Synopsis

 

Appalled by his daughter’s vain and impertinent attitude, the king forces her to marry a peasant, hoping to teach her a lesson. Feeling devastated by this decree, Alora loses everything she knows and is thrust into a world she is not prepared for. The skills she learned to help her rule a kingdom have not prepared her for the drudgery of living the life of a peasant’s wife.

Larik, her new husband, is determined to help Alora and show her kindness despite her unfriendly personality. Will Larik’s example and affection towards her be enough to heal her heart of anger and grief so that she can see the beauty in the world once again? Can she let go of the past and allow herself to be loved? This is a retelling of the Grimms’ fairytale, King Thrushbeard.

 

 

 

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Praise

 

“What a wonderful book! It hooks you on the first page and doesn’t let go. It was full of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved it!” –Ann Ferri, Book Reviewer

“I didn’t really know what to expect. What I found was a sweet romance with heroes and villains and a surprise at the end! The story has twists and turns and you won’t know what happens next until you keep on reading! It’s amazingly clever how the author retells the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, the spinner of gold. There was great chemistry going on in the romance and it totally engaged me. Well done!” –Sunnie Reviews

“Promises of Gold by Serena Clarke is a retake on the fairytale of Rumpelstilkin. I really did like it. This is a love story with heroes and evil villains. I think the ending will surprise most readers. It did me but it was a sweet surprise. This story is different from the original version but it still covers the gold from straw, guessing the real name of the hero and etc.” Debbie Curto, from Dusty Deliberations

 

 

Excerpt

 

The king slammed his fists on the table and stood up so swiftly that his chair clanged to the floor. Alora jumped in surprise. Her usually mild-mannered father heaved in a deep breath, expanding his great girth, dominating the room and casting his shadow over his daughter.

“Enough!” he cried. “You have grown heartless and spoiled and vain. And I will have no more of it. You are not worthy of your title as a princess or as my daughter!”

“Father!” she cried defiantly. Though she was surprised by his outburst, she had never been afraid of him. “This is nonsense! He is just a peasant.”

Her father’s face grew red. “As so you shall be! You wanted to marry a rich prince so you can continue in comfort. But I declare that you will not. Instead you will marry this peasant that so repulses you!”

Alora’s gaze followed her father’s pointing finger and landed on the peasant that was now standing, a startled look on his face.

“What?” she cried in disbelief. “I will not!”

“You will!”

“You cannot make me!”

“By the power I possess as king of Danitza, you shall. To refuse is treason and you will be banished!”

The king’s deep voice rang throughout the room and Alora finally cowered in fear. She sank back down to her seat realizing that her father could not rescind such a statement, even if he wished it.

“Your Majesty,” the peasant spoke up. “I could not possibly marry the princess.”

“You can and you will,” the king demanded.

“I have just returned from war. I cannot support a wife,” he argued.

The king shook his head. “I will give you enough money to return to your home if you will take my daughter away and humble her!”

 

 

About the Author

 

Serena Clarke is from Sunny St. George in Southern Utah. Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and has taken several writing classes in college. Her favorite genre is fantasy romance. She is not only an author but also a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team and creates book covers for indie authors. She has three fantasy romances and two fairytale romances. Her fantasy/romance novels are The Treasure of Isian, The Alliance of Isian, and The Secret of Isian. Her fairytale/romances are Promises of Gold and In Royal Ruins.

 

Website

 

 

Synopsis

 

Dive into the heart of a fantastical crossover family adventure with ‘The Fairie King’, a spellbinding, fast-paced fantasy tale that promises to captivate your imagination and keep you turning the pages.

When five personal guards of the Fairie King arrive at Charlie’s doorstep, exhausted and near death, his family learns that the Fairie Kingdom is under attack. At the King’s behest, and under the protection of the King’s Guards, the Donal family embarks on a journey that will compel Charlie to confront his neuro-divergence head-on. They encounter enemies both seen and unseen, from giant Glykons blocking their path to the lurking Tangies from behind.

Despite numerous obstacles, Charlie forms special bonds with Iris and Finley, two of the King’s Guards, Frank the screaming gerbil, and most unexpectedly, with his bully of a cousin, Caleb.

Witness Charlie’s transformation along the way. Ultimately, Unicorns, Ashguardians, leadership from Ava, and invisible pathways aid them in reaching the Fairie Kingdom, where they finally uncover their connection to the Fairie King and the reason he has summoned them.

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Connor heard the fluttering of wings a moment before he and Charlie saw three Fairies fly in through the kitchen window. He immediately recognized them by their uniforms, dirty and torn as they were. These were members of the Fairie King’s Guard.

He never thought he would see them again, especially appearing as suddenly as they had. Connor’s heart was racing, a warm feeling, a sense of relief washed over him. Actual Fairies were in his home again!

With military precision, the three Fairies landed in front of Connor and Charlie. Close up, Connor realized his estimate of 7 inches tall had been dead on. The Fairies Connor grew up with were 5, maybe 5½ inches tall. Most of them were slight of frame or, in the case of hard-working Garden Fairies, they were lean with well-developed muscles from tending the soil.

The Guards’ once pristine uniforms were now torn and tattered, with battle scars that reflected silent, tragic stories. Gone were the bright gold and amber markings of their rank and position, replaced with mud, tears and blood. Something must be terribly wrong in the Fairie Kingdom.

“Mr. Donal, my apologizes for barging in on you unannounced. It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Finley, this is Colin, and this is Ava.”

All three Fairies had passed exhaustion on the long flight to Connor’s farm. Only Ava remained standing; Finley and Colin sat down on the coffee table with their legs and wings hanging off the edge. Connor couldn’t imagine how exhausted these Fairies must be.

 

 

About the Author

 

James Lipson’s books, including The Fairie King: A New Adventure Begins, Fallen and Other Stories, The Girl with Hands in Her Hair, and Game Over and Other Stories, can be found on Amazon.com. Additionally, his short stories have been featured in various publications such as Black Hare Press Anthologies, Zombie Pirate Publishing, Clarendon Publishing Anthologies, Teleport Magazine, and others.

With a background in art, James has naturally turned to illustrating as he writes, bringing many of his short stories to life not only with descriptive detail but also with detailed visual imagery.

 

Art Website * Book Website * Instagram * Facebook

 

 

 

 

Realm of Ice and Shadow
Young Adult Fantasy
1st in Series
Level Best Books, Level Elevate (November 7, 2023)
Number of Pages 210

 

Synopsis

 

Seventeen year old Ryleigh Donnovan is certain her life is cursed. Nothing ever goes smoothly, and her first job interview is no exception. An earthquake rocks the building, sending Ryleigh on a frantic search for her younger sister, a search which lands her in the hospital. Terrified they’ll push her for answers she can’t afford to give, Ryleigh flees with a mysterious stranger.

Jackson Maynard is about to be ordained as a Death Dealer, a warrior for the Kingdom of Cymmera, but first he must pass one more test. When he fails to acquire the human girl the prophet has chosen, he’s forced to stand trial for treason. Banished from his realm, he seeks out the girl from the vision, Ryleigh Donnovan, and together they embark on a journey to save his dying kingdom.

 

 

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Guest Post

 

My Favorite Places to Write

 

Some of my favorite places to write are my library, my office (where I also homeschool my son) and my sunroom when I’m looking for somewhere peaceful.

 

 

I tend to have a difficult time getting started writing. I need everything to be just so. Before I even start, I go through all of my emails and social media to be sure nothing needs my attention. If I have any phone calls to make, I do that so I can minimize interruptions. Once I have anything that could distract me in order (not that something I haven’t anticipated won’t interfere, but I do my best), I get set up to write. If I’m just beginning a story, I set up my murder board with a diagram of all the main characters and suspects, then I set up my notes—piles and piles of them, on everything from loose-leaf paper to fast food napkins—and settle down to write. That’s usually when the phone rings or one of my kids starts yelling, “Mom!”

 

 

Excerpt

 

“Your Majesty.” Jackson Maynard dropped to one knee before the king and bowed his head. “You summoned me?”

“Rise.” Though the king issued the demand quietly, there was no mistaking the steel in his tone or the strength in his near black eyes.

As Jackson stood, his gaze ricocheted around the stone chamber, noting everyone present in an instant, as he’d been trained to do. It made no sense he’d been summoned to the throne room. Unless he was in trouble, again. An official reprimand, perhaps?

He wisely kept his mouth shut, for a change, at least until he had some clue what was going on. Though he’d stood in the throne room more times than he could remember, as a child, as a trainee, even during counsel sessions, his presence had never before been the result of an official summons.

His trainer, the king’s second in command, for the moment anyway, stood at attention beside the throne, feet apart, hands clasped behind him, dark eyes rivetted on Jackson. An imposing figure under the best of circumstances, Kai was downright scary at the moment.

Elijah, the king’s prophet, hurried into the chamber. “My apologies for taking so long, sir, I had to be sure.”

The king simply nodded as Elijah took his place beside Kai, fidgeting with the sleeve of his black robe.

Jackson didn’t have to turn around to know the warriors lining the wall behind him in full battle gear all stood at attention in the king’s presence. If the Death Dealer team had been assembled, something was definitely wrong.

Since his best friend Dakota wasn’t present, Jackson doubted it had anything to do with the dragon they’d commandeered the night before, though he couldn’t be sure. But the presence of Death Dealers would most likely mean something more pressing than a childish prank, albeit an unwise and dangerous one. Besides, it’s not like they hadn’t returned him when they were done.

King Maynard rose from his throne, standing tall in his own armor. He bore the dark hair of most Cymmeran men, though his had shot through with a streak of silver upon Queen Dara’s death—perhaps the only touch of light she’d been able to leave him. “Prince Maynard…”

Uh oh. His official title, which his father never used unless Jackson was in serious trouble.

“Under Kai’s tutelage,” he continued, “you have trained these past centuries to take your place as a Death Dealer.”

Jackson sucked in a breath. Oh, no way!

With one hand resting on the handle of his sheathed sword, his expression carved in stone, the king paced the platform that held both the king’s and queen’s thrones, though Queen Dara’s had sat empty these many centuries.

Jackson’s gaze shifted to the seer, Elijah, only for an instant while his father’s back was turned, but he couldn’t read the other man, couldn’t tell why he’d been summoned. Jackson could only hope… His gaze shot back to the king, offering his full attention before he turned back around.

Unfortunately, his momentary lapse of focus hadn’t been lost on Kai. The warrior scowled in warning, and Jackson struggled to regain his concentration.

King Maynard descended the steps to the chamber floor and stood facing Jackson. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he held Jackson’s gaze. “It is time, my son.”

 

 

About the Author

 

Young adult and middle-grade fantasy writer Leigh Stratton is the author of the Kingdom of Cymmera series and the Ranger of the Realms series. Leigh grew up in a small town on Long Island where she spent many lazy afternoons with a good book. She would read at the beach, outside beneath a tree, anywhere she could find to curl up and lose herself in a story for a few hours. She loves reading as much now as she did back then, only now she enjoys the added pleasure of creating stories of her own.

 

Website * Facebook * X (Twitter) * BookBub * Goodreads

 

 

 

Giveaway

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

As a young wilderness girl, Pistol Rose knows nothing of the advanced Strelkie City or the mad king Ward Harrol who sits behind its walls. She doesn’t understand why the Strelkie forbid marriage.

When the king forces the surrounding countryside to change their traditional culture to match his vision, the Punimin resist, and Rose learns everything about how to kill Strelkie and get away with it.

But throwing her own secret wedding without being caught… is another matter entirely. Rose refuses to give up her lover, Clock Dancin, for the tyrants who threaten her way of life. And most Punimin stand with her–only one is a betrayer.

In this futuristic medieval steampunk country filled with liars, killers, and wilderuckers, the strongest weapon is love. But using it comes with a heavy cost.

 

 

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Guest Review by Nora

 

“Truly, war is ripe on the tree and the gentlest gust could bring a fall no one is quite ready for. It would be an avalanche in both directions, and they all know it. Enough of them want it that the wiser folks hold their breath. Or maybe they aren’t the wiser folks.”

The first in a series that is sure to pull in any reader, ‘Pistol Rose and the Wedding that Sparked a War’ by Michael Ryan Hahn, is a tale of two worlds and two directions.

The first is the world of the Strelkie, a posh city filled with delights for the lucky people who live there. The Strelkie are specifically told to move from family to family and household to household throughout their lives as a method of creating loyalty to their people and not to individual families.

In complete opposition are the Punimin, a group with strong family bonds who take to carving their family stories in any and all wood surfaces they can find.

Pistol Rose is a Punimin, destined to live a life of hardship outside of the city and to eventually go into her family business of gun making. Rose loves her family dearly, and she is a skilled gun maker, but when she falls in love with a boy from her village, she realizes that she has only two options. Either she can ask the local Strelkie emissary for permission to marry her fiancé and risk being turned down and possibly losing her love forever, or she and her love can escape to the forest to find a place beyond Strelkie rule.

Neither option is easy, as even escape will come with uncertainty and struggle. But Rose and Dancin’, her fiancé, decide to escape, not realizing that this decision will light the spark that ignites a war and that soon they will have no way out.

This was an excellent story for me, personally. I love great characters and great world-building, and this book had it all! I would recommend this for anyone who loves steampunk or fantasy because those elements were really present here.

Hahn is a very talented writer, and I can’t wait to read more from this series!

 

 

About the Author

 

‘Pistol Rose and the Wedding That Parked a War’ is Michael’s debut novel and the first in a planned 7- part series, The Anthem of Ash & Pistols. He previously wrote a standalone horror novella called ‘Children of the Storm.’ He recently released an adventure podcast in the style of old radio plays called Fire Pockets. His stories aim to weave exciting action with humor and heart, with complicated villains—probably because of his upbringing. He comes from a big ol’ raucous family, and he survived a shockingly bruising (but not altogether unfun) cadre of violently delinquent Boy Scouts to become an Eagle Scout. He loves fight scenes.

Michael won a ScreenCraft competition that led to development with Bad Robot. He’s a 3x ScreenCraft Finalist and has 18 other accolades from major screenwriting competitions, including AFF and Final Big Break.

As a director, he won Best Feature at GenCon and Best Director at BAFF for his micro-budget, wild sci-fi comedy action feature, ALIEN THEORY

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife. In his spare time, he designs custom habitats for cats.* The habitats are highly popular with the cats.

 

 

Website * X (Twitter) * Fire Pockets Podcast

 

 

 

Giveaway

 

This giveaway is for 2 copies.

The winners will have the choice of print or ebook.

This giveaway is open worldwide and on November 23, 2023, at midnight pacific time.

Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Peace bought by blood seldom lasts, for vengeance knows no end. The same is true for mortals and Gods alike. Decades, centuries, eras may pass, but the cycle remains. As war and revolution rise again, Zephyrus finds himself at the center of it all. Chosen by the Gods, hailed as a prophet of liberation, and forged as a weapon to break the kingdom and restore balance to the realm, hope rests squarely on his shoulders.

If only he could remember…

Enslaved as a gladiator and thrust into a prince’s game of espionage, Zephyrus has only two clues to help unlock his shattered past: a prophecy foretelling destruction, and a letter to the enemy king, promising peace. Now Zephyrus must survive the dangers of the gladiatorial arena, the cunning fury of the Prince’s enemies, and the Gods’ torment if he is to find the truth of his identity and fulfill his fate. But to have any hope of breaking the cycle, first he must secure his freedom—and not just from his slavers.

Within this vengeful realm, a queen protecting her kingdom, a prince defending his father, and a gladiator slave haunted by a prophecy each contend for their own brand of freedom. But the Gods have an agenda of their own, and they’ll use any vessel—patrician, plebeian, or slave—to see it done.

The scales must be balanced. By peace. Or by blood.

 

 

 

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Excerpt

 

From Chapter 16

 

“Good afternoon,” Nallia said from behind him. “I hope you’re resting well despite the accommodations.”

“You mean these?” Zephyrus asked, lifting the manacles binding him to the cot. “I hadn’t noticed.” With his wrists chafed raw and an itch on his nose that even sleep couldn’t ignore, he most certainly noticed.

“I trust no one’s tried to kill you since my last visit?” Nallia asked.

“Besides the medicus?” Zephyrus asked.

“No one’s killin’ no one.” The medicus shuffled past. “But ya need new bandages or else ya risk infection.”

“I’ll change his bandages,” Nallia said. The medicus opened his mouth to object. “I have watched you do more difficult things a thousand times before. I’ll summon you if needed.”

The medicus bowed and left the room, muttering to himself along the way.

Nallia grabbed fresh bandages and set them down on the edge of the cot. “You’ve kept me quite busy today.” She slipped something between his fingers. “Found this out by the palus.”

The scroll addressed to the king.

The parchment was weathered but still intact. Zephyrus didn’t know what to say. After Vykannis’s absence and surviving—and nearly killing—Lenox with only a cheese knife, he thought perhaps his prophecy was real. Not just a trick, or a myth to inspire hope. When he realized the scroll was lost, it almost provided him with a sense of comfort. His past didn’t matter if he trusted where he was going. Twice now, it’d been removed from him, once by Laeden, and once on his own accord, yet somehow, it found its way back to him.

“Any idea what it means?” Zephyrus asked.

“I didn’t read it,” Nallia said. “But I don’t think anyone else lost a parchment covered in blood exactly where you said you lost something.”

“Gratitude,” Zephyrus said, unsure if he could trust her. For all he knew, she was one of the Revivalists Laeden asked him to uproot. She could be just as bad as Lenox, for all I know. Then again, in a way she was worse; Lenox worked for the slavers. Nallia was one.

“Of course,” Nallia said. Beginning with his right palm, she removed the old bandage, washed the wound with wine, and applied a new dressing. “I have a healer coming this afternoon who I hope will be able to help reclaim your memories.”

Zephyrus scoffed. She didn’t make sense to him—a Valencian who recited Celestic prophecies. A slaver who served him. “What do you want? This isn’t charity or goodwill; this is transactional. You want something.”

“Don’t we all?” Nallia asked with an unnerving smile. She walked around to his opposite hand. “What do you want? Besides your memories.”

 

 

About the Author

 

When Tim isn’t writing epic fantasy, he can often be found in his garage gym or in the mountains where he lives. A virtual fitness professional by trade, he integrates his creative passions into movement, training with maces, clubs, staves, and swords to unlock his inner gladiator. To inquire about Gladiator Training, reach out to him via Email.

More than writing, reading, gaming, playing music, hiking, and paddle-boarding, Tim loves story. If he’s not working on his own story, he’s helping others develop theirs as an author coach. To inquire about Author Coaching services, visit the website.

Living in Arizona with his wife, Colleen, Tim continues writing epic fantasy novels while exploring different storytelling mediums so he can inspire others to hope. To live. And to believe.

Website * X (Twitter) * Instagram * TikTok

 

 

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

 

 

Review

 

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I am generally not a huge fantasy reader, but the author created a world that was fascinating, full of action, and kept me engaged throughout. This is billed as a romance, but that is a very tiny portion of the book and not really until near the end. You can tell that there is something blossoming between Keegan and Tana, but it takes the whole book to come to fruition. This is not a bad thing, but I was very invested in the main storyline – the attack on Tana’s kingdom and finding a way to save it.

Tana is a strong woman and is learning at the heels of her father how to lead and manage the kingdom in the future. I really loved how the King would thank everyone on payday for their service. That is something we should do in our world: recognize those who do good deeds, work hard, and make it a better place.

When the kingdom is overthrown, it is up to Tana to save it for her people. We follow her on an adventure to other kingdoms to rally support. The author does an amazing job of describing them, and it left me with a few questions and wanting to know more about these kingdoms. There are also many misbeliefs on Tana’s part (and those in the various kingdoms). As it happens in this world, false information is passed down from generation to generation, so they don’t trust others until they meet them and get to know them.

The book does seem a little slow starting off, but it picks up the pace and lets us see what Tana and Keegen are really made of and how they will resolve all of the issues.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

“You will bloom in Versailles like an exotic flower. The vampyres of the palace love anything out of the ordinary. But beware: the Court of Shadows has its codes, its deadly traps, and the slightest faux pas pay with the price of blood…”

In the year of grace 1715, Louis XIV transformed from the Sun King into the King of Shadows when he embraced immortality and became the world’s first vampire. For the last three centuries, he has been ruling the kingdom from the decadent Court of Shadows in Versailles, demanding the blood of his subjects to sate his nobles’ thirst and maintain their loyalty.

In the heart of rural France, commoner Jeanne Froidelac witnesses the king’s soldiers murder her family and learns of her parents’ role in a brewing rebellion involving the forbidden secrets of alchemy. To seek her revenge, Jeanne disguises herself as an aristocrat and enrolls in a prestigious school for aspiring courtiers. She soon finds herself at the doors of the palace of Versailles.

But Jeanne, of course, is no aristocrat. She dreams not of court but of blood. The blood of a king.

 

A major international success, the VAMPYRIA series has been widely translated and is available in 9 languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, German, Russian, Dutch, Finnish, and now English).

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Chapter 4 – Departure

 

I’m paralyzed with fear.

My body feels like it’s sewn to the black leather lining the inside of the ebony carriage, its vibrations reverberating right through to the hollows of my bones.

On the bench opposite mine, the vampyre sits, immobile. His chiseled face is turned toward the nocturnal landscape passing by the window. The dark night obscures his fixed gaze. There’s not the slightest breath to make his nostrils quiver. It’s hard to believe that one hour ago I held his arm to go down the hill until the carriage met up with us. We didn’t cross paths with anyone. As with the villagers, the baron’s staff stayed cloistered in the outbuildings, in keeping with curfew. Perhaps they sensed that a lord of the night was prowling about the castle . . .

Just as in the baronette’s bedchamber, I have the impression of being in front of a statue. The only thing that’s moving is his magnificent red hair, which gently vibrates in rhythm with the carriage.

On occasion, I saw my father prepare the dead bodies of villagers for burial. Supposedly, after one’s demise, the nails and hair continue to grow. In the case of vampyres, that’s certainly true, as Dr. Boniface explained in his sermons celebrating the magical beauty of the lords of the night. Whereas mortal noblemen, along with many noblewomen, adorn themselves with wigs and hairpieces in order to appear more impressive, the immortals don’t need such artifice. Having gorged on the blood of all those on whom they feed, their hair is supernaturally dazzling and vibrant.

I grind my teeth to stifle a groan.

I’m face to face with an undead brimming with life. It’s the paradox of vampyres, a notion that was always an abstraction for me until now. But tonight it’s become horribly concrete. A living death is just that: a total petrification, after which comes the ability of supernatural speed; a coldness that seems to emanate from the passenger and latches on to me in spite of the blanket he threw over my shoulders; and most of all, this awful silence that no intake of breath disrupts. The two dragoons aboard the rear of the vehicle don’t say a word. I can hear only the creaking of the axle, the trotting of the horses, and the brief snap of the coachman’s tongue encouraging them at the front of the carriage.

And so I’m swept off into the unknown night, traveling farther than my steps ever took me, my body chilled and my mind numb, too shocked to mourn all those I’ve lost.

“Would you like to eat, mam’zelle?”

Slowly, I open my eyes.

A flood of dazzling light washes over me. I promptly close my eyelids.

I have to blink several times in order to banish blinding tears. As my eyes clear, I take in the padded interior of the carriage, its black leather glistening in the sunlight. Across from the bench where I dozed off, the space is empty.

As if the vampyre simply faded come morning.

As if everything had been a bad dream.

“Mam’zelle, are you hungry?” the dragoon asks again as he opens the carriage door to speak to me.

He holds out a wicker basket filled with warm bread and lard.

My muscles, which all night were paralyzed by the presence of the vampyre, recover a little of their suppleness. My mind regains its pluck.

An idea forms: I must escape.

As soon as possible and by any means.

Although the dragoon speaks to me courteously, no doubt under strict orders, his lips do not smile, and his eyes watch me attentively. A gun is slung over his shoulder, and a sword hangs from his belt. It’s a brutal reminder of the sword that decapitated Valère. The vision of Maman’s slit throat stops my breathing.

Swallowing my pain, I pretend to grab the basket when I’m really trying to assess my chances of fleeing. I pop my head outside the door and notice the rear of the carriage: two large iron trunks are strapped under a black leather canopy, where the two other dragoons must have traveled during the night. At present, they’re eating on the grass, taking big, hurried mouthfuls before we set off again.

As for the carriage’s fifth passenger . . .

“The vamp . . . the viscount,” I whisper, only just correcting myself.

“Is he gone?”

A flicker of fear crosses the dragoon’s eyes.

“The viscount is here,” he answers lugubriously.

I absorb his words and tone, but I don’t see the viscount anywhere in the carriage. I open my mouth to question him further, but the mere mention of his employer has sent him into a feverish state.

“Well, I’ll let you eat, in case you’re hungry,” he says, tossing the basket onto the bench. “We have to leave soon if we want to reach Versailles the day after tomorrow.”

“Wait!” I yell, completely disoriented.

Versailles, the day after tomorrow? I thought it took a week to go from the Auvergne to the Île-de-France, the region around Paris.

The door shuts with a loud bang on my protests, and then the lock turns with a click.

So much for my window to escape.

As the carriage sets off again, I lower my eyes to the floor.

There’s an iron ring in the center that I hadn’t noticed until now.

The handle of a trapdoor.

In horror, I realize that the creature is most definitely here—protected from the sun’s rays as he rests in the obscurity of the luggage hold beneath my feet, closer to me than ever before.

 

 

About the Author

 

Victor Dixen is the author of many bestselling French novels, including four series for young adults: THE STRANGE CASE OF JACK SPARK, ANIMALE, PHOBOS and VAMPYRIA; and he is a two-time winner of the Grand Prix de l’Imaginaire, the most prestigious science-fiction and fantasy award in France. Born to a French mother and Danish father, Victor grew up in the city of Versailles. As an adult, he has lived in Denver, Dublin, Singapore, and New York City. He now divides his time between Paris and Washington, DC with his family and his two inquisitive cats.

 

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About the Translator

 

Françoise Bui spent twenty years as an executive editor at Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, where her list of edited books included numerous novels in translation. Of these, four received the Mildred L. Batchelder Award (for most outstanding children’s book initially published in a foreign language), and two were Honor titles. Originally from France, Bui lives in New York City.

 

 

PRINGLE PRAWN

 

by

 

Michael Scott Clifton

 

Contemporary Urban Fantasy / Fairies / Humor

Publisher: Book Liftoff

Date of Publication: September 19, 2023

Number of Pages: 310 pages

 

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Move over Tinker Bell. There’s a new fairy in town!

Ben’s luck is changing. He has his iconic VW bus, a hot, wealthy girlfriend, and he’s managed to buy an old fixer-upper in an upscale neighborhood—just the thing to convince his girlfriend’s influential father that he’s husband material. But his new home has a secret, and when Ben opens a mysterious grandfather clock, he finds himself dropped into a magical land. There he meets Pringle, a six-inch prawn with a supercharged attitude and a pouchful of fairy dust. She saves his life, and when Ben returns to his world, Pringle returns with him.

Pringle’s adjustment to the modern world is a hilarious series of incidents that completely disrupt Ben’s life. When Russian mobsters and a vengeful HOA president attempt to hijack Ben’s life, Pringle zooms to the rescue—a pinch here, a pinch there, nothing a little fairy dust can’t fix.

But it’s when Pringle begins to grow that things really get interesting, because as Pringle’s size increases, so do her feelings for Ben. Ultimately, Pringle must decide whether to return to her world—or follow her heart and stay with Ben.

 

 

 

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This fantasy novel was quite a surprise and a delight. This genre isn’t one of my go-to reads, but this author has a way of describing the worlds he builds in such detail that you feel like you are right there in the middle of the novel.

While primarily set in Tyler, Texas, there is an alternate world filled with magical creatures and prawns. What is a prawn, you might ask? It is the same as a fairy, or similar anyway. Pringle is a bit naive, but then, in her world, she doesn’t run into many issues that she can’t handle. However, being in our world, everything is new, and she has so many questions. I could only imagine Ben’s frustrations at having to describe anything and everything. What might be second nature to us is a whole new experience to this prawn. I don’t know how to get into her love for sugar and devouring several bags. I can only imagine Ben’s reaction upon discovering what she had done.

I was drawn into this story, rooting for Ben and Pringle, and on edge regarding the trafficking part of the novel. This isn’t a trigger for me, but I was concerned how it was going to be resolved in a safe manner for everyone. I loved the resolution and Pringle’s part.

There were so many witty moments that had me laughing out loud. I didn’t expect the level of humor I found, which was quite refreshing. There is even the “Karen” of the HOA who lives next door to the house Ben purchased. Some situations with her will make you question living in an HOA, but humorous at the same time. You can thank Pringle’s magic for those scenes.

Several supporting characters, including Archie, an eccentric millionaire, and Hank, the antique store owner, are worth mentioning. These two take everything in stride, which is also an adventure for them. I love the friendship that develops between these three men.

I have to admit that I didn’t want the story to end. While the story does have a complete ending, there is more than I wanted to know. However, I won’t ask my questions here since some of that could give away the ending.

This is an amazing story, and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multi-award-winning author Michael Scott Clifton lives in Mount Pleasant, Texas, with his wife, Melanie. An avid gardener, rapacious reader, and movie junkie, his books contain facets of all the genres he enjoys—action, adventure, magic, fantasy, and romance. His fantasy novels, The Janus Witch, and the Conquest of the Veil series, (The Open Portal, Escape from Wheel, A Witch’s Brew, and Cavern of the Veil Queen) all received 5-Stars from the prestigious Readers Favorite Book Reviews. The Open Portal has been honored with a Feathered Quill Book Finalist Award. In addition, his YA novel Edison Jones and The Anti-Grav Elevator received a Feathered Quill Book Award Bronze Medal. Two of his short stories have earned Gold Medals, with “Edges of Gray” winning the Texas Authors Contest, and “The End Game” winning the Northeast Texas Writer’s Organization Contest. Professional credits include published articles in the Texas Study of Secondary Education Magazine.

 

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10/10/23	The Book’s Delight	Review
10/10/23	The Clueless Gent	Review
10/11/23	Book Fidelity	Review
10/11/23	LSBBT Blog	BONUS Stop
10/12/23	Reading by Moonlight	Review
10/12/23	StoreyBook Reviews	Review
10/13/23	Bibliotica	Review
10/13/23	Hall Ways Blog	BONUS Stop
10/14/23	Boys’ Mom Reads	Review
10/15/23	The Real World According to Sam	Review
10/16/23	It’s Not All Gravy	Review
10/17/23	Forgotten Winds	Review
10/17/23	Shelf Life Blog	BONUS Stop
10/18/23	The Plain-Spoken Pen	Review
10/18/23	Chapter Break Book Blog	Review
10/19/23	Carpe Diem Chronicles	Review
10/19/23	Rox Burkey Blog	Review

 

 

 

 

 

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RIP THE SKY

 

by

 

Mark Packard

 

 

Speculative Fiction / Fantasy / Science Fiction

Publisher: Bluestreak Publishing

Page Count: 317 pages

Publication Date: August 21, 2023

 

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After a shocking courtroom tragedy, a disturbed Vietnam veteran and the vindictive judge who sent him to prison become an unlikely pair of time travelers in a chaotic multiverse. The fallen angel who rescues them wants to guide them to a radiant new life. But first they must return to the scene of a ghastly crime.

Billy Worster was a naïve teenager ill-prepared for the gruesome realities of war. The sole survivor of a deadly massacre in a Vietnamese jungle, he avoided certain death only because he ran away when the shooting started. Riddled with guilt, he comes home to a dusty Texas farm with post-traumatic stress disorder and the crazy notion that he can fly in and out of parallel worlds.

As Billy struggles with addiction and questions his sanity, he is arrested on a drug charge and ends up in the courtroom of Judge Madeline Johnston, a bitter old judge tormented by a dark secret surrounding her father’s death. She callously tosses Billy into prison, but when a greedy executor files a lawsuit to steal his inherited land, Billy is hauled back to her courtroom in chains, where a stunning twist of fate launches them into the sky on an odyssey of discovery and healing.

Spanning forty years from the jungles of Vietnam through infinite, parallel worlds, Rip the Sky examines how the power of forgiveness can lead us toward a better life, no matter how many worlds we may live in.

 

 

 

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Deleted Scene, Part Two

 

 from Rip the Sky

 

by Mark Packard

 

CLICK TO READ PART ONE OF THE DELETED SCENE

 

It was quiet. The radio in the old truck had long been broken, and the only sound was the hot wind whistling through the open windows. Neither one spoke for several minutes. Finally, Billy broke the silence, “Were you scared when you were over in Normandy? I remember you telling me when I was a boy about how you waded to the shore, and there was dead bodies floating face down in the water. They got drowned cause their packs strapped to their backs were too heavy.” Billy couldn’t help gesturing with his hands as visions of the littered battlefield played out in his mind. “And then when you got to the sand you had to step over body parts, and everything was on fire, smoke coming from everywhere. And I remember you saying how lucky you were that you were not one of the first ones to land, ‘cause they never had a chance.”

Floyd took another drag from his cigarette, inhaled deeply and methodically, holding in the smoke for what seemed like half an hour, and then let out a long, hard exhale, as if he were respirating bad memories.

“We did what we had to do,” he said, “and so will you.”

The sun blasted the pavement, and Billy stared at the highway ahead, fascinated by the illusory sheets of water, the mirages that appeared and instantly vanished on the highway. They always looked so real. He counted them, tried to pinpoint the exact spot when the phantom mist evaporated from sight, but could never really figure out where they were when they vanished. Billy squirmed again in his seat.

“Dad, I guess I am a little scared,” he said.

Floyd turned to look at Billy, staring hard at his pimply-faced, scrawny son. Floyd’s eyes glassed over, and Billy felt—measured, even pitied. And he hated that.

“I was afraid when I went to war too,” Floyd said. “A man would have to be crazy not to be scared. There ain’t nothing wrong with being scared, Billy.”

Billy nodded, unable to look away from his father’s gaze.

“But if I could make it,” Floyd continued, “so can you. You’re just as good as anybody else, especially all those long-haired city boys.”

“I will,” Billy said, “Thanks, Dad.”

There was another long silence, and then Floyd cleared his throat, rubbed his eyes, and whispered, “Damned pollen.” Billy knew better than to speak when the pollen made his father’s eyes water. The old man’s eyes had watered just two days before, during a whisky-filled night,

when Billy saw his dad pound the coffee table with his fist, muttering about how only poor kids get drafted, about how he wished Billy could have gone to college so they wouldn’t have to drive to Abbeville. Billy didn’t speak then either.

Floyd drove slowly in the right-hand lane, and another pickup passed in the left lane, the driver in the cowboy hat giving Floyd’ the “thumbs up” signal as he blew by them. “Must like my bumper stickers,” Floyd said, and as the passing pickup sped away Billy noticed the same bumper stickers that were patched onto the back of Floyd’s truck that read “America, Love it or Leave it” and “America, My Country Right or Wrong.”

Billy watched the pickup disappear into the horizon, then read the white letters and numbers on the green road sign that flashed by, barely having time to learn that Abbeville was 30 miles away.

Neither said another word, and at long last they pulled into Abbeville, drove past the Air Force base where pilots learned to drop bombs and napalm on the North Vietnamese hiding in the jungles of Vietnam, past the tall buildings that adorned the sky, and into the parking lot at the Continental Trailways Bus Station.

The long truck ride was over, but Billy didn’t want to get out yet, keeping his head down, staring at the fabric of the cloth seat beneath him.

A long, awkward minute passed, until Billy, with his head still bowed, muttered the words, “I love you, Dad.”

This time Floyd squirmed, cleared his throat again, but didn’t speak right away. He gripped Billy’s hand and shook it hard. “I’ll miss you too son. Pay attention and remember that everybody in Langtry is praying for you.”

Billy’s throat felt tight and swollen, and his eyes were moist. “Yes sir,” he mumbled, as he climbed out of the pickup, scooped up his duffle bag out of the rusted bed, and waved goodbye.

Floyd watched his son walk into the bus station and wiped his eyes.

“They never stood a chance.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Packard spent the last 38 years as a trial attorney and is now retired from the courtroom and working as a mediator. In a life before lawyering, he was a journalist and regrets waiting far too long before returning to his roots to write his first novel, Rip the Sky. Though he knows he should have jumped off the merry-go-round years ago, he hopes to hang around long enough to craft a few more tales. Connect with the author:

 

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Synopsis

 

Resa Stone is one of the first humans to set foot on a foreign world. But ever since arriving on planet Wandelsta, the introverted teen witch can’t sleep. Visions of a mysterious jeweled forest haunt her dreams. Who is the ghostly shrouded girl who emerges from those woods? And what is the meaning of the ominous message she delivers: You are the one?

And when the unearthly messenger appears in her waking life and leads her to a mystical glowing gem, Resa learns of an ancient legend that suggests the stone may be a remnant from a crystalline paradise called Gemja and harbors great power. On a quest to discover the significance of the stone, Resa is transformed by love, betrayal, magic, and hidden secrets. And when danger befalls her, she must summon the courage to journey into her dream realm to confront the ghost for answers…

Only to discover that deciphering the message reveals a painful truth…

One that may cost Resa her life.

 

 

 

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Excerpt

 

“Grams, have you heard of Gemja?”

She shook her head. “No, what is that?” She pulled me toward her so that my back was leaning against her.

“A magical crystal planet where only peace and love exist,” I said, not doing the legend justice. “Maybe it’s where we’ll all meet again one day.” I didn’t want to leave her. I rested my head on her shoulder.

“Ah, then it must be a wonderful place,” she said, stroking my hair. “If I can go to this Gemja, I will,” she reassured me. “I’ll wait for you there.”

“Promise?”

“Of course,” she said, “but you had better make me wait a very long time. There is so much for you to do in your realm. Come now. It’s time.” She patted my arm as a signal for me to stand. “You have to go meet Nitika before it’s too late. I fear the white creature will come for you unless we stay one step ahead of it.” She held out the single filament. “It’s time. Help me sever it.”

I dug into my bag, feeling for something that could snap the filament. I pulled out a pair of wire cutters.

“That’s my girl,” she said. “Always prepared.” She held out the filament for me to cut, but I hesitated. “It’s all right now,” she said, laughing. “You’re giving me life. What better gift could there be?”

I had to see her one last time, so I turned on the flashlight. When I looked into her eyes, there was no fear in them. No uncertainty. They were shining brightly with hope.

I opened the cutters around the filament and paused. I wished that she could have closed them herself, but the angle was all wrong. “Still want to be the lone red daisy?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Her answer startled me. “I would have it no other way,” she said. “And I’m hardly alone. I have you. Both of us were chosen…to do something wonderful, I imagine. The universe doesn’t give you more than you can handle, so you must embrace being red.” She put her hand to my face. “No tears. This is not the end. You’re giving me life. Remember to tell your grandfather.”

“I will, I promise.” I didn’t want to leave her. I had so much to ask her. So much to tell her. I had just said hello, and now it was already time for goodbye?

“Hurry, you must turn off the flashlight,” she said. “Do it now. Both our lives depend on it.”

“I love you, Grams,” I said.

“And I you, my darling. It’s time. I’m ready to go.”

I wasn’t ready. Still, I forced my hand shut. The cord snapped. And my grandmother floated upward, transforming into a beautiful barn owl before flying out of sight, leaving one lone feather and a sparkling trail of violet stardust in her wake.

 

 

Praise

 

“An edge-of-your-seat adventure…sweeps to a cliffhanger climax. A rousing introduction to a promising new series.” –  Booklife Reviews by Publishers Weekly

“A fast-paced tale with richly drawn characters that revels in mythical worldbuilding…It blends fantasy and SF elements, along with witchcraft and teenage romance, with a degree of skill that’s likely to satisfy fans of all these genres.”  – Kirkus

“Gemja: The Message offers a compelling blend of witchcraft and magic and establishes an immersive fantasy realm. Protagonist Resa is an alluring and relatable teen witch. Readers will eagerly engage with her as she attempts to unravel the mystery behind her visions of a ghostly figure.” – Critic’s Report: The Booklife Prize

“Messina blends witchcraft, prophesies, aliens and interplanetary tensions into a highly enjoyable young adult drama…set to be a captivating and popular series.” (Starred Review, Notable Book – Blueink Review

“Climactic moments and powerful revelations are plentiful. Worlds of unexpected wonder and danger abound.” – Clarion

“A wonderfully, well-written read. 5 stars.”  – Readers Favorite

 

 

About the Author

 

K.M. Messina is an earth and space science teacher, a dog mom, and a lover of all things mystical. Her black German shepherd Luna is the star of her award-winning picture book, IF YOU COULD ASK YOUR DOG ONE QUESTION, which won the Best Independent Book Award (BIBA) and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for best picture book for all ages. She lives on the rocky coast of Long Island, New York, where she enjoys feeding wild turkeys, moon gazing, and adding to her ever-growing collection of stones and crystals.

 

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