Excerpt - Of Ice and Air by Carlie Cullen

Here's an excerpt from Carlie Cullen's new fantasy, Of Ice and Air. Epic!

Jaanis decided to be the one to answer and he explained all about Gengaruk, his exploitation of nearby villagers and why he requested an audience. He went on to explain what happened next and the banishment. “He and his men were escorted all the way to their new home in the east and due to magic cast around them, they cannot leave the area.”

“What about someone going into the area? If they belong to Gengaruk are they automatically stuck there too? What about anyone Gengaruk’s men brought into their encampment who isn’t one of their tribe? Wouldn’t they be stuck like the others?”

“Well, yes, you see the spells on the tribe are mainly for those wearing the bracelets. However, the magic is strong enough that anyone entering the area would be stuck there too.”

“I have a strong feeling that’s where mother is. I am intuitive and my feelings are rarely wrong. I think there were more men with Gengaruk who didn’t enter the throne room, but did come into the castle. I believe they somehow remained hidden until Gengaruk left the building with his escort and let them get ahead before they grabbed my mother and took her there. What do you all think?”

Surprisingly, it was Bellis who answered. “It’s certainly not outside the realms of possibility. We had fewer guards in and around the palace as one battalion were escorting Gengaruk while another two battalions took much needed food, clothing, and medicine to the northern sector of the country. Anyone with enough skill to sneak into Garalia’s room would certainly be able to get across the courtyard and out of the castle grounds without being seen.”

“By all the gods, I think you may be onto something there,” Jaanis said thoughtfully. His eyes stared at some distant thing only he could see. When he returned from his trance, he seemed a little confused and closed his eyes, shaking his head.

Kailani knelt beside his throne and held his hand. “Grandfather?” He didn’t respond. She tried again, this time shaking him. His eyes flew open wide and he looked down at her. “Grandfather, did you bespell the bangles Gengaruk and his men have to wear?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Would you be able to create one to make me immune to the magic? One I could remove once I’d returned to the palace?”

“Yes of course, but why . . .? No! Absolutely not! We have only just found you, dear Granddaughter, and I will not allow you to put yourself in danger.” Jaanis stared at Kailani with a stern expression.

“What is going on here?” Shivla asked.

“Our granddaughter has plans to go to The Land of No Souls to try and find Garalia.”

YOU CAN BUY OF ICE AND AIR HERE.

***

Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.

She has always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. Author of the Heart Search trilogy and Of Ice & Air, she writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.

She also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter. You can find out more about Carlie and her books on her website.

Of Ice and Air - Book Launch

I'm so excited for this launch - Carlie Cullen has a new fantasy, Of Ice and Air, and we lucky readers get to pick up copies tomorrow!

So what's it all about? Just take a look at this wonderful fantasy:

On her 21^st birthday, Princess Kailani’s father tells her that when she was a baby, her mother was abducted. She also learns she has family in another world.

Defying her father, she travels from her Cloud Castle home to the ice kingdom of Idenvarlis where Kailani’s instincts drive her to find the mother she doesn’t remember.

Gifted with the magic of two worlds, and skilled in the use of weapons, she journeys into unknown and dangerous territory. Despite her determination to rescue her mother, she’s forced to overcome new fears and find a way to cope with all she encounters.

However, a person in authority will stop at nothing to prevent either of them returning.

Kailani faces isolation, wild beasts, rogue soldiers, and more as she battles to return to the Ice Palace. With the stakes so high, can she make it back alive?

YOU CAN BUY OF ICE AND AIR HERE.

***

Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.

She has always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. Author of the Heart Search trilogy and Of Ice & Air, she writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.

She also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter. You can find out more about Carlie and her books on her website.

Rihanna, Janay Palmer, and Other Heroes

Remember when Rhianna was slugged in the face by her then-boyfriend, Chris Brown? The event caused a media storm. It only escalated when she stood by him and didn't break up with the man who gave her a black eye and a cut lip.

photo courtesy of wikipedia

And what was the response?

"I can't believe she took him back."
"She doesn't deserve our sympathy."
"Rihanna's just asking for it now."

***

This is very difficult to confess: Once, when I was young and in love, a guy slapped me across the face.

And it changed my life.

It was the end of the 70's, the 'Me Era.' My friends and I had snuck to a pool where we hung out, laughed and chatted. We skinny-dipped, talked some more, and because it was a hot night, skinny-dipped again.

I completely lost track of time. My boyfriend and I had arranged to meet up later, but because the conversation was so interesting and the warm water felt so good, I was late. In fact, I was so late he tracked me down and confronted me as my friends and I were heading back to our shabby VW to go and get Denny's coffee.

My first thought was Hey! It's my guy! Hi, guy! That surge of delighted surprise exploded when he marched up to me, pulled back, and smacked me across my face so hard I nearly fell into the long, summer grass.

photo courtesy of deviantart: Flickan

It's a weird thing when that happens. My reaction was one of horror, of shame, of What the hell did I do to deserve this? Or maybe it was just shock. It happened so quickly I still can't catalogue my thoughts.

The boyfriend (let's call him 'E') was striding back to his own car, and the pool had no lights. As a result, my friends weren't able to see what had just happened. One of them gasped, "Did he just hit you?"

The smart answer would have been this: "Yes, he did. Please help me find a phone so we can call my parents and the police."

BUT YOUR BRAIN CHANGES WHEN YOU ARE HIT.

It just felt so shameful, so horrifying that this had happened to me. "No, he didn't," was my response. 

And when 'E' returned from the car and put his arms around me, the shame changed to some fearful kind of joy. "I'm so sorry," he murmured. "I just got so mad that you were late."

Wow, I thought. He really loves me.

***

Perhaps there's some chemical reaction that occurs when someone's hand or fist connects with soft skin and bruises deep tissue. I didn't lose consciousness or get light-headed. The smack didn't even bruise me much. However, was there a release of endorphins, of hormones, of some kind of mind-altering adrenaline when it happened?

I don't recall the rest of the night - if I went and sat in Denny's or took off with E. I just don't know. I do know that I was young, I'd been assaulted, and it changed me.

Changed me. Forever.

photo courtesy of wikipedia

When I did finally leave E, thank God, I made myself a promise: No one was ever going to hit me again. Ever. I've kept that vow.

But let's look at my background - I grew up in a mainly supportive household. I wasn't raised by the belt or made to believe I was less because of my gender. I went to college. I read a lot. My mother consumed poetry and taught Lit at the local university. We loved art and music and watching Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

If I had been raised in a house where hits and slaps were the norm, where I was expected to act a certain way because I'm female, who knows where I would have ended up? Perhaps I would have finally accepted E's constant proposals and had his kids. (The mere thought makes my stomach churn.)

I was a victim, and it changed my life. That's my point here. The slap propelled me into a certain way of thinking and very odd behaviors for a long time. 

THEY WEREN'T MY FAULT.

Those behaviors aren't Rihanna's fault either, or anyone's who puts up with abuse. I experienced one slap in my lifetime. Right now, somewhere out there, women and men live with daily physical or emotional abuse. The constant threats change them, warp them into saying and doing things they probably never imagined. The victims scrape by from hour to hour, from second to second with nothing more than survival as a reward.

Those people, the ones who do gather up the energy to walk away, are my heroes. The ones who can't quite find the money/strength/ability to walk away are my heroes as well.

Being a victim is a terrible thing, something one can never forget.

Please don't blame those who are victims. 

Please.

Prince of Bryanae: #Giveaway #EpicFantasy

PRINCE OF BRYANAE is an epic fantasy novel filled with intense battles, romance, betrayal, and redemption. 

Elven soldier Willow serves the human Kingdom of Bryanae in a bid to overcome her traumatic past. Emotionally crippled and driven by her personal demons, she has buried that past so deeply that she has forgotten it altogether ... but it hasn't forgotten her. 

Paralyzed by an inexplicable terror, she watches helplessly as old enemies kidnap the Prince. Considered by most of Bryanae to be a coward and a traitor, Willow decides she must confront her past and plunge into the heart of the enemy empire to rescue the Prince.

Aside from the steel blade she wields with lethal expertise, Willow has only dubious allies upon whom to rely-a headstrong private who's in love with her, an inscrutable winged mage with a hidden agenda, and a dashing but opportunistic captain whom she desires against her better judgment. 

An army of fanatical warriors stands in her way. Leading them is the mad and seemingly immortal Warlord who has a personal grudge to settle with Willow: one that spans centuries. 

Willow has devoted her life to discipline and now she must bring that discipline to bear. Pain will not stop her. Fear will not stop her. She will rescue the Prince or die trying. Willow has been honing her combat and weaponry skills for a very long time. It's time to put those skills to good use.

***

"Fresh and strong and full of energy!" - New York Times Bestselling Author R. A. Salvatore 

"Getzin makes you feel like a part of the intricate and fascinating world he's created. This is solid storytelling and spicy yarns. Once inside, you won't want to leave." - Mike Freeman, author of The New York Times notable book Bloody Sundays 

"This is a splendid book full of adventure and a sympathetic character in Willow. The story has heart and excitement. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a rollicking good fantasy. Jeffrey Getzin is a writer to watch" - Billie Sue Mosiman, author of Legions of the Dark 

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Prince of Bryanae

by Jeffrey Getzin

Giveaway ends November 10, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Jeffrey Getzin graduated from Clark University where he won the Loring Holmes and Ruth Dodd Drama Contest for an original one-act play. He has a master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Jeffrey is a former employee at Google  and now develops software for Freestyle Solutions and lives in New Jersey, where he lives with his long-time girlfriend Kate and a seemingly infinite number of cats.

Jeffrey is a lifelong practitioner of various martial arts, and currently holds a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu under Renzo Gracie black belt Jamie Cruz and has trained in Muay Thai under legendary fighter Kaensak Sor Ploenjit. He currently trains under Andy and Mike Main at Pure Mixed Martial Arts. He has competed in table tennis at the national level. Jeffrey is an avid film and home theater buff. Also, his mother says he is very handsome.

You can find out more about Jeffrey on his website and at Amazon.

Lorelei's Lyric: #Mermaids and #NewBookRelease

If Lorelei sings, someone will die.

Her beautiful voice once cost a life. Still, music is her passion. What’s a mermaid to do? Run off and live vicariously through mortal musicians!

Unfortunately, gorgeous rocker Vance Idol almost succumbs to her siren call after his show in Nashville. Not that Vance cares—not since his girlfriend’s fatal overdose left him with a supersized death wish. Lorelei makes it her mission to undo the damage and help this talented and charismatic man on the eve of his band’s big break.

But saving a mortal man is a dangerous proposition. Lorelei could far too easily lose her heart, and quite possibly her immortality, during her American holiday. Bad boy Vance might be worth the risk.

Can their love survive his attitude, her fins, and an Evil Pixie with a grudge against them both?

Available from Amazon in eBook and paperback formats.

Praise for Lorelei’s Lyric:

Lorelei’s Lyric is brilliantly clever with its unique blend of Southern humor and poignant mermaid mythology. Modern-day Siren, Lorelei, traveling to The Music City of Nashville? One helluva great premise that hooked me at page one! I fell in love with this shape shifting Siren and her romance with aspiring rocker Vance Idol. One of those rare books that will have you laughing and sighing and crying, touching your heart just as great music touches your soul. A must read!

—Debbie Herbert, USA Today bestselling author of the Dark Seas series (Siren’s Secret, Siren’s Treasure, and Siren’s Call)

Lorelei's Lyric made me swoon! A perfect blend of mermaid magic and rock-star grit, Sieders' charming, irresistibly sexy tale gives us a love story to believe in. I can't wait to read more!

           

—Jeri Smith-Ready, Award-winning author of Requiem for the Devil, the WVMP Radio series, and the Shade Trilogy

D.B. Sieders was born and raised in East Tennessee and spent her childhood hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, wading barefoot in creeks, and chasing salamanders, fish, and frogs. She and her family loved to tell stories while sitting around the campfire.

Those days of frog chasing sparked an interest in biology. She is a working scientist by day, but never lost her love of telling stories. Now, she’s a purveyor of unconventional fantasy romance featuring strong heroines and the heroes who strive to match them. Her heroes and heroines face a healthy dose of angst as they strive for redemption and a happily ever after, which everyone deserves.

D.B. Sieders lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, two children, two cats, and her very active imagination.

You can find D.B. Sieders on her Website, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Suffer the Little Children - Read it Now on #Wattpad

"After the death of his wife, Simon Fuller moves to a new home, with his two daughters. One day, his daughter introduces a new imaginary friend - Nathaniel. She 'gives' Nathaniel to her father, telling him he can keep the boy "forever". Simon tries to find out who the boy really is, but is unable to. Questioning his daughter, she tells him, again, that it's Nathaniel, but he prefers to be called by his nickname, Mr. Boogie."

Tied in to the Sinister movies, you can read Suffer the Little Children now on Wattpad.

Written by the author of Mr. Composure and Sin, Suffer the Little Children is the newest offering (for FREE!) from Shaun Allan.

Maidenhead

I'm all about the Dark Fairy Queen, so when she announced a Midsummer contest for flash fiction I dove in. Many thanks to the DFQ for dreaming up the challenge; I had a blast re-imagining a certain Scottish ballad as a modern business takeover.

Maidenhead

Janet marched to the door of Carterhaugh Inc. and swiped the entrance portal with the pad of her thumb. Naturally, it didn’t work, so someone had already changed the master code.

However, they didn’t know about the hack she had hidden in the program years ago. Janet keyed in SERPENT, and a series of doors whispered open to allow her entrance.

Her quick, angry footsteps echoed in the hallway. Janet was spoiling for a fight. She was rewarded by a dark figure holding a long object resembling a sword although, when she approached, she saw it was a laser pointer.

“Castlehaugh is mine,” she announced. “Get out, and take your cronies with you.”

“Fae Enterprises took over 51% last night…” the shade began.

“Yes, under hostile conditions. I already filed papers to remove the lines of text you added after the contracts were signed.”

He tilted up his chin. The light revealed a severe jaw and long, black hair. “I serve Fae in all respects,” he said. “Take your generous payout and leave.”

Tam Lin by Jill Karla Schwarz 

To be honest, it wasn’t bad advice. No one went up against Fae and survived the encounter. The rumor was Fae was in bed with Hellbore, the controlling interest behind the new, lightning-quick Aethernets.

“I’ve opposed company dogs before,” she smiled. “We have recordings of your company’s process.” Janet’s invention, installed secretly in the long meeting chamber, monitored blood pressure, heart rates, and breathing patterns of Fae’s CEO and COO. She also had bargained with the lawyers so those recordings could be used in court.

“You’ll never win against Fae…” The man’s gaze flickered.

Janet prepared for her final attack. “The Halloween Ball this weekend is still on,” she said. “I’ll pick you up. White car.”

A rumble erupted from his chest, the purr of a deadly lion. “You plan to offer me your maidenhead, perhaps?”

She grinned at the old-fashioned word and his lapse of judgment. “Long gone, I’m afraid.”

“White car,” he repeated, and she knew she had him.

“You never told me your name,” Janet said.

“I think you already know who I am.”

She couldn’t hold back her laughter. “I do. Until Saturday night, Mr. Lin.”

Frost by Erin Latimer - #CoverReveal

Frost by E. Latimer

Expected: August 25, 2015 by Patchwork Press

Book Description: Megan Walker’s touch has turned to ice. She can’t stop the frost, and the consequences of her first kiss are horrifying. When her new powers attract attention, Megan finds herself caught up in an ancient war between Norse giants. One side fuelled by a mad queen’s obsession and an ancient prophecy about Ranorak, the other by an age-old grudge. Both sides believe Megan to be something she’s not. Both sides will stop at nothing to have her. Fire or frost. It’s an impossible decision, but she’ll have to act soon, because the storm is coming.  

 

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon | Kobo | Apple |

Amazon UK | Amazon Canada

About E. Latimer: Erin Latimer is a young adult fantasy writer who currently resides in Vancouver, BC. She writes books, makes silly vlogs about writing with the YA Word nerds, and reads excessively. She has had an article featured in Chicken Soup For the Soul, and another in the Dear Teen Me online anthology. But mostly she writes about murderous queens and the magical teens who fight them. You can find her online at elatimer.com/

This Cover Reveal was organized by Patchwork Press.

 

Cover Reveal: Mountains of the Moon by @cjjasp Connie Jasperson #coverreveal

Welcome to the cover reveal for the new epic fantasy, Mountains of the Moon. by Connie J. Jasperson.

Charged by the goddess Aeos, Wynn and his companions bicker and bumble their way through the Mountains of the Moon. Danger, mystery, and dark prophecies chase them through a gauntlet of jagged peaks and deadly traps.

Can they survive the dark secret hidden in Tauron’s crumbling castle before his minotaurs overrun Neveyah?

The Gods are at war, and Neveyah is the battlefield.

Excerpt from MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON by Connie J. Jasperson:

The two prisoners heard heavy footsteps approaching, sounds that seemed to echo down a long passageway and stopped outside the door. A tired sounding voice said, “Well, your lordship. Did you feed them and give them water?”

“Of course I did,” replied the baron, in a quavering tenor. “I live, Jenner, but only because I serve. I understand that well.”

“They’re awake then. Those two soldiers of Tauron roughed them up pretty bad. Should I call Grakken to heal them now?”

The old man’s tones were sardonic. “Yes, you should. Your tame minotaurs were far gentler on them than they’ve been on some of the others, which isn’t saying much. At least these two big fellows have enough slack in their chains to be able to feed themselves and piss in a bucket.” His tones were scathing.

 “They’d better not have hurt them too badly. These two must be in good health for the ceremony tonight,” muttered the earth-mage. “Grakken is expecting a visit from High Priest Kandek today. The high priest will be pleased to have a real sacrifice to offer up on his new altar tonight instead of the usual miserable rabble.”

“I’m sure ‘the miserable rabble’ would have been glad to hear that if they’d survived your boss’s little frenzy the other day,” replied the old man. “Speaking of which, if we’re done here, I have to go and check on the one that does remain. I’m sure despite the ruckus of the other day, Grakken still has plans for her and wants to keep her alive even though he has these two fine specimens for tonight’s festivities, so….”

“Well, go about your duties then. I’m going to sit here just to keep those freaks from Serende from getting any ideas about using these two for sport. As soon as he’s awake, I’ll let Grakken know they’re here, through our link. He’ll be worried about their safety.”

“He should be worried about those soldiers, Jenner. They’re bored, and there’s nothing worse than a bored minotaur. Just so you’re aware, the woman likely won’t live through the day after their gentle courtship of her. You only have your minotaurs to blame for that. But it’s not my job to worry about the health of his sacrifices, especially since Grakken himself seems to be so careless with them.”

AND HERE IS THE BEAUTIFUL COVER:

    

Connie J. Jasperson lives in Olympia, Washington.  A vegan, she and her husband share five children, a love of good food and great music. She is active in local writing groups, an editor for Myrddin Publishing Group, and is a writing coach. She is an active member of the both the Northwest Independent Writers Association and Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and is a founding member of Myrddin Publishing Group.  Music and food dominate her waking moments. When not writing or blogging she can be found with her Kindle, reading avidly. You can find her blogging on her writing life at: http://conniejjasperson.wordpress.com

Connie J. Jasperson’s  body of work includes:

WORLD OF NEVEYAH series by Connie J. Jasperson

Mountains of the Moon - Danger, mystery, and dark prophecies, lie deep in a gauntlet of jagged peaks and deadly traps. Can Wynn survive the dark secret hidden in Tauron’s stolen castle before the Bull God’s minotaurs overrun Neveyah?

TOWER OF BONES, series based in the World of Neveyah

The gods are at war, and Neveyah is the battlefield.

This epic fantasy series opens with Tower of Bones, and follows Edwin Farmer as he journeys deep into the lands claimed by the dreaded Bull God, in an attempt to rescue a girl he has only met in his dreams.

Forbidden Road takes up Edwin’s story six years later. When four mages are sent into the shadowed lands claimed by the mad priest of the Bull God, who will return unscathed? Sorrow, peril, and magic await in the Valley of Mal Evol.

OTHER BOOKS BY CONNIE J. JASPERSON

Huw, the Bard, a novel that takes you to the world of Waldeyn, and a medieval alternate reality. Fleeing a burning city, everything he ever loved in ashes behind him, penniless and hunted, Huw the Bard must somehow survive. Available as an ebook and in paper.

Tales From the Dreamtime – a novella consisting of three modern fairy tales told in a traditional style. Available as an ebook, in paper, and as an Audiobook, narrated by the wonderful voice actor, Craig Allen.

Connie J Jasperson Social Links and Media

Connie J. Jasperson on Twitter: @cjjasp

Connie J. Jasperson on WattPad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/ConnieJJasperson

Connie J. Jasperson on Linked In: www.linkedin.com/pub/connie-j-jasperson/33/94/b38/

Connie J Jasperson, Author on Facebook  - https://www.facebook.com/cjjasperson

Life in the Realm of Fantasy (Connie J Jasperson’s Author Blog)  http://conniejjasperson.wordpress.com

The Best in Fantasy Book Reviews – http://bestinfantasy.blogspot.com

Cover Reveal - Girls Can't Be Knights by Lee French

I really love the cover for Girls Can't Be Knights by Lee French, and after reading the blurb I can't wait to get my hands on the book:

Portland has a ghost problem.

Sixteen-year-old Claire wants her father back. His death left her only memories and an empty locket. After six difficult years in foster care, her vocabulary no longer includes "hope" and "trust".

Everything changes when Justin rides his magical horse into her path and takes her under his wing. Like the rest of the elite men who serve as Spirit Knights, he hunts restless ghosts that devour the living.

When an evil spirit threatens Claire's life, she'll need Justin's help to survive. And how could she bear the Knights' mark on her soul? Everybody knows Girls Can't Be Knights.

*****

Lee French lives in Olympia, WA, and is the author of several books, most notably the Maze Beset Trilogy, The Greatest Sin series (co-authored with Erik Kort), and assorted tales in her fantasy setting, Ilauris. She is an avid gamer and active member of the Myth-Weavers online RPG community, where she is known for her fondness for Angry Ninja Squirrels of Doom. 

In addition to spending much time there, she also trains year-round for the one-week of glorious madness that is RAGBRAI, has a nice flower garden with one dragon and absolutely no lawn gnomes, and tries in vain every year to grow vegetables that don’t get devoured by neighborhood wildlife.

She is an active member of the Northwest Independent Writer’s Association and the Olympia Writer’s Coop, as well as serving as the co-Municipal Liaison for the NaNoWriMo Olympia Region.