Kaylena Radcliff's Blog, page 5

IFA Summer Reading Challenge Check in

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Indie Fantasy Addict’s summer reading challenge is in full swing a little under 2 months left to go as the challenge ends September 22.  Earlier in June I made a rather ambitious list of works I wanted to read. Surprisingly, I made a pretty sizable dent! Here’s what I read so far:

Pursuit of Shadows (JA Andrews)
Ranger’s Folly (JT Williams)
Waters of Salt and Sin (Alisha Klapheke)
Paternus: Rise of the Gods (Dyrk Ashton)
Beyond the Shadows (Angel Haze)

 

Paternus and Beyond the Shadows weren’t on my original list, but I was able to add them to the mix since I listened to Paternus on Audible and Beyond the Shadows is a fast-moving short story that I was able to read through in about a half-hour.

 

I really enjoyed the introduction into Haze’s new world; a full-length novel is coming soon! Ashton’s Paternus is another must-read and I’ll definitely be completing this trilogy!

So what’s left? Currently I’m reading Andy Peloquin’s Darkblade Assassin. 

This is a gritty fantasy about an assassin called the Hunter who is bound to a soul-eating blade. In exchange for its ability to feed, it gives him strength and near-immortality. I love how Peloquin is exploring the moral ambiguity of the trade-off even as the Hunter (so far) has only taken down bad dudes. I’m looking forward to where the story goes.

I’m also listening to Melkorka (Kaelandur book 1) by Joshua Robertson.

I’m unsure about this one so far as I’m not really connecting with the main characters. Also I’m not a fan of the narrator’s voice (and I wonder if that is what’s putting me off as opposed to the actual story.)  I want to give it a fair shake though, so I’m trying to finish it.

As for my original list, I still have six books left…

The good news is that I’m going on vacation in two weeks and I hope I can get through a few of them then. Until that time, I’ve decided to continue drowning in my TBR by adding to it (I acquired 9 books this month alone…) so, ya know. Welcome to Crazytown, population: me.

By the way, there’s still time to join the reading challenge and find TONS of discounted or even FREE books to read. Check out IFA here!

I’m also giving away 10 e-book copies of The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse on another FB group called Fantasy Focus. Join up IMMEDIATELY because there are other huge giveaways going on there, including paperbacks and audiobooks!

Your turn: What’s on your summer reading list? Let me know your favorites so far!

 

 

Read Mouse for 99 cents this week on Kindle

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So excited to share this! Looking for a quick but hard-to-putdown read for your lazy summer days? The Kindle version of The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse will be on sale for THIS WEEK!

A memory and home lost, a corrupt government, and a journey to unveil the truth.
Discover a new world in this new YA dystopian fantasy novel! Get it for 99 cents here!

Reading, writing, and writing some more

half-dressed and staring vapidly; typical writer amirite

This summer I gave myself two goals: read more and finish drafting my sequel to The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse.

I have begun tackling the first with the IFA Summer Challenge, which has been oodles of fun. Recently I finished Pursuit of Shadows by JA Andrews and Ranger’s Folly by JT Williams. Andrews’ second installment of the Keeper Chronicles certainly did not disappoint, and Ranger’s Folly was a cool introduction into Williams’ world.

I’m now reading Waters of Salt and Sin by Alisha Klapheke. Only a few chapters in and I’m loving the creative non-eurocentric fantasy world, salt-based magic, and the distinct caste-system that affects the protagonist so deeply. I’m really looking forward to where it ends up.

With a credit to burn on Audible, I picked up Paternus by Dyrk Ashton at the recommendation of some fellow readers. I tend toward epic fantasy, but I’m also a sucker for urban fantasy (like Monster Hunter International- review here) and Paternus is scratching that itch for me with its terrifying monsters, original takes on mythological deities, and cool characters.

As for my second goal, I’m chipping away at it with more slowness than I’d like. Probably because I keep procrastinating by reading. Still, I’m almost 30,000 words in, armed with a brand new laptop (yay, shiny new toys!) and a number of exasperated ARE YOU FINISHED THE SECOND BOOK YETs from a group of readers who enjoyed this WIP’s predecessor.

Just to whet your whistle, here’s the working synopsis for book 2: The Elmnas Chronicles: Fox–

After losing Mouse and Toma into the wilds of Elmnas, the bounty huntress Fox must recapture her quarry and deliver her current catch to Reidara’s most ruthless crimelord in exchange for her own safety. But when Fox finds herself at a crossroads, she will be forced to reconsider her path. Meanwhile, the two youths find refuge in the priory of the Ameliorites, where new visions, information, and help spur them on to a clandestine Elmnas council– or so they hope. New friends, old enemies, and the movement of an ancient power will change everything Mouse thought she knew.

I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ve been able to build more world lore and back story into this one as we branch out from Mouse’s limited perspective. I’m excited. World building is TOO MUCH FUN.

[image error]pretty literal, but okay

 

If you haven’t read Mouse yet but want to, look for it now on Kindle Unlimited for free! Don’t have KU? No worries. Starting July 15th, you’ll be able to purchase the ebook for a limited promotional price of $.99 (and I’ll remind you when the day arrives!)

Also, I’m always looking for honest reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, and now Bookbub. I love the feedback I’ve been getting, but please share them there, too! A special thanks to fellow book blogger and accomplished author Victoria Ray for her stellar review! Make sure to stop by and check out her work.

Your turn- what are you reading and/or writing this summer? Share your favorite reads and WIPs below! 

IFA Summer Reading Challenge: My first 10

The Indie Fantasy Addicts’ Summer Reading Challenge is officially kicking off June 21st, and I’ve got a TBR of indie fantasy long enough to make your head spin! (I mean, my head is spinning, at least.) I’ve curated a list of 10 books- and I say my first 10 because I’m naively optimistic- but Lord willing I’ll be able to add more before summer’s end. Book summaries are courtesy of the authors- and Amazon links included if any of these strike you. Have you read the books on this list? Share in the comments and let me know what you loved!

1. Pursuit of Shadows (JA Andrews)


Killien, the unyielding clan chief who’s becoming increasingly volatile.
Sora, the suspicious ranger who sees more than she should.
A swarm of frost goblins that devour with tooth and claw.

The list of people and things that could get Will killed keeps growing.

While Alaric is in Queensland, searching for Kordan’s Wellstone, Keeper Will is over the mountains in the hostile Roven Sweep, searching for his missing sister.

After catching a glimpse of a woman who could be her in a Keeper-hating Roven clan. Will convinces Killien to let him travel north with them to their summer homes.

Under the relentless suspicions of Sora, a tenuous friendship grows between Will and Killien, who talks of building peace among the hostile Roven.

Except Will’s thin disguise as a storyteller is crumbling quickly and Sora may already know who he is.

The more Will gets to know Killien, the more troubling things he learns. Killien’s hatred for Keepers runs deep, and for all his talk of peace, the man’s greatest wish is to control a vicious army.

And a dragon.

But Will doesn’t know that the chief has taken more from him than just his sister.

And Killien controls enough power to gain everything he wants.

(Book 2 of The Keeper Chronicles)

2. Darkblade Assassin: Hero of Darkness (Andy Peloquin)

The best assassin in the world doesn’t come cheap. Betraying him will cost your soul.

Dexter meets the Punisher. Durzo Blint meets Artemis Entreri. An epic fantasy novel of betrayal, death, violence, and vengeance readers are calling “fearless, unique, and above all dangerous!”

The Hunter is a name feared by all in Voramis. He is an outcast, driven by a cursed dagger with an unquenchable thirst for blood and death.

Yet he follows one simple code: kill those who truly deserve to die. His creed is put to the test when, deceived by a shadowy employer, he unknowingly slaughters an innocent man.

With the most powerful criminal organization in the city after his head, the Hunter must fight for his life and find a way to atone for his mistake. When his enemies harm the people under his protection, it will take much more than an army of criminals to stand in the way of his revenge.

3. Waters of Salt and Sin: Uncommon World (Alisha Klapheke)

A sailor with forbidden magic.
 
A golden heir with a secret love.

When they set out for a legendary treasure, their lives will never be the same.
Kinneret Raza has been spit on, stepped over, and shut out of every opportunity in her coastal town.
She is finished living on scraps.

When she finds a clue about a hoard of silver on a lost island, she drags her longtime friend Calev ben Y’hoshua to the sea for an adventure.
When sea demons and ocean wraiths attack, will their wits and magic be enough to survive or will they fall to the waters, destined to become wraiths themselves?
4.Ranger’s Folly (JT Williams)

He is a Ranger of the North. His fellow Rangers, those he would call friends, are dead. Now, he has been branded a deserter and a thief. He only wishes to get back to his family alive.

It is said that Fadis the Ranger stole something from the king… Now a massive bounty is on his head. But in particular, is isn’t the sell-swords and bounty hunters that he should worry about. There is a powerful mage on his trail and this man cares little of a reward of gold.

Only a few hours from his wife’s embrace and his son’s smile, will he, at last, be free from his past? Nothing ever remains the same and this Ranger is about to learn that. The hard way.

5. The Five Warriors (Angela Ford)

The Five Warriors is the first book in the International Bestselling epic fantasy series: The Four Worlds 

A deep evil awakened. An ancient power stolen. The fate of the world at stake.

Crinte the Wise is concerned when mutilated monsters enter the borders of his country, raiding and killing. But he remains at a loss of what to do until a former friend with a dark secret appears. He offers Crinte a powerful relic which contains the magic of mind control.

Against the wishes of the Rulers of the land, Crinte assembles a group of warriors and sets out to discover the source of evil once and for all. As they travel the warriors face epic battles with sea monsters, deadly creatures and come face to face with immortals of the sky and land.

While the warriors seems committed to the quest, each has their own motive. As the quest takes a precarious turn, Crinte is left with a risky choice. Should he trust the strength of his warriors? Or use a powerful relic which could just as easily destroy the world as save it?

6. The Buried Symbol: A Discovery of Magic (Jeffrey Kohanek)

A controlling empire. An outcast behind a false identity. The mystery of a long forgotten magic.

 
They tell Unchosen, “Accept your fate and you’ll be rewarded in the next life.”

The threat of execution is their recourse.

Rejecting his role as an outcast, Brock risks his life and obtains a false rune, marking him a member of the Empire’s ruling class. Under a veil of deception and backed by natural talent, he then schemes his way into a school where the Empire’s future leaders are trained.

Can he maintain this charade?

Within an academy of magic, science, and combat, he discovers secrets kept from society, among which is a forbidden magic he is able to wield.

While he is determined to tame his frightening new abilities, one misstep could destroy him.

7. The Tainted Crown (Meg Cowley)

The kingdom of Caledan is in turmoil after the queen’s murder.  Her son and heir, Soren, is framed for the killing by his uncle, who seizes the legendary throne of the Dragon Kings and rules with an iron fist to crush rising dissent.

Soren is a fugitive; his only friend a broken, old man. The dragons, ancient allies of the throne, may hold the answers, but their whereabouts is a mystery that died with the queen. If he can find them, will they be the allies he seeks?

Soren must discover whether the price of kingship is worth paying, and whether he is worthy of the throne, yet far more is at stake than a crown, for ancient and dark magics stir.

Across the kingdom, Soren’s cousin Eve takes matters into her own hands and journeys to the ethereal Eldarkind on his behalf, where she discovers an inescapable fate. As she comes to terms with the gift and the curse of magic, Eve risks her life to help Soren. Will it be enough?

8. Song of the Sirin (Nicholas Kotar)

Voran, a young warrior of Vasyllia, lives in a dying world. As blight ravages the countryside and darkness covers the sun, he can’t avoid hearing the rumors of an ancient spirit that devours souls. He feels powerless to fight the oncoming devastation until a mythical creature entrusts him with a long-forgotten song. Legend has it that such a song can heal the masses, overthrow kingdoms, and raise humans to divine beings…

Armed with the power of the song, Voran must hunt down the dark spirit before it achieves its goal of immortality. His quest takes him through doorways to other worlds and puts him on a collision course with seductive nymphs and riddling giants. With each step of the journey, the strength of the villainous spirit grows, as does Voran’s fear that the only way to save his world… is to let it be destroyed.

The Song of the Sirin is an epic fantasy retelling of the Russian fairy tale Prince Ivan and the Grey Wolf. If you like complex characters, creative twists on mythology, and cinematic world-building, then you’ll love Nicholas Kotar’s sweeping tale.

9. Cephrael’s Hand: Book 1  (Melissa McPhail)

“All things are composed of patterns…” And within the pattern of the realm of Alorin, three strands must cross:

In Alorin…three hundred years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor’s brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D’Lacourte’s mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he’ll have to find him…

In the kingdom of Dannym…the young Prince Ean val Lorian faces a tenuous future as the last living heir to the coveted Eagle Throne. When his blood-brother is slain during a failed assassination, Ean embarks on a desperate hunt for the man responsible. Yet his advisors have their own agendas, and his quest for vengeance leads him ever deeper into a sinuous plot masterminded by a mysterious and powerful man, the one they call First Lord…

In the Nadori desert…tormented by the missing pieces of his life, a soldier named Trell heads off to uncover the truth of his shadowed past. But when disaster places him in the debt of Wildlings sworn to the First Lord, Trell begins to suspect a deadlier, darker secret motivating them.

10. Songs of Insurrection: Book 1 (JC Kang)

Only the lost magic of Dragon Songs can save the world. Only an awkward girl with the perfect voice can rediscover it.

The Dragon Singers of old summoned typhoons and routed armies, liberating mankind from the orcs before fading into legend. Now, with the world again facing a new cataclysm, the power of music stirs in Kaiya, an a naïve misfit with the perfect voice.

Without a master to guide her, she must rely on Hardeep, a foreign paladin, to help awaken her latent magic. His motives might not be entirely noble. When he leads her to the fabled Dragon Scale Lute, which only a Dragon Singer can wield, it is up to Black Lotus Clan to intervene.

Because the instrument’s fell power can save the world…

Or destroy it.

Addicted to fantasy? This group might be for you!

Who loves fantasy fiction?

[image error]“GIRL, FANTASY IS MY JAM”

I am always on the lookout for great fantasy fiction of all kinds (and as you fantasy readers know, there are MANY.) So it’s only fair that I share the treasure trove I’ve discovered through Indie Fantasy Addicts!

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This Facebook group is a great place to find many imaginative and entertaining works of fantasy fiction at a low cost (think, like, $.99 low or even free!) And next week, as IFA ramps up for its summer reading challenge, authors have deals going that you simply can’t pass up.

If you’re searching for reading accountability, an entertaining online community, and a new source of great fantasy reads, check out IFA. Did I mention that the reading challenge includes awesome prizes? Full details on fellow addict Camillea Reads here. I’ll be posting my reads here on Far Kingdoms as much as possible, but I hope to see you there anyway!

Praise for The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse- Thank you!

It’s been an overwhelming week for me as I sift through some of the comments for The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse. I know, I know, I probably *shouldn’t* read reviews- but I couldn’t help myself, and it worked out for me. Well, this time.

[image error]That negative review is coming for me, I know it

Even so, here are some of the positive things readers have to say so far:

Well-paced, with excellent description and fluid prose.

Everything you want in a dystopian fantasy!

Unlike typical YA fiction, the language is thought provoking and the word choice is descriptive and rich.

“Mouse” reminded me of many of my favorite tales, while standing on its own as a new creation. Read it!

Well-written dystopian novel with details and descriptions that bring the people and story alive. I didn’t want to put it down!

 

Thank you, readers! This author is humbled and grateful. And working on book two. I promise!

 

 

Read, Reading, To Be Read- May 2019 Edition

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I haven’t had much time for posting the last two months, but I did do a heckuva a lot of writing, editing, and READING! Fruits of my feverish editing and writing came in two forms: the publication of my debut novel, The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse and an admirable start to its sequel during Camp Nanowrimo.

As for reading, I got into some good stuff, so get ready for the latest edition of Read, Reading, and To Be Read!

Read
1. Bridge Beyond Her World AND Her Father’s Fugitive Throne by Brandon Barr

So this series just got better each book. I devoured Bridge Beyond Her World and launched right into the next. The series is a masterful blend of philosophy, theology, science fiction, and fantasy. These are among my favorite reads of 2019 so far.

2. The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

Though not my favorite, another good one in Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. My daughter struggled to get through The Silver Chair  more than the others we’ve read together. Even so, Puddleglum has to be one of the best written characters of all time and you can’t convince me otherwise.

3. The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse by…well, by me.

Listen, I’m counting it because I had to read through it for errors (I found 14). I struggle to judge my own work fairly, so I’ll keep my comments to myself. You, however, should comment in the form of Goodreads or Amazon or both because that helps

The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse Now Available!

What a week it’s been! Today is the official launch date of my debut YA dystopian fantasy, The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse.  Wahoo! Check out the summary below.

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Mouse wakes not knowing who or where she is. Only the searing pain of the number 146 being burned on her arm with a white hot branding iron. A slave in Misty Summit’s Manufacturing Facility, she is alone until the discovery of a terrible truth launches her on a mission to Elmnas. When a gregarious farm boy and an ancient warrior join her, the ruling powers and a relentless bounty huntress attempt to track her down.

Will they reach the fabled country or die trying?

As a little gal in the big, bad publishing world, it was a real joy to have the support of family, friends, my local bookstore, and even some strangers at my book launch party this past Saturday. I did a brief reading, some Q&A, and then a signing.

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[image error]My face is always this smug and I promise it’s an accident
[image error]The cutie next to me proved to be a rather inexorable saleswoman. After explaining the merits of my book to one polite but disinterested bookstore patron, she says, “Would you like mommy to sign in purple or black pen?”

I’ll be headed out with more books in tow this coming Saturday for my town’s arts and crafts festival, so I’m looking forward to another great day.

And, if you grabbed a copy of my book and had a chance to read it, be sure to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. This baby author thanks you!

 

 

 

 

 

Announcing The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse- Reviewers wanted!

Far Kingdoms has been a little quiet lately as I’ve been preparing for the launch of my debut YA Dystopian/Fantasy novel, The Elmnas Chronicles: Mouse. Here’s the cover and summary!

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Mouse wakes not knowing who or where she is. Only the searing pain of the number 146 being burned on her arm with a white hot branding iron. A slave in Misty Summit’s Manufacturing Facility, she is alone until the discovery of a terrible truth launches her on a mission to Elmnas. When a gregarious farm boy and an ancient warrior join her, the ruling powers and a relentless bounty huntress attempt to track her down.

Will they reach the fabled country or die trying?

 

Launching in May 2019!! I don’t have preorder links for you yet, but the publisher is looking for early reviewers.  You can contact me directly or fill out a reviewer form here.

 

 

Fiction Publishers List- Find a home for your book!

[image error]Is it just me or does writing on a typewriter seem super pretentious?

 

A few weeks ago I reposted a list of SFF magazines ranked from best to worst accepting submissions here. Author Katy Nicholas of The Twisted Siren has done all the legwork in this next reblog for long-form fiction. These publishers accept submissions from un-agented authors, and judging by the names of some of them, they like receiving Sci Fi and Fantasy manuscripts. There is still a lot of debate concerning agents, authors, indie publishing, traditional publishing and more, but I think what really matters is having options and finding what works for you. Thanks Katy! Check it out below!

via Fiction Publishers List