Darkness Rising - Redemption #epicfantasy

Darkness Rising - Redemption available on Amazon

Ross Kitson, fantasy author extraordinaire, has just published part 6 of the Darkness Rising series. Part SIX! If you've been keeping tabs on the series, each book fits into a large scheme of plot, characters, and perhaps the most amazing world-building I've ever seen.

Have a look at some of the adventure and battle coming your way in his new book:

'There's no change without loss. No gain without sacrifice. Redemption is rarely painless.'

War has ripped apart Artoria as the dark forces of Vildor prepare for the final battle. Flying north to battle, Lady Orla forms an uneasy alliance with the Artorians. Yet her heart remains heavy with the guilt of recent betrayal.

In the wilderness of the Wastes, Emelia has succumbed to Vildor's black charm and watches helplessly as his schemes come to their terrible conclusion. Separated from his partner, Hunor, the Wild-Mage Jem races across Artoria to save Emelia. But more than just Vildor stands in his way as the terrors of the past seek to steal the might of the crystals from his grasp, and with them all hope of salvation.

The final book in the epic fantasy series, Darkness Rising- Redemption brings the incredible journey to its thrilling conclusion.

Take a look at Kitson's reviews:

'Tightly plotted, very well-written books, with a multitude of engaging characters.'  The British Fantasy Society

'Each page is a new rush of tension, mystery and adrenaline.' Amazon reviews.

'A finely crafted and unique fantasy novel which had me hooked from the first page.' Amazon reviews.

You can buy Darkness Rising - Redemption on Amazon US and UK. 

Ross M Kitson works during the day as a consultant in Intensive Care and Anaesthesia in the UK. He is married with three lovely children who soak up most of his free time. His works include the Prism series of epic fantasy, and the YA sci-fi adventures of the Nu-Knights.

images courtesy of wikipedia.org

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.

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.

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

#CoverReveal for Darkness Rising 5 by Ross Kitson

Besides being a great guy, Ross Kitson is a serious talent on many fronts. His writing is incredible, and he also creates detailed maps that take my breath away. (I'll freely admit here I'm a Map Ho.)

You can see both in his Darkness Rising series, a must-read for any epic fantasy fan. I love the books because they have real characters, heart-pounding action, and constant surprises that keep me turning the pages to read more.

Here is the cover for the latest installment, Darkness Rising (Book 5: Broken):

PS - The cover was created by Ceri Clark, who has been on hand to do each book for Ross. She's always amazing, and I think she outdid herself here with Broken.

And here is the blurb for Broken:

'Beneath the veneer, beneath the beauty, there is always the coldness of stone.’ 

Tragedy has torn apart Emelia and her companions, a terrible betrayal instigated by the Darkmaster, Vildor. A devastated Jem struggles to control the fearful power of the crystals, becoming distant from his closest friends. Hunor and Orla are tested by a secret from the past, a revelation that will change everything between them. In the Dead City, Emelia begins a search for her past, a journey that will plunge her deeper into the darkness of Vildor and his twisted schemes.

Desperate to seek aid in their battle against Vildor, the companions travel north to Belgo, capital of North Artoria. But everything is not what it seems in the palace, and danger lurks in every shadow, whether cast by friend or foe. 

Separated and alone, can Emelia, Jem and Hunor hope to prevail? Or will the evils of the present and 
the past overcome them at last?

Darkness Rising 5 – Broken is the fifth in the epic fantasy series that reviewers are calling ‘epic and 
spellbinding.’ It is a must read for fantasy fans the world over. 

Tower of Bones

Thus begins the Quest of a lifetime...

Connie Jasperson's books are filled with fantasy, magic, and more than that - overriding humanity. Tower of Bones and The Forbidden Road are addictive reads for fantasy fans like myself. I'm lucky enough to be able to present some selections from her books today:

From The Tower of Bones:

…“But here, I have not told you the special thing - My childhood nurse, a woman with, shall we say an ‘earthy’ past, long ago told me a small secret gate lies hidden in the garden wall beneath the Rose Tower, which some now call the Tower of Bones.” Edwin started on hearing the tower which figured so prominently in his dreams named. “It is a very dark garden when there is no moon and once this gate was quite useful for ‘private trysts’.

“Consider this - If a maid’s clandestine lover could find the gate useful for secret trysting, why then a thief could easily enter or leave, should they wish - but only on a moon-dark night. You will see why when you get there.” He looked over at a table full of traveling merchants and their guards, and then leaned forward as if talking to his closest friends. “I tell you this knowing it is safe with you, and you will carry it either to the grave or to his Holiness, which ever you see first!”

Jaxon leaned back and tossed a money pouch to Friedr, who accepted it with some confusion. The huge warrior’s face cleared up as he felt the contents of the pouch, and he tucked it into his shirt with a knowing smile.

“I will take the horse, and thank you for offering it to me,” Jaxon said as he stood up, automatically casting a wary eye around the room. “It is good to do business with you. The Mercenaries of Arlen stand ready in case of need, at the usual price of course. The Temple has only to call.” With that said he flipped a coin to the bartender and walked out into the night, followed by his guards.

“What was that all about?” asked Edwin, speaking in a whisper. “I don’t remember us having a horse to sell. We need our pack-ponies.”

“Don’t be so wool-headed, farm-boy,” whispered Aeolyn, who only caught the last of the conversation. “There are others, not of Arlen in this room tonight. It was a cover for what is really in the little money pouch. Come on Friedr, what is in the little bag?”

“I would guess it is a key of some sort,” suggested Christoph quietly, smiling faintly. “Perhaps it is the key to a gate beneath a certain tower?”

And from The Forbidden Road:

“Why does the land change so radically here?” Zan finally asked Edwin. “This is the worst road I’ve ever seen!”

“Tauron’s poison is nearly at the door,” replied Edwin, wondering what was bothering Zan. “It’s a mere fifty leagues away from the gap now. I thought you understood. We’ll be in Tauron’s Mal Evol in three days.”

“I knew it on one level, but I guess I didn’t understand what it meant,” replied Zan, feeling temporarily dismayed by the grim reality of the landscape. “I guess I was thinking of the adventure, not the reality. I was thinking it’d be like Aelfrid Firesword, all fun and adventure, with no worry.”

 “Actually, Aelfrid Firesword’s life must’ve been terribly difficult,” said Edwin, walking next to Zan. “Think about it. He was forced to kill his closest friend who’d become a rogue mage and gone over to Tauron. Can you imagine how you’d feel if, say, I went over to Tauron? How would you protect the people of Neveyah from me? What would you do?”

“I never thought about that aspect of the story,” Zan admitted. “Making those sorts of decisions, having to kill someone you love in order to protect others you love, I can’t imagine what that was like for Aelfrid.” He sighed. “But I’d do it, if I was forced to. I think it’d kill me, though.”

“I know.” Edwin clasped Zan’s shoulder. “Daryk was the most famous of the Dark-Mages, but most people don’t know he fought desperately against Tauron’s minions at Aelfrid’s side when the two of them first came into their powers. He worshipped Aeos, and loved Neveyah with all his heart. It never occurred to either Aelfrid or Daryk he would ever fall to Tauron, but there was no Temple, and no vows to protect him from Tauron’s blandishments. There was no college to teach young mages how to use their magic, so they had to learn how to control the build-up of chi and avoid the madness by gaining apprenticeships to older mages. Daryk was lured away from their kind master by a mindbender who was under Tauron’s spell. It was because of Aelfrid’s grief over the loss of the man who’d been closer than a brother, and his struggle to save the other mages still loyal to Aeos that Aeoven and the Temple exist today. Without Aelfrid we wouldn’t have the augmentations allowing us access to greater chi reserves, nor would we bind ourselves to the Goddess with the vows. It must’ve been a terribly hard time to live through.”

“I see what you mean,” admitted Zan. “As a kid I read all the stories, and just thought it was all good against evil, romance and happy endings. But maybe it’s just the way the bards tell it.”

Edwin laughed. “It wouldn’t be a good story if it was all dirt, bug bites and poor sanitary conditions now, would it?”

The author, in a festive moment