A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 35
November 12, 2023
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
November 9, 2023
The Singularian Grimoire Anthologies – Blog Tour #Scifi #Dystopian
A machine who firmly believes he is human
A mercenary with a conscience
A society where the only good citizen is a dead citizen
No wonder humanity balances on the brink of extinction…
Event Horizon
Singularian Grimoire Anthology Vol 1
by Sandy Butchers
Genre: Illustrated Dystopian SciFi
PART OF THE 2022 NEBULA AWARD READING LIST
“Once, I may have walked the earth a man, but today I am no more than a machine.”
In a fallen world where Hunters and Hoarders fight over the last scraps of old-world technology, Sovren awakens in a cave with no memory of what happened the day of the cataclysm. Hunted down by what remains of humanity, he finds himself at the start of a war where humans, monsters, and computers fight for dominance.
In a world torn between becoming machines or becoming monsters, whose side are you on?
The Singularian Grimoire Anthologies are a complex tapestry of post-apocalyptic tales told across time. With over 150 illustrations and stories spread across 4 action-packed, dystopian books with a cyberpunk edge to them, these are not your average novels…these are adventures.
Darkness Rising
Singularian Grimoire Anthology Vol 2
PART OF THE 2022 NEBULA AWARDS READING LIST
New knowledge leads to old answers when Sovren discovers his existence is no longer a secret…
Following the events of Vol. 1 – Event Horizon, Sovren meets a mysterious woman who knows more about him than she should. Blinded by his yearning for answers about his past, he follows her cryptic clues to an old Sixsmith Facility. Amidst the ruins of an old H.E.L.A. module, Sovren finds what he is looking for… along with half an army ready to claim the bounty on his head.
The Singularian Grimoire Anthologies are a complex tapestry of post-apocalyptic tales told across time. With over 150 illustrations spread across 4 action-packed, dystopian books with a cyberpunk edge to them, these are not your average novels…these are adventures.
Drifting Shadows
Singularian Grimoire Anthology Vol 3
An assassin and a living weapon must join forces for the imminent war. Neither thought forging allies with the enemy included a deal with Death.
Following the Battle of the Bunker in Vol. 2 – Darkness Rising, Crow finds himself cut off from everyone and everything he thought could help him keep the Singularian out of Griswold’s hands. But while Crow finds himself worlds apart from what he set out to do, Sovren is forced to ally himself with the enemy to fulfill his purpose. Now, the unlikely alliance is all that prevents the Datcheries and Griswold from forging a new generation of hybrid monsters.
The Singularian Grimoire Anthologies are a complex tapestry of post-apocalyptic tales told across time. With over 150 illustrations and stories spread across 4 action-packed, dystopian books with a cyberpunk edge to them, these are not your average novels…these are adventures.
Cold Fusion
Singularian Grimoire Anthology Vol 4
Divided and ready to be conquered, Sovren and his allies find themselves facing their demons, ghosts, and worst nightmares.
Following the events of Vol. 3 – Drifting Shadows, Sovren finds himself drifting between data and reality. Here, an old protocol re-enters the core database of Sovren’s network, allowing the old H.E.L.A. module in the Sixsmith facility to finally fight back. But while Sovren and Hela forge a permanent connection to counter Griswold’s advances, Crow is presented a choice by Death: team up with the Prime Movers to help rid the world of evil or face the darkness.
In this thrilling finale of The Singularian Grimoire Anthologies, the last pieces to the puzzle are put in place to answer the eternal question… What is it that makes us human?
The Singularian Grimoire Anthologies are a complex tapestry of post-apocalyptic tales told across time. With over 150 illustrations and stories spread over these 4 action-packed, dystopian books with a cyberpunk edge to them, these are not your average novels…these are adventures.
Sandy Butchers is an author and an artist, known for her elaborate dystopian sci-fi worlds and creature designs. After living in Scandinavia for a year and traveling throughout the world, she now settled in the countryside along with a variety of pets and maps on which ‘X’ marks the spot.
With the launch of The Singularian Grimoire Anthologies, she’s set a new bar for illustrated science fiction, breaking the boundaries of interactive reading, art, and thrilling adventures. Today, she is represented by Global Lion MGT, with a multitude of novels and art pieces in the works.
For more information on her award-winning stories and work, go to: https://www.sandybutchers.com
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
5 Limited Edition signed mini art prints,
$20 Amazon giftcard
– 1 winner each!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Last Forest #Shortfantasy #Dystopian
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 #Audiobook #Ebook
https://books2read.com/TheLastForest
November 7, 2023
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
November 6, 2023
Nyms – English is a curious language
‘Nyms’
English is a curious, complex and crazy language. Not least of which are the -nyms.
You may use these in everyday language and not give a second thought, unless you’re like me – a wordsmith and amateur etymologist – and such curiosities intrigue you.
Many of us have heard the term ‘Synonym’ – but what does it mean?
Synonym
a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language, for example shut is a synonym of close.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synonym
Examples:
Shut/Close*
Far/Distant
Evil/Wicked/Bad/Malevolent
Push/Shove
Jump/Leap
Create/Make
Near/Close*
*See examples below as Close (as in near) and Close (as in close a door) are also Homonyms.
It’s likely you’ve used homonyms regularly but might not have been aware that’s what they were called.
What is a Homonym?
This is more complex – as there are several linguist concepts related to homonyms.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homonym
Homographs -words that share the same spelling – regardless of meaning.
Desert (arid region) and desert (to leave)
Bark(the covering on a tree) and bark (the sound a dog makes) * This is also a homonym (as it sounds the same)
Lime (the fruit) and lime (the chemical/material)
Rose (the flower) and rose (to travel upwards)
Tear (to rip) and tear (a drop of moisture from the eye)
Heterophones – words that share the same spelling but are pronounced differently.
Examples:
Bow (as in bow tie, or violin bow or the weapon) and bow (as in bow of a ship or take a bow) * These are also Heteronyms as they pronounced differently.
Row (as in row a boat or stand in a row) and row (as in argue with one’s spouse) *Also a Heteronym.
Homophones – words that sound the same – regardless of spelling.
Examples:
Threw (as in threw a ball)/through (to pass through something)
To (the place – go to somewhere)/Two (the number/amount)/Too (also – I want to come too)
Their (Possessive – Their house, their dog etc/There (location – there is the house, there is the dog)/They’re (contract of they are).
For (the ball is for Alex, the knife is for cutting) /Four (the number)/Fore (the front part/golfing term).
Wind (the wind is blowing today)/wind (to wind up a watch) or windy – it is windy today/this road winds around the village.
Antonym – Words with opposite meaning
Examples:
Add/Subtract
Happy/Sad
Open/Close
Lie/Truth
Contronym (also known as a Janus word) a word having two meanings that contradict one another (also contranym)
– Merrium Webster definition called also antagonym, autoantonym, Janus word
(Janus was the Roman god of doorways and portals – he was the chap with two faces).
Examples:
Aught – all or nothing,
Cleave – to separate and to join together,
Buckle – to fasten or secure and to bend/warp under pressure,
Dust (verb)– to sprinkle with fine particles (such as dust a cake), or to remove fine particles (to dust a shelf),
Overlook – to fail to see something, or to monitor or inspect,
Fine – excellent or just good enough,
Sanction – to approve or boycott.
For further examples – check here https://www.dailywritingtips.com/75-contronyms-words-with-contradictory-meanings/
Capitonyms
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitonym
Words that have the same spelling but different meanings if one is capitalised
Polish (from Poland)/polish (to shine something) and Pole (citizen of Poland)/pole (a long piece of wood or metal)
March (the month)/march (walk in step or border territory).
August (the month)/august (respected)
Turkey (the country)/turkey (the bird consumed at Christmas)
Scotch (from Scotland)/scotch (the drink or to scotch a rumour)
Frank (the name)/frank (honesty or to postmark a letter)
Slough (the place)/slough (to shed the skin)
Mass (the religious gathering)/mass (a large object/gathering)
75 Contronyms (Words with Contradictory Meanings)
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/10-verbs-contronyms/
Confused? I’m not surprised.
November 5, 2023
Meet My Characters – Protagonist and Antagonist – Saelth and Relana – Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse
Protagonist: Saelth
Antagonist: Relana
I am Saelth, warrior-king. Slayer of beasts and men. I came to Eadsham to slay the monster blighting the land, for all before me have failed. In return, I was promised riches, power and the hand of a beautiful princess. This part of the bargain I received, in abundance. Yet there was another bargain struck on a stormy night… a bargain struck with magic.
I am Relana, fae lady and witch, those titles will suffice for now. I go where I please, or at least I did then. The monster slain was my poor son, denied his birthright by his father. This mortal took my child from me and bargained away his soul. What a man will do when confronted by a beautiful woman, the chance of riches and reputation is great. Such a man thinks not with his head, but with his loins, and his greed. Such men are but my toys.
Saelth: You deceived me, fell-witch. You tricked me.
Relana: I did not. I merely did not present all the facts. I recall you were keen to acquiesce to my terms. Your seed in my belly for all the wealth and power you could hold. If you did not question the terms, or heed the warnings given then the fault is yours. You added terms to which I did not agree. Nowhere in our bargain did I say you would be free from me.
Saelth: You used magic against me.
Relana: I am a witch – where did you think all the jewels, the riches and the magnificent hall came from? The belly of the mountain in which you stood? He who bargains with witches beware.
Saelth: You are a monster, and mother of monsters.
Relana: (Laughs). Monsters come in many forms. Some are clad in ugliness and ignorance, while others reside in a hall filled with gold. Some take a life for revenge, others for a pretty face or a share of the spoils. Truth is rarely what it appears. Monsters can oft be clad in silk and furs, and honour bought and sold upon a kiss.
Synopsis
He who bargains with monsters beware! A hero forges an unholy bargain with a witch and learns magic never forgets.
#Mythic #tales in a land of forbidden magic.
A Tales of Erana dark #fantasy #novella.
#audio #ebook #paperback
Universal Link https://www.books2read.com/WarriorsCurse
November 2, 2023
Let it Snow – Audiobook Event -30 Nov – 2nd Dec #Giveaway #Audiobooks
� Let It Snow � Audiobook Event
https://www.facebook.com/events/821999746332037/
Join us for a chance to win #audiobook #prizes
Check out the prizes here:
https://uviart.blogspot.com/2023/10/join-amazing-audiobook-event-let-it-snow.html
I’m offering three of my short audiobooks
October 30, 2023
Release Blitz for Brazen – Carol Burnside
BRAZEN by @carol_burnside #westernromance #historicalromance #sensualromance #newrelease
Blurb
Because of a secret not hers to tell, spinster Rachel must marry quickly, and Angus is the first man who comes to mind. He’s a hard worker and strong. She’s seen him eyeing her and senses hunger in his gaze. Rachel goes to Angus, the local blacksmith, alone at night and asks him to marry her.
Although eager to accept her brazen offer, Angus is suspicious, thinking it’s some kind of prank and she’s been put up to this to embarrass him. After all, what would a lady like Rachel want with the likes of him? His work is hot and dirty, and his lineage doesn’t exactly have the pedigree ladies look for.
When he realizes she’s sincere, his heart won’t let him refuse her, but even the road to a quick, convenient marriage isn’t smooth. Angus keeps his feelings for Rachel hidden. After the ceremony, Rachel finds a distance she can’t bridge…until tragedy strikes.
Will they ever find the courage to declare their love, or will their stubborn need to protect their hearts prevail?
Shorter blurb:
Harboring a family secret, spinster Rachel seeks out Angus, the blacksmith, alone at night and requests he marry her. Despite suspicions regarding her motives, he’s lonely and admires Rachel. He agrees to a quick wedding, but the road to happiness is marred by more secrets. Then tragedy strikes. Will they find the courage to bridge the distance between them in time to save their marriage?
UBL: https://books2read.com/Brazen-MBN1
Excerpt
Angus had finished washing the last of his supper dishes when he heard a soft knock at his back door. Who the devil could that be?
He opened it cautiously, seeing the hem of a fancy lace-and-lemon dress in the slice of light from his doorway, quite similar to the one he’d seen Miss Dunn wearing tonight. Of course, it wouldn’t be her.
“Who’s there, Miss? Show yourself.”
“It’s Rachel Dunn, Mr. Brody.” Her voice held a slight tremor, but she made no move to obey him. “May I speak with you?”
His heart thumped faster upon hearing her soft reply. Rachel here? “And John? Is he with you?”
“I come unchaperoned with a matter of some importance.”
She risked her reputation to speak with him? “I see.”
But he didn’t see, couldn’t fathom why she would seek him out. The fact that he was this close to her, alone and having a conversation, stunned him.
“Might I gain entrance before someone happens along and sees me, Mr. Bro—”
“Angus. My name is Angus.” His breath hitched at the thought of hearing his given name pass her lips. Calling himself all kinds of a fool, he stood aside. Rachel rushed past him like a flash of sunshine, and he shut out the night.
Her gaze darted around the room much like a rabbit seeking the nearest escape route. Angus stifled a sigh and moved from between her and the door. His size frightened most women.
The oil lamp he’d placed on the bedside table threw a dim glow around the room. He turned up the wick, enough that he could see color had risen high in her cheeks.
“Oh, dear! This is your…”
“Uh, yes.” He grabbed the lamp and gestured to the doorway on the opposite wall. “The kitchen is through there. I’m sorry. This is a shotgun house. I built my room at the back, as far away from the heat of the smithy as I could get.”
And he was running off at the mouth. Not his finest hour.
She turned to him with a tight smile. “Not your fault I turned up unannounced at the back door.”
Damn, but she was a pretty thing with her large, upturned eyes and high cheekbones. Not a short bit of fluff that hit him mid-chest like most, but willowy. Sturdy and soft at the same time.
“Nice place you have here, Mr. Bro—” She pressed her lips together. He held his breath. “Angus.”
“Thank you.” He praised whatever had sent her to his door.
Author bio & web/social media links:
Carol Burnside is an award-winning author of “Sizzling romance with heart and humor.” Her personal second-chance-at-love story resulted in an enduring marriage to her high school sweetheart. They reside in the Texas hill country, where Carol enjoys visiting wildlife from her covered back porch. Like any true southerner, she drinks tea in some form year-round. Carol’s novel length manuscripts have placed in numerous contests and won several, including the prestigious Maggie Award for Excellence. She also writes as Annie Rayburn.
Amazon reviews say Carol’s books are:
“Highly captivating!” “intriguing and a wonderful read” “Emotional and heartwarming” “Engaging!” and “Great reading!”
Carol blogs on her website at www.CarolBurnside.com. Connect with her via Facebook / Newsletter / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest / Google+ / Threads / IG
October 29, 2023
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
October 28, 2023
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
