A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 24
July 8, 2024
Tribes – Blog Tour #Post-Apocalyptic #Dystopian, #Dark #Romantic #Suspense
A dark, gritty post-apocalyptic tale of love, loathing, &survival!
Tribes
by Mia Frances
Genre:Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian, Dark Romantic Suspense
A dark, gritty post-apocalyptic tale of love, loathing, &survival!
Alex, hersisters, and their kids are on their way to her camp in theAdirondack Mountains for the Columbus Day weekend when theunthinkable happens. A voice on the radio warns the country is underattack! Greeted by guns and bullets when they try to seek shelter,they’re forced to hide in a cave to wait out the fallout.
After two weeks intheir dank hole, Alex wakes up one morning to discover her sistersgone. They’ve taken the rented minibus and returned to the city tosearch for their husbands, leaving Alex to care for her 7 nieces andnephews. It’s an arduous 35-mile hike through the mountains to hercamp…a journey through hell!
Society isdevolving. The strong: looters, murderers, and rapists; preying onthe weak. The small hamlets and villages they pass through havebecome killing fields, as survivors battle each other for the fewremaining supplies. Above them, the skies are growing darker everyday, blocking out the sun. Temperatures are plummeting. Winter iscoming early.
Along the way, Alexrescues two starving orphans whose mother was murdered by marauders.In her struggle to keep the children alive, Alex stumbles on a hiddencache of food only to discover it’s guarded by a man who’ll haunt hernightmares. Half guardian angel, half demon. Both barbarian andbenefactor. A strange mixture of brutality and gentleness, crueltyand caring. A man named Wolf!
This bookcontains explicit, non-consensual sexual scenes, spankings, andelements of power exchange, which may offend or trigger some readers.If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book. For readersages 18+
**OnSale Now!!**
Mia Frances is the pen name of author Mary Vigliante Szydlowski. AsMia, she’s the author of the dark, gritty post-apocalyptic romance,TRIBES; steamy romantic suspense novel, Little Girl Lost; and theerotic romance, murder mystery series: IN HIS KEEPING: TAKEN, IN HISKEEPING: BANISHED, and IN HIS KEEPING: CLAIMED.
Her Science Fiction/Fantasy worksinclude novels: The Ark (Jarl Szydlow), The Colony (Mary Vigliante),The Land (Mary Vigliante), Source of Evil (Mary Vigliante), andnovella, The Hand of My Enemy. She’s also the author of horror novel,Worship the Night; and Dark Realm, the tale of a dystopian worldruled by Satan. In addition, she’s the author of mainstream novelSilent Song.
She’s also published 11 children’s book: There’s A Mouse In TheHouse, Are We There Yet?, Little Sowbug & the Big Flood,Ghoul School, Millie Muldoon & the Case of the HalloweenHaunting, Millie Muldoon & the Case of the ThanksgivingTurkey-napper, Millie Muldoon & the Christmas Mystery, A Puddlefor Poo, Kia’s Manatee, The Duck in the Hole, and I Can’t Talk I’veGot Farbles In My Mouth.
Her short stories, articles, children’s stories, essays, andpoems have appeared in books, magazines, newspapers, and on the web.She’s also a contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soulanthologies: The Dog Did What?, Volunteering and Giving Back, MerryChristmas!, Mom Knows Best, and Life Lessons from the Dog.
She’s a member of the Authors’ Guild, SCBWI (Society ofChildren’s Books Writers and Illustrators), SFWA (Science Fiction &Fantasy Writers of America), and RWA (Romance Writers of America).
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Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon
July 7, 2024
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
July 5, 2024
Throne of the Gods – Blog Tour #Fantasy #Blog Tour
TheGods may think they own the fire soldiers, but they have no idea ofthe inferno that’s coming.
Fire Soldier
Throne of Gods Book1
by J.A. Culican
Genre: Epic Fantasy,Paranormal Romance
TheGods may think they own the fire soldiers, but they have no idea ofthe inferno that’s coming.
I was born from Ares with thefire given to him from his one true love. Though the Gods imprisonedhim as punishment for loving a woman that wasn’t his, he forged akingdom from the flames and made his children his soldiers.
Now that Ares is gone, the Godswill stop at nothing to control the Kingdom of Fire and all whoinhabit it. But I was created to fight, so, in Ares name I’ll avengehis murder and reduce them all to ashes for what they have done to myfamily.
The only problem is, mybrethren don’t fully understand what’s at stake, so I’m on myown fighting a battle with a cursed trait no one knows about. WhenKarim, a half centaur/half siren and my sworn enemy since birth takesmy side as I stand up to the Gods, I’m torn, but without anyoneelse to help save the fire soldiers, I have to accept help from myage old rival, with secrets of his own.
I might not like it, but he’sthe only thing between my eternal servitude and scorching the earthwith the bones of the Gods that enslave us. We are coming for thethrones of the Gods, and I’m not going to let anything stand in myway. Between us, we’ll set the heavens ablaze and watch the ashesfall.
If you love Game of Thrones,Greek mythology and enemies to lovers romance that’s guaranteed tohave your heart set to slow burn, grab book one of this sizzlingfantasy series now.
Bonus anime character artincluded in all formats.
God Slayer
Throne of Gods Book2
The gods have reigned in wickedness for too long. My brethren andI will take their thrones—even if it means tearing everythingapart.
No one said that saving the world from the evilOlympians would be easy. Our losses are beyond number, and ourpeoples have been forced to endure unimaginable suffering. Every day,it becomes harder for the common folk to hold on, to envision abrighter future.
And to make matters worse, the evil godsshow no signs of backing down. The Olympians are converging on a newvacuum of power, and the stage has been set for a massive battle inthe fortified city of Caepernus—a battle that will take everythingwe’ve got. Will the walls of the city hold? Can we muster up themanpower to drive back the mighty armies of Olympus?
Truthis, we don’t have a choice but to succeed. If we fail, all will belost.
Even in the destruction and chaos, I’m finding moreand more to love and defend, though. Battle has a way of drawingpeople together, and close-knit friendships are budding even as weface these incredible odds. Strange as it may seem, in times of warlove may grow between former enemies…
Fans of Game ofThrones, Greek mythology and love against all odds are sure to devourGod Slayer! If you’ve been looking for an action-packed,enemies-to-lovers romance, you won’t want to miss this sizzlingtale!
Bonus anime character art in every format!
Cursed Warrior
Throneof Gods Book 3
The war is coming to a close. But who will prevail?
Mybrethren and I have given everything to destroy the rule of the oldgods, but the victory is not yet won. The remaining powers of Olympushave their sights set on us, and the clash we’re preparing for willshake the world to its very foundations.
And just whenthings couldn’t get any more dangerous, our efforts are interruptedby a vile betrayal.
The traitor in our midst threatens todestroy the powerful bond between me and my brethren, and to givescheming Apollo exactly what he needs to ruin us. More than that,this betrayal could lead to the death of the one I love most beforeour romance even has a chance to take root.
Dispirited andexhausted, we have no choice but to pull through, and to prepare forthe largest battle the world has ever seen. Snatching the thronesfrom the remaining Olympians will take us to the very limits of ourstrength, and it’s possible that we won’t make it out alive. Thereare no guarantees, even for a daughter of Ares…
If wedon’t do it, no one will. And if we can’t succeed, then no onecan.
Cursed Warrior is sure to thrill and delight readerslooking for a simmering enemies-to-friends romance. Fans of Game ofThrones and Greek myths won’t want to miss the pulse-pounding actionand mind-blowing twists of this third installment!
Bonusanime character art in every format!
Captured King
Throneof Gods Book 4
The war may be over, but the struggle has only just begun…
Withnumerous Olympians out of the picture, my brethren and I will have achance to pick up the pieces and enjoy our new positions,right?
Wrong. Dead wrong.
In theaftermath of a long and grueling campaign, the world is thrust oncemore into darkness. The peace and healing we’d all hoped for isthreatened by a dark presence from the past—one who will bring ourwar-weary world to the brink of conflict once again.
Andit gets worse. No one tells you what it’s like to wield real power,to occupy the throne of a major kingdom. To say that my friends and Iwill have to go through some growing pains and put our real desireson the back-burner is an understatement. Old wounds still needhealing and old treacheries continue to bring pain into thepresent.
We gave our all to bring hope to the people ofthe world, but holding onto our new thrones is going to prove moredifficult than gaining them ever was.
Fans of Game ofThrones and Greek mythology will love Captured King, the fourthinstallment in the exciting Throne of Gods series! If you’ve beenlooking for a slow-burning friends-to-enemies romance with a generoushelping of action, look no further!
Bonus animecharacter art available in all formats!
Eternal Kingdoms
Throneof Gods Book 5
Peace was almost in our grasp. Now, it couldn’t be further out ofreach…
A war-shattered world. The bonds of love andfriendship strained to the breaking point. A colossal evilthreatening to sow chaos.
When my brethren and I steppedup to build a new world and challenged the corrupt Olympians, wenever expected that filling their thrones would be easy. Being forcedfrom one struggle to the next and made to shoulder great tensions hasbeen more punishing than expected, though. Worse, it’s only drivensome of us apart.
Stresses run high and relationships havebecome choppy. The love I’d once pursued has been forced into thebackground as more profound challenges loom ahead. A fight unlikeanything we’ve ever seen is brewing—a clash that threatens todestroy everything we’ve worked so hard to accomplish.
So,what do we have left now that the end draws near? At this pivotalmoment, what can we rely upon?
As always, we only haveeach other. Friends new and old will have to assemble to meet thisthreat head-on.
The stakes have never been higher. If ourreign is to be eternal and the peaceful world we’ve dreamt of areality, then we have to come together and win.
EternalKingdoms marks the stunning finale of the Throne of Gods series! Fansof Greek myths and Game of Thrones will find nail-biting twists,ample action and a riveting slow-burn romance in its pages!
Animecharacter art included in every format!
Hades Oath
Throneof Gods Prequel
Theking of the underworld has been taken by surprise.
Since time immemorial, thegods of Olympus have ruled. Now, a mysterious challenger emerges,seeking their thrones…
Ares, god of war and ruler ofthe powerful Fire Kingdom, discovers a threat to his empire. Arisingfrom obscurity, a maverick king of the eastern territories haslaunched an attack in the valley of Hades. This enigmatic king,Sisyphus, wields a mythical blade and begins to set his sights onother Olympian strongholds, with plans to unite them all under hisrule.
When his requests for help fallon deaf ears, the god of war takes matters into his own hands.
Eager to stamp out Sisyphus’ambitions, Ares puts together a strike force, comprised of his mostpromising Fire Kingdom warriors. Among them is Xira, a talented youngrecruit and descendant of Ares. Relatively inexperienced, will thefiery young warrior prove herself, or will she fail the god of war inhis hour of need?
This pulse-pounding prequelnovella sets the stage for the Throne of Gods series. Fans of Greekmythology and blistering fantasy action won’t want to miss it!
**Check out the companion Coloring Book!**
Throne of Gods Series:
TheOfficial Coloring Book
Dive into the captivating world of the “Throne of Gods”series with this companion coloring book! Spanning all six books,this collection brings to life the epic journey of Xira, a warriorforged from fire and destined to challenge the gods. Relive theadventures, battles, and romances from the series while adding yourown touch of color to the intricately designed illustrations.
Perfect for fans of Game ofThrones and Greek mythology, this coloring book offers a new way toexperience the saga where forbidden love, vengeance, and powercollide. From fiery battles against the Olympians to heartwarmingmoments of camaraderie, every page invites you to unleash yourcreativity.
Included Titles:
1.Fire Soldier2.God Slayer
3.Cursed Warrior
4.Captured King
5.Eternal Kingdoms
6.Hades Oath (Prequel)
Whether you’re a seasonedreader or new to the world of “Throne of Gods,” thiscoloring book is a must-have addition to your collection. Grab yourfavorite coloring tools and embark on a mythical adventure where youcontrol the hues of heroism and divinity.
J.A. Culican is a USA Today Bestselling author of the middle gradefantasy series Keeper of Dragons. Her first novel in the fictionalseries catapulted a trajectory of titles and awards, including topselling author on the USA Today bestsellers list and Amazon, and arightfully earned spot as an international best seller. Additionalaccolades include Best Fantasy Book of 2016, Runner-up in RealityBites Book Awards, and 1st place for Best Coming of Age Book from theIndie book Awards.
J.A. Culican holds a Master’sdegree in Special Education from Niagara University, in which she hasbeen teaching special education for over 13 years. She is also thepresident of the autism awareness non-profit Puzzle Peace United.J.A. Culican resides in Southern New Jersey with her husband and fouryoung children.
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$20 Amazon
July 2, 2024
The Strife Of Camlann – Blog Tour and Guest Post #HistoricalFantasy #HistoricalFiction
Fifteen Hundred Years Have Turned History Into Legend
The Strife of Camlann
The Arthurian AgeBook 2
by Sean Poage
Genre:Arthurian Historical Fiction Adventure
FifteenHundred Years Have Turned History Into LegendArthur’sMen have returned to Britain to keep the peace between fractiousallies. Gawain wants only to raise his family and forget the war, yethe carries a heavy burden: an oath to maintain a terrible lie.
Butis it a lie?
Loomingconflicts threaten more than any border or throne. The course ofhistory, the future of the Britons, will be decided at Camlann.
Thesecond book in TheArthurian Age series, TheStrife of Camlann continuesthe story of King Arthur and his warriors. Returning from the war inGaul, the Artoriani try to uphold Arthur’s goals and interests inBritain, as news of Arthur’s continuing triumphs across the sea cometo Britain ceaselessly. But storms loom as internal divisions withinBritain’s alliance of kingdoms are a greater threat than any externalfoe.
Meticulouslyresearched, this story blends history and legend with just enoughimagination to tie it all together into a story of Arthur and Britainin the time period between the Roman occupation and the rise of theEnglish.
**July’sFeautured Title with Perseid Press! Get it On Sale for Only $2.99!**
**Don’t miss Book 1!**
TheRetreat to Avalon
TheArthurian Age Book 1
Findit on Amazon
SeanPoage, has had an exciting and varied life, as a laborer, salesman,soldier, police officer, investigator, SWAT member, computer geek andauthor. A history buff his entire life, he is most drawn to the erasof the ancient Greeks and Dark Ages Britain. Travelling the world tosee history up close is his passion.
These days he works in the techworld, writes when he can, and spends the rest of the time with hisfamily, which usually means chores and home improvement projects,with occasional time for a motorcycle ride, scuba dive, or a hike inthe beautiful Maine outdoors.
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Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Choiceof Print or ebook copy of The Strife of Camlann,
$10 Amazon giftcard
– 1 winner each!
Guest Post with Sean Poage
• What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
Just ten? Well… J.R.R. Tolkien and all his works, of course; The Thieves World anthology series, especially the stories by Janet Morris, and her related Sacred Band series; Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series; Armor by John Steakley; The Anabasis by Xenophon; Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey; Neuromancer by William Gibson; Gates of Fire and others by Steven Pressfield; the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown.
• Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Most are found in history and legend, so I don’t feel I can really take credit for them. I just hope I can portray them well.
• What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
Exhaustive! I’ve gone so far as look up the phase of the moon on a certain day in the year 470. I pester my academic friends, especially a brilliant archeologist named Keith Fitzpatrick-Matthews, for everything from Dark Age Latin and Celtic words, to obscure records, to ensure I portray the cultures and mores correctly.
• Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I read a lot. I can’t choose one genre as my favorite. Fantasy, science fiction and historical fiction are my favorites. Perhaps historical fiction the most. When I find a story that can transport me back in time, it is really exciting.
• If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
The Bible. Can you imagine the royalties?
• Tell us about a favorite character from a book.
Critias, a commander in a mercenary band known as the Stepsons, from Janet Morris. Part soldier, part spymaster. He has to watch his best friend and right-side partner spiral under a witch’s attention, while trying to hold the band together and accomplish his orders in a world that is turning upside down.
• What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?
I love to read and experience other worlds, times and stories. As a writer, I get to experience those things as I create them. I absolutely love it.
• Do you have any advice to offer for new authors?
Read. Read widely. Read constantly. Read the classics, as well as newer books. Pay attention to how good writers do certain things, like dialogue, or plot reveals. I don’t think it’s possible to be a good writer unless you’re a good reader.
• Describe your writing style.
It’s evolving. I tend towards a more straight-forward style than purple prose. I like to use dialogue to bring out details in a story, and I tend towards characters who are more every-day people who exhibit greatness when needed, because I’ve found that people are capable of far more than they often realize.
• What makes a good story?
For me, I’m turned off by writing that feels like an effort to showcase the author’s talent for similes and metaphors rather than telling a story about the characters and events. I like characters with flaws and strengths, and a plot that isn’t easy to predict.
• If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Nothing. Everything happens when it’s supposed to happen.
June 28, 2024
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
June 23, 2024
Check out the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles for a sizzling sorcery adventure
Looking for an audiobook or awesome read? Check out The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I
In a dark world where magic is illegal, and elves are enslaved a young elven sorceress runs for her life from the house of her evil Keeper. Pursued by his men and the corrupt Order of Witch-Hunters she must find sanctuary. As the slavers roll across the lands stealing elves from what remains of their ancestral home the Witch-Hunters turn a blind eye to the tragedy and a story of power, love and a terrible revenge unfolds.
18 rated (for adult content).
Available Amazon, Audible, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Google Play, Scribd, Angus and Robertson, and more on the link below – hardback, paperback, ebook and large print editions.
#Fantasy or #FantasyRomance #Darkfantasy #Sexnsorcery Universal Link
https://www.books2read.com/Lightbeyondstorm1
June 22, 2024
Excerpt – Beyond the Shattered Mirror – Poetry
(c) A. L. Butcher
Round and round go I,
Caught in the management-fueled whirlpool.
Back and forth go I,
Old ground, new ground, same ground.
Round and round go we,
Circles ever decreasing, tighter and tighter.
Back and forth go we,
Here and there, back again.
Round and round go you,
Trapped, and tripped, and troubled.
Back and forth go you,
Hither, thither, everywhere.
Round and round go I,
Questions seldom answered, answers never sane.
Back and forth go I,
Day after day, life after life.
∽※∽
A short collection of dark poetry about the horrors of war, political folly, nature, the vagaries of life and twisted introspection. https://books2read.com/BeyondShatteredMirror #IARTG #ASMSG #DarkPoetry
June 19, 2024
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
June 12, 2024
Stone of Fear – Blog Tour #Paranormal #Romance
She’dgive everything to keep his love. He’d chase her through time tosave her soul.
Stoneof Fear
Stonesof Iona Book 2
byMargaret Izard
Genre:Time Travel, Paranormal Romance
She’dgive everything to keep his love. He’d chase her through time tosave her soul.
MarieMurray, a spunky expert on spiritual buildings, jumps at theopportunity to renovate the chapel mosaic floor at DunstaffnageCastle, where she falls hard for the dashing John MacArthur. Fromtheir first kiss, sparks fly.
Believing her religiousrenovation creates magic, a fanatical priest kidnaps Marie. Obsessedwith obtaining a powerful magic Stone of Iona, he drags her to15th-century Scotland.
With his love kidnapped, John musttackle his hereditary duty and locate a magic Fae stone while chasinghis love across time. Her memories of their passion keep her sane.His fuel his will to find her.
Will John get to Marie intime to save her soul?
Whatreaders are saying:
AuthorMargaret Izard has done it again! With a prevalent theme of trueeternal love that spans centuries, she will take you on abreathtaking adventure in Stone of Fear.
-RonélSteyn 5-Stars Reader’s Favorite
Theworld-building, setting, characterization, plot progression, andemotional narration blend to create a sweeping time travel romance.Every nuance is described so the reader feels like they are a part ofthe story. Breathtaking.
–N.N. Light 5 + Star Review!
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Stoneof Love
Stonesof Iona Book 1
Againstall odds, is true love strong enough to save a human soul?
Afterleaving her abusive ex, American scholar Brielle DeVolt embarks on acareer-changing opportunity, the renovation of Laird ColinMacDougall’s Chapel ruin. The attractive, broad-shouldered Lairdleaves her weak-kneed, but can she trust herself to loveagain?
Dusted in construction dirt, the curvy beauty inhis study captivates Colin. As Brielle steps to the window, herbrunette tresses halo in the sunlight, and he sees her as his dreamsoul mate. When he learns his hereditary duty is safeguarding magicFae stones, all he wants is to protect Brielle from the evil forcesof the Fae.
Traveling to the past to assume hisforefather’s identity and find a missing magic stone is challengingenough. When Brielle appears, an undeniable attraction to hisancestor ignites, causing her confused passion. Faced with fightingan evil Fae to save the realms, Colin must choose between saving thestone or saving his love.
Whatreaders are saying:
It’sa mesmerizing dance of passion and mystery, making it a must-read foranyone who craves a love story with a touch of enchantment. LiteraryTitan, 5 Stars, Gold Award Winner
Theimmersive narration is sweeping and filled with emotion. Outlanderreaders will clamor for more of Margaret’s books. N.N.Light 5++Stars
Amazon* B&N* Bookbub* Goodreads
MargaretIzard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormalromance novels. She spent her early years through college toadulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over theyears, she developed a love for great storytelling in differentmediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken,or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels inmiddle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, andfantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes andalways falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives inHouston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hearfrom readers.
Watchout for the June 12th – 16th Facebook ReleaseParty!
Stopby for some giveaways and fun on Facebook!
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Followthe tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Stoneof Fear Swag Pack (US only),
$20Amazon giftcard (WW)
–1 winner each!
June 10, 2024
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
