Samurai (The Valiant Series #3) by Joanna White + Excerpt

Happy publication day to author Joanna White, and congratulations on the release of Samurai (Valiant #3)!

Samurai (The Valiant Series #3) 

*Books can be read in any order
by Joanna White
Publication Date: September 7th, 2021
Genre: young adult, Clean Fantasy/ Adventure
Okada Akari and Sakamoto Megumi just may be two women in over their head.

Okada Akari is a samurai, the daughter of the Chief Advisor to the Emperor of the Sakamoto clan. One day on a mission, she is captured by a mysterious warrior and taken to an enemy camp—an enemy filled with strange, foreign powers the likes of which her world has never seen. What’s worse, a foreign stranger is supplying her enemy with weapons her people cannot hope to fight against. Yet that is only the beginning of her journey, one filled with war and love, sacrifice, and darkness.

Sakamoto Megumi has wanted to be a samurai her entire life. However, as the daughter of the Emperor, training is impossible. When the Emperor is assassinated, she is thrust onto a throne she never wanted. As Empress, she must find a way to become a leader her people will look up to, instead of a weak woman unfit for the throne. Her generals are waiting for her to make a grave mistake. Falling in love with her high general might very well be the mistake they were waiting for.

Corruption has touched worlds before, but this time, it will take more than a few Chosen to stop it before it fills the hearts of everyone around them – even the hearts of their closest friends and allies.

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Other Books in the Valiant Series

Excerpt:

I glanced down at my hand as it rested in my lap. “Do you think I am ready?” My voice was barely above a whisper.

Somehow, he heard me. I glanced back at his reflection. He gently smiled, his eyes were steady and calm, and his voice was void of pity. “I believe you will lead your people wisely, like your father did before you. You have his wisdom and equality inside your heart, Princess Sakamoto.”

I blinked back tears that had begun to form and glanced back down at the one and only hand I had. The real meaning behind his words echoed inside my mind. You are able to lead your people whether you have two arms or one. My strengths outweighed my weakness.

When the young girl, Chiaki, finished combing through my hair, I told her that she could leave. Once the shoji slid shut behind her and I could no longer hear her footsteps, I turned around and met Ryosuke’s gaze. As I stood, I kept my eyes firmly locked on his. Though I could not embrace him, because at any moment anyone could interrupt us, his gaze on mine held more warmth than if I was actually in his arms.

“Your father and your mother both believed in you. I believe in you, Megumi. You are not alone on this path. Never forget that.”

About the Author

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Joanna White is a Christian Author and fangirl. Hunter and Shifter are the first two books in her debut series, called the Valiant Series. In December 2019, one of her short stories was featured in Once Upon A Yuletide, a Christmas fairy tale anthology by Divination Publishing. Dark Magi, a prequel in the Republic Chronicles came out in November 2019. Glimpses of Time and Magic, a historical fantasy anthology, also featured one of her stories.

She graduated from Full Sail University with a BFA in Creative Writing for Entertainment. Ever since she was ten years old, she’s been writing stories and has a deep passion for writing and creating stories, worlds, characters, and plots that readers can immerse themselves in. In 2020, she reached her personal goal of writing a million words in a year. Most of all, Joanna loves God, her family, staying at home, and being a total nerd.

To stay updated and find out more about her novels, where her inspiration comes from, games, giveaways, and more, visit her website.

Book Release Blitz Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Interview: Jay Kristoff's Endsinger (The Lotus War #3) blog tour + giveaway

Check out the whole tour

http://misterkristoff.wordpress.com/2014/10/28/endsinger-blog-tour/

Today we have Jay Kristoff visiting the Flock. He is from the land of Oz and refers to him self as the "nerdmastah" The last book in his Lotus War Trilogy is coming out soon. We talk about it a little, but then move on to the more interesting stuff like his secret kung-fu assassin wife...good times people, good times.

Welcome to I Smell Sheep! You will be happy to know I have no idea who David Grohl is. (Jay is often told he looks like Grohl)

Jay: That makes me feel very old. 

Sharon: nope, you shouldn’t feel old, I should feel dumb. Foo Fighters *facepalm* I’m the same age as he is <G> and yeah, you look like him…

Jay: That just makes us both old. <G>

Sharon: For readers who aren’t familiar with your series would you tell us a bit about The Lotus War trilogy?

Jay: Chainsaw katanas, telepathic samurai girls, and griffons! That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell J

But the books are basically about one girl’s friendship with a mythical creature called a thunder tiger (they’re kinda like griffons), and their efforts to overthrow the despotic government bringing ruin to their homeland. There’s shades of steampunk and epic fantasy in there.

Sharon: you had me at Chainsaw katanas! Actually you had me at chainsaws, but that’s another story…

Jay: *backs away slooooowly*

Sharon: *twitch, twitch*

Sharon: There are steampunk elements to the series. Is there a steampunk contraption in your books you would love to own in real life?

Jay: There’s an enormous mechanical construct called the Earthcrusher. It’s kinda like a huge spider-thing with chainsaws for arms. The ground shakes where it walks. Entire cities flee in fear at its approach. I could think of a few uses for something like that. It’d make driving in peak hour easier, for starters.

Sharon: heehee, I like the way you think…tell me you have offspring to pass this sort of thinking down too.

Jay: Nooooo, I’m an infant myself, I have no business raising another one.

Sharon: You state you are a nerd…prove it. What is the nerdiest thing you own?

Jay: Oh, wow. Hard call. Maybe my hardback set of black leather-bound Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 edition rulebooks?

I named my dog Samwise, dude. I am the nerdmastah.

Sharon: you named your dog Samwise? That is pretty nerdy, but you might have to turn in your man card for that one <G>

Jay: He’s a Jack Russell, too. :P

Sharon: Why did you pick a 16 year old female as your protagonist? I will also note there is a new series coming out next year you are co-writing with Amie Kaufman, also has a young female protag. Do you have an inner teenage girl you can tap into?

Jay: I’m not really sure why I write so many female protagonists, to be honest. I guess I find the perspective a little more interesting and a little more challenging? There’s nothing scientific about it – an idea for a character will creep into my head, be it a boy or a girl, and if they take my fancy, I’ll start writing about them. It would feel a little odd to change the character’s sex just because I might find it easier to write a male. If writing is easy, you’re doing it wrong. And unless you’re writing a biography, you’re always channeling someone who’s not YOU.

In the ILLUMINAE series you mentioned (the one I’m writing with Amie K) she writes the girl protagonist and I write the boy. Which is a nice change. Although in my next solo fantasy series (which I just sold to my editor, so yay, more books from me) the protagonist is also female. 

(shrug) I just go where the characters tell me J

Sharon: You worked in the advertising industry (yes, I stalked your bio) for a while. Got any funny stories about failed ad ideas or clients?

Jay: Failed ads stories are normally quite sad. You put a lot of thought into your ideas, only to see them get shot down, usually for no reason better than “hmmm, no I just don’t like it”. That’s kinda why I got out and started writing books. When you’re an author, your ideas don’t get canned because the client is in the middle of a messy divorce and came to the presentation in a bad mood.

But . . . funny. Hmmm. Ok, one time I spent close to a million bucks on what was essentially one big penis joke. True story :P

Sharon: moving on! <G>

Sharon: What’s it like living with a secret agent kung-fu assassin wife? Does she let you play with her secret agent gadgets?

Jay: No. She keeps her gadgets far out of reach. She’s kinda mean like that. But she wouldn’t be a kung-fu assassin if she was all sunshine and lollipops.

Sharon: If you could own any piece of art in the world what would it be?

Jay: The Card Players by Paul C Cézanne. Apparently that’s the most expensive painting in the world. I just googled it.

Sharon: must be a hell of a card game…

Jay: Art. Pfft. I dunno.

Sharon: What is your Precsssssssiousss?

Jay: Probably my CD collection. I know, right? Who the hell buys CDs nowadays . . .

Now I feel REALLY old . . .

Rapid Fire:

Sharon: Break a foot or break a hand?

Jay: Foot. Can’t write without hands!

Sharon: apples or oranges?

Jay: Oranges. In juice form pls. With Vodka.

Sharon: and a dash of peach schnapps! Fuzzy Navels for everyone!! (I had to google how to spell schnapps, true story)

Sharon: Bigfoot or Sasquatch?

Jay: Are they not the same thing? 0_o *googles* Wow. You learn something every day.

Sharon: roller coaster or carousel?

Jay: Roller Coasterrrrrrrrrrrrr

Sharon: lost at sea or lost in the dessert?

Jay: Either way, I’d die. So I’ll take the burial at sea. Sounds more epic.

Sharon: Coke or Pepsi?

Jay: What is this Pepsi of which you speak?

Sharon: I’m sorry Jay, this interview is over and you must now meet our dragon…

*empty Coke can hits Sharon in the head* 

Sorry, Katie says we have to go on…mumble, mumble…traitor…mumble

Sharon: Twilight Zone or Tales from the Crypt?

Jay: We never had TftC in Oz when I was a kid. TZ wins by default!

Sharon: what is this Oz of which you speak?! Okay, that was childish :P 

Jay: Ouch, burn. J

Sharon: Thanks for visiting. And sorry about wanting to feed you to the dragon, I just get emotional sometimes. No hard feelings?

Jay: Never! Thanks for having me :D

Endsinger (The Lotus War #3)
by Jay Kristoff

Kindle Edition, 464 pages
November 25th 2014 by Thomas Dunne Books
A TREMBLING EARTH
The flames of civil war sweep across the Shima Imperium. With their plans to renew the Kazumitsu dynasty foiled, the Lotus Guild unleash their deadliest creation—a mechanical goliath known as the Earthcrusher, intended to unite the shattered Empire under a yoke of fear. With the Tiger Clan and their puppet Daimyo Hiro in tow, the Guild marches toward a battle for absolute dominion over the Isles.

A BROKEN REBELLION
Yukiko and Buruu are forced to take leadership of the Kagé rebellion, gathering new allies and old friends in an effort to unite the country against the chi-mongers. But the ghosts of Buruu’s past stand between them and the army they need, and Kin’s betrayal has destroyed all trust among their allies. When a new foe joins the war tearing the Imperium apart, it will be all the pair can do to muster the strength to fight, let alone win.

A FINAL BATTLE
The traitor Kin walks the halls of Guild power, his destiny only a bloody knife-stroke away. Hana and Yoshi struggle to find their place in a world now looking to them as heroes. Secret cabals within the Lotus Guild claw and struggle; one toward darkness, the other toward light. And as the earth splits asunder, as armies destroy each other for rule over an empire of lifeless ash and the final secret about blood lotus is revealed, the people of Shima will learn one last, horrifying truth.

There is nothing a mother won't do to keep her children by her side.

Nothing.

About the Author:

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Jay Kristoff is a tragic nerd, but has spent the last ten years dumping expeez into his Intimidation stat, and now nobody is brave enough to say it to his face. He grew up in the second most isolated capital city on earth and fled at his earliest convenience, although he’s been known to trek back for weddings of the particularly nice and funerals of the particularly wealthy. Being the holder of an Arts degree, he has no education to speak of.

Jay's first trilogy, THE LOTUS WAR, is set to be published in over a dozen countries. The first installment STORMDANCER, was critically acclaimed and shortlisted for several SF/F awards, and the Lotus War novella THE LAST STORMDANCER won the 2014 Aurelais Award for Best Fantasy Short Fiction. The third book, ENDSINGER, is out in November 2014. Jay’s new series, the SciFi thriller ILLUMINAE, which he co-authored with Amie Kaufman, is due for publication by Random House in 2015. He is as surprised about it as you are. He is represented by Matt Bialer at Sanford J Greenburger Associates.

Jay is 6’7" and has approximately 13264 days to live. He abides in Melbourne with his secret agent kung-fu assassin wife, and the world’s laziest Jack Russell.
He has a sweet beard.
He does not believe in happy endings.

Movie Review: 47 Ronin

47 Ronin
PG-13, 2 hr. 7 min.
Drama, Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Directed By: Carl Rinsch
In Theaters: Dec 25, 2013 Wide
Universal Pictures - http://www.47roninmovie.com/
Keanu Reeves-Kai
Hiroyuki Sanada -Oishi
Kou Shibasaki -Mika
Tadanobu Asano-Lord Kira
Rinko Kikuchi-Witch
Min Tanaka-Lord Asano
From ancient Japan's most enduring tale, the epic 3D fantasy-adventure 47 Ronin is born. Keanu Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of 47 outcast samurai. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors. 47 Ronin is helmed by visionary director Carl Erik Rinsch (The Gift). Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that's never been seen before. -- (C) Universal

ronin – “The defining characteristic of a ronin is that he was a former samurai separated from service to a daimyo. The kanji that spell out the term "ronin" are literally translated as "wave person," as if he were set adrift to be tossed upon the waves of life. Sometimes, the term "ronin" is translated as "masterless samurai" - The Samurai Archives SamuraiWiki

47 Ronin is the little movie that could. Everyone has been predicting its failure since filming began in 2011. There were director disputes, creative disputes, studio disputes. You can read all about the disputes in the Los Angeles Times article by Chris Lee

47 Ronin is an awesome tale of Samurai honor and the Bushido way. The studios wanted an action packed visual bonanza, but the director wanted to focus on the drama aspect of the story, and I agree. There are still some visually exciting scenes of action and the costumes are stunning. The acting wasn't Oscar worthy, but not many are. I liked the movie. A lot. So did my mom and my husband.

There is a star crossed lover’s story between the half-breed servant Kai and the Samurai Master’s daughter Mika. They kept it a chaste love affair which was fitting for the tone of the movie. The violence isn't graphic and the PG-13 rating seems appropriate. Lots of heads roll, but there is no blood spewing. There is a deliciously evil shape changing witch!

this guy is in the movie for about 15 seconds

Dark Horse

If you are familiar with the 47 Ronin tale (Dark Horse has a graphic novel based on the story) then you know how it ends. While the writers took a lot of liberty with the story they did not change the ending. That would be like making a movie about the Titanic and everyone lives at the end. It is a bittersweet ending.

Should you see it? I am glad I did, and it was worth a matinee price. I like Keanu Reeves and the story the movie is based on. If you are looking for the next Oscar or a life changing experience don’t go and rent it. It doesn't deserve all the hating it is getting.

3.75 “I told you I wasn’t afraid of you” Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Book Review: Samurai Game by Christine Feehan

Samurai Game, by Christine Feehan, is the tenth novel in her GhostWalker saga. I started reading the series with this novel and was easily able to pick up from here without feeling lost or overwhelmed by the previous editions. Sadly, though, things start out with a bang but slowly bottom out as the story continues.

Plot:

In an underground club, a high-ranking public official spends his secret nights indulging in fantasies as exciting as they are depraved. For a seductive employee of the Dungeon, it’s her job to fulfill them.

But when a dictator makes his own catastrophic moves, the Ghostwalkers have no choice but to bring in two major players—a man and woman both driven by passion and revenge. Both expendable. Both with nothing left to lose.

I want to add that while the plot description sounds very compelling, this so called "underground club" and public official disappear after the first chapter. I'm not really sure why that was put in as the official plot. This story really did start out on a fantastic foot, I was drawn in right away and flew through the first half of the book with action that happens early and hits hard. Then the story picks up a bit and things get even more interesting! But as we reach the midway point everything just kind of falls apart. SO much time is spent on chatting about this satellite and that super special lens plus who's out to get who. Yes, the book's a PNR/suspense but the endless discussions got really old really fast.

Our lead pair, Azami and Sam, are just a middle of the road couple for me. They had nothing special that I'll remember a week from now, and there was nothing really all that wonderful that I could see them bringing to the table as a couple when that table already appears to be chock full of badass dudes. Sam's a nice guy and all, but he was just a tad too clingy for my tastes; total relationship pressure pusher. Not cool, dude. I did like that Azami is a tough chick who can handle her own when it comes to combat, plus, after the sick childhood she had at the hands of a monster you really are sympathetic to her character. When it comes to fighting she's got the skills to pay the bills! I really wish we could have gotten more of her kicking booty rather than sitting in board rooms looking demure and innocent all the time.

As the title tells you, the story is Samurai-based with a bunch of info on the men and women who still train by the sword this very day. And that was all nice and fine, but am I reading an intriguing PNR story here are doing a wikipedia search? It was hard to tell at times. I love sword fighting, sexy warriors, samurai anything, and heck yes I loved the Karate Kid movies but something went terribly wrong with this tale. In my opinion, this story should have been a novella with the back half taken out, and there was absolutely no need for the book to be as long as it was. To top it all off, the romance between our leads goes hot and cold at the drop of a hat. One second it's on like Donkey Kong and the next they are making tea and having a chat. *yawn*

Dialog heavy and under stimulating, but I tell ya that first half of the book is the stuff you long to read about! I'd say to check around at other reviews first but please proceed with caution on this one.

Getting 2 1/2 'blow dart concealing' Sheep

KD