Austin Dragon's Blog, page 4
June 28, 2020
Fabled Quest Chronicles Book 5 Online Poll
Fabled Quest Chronicles Book 5 is Done!
I finished the second to last book of the Fabled Quest Chronicles series yesterday! Nice and long, but not too long at 105,000 words. However, it ends on such a wicked cliff-hanger (actually more than one) I’m wondering if I should finish Book 6 and release both together.
The epic fantasy Siren Storms of Madness, Book 5 is definitely has a bit more sci-fi in it than the other books in the series much like the prequel, Quest Master. We know his shape-shifting dog is from another world and we’ve already gotten hints about his magic sword. We also can’t forget that the star and celestial elves of the magical lands have been venturing beyond Pan-Earth for centuries.
For those of you who love all those mythological beasts and evil creatures that you never see in other epic fantasy, the glossary of the Fabled Quest Chronicles continues to expand. When Book Six is out, I may publish a separate A to Z glossary companion as a reference for all the books.
And I have one word for you: spider centaur!
Take My Online Poll Below
Anonymous VoteSign in with WordpressOnline PollRelease Book 5 as quick as you can. I’m okay knowing that there will be a cliff-hanger at end.No way, I don’t handle cliff-hangers well. Release Book 5 and 6 together. I’ll wait.72 votesVote
The post Fabled Quest Chronicles Book 5 Online Poll appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
May 31, 2020
Give the Author An Assignment 2020
In 2015, I had two series–my original After Eden Series (see the new covers HERE with a picture of the old ones at the bottom) and the Sleepy Hollow Horrors–and was working on a brand-new series named Liquid Cool.
But then I asked my readers and fans in my VIP Readers’ Club for suggestions and to vote on what genre they’d like to see me write. Epic fantasy was at the top of the list. The first of my Fabled Quest Chronicles was published in 2017, with the first three books all in one year.
So, I’ll ask again as we head into the summer of 2020. Is there a genre or sub-genre you’d like to see me write, whether as a series or a stand-alone novel?
Write Your Suggestions Below
The post Give the Author An Assignment 2020 appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
May 14, 2020
Don’t We Sci-Fi Writers Have an Obligation to Say Something About This New “Orwellian” World?
When I joined the US Army, there was still a Soviet Union. I remember the “good feelings” a segment of American society had towards the Soviet Union then, even going so far as to say the Communist state was a better and more noble nation than America. I said to myself: “Why would any rational person want to champion regimes that have killed ten times more people than the Nazis?”
Science fiction writers have used stories of parallel universes or alternative histories for social commentary and dramatic effect for ages. One of my favorites was Fatherland, a 1992 novel where Hitler and the Nazis won World War II. Its predecessor of the same theme was Philip K. Dick’s, The Man in the High Castle, 1963, which took it further with an occupied America divided between Nazi Germany and the Imperial Japanese.
From Wikipedia:
Fatherland is a 1992 alternative history detective novel by English writer and journalist Robert Harris. Set in a universe in which Nazi Germany won World War II, the story's lead protagonist is an officer of the Kripo, the criminal police, who is investigating the murder of a Nazi government official who participated at the Wannsee Conference. A plot is thus discovered to eliminate all of those who attended the conference to help the improvement of Germany's relations with the United States.
The novel inverts some of the conventions of the detective novel. It begins with a murder and diligent police detective investigating and eventually solving it. However, since the murderer is highly placed in a tyrannical regime, solving the mystery does not result in the detective pursuing and arresting the murderer. The contrary occurs in the novel: the murderer pursuing and arresting the detective.
The Man in the High Castle is an alternate history novel by American writer Philip K. Dick. Published and set in 1962, the novel takes place fifteen years after a different end to World War II, and depicts intrigues between the victorious Axis Powers—primarily, Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany—as they rule over the former United States, as well as daily life under totalitarian rule.
The Man in the High Castle won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1963. Reported inspirations include Ward Moore's alternate Civil War history, Bring the Jubilee (1953), classic World War II histories, and the I Ching (referred to in the novel). There is a “novel within the novel”, an alternate history within the alternate history where the Allies defeat the Axis (though in a manner distinct from the real-life events of the war).
In 2015, the book was adapted as a multi-season TV series, with Dick's daughter, Isa Dick Hackett, as a producer.
Consider the following of an alternate America:
Jews arrested at synagogues.
Christians arrested at churches and police taking down license plates of those going to a drive-thru church.
A sole paddleboarder being swarmed by Coast Guard and cited for being outside.
A woman arrested for being at the park with her kids.
Communist Chinese-made talking drones being used by police to monitor residents.
Police telling citizens their “rights have been suspended.”
Well, you already get the punchline. This is not America in a parallel universe or alternate reality. This is 2020 America in real life, today, as of March 2020. The stuff of Orwellian dystopian sci-fi has become reality before our very eyes. Is any of this okay with you?
“Free” America, the country of my birth, the nation I served in the military to protect, and all of Western Europe (except for Sweden because they actually respect and trust their people) decided to follow the draconian containment policies of Communist China. We followed the Chinese-style containment policies of a dictatorship where people have no rights and can be imprisoned or killed at will rather than Sweden-style measures of a free society recognizing the seriousness of the disease but where people don’t lose their civil liberties, livelihoods, and businesses in total.
This is what our health “experts” told us: We had to do this. We had no choice. We had to shut down the economy to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. “Yes, yes, 30 million Americans are out of work and 94% of the nation’s 300 million are under de-facto house arrest, but we had no choice,” they said.
I violently disagreed, said so at the time, kept a diary to track the mortality numbers in America and abroad, and wrote an article too. “There would be 100,000 to 240,000 Americans dead in two weeks.” That was what we were told. How many did die in those two weeks? 31,608.
Even one death from this virus is too much. However, that does not mean we deliberately destroy our entire nation of 330 million Americans. The coronavirus is far more contagious than the seasonal influenza flu, but the mortality rate is basically the same.
I loathe hysteria and hate the political and media elite scaring people. Fear is what bad people use to control populations. That’s true in a sci-fi novel or in real life.
Here’s more context. The number of people who died in one year in America.
1.25 million from car crashes – 3,287 per day
606,000 died from cancer
88,000 died from alcoholism
83,000 died from diabetes
67,000 died from drug overdoses
50,000 died from suicide
12,000 and 61,000 deaths from the annual flu
To be clear, my commentary (and anger) is completely apolitical. I don’t care about political party or ideology here. What I do care about is elected officials in America behaving like dictators and the media spewing forth a steady diet of fear when the science says we’re going in the right direction. “Science” meaning what we know rather than hypothetical projections based on nothing.
By late March, we knew the models used by the experts were grossly inaccurate and became clearer each day as the real numbers came in. Yet, political leaders continue to speak about infinite shutdowns rather than admit they wrongly and horribly destroyed the economy.
At the writing of this article, 80,846 have died from the COVID-19 virus. Do you know that numbers are intentionally being inflated? Someone dying with COVID-19 is not the same as dying from COVID-19. Why are these “games” being played? Health is supposed to be about facts, not political agendas or hysteria.
People are being shuddered in their homes who have little risk of getting the virus and if they do will only mild or no symptoms. But it is our vulnerable populations who make up the majority of deaths—especially nursing homes and long-term care facilities. In New York, the epicenter of virus deaths in America, the governor signed an executive order requiring these facilities to admit COVID-19 positive patients! These facilities did not have the necessary protective equipment. Results: nearly 5,000 patients dead! These were preventable deaths!
In America, healthy people are being economically destroyed, while our vulnerable populations are not being adequately protected, and those on the margins are being so frightened by the media they won’t even go to the hospital or see their doctor. When the dust settles, we will be a weaker America, but the government will be just fine and have even more power and control over our lives.
All of this seems eerily similar to my very first sci-fi book and series which my inner creative mind forced me to type after not writing a word of fiction in nearly 15 years. Jews and Christians persecuted–oh yes, atheists too because they're a “religion,” surveillance drones everywhere, dictatorial governments, the merging of Big Government and Big Tech. I wrote the book back in 2012 and published in 2013.
I won't go into how I knew right from the beginning that the apocalyptic projections of death were so false as to be criminal, other than to say it was simple logical reasoning, which is what our leaders are supposed to do. Also, I'm not arguing and never argued to do nothing. But it's not an either-or proposition. We can do both–protect our vulnerable populations and allow our economy to live with people able to work and run their businesses following COVID-19 health recommendations.
In one of my latest Liquid Cool novels from last year–BioPunk Blues, Liquid Cool #7, who are the villains? The World Health Organization. What I’m asking is does this new “reality” that we’ve been thrown into without our consent or input, using the COVID-19 as a justification (or an excuse), seem disturbingly and terribly wrong to you? Do you also feel we are now on a wrong cosmic path which will have dire future consequences for this country? My subconscious mind obviously perceived we were already on this bad path when I wrote my first After Eden novel seven years ago and all of this just brought it all into the light for all to see.
What do you think? Are you as disturbed by this “new reality”?
Write your comments below
The post Don’t We Sci-Fi Writers Have an Obligation to Say Something About This New “Orwellian” World? appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
May 4, 2020
New Release! The Forest of Ancients
LATEST RELEASE: May 4th, 2020
Do Not Anger the Great Forest!
The Fabled Quest Chronicles continues in Book Four of the epic fantasy adventure series—filled with heroes, villains, monsters, and magic.
Their departure from the Lands of Man for the magic lands is a distant memory. Titan’s Caravan survived the war wizards of Xenhelm and have marched past Faë-Land itself–the lands of fairies, sprites, elves, centaurs, and goblins. But now they leave all human and fae civilization behind to continue their quest along Titan’s Trail.
But what monsters and magic await in the Great Forest? Giant beasts and mythical creatures—either beautiful or evil, either harmless or horrific.
The lead giant, Grakdar, scoffed. “… no animal that large is friendly when the tallest among us is only eleven feet tall. We giants do not call this the Great Forest. We feel that name lulls one into a reckless and foolhardy sense of admiration. It is the Giant Forest and there is no pattern to the size of animals within it. You may encounter a fifteen-foot squirrel and then a swarm of twenty-foot fire ants or a thirty-foot snake.”
Traveler leads their Titan’s Caravan onward. They do so not only under the shadow of the evil Four Kings of Xenhelm and the Forest’s own magical and frightful “wildlife” but a mystery that has confounded elves and fae for centuries.
The fabled kingdom of Atlantea draws nearer—or does it?
THE FOREST OF ANCIENTS is Book Four of the epic fantasy adventure Fabled Quest Chronicles!
GRAB YOUR COPY ON SALE TODAY!
BUY NOW FOR ONLY 1.99
The post New Release! The Forest of Ancients appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
April 15, 2020
Cover Reveal: The Forest of Ancients (Fabled Quest Chronicles, Book 4)
Finally, its almost here! The release of the fourth Fabled Quest Chronicles novel–The Forest of Ancients, will be on May 4th.
Titan's Caravan has now reached the Great Forest, the immense region of magic lands far more vast than the Lands of Man and Fae-Land combined. It is a region where “you may encounter a fifteen-foot squirrel and then a swarm of twenty-foot fire ants or a thirty-foot snake.” But unfortunately, there are many of things in the Great Forest than giant animals–including, possibly, the Four Kings.
Join Traveler and company on the most dangerous leg of their quest so far. Above all, they must heed the ancient warnings. Do not anger the Great Forest. PRE-ORDER BOOK FOUR TODAY!
From Book Description Page
Do Not Anger the Great Forest!
The Fabled Quest Chronicles continues in Book Four of the epic fantasy adventure series—filled with heroes, villains, monsters and magic.
Their departure from the Lands of Man for the magic lands is a distant memory. Titan’s Caravan survived the war wizards of Xenhelm and have marched past Faë-Land itself–the lands of fairies, sprites, elves, centaurs, and goblins. But now they leave all human and fae civilization behind to continue their quest along Titan’s Trail.
But what monsters and magic await in the Great Forest? Giant beasts and mythical creatures—either beautiful or evil, either harmless or horrific.
Traveler leads their Titan’s Caravan onward. They do so not only under the shadow of the evil Four Kings of Xenhelm and the Forest’s own magical and frightful “wildlife” but a mystery that has confounded elves and fae for centuries.
The fabled kingdom of Atlantea draws nearer—or does it?
What do you think of the cover to Book Four?
Write your comments below
The post Cover Reveal: The Forest of Ancients (Fabled Quest Chronicles, Book 4) appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
April 1, 2020
New Release! Quest Master
The prequel to my epic fantasy adventure series, The Fabled Quest Chronicles, Quest Master launches today on April 2nd, 2020!
For those already a fan of the series with the first three books, this will be a treat as it follows the mysterious Traveler from a boy of nine years old to before we meet him in Book One of the series, Through Titan's Trail.
Book's Description:
The Fabled Quest from the lands of humans through the magical lands of fae and mythical creatures to the ultimate destination—the legendary kingdom of Atlantea!
The path is called Titan’s Trail, created by a long-gone ancient super giant himself. Many will risk all, even death, for the magical adventure and the reward of ultimate treasure.
A boy arrives in one of the last villages before the Trail. Men arrive from the far reaches of the Seven Empires to northern Avalonia—the sole gateway into the magical lands for the year or more long journey.
A quest of unimaginable dangers, both mortal and magical, of men and monsters, by day and night.
The epic fantasy adventure of the Fabled Quest Chronicles. The most fantastic and deadliest adventure of all time. The story of how a human boy would become the caravan master called Traveler, with his magical sword and shape-shifting companion.
Read how it all began!
Quest Master, the Boy Who Would Be (A Prequel to the Fabled Quest Chronicles)
BUY NOW FOR ONLY 99C
The post New Release! Quest Master appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
March 14, 2020
Cover Reveal: Prequel to the Fabled Quest Chronicles!
The release of the fourth Fabled Quest Chronicles novel–The Forest of Ancients, should be released on time at the end of this month, but there is a delay for the book cover because my artist lives in Rome, Italy. (Don’t worry, he’s fine.)
Therefore, I’m switching things around a bit as far as the release schedule. One of the surprises for year is that I’ve also completed the Prequel to my epic fantasy series—Quest Master! This prequel is not the novella I originally intended; there was so much to cover. It’s full novel length.
From Book Description Page
A boy arrives in one of the last villages before the Trail. Men arrive from the far reaches of the Seven Empires to northern Avalonia—the sole gateway into the magical lands for the year or more long journey.
A quest of unimaginable dangers, both mortal and magical, of men and monsters, by day and night.
The epic fantasy adventure of the Fabled Quest Chronicles. The most fantastic and deadliest adventure of all time. The story of how a human boy would become the caravan master called Traveler, with his magical sword and shape-shifting companion.
Read how it all begins!
What do you think of the cover and the upcoming prequel?
Write your comments below
The post Cover Reveal: Prequel to the Fabled Quest Chronicles! appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
March 2, 2020
Milestone: The Fabled Quest Chronicles
The Latest Fabled Quest Chronicles novel is done!
I finished the fourth Fabled Quest Chronicles novel—The Forest of Ancients! My goal was for 100,000 words or about 400 pages; I did know the latest novel would be longer than the previous three. Well, it’s 125,000 words–closer to 500 pages–which will make the fans happy. Now, The Forest of Ancients (Fabled Quest Chronicles, Book Four) is in the hands of my editors and proofreaders, so not much longer to wait. I’ll soon announce the official release date and presales.
Novels to date in the Fabled Quest Chronicles series:
Through Titan’s Trail (Book One)
In the Shadow of the Kings (Book Two)
Comes the War Wizards’ Wrath (Book Three)
Another fan favorite of the series–the creatures! What new creatures or fae races will be in this novel?
Here are some (without giving away any major spoilers)
Nemean Lion – a monstrous giant lion with golden fur impervious to attack of any mortal weapon.
Elefantagriff – giant hybrid beast of griffins and elephants. Gray skin and feathers, tusks growing from either side of their beaks, elephant ears, and elephant feet-like talons.
Redcaps – race of murderous goblins with talons for hands and known for soaking their caps in the blood of their victims.
Morgens – evil water nymphs that drown men by luring them to their death with their hypnotic sylphic beauty.
Sparti – mythical armed skeletonoid men that grow from magical teeth, seeds, or blood.
Lindworm – wingless serpentine creature with two clawed arms in the upper body.
Wraith – a ghostlike image of someone, especially seen shortly before or after their death.
Anzu – a giant lion-headed bird.
Which one are you most intrigued by?
Write your comments below
The post Milestone: The Fabled Quest Chronicles appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
February 8, 2020
Name Reveal: Fabled Quest Chronicles 2020
Name Reveal & Progress Report
To kick off my writing madness for 2020, will be the new release of my epic fantasy Fabled Quest Chronicles series. For those of you eagerly waiting, the next novel of the six-book collection (hexalogy) is almost here: The Forest of Ancients!
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The Forest of Ancients
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The Fabled Quest Chronicles (Book 4)
71% Complete
71,000 of 100,000 words
Upcoming
As many of you know, I'm not into writing those 1,000 page plus times. Book One (Through Titan’s Trail) is 292 pages, Book Two (In the Shadow of the Kings) is 352, and Book Three (Comes the War Wizards’ Wrath) is 365. Just as I suspected, Book Four will be even longer, over 400 pages. I had reached 200 pages at chapter 6; the book has 20 chapters!
The good news is I'm writing the next books in the series back to back so I'll be releasing a new novel each month. The Fabled Quest Chronicles Series Page if HERE.
In my next email I’ll give you the full synopsis, but for those closely following the story: Titan’s Caravan has left behind Faë-Land civilization and has entered The Great Forest on their journey to Atlantea.
What do you think of the title? What are your thoughts?
Write your comments below
The post appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
January 5, 2020
2020 New Years’ Resolution: Rewind
Hello Everyone! And Happy New Year!
For all those who love a good “New Years' Resolution” list, here's an annual blog post favorite with a sci-fi spin. Bobba Fett's Top 12 New Year's Tips!
CLICK HERE
The post 2020 New Years’ Resolution: Rewind appeared first on Official Website of Author Austin Dragon.
