K.L. Bone's Blog, page 13
September 8, 2016
Summer Recap – 2016
This summer has been incredibly busy and filled with wonderful events, lots of writing, and working with several narrators to release audiobooks.
First, for some VERY exciting news! Barnes and Noble in Vancouver, WA is now carrying Black Rose, the first novel in the bestselling Black Rose Guard dark fantasy series!
If you are in the area, feel free to check it out!
Second, Audiobook news! Black Rose, Heart of the Rose, Heir to Kale & Heir to Koloso are now available in audiobook format through Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. Brought to life by wonderful narrators, these are great editions of the novels for anyone who enjoys audiobooks and I could not be more excited.
Blood Rose will also become available in Feb. of 2017.
The summer itself began with the second annual Words on the Vine Book Signing at Bethany Vineyards in WA, featuring seven amazing authors who gathered together to share their love of literature with fans.
Dina James, Brandy L. Rivers, Shane Chase,
Sarah M. Credit, Blythe Ayne, Greg Wilkey & K.L. Bone
In addition to the event itself, it also was a cause for celebration as the original members of #TeamGregWilkey was reunited for the event!
For those who don’t know, Greg, in addition to being a wonderful friend, is also the author of The Life and Undead of Mortimer Drake Vampire series and the Neither Nor series. More info can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Dead-Undeath-Mortimer-Drake-ebook/dp/B0058DX8F8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8#nav-subnav
We had a wonderful time visiting with friends, discussing the finer arts of writing and showing off our (less-than-stellar) bowling skills.
Next, I attended the Author Palooka signing in Mesquite, Nevada over the summer. I enjoyed spending the day with fellow authors and getting to meet new readers!
The trip though began with a few days hanging out in California where I had the great privilege of visiting with several friends who also happen to be fellow authors and artists. I had a wonderful lunch with wonderful friends Becket & Stina.
Becket is an author in his own right, of The Blood Vivicanti and Key the Steampunk Vampire Girl. If you’re unfamiliar with his writing, I highly recommend checking out his books here: http://www.becket.me
I also have a wonderful night visiting with my friend and the artist of the incredible map featured in my Rise of the Temple Gods novels, Raven Quinn.
She is also a wonderful singer/songwriter. More information on her work can be found here: http://www.ravenquinn.com
After California and the signing, I spent a few additional days in Las Vegas. We gambled a little, saw a few shows, including the incredible Michael Jackson Cirque du Soleil, which I would recommend for any lover Jackson’s music.
We also went to the Siegfried and Roy Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat where we met not only the animals, but happen to run into Siegfried himself!
I also attended the annual PDX vampire ball.
Traditionally held in early spring, the event instead took place in June this year. It was a wonderful event featuring, great music, fun drinks, gorgeous gowns, and of course a traditional midnight waltz.
I also attended a fun writers workshop at the local Barnes and Noble lead by my long-time friend and writing mentor, the amazing NYT Bestselling Author Lilith Saintcrow!
What’s Next?
This weekend I will be attending Rose City Comic Con – photos coming!
October 19th – Rise of the Temple Gods: Heir to the Defendants, book 3 will be released. Cover & Synopsis coming soon!
2017 – Much more coming including the release of both book 4 in The Black Rose Guard series – Silver Rose and the first in a series of side-stories, Shadow of the Rose!
August 29, 2016
Heart of the Rose – Audiobook!
I am excited to announce Heart of the Rose, the second novel in the bestselling dark fantasy Black Rose Guard series, is now available in audiobook format narrated by Audie Award winning voice actors Erin deWard and Noah Michael Levine!
Reunite with the captains of the Immortal Guard and witness Mara and Edward at the beginning of their epic love story, which spans more than a millennium of heartache, pain, and undying devotion.
When Edward is sent on a mysterious quest by the ruthless queen, nineteen-year-old Mara—the youngest sub-captain to ever serve the Royal Guard—vowed to await his return, never anticipating decades would pass without word of his fate. The noble captain is taken prisoner by a rival court where he is forced to endure years of brutal torment at the hands of his captors. His life clings to but a single thought—Mara.
Refusing to accept that her love will never return, Mara clutches to a hope which defies the bounds of reason. However as years pass, memories fade from comfort to unbearable grief.
As Mara prepares to accept the unimaginable loss, a sinister creature of roses and shadow haunts her dreams. Dreams of blood. Dreams of torment. Dreams of Edward.
The dark presence lingers, and Mara finds herself trapped in a certainty she fears no other will believe—even those closest to her heart. She must choose between honoring her vows to the immortal courts to which she has sworn her life, or leaving to search for the man who possesses her soul.
Dive into the beginning of the tale that shapes the most feared, most loved, and most revered captain in the history of the immortal courts.
Now Available!
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/heart-rose-tale-black-rose/id1148175066
August 3, 2016
Black Rose Audiobook!
I am excited to announce Black Rose, the first novel bestselling dark fantasy Black Rose Guard series, is now available in audiobook format narrated by the talented Sara Dunham!
Cover Design by: Skyla Dawn Cameron
“May the Black Rose protect you in life and avenge you in death.” – Oath of the Black Rose Guard
Six hundred years ago, the Muir Court was wiped from existence, destroyed by an elite group known as the Black Rose Guard. Their Captain, Mara, has a reputation of being a harsh woman who leads the guard with a fierce formality. During her long years, she has known pain, loss, heartache…and one great love.
Edward was the Captain of the Royal Guard. He loved her once. However, it was a love that faded the day he met young Liza, the Princess who stole the heart he had once sworn belonged to Mara alone. Liza was also the woman that Mara was fated to protect. When the Queen learns of her daughter’s forbidden love for Edward, she devises a series of punishments, torturing Edward while her daughter is forced to watch. In an act of desperation, Mara takes Liza’s place and looks on helplessly as Edward endures the torments which break his body and Mara’s soul.
All of their pain is put aside when Liza is murdered by the rulers of a rival court. Haunted by her failure to protect the Princess and adhering to tradition, Mara takes the vow of the ‘Black Rose.’ It is an ancient oath which ties those under its power to abandon the lives they knew for the sake of a single goal: vengeance. Her quest leads her on a dark path of violence, rage and bloodshed.
Tormented by a fate they can neither accept nor escape, Black Rose is a tale of retribution, love, and above all, honor—at any cost.
Available at the following links:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/k.l.-bone/id1083974689?mt=11
Reviews of Black Rose say:
“This masterfully woven Gothic tale echoes of the Underworld film series and resounds in a modern Medieval mesh of fable, duty, and unrequited love.” – Dionne Charlet, New Orleans Literature Examiner
“Exceptional and peerless! Black Rose is a brilliant-page turner that I would recommend to any avid reader of dark fantasy and romance.” – Becket, Bestselling Author of The Blood Vivicanti
“…an impressively epic tale with beautiful prose and a heart of its own.” – Mama Reads, Hazel Sleeps
July 27, 2016
Heir to Koloso Audiobook!
I am excited to announce that Heir to Koloso, the second novel in the Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series, is now available in audiobook format narrated by the talented Cassandra Nuss!
“Fear to the fearless. Hope to the hopeless. Mercy to those who hate you. Death to those who love you. That is your destiny, Princess of Kale, Princess of Koloso, heir to both.” – Prophecy of the Kalian Twins
The struggle for the throne intensifies as twin Princesses Ameria and Mariana are forced to contend with their bitter rivalry and haunted past. In this sequel to Heir to Kale, the sisters learn that they must first expose the secrets of their past before they can begin to unveil their shadowed destiny.
Awaiting the Temple bout which will determine her fate, Princess Mariana struggles to unite a Kingdom long bereft of leadership. She must navigate a labyrinth of rival families, powerful lords, and the ever-widening rift between those who serve the Temples and those who do not. Unprepared and still grieving the loss of her mentor, Mariana must decide for herself what is right for the kingdom and who, if anyone, can be trusted.
Meanwhile, Princess Ameria is more determined than ever to discover the true identity of her father’s killer and is willing to risk everything in order to find the answers she seeks. Embarking upon a quest which takes her from gleaming Temples to darkened castles, she endeavors to learn the truth about her family, the Prophecy, and the future of the Kingdom. Eventually turning to her estranged grandfather, the powerful and dangerous Lord Riccard, Ameria uncovers a truth about her family’s past from which will threaten to challenge the very foundations of her beliefs.
However, as the sisters come closer to revealing their past and the prophecy which haunts their future, the wraiths watch from the shadows, an ever-present reminder that time is running out and that the fight for the throne looms upon the horizon.
Now available at the following links:
iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/heir-to-koloso-rise-temple/id1138087708
Book 1, Heir to Kale, is also available:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/author/k.-l.-bone/id1111042011
May 18, 2016
Heir to Kale Audiobook
I am excited to announce that Heir to Kale, the first novel in the Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series, is now available in audiobook format narrated by the talented Cassandra Nuss!
Cover by: Skyla Dawn Cameron
“Fear to the fearless. Hope to the hopeless. Mercy to those who hate you. Death to those who love you. That is your destiny, Princess of Kale, Princess of Koloso, heir to both.” – Prophecy of the Kalian Twins
In the land of Kale there lies a delicate balance between the powerful Temples and the rulers from an ancient, royal bloodline. The Temples are ruled through combat, determined by a series of tournaments. Of these tournament champions, sixty are chosen to become Defendants, an elite team charged with protecting the realm from all enemies. Selection to this team is considered the highest of honours and leadership of the team is decided only once every thirteen years.
Princesses Mariana and Ameria, twin daughters of two such champions, are taken as children to separate, yet equally powerful Temples. Through years of rigorous training both are educated in the arts of combat, swordplay, and the ancient traditions of the Temple Gods. Both eventually obtain the rank of Kalian Champions with the expectation of one day serving upon the coveted Defendant Team.
Then, not long after their seventeenth birthday, the childless King declares that one of the sisters must succeed him as the future Queen. As the race for the throne begins, the sister’s long standing rivalry intensifies, leading both upon a dangerous path that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of the very kingdom.
Unbeknownst to the twins, this treacherous path to the throne is the elaborate collaboration of an ancient prophecy and two creatures charged by the Gods themselves ensure it comes to pass. As primeval powers awaken, the two sisters must struggle to learn the truth behind the prophesy and search for a way to change their inevitable fate.
The audiobook is available at the following links:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/author/k.-l.-bone/id1111042011
April 21, 2016
Book Release – Blood Rose
Cover Design by: Skyla Dawn Cameron
Book III in the Black Rose Guard series
“…a story of strength and determination, actions and consequences, deep love and dark desires.”— Greg Wilkey, Author of Growing Up Dead
“May the Black Rose protect you in life and avenge you in death.” – Vow of the Black Rose
A woman with no memory of her past. Another unable to forget. Both haunted by a sinister creature of roses and shadow with an unquenchable thirst for royal blood. Return to the world of the Black Rose Guard.
Mara, Captain of the Black Rose for over eight hundred years, thought she had taken her last immortal life. But now, with her sub-captain dead at the hands of the Arum Court, she again must don the blade she vowed to never raise again. However, the task will prove ever more dangerous as the shadow of Mara’s past returns to awaken the long-dormant roses.
Reunited with her lost love, Mara must also come to terms with her past in order to embrace her future. Can she forgive the man she loves for betraying her heart? And can she redeem herself for the death of the princess she failed to save?
Across the sea, Sandra is haunted by the same presence, leading her deeper into the pieces of her mysterious past. Echoes of memory. Glimpses of fate. And a secret that will change everything for both herself and the captains who seek to rescue her from the hands of Mathew, King of the Arum Court, who has a dark agenda of his own.
Join the captains of the Immortal Guard on their journey toward honor, vengeance, forgiveness, and a love that refused to be banished.
Paperback – http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Rose-Black-3/dp/1530947243/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Nook – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-rose-kl-bone/1123652680?ean=9781530947249
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/blood-rose-22
iBooks – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/blood-rose/id1103407560?ls=1&mt=11
April 18, 2016
Blog Tour~ Black Rose by K.L. Bone
Title: Black Rose
Series: Black Rose Guard Series #1
By: KL Bone
Publication Date: October 12, 2014
Cover Desginer: Skyla Dawn Cameron
Genre: Dark Fantasy
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March 16, 2016
Blood Rose – Coming Soon
Cover Design by: Skyla Dawn Cameron
Book III in the Black Rose Guard series
“…a story of strength and determination, actions and consequences, deep love and dark desires.”— Greg Wilkey, Author of Growing Up Dead
“May the Black Rose protect you in life and avenge you in death.” – Vow of the Black Rose
A woman with no memory of her past. Another unable to forget. Both haunted by a sinister creature of roses and shadow with an unquenchable thirst for royal blood. Return to the world of the Black Rose Guard.
Mara, Captain of the Black Rose for over eight hundred years, thought she had taken her last immortal life. But now, with her sub-captain dead at the hands of the Arum Court, she again must don the blade she vowed to never raise again. However, the task will prove ever more dangerous as the shadow of Mara’s past returns to awaken the long-dormant roses.
Reunited with her lost love, Mara must also come to terms with her past in order to embrace her future. Can she forgive the man she loves for betraying her heart? And can she redeem herself for the death of the princess she failed to save?
Across the sea, Sandra is haunted by the same presence, leading her deeper into the pieces of her mysterious past. Echoes of memory. Glimpses of fate. And a secret that will change everything for both herself and the captains who seek to rescue her from the hands of Mathew, King of the Arum Court, who has a dark agenda of his own.
Join the captains of the Immortal Guard on their journey toward honor, vengeance, forgiveness, and a love that refused to be banished.
Coming Soon!
New to the series?
Information on the Black Rose Guard series can be found here:
March 11, 2016
Fantasy Map – Temple Gods
***Special Announcement!***
I am thrilled to announce that both novels in the Rise of the Temple Gods series, Heir to Kale and Heir to Koloso, will now include a map of the fantasy world, illustrated by the amazing and talented Raven Quinn!
With Raven at the Undead Con
Photos taken in New Orleans 2014
In addition to being a wonderful illustrator, she is also an incredible singer/songwriter. You can check out her website here! http://www.ravenquinn.com
Links to the books can be found on the ‘Temple Gods’ section of my website and are available in paperback, kindle, nook, iBooks, and Kobo: http://klbone.com/temple-gods/
March 7, 2016
Celebration of the Fantastic
Rose City & Wizard Con – Portland, Oregon
For those who don’t know, I am a die-hard Star Wars fan. I mean the kind of fan who is currently making plans for the midnight show of the next film that won’t be out until Christmas. So when it was announced that Carrie Fisher was coming to Portland, I had my tickets in hand as fast as my fingers could click the purchase button.
The event was Rose City Comic Con and, to my delight, was a wonderful event all around. I loved the energetic feel of gathering with fellow fans of shows as legendary as Star Wars to those as iconic as superheroes and power rangers.
I loved people watching, occasionally photographing the fun costumes that some had begun to plan months in advance of the event. I, who normally feel out of place in any crowd, quickly felt right at home among these fellow dreamers, discussing theories about what would occur in upcoming marvel films, favorite fantasy novels and of course, the returning world of Star Wars.
And then I met Princess Leia, air predictably tight in my chest, as I struggled to avoid stuttered ‘I’m such a huge fan’ or something equally generic. I managed to smile and say hello as she signed a copy of Episode IV for me and then, later in the con, signed a photograph that we had taken with her.
One great story that came out of the event involved nail polish. After signing my photograph, I was asked by Carrie if she could see my hand, which of course I gave to her, no questions asked. She proceeded to grab a bottle of gold glitter nail polish, glanced at the design on my nails and proceeded to paint over my thumbnail. Strange? Yes. In a totally awesome way? YES!
But it gets better. My best friend was with me when we went to get signatures. After she painted my nail, she asked for his. He proceeded to shake his head, and walked away. When I caught up to him I said, ‘would you seriously not let Princess Leia paint your nails?’ His went wide and he said:
‘What?’
“You wouldn’t let Leia paint your nails!”
“I didn’t know that is what she was asking!” he exclaimed as I started to laugh. “I would have let her paint my nail. I would have let her paint all my nails!”
I, of course being the awesome best friend that I am, proceeded to call his sister about not allowing Leia to paint his nails and he has been appropriately teased about this ever since.
We also met Ray Park, who was a very nice guy to speak to. Another fan girl moment for me as he played one of the most iconic villains to grace the Star Wars franchise, Darth Maul. He took photographs, signed some pictures, and chatted with every person who approached him.
Fast forward a few months later, and it only seemed fair that when my husband (A Trekkie through and through) asked if we could meet William Shatner at the Wizard Con a few months later, I agreed.
And see him we did.
Joined by two close friends, we traversed the Con with eyes wide in child-like amazement. Walking through the rows of vendors and artists is an experience unto itself. It featured everything from comic book artists, to authors, to craftsmen. You could even, at a few stands, get a tattoo right there in the middle of the con. (and many people did!) I got a few books signed, bought a hairpiece fit for an elven queen and a beautiful necklace with dragons.
I met fantasy author Terry Brooks, who I have been a long time fan of. When I told him that I was fantasy author myself, he took the time to speak a little about writing with me and wished me luck with my own work, which was an amazing moment for me!
We also ran into friend and fellow author, EA Channon who recently released a new book in his Flesh of the Blood fantasy series. He and his wife have been attending Cons all over the country to promote his works.
Then, of course, we went to see the most important part of any Con, the celebrities! We met several celebrity guests, everyone from childhood heroes to teenage crushes.
Among those we met, included Jennifer Morrison, star of Once Upon A Time and House, M.D. In person, she was very sweet, entertaining her guests with an occasional story and greeting everyone with a kind smile.
James Marsters, a talented voice actor, perhaps most famous for playing Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He turned out to be among the kindest of those gathered, taking time to speak and visit with each fan as they approached. He took selfies at the table and engaged in enough conversation to make everyone feel as though they were special, including myself who inevitably transformed into a mumbling fangirl when it was finally my turn to approach the table.
In addition to signing autographs, Marsters also offered to call a friend and leave a message in the voice of his vampire alter ego. Unable, to resist, I sent a message to my friend Raven, telling her not to pick up the phone and had Marsters proceed to call and leave her a message. It was awesome of him to do so and her elated reaction made the day truly memorable.
We also, in the name of proceeds going to children’s cancer research, placed a Bounty out for the arrest of our friend. Bounty Hunters came for him traveling across the majority of the con, to walk him back to jail where he spent five minutes paying for his crimes as his friends snapped photos.
My husband and I also met Jewel Staite, aka Kaylee from Firefly, also known as “the other woman” from our college years. She was pleasant and engaging, an impressive feat with her newborn on tow; but the best part was how red my husband turned when he read her message on her photograph asking him to “Tell me I’m pretty?” The same goes for my best friend, who turned a similar shade of red when we teased of his boyish crush on Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter.
But little will best meeting William Shatner. I was not much of a trekkie, but I was a fan of his work on the legal dramedy Boston Legal.
We met him and exchanged a few pleasantries. As much as you can with the mile-long line behind you. But his Q & A session was wonderfully done. I am not sure how many questions he actually answered, but (and he forewarned us of a propensity to ramble) it truly was story time with Grandpa Kirk. His tales, anecdotes and occasional insults made us laugh, and more importantly made us think on topics like friendship, commitment, and dedication.
What was probably the most amazing thing to me about these events was the sheer love of fiction. Whether it was comic books, television shows, anime, or novels, this was a celebration of the worlds dreamed up by artists and adored by fans.
The love of fans was palpable years, sometimes decades, after the series had drawn to a close and the artists had long since left the stage. Cons like this are more than a chance to embrace the inner nerd and/or child. It is the opportunity for so many to come together and celebrate the power of dreams and imagination.
