Interview: YA Fantasy Author Valerie Storm and her MC Kari + giveaway

VAL: Hi! Valerie Storm here, and so very pleased to be on I Smell Sheep! I’ll happily introduce Kari, my beloved and very often frustrated wolf demon. She’s not much for talking normally, especially to strangers, but we’ll try our best here. Kari. KARI!
KARI: Gods above, I said I didn’t want to talk to anyone!

VAL: Come on, Kari! These nice people just want to get to know you.
KARI: What, some nameless humans? They’re just flaunting their sick curiosity. Ugh! Where is Ari? He’s better at this.

VAL: He IS much less grumpy than you, and would probably be more polite…
KARI: Polite? Polite. Would YOU be polite if someone had written your life the way you’ve written mine?

VAL: I mean—
KARI: No! The things I’ve gone through, the people I’ve lost—it’s all your fault!

VAL: I MEAN TECHNICALLY, but without me, you wouldn’t know who Ari is!
KARI: …

VAL: Annnnyway Kari, wanna tell the readers about THE STORM DARKENS? It’s the third novel in your series! I’ve even given you some really nice downtime, haven’t I?
KARI: I do love spending time with Ari. He’s going to show me how to shoot his bow—no. No, you won’t distract me! What is the catch?!

VAL: Well, we all know how much I love drama…
KARI: Drama?

VAL: Yeah! You know, you’ve got a lot of inner turmoil to work through and I think we should do it together.
KARI: I don’t want any part of your sadistic madness!

VAL: How about this! Tell us the one thing you wish could happen.
KARI: …Why?

VAL: I told you, we’re in the middle of an interview! The readers want to know these things!
KARI: You know what I want. I want peace and quiet. I want to live with Ari, and forget all about everything.

VAL: Like Rav—
KARI: ESPECIALLY her.

VAL: Yup, fair. She’s totally irredeemable.
KARI: Exactly. You could remove her—you’re like our god, if gods existed.

VAL: You’re right! I definitely could.
KARI: …So?

VAL: We’re off-topic here! So, peace. You don’t have any other desires…? Maybe something deep, deeeeep down?
KARI: I know what you’re doing, and no. I refuse to acknowledge that part of me.

VAL: The Catalyst, right? But Kari, without it, you’d probably be dead!
KARI: I don’t care! It’s dangerous, and—you know what, you’re starting to sound like Raven!

VAL: Oh, that’s disturbing…wonder what that says about me. And you, really. You know you’re a deep part of me!
KARI: Please, gods of nalmi or wherever we are, let this end…let me go back home…

VAL: Oh…there she goes. Hmph. Well, you know what they say about lone wolves. Anywho, THE STORM DARKENS, my third book in the Demon Storm series, will see Kari go through quite a few tribulations! She’ll get her lovely time with Ari, but not without a cost…just the way I like it!

Storm and Shadow (Demon Storm Book Two)
by Valerie Storm
11/13/2022
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-956883-06-0
ASIN: B0BHYWJNKD
Number of pages: 317
Word Count: 88352
Cover Artist: Ginka Jack
The shadows call. Will the lightning answer?

Kari was dead—and then, she wasn't.

But for the wolf-demon with lightning in her fists, resurrection is no reprieve from exile. After old witch Zina revives her, Kari must conceal her true nature better than ever before, lest her slayers find her breathing and put her down for good. And since she can no longer return to what she once knew, Kari finds herself adrift—in search of purpose.

She gets it when Zina entrusts her with the Lapis Anima, a gem imprisoning the soul of wicked woman, Raven. This brings Kari into conflict with Raven herself, who's still very much a threat without her soul…and has devious plans in mind for Kari's destructive abilities.

Will the wolf-demon succumb to Raven's cruel temptations?

Or will Kari turn to an unlikely ally for help—the very man who killed her, one year ago?

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/BEjKE5xr61I

Amazon

Book 1              Book 3

    

Excerpt
Before she could answer, Raven’s words filled her mind. Such needless fear and
indecision. There is nothing wrong with wanting to survive, Kari. The only ones who will blame
you are the ones who deserve to die.

Kari staggered to a stop and ripped the necklace off. She held the gem in a hand, fingers
wrapped so tight the jagged edges cut her palm.

Kari’s vision swam. She recalled the redheaded woman leaning closer, her eyes glowing embers, her smile long and large. I’ve thought of the most wonderful plan.

“You!” Kari shouted.

“Oh,” the Fire Witch said. “And I thought my day would be dull and dreary.”

“You!” Kari yelled again. Her legs were numbly locked in place, but her chest was
aflame. Lightning crackled to life at her fingertips. She mouthed exclamations, insults, but her
voice failed. The woman was here, the one who had ruined everything!

She extended a shaking hand. Zina dropped the gem into her palm, where it flashed as it
touched her skin.

“Since you have taken it of your own will, you and the gem are now Bound.” As she said
the word, the air around Kari stiffened. Magic. “Should you die an unnatural death, the gem will
shatter, destroying the soul within.”

The palm-sized crystal tumbled to the ground and began to bounce. Kari watched, her eyes widening. Dark smoke issued from the gem, curling over the ground, swirling until it took the form of a kneeling woman. Her features coalesced: long, dark hair to match her wintry robes and contrast her ivory skin. The woman lifted her head, looking about with eyes cut from obsidian.

Her pale-pink lips were uplifted in a sneer, betraying little surprise.

The woman spared Kari no attention as she stood to her full height and looked around. She faced the nearest patch of darkness and raised a hand, curling her fingers into a fist. The shadows stretched away from the trees, bending toward the woman in lazy snake-like wisps.
They lifted off the ground and twisted around her fingers.

About the Author:
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Valerie Storm was raised in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up, she fell in love with everything fantasy. When she wasn’t playing video games, she was writing. By age ten, she began to write her own stories as a way to escape reality. When these stories became a full-length series, she considered the path to sharing with other children and children-at/heart looking for a place to call home.

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YA Character Interview: Sword and Sorcery: Frostfire by Ethan Avery + excerpt

Heeled shoes click along a cobblestone path in the gardens of the extravagant school grounds of Darr-Kamo. A teenage girl carrying a quill and a sheet of parchment approaches another girl who’s sitting down reading a book.

Genetta: Hello, I’m Genetta, covering news around the school, would you mind if I ask you a few questions?

Aireyal (looks up nervously from her book): Me?

Genetta: Absolutely! You seem like a clever apprentice mage. What’s that book curled under your arm?

Aireyal: I-it’s u-uh, a magic book.

Genetta (laughs): This is Darr-Kamo, where the best and brightest young mages go, so I would certainly hope so. What kind of magic book is it though, if you don’t mind me asking?

Aireyal: It’s a-about fire m-magic.

Genetta: You’re doing a lot of stuttering. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be afraid of. By the way, I don’t believe I got your name, Miss…

Aireyal: Ando. Aireyal Ando.

Genetta: As in Grandmage June Ando’s daughter?!

Aireyal: (cringes): Yes.

Genetta: (feels around her pockets): Then you must be doing some incredible fire magic. I may have some red fey dust around if you’d like to demonstrate.

Aireyal: (shakes head vigorously)

Genetta: Oh well, it would’ve been a spectacle for sure. Anyhow, on to the true purpose of this interview. How do you feel about Darr-Kamo taking away several dances off the school calendar this year?

Aireyal: It’s m-my first year, so I’m not really sure.

Genetta: Oh, come now, you must have some kind of opinion on the subject. That means less time kissing cute boys.

Aireyal: (covers face with hands before blushing furiously)

Genetta: Or are you more of a girl kisser?

Aireyal: (mumbling, still covering her face): A-are you sure this is important for me to say?

Aerial

Genetta: Inquiring minds would love to know.

Aireyal: No one wants to know a-about me.

Genetta: Miss Ando, everyone wants to know about you. From your fellow students, all the way up to Headmistress Markado. But let’s return to the topic at hand. What does your ideal young man look like? Do you like hair that’s short and cropped or long and luxurious? And what about height? I assume you wouldn’t want him to be too tall, considering your own vertical limitations.

Aireyal: (finally drops her hands from her face): I’m not that short.

Genetta: (scribbles something on her parchment)

Aireyal: What are you writing?

Genetta: I made a note that you like shorter boys with shorter hair.

Aireyal: I do not!

Genetta: So you are more into girls then.

Aireyal: (blushing): I…

Genetta: Don’t fret, Miss Ando, romance is quite alive every year at Darr-Kamo. And young love is such a beautiful and treacherous thing. I’ve spoken with many of your fellow apprentices as well to put together a poll.

Aireyal: A poll?

Genetta: Yes, to find out the most desirable traits according to your peers.

Aireyal: (pauses, before whispering): What are the best traits? Do I have any of them?

Genetta: For me to tell you, I’ll need you to answer one last question for me.

Aireyal: (groans): Very well.

Genetta: Do you prefer a partner to bring you flowers or candy?

Aireyal: That’s a good question (pauses, thinking). How about both?

Genetta: (scribbles down several things, then looks back up and smiles, but says nothing)

Aireyal: What about the most desirable traits?

Genetta: You can find out in the next edition of the school news.

Aireyal: But I thought—

Genetta: Sorry, Miss Ando, but a good story always makes you wait.

Sword and Sorcery: Frostfire
by Ethan Avery
April 22, 2022
ISBN (Hardcover): 979-8-9856228-2-9
ISBN (eBook): 979-8-9856228-0-5

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher: Stories By Storytellers
Pages: 440
Word Count: 112,000

If you could change your life by trusting in a stranger… would you?

Erevan has a problem. He grew up on the unforgiving streets of Bogudos and has the scars to prove it. His friend, however, is stuck in jail because of his mistake. But when a suspicious courier offers him a chance to fix things, should he lift his sword and journey across treacherous lands to aid her cause?

Meanwhile, Aireyal has been accepted into the wealthiest and most prestigious magical school in all the land. There’s just one problem. She can’t do magic. But that’s far from the only secret within the walls of Darr-Kamo. And what she discovers might just change the world.

Swordsman & Sorcerer
Scholar & Spiritualist

All four have enemies. And all four need help to get what they want. But help is never free.

What would you sacrifice to get what you most desire?

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EXCERPT
Knock. Knock. Both Aireyal’s and her mother’s heads spun toward the door. “Why don’t we take a little break,” her mother said, going to open the door.

Behind it was a boy with light blond hair curled to perfection. His face was pale like he’d sat out in the cold autumn air for too long, though that didn’t stop him from being the most handsome boy Aireyal had ever seen. He stood tall in his purple school uniform which might have been baggy on some but fit his form perfectly. And the sophisticated jerkin was embroidered on its front with the leafy designs of Lanasall’s flag.

Best of all though, the boy was an elf. He had soft, but somehow sharp facial features like elves tended to, unlike the broader, more rugged features of humans. And Aireyal loved the vivid color of elves’ irises. She found them so much more interesting than mundane human eyes like her own. She stared into the twinkling, ocean blue eyes of the boy before her. That is, until those beautiful eyes flitted over to her.

Pump, pump. Her heart raced, so she dashed over the stone floor to a corner of the room, barely in sight. Aireyal pretended to be interested in the contents of her mother’s mahogany table. It was a mess, like the rest of the room. Even the chair behind it was loaded with papers and books. How her mother managed to find anything in here was a mystery. Then again, this was her private study, not her main office that influential people were always in and out of. Which is surely why she had such a curious collection of things atop it. Aireyal risked another glance back at the handsome boy and his eyes met hers again. Pump, pump.

Aireyal snapped her head back down and skimmed over her mother’s table. Pouches of dust, strange colored paper, an ash black egg that was a little smaller than a goose’s. A black egg?

Something flickered in her eye, and she flinched, but it was only a hand mirror, maybe nine inches wide, laid flat against the desk. Its golden-rimmed edges suggested it was expensive. But it was frosted along its glass which… didn’t reflect the room at all.

Instead, the mirror showed what appeared to be a field of wheat shrouded by something too foggy to make out. And for the slightest of moments, a pair of eyes appeared behind the fog. Aireyal reached down to pick up the mirror and wipe the frost from its face.

Sssss. The mirror’s handle was sizzling hot to the touch. Aireyal jumped, startled and her knee slammed into the table, shaking it. The commotion sent the egg rolling until it fell right onto… no, into the mirror, as though the mirror’s glass was a hole.

All of it would’ve been fascinating if Aireyal wasn’t in so much pain. She was unsure whether to attend to her bruised knee or burning hand. Wait. Burning?!

Aireyal screamed as flames scorched her fingers. Agony, like her flesh was being cooked alive. It coursed through her hand into her body. The faint sound of her mother shouting something filled her ears as Aireyal’s knee buckled, sending her tumbling forward. The last thing she heard was an ominous thud and a gut-wrenching shatter…

About the Author:

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Ethan Avery believes in the power of stories. As a child growing up in Ohio, they gave him a chance to see a bigger world, and to hear what life was like for people that didn’t look like him or believe what he did. And now years later, he hopes to do the same for others. For more information on Sword and Sorcery and what Ethan's writing next, please visit www.storiesbyethan.com

Character Interview with Roger the woodchuck, (Gateworlds Earth – Athanator #1 by Gillbert Troll).

Earth is in (im)mortal danger. Only one man can help. One man and a chicken.

Notice: we must explicitly state that no unicorn-tiger hybrids were harmed during the making of this interview. Do not believe the false media! Only believe the side who has a woodchuck named Roger.

We asked Roger the woodchuck five hundred questions about the book and his role and career. Here are the few answers we could interpret:

Interviewer (I): Dear Roger, could you describe yourself to our readers?
Roger (R): No.

Roger proceeded to walk out and then returned with a pastrami sandwich in an hour. He then answered the question stating he is Roger the woodchuck, and people should know him by now.

I: Have you read Gateworlds Earth – Athanator, and if yes, how did you like it?
R: Yes, I have read it. (Roger, at this point, stared out the window for half an hour before answering.) It is a book.

I: And?
R: It has a wonderful woodchuck character. He is intelligent, handsome, strong and modest. He should get a book of his own. But, unfortunately, the other creatures and people in the book are not comparable to the woodchucks’ greatness. They are alright, though in their own non-woodchuck way.

I: And did you like the story?
R: Which story?
I: The story Gateworlds Earth – Athanator describes. How was it?
R: It tells the truth and nothing but the truth. Although the greatness of dragons in some scenes are greatly exaggerated. They are, of course, incomparable to woodchucks, you know. There are many things dragons cannot do that a woodchuck can. When was the last time a dragon chucked wood for example?

I: I confess I do not know. On this note: who are your favourite characters besides yourself in the book?
R: Besides myself … that is hard... Well, I liked the chicken.

I: You liked the great Catherine? What was it you liked about her?
R: Well. (Roger looked around as if scared.) She said she would punch me if I did not, so what I can say, I like her.

I: Now that the first installment of the book is out and you have gained fame, what do you think your next role will be?
R: It is uncertain at the moment. My agent, who is a greater sphinx, is trying to get me the best possible roles. Maybe something with Clooney could work. She is the best combination of intelligence, finesse and life-threatening charm. She will come up with something.

I: As a final question, do you have any message for our readers?
R: Never light your pipe on a red-coloured boat named Betsy during a typhoon 56,7 miles of the shores of Manila. Bad things can happen if you do. I had to learn that the hard way.

I: Thank you for that, mister Roger, it was a pleasure.
R: Thank you, my good human. Thank you.

If you would like to read more about Roger, a chicken named Catherine, and a platypusbear you can catch up on their tales here:

Gateworlds Earth - Athanator - Book 1
by Gillbert Troll
December 6, 2021

335 pages

Earth is in (im)mortal danger. Only one man can help. One man and a chicken.

When a smug but mighty talking tree asks him to retrieve one of the rune crystals of the Multiverse Gate Earth, John Zelm "Athanator" decides against his better judgment that he will do as he is told and recover the guard rune to save the planet. As the balance of the multiverse itself might be at risk, he is helped by powerful allies such as a chicken and a platypusbear.

Can John save us, or are we dead already? You must read the book NOW to find out! Otherwise, it might be too late!

A book by Gillbert Troll, who is in the process of making the renowned multiverse bestseller: "How to start great and meaningful conversations with dark elves."

If you buy the book now a troll will or will not be named after you somewhere in the multiverse!

Goodreads -Draft2Digital 

Amazon

About the Author:

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A book troll. No relation at all to Internet-Trolls! I am tall, dark, and trolly. I have an MSc in Business and a doctorate in Dragon Mythology. Gillbert, as I like to refer to myself, loves to cook, sail, visit new countries and planets, and discuss business strategies in his free time. I have a beautiful elf wife and and cute dragon children.

Likes: Chocolates/sweets/pastries, cute puppies, and kittens.

Dislikes: Absence of chocolates, puppies and kittens, things that want to eat or kill me, meteors heading towards Earth 

Hobbies: World domination (I do not have other hobbies because this fills up all my free time)

Work: No, thank you!

I used to be a management consultant, but now I have values. I write mostly fiction such as corporate strategy and sometimes dramas as a political correspondent.

Favorite quote: “Omnium rerum principia parva sunt”.

I have no idea what it means …

UF Author Marie-Claude Bourque Interviews Necromancer Malcolm Dunsmuir + giveaway

Marie-Claude's Interview with Necromancer Malcolm Dunsmuir

M-C: So Malcolm, how is it going with that kid you chained in the basement now that you met his sister. 

Sitting in an old faded seat in the condemned cinema he calls home, I narrow my eyes at him, wondering if I went too far with my question.

He shrugs under his full-length dark overcoat, his long hair brushes his shoulders as he jumps from the edge of the stage to walk over and sit by my side.

Malcolm: I cannae say yet. She won’t just go away and leave the monster be. He’s a vampire now, she should know better.

M-C: But he’s her little brother. Doesn’t that count for anything?

Malcolm: Nah, that’s not her brother anymore. It’s a blood-sucker little bastard that needs to be put down soon.

M-C: So why didn’t you? Right away, like the other warlocks expected you to do?

Malcolm: I want to know who made him. He just didn’t appear out of nowhere. There were a whole bunch of them when they attacked Baby Elsa. Someone had created them.

M-C: Yes I see. So you took Harper to see him.

Malcolm: Aye, I did. She needed to see by herself.

M-C: Wasn’t she scared?

Malcolm: 

He shakes his head and his expression darkened. 

That’s the thing. I was hoping she would be. But no, she wasn’t. The lassie had no fear.

M-C: Wow.

Malcolm: Yeah. She’s like this little Miss Sunshine. Everything is just peach and cream and "Oh Mal, I’ll just use these essential oils and this prayer book I got from an old witch and Evan will be back to normal." Doesn’t she get it? He’s a freakin’ vampire.

M-C: So her spell won’t work.

Malcolm: I don’t know. It shouldn’t. Everything I know from this world and the underworld says it won’t.

M-C: But you told her you would help.

Malcolm: Aye, he shakes his head at me, I’m insane.

M-C: Maybe you like her.

Malcolm: 

He shoots me the darkest look then lets out a pained sigh. 

She’s nothing like any woman I’ve ever been around.

M-C: Really?

Malcolm: She’s this cute girl from a small sea-town back east who lives in her own dream world. Hells, she’s even out of place walking down the street in Seattle.

M-C: Not your type, uh?

Malcolm: Hey, I don’t have a type. But I don’t need trouble.

M-C: Is it because you’re half-demon?

Malcolm: How do you know that?

M-C: I did create you.

Malcolm: Well, I’d rather not talk about that.

M-C: Your parents you mean?

Malcolm: My birth parents, my power, all that bloody mess you put me in. 

He stands and I'm struck by how tall he is. With his wide shoulders, long coat, and motorcycle books, his presence dominates the entire derelict cinema auditorium. He casts his gaze on me and I shudder, wondering how he will fare with all this.

M-C: Sorry.

Malcolm: Don’t be. 

He shrugs then slowly rakes his hair back, a deep frown etched on his forehead. 

I better get back to her. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I do like the lass.

M-C: I think you do.

Malcolm: Right. 

He gives me one last grim look. 

So what the hell am I supposed to do now?

Warlocks of the Black Oak: Books 4-6 (The Order of the Black Oak – Collection #2)
by Marie-Claude Bourque
April 8th 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Meet the Warlocks of the Black Oak: a powerful order of modern-day sorcerers fighting evil to protect the ones they love.
Three urban fantasy romance now together in this second installment in the Order of the Black Oak – Collection

“Bourque develops a world of mages and sorceresses unlike any other.“ — Night Owl Reviews

Book 4: AN ARCHMAGE’S DESTINY: A Slow-Burn Urban Fantasy Romance:
A steadfast attorney must convince a daredevil modern archmage to return to the folds of his powerful warlocks family or apply the devastating consequences herself.

Book 5: A SPELLBINDER’S DENIAL: A Slow-Burn Urban Fantasy Romance:
A savvy banshee teams up with a guilt-ridden billionaire warlock in order to protect her adopted baby girl from cursed vampires after the child’s blood.

Book 6: A NECROMANCER’S LOVE: A Slow-Burn Urban Fantasy Romance:
A life-loving blogger seeks the help of a lethal Seattle necromancer in order to locate her missing teenaged brother.

★★★★★ Fantastic series of action, magic and awesome romance. You will fall in love with the characters and feel you are right with them.

Goodreads

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Volume 1 (Books 1-3)

About the Author:

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Marie-Claude Bourque is a Seattle-based author of gothic paranormal romance and the winner of the American Title V award with her first novel ANCIENT WHISPERS.

Her writing features modern-day fantasy skillfully weaved into infinitely romantic supernatural stories between smart strong women and complex passionate heroes.

Happily Ever After always absolutely guaranteed!

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

$25 Amazon Card + a copy of Warlocks of the Black Oak: Books 1-3 (value: $6.99)

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Character Interview: Elaina from The Segonian (Book 2 Aldebaran Alliance) by Dianne Duvall + giveaway

Hello! Thank you for joining me. I’m very happy to be here, celebrating the release of THE SEGONIAN, the second stand-alone novel in my exciting new Aldebarian Alliance series. If you like sci-fi and paranormal romance novels that are full of action, passion, humor, and happily-ever-afters—not to mention strong heroes who adore strong women—then I think you’ll enjoy this one.

To help you get a feel for some of the characters you’ll encounter in the story, I thought I would borrow Sheldon (a human character from my Immortal Guardians series) and have him interview Eliana, the heroine of THE SEGONIAN:

Sheldon: Hi, Eliana. Thanks so much for doing this interview. Talk about long distance.

Eliana: *laughs* Long distance is right.

Sheldon: The last I heard, you were currently located in a distant solar system. Is that right?

Eliana: Actually we’re between solar systems right now. But yeah, I’m a loooooong way from Earth.

Sheldon: This communication system the Lasarans supplied Seth with is so cool. There’s not even a delay.

Eliana: I know. I love it but have no idea how it works. I think the Sectas designed it. Their technology is amazing.

Sheldon: And they’re another alien race.

Eliana: Yes.

Sheldon: Have you met any of them yet?

Eliana: No. Not yet.

Sheldon: But you’ve met others?

Eliana: Yes. I’ve met Lasarans, Yona, Segonians, and Purvelis.

Sheldon: I am so jealous.

Eliana: *grins* This has been the most remarkable adventure of my life.

Sheldon: Remarkable, but harrowing?

Eliana: *grimaces* Very harrowing at times. But it’s been totally worth it.

Sheldon: I heard Seth say you’re on board a ship called the RANASURA.

Eliana: Yes.

Sheldon: Is that like the alien equivalent of a cruise liner?

Eliana: *laughs* Not even close. It’s a Segonian battleship or warship.

Sheldon: That is so cool.

Eliana: *smiles* I say that a least once a day.

Sheldon: I’ll bet. So the Segonians are allies of the Lasarans?

Eliana: Yes. Like the Lasarans, the Segonians are members of the Aldebarian Alliance.

Sheldon: What are they like?

Eliana: The Segonians? *looks thoughtful* They remind me a lot of my fellow Immortal Guardians. They’re fierce warriors when it comes to battle, but the rest of the time they like to laugh and joke and tease. I love these guys. They’re a lot of fun.

Sheldon: What about the women?

Eliana: I don’t know. I’ve never met one. The crew of the RANASURA is all male.

Sheldon: *stares* Seriously? You’re the only woman on the ship?

Eliana: Yep.

Sheldon: *narrows his eyes* Those guys aren’t getting frisky with you, are they?

Eliana: *grins* Only one. *waggles her eyebrows* And he can get frisky with me all he wants.

Sheldon: *laughs* Yeah. I heard a rumor that you’ve fallen in love.

Eliana: I certainly have. Head over heels.

Sheldon: With an alien.

Eliana: With an alien. *gives him a wry smile* Life can be strange as hell sometimes.

Sheldon: Very strange. *glances around, then leans in and whispers* What’s sex with an alien like?

Sheldon: *intrigued* Really?

Eliana: *grins* No. I can totally describe it. It’s freaking awesome. But I don’t kiss and tell, so you aren’t getting any details.

Sheldon: *chuckles* Fair enough. So what does this alien lover of yours look like?

Eliana: Would you like to see him?

Sheldon: Hell, yes.

[A large form appears behind her.]

Sheldon: Holy sh**!

Eliana: *laughs* I know, right?

Sheldon: That is so cool!

Eliana: *glances up as Dagon moves to stand beside her and rests a hand on her shoulder* You see? I’m not the only one who says that.

Dagon: *chuckles* Apparently not.

[The door to David’s study opens and Seth—the imposing leader of the Immortal Guardians—enters.]

Seth: *stops short and scowls* Sheldon! Did I or did I not tell you that tech is ONLY to be used for essential communication with members of the Aldebarian Alliance?

Sheldon: *sends Eliana a guilty glance* Ummmm…

Seth: Have you communicated with anyone else?

Sheldon: Nnnoooo—

Seth: *narrows his eyes*

Sheldon: —oooobody important. *clears his throat* Just some alien rebel dude.

Eliana: *raises her eyebrows* Do you mean Janwar, the Akseli rebel?

Sheldon: I think so. Does he look sort of like a taller version of Jack Sparrow?

Eliana: Yes! That’s exactly what I thought the first time I saw him! He’s even considered something of a pirate.

Sheldon: Then yeah, I might have chatted with him. *glances at Seth from the corner of his eye* A couple of times. *shifts guiltily* Or maybe more. Now that he’s met Lisa, he’s very curious about Earth women.

Seth: *points to the door* Out. Now.

Sheldon: *leaps up and races for the door* Nice talking to you, Eliana!
___________________________________________

I hope you’ll enjoy THE SEGONIAN! 

We are out-of-this-world excited to be celebrating this release from Dianne Duvall with our readers today by participating in the blog tour! THE SEGONIAN is the second book in Dianne's sci-fi romance series, Aldebarian Alliance. Keep reading to find out more about the title below.

The Segonian (Book #2 Aldebaran Alliance) 
By Dianne Duvall
January 19, 2021
Eliana’s life has never been what one might term ordinary. At least, it hasn’t been for a very long time. As a powerful Immortal Guardian, she spends her nights hunting and slaying psychotic vampires that most of humanity doesn’t even realize exist. Then an opportunity arises that instantly makes her extraordinary existence seem downright boring. The leader of the Immortal Guardians asks her to guard a group of mortals who are embarking upon a voyage across the galaxy to the planet Lasaran. How could she possibly say no?

In no time at all, Eliana is hurtling through space on board a Lasaran battleship and getting to know not one but two alien races. It’s the most exciting adventure of her long life… until the ship is unexpectedly attacked. Amid the chaos and destruction that follow, she valiantly helps everyone she can before an explosion renders her unconscious. When Eliana awakens, she finds herself alone, floating in space, clad only in a spacesuit, with no ship in sight. Alone—that is—except for the warm, deep voice that carries over the comm in her helmet.

Commander Dagon and the crew of the Segonian battleship Ranasura respond to a distress call from their Lasaran allies and join a massive Alliance-wide search-and-rescue mission. He quickly achieves communication with a lone Earthling female and races toward her. Every time they speak, his fascination with her grows and he becomes more desperate to reach her before her oxygen supply runs out. Her strength, bravery, and humor entice him, even more so when she defies all odds and they meet in person.

As he and Eliana embark upon a quest to find her missing friends, a bond swiftly grows between them that deepens with every laugh and smile and tender touch they share. But they are not the only ones searching for Earthling survivors. When Eliana herself becomes the hunted and their enemies begin to close in, can the two of them fight their way to victory, or will their enemies take everything? 

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The Lasaran (Aldebarian Alliance Book 1) 

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Check out I Smell Sheep's review of The Lasaran

About the Author:

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Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews.

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com or sign up for her Newsletter. You can also find Dianne online . . .

To celebrate the release of The Segonian Dianne is giving away several Amazon Gift Cards to readers. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter Form linked below. Follow along with the Blog Tour daily for more chances to win. Good luck! 

Tour-Wide Giveaway: 

— (1) $50.00 Amazon Gift Card 

— (2) $25.00 Amazon Gift Card 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UF Author Niki McAlister: What the heck is a naga, anyway? + excerpt

What the heck is a naga, anyway? 

An informative interview featuring Djinn (a bonafide naga,) Tiki (Our faceless assistant,) and Niki McAlister herself!

Niki: Welcome everyone to this up close and personal....interview/TED talk about what a naga is, at least on the continent of Iruli. With us today is my faithful, faceless assistant-bot Tiki! Say hello, Tiki!

Tiki: ~waves nervously~

Niki: Awesome! I'm so excited to show you what we have today. Tiki, will you bring him out for me?

Tiki: ~drags a rather grouchy, hungover Djinn into view of the camera~

Djinn: Ugh, what the hell is this? Where am I?

Niki: Don't worry too much about it. Hop up onto the table and we'll have you on your way in no time!

Djinn: ~shrugs and lays down on the large, metal table that's totally been there this entire time.~

Niki: At their very core, a naga is half human and half snake. That is to say that the upper half closely resembles a human and from the waist down they are all snake.

Djinn: Hey now, that's not entirely true. ~he runs his hand across the thick scales covering his genitals~ I'm all man here baby.

Niki: Thank you for that wonderful imagery, Djinn. ~facepalm~

Tiki: ~swats Djinn's hand from his crotch, chastising him with one finger~

Niki: Now, I said they closely resemble humans up top, but in reality, humans in Iruli are long gone. This is because-

Djinn: ~interrupting~ It's because they couldn't keep their junk to themselves! They screwed their way across an entire continent, spreading their seed on, in and around any creature that gave them the time of day.

Niki: ~chuckling nervously~ yeah...that. Humans were gross, but it's okay because they're extinct now! Yay! Let's get a closer look at a real, live naga...shall we? Tiki, restrain our friend!

Tiki: ~grabs Djinn's head and holds it down against the table~

Djinn: What the hell? What are you doing? Get your hands off me!

Niki: You'll notice that nagas have varying shapes to their ears, for starters. Some are more round, some are more pointed, and some have fine scaling across them. Djinn here has horns too, see how they curl around his ear and slope gently down toward his shoulders? Naga horns are as varied as their ears, noses, eyes, and pretty much everything else. They serve little to no purpose anymore as they are mostly leftover from back when nagas were actual dragons.

Djinn: Rude.

Niki: Tiki, let's see them chompers!

Tiki: ~uses two fingers from each hand to yank Djinn's mouth open, holding him down on the table with superhuman strength~

Niki: Now, you'll see that nagas are omnivores. They eat whatever they like so their teeth are much like ours, with one big exception. Djinn is a Python, so he doesn't have fangs but several clans of the naga species like the Rattler or the Cobra are born with fangs that allow them to produce venom. Basilisks also have a pair of glands under their tongue that secrete a type of toxin that is known to paralyze their prey, though these days they hardly have to hunt for their food. Let's move on to the body.

Tiki: ~releases Djinn's mouth~

Djinn: ~snaps his teeth at Tiki's fingers but gets no rise out of her. Frowns~

Niki: Djinn has dark skin, just like some humans do. It's important to note that unlike our society, skin color means literally nothing in the naga world—just like tail color. This is largely due to the fact that nagas, like most of the creatures on Iruli, are heavily interbred with other species to the point that they have so many genetic options packed into their DNA that even siblings from the same clutch come out wildly varied. For example, Djinn's brother Junard is white-skinned, but with a red tail. Djinn is dark-skinned with an olive green, almost anaconda type coloration with similar patterning. The only thing that really sets nagas apart is heritage, they can be a bit of a snob in that respect.

Djinn: Not all of us! I couldn't care less about my “heritage.”

Niki: ~nods~ My bad, thank you for correcting me. So because Djinn is a Python he's inherited a very special ability from his father. It's a big part of his identity and has allowed him to schmooze his way across the naga kingdom his entire life, just like his father—who uses his power to sway the votes of the council in his favor.

Tiki: ~lifts one of Djinn's arms to reveal his armpit with a flourish of her hand~

Djinn: ~averts his eyes in annoyance~

Niki: I won't be able to show it without a microscope, but Pythons have retained specialized scent glands throughout their bodies. Back in the old days when dragons terrorized the landscape, they lacked the ability to communicate with the common tongue. Instead, they would communicate with scenting, similar to dogs and cats when they poop except that it's an invisible spray...so I guess it's closer to body odor than poop...

Djinn: You think?

Niki: ~clears throat~ This ability is referred to as a Pheromone. Each naga that can produce a Pheromone has a unique scent that might even smell different to different people. It cannot be bottled or used by anyone other than the creator of the scent themselves. It works by tapping into the emotions the naga is feeling and coercing the minds of whoever is inhaling it. As you can imagine this ability is rather dubious as it allows the naga greater power over their fellow naga. It is important to note that most other nagas have developed an immunity to this ability over time, but the elves, centaurs, dragons and anyone else who isn't constantly around it have not. Specialized abilities like Pheromone are just one of the things that makes nagas so unique. Well, that and their tails. Tiki! Show them the tail!

Tiki: ~flourishes hand over the tail unceremoniously~

Niki: ~grips the podium in frustration~ As....you can see here, this is a naga tail. It's basically a supersized version of a snake's body. Naga's range in size from about six feet in length to over twenty feet in length depending on their clan, and that's from the top of the head to the tip of the tail. Most of them have the ability to control the thinner end of the tail pretty prehensile-ly, yes that's a word, no I didn't make it up. ~flips through note cards~ Their genitalia are stored in a built-in pouch located just below the waist that is covered in thick, protective scales.

Djinn: Is this where I whip it out?

Niki: No, we're not whipping anything out here...

Djinn: You sure? I'm sure the audience hasn't seen anything like it before.

Niki: ~shoots him a look~ If the audience wants to know what it looks like they can buy the book. No spoilers!

Djinn: ~dejected~ Fiiine.

Niki: That's pretty much it folks. Thank you for coming to my TED talk, you've been great.

A voice from the crowd rings out: But wait, you haven't told us how they poop!

~Audience members murmur in agreeance.~

Niki: Do I really have to?

Djinn: ~nods solemnly~

Tiki: ~shrugs~

Niki: ~runs hand over face~ Yall couldn't just google how snakes poop?

~Silence~

Niki: ~sigh~ Fine. There's a slit near the end of the tail where the poop comes out, but they don't poop often at all, maybe like once a week. Their bodies have evolved to absorb pretty much everything from their food. Satisfied?

~Murmuring grows louder~

Niki: Alright! Now that I'm sure you've got plenty to discuss I'll be going. For more information about Djinn please check out his standalone prequel story which is available for preorder now! 

Djinn (Serving the Scales Prequel)

by Niki McAlister
August 1, 2020
Genre: Adult Fantasy
ASIN: B08BTTKJK1
Number of pages: 132
Word Count: 45,690
Cover Artist: Niki McAlister

From Silver Spoon to Silver Tongue

Born into a wealthy family on the west side of the Naga Kingdom, Djinn De’monte has always lived a life of undeserved luxury. He parties every night courtesy of his father’s money and, with a flick of his hand, can bed any woman he chooses.

Why would he ever give any of that up to settle down and work a regular job? Everything he needs is right at his fingertips, but when an unexpected tragedy strikes the rug is suddenly yanked out from under him. Djinn is forced to sink or swim.

Join him on his forced pilgrimage as he reluctantly discovers that there is more to life than having everything served to you on a silver platter. Will he learn just what he stands for, or will he be swept up with the rest of the garbage?

In this short prequel we travel back to Djinn’s youth to find out exactly what transpired before he met a very unusual servant girl. This story can be read before Serving the Scales, after, or by itself. Though Djinn’s story isn’t part of the Serving the Scales Trilogy, it is an important part of the history that took place in Iruli.

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Excerpt:
“You can’t go in there right now, he’s in a meeting!” The butler elf cried, trying to insert himself between me and the double doors of my father’s office. I slapped him aside with a brush of my tail, sending him clattering into the wall. As he sputtered in surprise I threw open the doors, my faded green locks whipping in the artificial breeze as I met my father’s deadpan stare.

“Djinn, now isn’t a good time.” He said, dismissing me with his hand but I would have none of it.

“Are you directly responsible for the suffering of countless pregnant women and children?” I seethed, glaring directly into my father’s eyes.

“Djinn..” Dad’s face was blank as I heard someone clear their throat to my left.

Councilman Wartez was seated on a cushion there, looking up at me in disapproval—but I didn’t care. “Well? Are you?” I repeated.

“Djinn if you could come back later I’d be happy to—”

“No, we’re going to talk about this now dad.” I huffed, raising my tail to tower over him.

Dad sighed. “Where are you hearing this from? Is this about Jess? I assure you she received the best care.”

“Why aren’t all of the pregnant nagas in the East city receiving that type of care? Are you aware that they’re being treated on the damp ground?”

“Surely those people must be used to doing things on the damp ground.” Councilman Wartez snickered beside me.

“Are you fucking with me right now?” I spun around to the councilman. “People are dying and you’re over here making jokes? Why isn’t the council doing anything to help?”

Dad glared up at me through his tiny glasses. “Not that you’ve ever cared before, but we’ve been conducting tests on the female naga’s issue for decades. We’ve informed everyone that, should they find themselves pregnant they should seek proper medical care.”

I slammed my hands down on his desk, remembering all the times he’d had the maid whip me for touching his desk. His eye twitched as he looked down at my hands. “You do realize that most of the citizens in the East city can’t afford to see a doctor, right?”

“That’s being quite presumptuous. I’ll have you know that we installed Deklyn over there to care for the elves ten years ago. They’re being cared for better than they ever did in that backwoods place they hail from.”

“You know damn well I’m not talking about the elves.” I seethed.

He shrugged, making my blood boil. “You and your council buddies could easily extend a hand to these women but you’re not!”

“That’s enough Djinn.” Dad rose, grabbing my hand and pulling it off his desk.

“It’s not nearly enough dad.”

“I must ask you to go home and we’ll discuss this at another time.”

“Fuck you.” I spat. “You’ll just send Natasha over with more money or a fucking fruit basket to shut me up, you bastard.”

“That’s enough!” Dad boomed, coming around the side of his desk. “One more word out of you and I’ll cut you off.”

“I dare you.” I grinned, spitting on the ground in front of him. I raised my gaze back to his face to relish in the shock I’d caused but to my surprise I felt my father’s fist collide with my cheek as he snarled at me. I flew backward, hitting my head on the back wall of the office and pulling down a bunch of books as I slumped to the ground.

“I’m sorry for this outburst Councilman Wartez.” Reginald was saying, shaking the councilman's hand. The last thing I remembered was both of the councilmen looking over at me in amusement as I passed out.

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Niki McAlister is new to the author scene, but don't let that stop you from checking her out. She's spent twenty-nine years dreaming up entire universes with fantastical creatures and now she's bringing their stories to you. In the real world she resides in Eastern Tennessee with her husband and two boys. Their family also consists of several dogs, cats, gerbils, degus and pet snails.