Angela Myron's Blog, page 9

Ocean of Dust by Graeme Ing

Fourteen-year old Lissa is snatched from her home and finds herself a slave on a trading ship traveling on a waterless ocean of nothing but gray dust. A feisty, curious and intelligent girl, her desire to explore the ship earns her the hatred of the cruel first officer, Farq.

 Fascinated by the ocean of dust, Lissa becomes embroiled in its mysteries, sensing things that the crew cannot, while cryptic whispers in her head are leading her toward a destiny linked to the dust itself. Only one man aboard can help her make sense of her new talent, but can she trust him? All is not as it seems, and she must unravel the clues before it’s too late.

When a sinister plot casts her adrift on the barren ocean, her best friend is left in the hands of the treacherous crew. Everything hinges upon her courage, quick wits, and her ability to master her new talent. An Excerpt from the Book The next step gave way under her weight. She glanced down, gasping to see that she had trodden on Alice's head.

"Watch where you tread, stupid," Alice cried.

"I was on the ladder first," she replied.

"I'm not waiting for you," Alice said. "You're too slow."

She yanked Lissa's leg with both hands, bringing her tumbling down, cracking one leg against a post, before smashing into Alice. They both sprawled on the floor, Lissa landing on top. Alice blew out her breath violently and groaned loudly. The tray and its contents crashed around them making an awful din. Juice sprayed from the pitcher but it didn't break.

Lissa rolled off Alice and stood. "What did you do that for?"

Alice sat up, feeling her body for breaks. "You squashed me," she wheezed. Then she gave a thin smile. "I deserved it, I guess."

She extended her arm up toward Lissa.

Lissa blinked twice and narrowed her eyes.

Alice's smile became a grin. "Come on, you beat me this time. I was being mean, so it serves me right. Pull me up, please?"

Lissa nibbled her lip, and then slowly reached down and took Alice's hand, who yanked so hard, Lissa’s shoulder popped, and she fell spread-eagled on the floor. Alice leaped on her back, knees to either side.

"You're so stupid," Alice snarled. She grabbed a bunch of Lissa's hair close to her scalp and twisted it, digging her knees into Lissa's sides. "Don't you dare get me locked up again." Graeme is a writer of speculative fiction. He probably won't fall into existing pigeonholes, but hang around and you'll get to read tales of fantasy, science-fiction, paranormal, cyberpunk, steampunk and who knows what.

Born in England, Graeme now lives in San Diego, California. His career as a software engineer and development manager spans 30 years, including the development of a dozen computer games for consoles, home computers and online. Graeme is also an avid armchair mountaineer, astronomer, mapmaker, pilot and general geek. He and his wife, Tamara, share their house with six crazy cats.

Website | Blog | Facebook Page | Twitter | Google+ | Goodreads 

Buy Links
Amazon (Kindle/paperback/audiobook) | Audible

Graeme will be awarding a $20 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $20 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn host. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: Goddessfish Promotions Blog. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: An Interview with Catherine DePino

I usually don't comment on my posts about other books, but this one is important. We've become more aware of bullying with the help of some notable anti-bullying campaigns, however the reality is that many, many kids still experience bullying on a daily basis.  Our schools struggle to keep up, and our kids are afraid to speak out. We need to educate ourselves and our children on the courage and compassion needed to stand up to bullying. Books like "Elliot K. Carnucci" by Catherine Depino, and the highly acclaimed "Everybody Sees the Ants" by AS King remind us of worlds that still desperately need adult attention and assistance. The kids at Ralph Bunche Middle School love to pick on Elliot Kravitz-Carnucci. He struggles with his weight, looks like a geek, makes top honors, and lives above the Carnucci Home for Funerals in South Philadelphia with his distant, workaholic father and Nonna, his quirky, overbearing grandmother.
    
Since his parents divorced, he splits spending his time with his funeral director father and his mother Rayna, who dreams of becoming the queen of commercials on the west coast.
    
At the hands of his peers, Elliot experiences a series of bullying episodes that escalate from entrapment in a school supply closet to a brutal “swirly” (head dunk in the toilet) that lands him in the hospital emergency room.
    
Elliot has a small circle of loyal friends and a mentor named Duke, an aging school custodian, who root for him to overcome his bullying issues so that he can enjoy his life as a teenager and a budding singer/performer. Can Elliot win his fight against the nasty bullies, or is he doomed forever? Read this funny, sad, and crazy book to find out.

An Interview with Catherine How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?
My daughter, a high school counselor, suggested that I write a book about bullying as she believed it was a very important issue in schools today. As a teacher and department head in a city high school, I’d also seen kids bully one another and felt that by writing a book about it I could shed some light on the problem. I wrote Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet: How to Deal with Bullies, my first book about bullying, for the American Psychological Association and have been writing books on the topic ever since. 

After that, I wrote In Your Face, Pizza Face: A Girl’s Bully-Busting Book about girls’ bullying, which presents differently from boys’ bullying. I subsequently wrote a bully-prevention non-fiction book for teachers and one for parents. 

Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying, my latest book, and the subject of this interview, is my favorite book because I feel that I know the character and the setting well, having worked in three high schools. In this and all my books, I want to make the point that everyone has to work together to help keep children bully-free: the child, the parent and extended family, and the school community.

What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them? 
 I wanted to show how an ordinary high school student subjected to bullying could use his own resources and enlist the aid of his friends and a caring mentor to combat bullying. I believe that I portrayed the characters, situation, and setting realistically because I’ve seen events like the ones in Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser play out in every high school that employed me. 

I also wanted to approach a very serious subject with humor because I thought kids would relate to it better if the story wasn’t totally sad and heavy. I believe that I’ve achieved my goals because all of my reviews so far have been positive.

What was the hardest part of writing this book? 
The hardest part of writing Elliot had to do with Elliot’s mentor’s illness. Since I fashioned the character of Mr. Boardly after a wonderful school custodian I knew, I hated to see him face serious health challenges like lung cancer and heart problems. 

It was also difficult writing about the funeral business (Elliot’s dad runs a funeral home and the family lives there). Learning about the business required extensive research since I knew nothing about it. However, I have to say that I got great satisfaction writing this book and would love to write a sequel that chronicles Elliot’s efforts to help other kids with their bullying issues.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I loved delving into the psyches of all the characters and making them interact together. The book contains a variety of personalities and trying to get them to meld and complement one another was a real challenge. The most quirky character in the book is Nonna, Elliot’s grandmother. She’s bossy and over-bearing but, at the same time, lovable. When she finds a love interest, Armand the plumber, she sets everyone in the family’s life topsy-turvy. 

Out of all the fiction books I’ve written, Elliot is my favorite character because he meets his challenges head-on and doesn’t feel sorry for himself. He also knows when he needs help and isn’t afraid to ask for it.

Are there misconceptions that people have about your book? 
My book aims to treat all ethnic groups with respect and fairness. Someone from a publishing company got the impression I was stereotyping Italian-Americans. That couldn’t be further from the truth; after all, I’m Italian-American myself. I responded that if we can’t laugh at ourselves what good is it? I think we shouldn’t worry so much about political correctness as there’s a lot of hypocrisy connected to it. I love my ethnic group and see beauty in every other one. I think we need to lighten up and enjoy our differences and similarities.

What is the biggest thing that people THINK they know about your subject/genre, that isn't so?
Many people think that bullies are the way they are because they were persecuted themselves. In most cases, that’s not true. Most of them are mean, nasty people who need to pick on someone in order to feel important. We need to stop feeling sorry for bullies and concentrate on the victims.

What is the most important thing that people DON'T know about your subject/genre, that they need to know?
They need to know that one person can’t stamp out bullying without help from others. It takes a group effort if it’s to work. Kids, parents (and extended family), and school personnel need to work in concert to help a bullied child. One person can’t do it alone. Constant communication between home and school is a must in order to stop a bully from hurting your child physically or psychologically. I talk about how to navigate the school system in Who Says Bullies Rule?, my book for parents.

What inspires you? 
Reading other writers, particularly Shakespeare and poets like Cummings inspires me. I want every book I write, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, to have a certain flow to it; I want it to sound appealing to the ear. Reading these works often helps me accomplish this in my writing. 

How did you get to be where you are in your life today?
I got to this point by working very hard, not by good luck. I spent many years studying to become a teacher and department head. My degree in curriculum theory and development helped me greatly in writing my non-fiction books in that it helped me become more organized and attentive to using research wisely.
Attending The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference helped me publish my first book. I entered contests, won them; these manuscripts later became full-length books. Listening to other writers talk about their experiences helped me learn important things I needed to know to get published. 

I also learned that it’s important not to quit, no matter how hard a situation is. Don’t let rejections stop you. Work hard to tailor your writing to the publication you’re writing for, and remember that if one editor doesn’t want your book, there’s always another. And, of course, there’s self-publishing is always a good option.
An Excerpt from the book “Help–I can’t breathe–let me out. Somebody help...”

I pounded the inside of the musty supply closet until my knuckles turned blue. Did anybody even have the key?

What if they don’t come? What if I’m trapped here all night?

I could hear loud voices and laughing, so I knew Kyle Canfield and one of his friends from the basketball team were there, waiting to see if I would cave in and plead for mercy.

The bell blared. Classes changed. Kids stampeded through the halls. Then, silence.

Finally I heard someone shout, “I’ve got the key, Doc.” 

“Thanks, Duke,” Doc Greely, the assistant principal, said to Mr. Boardly, the man who’d sprung me loose.

Mr. Boardly, the head custodian, better known as Duke, offered me his arm, and I stumbled out of the closet. He was as thin as his mop handle, but all muscle–no flab like me. A scruffy white beard covered half his face.

He slammed the closet door shut and bolted the lock. “One of the hall guards reported noise coming from this area. We came as soon as we heard.”

Duke patted my shoulder. “Let me know if I can help, Elliot.” I could hear his keys clanging as he walked down the hall humming “Duke of Earl,” that old sixties song he loved. That’s where he got his nickname.

“Up to their old tricks again, Elliot?” Doc asked on the way to his office.
About the Author Catherine DePino has sold thirteen books for parents, teachers, and children to mainstream publishers. She self-published her fourteenth book, Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying because she wanted to give it a wider forum. Her background includes a BS in English and Spanish education, a Master’s in English education, and a doctorate in Curriculum Theory and Development and Educational Administration from Temple University. The author worked for many years as an English teacher, department head of English and world languages, disciplinarian, and curriculum writer in the Philadelphia School District. After this, she worked at Temple as an adjunct assistant professor and student teaching supervisor.

Catherine has also written articles for national magazines, including The Christian Science Monitor and The Writer. For many years she served on the board of The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference.  She holds membership in the Association of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her new self-help book, 101 Easy Ways for Women to De-Stress, Reinvent, and Fire Up Your Life in Retirement, appeared on the market in March, 2014.

Visit her website at www.catherinedepino.com. Website | Facebook Author Page

Books by Catherine:
Elliot K. Carnucci is a Big, Fat Loser: A Book About Bullying
Real Life Bully Prevention for Real KidsWho Says Bullies Rule?: Common Sense Tips to Help Your Child Cope
In Your Face, Pizza Face: A Girl’s Bully-Busting Book
Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet: How to Deal with Bullies
Hi, God, It’s Me: e-prayers for teenage girlsHi, God, It’s Me: e-prayers for Teenage Boys
Fire Up Your Life: 101 Ways for Women to Reinvent Themselves
Excuse Me, Your Participle’s Dangling: How to Use Grammar to Make Your Writing Powers Soar
101 Ways to Help Preschoolers Excel in Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Quick and Easy Grammar Games to Boost Writing PowerReady, Get Set, Go, Grammar!
Grammar Workout: Twenty-Eight Lessons, Exercises, and Activities to Jumpstart Your Writing
Catherine will be awarding a $20 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  Goddessfish Promotions Blog

Three Things I Learned in ANTHEM'S FALL BY S.L. DUNN

In this first of a series of three things, I've asked author S.L. Dunn to share three things he learned from placing a story in both a fantasy and real world setting. Without further ado, here's S.L. Dunn! Above a horrified New York City, genetics and ethics collide as the fallen emperor and a banished exile of the same herculean race ignite into battle over the city’s rooftops. In the streets below, a brilliant young scientist has discovered a technology that can defeat them both, yet might be more terrible than either.

Set both in modern New York City and in the technologically sophisticated yet politically savage world of Anthem, Anthem’s Fall unfurls into a plot where larger than life characters born with the prowess of gods are pitted against the shrewd brilliance of a familiar and unlikely heroine.

S.L. Dunn is awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $30 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn host. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. Tour dates can be found here:  Goddessfish Promotions Blog
S.L. Dunn's Three Things Three things I learned from setting Anthem’s Fall in both the world of Anthem and New York City:

1) Setting is a pivotal element to any story.

Where would Bilbo Baggins be without Middle Earth? Where would Harry potter be without Hogwarts? Or Luke Skywalker without his particular galaxy from a long time ago and far, far away . . .

All of the most beloved fantasy and science fiction stories lean heavily on the unique places in which they take place. In some cases the setting, not character or plot, is what can define genre fiction. When I set out to write Anthem’s Fall, my goal was to steep the calamitous plotline in rich imagery and relatable scenes. I had a special opportunity to present a world familiar to the reader in New York City, and one that was altogether new in Anthem. 

What I learned along the way was that this layout presented a unique opportunity to deliberately juxtapose and relate one seemingly dissimilar place to another. The fantasy of Anthem could strengthen the scenes in New York City, and the stripped down realism of New York City’s streets could anchor the fantastical vision of Anthem. Combined, they could coalesce fantasy and reality to form a sweeping and dramatic setting for an epic action adventure.

2) World Creating

The task of creating an entire world was a heavy burden in the initial phase of my writing. 

It was my hope to breathe life into a futuristic world that looked more like an ancient society than a world one might normally associate with science fiction. Anthem is futuristic, and home to advanced technology, but I wanted the world and its people to be more reminiscent of an ancient barbarian society than any advanced dystopia. It’s a society controlled by a dynasty of brutal warriors, and despite the long history of Anthem, it is very clear to the reader that Anthem is more barbaric than New York City.

As I developed the world of Anthem, I learned how many rules a made-up world still require. Ironically, I found myself catching more glitches and flubs in my own constructed reality than the mistakes I made with the streets of New York. I never would have imaged how strict a writer’s own rules have to be in order to achieve believability in a made-up world. My rules for Anthem became more constricting than the rules of writing about a modern NYC.

3) Backstory

Simultaneously introducing readers to a familiar world along with one that’s utterly new to them is a special task. A writer can play an extraordinary game of tug of war with a reader’s imagination—grounding it with normalcy on one page and then lifting it up to thundering heights when the time is right. 

However, when “world creating”, there are so many factors to consider. What is this world’s history? How do its people think, and what ideologies do they cling to? In order for the reader to care about Anthem’s fall (as in, Anthem’s Fall) he or she first has to care about Anthem. 

Forming the backstory of a world and its people is an incredibly enjoyable experience, but one in which I had to be very careful. Long exposition spent describing a world’s history could kill the story flat. I learned that divulging the backstory of an entire world is an exercise in subtlety. Because you are writing a novel, not a history book, you have to allow the reader to connect the lines and draw their own inferences from hints and suggestions in the text. An Excerpt from Anthem's Fall The sharp knife of apocalypse struck without warning, burying itself into the unsuspecting skies of a sunswept afternoon.

In the northernmost continent of Anthem, the remote city of Municera abruptly reported massive and inexplicable reports of rioting and hysteria. The limited transmissions that came out of the city were fragmented and unclear. Imperial Army regiments were at once dispatched to restore order to the city of Municera, yet all troops lost radio contact within minutes of their arrival. Powerful reverberations shook through the surrounding lands, reaching miles in every direction. It felt as though the gods themselves were hammering the very world with furious impacts. From a distance, billowing black pillars of smoke could be seen reaching high into the sky above the smoldering city. When the smoke and cloud of ash dispersed in the northern winds, the glimmering skyscrapers that had long been an icon of the elegant Municera had vanished from the skyline. Their steel and glass splendor was replaced with a blanket of alarming ruin. By midafternoon, the once prominent city was nothing more than wreckage against the horizon. 

Most disturbing were the spreading rumors that a number of Imperial First Class soldiers had flown into the chaos of Municera and had yet to return. 

The migration out of the region—an anticipated exodus for which the Imperial Council had quickly prepared—never arrived, and as a disquieting sun set on the remaining cities of the Epsilon empire, the truth became increasingly clear. There were no survivors. 

Municera had been home to seven million Primus. About S.L. Dunn S.L. Dunn is the debut author of Anthem’s Fall, a novel he wrote amid the wanderings of his mid twenties. He has written while living intermittently in St. John USVI, Boston, Maine and Seattle. Raised on big screen superheroes and pop science fiction, he sought to create a novel that bridged a near-sci-fi thriller with a grand new fantasy. He currently resides in Seattle with his girlfriend Liz and their dog Lucy, and is hard at work completing the next book of the Anthem’s Fall series. Get in touch at www.sldunn.com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Preorders on B&N, iBooks

Preorders for Ennara and the Book of Shadows are now available on Barnes & Noble and iBooks, in addition to Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords. Pick it up today to be the first to read it!

Forgetting Fallenwood by Leslie D. Soule

What happens when Ash accidentally makes her way through another portal, this time into the Other Realm, and forgets she ever went to Fallenwood? More importantly, how much of one's identity is made up of memories? Fallenwood 2 is the continuing journey of heroine Ash Kensington. Struggling with a deep sense of grief, sorrow, and overall confusion, Ash tries to work her way through to a deeper, underlying meaning. This search leads her back to Fallenwood, where the mystery unravels itself as she realizes that a very sinister force may be underlying everything…
Frozen Yogurt Pie – Always A Family Favorite
It’s hard to write “winter recipes” into fantasy stories where it’s a medieval setting and there’s no refrigeration. So this probably isn’t one that my characters would enjoy in the fantasy realm of Fallenwood. However, it’s a recipe my family has always enjoyed, and it’s super simple to make. The ingredients include:

2 cups of whatever flavor of yogurt you like 1 container of whipped topping 1 graham cracker crust

All you do is mix the whipped topping with the yogurt, pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust, and put the whole thing in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, it makes a delightful summer treat during those really hot days, and it’s easy enough for kids to make on their own, with minimal supervision.

As for my fantasy novel and its recipes, I’ll have to experiment a bit before I blog anything about it. They do enjoy a frothy berry drink called rakeih, but so far I have yet to try and make some. Perhaps at some point, I’ll try my hand at a “Fallenwood Cookbook” complete with rakeih and cream cheese wontons. We shall see!
Excerpt from the Book Ashley woke in a cold sweat. She remembered nothing of her time spent in the magical realm known as Fallenwood. Without the remembrance of her journey in Fallenwood, Ashley awoke as her former self, without the benefit of the lessons learned during her journey. That journey never existed, and her memory bank filled itself with everything she’d known before she left. Ashley began living a normal life, as though Fallenwood didn’t exist at all. Now, visions slipped away into nothingness and she believed she’d only had a series of incredibly vivid dreams and nothing more.

Yet the heart keeps a remembrance of its own, and without Prince Edward, a cold loneliness sank to the core of Ashley’s heart. Her mind couldn’t define the source of her heartache, so she blindly sought its cure.

Leslie D. Soule is an author who loves to try new genres and Sacramento, California is her hometown. She has an M.A. in English from National University and is a member of the English Chapter of the Sac State Almuni Association. She is currently working on her fantasy quadrilogy, The Fallenwood Chronicles.

www.lesliesoule.com | Twitter | Facebook

Buy Links:
Amazon | Melange Books

Leslie will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to TWO randomly drawn commenters during the tour. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  Goddessfish Promotions Blog
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Preorder Ennara and the Book of Shadows

Ennara and the Book of Shadows is now available for preorders at Amazon and Kobo. Coming soon on B&N and iBooks, too!

Preorder the print book

Preorder the ebook

Three things I learned while writing from Henrietta's Point of View by Beth Barany

Joining me today is Beth Barany, YA fantasy author, who is celebrating her novel's first birthday. She's got insights from her main character, Henrietta!

Three things I learned while writing from Henrietta's Point of View

Always sleep with your weapons nearby. How this translates into daily life is to always have a pen nearby, since as a writer, that's my weapon. Eat well, especially while on uncertain journeys. Henrietta has a very good point about this one, so I always eat well when traveling, so I can handle unexpected things, like she does. But my unexpected things aren't as dangerous as hers are. Adjusting to a magical object isn't easy. Henrietta is so right about this one. Of course she is. But I'll have to defer to her experience, as I'm not carrying a dragon stone, like she is.

ABOUT THE BOOK
A new story of young adult epic fantasy adventure by award-winning author, Beth Barany. 
Book 2 in the Five Kingdom series of the continuing adventures of Henrietta The Dragon Slayer.

What if everyone you loved was threatened by a force you couldn't see or fight? 

Henrietta the legendary dragon slayer wants to return to her village for a heroes’ welcome. But an unknown sorcerer rides after her and her Dragon Stone and aims to destroy everyone she cares about. Can she claim her newfound powers sparked by the Dragon Stone and keep her loved ones safe, or will the sorcerer destroy everyone and everything she loves?

Beth Barany writes magical tales of romance and adventure to transport readers to new worlds where anything is possible.

Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (The Five Kingdoms, Book 2) by Beth Barany
Print Length: 290 pages Publisher and date published: Firewolf Books, Jan. 31, 2014
ASIN: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I54CZII
Genre: young adult fantasy/epic fantasy
Format: Digital and print
Excerpt of Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (Book 2 of the Five Kingdom series) CHAPTER ONE: IN HIS GRASP

The Dracontias, dra-con-ti-as, emphasis on the second syllable, is the most powerful gem in all the Five Kingdoms, and more powerful than all the other so-called Kingdom Stones. This one and only Dragon Stone unifies the kingdoms and empowers its user. But beware its one fatal flaw.
—from the Fire Wizards Compendium
Early Winter New Moon (Mitte Moon), Oro Islands, One of the Five Kingdoms

King Singfan sucked in a breath, stretched the crossbow, and held it steady, tracking the beast.

Time was of the essence. If he didn’t kill this dragon and obtain the Dragon Stone on the great dragon’s forehead, he’d have to start all over again. Unthinkable. Impossible.

He had to renew this king’s body during this night, while the stars were aligned just so, and the moon hung below the horizon.

The girl Dragon Slayer, that Henrietta, was performing exactly as he’d expected. She’d taken the proffered reward and given him the secret dragon lore, confirming what he needed to know. She crouched nearby, ready to do his bidding.

King Singfan breathed out, steadying his aim, and smiled.

Inside of him, Bjirn Eyvindir smiled, too, at Singfan’s glee. Hidden to everyone, Eyvindir had occupied the body of King Singfan for seventy-five years, a long king’s rule—longer than anyone on the Oro Islands could remember. If they did remember the length of King Singfan’s reign, Eyvindir by King Singfan’s hand had made sure they didn’t remember for long, and didn’t remember anything ever again.

King Singfan had given him free reign to run his magic through the man and control his every move. The man was his best and most perfect servant. Eyvindir wasn’t going to end the arrangement anytime soon. He’d planned this renewal too long for the moment to go awry.

The dragon hovered above the enormous cave floor about to settle, its scales flickering and iridescent in the torchlight. King Singfan held his breath, steadying his strong stance and perfect aim. He readied the powerful crossbow.

Before he could loose the arrow, Henrietta yelled “You can’t!” and shoved him to the hard-packed ground.
The dragon slayer pinned his arms against his torso with her legs, heavy on his chest. He struggled beneath her weight.

“How dare you!” he snarled. “We had an agreement.”

How had she slipped past his guard?

With every second that ticked by, he felt his power draining from him like water down the drain, no doubt shifting his appearance. But his voice held strong and loud. He gathered courage in that. There was still time to kill the dragon and obtain the Dragon Stone.
“I can’t let you!” she shouted, glaring down at him.

***
What Readers are Saying about Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (Book 2)
“Five star heroine -- Ambushes, magic, dragon stones, and mystery, Henrietta is a wonderful role model as a heroine.” – Chris on Amazon.com
 
“A story full of magic and adventure -- I couldn't stop reading this book. Beth has written a compulsive page-turner. Vibrant action and adventure and magic that does not strain credibility. And great dialogue to boot.” – Rohi Shetty
 
“Fun page turner! -- Henrietta and the Dragon Stone is a real page turner and is apt to please anyone who loves young adult fantasy or adventure novels. Beth Barany is an award-winning novelist and really knows how to keep a reader's interest and keep the plot racing along! It's so good to have a female protagonist that's not a wimp or a horrible role model for young women.” – “customerlovingit” on Amazon.com
 
Book 1 of the Five Kingdoms, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer was the 2012 Grand Prize winner at the California Fiction Writers Book Contest and the 2011 Finalist at the Hollywood Book Festival.

Reader reviews of the award-winning young adult fantasy, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, Book 1 in the Five Kingdoms series
 
“As far as young adult fantasies go, Henrietta, The Dragon Slayer is a good read that I think any age, teen to adult, would enjoy. I only hope a sequel is in the works!” --LunaMoth
 
“The witty dialogue and good story line makes this book hard to put down. I really could not stop reading it and was really tired the next day. It's also very satisfying to read about a girl heroine fighting the good fight.” --Jeri
 
“Beth, best known for strong heroines in her stories, this story is no exception. It is a tale of righteousness and overcoming adversity including magic.” --Robert Mendak "RJ"
 
“The book is a beautiful story about friendship, a heroine, and a quest to kill a dragon. Who wouldn't be excited? The entire concept sounded interesting and I was not at all disappointed.” --Brittany, from Goodreads
 
“Beth Barany has made a world where unlikely friendships rule and being a friend means more than you can know.” --Tami, from Goodreads
Where to find Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (Book 2)

Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | More at Beth Barany'S website here.

Special Blog Tour Giveaway

I’ll be giving away 1 (one) signed copy of Henrietta and the Dragon Stone (Book 2) and 1 (one) signed copy of Henrietta the Dragon Slayer (Book 1). I’ll mail you a copy anywhere in the world.

I’m also giving away 1 (one) e-book copy of Henrietta and the Dragon Stone at each blog tour stop. Just post a comment about what you always take with you on an adventure to enter the e-book giveaway. Winners will be picked in five days from posting. a Rafflecopter giveaway

School of Deaths by Christopher Mannino

A timid girl finds bravery as the first female Death.

Thirteen-year-old Suzie Sarnio always believed the Grim Reaper was a fairy tale image of a skeleton with a scythe. Now, forced to enter the College of Deaths, she finds herself training to bring souls from the Living World to the Hereafter. The task is demanding enough, but as the only female in the all-male College, she quickly becomes a target. Attacked by both classmates and strangers, Suzie is alone in a world where even her teachers want her to fail.

Caught in the middle of a plot to overthrow the World of Deaths, Suzie must uncover the reason she’s been brought there: the first female Death in a million years.
An Excerpt from the Book She tried to turn, but the scythe pulled her onward. She coursed through stars and space, beyond time and emotion. Lighter than a daydream, she slipped through a crevice: the gap between light and shadow. The blade twisted, finding its way.

A face appeared before her: an elderly man she didn’t recognize. Somehow, she sensed a name: Elias Stoneridge.

She landed hard, stumbling as her feet hit a tiled floor. Beads of white light trickled off the blade.

For a moment, she couldn’t tell where she was. She heard beeps and the slow intake of air.

Frank patted her on the shoulder. “You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

“Remember, don’t let anyone else see us,” said Frank, looking around the hospital room.

Certified Deaths received special robes to help avoid mortal eyes. Ironically, the Deaths who’d inspired tales of the Grim Reaper throughout the ages had been students like her. Students and ones who didn’t make it back. She shuddered, remembering her skeletal appearance. It seemed long ago.

A man lay in a bed, connected to an array of tubes and machines. Suzie walked to the foot of his bed and read the name on his chart. “Elias Stoneridge.” The scythe quivered in her hand. The handle pulsed like a beating heart, or was that only her own heartbeat? No, the blade felt the soul, it was hungry.

“It’s his time,” said Frank, patting her on the shoulder. “Quickly, before someone comes.”
Links: ChristopherMannino.com | Blog | Goodreads | Museitup Publishing.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube.com Christopher Mannino’s life is best described as an unending creative outlet.  He teaches high school theatre in Greenbelt, Maryland.  In addition to his daily drama classes, he runs several after-school performance/production drama groups.  He spends his summers writing and singing.  Mannino holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Education from Catholic University, and has studied mythology and literature both in America and at Oxford University.  His work with young people helped inspire him to write young adult fantasy, although it was his love of reading that truly brought his writing to life.

Mannino is currently working on a sequel to “School of Deaths” as well as an adult science fiction novel.

Giveaway: Christopher will give a $20 Amazon gift card to two randomly drawn commenters during this blog tour and a $20 Amazon gift card to one randomly drawn host. Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: Goddessfish Promotions Blog
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The Thin Veil by Jodi McIsaac

Today I'm hosting a fantasy-adventure series by author Jodi McIsaac. Jodi will award signed print copies of all three books in the Thin Veil series to one randomly selected winner, and one set to one randomly selected host (International Giveaway). Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/04/blurb-blitz-thin-veil-series-by-jodi.html
THROUGH THE DOOR (Book #1) It’s been seven years since the love of Cedar McLeod’s life left with no forwarding address. All she has left of him are heart-wrenching memories of happier times and a beautiful six-year-old daughter, Eden. Then, one day, Eden opens her bedroom door and unwittingly creates a portal that leads to anywhere she imagines.

But they’re not the only ones who know of Eden’s gift, and soon the child mysteriously vanishes.

Desperate for answers, Cedar digs into the past and finds herself thrust into a magical world of Celtic myths, fantastical creatures, and bloody rivalries. Teaming up with the unlikeliest of allies, Cedar must bridge the gap between two worlds and hold tight to the love in her heart…or lose everything to an ancient evil.

The first in the Thin Veil series, Through the Door is a pulse-pounding adventure that takes readers across the globe and deep into the hidden realms of Celtic lore. INTO THE FIRE (Book #2) Cedar McLeod would like nothing more than to return to Tír na nÓg, help rebuild the mythical kingdom, and start a new life for herself and her daughter, Eden. But peace isn’t what Cedar finds after being reunited with her little girl. 

Nuala—who kidnapped and terrorized Eden in her previous bid for power—has returned and is making a persuasive claim for the vacant throne. The devastation such a ruler would bring upon both the kingdom and the human world is unthinkable. With no one else to stake a convincing counter-claim, Cedar steps forward...but first she must prove her worth beyond a doubt. 

Her opportunity comes when she is charged with finding an ancient treasure, the Stone of Destiny, and returning it to its rightful home. It is a quest that will lead her to question her beliefs, and push her loyalties to their limits. If she succeeds, Cedar could grant her new world and her new family a chance to flourish again. If not...destruction may be the only path ahead.

Into the Fire, the second book in the Thin Veil series, is a captivating blend of Celtic myth, mystery, and adventure that delves deeper into the ancient world first explored in Through the Door. AMONG THE UNSEEN (Book #3) Life just keeps getting more complicated for Cedar McLeod. As the recently crowned queen of Tír na nÓg, she’s trying to understand her magical new kingdom, even as she misses her life back on Earth. It doesn’t help that a dear friend has just betrayed her—a betrayal that almost cost Cedar and her family their lives. And things aren’t easy at home, either, as Cedar’s seven-year-old daughter, Eden, lost and lonely in Tír na nÓg despite her special powers, has become painfully distant.

Cedar vows to do whatever it takes to protect her family once and for all, and starts rounding up those who plotted against her. But then a new disaster breaks out: a mysterious sickness is plaguing the Unseen, Ireland’s magical creatures, including those Cedar knows and loves. With enemies still on the loose and not knowing whom she can trust, Cedar must race against time to reverse an ancient curse, in a journey that will take her from Tír na nÓg to Earth…and beyond.

Brimming with page-turning adventure, Among the Unseen—the exciting conclusion to Jodi McIsaac’s Thin Veil trilogy—weaves an enchanting, captivating spell.
AMONG THE UNSEEN (BOOK 3) EXCERPT “Stop talking,” Finn said suddenly. They all fell silent and froze in place. Finn slowly circled back to join them. “We’re not alone,” he whispered. “Stay alert, but try to act natural.”

Easier said than done, Cedar thought. She didn’t know why they didn’t just call out Abhartach’s name, but she trusted Finn’s instincts. They crept forward, walking in single file. She looked around nervously. She had the distinct feeling they were being watched. Then she saw it. It was just as Finn had described—a tall stone castle that looked as if it had been carved out of the mountainside. From the sky, it would have looked just like another mountain, and she wondered how Finn had even noticed it. It was awe inspiring, but there was nothing beautiful about it. It was all hard, jagged edges, piercing spires, and an imposing iron gate studded with spikes

the size of her forearm. So intent was she on the castle that she didn’t notice the dwarves materializing around them until one of them brandished a sword in her face.

“Hey!” Cedar yelled, and before she had time to think, she had raised a circle of fire around herself and her three companions, forcing the dwarves to jump back. Jodi McIsaac grew up in New Brunswick, Canada. After stints as a short-track speed skater, a speechwriter, and fundraising and marketing executive in the nonprofit sector, she started a boutique copywriting agency and began writing novels in the wee hours of the morning. She currently lives with her husband and children in Calgary.

www.jodimcisaac.com | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+

THROUGH THE DOOR (Book #1)
INTO THE FIRE (Book #2)
AMONG THE UNSEEN (Book #3)
The Thin Veil Series on Amazon
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Uncharted Storms: Short Stories of Hearts at Risk by Jackie Anton

Weather is our constant companion, and when it behaves like a benevolent parent we pay little attention to it. Angry or out of control it becomes terrifying and can change the landscape as well as lives. So I asked my characters to take a ride on the wild side of weather. “Uncharted Storms” takes readers on a journey from a gentle summer rain to raging storms in the cosmos.

What if you were caught up in Uncharted Storms?

What if? Erica’s world didn’t come to an end in 2012 while she was in middle school? She manages to make it through college before an apocalyptic event changes her life forever. The science fiction story Terra Beyond 2012 shares Erica’s voyage.

What if? You and your best friend were traveling down the highway on the way home from an extended trip when you are caught in a blinding thunderstorm, and then are hit by lightning? To make matters worse you are injured, and wake in a strange world. Find out what happens to Chris in the tale Riding Lightning.

What if? You were on your way to meet a friend for dinner and caught in a flash flood? That is exactly what happens to Alexandra in the story Flashflood Texas Style.

What if? A boy you haven’t seen in two decades winds up sitting on your front porch? Find out what Casey comes up with on A Rainy Night.

What if? You were caught out in a winter storm on icy, drifted, walks and streets when a skidding car comes directly at you? Find out what happened to eighteen-year-old Annie when she is hit from behind in the short story A Tumble in the Snow.
Jackie Anton is the mother of two grown children, and grandmother of two. She and her husband, of forty-three years, continue to ride daily. They live on a mini-farm in rural Ohio, and share their little slice of horse heaven with two Quarter Horses, a Haflinger, a rescued dog, and a calico barn cat.

 Jackie is an accomplished equestrian, with a life time of experience: as trainer, exhibitor, 4-H and youth club coach, as well as a horse show judge; the author brings many years of experience working with horses and young riders to her award winning Backyard Horse Tales Series:

 Uncharted Storms:  Short stories are aimed at the Young Adult and older reader. Look for more short tales in the future.

 Backyard Horse Tales: Sox 2nd Edition Brings to light the mutual love between a handicapped colt and a lonely child with a learning disability. Find out how this pair team up to triumph over life’s roadblocks, and why their story won the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award of Excellence for Family Friendly Media. (Reading level age 8 thru Adult)

 BYHT 2 “Frosty and the Nightstalker” was one of four finalists in the E-Book Fiction category for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, then the paperback went on to earn the Mom’s Choice Award for Juvenile Historical Fiction.

Jackie is hard at work on BYHT 3 Don’t Call Me Love. You can catch a peek at her beautiful cover on the Backyard Horse Tales Face Book Fan Page.

Author Website | Facebook | FB Adult Novel Fan Page | Email talesbyjackie AT gmail DOT com | Online Autographed Book Covers | Blog: Writing for readers in a .com world 

BUY Uncharted Storms: Short Stories of Hearts at Risk:
Smashwords | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Amazon J. M. Anton (adult novels)
Autographed Paperback Copies are available at Jackie’s Author’s Den:  U.S. Readers click on the cover of your choice and follow the Signed Book link to order. 



Giveaway: Jackie will be awarding a paperback edition of “Wind River Refuge” penned as J.M. Anton (US only) or a digital edition of "Fateful Waters" (INT) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  Goddessfish Promotions Blog