Terry C. Simpson's Blog, page 7

Uprising – Excerpt

Here’s a bit from my newest WIP, tentatively titled Uprising. Remember, I’m giving a peek before my work even hits the editor.

Each step Ryne made became practiced agony, but he gritted his teeth against the pain. His breaths left his lips in wheezing gasps. Legs and arms on fire, he carried Ancel on his back. The young man weighed more than expected or maybe the heaviness was a reflection of how worn out his own body had become.

Charra loped in front, often tossing its head as if trying to di...

Among Thieves – Epic Fantasy Review

Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recently, I’ve been reading quite a bit of thieves and assassins and the like. All of them have been good. Among Thieves does not disappoint.

I would consider this book more of a medieval style spy fantasy with a generous helping of sword fights and some well used sorcery. The main character Drothe is well done and so is Degan. Loved them both.

The sense of danger and intrigue is littered throughout this book and the prose style made me feel...

Shadow’s Master – Epic Fantasy Review

Shadow’s Master by Jon Sprunk

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this series and this final book. While the first book was my favorite, Shadow’s Master had a lot going for it. Sprunk’s action as always is top notch and so are his descriptions and setting. Caim, I got into right away and was totally engrossed, watching as he follows blindly into the teeth of danger.

This time around, I found myself less attached to Josey. Something about her felt lacking. This may have been because I wa...

The Shadowbearer, new epic Fantasy, released

After much hard work, here it is, the finished book. Thank you all who have supported me and do support me, and enjoy my books. I sincerely hope you enjoy this one.

Knight Commander Stefan Dorn, leader of the Unvanquished, has known only war, death and, victory. All in the name of his loyalty to King Nerian the Lightbearer, a man he idolized.

Until now.

Everything he thought he knew about the King, his people, and his world is coming to an end. At a time when there should be peace, he’s once aga...

Epic Fantasy – The Shadowbearer – Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Several hours later, after Mensa and the Zar Selentis left to return to the capital, Stefan sat at the table in his pavilion. Two candles in glass holders occupied the table's center, their perfumed scent overriding the odor of sweaty men. Illuminated by flickering light, the map before him displayed his forces. He removed the pins representing the Alzari Matii. By now, they were well on their way back to Benez under Mensa's command. Men were going to die because of the King's...

Epic Fantasy – The Shadowbearer has a cover.

Here is the cover for my latest book.

The Shadowbearer – Aegis of The Gods prequel

Here is a snippet of chapter 1 to the new novel and prequel to Aegis of the Gods. Enjoy.Chapter 1

Knight Commander Stefan Dorn surveyed the battlefield below him from his vantage point astride his horse. The oncoming Astocan army stretched in a long line that disappeared into the shadows of the mountains behind them. The Knight Commander grimaced. "Fools. They're dead." With a shake of his head, he let out a resigned sigh. "Prideful and stupid to the end." It pained him to see such a waste of ...

Epic Fantasy – The Shadowbearer – New Novel

Here's a snippet from The Shadowbearer, (formerly Shade's Forging), a book in the Aegis of the Gods storyline. The second draft is complete. Right now I'm waiting for beta readers to get back to me then it's off to the editor. The book will release in February and will be quickly followed by the sequel to Etchings of Power. It tells the story of Stefan Dorn, Ancel's father, as he is faced with a choice between his King, his people and his family. He may be able to save one of them. Or he may ...

Character Interview: Aeon of The Between

Terry: Who are you?

Aeon: I am Aeon. Oberon calls me his mad gardener, but I don't belong to him. He may have bound me here, but he doesn't know everything about me. Come, walk with me a bit, but mind your step. My pets can be clingy.

Terry: Where do you live?

Aeon: Why here, in the maze. Is it not a wondrous place? Even I don't know all its twists and turns.

Terry: Are you the hero of your own story?

Aeon: Oh, you are an amusing fellow. All stories are my story. My roots go back to the very...

YA Fantasy Review: The Between

The Between by L.J. Cohen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Often, if a book doesn't capture my interest within the first few pages, I lose interest. That wasn't the case with the Between. It's really my first YA book and I found it thoroughly enjoyable.

The beginning grabbed me with intrigue and action. In Lydia, I could tell there was a character for me to care about. Clive gave me that added mystery of a man battling to be more that what he appeared. Watching these two characters grow was fascinating ...