Nicole Zoltack's Blog
May 27, 2019
Excerpt for A Time of Turmoil
To celebrate only three more days (almost two!) until release, here's an excerpt from A Time of Turmoil featuring the three characters on the cover!
Noll was fiddling with the sleeves, and Vivian coughed slightly in his direction.
He ignored her.
“Stop,” she whispered out of the corner of her mouth. “We are about to begin.”
“Begin what?” he asked simply.
She sighed. Five times already, she had to explain this to him. He hated to wear his surcoat and continually fussed about wearing it. His memory was terrible. When she had been younger, she thought he repeated questions to annoy her. Oh, no. That was simply Noll. A year older than her at fifteen but he acted like a child yet. She did love him as much as she could, but this was not the time to be anything but proper. A man was about to be killed for crimes against their family and all the land of Tenoch Proper.
If one dared to mention the Li family, they must be killed. It was as simple as that, a crime punishable by death to ensure that peace and harmony lasted throughout the Rivera reign, long let that be.
“Stand still. Pretend you are a sentinel. Can you do that?” Vivian asked Noll.
He clicked the heels of his shiny black boots together and stared straight ahead, arms out.
“Put your arms at your side!”
“What is he doing?” Rosalynne demanded.
“I’ll handle it,” Vivian said. “What are you doing?”
“Being a tree.”
She sighed. “I didn’t say to be a tree. A sentinel. A guard. Pretend you’re a guard at attention. Stand tall, like that, but with your arms—”
“Do I get a sword then?” he asked eagerly.
Vivian blinked a few times in dismay. She hadn’t thought it wise for him to be here, to witness this. Last time, he had nightmares for weeks. Did anyone ask her opinion of the matter? Certainly not but well they should. She would make a fine, grand queen someday.
If only she had been first and not last.
Preorder today!
Noll was fiddling with the sleeves, and Vivian coughed slightly in his direction.
He ignored her.
“Stop,” she whispered out of the corner of her mouth. “We are about to begin.”
“Begin what?” he asked simply.
She sighed. Five times already, she had to explain this to him. He hated to wear his surcoat and continually fussed about wearing it. His memory was terrible. When she had been younger, she thought he repeated questions to annoy her. Oh, no. That was simply Noll. A year older than her at fifteen but he acted like a child yet. She did love him as much as she could, but this was not the time to be anything but proper. A man was about to be killed for crimes against their family and all the land of Tenoch Proper.
If one dared to mention the Li family, they must be killed. It was as simple as that, a crime punishable by death to ensure that peace and harmony lasted throughout the Rivera reign, long let that be.
“Stand still. Pretend you are a sentinel. Can you do that?” Vivian asked Noll.
He clicked the heels of his shiny black boots together and stared straight ahead, arms out.
“Put your arms at your side!”
“What is he doing?” Rosalynne demanded.
“I’ll handle it,” Vivian said. “What are you doing?”
“Being a tree.”
She sighed. “I didn’t say to be a tree. A sentinel. A guard. Pretend you’re a guard at attention. Stand tall, like that, but with your arms—”
“Do I get a sword then?” he asked eagerly.
Vivian blinked a few times in dismay. She hadn’t thought it wise for him to be here, to witness this. Last time, he had nightmares for weeks. Did anyone ask her opinion of the matter? Certainly not but well they should. She would make a fine, grand queen someday.
If only she had been first and not last.
Preorder today!
First Review for A Time of Turmoil!
*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review.*This was an absolutely phenomenal book. The characters, the world, the plot, the story as a whole, it was all just fantastic! I could scarcely put it down and every moment i had to i found myself constantly thinking about it! I was addicted from the get go! Definitely a 5 out of 5 stars!
The world building was done extremely well throughout this story, and I'm keen to continue learning more about it. The story was interesting and had me drawn in instantly. The characters were well developed throughout the book and I'm excited to see them keep growing. The writing was truly wonderful and easy to fall into. All in all, an excellent book that I highly recommend picking up!
Available for preorder now!
May 26, 2019
Meet N. M. Zoltack
Epic fantasy has always been my first love. Almost all of my stories written under my name fall under speculative romance, though. Now that I am writing a series that is purely epic fantasy, I decided to write it under the name N. M. Zoltack.
And the first book is up for preorder right now! If you want a signed copy, they're already available! Just email me at Nicole.Zoltack@gmail.com.
*****
Blurb:
Tenoch knew peace long ago when the dragons three ruled over the evil, susceptible peoples. Now, however, the dragons are long since dead, and humans rule.
For better or worse.
The king is a broken sloth. The crowned princess doesn’t want the throne. The prince is intellectually delayed. The younger princess is vain and spoiled.
The queen committing adultery sets off a chain of reactions that will leave the world in a time of turmoil. ill peace ever return to the land?
*****
Want to read a FREE short story set in the world of Dragoona, where my epic fantasy is set? Just sign up for N. M. Zoltack's newsletter!
And the first book is up for preorder right now! If you want a signed copy, they're already available! Just email me at Nicole.Zoltack@gmail.com.
*****Blurb:
Tenoch knew peace long ago when the dragons three ruled over the evil, susceptible peoples. Now, however, the dragons are long since dead, and humans rule.
For better or worse.
The king is a broken sloth. The crowned princess doesn’t want the throne. The prince is intellectually delayed. The younger princess is vain and spoiled.
The queen committing adultery sets off a chain of reactions that will leave the world in a time of turmoil. ill peace ever return to the land?
*****
Want to read a FREE short story set in the world of Dragoona, where my epic fantasy is set? Just sign up for N. M. Zoltack's newsletter!
January 24, 2019
Meet Ryan Ingersoll
Nathan Howe and I wrote the Magical Awakening series together under our pen names Nathan Ryan and Nicole Beyer. Now, we have a new joint pen name, Ryan Ingersoll!
Ryan Ingersoll writes YA gamelit stories. Gamelit stories have game-like aspects to them. In our first series, the superheroes can see stats of other people and gain levels and more powers.
Ryan's first book, Rosethorn, will come out later this month!
Even the greatest heroes start at level one.
Seventeen-year-old Hazel lives on the streets of Philly, a tough city that has never cut her a break. Then, one day, Hazel discovers she can control plants, grow them, or kill them.
But she’s not the only one with new superpowers.
Eighteen-year-old Ace has it all—the love of his life, a baby on the way, money—only his parents don’t approve of the union. When Ace loses everything, he gains his superpowers after a chance encounter with Hazel.
While Hazel rises as Rosethorn, Ace stumbles into the darkness as Mimic. Who will win for the fight for control of the City of Brotherly Love?
Rosethorn contains action, drama, highs and lows, romance, and light gamelit elements. If you love superhero origin stories, this one’s for you.
Ryan Ingersoll writes YA gamelit stories. Gamelit stories have game-like aspects to them. In our first series, the superheroes can see stats of other people and gain levels and more powers.
Ryan's first book, Rosethorn, will come out later this month!
Even the greatest heroes start at level one.
Seventeen-year-old Hazel lives on the streets of Philly, a tough city that has never cut her a break. Then, one day, Hazel discovers she can control plants, grow them, or kill them.
But she’s not the only one with new superpowers.
Eighteen-year-old Ace has it all—the love of his life, a baby on the way, money—only his parents don’t approve of the union. When Ace loses everything, he gains his superpowers after a chance encounter with Hazel.
While Hazel rises as Rosethorn, Ace stumbles into the darkness as Mimic. Who will win for the fight for control of the City of Brotherly Love?
Rosethorn contains action, drama, highs and lows, romance, and light gamelit elements. If you love superhero origin stories, this one’s for you.
January 9, 2019
The Queenmaker Series is Finished!
How doesn't love King Arthur? And you know I adore retelling and reimagining and so, The Queenmaker Series was born!
And now, you can get the entire trilogy together!
The Queenmaker Complete Series
A maid who will become more than merely legend...
The Queenmaker trilogy is a King Arthur retelling with Arthur as Alena, a maid who can possibly become so much more than she ever dreamed possible. Perfect for fans of The Mists of Avalon, The Selection, and Red Queen.
Prefer to get the books individually?
Legend
A maid who will become legend...
Sixteen-year-old Alena longs for a world where peasants, servants, and nobles are all equal. Truly, that will never be possible until the day when she removes a sword from a stone and might have the chance to become queen... if she can rally those same peasants, servants, and nobles behind her.
Luminary
Alena is already a legend. Now, it is time for her to be luminary.
The people of Britain do not want a maid for a queen, even if she is the only one capable of removing the sword from the stone. Alena will have to prove herself worthy of the crown, and that means saving Britain from not only the Scots but also the Picts.
Lionnessheart
The time has come for Alena to take her rightful place as queen, but her troubles are far from over.
Having saved Britain from invaders, Alena is now accepted by her people. Her choice for king, however, is met with dismay. Both her advisors and the nobles believe they know better whom she should wed.
In the midst of the turmoil after her coronation, Alena is betrayed by those she holds most dear. Uncertain who to trust, Alena must rise up as the Lionessheart to save the day once more when another threatens to destroy everything she has achieved.
What's next? I'll be relaunching and finishing the Winged Beast Chronicles!
And now, you can get the entire trilogy together!
The Queenmaker Complete Series
A maid who will become more than merely legend...
The Queenmaker trilogy is a King Arthur retelling with Arthur as Alena, a maid who can possibly become so much more than she ever dreamed possible. Perfect for fans of The Mists of Avalon, The Selection, and Red Queen.
Prefer to get the books individually?
Legend
A maid who will become legend...
Sixteen-year-old Alena longs for a world where peasants, servants, and nobles are all equal. Truly, that will never be possible until the day when she removes a sword from a stone and might have the chance to become queen... if she can rally those same peasants, servants, and nobles behind her.
Luminary
Alena is already a legend. Now, it is time for her to be luminary.
The people of Britain do not want a maid for a queen, even if she is the only one capable of removing the sword from the stone. Alena will have to prove herself worthy of the crown, and that means saving Britain from not only the Scots but also the Picts.
Lionnessheart
The time has come for Alena to take her rightful place as queen, but her troubles are far from over.
Having saved Britain from invaders, Alena is now accepted by her people. Her choice for king, however, is met with dismay. Both her advisors and the nobles believe they know better whom she should wed.
In the midst of the turmoil after her coronation, Alena is betrayed by those she holds most dear. Uncertain who to trust, Alena must rise up as the Lionessheart to save the day once more when another threatens to destroy everything she has achieved.
What's next? I'll be relaunching and finishing the Winged Beast Chronicles!
October 11, 2018
New Release! Legend is King Arthur with a twist!
Legend is released today! The first book in a YA gender bent retelling of King Arthur!
A maid who will become legend...
Sixteen-year-old Alena longs for a world where peasants, servants, and nobles are all equal. Truly, that will never be possible until the day when she removes a sword from a stone and might have the chance to become queen... if she can rally those same peasants, servants, and nobles behind her.
Legend is a King Arthur retelling with Arthur as Alena, a maid who can possibly become so much more than she ever dreamed possible. Perfect for fans of The Mists of Avalon, The Selection, and Red Queen.
Grab your copy today! Free with KU! If you would like to get a signed print copy, email me at Nicole.Zoltack@gmail.com
February 16, 2018
New Fairy Tale with a Different Twist!
Sh. I might start a new fairy tale series where I swap the gender. Which fairy tales would you like to see done in this way? I've already written Beauty and the Beast. Look for The Cursed Thorn to come out in the Dark Rising boxed set!
January 26, 2018
Fire and Ashes Excerpt
Fire and Ashes, a UF dystopia, will be released later this year in the EMPIRES OF SHADOW AND ASH boxed set!
iBooks ~ Nook ~ KoboAmazon COMING SOON!!
Isadora opened her mouth to ask when a hand grabbed the back of her head and wrenched her neck to the side. She stumbled, ducking her head to make her neck smaller, and jerked up and back with the Lucerne hammer. The weapon lodged into the vampire, and she turned around. It only struck his shoulder, though, and as she yanked it free, the vampire was reaching out to snap it.The man stabbed the vampire with his dagger. The vampire twitched and fell straight toward Isadora. The man yanked on her broken arm, and she nearly slammed the hammer into him.“I’m—” he started to say.“Run!”She could not see the vampires, but a wild billowing dirt color was heading straight for them.Isadora whirled around. Her broken arm flew around, and she wasted precious few seconds to tuck her hand inside her pants waistband. Now, she could somewhat run.“Hurry!” she shouted.“You weren’t kidding,” the man muttered. She could hardly hear his words. “The wastelands will kill us.”“I’d rather that than the vampires.”“We can take them.”She glanced over at him and spied the growing stains on his clothes. He had been injured too, perhaps bitten. He wasn’t running faster than she was. They were fairly keeping pace, which did not spell well for them. “Just run,” she said grimly, trying desperately to move faster.
iBooks ~ Nook ~ KoboAmazon COMING SOON!!
iBooks ~ Nook ~ KoboAmazon COMING SOON!!
Isadora opened her mouth to ask when a hand grabbed the back of her head and wrenched her neck to the side. She stumbled, ducking her head to make her neck smaller, and jerked up and back with the Lucerne hammer. The weapon lodged into the vampire, and she turned around. It only struck his shoulder, though, and as she yanked it free, the vampire was reaching out to snap it.The man stabbed the vampire with his dagger. The vampire twitched and fell straight toward Isadora. The man yanked on her broken arm, and she nearly slammed the hammer into him.“I’m—” he started to say.“Run!”She could not see the vampires, but a wild billowing dirt color was heading straight for them.Isadora whirled around. Her broken arm flew around, and she wasted precious few seconds to tuck her hand inside her pants waistband. Now, she could somewhat run.“Hurry!” she shouted.“You weren’t kidding,” the man muttered. She could hardly hear his words. “The wastelands will kill us.”“I’d rather that than the vampires.”“We can take them.”She glanced over at him and spied the growing stains on his clothes. He had been injured too, perhaps bitten. He wasn’t running faster than she was. They were fairly keeping pace, which did not spell well for them. “Just run,” she said grimly, trying desperately to move faster.
iBooks ~ Nook ~ KoboAmazon COMING SOON!!
January 12, 2018
New Boxed Set - Empires of Shadow and Ash
I know Wrath and Ruin boxed set just released (and is a USA Today Bestseller!!!) but I have preorder links for another boxed set. Empires of Shadow and Ash will have twenty plus dystopian urban fantasy or paranormal romances for you to enjoy! My story is called Fire and Ashes (Dark Ruins #1) and it's about a world devastated by vampires and lacking technology after WWIII.
Preorder Today for only 99 cents!!! (Amazon coming soon!!!)
iBooks ~ Nook ~ Kobo
Preorder Today for only 99 cents!!! (Amazon coming soon!!!)
iBooks ~ Nook ~ Kobo
January 5, 2018
Wrath and Ruin: A Science Fiction & Fantasy Boxed Set
25 bestselling authors. 24 exclusive novels. One epic collection. Take flight with all new and exclusive stories that are out of this world, including full-length novels from some of today's most popular names in science fiction and fantasy!
From magnificent dragons, bloodthirsty aliens, and mad genetic engineers to intergalactic wars, magical curses, and fantastical worlds, you'll find everything you've been waiting for in this heart-stopping, limited edition collection.
With over 100 hours of reading, you'll be able to travel to faraway lands and distant planets. A safe return cannot be guaranteed.
Welcome the WRATH and brave the RUIN when you order today! Amazon ~ Nook ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google Play
***
Featuring stories from...
Audrey Grey & Krystal Wade
USA Today bestselling author Isaac Hooke
USA Today bestselling author Nicole Zoltack
Terry Pratchett Anywhere But Here Finalist Shereen Vedam
USA Today bestselling author Lydia Sherrer
Award-Winning author Tara West
Kelly Hashway
USA Today bestselling author Cortney Pearson
D.K. Cassidy
USA Today bestselling author Ali Winters
Award-Winning Author JB Michaels
USA Today bestselling author Pamita Rao
G.L. Tomas
Craig A. Price Jr.
Milly Ly
Eliza Tilton
Jonathan Yanez
A.K. Koonce
Penny BroJacquie
Damian Boyle
Cate Farren
Caitlyn Mancini
Rex Jameson
Karen Tomlinson-Bestselling AuthorAmazon ~ Nook ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google Play
