Sara Wright's Blog, page 5

Polar Bears Influenced My Writing

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Polar Bears are one of my favorite animals on Earth. I realize they are not cute and cuddly like the ones in the soda commercials, but I still love them.

I suppose my passion for polar bears came from learning about them in school. This mysterious northern bear appeared white instead of the typical shades ranging between brown and black. They live in extreme cold temperatures, hunt on ice, and are classified as marine mammal. But the most fascinating fact of all — they are not actually white. Polar bears have black skin and translucent fur that reflects visible light making them appear white.

Now you’re probably wondering what this has to do with writing books or becoming an author. Well, it has more to do with my influences of being a conservationist at heart. I wrote a paper in high school about these endangered species. Seeing their habitat slowly melting away and watching these magnificent creatures struggle to live broke my heart. It’s one reason I wanted to write about a world of balance.

The worlds presented in The Progenitor Chronicles are about balance and harmony with nature. The Xarden’s don’t cut down the trees — they live in them. All the people of the Six Systems work within the confines of the ecology of their planets. They do so because they know that the balance between nature and progress is important and that animals, such as the beautiful Polar Bear, can live happily. They minimize the impact of their carbon footprint in all aspects of their lives. Of course, thanks to the tech loving Texvedans, they have technology that helps them, too. The only threat to this balance is the leaders of Desdemona.

At one point in time, the people of Desdemona lived in harmony with their planet. They built massive aqueducts using their powers to liquify rock. With the help of their Regvand cousins, they imported water from the ice sheets in the northern and southern hemispheres. With these new waterways, they grew crops on their desert like planet and created tropical oases around the planet.

Of course, with balance, they were required to give back to the planet. With the help of the Ja’Frystans, they divert some of the colder weather to keep the ice caps frozen and at the same size.

What happened to their sense of balance? Was it power? Corruption?

Well, you’ll have to read the series to find out how Desdemona became the object of hostility within the Six Systems. It’s part of their character arc that won’t conclude until the final book. If you’ve read The Equinox you’ll have an idea of what’s in store for Desdemona.

If you haven’t read The Progenitor Chronicles, check out the free prequel Time Crystal below. Or purchase a copy of the first book, The Progenitor and get ready for a roller coaster adventure.

It’s a bummer we don’t have superpowers that can save the Polar Bears in an instant, but there are still things within our control to help our home.

February 24th is International Polar Bear day, so I wanted to highlight a few things we can do to help these wonderful bears.

Three things we can do to save the polar bears:

1) Reduce our energy consumption.

2) Reduce our dependency on toxic chemicals that harm not just the bears, but everyone.

3) Reduce our carbon footprint.

Even a small change in our daily life can have positive effects on our home planet.

If you’d like to do more, check out the World Wildlife Fund and adopt a polar bear today.

Sara Wright is a science fantasy author who loves to add dash of sweet romance to her books.

Keep in touch! Sign up for the bi-monthly Wright newsletter to access the latest blogs, projects, sales, and more. As a thank you, you’ll receive the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles, Time Crystal, for free. Follow the signup form below!

Time Crystal by Sara WrightThe Progenitor Chronicles

Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

Character Profile - Xendara

The first thoughts of Xendara were of a young woman with green eyes that glowed when her powers were activated. She was a champion of nature and would do anything to protect the balance between nature and industrialization. Her character has changed a few times since my initial musings, but one thing remains, she doesn’t like trees to be cut down.

Xendara’s Early Life:

Xendara is the first-born child of King Oren and Queen Krystallos. The new parents focused on her education and encouraged her to live as normal of a life as possible. She's studied everything from engineering to biology and diplomacy. She is a true book worm. If she hadn't been a princess, she would have become a hydrologist for the trees.

As a young child, she was often seen gallivanting around Xardenora with her best friend Acacia. The pair were rarely separate. Together, they would run through the treetops with the goal of touching every tree around their forest planet. They have almost succeeded in their goal.

Even though Xendara was the first born child didn’t guarantee she would be the heir to the throne. On Xardenora, the custom is to have each child evaluated by the sentient ancient Golden Wood trees. The trees would evaluate the child’s personality and determine if they were worthy of becoming the leader of the tree planet. Xendara was found worthy at the age of two years old and was named one of the youngest heirs in the planet’s history. At 200, the Golden Wood tree gifted her a living vine that would record her life history and aid her in her journey as eventual queen.

Because of Xendara’s position, she was privy to diplomatic meetings from a young age. By the time she was a toddler, at ten, she had visited all six inhabited planets of their bi-nary star system. But her favorite place to visit was the water planet called Regvand.

It was on Regvand that she met her other best friend Darijus. During school breaks, she would spend a few months with the royal family of Regvand. Darijus and Xendara were said to be mischievous, often using their growing powers to swipe sugary confections from the kitchens. When Xendara wasn’t visiting Regvand, Darijus would often visit her home, where she would take him to the nearby river or oceans. There parents have always encouraged their friendship as the two planets have always been close with political relations.

Facts about Xendara:

Age at the start of The Progenitor Chronicles: 201

Hair Color: Dark Brown

Skin: Tan

Eye Color: Emerald Green

Height: 5’6”

Planet of Origin: Xardenora

Powers: Telepathy, life-force manipulation in relation to healing, growing plants, or mimicking animals’ abilities.

Occupation: Princess of Xardenora and of the Six Systems

Education: Graduate of the Planetary University of Xardenora with a degree in hydrology and history

Parents: King Oren of Xardenora, Queen Krystallos of Xardenora (formerly Princess Krystallos of the planet Rhyolite)

Siblings in order of age: Madora, Maylee, Keeya, Keva, Riyad

Personality: Smart, compassionate, kind, lack of confidence in abilities, and loving

Read more about Xendara's story.

The Progenitor by Sara Wright

Peace was all Xendara desired, but her enemies hunger for her power.Princess Xendara is the heir to the throne, but her life is turned upside-down when a mysterious spaceship attacks. She learns her father had secrets. With his untimely demise, she must uncover them before her enemies remove her from power.In her quest to keep peace within the Six Systems, she discovers a power she didn’t know she had; a power that everyone is looking to exploit. With the help of her childhood friend Darijus, she unlocks long lost memories of her past, only to find his destiny is intertwined with her own.A prophecy guides her choices to the correct timeline. But can she trust a prophecy that foretells the death of a loved one? With the destiny of the Universe on the line, who she chooses to trust will divide a galaxy.

With powers her enemies aim to exploit, will she risk galactic war?

Sara Wright is a science fantasy author who loves to add dash of sweet romance to her books.

Keep in touch! Sign up for the bi-monthly Wright newsletter to access the latest blogs, projects, sales, and more. As a thank you, you’ll receive the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles, Time Crystal, for free. Use the signup form below!

Time Crystal by Sara WrightThe Progenitor Chronicles

Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

Eight Swoon Worthy Fantasy/Sci-fi Romance Series

Science Fiction and Fantasy romance series from sweet romance to fade to black. Read them at your own discretion.

There’s nothing wrong with swoon worthy romance books. There is something so exhilarating when your fingers accidentally touch or you catch someone staring at you from across the room. I may be biased towards the last one since my husband staired at me across the room for a long time before he actually came to talk to me.

For me, the best romances are when the two main characters have to stand a few feet a part at all times. It makes those chance touches even more sensational. When the characters finally get together at the end, it’s like fireworks. Some people would call this clean romance or low spice romance. Whatever you want to call them, these science fiction and fantasy romance books will make you swoon. If you choose to read them, make sure you’re laying down. You don’t want to risk any injures by falling over.

Here are my top eight fantasy and sci-fi romance series that have either inspired my own books or are books I’ve found along the way.

** Please note that some of these are standalone stories in a series and others are full series that need to be read in order. **

Star Fire by Jenetta Penner

I loved this book because Star Fire because it’s a Science Fantasy book. It combines magical beings with a dystopian world with space travel and swoon worthy romance between the fae boy and the human girl.

Synopsis:

Two worlds collide and only one of them can survive.

Earth is doomed.

On the last day of Cassie’s starship journey to Arcadia, the new Eden, her father is killed in a mysterious explosion. Fortunately, a mysterious vanishing stranger with otherworldly blue-green eyes plucks her from danger at the last second.

Officials swear the explosion was a horrible accident, but she knows they are lying… hiding something...

About her father. About the nature of their new home.

Orphaned and alone she’s cast aside and told to keep her mouth shut. Instead, Cassie’s eyes are opened by newfound abilities and soon the boy with the cyan eyes finds his way back into her life. An instant attraction draws her to Javen and he offers her one dangerous chance to uncover the secret of what became of her father and who she really is.

But secrets the planet holds may force her into an impossible choice only she can make…

Saving humanity or saving Arcadia.

The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier

This is one of my favorite retellings of the Princess and the Pea. It was a typical rags-to-riches romance commonly found in fairytales. But what drew me to this book was the intelligence of the main character. It was likely her intelligence that the Prince found attractive.

Synopsis:

Danger and romance await a woodcutter's daughter in a royal palace.

One dark and stormy night, lost and alone, Alyssa finds herself knocking on the door of a castle. After a lifetime spent in the deep forest, Alyssa has no idea what to expect on the other side.

What she finds is two unruly young princesses and one very handsome prince. When Alyssa accepts the job of Princess Companion she knows her life will change. What she doesn't know is that the royal family is about to be swept up in unexpected danger and intrigue, and that she just might be the only thing standing between her kingdom and destruction.

This retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea, reimagines the risks and rewards that come when one royal family goes searching for a true princess.

If you enjoy clean romance, adventure and intrigue, then try the books in The Four Kingdoms series now! Each of these young adult fairy tale retellings can be read as a standalone story. However, for greatest enjoyment, they should be read in order.

The Pairings by Ramona Finn

Humanity was whipped out. Lora lives in a world where they pair you with your perfect companion. She's in the lowest cast in society. So when she's paired with one of the elite she's more than a little surprised. The problem is she kind of likes the other brother, which is what makes this romance interesting.

Synopsis:

The secret is locked in her mind—and they’ll do anything to get it.

Generations ago, humanity was devastated by a virus that wiped billions from the planet. If not for AmeriGlobe’s Pairing programme to match immune survivors, and VaxWell’s immunity-boosting biomods, humans would’ve died out.

Lora Flannigan has sought to conform to the strict laws throughout her eighteen years, and after the Testing she now stands on the brink of a prestigious pairing with high-caste Jarid. Accepting the match will pull her and her family up from their low-caste existence.

But Lora never counted on the sparks that ignite when she meets her Pair’s striking brother: Syeth—dark, brooding and harbouring secrets. But before she’s managed to make sense of her feelings, he’s embroiled her in the rebellion underworld.

And when still darker truths come to light, Lora realizes the purpose behind not only her pairing… but her very existence.

This novel contains violence.

Pippa of Lauramore by Shari L Tapscott

Admittedly, Pippa wasn’t my favorite character in the series, but this book introduces you to this wonderful fantasy world. What I loved about Pippa was her love of archery and horses, which is where she met her admirer. She's not exactly enthralled with the whole notion of marring someone which makes the romance even better. Their love is forbidden, if only he could find away around the whole "she’s a princess" thing.

Synopsis:

Thirty Knights. Five Events. One Determined Princess.

In order to avoid a loveless arranged marriage to a man she cannot stand, eighteen-year-old Princess Pippa of Lauramore makes a bold move: she begs her father to hold a marriage tournament.

Knights travel from far and wide for a chance to win the princess's hand, but she immediately sets her sights on one—Galinor of Glendon. He's strong. He's handsome. He's a girl's dream come true.

But as the events progress, Pippa learns her valiant knight is prettier than he is capable. Left with no other choice, the princess enlists the help of the one man with the power to shatter the fragile balance of the tournament—a man she should keep at arm's length.

A man who calls her like a moth to a flame.

Pippa knows she plays a dangerous game, but when the stakes are this high, she's not sure if she can afford to walk away...

Set in a rich fantasy world, Pippa of Lauramore is a take-your-breath-away fairy tale romance with unforgettable characters, humor, and heart.

Rae of Hope by W. J. May

The Karagain Chronicles are one of my favorite urban fantasies. It combines the magical academy troupe where the characters become James Bond like spies upon graduation with paranormal romance.

What I love the most about the love story is their first meeting. Rae was inadvertently tackled to the ground by Devon. It was all innocent of course, but it was this close encounter that will keep you routing for the two although their romance is forbidden.

Synopsis:

How hard do you have to shake the family tree to find the truth about the past?

Fifteen year-old Rae Kerrigan never really knew her family's history. Her mother and father died when she was young and it is only when she accepts a scholarship to the prestigious Guilder Boarding School in England that a mysterious family secret is revealed.

Will the sins of the father be the sins of the daughter?

As Rae struggles with new friends, a new school and a star-struck forbidden love, she must also face the ultimate challenge: receive a tattoo on her sixteenth birthday with specific powers that may bind her to an unspeakable darkness. It's up to Rae to undo the dark evil in her family's past and have a ray of hope for her future.

Forgotten by Camille Peters

I know I talk about Camille Peters a lot, but she is one of my favorite authors. This book is Romeo and Juliet meets the Ice Queen. Don’t worry the ending is tragic. What I loved about this love story was the determination to be together despite their Kingdoms being enemies. It made me smile as they found ways to see each other and yes they had to stay five to ten feet a part at any given time. So those chance meetings where they were able to speak to one another were packed full of tension.

Synopsis:

Crown Princess Taryn is fully prepared to marry the man her parents have chosen for her in order to save her kingdom from ruin—until she falls for the son of her family’s greatest enemy, Crown Prince Xander. Despite their struggle to be the enemies expected of them, they cannot resist the secret friendship that transforms into a forbidden love. Regardless of their fear of discovery and the obstacles barring their way, they’re determined to find a way to be together, no matter the cost.

They secretly join forces in order to obtain a magical relic that they hope will bring peace to their divided kingdoms…a choice that comes at the cost of sacrificing the relic that would heal the drought afflicting the land. But during their quest, Xander is forced to make a sacrifice that freezes his heart and erases all memory of their love. With no recollection of the relationship they once shared, they revert to being the enemies they were born to be.

When Taryn finds herself imprisoned and at the mercy of the prince who has no memory of the relationship they once shared, she begins to remember their former feelings and resolves to find a way to reclaim the love they’ve forgotten. But can she do it before the curse robs them of it forever and Xander’s heart becomes permanently frozen? And even if she succeeds, how can she and Xander ever be together when their relationship remains forbidden?

Inspired by “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” and “The Snow Queen”

Fated by Kaylin Lee

It's not just this book. I love the whole series. But admittedly it was a good enemies to lovers story because it was all a misunderstanding. With two people were one person is from a class that's treated as subpar, it is bound to create a few problems along the way.

Synopsis:

Quiet, hardworking Cinderella will do anything to protect her family, but as her world comes crashing down, what if she's been the one in danger all along? Kick off this thrilling six-book fantasy series with a sweet-yet-suspenseful Cinderella retelling unlike any you've read.

All Cinderella wants is to take care of her family.

After working tirelessly for five years to prove herself among the city’s elite, she’s about to graduate and win a coveted spot in city government. Then it all blows up in her face—literally.

A violent, anonymous force has been targeting commoners in horrifying attacks. Now they’ve set their sights on Cinderella. Either that, or she’s losing her mind. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for a mage who’s way out of her league.

Just as she manages to recover from the attack that left her scarred and traumatized, the city’s mysterious enemy destroys what’s left of her future. But when they go after her family, they cross the line. The whole city is in danger now.

How much is Cinderella willing to risk to save the city that has always hated her?

The Progenitor by Sara Wright

The romance element that I wanted to include in my book was the best friends to lovers romances. Since this book series also includes a time travel romance troupe that flows throughout the entire series, readers will follow the consequences of Xendara and Darijus’ choices as they fight to stay together. It’s like a fated mates story that includes superpowers and high-tech gadgets.

Synopsis:

Peace was all Xendara desired, but her enemies hunger for her power.

Princess Xendara is the heir to the throne, but her life is turned upside-down when a mysterious spaceship attacks. She learns her father had secrets. With his untimely demise, she must uncover them before her enemies remove her from power.In her quest to keep peace within the Six Systems, she discovers a power she didn’t know she had; a power that everyone is looking to exploit. With the help of her childhood friend Darijus, she unlocks long lost memories of her past, only to find his destiny is intertwined with her own.A prophecy guides her choices to the correct timeline. But can she trust a prophecy that foretells the death of a loved one? With the destiny of the Universe on the line, who she chooses to trust will divide a galaxy.

With powers her enemies aim to exploit, will she risk galactic war?

Have you read any of these books?

Are there other books like these I should include on my TBR?

Let me know in the comments below!

Sara Wright is a science fantasy author who loves to include sweet romance in her books.

Keep in touch! Sign up for the bi-monthly Wright newsletter to access the latest blogs, projects, sales, and more. As a thank you, you’ll receive the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles, Time Crystal, for free. Use the signup form below!

Time Crystal by Sara WrightThe Progenitor Chronicles

Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

The above book reviews above are the thoughts of Sara Wright. You can choose to read the books at your own discretion.

Sara Wright participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Please bear in mind that links used in this blog are affiliate links. If you go through them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The choice is yours as to whether you’d like to purchase and read them.

The Ancients – Update One

A quick update about the third book in The Progenitor Chronicles

I am happy to say the third book in The Progenitor Chronicles is underway and on schedule. It’s been an interesting ride with these young characters through the three novels. I am thoroughly excited and sad to get closer to the end of their journey.

Without giving too much away, The Ancients delves more into Xendara’s powers. But this time, her unlimited star power has come to a screeching halt. She makes certain decisions in The Equinox that have her in trouble for the third book. All I can say is dark matter and dark energy are at play and they don’t play well with her light powers.

One thing I wanted to explore in this third installment was addiction. It’s something that plagues many people and families across the world. As I like to write books filled with hope, I keep these darker subjects as light as possible without destroying the message.

The good news is Xendara’s best friends are with her in this third installment. I can confirm that Darijus, Acacia, and Ronan are back for book three. They are closer than ever. While I’m still in phase one of book production, I am exploring chapters from Acacia’s point of view. I can’t guarantee they will stay, because many things get cut in the developmental editing phase. But should these scenes get cut or are modified, I will most likely release them to my newsletter members. For now, these scenes will probably make it for the final draft, but we will see.

Another character that is coming back is Xalvador. When I first wrote about this character, I didn’t like him very much, but after writing about his past, I have sympathy for him. He’s had a rough start in life. While Xendara, the main character, had a loving family, Xalvador had a father who hated him. So, it’s given him that morally gray characteristic that I wasn’t expecting when I first created him.

One character that has been missing this book is Xalvador’s father, Absalom. The reason I haven’t brought him back is, this book doesn’t take place in the same timeline as the first two books. You see, an accident happens in book three and well … things go wrong. So, it’s up to Xendara and friends to make everything right again; if they can. He will be back in the last installment of the series, so stay tuned for more news about the fourth book.

I suppose I need to get back to writing my book.

May you prosper as the Golden Wood tree!

~ Sara Wright

What is Science Fantasy Anyway?

Science Fantasy is an often-misunderstood genre. Is it Science Fiction or is it fantasy? To understand what science fantasy is, let’s first understand the definition of science fiction and fantasy.

What is Science Fiction?

Science Fiction is based on imagined and futuristic concepts that explore scientific, technological, and major social or environmental changes and advances. These concepts frequently take the reader through space, time, and alien worlds. Though we may not see these elements in our world as we know it, the imagined ideas remain plausible.

Science Fiction can be further broken down into Hard and Soft Science Fiction. Hard science fiction will be more about the technology, while soft science fiction will be about the people or plot.

Here are some sub-genres of sci-fi:

Space Opera Dystopian Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Hard Science Soft Science Steampunk Time Travel Galactic Empire

What is Fantasy?

Fantasy Fiction is based on imagined ideas that simply could never happen in our world. The reader is usually taken through magical worlds, with mythical creatures, and other fantastic supernatural ideas.

Fantasy can be broken down into the medieval or modern settings. With either setting, fantasy is always fantastic.

Here some of the sub-genres of fantasy:

High/Epic Fantasy Low Fantasy Urban Fantasy Portal Fantasy Magical Realism Fairy Tale/Folklore Sword and Sorcery Superhero

What is the Science fantasy?

Science Fantasy is a hybrid part of Speculative Fiction where portions of science fiction are combined with fantasy. You can create a hero with magical powers that rides a cyborg unicorn into battle, and you have yourself a merry little science fantasy book.

Perhaps one of the most famous Science Fantasy movies is Star Wars. While it contains space travel and scientific elements that are plausible, but it also includes fantasy elements like beings who can control things with their minds. If you look at the main plot through the nine Skywalker films, you’re basically taking an epic fantasy placing it in a space setting were laser swords meet blasters.

What category does science fantasy fall into?

To state it simply, Science Fantasy is both science fiction and fantasy. Each science fantasy book will be unique. While one book will lean more towards fantasy, another will lean more towards science fiction. It all depends on the vision of the author. That’s why I find this genre so fascinating.

I read and write science fantasy books because you can pull from both sides of the speculative fiction categories. It creates really fantastic unique stories that pull the reader into a plausible world of magical realistic story telling.

If in the speculative fiction section of the bookstore and you can’t decide what to read, give science fantasy a try.

Here are nine science fantasy authors you can check out.

Sara Wright Kay L Moody S. G. Blaise Tara Grayce Marissa Meyer Kiera Cass Jennifer M Eaton Amy Ewing Kaylin Lee

Here are nine Science Fantasy books you might enjoy.

The Progenitor by Sara Wright

Peace was all Xendara desired, but her enemies hunger for her power.Princess Xendara is the heir to the throne, but her life is turned upside-down when a mysterious spaceship attacks. She learns her father had secrets. With his untimely demise, she must uncover them before her enemies remove her from power.In her quest to keep peace within the Six Systems, she discovers a power she didn’t know she had; a power that everyone is looking to exploit. With the help of her childhood friend Darijus, she unlocks long lost memories of her past, only to find his destiny is intertwined with her own.A prophecy guides her choices to the correct timeline. But can she trust a prophecy that foretells the death of a loved one? With the destiny of the Universe on the line, who she chooses to trust will divide a galaxy.

With powers her enemies aim to exploit, will she risk galactic war?

The Jewel by Amy Ewing

The Jewel has many meanings: wealth, beauty, royalty. But for Violet, the Jewel has always meant servitude.

Born and raised in the Marsh, Violet is destined for the Jewel. She is trained as a surrogate for the elite and is bought by the Duchess of the Lake at auction. And she quickly learns that beneath the Jewel’s glittering façade lies the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her life...all while fighting for her survival. But before she can accept her fate, Violet meets a handsome boy who is also under the Duchess’s control. A forbidden love sparks.

But their illicit affair has consequences, which will cost them both more than they bargained for. And toeing the line between being calculating and rebellious, Violet must decide what, and who, she is willing to risk for her own freedom.

Truth Seer by Kay L Moody

In this gut-wrenching dystopian tale, a young woman must learn the meaning of trust and anarchy and that the truth is rarely what it seems.Not even the truth will set you free in a world of lies. It’s 2121, and Kenyan-born Imara is a human lie detector, making her valuable and dangerous—but most of all, cynical. One can only take seeing the swirling colors of deceitfulness on others for so long.

When her sister is taken hostage into the depths of Egyptian catacombs, only the power to see the best in others can set them both free.

In this intriguing and fast-paced dystopian tale, a high-tech future collides with an ancient past. Enjoy a world that yields heroic and flawed characters and demands the ultimate sacrifice.

The Last Lumenian by S. G. Blaise

MOST PRINCESSES NEED SAVING. THIS ONE WILL SAVE YOU.

She is a rebel. Lilla is fighting for the refugees’s freedom from oppression. The king, her father, lost touch with reality ever since Lilla’s mother died. Now everyone else is paying the price.The arrival of Callum, a powerful Teryn general, complicates Lilla’s life. His presence leads to conflicted feelings and friction with Arrov, a handsome pilot and fellow rebel.Her life is not what she imagined it to be. Not by far. Meddling gods, love interests and sudden magical abilities have no room in Lilla’s world, but that has become her new reality. No matter how hard she pushes them away, it’s too late. They all seek to control her anyway.Now the Era War between two ruling archgods forces Lilla to act: accept who she really is magic and all; find true love; fulfill her destiny by defeating the Archgod of Chaos and Destruction before He finds her. The Last Lumenian.

Fierce Heart by Tara Grayce

Essie would do anything for her kingdom…even marry an elf prince she just met that morning. The human kingdom of Escarland and the elven kingdom of Tarenhiel have existed in an uneasy peace after their last wars ended with both kings dead. As tensions rise once again, desperate diplomacy might be the only way to avert war. If only negotiations between elves and humans were that simple. When a diplomatic meeting goes horribly wrong, Essie, a human princess, finds herself married to the elf prince and warrior Laesornysh. Fitting in to the serene, quiet elf culture might be a little difficult for this talkative princess, but she’s determined to make it work. With impending war and tenuous alliances, it will be up to Essie to unite her two peoples. And maybe get her hands on elven conditioner while she’s at it.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Prepare to be swept into a world of breathless fairy-tale romance, swoonworthy characters, glittering gowns, and fierce intrigue perfect for readers who loved Divergent, Delirium, or The Wrath & the Dawn.

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape a rigid caste system, live in a palace, and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her, and competing for a crown she doesn’t want.

Then America meets Prince Maxon—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Starship's Mage by Glynn Stewart

A ship that cannot leaveA Mage that will not stayA meeting of desperations In a galaxy tied together by the magic of the elite Jump Mages, Damien Montgomery graduates into their numbers—only to discover that without connections, he can’t find a ship and is stuck in the Sherwood system. Pirates attacked David Rice’s jump freighter, leaving him with a dead Mage and a damaged ship—stuck in Sherwood, where a grieving father has blacklisted him from hiring a replacement Jump Mage. When their desperate needs meet, Damien Montgomery is drawn into a conflict with the most powerful criminal organization in the galaxy—and to the attention of the Mage-King of Mars himself!

Renegade Magic by Jennifer M. Eaton

In outer space, there is no right or wrong...unless you get caught.

Cal and his crew roam the galaxy, stealing food and giving it to those in need. They’re living the smuggler’s dream, until his crew kidnaps a ruthless galactic law enforcer, hoping to convince her the good they do outweighs their crimes. The enforcer can harness primordial energy, which makes her body a weapon, and once she gets out of their power-sucking handcuffs, she’ll execute every one of them for a myriad of crimes, most of which they’re admittedly guilty of. Yes, they’re smugglers who’ve broken countless laws, but could showing her the good they do change the mind of a woman programmed to kill first and ask questions later? Maybe. If they live that long.STAR BANDITS: UPRISING is a five-book action adventure space opera with elements of Guardians of the Galaxy, The Expanse, Firefly, and Robin Hood.

Fated by Kaylin Lee

Quiet, hardworking Cinderella will do anything to protect her family, but as her world comes crashing down, what if she's been the one in danger all along? Kick off this thrilling six-book fantasy series with a sweet-yet-suspenseful Cinderella retelling unlike any you've read.

All Cinderella wants is to take care of her family.

After working tirelessly for five years to prove herself among the city’s elite, she’s about to graduate and win a coveted spot in city government. Then it all blows up in her face—literally.

A violent, anonymous force has been targeting commoners in horrifying attacks. Now they’ve set their sights on Cinderella. Either that, or she’s losing her mind. It doesn’t help that she’s falling for a mage who’s way out of her league.

Just as she manages to recover from the attack that left her scarred and traumatized, the city’s mysterious enemy destroys what’s left of her future. But when they go after her family, they cross the line. The whole city is in danger now.

How much is Cinderella willing to risk to save the city that has always hated her?

Have you read any of these books? Are there other science fantasy books you've enjoyed? Are you an author who’s written a science fantasy book?

Let me know in the comments below.

Sara Wright is a science fantasy author who loves to add dash of sweet romance to her books.

Keep in touch! Sign up for the bi-monthly Wright newsletter to access the latest blogs, projects, sales, and more. As a thank you, you’ll receive the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles, Time Crystal, for free. Use the signup form below!

Time Crystal by Sara WrightThe Progenitor Chronicles

Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

Sara Wright participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Please bear in mind that links used in this blog are affiliate links. If you go through them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The choice is yours as to whether you’d like to purchase and read them.

How I Conquer Despair by Writing Books

It’s funny how writing can be therapeutic. Last year, I wrote an entire scene with my main character struggling with her current dilemmas. It’s a rough draft and will probably change once I put my editing hat on. But the initial feeling writing this new scene aided my own internal turmoil.

For the past decade, I’ve had several family members and friends pass away. Dealing with that kind of pain can be difficult for anyone especially when the people closest to us die. It was through this grief that I imagined a world filled with an immortal race of superhuman beings that gallivant around the galaxy saving civilizations from destruction. I mean how cool would it be to have a space fairing alien culture come to Earth and solve all our problems right?

Well, writing a story like this isn’t easy. It took me several years before I could reverse outline The Progenitor, fix the story issues, find an editor, and hit the publish button. Trust me when I say, it’s a completely different book. But regardless of the “author life” issues, writing The Progenitor Chronicles has been the best therapy for my grief I could have ever asked for.

Even though, the first two books in the series, guided me through my grief, it was while writing the third book The Ancients, that really allowed myself to feel the pain. Unfortunately, while outlining this third adventure, I became a caregiver to my mother-in-law Nancy. She had been dealing with several life-threatening diseases for over a decade. While juggling my day job, my family, and writing/publishing, my Aunt was experiencing similar issues.

In 2022, these wonderful women paralleled each other. Each of them needed surgeries and both of them ran out of time. So, while I was writing this new scene about hope and despair for my main character of the series, I was writing it with my mother-in-law in mind; only to hear news that my Aunt died too. I really wanted to give into despair in that moment.

I did what any writer would do: I googled researched these powerful emotions. I found the definitions. I researched how these feelings can affect our abilities to function. Then I wrote more scenes with hope and despair controlling the outcome of my main character.

Despair is vinegar from the wine of hope.

~ Austin O’Malley ~

What does despair mean?

Despair: The complete loss or absence of hope.

The feeling of despair can be different for everyone, but for me, I feel cold and dark; as if I’m sitting at the bottom of a well with no way out. I took that feeling and turned it into the dark powers that my main character absorbed. These dark cloud-like powers are forbidden for a reason.

What does hope mean?

Hope: a desire accompanied by an expectation of or belief in fulfillment

Feeling hopeful can be exciting. Personally, I feel light when I’m feeling hopeful. If you’ve read The Progenitor Chronicles, you’ll see that hopeful feeling manifested in Xendara’s golden photonic powers.

I asked myself:

What would it be like living with these two emotions sitting inside you at the same time? Is it possible to have hope when we have reason to despair?

I think so. But I also think it’s incredibly difficult to see the positive.

These two powerful emotions are potent, but hope and despair also opposites of each other. They can create an internal war, where one day you feel fine and the next day you just want to hide under a blanket; which doesn’t sound so bad if you have a good book with you. But books aside, the struggle can be real.

Why is hope important?

Hope doesn’t just reduce feelings of helplessness while increasing our happiness. It pushes us into action. It helps change our lives for the better.

Throughout history man has pushed their fellow man into impossible situations. Those who grasped onto that hope were motivated to do more and in many cases survive their ordeals. That is why it’s such an important emotion to cultivate.

How can you cultivate hope?

While sometimes we may need a little help from our doctors, hope can be cultivated in a variety of different ways.

Here are few things you can do.

- Give yourself obtainable goals.

- Track your goals and then examine the evidence.

- Adjust goals when necessary.

- Seek a community of like-minded individuals.

- Know your limitations.

In the process of cultivating your hope, I’d add one more thing. Do something you enjoy! Whether that is reading, writing, or going on adventures, we need those fun activities to help cut through the despair. That is why I write my stories.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.

~Desmond Tutu~

I’m sorry to say my characters won’t be getting a break to have fun activities in The Ancients. They are still in the throes of fixing the timeline and they still have a few more life lessons to learn. But they won’t have to struggle with despair for much longer. With all the evidence I’ve placed in the series, I think Xendara and Darijus will get a much-needed break in the fourth book.

As for me, despite currently being wrapped in a dark black blanket of despair, I will choose to be hopeful. I will continue to write my hopeful, clean science fantasy romance books, and publish them. I will continue to bring new exciting stories to all of you bookworms and fantastic covers for you bookdragons.

,May You Prosper as the Golden Wood trees!

~Sara Wright

Keep in touch! Sign up for the bi-monthly Wright newsletter and receive updates about the latest blogs, projects, sales, and more. As a thank you, you'll receive the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles, Time Crystal, for free. Use the signup form below!

Time Crystal The Progenitor Chronicles

,Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

Review of True Teryn

A fascinating science fantasy book that takes you through space and quarrels with the gods.

True Teryn by S.G. Blaise

Synopsis:

ALL BEGINNINGS COME AT A PRICE. ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY IT?

Lilla must recruit the biggest and most dangerous army in the Seven Galaxies, but the Teryn emperor will not comply unless Lilla earns the blessing of the Teryn Guardian Goddess Laoise.

Dealing with gods is never easy. Guardian Goddess Laoise’s condition for bestowing her blessing is for Lilla to bring her the mysterious Heart Amulet. Now Lilla is trapped in a strange place with no way out, no idea where to go or how to find the amulet.

The only way for Lilla to complete her mission is to uncover the biggest secret of all Teryns.

Will she survive discovering the secret of what it means to be a True Teryn?

Review:

True Teryn is the second book in The Last Lumenian series. It picks up right where the first book leaves off and takes the reader deeper into the mysterious waking and dreaming worlds of the Teryn.

Because of Lillia's strong willed character she finds herself in an impossible situation where she needs to impress the Teryn's. The only way she can do that is to figure out what a True Teryn is. As with all great stories Lilia's presence causes issues and she soon finds herself caught between the leader and a goddess. There were definitely moments I wanted to jump into the book and stop the characters from making a mistake.

I loved learning about Callum's home world. The Teryns are warriors with a rich and complicated history, that desire to fight in the next Era War. But their strong desire blinds them to what it means to serve the light.

I would recommend this book to both fantasy and sci-fi readers that love clean reads.

* See my post about the second book in the series The Last Lumenian.

Keep in touch! Sign up for the bi-monthly Wright newsletter to access the latest blogs, projects, sales, and more. As a thank you, you'll receive the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles, Time Crystal, for free. Use the signup form below!

Time Crystal The Progenitor Chronicles

,Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

Please bear in mind that links used in this blog are affiliate links. If you go through them, I will receive a small commission. Keep in mind that my reviews are my own thoughts about books that I've read and recommend to my readers. The choice is yours as to whether you'd like to purchase and read them too.

Review of The Last Lumenian

An excellent science fantasy book that takes you through space and quarrels with the gods.

The Last Lumenian by S.G. Blaise

Synopsis:

MOST PRINCESSES NEED SAVING. THIS ONE WILL SAVE YOU.

She is a rebel. Lilla is fighting for the refugees's freedom from oppression. The king, her father, lost touch with reality ever since Lilla's mother died. Now everyone else is paying the price.

The arrival of Callum, a powerful Teryn general, complicates Lilla's life. His presence leads to conflicted feelings and friction with Arrov, a handsome pilot and fellow rebel.

Her life is not what she imagined it to be. Not by far. Meddling gods, love interests and sudden magical abilities have no room in Lilla's world, but that has become her new reality. No matter how hard she pushes them away, it's too late. They all seek to control her anyway.

Now the Era War between two ruling archgods forces Lilla to act: accept who she really is magic and all; find true love; fulfill her destiny by defeating the Archgod of Chaos and Destruction before He finds her. The Last Lumenian.

Review:

I found this book while searching for books similar to my own on Amazon. I have to admit there aren't many books that combine space travel, magical realism, aliens, and romance. But this book does it all. And because it combines some of my favorite genres with a perfectly imperfect princess who is a rebel, it's made it's way into my favorite books.

The Last Lumenian is the first book in the series and introduces the reader into a world of space travel that's rich in culture. Lilla is an excellent main character that takes you through the social complexities and issues afflicting the Seven Galaxies. I loved her fisty side but I loved her soft side too. As the story progresses you soon see the ever strong Lillia is not as strong as she seems. Because of a trauma from her past, she must over come debilitating anxiety. I

There are a full cast of characters you're introduced to in this series, so keep your hats on in the beginning. Thankfully Blaise included a index to help readers along.

I would recommend this book to both fantasy and sci-fi readers that love clean reads.

* See my post about the second book in the series The True Teryn.

Keep in touch! Sign up for the bi-monthly Wright newsletter to access the latest blogs, projects, sales, and more. As a thank you, you'll receive the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles, Time Crystal, for free. Use the signup form below!

Time Crystal The Progenitor Chronicles

,Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

Please bear in mind that links used in this blog are affiliate links. If you go through them, I will receive a small commission. Keep in mind that my reviews are my own thoughts about books that I've read and recommend to my readers. The choice is yours as to whether you'd like to purchase and read them too.

The Wright Book Plans for 2023

It's a new year which means its time to set new goals. If I had a TARDIS, I would have all my goals completed already, but I'm unfortunately not a Time Lord. So this earthling unfortunately must do everything in real time.

Here are my goals:

1) Win cover of the month in January.

- I love the All Author Cover contest. It's free, it's fun, and I could receive some great marketing tools. Check out the link below and vote now.

2) Finish writing the final books of The Progenitor Chronicles and publish them.

- I love the world of Xardenora with technology and the environment live in harmony.

- I will miss the romance between Xendara and Darijus.

- When I write the final line, I may cry because these characters are near and dear to my heart.

3) Write a new short story in the world of The Progenitor Chronicles.

- I love Time Crystal. But as I've written more books within this futuristic fantasy world, I realized there is another side story that might be of interest to readers.

- Title and topic will be forthcoming.

4) Plan and outline my next novel series.

-This next series will be an epic fantasy with a dystopian undercurrent.

- I still need to hash out the details, but I'm hoping to publish the first book in 2024.

- I'm very excited for the planned enemies to lovers romance between the daughter of King and the undercover outcast.

5) Obtain fifty more reviews for The Progenitor Chronicles.

-If you'd like to support me, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookbub. The links are at the top of the page.

6) Read twenty-four books this year and write reviews.

- I would love to read more, but between my day job and my writing career, I only have so much time. (I seriously need a TARDIS or be kidnaped by a Time Lord.)

7) Setting up my Etsy store

- I'm going to sell my signed books direct.

- There will be book swag too.

Those are just a few of my goals for this year. I hope that you'll be able to accomplish your goals for the year too.

If you haven't already done so, subscribe to my weekly newsletter and get the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles for free.

Time Crystal The Progenitor Chronicles

,Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

Review of The 716

Review of The 716 by S.J. Pratt

What Would the World Be Like if Women Were in Charge?

Synopsis:

A vivid coming of age story about the courage of everyday heroes.

Olivia is destined to be the future leader of Meliora. She’s smart, rich, and innovative, and she has a pink Identifeye light. Andy is destined to be a waiter and househusband. His blue Identifeye light prevents him from pursuing his dream of becoming an engineer. After all, who ever heard of a male engineer? But when Andy’s life becomes entangled with Olivia’s and he gets the chance to prove himself on the female stage, everything starts to change.

In a futuristic society where men are second-class citizens and only binary gender norms are acceptable, Andy and Olivia must confront their own beliefs and decide what kind of world they want to live in. Will they do what is expected or what is right? And will the wrong choice spell disaster?

Fans of Divergent and The Lunar Chronicles will enjoy this original and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure. Get ready for a touch of romance, smart heroes and an adorable robot bestie.

Review:

Back in early 2022, I watched a wonderful live stream on Bookstagram. S.J. Pratt talked about her gender role flipping book. She read a few excerpts from her book and I thought, that sounds like fun. I am happy to say, it was a fun read.

This wonderful sci-fi book is set in Meliora where woman rule the world because men messed it up. Men are not allow to become engineers or even get an education. Sound familiar?

Though I found the beginning a little slow for my taste, I think this book is an amazing start to the series. Readers are introduced to the protagonists as Olivia takes the REAL test that will decide her future, while Andy looks on longingly from the sidelines. This reversed gender role, rags-to-riches story, takes you through the daily life of these two characters as they come to terms with their own missed preconceptions of the world.

Pratt did a wonder job in placing her characters in their reversed stereotypical roles while maintaining their respective masculinity and femineity. I thoroughly enjoyed the part where Andy accidently showed a small portion of his ankle, and I laughed out loud when a female reprimanded him for it.

I know most people will love the cute little robot Ray. Don't get me wrong, I love Ray too. But my favorite character actually ended up being Hargreaves, Olivia's faithful bodyguard.

Overall I definitely recommend checking out this book. I can't wait until the next book comes out. And now I really want to take that REAL test.

Keep in touch! Sign up for the bi-monthly Wright newsletter to access the latest blogs, projects, sales, and more. As a thank you, you'll receive the prequel to The Progenitor Chronicles, Time Crystal, for free. Use the signup form below!

Time Crystal The Progenitor Chronicles

,Synopsis:

Time Crystals are forbidden for a reason, but King Oren must use one to save a civilization.

King Oren’s only goal was to be a peaceful caretaker of the galaxy. But when a girl falls through a portal into his courtyard clutching a forbidden Time Crystal, his life changes.

With a cataclysmic event imminent, he must lead a group from his home system to the opposite side of the galaxy. Everyone looks to their seemingly immortal race for aid, but even with their elemental powers, they are far from perfect.

Armed with the Time Crystal, they seek to stop an exploding star from decimating an entire population. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to use the crystal. Even worse, he might die trying.

Will King Oren stop the star from exploding? Or will time unravel?

Please bear in mind that links used in this blog are affiliate links. If you go through them, I will receive a small commission. Keep in mind that my reviews are my own thoughts about books that I've read and recommend to my readers. The choice is yours as to whether you'd like to purchase and read them too.