A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 12
February 27, 2025
Check out the Legacy of The Mask Series
Award-winning #historicalfantasy based on the #PhantomoftheOpera.
Echoes of a Song:
A dozen tumultuous years after the dramatic events at the Paris Opera House Raoul, Comte de Chagny is still haunted by the mysterious Opera Ghost – the creature of legend who held staff at the Opera House under his thrall, kidnapped Raoul’s lover and murdered his brother. In Raoul’s troubled imagination the ghosts of the past are everywhere, and strange and powerful music still calls in his dreams.
Madness, obsession and the legacy of the past weave their spell in this short, tragic tale based on the Phantom of the Opera.
Best fantasy 2019 on reviewer site NN Light Book Heaven!
Available on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and many other stores on the link below.
Universal Link https://books2read.com/Echoesofasong
Tears and Crimson Velvet
Madame Giry finds herself embroiled in the tragedy unfolding at the Opera house; mystery and murder stalk the corridors and, it is said, a ghost haunts the place. Giry knows the truth, for she recalls the caged man she met so many years ago. This is her story, their story.
When murder and mystery begin at the Opera House one woman knows who is behind it, and what really lies beneath the mask. Secrets, lies and tragedy sing a powerful song in this ‘might have been’ tale.
Winner of the 2020 Best Short Story award on NNLight Book Heaven
A short, tragic tale based on characters from Phantom of the Opera.
A Legacy of the Mask Tale.
https://books2read.com/TearsandCrimson
February 26, 2025
Check out my Author Promotional Services
Great value promotion for indie authors, editors, audio narrators and cover designers.
Author services are provided by A.L. Butcher – fantasy author.
Do you want an author or character interview? Check out what I offer here:
https://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/contact-inf/
What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?
When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook #Paranormal #Ghoststory
February 25, 2025
Bound Blog Tour and Giveaway #Dystopian #Vampire #ParanormalRomance
Blood binds them.
Danger surrounds them.
Love could destroy them.
Bound
The Elite SeriesBook 1
by Charley Black
Genre: DystopianVampire Paranormal Romance
Bound by blood, Marked byrebellion, Destined for a love that could save or destroythem.
A forbiddenbond. A crumbling city. A choice that could change everything.
Serenity
Becoming an Elite—a blood donor for the Vampyr—was never part of the plan. Butwith my family’s lives on the line, I had no choice but to step out of hidingand into a world I barely understand. My rare blood has made me a target, andnow, I’m bound to Kane—the ruthless, untouchable head of the Vampyr Council.
The rebels want to use me. My family depends on me. And Kane… he’s the only onewho can keep me alive—but trusting him? That might be the most dangerous gambleof all.
Kane
I never wanted an Elite. I certainly didn’t need one—especially not Serenity.She’s everything I’ve avoided: human, stubborn, and a complication I can’tafford. But from the moment I met her, she turned my world upside down.
Her blood sustains me, but it’s her spirit that leaves me hungry for more. Asrebellion threatens to tear the city apart, my focus should be on holdingeverything together—not on the one woman who’s become my greatest weakness.
She’s more than just a distraction. She’s a risk. One I shouldn’t take.
But I can’t let her go. And if I’m not careful, she might destroy me—or save usall.
In a worldwhere blood is currency and love is forbidden, Bound is aspellbinding tale of passion, betrayal, and a bond that could shatter a city—orbring it to its knees.
Fans ofdstopyian fantasy, forbidden romance, and slow-burn tension will devour Bound,the first book in The Elite Series.
Amazon* Apple * B&N* Google* Kobo * Books2Read * Bookbub* Goodreads
Charley Black isan up-and-coming writer and author who has been creating stories since she wastwelve years old. Her early short stories dabbled in different genres, but herpassion for romance novels — paranormal romance in particular — always shone through.Charley currently resides in Rhode Island, with her family and works at a localuniversity.
Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon* Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$30 Amazongiftcard (WW),
Signed Copy ofBound (US oonly)
– 1 winner each!
February 22, 2025
Meet the Kitchen Imps
Ever wondered where your socks go in the laundry, or why you can’t find your keys? The Kitchen Imps have the answer.
The Kitchen Imps and Other Dark Tales – six short tales of mayhem and mischief.
Winner of the 2018 best fantasy on NN Light Book Heaven.
Naughty imps, missing socks, cunning thieves and baffled gods feature in this collection of short fantasy fiction.
Universal Link https://books2read.com/KitchenImps
February 20, 2025
Barracuda Bay – Blog Tour And Giveaway #Mystery #Thriller #FemaleDetective
She’s the firstfemale police detective in Acapulco.
Barracuda Bay
Detective EmiliaCruz Book 9
by Carmen Amato
Genre: Mystery,Thriller, Female Detective
Politicalcorruption turns Acapulco’s first female police detective into a fugitive onthe run . . . in Washington DC.
“Athrilling series” — National Public RadioIn a derelict building for sale, Acapulco police detective Emilia Cruz stumbleson the body of a woman brutally shot to death. Incredibly, the victim was thesister of Acapulco’s ambitious mayor, who is running for re-election against anopponent with deep pockets.
Emilia’s investigation is immediately under pressure for a fast result. Thevictim’s ex-boyfriend has a suspiciously weak alibi but is the crime scene thekey to finding the murderer? The building was once used for a secret Mexicangovernment operation targeting a ruthless drug lord.
Meanwhile, there’s a conspiracy within the police department to force Emiliaout.
Before Emilia can save her job or arrest her prime suspect, she’s sent on anerrand of mercy to Washington, DC.
There she becomes a fugitive hunted by killers masquerading as cops. Alone,desperate and on the run, Emilia turns for help to a man she once vowed tomurder.
He’s her only chance to survive a deadly game of political intrigue on thewrong side of the border.
From Acapulco’s beaches to the streets of Washington, DC, the stakes couldn’tbe higher in this electrifying, page-turning thriller.
2019 and 2020 Poison Cup award, Outstanding Series – CrimeMasters ofAmerica
“Emilia is a character who is close to my heart” –MysterySequels
“Amato brings her characters to life with her vivid writing styleand sets them on the streets of a Mexico steeped in Catholicism andcorruption” – OnlineBookClub.org
With unflinching authenticity from the author’s own espionage and counterdrugexperience in Mexico and Central America, this is a female detective mysteryseries like no other.
The Emilia Cruz series is for fans of international mystery and crime by IanRankin, Jo Nesbo, Ann Cleeves, Donna Leon and Liza Marklund, plus theDepartment Q series by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Fans of Don Winslow’s cartel andborder thrillers set in Mexico love the plots torn from the headlines of theDetective Emilia Cruz police series set in Acapulco.
**Don’t missthe rest of the Detective Emilia Cruz Series!**
Find out more onthe Author’s Website!
A 30-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency,Carmen Amato writes the contemporary Detective Emilia Cruz series pitting thefirst female police detective in Acapulco against Mexico’s cartels, corruption,and social inequality. Beginning with Cliff Diver, it’s a 2-time winnerof the Outstanding Series award from CrimeMasters of America and a 4-timefinalist for the Silver Falchion award, lauded by Kirkus Reviews as “Danger andbetrayal never more than a few pages away.”
Carmen Amato is also the 2023 winner of the SilverFalchion Award for Best Historical for Murder at the Galliano Club,inspired by her grandfather’s experiences as a deputy sheriff duringProhibition. Her standalone thrillers include The Hidden Light of MexicoCity, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award.
Carmen is a recipient of both the National IntelligenceAward and the Career Intelligence Medal. She has been a judge for the BookLifePrize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award. Her work has appeared in Huffpost,Criminal Element, Publishers Weekly, and other national publications.
Originally from upstate New York, after years ofglobe-trotting she and her husband enjoy life in Tennessee.
Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for special content and agiveaway!
Enter to win a SwagPack with a signed copy of the book, a mini poster with a Frida Kahlo quote, aseasoning mix to make the recipe in the book and a Detective Emilia Cruz booktote! (US only),
OR
$15 Amazongiftcard (WW)
– 1 winner each!
February 18, 2025
Faeries Don’t Forgive Blog Tour #YAFantasy #Fantasy
When truths uncovered cannot be forgotten. Or forgiven.
Faeries Don’t Forgive
Heart of the WorldsBook 2
by TF Burke
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy
Returning to Nonderu,the underworld court, to rescue her dad should have been simple after themalevolent soul-sucking Boggleman fell to his presumable demise. They just needto find a way in. And get past the Mockmen trolls.
Instead, Aunia is attacked by a fanatical soldier cult that seeks to kill orcapture her. Plus, her unmanageable magic notifies deadly wererats of herlocation. It also hurls her into an evil sorceress’ study. If all this wasn’tenough, she’s fighting a different battle with Mathias, her pegasus-ridinglove. His insistence to keep her hidden is more infuriating than any of theirenemies. It leaves her determined to kick anyone who says first love is easy.
Worst of all are the truths she’s uncovering. Truths that can’t be forgotten.Or forgiven.
Faeries Don’t Lie
Heart of the WorldsBook 1
Can Two Worlds Survivean Augury?
Releasing a Chandarion’s god-like magic into the world isn’t whatsixteen-year-old Aunia, the village’s outcast, intends. She only wants toimpress Mathias, a visiting seventeen-year-old pegasus flyer, who fiercelybelieves the choice—either Faery or Mortal world surviving—has come.
Her action calls forth the Boggleman, a soul-sucking ghoul, who abducts herdad, eats her faery friends, and sets Dagel demons on her isolated village. Andworse.
The worlds of Ahnu-Endynia are full of faeries, pegasi flyers, myths, secrets,and themes of belonging, despite being misunderstood. And if you don’t watchcarefully . . . You might be pulled into the Betwixt. . . the space between theworlds.
**On Salefor Only .99cents!**
TF Burke currentlyworks with NYT David Farland’s Apex-Writers as an admin and marketingspecialist, where she schedules industry leaders for weekly multi-Zoom calls,provides content for social posts, and hosts several writer-focused Zooms.
Her published works includes hundreds of newspaper articles, blog posts acrossvarious platforms, anthologies, including MURDERBUGS, the second volume of theUnhelpful Encyclopediam a collection of short stories in WHIRL OF THE FAE, andthe first book of the Heart of the Worlds Series, FAERIES DON’T LIE.
When not writing or wearing other hats, she can be found with a sword and adagger in her hands for medieval-style fencing tournaments and melees,something she’s been doing since 2010.
Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for special contentand a giveaway!
Signed copies ofboth books + Swag! (US only),
$20 Amazongiftcard (WW)
-1 winner each!
February 17, 2025
What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?
When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook #Paranormal #Ghoststory
February 16, 2025
Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake
Excerpt (c) A. L. Butcher
Darkness oozed lazily in the remainder of the room, nosing into corners, under furniture, and behind Coel, unseen, part of it detached. “That was quite a performance, bard. You have some talent, and not just your music. Although your judgement is flawed, it’s never wise to steal from a thief,” the voice was smooth, like liquid velvet and very sure of itself.
Coel’s hand moved towards the dagger nestling in his belt; it would not be the first time he had been called on to defend himself, although that was how he had ended up in this mess he thought bitterly. Just one mistake, then another and now, it would seem, another.
“I do not know of what you speak! I am not a thief.” His brain caught up and he continued, “How did you get into my room? The door was locked. I’m not a bloody fool.” Coel could hear his own heart pounding. There was something about this man which frightened him. He felt like a mouse beneath the gaze of a cat. Perhaps the hangman’s noose would have been the better option.
The slate-grey cloak swirled around boots of ebony leather and the cowled figure chuckled. “That lock was barely a moment’s work. I must have a word with the owner of this place about his security. I have yet to find a door in Erana which will not yield to me. You may as well remove your hand from that blade, or would you bet your life you are swifter than the Thiefmaster? I doubt it, boy, I doubt it. Believe me when I say you would be dead before that knife left its scabbard. It would be a pity to waste such talent, would it not?”
Coel removed his hand from the dagger, his sense telling him that continuing to draw it would be a terminal decision. Instead, he placed his hand on the table and the voice breathed into his ear, Coel shivered, he had not heard the man move.
“I thought not. Sensible lad, if a lying one. This too can be a skill which can save your life, if it is used correctly and with assurance,” Darius, the Thiefmaster told him.
This menacing shape was right behind him, and Coel began to turn, opening his mouth to protest; he found a gloved hand on his jaw, firm but not unduly painful. “Curious are we not? This may sometimes serve you well. As for other occasions, it is wise to accept things as they are, this is one such occasion… Coel.”
The bard caught his breath, how did this man know his name? The sweat began to pool in his back, making his shirt stick unpleasantly to his skin. Had this man been hired to kill him? Had his mistake finally caught him up? Yet as Coel’s brain frantically grasped at any hope and his fingers tried to overrule his brain and reach for the dagger he realised the man had said he was a thief. A robbery, that was not so bad. It would not be the first time.
“This is not a merely social call; you are honoured for the Master of Thieves does not always test a potential recruit’s skills for himself.”
“I usually charge for my skills, music and other kinds if that is what you prefer. I can be flexible and my tastes are…varied. Perhaps just this once I might offer them for free. Take the coin and the trinkets, take it all.” Coel’s brain finally caught up with the conversation, “What do you mean potential recruit?”
Book details:
Coel, the bard, thinks his life has taken a turn for the worst, but he hasn’t met the Thiefmaster yet. An ill-conceived notion of earning more money to pay off his debt and escape a dark past leaves the minstrel in a situation he can’t escape and with a deadly bargain. Will he survive his mistake? Who is this mysterious patron?
Universal Link https://www.books2read.com/Justonemistake
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2pQADCj
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2orn0s9
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/696686
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2puZ4WL
Print Editions
Amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1546421726/
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546421726/
Indie Bound https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781546421726
Audio
Amazon audio http://amzn.to/2EwGxDq
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2EW2fOM
Audible.co.uk http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Tales-of-Erana-Audiobook/B071WXK5D3/
Audible.com https://www.audible.com/pd/Tales-of-Erana-Audiobook/B071JZGWQY
February 13, 2025
The Last Forest #Dystopian #Fantasy
When humans come to fell the Last Forest, they are in for a nasty surprise. A short dark #fantasy tale of the wrath of nature. #Dystopian #Shortfiction #shortstory #environmental #Audiobook #Ebook Universal Link https://books2read.com/TheLastForest
The whine of the chainsaws, and the rumble of iron machines cut through the growing sound from the forest. Death came on tracks of metal and wheels of rubber. The monkeys who commanded the machines waited, smoking and pointing towards the edges of the forest. “Where do we start?” one asked, eyeing the trees.
“Make your way to that big old one – the tallest. That will take out plenty when it falls. Look it’s three-quarters rotten anyway! Break the heart of the forest and tame it! That is how it’s done, lad.” The speaker pointed towards the Great Oak, satisfaction creased his face, and power gave his countenance a smirk. The monkey who walked on two feet was lord of the land and knew it well. He had brought death to flora and fauna of this land, and their sap and blood soaked the soil. And he ignored the cacophony of music around him.
“This is the last patch of woodland in the country, the only unspoiled wilderness left,” someone said, from the back. “Must we?”
“It’s coming down. It’s needed for houses – people are more important than trees. They are just plants.” The foreman glared at the speaker, as the wind began to blow around them. “It’s not the last, there’s that coppice over in Haydock, and the Amazon of course.”
“The Amazon went a decade ago, boss. And that place in Haydock was bulldozed last year.” The first speaker reminded him.
The boss shrugged. “Not my problem. We have our orders. Now get to it, there is no place for conscience or sentiment here.”
The machines snarled, they spat their poison breath and rumbled forward, inexorable, awful. Monsters of modernity, some had called them. Progress had been their name from others. All the trees understood was the choking stench and the inexorable roar of impending death. Trees are not complicated, but they are not stupid. The knowledge of the wood pulsed through every branch and root; the force of nature, the will of life to survive surged.
Crack! The sound of tons of wood uprooting drowned the roar of the engines. It was the sound of defiance. Earth showered from roots, and leaves swirled as the mighty trees moved. Nature stopped; from red fox, and blackbird to tiny grey mouse life paused – the cry of war flowed through the ground, squeaked from the lowliest and sung from above. ‘We come! We stand! We fight! Nature Rises!’
Birds swooped, squawking at the monkeys who walked on two feet. Beaks were sharp, and eyeballs soft. The brave robin and the humble thrush dived, their song the sound of battle as they flew towards danger. ‘Be gone! Be gone!’
The humans flapped their arms against the onslaught.
“Get away, filthy creatures!” one monkey yelled. “I hate birds!” His flapping arms knocked birds to the ground, and some rose up for another onslaught. Others lay broken but roused the song to inspire their comrades.
“What is this? Alfred Hitchcock been ‘ere?” The foreman cried, trying to bat away the crows, pecking at his face. Blood flowed, feathers flew, and the beat of the Primal Song changed again – the music surged as other creatures joined the fray. https://books2read.com/TheLastForest
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