Jonathan Moeller's Blog, page 109
June 29, 2021
DRAGONTIARNA: CROWNS & VISIONARY now in audio!
I am pleased to report that DRAGONTIARNA: CROWNS & VISIONARY, an unabridged two-book audio bundle, is now available from Podium Publishing, as excellently narrated by Steven Brand.
You can get the audiobook at from Audible, Amazon Amazon UK, Amazon AU, and iTunes.
The official description:
Contains books seven and eight of the Dragontiarna series.
Crowns, book seven
The boldness of the Shield Knight has won a respite for the realm of Andomhaim, but the Heralds of Ruin still threaten to unleash catastrophe. Ridmark Arban must prepare to face the Heptarchy and its legions of fanatic orcs, but the gathered forces of Andomhaim may not be enough to resist the iron fist of Warlord Agravhask. Tyrcamber Rigamond leads the men of the Empire against the Fallen Order, but the necromancers have prepared a sinister trap for him. One that might bring final victory for the Heralds of Ruin….
Visionary, book eight
The legions of the Heptarchy have invaded Andomhaim, and Ridmark Arban stands in their way. But without aid, Andomhaim cannot defeat the Heralds of Ruin. To seek out the weaknesses of his foes, Ridmark must travel into the depths of the Heptarchy to seek out the mysterious wizard called the Master of Keys. But the brutal rulers of the Heptarchy will not allow Ridmark to escape their grasp.
-JM
June 28, 2021
The Pulp Writer Show, Episode 83: Finishing The DRAGONTIARNA Series
I finally had time to record a new podcast episode!
In this week’s episode of the Pulp Writer Show, I talk about the process of finishing the DRAGONTIARNA series and share some reactions from readers about the final book.
As always, you can listen to the show on Libsyn, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Amazon Music.
-JM
Timing & CLOAK OF BLADES
Usually, when we discuss matters of timing, the innate perversity of the universe means we are discussing things that are going wrong.
But! Sometimes it doesn’t. On Saturday, while I was working on Chapter 5 of CLOAK OF BLADES, I received this email from a reader named Junan:
I’m a huge fan of your work, I own and I’ve read most of your series and am working through the second series of Ghost novels. I’m reaching out because I just finished Cloak of Ashes and tried to find the next book, Cloak of Blades (mentioned at the end of the novel) but can’t find it. I believe it was scheduled for 2020, but just seeking confirmation on whether it was delayed or if I should move on. Bottom line: can I expect more of Nadia Moran McCormac and when? Well, what went wrong in 2020? I’m sure if we all think real hard we can come up with one or two things.
But I am pleased to tell both Junan (and everyone reading this) that I am currently 27,500 words into CLOAK OF BLADES and am confident that the book will be out sometime in August, with the audiobook to follow shortly thereafter.-JM
June 27, 2021
Metroid: Samus Returns
Before METROID: DREAD comes out in October, I’ve decided to try and finish METROID: SAMUS RETURNS first.
I beat SUPER METROID back during the spring of 2020, and it was definitely a classic game, the sort that becomes more than the sum of its parts. Difficult, though! If not for many well-documented online guides and walkthroughs, I’d still be dithering around on the Brinstar level trying to figure out how to wall jump or Shinespark.
I’m on Area 3 of 8 of SAMUS RETURNS, and I think it’s another masterpiece – the bones of SUPER METROID with more modern graphics and improvements. The soundtrack is great, and the graphics are excellent as well, given the limitations of the Nintendo 3DS handheld. It bodes well that the same studio that made SAMUS RETRUNS is also making DREAD.
If I get really ambitious, after I finish SAMUS RETURNS I might try the original METROID from 35 years ago. Obviously that would be a more primitive gameplay experience, though it is a significant part of video game history. Fortunately, there are many excellent walkthroughs for it online.
-JM
June 26, 2021
CLOAK OF BLADES progress update
Now currently 20,000 words into CLOAK OF BLADES.
Hoping to be at least 55,000 words into it by 4th of July weekend!
Let’s have a brief, spoiler-free excerpt:
Tarlia raised an eyebrow. “Am I Kaethran Morvilind, to give you a task without the necessary tools? I expect you will need to recruit a crew of specialists. I also expect that you shall require money, as well, so I will provide some funds. And should you succeed, you will be well-rewarded.”
Morvilind had never paid me, either. Part of his whole sink-or-swim philosophy of training shadow agents that had gotten Riordan’s brother killed.
“Thank you,” I said. “And if I fail…”
Tarlia shrugged. “We will deal with that if you fail. Though I stress the need for secrecy. Knowing your character, I doubt I would need to punish you. Nevertheless, the consequences if you are caught would be personally unpleasant, including the possibility of getting shot by the Duke’s security forces, to say nothing of the political results. It might trigger a civil war.”
Great. No pressure.
But I felt…if not quite confidence, more calm than I expected.
I was a very, very good thief. It had taken the Lord Inquisitor himself to catch me, and he was considerably smarter than most of the Elven nobles. I could do this. I had done it in the past.
I would just have to do it again.
-JM
June 23, 2021
The Circle of History
The day after I published DRAGONTIARNA: KNIGHTS in 2019 (my 100th novel and the 1st book of the DRAGONTIARNA series), I spent the day replacing rotten porch boards.
The week after I published DRAGONTIARNA: WARDEN (my 121st novel and the 10th and final book of the DRAGONTIARNA series), I spent the day…replacing rotten porch boards! At least they were different porch boards this time around.
Though when I start DRAGONSKULL in a few months, I should be careful about what maintenance chores I undertake at that time, since I obviously will have to repeat them in a few years when DRAGONSKULL is complete.
-JM
CLOAK OF BLADES now underway!
It’s taken me the better part of sixteen months, but I am returning to the CLOAK MAGE series!
My next book will be CLOAK OF BLADES, which should be out in August if all goes well.
What will CLOAK OF BLADES be about?
The High Queen wants Nadia to steal something for her. Specifically, a sword. And no one must ever know that the High Queen was the one who ordered the theft.
Trouble is, the High Queen isn’t the only one who wants the sword.
And planning the theft will reunite Nadia with both old allies and old enemies with grudges to settle…
-JM
June 22, 2021
CLOAK OF WOLVES audiobook available!
I am pleased to report that CLOAK OF WOLVES, the 2nd book of my CLOAK MAGE urban fantasy series, is now available, as excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy!
You can listen to it at Audible, Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon AU, iTunes, Kobo, Chirp, and Google Play.
In related news, I will be starting CLOAK OF BLADES soon. Watch this space for updates!
-JM
June 17, 2021
DRAGONTIARNA: WARDEN now available!
I am pleased to report that DRAGONTIARNA: WARDEN, the tenth and final DRAGONTIARNA book, is now available at all platforms!
After 1.2 million words, 23 POV characters, and 10 books, the series is complete!
You can read it at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon DE, Amazon CA, Amazon AU, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Scribd, and Smashwords.
The tide of war engulfs two worlds.
Ridmark has liberated Cintarra from the dark legions of the Heptarchy. But the Heralds of Ruin now march upon Cathair Kaldran, which holds a source of unimaginable power.
And if the Heralds claim that power, countless worlds will burn to ashes.
To defeat them, Ridmark must take up a weapon that might consume him.
Once again he must wield the Sword of the Dragon Knight…
-JM
June 14, 2021
no new podcast episode this week
Once again, no new podcast episode this week, since all my time is going into finishing DRAGONTIARNA: WARDEN.
You know in physics, the closer you get to the speed of light, the more and more energy it takes, until actually reaching the speed of light would theoretically take infinite energy? I have to admit finishing DRAGONTIARNA: WARDEN kind of feels like that.
But! Almost done. Book should be out this week.
-JM
