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Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Saturday, August 19, 2017
THE SWORDS OF AN ANGEL IS LIVE!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Book tour Giveaway: Future's Edge, Sci-Fi fiction by Mort Herman
It's been a wahile since we got distracted by a sci-fi story.
Enjoy!
Author Bio:
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Mort Herman has a Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering. Holder of six patents, he worked at several companies including IBM, Texas Instruments, AT&T and Lucent Technologies where his specialty was semiconductor electronics, systems design, and marketing.
Mort lives on the Jersey shore with his mate Mary Ann. When he’s not writing, Mort is an avid sailor, a wood sculptor, and a charter member of the Arts Society of Keyport. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, he added his technical, artistic, and project management skills to the design and implementation of three, free form concrete sculptures that replaced destroyed public art in the town of Keyport, NJ.
Author Links -
Website: www.futuresedgebook.com
Book Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy
Publisher: Amazon
Release Date: September 25, 2014
Buy Link(s):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1502337002
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1502337002
Book Description:
Most people do not carry the fate of the world on their shoulders. Sam Greenhut does.
By the year 2230, the world is no longer dependent on fossil fuels. All power is harnessed directly from the Earth’s core. A clever integration of neural technology and wireless energy gives rise to the Global Network (GNET), revolutionizing society. Diverse industries operate efficiently under the umbrella of a neurally connected world economy, powered by an unlimited geothermal fuel supply controlled not by Presidents, Sheikhs nor Monarchs, but by a Corporate Federation run by seven individuals.
This is the state of the world when the Corporate Federation charges Sam Greenhut with ensuring GNET’s unquestioned reliability and integrity.
Sam sees a world whose population is totally dependent on GNET, as if the previously admired trait of self-reliance was weaned from the gene pool. Inevitably, the insatiable demand for energy prompts a reckless decision by Corporate Federation board members to expand the geothermal energy lattices. Despite Sam’s protest, the choice to exceed the cautionary “Greenhut Limits” precipitate a string of earthquakes that destroy GNET and plunges the planet into the chaos known as “The Upheaval.”
What happens next fundamentally alters the destiny of the planet and catapults Sam into the center of The Seed – book one in my science fiction trilogy, Future’s Edge.
Excerpt:
…“Let’s not make a scene. You’re being detained for improperly distributing proprietary business information. Your neural fingerprint has been disabled and you no longer have access. Please follow me.”
After delivering these words in a calm, professional manner, Bill Strong waited. He was a formidable physical specimen with a chiseled physique, sharp eyes, and a calm, but overtly suspicious demeanor. What made Bill intimidating was not his physical appearance as much as his reputation for being able to out-think and out-guess an adversary. If you did something wrong and found yourself in Bill’s sights, there was no escape.
Despite Bill’s presence, the perpetrator made a mad dash to escape.
Is he stupid? How crude to try to make a run for it. He’s easy to track. He’s now in Sector 18b.
Bill smoothly cycled through a series of neural commands.
Shield enable, Sectors 25a through 27j – Got him – Narrow the field – Good – Security breach file 343, pick up perp held in Sector 26f. He’s in the pocket.
Bill was delighted to have finally found the source of the recent information leak. Wheeler was careful about sensitive information being revealed to the public, especially when it had to do with rates of world energy consumption. With corporate security on the way to pick up the suspect, Bill started back to his office, encountering Sam making his morning rounds at the NCC.
“Hey buddy, how are things going this fine day?” asked Sam, congenially.
“We found our leak. Just waiting for Security to get him.”
“Good job. Who was it?”
“Peter Gilles,” said Bill.
“You suspected him for a while. Were there any problems?”
“Well the dammed fool made a run for it. I don’t know what he expected to accomplish, but I think all the excitement is over. Have him held in a security pocket.”
“Well, now I’ll have to replace him. Too bad. It’s not easy finding someone with his expertise,” Sam lamented.
“I could never figure out why you needed someone with experience in sonic phenomena,” remarked Bill.
“Whenever something goes wrong here, many alarms go off. I was never happy with the way they sounded. We hired Peter to design an assortment of sounds that would help us identify the type of problem we’re experiencing more intuitively. It’s quite subtle, but we found it helps improve response time. Now we’ll need someone else to finish this work. Damn difficult finding people with this skill. Took us over two months to find Peter,” replied Sam.
“Hey, Bill,” said Sam, changing the subject. “When we get another day off, can you join me on Deliverance?”
“I normally wouldn’t miss a chance to be on Deliverance, but it’s a busy time for me now. Can’t Jeff help you out? He lives on the boat.”
“No, we need to change some of the lines and check rigging tension. I need muscle for this type of work. It’s the one thing Jeff can’t do.”
“Okay Captain. I’m in. After that last sail, I’m not surprised to hear some work is needed.” Bill paused. “Sam, I love being on Deliverance. It’s the only place I can let my guard down. You know me – always paranoid.”
“That’s why you’re good at your job. Always thinking of what could go wrong. Anyway, I’m glad you’re part of the crew.”
“Me too. Sailing is so therapeutic. It helps me learn to trust others. Too often I feel defensive –I can never let my guard down.” Bill changed the subject. “I have to get back to my office. Need to file the report on Peter. Care to walk with me?”
“Sure. I have some time. Let’s go.”
Bill stops in his tracks. “Wait!” Report. “Son of a bitch. He somehow breached the security pocket and is on the loose again. We’re having trouble tracking him. I’ll meet you in my office. This shouldn’t take too much longer.”
Sam looked at Bill. He had the face that showed he was deep in neural interactions. Sam referred to it as the “neural face.” Better let him do his job, Sam thought.
Once again, Bill resumed his neural interactions.
Research, Peter Gilles … Sonic phenomena expert … Worked for the Military Alliance’s weapons division … A loner … Level 18 Master Technologist … Many scientific papers … Oh no! Method to breach Tansford Shield with sonic projections … Sonic interference patterns disrupt neural tracking mechanisms …
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Friday, April 10, 2015
Book Blitz Giveaway: Blood of Shadows by Mariana Thorn
Today's distraction comes from an amazing fantasy story!
Enjoy!
Title: Blood of Shadows
Author: Mariana Thorn
Published: February 13th, 2015
Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
Genre: Fantasy
Content Warning: Mild Violence
Synopsis:
War is coming to the Three Kingdoms, Malna, Zockii and Tirllyn.
Attacks along the borders are growing more frequent. Innocent people are dying. Princess Malayna and the rest of the elite fighters known as the Shadows are tasked with investigating and relocating the people, and rumors of a traitor among the Shadows has Layna stretched to her limits.
When she is paired with Kester, a partner she never wanted, she finds herself learning to trust and survive in more ways than she even knew existed.
With lives at stake, Malayna must find a way to catch the traitor, protect her people and guard her heart, because someone she loves may not live to see tomorrow…
With lives at stake, Malayna must find a way to catch the traitor, protect her people and guard her heart, because someone she loves may not live to see tomorrow…
Amazon | GoodReads
Excerpt for Blood of Shadows by Mariana Thorn:
The morning had passed into early midday when Onyx's ear flickered and his stride faltered. It wasn't long before I heard what he was hearing. Hoof beats, coming fast and hard behind us. The first horse sounded like one of the light fast messenger horses. There were at least two other horses giving chase.
I signaled Onyx to move into the forest and pulled out my bow. I had an arrow notched by the time the messenger passed me. Hot on his heels were three brigand. I let the arrow fly and was surprised that it actually hit the lead rider in the throat. He fell in front of one of the other horses which didn't have time to miss him. The horse went down tripping over the body. The rider went flying, he would be easy to catch.
Now I just had to chase down the third rider. I pushed Onyx into a gallop, pulling my sword out at the same time. He glanced back and saw me, almost falling off his horse on his own. I would have laughed, but I was about to either take his life or capture him. Both options would not bode well for him. He pulled a sword. I could not risk getting injured or having my horse injured. He would have to die.
I rode up next to him, knocked his sword up leaving his side open. I thrust my sword up under his arm aiming for his heart. When I pulled it out blood spouted from the wound. He fell from the horse dead. I cringed a little when his foot got stuck in the stirrup. The horse took off dragging the body with him. That could be dealt with later. There was a cavalier outpost not far from here. They could clean up that mess.
About the Author:
If you look in the local coffee shop or bookstore you might just find Mariana Thorn. She can usually be found with headphones in and deep into the worlds she has created. There is this thing about her pens, if you touch them you might receive a smack to the hand and the well-known glare of destruction. Besides writing, Mariana enjoys reading, photography, and playing with her dog. She lives in Western Washington, but loves to travel to Florida to sit on the beach to write. She is the author of Fantasy and Mystery stories. She currently has two titles in her Fur, Fangs, and Fairies series. There are three short stories available in her Skylar Wolfe Mysteries. There are many more books and series to come.
Giveaway Details:
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
- An ebook set of the Skylar Wolfe Series (3 short ebooks)
- An ebook of Seizing Darkness
- 3 sets of bookmarks
Giveaway is International.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Urania
Friday, June 27, 2014
Book Blast Giveaway: Wizdom and Pandora,YA Fantasy by K.M. Woodard
About The Author:
A lifetime
resident of the Washington, DC area, K.M. Woodard has always enjoyed the
outdoors and loves to travel. After working 17 years with the MetLife Insurance
Company, she pursued her career as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent with
Homeland Security and has a Masters Degree in Criminology. A true Tolkien fan,
her passion for medieval and ancient times and her personal travel adventures
often inspire ideas for new books. Her active imagination and fascination with
escaping reality to a world of enchantment, mystery and suspense has resulted
in a series of novels sure to delight readers looking for fast-paced adventure
at every twist and turn, interspersed with a smidgen of humor.
Author Links -
www.wizdomandpandora.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WizdomandPandora
Twitter: @wizdomandpandor
Goodreads member/blog: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7380415.K_M_Woodard
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Wizdom-And-Pandora-Quest-Blood/dp/1468538020/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1400258256&sr=8-1&keywords=wizdom+and+pandora
Book Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy
Publisher: Authorhouse
Release Date: 10/30/2014
Buy Link(s): AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/Wizdom-And-Pandora-Quest-Blood/dp/1468538020/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400258256&sr=8-1&keywords=wizdom+and+pandora
http://www.amazon.com/Wizdom-And-Pandora-Quest-Blood/dp/1468538020/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400258256&sr=8-1&keywords=wizdom+and+pandora
Book Description:
Wizdom
didn't know dragons really existed. He's never ridden a white woolly mammoth or
flown on a griffin. He's never known a real king or a princess or been friends
with a goblin. Wizdom's never seen elves that glow blue all the time. All he's
ever known are his adoptive mother and his aunt Kayden. One day he finds
himself in a secret world, face to face with dragons and fire monsters. He
meets an interesting girl, Pandora, who he learns is no ordinary girl, just as
he is no ordinary boy. Wizdom soon finds himself on a magical journey full of
secrets, sorcery, danger and evil. He fights many fierce battles and faces
certain death as his quest leads him on an adventure like never before as he
discovers his true identity . . . or does he?
Excerpt:
Wizdom stared in awe, unconsciously holding his breath, as he looked up the endless staircase of gleaming black marble before him. The air around him was damp and musty and tickled his nostrils.
Cobwebs hung overhead, dangling high above him from the towering ceiling. Perched at the top of the stairs was a large, golden dragon throne. Sitting on white marble, it was surrounded by statues of goblins, gargoyles and other strange creatures. They all stared back disconcertingly at Wizdom, some with tongues out, others with piercing eyes, bared teeth or pointed ears. The dragon’s head held its mouth agape, as if ready to devour him, revealing a long golden tongue jutting out and sharp pointed teeth. The arms of the throne were created by the front legs of the dragon and the claws made up the feet of the chair.
A huge tail jutted out from the back of the chair and coiled around to the front like a sitting cat. Three spikes on the tail’s end glistened in piercing diamond shards. Giant wings stood out from the dragon’s back, poised for flight, black and shimmering like dark sapphires. Its eyes were large rubies, and its body was sprinkled in faceted jewels.
Two spiraling horns jutted out from its head, over a foot of solid gold, with diamonds on the tips. Held within the horns shone an enormous crimson red stone, casting an eerie glow and dancing shadows over the stone statues surrounding it.
What was this place? Where was he? He dared to move forward, ever so slowly, toward this great altar. His pulse racing, palms sweating, he paused momentarily, staring up at the dragon’s red gleaming eyes.
As he approached the stairs, the dragon’s fiery eyes stared down at him unnervingly, as if it was alive, watching him.
Wizdom wondered about how he had gotten there. How did he get here? He glanced around the great hall surrounding him. Flickering candles, sconces and torches aligned the walls of marbled stone. The ceiling was several stories high and great pillars supported the wooden arches above him. Shadows and darkness surrounded him, except for the faint glow of the iron torches, and the scarlet glow of the jewel radiating from the dragon’s crown jewel. He could feel some sort of power emanating from it as he stood there. It made him feel happy and safe, despite his surroundings.
Suddenly, he saw movement out of the corner of his left eye. He looked quickly, but saw nothing. Turning to scurrying sounds to his right, he still saw nothing but black. Was he imagining things? Because of the obscuring darkness, he could not see very far, only as far as the torches lining the walls. He was only eleven but he was an adventurer and never scared and despite his current situation, he normally loved mysteries and secret places. Unconsciously, his pulse kept racing as the silence crept eerily around him…
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Book Tour Giveaway: Four Fantasy Authors!
I hope you're back to be distracted with me a little more.
Did I say little? :)
Ready for a Fantasy MARATHON?
Enjoy!
Did I say little? :)
Ready for a Fantasy MARATHON?
Enjoy!
Let's start with Finding Eve...
Title: Finding Eve
Author: Rita Bay
Published: September 2013
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Word Count: 13,500
Genre: Shape-shifter Paranormal
Content Warning: Adult content
Recommended Age: 18+
Synopsis:
Nicholas Lyons, chief physician to the Lyons clan of shape-shifters, has mourned the death of his promised lifemate until a rogue shapeshifter reports having seen her at an exotic animal sale. Accompanied by Marie Lyons who is no stranger to the dark side, her new lifemate Anthony, and the imperious Lady Bat, he embarks on a frantic search for Eve through the dangerous world of exotic animal trafficking.
Eve, whose first memories are of recovering from an injury at an isolated animal refuge, has lived through a succession of owners in a world filled with cages and cruelty. When Eve meets Marie at the exotic animal sale, she begins to have flashes of a different life – a life in which she was something other than feline. Her last sale, however, has landed her as prey to exotic animal hunters and the clock is ticking.
About the Author:
Rita’s journey began on the Gulf Coast. Over the years, she lived and/or traveled in the eastern US and Western Europe. While juggling family and work, she participated in archaeological digs, earned a black belt in Shotokan karate, prospected for gold and crystals, camped across Europe, and volunteered with the American Red Cross Disaster and Education Services. Rita has worked as a registered nurse, educator and school system administrator. She lives with her family on the Gulf Coast, except when she’s in Atlanta, at least for now.
Rita is published in multiple genres with several publishers including paranormal and erotic novellas (Champagne Book Group – Champagne Books and Carnal Passions), historical novels (Siren BookStrand), and contemporary F/M and M/M novellas (Secret Cravings). She posts random bits of historical trivia about western history and culture on Rita Bay’s Blog at ritabay.com.
Excerpt from Finding
Eve by Rita Bay
Nick tamped down his panic. Eve’s
neurological tests, scans, X-rays and vital signs were all within normal
limits, but his lifemate had remained unconscious for over twenty-four hours.
“Tell me what happened again.”
Marie sat with her head in her hands. She’d not left Eve’s side since her call after Eve’s collapse had alerted Anthony that something was very wrong.
“We’d talked it out after you left. She was ready to make the change--had even picked out the dress she wanted to wear after she shifted. We were touching so she could feel what I was doing. She made the shift quickly. No problem. Then she just fell over. Like I said a dozen times before.”
“She’d never expressed interest in shifting before. You sure you didn’t push her?”
“No, damn it, I didn’t. She heard what you said about leavingLyons
He wanted to kick himself. Eve was sensitive, fragile even, since she’d returned. The last thing he should have mentioned was leavingLyons
“Quiet, Nicky. I was sleeping.”
“Evie?”
“Who else runs free in your head?”
“You’ve been unconscious for more than a day.”
“Been sleeping. Change hurt.”
“I told Marie she shouldn’t have allowed you to change.”
“Afraid you and Tony send me away. Marie gave me shiny dress.”
“You always were an acquisitive kit. I will give you whatever clothing you wish.”
“Wanted Marie’s dress. She is like me. She knows.”
“What does Marie know that I don’t?”
“Hurt. Fear. Alone.”
“I want that part of your past to go away. Since I thought you were dead, I felt the pain. Alone was the worst. I want things how they were with us before.”
“Can’t. Not yet. Can’t speak in my human form. Don’t know why.”
“What can I do to make it better, Evie?”
“Find my past.”
“Tell me what happened again.”
Marie sat with her head in her hands. She’d not left Eve’s side since her call after Eve’s collapse had alerted Anthony that something was very wrong.
“We’d talked it out after you left. She was ready to make the change--had even picked out the dress she wanted to wear after she shifted. We were touching so she could feel what I was doing. She made the shift quickly. No problem. Then she just fell over. Like I said a dozen times before.”
“She’d never expressed interest in shifting before. You sure you didn’t push her?”
“No, damn it, I didn’t. She heard what you said about leaving
He wanted to kick himself. Eve was sensitive, fragile even, since she’d returned. The last thing he should have mentioned was leaving
“Quiet, Nicky. I was sleeping.”
“Evie?”
“Who else runs free in your head?”
“You’ve been unconscious for more than a day.”
“Been sleeping. Change hurt.”
“I told Marie she shouldn’t have allowed you to change.”
“Afraid you and Tony send me away. Marie gave me shiny dress.”
“You always were an acquisitive kit. I will give you whatever clothing you wish.”
“Wanted Marie’s dress. She is like me. She knows.”
“What does Marie know that I don’t?”
“Hurt. Fear. Alone.”
“I want that part of your past to go away. Since I thought you were dead, I felt the pain. Alone was the worst. I want things how they were with us before.”
“Can’t. Not yet. Can’t speak in my human form. Don’t know why.”
“What can I do to make it better, Evie?”
“Find my past.”
And now... here's The Pact...
Title: The Pact
Author: Graeme Brown
Published: May 2013
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Word Count: 17,000
Genre: Dark Epic Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+
Synopsis:
Enter the world of Will Lesterall, a boy who’s grown up in the safety of his father’s castle.
Tales of the outside world ruled by warring kings and creatures of nightmare have never seemed a threat, yet on the night celebrating two hundred years of the sacred Pact that has kept Fort Lesterall safe, intrigues ripen, and in the course of a few hours Will is confronted with a choice greater than he can comprehend.
Join an unlikely hero as destiny pulls him into the middle of an ancient conflict between fallen gods and ambitious women, one that demands blood, both holy and wicked, and the power of an ancient fire bound in steel. As swords clash below a watching wood, hope and betrayal war as fiercely as fear and valor.
Whether he lives or dies, Will Lesterall will never be the same.
About the Author:
Graeme Brown has been enchanted by the epic fantasy genre since he was a child, and consequently he started creating his own world with its stories at the age of thirteen. Influenced by writers like J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, and George R. R. Martin, he has finally brought the first of those stories to life with his debut title, a short story called The Pact—48 pages that will whisk you away to a dark, medieval fantasy world with gritty realism. When he’s not writing, he can be found exploring number theory problems or writing computer programs, training for a marathon, or unwinding in a yoga hot room. He has also explored other facets of art, both as a hobby and a profession, including vector graphics, pen and ink, classical piano, and web design. He just finished writing the first of many sequels to The Pact, A Thousand Roads.
Excerpt from The
Pact by Graeme Brown:
Will felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Lie down,” the woman cooed.
The blade glowed like the moon through its sheen of blood and Will obeyed slowly, feeling the stone’s icy kiss against the back of his neck. He cursed himself in his mind, but the voice had no power. That was your only chance. You’re dead now. There’s no stopping her.
He still shook with grief, his whole body cold. He saw Robin and the fear in his brother’s eyes. The pain. Will wanted to run, but his body wouldn’t move. Finally, he closed his eyes, whimpering, folding up his legs and turning on his side.
He waited and waited, but the moment didn’t come. He waited more, before finally summoning the courage to open his eyes...
“Lie down,” the woman cooed.
The blade glowed like the moon through its sheen of blood and Will obeyed slowly, feeling the stone’s icy kiss against the back of his neck. He cursed himself in his mind, but the voice had no power. That was your only chance. You’re dead now. There’s no stopping her.
He still shook with grief, his whole body cold. He saw Robin and the fear in his brother’s eyes. The pain. Will wanted to run, but his body wouldn’t move. Finally, he closed his eyes, whimpering, folding up his legs and turning on his side.
He waited and waited, but the moment didn’t come. He waited more, before finally summoning the courage to open his eyes...
Ready for more? Let me take you to the Tower of Obsidian
Title: Tower of Obsidian
Author: L. T. Getty
Published: February 2013
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Word Count: 115,000
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Content Warning: Minor Violence
Recommended Age: 13+
Synopsis:
When Kale mac Tadhg is betrayed by his Lord’s men, he is sent on an impossible quest: slay a witch in a tower, and end a people’s curse. Both Kale’s best friend and brother-in-arms Aaron Smithson and former betrothed Aoife of Westgate set out to rescue him, but their journey takes them into the uncharted waters and Northwestern Nordic colonies, to a land cursed and all but forgotten. They begin to realize that there is some truth to old legends. Kale’s rescue comes at a price—for by the time Aaron and Aoife know where to search, like so many before him, Kale is bound to the ancient tower’s fate.
About the Author:
L.T. Getty started writing her first novel in junior high, and hasn’t really stopped since. She’s studied kendo, is an open water scuba diver, and has recently taken up archery, and hopes to learn to do it horseback some day. When she’s not writing, she works as a paramedic. When she is writing, it tends to be rather cheeky.
Excerpt from Tower
of Obsidian by L.T. Getty:
You know how the tale is supposed to go.
The maiden is seized, captured by some foul villain. The hero gives chase,
defeats the villain, and rescues her. The maid and hero wed and live happily
ever after. But suppose it doesn’t go like that. No doubt there have been
countless stories of maidens taken by villains. Some are rescued, others are
killed, and however tragic their stories, they are ended.
What if one of these maidens lingered in darkness, with puzzles unsolved, her dragons unslain?
She was stolen, like so many before her and many who came after. Was she a goddess, a nymph, or a common girl of great beauty? It matters little. He seized her and forced her into a dark tower, which even the gods could not destroy. Oh how they tried, sending their sons to battle him. All failed.
The wicked sorcerer enticed her, tried to trick and confuse her, but she would never submit. In rage, or perhaps when it seemed the tide was turning, and perhaps her true love finally came, the sorcerer, rather than lose her, cursed her. He locked her in a prison, and she and the tower became one.
At last, the sorcerer was destroyed, but not sent forth to the land of the dead, or chance his evil would survive the grave. Undying, he remained a fragmented wraith, a wicked creature, the villain in countless stories. Perhaps, that was why his defeat did not undo her curse, for she remained a prisoner in the dark spire.
Her would-be hero, defeated at the end, died of a broken heart. The lands around the tower grew dark, as if the world itself knew the tale was too sad. Surely, she was worth rescuing? Surely, there was another who could save her?
Imagine then, if you were she: your beauty, your curse, and your true love stolen from you. Imagine your father playing one suitor off another. All the while, the other women despise you. Imagine being changed—much like how a god would turn a nymph into a cow, a goddess into the body of a mortal. Confined to a prison, and even if it were the finest castle in all the lands, heaven, earth, or the underworld, still a cage. All the while, you wait for a rescue which never comes. The spell will not allow you to die nor to grow old. You are stagnant in a world where stories of old become legends, and legends forgotten—dismissed as childish fancy.
No, child, surely you do not wish to know that story. Maidens must be rescued, the good endure, and evil smote. Even though you know what is true or fair is not so in your life, you expect nothing else in your story. It is how the story is supposed to go. You will accept nothing but a proper ending. Content yourself then with stories of long hair and spinning wheels.
What if one of these maidens lingered in darkness, with puzzles unsolved, her dragons unslain?
She was stolen, like so many before her and many who came after. Was she a goddess, a nymph, or a common girl of great beauty? It matters little. He seized her and forced her into a dark tower, which even the gods could not destroy. Oh how they tried, sending their sons to battle him. All failed.
The wicked sorcerer enticed her, tried to trick and confuse her, but she would never submit. In rage, or perhaps when it seemed the tide was turning, and perhaps her true love finally came, the sorcerer, rather than lose her, cursed her. He locked her in a prison, and she and the tower became one.
At last, the sorcerer was destroyed, but not sent forth to the land of the dead, or chance his evil would survive the grave. Undying, he remained a fragmented wraith, a wicked creature, the villain in countless stories. Perhaps, that was why his defeat did not undo her curse, for she remained a prisoner in the dark spire.
Her would-be hero, defeated at the end, died of a broken heart. The lands around the tower grew dark, as if the world itself knew the tale was too sad. Surely, she was worth rescuing? Surely, there was another who could save her?
Imagine then, if you were she: your beauty, your curse, and your true love stolen from you. Imagine your father playing one suitor off another. All the while, the other women despise you. Imagine being changed—much like how a god would turn a nymph into a cow, a goddess into the body of a mortal. Confined to a prison, and even if it were the finest castle in all the lands, heaven, earth, or the underworld, still a cage. All the while, you wait for a rescue which never comes. The spell will not allow you to die nor to grow old. You are stagnant in a world where stories of old become legends, and legends forgotten—dismissed as childish fancy.
No, child, surely you do not wish to know that story. Maidens must be rescued, the good endure, and evil smote. Even though you know what is true or fair is not so in your life, you expect nothing else in your story. It is how the story is supposed to go. You will accept nothing but a proper ending. Content yourself then with stories of long hair and spinning wheels.
Last but not least, The Queen’s Pawn...
Title: The Queen’s Pawn
Author: R. J. Hore
Published: April 2013
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Word Count: 91,000
Genre: Medieval Fantasy
Recommended Age: 13+
Synopsis:
Young Harow just wanted to stay on the farm for the rest of his life, but his mother insisted he go to school in the City to study to be a priest. Now the City is in flames and he is racing across unfamiliar countryside trying to get the mysterious and sensuous Queen Reginee and her extremely annoying and very spoiled daughter Desiree-Rose to safety.
Of course there is a rebel army on their heels, black wizardry afoot, and sundry and dangerous creatures and villains, monstrous and common, seductive and evil, lurking along the way. If this were not enough for the youth to worry about, the Queen’s amorous chambermaid and bodyguard Mathilde, a smallish giantess, just wants to get him alone.
About the Author:
Ron can be found sailing on Lake Winnipeg when not writing novels or critiquing for an on-line magazine He won first prize for a Canadian Authors Association short story contest for a ghostly love story, but his preference is for longer works including a recent trio of medieval-style fantasies and the Housetrap Chronicles fantasy detective series through www.burstbooks.ca . Supervised by his understanding wife and a large demanding cat, most of his writing efforts continue toward fantasy, with occasional lapses into science fiction and horror.
Excerpt from The
Queen’s Pawn by R.J. Hore:
After a brief meeting with Daneld and his
lieutenants, Harow, armed with a short bow, and followed by another guardsman
so armed and a third carrying two spears, set off into the forest. He followed
the downhill slopes, careful to mark the patterns on the trees. Remembering
well the woods-lore taught by his grandfather, Harow did not wish to become
lost in this unfamiliar place so far from home.
The three followed a gentle ravine until they arrived at a quiet pool of dark water surrounded by high ferns, then waited, silent. After what seemed forever, with Harow wondering if they would have to return to camp empty handed before nightfall, two deer steeped out from beneath the ferns to drink.
He and his companion loosed their shafts and both animals fell. While the guards prepared the deer for carrying, he dug in the damp earth with his sword, filling his back-sack with edible tubers and roots he recognized from his days on the farm. Gathering up their treasures, the three returned to camp and a welcoming chorus from hungry men.
“Do you really expect me to eat dead animals?” Princess Desiree-Rose stamped her foot. “Mother, this is ridiculous.”
“Now, my dear.” The queen exited from their shelter and stood up, somehow able to still appear graceful and regal even though her cloak showed the stains and dirt of travel. “We must be prepared for a little discomfort, considering our circumstances.”
“I absolutely refuse. No bath, no clean clothes, no decent food... and nobody cares.” The princess suddenly burst into tears, and pushing her way through the assembly, dashed off.
The queen motioned for Mathilde to follow after the girl, and smiled wearily at Harow. “You must forgive my daughter, Lord Rickard. When you are young, and used to being kept sheltered and safe, this must all seem very different and terrifying. Desiree-Rose did not sleep very well last night. I’m certain tonight, in the marvelous shelter you have constructed for us, will be a great improvement.”
Harow bowed and backed away to see to the evening meal. Discovering that none of the guardsmen knew anything about carving a carcass, or cooking, he set about to demonstrate how to prepare the deer by skinning and cleaning them, how to construct a fire pit and spit and commence roasting and, after finding a large pot among their baggage, how to clean and peel the tubers and roots for a soup. At last, tired and not a little hungry, he gave instructions to the guards to watch over the meal and stood up slowly, uncramping tired legs. Dried blood covered his hands, dirt stained his face. He glanced at the sky. Still an hour or so of sunlight left. Time for a wee bit of a nap before supper.
A long wailing scream split the forest air. That sound did not come from any human throat.
The queen hurried up, looking distraught. “My lord duke, have you see Desiree-Rose or Mathilde? They have not returned.”
The scream wavered and faded, then grew again in volume and pitch, sending cold shivers dashing with chill fingers along the spines of all who heard the sound. The company scrambled to their feet and stared into the depths of the forest.
The three followed a gentle ravine until they arrived at a quiet pool of dark water surrounded by high ferns, then waited, silent. After what seemed forever, with Harow wondering if they would have to return to camp empty handed before nightfall, two deer steeped out from beneath the ferns to drink.
He and his companion loosed their shafts and both animals fell. While the guards prepared the deer for carrying, he dug in the damp earth with his sword, filling his back-sack with edible tubers and roots he recognized from his days on the farm. Gathering up their treasures, the three returned to camp and a welcoming chorus from hungry men.
“Do you really expect me to eat dead animals?” Princess Desiree-Rose stamped her foot. “Mother, this is ridiculous.”
“Now, my dear.” The queen exited from their shelter and stood up, somehow able to still appear graceful and regal even though her cloak showed the stains and dirt of travel. “We must be prepared for a little discomfort, considering our circumstances.”
“I absolutely refuse. No bath, no clean clothes, no decent food... and nobody cares.” The princess suddenly burst into tears, and pushing her way through the assembly, dashed off.
The queen motioned for Mathilde to follow after the girl, and smiled wearily at Harow. “You must forgive my daughter, Lord Rickard. When you are young, and used to being kept sheltered and safe, this must all seem very different and terrifying. Desiree-Rose did not sleep very well last night. I’m certain tonight, in the marvelous shelter you have constructed for us, will be a great improvement.”
Harow bowed and backed away to see to the evening meal. Discovering that none of the guardsmen knew anything about carving a carcass, or cooking, he set about to demonstrate how to prepare the deer by skinning and cleaning them, how to construct a fire pit and spit and commence roasting and, after finding a large pot among their baggage, how to clean and peel the tubers and roots for a soup. At last, tired and not a little hungry, he gave instructions to the guards to watch over the meal and stood up slowly, uncramping tired legs. Dried blood covered his hands, dirt stained his face. He glanced at the sky. Still an hour or so of sunlight left. Time for a wee bit of a nap before supper.
A long wailing scream split the forest air. That sound did not come from any human throat.
The queen hurried up, looking distraught. “My lord duke, have you see Desiree-Rose or Mathilde? They have not returned.”
The scream wavered and faded, then grew again in volume and pitch, sending cold shivers dashing with chill fingers along the spines of all who heard the sound. The company scrambled to their feet and stared into the depths of the forest.
Giveaway Details:
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
- GRAND PRIZE: One winner will receive 5 surprise fantasy eBooks from Champagne Book Group.
Giveaway is International.
Keep being distracted by reading,
Urania
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