Jamie Marchant's Blog, page 15

Rosinanti Series Book Tour and Giveaway

Rosinanti
The Rosinanti Series Book 1
by Kevin J Kessler
Genre: Fantasy


The Rosinanti Dragons are no more. Since their extinction nearly one

thousand years ago these primal powerhouses have fallen into the

obscurity of history’s forgotten lore. In that time, humans have

come to dominate the world of Terra, peacefully ignorant to one

horrifying truth: ancient evil stirs around them, waiting to reclaim

its lost world.
For Valentean Burai, animus warrior of the kingdom of Kackritta, the

details surrounding humanity’s victory over the Rosinanti are more

than just a history lesson. The long-buried mysteries of this archaic

conflict may hold the answers that he has so desperately sought

regarding his own past.
As the awful truth of the Rosinanti’s supposed demise comes to light,

Valentean must stand together with Seraphina, a magically gifted

princess, to embark upon a mission to maintain order and light

throughout Terra. Only together can these two lifelong friends face

down the resurgence of the Rosinanti legacy, and combat the greatest

threat their world has ever known.

Goodreads * Amazon


Rosinanti: The Decimation of Casid
A Rosinanti Novella, Book 1.5


While an entire world away, men turn into dragons and ancient magic ignites

the air, Casid lived on in peaceful ignorance. This tiny village and

its people existed outside of the conflict which threatened to

swallow Terra, until the day chaos itself landed upon its shores.
Now, one lone warrior seeks to protect his family, his friends, and the

woman he loves as demons rise from the flames to burn everything he

has ever loved to ash. This man is no god, no fundamental force of

nature. He is simply a man, alone against the fury of chaos.
Casid will be decimated, consumed by the same blaze which threatens to

overtake all of Terra. But what will rise from the ashes of this once

perfect haven, forged in the fires of tragedy and loss, might become

the most fearsome opponent the darkness has ever known.

Goodreads * Amazon


Rosinanti: Wrath of the Faithful
The Rosinanti Series Book 2


Valentean Burai and Seraphina Kackritta barely escaped the grip of chaos. Only

by working together were these two life long soul mates able to

combat the greatest threat the world of Terra has ever known.
But when they find themselves separated, with the entire world turned

against them, both princess and animus warrior must battle not only

the forces of chaos and darkness that seek to end their world, but

their own crippling doubts and fears.
Valentean must also face the horrifying truth of himself. He is one of the last

surviving members of the Rosinanti race, and holds within him

world-destroying power, and the unwanted uncontrollable ability to

transform into a fearsome dragon.
The struggle of man vs beast is not limited to the battlefield. Valentean

will wage that war internally, within the confines of his own

conflicted heart.
But, in the end, who is stronger? The man, or the dragon?

Goodreads * Amazon




Kevin J. Kessler lives in Orlando Florida, where he owns the White Dragon

Podcast Network, which puts out weekly podcasts on a variety of

topics from Walt Disney World, to movies, television, comic books,

video games and more.
A lifelong geek, Kessler can often be found at the many theme parks and

local attractions in Orlando.
He developed the story for Rosinanti as a sophomore in high school,

sixteen years before the book’s release.
Since an early age, Kessler has been an avid reader, often found lost

within the magical worlds found within the pages of fantasy novels.
“It was always my dream to create such a world of my very own,” he

said. “Even as a kid when my friends would want to play Power

Rangers or X-Men, I would always create a new Ranger or Mutant rather

than portray an established character. There is power in creativity!

Creativity breeds creation!”
Website * Facebook * Facebook Fan Page
Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads




Follow the tour HERE!

Enter the Giveaway HERE to win various gift cards and books!

Wonder Woman, My Childhood Hero

Because of the release of the new Wonder Woman movie, I wanted to talk about my childhood hero. I was born in 1967 and grew up in the 70s and 80s, so I wasn’t exactly inundated with strong, powerful female role models on Television. On Scooby-Doo there were two female characters. The highly intelligent Velma was also a dork, unattractive, and completely useless without her glasses, which were always falling off. Then you had Daphne who was attractive but a completely brainless ditz. The truly interesting characters on the show were, of course, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, both males. Other TV programs showed me a powerful 2000-year-old genie who called the man “Master” and bowed to his every wish. Darrin on Bewitched makes his powerful wife promise never to do witchcraft and makes sure she washes the dishes by hand inside of with a twitch of her nose. She is almost always the dutiful housewife. I liked both Samantha and Jeannie, but even as a child, I was uncomfortable with them bowing to masculine control.

Linda Carter as Wonder Woman came on to the scene in 1975. She may hide her identity in that of a secretary, but she’s an Amazonian princess. In the Amazon, the women rule, and they never bow to male authority. Wonder Woman undoes her hair and twirls around, and she is a superhero with a magical golden lasso and bracelets which can deflect bullets. She fights with superhuman strength and ability and never needs to be rescued. As the theme song stated, “All the world is waiting for you, and the power you possess.” She flies an invisible plane and defeats the bad guys. She is honored for her power by men, unlike Darrin whose threatened by his wife’s strength. Wonder Woman taught me that women can be strong, and I absolutely loved her.

Yes, I know that she was sexually objectified by her skimpy outfit while Superman and Batman are always fully clothed, but that didn’t occur to me as a child. Her butt kicking ability, however, did. She wasn’t my only influence, but Wonder Woman helped nurtured my feminist consciousness before I even knew what a feminist was. (In my house, they were called “women libbers” and always referred to with disdain.) Heroes like her helped me to throw off the repressive patriarchal values of the culture I grew up in. I owe Wonder Woman a debt I try to repay through the creation of my own female characters.

Cheer her on!

In the comments, tell me about your childhood hero. On Thursday, I’ll post my review of the new movie.

The Goddess’s Choice, deleted scene

The Goddess’s Choice, expanded edition, will be released in a couple of weeks. To get you in the mood, below I’ve included a scene that I deleted from the final version of the novel. I like the scene quite a bit, but it ultimately didn’t add to the book. So it isn’t lost forever, I offer it to you. Please comment and tell me what you think.

One particularly cold day, Robbie emerged from the barn about midmorning intending to head for Brazen’s stable. As he was about to mount Wild Thing, a horse galloped into the farmyard. “Good morning,” the horse’s rider called out.

“Good morning.” Robbie nodded to a man he didn’t know.

“I’m looking for an amihealer by the name of Robbie Angusstamm. I was told he lived here.”

“You’ve found him. What can I do for you?” Robbie wasn’t terribly surprised to find a complete stranger looking for him. As his skill increased under Myst’s tutelage, so had his reputation; more and more farmers trudged to him through the winter snow when an animal of theirs fell ill. He was, however, surprised to hear the man refer to him as an amihealer. Only Myst and Milady had ever called him that.

The farmer got off his horse. He was quite young, no older than Boyden. His face was spotted with more freckles than Robbie had ever seen on human being, and when he smiled his eyes twinkled with amusement, as if he knew a secret that no one else would ever learn. “My name is Perth Quinstamm,” the man said, extending his hand.

Surprised, Robbie put out his own. Even when people came seeking his skill, they always avoided touching him.

As he shook his hand, the man seemed somewhat nervous and extremely upset. “I’ve been riding since before daybreak to get here. I have a new farm on the far side of the Valley. Just bought the place last spring with my wife. She’s expecting our first child. I bought ten milk cows, but something evil has gotten into them. Most of them have stopped giving any milk to speak of. They’re burning up with fever, and they have frightful sores on their mouths, udders, and feet. One of them died last night. I don’t have much in the way of money, but I’m prepared to pay whatever it takes. Will you come with me?”

“Let me get my things.” Robbie went back into the barn and gathered together the materials he would likely need to treat the animals. He didn’t take much; from the farmer’s description, he thought he knew what was wrong, and no herbs he had could cure the problem. It’d take direct healing energy. He gave instructions to Allyn and Darien in case he couldn’t make it back by nightfall.

* * *

The wind had been blowing fiercely, and Robbie was shivering with cold by the time they arrived at Perth Quinstamm’s farm. The closer he got to the farm the more and more the distress of the cattle pressed in about him. He’d been right in what he suspected. When they dismounted in front of the barn, Perth hesitated. “I’m not sure what to do with your horse. Applecreek here seems okay, but the disease is rather bad.”

Robbie shook his head. “It’s okay. Horses can’t sicken in this way.”

“How can you know? You haven’t even looked at the cows yet.”

“An amihealer doesn’t need to see the animal to know what is wrong with it. I can feel their illness. Your cows’ sickness is one only those with cloven hooves can get—cows, pigs, sheep, but not horses.”

A very young woman, no older than Robbie, stuck her head out of the house’s door. She smiled with relief when she saw him. “He came, did he, Perth? I told you he would. When you two get the horses taken care of, come on inside. I have some hot bhat and warm stew waiting for you.” Robbie blinked in surprise. He’d never been invited inside another farmer’s house before.

The man’s expression mingled fear and respect. “If you’re sure your horse is in no danger, she’s welcome to the stable.” He led Robbie inside a warm, comfortable barn. It was solidly built and had been kept scrupulously clean. The sickness of the cows wasn’t caused by any neglect on the farmer’s part. However, the diseased beasts were salivating heavily and had difficulty staying on their painful feet. They called to Robbie for relief. He unsaddled Wild Thing, and the man brought grain and water for both horses. Robbie rubbed his mare down and made her comfortable.

Perth came up to him. “Can you get rid of this evil thing?” Robbie nodded. The man looked both relieved and fearful. “Just what will it cost me? I mean, I’m prepared to pay whatever it’ll take myself. Brietta depends on me, and she’s carrying my child. I’ll lose the cattle before letting anything harm my family, but if it’s just me, whatever it takes.”

Robbie put his hand on one of the cows to better gauge the extent of the illness. “If you can’t afford to pay me now, you can pay when your cattle start producing again. No one need go hungry.”

“I wasn’t taking about money, but about the other thing.” Perth refused to meet his eyes.

“What other thing?” Robbie removed his hand from the animal.

The man leaned forward and whispered. “I heard blood or flesh or possibly a piece of the soul was involved. You know, for the demon inside.”

Robbie thought he might vomit. “You asked me here thinking I meant to drink your blood or worse?”

Quinn’s eyes widened. “Are you saying it isn’t true?”

“I’ve had coin, grain, eggs, freshly made bread, a chicken or two, a particularly delicious apple pie, some strawberry preserves and this belt in payment for my services this winter. What I haven’t had is any blood, human flesh, or souls of any kind. I’m not a demon. What is wrong with you people?”

Perth looked at him for a few seconds, then dropped his head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have believed the rumors.”

* * *

Robbie spent most of the next three days either in a trance, ridding the cows’ bodies of the vile disease, or sleeping to recover his strength. At the end of it, Perth Quinstamm’s barn was free of disease, and a few of the cows had started giving milk again.

On the morning of the fourth day, both Perth and Brietta stood in the farmyard to see him off. Brietta handed him a large basket. “I don’t know how to thank you, Healer Robbie. This should keep you for the day.”

Perth shook his hand. “You’ve saved my family.” He gestured toward the basket. “Brietta makes a particularly good apple pie, I think you’ll find. I promise when things start looking up in the spring, I’ll bring along a proper payment.”

Guest Author, Rosemary Cole

This interview was originally published on February 4 on my old blog. I’m moving it over so more people can enjoy it.




Travel into the future with my guest today, Rosemary Cole. It’s a great place full of zombies.
 

Rosemary Cole was born in a small New England town. She has loved science fiction and fantasy since she was old enough to go to the library and take out a tall stack of books from the children’s section. Since then she’s been in many places around the world and done many things, but still loves working and playing with words. Her other interests are good food, good people, and the great outdoors, separately or together, and she spends whatever time she can indulging her strange obsession with postapocalyptic themes. Her first book, The X-Variant, a sci-fi novel about a girl, a zombie apocalypse, and time travel, is due out in early April. 
 
 
 
 
Interview

Tell us a little about yourself?

 I’ve always loved to read, and I’ve worked with words in one way or another all my life. I’ve been a medical editor, a freelance fiction editor, taught English to foreign language speakers. But writing science fiction and fantasy is my favorite thing in life so far, and I’m so happy I have a chance to do it. I’m also a traveler and enjoy seeing other countries and their cultures.

Tell us something about how you write? i.e. are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you have any weird or necessary writing habits or rituals?

I’ve always been a plotter. I need to know the ending and how the characters get there before I sit down to write, and I start by writing a detailed synopsis, then flesh that out into a book. I’ve heard that people like Stephen King just sit down and let fly on a vague idea. King himself has said that often these attempts never turn into a novel. Personally, I don’t see the point in wasting time on misfires.

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book?

Absolutely! The X-Variant comes from my dreams of a utopian world where there’s no want or suffering, only “peace, love and understanding,” to quote Elvis Costello. Wouldn’t it be ironic, I thought, to devise such a society from the ashes of man’s own self-destructive tendencies? And so the Unathi were born—a posthuman symbiotic species evolved from humans and the manmade synthetic virus that nearly wiped them out. The virus evolves into a beneficial symbiont in each individual, uniting and connecting everyone. Of  course, then I just had to take that perfect society and plunge it straight into a living hell! *evil cackle* I suppose in some ways, my writing reflects my fears for the human race. It does seem that we are intent on destroying ourselves and our planet; I think everyone is aware of that now, and we need to process it through stories. (Jamie’s note: Unfortunately, I believe Rosemary is right. We will keep denying Climate Change until we are roasted.)

What is your favorite writing tip or quote?

I think it’s the famous Hemingway quote: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Perhaps because of the Internet and the self-publishing phenomenon, people tend to think anyone can become an author, but to write a decent book is very, very hard work.

Tell us a little about your plans for the future.  Do you have any other books in the works?

Right now I’m working on The D-Revenant, book two in this series, which is called The Guardians. After that, I have some ideas to choose from. The two most likely are a stand-alone modern fantasy about an abused boy who escapes to an alternate magical dimension where he has to battle his own mother, who is an evil queen there; or another sci-fi series about a group of throwaway kids who discover an alien elixir that turns them into superhumans. Readers, which one do you think I should work on? Drop me a comment on my website, www.rosemarycoleauthor.com, and let me know.
Where can we find you online?
Blog: https://www.goodreads.com/RosemaryCole
Website: https://www.rosemarycoleauthor.com
Twitter:  @RosemaryColeSF
THE X-VARIANT







Jamie’s Note: I love this cover.



In 2079, mankind nearly destroys itself when it unleashes a devastating synthetic virus. Over the following centuries, however, the virus evolves into a beneficial symbiont that enhances and interconnects its human hosts, and a new post-human race is born: the Unathi. But in 2616, their peaceful utopia is violently disrupted when the symbiont begins to mutate into something terrible. Twenty-two-year-old Kala is one of those called upon to travel back in time to 2079—the time of the viral pandemic—to change the course of the future.






Excerpt
PROLOGUE

Timeline 1

SanFran, North American Union

June 8, 2079

21:48 hours
Brandon was slowly coming to the realization that they were starving. He watched as Jennie settled their one-month-old baby into a cradle they’d fashioned from a box. The candlelight threw grotesque, shifting shadows on the walls of the room as Jennie moved about, her nightshirt hanging off one bony shoulder. She finally came over and joined him in bed, and Brandon blew out the candle. He held her slight form close, stroking her hair in the dark. “She’s still hungry,” Jennie murmured. “I don’t think I’m making enough milk for her.” Brandon nodded against the top of her head. They had all been steadily losing weight, ever since the virus had gone global. It was called the Synthetic Hemorrhagic Airborne Virus, or SHAV. Basically, you coughed your lungs out. They said it was carried by respiratory droplets, and for a while everyone you saw was wearing one of those surgical masks. That didn’t seem to slow it down at all, though; it marched across the globe relentlessly, leaving a swath of death in its wake. Everything ground to a halt, including food deliveries. Before the virus, the city’s grocery stores had held about three days’ worth of food. Once the shelves were empty, people had begun raiding the commune’s gardens, and now they had been stripped bare. The members of the Green Resistance commune were reduced to living on their emergency stores and whatever they could scavenge. At first, Brandon had thought they would be overrun and have to leave the commune, but as deaths from the virus increased (including some of their own), the gang raids began to decrease. It was decided it would be best if they stayed where they were. The remaining Greeners, as the locals referred to them, had retreated from their converted greenhouses to the top two floors of a large commercial building across the street from their city garden. Their political philosophy didn’t keep them from buying and using firearms, and the place was fairly easy to defend. But food—that was turning into a huge problem. Every day, the rations Sean doled out seemed to be fewer.

“Yeah, something has to be done about it,” Brandon murmured. “But try not to worry about it tonight, babe. I’ll talk to Sean in the morning.”

He felt her nod against his shoulder, and she then drifted off into sleep despite her worries.
Sleep didn’t come so easily to Brandon, however. He was deeply worried about Jennie. After losing her mother—her only real family—to SHAV last month, she’d had to give birth here in somewhat primitive conditions. Thank God, the Greeners had plenty of medical supplies, and Andrea had some experience in attending births. Both baby and mother did just fine. But since giving birth, Jennie had developed deep circles under her dark, almond-shaped eyes, and her hair was dull and lank.
This was all worrisome enough, but Brandon’s biggest nightmare was seeing Jennie and the baby succumb to SHAV and die right before his eyes.
Please, God, no, he prayed, squeezing his eyes shut to ward off that dreadful image.
He had just drifted off to sleep when a sudden loud pop from outside startled him awake. The sound had come from the front of the building, toward the street. He scurried toward the window, half-crouched. There was shouting, followed by more pops of gunfire. The Greeners standing watch on the ground floor were shooting back at whoever it was—probably raiders.
Jennie hastily lifted the baby from her bed, wrapping her in her blanket.
Brandon moved to the side of the window, lifted the rough blanket nailed over it and peered out, but could see nothing in the dark except for a couple of small lights. They flashed and bounced around, moving irregularly toward the building.
Sounds of fighting drifted up the stairs, and he realized with a shock that some of the raiders were already inside. “The fire escape, quick!” he hissed at Jennie.
They fled to the back room, groping their way in the dark. A platform outside the window held a ladder that could be lowered to the ground, giving them a slim chance of escaping between the buildings. A sliver of moon emerged from behind scudding clouds, giving them a bit more light as Jennie scrambled out onto the fire escape.
Brandon had just handed the baby out to her through the window when Sean and Mike burst into the room. The two men spun around and fired out into the dark corridor leading from the stairwell. There was a burst of automatic weapon return fire, and both men fell to the floor.
Brandon looked down. Sean’s eyes were open, staring up at him sightlessly. The Green Resistance leader’s long, dust-colored hair lay in a pool of blood, blacker than ink in the dim light.
Brandon’s heart began to pound, his whole body quivering with each heavy beat. “Go down, go down!” he cried to Jennie, throwing himself in front of the window.
A masked face appeared in the doorway. Light flashed painfully in Brandon’s eyes, and he realized it was mounted on the barrel of a gun. There was a loud bang, and something slammed into him. Suddenly he was looking at the ceiling. There was no pain, but he couldn’t move. He didn’t feel a thing when they dragged Jennie and the baby from the fire escape back into the room, trampling him in the process. The room was fading away, as were the sounds of Jennie’s screams and the raiders’ rough voices as they disappeared down the stairwell.
Brandon lay drowning in helplessness and grief. He dimly heard his daughter crying, as if from a great distance, and somehow knew that she was here in the room with him, left behind. He prayed they hadn’t hurt her. He wanted to soothe her, tell her he was here with her, but nothing came out when he tried to speak. Then the sound of her crying faded away too, and he was in a place that was gray everywhere except for a faint glow of light in the distance. He began to move toward it.

Making a Make Believe World Believable

Fantasy literature transports you from the mundane world into the strange and the magical. How does it do this? By making that world believable, in its setting, its use of magic, and in its characters. To transport you, the fantasy world must be as complex and rich as reality. While I don’t like works that give long lectures on the history and geography, a sense of both must be present in the fantasy world—this sense preferably arising naturally from the needs of the plot and unfolding bit by bit. For example, in The Goddess’s Choice the way we learn about the longstanding animosity and history of warfare between Korth and Lundia is through the king’s pressure on the crown princess Samantha to marry. King Solar believes her marriage is necessary to maintain the fragile peace between the joined kingdoms. The history and culture of the joined kingdoms flow from and enhance the story’s central conflict.
 
Magic is an essential element of fantasy; yet to be believable, any system of magic must be both consistent and limited in scope. When the limitations on the wizard or sorcerer are clearly established, tension builds as he or she must work within those limits. The existence of magic doesn’t allow the writer to cheat. My hero’s Robbie’s magic lies in the ability to connect to the mind and body of another. It only works on living things. He can’t suddenly have the ability to warp metal even though that would be convenient. The use of his magic also depletes him physically, so he must be wise in its use. His strength is also his vulnerability.

 
For me, the most important element in creating a believable fantasy world lies in the characters. A believable world must be peopled with believable characters. In reality, few people are without flaws, but few are so bad that they have no redeeming qualities. Fantasy characters must be equally complex. Heroes must not be completely virtuous, and villains at least need sound motives for their villainy. Robbie is burdened with anger, and Samantha is headstrong and somewhat insensitive. On the other hand, Argblutal believes (with some justification) the throne is rightfully his and that he’d be a better king than a eighteen-year-old girl. When I read a novel, if I can believe a writer’s characters, I can forgive other inconsistencies with the work, but if I cannot believe the characters, nothing else the writer does can redeem the story. Depth of character is the key to believability in the make-believe world of fantasy.
 
I’d love to hear your comments on what makes a fantasy world work for you.

Mental Damnation Reality Book Tour and Giveaway

Reality
Mental Damnation Part 1
by Konn Lavery
Genre: Epic Dark Fantasy



Having her family murdered by the humans during her people’s banishment

from the surface world, Krista and her only friend, Darkwing,

struggle to remain alive. The pair of reptilian street scum live in

their newfound home, the City of Renasence, dictated by a fascist

military known as the Renasence Guard. The two find themselves at

odds when Krista puts her faith in the Five Guardians’ goal of

unification, while Darkwing chooses to stand with a notorious gang,

the Blood Hounds, who are known for their anarchist views
This divide in their friendship forces Krista to persist on her own as the

Five Guardians become crazed from an unknown disease – Mental

Damnation. After their infection, the Guardians develop a bizarre

interest in her, claiming they must reap her innocence for their

newfound master, the Weaver.




With a military dictatorship, politically-driven gangs and their guardians

infected and on a hunt for her, Krista has limited options for

survival: Does she fend for her life in the City of Renascence,

against menacing forces, or risk leaving everything behind and enter

the uncharted realm of the underworld?

Goodreads * Amazon





Konn Lavery is a Canadian horror and dark fantasy writer who is known for

his Mental Damnation series. The second book, Dream, reached the

Edmonton Journal’s top five selling fictional books list. He

started writing fantasy stories at a very young age while being home

schooled. It wasn’t until graduating college that he began

professionally pursuing his work with his first release, Reality.

Since then he has continued to write works of fiction ranging from

fantasy to horror.




His literary work is done in the long hours of the night. By day, Konn

runs his own graphic design and website development business under

the title Reveal Design. These skills have been transcribed into the

formatting and artwork found within his publications supporting his

fascination of transmedia storytelling.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Goodreads * Amazon

The strange male and Krista paused simultaneously, listening to the noise. Once the roar faded, the Corrupt continued to squirm. Krista suddenly realized that he was trying to crawl off of her, but his hands and feet had been cut off. Blood oozed from his limbs and smeared onto Krista. The Corrupt was essentially defenseless, so she calmed down – a little bit – and tried to work with him to get him off her.

Krista managed to roll the Corrupt to the side and he attempted to scurry away, but without hands and feet, he stumbled back to the ground whining, moving like a newborn calf.

A second male leaped from the higher rocks and landed with a heavy thud, raising dust. He threw a spear at the bleeding Corrupt. The weapon soared into the air, piercing through his victim’s skull and pinning the Corrupt to the ground.

Krista looked at the newcomer, mesmerized by his physical appearance. Muscles bulged on his shirtless torso. His skin was peach-toned, something Krista had never seen before.

What is he? she wondered, eyeing the male from his feet to his head.

The male’s five-toed feet were clad in sandals, with leather wrapped around his ankles. He wore a green kilt and several sheathed weapons strapped to his bare chest, which was marred by numerous jagged scars. His right hand had a cloth wrapped around it, and a ring flashed on his left.

He had a tail similar to Krista’s but with no scales. His brown scalp-feathers were plucked on the sides, leaving the remaining long feathers tied into a ponytail running down to his shoulder blades. Like hers, his eyes glowed, but they were bright white, not nearly as vibrant, and had green irises.

The male’s light skin and unusually flat facial structure called up flashbacks to the human raiders of Krista’s childhood.

He’s like a cross of humans and my people. I’ve never seen anything like it before!

The male walked over to the dead Corrupt and pulled his spear free from the body, then kicked it over the rocky edge. He kept his gaze on the rocks, watching the corpse fall into the fog.

Krista could hear the body tumble down the mountain, until the sound faded. Now that his back was facing her, she could see his spine was covered in light grey scales that came up to his neck. Krista was frightened by the peach-skinned male and kept motionless. She was uncertain whether he was a friend or a foe, or what she should do.

He’s going to notice me eventually. She waved nervously. “Hi.”

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Dragon Songs Saga Book Tour & Giveaway

Prelude to Insurrection
A Legends of Tivara Story
by JC Kang
Genre: Epic Fantasy, YA



Only an orphan half-elf spy can avert a rebellion before it starts.




Jie’s superior senses have made her the perfect lookout. Now, as the

adopted daughter of the Black Lotus Clanmaster, she wants to prove

her pointed ears aren’t a liability when she’s tasked to

infiltrate a rebel lord’s castle.
In this prequel to Songs of Insurrection, Jie must decide between her

duty to the emperor and her sense of compassion toward the

downtrodden. No matter her choice, it will have explosive

consequences for her, the realm, and the upcoming war.


**Free May 17th & 18th!!**


Goodreads * Amazon




Songs of Insurrection
The Dragon Songs Saga Book 1



Only the lost magic of Dragon Songs can save the realm. Only a naïve girl

with the perfect voice can rediscover it.




Blessed with an unrivaled voice, Kaiya dreams of a time when music could

summon typhoons and rout armies. Maybe then, the imperial court would

see the awkward, gangly princess as more than a singing fool.

 

When members of the emperor’s elite spy clan uncover a brewing

insurrection, the court hopes to appease the ringleader by offering

Kaiya as a bride.

 

Obediently wedding the depraved rebel lord means giving up her music.

Confronting him with the growing power of her voice could kill her.

Goodreads * Amazon



Orchestra of Treacheries
The Dragon Songs Saga Book 2



The mightiest dragon threatens the world, and only the power of a Dragon

Song can vanquish him.




Two years have passed since Kaiya rediscovered the lost magic of Dragon

Songs, yet the power of her voice is untrained. Potential suitors see

her as a stepping stone. One ruthless cousin would rather step on her

gravestone.

Not one to get walked over or buried, Kaiya is holding out for the exiled

foreign prince who inspired her to sing. The only one who appreciates

her abilities more is the world’s last dragon, Avarax, and it’s

not because he enjoys a good song.

Raw and unproven, she finds mentors in unlikely places. An elf courtier.

An ancient healer. A martial arts master. And an evil sorcerer.

She’ll need their guidance to survive the final showdown between a

girl finding her voice, and a dragon who has no intention of being

fooled a second time.

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Dances of Deception
The Dragon Songs Saga Book 3



An invincible empire threatens to invade Cathay, and only a Dragon Song

can ensure peace.




After vanquishing the Last Dragon with the power of her voice, all Kaiya

wants is a quiet life of anonymity. Instead, the Emperor sends her to

negotiate peace with the aggressive Teleri Empire.

 

The critical mission reunites her with her childhood friend Tian, now an

assassin-spy who loathes killing. He is no longer the adorable,

gullible boy from her memories, any more than she is the adventurous,

sweet girl from his. Instead of rekindling nostalgia for a youthful

innocence they both yearn for, their reunion ignites a mutual

hatred.

When the Teleri Empire breaks off talks, Tian must help Kaiya escape.

Orcs, Ogres, and enemy soldiers stand between them and home, and

their volatile relationship could get them captured… or killed.

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Symphony of Fates
The Dragon Songs Saga Book 4



Kaiya escapes her ordeal at the hands of the Teleri Emperor, only to return

to a homeland beset by enemies on all sides, and crumbling from

within.




As a teenager, she quelled a rebellion with the Dragon Scale Lute. As a

young adult, she vanquished a dragon with the power of her

voice.

Now, robbed of her magic by grief, Kaiya must navigate a web of court

intrigue to save the realm before it falls. Only she can lay claim to

the Dragon Throne on behalf of her unborn sons—whether the father

is the lover who perished rescuing her, or the hated enemy who killed

him.

In the final story in Kaiya’s saga, she must rally a nation, repel

invaders, and prove to the world why her family alone holds the

Mandate of Heaven.

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JC Kang’s unhealthy obsession with Fantasy and Sci-Fi began at an early

age when his brother introduced him to The Chronicles of Narnia, The

Hobbit, Star Trek and Star Wars. As an adult, he combines his geek

roots with his professional experiences as a Chinese Medicine doctor,

martial arts instructor and technical writer to pen epic fantasy

stories.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads




Follow the tour HERE!

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The Descendant Prophecies Book Tour & Giveaway

From Gods
Descendant Prophecies Book 1
by Mary Ting
Genre: Urban Fantasy


***2013 InD’Tale RONE Award Finalist for YA****
Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny

day?
Don’t blame Mother Nature.
Skylar Rome can’t wait to spend her last summer before college with her

cousin, Kayla. Everything changes when they meet the Grand brothers.

Skylar is sure she should stay away from Mason Grand, but their

attraction is undeniable. Then Skylar’s life erupts into turmoil.

She steps into a world where descendants of ancient gods have super

powers, evil beings chase her, and questions arise about her own

identity. She is running out of time and running for her life, while

trying to unravel the mystery of what they want from her.
Forced into a battle set into motion long before she was born, will Skylar

find the answers she seeks, or will she die trying?

Add to Gooodreads
**Free on all major platforms!**
Amazon US * Amazon UK * iBooks * B&N * Kobo * GooglePlay * Audio



From Deities
Descendant Prophecies Book 2


***Ms. Ting seamlessly blends classic mythology with contemporary

college-life, and heightens the stakes against seemingly impossible

odds. Without a doubt, this author rocks at world building! –

InD’tale Magazine

A mysterious stranger enters Skylar’s inner circle, destroying her

precarious peace. She begins college amid new secrets, emerging

powers, fresh dangers, and a potential stepfather.

In New Olympus, a hidden dwelling place for descendants of the gods, she

finally gets answers. But can she trust them? Skylar and the Grand

family must work together with these descendants to discover the key

to their rescue from the evolving, evil vultures of Hades.
As the threat increases, Skylar must learn to control her newfound

powers and decide who to trust before it’s too late.
Add to Goodreads
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From Origins
Descendant Prophecies Book 3


Faced with an impossible choice, Skylar and the other descendants embark on

a deadly quest to the underworld to confront Hades, who has been

plotting to kill them all.
They discover the ancient gods are not dead, as once believed, but are

instead held captive in a secret location. In order to save the world

from destruction at the hands of Hephaestus, the descendants must

rescue their ancestors, the gods of Olympus.
Skylar learns more about her bloodline and her powers, but there is a heavy

price to pay. The darkest forces known to man are about to return to

reclaim their stolen kingdom.
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From Titans
Descendant Prophecies Book 4


Everyone is searching for Mason.
Zeus sent Hermes, and the Oracles have used their magic, with no success.

A sparkle of hope arises when Eris, the goddess of Chaos, sends an

invitation to her wedding engagement party. She’s holding Mason

hostage, and Skylar and her friends only need permission to enter

Eris’s world to rescue him.
At the party, Eris gives them one condition: In exchange for Mason, they

must travel to the Land of Reverse and bring back the bottle of gold

water King Midas used to wash himself free of his gift. Further chaos

follows when Eris not only sets up a hunt in the Labyrinth of Crete,

but makes a bargain with the Titans she rescued.
The Titans possess power more than anyone anticipated, and Cronus is

hungry for revenge after his own children locked him up in Tartarus.

No one is safe. Not even the humans.

Add to Goodreads

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International Bestselling Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California

with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making

jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by

chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother,

and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she

started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It

was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen

name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote

literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

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Website * Blog * Pinterest * Amazon * Goodreads



Follow the tour HERE

for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

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Guest Author, Sandra Hults

Meet my guest, fantasy author, Sandra Hults. In the comments below, tell me what you think.

Interview

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am from Toledo, Ohio. [Jamie’s note: When I hear Toledo, my mind immediately jumps to Clinger on MASH. Does that date me?] I enjoy reading, cooking and playing video games in addition to writing. I am a sucker for a good story—regardless of genre. I love music. I sing a little. In addition to writing, I work a 9-5. I’ve been writing since my youth but only seriously considered putting the work in mid 2000s. In 2012, after much encouragement and support from my spouse, I published Birth of Light. From there it’s been a crazy whirlwind of creativity, self-publishing, and a crash course in marketing.

2. What are you reading at the moment? Would you recommend it to readers of this blog? Why?

I am currently reading book one of the Chartile series by Cassandra Morgan. She’s a great friend of mine and, let’s be honest, how often do we in our line of work get to talk to the author? I would recommend it because the concept is unique and the way she addresses her characters and development is subtle but impactful. Go check her out. (https://authorcassandramorgan.com/)

3. Tell us something about how you write? i.e. are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you have any weird or necessary writing habits or tuals?

I am a pantser, tried and true. Some folks tell me I’m somewhere in the middle because I know what major story points need to happen and just pants in between the points. I have never, nor will I ever, do a full outline for my books. I applaud anyone that can outline a full novel’s storyline, but it’s just not my bag.

Weird habits. Well, I don’t know that they’re weird, but they’re part of my writing ritual so to speak. My hair always gets put up in a pony or a clip or something that gets it out of my way. There’s always music or some kind of ambient show in the background that helps me focus. Sometimes, headphones are required for me get into what I’m working on. If I am revising, I have to start with a print copy and go page by page hand editing and rewriting then keying the edits into my laptop. For harder to write scenes, if I don’t feel it, I don’t think my readers do.

4. Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book?

 I am actually in the middle of revisions for my fifth book, Maeseloria: Shadow’s Journey. I have one other project I’m in the middle of titled The Guardian’s Fall. I write it exclusively for my newsletter. For the moment, the story has taken a back seat to the book being written.

5. Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

That is a difficult question because my favorite depends on how difficult that particular character is being. For the moment, though, if I were to pick one favorite Maeselorian, I think it would be a toss between Nicholas Taltos and Alexandra Jade. The disparity in their ages amuses me. Nicholas and Alexandra come from what seems like opposite ends of the spectrum at the beginning of the series. I love them both because they are both survivors. Whatever life dishes at them, they work through it. At times, they work together, and at other they work against one another. Their humanity makes me laugh and cry. Their fallacies frustrate me. They both engage and challenge me.

6. What is your favorite writing tip or quote?

It’s not a writing quote, per se, but it sums up me and my approach to life. I came across this quote years ago. For me, there are two messages in her words. Keep pushing. Don’t forget to laugh.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”

― Maya Angelou

As far as writing tips go, keep going. If you struggle, if you get stuck, just keep going. Be relentless about your art. You’ll get there.

7. Tell us a little about your plans for the future. Do you have any other books in the works?

For the future, I am currently wrapping up the first round of revisions for Shadow’s Journey. I’m shooting for an October release date. Stay tuned to my website for more info on the release date and cover reveal.

Where can we find you online?

Blog: https://sandrahults.wordpress.com/

Website: https://sandrahults.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sandra-Hults-461985840493928/

Twitter: @SandraHults

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sandra-Hults/e/B00JQ2GHNW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1495057051&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sandra+Hults?_requestid=1050532

Maeseloria: Birth of Light

Ages old…light forgotten. Journey with Alexandra and Marcus Jade in their quest for the truth of their heritage and restoration of a long-forgotten kingdom. Maeseloria once thrived and blossomed beneath Fate’s watchful eye. Shadows drew the realm into the darkness. Have a care, shadow-spawn, the Light always calls her children home.

 

 

Excerpt

“Come on wench, the master has come to dispose of ye.”

There was an odd complacency to her movements as she stepped out into the hall and even let them bind her hands. Master indeed. Terrorist would perhaps be more appropriate. At any rate they led her away. How could they have known she’d been slowly drawing for nearly the last hour? Flagging weariness tugged at her consciousness. Lack of food and rest dampened her enthusiasm a little.

When the body is weak the mind is strong. How many damned times during the last few days had Tanya drilled that into her? Gods only knew. Up the stairs and through the keep she stumbled, knocking her chin hard on the stone floor since her hands were bound and she could not break her fall. They laughed. The little fledglings laughed. A pity they would never see the next night. At least, not if she had anything to say about it. Thankfully, none had discovered she carried the dagger with her. That would have been interesting though, to see one of them try to touch it. According to Tanya, they couldn’t.

Eventually the little ones tugged and pulled her through the palace, mocking her as the last of the Jade Sorceress’. Giddeon had bred his hate in them. More’s the pity she supposed. Life was so much more than this. With all her heart she knew that now. When they led her into the snow littered clearing roughly half a mile from the keep she saw what she surmised to be a funeral pyre. Oh goody, they were going to try and burn a pyrokinetic Sorceress. So, she let them tie her up like a good little girl. Anything they could throw at her, she could throw right back. A pity none were aware of that but her teachers. And, finally, she did what any sorceress worth her salt would do. She drew.

A voice that would haunt her dreams for years to come whispered into the clearing. “I see the bitchling has been bound…” When one of the fledglings went to gag her, the demon waved them away. “I want to hear her scream.” From the shadows another figure watched as Giddeon ordered his men to light the sticks and wood that lay dried at her feet. The flames would catch fast, Nicholas suspected. Her instincts would remove the threat. This would test her mettle and his teaching. As the fire flickered and spread quickly, he saw as she looked through the flames and growled at Giddeon.

“The knees of Darkness shall bend beneath the will of the Light.” The creature growled as his glorious fire was snuffed like a candle, leaving Alex with nothing more than scorched skirts. Was that Maeselorian she was speaking? When the hell had Tanya taught her that? I didn’t. Her surprised mutter wandered through his mind as he watched.

As the fledglings drew close and attempted to grasp her, that dagger of hers lifted from its hidden sheathe in her boot. Five more seconds and all hell would break loose, he knew. As soon as the spell was whispered he’d get her out of there. Soon enough a blue haze surrounded her, repelling whatever shadow Giddeon may toss in her direction. May hell, the demon was already drawing against her.

Shadowfire, oh goody, Nicholas thought dryly as he stepped into view. He did nothing, no, not yet. In truth he wanted to see if her ward would hold. “Come on Alex, you can do it….” He whispered when her eyes, as though she sensed him, flicked towards him. The only reply he gave was a nod of affirmation. She nodded in return and the ward somehow strengthened. He was amazed that in her current state of mind that it did hold. Okay, Taltos, time to put a stop to this. He moved forward, his voice taunting the creature who stood in the center of the clearing. “Picking on creatures half your size again Giddeon?”

 

Devorah Fox and Fan Fiction

The Sincerest Form of Flattery, a guest post by Devorah Fox

“Fan fiction” is a term that describes stories about characters or settings written by fans of the original work rather than by the original creator. Fan fiction is rarely commissioned or authorized by the original work’s owner, creator or publisher. Writers of fan faction assume that their work will be read by other fans of the work that inspired the creativity and so readers of the fan fiction are expected to have some familiarity with the characters, setting, plot, etc. of the original work on which the fan fiction is based.

Fan fiction isn’t a new phenomenon. According to Wikipedia, the Bronte sisters wrote fan fiction, as did readers of Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes. Fan fiction has been very popular in the sci-fi genre, and it really got a boost in response to Star Trek. The Internet gave rise to an increase in fan fiction. One statistic states that fan fiction comprises one third of all content about books on the Web. There are fanzines and conventions and Internet sites like www.fanfiction.net for publishing, sharing  and reviewing fan fiction.

Though it seems innocent enough, fan fiction has given rise to controversy. Some argue that it’s plagiarism while other claim that fan fiction, or at least the nonprofit variety, falls under the fair use doctrine. Lucasfilms Ltd. has taken action to control the use of Star Wars characters in fan fiction while J. K. Rowling has given the nod to writers of fan fiction based on her characters. A new effort launched by Amazon.com in May, 2013, is designed to give a forum to fanfiction writers while guarding the intellectual property rights of the original works’ creators. Kindle Worlds allows fan fiction stories of certain licensed media properties to be sold in the Kindle Store provided the writing meets certain conditions. The fan fiction writers and the creators of the licensed work are both compensated, as is of course amazon.

The issue of fan faction recently came up in a Facebook group to which I belong and the general consensus seemed to be resentment. I suppose if someone were making a mint from fiction based on my characters I’d feel differently but for now I cherish the fan fiction that’s been inspired by The Lost King and The King’s Ransom. For one, I find the mere fact that my writing spurred that initiative in someone else to be validating. Isn’t awakening creativity in someone else about the highest compliment an artist can be paid?

I’ve also learned a lot from the fanfic written about King Bewilliam and his world. It’s like someone held a mirror to my character, turned it at an angle and showed me a different side. I have in turn been inspired by the added dimensions that I see the character can have, the different paths that he can take. Because fanfic writers have their unique style, my character has had a chance to play in different arenas.

A fan of my novels who is a sand sculptor created his interpretation of King Bewilliam’s Bell Castle. Is a sand castle fan “fiction,” plagiarism, fair use or something else entirely? Whatever it is, I find it complimentary. Not only that, in my writing I have imagined what buildings are on the castle grounds and describe the rooms’ interiors but haven’t given much consideration to the buildings’ exteriors. Frankly, I’m eager to see what they look like.

So is fan fiction, like imitation, the sincerest form of flattery or is it theft?

About Devorah Fox

Winner of four National Novel Writing Month marathons, Devorah Fox has written for television, radio, magazines, newspapers, and the Internet. Publisher and editor of the BUMPERTOBUMPER® books for commercial motor vehicle drivers, she is also developer of the Easy CDL apps for the iPhone and iPad. She has written test preparation guides for Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. and edited books for Techni-Com, a Canadian publisher, as well as several novels. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she has lived in Port Aransas, Texas, since 2005. Secretary of the Rockport Writers Group, Fox writes the “Dee-Scoveries” blog at http://devorahfox.com and column of the same name for The Island Moon newspaper. She wrote her first novel in the third grade and has written several more since. The Lost King, a literary fantasy, is her first published work of fiction and its sequel, The King’s Ransom, is her most recent.

Website: http://devorahfox.com

Twitter: @devorah_fox   http://twitter.com/devorah_fox

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What do you think of fan fiction? Give your opinion in comments below.