Aurora Springer's Blog, page 85
January 26, 2015
Teaser Tuesday - Can Violet Deal with her Obnoxious Grand Master?
Teaser Tuesday Excerpt
Group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/the.scifi.romance.group/
#sfrgtt
A thousand years in the future, instant travel via portals links the civilized planets. The Grand Masters guard the key to power. Disasters on the edge of the galaxy threaten lives. On Avalon, the White Mother Tingu weaves her plans for the most promising empath in generations. Young Violet Hunter accepts the secret task of discovering the truth about the Grand Masters. She explores exotic planets as a pawn of her Grand Master. On her missions, she meets weird aliens, gains new powers, and strange allies. While seeking answers, Violet is hurled into explosive conflict with the Grand Masters, while the galaxy flies toward chaos.
Excerpt from Grand Master's Pawn, Part 2
Walking through the cheerful brick and glass buildings of the Space Academy, Violet was depressed by the gloomy black façade of the Council Hall. She had postponed meeting the Grand Master as long as she dared. Now, she meant to discover the purpose of the living crystals, and learn about her next assignment. At the entrance, the guard recognized her collar and waved her inside. As on her first visit, no one was visible in the private chamber. After a few minutes, the blue light in the eyes of the griffin statue heralded the Grand Master.
His deep voice resounded through the small room, “Pawn, did you retrieve the living crystals?”
“Yes, Grand Master, I have the crystals.”
He acknowledged her success, saying gruffly, “You have done well in your first mission. Show me the crystals.”
Violet plucked the gems out of her pocket, and revealed the three crystals on the palm of her outstretched hand.
The griffin’s eyes flashed brighter and the Grand Master said, “I expected the two blue crystals.” His voice grew ominous, “Why do you have a third, purple crystal?”
“When I entered the crystal cave, I followed your instructions precisely. The purple crystal fell into my cupped hands, just as the two sapphires did,” Violet explained. “What should I do with them, Grand Master?”
“I shall attach the blue crystals to your collar. Stand in front of the griffin and hold the crystals against the metal band.”
Obediently, Violet stood before the griffin’s blue gaze, and fumbled to position the jewels on the neckband. “Is this correct?” she asked nervously.
“It will suffice. Tilt up your chin and close your eyes,” he commanded. Behind her closed eyelids, she saw a flash of electric blue, and the metal collar burned beneath her fingers. She did not dare to move.
“It is done. You carry my eyes on your collar,” he said with satisfaction, and growled a threat, “Beware! Now I can watch everywhere you go.”
Her mental perception of his grim presence strengthened and Violet recoiled in alarm. What had she done? Now he could spy on her through the blue crystals. She gathered her courage to ask, “What about the purple crystal? The guide, Rothan Rivern, said the amethyst bore my destiny. He told me you could explain what it means.”
“Do you have a third eye, pawn?” he retorted. “Your records from the Space Academy make no mention of such a talent.”
Eyes wide in apprehension, she said, “I don’t know what you mean, Grand Master. What is a third eye?” She guessed the third eye was connected to her empathic talent, and hoped to keep her psychic abilities hidden from him.
“Do not try to deceive me!” he thundered. “Do you have a hidden talent?”
She bit her lip and refused to speak. It would only incriminate her.
Without warning, the griffin’s eyes flared an intense blue and a surge of power blasted her. Violet slammed into the wall with no chance to defend herself. She cowered, shaken and angry, and clutched at the cold wall for support. He had attacked her brutally. Tingu had warned her of evil Grand Masters. Was he one of them?
Violet stiffened with renewed courage and glared at the griffin. Its blue eyes had dimmed, quiescent for the moment. She compressed her lips resolutely, and waited for him to speak. “You cannot have any psychic power,” he remarked in an icy dispassionate voice.
He's going to have trouble with this pawn!
I am releasing this work in parts.
Part 1,
Violet’s mission to the ice planet of Erebus: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SG91AHEPart 2,
Violet’s second mission to the planet Sythos, home of the dragon lords: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJE7O30 (pre-order)
The romance becomes overt in Part 4.
Group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/the.scifi.romance.group/
#sfrgtt
A thousand years in the future, instant travel via portals links the civilized planets. The Grand Masters guard the key to power. Disasters on the edge of the galaxy threaten lives. On Avalon, the White Mother Tingu weaves her plans for the most promising empath in generations. Young Violet Hunter accepts the secret task of discovering the truth about the Grand Masters. She explores exotic planets as a pawn of her Grand Master. On her missions, she meets weird aliens, gains new powers, and strange allies. While seeking answers, Violet is hurled into explosive conflict with the Grand Masters, while the galaxy flies toward chaos.
Excerpt from Grand Master's Pawn, Part 2
Walking through the cheerful brick and glass buildings of the Space Academy, Violet was depressed by the gloomy black façade of the Council Hall. She had postponed meeting the Grand Master as long as she dared. Now, she meant to discover the purpose of the living crystals, and learn about her next assignment. At the entrance, the guard recognized her collar and waved her inside. As on her first visit, no one was visible in the private chamber. After a few minutes, the blue light in the eyes of the griffin statue heralded the Grand Master.
His deep voice resounded through the small room, “Pawn, did you retrieve the living crystals?”
“Yes, Grand Master, I have the crystals.”
He acknowledged her success, saying gruffly, “You have done well in your first mission. Show me the crystals.”
Violet plucked the gems out of her pocket, and revealed the three crystals on the palm of her outstretched hand.
The griffin’s eyes flashed brighter and the Grand Master said, “I expected the two blue crystals.” His voice grew ominous, “Why do you have a third, purple crystal?”
“When I entered the crystal cave, I followed your instructions precisely. The purple crystal fell into my cupped hands, just as the two sapphires did,” Violet explained. “What should I do with them, Grand Master?”
“I shall attach the blue crystals to your collar. Stand in front of the griffin and hold the crystals against the metal band.”
Obediently, Violet stood before the griffin’s blue gaze, and fumbled to position the jewels on the neckband. “Is this correct?” she asked nervously.
“It will suffice. Tilt up your chin and close your eyes,” he commanded. Behind her closed eyelids, she saw a flash of electric blue, and the metal collar burned beneath her fingers. She did not dare to move.
“It is done. You carry my eyes on your collar,” he said with satisfaction, and growled a threat, “Beware! Now I can watch everywhere you go.”
Her mental perception of his grim presence strengthened and Violet recoiled in alarm. What had she done? Now he could spy on her through the blue crystals. She gathered her courage to ask, “What about the purple crystal? The guide, Rothan Rivern, said the amethyst bore my destiny. He told me you could explain what it means.”
“Do you have a third eye, pawn?” he retorted. “Your records from the Space Academy make no mention of such a talent.”
Eyes wide in apprehension, she said, “I don’t know what you mean, Grand Master. What is a third eye?” She guessed the third eye was connected to her empathic talent, and hoped to keep her psychic abilities hidden from him.
“Do not try to deceive me!” he thundered. “Do you have a hidden talent?”
She bit her lip and refused to speak. It would only incriminate her.
Without warning, the griffin’s eyes flared an intense blue and a surge of power blasted her. Violet slammed into the wall with no chance to defend herself. She cowered, shaken and angry, and clutched at the cold wall for support. He had attacked her brutally. Tingu had warned her of evil Grand Masters. Was he one of them?
Violet stiffened with renewed courage and glared at the griffin. Its blue eyes had dimmed, quiescent for the moment. She compressed her lips resolutely, and waited for him to speak. “You cannot have any psychic power,” he remarked in an icy dispassionate voice.
He's going to have trouble with this pawn!
I am releasing this work in parts.
Part 1,
Violet’s mission to the ice planet of Erebus: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SG91AHEPart 2,
Violet’s second mission to the planet Sythos, home of the dragon lords: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJE7O30 (pre-order)
The romance becomes overt in Part 4.
January 23, 2015
SFFSat - snippet from Grand Master's Pawn
Welcome to another Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday, where we exchange snippets of works with other writers.
Today, I'll continue the excerpt from Grand Master's Pawn from where it ended two weeks ago.
Part 1 is published
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SG91AHE,
Part 2 is on pre-order
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJE7O30.
This is Violet Hunter's first meeting with the Grand Master. He speaks through a stone griffin with glowing blue eyes.
His gruff voice grew severe again, “I have taken a chance by selecting you. You must prove yourself worthy to serve as my pawn.”
“My qualifications are excellent,” she said, nettled by his antagonistic attitude. Surely, he had checked the records for her performance at the Academy.
“True, however, you have no practical experience.”
Violet objected again, “Grand Master, I have more experience with aliens and other planets than most of my contemporaries.”
He growled, “I am aware of the reports on you. Nonetheless, every pawn must meet my high standards when performing their missions.”
His deep voice rose in volume and resonated throughout the small chamber, “You will perform the missions exactly as I command. Do you understand me, pawn?”
“Yes, Grand Master,” she said, trying to sound compliant. Who was he to plan a detailed strategy? He would be safe in his palace, or wherever Grand Masters chose to live, while she would be working under hazardous conditions. Her survival might require swift action.
The Grand Master continued in his imperious manner, “Your first mission will be to acquire the living crystals from the cave in the Catacombs of Erebus.”
Please leave a comment. Remember to return to SFFSatSFFSat and sample the other snippets.
Today, I'll continue the excerpt from Grand Master's Pawn from where it ended two weeks ago. Part 1 is published
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SG91AHE,
Part 2 is on pre-order
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJE7O30.
This is Violet Hunter's first meeting with the Grand Master. He speaks through a stone griffin with glowing blue eyes. His gruff voice grew severe again, “I have taken a chance by selecting you. You must prove yourself worthy to serve as my pawn.”
“My qualifications are excellent,” she said, nettled by his antagonistic attitude. Surely, he had checked the records for her performance at the Academy.
“True, however, you have no practical experience.”
Violet objected again, “Grand Master, I have more experience with aliens and other planets than most of my contemporaries.”
He growled, “I am aware of the reports on you. Nonetheless, every pawn must meet my high standards when performing their missions.”
His deep voice rose in volume and resonated throughout the small chamber, “You will perform the missions exactly as I command. Do you understand me, pawn?”
“Yes, Grand Master,” she said, trying to sound compliant. Who was he to plan a detailed strategy? He would be safe in his palace, or wherever Grand Masters chose to live, while she would be working under hazardous conditions. Her survival might require swift action.
The Grand Master continued in his imperious manner, “Your first mission will be to acquire the living crystals from the cave in the Catacombs of Erebus.”
Please leave a comment. Remember to return to SFFSatSFFSat and sample the other snippets.
January 21, 2015
Untamed and Unabashed by Liza O'Connor
Welcome to Lydia’s Bennet’s story.If you’ve read Pride & Prejudice, you know Lydia is the youngest of the five Bennet sisters. Like her siblings she has little chance of making a good marriage. Still, Lydia is not your typical heroine. She doesn’t cry over her hopeless future. She sets about to change it, without concern to propriety or decorum. Lydia falls to the charms of Wickham when she’s sixteen, certain a marriage to the handsome fellow is the beginning of her fabulous life. Wickham’s many failings reveal themselves in short order and Lydia realizes she’ll have to secure a better future for them both.At each stop, I’ll share a new bit of detail from Pride & Prejudice that touches upon Lydia’s story:In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Lydia showed a preference for Captain Carter and Mr. Denny which is presumed to continue in Brighton.Liza thoughts: I believe Lydia set her sights on Wickham while in Brighton because she believed her sister, Eliza, still preferred the young lieutenant more than anyone else. What a great coop it would be to steal Wickham away from Eliza. This, of course, would suggest that Lydia disliked Eliza a great deal. While the constant lectures over Lydia’s behavior would not have endeared her to Eliza, I’m thinking the major issue was her father’s preference to Eliza and his caustic remarks to his younger daughters, as if he held them at fault for not being boys.
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Elizabeth Bennet told her story in Pride and Prejudice. Now Lydia Bennet tells her side of her whirlwind marriage to Lieutenant Wickham. The youngest of five daughters with a pittance of a dowry and no hope for a good marriage, Lydia feared her life was doomed from the start. She learns how to set herself apart from her sisters and gain the attention of young men. She hones charm and flirtation to an art. Willing to take risks, she manages to acquire a substantial dowry and marries her beloved Wickham. Yet, her life remains on the brink until she gains the patronage of a wealthy Duke trapped in a loveless marriage.
“Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy and fearless.”—quote by Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenA UniqueEXCERPT“How long until we reach London?” Lydia asked.“We will be there within a few hours if the horse holds up.”She stared at the animal. Such an ugly creature, speckled with odd colors. Lydia preferred solid white steeds with black tails. She hoped no one saw them in their current unfashionable state. “You are planning to sell this horse and buggy, I pray.”Wickham glanced at her in surprise. “First thing.”She sighed happily and curled her hands around his arm. “You are the very best of husbands.”He patted her leg. “And you are the most obliging of ladies. I had not realized what a delightful pragmatist you were.”She wasn’t certain what ‘pragmatist’ meant. No one had ever called her that before. Recalling her compliment to him before his declaration, she decided it must mean pleasing.“With four sisters before me and no dowry to speak of, I realized early on I needed something to set me apart. Jane was the reputed beauty, Eliza the wit, Mary the moralist.” She rolled her eyes at the mention of Mary. “And then Kitty, the lost.”Wickham smiled at her. “Kitty, the lost?”Lydia nodded. “She has failed to make a mark for herself. She might as well be a ghost. No one, neither my parents, nor the servants take any notice of her at all.” Lydia snorted. “Well, I decided early on no one would ignore me.”Wickham tugged on a loose curl caressing her rosy cheeks. “I cannot imagine such a thing.”Lydia swelled with pride at her husband’s words. “Not now. But had I not seen the lay of the land and acted accordingly, I daresay my fate would have been the same as Kitty’s. After Jane and Eliza were born, my parents were sick to death of having girls.”She adjusted her hat to an angle. “I realized I needed to be special in a manner that one of my parents would favor me above all the others.”Wickham turned towards her. Admiration shown in his eyes. “You chose your mother.”Lydia nodded. “Jane had been her favorite, but I thought Jane much easier to unseat than my father’s pet, Eliza.” She rolled her eyes. “It was laughably easy. All I had to do was mimic my mother’s responses to everything said or done. By the age of five, I had ousted Jane and become my mother’s beloved. Of all the girls, I received the best hats, laces and gowns. Reworked gowns went to Mary and Kitty, never to me.”
SALES LINK Amazon Free for KU members
More About the AuthorLiza O’Connor’s favorite books are Pride & Prejudice and Douglas Adams’ four book trilogy, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Go figure… Raised in the southern mid-section of U.S., Liza escaped to the East Coast once out of college. She’s worked as a journalist, a radio DJ, a security guard, a stock broker, a strategist, and a business solutions consultant to name a few of her many occupations. Again…go figure.She learned to fly planes, jump out of planes, hang-glide, kayak and scuba dive, to name of few of her ‘let’s kill Liza’ moments. However, her favorite activity is to hike with her dog Jess among the shaved mountains of NJ. Here are additional Historical Novels by Liza O’ConnorA Humorous Sleuth Series: The Adventures of Xavier & VicThe brilliant English Sleuth, Xavier Thorn, takes on a cheeky apprentice who turns out to be a young woman. Vic prefers to dress as a young man so she can live a more interesting life in the Late Victorian era. Overtime, Xavier makes her his partner in all ways. The Troublesome Apprentice — The greatest sleuth in Victorian England hires a young man who turns out to be a young woman. The Missing Partner — Opps! The greatest sleuth in Victorian England goes missing, leaving Vic to rescue him, a suffragette, and about 100 servants. Not to mention an eviscerating cat. Yes, let’s not mention the cat. A Right to Love — A Romantic spin off from the Adventures of Xavier & Vic. The gypsy pirate Jacko falls in love with a compromised lady of high society. The Mesmerist — The Mesmerist can control people from afar and make them murder for her. Worse yet, Xavier Thorn has fallen under her spell.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUTLIZA O'CONNORInvestigate these sites:Liza's Blog and Website Facebook Twitter Google +
January 20, 2015
Released - Grand Master's Pawn, part 1
Grand Masters' Universe
Epic science fiction with paranormal powers, mystery and romance
Part 1 is released.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SG91AHE
Expect Part 2 in February.
Pre-order part 2http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJE7O30
The vast web of the teleportal system links the civilized planets, yet wars and disease propagate from the edge of the galaxy. Are the mysterious Grand Masters responsible for the disasters? On Avalon, the White Mother Tingu weaves her plans for the most promising empath in generations. Violet Hunter seems an ordinary graduate of the Terran Space Academy with the dream of exploring exotic planets. She hides her secret talent and her task of investigating the twelve Grand Masters. One Grand Master took a chance and selected Violet as his pawn. On her missions, Violet gains new powers, strange allies, and clues to the Grand Masters. While seeking answers, Violet is hurled into conflict with the Grand Masters, while the galaxy flies toward chaos.
Part 1 follows Violet’s mission to the ice planet of Erebus.
Epic science fiction with paranormal powers, mystery and romance
Part 1 is released.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SG91AHE
Expect Part 2 in February.
Pre-order part 2http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJE7O30
The vast web of the teleportal system links the civilized planets, yet wars and disease propagate from the edge of the galaxy. Are the mysterious Grand Masters responsible for the disasters? On Avalon, the White Mother Tingu weaves her plans for the most promising empath in generations. Violet Hunter seems an ordinary graduate of the Terran Space Academy with the dream of exploring exotic planets. She hides her secret talent and her task of investigating the twelve Grand Masters. One Grand Master took a chance and selected Violet as his pawn. On her missions, Violet gains new powers, strange allies, and clues to the Grand Masters. While seeking answers, Violet is hurled into conflict with the Grand Masters, while the galaxy flies toward chaos.
Part 1 follows Violet’s mission to the ice planet of Erebus.
January 16, 2015
Welcome to another Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday...
Welcome to another Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday, where writers read and discuss snippets from their works.
Here is a snippet from A Tale of Two Colonies, which is free this Saturday.
A scout team from Earth are searching for the lost colony on a distant planet. They encounter the man, Conley, who seems unwilling to speak of himself or any other colonists. He is fascinated by Lily.
Lily crawled back inside her tent to pack her sleeping bag. She heard voices outside and peered out. Just outside her tent, Max and Conley were confronting each other, or rather, she corrected herself on closer inspection, Max was confronting Conley.
“Leave her alone,” Max said belligerently. He raised his fists. Conley stood calmly, yet Lily noted his alert stance. He could counter any attack easily.
“Stop it, Max!” she ordered, stepping out in front of the two men. “Lily, you’re putting yourself into a dangerous position,” he argued. “No, Max, you’re the one in danger.” She gestured at Conley, “He’s a fighter! Think of the length of his reach. I bet he’s seen real combat!” She glanced quickly at Conley and saw his lips twitch in a smile. Her guess was correct.
Comments are welcome.
Please return to SFFSat to read the contributions of the other writers.
Here is a snippet from A Tale of Two Colonies, which is free this Saturday.
A scout team from Earth are searching for the lost colony on a distant planet. They encounter the man, Conley, who seems unwilling to speak of himself or any other colonists. He is fascinated by Lily.
Lily crawled back inside her tent to pack her sleeping bag. She heard voices outside and peered out. Just outside her tent, Max and Conley were confronting each other, or rather, she corrected herself on closer inspection, Max was confronting Conley.
“Leave her alone,” Max said belligerently. He raised his fists. Conley stood calmly, yet Lily noted his alert stance. He could counter any attack easily.
“Stop it, Max!” she ordered, stepping out in front of the two men. “Lily, you’re putting yourself into a dangerous position,” he argued. “No, Max, you’re the one in danger.” She gestured at Conley, “He’s a fighter! Think of the length of his reach. I bet he’s seen real combat!” She glanced quickly at Conley and saw his lips twitch in a smile. Her guess was correct.
Comments are welcome.
Please return to SFFSat to read the contributions of the other writers.
January 15, 2015
Released - Mirror Reformed by K.G. Stutts
Theme in Mirror Trilogy I always felt like themes were important to stories. Some sort of arch that is throughout a series. I didn’t do a lot of planning when I started writing my Mirror series as far as outlining, although I did know what was going to happen in the trilogy. But I wanted a theme to arch. My publisher, Catrina, suggested we keep the name ‘Mirror’ in the title. To this day, I don’t think she realizes how brilliant that was to me.
The story for Mirror Image was a simple one. Madison Rhodes leads a quiet life until she finds out she’s a clone. She gets swept into a world she never knew existed with the Intergalactic Security Commission, a secret organization similar to the Federation in Star Trek, tasked with keeping Earth and other worlds safe. Of course, she had no knowledge there were other worlds. She meets her counterpart, an agent in the ISC who goes by Mack, which is short for her middle name, Mackenzie. These two women are two sides of the same coin. Both so different yet at their core, the same person. Maddie seems more open and gentle in nature, but she didn’t go through five years of missions and hardship like Mack had. Mirror Image set a good tone for the series. But I knew things would change when it came down to the second book, Mirror Shattered. Without giving away spoilers, some truth is brought to life that changes both women, but they both react differently. In Mirror Shattered, the team goes back in time to stop an alien race known as the Synth from stopping the creation of the ISC and take over Earth. Because of the time travel, several things were different when the timeline was restored. The third and final book, out January 16th, is Mirror Reformed. Some have asked me, “How can you reform a mirror?” I have given vague answers before but here’s the real scoop: the overall theme arching the stories is that Mack is the aforementioned Mirror. The story is pretty centered on Maddie, but Mack is actually the Mirror. Like the story of Star Wars had Luke as the main character in the original trilogy but Star Wars, to me, as always been Darth Vader’s story.
Blurb for Mirror Reformed:The ISC's most dangerous foe, the Synth, is threatening Earth. Mack, Maddie, and their team scramble to come up with a plan to defeat them one and for all. As the planet's safety is in jeopardy, the team will have to put it all on the line, or give their lives in the process.
Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S9ZZ43G http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/510764 Coupon for discount to $0.99 https://www.facebook.com/events/1469418863323056/Online store: store.distinguishedpress.com
Excerpt: “Because they’ve done it before, and this is the team that stopped them.”The team stared blankly at their former commander, trying to comprehend his words. The statement echoed in Maddie’s mind, making her hands shake.“That’s insane,” Seth blurted out after several quiet minutes.
“Remember my warning. What I said is hard to believe, but it’s the absolute truth.” Charlie looked unabashed at the group’s disbelief.
“Charlie, what’s going on?” Maddie asked.
“Most of you know the story of how the ISC was formed,” Elizabeth began.
“Right. A young Charlie created a communications device that reached the Isgurd,” Mack stated. “We formed our first alliance with them.”
“Correct. The rest of the story has been classified.”
“Rest of the story?” Maddie looked over at John who looked just as confused as she did.Charlie pulled up a video on the monitor and pressed play. The screen came to life as a young boy wearing wire-rimmed glasses and sandy blond hair falling in his eyes smiled and cleared his throat.“My name is Charles Westlake. I am thirteen years old and I’m from Charleston, South Carolina. I created an intergalactic communications device that made contact with an alien race known as the Isgurd. I have recently been visited by a group of people from the year 2015. They came here to prevent an aggressive alien race known as the Synth from killing me, stopping my meeting with the leader of the Isgurd, Balise, and taking over Earth. This group was led by Jackson Gray, but my main contacts were Maddie and John Brooks. The team successfully defeated the Synth here in 1965. This message is to be preserved in case the Synth return.”The team stared at the monitor long after the screen went black.“How . . . how did all this happen?” Mack finally broke the silence. “Going back in time and fighting a race no one has heard of? I mean, Charlie, honestly—”
“That’s not the pressing issue,” Maddie interjected sheepishly.
“Exactly, Maddie.” Charlie nodded. “We need to come up with a plan and fast.”Maddie turned bright red when Mack turned and glared at her for the interruption. After a moment, though, Mack relaxed into a reassuring smile.“How much time do we have?” Jackson asked.
“Judging by current speed, they will be here in four days,” Elizabeth stated.
“Four days isn’t a lot of time,” John muttered.
“Charlie, you said we defeated them before.” Maddie chewed on the inside of her cheek. Charlie nodded. “How?”The former commander instantly broke eye contact, looking down at the floor. Even Elizabeth wouldn’t meet her gaze.“I see,” Maddie solemnly said.
“See what?” One of the guys, Chris, asked.
“None of us made it,” Seth replied.
“Ah.”
“Well, that’s certainly comforting,” Jackson gravely said.
“Do we have a plan?” Mack asked, shifting uncomfortably in her chair.Elizabeth and Charlie exchanged glances before turning back to the group. The look on both of their faces made Maddie’s heart drop into her stomach.
“Nothing? You’ve got nothing?” David sputtered out the question. “How did we do it before?” Chris asked.
“We’re . . . not sure,” Elizabeth admitted.
About the Author: Growing up in Texas and later South Carolina as the youngest in a house full of science fiction fans, K.G. Stutts had her natural curiosity and imagination nurtured since birth by family movie nights where they would watch Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and even timeless Disney favorites. A prolific writer of sci-fi, romance, and mystery, K.G. draws much of her inspiration from those amazing works that gave her an appreciation for telling rich, compelling, character-driven stories for all audiences. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, Brad, and works for a customer service call center. She’s a lover of Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis, Muppets, Garfield, Disney, Indiana Jones, and is a big wrestling, hockey, and football fan.
Social Media:http://www.facebook.com/KGStuttshttp://www.twitter.com/KGStuttshttp://KGStutts.comhttp://KGStutts.bl...
January 9, 2015
Snippet for Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday: Grand Master's Pawn
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday, where writers post a few lines of their stories. Enjoy the snippets and leave a comment!
Here is a piece from my WIP, which is epic science fiction with paranormal, and Book 1 in a trilogy. Violet Hunter has been selected to serve as the pawn of one of the powerful Grand Masters, following her dream of exploring exotic planets. The Grand Master is unaware of her secrets; she is an empath with the task of identifying the evil Grand Masters. Here is their first meeting, where she sees only his griffin avatar:
Snippet
Two blue beams emerged from the round eyes of an ugly stone griffin, casting a weird light over the walls of the small room. A deep, resonant voice spoke, “I am the Grand Master and you will serve as my pawn.”
“Yes, Grand Master,” Violet said, refusing to show fear at the eerie, disembodied voice. “What may I call you?”
“You will call me Grand Master,” the haughty voice held an unpleasant edge.
Violet resolved to assert her independence instead of retreating into her usual passive acceptance, and said indignantly, “Grand Master, do your pawns have individual names?”
The room vibrated and psychic pressure built up against her. “You are insolent, Violet Hunter!” the Grand Master growled.
Shivering at the menace in his words, she stepped back against the wall, and instinctively shielded her mind. His psychic power was impressive since he was not physically in the room. Unexpectedly, Violet sensed a faint drift of amusement, the mental equivalent of a smile.
“Hunter is a good name for your vocation,” he remarked in a milder tone.
Violet stiffened; he must never learn the truth. She hunted him.
The full story, Grand Master's Pawn, is in its final day on kindle scout, where you can read the first two chapters. I plan to publish soon, whatever Amazon decides.
Please leave a comment, and return to SFFSat to read the snippets from other writers.
Here is a piece from my WIP, which is epic science fiction with paranormal, and Book 1 in a trilogy. Violet Hunter has been selected to serve as the pawn of one of the powerful Grand Masters, following her dream of exploring exotic planets. The Grand Master is unaware of her secrets; she is an empath with the task of identifying the evil Grand Masters. Here is their first meeting, where she sees only his griffin avatar:
Snippet
Two blue beams emerged from the round eyes of an ugly stone griffin, casting a weird light over the walls of the small room. A deep, resonant voice spoke, “I am the Grand Master and you will serve as my pawn.”
“Yes, Grand Master,” Violet said, refusing to show fear at the eerie, disembodied voice. “What may I call you?”
“You will call me Grand Master,” the haughty voice held an unpleasant edge.
Violet resolved to assert her independence instead of retreating into her usual passive acceptance, and said indignantly, “Grand Master, do your pawns have individual names?”
The room vibrated and psychic pressure built up against her. “You are insolent, Violet Hunter!” the Grand Master growled.
Shivering at the menace in his words, she stepped back against the wall, and instinctively shielded her mind. His psychic power was impressive since he was not physically in the room. Unexpectedly, Violet sensed a faint drift of amusement, the mental equivalent of a smile.
“Hunter is a good name for your vocation,” he remarked in a milder tone.
Violet stiffened; he must never learn the truth. She hunted him.
The full story, Grand Master's Pawn, is in its final day on kindle scout, where you can read the first two chapters. I plan to publish soon, whatever Amazon decides.
Please leave a comment, and return to SFFSat to read the snippets from other writers.
January 4, 2015
Striking New Cover for The Lady is Blue
I'm releasing new covers for the novels in my series Atrapako on Eden.
The alien Atrapako have scales, a spiky crest and sharp claws.
Book 1 The Lady is Blue:
Dr. Lucy Stannis emigrated from Terra expecting her fiancé to follow her to a new life on the small colony on the terraformed planet of Eden. He never left home and married someone else. After a few years, Lucy is bored and her current lover is too possessive. He insists she choose between him and the aliens. How can he be jealous of a sharp clawed alien covered in hard scales? She is a scientist and thrilled by the arrival of an alien spaceship. Sa Kamizan Veedak led the Atrapako exiles on the hazardous five-year voyage from their home planet. His lover chose to abandon the space voyage and stay behind. Can he find solace in the beautiful human scientist he befriends on Eden? He must struggle to hide the Atrapako secret from Lucy while encouraging her affection until the time is right.
Conflict is inevitable. The aliens are not as peaceful and logical as they pretend. Nor are the humans as weak-willed and defenseless as they appear to the aliens. Also, Lucy is a secret agent in contact with the Terran Space Agency. Can she uncover the Atrapako secret in time to prevent slaughter? Must she choose between Sa Kamizan and the freedom of the colony on Eden?
Excerpt:
“Describe their positions,” he said, as he ran his broad hands over the surface of the wall. “One man is standing at the left of the pilot and the other is almost directly in front of you.” Lucy turned to watch Sa Kamizan. “You take the one on the left,” he muttered. The partition had been put together crudely in sections of rigid material, which were held together in the corners by metal pins. The Blue grinned at Lucy and turned back to the partition. He took two steps backward, and, gripping the stunner in his right hand, bent his left arm parallel with his body. He leapt towards the partition and smashed through into the cabin. Lucy jumped through the opening and needled the man standing next to the pilot. The man in front of Sa Kamizan also fell. She spun round swiftly to cover the rest of the room and caught sight of a fourth man, who must have been hidden from her view in the window. This man was aiming at the Blue. The stunner and needler hit him simultaneously. He fell, leaving only the pilot who still held the controls. The pilot realized he was being threatened and sneered, “You can’t fly anywhere without me!” “Don’t bet on it,” Lucy replied grimly. She waited until the flitter had almost reached the far side of the mountain range. The pilot breathed a shallow sigh of relief, and Lucy flicked the needle dart into his neck. A faint scraping noise caused her to look round. Sa Kamizan was sliding down the wall. As he reached a sitting position on the floor, she ran over and knelt beside him. “Veedak, is it bad?” she asked softly. His head turned slowly towards her. His eyes were dulled with pain. “A flesh wound,” he muttered, “I have lost some scales.” “And a lot of blood,” Lucy added reproachfully.
The alien Atrapako have scales, a spiky crest and sharp claws.
Book 1 The Lady is Blue: Dr. Lucy Stannis emigrated from Terra expecting her fiancé to follow her to a new life on the small colony on the terraformed planet of Eden. He never left home and married someone else. After a few years, Lucy is bored and her current lover is too possessive. He insists she choose between him and the aliens. How can he be jealous of a sharp clawed alien covered in hard scales? She is a scientist and thrilled by the arrival of an alien spaceship. Sa Kamizan Veedak led the Atrapako exiles on the hazardous five-year voyage from their home planet. His lover chose to abandon the space voyage and stay behind. Can he find solace in the beautiful human scientist he befriends on Eden? He must struggle to hide the Atrapako secret from Lucy while encouraging her affection until the time is right.
Conflict is inevitable. The aliens are not as peaceful and logical as they pretend. Nor are the humans as weak-willed and defenseless as they appear to the aliens. Also, Lucy is a secret agent in contact with the Terran Space Agency. Can she uncover the Atrapako secret in time to prevent slaughter? Must she choose between Sa Kamizan and the freedom of the colony on Eden?
Excerpt:
“Describe their positions,” he said, as he ran his broad hands over the surface of the wall. “One man is standing at the left of the pilot and the other is almost directly in front of you.” Lucy turned to watch Sa Kamizan. “You take the one on the left,” he muttered. The partition had been put together crudely in sections of rigid material, which were held together in the corners by metal pins. The Blue grinned at Lucy and turned back to the partition. He took two steps backward, and, gripping the stunner in his right hand, bent his left arm parallel with his body. He leapt towards the partition and smashed through into the cabin. Lucy jumped through the opening and needled the man standing next to the pilot. The man in front of Sa Kamizan also fell. She spun round swiftly to cover the rest of the room and caught sight of a fourth man, who must have been hidden from her view in the window. This man was aiming at the Blue. The stunner and needler hit him simultaneously. He fell, leaving only the pilot who still held the controls. The pilot realized he was being threatened and sneered, “You can’t fly anywhere without me!” “Don’t bet on it,” Lucy replied grimly. She waited until the flitter had almost reached the far side of the mountain range. The pilot breathed a shallow sigh of relief, and Lucy flicked the needle dart into his neck. A faint scraping noise caused her to look round. Sa Kamizan was sliding down the wall. As he reached a sitting position on the floor, she ran over and knelt beside him. “Veedak, is it bad?” she asked softly. His head turned slowly towards her. His eyes were dulled with pain. “A flesh wound,” he muttered, “I have lost some scales.” “And a lot of blood,” Lucy added reproachfully.
December 31, 2014
Goodbye to 2014, Welcome to 2015
Happy New Year to Book Lovers - Reader and Writers
My life had major changes in 2014. My husband and I became "empty-nesters" with two sons at University. Partly for amusement, I published several stories as Aurora Springer. I had written some of the stories decades earlier.
My works include:
two full-length novels in the series Atrapako on Eden:
The Lady is Blue: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K1N951Q Dragons of Vkani: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LS1EU6K/
Three novellas:
A Tale of Two Colonies: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MFY8A5Q
Captured by the Hawk: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MYHSC52
Rosemary’s Quest: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9QJRQ0/
and a short, holiday-themed story:
Gifts of Jangalore: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R0AIG36/
I am especially thankful to all my new "virtual" friends, who have helped advise me as a new author. I will try to read, review and promote your books.
Moving on to 2015, here are my main resolutions as a writer:
Finish reading "Write, Publish, Repeat" and do it. Exchange guest posts with other writers. Publish my WIP "Grand Master's Pawn" currently on Kindle Scout, and finish the next two books in the trilogy. Work though other stories in my "Ideas" folder.
My life had major changes in 2014. My husband and I became "empty-nesters" with two sons at University. Partly for amusement, I published several stories as Aurora Springer. I had written some of the stories decades earlier. My works include:
two full-length novels in the series Atrapako on Eden:
The Lady is Blue: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K1N951Q Dragons of Vkani: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LS1EU6K/
Three novellas:
A Tale of Two Colonies: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MFY8A5Q
Captured by the Hawk: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MYHSC52
Rosemary’s Quest: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N9QJRQ0/
and a short, holiday-themed story:
Gifts of Jangalore: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R0AIG36/
I am especially thankful to all my new "virtual" friends, who have helped advise me as a new author. I will try to read, review and promote your books.
Moving on to 2015, here are my main resolutions as a writer:
Finish reading "Write, Publish, Repeat" and do it. Exchange guest posts with other writers. Publish my WIP "Grand Master's Pawn" currently on Kindle Scout, and finish the next two books in the trilogy. Work though other stories in my "Ideas" folder.
December 27, 2014
Free Sites to Promote Free eBooks
Here is a list of web sites where you don't have to pay to promote your free eBook.
As a self-published author, I appreciate FREE opportunities for promotion.
http://www.ereaderperks.com/authors/ http://freebooksy.com/editorial-submissions http://addictedtoebooks.com/submission
http://awesomegang.com/submit-your-book/
http://bookdealhunter.com/submit-free-book
http://bookgoodies.com/submit-your-free-kindle-days/
http://bookloversheaven.com/author-information-form/
http://freedigitalreads.com/author-submissions/
http://indiebookoftheday.com/authors/free-on-kindle-listing/
http://www.armadilloebooks.com/submit-free-ebooks/
http://www.frugal-freebies.com/p/submit-freebie.html
http://www.theereadercafe.com/p/authors.html
https://www.facebook.com/ebooksfreefreefree
https://www.facebook.com/EreadingTday
Please leave a comment if you know of other sites.
Disclaimers:
1) You must register for most sites and accept their newsletters. Check for their specific instructions and requirements.
2) The sites may change or start to charge a fee.
3) I don't know if using the sites helps sell books.
As a self-published author, I appreciate FREE opportunities for promotion.
http://www.ereaderperks.com/authors/ http://freebooksy.com/editorial-submissions http://addictedtoebooks.com/submission
http://awesomegang.com/submit-your-book/
http://bookdealhunter.com/submit-free-book
http://bookgoodies.com/submit-your-free-kindle-days/
http://bookloversheaven.com/author-information-form/
http://freedigitalreads.com/author-submissions/
http://indiebookoftheday.com/authors/free-on-kindle-listing/
http://www.armadilloebooks.com/submit-free-ebooks/
http://www.frugal-freebies.com/p/submit-freebie.html
http://www.theereadercafe.com/p/authors.html
https://www.facebook.com/ebooksfreefreefree
https://www.facebook.com/EreadingTday
Please leave a comment if you know of other sites.
Disclaimers:
1) You must register for most sites and accept their newsletters. Check for their specific instructions and requirements.
2) The sites may change or start to charge a fee.
3) I don't know if using the sites helps sell books.
