Aurora Springer's Blog, page 9
September 29, 2022
My Tests of Different Apps for Creating Images from Text
AI-generated images are controversial at present. Several programs/apps are available for creating AI images from text prompts. I decided run experiments with some options that are free for initial images and do not require setting up a new account. I ran simple tests on several free on-line programs for generating image from text. Since I am still learning how to make good text prompts, the results may improve for experienced users.
Caveat: this field is moving fast and my results might not be applicable in a few months.
Here are the results with prompts.
Craiyon.com is the current version of Dall-E mini. The test prompt ‘Elf with sword in trees’ gave this result.
My verdict: rough and weird.
Dream by Wombo. Test prompt gave a weird image, but you need to create an account to download the image.
Starry AI.com. My prompt ‘alien jungle’ gave this image.
But my attempts to improve the image gave weirder results. Verdict: has potential.
NightCafe.com. My prompt ‘Elf in forest’ produced this image.
Another prompt of ‘alien jungle with purple leaves yellow flowers and blue monkey with six legs gave this interesting image.
Again, evolving the image tended to give mixed results and was often not an improvement over the first one.
Verdict: promising, has various algorithms, and can be used for free with their credit system. I decided to create more images and obtained several acceptable ones for characters or alien landscapes. The header image is a volcanic landscape.
Other Sites
Pixray: Charges for use.
MidJourney: First 25 images are free, then subscriptions are $10 or $30 per month. It requires access through Discord, which would mean opening a new account.
I'm sure there are other programs available. These ones came up on my searches.
September 23, 2022
SEPTEMBER REPORT ON MY WRITING AND PUBLISHING PROGRESS
We are moving into the third quarter of 2022, which gives me an opportunity to update my progress as an author.
In June, I reported publishing two stories, a novella and a short novel. See https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2022/06/mid-year-report-on-my-writing-and.html
Since that time, I’ve been working on the sixth book in Taxyon Space, preparing other formats for my stories, and pursuing new social media venues.
NEW DIRECT BOOKSTORE
All my stories are available at a discount from my virtual store https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels.
PRINT BOOKS
I have been preparing paperback versions of my books. All my novels and novellas are now available in paperback.
AUDIOBOOKS
Audiobooks are popular, however, they are expensive to produce and authors can expect a low return on their investment. Due to the recent improvements in AI-narration, I decided to test the option in GoogleBooks to create AI-narrated audiobooks. I chose the British female voice of Anya since I retain a British accent and many of my stories are written from the perspective of a female protagonist.
My short stories, the three books in Secret Supers, the three stories in Second Chances in Space, and my epic fantasy Bridget Bramble and the Wandering Elf are now available as audiobooks.
You can listen to chapters of the audiobooks at my YouTube channel: AuroraSpringer
EXPANSION INTO DIFFERENT SOCIAL MEDIA
I am now posting images and videos on YouTube , Instagram and TikTok .
NEW SERIES AND TWO BOOKS PUBLISHED
Earlier this year, I created a new series of standalone stories. The stories in Second Chances in Space feature different combinations of interstellar spies, space pirates, and a widow or widower finding romance. The background conflict is the fight against Emperor Hadros, the aggressive ruler of a major galactic sector.
Rollicking space opera starring a feisty Irish spy and a notorious masked pirate with a tragic past.
Sci-Fi adventure and romance: a widow with a spaceship meets a moody widower and space pirates.
Sci-Fi mystery. Interstellar spy befriends enemy commander in a tragic tale with a happy ending.
September 3, 2022
Book Promotions for September #SciFi and #Fantasy
Sep 1-30: Familiars & Magical Pets September Book Fair - https://books.bookfunnel.com/fantasywithanimalsidekicks/phbvcojjdz
Sep 1-30: Sci-Fi Explosion - https://books.bookfunnel.com/sci-fi-explosion/ksbpcwyzca
Sep 1-30: Free and 99c PNR, PWF and Fantasy Romance – https://books.bookfunnel.com/powerfulpwf/ev3ckcjap7
Sept 1-30: Fae Romance September Book Fair - https://books.bookfunnel.com/fairiesfaeandwings/wbu0ki48nq
Sep 1-30: Goodbye to summer fantasy book sale - https://books.bookfunnel.com/summerfansale/6naazviimc
August 27, 2022
Under the monsoon mud - Excerpt from Stung by the Cobra for #WeWriWa and #SnippetSunday
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday . Sample the work of a new author. Read snippets of stories in different genres.
Sorry, I missed posting last week due to a mild case of covid and other stuff. Since my current wip is word-skimpy, I’ll keep posting from my latest novel, Stung by the Cobra . It’s a scifi/fantasy adventure and romance with sprinkle of Hindu mythology.
Zennia is attending a reception to honor Domina Allia, the new ruler of the planet. Events at this reception give background and foreshadow the rest of the story.
You can read my previous excerpt here: https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2022/08/nagari-again-excerpt-from-cobra-for.html
Released from his duty at Allia's dais, Nagari has come to talk to Zennia.
The final line of last week's excerpt was: "He winced, unmistakably distressed by the mention of his military title."
After a minute, he recovered enough to ask, “Do you like living in this grubby city?”
She retorted, “If you peer under the monsoon mud, Mattapurna is a vibrant and cheerful place. I’m looking forward to the celebration of Vashali.”
He gave a contemptuous snort. “The festival where men jump into the river?”
“It is the festival of renewal, of change and new beginnings.” She followed her explanation with a challenge, “Do you not desire a change in your life?”
He gasped, “Shan Zennia, you can read my mind.”
“It’s not difficult to guess,” she said drily.
He looked over her shoulder toward the dais.
Ten lines and a few more:
She twisted around to follow his gaze. Allia had risen from her throne. Still entangled with her devoted attendants, she ambled to a side door.
A servant bowed deeply and opened the door. Smoky haze puffed from the interior as the Domina and her adoring slaves entered the inner sanctum.
Nagari said, “I need a drink. Can I fetch you something?”
“No. I have a glass already.”
He headed toward the long table with refreshments. Two women in matching azure gowns waylaid him, each grasping one of his arms. Sisters, she guessed, with identical fake smiles on their painted faces.
Zennia gave herself a mental shake. Considering his wife’s neglect, she ought not to judge Nagari too harshly if he sought amusement elsewhere.
SciFi mystery. Interstellar spy befriends enemy commander in a tragic tale with a happy ending.
Shan Zennia, Senior Curator of the Archives of Galactic Culture on Lumos, plays a dangerous double role as a researcher and a spy for Solarian Intelligence. She embarks on a new mission to observe the spring festival on Harappi, a planet recently conquered by the ambitious Emperor and now governed by his niece, Domina Allia.
Zennia finds unexpected mysteries on the planet, including intelligent animals and the enigmatic Nagari. Once a victorious commander in the Emperor’s space fleet and nicknamed the Cobra, he was forced to abandon his military career when Allia claimed him as her consort. Her abusive treatment has driven him to the brink of madness.
Intrigued by the ex-commander and aware of his value as a source of information on the enemy, Zennia agrees to meet him during the festival of rebirth. Opposing forces clash at the height of the celebrations, catalyzing deadly violence. Can Nagari and Zennia survive the chaos and win a new and happier life?
The ebook is discounted by 50c at PayHip
Amazon Apple B&N Kobo GooglePlay Other
I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
You can listen to an example of the AI-narration on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/DZQ-CyX0In0
The first book in this new series is free for the next month.
Captured by the Hawk Spaceships crash across the galaxy when thief Grey Kay tangles with notorious pirate Black Hawk.
FREE at Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay PayHip
The Lady is Blue , Book 1 of Atrapako on Eden, is also free.
Scaly aliens crash on the remote planet of Eden. They mean to dominate the humans. Can Dr. Lucy Stannis save the colony and reignite her dubious friendship with the alien captain?
Direct Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay Other
Please return to http://wewriwa.blogspot.com/ to sample the works of the other writers.
Check out the videos on my new YouTube Channel - Aurora Springer
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE .
All my books are discounted at my new Webstore: https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels .
August 20, 2022
Nagari again - excerpt from Cobra for #WeWriWa and #SnippetSunday #SciFiRomance
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday . Sample the work of a new author. Read snippets of stories in different genres.
Sorry, I missed posting last week due to a mild case of covid and other stuff. Since my current wip is word-skimpy, I’ll keep posting from my latest novel, Stung by the Cobra . It’s a scifi/fantasy adventure and romance with sprinkle of Hindu mythology.
Zennia is attending a reception to honor Domina Allia, the new ruler of the planet. Events at this reception give background and foreshadow the rest of the story.
You can read my previous excerpt here: https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2022/08/domina-allia-speaks-excerpt-from-cobra.html
We last saw Commander Nagari stationed at the base of the dais where his spouse, vain and cruel Domina Allia, sat on her throne.
I’ve jumped over Zennia’s conversation with her friend the librarian to focus on the main characters.
Glancing toward the dais, Zennia noted a smile on Allia’s cruel visage. She lounged in the throne, her arms hanging by her sides. A courtier and two scantily-clad native boys were kissing and caressing her bare arms and beringed fingers. Zennia suppressed a stab of revulsion at her overt depravity. Why couldn’t the deviant princess be satisfied with her consort? But Nagari had disappeared from his station at the foot of the dais. He must hate this abuse of his wedded state.
Somebody touched Zennia’s shoulder.
She swung around to find Nagari, his intense gaze focused on her.
“Curator Shan Zennia,” he said, “do you dance?”
Ten lines and a few more:
“Is that an invitation?” She arched her eyebrows.
He blinked his bloodshot eyes and managed a wry smile. “I wish to talk with you. We can dance if you like.”
Shrugging one shoulder, she said, “I don’t dance. Though I’ll be happy to talk with you, Commander Nagari.”
He winced, unmistakably distressed by the mention of his military title.
SciFi mystery. Interstellar spy befriends enemy commander in a tragic tale with a happy ending.
Shan Zennia, Senior Curator of the Archives of Galactic Culture on Lumos, plays a dangerous double role as a researcher and a spy for Solarian Intelligence. She embarks on a new mission to observe the spring festival on Harappi, a planet recently conquered by the ambitious Emperor and now governed by his niece, Domina Allia.
Zennia finds unexpected mysteries on the planet, including intelligent animals and the enigmatic Nagari. Once a victorious commander in the Emperor’s space fleet and nicknamed the Cobra, he was forced to abandon his military career when Allia claimed him as her consort. Her abusive treatment has driven him to the brink of madness.
Intrigued by the ex-commander and aware of his value as a source of information on the enemy, Zennia agrees to meet him during the festival of rebirth. Opposing forces clash at the height of the celebrations, catalyzing deadly violence. Can Nagari and Zennia survive the chaos and win a new and happier life?
The ebook is discounted by 50c at PayHip
Amazon Apple B&N Kobo GooglePlay Other
I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
You can listen to an example of the AI-narration on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/DZQ-CyX0In0
The first book in this new series is free for the next month.
Captured by the Hawk Spaceships crash across the galaxy when thief Grey Kay tangles with notorious pirate Black Hawk.
FREE at Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay PayHip
The Lady is Blue , Book 1 of Atrapako on Eden, is also free.
Scaly aliens crash on the remote planet of Eden. They mean to dominate the humans. Can Dr. Lucy Stannis save the colony and reignite her dubious friendship with the alien captain?
Direct Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay Other
Please return to http://wewriwa.blogspot.com/ to sample the works of the other writers.
Check out the videos on my new YouTube Channel - Aurora Springer
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE .
All my books are discounted at my new Webstore: https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels .
August 8, 2022
Book Promotions in August #SciFi and #Fantasy
Aug 1-31: Slow-burn Urban Fantasy Romance – https://books.bookfunnel.com/slowburnurbanfantasyromance/is24il2by8
Aug 4-31: Free Fantasy and Sci-Fi August – https://books.bookfunnel.com/freefantasyaugust/yx1hmy6gay
Aug 15-Sep15: Fantasy Sale Promo Mid-August – https://books.bookfunnel.com/fantasy-sale-mid-august/9t6m75o0sd
Aug 20- Sep 20: Free Science Fiction & Fantasy eBooks - https://books.bookfunnel.com/free-fantasy-sciencefiction-ebooks/gs8oa5dpoj
August 6, 2022
Domina Allia speaks - excerpt from Cobra for #WeWriWa and #SnippetSunday
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday . Sample the work of a new author. Read snippets of stories in different genres.
I’ve been posting from my latest novel, Stung by the Cobra . It’s a scifi/fantasy adventure and romance with sprinkle of Hindu mythology. It is available as ebook, paperback and AI-narrated audio.
Zennia is attending a reception to honor Domina Allia, the new ruler of the planet.
You can read last week’s excerpt here: https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-royal-consort-excerpt-from-cobra.html
This excerpt continues directly with a minor deletion to focus on the most pertinent characters.
The ambassador was the first to make his obeisance to Domina Allia. The seneschal pronounced his name and title, The Honorable Viceroy Karjor am Pterakor, Ambassador for the Ptavian Sector.”
The Ptavian bent on one knee and made a deep bow.
Allia’s sullen expression did not alter.
The stylish woman next in line lifted her skirts and curtsied.
The Domina merely stared down from her throne without acknowledging any of her guests.
Zennia waited her turn in the line. When she reached the base of the dais, she whispered her name to the seneschal.
He announced her name and full title, “Curator Shan Zennia of the Archives of Galactic Culture on Lumos.”
She performed her obeisance, courteous although totally insincere.
Ten lines and you need a few more:
This time, the Domina’s eyes narrowed and she aimed a beringed forefinger at Zennia. Her tone cold and accusatory, she asked, “Are you recording me?”
Zennia tilted her head in a brief bow. “Illustrious Domina, my mission as curator is to record whatever I observe.”
A haughty smile curled the princess’ scarlet lips, suggesting her confidence in starring as the highlight of the report. She swung her finger to the side, dismissing her subject.
As Zennia walked past the dais, she glanced at Commander Nagari.
His gaze lighted on her and a faint smile of recognition fleeted across his gaunt face.
After responding with a tiny tilt of her head, she sought her friend among the assembled guests.
SciFi mystery. Interstellar spy befriends enemy commander in a tragic tale with a happy ending.
Shan Zennia, Senior Curator of the Archives of Galactic Culture on Lumos, plays a dangerous double role as a researcher and a spy for Solarian Intelligence. She embarks on a new mission to observe the spring festival on Harappi, a planet recently conquered by the ambitious Emperor and now governed by his niece, Domina Allia.
Zennia finds unexpected mysteries on the planet, including intelligent animals and the enigmatic Nagari. Once a victorious commander in the Emperor’s space fleet and nicknamed the Cobra, he was forced to abandon his military career when Allia claimed him as her consort. Her abusive treatment has driven him to the brink of madness.
Intrigued by the ex-commander and aware of his value as a source of information on the enemy, Zennia agrees to meet him during the festival of rebirth. Opposing forces clash at the height of the celebrations, catalyzing deadly violence. Can Nagari and Zennia survive the chaos and win a new and happier life?
The ebook is discounted by 50c at PayHip
Amazon Apple B&N Kobo GooglePlay Other
I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
The first book in this new series is free for the next month.
Captured by the Hawk Spaceships crash across the galaxy when thief Grey Kay tangles with notorious pirate Black Hawk.
FREE at Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay PayHip
The Lady is Blue , Book 1 of Atrapako on Eden, is also free.
Scaly aliens crash on the remote planet of Eden. They mean to dominate the humans. Can Dr. Lucy Stannis save the colony and reignite her dubious friendship with the alien captain?
Direct Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay Other
Please return to http://wewriwa.blogspot.com/ to sample the works of the other writers.
Check out the videos on my new YouTube Channel - Aurora Springer
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE .
All my books are discounted at my new Webstore: https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels .
July 30, 2022
The royal consort - excerpt from Cobra for #WeWriWa and #SnippetSunday
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday . Sample the work of a new author. Read snippets of stories in different genres.
I’ve been posting from my latest novel, Stung by the Cobra . It’s a scifi/fantasy adventure and romance with sprinkle of Hindu mythology. It is available as ebook, paperback and AI-narrated audio.
Last week, Zennia was at the reception and waiting to pay homage to the new overlord, Domina Allia. You can read the excerpt here: https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2022/07/a-dazzling-spectacle-excerpt-from-stung.html
The scene continues in this week’s excerpt. I’ve omitted some sentences about other characters to avoid confusion.
The royal consort, Commander Nagari, stood at the foot of the dais. His sober black suit was brightened with large gold buttons and ribbons of gold braid along the sleeves of his jacket and the legs of his trousers. A gold torque was clasped around his neck, more symbolic of a slave than a prince. His only other ornament, a sheathed dagger with a ruby on the hilt, was clasped on his belt. The weapon appeared ceremonial, yet doubtless he knew how to stab an enemy. Someone had applied paint to mute the dark circles under his eyes, although it did nothing to improve his appearance. The wooden expression on his haggard face hinted at his discomfort.
Other courtiers, men and woman in ornate garments, stood beyond the dais at the farther side of the auditorium. Near the opposite wall, a band of musicians waited to ply their instruments.
Nine lines and a few more:
The man in voluminous purple robes at the head of the line must be the ambassador from Ptavi. The Ptavian had the characteristic ape-like features of jutting brows and a receding chin. His presence at the reception had clear political ramifications. It meant the independent Sector of Ptavi had accepted the new ruler of Harappi. In Zennia’s opinion, few other sectors were likely to support the Emperor’s occupation of the planet. They were afraid the Emperor would cast his greedy eyes on one of their own planets.
SciFi mystery. Interstellar spy befriends enemy commander in a tragic tale with a happy ending.
Shan Zennia, Senior Curator of the Archives of Galactic Culture on Lumos, plays a dangerous double role as a researcher and a spy for Solarian Intelligence. She embarks on a new mission to observe the spring festival on Harappi, a planet recently conquered by the ambitious Emperor and now governed by his niece, Domina Allia.
Zennia finds unexpected mysteries on the planet, including intelligent animals and the enigmatic Nagari. Once a victorious commander in the Emperor’s space fleet and nicknamed the Cobra, he was forced to abandon his military career when Allia claimed him as her consort. Her abusive treatment has driven him to the brink of madness.
Intrigued by the ex-commander and aware of his value as a source of information on the enemy, Zennia agrees to meet him during the festival of rebirth. Opposing forces clash at the height of the celebrations, catalyzing deadly violence. Can Nagari and Zennia survive the chaos and win a new and happier life?
The ebook is discounted by 50c at PayHip
Amazon Apple B&N Kobo GooglePlay Other
I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
The first book in this new series is free for the next month.
Captured by the Hawk Spaceships crash across the galaxy when thief Grey Kay tangles with notorious pirate Black Hawk.
FREE at Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay PayHip
The Lady is Blue , Book 1 of Atrapako on Eden, is also free.
Scaly aliens crash on the remote planet of Eden. They mean to dominate the humans. Can Dr. Lucy Stannis save the colony and reignite her dubious friendship with the alien captain?
Direct Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay Other
Please return to http://wewriwa.blogspot.com/ to sample the works of the other writers.
Check out the videos on my new YouTube Channel - Aurora Springer
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE .
All my books are discounted at my new Webstore: https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels .
July 23, 2022
A dazzling spectacle - excerpt from Stung by the Cobra for #wewriwa and #snippetsunday
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday . Sample the work of a new author. Read snippets of stories in different genres.
I’ve been posting from my latest novel, Stung by the Cobra . It’s a scifi/fantasy adventure and romance with sprinkle of Hindu mythology. It is available as ebook, paperback and AI-narrated audio.
In last week’s episode, you had a glimpse of the villainess, Domina Allia and a younger, healthier Nagari. You can read the excerpt here: https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-dominas-consort-excerpt-from-cobra.html
Here, Zennia is at the reception in the palace. She is standing in the line of dignitaries waiting to pay homage to the new overlord, Domina Allia.
At the farther side of the chamber, Domina Allia sat on an ebony throne elevated on a black marble dais. A canopy of gold cloth was draped above the ebony throne. On either side of the throne, two bare-chested youths in scarlet loincloths waved large fans to cool their mistress.
As more invitees arrived, Zennia joined the end of the receiving line and studied the Domina. A dazzling spectacle in scarlet and gold, Allia wore a ruby and gold necklace, matching pendulous earrings, and ruby rings on her fingers. A mesh of gold and tiny rubies covered her coiffed blonde hair. Her sleeveless scarlet gown had a scandalously low neckline, little more than a shelf to prop up her plump bare breasts. More rubies sprinkled her overskirt of gold gauze. Framed by this sumptuous garb, her pale painted face showed the imperial heritage of an aquiline nose and petulant lips.
Nine lines and a few more:
What a hideous vision. And, so apt. It tickled Zennia’s sense of the ridiculous, the absurdity of overblown power. This image of Allia would make a fantastic addition to the Archives. Her imagination leaped at the potential for further drama. The Domina in her flamboyant splendor juxtaposed with the rotting corpses on the stone archway. The Galactic Councilors, ineffective as they often were, must react to that vision of barbarism. She doubted the reporter for Galnews could better her image. In fact, if he traveled by flitter, he might never have smelled the dreadful stench of the corpses.
SciFi mystery. Interstellar spy befriends enemy commander in a tragic tale with a happy ending.
Shan Zennia, Senior Curator of the Archives of Galactic Culture on Lumos, plays a dangerous double role as a researcher and a spy for Solarian Intelligence. She embarks on a new mission to observe the spring festival on Harappi, a planet recently conquered by the ambitious Emperor and now governed by his niece, Domina Allia.
Zennia finds unexpected mysteries on the planet, including intelligent animals and the enigmatic Nagari. Once a victorious commander in the Emperor’s space fleet and nicknamed the Cobra, he was forced to abandon his military career when Allia claimed him as her consort. Her abusive treatment has driven him to the brink of madness.
Intrigued by the ex-commander and aware of his value as a source of information on the enemy, Zennia agrees to meet him during the festival of rebirth. Opposing forces clash at the height of the celebrations, catalyzing deadly violence. Can Nagari and Zennia survive the chaos and win a new and happier life?
The ebook is discounted by 50c at PayHip
Amazon Apple B&N Kobo GooglePlay Other
I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
The first book in this new series is free for the next month.
Captured by the Hawk Spaceships crash across the galaxy when thief Grey Kay tangles with notorious pirate Black Hawk.
FREE at Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay PayHip
The Lady is Blue , Book 1 of Atrapako on Eden, is also free.
Scaly aliens crash on the remote planet of Eden. They mean to dominate the humans. Can Dr. Lucy Stannis save the colony and reignite her dubious friendship with the alien captain?
Direct Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay Other
Please return to http://wewriwa.blogspot.com/ to sample the works of the other writers.
Listen to me reading snippets from my stories on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@auroraspringer_author
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE .
All my books are discounted at my new Webstore: https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels .
July 16, 2022
The Domina's consort- #excerpt from Cobra for #WeWriWa and #SnippetSunday
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors and Snippet Sunday . Sample the work of a new author. Read snippets of stories in different genres.
I’ve been posting from my latest novel, Stung by the Cobra . It’s a scifi/fantasy adventure and romance with sprinkle of Hindu mythology.
My excerpt last week had a cobra and an omen. Several people expressed their dislike of snakes. Sorry! Animals actually play key roles in this story.
You can read it here: https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2022/07/a-dubious-omen-excerpt-from-cobra-for.html
This week, I’ll skip to the next chapter where Zennia is at the library searching for more information about the Domina’s consort, the moody man she met on the tower.
Zennia opened the local records and scanned for any mention of her target. Nagari was identified as the Domina’s consort and a resident of the palace. Nothing more. Evidently he had kept out of the public eye in the few days since their arrival.
In contrast, Allia’s exploits were frequently noted. The members of her coterie were named, along with lists of activities she had prohibited and the names of the local citizens she had imprisoned or condemned to death. The four dead men on the archway were only the latest in a string of executions.
Zennia vented a groan of disgust. Allia’s vindictive punishments were typical of the worse members of the imperial brood.
Nine lines and a few more:
She found better records for Nagari’s history in the public repository. He had been Allia’s consort for little more than a year. She pulled up an image of him recorded two years ago after one of his victories. He wore his military uniform and stood as aloof and straight-backed as if he were on parade. Yet, he looked like the younger and handsomer brother of the man she had met on the tower. In spite of his stern expression, his face was not gaunt and his eyes were calm and free of shadows.
Shocked at his decline, she resolved to help him as much as she could.
SciFi mystery. Interstellar spy befriends enemy commander in a tragic tale with a happy ending.
Shan Zennia, Senior Curator of the Archives of Galactic Culture on Lumos, plays a dangerous double role as a researcher and a spy for Solarian Intelligence. She embarks on a new mission to observe the spring festival on Harappi, a planet recently conquered by the ambitious Emperor and now governed by his niece, Domina Allia.
Zennia finds peculiar myths and mysteries on the planet, including the enigmatic Nagari. Once a victorious commander in the Emperor’s space fleet and nicknamed the Cobra, he was forced to abandon his military career when Allia claimed him as her consort. Her abusive treatment has driven him to the brink of madness.
Intrigued by the ex-commander and aware of his value as a source of information on the enemy, Zennia agrees to meet him during the festival of rebirth. Opposing forces clash at the height of the celebrations, catalyzing deadly violence. Can Nagari and Zennia survive the chaos and win a new and happier life?
The ebook is discounted at PayHip
Or $3.99 at Amazon Apple B&N Kobo GooglePlay Other
I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
The first book in this new series is free for the next month.
Captured by the Hawk Spaceships crash across the galaxy when thief Grey Kay tangles with notorious pirate Black Hawk.
FREE at Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay PayHip
The Lady is Blue , Book 1 of Atrapako on Eden, is also free.
Scaly aliens crash on the remote planet of Eden. They mean to dominate the humans. Can Dr. Lucy Stannis save the colony and reignite her dubious friendship with the alien captain?
Direct Amazon iBooks Kobo B&N GooglePlay Other
Please return to http://wewriwa.blogspot.com/ to sample the works of the other writers.
Listen to me reading snippets from my stories on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@auroraspringer_author
Find a catalog of my published stories HERE .
All my books are discounted at my new Webstore: https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels .
