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Friday, July 26, 2024

Excerpt: Fanning Fireflies (Limerent Series Book Three) by LS Delorme

Fanning Fireflies (Limerent Series Book Three)
by LS Delorme
April 19, 2024
Genre: Romantic Historical Paranormal Mystery
Publisher: Limerent Publishing
ISBN:979-8-9874880-4-1
ASIN: B0CYCQ6XCF
Number of pages: 230
Word Count: 97000
Cover Artist: Brittany Wilson
In 1944 Harrisville, Veronica’s dangerous love ignites a flame that reveals dark secrets, awakens ghosts and threatens to destroy all she loves.

There is something rotten in Harrisville.

It’s 1944 and Veronica works tirelessly just so she can afford to eat. Maybe one day she will save enough to own the home her family is living in, but for now, she doesn’t have time for fanciful thoughts, or much else. She doesn’t have time for the fire whispering to her, the ghosts trying to talk to her and the son of her boss, who can’t stop staring at her. She definitely doesn’t have time to think about Lazlo, the handsome black soldier that she processed at the draft office, but she can’t seem to stop herself. As her ability to ignore Lazlo evaporates, so does her self-imposed ignorance about her hometown. There is, and always has been, something rotten in Harrisville. It shouldn’t have been a surprise. After all, Veronica works in the cigarette factory, where corpses hide in the tobacco with the roaches.

It’s 1944 and Veronica works tirelessly just so she can afford to eat. She doesn’t have time for fanciful thoughts, or much else. She doesn’t have time for the fire whispering to her, the ghosts trying to talk to her and the son of her boss, who can’t stop staring at her. She definitely doesn’t have time for love, even less for dangerous love. You see there is, and always has been, something rotten in Harrisville. It shouldn’t have been a surprise.

After all, Veronica works in the cigarette factory, where corpses hide in the tobacco.

Amazon

Excerpt:
Veronica froze.

Lazlo began walking the very same path she had walked minutes earlier, although he looked much more graceful than she must have looked. His gate was long and easy. His eyes were down, staring at the track as he walked. Veronica sat as still as she could, terrified that he might see her, equally terrified that he wouldn’t.
As he came to the spot where she was sitting, he didn’t look up. He walked right past her, as if he hadn’t seen her. Veronica felt a stab in her heart. Before she could stop herself, she called out.

“Aren’t you Lazlo Fox?”

He turned quickly.

“That’s me,” he said, and a grin lit up his face.

Now that he was here, Veronica realized that she hadn’t planned what she would say if she saw him. For a second, she considered saying that the draft office needed more information about him, but she realized that was both stupid and an obvious lie.

“I have an extra biscuit, if you’re hungry,” was what she managed to squeak out.”

She had hoped to be able to speak with him for a just a moment. She knew that it would be dangerous for him to even be seen with her, but as he walked toward her, she held the biscuit out for him. She knew that he would have to climb up to her to get it, and despite the danger, this is what she wanted.

Instead of scrambling up the broken concrete, as she had done, he gracefully jumped from one to the next, balancing on the ball of one foot as he landed on each one. In less than a minute he was standing on the rock next to her. She expected him to take the biscuit and leave, but she wanted him to stay… how badly she wanted him to stay.

Lazlo smiled and took the proffered biscuit bag gently from her, but his eyes were on her face, not on the bag. For a moment, he paused, and then he sat down next to her. He wasn’t so close that she might accidentally touch him but his feet dangling over the edge of the rock next to hers felt weirdly intimate. He opened the bag and pulled out the biscuit. Veronica looked down at her biscuit and took a tiny bite, pretending to be engrossed in eating but her heart was racing so hard, she almost choked on the bread.

“Lazlo, that’s an unusual name, is it a family name or something?” she asked.

Lazlo turned and smiled at her. She was suddenly afraid that she had said something wrong or stupid, although she couldn’t for the life of her think what it was.

Lazlo’s eyes suddenly got wide.

“Well, my mama named me that cause she’s a witch,” he said quickly, and then winced and shook his head.

“That sounded awful,” he said quickly. “I’m not talking bad about my mama. She’s actually a witch, so she thinks like attracts like. And if she gives me a rich-sounding name that will draw money to me.”

Lazlo then laughed and shook his head.
“I can’t believe I just told you that,” he said. “I never told anyone that before. Probably because—”

Then he stopped.

Veronica’s heart felt like it had grown to take up the whole of her chest. She was frightened of what Lazlo would see if she looked at him, so she took another bite of her biscuit. When she did look up, he was looking at her with eyes that were hopeful and wary in equal measure.

“It sounds like your mother really cares about you,” was what she finally said. And that was all.

Looking at Lazlo’s guarded yet hopeful eyes, Veronica desperately wanted to tell him that none of this stuff mattered. She wanted to say that they could be friends, or even more. Inside, her crazy heart said that they could just run away together. She longed to say this out loud, but she knew it wasn’t true. Neither of them could outrun their class or caste. Lazlo was a colored man.

She was the poor white daughter of a single mother. If he was an untouchable, she was barely one step above that. Her brain told her that, even if her heart argued otherwise”

About the Author:

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Lexy is the Author of the Limerent novel universe. The first two books in this universe were Caio and Bright Midnights. They are two of the three foundation books of the Limerent Series, and as such can be read in any order.

Bright Midnights was picked as an Editor’s Choice by Booklife and received a Golden Wizard award in the UK in the category of YA.

Lexy has also been a travel writer and author of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland Hong Kong and An Expat Mom’s Unofficial Guide to Disneyland Paris. She is an ex rock musician, ex science grad, recovering attorney and now an expat writer. Her love of writing stems from an eclectic life. As a navy brat, she grew up in various states across the U.S. until her father retired to North Carolina when she was a teenager.

As an adult, she has continued this tumbleweed life, having since lived in 3 countries, 9 US States, and 21 cities around the world. But, through all this change, her love of writing has been the one constant. Writing the Limerent Series allows her to use her unusual past to help create new worlds.

Lexy now lives in Paris with her husband and two very cool sons.

“Writing fiction gives you a place where you can put all the attractions that you probably shouldn’t feel, all the thoughts you are afraid of saying out loud, and all the rage that you can’t vent because you would kill people. While we live, these moments stay with us, but when we die, they die too. When you put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, you put these things out there in the world where they can be read by others. This means that they have a life outside of you and outside of your own head, and that’s something that is really compelling to me. I like the idea that these amazing moments that I’ve had in life don’t disappear when I disappear.” - LS Delorme

“For me, writing is like therapy…just cheaper. As most writers are not really individuals but a collection of individuals trying to find a way to live together in one brain, fiction allows them to make a home for all these people who live rent free inside their heads. It’s also place that you can capture unique moments in life that impact you or that make you feel deeply.” - LS Delorme

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In 1944 Harrisville, Veronica’s dangerous love ignites a flame that reveals dark secrets, awakens ghosts and threatens to destroy all she loves.
Fanning Fireflies by LS Delorme
https://amzn.to/4ff0htO

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Excerpt: Fire Called (Ember & Ash, #1) by Edeline Wrigh + giveaway

Fire Called (Ember & Ash, #1)
by Edeline Wrigh
Publication date: July 23rd 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
She’s the ember that started the fire.
He’s the ash that remains when all is dead.

When Emberly, a field biologist with a connection to the spirit world, returns to her hometown for her dream job, she thinks she’s prepared to defend her home and confront her destiny. But she’s not prepared for Ashton: the man she must marry to uphold the bargain she made for her life. And no amount of chastising from her ghost twin is going to change her mind.

Ashton, the handsome, reluctant heir to the mining empire that killed Emberly’s grandfather, wants nothing to do with his family legacy. But when his father announces plans to resume mining operations, his only hope at protecting the mountain is to work with the woman he fell in love with at first sight—and who can’t stand to look at him.

Forced into a fake relationship to keep the circumstances of their magically arranged marriage—and the supernatural salamanders—a secret, their annoyance with each other is only heightened by their mutual attraction. But there’s only so long they can avoid fate.

Fire Called is the first in a new contemporary romantasy trilogy. If you like steamy romances, hearing ghost stories around the campfire, and finding magic in so-called ‘mundane’ places, this one’s for you.

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Excerpt 1:
The Appalachians are ancient—they existed millions of years ago, before the continents separated. They have stories aplenty to tell those who will listen to the pines sway in the wind, to the howls of the coyotes, and to the stories wildflowers tell when they bloom, each a different shape and color as the weather warms and cools in the spring.

It takes practice, sure. And there are those with gifts, like Virginia—the youngest of seven daughters—who have a special affinity for those conversations.

The sky was overcast, the air was thick with the scent of rain, and the birds chattered warnings about the impending storm on Ember’s first day in the field.

Today’s goal was to survey the area to prepare for future outings.

She had convinced Nicole she could handle the woods alone. And Nicole, ever trusting, had granted her the autonomy she craved.

Ember reveled in the solitude of the mountains. She relished the freedom to explore at her own pace, unburdened by the presence of others.

But then she heard a voice she didn't recognize.

“Emberly,” it said.

She neither saw anyone nor was sure where it was coming from.

It wouldn’t be the first time she’d heard her name called by someone—or something— she couldn’t see. It wouldn’t be the last either, especially with the amount of time she’d be in the woods after dark. She knew what the tales said about those who acknowledged such voices with words or action; it was best to ignore it.

In the early daylight, it was less likely to succeed at harming her. It was also loud enough it was probably far away. Still, spirits gossiped, and she didn’t want a reputation for being gullible.

It kept talking to her anyway.

“Emberly Jane Whitmore, you have a debt to repay.”

The “debt” mention gave her pause.

It was unwise to talk to spirits you couldn’t identify, especially in the woods. Then again, it was unwise to promise yourself to the spirits, too. Ma had warned Ember about that a thousand times and about the consequences that befell those who promised themselves and attempted to evade payment.

“What do you want me to do?” she asked, directing the question nowhere in particular just in case. “I’m supposed to be working.”

“This is the work,” the voice said cryptically.

“Again, what exactly are you asking me to do? Shed my blood on a rock?”

“You will know when you know. But consider this your summons. When the time comes…”

The spirit voice? Confusing as shit. And not at all helpful.

“When the time comes, I what?”

“Be ready to meet your betrothed.”

About the Author:
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Edeline Wrigh is an eccentric storyteller with a penchant for swearing, drinking too much caffeine, and spending more time with cats than people. She writes fantasy, romance, and love stories without happy endings from her house in the midwest. When she’s not putting words on paper, she’s busy upleveling her martial arts game or taking in stories in any way she can.

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Monday, July 22, 2024

New Release: Feisty Felines and Other Fantastical Familiars Anthology

 

Feisty Felines and Other Fantastical Familiars
by editors: Kevin J. Anderson, Allyson Longueira
July 23, 2024
318 pages
You’re familiar with familiars, aren’t you? But familiars have lives, triumphs, sacrifices, epic adventures of their own—and a shadowy underbelly few ever see. Will you?

When the witches and wizards are away, the familiars will play!

Gifted adventurers across time and space often travel with an animal familiar—usually a cat, but possibly other fuzzy, scaly, or prickly creatures. These magical companions lead their humans into mischief, help them out of sticky situations, or offer opinionated commentary along the way.

We're familiar with familiars ... or are we?

Compiled by New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and award-winning editor Allyson Longueira—and their Publishing graduate students at Western Colorado University—Feisty Felines and Other Fantastical Familiars features 26 never-before-published short stories and poems crafted by Mercedes Lackey, Heather Graham, Jody Lynn Nye, John Hartness, Steve Rasnic Tem, and many others.

You’ll love this collection kitty-littered with surprises at every turn. Some stories are whimsical, some are sad, some will tug at your heartstrings—and some will stay with you long after you close this book.

From mischievous cats to cunning ravens, skittering spiders to—a cow?—these feisty familiars will take you on a magical trip to places even wizards don’t tread.

“The Dragon’s Cat” by Jody Lynn Nye
“So Burn Us Both” by Lisse Kirk
“Trial By Cow” by Andrew Rucker Jones
“Blackwood’s Tomb” by Joseph Floyd
“The Ritualist and the Hedge Wizard” by Kit Calvert
“Beneath the Wings of Night” by Ngo Binh Anh
Khoa
“Kitten For Sale” by Aster Marsh
“The Dreamer” by M. Lalli Lassegard
“A Rat, a Root, and a Big Orange Fruit” by Zach Shephard
“Second Life” by Christina Sng
“The Witching Hour Letters” by Amanda Cecelia Lang & Brittany Peshek
“The Familiar’s Familiar” by Maegan Langer
“The Cat a pantoum” by Sandy White
“Some Spider” by Pines Callahan
“Scary, Scary Skunk” by Heather Graham
“Orphans” by Matt Beswick
“The Last Life of Hilde the Small” by Jessica Feather
“And Have Never Forgotten” by Mercedes Lackey
“Fluffy” by T. Chandler
“Earth, Bonding” by Kerri J. Roe
“Not Common” by Lois Bartholomew
“The Secret of the Sorceress” by Alexander Hay
“Sink or Swim” by Rebecca M. Senese
“Old Crow” by Steve Rasnic Tem
“Tail-End” by Lia Wu
“Renfield” by John Hartness

From mischievous cats to cunning ravens, skittering spiders to—a cow?—these feisty familiars will take you on a magical trip to places even wizards don’t tread.

This anthology is the fifth produced by Kevin J. Anderson’s Publishing graduate students as part of their thesis work in the Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Western Colorado University.



About the Author:
Kevin J. Anderson has published more than 175 books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes, as well as a unique steampunk fantasy trilogy beginning with Clockwork Angels, written with legendary roc2k drummer Neil Peart. His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Wake the Dragon and Terra Incognita fantasy trilogies, the Saga of Shadows trilogy, and his humorous horror series featuring Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and the lyrics to two rock CDs. Anderson is the director of the graduate program in Publishing at Western Colorado University. Anderson and his wife Rebecca Moesta are the publishers of WordFire Press. His most recent novels are Clockwork Destiny, Gods and Dragons, Dune: The Lady of Caladan (with Brian Herbert), and Slushpile Memories: How NOT to Get Rejected.

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Excerpt: Realm of Dreams and Destiny (Entwined Hearts Series, #1) by Stella Dale + giveaway

Realm of Dreams and Destiny (Entwined Hearts Series, #1)

by Stella Dale
July 22nd 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
They were bound by destiny long before their hearts were entwined…

Aralin’s life is a complex web woven with delicate threads of secrets and destinies. Born into a world where supernatural creatures are hunted, she hides a dangerous reality.

She is not human.

As a princess and pawn in the royal games of power, she finds herself betrothed to the emperor’s son. Yet, her heart beats for another––a warrior in the emperor’s army, a commoner unaware of her true identity.

Just as her world teeters on the brink of disaster, a mysterious vigilante enters her life, his dark allure tempting her toward rebellion against the oppressive emperor. His charm is undeniable, and his cause justified. With each encounter, their fates become increasingly intertwined.

Caught between two men who awaken different desires within her, Aralin struggles with conflicting feelings of duty and desire. However, a new obstacle arises in the form of an ancient prophecy. As signs of the prophecy reveal themselves, Aralin must make a difficult decision: surrender to the expectations placed upon her by others, or fight for her own fate?

Goodreads-Amazon
 
EXCERPT 1
Ezerick’s POV
She was, in every way, an enigma––a beautiful witch who appeared from the shadows, capturing my heart and imagination. And leaving me forever changed.

The witch with chestnut hair and vibrant green eyes has been appearing to me for five years. Each visit is our shared secret, a hidden world that unfolds within the confines of the empire grounds. She meets me in the courtyard, gardens, and stable, always under the veil of secrecy.

She believes I’m a knight in the emperor’s service because it’s what I’ve allowed her to believe. Perhaps it’s the way she often finds me in training, always clad in golden armor. Or maybe it’s the way I carry myself with the discipline and bearing of a soldier.

In her eyes, I see a mixture of curiosity and innocence. It’s a wonder that the harsh realities of our worlds have not marred what we share. She speaks to me of her life, her dreams, her fears. But never once has she asked about my lineage. Never once has she voiced suspicions that I’m more than what I appear to be.

To her, I’m a knight. Not the crown prince. Not the heir to the empire. There’s a simplicity in that identity, a freedom that allows me to be someone other than the person everyone else expects me to be. With her, I’m not burdened by the weight of the crown, the expectations of an empire or the gaze of a demanding father.

Our conversations meander through topics both mundane and magical. She speaks of her world, a place of beauty and enchantment, so different from the structured life I lead. Her tales are a balm to my soul, providing a respite from the rigors of my princely duties.

Yet with each visit, a part of me aches with the guilt of deception. I long to tell her the truth and reveal who I am, but fear holds me back. I’m afraid of losing the connection and bond we share. The truth could tear us apart. I don’t know how I might cope with losing her and what we have. So I remain silent, cherishing each moment we have, living in the stolen time of our secret encounters.

In her presence, I find a peace I never knew I needed. It’s a connection that transcends the boundaries of our respective worlds. As the crown prince and future emperor, my life is filled with duty and expectation. But with her, I’m just a young man caught in the spell of a beautiful young witch.

Sometimes I wonder if she ever looks at me and sees beyond the armor and guise of a soldier. Does she ever glimpse the prince hidden beneath the golden metal? Does she sense the lineage coursing through my veins or the destiny that awaits me outside our secret meetings?

The connection we share has grown beyond mere friendship. I’ve found a confidante in her, a kindred spirit who understands me in ways that others can’t. Our conversations drift from the mundane to the profound, each word a thread in the intricate web of understanding and acceptance we’ve built.

In the quiet moments we share, I often catch myself marveling at the ease with which we interact. There’s an effortless flow in our conversations, a rhythm as natural as the ebb and flow of the tides. She listens with a depth that makes me feel heard in the truest sense, her responses thoughtful and genuine.

There’s a vulnerability in our interactions and a mutual openness that has grown. I’ve revealed hidden parts of myself I’ve kept guarded from the world, and shared fears and dreams that I’ve never voiced aloud. In return, she’s entrusted me with her own inner thoughts, her hopes and her sorrows.

The ability to be my truest self with her is liberating and poignant. In her company, I find a sense of peace and belonging that eludes me in my royal life. She’s become a sanctuary and haven where I can lay down the burdens of my title and just be me.

This witch who’s cast a spell over my heart… I like her more than I ever thought possible. And lately, I’ve grappled with a startling realization.

I might have fallen in love with her.

About the Author:

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Stella Dale is a passionate storyteller who's always had a love affair with books, devouring stories from all genres since she could first hold a book. She spent years as a dedicated nurse, providing care and comfort to those in need, before embarking on her writing journey. However, her true calling beckoned, and she left the medical field to follow her dream of becoming an author.

Nestled in the heart of Mississippi, Stella weaves captivating stories that are brimming with love, adventure, and enchantment. At home, she is surrounded by her loving husband and their three spirited felines, who never fail to provide inspiration and entertainment. When she's not crafting characters and worlds, she loves to embark on international travels, immerse herself in different cultures and landscapes, and satisfy her insatiable curiosity for life's endless tales.

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Friday, July 19, 2024

Excerpt: Reluctant Hero (The Seeded Saga, #1) by Vanessa MacLellan + giveaway

Reluctant Hero (The Seeded Saga, #1)

by Vanessa MacLellan
July 16th 2024
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction, Superhero
Someone is taking the Seeded.
Can a psychic hacker crack the digital world and unearth the conspiracy before it’s too late?

The Seed grants extraordinary powers to a select few—the Seeded.

For Nekoka—a genius catgirl blessed with multiple Seeded powers, cool tech, and loyal friends—every day is Mardi Gras. But her carefree days in the Big Easy come to an end when her best friends decide to bind their New Orleans Seeded group with rules and duties by going official. Nekoka, a free-range hedonist, rebels against any leash, and she storms off to Portland. She’s nobody’s hero.

But she’s soon caught performing heroics when she saves lives in a freeway pileup involving abducted Seeded. As she hacks secure networks about the mysterious incident, she uncovers a sinister plot to gather low-powered Seeded, and she’s faced with a choice: confront the sadistic horrors head-on and risk capture, or hightail it to safer pastures. But the situation is critical. If Nekoka leaves, friends and frenemies could die.

Journey through the shadows where friendship, sacrifice, and determination forge heroes in the face of impending darkness.

 
Excerpt
Propped against the railing of the second level, Pablo smiled down at them. Nekoka waved as he descended the stairs.

With Pablo’s every stride and strut, Nekoka’s inner hot bod aficionado purred deeply. Cyrus was lovely, but Pablo oozed desirability. Damn.

“Pablo, looking lickable today,” Nekoka said with a husky burr.

“Oh, a licking. Is that why I had the bar opened early?” he asked with a smirk, leaning against the bar with one hip, the long lines of his body on display, the cheeky grin holding promises and secrets. There was always an element of grace and fluidity to Pablo’s movements, and it wasn’t any surprise to Nekoka that every pose, every posture he presented, cast him in an elegant light.

How could he simply lean and look sexy? And not be attainable? It wasn’t fair.
 
About the Author:

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Vanessa MacLellan was born and raised in the farmlands of eastern Washington, works as an environmental engineer to fund her travel addiction, and is an avid birder, naturalist and hiker living in Portland, Oregon. She also loves watercoloring—you'll find many paintings on her Facebook She writes a rainbow of spec fic: fantasy, horror, and science fiction.

She searched for stories with good people and kept bumping into morally gray or villainous protagonists. Grim dark up to her knees. She doesn't enjoy constant darkness; it leaves her feeling worn down. When times are grim, she wants to face into the light and come out feeling hopeful rather than bitter. She decided to change the face of writing and bring in the light.

Vanessa loves heroic characters who understand the value of honor, sacrifice, and courage. Escape from the humdrum into magical lands where actions matter and heroes step forward to right wrongs, from small to large, to make a better world.

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Monday, July 15, 2024

Book Review: The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

The Lost Story
by Meg Shaffer
July 16, 2024
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ASIN: ‎ B0CL65K16X
ISBN: 9780593598870
As boys, best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell went missing in a vast West Virginia state forest, only to mysteriously reappear six months later with no explanation for where they’d gone or how they’d survived.

Fifteen years after their miraculous homecoming, Rafe is a reclusive artist who still bears scars inside and out but has no memory of what happened during those months. Meanwhile, Jeremy has become a famed missing persons’ investigator. With his uncanny abilities, he is the one person who can help vet tech Emilie Wendell find her sister, who vanished in the very same forest as Rafe and Jeremy.

Jeremy alone knows the fantastical truth about the disappearances, for while the rest of the world was searching for them, the two missing boys were in a magical realm filled with impossible beauty and terrible danger. He believes it is there that they will find Emilie’s sister. However, Jeremy has kept Rafe in the dark since their return for his own inscrutable reasons. But the time for burying secrets comes to an end as the quest for Emilie’s sister begins. The former lost boys must confront their shared past, no matter how traumatic the memories.

Alongside the headstrong Emilie, Rafe and Jeremy must return to the enchanted world they called home for six months—for only then can they get back everything and everyone they’ve lost.

It has been a few years since teenagers Rafe and Jeremy return to civilization after vanishing in a West Virginia state park. Rafe never remembered where they were or what happened and Jeremy never said a word. Until one day, a young woman named Emilie, whose adopted mother had died, wanted to fined her older sister, who had vanished too. She hired Jeremy who found lost people as a job.

If you enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia and the Witch World series by Andre Norton, then you will enjoy this story, a modern take on fairytales and classic fantasies. For it is more than two lost boys, but about lost stories, the one we hold in our hearts.

Amazon

I gave The Lost Story 5 sheep.





Reviewed by Pamela K. Kinney

 About the Author:
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Meg Shaffer is a part-time creative writing instructor and a full-time MFA candidate in TV and Screenwriting at Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri. When not watching Hitchcock films, she's reading Star Trek novels. When she's not reading Star Trek novels, she's napping. Her debut novel "The Wishing Game" is available now from Ballantine.

Sunday, July 14, 2024

A Tale of Something New (A Tale of Series Book One) by D. S. McColgan

A Tale of Something New (A Tale of Series Book One)

by D. S. McColgan
March 22, 2024
Genre: paranormal fantasy, romantic, gaslamp
ISBN: 978-1-7385050-0-5
ISBN: 978-1-7385050-1-2
ASIN: B0CW1BZRZT
Number of pages: 242
Word Count: 69’522
Cover Artist: Lukas Lauener
Saving a mysterious stranger might come back to bite her.

Liliana is shocked to find a dying man in the middle of the forest, surrounded by the remains of a brutal fight. She brings him home to her father’s farm to nurse him back to health. However, when the stranger regains consciousness, he doesn’t remember who he is or how he came to be there.

Intrigued by the mystery of it all, Liliana sets out to discover who this handsome, well-mannered stranger is. Could he be the man who whisks her away and shows her the world? Or will whatever happened in the forest put her and everyone she loves in grave danger?

This is the start of a new supernatural fantasy series focusing on the decisions one woman has to make in her effort to balance love, morals, ambition and responsibilities as her world expands from her little cozy village to the events that span her continent.



Excerpt:
At dinner, Liliana repeated what the stranger had said. After all, he now had a name.

Then the weather was discussed, and the whole table agreed that they were expecting another cold snap. Grandmother felt it in her bones, the farmhands and Cedric observed it in the animals’ behaviour and Father smelled it in the air. The chicken broth was well received.

Armed with a portion of said broth, Liliana ventured to the stranger’s bed after dinner. He awoke immediately and swallowed greedily, his gaze fixed on the bowl. There were so many questions swirling around in her head that she didn’t quite know where to start. If he was missing his memories, he couldn’t answer most of them, and she didn’t want to overwhelm him.

‘Do you remember me?’

He looked up briefly. ‘Yes.’

The fact that he could remember newer things was a good sign.

‘How’s the pain?’

‘Don’t ask.’

Liliana would’ve liked to know if his curt manner was part of his personality or due to the pain he was in. To wake up in a strange environment, in this agonising state and unable to recollect anything … No, she didn’t envy him.

Once the bowl was empty, she gave him the medicine, and Grandmother came to look at his wounds. She loosened the bandages in some places, careful not to damage the skin that had already healed. She rubbed on some of the ointment containing the resin Liliana had collected.

The stranger grimaced but made no sound.

‘That’s my grandmother,’ Liliana said. ‘She’s nursed many people back to health.’

Since he lay there quietly afterwards, Liliana stayed in the room. She was eager to talk to him more, but he kept his eyes closed, exhaustion on his face. So she sat down with her book, in front of the wardrobe. It was a precious, carved piece of furniture that Father had given to her mother after their wedding.

‘How did I get here?’

Astonished, she looked up. His eyes were still closed, but it seemed he felt her presence in the room. ‘I found you half-dead in the woods and brought you here.’

A pause followed, during which Liliana watched him over the edge of the book. What a peculiar way of speaking he had … Although she understood him clearly, the melody of his sentences sounded strange to her ears. His lips formed the words with precision, as if every single one of them deserved to be heard.

‘Be honest, what are my chances?’

‘The fact that you survived the first few days is amazing. If you keep going like this, I’m sure you’ll make it.’

A hint of a smile appeared on his lips. He opened his eyes and slowly turned his head to look at her, quietly grunting with pain. ‘What … are you reading?’

The bronze colour of his eyes still fascinated her. ‘Oh, this? A collection of fairy tales.’

Another pause followed while they studied each other.

‘You like books?’

‘I do. Would you like me to read you one of the stories?’

‘Yes, please.’

Liliana cleared her throat. ‘Most farmers struggle with reading. While I am by far the best reader in the family, it probably still sounds bungled to trained ears.’

The stranger gave her another smile to acknowledge her efforts and closed his eyes.

Liliana began to read. She hadn’t read out loud in a long time. No one here shared her enthusiasm for books. Why would they? There always seemed to be gossip to share, and after a day of hard work, most people in the village didn’t want to overexert their tired brains. For them, books were an expensive and superfluous possession. When Cedi had been younger, she’d taught him to read. As with many other activities, her little brother started on it with great zeal, only to lose interest after the first few strides. Reading to someone who may be well educated made her nervous. But she soon found her rhythm. As intended, the stranger relaxed. Distraction was a good antidote to pain.

About the Author:
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D. S. McColgan emigrated
from the Swiss mountains to Wales, where she now writes her stories surrounded by green hills, countless sheep and castles. She writes in German and English, and her short stories reside in the realm of fairy tales or magical realism. This year, she has published the first two books of her fantasy series: A Tale of Something New & A Tale of Something Red.

If you are not afraid of blood and fancy a historical tale with slow-burn romance, secrets, authentic characters and atypical twists, you will love her series.

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In A Tale of Something New Liliana finds a mysterious, injured stranger in the forest. Could he be the man who whisks her away and shows her the world? Or will whatever happened in the forest put her and everyone she loves in grave danger? https://mybook.to/ataleofsomethingnew #ato #ataleof #ataleofsomethingnew



 

Thursday, July 11, 2024

YA Fantasy Author E.P. Bellows's character, Roman, has questions... + giveaway

Roman has questions ~
Here’s the thing, Lizzie; I can certainly understand my less-than-pleasant disposition. It suits me, honestly. I’ve had it rough… raised by human types who used me for my powers then abandoned me as yesterday’s smoor. I was just a fledgling after all! These humans are downright awful and have no place in the realm. I have been satisfied to hold that point of view close to my dark void of a heart.

Lizzie, you had me pinned as the bruting partner to Celeste, the light and beauty of all things - my opposite, yet still, my absolute match. In my opinion, existence in Azra’s Pith does not get much better.

My big question, Lizzie… as the one soul in control of MY fate, why did you have to go and give me a soft side? I could have gone for centuries as an Empyrean not caring for anyone except Celeste. I don’t need “friends” or anyone caring about me. Was I not adequate as a sinister, scheming architect of mischief?

Now I feel conflicted. I’m complicated. I have angst. I feel pain to the extent of rage when others I care about (humans, no less) are in trouble. I’m, I’m… vulnerable! What happened to plotting John William Drake’s demise? Remember?

From the author ~
Fear not, Roman. You are still my dark, bruiting Empyrean Wizard. You are quickly becoming my favorite. While complex, you are loyal and brave. Your fate is bittersweet and your journey only grows more captivating as the layers reveal themselves. I can't wait to write your journey and watch it unfold on the screen. As for John William’s demise… we shall see 🖤

Quest for Copia (John William Drake Book Two)

by E.P. Bellows
11/1/24
Genre: Children’s Fantasy
Publisher: Azra’s Pith books
ISBN: 979-8865821205
ASIN: B0CLJ2BQDP
Number of pages: 197
Word Count: 38,000
Join John William Drake and his friends on their Quest for the Lost City of Copia… but beware, something evil lurks in the shadows.

John William Drake believed there was something special about the medallion Celeste found. It chimed and sparkled in the sunlight. He was right; the medallion was from Copia, a lost city masked in time. Legendary tales were repeated of a golden city inhabited by Empyrean Wizards until it was plagued by dark sorcery when a meager fledgling magician by the name of Imperious the Great wandered in.

Some did not believe the city ever existed; others who knew better wanted it to stay lost. How did it all start? How would it end? The answer simmered for hundreds of years waiting for the right moment to escape.

John and Celeste were more than ready for another adventure. The journey to Copia was also a search for his missing father. They were unaware of just how dangerous their quest was until it was too late. The medallion’s power could bring the lost city to life again, unlocking the dark past dormant within its walls. The young explorers were in the middle of a battle of ancient sorcery that could end with an evil capable of destroying the realm and they held the key.

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbvls9FLjeM

Excerpt Unearthed:
~The Copian Mediallion is discovered after being buried for years by layers of the realm.

Come on, wings! Don't fail me!" Gusts of wind blew the little bird in all directions. Her vivid red feathers stole the sun’s beams from the sky.

This was not an ordinary bird. This was a young Empyrean wizard named Celeste. Empyrean wizards lived in an extraordinary place where fantastic creatures and magic were a part of every day. All Empyrean Wizards have a bird form appropriately coordinated with their personality. This particular Empyrean was fearless and kind. She also had a knack for finding
adventure and the inevitable trouble accompanying it.

"Made it!" Her small but determined wings descended into the trees below. There was a peculiar tree she heard whispers about, and she was on her way to see it for herself. The tree was believed to be a passageway to the other side. Of course, she had no idea what the other side was, which only drove her curiosity. She perched on a boulder next to a single dead tree that boasted the broadest tree trunk in all of Copious Forest. The tree was surrounded by a blanket of thriving greenery. Celeste cautiously glanced around and gave her feathers a ruffle. A young girl emerged through the feathers with wild hair the same shade of vibrant red.

“Incredible!” she gasped and scuttled over to the tree. She poked her fingers out of the sleeve of her cloak and ran them along the rigid bark on the trunk. The bark chimed a soft melody as her fingers went along.

“So it is real.” Her eyes beamed. She stepped back and pulled a scroll out of her cloak. As she unraveled the scroll, the verses of an ancient spell were revealed. “The Tunnel of Light Enchantment ...

Cuniculum lucis incantationis tempus sit, electi ingrediantur. Cum tempus est, electi per cuniculum lucis relinquere possunt.

When it is time, the chosen may enter. When it is time, the chosen may leave through the tunnel of light." She gazed at the dead tree, waiting for even a small flicker of magic. The trunk looked like it had not been seen or touched in years. “Hmm ..." Celeste raised her brow.

A prickly chill traveled down her spine. She squeezed her arms across her chest to soothe her goosebumps. "Hello? Is-is someone there?" Celeste frantically glanced around.

An angry groan rumbled through trees.

“I'm not afraid of you!" she declared. “Come out and show yourself!”

Twigs and bits of forest flew past her curls. She scrambled behind the boulder. Sharp whispers buzzed through the gaps in the trees.

“The moan went from a groan to a vicious roar. A wind funnel shaped like a pair of long, wretched claws appeared.

“Oh, no—it’s the Rive.” Her body tensed.

The dark spell was strong enough to twirl her straight into the air with one dizzying burst. It plowed through trees and shot rocks in all directions. Celeste's cloak whipped around in a frenzy. She crouched behind the boulder and gripped her hands around the base. Then her body lifted off the ground. Inch by inch, her fingers slipped from the boulder. "Oh no!" Her head throbbed from intense pressure as the wind consumed her.

"Where is it? I must find it," the Rive whispered sharply, bringing a sting to Celeste's ears.

"Where is what? What are you talking about?" she shrieked.

"Where is it? I must find it!" the Rive's whisper was now at a rattling shrill.

Celeste closed her eyes and fisted her trembling hands. She felt herself drifting into a dizzying slumber. “I have to channel the élan. Come on, Celeste ... concentrate. I can do this!"

She took a deep breath. "Azra lucem tuam ostende. Azra tua industria illuminet …

Azra lucem tuam ostende. Azra tua industria illuminet."

A warm, vibrant energy burst through her cloak. The dark spell released its grip. It hissed and hurled rocks at Celeste. She stood her ground and
extended her hand. “Azra lucem tuam ostende. Azra tua industria illuminetet,” she shouted. The intense light shot out of the palm of her hand like a laser beam, piercing the spell. The Rive let out a hiss and vanished.

Celeste collapsed to the ground, breathless. “I just did that.” She examined the palm of her hand in astonishment.

The Rive’s vicious wind removed layers of dirt and debris from the forest floor. Celeste pulled herself up to the boulder and adjusted her cloak. A glimmer shining through the loose dirt caught her eye.

She scooped up the shimmering clump and scraped the forest coating off it until all that remained was a medallion with strange markings and feathered wings carved in the center. It chimed and sparkled in her hands. Celeste stuffed it in her cloak and cautiously looked around. An excited giggle slipped out just before she morphed back into a little red bird and flew above the trees.

About the Author:

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A little about me…

Let's see... When I was eight, I had a pet turkey. I used to take it with me on my short-lived paper route. Needless to say, I was terrible at delivering the paper. No one wanted a "Dollar Saver" with turkey poop splattered across the best coupons on the front page.

Books... "Treasure Island" is a fantastic pirate tale. I love just about anything by Roald Dahl. Who could ever leave out Tolkien? I would also like to thank C.S. Lewis for sending me on an unrelenting childhood quest for portals to amazing worlds.

I write fantasy stories for children. Yep - proud fantasy geek here. It's pretty darn awesome to escape to another realm with sorcerers and wizards for a chunk of the day. The underlying theme in my stories is empowerment and living purposefully. We all have that spark inside just waiting to shine ;)

When football is on I turn into a cookie-eating pottymouth. I have a theory that avocados are the Jedi of all foods. I also believe the aroma of garlic and butter sizzling in a pan is pure magic.

Last random nugget… few things make me smile more than chocolate, cheese, and a nice splash of vino... AND, if the Chargers would make it to the Super Bowl again - just once

Tweet:
Grab your invitation to leap through the passageway and join John William Drake and his friends on their wild quest for the lost city of Copia. See you in the adventure #azraspith #thepassageway #followthefrog #bewareoftheshadowjumpers #copia #medallion #lostcity


Tour Giveaway
5 $10 Amazon gift cards



Monday, July 8, 2024

Diego the cat (Space Cats) shares his Top 10 Cat Songs + excerpt (Middle grade, Sci-fi)

Top 10 Cat Songs

Hello, my name is Diego. Yes, I know. I am world famous. You probably read about me in Space Cats. Today, I would like to present to you my top 10 cat songs. I know what you’re thinking… there cannot possibly be that many songs about cats? Are all of these really about cats? Well, some humans seem to think they’re about them, but I tell you that they’re dead wrong.

10. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" by The Tokens is a classic cat song. I mean, who hasn’t watched Lion King? It is probably one of the most iconic songs about a cat and a great one to start out my list with. 

9. "The Lovecats" by The Cure is an interesting song about people who recognize that cats are better, and how it’s much better to love like cats than love like people. It’s good to be recognized. If you disagree, well, it’s because you’re just a human. 

8. "Roar" by Katy Perry is a song about an amazing journey about a human who realizes they need to become a cat to be a stronger person because cats are way awesomer and stronger than humans. 

7. "Soft Kitty" by Sheldon Cooper is an excellent song to encourage our youth of today. The innocence of kittens is so sweet, that they must hold onto that warmth for as long as possible before exploring the galaxy.
 
6. "The Siamese Cat Song" from Lady and the Tramp is a song about how crafty and intelligent cats are, and Siamese are some of the craftiest! 

5. "Kirby" by Aesop Rock is an incredible song about how truly awesome cats are and how they help with mental health. Everyone should have a friend who is a cat.
 
4. "Smelly Cat" by Phoebe Buffay is a great song about cats needing the proper cat baths for hygiene.
3. Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats is a fun song about the life of a bachelor cat and how their composure and style impresses all those around them.
 
2. "Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat" from The Aristocats is the brilliant song that speaks more truth than any other song. People have come to recognize that not being a cat is a shortcoming. The truth is that everybody wants to be a cat!
 
1. "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor is hands down one of the most iconic songs ever. We cats are strong survivors who have the thrill to fight. As cats, we have done it all. We made life better for humans, and now we’re making the galaxy better. We are survivors with the Eyes of Tigers.

Honorable Mention: "Cat’s in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin. This one fell off the list because many people may not be directly related to cats. However, it is an important lesson for all of us cat fathers about the significance of spending time with our kittens.

Space Cats: Making Enemies (Space Cats Series Book One)
by Craig A. Price and Shayne Price
07/16/2024
Genre: Sci-Fi, Middle Grade, YA
Publisher: Claymore Publishing
ISBN: 9781946968111
ISBN: 9781946968128
ASIN: B0CSXTWH2H
Number of pages: 162
Word Count: 27,223
Cover Artist: Shayne Price with Craig’s typography.
Cats are out to explore the galaxy… dogs are ready to protect it.

In the vast expanse of the galaxy, feline explorers from the Cat Exploration Corporation, led by the ambitious Blake, yearn to make their mark and unveil the secrets of uncharted space. All Blake desires is to honor his father's legacy and contribute to the endless curiosity of catkind. Meanwhile, Shadow, a loyal canine under the banner of the Tofferis Empire, is determined to pass his trials and stand as a stalwart guardian, protecting the very galaxy the cats seek to explore.

At the forefront of the Mineral Mining Corporation, Jade, a charismatic catsplorer, spearheads daring expeditions into uncharted territories. His mission: to unearth valuable minerals crucial for advancing feline exploration. Little do they know that their individual aspirations will intertwine in an unexpected political showdown, where cats and dogs are at the center of a cosmic power struggle.

As Blake, Shadow, and Jade navigate the complexities of interstellar politics, allegiances are tested, and the line between friend and foe blurs against the backdrop of unexplored galaxies. In "Space Cats: Making Enemies," the first installment of the series, these unsuspecting heroes find themselves entangled in a captivating space opera with a feline twist. Will they emerge victorious, or will the clash of paws and claws reshape the destiny of the cosmos? Embark on a thrilling journey that combines cosmic curiosity, canine loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of feline explorers.

If you're a fan of space adventures where the stakes are as high as the humor is charming, "Space Cats: Making Enemies" awaits your cosmic companionship.


 
 
Excerpt:
"I have a bad feeling about this," Ryan muttered.

"Don't be ridiculous," Jade replied, leading the way toward the temple. "We came here for the minerals, and we're going to find them."

As they approached the temple, they could see that it was ancient, with large stone columns and carvings covering the walls. They made their way inside, and the mineral finder began to beep rapidly.

"There it is," Jade said, pointing to a door at the end of the chamber. "That's where the scanner is leading us."

They cautiously approached the door, which was adorned with strange symbols and carvings. Jade hesitated for a moment, but then pushed the door open.

When the door creaked open, they saw a blinding light emanating from inside the chamber. They shielded their eyes and cautiously stepped inside, drawn toward the powerful energy source.
Jade and his team crept through the temple. The air grew colder, and they felt a sense of unease.

The mineral finder beeped louder as they approached the large chamber door. Ryan, the team's technician, examined the door and found that it was heavily secured.

They noticed strange markings etched on the walls. The markings resembled scratches, as if claws or sharp objects made them. Upon closer inspection, Jade realized the markings were actually a form of language, but one that he had never seen before.

Ryan, who had some expertise in ancient languages, inspected the markings. "This isn't any language that I recognize," he said, furrowing his brow in concentration. "It looks like some kind of primitive tool made it, like a claw or a rock."

Jasper, who had been scanning the temple with his handheld device, interrupted. "Guys, I'm getting some strange readings here," he said, pointing to his device. "It looks like there's some kind of energy emanating from the walls themselves."

Jade walked over to Jasper. "That's strange." He looked at the device. "There's definitely something here, but I can't quite make out what it is."

"It seems to radiate from behind this door." Jade touched a door at the end of the hallway with strange markings.

Jasper, the team's muscle, stepped forward and used his strength to force the door open. Inside the chamber, they found a glowing orb emitting a powerful energy. Jade approached the orb and scrutinized it, trying to identify its properties.

As he did so, the orb suddenly flared up with a blinding light, knocking the team off their feet.

When they regained their senses, they found the orb had disappeared and the chamber was now empty.

Jade, Ryan, and Jasper looked at each other, stunned by what had just happened. They realized they had stumbled upon something beyond their understanding and knew that they needed to report their findings to their superiors. Before they could head back to their shuttle, the darkness faded once again, and the center of the room gleamed with a small object. A crystal. It flickered slightly.
Craig A. Price Jr. is a USA Today bestselling author of Claymore of Calthoria Trilogy, Dragon's Call Trilogy, Dragonia Empire Series, Space Gh0st Adventures Series, and several other titles available in alternate realities. He loves to read, write, cast spells, and spend time with his beautiful wife and three children. He dreams to one day become a full-time wizard, but until then, he'll settle for being an author. With more than a dozen novels under his belt now, it's only a matter of time before he settles for world domination, but until then, you can follow his author journey as he takes over one reader's soul at a time.

Craig lives on the Alabama Gulf Coast, among the ravenous mosquitos, humidity, and deadly predators. If you spot him in the wild, he can be dangerous, but will often be tamed by a Mountain Dew and Reese's.

Shayne Price is the son of Craig A. Price, and hopes to one day become a Geologist. He likes to play sports and video games. He was behind all the plot in this book. He is a sophomore in high school and attends classes at the University of Alabama.

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Cats are out to explore the galaxy… dogs are ready to protect it. https://books.claymorepublishing.com/spacecats1
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