Synopsis

 

Lost in a wild West Virginia forest, Phoebe Gray’s world is upended when she finds an irritable goblin named Gnish-Gnash. She’s stumbled into Lerch Hollow, a place of magic and mystery where trolls lurk in shadows and mermaids sway with the tide. The young adventurer soon finds herself caught up in a race against time; the Dark Mistress Lucinda is on the hunt for the last Griffin’s egg, for its power will make her unstoppable. It is up to Phoebe to protect the egg while discovering the secrets of her own magical connection to the mysterious wizard Thatcher. With Gnish at her side and her grandfather’s old cloak on her back, Phoebe must protect this enchanted world from destruction.

 

 

Coming February 2024

 

 

Excerpt

 

Phoebe had many more questions but was too afraid to ask them. Instead, she studied the troll. He was sweeping his head from side to side, looking for the two small creatures he’d been so certain of catching. After a moment, he spoke in a voice so mighty, it rattled Phoebe’s bones.

“Hmph. Just saw little rat people. Kobus was so close.”

He scratched his head with the spikes on the end of his club. Phoebe realized he was referring to himself. Though he was a fearsome sight, she had to admit–this troll didn’t seem terribly bright.

After a moment, he grunted and turned away, stomping carelessly as he moved deeper into the forest. Phoebe was glad he was gone.

Then, her heart dropped.

“My parents,” she whispered. “I…I think our camp is that way. I think he’s headed for them.”

Gnish shrugged helplessly. “I’m sorry, Miss Phoebe. But we cannot risk losing the egg. The fate of Lerch Hollow hangs in the balance. Endangering our quest now would be foolish.”

Phoebe glared at him. “Maybe protecting this thing is your quest–but it isn’t mine.”

The goblin made a face as she thrust the egg into his arms. She took a deep breath and stepped from behind the oak tree, ignoring the urge to run.

She felt incredibly brave, and incredibly afraid. Cupping her hands to her mouth, she shouted loud enough to draw the troll’s attention.

“Hey, you big stink-face. I’m over here!”

 

 

 

About the Author

Cole Poindexter grew up influenced by the writers who changed children’s fiction throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s, like Katherine Applegate, George Lucas, Karen Cushman, and Neil Gaiman. It was at the age of ten he decided he would one day become an author, without the slightest clue as to how it would happen.

He lives in Louisiana with his spouse, surrounded by dogs and chickens, and frequently travels to New Orleans to take in the beautiful architecture and music.

The Griffin’s Egg is his debut novel.

 

 

Giveaway

 

Enter one of five copies on Goodreads

 

Enter Here

 

 

Synopsis

 

Tana was ready to be the crown princess. She was not ready to lose her father and save her home.

Keegan had left his home to run away from his past, but he cannot escape his heritage or his mistakes.

As the two fight to save Heimat Draz, they discover they must learn to trust both themselves and each other, because a lot more than just Tana’s kingdom is at risk. If they cannot defeat the evil spreading, all of Sandig Skaa will be destroyed.

Secrets of the Desert is the first book in Sandig Skaa Chronicles (a 3-book fantasy series) with slow-burn, sweet romance and no spice, perfect for fans of books by authors like K.M. Shea or Tara Grayce!

 

 

Amazon

 

 

About the Author

 

Anabelle Raven loves reading and writing fantasy, low-spice romance, and strong female characters. She loves chocolate and sushi, though not usually together, and traveling to new places with her family.

 

Facebook * Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

When Zylan and his band of poachers invade the realm and start hunting unicorns, gamekeeper Yonell and his twelve-year-old daughter Ayla are on the alert to protect them. However, in a skirmish with two of Zylan’s men, Yonell is captured along with Snowflake, the youngest unicorn in the family. The prisoners are strapped to horses and taken by Zylan and his band to their stronghold deep in the mountains to meet their fate.

Ayla is bereft, but Hollendur, the matriarchal leader of the unicorns who is also Snowflake’s mother, will have nothing with the young girl feeling sorry for herself. She implores Ayla to join her, her husband Anon, and the rest of the unicorn family in pursuit of the poachers by telling her that it is the only way to save her father. Ayla snaps out of her depression and readily agrees.

Meanwhile, Yonell has befriended Zylan’s son Arronde, a kind-hearted young man who loves animals and is aghast at the evil ways of his bully father. Together they care for the frightened Snowflake, and a bond forms between all three of them.

When Anon sees that the poachers are heading for the mountains, he concocts a plan. But will Ayla and the band of unicorns be in time to save Yonell and Snowflake? They must hurry to Marvel Wood to confront the thieves before it is too late.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

About the Author

 

Jim’s stories and poems have appeared in nearly five hundred online and print publications. His collection of short stories, Resilience, is published by Bridge House Publishing. Short Stuff, a collection of flash fiction and drabbles is published by Chapeltown Books. Periodic Stories, Periodic Stories Volume Two, Periodic Stories Volume Three – A Novel, and Periodic Stories Volume Four are published by Impspired. Dreamers, a collection of short stories, is published by Clarendon House Publishing. Something Better, a dystopian adventure novella, and the novel, The Alien of Orchard Lake, are published by Dark Myth Publications. In the fall of 2022, his collection entitled Holiday Stories was published by Impspired as was his collection of poetry, Haiku Seasons. In February 2023, Periodic Stories Volume IV was published, as was his collection of poems, The Alchemy of Then, both by Impspired. In June 2023, a collection of flash fiction, Dancing With Butterflies, was published by Impspired.In July 2023, his YA novella The Battle of Marvel Wood was published by Impspired. His short story “Aliens” was nominated by The Zodiac Press for the 2020 Pushcart Prize. His story “The Maple Leaf” was voted 2021 Story of the Year for Spillwords. He was voted December 2022 Author of the Month for Spillwords. He also reads his stories for Talking Stories Radio and for Jim’s Storytime on his website. He lives in a small town west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

Website

 

 

 

Includes an original, never-before-published story about the Fablehaven woodland brownies by #1 New York Times best-selling author Brandon Mull

The Fablehaven house brownies are known for coming into the kitchen at night and baking delightful treats as a surprise for caretakers and their guests. Now, Fablehaven fans can enjoy nearly fifty wondrous recipes inspired by the world of Fablehaven. Each recipe includes a Fablehaven origin story and full-color food photography. Enjoy a selection of magical crafts like Wizard Slime and Vanessa’s Invisible Ink. Bonus: also includes a few of Brandon Mull’s favorite desserts.

Wondrous Recipes Include:

Fairy Toast
Muriel’s Pretzel Knots
Ogre Stew
Bubda’s Sloppy Guac
Calico Bread
Lena’s Loaded Crepes
Bracken’s Unicorn Shakes
Zombie Cake Eyeballs
Dragon Egg Cupcakes
Goblin Glop Trifle
Tanu’s Bottled-Up Emotions
Singing Sisters Bubbling Brew

 

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Deseret Books * BAM

 

Bookshop * IndieBound * Walmart

 

Preorder today, the book releases on 8/1/23

 

 

Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Authors

 

BRANDON MULL is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Candy Shop War, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife, Erlyn, their eleven children, and some animals. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.

 

Website * Instagram * Facebook

 

 

CHERIE MULL is a mom of four who has always loved making and eating good food. After graduating with a degree in biology, Cherie worked in gene sequencing and pharmaceutical research before exchanging her lab coat for an apron. She now owns a thriving baking business, creating cakes and custom treats for weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. Cherie and her husband, Bryson—Brandon Mull’s brother—have been beta readers for the Fablehaven stories since the beginning, and she is thrilled to be a part of this new adventure.

 

 

Synopsis

 

A long-kept secret. A seaside kingdom. A life-changing revelation.

 

No stranger to tragedy, Amira seeks joy in the little things—books, nature, her friends, and the memories of her late mother. When she gets the opportunity to leave her sleepy village and visit the kingdom’s capital of Kalopsia, her excitement knows no bounds. But even her vivid imagination couldn’t anticipate gaining a crown…or a father.

King Thorndale has spent the years since his queen left with their infant daughter blaming himself, struggling under the combined weight of his guilt and duties to his realm. When Amira arrives, her cheerfulness sheds light on the darkness inside him. But he cannot welcome her wholeheartedly, not when he knows the danger she may be in and what little he can do to prevent it.

Amira soon realizes her royal life isn’t the fairy tale she expected. And when a precious item goes missing, she realizes there’s a larger threat afoot. She’s determined to find answers, but failing may bring her tentative relationship with her father to ruin. Will the ray of hope be bright enough to see them through? Or will grief and doubt overshadow it for good?

Walking the line between historical fiction and fantasy, you’ll travel to a realm devoid of magic and dragons but overflowing with ballgowns, secret rooms, ocean breezes, and touches of mystery perfect for readers, young and old, seeking a clean, wholesome story. This is the second stand-alone novel in the “Fallen Stars” series.

 

 

Amazon

 

Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This novel was quite a surprise! It entranced me from the start. While billed as a historical fantasy, it isn’t filled with dragons or mythical creatures. It is set in a non-existent country with royalty and the usual squabbles that arise. It is more like a fairytale than historical fiction.

Amira is a young woman on a path to a life she wasn’t expecting. She wasn’t taught how to handle certain situations but made great strides in fulfilling her potential. I enjoyed watching her relationship with her father grow. They brought out the best in each other.

There is a mystery that pops up about 60% of the way into the story. I enjoyed watching Amira reason who might have committed the crime, why, and how.

This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone book. It is also very clean and could fall into the YA category, or at least the NA category, since Amira is 20.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Madison grew up in a small town in Florida, surrounded by her loving family. She has always enjoyed getting lost in the fictional worlds of movies, literature, and her own imagination. Her favorite stories are clean and sweet with happily ever afters. She enjoys traveling, drawing, going to the beach, spending time with her friends and family, and playing with her dog, Sprinkles.

 

Website * Instagram

 

 

Synopsis

 

Sixteen-year-old Charli is living in a pandemic-ravaged 2020 America when she stumbles upon the parallel world of the Q’ehazi. Drawn to these peaceful people, whose constant joy and optimism provides a stark contrast to the suffering and violence in her own life, Charli wants nothing more than to stay with them forever—but first, she must learn to attain a state of grace.

Can she forgive her mother’s abusive boyfriend? Can she learn empathy for her mother? Charli’s inward and outward struggles will lead her to a discovery she wasn’t even looking for: the beauty of her own world.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Bookshop * Kobo

 

 

Praise

 

Brightwell’s storytelling is vivid and rich, and her writing compelling. The World Beyond the Redbud Tree is a fascinatingly adventurous and original examination of life, grief, forgiveness and compassion. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before: captivating, touching, gently magical, and ultimately uplifting.” — Penny Haw, author of The Wilderness Between Us

“The novel offers us the story of a struggling young girl making her way through both dystopian and Utopian futures. A very thought-provoking tale for readers of all ages. I highly recommend The World Beyond the Redbud Tree.” — David Silverman is a Hollywood screenwriter with writing credits including The Flintstones, The Wild Thornberrys, and Life with Louie.

“Madison has a great way of merging two worlds together in The World Beyond the Redbud Tree. She writes beautifully and has an incredible imagination. She showcases how a young girl Charli is running from her fears but stays resilient and really just wants to be loved. Madison Brightwell is a talented writer and has created a masterpiece. I hope to one day see it on the big screen.” —Kandace Caine, Voice Over Actress of the popular games Hogwarts Legacy and Call of Duty; screenwriter, and producer.

 

 

Excerpt

 

P R O L O G U E

 

 

Tears streamed down her face, warm and comforting on her skin. She let them fall. Waves of grief passed through her and then were released to the earth below. Sitting cross-legged on the moist grass, she felt strong hands clutching hers on either side. Her eyes were closed, and all she heard was the soft chanting of the group around her, and a mellow voice intoning:

“We send our dear little Belilly across the Rainbow Bridge for the last time, where all is peace and comfort. And we will miss her, for she brought joy to everyone she met, and now her time has come, and she can remain with us no more.”

The girl’s body swayed back and forth in rhythm to the soft flute music playing a tune she knew well because she had heard it many times before. There were no words, but she hummed a sweet harmony to the notes.

The smell of jasmine permeated the air. She remembered how Belilly had loved to sniff the scented air on her morning amble. She remembered the way the breeze would ruffle Belilly’s beautiful white fur and how her whiskers twitched in anticipation of the events of the day ahead. The memories were bittersweet: bitter because she knew she would never again experience them, and sweet because she had experienced them so many times before and they would always exist in her memory.

Gradually, the tears on her face dried. She felt the stroke of a burdock leaf on her cheek, and she turned her head and opened her eyes to see her mother smiling at her and passing the leaf gently over the dried tears in a soothing ritual. Tenderness emanated from her mother’s face as she made this gesture, and the girl felt a sense of relief at the knowledge that Belilly’s passing was done and all suffering was over.

As the girl allowed her gaze to traverse the scene, she took in this group of about twenty people, all known to her, all seated on the ground and clasping hands in a circle, and all swaying to the music around them. Behind them, the beautiful rays of crimson light cast by the huge stone on its ceremonial plinth were enhanced by the stream running behind it. The tinkling of the water cascading over rocks in the stream harmonized with the flute.

Belilly was gone and would never be here again. She knew there was nowhere else she’d rather be than in this place at this time with these people. An intense gratitude swept over her, casting out the grief and replacing it with joy and contentment.

 

 

About the Author

 

Madison C. Brightwell is an author and a licensed MFT with a doctorate in psychology. She has been working as a therapist for fifteen years, before which she worked as a professional actress in film and TV development. She has written four other novels and three self-help books in the field of psychology. Since moving to Asheville, North Carolina, from her native Britain, Madison has become inspired by the history of this land, originally inhabited by the Cherokee. She draws on many of her experiences helping clients with trauma, addiction, and chronic pain.

 

Website* Facebook * Instagram

 

 

Synopsis

 

Who sent the black panther guide, and where will it lead her? A young woman, Jennifer, receives a visit from a spirit panther which takes her into an amazing adventure. Thrust into a relationship with Vijay, a technician in the Mercury Theatre, she must overcome her past to learn to love him. Meanwhile, the message of the panther is not clear, and an Artificial Intelligence named Gabriel claims to be the one who can help her solve the puzzle. This speculative, romantic fantasy is the first novel of the Jennifer Trilogy, which begins the series of Gaia’s Daughters.

 

 

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords

 

This book will be on sale for 25% off in July at Smashwords

 

 

Excerpt

 

Chapter 14 – MEETING WITH WENDELL

 

Wendell was sitting at his desk surrounded by a cloud of sweet-smelling pipe tobacco smoke when Jennifer arrived at work the following morning. She knocked on his open door, and he waved her in.

“Come in, come in, child, and close the door, why don’t you.”

Jennifer didn’t like being called a child. ‘But it’s not the worst thing I’ve been called,’ she thought.

“Hi Wendell, I came to give you a progress report.” Wendell put down his pipe and leaned forward, seeming intent on hearing what she had to say.

“I’ve connected with Vijay, and we’re living in the same apartment now. I believe that was the first objective.”

“Yes, go on.”

“We’ve been to the Green Dragon together, and Vijay is caught up in the revolutionary spirit there. We also found Marjorie and watched her play in the park. Vijay said it gave him insight into the kind of resistance movement he needs to create.”

“And how was Marjorie? We’ve known each other for a long time, but it’s been a while since I last saw her.”

“She said she knew you and seemed delighted that you sent us to her, but she didn’t tell us about your past.”

“No, I don’t suppose she would. So, what are you planning next?”

“Vijay is going to recruit Sally and Greg into his resistance movement. Vijay believes they’d be a great asset.”

“Yes, very good. I believe Vijay’s instinct is right.”

“I’m also working on inspiring Vijay. And I’ll be talking with Marjorie again. She seems like an interesting person to know better.”

“Very good. I can see how that makes sense. Now, what do you need from me? I assume you didn’t just drop by to tell me that you’ve done what I asked. I already knew that.”

“I need you to set us some tasks to give Vijay the sense that we’re moving forward. Tell us what you need us to do next while he’s getting started. The people paying for all this, what do they want to see happen?”

“Don’t concern yourself with them. I’ll have some more tasks in a few days. Meanwhile, keep working on your handwriting. It’s getting much better, but there’s still room for improvement.”

“Don’t worry, I’m still doing my cover job. But if you’re going to be our secret boss, we need you to do your job as well.”

Wendell sat back, raising one eyebrow. “It’s always so refreshing talking with you, Ms. Dupont. I’ll let you know when I’ve spoken with our sponsors. Please leave the door open as you leave.”

He picked up his pipe in his left hand and a half-read script in his right.

Jennifer went out into the hall feeling pleased with herself. ‘The next tasks should tell us a lot.’

She went to the control room to tell Vijay about her conversation, but as she climbed the short flight of stairs, she heard voices above her.

“That’s great,” Vijay was saying. “Why not come by our place for dinner tonight, and we can talk more about how you might contribute.”

Jennifer reached the top of the stairs and found Sally and Greg sitting with Vijay.

“Hi Sally, Greg. Sounds like you’re thinking of joining us. That’s wonderful! What time did you want to come over?”

Greg looked at Sally, who answered, “Would 7pm work for you?”

“Perfect,” said Jennifer. “I’m looking forward to spending some time together.”

Sally and Greg made their way back down the stairs. Jennifer heard the control room door open, and then close behind them.

“Vijay, what are you thinking of? Why invite them to our apartment?”

“Because, Jennifer, I have no other tangible proof that any of this is real. That apartment is proof that someone is funding this, funding us, and that we’re engaged in something serious. I want to leverage it as we get started. Besides, I trust Sally and Greg.”

“Why do you trust them?”

“Jenn, what do you know about their relationship? Are they just good friends? Do they sleep together? Do they even live together?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think anyone knows, really. Noone ever talks about them, or if they do, it’s only to say they’re a mystery because no one knows.”

“Exactly. So, they’ll be able to keep our secrets as well. They’re already used to keeping private things private.”

“Okay, just don’t expect me to cook dinner.”

“No? I was planning for a feast of toast and coffee!” Jennifer did her best to look hurt. “You should be planning to sleep on the couch tonight.”

Vijay laughed, stood up to kiss her, then went back to his work as she went down into the lobby, where there were always more ticket requests waiting.

 

 

About the Author

 

Kevin Coleman is a well-regarded Canadian author. Prior to his journey as a writer, Kevin spent a significant portion of his career as a consultant to large corporations and governments around the world, applying his expertise in technology and management. The insights and experiences gleaned from this role have enriched his understanding of human dynamics, a quality vividly apparent in his writing.

With his wide-ranging life experiences and global adventures, Kevin crafts characters of depth and realism, set in authentic locales. He adeptly weaves themes of personal growth, love, and redemption throughout his narratives, which have garnered him a devoted readership. Kevin’s prowess in contemporary fiction is particularly evident in his captivating ‘Jennifer’ series.

Presently, Kevin calls the northern shore of Lake Ontario home, where he savors the serenity and picturesque views that Oakville offers. In his downtime, Kevin engages in making kites and indulges his passion for sailing when the opportunity arises. He is also a proud father to two adult children and grandfather to two grandsons.

With every new narrative, Kevin invites his readers to reflect deeply on their own experiences and emotions. He is committed to continuing his journey of crafting engaging, thought-provoking stories that resonate and inspire.

 

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Check out the series on Amazon and read for Free via Kindle Unlimited, or purchase a copy for yourself.

 

 

 

Today we welcome author Lisa Edmonds to StoreyBook Reviews. She is here to share some thoughts on writing, books, and characters.

 

 

Whose Story Is It Anyway?

 

Storytelling, Reader Expectations, and Other Balancing Acts

 

At a recent local author event, the host asked our panel of writers how we balance reader expectations and desires with our own vision for the story and characters. The more pointed version of this question is: what, if anything, do authors “owe” readers?

I’ve seen these questions spark EXTREMELY heated debates among both authors and readers, both in person and online. As a reader, a writer, and a professor of English who teaches both writing and close, analytical reading, I think about this issue from multiple angles, and I answer the question a little differently depending on who’s asking. At the moment, I’m a writer addressing readers, so that’s how I’ll answer.

Rather than give the annoying answer “It depends,” I’ll explore some perspectives on the question and then define my own personal philosophy. Please bear with me while I parse the question a bit.

Some authors feel very strongly that this is their story to tell, so they’re going to tell it how they want to tell it, and readers can love it or hate it as they please. (I won’t name any names, but I’ve heard authors tell me this in person and seen them post about it on social media.) To these writers, there is no “balancing” between authorial vision and reader expectations to be done. “If you want a different ending, write your own book,” they might say. A bit harsh, but I can’t say the sentiment isn’t true. The only way to get exactly the story you want is to write it. (I’ll circle back to this in a bit.)

Others take a position on the opposite end of the spectrum and believe they write stories they want their readers to enjoy. (Note that “enjoy” means different things to different readers, especially depending on the genre. If I’m reading a thriller, the phrase “That book really messed me up” is a compliment, while the same utterance would be rather damning if referring to a romance.) Some call it “fan service,” but whatever you call it, this method puts the reader front-and-center and tries to cater to their expectations, desires, and happiness, even if that means the author’s vision for their story doesn’t get reflected in the story that ends up on the page.

A third group, of which I am a member, prefer to take a position somewhere in the middle of this continuum of authorly decision-making. This is where the balancing act comes into play.

A book is made up of a couple dozen chapters and a hundred thousand or so words. That much you probably know. But what you might not consider unless you are a writer yourself, or have thought deeply about the process of writing, is that a book is also hundreds (or thousands) of decisions on the part of the author. There are big decisions and little ones and many more in between. This is where the balancing act occurs: in the decision-making.

Whether an author is a “plotter” (someone who plans their novel out before writing) or a “pantser” (someone who eschews a plan and writes by the seat of their pants), they have to decide what happens in the novel, where it happens, why it happens, when it happens, how it happens, and to whom. Sometimes it’s a line of dialogue, and sometimes it’s a murder. And at each decision point, the writer has to weigh a bunch of factors and then make a choice. How much the reader’s reaction to that choice matters to the author is the question at hand.

When I respond “it depends,” I mean how much the reader’s reaction weighs into my decision depends on the choice. For most of these decisions, I don’t need to consider the reader’s reaction at all because they’re not likely to sweat who said this line of dialogue or who opened a door or who threw a Frisbee. But for major decisions that have ramifications, or are likely to spark an emotional–or in some cases, a visceral–response from the reader, I choose to take the reader into account.

Now, that doesn’t mean I won’t upset a reader. Sometimes I’ll make them happy; sometimes I’ll make them cry. My goal either way is to write the story well enough that the reader understands why I did it and they won’t hate me for it. They might send me a sniffly DM, but that’s probably about it.

So where do I personally land in this debate? I tell the story I want to tell, in both the way I want to tell it and the way I’d want to read it. That probably means I won’t kill off a beloved long-running character, because I’m not in the business of breaking people’s hearts. I want reading my books to be (mostly) a joy. If you want to read something that messes you up, I suggest Scandinavian thrillers or Gillian Flynn. I don’t write cozy fiction, but I do promise that if I hurt you, I’ll put a Band-Aid on it and kiss it to make it feel better by the final page.

I love my readers. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. And from that perspective, I do think I owe them something. I owe them a damn good story and an ending that both makes them smile and want to tell someone else about me and my books.

And to circle back to something I said earlier, if you want to tell a story the way you want it told, you can write that book. I’m not being snarky about that. My current series got started partly because I wanted to tell a story about a female private investigator with a ghost sidekick who was tough but also vulnerable, smart but sometimes makes mistakes, and powerful but not invincible (having read a great number of urban fantasy series with heroines who are too tough, too invincible, and inhumanly infallible).

So if you find yourself saying something like “If I wrote this book, I would have written it like this…” you might be a writer. But that’s a topic for another day.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

Or for the Audio version, click on this link

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Lisa Edmonds was born and raised in Kansas. A graduate of Buhler High School, she studied English and forensic criminology at Wichita State University. After acquiring her Bachelor’s degree, she considered a career in law enforcement as a behavioral analyst before earning a Master’s in English from Wichita State and then a Ph.D. in English from Texas A&M University.

She is currently an associate professor of English at a college in Texas, where she teaches a variety of writing and literature courses.

When not in the classroom, she shares a quiet country home with her husband Bill and their cats, and enjoys writing, reading, traveling, spoiling her niece and nephew, and singing karaoke.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * TikTok

 

 

Synopsis

 

The story takes place in Auris, a world of storms and chaos where seven violent Tempests rule the land, wreaking havoc across the continent. This first book in the series follows three heroes who walk the threads of fate, weaving an epic tale of magic, war, love, and loss. Together these individuals will forever change Auris’ future. Empires will shatter and Tempests will be Unbound, but destiny will prevail as the protagonists face their fated ends.

Castien Varic is a soldier and a Stormless – someone without magic – on an expedition for the King. He battles with intense anxiety and panic attacks while striving to complete his mission. Prince Faelyn Titansworn disagrees with his father, the King, about the dangers Auris is facing and must decide where his loyalty lies. Meanwhile, two years in the past, Asteros Silverglade is uncovering secrets behind the mysterious Vanishing that wiped out the Ancient Sects and created the Tempests. The paths of the three protagonists converge in an exciting cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next book in the series.

More than one character in Stormless struggles with mental health issues, and Stitle does not shy away from the subjects of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. He hopes his readers can see themselves in his characters and realize they are not alone. Stitle’s heroes are not perfect, implausible personalities but complex, flawed individuals.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Excerpt

 

“You come into my kingdom, into my castle, and now you command me to hand over my city?” The King chuckled. “You must be mad!” The King slapped his knee, still bellowing with laughter. He raised his eyes back to Velarus. “But if that is the game you wish to play…” Flames drifted from the King’s crystals, swirling around his hands as he wove them together. “Well, we have a special place in the dungeons for your kind.” The fires licked the King’s fingertips. “I will not give up my armies. And I certainly will not surrender my country to you.” The King guided his hands through careful, well-practiced motions, and Velarus soon found himself surrounded by brilliant tendrils of flame. “Besides, even if you were a Blood Sorcerer–as you claim to be–my answer would be the same.” Swaths of golden flames surrounded the King, giving him an almost divine aura. “I have always thought the powers of your kind were a bit… exaggerated.”

Velarus smiled, subtly bleeding his Crystals. This would be a display that the King would not soon forget.

“Exaggerated?” Velarus snorted. “Well, we’ll see about that.”

The King lunged.

Velarus closed his eyes, diving into the depths of his soul. His power awaited him, begging to be unleashed. Velarus grabbed hold of it, and then the blood came.

The King’s flames vanished as the room exploded with black-red energy.

Torrents of blood flooded the chamber, scattering the contents of the throne room. Darkness surged within the air, warping the blood and causing it to levitate. The terrible power thrived, rivers of blood and darkness ravaging the chamber.

Velarus knocked the guards to the ground with nothing more than a thought. The hell-storm raged, knocking down braziers, tearing apart the soft carpet, and wreaking havoc on even the pillars themselves. Dark energy smashed into the walls, causing the whole palace to quiver.

The cyclone of blood magic quickened, growing stronger with each passing second. Velarus smiled. With a wave of his hand, the frenzy of horror receded slightly before him, leaving in its place a single person…

The King writhed on the marble floor before Velarus, his vermillion robes flapping in the raging storm of blood magic. Velarus approached him, forcing the King to his knees with a twist of his finger.

“You are nothing,” Velarus whispered, his face mere inches from the King’s. “You will always be nothing. You cannot even imagine the power my people hold.”

“Please.” The King wept, trembling beneath the spikes of pain Velarus pulsed through his body. “Why are you doing this?”

Velarus paused. “Auris is in danger, and it seems I am the only one who can save it. You and your people have made it clear that you only respond to force,” he breathed. “We are your last hope. Even your most powerful Summoners don’t stand a chance in the face of the Resurgence.” Velarus released him. The cascades of blood and darkness vanished in an instant, fading into nothing.

The King fell to the floor. He was mostly unharmed—as were the guards—but Velarus had no doubts that this would be a day they would never forget.

“You have six weeks,” Velarus said. “Surrender the city by then… or suffer the consequences.”

The King offered no response.

Velarus turned, gliding toward the doors through which he had entered. As Velarus passed through the entrance, the only sound in the enormous chamber was the gentle crackling of the flames, a reminder to the King that, even surrounded by the very element which he controlled, he was powerless.

 

 

About the Author

 

Injuries forced Nicklas Stitle to stop playing tennis after his freshman year of high school, and he realized that was an opportunity to begin working on the story he had been carefully putting together in his head. Stitle began writing Stormless at the age of 15 and woke up early every day to work on the story before school, creating a new fantasy world and crafting characters he could relate to. Incorporating valuable advice from industry experts wanting to help a young author, Stitle completed Stormless at the age of 17.

Stitle has nearly finished book two, The Fire King, and is currently planning books three and four in the series. He hopes to inspire other young writers to chase after their dreams. Stitle lives in Indiana with his mom, dad, older brother, and two dogs.

 

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter

 

 

SKYRIDERS

 

Skyriders Series, #1

 

by

 

Polly Holyoke

 

 

 

Children’s Fantasy / Middle Grade Readers / Mythical Stories / Adventure

 

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

 

Date of Publication: March 7, 2023

 

Number of Pages: 304 pages

 

 

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

Wings of Fire meets Pax in this epic fantasy adventure set in a world where human and skysteed share a deep bond of friendship. When monsters emerge to attack the empire, it’s up to shy Kiesandra and her beloved winged horse N’Rah to prove to the imperial army that she has what it takes to lead them to victory . . . and to ensure the survival of their world.

Buzzing with action, heart, and friendship, this first book in the Skyriders series shows that kids can achieve the impossible–especially with flying horses on their side.

 

 

 

Off the Beaten Path (signed copies) * B&N

 

 

 

Praise

 

“Skyriders soars off the page and takes you along for an epic adventure that will leave you breathless and asking for more.” —James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of the City Spies series

“A breathtaking, mythical adventure. This is the kind of book I would have devoured and read over and over again as a kid.”  —Liesl Shurtliff, New York Times bestselling author of Rump and the Time Castaways trilogy

“Kiesandra Torsun is an unforgettable heroine who never gives up, even when facing staggering odds against vicious three-headed monsters attacking her homeland. Her loyalty, courage, and kindness won me over and her bond with her winged horse left me dazzled.” —Mary E. Pearson, New York Times bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polly Holyoke is the award-winning author of the middle grade sci/fi Neptune Trilogy (Disney/Hyperion) and the new children’s fantasy series, Skyriders, (Viking Children’s Books). A former classroom teacher, Polly loves doing school visits and getting students excited about writing.

Polly grew up in Colorado, where she spent her childhood skiing, camping, reading, and dreaming up fantastical stories. Polly went on to graduate from Middlebury College and become a middle school social studies teacher. She lives with her husband and their two daughters, as well as two cats, two Chihuahuas, and a beagle.

 

 Website ◆ Facebook ◆ Twitter

 

Pinterest ◆ Goodreads ◆ Instagram

 

Amazon ◆ BookBub

 

 

 

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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

 

ONE WINNER:

 

Signed copy of SKYRIDERS, set of 5 flying horse necklaces

 

+ a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card.

 

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 4/7/23)

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

 

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

 

or visit the blogs directly:

 

 

03/28/23	Chapter Break Book Blog	Book Trailer
03/28/23	Hall Ways Blog	BONUS Promo
03/29/23	JennCaffeinated	Review
03/29/23	LSBBT Blog	BONUS Promo
03/30/23	All the Ups and Downs	Author Video
03/31/23	Shelf Life Blog	Review
04/01/23	Sybrina’s Book Blog	Excerpt
04/02/23	StoreyBook Reviews	Promo
04/03/23	Jennifer Silverwood	Review
04/04/23	The Real World According to Sam	Author Interview
04/05/23	Boys’ Mom Reads	Review
04/06/23	The Plain-Spoken Pen	Review

 

 

 

 

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