Jamie Marchant's Blog, page 34
September 27, 2016
Favorite Character Tuesday: Harry Dresden
My favorite character of all time is probably Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher's fantasy series, The Dresden Files. Harry has everything needed for a great character. A great character needs to be someone you think could truly exist. Harry Dresden is definitely someone you can relate to and imagine knowing and liking. In the first book in the series, Harry is a rather unsuccessful wizard for hire. He spends most the time in his office reading paperback novels. But he grows and changes throughout the series. By the twelfth book in the series, Changes, to save his daughter, he becomes the Winter Knight working for Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness. He tries to commit suicide to get out of this arrangement because he fear becoming corrupted. As the series continues, we see him fight against this corruption. The series is now fifteen books long, and he hasn't grown the least bit stale like some characters in due in long series. I wait impatiently for each new installment in the series and devour them once I have my hands on them. He practices cool magic, and he's very good at it, but it doesn't always get him out of a jam. Sometimes he needs to use other resources or be rescued by others. Sometimes he simply fails, as all of us do at times. He tries to do the right thing, but like all real people, he is flawed. He sometimes makes serious mistakes. It can tell him awhile to realize 
what he's done wrong, and those realization can be devastating. He fights authority and hates bullies. He has a sarcastic sense of humor, and it can get him into trouble at times. He is a great friend to have. And most importantly, he owns a cat. How can you not love a cat lover? If you haven't read any of the Dresden Files, you are missing out on some great reads. The Amazon link to the first book in the series is below to get you started. If you've read these books, leave a comment on your opinion of Harry Dresden.
September 26, 2016
The Ghost in Exile: A Korthlundian Kronicle
I have finally finished The Ghost in Exile. I'm calling it a Korthlundian Kronicle, rather than one in the series of the Kronicles of Korthlundia because it doesn't continue the story of Samantha and Robrek. Instead, it takes a character from the first volume in the series, The Goddess's Choice, and tells his story. Readers of my previous novels will be familiar with Darhour, the world's most infamous assassin and the true father of Samantha. His ability to move unseen through his victims' mansions earned him the nickname, The Ghost. It was said he could walk through walls. At the end of The Goddess's Choice, Darhour leaves Korthlundia and Samantha behind to save his daughter from the darkness of his soul. The Ghost in Exile begins several weeks after the end of The Goddess's Choice and tells of Darhour's adventures after he flees Korthlundia. The novel also flashes back to the story of how Darhour (previously known as Ahearn) became The Ghost. If you haven't read my previous novels, don't worry. You do not need knowledge of The Goddess's Choice to understand and enjoy The Ghost in Exile. The novel is now in the hands of my editor and will be ready to release late next month. (Cross your fingers). The kindle version is available for pre-order if you follow the link below. The paperback version will soon be available for pre-order as well. Kudos to Primo Cardinalli for the cover art.Blurb:
The Ghost is going to hell. Not even the goddess can forgive his sins: assassin, oath-breaker, traitor (an affair with the queen earned him that title). No one can ever learn the princess is his daughter. To keep this secret, he flees to the land that turned him from a simple stable groom into an infamous killer.
His mission now? To find evildoers and take them to hell with him. But when an impulsive act of heroism saddles him with a damsel who refuses to be distressed, her resilience forces him to questions why he really ran from his daughter.
September 25, 2016
New Blog Schedule
I have not been very active on my blog in a long time, but that is about to change. I have created a schedule for myself, and I intend to keep to it. The new schedule will be as follows:
Monday--My writing: a discussion of something to do with my writing projects
Tuesday--Favorite character day: I'll tell you who my favorite fictional characters are and why I love them.
Wednesday--Other fantasy authors day: This day will features interviews, excerpts, reviews,
discussions of other fantasy (or speculative fiction more generally) writers
Thursday--News: News of interest to fantasy fans
Friday--On Writing: Articles about writing and perhaps promoting your work
Saturday--The Goddess's Choice audio: I've began making an audio edition of The Goddess's Choice. On this day, I will post a new chapter of that project.
I would appreciate any comments on what you think of the new set up. Tell me what you like, love, and hate.
Monday--My writing: a discussion of something to do with my writing projectsTuesday--Favorite character day: I'll tell you who my favorite fictional characters are and why I love them.
Wednesday--Other fantasy authors day: This day will features interviews, excerpts, reviews,
discussions of other fantasy (or speculative fiction more generally) writers
Thursday--News: News of interest to fantasy fans
Friday--On Writing: Articles about writing and perhaps promoting your work
Saturday--The Goddess's Choice audio: I've began making an audio edition of The Goddess's Choice. On this day, I will post a new chapter of that project.
I would appreciate any comments on what you think of the new set up. Tell me what you like, love, and hate.
August 9, 2016
Blood Cursed and Other Stories of the Fantastic is Ready
Both the print and ebook versions of my collection are now ready on Amazon. You can order autographed copies from my website: http://jamie-marchant.com/short%20sto...
August 4, 2016
Blood Cursed and Other Tales of The Fantastic
I'm bringing out a collection of my short stories, Blood Cursed and Other Tales of the Fantastic.
Parallel worlds. Angst-ridden assassins. And rodeo bull riding?
This collection of short stories by Jamie Marchant covers the fantasy genre from deadly serious to ridiculous. When a blood curse threatens his daughter, a former assassin must break his vow never to kill again. The stakes are even higher when his victim turns out to be the king. A werewolf begs a college secretary who doesn't know she's a shaman to save her toddler from being trapped in her were form. She is reduced to singing nursery rhymes to rescue the child from her own stubbornness--despite the fact that she sounds like a "wounded cow." A witch from a parallel world wakes up in the body of a rodeo bull rider's body. She's forced to adapt to being a man in a world filled with technology instead of magic. And more. The collection ends with an excerpt from Marchant's epic fantasy novel, The Goddess's Choice. If you love fantasy from urban to high, this collection has something for you.
The kindle version is available for pre-order on Amazon, and the print version will be available soon. https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Cursed-O...
July 19, 2016
Samantha defends Brianna
I commissioned a painting of the queen of Korthlundia. Samantha is one of the two main characters in the Kronicles of Korthlundia. The artist is Primo Cardinalli. I'd say he did an excellent job.
July 11, 2016
Review of The Goddess's Choice
I got a very favorable review of The Goddess's Choice today. Check it out on The Lucky Devil Blog. If you have read the novel, you should check it out.
June 10, 2015
The Release of The Soul Stone
I'm happy to announce that Book II in the Kronicles of Korthlundia series, The Soul Stone, will be released by Black Rose Writing on June 25. Cover and blurb follow. It is available for pre-order at a 10% discount from Black Rose Writing. Use the promo code: Preorder2015. If you like an autographed copy, you can pre-order it from my website: The Soul Stone. If you enjoyed The Goddess's Choice, I think you'll find you'll love The Soul Stone.
Blurb:
In this sequel to The Goddess’s Choice (Reliquary Press, 2012), the Crown Princess Samantha and Sir Robrek struggle to solidify their rule in the aftermath of the king’s murder and Duke Argblutal’s attempt to usurp the throne. They are thwarted at every turn by those who seek power for themselves and desire to prevent their marriage. Just when they think their problems are solved, a deadly curse begins to spread throughout Korthlundia and Samantha becomes pregnant.
In my sword and sorcery novel, The Soul Stone, Samantha must fight off priests, enemies, and her closest advisors while Robrek discovers the reason the goddess chose him as king, to defeat the Soul Stone, a stone capable of sucking the soul out of its victims, which threatens to obliterate all life in the joined kingdoms. Their archenemy, the Bard Alvabane, awakens the Soul Stone and plans to use its power to reclaim Korthlundia for her people (a people driven out over a thousand years ago by the hero Armunn). Armunn had to sacrifice his life and soul to contain the Soul Stone. Will Robrek have to do the same? Will the young couple have only a few short months to love each other?
Blurb:In this sequel to The Goddess’s Choice (Reliquary Press, 2012), the Crown Princess Samantha and Sir Robrek struggle to solidify their rule in the aftermath of the king’s murder and Duke Argblutal’s attempt to usurp the throne. They are thwarted at every turn by those who seek power for themselves and desire to prevent their marriage. Just when they think their problems are solved, a deadly curse begins to spread throughout Korthlundia and Samantha becomes pregnant.
In my sword and sorcery novel, The Soul Stone, Samantha must fight off priests, enemies, and her closest advisors while Robrek discovers the reason the goddess chose him as king, to defeat the Soul Stone, a stone capable of sucking the soul out of its victims, which threatens to obliterate all life in the joined kingdoms. Their archenemy, the Bard Alvabane, awakens the Soul Stone and plans to use its power to reclaim Korthlundia for her people (a people driven out over a thousand years ago by the hero Armunn). Armunn had to sacrifice his life and soul to contain the Soul Stone. Will Robrek have to do the same? Will the young couple have only a few short months to love each other?
June 9, 2015
High Maga by Rita Gastriech
Today, welcome Karin Rita Gastreich, author of High Maga. Gastreich has just released an audio version of the novel narrated by Darla Middlebrook. Read about the book below and enter the rafflecopter for free prices. As a female author of heroines, I was particularly excited to learn about the blog, Heroines of Fantasy. If you lack fantasy with strong female character as much as I do, be sure to check it out.
High Maga
Sisters in magic, Eolyn and Adiana seek to revive a craft once forbidden to women. When war strikes at the heart of the kingdom, their fledgling community of magas is destroyed; its members killed, captured or scattered.
In hopes of defending her people, Eolyn tries to escape the occupied province and deliver to King Akmael a weapon that might secure their victory. Trapped by the invading army, Adiana is taken prisoner and placed at the mercy of the ruthless Prince Mechnes.
Even as their world is torn asunder, Eolyn and Adiana cling to a common dream. Courage and perseverance guide them toward a future where the Daughters of Aithne will flourish in a world set free from the violence of men.
“War propels the book forward, and the characters are at their best when the events engulfing them are at their worst.” –Publishers Weekly
Purchase Links: Amazon (audio book): http://www.amazon.com/High-Maga/dp/B0...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high-...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
About the Author:
KARIN RITA GASTREICH writes tales of ordinary women and the extraordinary paths they choose. Inspired by a lifetime of exploring lush forests and breathtaking landscapes, Karin’s stories blend elements of epic fantasy, historical fiction, and romance. The worlds she creates are a strange amalgamation of medieval Europe and colonial Central America, with misty forests, vast savannas, and steamy jungles. They are populated by brave heroines, noble heroes, and twisted villains. From ancient woodlands to uncharted seas, readers will experience gripping battle scenes, heart wrenching loss, hard-won triumphs, and the ultimate magic of love. Karin’s fantasy novels Eolyn and High Maga are available from Hadley Rille Books. Her short stories have appeared in Zahir, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and World Jumping. She runs an on-line discussion forum about women in genre fiction at Heroines of Fantasy. Follow Karin’s adventures into fantastic worlds, both real and imagined, at krgastreich.com.
Author web links:
Karin’s web site: http://krgastreich.comHeroines of Fantasy: http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Eolyn/110814625640244Twitter: @EolynChronicles
About the Narrator:
Darla’s voice is a versatile instrument used with skill. It is a voice filled with intelligence and warmth. Her sound can range from mature to youthful female, and she can also produce convincing male timbres. Narrative is presented in a conversational, down to earth, matter-of-fact manner and also displays a broad emotional range across a large repertoire of characters (female, male, young, old and "creature"). All of that while still conveying a sense of wonder when telling the story.
With experience of 34+ years as a Speech-Language Pathologist, more than 20 years as a stage & film actor and over 20 years as a trained singer with knowledge and insight into the mechanics of the voice and speech, Darla Middlebrook brings a wealth of experience to bear to develop character voices (male, female, mature, extremely elderly, creepy, bright exotic, etc) with an impressive emotional range.
Currently, Darla is one of many voice actors who narrate podcasts for AIRS-LA (an audio internet service for individuals with visual challenges) in addition to narrating audio books.
Narrator Web Links:
Website: http://www.darlasvoice.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damiddlebrookTwitter: @GypsyCatVoice
Html Code for the Rafflecopter Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ExcerptThe Scene That Inspired the Cover Art for High MagaBy Karin Rita Gastreich
In developing the cover for High Maga, I had the great privilege of working with Hadley Rille Books artist Thomas Vandenberg. Thomas took his inspiration from one of the early chapters in the book, when Eolyn and her allies confront a Naether Demon for the first time. Naether Demons are creatures that were banished to the Underworld generations ago. In High Maga, they are summoned back to the world of the living by the sorceress Rishona. Today I’d like to share an excerpt from the chapter that inspired the cover art. I hope you enjoy it!
High Maga, Chapter 9 (Excerpt)
Eolyn burst into the adjacent clearing and stopped short at the sight of a beast that swayed on long glowing limbs, a set of gaping pits where the eyes and mouth should have been. In one ebony-clawed hand it held Sirena, her chest torn open from throat to sternum, the shredded bodice black with blood. Eolyn’s vision blurred. Her heart imploded. She clutched at her ribs, breath reduced to ragged gasps, knees buckling beneath her. Sir Borten caught one arm and hauled Eolyn to her feet. Their eyes met.All your senses open. The knight released her and approached the monster with sword drawn. Eolyn forced back the grief that had scattered her thoughts. All your spirit focused on the task at hand.Mariel crouched in the shadows, clutching Eolyn’s staff. Tears streamed down the girl’s face. Her shoulders shook like leaves on the wind.“Mariel.” Eolyn’s voice was calm. “Set down my staff and climb the beech behind you, as quick and high as you can.”“But Maga Eolyn—”“Do as I say. If this goes badly, you are not to come down until dawn.” With a sob the young maga fled up the tree. Eolyn called the staff to her. The water crystal ignited, casting an ivory light over the dwindling fire, illuminating the creature in full. The beast groaned, a needy howl born of insatiable hunger.Eolyn stepped forward, coming around to Borten’s left. “Stay behind me,” he ordered.“Your sword may not be enough,” she replied. Sir Delric crashed out of the woods with a warrior’s cry. Borten sprang forward and they attacked as one, blades flashing in the silvery light. The creature reared up on hind legs and caught Delric in its clawed arms, ripping the stocky man’s throat open and tossing him aside. Borten stumbled back, fear and confusion on his face. “The swords,” he gasped. “The swords do nothing.” With horror Eolyn realized truth of his words. Their blades had left no mark, though they had cut through its flesh many times. The animal lifted its flattened face toward the sky, letting go a hollow scream. It charged Borten, who scrambled backwards, reduced to dodging blow after blow. Ehekaht, faeom dumae! Energy exploded from Eolyn’s staff. The creature stumbled away from the knight, shaking its bald head, striking at the empty air. Naeom aenre!Fire burst from her palm and consumed the animal in red flame. It fell to its knees, emitting an ear-piercing, torturous scream. The pressure upon Eolyn’
High Maga
Sisters in magic, Eolyn and Adiana seek to revive a craft once forbidden to women. When war strikes at the heart of the kingdom, their fledgling community of magas is destroyed; its members killed, captured or scattered.In hopes of defending her people, Eolyn tries to escape the occupied province and deliver to King Akmael a weapon that might secure their victory. Trapped by the invading army, Adiana is taken prisoner and placed at the mercy of the ruthless Prince Mechnes.
Even as their world is torn asunder, Eolyn and Adiana cling to a common dream. Courage and perseverance guide them toward a future where the Daughters of Aithne will flourish in a world set free from the violence of men.
“War propels the book forward, and the characters are at their best when the events engulfing them are at their worst.” –Publishers Weekly
Purchase Links: Amazon (audio book): http://www.amazon.com/High-Maga/dp/B0...
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high-...
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebo...
About the Author:
KARIN RITA GASTREICH writes tales of ordinary women and the extraordinary paths they choose. Inspired by a lifetime of exploring lush forests and breathtaking landscapes, Karin’s stories blend elements of epic fantasy, historical fiction, and romance. The worlds she creates are a strange amalgamation of medieval Europe and colonial Central America, with misty forests, vast savannas, and steamy jungles. They are populated by brave heroines, noble heroes, and twisted villains. From ancient woodlands to uncharted seas, readers will experience gripping battle scenes, heart wrenching loss, hard-won triumphs, and the ultimate magic of love. Karin’s fantasy novels Eolyn and High Maga are available from Hadley Rille Books. Her short stories have appeared in Zahir, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and World Jumping. She runs an on-line discussion forum about women in genre fiction at Heroines of Fantasy. Follow Karin’s adventures into fantastic worlds, both real and imagined, at krgastreich.com. Author web links:
Karin’s web site: http://krgastreich.comHeroines of Fantasy: http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Eolyn/110814625640244Twitter: @EolynChronicles
About the Narrator:
Darla’s voice is a versatile instrument used with skill. It is a voice filled with intelligence and warmth. Her sound can range from mature to youthful female, and she can also produce convincing male timbres. Narrative is presented in a conversational, down to earth, matter-of-fact manner and also displays a broad emotional range across a large repertoire of characters (female, male, young, old and "creature"). All of that while still conveying a sense of wonder when telling the story. With experience of 34+ years as a Speech-Language Pathologist, more than 20 years as a stage & film actor and over 20 years as a trained singer with knowledge and insight into the mechanics of the voice and speech, Darla Middlebrook brings a wealth of experience to bear to develop character voices (male, female, mature, extremely elderly, creepy, bright exotic, etc) with an impressive emotional range.
Currently, Darla is one of many voice actors who narrate podcasts for AIRS-LA (an audio internet service for individuals with visual challenges) in addition to narrating audio books.
Narrator Web Links:
Website: http://www.darlasvoice.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damiddlebrookTwitter: @GypsyCatVoice
Html Code for the Rafflecopter Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ExcerptThe Scene That Inspired the Cover Art for High MagaBy Karin Rita Gastreich
In developing the cover for High Maga, I had the great privilege of working with Hadley Rille Books artist Thomas Vandenberg. Thomas took his inspiration from one of the early chapters in the book, when Eolyn and her allies confront a Naether Demon for the first time. Naether Demons are creatures that were banished to the Underworld generations ago. In High Maga, they are summoned back to the world of the living by the sorceress Rishona. Today I’d like to share an excerpt from the chapter that inspired the cover art. I hope you enjoy it!
High Maga, Chapter 9 (Excerpt)
Eolyn burst into the adjacent clearing and stopped short at the sight of a beast that swayed on long glowing limbs, a set of gaping pits where the eyes and mouth should have been. In one ebony-clawed hand it held Sirena, her chest torn open from throat to sternum, the shredded bodice black with blood. Eolyn’s vision blurred. Her heart imploded. She clutched at her ribs, breath reduced to ragged gasps, knees buckling beneath her. Sir Borten caught one arm and hauled Eolyn to her feet. Their eyes met.All your senses open. The knight released her and approached the monster with sword drawn. Eolyn forced back the grief that had scattered her thoughts. All your spirit focused on the task at hand.Mariel crouched in the shadows, clutching Eolyn’s staff. Tears streamed down the girl’s face. Her shoulders shook like leaves on the wind.“Mariel.” Eolyn’s voice was calm. “Set down my staff and climb the beech behind you, as quick and high as you can.”“But Maga Eolyn—”“Do as I say. If this goes badly, you are not to come down until dawn.” With a sob the young maga fled up the tree. Eolyn called the staff to her. The water crystal ignited, casting an ivory light over the dwindling fire, illuminating the creature in full. The beast groaned, a needy howl born of insatiable hunger.Eolyn stepped forward, coming around to Borten’s left. “Stay behind me,” he ordered.“Your sword may not be enough,” she replied. Sir Delric crashed out of the woods with a warrior’s cry. Borten sprang forward and they attacked as one, blades flashing in the silvery light. The creature reared up on hind legs and caught Delric in its clawed arms, ripping the stocky man’s throat open and tossing him aside. Borten stumbled back, fear and confusion on his face. “The swords,” he gasped. “The swords do nothing.” With horror Eolyn realized truth of his words. Their blades had left no mark, though they had cut through its flesh many times. The animal lifted its flattened face toward the sky, letting go a hollow scream. It charged Borten, who scrambled backwards, reduced to dodging blow after blow. Ehekaht, faeom dumae! Energy exploded from Eolyn’s staff. The creature stumbled away from the knight, shaking its bald head, striking at the empty air. Naeom aenre!Fire burst from her palm and consumed the animal in red flame. It fell to its knees, emitting an ear-piercing, torturous scream. The pressure upon Eolyn’
February 15, 2015
Book Trailer Love Fest
Check out these book trailers, including yours truly, and vote for your favorite. Voting begins . . . NOW!
Show your support of over 30 authors including USA Today bestsellers by voting in the first ever Book Trailer Love Fest. Watch the trailers, vote in the polls, and share the contest with your friends! The voting is live from February 15th to February 22nd. Winner will be selected on the February 23rd. This is a fun, free contest made to support all authors! So hop on over to booktrailerlovefest.com and get your vote on! Here is a list of authors participating in the contest: USA TODAY Bestselling Authors: Amazon Bestselling Authors: Award Winning Authors: Also featuring these fabulous authors:
Show your support of over 30 authors including USA Today bestsellers by voting in the first ever Book Trailer Love Fest. Watch the trailers, vote in the polls, and share the contest with your friends! The voting is live from February 15th to February 22nd. Winner will be selected on the February 23rd. This is a fun, free contest made to support all authors! So hop on over to booktrailerlovefest.com and get your vote on! Here is a list of authors participating in the contest: USA TODAY Bestselling Authors: Amazon Bestselling Authors: Award Winning Authors: Also featuring these fabulous authors:Susan Laqueur
J.R. Smith
Angelica Dawson
Katherine Jean Pope
Everett Robert
Charity Tober
Tam Linsey
W K Pomeroy
Jordan Mierek
Elle Jacklee
