Chrystalla Thoma's Blog, page 3
January 7, 2014
New release: The Warp (episode 3 in Boreal and John Grey II)
Inaugurating the new year 2014 with a new episode in the world of Boreal and John Grey! I present you THE WARP (episode 3 in Boreal and John Grey II). 
Very glad I made it before I get on the plane to return to Europe (I spent Xmas and New Year’s with my other half of the family, in Costa Rica). It’s already available on amazon, and will also be available on Barnes and Noble, Kobo and iTunes in a few days.
To celebrate, I am doing a small giveaway! Scroll down for more info!
Summary:
While Finn is recovering from the shock he received through his bond with the dragon, Dave is devising a plan aimed at protecting both. It might, however, not be enough as danger closes in from every direction.
With Finn unable to keep the Gates closed and the Veil strong, the Shade attacks are intensifying and each rip in the magic seems to hurt him. Add to that the nightmares and a sniper still on the loose, and Ella has no clue how to fix the mess.
But she will have to find a way, or watch both Finn and her world perish.
THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!
Simple: comment and share the event on twitter or Facebook (there are buttons for sharing below). I will use Random.org to choose one of you as the winner of a $10 amazon gift card and of one of my ebooks (you can choose which one!)
Happy reading!
January 3, 2014
New Year Resolutions 2014
OMG it’s already 2014!!
I keep forgetting…
Time for some writing resolutions…
I have high hopes for this year. I had set huge writing goals for 2013 but life got in the way a lot (family getting sick, dying, building our house, moving in…)
So I’m transferring my high hopes to 2014. *cheers 2014 on*
Okay, then, where we go:
Phase 1:
By winter’s end (end February) I want to finish Season 2 of Boreal and John Grey (one episode pending publication, two more episodes to be written).
Phase 2:
By spring’s end (end may) I want to finish Season 3 of Boreal and John Grey (five episodes).
Phase 3:
By summer’s end (end august): write two romances (independent books) and a novel in the world of Rex Rising (Kalaes’s story)
Phase 4:
By autumn’s end (end november): other projects (that is, if I manage all else, then I want to write either a series about vampires, or a series about angels and demons).
OKAY>>>> *faints in shock* OMG. Keep your fingers crossed for me. For my part, I will do my best!
January 1, 2014
LGBT Books I loved – recommendations
A new year has begun. I’m editing episode 3 in Boreal and John Grey season 2 – and I thought I’ve never shared with you books I like. Like, if you enjoy my books, you may also enjoy the books I enjoy.
At least, that was the thought leading to this post.
I am an avid reader. I have favorite authors, favorite books, favorite series. So I will mention some of them – with a focus on stories with LGBT characters (Gay and lesbian). Not erotica, or even strictly romance. They are fantasy series (urban or epic fantasy) with gay protagonists.
I will focus on two authors (and their books) which I found fascinating and really well crafted:
1) Carole Cummings
The series is called “Wolf’s Own” and it’s epic fantasy. It consists of four novels.
This is the first one, “Ghost“.
Summary:
Dwelling in the land of Ada and defending magic users called the Jin, Fen Jacin-rei is a trained assassin and an Untouchable, one whose mind hosts the Voices of the Ancestors, spirits of long-dead magicians. His fate should be one of madness and solitude, yet Fen Jacin-rei desperately clings to his sanity and ferociously protects the family he loves. But how does Fen do it? Kamen Malick has every intention of finding out.
When Malick and his own small band of assassins ambush Fen in an alley, Malick offers Fen one choice: join us or die. Determined to decode the intrigue that surrounds Fen—and to have the Untouchable for himself—Malick sets to unraveling Fen’s past while Fen delves into the mysteries surrounding Malick.
As Fen’s secrets slowly unfold, Malick is drawn into a crusade that isn’t his, one surprisingly similar to his own quest for vengeance. Yet irony is a bitter reward when Malick discovers the one he wants is already hopelessly entangled with the one he hunts.
Why I like it:
Where to start… I loved all the characters. The two protagonists are gay, but there are many characters, typical of epic fantasy. I loved the world building – a sort of alternate Japan-like place. And I loved the story. Personally, I rarely saw any of the twists coming. Maybe you will, but hey, the voice is marvelous, and it’s just great storytelling. Five stars from me – on all four books.
This author has another series with gay protagonists, a trilogy called “Aisling”.
This is book 1: Guardian
Summary:
Constable Dallin Brayden knows who he is, what he’s about, and he doesn’t believe in Fate. ‘Wilfred Calder’ has no idea who he is, what he’s about, and has been running from Fate for as long as he can remember. When Wil is brought in for questioning as a witness to a brutal murder, and subsequently flees, Dallin is dragged by duty into the chaos of ancient myth, fanatical religion, and the delicate politics of a shaky truce between two perpetually warring countries, all of which seem to hinge on the slender shoulders of the man he knows is not Wilfred Calder.
The eventual capture of Dallin’s quarry only makes matters worse. Wil is prickly and full of rage, rebellious and lethal, and tells an unbelievable tale of magic and betrayal that threatens to rock the carefully cultivated foundations of Dallin’s world. Leery and only half-believing, Dallin finds himself questioning not only his own conscience and his half-forgotten past, but the morality and motives of everyone around him, including those who hold the power of his own country’s fate in their hands.
Why I like it?
The same reasons as for “Wolf’s Own”. Loved the protagonists. This isn’t epic fantasy, not really, in the sense that it’s in a slightly more modern world, with guns etc. It’s also less sprawling and magical than “Wolf’s Own” but it does have its own magic and it’s very well written.
2) Andrea Speed
I read the previous author two years ago. I started Andrea Speed’s “Infected” series a month ago, and I’m in love.
This is the first novel in the series, called “Prey“.
Summary:
In a world where a werecat virus has changed society, Roan McKichan, a born infected and ex-cop, works as a private detective trying to solve crimes involving other infecteds.
The murder of a former cop draws Roan into an odd case where an unidentifiable species of cat appears to be showing an unusual level of intelligence. He juggles that with trying to find a missing teenage boy, who, unbeknownst to his parents, was “cat” obsessed. And when someone is brutally murdering infecteds, Eli Winters, leader of the Church of the Divine Transformation, hires Roan to find the killer before he closes in on Eli.
Working the crimes will lead Roan through a maze of hate, personal grudges, and mortal danger. With help from his tiger-strain infected partner, Paris Lehane, he does his best to survive in a world that hates and fears their kind… and occasionally worships them.
Why I liked it:
I loved the main character, Roan. He’s blaze, has been through an awful lot, and he’s infected with a lion shifter strain. The world building is simply fantastic, secondary characters, history of the disease, relationships between people, political agendas… you name it. I feel I’m right there. Plus, the author puts Roan through some serious shit, which I appreciate, as I torture my characters quite a bit as well…
I found the writing a little overwrought in the first book, but it got much better from the second book onward (or I stopped caring about it because I was in love with Roan and his story? who knows?).
I definitely recommend the series. I think it has five or six books. I’m up to book 4 now, I think, and loving it.
Anyway. These are my recommendations of today. I wish you happy reading.
December 23, 2013
Merry Christmas with a freebie!
The end of the year is fast approaching. The Winter solstice has passed and Christmas is looming with lights and presents and food and laughter… A great time of the year, a time for understanding and love and hope.
I want to thank all of you following my blog and facebook page, reading my stories and traveling with me on this strange path with elves and dragons and weird parasites and star-crossed lovers… You are making this possible and as this is my life’s dream, I am humbled and glad.
As I am currently up to my armpits in elves, dragons and magical portals, I thought to give you a short story with Ella, Finn and co. set in Christmas. As usual, I started out wanting to write a fun and light story – my poor heroes suffer a lot as it is – but failed. Instead you have an angsty, dark tale, but I believe there is a light burning at its core: hope.
I have just pressed publish on the tale on amazon, and will soon do so on the other platforms – but I want to give this tale to you for free. It’s my Xmas present to you.
I hope you enjoy it.
!!!!!!!!!!!MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ILLUSIONS (CHRISTMAS INTERLUDE): A BOREAL AND JOHN GREY SHORT STORY
Illusions_Christmas_interlude_ChrystallaThoma
NOW ALSO AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!
December 13, 2013
New release in the world of Boreal and John Grey – and sale!
Episode Two of Boreal and John Grey, Season II is here!!!
The Snare
Episode Two of Boreal and John Grey, Season II
Winter is closing in and Ella struggles to help Finn with his nightmares. The elves are biding their time, waiting for a chance to invade, and a weak John Grey might prove the downfall of the Nine Worlds; without Ella in his dreams, Finn may not be able to keep the Gates closed any longer.
With new information coming in about the bond between Boreals and dragons, Simon’s identity, the Dark Elves’ real goals and Ella’s powers, figuring it all out is a challenge.
One thing is for sure: Ella had better hurry, because time is running out fast.
Now, if you’re new to this series, let me introduce you to my world:
Boreal and John Grey is paranormal romance/urban fantasy
Centuries ago, they nearly conquered humankind. But their Gate to our world closed, leaving them out. Now the elves have found a way back.
Ella Benson, agent of the Paranormal Bureau, fights the Shades when they cross into our world, keeping everyone safe. But increasingly dangerous creatures are slipping into her city, her work partner has just gone missing, and a mysterious – and, quite frankly, hot — guy saves her life. His name is Finn and, as it turns out, he’s a natural when it comes to fighting the Shades.
When the Gates between the worlds start opening and the elves make a comeback, Ella needs a new, temporary partner. Enlisting the mysterious Finn is a no-brainer, until she realizes he is guarding dangerous secrets of his own.
Together with Finn, and the fate of the world on her shoulders, what’s Ella to do but grab her weapons and figure it all out, one way or another.
The boxset of Season One – which is composed of 5 novellas, making it one very long novel (over 400 pages) – is now on sale until the end of the month for only 99c – perfect if you want to visit this world and see if you like it there. 
Find it on:
So Happy Reading!!
December 11, 2013
Fantasy Romance Sale and Giveaway – Dec 11-14!
Fantasy Romance Sale and Giveaway!
Time for holiday cheer and cozy evenings at home — and fantasy books!!!!!!! Join me and other fantasy authors in this Xmas spirit giveaway and win ebooks and gift cards!
Yes, you’re reading this correctly – this is another giveaway. I realized too late the two giveaways coincide – but why not? More chances for you to win books and gift cards!! I wish I could enter too!! lol
So here’s the deal:
This is a link to enter Rafflecopter and win the gift cards!!
We offer four giftcards:
A $100, a $50, a $30 and a $20 card!!!
Then, the books you see below are on sale – for you – either at 99c or free!
And again don’t forget to click this link and enter the Rafflecopter!! All those gift cards are waiting for you
This is a link to enter Rafflecopter and win the gift cards!!
December 10, 2013
Fantastical Blog Hop and giveaway Dec 10-13!!
Fantastical Blog Hop and giveaway Dec 10-13!!!
It’s that time of the year – Winter, cold, Xmas is just around the corner and the second movie of The Hobbit is coming out…
It’s time for FANTASY!!!
With this important fact in mind, me and my fellow fantasy writers have put together a fantasy blog hop (meaning, we all will be posting during these 3 days) and will be giving away ebooks with a fantasy or supernatural slant, a box set of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit books, as well as an amazon gift certificate!!!!!!!!
How to win the goodies??
Easy: Click here to see the main page of the blog hop, scroll down and enter the Rafflecopter to win!!
AND: comment here to win an ebook copy of Boreal and John Grey Season 1 and Disguises (Halloween Interlude)!
Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 28, 2013
New release and freebie – by author Malika Gandhi
Today I have a guest – who has just released a fantasy book and offers it for free to those who read this…
The Empire Crystal (The Witches of Zrotaz – Book 1)
Where to get it: AMAZON
Larissa’s life is as normal as can be, for a low-key witch. She has a best friend and a great mother, she likes the new boy in town, and, by all accounts, is a regular girl.
Strange things begin to occur and Larissa’s life gets flipped upside-down. Her friends, life, and new crush are not what she thought they were.
When her best friend is abducted, Larissa is tasked with finding the Earth Spirits and repairing the Aurora Borealis. The Empire Crystal chose her, and only they can defeat the High Witch. Will Larissa be brave to face the reality of her life, or will her abnormal existence be too much to bear?
A YA fantasy of witches, unicorns, spells and magic. ….
Free: 28-29 November 2013
About the author Malika Gandhi:
Bio: I am a wife, and mother of two boys. I live in the UK. I began to write seriously three years ago, and have just published my third book. I love to write, and without it, I am lost. I am also an enthusiast of anything art and culture, I illustrate children’s books, and book covers. I love films, and theatre, and you will always find me there.
Facebook:
Unicorn Illustrations & Art work
November 26, 2013
New release! THE THREADS – Episode One of Boreal and John Grey, Season II
THE THREADS
Episode 1
Boreal and John Grey – Season II
Winter is on the doorstep and everything looks good for Ella and Finn. The impending disaster has been averted: the Gates are closed, the Veil is strong, and the world is safe — or so it would seem.
But what about the golden threads appearing in the air, Finn’s reluctance to share information — not to mention his dreams — and a dragon loose on the city? What is the Dark Elves’ real purpose and Dave’s role?
Something is brewing behind the Veil and Ella knows it won’t be long before the fragile peace shatters and another race against time begins.
Episode 2 is in the works – should be out in a couple of weeks.
And don’t forget: the boxset of the complete season 1 is on special offer at 99c in honor of the beginning of season 2.
Happy reading!!!
November 23, 2013
The Hobbit VS. Boreal and John Grey… Time for Winter and elves and snow!
Winter is coming – cold wind, snow and ice, Xmas… A great season for dreaming and reading, a time for the imagination to run free. And the Hobbit is releasing soon as well – dwarves, hobbits, elves and dragons…
Aren’t you excited? I can’t wait! Even though Cyprus is still warm and sunny with no hint of snow – or elves! – I am impatient.
And I’m writing a story about elves and dwarves and dragons… In case you missed it, I am in the midst of writing an urban fantasy series called “Boreal and John Grey”. It’s fantasy set in a city with technology and wicked elves who are tying to invade our world. Although not all the elves are mean… and the dwarves aren’t very nice, either…
Anyhow. In honor of Winter, I have set the boxset at the lowest possible price (99c), and I have also released an interlude (Disguises: Halloween Interlude) and Episode 1 of the second season is about to come out as well…
So while waiting for Legolas to show his pretty face in the movie The Hobbit and for Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon, to make his appearance – come and get to know Ella and Finn, my protagonists, and I promise you lots of fun and action…
CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW FOR THE LINKS!!!!!!!!!!
