Diane Rapp's Blog: She's a Mystery and Science Fiction Writer!, page 4
June 29, 2018
Mary Anne Yarde, Author
Not long after I met Mary Anne Yarde, I was drawn into her award-winning Historical Fantasy series, The Du Lac Chronicles. Her research is impressive, making readers feel that they have stepped out of the modern world and into an Arthurian kingdom--following the lives of Sir Lancelot Du Lac's descendants.
Diane Rapp
Author Bio:
Mary Anne Yarde is the Multi Award-Winning author of the International Best Selling Series — The Du Lac Chronicles.
Set a generation after the fall of King Arthur, The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Briton and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed.
Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury--the fabled Isle of Avalon--was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood. Why did you start writing this series?
As a child, I adored the legends of King Arthur and his Knights. I grew up near Glastonbury, England, where the story of King Arthur is woven into the very land itself. Many times I have witnessed Glastonbury Tor rise from the Fata Morgana — the mist — and every time I see it I am enthralled. It is so easy to believe the stories of Arthur when set against such a backdrop.
After Arthur's tragic death, the story comes to a sudden halt. No more is heard of Arthur's famous Knights, and all we are left with is a whispered promise, that when Briton is in peril, Arthur and his Knights will ride again.
I wanted to explore what happened after the death of King Arthur, and I came up with The Du Lac Chronicles series. So let me take you on a journey back to 6th Century Briton and together we can go on an adventure to find Arthur’s Knights. Diane Rapp's 5* Review of Du Lac Chronicles :
A Tale of Love, Danger, Courage and Intrigue
This is a beautifully written tale of love, danger, courage, and intrigue. When Annis rescues Alden Du Lac from imminent death, she places her own life on the line. Alden is the son of Lancelot Du Lac and was king of Cerniw until his enemy Cerdic Wessex attacked and captured him. Annis is the daughter of Cerdic but has no love for her father and his methods. She is promised to marry another king who she hears uspeakable stories about, and she's determined to escape. Alden might be her father's enemy but she has long loved him in secret.
Hundreds of books have been written about Arthur and the Round Table, but this tale describes a possible history that took place after Arthur's time. Who are these people and how did the cruelty of the time period affect their lives? The love story between Alden and Annis will keep readers on edge as they both face enemies known and secret. Get started on the series.
The Du Lac Chronicles
A generation after Arthur Pendragon ruled, Briton lies fragmented into warring kingdoms and principalities.
Eighteen-year-old Alden du Lac ruled the tiny kingdom of Cerniw. Now he half-hangs from a wooden pole, his back lashed into a mass of bloody welts exposed to the cold of a cruel winter night. He’s to be executed come daybreak—should he survive that long.
When Alden notices the shadowy figure approaching, he assumes death has come to end his pain. Instead, the daughter of his enemy, Cerdic of Wessex, frees and hides him, her motives unclear.
Annis has loved Alden since his ill-fated marriage to her Saxon cousin—a marriage that ended in blood and guilt—and she would give anything to protect him. Annis’s rescue of Alden traps them between a brutal Saxon king and Alden’s remaining allies. Meanwhile, unknown forces are carefully manipulating the ruins of Arthur’s legacy.
Diane's review of The Du Lac Devil:
5* The Devil May Not Be What He Seems
Merton is considered a devil. He's the youngest Du Lac brother and works as a mercinary for any army who pays. No one knows that he's working to protect his beloved brother, Alden, from attack by the armies of Wessex.
The author's meticulous research into the era gives readers a glimpse into the harsh life of royalty and commoners alike. The sons of Lancelot Du Lac might be kings over their own domains, but they are not safe. The "Devil" may be the only one preventing a war, but it is coming soon.
The Du Lac Devil
War is coming...
As one kingdom after another falls to the savage might of the High King, Cerdic of Wessex, only one family dares to stand up to him — The Du Lacs.
Budic and Alden Du Lac are barely speaking to each other, and Merton is a mercenary, fighting for the highest bidder. If Wessex hears of the brothers’ discord, then all is lost.
Fate brings Merton du Lac back to the ancestral lands of his forefathers, and he finds his country on the brink of civil war. But there is worse to come, for his father’s old enemy has infiltrated the court of Benwick. Now, more than ever, the Du Lac must come together to save the kingdom and themselves.
Can old rivalries and resentments be overcome in time to stop a war?
The Du Lac Princess
The ink has dried on Amandine’s death warrant. Her crime? She is a Du Lac.
All that stands in the way of a grisly death on a pyre is the King of Brittany. However, King Philippe is a fickle friend, and if her death is profitable to him, then she has no doubt that he would light the pyre himself.
Alan, the only man Amandine trusts, has a secret and must make an impossible choice, which could have far-reaching consequences — not only for Amandine, but for the whole of Briton. Book Links: Amazon U.S. AMAZON U.K. Mary loves to hear from readers, you can find her at: Website Twitter Facebook
Diane Rapp
Author Bio:
Mary Anne Yarde is the Multi Award-Winning author of the International Best Selling Series — The Du Lac Chronicles.
Set a generation after the fall of King Arthur, The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Briton and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed.
Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury--the fabled Isle of Avalon--was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood. Why did you start writing this series?
As a child, I adored the legends of King Arthur and his Knights. I grew up near Glastonbury, England, where the story of King Arthur is woven into the very land itself. Many times I have witnessed Glastonbury Tor rise from the Fata Morgana — the mist — and every time I see it I am enthralled. It is so easy to believe the stories of Arthur when set against such a backdrop.
After Arthur's tragic death, the story comes to a sudden halt. No more is heard of Arthur's famous Knights, and all we are left with is a whispered promise, that when Briton is in peril, Arthur and his Knights will ride again.
I wanted to explore what happened after the death of King Arthur, and I came up with The Du Lac Chronicles series. So let me take you on a journey back to 6th Century Briton and together we can go on an adventure to find Arthur’s Knights. Diane Rapp's 5* Review of Du Lac Chronicles :
A Tale of Love, Danger, Courage and Intrigue
This is a beautifully written tale of love, danger, courage, and intrigue. When Annis rescues Alden Du Lac from imminent death, she places her own life on the line. Alden is the son of Lancelot Du Lac and was king of Cerniw until his enemy Cerdic Wessex attacked and captured him. Annis is the daughter of Cerdic but has no love for her father and his methods. She is promised to marry another king who she hears uspeakable stories about, and she's determined to escape. Alden might be her father's enemy but she has long loved him in secret.
Hundreds of books have been written about Arthur and the Round Table, but this tale describes a possible history that took place after Arthur's time. Who are these people and how did the cruelty of the time period affect their lives? The love story between Alden and Annis will keep readers on edge as they both face enemies known and secret. Get started on the series.
The Du Lac ChroniclesA generation after Arthur Pendragon ruled, Briton lies fragmented into warring kingdoms and principalities.
Eighteen-year-old Alden du Lac ruled the tiny kingdom of Cerniw. Now he half-hangs from a wooden pole, his back lashed into a mass of bloody welts exposed to the cold of a cruel winter night. He’s to be executed come daybreak—should he survive that long.
When Alden notices the shadowy figure approaching, he assumes death has come to end his pain. Instead, the daughter of his enemy, Cerdic of Wessex, frees and hides him, her motives unclear.
Annis has loved Alden since his ill-fated marriage to her Saxon cousin—a marriage that ended in blood and guilt—and she would give anything to protect him. Annis’s rescue of Alden traps them between a brutal Saxon king and Alden’s remaining allies. Meanwhile, unknown forces are carefully manipulating the ruins of Arthur’s legacy.
Diane's review of The Du Lac Devil:
5* The Devil May Not Be What He Seems
Merton is considered a devil. He's the youngest Du Lac brother and works as a mercinary for any army who pays. No one knows that he's working to protect his beloved brother, Alden, from attack by the armies of Wessex.
The author's meticulous research into the era gives readers a glimpse into the harsh life of royalty and commoners alike. The sons of Lancelot Du Lac might be kings over their own domains, but they are not safe. The "Devil" may be the only one preventing a war, but it is coming soon.
The Du Lac DevilWar is coming...
As one kingdom after another falls to the savage might of the High King, Cerdic of Wessex, only one family dares to stand up to him — The Du Lacs.
Budic and Alden Du Lac are barely speaking to each other, and Merton is a mercenary, fighting for the highest bidder. If Wessex hears of the brothers’ discord, then all is lost.
Fate brings Merton du Lac back to the ancestral lands of his forefathers, and he finds his country on the brink of civil war. But there is worse to come, for his father’s old enemy has infiltrated the court of Benwick. Now, more than ever, the Du Lac must come together to save the kingdom and themselves.
Can old rivalries and resentments be overcome in time to stop a war?
The Du Lac Princess
The ink has dried on Amandine’s death warrant. Her crime? She is a Du Lac.
All that stands in the way of a grisly death on a pyre is the King of Brittany. However, King Philippe is a fickle friend, and if her death is profitable to him, then she has no doubt that he would light the pyre himself.
Alan, the only man Amandine trusts, has a secret and must make an impossible choice, which could have far-reaching consequences — not only for Amandine, but for the whole of Briton. Book Links: Amazon U.S. AMAZON U.K. Mary loves to hear from readers, you can find her at: Website Twitter Facebook
June 22, 2018
Eileen Thornton, Author
I met Eileen Thornton through a Cozy Mystery group and enjoyed reading her mystery novel, Murder on Tyneside. (I gave the book 5 stars in my review.) Learning how an author begins the journey of writing is always interesting. Does a writing career develop from a job? A hobby? Or simply an obsession with writing? How the author approaches the art of storytelling is unique to each individual. Learn about Eileen's life as an author in the U.K.
Diane Rapp
Eileen Thornton's Bio:
Since finishing a comprehensive writing course with The Writers Bureau on September 27th 2001, (A Certificate of Competence proudly hangs on the wall of my study to prove it) my writing took off. Many of my articles and short stories were accepted and published in several magazines here in the UK.
At first, I concentrated on writing articles. Here I enjoyed researching and writing about the towns, cities and historical buildings around the area where I live: Jedburgh, Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to name but a few. My husband, being a keen photographer, accompanied me and took photographs of the various places of interest to accompany my writing. But after a while, I decided to change my stance and set my imagination to work on writing short stories.
Strange as this may seem, I always began my short stories at the end. By that I mean, I thought of a last line, which would also become the title of the story. Only then did I begin to work on the story itself, making sure the last line ended the whole thing perfectly.
Then, for some reason, I decided I needed to move on and to write a full blown novel. My first published novel was The Trojan Project, a conspiracy, suspense thriller. The sort of story readers can get their teeth into. Writing for magazines can be restricting. Therefore writing a novel meant I was able to really let my imagination run away with me. And it did. I let my hair down and brought all the horror and terror I could think of, into the story. There were times when I couldn’t believe it was me, who was writing such things.
The Trojan Project:
Sarah's peaceful night is disturbed when a strange, green mist descends across the valley. Its swirling tendrils seem to bear a life of their own.
When her husband doesn't return from work, Sarah sets out to search for him. A terrifying discovery awaits her, and before long, she finds herself caught in a desperate search not only for her husband, but also for the meaning of the green light.
Thrust in a nightmare world and pursued by enemies from all sides, Sarah soon realizes that she is in mortal danger...and that trust has become a word with little meaning.
Sarah's peaceful night is disturbed when a strange, green mist descends across the valley. Its swirling tendrils seem to bear a life of their own. Trojan Project Eileen:
From there, I went on to write a fun romance,
Divorcees. Biz. A novel, where I was able to show there really is a lighter, more fun side to me. Here I created four divorced ladies, who, out for a few drinks together one evening, suddenly decide to set up their own dating agency in order to find new men for themselves.
Divorcees.Biz:
When Connie, Jenny, Lucy and Sadie meet up for drinks, all they can talk about is their failed love life. After more drinks than might be good for them, they come up with the brilliant idea of opening their own online dating agency.
Despite the arguments and differences between the thirty-something, divorced women, Divorcees.biz soon launches at one of London’s most prestigious hotels.
But is this the answer to their problems, or the beginning of a whole lot more? And at the end of the day, will any of the four ladies find the man of their dreams? Divorcees Biz Eileen:
Only Twelve Days was my next novel. This is a love story set back in the late 70’s; a time before computers and mobile phones took over. The outline of this story had been mulling around in my head for some time before I actually got around to writing it.
Only Twelve Days
A heartwarming story set in a time when computers and mobile phones were still in their infancy.
It is almost Christmas, and nearly everyone is looking forward to spending the festive season with their loved ones. But what about those who are facing Christmas alone?
Bill and Sally are shy and lonely; left behind when the swinging sixties changed the rest of the country. Will they avoid the holiday season as they usually do, and spend it alone... or will Christmas catch up with them this year?
Only Twelve Days Eileen:
Then came Murder on Tyneside, followed shortly afterwards by Death on Tyneside. Both are cozy murder mysteries set in my hometown.
Murder on Tyneside
Recently widowed Agnes Lockwood is spending a few days on Tyneside in Northeast England, catching up with her past.
But after only a few days at the hotel, an expensive item of jewelry is stolen. When more jewelry goes missing, Chief Inspector Alan Johnson gets on the case. After Alan recognizes Agnes as a friend from schooldays and they rekindle their friendship, Agnes begins bombarding him with questions about the case.
After dinner one evening, they find a body lying on the roadside. Fearing for her safety, Alan warns Agnes to stay away from the case: theft is one thing, but murder is something else.
But being an inquisitive woman, Agnes cannot resist getting involved... too involved. Murder on Tynside
Death on Tyneside
Agnes Lockwood returns to Tyneside after spending a few months abroad. On her first visit, she gained quite the reputation as an amateur sleuth, as she helped the police solve a murder.
Now, she is simply looking forward to meeting again with Alan Johnson, a DCI with the Newcastle police force. Having missed him while she was away, she is hoping their relationship will continue to blossom.
But on her first day back in the city, she gets caught up in another murder. This time, her intrusion into the police investigation pushes Alan Johnson’s patience to the very limit.
Death on Tyneside Eileen:
So what am I doing now?
I have started writing a third novel in the Tyneside series. It is in the early stages, but I am working hard on it and hope to finish it in the not too distant future.
Before I go, I would like to add that I am a member of the Society of Authors and have been for several years. I am also a member of the Society of Women Writer’s and Journalists.
Website Facebook Blog Twitter Book Bub
Diane Rapp
Eileen Thornton's Bio:Since finishing a comprehensive writing course with The Writers Bureau on September 27th 2001, (A Certificate of Competence proudly hangs on the wall of my study to prove it) my writing took off. Many of my articles and short stories were accepted and published in several magazines here in the UK.
At first, I concentrated on writing articles. Here I enjoyed researching and writing about the towns, cities and historical buildings around the area where I live: Jedburgh, Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to name but a few. My husband, being a keen photographer, accompanied me and took photographs of the various places of interest to accompany my writing. But after a while, I decided to change my stance and set my imagination to work on writing short stories.
Strange as this may seem, I always began my short stories at the end. By that I mean, I thought of a last line, which would also become the title of the story. Only then did I begin to work on the story itself, making sure the last line ended the whole thing perfectly.
Then, for some reason, I decided I needed to move on and to write a full blown novel. My first published novel was The Trojan Project, a conspiracy, suspense thriller. The sort of story readers can get their teeth into. Writing for magazines can be restricting. Therefore writing a novel meant I was able to really let my imagination run away with me. And it did. I let my hair down and brought all the horror and terror I could think of, into the story. There were times when I couldn’t believe it was me, who was writing such things.
The Trojan Project:Sarah's peaceful night is disturbed when a strange, green mist descends across the valley. Its swirling tendrils seem to bear a life of their own.
When her husband doesn't return from work, Sarah sets out to search for him. A terrifying discovery awaits her, and before long, she finds herself caught in a desperate search not only for her husband, but also for the meaning of the green light.
Thrust in a nightmare world and pursued by enemies from all sides, Sarah soon realizes that she is in mortal danger...and that trust has become a word with little meaning.
Sarah's peaceful night is disturbed when a strange, green mist descends across the valley. Its swirling tendrils seem to bear a life of their own. Trojan Project Eileen:
From there, I went on to write a fun romance,
Divorcees. Biz. A novel, where I was able to show there really is a lighter, more fun side to me. Here I created four divorced ladies, who, out for a few drinks together one evening, suddenly decide to set up their own dating agency in order to find new men for themselves.
Divorcees.Biz:When Connie, Jenny, Lucy and Sadie meet up for drinks, all they can talk about is their failed love life. After more drinks than might be good for them, they come up with the brilliant idea of opening their own online dating agency.
Despite the arguments and differences between the thirty-something, divorced women, Divorcees.biz soon launches at one of London’s most prestigious hotels.
But is this the answer to their problems, or the beginning of a whole lot more? And at the end of the day, will any of the four ladies find the man of their dreams? Divorcees Biz Eileen:
Only Twelve Days was my next novel. This is a love story set back in the late 70’s; a time before computers and mobile phones took over. The outline of this story had been mulling around in my head for some time before I actually got around to writing it.
Only Twelve DaysA heartwarming story set in a time when computers and mobile phones were still in their infancy.
It is almost Christmas, and nearly everyone is looking forward to spending the festive season with their loved ones. But what about those who are facing Christmas alone?
Bill and Sally are shy and lonely; left behind when the swinging sixties changed the rest of the country. Will they avoid the holiday season as they usually do, and spend it alone... or will Christmas catch up with them this year?
Only Twelve Days Eileen:
Then came Murder on Tyneside, followed shortly afterwards by Death on Tyneside. Both are cozy murder mysteries set in my hometown.
Murder on TynesideRecently widowed Agnes Lockwood is spending a few days on Tyneside in Northeast England, catching up with her past.
But after only a few days at the hotel, an expensive item of jewelry is stolen. When more jewelry goes missing, Chief Inspector Alan Johnson gets on the case. After Alan recognizes Agnes as a friend from schooldays and they rekindle their friendship, Agnes begins bombarding him with questions about the case.
After dinner one evening, they find a body lying on the roadside. Fearing for her safety, Alan warns Agnes to stay away from the case: theft is one thing, but murder is something else.
But being an inquisitive woman, Agnes cannot resist getting involved... too involved. Murder on Tynside
Death on TynesideAgnes Lockwood returns to Tyneside after spending a few months abroad. On her first visit, she gained quite the reputation as an amateur sleuth, as she helped the police solve a murder.
Now, she is simply looking forward to meeting again with Alan Johnson, a DCI with the Newcastle police force. Having missed him while she was away, she is hoping their relationship will continue to blossom.
But on her first day back in the city, she gets caught up in another murder. This time, her intrusion into the police investigation pushes Alan Johnson’s patience to the very limit.
Death on Tyneside Eileen:
So what am I doing now?
I have started writing a third novel in the Tyneside series. It is in the early stages, but I am working hard on it and hope to finish it in the not too distant future.
Before I go, I would like to add that I am a member of the Society of Authors and have been for several years. I am also a member of the Society of Women Writer’s and Journalists.
Website Facebook Blog Twitter Book Bub
June 15, 2018
F.P. Spirit, Author
I met F.P. Spirit in our Science Fiction and Fantasy retweet group. I was immediately impressed with the quality and originality of his book covers, so I started reading them. I'm so glad, because I got hooked on the adventure. This series is fun and innovative with colorful characters and almost non-stop action. If you're a fan of the Lord of the Rings books, this series will definitely appeal to you. I'm just finishing book 3 and can't wait to read more.
Diane Rapp
Author's bio:
F.P. Spirit has always loved fantasy. From the moment he received his very first copy of Lord of the Rings back in high school, he was hooked. About eight years ago, he decided to try his hand at writing. Today, somewhere between work and family, F. P. writes sword and sorcery fantasy fiction. His series, the Heroes of Ravenford, chronicles the adventures of a band of young heroes in the dangerous world of Thac.
Tell us what made you start the series:
About ten years ago, my boys and I began playing Dungeons and Dragons with our friends. This led to the creation of some very interesting characters and adventures. As time went on, I began chronicling these escapades. That expanded into character backgrounds, storylines, and world building.
After a couple of years, I had so much material, that my friends encouraged me to try my hand at writing. I started with short stories at first, then story arcs, and eventually my first novel. Frankly it wasn’t very good at first, but I persevered, and a few years and rewrites later, I am finishing my first five novel series. Diane's 5* Review:
Several adventures in this first book
Anyone who enjoys epic Fantasy should grab the first book in this series. I enjoyed meeting each of the Heros and learning about their world. Several adventures are included in this first book but the action doesn't stop there, since they must learn who is behind all the problems facing Ravenford.
Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford Book 1)
It has been nearly one hundred and fifty years since the end of the Thrall Wars, when the four dread Thrall Masters wreaked destruction across the land of Thac. The world has been relatively quiet since, but dark things have started to rise again around the little town of Ravenford. Can four novice heroes stand against the nightmarish forces that threaten the town? Ruins on Stone Hill Diane's 5* Review:
Adventure, magic and battles between good and evil
Book 2 of the series adds more fantastical characters, lots of danger, battles, and magic. The author's imagination gives us an epic series to enjoy. Anyone who enjoys adventure, magic, and battles between good and evil should get this one. There is still more to learn in the next book.
Serpent Cult (Heroes of Ravenford Book 2)
A deadly cult has set its sights on Ravenford, and their target might be the Lady Andrella. With fear gripping the entire town, the Baron turns to its young protectors. Can the young heroes protect the town from an army of dark mages, lethal assassins, savage beasts, horrific demons, and perhaps worst of all, diplomatic officials? Serpent Cult Diane's 5* Review:
Dungeons and Dragons or Lord of the Rings anyone?
Epic Fantasy has long captured the imaginations of readers and this third episode stands up to the test. There are dangerous puzzles to solve to reach the ultimate prize, and all the heroes must display their courage and best skills to remain alive. If you like playing Dungeons and Dragons or just enjoyed reading the exploits of fantasy heroes in Lord of the Rings, then you will love reading this one.
Dark Monolith (Heroes of Ravenford Book 3 )
Deadly weapons from the Thrall Wars have resurfaced, ones that could spell doom for the land of Thac. With the entire world at stake, Ravenford’s young heroes must race the Serpent Cult to an ancient monolith hidden somewhere in the depths of the mysterious Darkwoods. Can they stop the murderous cultists, or will the whole world be plunged into darkness? Dark Monolith
Princess of Lanfor (Heroes of Ravenford Book 4)
The Thrall Masters were great and terrible, their magic unparalleled even by today’s standards. Now forces from across the land step forth to claim the Golem Master’s deadliest weapon. Can a band of young heroes stand against powerful dragons, the dark force behind them, and the might of the nation of Lanfor? Princess of Lanfor What might be coming next:
When I started book 4, I decided to try coauthoring with a friend of mine, Kathryn Fogleman. It went quite well, so well in fact, that we are now co-authoring the fifth book in the Heroes of Ravenford series, The Baron's Heart. The first draft was just completed and is out with our editor. We are hoping to release it in the fall this year.
Beyond that, I am working on an anthology called Tales from Thac. Thac is the island where the Heroes adventures take place. I have enlisted Kathryn and a few other authors to write some short stories involving that world. With any luck that will be released a year from now.
Afterwards, I plan on another 5 book series continuing the adventures of the young heroes. Tentatively titled, Rise of the Thrall Lord, that series will be a bit darker than Heroes. Still, readers can expect the same witty banter, wild ideas, and nail-biting battles that they’ve become accustom to in the previous series.
Connect with F.P. Spirit at: Website Facebook Twitter
Diane Rapp
Author's bio:
F.P. Spirit has always loved fantasy. From the moment he received his very first copy of Lord of the Rings back in high school, he was hooked. About eight years ago, he decided to try his hand at writing. Today, somewhere between work and family, F. P. writes sword and sorcery fantasy fiction. His series, the Heroes of Ravenford, chronicles the adventures of a band of young heroes in the dangerous world of Thac.
Tell us what made you start the series:
About ten years ago, my boys and I began playing Dungeons and Dragons with our friends. This led to the creation of some very interesting characters and adventures. As time went on, I began chronicling these escapades. That expanded into character backgrounds, storylines, and world building.
After a couple of years, I had so much material, that my friends encouraged me to try my hand at writing. I started with short stories at first, then story arcs, and eventually my first novel. Frankly it wasn’t very good at first, but I persevered, and a few years and rewrites later, I am finishing my first five novel series. Diane's 5* Review:
Several adventures in this first book
Anyone who enjoys epic Fantasy should grab the first book in this series. I enjoyed meeting each of the Heros and learning about their world. Several adventures are included in this first book but the action doesn't stop there, since they must learn who is behind all the problems facing Ravenford.
Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford Book 1) It has been nearly one hundred and fifty years since the end of the Thrall Wars, when the four dread Thrall Masters wreaked destruction across the land of Thac. The world has been relatively quiet since, but dark things have started to rise again around the little town of Ravenford. Can four novice heroes stand against the nightmarish forces that threaten the town? Ruins on Stone Hill Diane's 5* Review:
Adventure, magic and battles between good and evil
Book 2 of the series adds more fantastical characters, lots of danger, battles, and magic. The author's imagination gives us an epic series to enjoy. Anyone who enjoys adventure, magic, and battles between good and evil should get this one. There is still more to learn in the next book.
Serpent Cult (Heroes of Ravenford Book 2) A deadly cult has set its sights on Ravenford, and their target might be the Lady Andrella. With fear gripping the entire town, the Baron turns to its young protectors. Can the young heroes protect the town from an army of dark mages, lethal assassins, savage beasts, horrific demons, and perhaps worst of all, diplomatic officials? Serpent Cult Diane's 5* Review:
Dungeons and Dragons or Lord of the Rings anyone?
Epic Fantasy has long captured the imaginations of readers and this third episode stands up to the test. There are dangerous puzzles to solve to reach the ultimate prize, and all the heroes must display their courage and best skills to remain alive. If you like playing Dungeons and Dragons or just enjoyed reading the exploits of fantasy heroes in Lord of the Rings, then you will love reading this one.
Dark Monolith (Heroes of Ravenford Book 3 ) Deadly weapons from the Thrall Wars have resurfaced, ones that could spell doom for the land of Thac. With the entire world at stake, Ravenford’s young heroes must race the Serpent Cult to an ancient monolith hidden somewhere in the depths of the mysterious Darkwoods. Can they stop the murderous cultists, or will the whole world be plunged into darkness? Dark Monolith
Princess of Lanfor (Heroes of Ravenford Book 4)The Thrall Masters were great and terrible, their magic unparalleled even by today’s standards. Now forces from across the land step forth to claim the Golem Master’s deadliest weapon. Can a band of young heroes stand against powerful dragons, the dark force behind them, and the might of the nation of Lanfor? Princess of Lanfor What might be coming next:
When I started book 4, I decided to try coauthoring with a friend of mine, Kathryn Fogleman. It went quite well, so well in fact, that we are now co-authoring the fifth book in the Heroes of Ravenford series, The Baron's Heart. The first draft was just completed and is out with our editor. We are hoping to release it in the fall this year.
Beyond that, I am working on an anthology called Tales from Thac. Thac is the island where the Heroes adventures take place. I have enlisted Kathryn and a few other authors to write some short stories involving that world. With any luck that will be released a year from now.
Afterwards, I plan on another 5 book series continuing the adventures of the young heroes. Tentatively titled, Rise of the Thrall Lord, that series will be a bit darker than Heroes. Still, readers can expect the same witty banter, wild ideas, and nail-biting battles that they’ve become accustom to in the previous series.
Connect with F.P. Spirit at: Website Facebook Twitter
June 8, 2018
Elizabeth Hull writing as C.N. Lesley
I first met Elizabeth when I started an author's support group. She has been a faithful member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy retweet group, and I've enjoyed reading her books. (See my review of SHADOW OVER AVALON below.)
Diane Rapp
Author Bio:
Elizabeth Hull, writing under the by line of C.N.Lesley, lives in Alberta with her husband and cats. Her three daughters live close by. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth likes to read and to paint watercolors. She is also a keen gardener, despite the very short summers and now has a mature shade garden. Once a worker in the communications sector, mostly concentrating on local news and events, she now writes full time.
Why did I start writing?
Vivid dreams and the need to know what happened next, I guess. I got a glimpse into worlds and lives but not the whole picture. It left me wanting more so I set out to put it all down. Not long after that I joined the newly created Online Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy that was set up in the first place by Del Rey, an imprint of Random house to channel their slush. This put me in touch with some wonderful writers with many of whom I have established a lifelong friendship. Thus begun the process of learning to write and especially, learning to write in my chosen genres.
I suppose the next question will be why the by line? I had intended to use my own legal name until I discovered it was already taken by a great lady, the wife of Fred Pohl, who was also writing in those genres. It would have been disrespectful to have continued so I chose something else. The initials and name does hold a lot of meaning for me so it was the closest I could come to my own name. I don't make any secret of the fact I have an author name or what my legal name is so am not difficult to find.
There are new books in the works. Staff of Shadows is written, edited and waiting for a cover. Writhe of Wurms is in the process of being written.
Darkspire Reaches, book 1 in the Darkspires series. The wyvern has hunted for the young outcast all her life; a day will come when, after being rejected by civilisation and the tribes, she must at last face him.
Abandoned as a sacrifice to the wyvern, a young girl is raised to fear the beast her adoptive clan believes meant to kill her. When the Emperor outlaws all magic, Raven is forced to flee from her home with her foster mother, for both are judged as witches. Now an outcast, she lives at the mercy of others, forever pursued by the wyvern. Soon her life will change forever.
A unique and unsettling romantic adventure about rejection and belonging. DARKSPIRE REACHES sale $2.99
Serpent of the Shangrove, book 2 in the Darkspires series. Copper is now a fully grown Drakken, but despite his magical abilities, he is shunned and shamed by his pure-blood kin.
Wandering despondent in the wilderness, Copper discovers a portal that reminds him of his lost crèche mate, left behind when the Drakkens fled their ancestral home. Knowing the portal will only remain open for three short days, Copper cannot resist the challenge to bring the lost maiden to safety, and prove himself worthy of his breed.
But the other world is not what he and his kin expected. The peoples are hostile, the Angressi emperor has not forgotten his grudge, and something is killing Samara Maidens.
In this eagerly anticipated sequel to her bestseller, Darkspire Reaches, CN Lesley transports us back into the world of Drakkens, of Connor and Raven, and of their son.
Deep in the Shangrove—a dark place that feeds on creatures of magic—a new evil is growing, waiting for the perfect mate.
SERPENT OF THE SHANGROVE DIANE'S 5* REVIEW:
Arthurian Legend Steps into the Future
This science-fantasy was a real surprise, but one that I enjoyed immensely. The author takes the Arthurian legend and steps into a future where Harvester monks cull the human population above ground and telepathic seers control aquatic people in the domed underwater city of Avalon.
Ashira, a highly-trained war maiden, literally fights for her life after the monks strip her memory. As a Outcast, she is expected to die in the wilds where flying saurians kill for food, but she's a powerful telepath who has learned the skills of a warrior. In her new life, she becomes known as Shadow, keeping secrets from friends and foe alike. She is intent on destroying the Harvesters and finding the son who was taken from her womb.
Readers learn her history as Arthur delves into records kept by an all-knowing entitity called the Archive. Will Shadow and Arthur learn to defeat their common enemy or become casulaties of their own superior abilities?
I recommend this interesting novel to anyone who enjoys an incredible story.
Shadow Over Avalon, book 1 in the Shadow series. Fortune twists in the strongest hands. This is no repeat; this is what happens next.
A man, once a legend who bound his soul to his sword as he lay dying, is now all but a boy nearing the end of his acolyte training. Stifled by life in the undersea city of Avalon, Arthur wants to fight side by side with the air-breathing Terrans, not spend his life as servant to the incorporeal sentient known as the Archive. Despite the restrictions put on him by Sanctuary, he is determined to help the surface-dwellers defeat predators whose sole purpose is to ensure their own survival, no matter the cost.
Ashira, War Maid and princess of the surface-world, is ready to sacrifice her life to defend her kin, but when she is betrayed and cast out of the life chosen for her, she must choose whether to die with honor or become one of the creatures her kinsmen fear and loathe.
Following two threads of time, C.N. Lesley’s new incarnation of the Arthurian tales of old delivers the perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy.
SHADOW OVER AVALON 99 Cents
Sword of Shadows, book 2 in the Shadow series. Arthur and Kai have escaped the threat of Emrys, but now they must face life on the surface world—and all the fearsome creatures that dwell there. But just as they assemble the beginnings of a fighting force, they discover a vital component to their safety has been compromised. This means a return to Avalon, where Arthur has an unexpected encounter with the untrustworthy Merlin. The magician's orders are clear: Arthur must find the sword to save the surface-dwellers and Avalon. There is no alternative.
Kiri Ung, leader of the Nestines and ultimate controller of the Terran slaves on the surface, needs Arthur in order to ensure of the continuance of his species. With the Nestine Queen dying, failure means ultimate extinction. Wherever Arthur goes, so goes Kiri Ung.
Whoever finds the sword first gains control over all humanity. But simply gaining possession of this powerful artifact is not enough to wield its power. Let the battle commence. SWORD OF SHADOWS sale $2.99
Chalice of Shadows, book 3 in the Shadow series. Freedom from slavery should have meant a peaceful life for Morgan, but fate has other plans.
Rescued by the Outcasts, Morgan escapes a Nestine attack only to be bound to the task of retrieving a lost chalice by the Outcast god. Unable to fight the pull of the chalice, she is drawn toward the vessel and all its unearthing will herald. Only her rescuer knows he must get her to the Brethren Haven where they will be safe.
With familiar players of stories past moving into place, from the leader of the Nestines to Shadow and Ector of Avalon, only one thing is certain: Morgan is at the center of it all.
In this third instalment, following Shadow Over Avalon and Sword of Shadows, C.N. Lesley takes us on another epic adventure, once again immersing readers in her alternate universe based on Arthurian legend and twisted into richly detailed science fantasy. CHALICE OF SHADOWS Connect with the author at the following links: Elizabeth Hull on Facebook WEBSITE TWITTER Author's Facebook BOOKBUB
Diane Rapp
Author Bio: Elizabeth Hull, writing under the by line of C.N.Lesley, lives in Alberta with her husband and cats. Her three daughters live close by. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth likes to read and to paint watercolors. She is also a keen gardener, despite the very short summers and now has a mature shade garden. Once a worker in the communications sector, mostly concentrating on local news and events, she now writes full time.
Why did I start writing?
Vivid dreams and the need to know what happened next, I guess. I got a glimpse into worlds and lives but not the whole picture. It left me wanting more so I set out to put it all down. Not long after that I joined the newly created Online Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy that was set up in the first place by Del Rey, an imprint of Random house to channel their slush. This put me in touch with some wonderful writers with many of whom I have established a lifelong friendship. Thus begun the process of learning to write and especially, learning to write in my chosen genres.
I suppose the next question will be why the by line? I had intended to use my own legal name until I discovered it was already taken by a great lady, the wife of Fred Pohl, who was also writing in those genres. It would have been disrespectful to have continued so I chose something else. The initials and name does hold a lot of meaning for me so it was the closest I could come to my own name. I don't make any secret of the fact I have an author name or what my legal name is so am not difficult to find.
There are new books in the works. Staff of Shadows is written, edited and waiting for a cover. Writhe of Wurms is in the process of being written.
Darkspire Reaches, book 1 in the Darkspires series. The wyvern has hunted for the young outcast all her life; a day will come when, after being rejected by civilisation and the tribes, she must at last face him.Abandoned as a sacrifice to the wyvern, a young girl is raised to fear the beast her adoptive clan believes meant to kill her. When the Emperor outlaws all magic, Raven is forced to flee from her home with her foster mother, for both are judged as witches. Now an outcast, she lives at the mercy of others, forever pursued by the wyvern. Soon her life will change forever.
A unique and unsettling romantic adventure about rejection and belonging. DARKSPIRE REACHES sale $2.99
Serpent of the Shangrove, book 2 in the Darkspires series. Copper is now a fully grown Drakken, but despite his magical abilities, he is shunned and shamed by his pure-blood kin.Wandering despondent in the wilderness, Copper discovers a portal that reminds him of his lost crèche mate, left behind when the Drakkens fled their ancestral home. Knowing the portal will only remain open for three short days, Copper cannot resist the challenge to bring the lost maiden to safety, and prove himself worthy of his breed.
But the other world is not what he and his kin expected. The peoples are hostile, the Angressi emperor has not forgotten his grudge, and something is killing Samara Maidens.
In this eagerly anticipated sequel to her bestseller, Darkspire Reaches, CN Lesley transports us back into the world of Drakkens, of Connor and Raven, and of their son.
Deep in the Shangrove—a dark place that feeds on creatures of magic—a new evil is growing, waiting for the perfect mate.
SERPENT OF THE SHANGROVE DIANE'S 5* REVIEW:
Arthurian Legend Steps into the Future
This science-fantasy was a real surprise, but one that I enjoyed immensely. The author takes the Arthurian legend and steps into a future where Harvester monks cull the human population above ground and telepathic seers control aquatic people in the domed underwater city of Avalon.
Ashira, a highly-trained war maiden, literally fights for her life after the monks strip her memory. As a Outcast, she is expected to die in the wilds where flying saurians kill for food, but she's a powerful telepath who has learned the skills of a warrior. In her new life, she becomes known as Shadow, keeping secrets from friends and foe alike. She is intent on destroying the Harvesters and finding the son who was taken from her womb.
Readers learn her history as Arthur delves into records kept by an all-knowing entitity called the Archive. Will Shadow and Arthur learn to defeat their common enemy or become casulaties of their own superior abilities?
I recommend this interesting novel to anyone who enjoys an incredible story.
Shadow Over Avalon, book 1 in the Shadow series. Fortune twists in the strongest hands. This is no repeat; this is what happens next.A man, once a legend who bound his soul to his sword as he lay dying, is now all but a boy nearing the end of his acolyte training. Stifled by life in the undersea city of Avalon, Arthur wants to fight side by side with the air-breathing Terrans, not spend his life as servant to the incorporeal sentient known as the Archive. Despite the restrictions put on him by Sanctuary, he is determined to help the surface-dwellers defeat predators whose sole purpose is to ensure their own survival, no matter the cost.
Ashira, War Maid and princess of the surface-world, is ready to sacrifice her life to defend her kin, but when she is betrayed and cast out of the life chosen for her, she must choose whether to die with honor or become one of the creatures her kinsmen fear and loathe.
Following two threads of time, C.N. Lesley’s new incarnation of the Arthurian tales of old delivers the perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy.
SHADOW OVER AVALON 99 Cents
Sword of Shadows, book 2 in the Shadow series. Arthur and Kai have escaped the threat of Emrys, but now they must face life on the surface world—and all the fearsome creatures that dwell there. But just as they assemble the beginnings of a fighting force, they discover a vital component to their safety has been compromised. This means a return to Avalon, where Arthur has an unexpected encounter with the untrustworthy Merlin. The magician's orders are clear: Arthur must find the sword to save the surface-dwellers and Avalon. There is no alternative.
Kiri Ung, leader of the Nestines and ultimate controller of the Terran slaves on the surface, needs Arthur in order to ensure of the continuance of his species. With the Nestine Queen dying, failure means ultimate extinction. Wherever Arthur goes, so goes Kiri Ung.
Whoever finds the sword first gains control over all humanity. But simply gaining possession of this powerful artifact is not enough to wield its power. Let the battle commence. SWORD OF SHADOWS sale $2.99
Chalice of Shadows, book 3 in the Shadow series. Freedom from slavery should have meant a peaceful life for Morgan, but fate has other plans.Rescued by the Outcasts, Morgan escapes a Nestine attack only to be bound to the task of retrieving a lost chalice by the Outcast god. Unable to fight the pull of the chalice, she is drawn toward the vessel and all its unearthing will herald. Only her rescuer knows he must get her to the Brethren Haven where they will be safe.
With familiar players of stories past moving into place, from the leader of the Nestines to Shadow and Ector of Avalon, only one thing is certain: Morgan is at the center of it all.
In this third instalment, following Shadow Over Avalon and Sword of Shadows, C.N. Lesley takes us on another epic adventure, once again immersing readers in her alternate universe based on Arthurian legend and twisted into richly detailed science fantasy. CHALICE OF SHADOWS Connect with the author at the following links: Elizabeth Hull on Facebook WEBSITE TWITTER Author's Facebook BOOKBUB
June 1, 2018
Annie Douglass Lima, Author
I've become a real fan of Annie Douglass Lima's novels. She's published several series, both science fiction and fantasy, that I've enjoyed reading. Her newest novel is
The Nameless Soldier
(which is on sale for 99 cents June 1 - 6) and is part of the Annals of Alasia series. I decided to feature that novel in my blog this week and urge you to get your discounted copy right away.
Diane Rapp
MY 5* Review: A Hero Does What is Right!
â
Tarvic is a young soldier in the Alasian army, who was named after a great hero. When a surprise attack leaves him with a bad head wound, he lies unconscious among dead comrades. Tarvic feels like a coward as he hides from the enemy. Why should he survive when all his friends lie dead? How can he live up to his heroic namesake?
It takes meeting three helpless girls to finally give him a purpose. They bring him back to life as he works to help them survive on a small farm in the country. Although he protects the girls from marauding enemy soldiers, he can't tell the girls his true name. It's a name that should belong to a hero, not a failed soldier like him. The nameless soldier slowly proves his courage and ingenuity while facing danger.
This story is a standalone tale set in the times and territory covered in other books about Alasia. I loved reading about an unlikely hero, caught up in events that he cannot control, but using his wit and courage to prevail. A true hero does what is right in the midst of great peril. I recommend the novel highly to young and old alike.NAMELESS SOLDIER
The Nameless Soldier is book 4 in the Annals of Alasia young adult fantasy series. Haven't read all (or any) of the others? That's okay! The books can be read in any order, and each one can stand on its own.
Description:
What do you do when youâre the only survivor?
Nineteen-year-old Tarvic bears the name of a mighty hero from Alasiaâs past. However, the young soldier feels anything but heroic when he regains consciousness to find himself the lone survivor of a brutal attack by invaders from the neighboring kingdom.
Forced to leave his identity behind, Tarvic is thrust into civilian life in the role of protector to three war orphans. When the four of them encounter a mysterious stranger, he must choose between keeping the young girls safe and taking on a mission that could help free his kingdom. Can Tarvic live up to his noble name and find a way to balance his duty and his dreams?
Where to Get a Copy:
Click to buy the ebook or paperback from Amazon. (The ebook is $2.99 just $0.99 through June 6th!)
Not sure if you'll like the story or not? Take a look at the first chapter and see!
The Nameless SoldierChapter One
Tarvic woke to the sound of a distant yell, abruptly silenced. He pushed his blankets aside and sat up, puzzled, but heard only the light patter of rain on the canvas. âWhat was that?âDrevel, his roommate in the barracks and tentmate out on campaigns like this, stirred and rolled over. âWhat?ââI heard something. Someone shouting.ââItâs probably just another drill.â But Drevel sat up too, shoving his own blankets away, as Tarvic crawled over and untied the tent flap.A blast of wintry air and raindrops greeted him as he leaned out, peering across the tent-studded hillside. Clouds hid the moon and stars, and on every side the thick dark of the forest leaned in from the edges of the large clearing. But the telltale flickering light of distant torches sent shadows leaping over tents and across the open spaces between them. Why would someone be using torches out here? Any soldier in camp had easy access to lanterns among the supplies.Something was wrong. Very wrong. Tarvic pulled back into the tent and yanked on his breeches and jacket.They both heard the next yell, closer this time, and then the unmistakable clash of swords. Both men snatched up their own swords, jamming their feet into their boots and fumbling for shields. From all around them, shouts of alarm erupted as men in their company woke up.And then the enemy was upon them. Horses exploded through the camp, trampling tents and the soldiers just crawling out of them. Riders leaned low off their mountsâ backs, swinging swords and waving torches.Halfway out of his tent, Tarvic threw himself flat on his face to avoid a slash that would probably have decapitated him. He scrambled to his feet, only to be knocked off them again by a blow that he barely caught on his shield.Light, shadows, horses, blades, rain. Chaos raged through the clearing to the sound of crashing metal, pounding hooves, shouts of challenge and desperation. Tarvic regained his feet and fought as best he could from the ground while enemy riders thundered around him. Dodging and ducking, he aimed for the menâs legs and tried to keep out from under their horsesâ hooves. With no idea who he was fighting or why, his only goal to stay alive for the next heartbeat, he dodged and darted through the tumult looking for spots where horses and enemy swords werenât. All around him, men fought and ran and crumpled to lie as limply as the trampled tents.Slipping and stumbling in the mud, Tarvic felt a surge of satisfaction as his sword met flesh and an enemy yelled in pain. And then the man wheeled his horse and charged back toward him, and Tarvic turned to flee.He tripped on something soft that groaned. Pain shot through Tarvicâs wrist as he caught his fall, and only a quick roll saved him from being trampled as the manâs horse cantered over him.Its rider wheeled again, and Tarvic rose to his knees, barely raising his shield in time to protect his face. The force of the blow threw him backward, jarring his already sore wrist.Another horse leaped over him, and Tarvic cried out in pain as a hoof struck him on the shoulder. He stumbled to his feet, ducking low to present as small a target as possible, and ran through the melee.He saw fewer people on foot now, more obstacles in the mud. Was it cowardly to flee from a battle you couldnât win? Nothing in Tarvicâs eight months in the military had prepared him for this. Not counting occasional minor border skirmishes, the kingdom of Alasia hadnât seen an actual war in six generations. Besides routine patrols, city peacekeeping, and the frequent drills and training, the militaryâs primary duties involved escorting merchant wagons through robber-frequented stretches of rural highway and keeping an eye on the sections of coastline where seafaring raiders were known to attack. Tarvic had never fought in a battle that involved more than a handful of opponents at a time, and none of those opponents had been anywhere near this organized â or this deadly.If we escape, we can regroup somewhere safer and â A hard blow to the back knocked him to the ground again as another horse pounded over him. Giving up all pretense of courage, Tarvic scrambled to his feet once more and fled for the edge of the clearing and the relative safety of the trees beyond. I canât do anything here. Theyâre going to slaughter us all!He was practically there when another rider appeared in front of him, leaning low with sword outstretched. Tarvic almost impaled himself on the blade, raising his shield just in time. He fought back frantically as the man slashed, swinging his weapon again and again. I need my horse! Military training had included nothing about how to fight a mounted enemy from the ground. But Lightning was tethered in the row of makeshift stalls on the far side of the camp, probably prancing restlessly under his blanket and wondering why his rider didnât come to spur him into battle.Tarvic didnât even see the blow that almost killed him. His ears barely registered the thudding of more galloping hooves from behind, nearly drowned out by the rain and the sounds of battle. But the world exploded in light and pain as something struck the back of his head harder than anything had ever hit him before.He lurched forward, feeling his sword drop from limp fingers. Managing two steps before his legs buckled, he was just conscious enough to recognize the urgent need to crawl. Donât stop. Donât stop. Donât stop. Or theyâll kill you out here. That was the only thought left in his mind as he pulled himself toward the concealing shadows behind the line of tree trunks. And then even that faded, giving way to darkness.
Want to know what happens to Tarvic? Click to purchase the book and find out!
About the Author:
Annie Douglass Lima spent most of her childhood in Kenya and later graduated from Biola University in Southern California. She and her husband Floyd currently live in Taiwan, where she teaches fifth grade at Morrison Academy. She has been writing poetry, short stories, and novels since her childhood, and to date has published seventeen books (four YA action and adventure novels, five fantasies, a puppet script, six anthologies of her studentsâ poetry, and a Bible verse coloring and activity book). Besides writing, her hobbies include reading (especially fantasy and science fiction), scrapbooking, and international travel.
Email: AnnieDouglassLima@gmail.com
Blog: http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieDouglassLimaAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/princeofalasia
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGoodreads
Google+: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGooglePlus
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AnnieDouglassLimaOnAmazon
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnLinkedIn
Diane Rapp
MY 5* Review: A Hero Does What is Right!
â
Tarvic is a young soldier in the Alasian army, who was named after a great hero. When a surprise attack leaves him with a bad head wound, he lies unconscious among dead comrades. Tarvic feels like a coward as he hides from the enemy. Why should he survive when all his friends lie dead? How can he live up to his heroic namesake?
It takes meeting three helpless girls to finally give him a purpose. They bring him back to life as he works to help them survive on a small farm in the country. Although he protects the girls from marauding enemy soldiers, he can't tell the girls his true name. It's a name that should belong to a hero, not a failed soldier like him. The nameless soldier slowly proves his courage and ingenuity while facing danger.
This story is a standalone tale set in the times and territory covered in other books about Alasia. I loved reading about an unlikely hero, caught up in events that he cannot control, but using his wit and courage to prevail. A true hero does what is right in the midst of great peril. I recommend the novel highly to young and old alike.NAMELESS SOLDIER
The Nameless Soldier is book 4 in the Annals of Alasia young adult fantasy series. Haven't read all (or any) of the others? That's okay! The books can be read in any order, and each one can stand on its own.
Description:
What do you do when youâre the only survivor?
Nineteen-year-old Tarvic bears the name of a mighty hero from Alasiaâs past. However, the young soldier feels anything but heroic when he regains consciousness to find himself the lone survivor of a brutal attack by invaders from the neighboring kingdom.
Forced to leave his identity behind, Tarvic is thrust into civilian life in the role of protector to three war orphans. When the four of them encounter a mysterious stranger, he must choose between keeping the young girls safe and taking on a mission that could help free his kingdom. Can Tarvic live up to his noble name and find a way to balance his duty and his dreams?
Where to Get a Copy:
Click to buy the ebook or paperback from Amazon. (The ebook is $2.99 just $0.99 through June 6th!)
Not sure if you'll like the story or not? Take a look at the first chapter and see!
The Nameless SoldierChapter One
Tarvic woke to the sound of a distant yell, abruptly silenced. He pushed his blankets aside and sat up, puzzled, but heard only the light patter of rain on the canvas. âWhat was that?âDrevel, his roommate in the barracks and tentmate out on campaigns like this, stirred and rolled over. âWhat?ââI heard something. Someone shouting.ââItâs probably just another drill.â But Drevel sat up too, shoving his own blankets away, as Tarvic crawled over and untied the tent flap.A blast of wintry air and raindrops greeted him as he leaned out, peering across the tent-studded hillside. Clouds hid the moon and stars, and on every side the thick dark of the forest leaned in from the edges of the large clearing. But the telltale flickering light of distant torches sent shadows leaping over tents and across the open spaces between them. Why would someone be using torches out here? Any soldier in camp had easy access to lanterns among the supplies.Something was wrong. Very wrong. Tarvic pulled back into the tent and yanked on his breeches and jacket.They both heard the next yell, closer this time, and then the unmistakable clash of swords. Both men snatched up their own swords, jamming their feet into their boots and fumbling for shields. From all around them, shouts of alarm erupted as men in their company woke up.And then the enemy was upon them. Horses exploded through the camp, trampling tents and the soldiers just crawling out of them. Riders leaned low off their mountsâ backs, swinging swords and waving torches.Halfway out of his tent, Tarvic threw himself flat on his face to avoid a slash that would probably have decapitated him. He scrambled to his feet, only to be knocked off them again by a blow that he barely caught on his shield.Light, shadows, horses, blades, rain. Chaos raged through the clearing to the sound of crashing metal, pounding hooves, shouts of challenge and desperation. Tarvic regained his feet and fought as best he could from the ground while enemy riders thundered around him. Dodging and ducking, he aimed for the menâs legs and tried to keep out from under their horsesâ hooves. With no idea who he was fighting or why, his only goal to stay alive for the next heartbeat, he dodged and darted through the tumult looking for spots where horses and enemy swords werenât. All around him, men fought and ran and crumpled to lie as limply as the trampled tents.Slipping and stumbling in the mud, Tarvic felt a surge of satisfaction as his sword met flesh and an enemy yelled in pain. And then the man wheeled his horse and charged back toward him, and Tarvic turned to flee.He tripped on something soft that groaned. Pain shot through Tarvicâs wrist as he caught his fall, and only a quick roll saved him from being trampled as the manâs horse cantered over him.Its rider wheeled again, and Tarvic rose to his knees, barely raising his shield in time to protect his face. The force of the blow threw him backward, jarring his already sore wrist.Another horse leaped over him, and Tarvic cried out in pain as a hoof struck him on the shoulder. He stumbled to his feet, ducking low to present as small a target as possible, and ran through the melee.He saw fewer people on foot now, more obstacles in the mud. Was it cowardly to flee from a battle you couldnât win? Nothing in Tarvicâs eight months in the military had prepared him for this. Not counting occasional minor border skirmishes, the kingdom of Alasia hadnât seen an actual war in six generations. Besides routine patrols, city peacekeeping, and the frequent drills and training, the militaryâs primary duties involved escorting merchant wagons through robber-frequented stretches of rural highway and keeping an eye on the sections of coastline where seafaring raiders were known to attack. Tarvic had never fought in a battle that involved more than a handful of opponents at a time, and none of those opponents had been anywhere near this organized â or this deadly.If we escape, we can regroup somewhere safer and â A hard blow to the back knocked him to the ground again as another horse pounded over him. Giving up all pretense of courage, Tarvic scrambled to his feet once more and fled for the edge of the clearing and the relative safety of the trees beyond. I canât do anything here. Theyâre going to slaughter us all!He was practically there when another rider appeared in front of him, leaning low with sword outstretched. Tarvic almost impaled himself on the blade, raising his shield just in time. He fought back frantically as the man slashed, swinging his weapon again and again. I need my horse! Military training had included nothing about how to fight a mounted enemy from the ground. But Lightning was tethered in the row of makeshift stalls on the far side of the camp, probably prancing restlessly under his blanket and wondering why his rider didnât come to spur him into battle.Tarvic didnât even see the blow that almost killed him. His ears barely registered the thudding of more galloping hooves from behind, nearly drowned out by the rain and the sounds of battle. But the world exploded in light and pain as something struck the back of his head harder than anything had ever hit him before.He lurched forward, feeling his sword drop from limp fingers. Managing two steps before his legs buckled, he was just conscious enough to recognize the urgent need to crawl. Donât stop. Donât stop. Donât stop. Or theyâll kill you out here. That was the only thought left in his mind as he pulled himself toward the concealing shadows behind the line of tree trunks. And then even that faded, giving way to darkness.
Want to know what happens to Tarvic? Click to purchase the book and find out!
About the Author:
Annie Douglass Lima spent most of her childhood in Kenya and later graduated from Biola University in Southern California. She and her husband Floyd currently live in Taiwan, where she teaches fifth grade at Morrison Academy. She has been writing poetry, short stories, and novels since her childhood, and to date has published seventeen books (four YA action and adventure novels, five fantasies, a puppet script, six anthologies of her studentsâ poetry, and a Bible verse coloring and activity book). Besides writing, her hobbies include reading (especially fantasy and science fiction), scrapbooking, and international travel.
Email: AnnieDouglassLima@gmail.com
Blog: http://anniedouglasslima.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieDouglassLimaAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/princeofalasia
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGoodreads
Google+: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnGooglePlus
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/AnnieDouglassLimaOnAmazon
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/ADLimaOnLinkedIn
May 21, 2018
Elizabeth Hull writing as C.N. Lesley
I met Elizabeth Hull last year when I started a retweet group on Facebook. The Sci-Fi and Fantasy writers in this group support each other by retweeting daily posts.
Elizabeth has always been an active participant in the group, and she has two very interesting series, so check them out! (Read my review of Shadow Over Avalon below.)
Diane Rapp
Author Bio.
Elizabeth Hull, writing under the by line of C.N.Lesley, lives in Alberta with her husband and cats. Her three daughters live close by. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth likes to read and to paint watercolors. She is also a keen gardener, despite the very short summers and now has a mature shade garden. Once a worker in the communications sector, mostly concentrating on local news and events, she now writes full time. Why did I start writing?
Vivid dreams and the need to know what happened next, I guess. I got a glimpse into worlds and lives but not the whole picture. It left me wanting more so I set out to put it all down. Not long after that I joined the newly created Online Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy that was set up in the first place by Del Rey, an imprint of Random house to channel their slush. This put me in touch with some wonderful writers with many of whom I have established a lifelong friendship. Thus begun the process of learning to write and especially, learning to write in my chosen genres.
I suppose the next question will be why the by line? I had intended to use my own legal name until I discovered it was already taken by a great lady, the wife of Fred Pohl, who was also writing in those genres. It would have been disrespectful to have continued so I chose something else. The initials and name does hold a lot of meaning for me so it was the closest I could come to my own name. I don't make any secret of the fact I have an author name or what my legal name is so am not difficult to find.
Darkspire Reaches, book 1 in the Darkspires series
The wyvern has hunted for the young outcast all her life; a day will come when, after being rejected by civilisation and the tribes, she must at last face him.
Abandoned as a sacrifice to the wyvern, a young girl is raised to fear the beast her adoptive clan believes meant to kill her. When the Emperor outlaws all magic, Raven is forced to flee from her home with her foster mother, for both are judged as witches. Now an outcast, she lives at the mercy of others, forever pursued by the wyvern. Soon her life will change forever.
A unique and unsettling romantic adventure about rejection and belonging. Darkspire Reaches -- $2.99
Serpent of the Shangrove, book 2 in the Darkspires series
Copper is now a fully grown Drakken, but despite his magical abilities, he is shunned and shamed by his pure-blood kin.
Wandering despondent in the wilderness, Copper discovers a portal that reminds him of his lost crèche mate, left behind when the Drakkens fled their ancestral home. Knowing the portal will only remain open for three short days, Copper cannot resist the challenge to bring the lost maiden to safety, and prove himself worthy of his breed.
But the other world is not what he and his kin expected. The peoples are hostile, the Angressi emperor has not forgotten his grudge, and something is killing Samara Maidens.
In this eagerly anticipated sequel to her bestseller, Darkspire Reaches, CN Lesley transports us back into the world of Drakkens, of Connor and Raven, and of their son.
Deep in the Shangrove—a dark place that feeds on creatures of magic—a new evil is growing, waiting for the perfect mate. Serpent of the Shangrove Diane's 5* Review of Shadow Over Avalon:
Aurthurian legend steps into the future.
This science-fantasy was a real surprise, but one that I enjoyed immensely. The author takes the Aurthurian legend and steps into a future where Harvester monks cull the human population above ground and telepathic seers control aquatic people in the domed underwater city of Avalon.
Ashira, a highly-trained war maiden, literally fights for her life after the monks strip her memory. As an Outcast, she is expected to die in the wilds where flying saurians kill for food, but she's a powerful telepath who has learned the skills of a warrior. In her new life, she becomes known as Shadow, keeping secrets from friends and foe alike. She is intent on destroying the Harvesters and finding the son who was taken from her womb.
Readers learn her history as Aurthur delves into records kept by an all-knowing entitity called the Archive. Will Shadow and Aurthur learn to defeat their common enemy or become casulaties of their own superior abilities?
I recommend this interesting novel to anyone who enjoys an incredible story.
Shadow Over Avalon, book 1 in the Shadow series
Fortune twists in the strongest hands. This is no repeat; this is what happens next.
A man, once a legend who bound his soul to his sword as he lay dying, is now all but a boy nearing the end of his acolyte training. Stifled by life in the undersea city of Avalon, Arthur wants to fight side by side with the air-breathing Terrans, not spend his life as servant to the incorporeal sentient known as the Archive. Despite the restrictions put on him by Sanctuary, he is determined to help the surface-dwellers defeat predators whose sole purpose is to ensure their own survival, no matter the cost.
Ashira, War Maid and princess of the surface-world, is ready to sacrifice her life to defend her kin, but when she is betrayed and cast out of the life chosen for her, she must choose whether to die with honor or become one of the creatures her kinsmen fear and loathe.
Following two threads of time, C.N. Lesley’s new incarnation of the Arthurian tales of old delivers the perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy. Shadow Over Avalon -- 99 Cents
Sword of Shadows, book 2 in the Shadow series
Arthur and Kai have escaped the threat of Emrys, but now they must face life on the surface world—and all the fearsome creatures that dwell there. But just as they assemble the beginnings of a fighting force, they discover a vital component to their safety has been compromised. This means a return to Avalon, where Arthur has an unexpected encounter with the untrustworthy Merlin. The magician's orders are clear: Arthur must find the sword to save the surface-dwellers and Avalon. There is no alternative.
Kiri Ung, leader of the Nestines and ultimate controller of the Terran slaves on the surface, needs Arthur in order to ensure of the continuance of his species. With the Nestine Queen dying, failure means ultimate extinction. Wherever Arthur goes, so goes Kiri Ung.
Whoever finds the sword first gains control over all humanity. But simply gaining possession of this powerful artifact is not enough to wield its power. Let the battle commence. Sword of Shadows -- $2.99
Chalice of Shadows, book 3 in the Shadow series
Freedom from slavery should have meant a peaceful life for Morgan, but fate has other plans.
Rescued by the Outcasts, Morgan escapes a Nestine attack only to be bound to the task of retrieving a lost chalice by the Outcast god. Unable to fight the pull of the chalice, she is drawn toward the vessel and all its unearthing will herald. Only her rescuer knows he must get her to the Brethren Haven where they will be safe.
With familiar players of stories past moving into place, from the leader of the Nestines to Shadow and Ector of Avalon, only one thing is certain: Morgan is at the center of it all.
In this third instalment, following Shadow Over Avalon and Sword of Shadows, C.N. Lesley takes us on another epic adventure, once again immersing readers in her alternate universe based on Arthurian legend and twisted into richly detailed science fantasy. Chalise of Shadows Connect with the author through the following links: Website C.N. Lesley (Author) FB Page Elizabeth Hull (personal) FB Twitter Book Bub Page
Elizabeth has always been an active participant in the group, and she has two very interesting series, so check them out! (Read my review of Shadow Over Avalon below.)
Diane Rapp
Author Bio.
Elizabeth Hull, writing under the by line of C.N.Lesley, lives in Alberta with her husband and cats. Her three daughters live close by. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth likes to read and to paint watercolors. She is also a keen gardener, despite the very short summers and now has a mature shade garden. Once a worker in the communications sector, mostly concentrating on local news and events, she now writes full time. Why did I start writing?
Vivid dreams and the need to know what happened next, I guess. I got a glimpse into worlds and lives but not the whole picture. It left me wanting more so I set out to put it all down. Not long after that I joined the newly created Online Workshop for Science Fiction and Fantasy that was set up in the first place by Del Rey, an imprint of Random house to channel their slush. This put me in touch with some wonderful writers with many of whom I have established a lifelong friendship. Thus begun the process of learning to write and especially, learning to write in my chosen genres.
I suppose the next question will be why the by line? I had intended to use my own legal name until I discovered it was already taken by a great lady, the wife of Fred Pohl, who was also writing in those genres. It would have been disrespectful to have continued so I chose something else. The initials and name does hold a lot of meaning for me so it was the closest I could come to my own name. I don't make any secret of the fact I have an author name or what my legal name is so am not difficult to find.
Darkspire Reaches, book 1 in the Darkspires series The wyvern has hunted for the young outcast all her life; a day will come when, after being rejected by civilisation and the tribes, she must at last face him.
Abandoned as a sacrifice to the wyvern, a young girl is raised to fear the beast her adoptive clan believes meant to kill her. When the Emperor outlaws all magic, Raven is forced to flee from her home with her foster mother, for both are judged as witches. Now an outcast, she lives at the mercy of others, forever pursued by the wyvern. Soon her life will change forever.
A unique and unsettling romantic adventure about rejection and belonging. Darkspire Reaches -- $2.99
Serpent of the Shangrove, book 2 in the Darkspires series Copper is now a fully grown Drakken, but despite his magical abilities, he is shunned and shamed by his pure-blood kin.
Wandering despondent in the wilderness, Copper discovers a portal that reminds him of his lost crèche mate, left behind when the Drakkens fled their ancestral home. Knowing the portal will only remain open for three short days, Copper cannot resist the challenge to bring the lost maiden to safety, and prove himself worthy of his breed.
But the other world is not what he and his kin expected. The peoples are hostile, the Angressi emperor has not forgotten his grudge, and something is killing Samara Maidens.
In this eagerly anticipated sequel to her bestseller, Darkspire Reaches, CN Lesley transports us back into the world of Drakkens, of Connor and Raven, and of their son.
Deep in the Shangrove—a dark place that feeds on creatures of magic—a new evil is growing, waiting for the perfect mate. Serpent of the Shangrove Diane's 5* Review of Shadow Over Avalon:
Aurthurian legend steps into the future.
This science-fantasy was a real surprise, but one that I enjoyed immensely. The author takes the Aurthurian legend and steps into a future where Harvester monks cull the human population above ground and telepathic seers control aquatic people in the domed underwater city of Avalon.
Ashira, a highly-trained war maiden, literally fights for her life after the monks strip her memory. As an Outcast, she is expected to die in the wilds where flying saurians kill for food, but she's a powerful telepath who has learned the skills of a warrior. In her new life, she becomes known as Shadow, keeping secrets from friends and foe alike. She is intent on destroying the Harvesters and finding the son who was taken from her womb.
Readers learn her history as Aurthur delves into records kept by an all-knowing entitity called the Archive. Will Shadow and Aurthur learn to defeat their common enemy or become casulaties of their own superior abilities?
I recommend this interesting novel to anyone who enjoys an incredible story.
Shadow Over Avalon, book 1 in the Shadow series Fortune twists in the strongest hands. This is no repeat; this is what happens next.
A man, once a legend who bound his soul to his sword as he lay dying, is now all but a boy nearing the end of his acolyte training. Stifled by life in the undersea city of Avalon, Arthur wants to fight side by side with the air-breathing Terrans, not spend his life as servant to the incorporeal sentient known as the Archive. Despite the restrictions put on him by Sanctuary, he is determined to help the surface-dwellers defeat predators whose sole purpose is to ensure their own survival, no matter the cost.
Ashira, War Maid and princess of the surface-world, is ready to sacrifice her life to defend her kin, but when she is betrayed and cast out of the life chosen for her, she must choose whether to die with honor or become one of the creatures her kinsmen fear and loathe.
Following two threads of time, C.N. Lesley’s new incarnation of the Arthurian tales of old delivers the perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy. Shadow Over Avalon -- 99 Cents
Sword of Shadows, book 2 in the Shadow series
Arthur and Kai have escaped the threat of Emrys, but now they must face life on the surface world—and all the fearsome creatures that dwell there. But just as they assemble the beginnings of a fighting force, they discover a vital component to their safety has been compromised. This means a return to Avalon, where Arthur has an unexpected encounter with the untrustworthy Merlin. The magician's orders are clear: Arthur must find the sword to save the surface-dwellers and Avalon. There is no alternative.
Kiri Ung, leader of the Nestines and ultimate controller of the Terran slaves on the surface, needs Arthur in order to ensure of the continuance of his species. With the Nestine Queen dying, failure means ultimate extinction. Wherever Arthur goes, so goes Kiri Ung.
Whoever finds the sword first gains control over all humanity. But simply gaining possession of this powerful artifact is not enough to wield its power. Let the battle commence. Sword of Shadows -- $2.99
Chalice of Shadows, book 3 in the Shadow series Freedom from slavery should have meant a peaceful life for Morgan, but fate has other plans.
Rescued by the Outcasts, Morgan escapes a Nestine attack only to be bound to the task of retrieving a lost chalice by the Outcast god. Unable to fight the pull of the chalice, she is drawn toward the vessel and all its unearthing will herald. Only her rescuer knows he must get her to the Brethren Haven where they will be safe.
With familiar players of stories past moving into place, from the leader of the Nestines to Shadow and Ector of Avalon, only one thing is certain: Morgan is at the center of it all.
In this third instalment, following Shadow Over Avalon and Sword of Shadows, C.N. Lesley takes us on another epic adventure, once again immersing readers in her alternate universe based on Arthurian legend and twisted into richly detailed science fantasy. Chalise of Shadows Connect with the author through the following links: Website C.N. Lesley (Author) FB Page Elizabeth Hull (personal) FB Twitter Book Bub Page
May 20, 2018
The Cupid Caper Review
The Cupid Caper by Larissa ReinhartMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Edgy and Action-Packed
Love the characters and the con! It's nearly impossible for Finley to "go straight" when her best friend is murdered and her partner (Lex) is so hard to resist. What is a girl to do? Figure out how to con the murderer while staying one step ahead of a hit man. This series has more edge than Reinhart's others but I loved every minute. The darker villains mean that the action is non-stop, and I kept turning the pages into the wee hours of the night. Recommended!
View all my reviews
May 17, 2018
M.K. SCOTT, Author team
As you may have gathered from previous blog posts, I'm a sucker for books that include dogs. So when I bought Bark in the Night, I got hooked on this series. The black German Shepherd Dog, Max can actually talk to Nala (and a few other humans)! Okay, he's a bit of a smart mouth but who cares? Readers will love this crime-fighting duo!
Diane Rapp
M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are fun series to create and read. 
The Story Behind the Series
Most of my best stories have resulted from someone simply asking me to write a specific tale. This is what happened with The Talking Dog Detective Agency series. While attending the annual Indianapolis Historical Society Author Fair, people kept asking me why I didn’t write stories that took place in Indiana. I assumed folks who lived here would like to read about other places, I assumed wrong.
Because I was born and raised in Indiana, I was uniquely qualified to write about it. My first book was A Bark in the Night, which wound its way through downtown Indianapolis often taking advantage of well-known landmarks and restaurants. Each book takes place in a specific locale. Requiem for a Rescue Dog Queen was set in Tipton, where my husband used to live. The latest book, Bark Twice for Danger, takes place in Noblesville where we currently live. I even put the newest restaurant in the book, too.
Living in a locale gives a little more depth to a tale. There was a nice steakhouse in our town that featured dancing on the weekend and on Thursday nights. The GPS and various review sites will still give you directions to the place under the steak house name---only now it is a day care center.
As for the talking dog part, don’t all dogs talk? Max is just a little easier to understand than a pooch who relies on an intent look or a wag of a tail. Max and Nala have several stories in front of them because everyone I talk to wants their town featured in the series.
Bark in the Night (The Talking Dog Agency Book 1)
Out of control preschoolers and their demanding parents has Nala turning private investigator over summer break. The idea came from her ability to solve television mysteries before the sleuth did. Her agency motto is discreet inquiries, which means nothing to her wanna be action star father or her competitive mother who are determined to help.
A hunky veteran turned cop, a helpful neighbor, and a rescue dog that talks only makes things interesting. Nala might even start to enjoy the job if whoever is trying to kill her would just give it a break.
On sale for 99 cents ending May 31st!
A Bark in the Night
Requiem for a Rescue Dog Queen (The Talking Dog Agency Book 2)
Pre-school teacher turned private eye Nala Bonne, and her opinionated dog, Max, have a nose for evil doings in Circle City. They’ve recently gone to the dogs, make that rescue dogs. Not everyone in Indianapolis has a soft spot for a homeless pup. Someone has it out for the dogs and the people who love them. A midnight call jolts Nala and Max into action as they rush to the aid of a local rescue dog queen, but it may already be too late. Requiem for a Rescue Dog Queen
NEW: Bark Twice for Danger (The Talking Dog Agency Book 3)
Identity theft is rampant in their charming burg. Nala and Max are determined to sniff out the culprits.
Comic Con is in full-swing and all is well. But no sooner does the biggest event of the year begin before a mysterious wave of identify thefts overshadows the grand affair.
While Nala tries to rein in Karly’s efforts to use the con for dating purposes, she also finds herself the target of a brazen thief. If she and her crime-solving canine companion don’t find the culprit, her bank accounts could be wiped cleaned.
Can Nala and Max bring an end to the chaos before it’s too late? Bark Twice for Danger Excerpt from Bark Twice for Danger:
What happens to a girl who can’t say no? Most people would assume she’d end up pregnant before her fifteen birthday. The idea made Emma wrinkle her nose at the impossibility of that happening to her. It would involve someone asking her to do something more interesting than pet sitting their parrot or run papers to a client on her way home. Truthfully, she didn’t mind too much. She didn’t have children to drive to soccer practice or the need to start dinner for her partner when she got home from work. What she did resent was people assuming, since she had no life, she’d automatically do the things they had no time to do.
Delivering papers wasn’t in her job description. Technically it wasn’t on anyone’s in the office. The others were smart enough to make themselves scarce, while Emma merely took the papers and agreed to go out of her way to Carmel to deliver them before the end of the workday. The only perk was she got to leave early to arrive while the client’s office was still open.
After she delivered the papers, she exited the art deco building, only to almost bump into him. She couldn’t say she didn’t notice him. He was the type of male who drew all eyes to him by simply existing. He’d erupted into the parking lot riding a wave of sound and testosterone. Instead of a surfboard, his mode of transportation was a Triumph motorcycle. The bike drew her eye first. Back when she was barely thirteen, she longed for a motorcycle. Her fantasies, however, didn’t include her hanging onto some guy steering the bike. It was always her bike. Website Link Barnes & Noble Smashwords iTunes
Diane Rapp
M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are fun series to create and read. The Story Behind the SeriesMost of my best stories have resulted from someone simply asking me to write a specific tale. This is what happened with The Talking Dog Detective Agency series. While attending the annual Indianapolis Historical Society Author Fair, people kept asking me why I didn’t write stories that took place in Indiana. I assumed folks who lived here would like to read about other places, I assumed wrong.
Because I was born and raised in Indiana, I was uniquely qualified to write about it. My first book was A Bark in the Night, which wound its way through downtown Indianapolis often taking advantage of well-known landmarks and restaurants. Each book takes place in a specific locale. Requiem for a Rescue Dog Queen was set in Tipton, where my husband used to live. The latest book, Bark Twice for Danger, takes place in Noblesville where we currently live. I even put the newest restaurant in the book, too.
Living in a locale gives a little more depth to a tale. There was a nice steakhouse in our town that featured dancing on the weekend and on Thursday nights. The GPS and various review sites will still give you directions to the place under the steak house name---only now it is a day care center.
As for the talking dog part, don’t all dogs talk? Max is just a little easier to understand than a pooch who relies on an intent look or a wag of a tail. Max and Nala have several stories in front of them because everyone I talk to wants their town featured in the series.
Bark in the Night (The Talking Dog Agency Book 1)Out of control preschoolers and their demanding parents has Nala turning private investigator over summer break. The idea came from her ability to solve television mysteries before the sleuth did. Her agency motto is discreet inquiries, which means nothing to her wanna be action star father or her competitive mother who are determined to help.
A hunky veteran turned cop, a helpful neighbor, and a rescue dog that talks only makes things interesting. Nala might even start to enjoy the job if whoever is trying to kill her would just give it a break.
On sale for 99 cents ending May 31st!
A Bark in the Night
Requiem for a Rescue Dog Queen (The Talking Dog Agency Book 2)Pre-school teacher turned private eye Nala Bonne, and her opinionated dog, Max, have a nose for evil doings in Circle City. They’ve recently gone to the dogs, make that rescue dogs. Not everyone in Indianapolis has a soft spot for a homeless pup. Someone has it out for the dogs and the people who love them. A midnight call jolts Nala and Max into action as they rush to the aid of a local rescue dog queen, but it may already be too late. Requiem for a Rescue Dog Queen
NEW: Bark Twice for Danger (The Talking Dog Agency Book 3)Identity theft is rampant in their charming burg. Nala and Max are determined to sniff out the culprits.
Comic Con is in full-swing and all is well. But no sooner does the biggest event of the year begin before a mysterious wave of identify thefts overshadows the grand affair.
While Nala tries to rein in Karly’s efforts to use the con for dating purposes, she also finds herself the target of a brazen thief. If she and her crime-solving canine companion don’t find the culprit, her bank accounts could be wiped cleaned.
Can Nala and Max bring an end to the chaos before it’s too late? Bark Twice for Danger Excerpt from Bark Twice for Danger:
What happens to a girl who can’t say no? Most people would assume she’d end up pregnant before her fifteen birthday. The idea made Emma wrinkle her nose at the impossibility of that happening to her. It would involve someone asking her to do something more interesting than pet sitting their parrot or run papers to a client on her way home. Truthfully, she didn’t mind too much. She didn’t have children to drive to soccer practice or the need to start dinner for her partner when she got home from work. What she did resent was people assuming, since she had no life, she’d automatically do the things they had no time to do.
Delivering papers wasn’t in her job description. Technically it wasn’t on anyone’s in the office. The others were smart enough to make themselves scarce, while Emma merely took the papers and agreed to go out of her way to Carmel to deliver them before the end of the workday. The only perk was she got to leave early to arrive while the client’s office was still open.
After she delivered the papers, she exited the art deco building, only to almost bump into him. She couldn’t say she didn’t notice him. He was the type of male who drew all eyes to him by simply existing. He’d erupted into the parking lot riding a wave of sound and testosterone. Instead of a surfboard, his mode of transportation was a Triumph motorcycle. The bike drew her eye first. Back when she was barely thirteen, she longed for a motorcycle. Her fantasies, however, didn’t include her hanging onto some guy steering the bike. It was always her bike. Website Link Barnes & Noble Smashwords iTunes
May 15, 2018
Karen Musser Nortman, Author
I recently became acquainted with the Time Travel Trailor series written by Karen Musser Nortman. This is such a clever idea! I wanted my readers to learn about this talented author and her series, so I decided to host her on my blog. Be sure to check out the books by clicking the links.
Diane Rapp
Author Bio:
Karen Musser Nortman, after previous incarnations as a secondary social studies teacher (22 years) and a test developer (18 years), in retirement returned to her childhood dream of writing a novel. Karen and her husband Butch originally tent camped when their children were young and switched to a travel trailer when sleeping on the ground lost its romantic adventure. They take frequent weekend jaunts with friends to parks in Iowa and surrounding states, plus occasional longer trips.
Karen has three children and eight grandchildren. She also loves reading, gardening, and knitting, and can recite the 99 counties of Iowa in alphabetical order.
The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries came out of numerous 'round the campfire' discussions, making up answers to questions raised by the peephole glimpses one gets into the lives of fellow campers. Where did those people disappear to for the last two days? What kinds of bones are in this fire pit? Why is that woman wearing heels to the shower house?
An introduction to the popularity of restoring vintage trailers led to the Time Travel Trailer series.
Time Travel Trailer Series: Why I started the TTT series: I have developed a fascination with the early lives of my grandparents and other ancestors. We see our grandparents only at one stage of their lives and it is hard to imagine them in their terrible twos or their teens or as young marrieds. Too often we don't become interested in those years until it is too late to ask them about it. I had a grandmother who grew up in Nebraska and spent summers with cousins who lived in a sod house! Her father was a judge and William Jennings Bryan was a dinner guest in their home. My grandfather on the other side left Denmark at 18, went to Argentina and learned blacksmithing on a ranch, and ended up in southern Minnesota. How did that happen? What was he like as a teen-aged Danish-speaking immigrant in a Spanish-speaking country? It would be so neat to be a mouse in the corner and observe them in those years.
About four years ago, I became acquainted with women in the Midwest Glampers and the Sisters on the Fly. Both groups include many women who restore old, smaller campers. Just stepping in to one of these is to travel back in time. It occurred to me that a travel trailer would be a great time machine, and the Time Travel Trailer series was born. In the first book, a magical 1937 Covered Wagon trailer allows Lynne McBriar to go back in relatively recent history, eventually meeting her own grandmother as a teenager. I actually intended the first book as a stand alone but one reader demanded a sequel and sent me an idea for the plot!
My background is teaching history, not science, and I freely admit that the history in these books is much stronger than the science. One reviewer of the first book said "It was a little far-fetched..." Well...yeah.
A 1937 vintage camper trailer half hidden in weeds catches Lynne McBriar’s eye when she is visiting an elderly friend Ben.
Ben eagerly sells it to her and she just as eagerly embarks on a restoration. But after each remodel, sleeping in the trailer lands Lynne and her daughter Dinah in a previous decade—exciting, yet frightening.
Glimpses of their home town and ancestors fifty or sixty years earlier is exciting and also offers some clues to the mystery of Ben’s lost love. But when Dinah makes a trip on her own, separating herself from her mother by decades, Lynne has never known such fear. It is a trip that may upset the future if Lynne and her estranged husband can't team up to bring their daughter back. Time Travel Trailer
How many of us have wished at some time or other we could go back in time and change an action or a decision or just take back something that was said? But it is what it is. There is no rewind, reboot, delete key or any other trick to change the past, right?
Lynne McBriar can. She bought a 1937 camper that turned out to be a time portal. And when she meets a young woman who suffers from serious depression over the loss of a close friend ten years earlier, she has the power to do something about it. And there is no reason not to use that power. Right? Trailer on the Fly
Lynne McBriar swore her vintage trailer would stay in a museum where it would be safe from further time travel. But when a museum in Texas wants to borrow it, she determines that she must deliver it herself. Her husband Kurt convinces her to take it along Route 66 for research he is doing. What starts out as a family vacation soon turns deadly. Travel can be dangerous any time, but when your trip involves the Time Travel Trailer, who knows where (or when) you will end up? The family encounters early restaurants and motels along the Mother Road and even runs into a little romance. Trailer, Get Your Kicks Facebook Twitter Website (Time Travel)
Diane Rapp
Author Bio:Karen Musser Nortman, after previous incarnations as a secondary social studies teacher (22 years) and a test developer (18 years), in retirement returned to her childhood dream of writing a novel. Karen and her husband Butch originally tent camped when their children were young and switched to a travel trailer when sleeping on the ground lost its romantic adventure. They take frequent weekend jaunts with friends to parks in Iowa and surrounding states, plus occasional longer trips.
Karen has three children and eight grandchildren. She also loves reading, gardening, and knitting, and can recite the 99 counties of Iowa in alphabetical order.
The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries came out of numerous 'round the campfire' discussions, making up answers to questions raised by the peephole glimpses one gets into the lives of fellow campers. Where did those people disappear to for the last two days? What kinds of bones are in this fire pit? Why is that woman wearing heels to the shower house?
An introduction to the popularity of restoring vintage trailers led to the Time Travel Trailer series.
Time Travel Trailer Series: Why I started the TTT series: I have developed a fascination with the early lives of my grandparents and other ancestors. We see our grandparents only at one stage of their lives and it is hard to imagine them in their terrible twos or their teens or as young marrieds. Too often we don't become interested in those years until it is too late to ask them about it. I had a grandmother who grew up in Nebraska and spent summers with cousins who lived in a sod house! Her father was a judge and William Jennings Bryan was a dinner guest in their home. My grandfather on the other side left Denmark at 18, went to Argentina and learned blacksmithing on a ranch, and ended up in southern Minnesota. How did that happen? What was he like as a teen-aged Danish-speaking immigrant in a Spanish-speaking country? It would be so neat to be a mouse in the corner and observe them in those years.
About four years ago, I became acquainted with women in the Midwest Glampers and the Sisters on the Fly. Both groups include many women who restore old, smaller campers. Just stepping in to one of these is to travel back in time. It occurred to me that a travel trailer would be a great time machine, and the Time Travel Trailer series was born. In the first book, a magical 1937 Covered Wagon trailer allows Lynne McBriar to go back in relatively recent history, eventually meeting her own grandmother as a teenager. I actually intended the first book as a stand alone but one reader demanded a sequel and sent me an idea for the plot!
My background is teaching history, not science, and I freely admit that the history in these books is much stronger than the science. One reviewer of the first book said "It was a little far-fetched..." Well...yeah.
A 1937 vintage camper trailer half hidden in weeds catches Lynne McBriar’s eye when she is visiting an elderly friend Ben.Ben eagerly sells it to her and she just as eagerly embarks on a restoration. But after each remodel, sleeping in the trailer lands Lynne and her daughter Dinah in a previous decade—exciting, yet frightening.
Glimpses of their home town and ancestors fifty or sixty years earlier is exciting and also offers some clues to the mystery of Ben’s lost love. But when Dinah makes a trip on her own, separating herself from her mother by decades, Lynne has never known such fear. It is a trip that may upset the future if Lynne and her estranged husband can't team up to bring their daughter back. Time Travel Trailer
How many of us have wished at some time or other we could go back in time and change an action or a decision or just take back something that was said? But it is what it is. There is no rewind, reboot, delete key or any other trick to change the past, right?
Lynne McBriar can. She bought a 1937 camper that turned out to be a time portal. And when she meets a young woman who suffers from serious depression over the loss of a close friend ten years earlier, she has the power to do something about it. And there is no reason not to use that power. Right? Trailer on the Fly
Lynne McBriar swore her vintage trailer would stay in a museum where it would be safe from further time travel. But when a museum in Texas wants to borrow it, she determines that she must deliver it herself. Her husband Kurt convinces her to take it along Route 66 for research he is doing. What starts out as a family vacation soon turns deadly. Travel can be dangerous any time, but when your trip involves the Time Travel Trailer, who knows where (or when) you will end up? The family encounters early restaurants and motels along the Mother Road and even runs into a little romance. Trailer, Get Your Kicks Facebook Twitter Website (Time Travel)
March 1, 2018
Sidekicks are Decided!
Bentley is so pleased to see a whole group of sidekicks who were willing to join heroines in Diane's new mystery series about Real Estate Agents investingating crime. (No murders, just mysteries.) It was no easy task to choose from all the great submissions--so Bentley picked them all!Five novels are planned in the series, so why not use all the talent? Here are the sidekick bios and brief blurbs about their upcoming adventures:
#1 ~ Molli Dawg is a super-sleuthing and snooping basset hound. She has a nose that never quits snooping. Her superpower is following scents and tracking down bad guys, bad ladies, and the occasional chewy treat. She is built low to the ground, so the summer heat can wear her out and requires extra naps. Molli Dawg escapes the winter cold by wearing a snazzie sweater set (size X-long). Nothing prevents this canine sidekick from seeking out truth, justice, and snacks! She loves to make friends (human and canine), but she can spot a crook when they get within range of her sniffer. Molli Dawg can sometimes be shy, and can easily be distracted—hey, was that a kitty? Next to snacking, her favorite activity is taking naps, lots of naps. But don't be fooled when she appears to be snoring, as Molli’s nose is always on duty.
Her sniffing senses will be crucial while helping Rebecca Jones investigate the Robbers' Roost Caper in Telluride, Colorado. Molli Dawg alerts Rebecca when she noses out robbers checking out a fancy jewelry store next door. It will take her superpowers to track down the gang and keep Rebecca safe.
#2 ~ Mika Bella is an adorable malti-poo, who was specially trained as an emotional therapy dog. She works very hard at helping her mommy stay at an even keel, so that Vicky Thompson can function on lower medications. The support therapy becomes vital during their investigations together. Mika Bella weighs 9 lbs but believes in her heart that she’s as big as a German Shepherd. Mika Bella and Vicky walk 4–6 miles every other day but Mika Bella usually rides in Vicky’s specially-designed handbag when she’s working. Who cares that Mika Bella is spoiled rotten? She’s an important member of Vicky’s team.
Mika goes everywhere with Vicky Thompson, who is a part-time real estate agent selling property in the Colonial Historic District of Williamsburg, VA. Vicky and Mika Bella dress in period costumes while working their jobs in the historic town. After witnessing bones kept on display suddenly disappear into a man’s satchel, Vicky immediately follows the thief with Mika Bella at her side, to crack the Artifact Caper.
Shanna the Black Lab
and her gang
Mr. Tom 
Tinkle Toes
and
Twister #3 ~ Shanna the Black Lab and her gang of Cats are all sidekicks. When Cheryl Grady reads a story in her weekly local newspaper, she realizes that there are Cattle Rustlers in the county. They are using high-tech equipment to steal prize-winning bovines after auctions. She recognizes one of the steers that her 4H group recently sold grazing on a supposedly vacant ranch near her new real estate listing. Cheryl must track down the bad guys and her Black Lab, Shanna is eager to help. They need to capture the gang and herd the stock back to the proper owners.
Of course the trio of cats, who must stay home alone, get jealous that Shanna receives all the attention and goes for car rides. The sly trio, Mr. Tom, Twinkle Toes, and Twister, finally get into the action when one of the rustlers breaks into Cheryl’s ranch house to retrieve evidence. It's a real cat-attack.
#4 ~ Kenzy Pederick is a Mal-Tzu. (Don’t call her a Malti-Poo or she’s likely to growl at you. There is NO poodle in her ancestry.) Her registered title is: Her Spoiled Highness, Kenzy Pederick, but she responds to "Kenzy Pederick" if she simply must pay attention. Shouting “Kenzy” over and over just won’t do the trick.She’s adorable with a black nose and eyes, white muzzle and body with two black spots on her rump and lower back. (You realize it’s not polite to point out spots on a lady’s rump.) She may be a temperamental female but she likes being a frisky, friendly fur-ball. She is always ready to dress up for an occasion—especially doing undercover work. (After all a lady should always look her best)! She’s sensitive with a touch of anxiety, loves to laze on the couch to binge watch Animal Planet TV shows, and barks at anything that moves or makes noise. Peggy calls her a four-footed security alarm. Kenzy Pederick is well-trained (when she wishes to be) but a bit mischievous. She loves to play and would give up her next dog biscuit to roll on the artificial grass in the neighbor’s yard! It looks too tempting.
When Peggy Walker (who works part-time as a Niagara Falls tour guide) hears terrorists plan to blow up a bridge with everyone aboard the bus, she decides to stop them. How can she do it? She's just a real estate agent with no combat training. Kenzy Pederick, is ready to lend a paw and a mouth full of sharp teeth.
#5 ~ Did we forget someone? Quick Silver's Lord Bentley will also star in a new mystery of his own: The Collector will begin the series.Tammy Owens is a brand new real estate agent in Santa Barbara, California. She signed her first listing and holds an open house at the newly-built vacant Spanish-style mansion. There might be trouble! Her real estate broker recently received a warning from the Realtors’ Association about women agents who have gone missing from San Francisco down the coast to Santa Inez. Santa Barbara might be next.
Bentley, who attended Agility Class, learned to climb, jump, and weave through obsticals. He is ready to protect Tammy if "the collector" shows up at the open house. Can they investigate the string of kidnappings, learn the truth, and track down the culprit? Bentley is ready to prove that Standard Poodles can be protection dogs too!
She's a Mystery and Science Fiction Writer!
You've heard of split personalities, well, Diane Rapp spends part of her time sailing the high seas to solve mysteries. When she feels seasick, she travels to the planet Drako to check in with her fri
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