S.M. Boyce's Blog: My Journal, page 27
January 8, 2013
Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop – Everybody Wins!
January 7, 2013
Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway Hop – Everybody Wins!
[image error]I love to celebrate all things fantasy! I’m giving away an autographed copy of Lichgates…but I’m also giving everyone a free eBook of Lichgates to get started. It’s my way of saying thank you for everything you’ve done to help The Grimoire Saga become amazing over the past year.
Everybody Wins
Everyone wins in this giveaway! You can grab your free copy of Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1) on Smashwords. Amazon and Barnes & Noble copies are only 99c while they update their prices.
Be sure to share the link on Twitter so that your friends can get their copy, too.
Grab Your FREE Copy of Lichgates
Add Lichgates to your Goodreads TBR
The Grimoire Saga
Lichgates
Grimoire Saga #1
Fans of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Eragon will enjoy this contemporary remix of the classic epic fantasy genre.
—————-
Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.
Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea’s royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.
For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.
Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.
Lichgates
Learn More | Goodreads | Buy Now
Treason
Grimoire Saga #2
Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now.
Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.
Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.
To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.
Treason
The Giveaway
(USA Only)
The Other Blog Hop Participants
Onward for more great giveaways!
December 30, 2012
{New Year Giveaway Hop} Win an autographed paperback & EVERYONE gets a free eBook copy!
New Year Giveaway Hop – Win an autographed paperback & EVERYONE gets a free eBook copy!
[image error]What better way to start off 2013 than with a new year giveaway? It’s my way of saying thank you for everything you’ve done to help The Grimoire Saga become amazing over the past year.
Everybody Wins
Everyone wins in this giveaway! You can grab your free copy of Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1) on Smashwords. Amazon and Barnes & Noble copies are only 99c while they update their prices.
Be sure to share the link on Twitter so that your friends can get their copy, too.
Grab Your FREE Copy of Lichgates
Add Lichgates to your Goodreads TBR
The Grimoire Saga
Lichgates
Grimoire Trilogy #1
Fans of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Eragon will enjoy this contemporary remix of the classic epic fantasy genre.
—————-
Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.
Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea’s royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.
For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.
Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.
Lichgates
Learn More | Goodreads | Buy Now
Treason
Grimoire Trilogy #2
Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now.
Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.
Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.
To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.
Treason
The Giveaway
The Other Blog Hop Participants
Onward for more great giveaways!
December 26, 2012
How Do Fantasy Writers Obtain & Hold Suspension of Disbelief? Guest Post from Terri Rochenski
Hey everyone! Terri Rochenski stopped by today to talk about an interesting topic that affects fantasy writers and readers in particular. Enjoy!
Suspension of disbelief is described as ‘a willingness to suspend one’s critical faculties and believe the unbelievable’.
How can a fantasy writer get their reader to do this? Heck. Fantasy is unrestrained & extravagant imagination. Make believe. Conjured worlds, people, and magic. It can be anything we want, right? Totally out there, nonsensical stuff from dreams.
Wait.
Nonsensical? Hmm. Not so sure.
If a story or character isn’t say, consistent, will a reader continue to read?
Let’s say wizard Joe Schmo can wipe out his enemies with a simple sweep of his hand. Why wait ‘til the climax of the story to do so?
If the land is suffering from a drought in chapter 12, why hasn’t the water princess Tina Bambina called forth rain from the sky way back in chapter 2?
Robert Dopert learns in chapter 3 he can move at the speed of light. How is it he drops his magic wand in chapter 7?
Never mind PLOT HOLES—these examples bring up the necessity of believability.
“WHAT?” you say. “But suspension of belief …!”
Yeah. I know. Thus, the conundrum.
Let’s look at it this way: If everyone in your created world possesses unlimited, unrestrained magic that has no side-effect or cost, where’s the conflict? Where’s the tension to keep a reader turning those pages? What’s going to keep the reader on the edge of their seat thinking, ‘maybe this time the bad buy will win’?
Since I’m really a ‘no-one’, let’s see what some people in the ‘biggie’ business think.
Donald Maass, in Writing The Breakout Novel, states the first key he looks for is plausibility (having an appearance of truth or reason.) And yes, his literary agency represents fantasy.
[On fantasy writing:] It’s not enough to create magic. You have to create a price for magic, too. You have to create rules.
—Eric A. Burns
If you’re writing urban fantasy, it’s all about voice and world-building. It needs to make sense and be believable.
—Irene Goodman
Fantasy writing, when done well, is as demanding as writing a historical novel, so it’s well worth the effort to do it right. Never let yourself say, “Oh, it’s just fantasy”—that way leads to poor writing and books worthy of the rejection slip.
I could go on and on and on and on, but I’ll stop there.
The Debate: Fantasy Writers
So whatcha think? Will an inconsistent, un-plausible story hold your interest? Will you become immersed in a story that makes no sense & doesn’t relate to you?
Grab Terri’s Book
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Amazon UK / All Romance / Diesel eBooks / Books on Board
[image error] Make Believe: A Collection of Short Stories
Sacrificial Oath by Terri Rochenski
An impetuous act unwittingly makes Alesuela the fulfillment of the Sovereign’s Blood Oath to their Goddess. In five days, she’ll be forced to make the greatest choice of her life: become the virginal sacrifice already promised, or force the man she loves most to die in her place.
With an impossible choice in front of her, she searches for ways to undo the oath, and in her quest, finds not everything in her life is as she expects.
The Giveaway
The Grimoire Trilogy by S. M. Boyce
Treason is the second book in the Grimoire Trilogy, the highly-rated young adult fantasy adventure series. If you’re in the mood for a nail biter that leaves you breathless, grab your copies of the Grimoire Trilogy today.
“Boyce has killer talent and a writing voice that rivals any New York Times megastar. The Grimoire Trilogy, quite simply, is awesome.”
–Nikki Jefford, author of the Spellbound Trilogy
“Once again, I found myself plummeting into the world of Ourea. Although I really enjoyed reading Lichgates, I loved Treason… Some of the twists are just amazing, and I can’t wait to read Heritage. Boyce, you need to write faster.”
–Christie Rich, author of the Elemental Enmity series
More praise for Treason (click to expand)
I love these books. I love the characters. And I love S. M. Boyce. Seriously. I am Boyce’s biggest fan and she better realize that.
I had high hopes for this book when it came to the series—I was so in love with the first book I didn’t think it could get any better. Boy, was I wrong. Treason went far beyond my expectations.
I was on the edge of my seat and holding my breath at more than one scene… You won’t want to miss this wild ride.
—Heather Sutherlin, author of Light in the Darkness
I didn’t think it was possible for me to like Treason more than the first book, but I do. This series is definitely one of my all-time favorites.
Boyce comes back with book two of the Grimorie Trilogy, and comes back STRONG! I honestly didn’t think Lichgates could be topped on my all-time favorites list. Treason surpassed it with flying colors.
—Robert Zimmermann, author of From Where I Stand
Treason is yet another incredible adventure by the amazingly talented S. M. Boyce.
—Hilary of Novel d’Tales
I have not loved a book, or a series, as much as I loved reading Treason in a long time. There’s something about Boyce’s style of writing that makes you fall into her stories and never want to come out.
—D. Ann of Overflowing Bookshelves Reviews
Once again, Boyce’s writing pulled me in. It’s amazing how such a fantastical world can feel so real and believable.
Adults and teenagers alike would enjoy this novel. There are no sex scenes, basically no bad language, and only positive depictions of making hard life decision the right way. Five stars from me.
—Rosemarie Herbert of The Cosy Dragon
Boyce pens her characters strong and complex but totally believeable in a plot filled with emotion, twists, turns, and with a touch of humor.
I really love Boyce’s writing. It’s clean, polished, and hits the perfect balance between pretty description and succinct action phrasing… She has a knack for painting a picture.
Read More:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
The Grimoire Trilogy
by S. M. Boyce
Click on the cover image for details, samples, and purchase information.
Lichgates
Grimoire Trilogy #1
Fans of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Eragon will enjoy this contemporary remix of the classic epic fantasy genre.
—————-
Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.
Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea’s royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.
For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.
Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.
Lichgates
Learn More | Goodreads | Buy Now
Treason
Grimoire Trilogy #2
Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now.
Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.
Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.
To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.
Treason
HeritageGrimoire Trilogy #3
The final chapter in the war for Ourea comes to a head as the truth about Kara, Braeden, and the first Vagabond is each finally revealed. Old tensions ignite, new rivals are born, and the final hope for the creatures of this hidden world rest in the Grimoire. But when Kara learns what the ultimate price of peace is, she doesn’t know if she’s strong enough to do what must be done.
Heritage
December 23, 2012
Christmas Gift Ideas: Twelve Days of Bookmas! Day 12: The Grimoire Trilogy by S. M. Boyce
Christmas gift ideas? I’ve got some for you readers out there. The Twelve Days of Bookmas showcases twelve days of great books by awesome new authors. If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas for someone else or a treat for yourself, this is the place to start.
Today’s Christmas Gift Idea:
[image error]Lichgates: Book One of the Grimoire Trilogy
S.M. Boyce
The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it, and Kara Magari is its next target.
Kara has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she’s thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things that want the Grimoire’s secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, and most want to control the new-found power the book bestows upon her. Even if Kara does escape, Ourea will only drag her back.
Braeden Drakonin grew up in Ourea, and all he’s ever known of life is lying. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. He has one question to ask the book—one question that can fix everything in his broken world—and he’s not letting Kara out of his sight until he gets an answer.
There’s no going back now.
[image error]
Treason: Book Two of the Grimoire Trilogy
S.M. Boyce
Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now.
Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.
Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.
To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.
More Christmas Gift Ideas
Did that help you find Chirtmas gift ideas? Remember that this is the last day of the Twelve Days of Bookmas, so you can pan back through the past 12 days for more great Chirtmas gift ideas. Have a happy holiday!
Lichgates (Grimoire Trilogy #1) – Final Free Day
So in case you missed it, Lichgates (Grimoire Trilogy #1) has been free since December 21. Call it a not-the-end-of-the-world-after-all present. Or early Christmas. Whatever.
Lichgates is free today on Amazon. You can grab it now.
Point is, Lichgates is still free, but today’s the last day. Make sure you grab your copy and email the link to anyone you think would enjoy the novel!
While you’re at it, take a look at the sequel, too. I posted both covers and book descriptions below. Enjoy!
Lichgates (Grimoire Trilogy #1)
[image error]
The Grimoire turns its own pages and can answer any question asked of it, and Kara Magari is its next target.
Kara has no idea what she’s getting herself into when she stumbles across the old book while hiking a hidden trail. Once she opens it, she’s thrown into Ourea: a beautiful world full of terrifying things that want the Grimoire’s secrets. Everyone in this new world is trying to find her, and most want to control the new-found power the book bestows upon her. Even if Kara does escape, Ourea will only drag her back.
Braeden Drakonin grew up in Ourea, and all he’s ever known of life is lying. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. He has one question to ask the book—one question that can fix everything in his broken world—and he’s not letting Kara out of his sight until he gets an answer.
There’s no going back now.
Buy Your Copy of Lichgates
(eBook is FREE on Amazon!)
Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Print Edition | Barnes & Noble
[image error] Treason (Grimoire Trilogy #2)
Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now.
Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.
Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.
To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.
Buy Your Copy of Treason
Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Print Edition | Barnes & Noble
Books in the Grimoire Trilogy:
Lichgates (#1)
Treason (#2)
Heritage (#3)
December 22, 2012
Christmas Gift Ideas: Twelve Days of Bookmas! Day 11: Obsidian by Kayla Curry
Christmas gift ideas? I’ve got some for you readers out there. The Twelve Days of Bookmas showcases twelve days of great books by awesome new authors. If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas for someone else or a treat for yourself, this is the place to start.
Today’s Christmas Gift Idea:
[image error]Obsidian
Kayla Curry
Ava Tanner finds herself in a world without satellite technology in a time of GPS, Smart Phones and Tablets. When she discovers that a corporation headed by vampires with a sinister motive is to blame, her world is turned upside-down. After a narrow escape, she learns a mystical secret about herself that could aide her in her fight against the vampires. Unfortunately, the vampires see her either as a valuable asset or a target for destruction.
When the world is on the brink of complete social and technological devastation, one must ask themselves: Would I give up my blood for the modern ideal way of life, or will I wage war with the overlords of chaos?
More Christmas Gift Ideas
Stay tuned! More Chirtmas gift ideas are on the way. A new author has been posted every day in the Twelve Days of Bookmas, and there’s one left. So check back tomorrow!
Reminder: The Freebie Jubilee is on! Twelve Amazing Books, All FREE! (Dec 21 & 22)
Ten talented authors. Twelve FREE eBooks. One incredible holiday event!
Welcome everyone! I am so excited to be a part of this fantastic holiday event with some of the most talented authors I know! We have twelve amazing novels listed today and tomorrow (December 21st and 22nd) for FREE on Amazon! If you haven’t already snatched up these great reads, now is an excellent time to treat yourself for the holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
The Fall of Billy Hitchings
by Kirkus MacGowan
“…the actual source of Billy’s ‘fall’
is nothing short of creative genius.”
Genre: Mystery and Thriller
Zero Balance
by Ashley Fontainne
“Revenge has a new name: Piper.
And she is ready for Audra to pay up.”
Genre: Suspense and Thriller
When Empires Fall
by Katie Jennings
“Family may be the ties that bind but
sometimes they are the ties that kill…”
Genre: Family Saga and Romance
Near Death
by Richard C. Hale
“Jake’s wife died in his arms. He needs to
talk with her. He may have found a way…”
Genre: Mens Adventure/Sci-Fi Adventure
Closed Doors
by Richard Weatherly
“CDC investigators race against
time to prevent a pandemic…”
Genre: Suspense and Thriller
Partners
by Mimi Barbour
“Hotshot, purse-carrying cowboy assumes
he can partner Miss Cranky, Vegas detective.”
Genre: Romantic Suspense
The Circle of Law
by Lia London
“Two orphaned sisters discover they have the power to govern Hope…and Death.”
Genre: Fantasy
The Pit Stop
by Carmen DeSousa
“When what seems like a normal pit stop turns to more than just gas and food, a lost couple finds themselves searching for the truth of a twenty-year-old mystery that may cost them their life.”
Genre:Suspense and Thriller
Nobility
by Reb MacRath
“One Christmas Eve a broken man
confronts a brutal gang of thieves
with the help of a beauty who’s no angel–yet.”
Genre: Christmas thriller
Southern Scotch
by Reb MacRath
“Boogie Nights meets Have Gun Will Travel
when a poor Scot, mistaken for somebody else, is beaten nearly half to death…and
comes back gunning for revenge.”
Genre: Hardboiled Mystery
The Vanishing Magic of Snow
by Reb MacRath
“Starving and near-homeless,
Jay Penny turns to magic to beat the
Great Recession and Become Legendary.”
Genre: Christmas thriller
Lichgates (Grimoire Trilogy #1)
by S.M. Boyce
“Discover a beautiful world full of terrifying
things in this young adult paranormal
fantasy adventure. The final pages will
leave you breathless.”
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy
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