change. Time is running out and when old friends and enemies arrive in the depot, the situation leaves Matthew scrambling. He needs a plan—and he needs help—but who can he trust?
A profoundly moving father daughter story of the search for love and connection, Graphite and Turbulence celebrates the magic that transforms friendly strangers into family. Read My thoughts…
Writing Challenge- Day Four #TurvyTruthOrDare
Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!
Admit embarrasing crush OR Swap two characters roles.
I thought it might be time for King Benedict to get in on the act, though he may regret agreeing as he is swapping places with Tagerill! This may get a bit complicated, but Tagerill is the king and Benedict is Tagerill!!
Join the Sentinals (and King Benedict) as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge!
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
Follow all the participants on Instagram.
You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!
The #TurvyTruthOrDare runs April 1–7 and is hosted by: @nimmisheikhauthor –Writing a New Adult, sci-fi murder mystery trilogy planned for 2023 release: #Frostieverse@saffron.amatti –Writes the spooky, ghosty, and oh-so-twisty #LucasRathboneMysteries@sharitmitchell –Writes the thrilling #MarnieReillyMysteries with canine companions and haunting spirits@writertracybrown –Writes the quirky #DoorToDoorMysteries + #BelleroseWitchline fantasy series
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Four
“Does his brain run this fast all the time?” Benedict muttered as he sat trying to read a book. He looked up as Birlerion peered around the door of the common room and then entered.
“Why are you trying to read, Tage? You know your brain is not made for reading.”
“Ah, that explains it,” Benedict replied tossing the book aside. He rubbed his temples, no wonder it was giving him a headache. “What is my brain made for?”
“Trouble usually, though the king asks that we rein it in a bit; he wants to keep us mysterious and intimidating.”
“How boring,” Benedict replied and then clapped his hand over his mouth. Tagerill truly did speak before thinking.
Birlerion sighed and stared across the room. “I know. I was hoping we could try and, you know, make a new home somewhere.”
Benedict’s gut lurched. He hadn’t thought of that. A rush of longing for Greens swirled through him. “Greens is home, we don’t need a new one,” he said.
Twisting his lips, Birlerion shook his head, “Not really, not anymore.”
Before Benedict could reply another Sentinal poked his head through the door. “Birlerion? Tagerill? You’ve been summoned by the king.”
Benedict staggered as he picked up Tagerill’s broadsword. Dear Lady, they were heavy! How did they even walk let alone fight with these things? He trailed Birlerion through the corridors until they arrived at the king’s study and drew to a halt in front of the desk.
The king slouched in his chair, his hands stuffed in his pockets. As he watched them enter, a wicked smile passed over his face. “I’ve decided to give the Sentinals a pay rise,” he said.
Birlerion choked. “Do we get paid? Your Majesty?”
“If you didn’t, you do now.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“Birlerion, I am promoting you to Commander of the King’s Rangers. Serillion always said you were the best of us…er…best of them.”
Birlerion blanched. “What? I mean … um… Your Majesty, please reconsider. Commander Nikols is an exemplary leader; you have no need to replace him.”
The king waved his hand in the air. “It’s done. And you …” his eyes gleamed as he pointed at Benedict, “Tagerill, will do cartwheels through the market square.”
Tagerill grinned. “Of course, Your Majesty.” And then he spluttered as Benedict quailed at the thought.
“But, Your Majesty! Only yesterday, you asked us to be more restrained. This would not do our reputation much good,” Birlerion protested.
“I changed my mind! Kings do that, you know.” He frowned. “Where’s Serillion? I have plans for him too. He’s gonna love this!”
“Um, Your Majesty? Are you feeling quite well?” Birlerion asked with some hesitation.
Benedict tilted his head. Birlerion had guts that was sure. It hadn’t even passed through Tagerill’s mind to question the king’s sanity. Benedict thought he ought to say something, but he didn’t know what. His mind was full of images of him cartwheeling through the market, he shuddered as the suggestion of doing it naked passed through his brain. He clamped down on that thought, that was a hard no. He jerked as Birlerion elbowed him in the ribs. That hurt!
Benedict glanced up and found the king staring at him with a sympathetic yet gleeful smile. “This is fun, isn’t it?” the king asked.
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Join my email list
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
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April 3, 2022
Book Review Alert: Dark Empathy by Katy Morgan
Reviewed: April 3rd, 2022
Released: October 26th, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
For an empath, “How do you feel?” is never just a question.
Not when it can kill you.
These are the rules:
1. Rare and powerful empaths never escape the compound.
(Bastian Lucas escaped a year ago, and just because he’s been dragged back doesn’t mean he won’t escape again.)
2. Compound officers don’t ask questions.
(Captain Henry Mortimer has always followed orders, but Bastian’s arrival—and the disappearance of one of Henry’s team—have him wondering things he probably shouldn’t be wondering.)
When Major Valentine orders Bastian and Henry to investigate a series of murders committed by an asset with powers similar to Bastian’s, it brings to light more than just a cover up. Things like why an empath who shouldn’t exist is killing senators, what’s really behind the compound’s sinister asset program, and whether Bastian and Henry will live to see the end of this case.
Because they’re in danger of breaking rule number three as well:
3. Don’t fall in love. Read My thoughts…
Writing Challenge- Day Three #TurvyTruthOrDare
Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Keep reading for my Day Three truth or dare!!
Admit Achilles heel OR Stand on Stand up and do four cartwheels in a row
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
Follow all the participants on Instagram.
You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!
The #TurvyTruthOrDare runs April 1–7 and is hosted by: @nimmisheikhauthor –Writing a New Adult, sci-fi murder mystery trilogy planned for 2023 release: #Frostieverse@saffron.amatti –Writes the spooky, ghosty, and oh-so-twisty #LucasRathboneMysteries@sharitmitchell –Writes the thrilling #MarnieReillyMysteries with canine companions and haunting spirits@writertracybrown –Writes the quirky #DoorToDoorMysteries + #BelleroseWitchline fantasy series
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Three – Time for a truth!
King Benedict observed Jerrol as he entered the study followed by Birlerion. The young Sentinal had been absent for a few days, but he was back behind Jerrol’s shoulder as if he had never left it.
An air of mystery preceded them, the silver-green uniform the two men wore giving off an archaic feel that was out of place in the city of Old Vespers. Birlerion towered over Jerrol, tall and straight with silver eyes and ancient weapons, people noticed whenever a Sentinal was present.
“I heard a strange story about some Sentinals in town,” the king said.
Jerrol rolled his eyes. “Someone thought it might be a good idea to try and impress the townsfolk. It seems they went to extremes.”
Birlerion huffed. “They were eager enough for a hug.”
“But not to see all that you offered,” Jerrol said, trying not to smirk.
A slight blush stained Birlerion’s cheeks. “At least they won’t take us so seriously anymore.”
“And why is that a good thing?” the king asked.
The ghost of a smile flitted over Birlerion’s face. “We’re trying to fit in. They won’t be so scared of us if they see us making fun of ourselves.”
Benedict pursed his lips and nodded. “I see. Though my preference would still be that Sentinals are treated with a healthy respect.”
“I don’t think you need to be concerned, sire,” Jerrol said. “Most of the sentinals are a serious lot. It seems we got the enthusiastic ones here in Old Vespers.”
“I’ll have you know we are all serious when it matters,” Birlerion said, “It doesn’t hurt to have a little fun now and then.”
“I’m sure,” Benedict murmured. He leaned back in his chair. “What is your weakness, then? Is there something I should be worried about?”
Birlerion twisted his lips. “We are not superhuman, Your Majesty. Just touched by a goddess. But she took all her magic with her, and we are no longer able to wield her power, only use the skills we’ve learnt.” He fell silent for a moment and then sighed. “We are formidable but not invincible.”
“And not very good at holding your ale,” Jerrol muttered.
Laughing, Birlerion shook his head. “Your ale is potent. I am not one for drinking. Tagerill would call Serillion and I lightweights. No matter how much he tries he cannot toughen us up. I think we’ll let him explore the taverns on his own.”
King Benedict grimaced. “Now that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.” He considered for a moment. “I think it’s best we sustain the Sentinals’ reputation for now, at least until we know what is going on. Try and avoid any further revelations to the townsfolk. There will be plenty of time for you to make friends once we understand who our real enemy is.”
Birlerion exhaled, but nodded in agreement. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll pass the word.”
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Join my email list
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
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April 2, 2022
Writing Challenge- Day Two #TurvyTruthOrDare
Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Keep reading for my Day Two truth or dare!!
Share a silly hidden talent OR Stand on corner holding sign for hugs for 10 minutes
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
Follow all the participants on Instagram.
You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!
The #TurvyTruthOrDare runs April 1–7 and is hosted by: @nimmisheikhauthor –Writing a New Adult, sci-fi murder mystery trilogy planned for 2023 release: #Frostieverse@saffron.amatti –Writes the spooky, ghosty, and oh-so-twisty #LucasRathboneMysteries@sharitmitchell –Writes the thrilling #MarnieReillyMysteries with canine companions and haunting spirits@writertracybrown –Writes the quirky #DoorToDoorMysteries + #BelleroseWitchline fantasy series
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Two- It’s a another dare!
Serillion lifted his head off the pillow and groaned. The room spun, and he swallowed, trying not to heave. “Oh Lady help me. My head.”
Jerrol laughed at him. “It’s not your head you should be worrying about.”
Serillion covered his eyes with his arm. Why did the sun have to be so bright? Jerrol’s words percolated into his brain, and he froze. Oh Lady! They hadn’t, had they? “Why?” he asked, hoping the fuzzy memories from the night before were just a drunken haze.
“Well, there are reports of three men streaking down the Port Road,” Jerrol replied. His voice turned thoughtful. “I suppose it was fortunate it was after midnight and there weren’t that many people to see it.”
Serillion groaned. “I’m gonna kill Tagerill.”
“I think Birlerion is already making him suffer.”
“They can’t be up already.” Serillion retched and Jerrol shoved a bucket towards him. After a moment that Serillion would prefer not to remember, he wiped his mouth and blearily stared at Jerrol. “Why are you here? Did they send you to torment me?”
“Birlerion said that if you needed a hug to help you feel better, you would find them on the corner of market square. Something about trying to redeem themselves in the Lady’s eyes. He thought you might want to help them.”
“Help them do what?”
“Someone dared them to beg for hugs. They seem to think it was Leyandrii. Anyway, that was the only explanation I could get out of them as to why they were standing on street corners with a sign asking people to hug them.”
Serillion chuckled and then groaned again.
“I was debating about joining them as there was quite a queue!” Jerrol said. “@writertracybrown was at the front, she seemed quite eager!! As were @mummybearreads, @D_a_i_s_ywood and @bookworm_oakey to name a few!” Jerrol said.
“They can have all the hugs. I’ll just die here, quietly,” Serillion moaned, covering his face with his pillow.
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Join my email list
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
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April 1, 2022
Sentinals Awaken Wins Wishing Shelf Book Award
I’m excited to announce that Sentinals Awaken, the first book in the epic fantasy Sentinal series, which was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book awards for 2021, has been awarded the bronze medal in the Adult Fiction category!
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards is run by an Independent author for Independent authors. Actual readers located in London and Stockholm read and review the books in each category, and then discuss them thoroughly to choose their medal winners.
Winners recieve a winners medal, certificate and promotion through press releases, and book promotions on Goodreads, Facebook and the Fussy Librarian.
You can find out more about the Wishing Shelf Book Awards here, and the list of 2021 winners here.
Sentinals Awaken is the first book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.
As a three thousand-year-old threat reemerges, only one man has the power to awaken the world’s greatest protectors and restore order to the realm. He just doesn’t know it yet. When Jerrol Haven, a captain in the King’s Rangers, discovers treason at the highest level, he knows immediately that the knowledge puts his life at risk. And indeed, though he expected the ailing King to shield him, the ambitious Crown Prince sentences Jerrol to death.
What hold does the Prince have over his weakened father, and who or what is he protecting?
With signs that the veil is weakening and the Ascendants are creeping back into power, Lady Leyandrii has returned and is in dire need of Jerrol’s help. For though he doesn’t know it, Jerrol possesses a rare gift: By chance, he touches a revered Sentinal tree and awakens Birlerion, one of the Lady’s personal guard who have been sleeping in the strange, tall trees since they were last called to battle. Aided by Birlerion, Jerrol flees and begins his journey to help Lady Leyandrii save Remargaren once more.
But time is running out: Jerrol must unravel the mystery of the Ascendants’ return, stop the sinister force that is dividing good families through bloodshed and betrayal, and rescue the King—and his troubles are only just beginning.
Ideal for lovers of The Witcher, Tad William’s Shadowmarch or David Eddings’ Belgarion series.
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Join my email list
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
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Writing Challenge- Day One #TurvyTruthorDare
Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Keep reading for my Day One truth or dare!!
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
Follow all the participants on Instagram.
You can find me at: https://www.instagram.com/helengarrawayauthor follow us and join in the fun!
The #TurvyTruthOrDare runs April 1–7 and is hosted by: @nimmisheikhauthor –Writing a New Adult, sci-fi murder mystery trilogy planned for 2023 release: #Frostieverse@saffron.amatti –Writes the spooky, ghosty, and oh-so-twisty #LucasRathboneMysteries@sharitmitchell –Writes the thrilling #MarnieReillyMysteries with canine companions and haunting spirits@writertracybrown –Writes the quirky #DoorToDoorMysteries + #BelleroseWitchline fantasy series
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day One– It’s a dare!
The Sentinals sat in the king’s library and devoured all the books they could find on the history of Remargaren. Piles of dry and boring tomes surrounded them and Tagerill shifted in his seat, slamming the book he was reading shut.
“This is so boring. Why do we want to know what every official ever said in the last three thousand years?”
“We don’t,” Serillion replied, his eyes glued to the pages in front of him.
“We want to know how Vespiri came to be what it is today,” Birlerion murmured, turning the page.
“It would be much better if we just went into the town and asked the people,” Tagerill said.
“Via every tavern you can find,” Birlerion said with a wry twist of his lips.
“It would be better than sitting here.”
“It might be more entertaining, but you won’t find out much. Our history seems to be long forgotten,” Birlerion replied, taking the opportunity to stretch his aching back. They had been reading for a long time. He eyed Serillion and then Tagerill as an idea bloomed. “Tell you what. We’ll go into town, and the first one of us who finds a person who remembers the Sentinals can choose a dare for the others.”
“Yes!” Tagerill said as he fist pumped the air.
“Mmm,” Serillion replied, his nose still deep in his book.
“Right then,” Birlerion said closing his book and leaning over to flip Serillion’s book shut as well.
“Hey! I was reading that,” Serillion protested.
“Active research is much better,” Tagerill proclaimed.
“We’ve been sitting for too long! Truth or dare time,” Birlerion said as he rose. “First Sentinal to find someone who remembers us, gets to pick a dare for one of the others.”
Serillion scowled. “You are such children. No one is going to remember us.”
“Someone will.” Birlerion replied as he stacked the books in a neat pile. “Come on. We need some fresh air.”
As they entered yet another tavern, Birlerion was regretting his bright idea, and he groaned as another mug of ale landed on the bar before him. His innards were awash in beer and he grabbed it and turned towards the room. Raising the mug he said, “Whoever can tell me a true story about the Sentinals gets this ale!”
“Bribery is cheating,” Serillion shouted. His cheeks were flushed, and his silver eyes sparkled.
Tagerill laughed. “No one knows anything in this town!”
“Them Sentinals were cowards. They all ran.” A deep voice spoke from the shadows.
Silence fell, and Birlerion turned towards the voice. “Ran from what?” he asked, his voice deceptively quiet.
“Whatever it was they faced. They all disappeared. Cowards the lot of them.”
“Maybe they took the threat with them,” Birlerion suggested.
“Nah! The Lady punished them!”
“There isn’t an original thought among them,” Tagerill growled.
“Then we should plant a new seed,” Serillion said, his eyes glittering dangerously.
“Yes,” Birlerion agreed. “What impression would we like to leave?”
“Oh I don’t know. We should all streak down the high street, that would make an impression,” Tagerill said in a calm voice.
Birlerion choked. “Not the impression Leyandrii would like.”
Tagerill raised his mug in salute. “They wouldn’t forget us, though.”
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March 31, 2022
Realm of Darkness Author Spotlight – The Mage’s Curse by Bethany Adams
Some gorgeous covers have been revealed over the last few weeks for the Realm of Darkness Anthology. I am delighted to share Bethany Adams’The Mage’s Curse
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Anthology.
Have you preordered your copy yet for the insane price of 99c/99p for 40+ full length paranormal novels? I can’t wait to read these wonderful books. See all the covers revealed so far here.
The Mage’s Curse by Bethany Adams
After a simple dinner with a god went very, very wrong, fae mage Chalmys was cursed to remain locked in his tiny realm. Until, that is, he could find someone to tell his story. All of his story.
There are only two problems: Revealing the truth of his birth will put his mother at grave risk, and he has to send his story through dreams.
Chalmys thought the second would be the easiest to overcome, but after centuries of tangled tales gone wrong, he has nearly given up hope.
Until the night he connects with Holly. Now he has to convince her to risk everything to set him free. If only a certain god doesn’t interfere …
Preorder Realm of Darkness Boxset
Only available as part of the Realm of Darkness Boxset available for preorder now on Amazon and other retailers for only 99c/99p!
About the Author: Bethany Adams
Ever since finding a copy of The Hero and the Crown in her elementary school library, Bethany has loved fantasy. After subjecting her friends to stories scrawled in notebooks during study breaks all through high school, she decided to pursue an English degree at Middle Tennessee State University. When not writing or wrangling her two small children, Bethany enjoys reading, photography, and video games.
Books by Bethany Adams
SoulboundSunderedExiledSearedAbyssAwakeningAscentSolace
