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Blurb for Treasured LandOn Patrick Griffin’s deathbed, he asks his daughter Brigid to do the unthinkable–leave the Township of Melbourne with a dangerous convict. If she grants his request and risks trekking into the desert with a stranger, she could lose everything she’s come to know. Ultimately, she could end up alone, with nothing but her father’s memory. After being thrown into jail, Nathaniel O’Connor comes out of the experience bitter and ready to leave the gold rush life well and truly behind him. He is determined to take for himself what he feels Patrick Griffin has stolen from him. The only thing standing between him and his goal is Patrick’s headstrong daughter, Brigid.
Forced to work together, Brigid and Nathaniel embark on the journey of a lifetime. Traveling across the vast, unexplored countryside, they face not only the elements but also a ruthless man driven by shocking greed. Their challenges draw them together, and their experiences could not only change their outlook on life forever but turn their hearts to one another as well. Sometimes, though, what the heart needs and what the heart wants are two different things. Each has a choice to make, which may result in a loss neither wants, that of a Treasured Land.
Dream Cast and Excerpts from Treasured Land
1.
Brigid wanted to hold her breath in anticipation, silently praying they could make it past all the tents and men, without a scene. Harmonicas sounded out here and there through the night, played by the men who were winding down from a long day in the sun. The air was crisp and clear, with only the lingering scent of fires from supper floating on the light breeze. Stars littered the dark sky, lighting their way yet concealing them in the shadow of night. It was almost enough to put her to sleep. She was tired, and again they were on the run, but this time toward Melbourne. Life certainly hadn’t been the same for her since meeting Nathaniel, and she had a feeling it wasn’t ever going to be, either.
2.Coming over the top to stand near the trees, Brigid wanted to scream. She dropped to the ground as quickly as she could to lie on her stomach, afraid she might have been spotted already. Brigid could see the outline of a man with his arms held above his head. He hung from a rope tied up to a tree branch. Two white trees like the ones she laid between, these two were also standing on their own with nothing else around them. It was Nathaniel hanging there. It had to be, and he wasn’t alone. Someone sat at the base of the other tree, keeping guard. She didn’t know if they were alone or if anyone else was around. She would have to wait it out for a while to see. She wasn’t equipped with anything she could use to help Nathaniel, so she needed to think on what to do. Brigid was both so scared and overjoyed at actually finding Nathaniel that she couldn’t do more than simply lay there anyway, her mind racing in too many directions.
3.An old man with long white hair and white beard stood and came over to stand near the fire. He looked to them, nodding.
“Welcome to the land, our home. Be welcome to pass by here,” Sam said, his voice coming in just after the old man spoke to them. They continued that way, the old man talking with Sam interpreting what was said. “The welcome dance also awakens the spirits of our ancestors. They welcome you, too. We want to tell you a story, a story that has changed the lives of this people.”
Nathaniel turned to look at Brigid at the same time she turned to him. They both had no idea where this was going to lead, but the old man had their attention, and all they could do was listen.
4. He looked up to Brigid and smiled. “Badalya mean food. Tucker tonight, and now he dead.”
Nathaniel had to move swiftly to catch Brigid across his arms when she promptly fainted. He looked over the dead body of their supposed supper and frowned at Sam.
“Hey, boss, give her this.”
Nathaniel watched Sam pull a bunch of leaves of some sort out from the back pocket of his pants. He held it to his lips before shoving it in Nathaniel’s shirt pocket. “For dyinmang belly.”
Nathaniel just stared at Sam, not knowing what to say just then as he continued to hold a limp Brigid in his arms. Sam stood and began to drag the kangaroo away. Nathaniel was simply speechless to all that just had taken place, and he sighed as he looked back down to Brigid.
5.Brigid locked her gaze with his. He couldn’t look away even if he wanted to. She was too mesmerizing at that moment, sitting in the shade, soft pink cheeks, and…nostalgic. She took his breath away.
“I would not have let you live the way we had and would have been angry at Patrick if he brought you out there. I am angry at him because it had come close to that.”
She did smile at him this time. Her pink lips parted, revealing her lovely straight teeth, and his chest swelled, honoured to have been the recipient of it. “Why do you smile, Brigid?”
“Because, Nathaniel, it did nae make a difference anyway. Ye are mad at him now, and I am living somewhat the way he did.”
Playlist
Lana Del Rey, Video Games
Lana Del Rey, Summertime Sadness
Lana Del Rey, Once Upon a dream
The Madden Brothers, Brother
Thirty seconds to Mars, City of angels
Sleeping at Last, Accidental light, Earth, Venus
Emeli, Full Album.
Paloma Faith, Only Love Can Hurt Like This
About the Author
Melanie Corona was born in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia, and raised in Alice Springs (the very centre of the country). She has always loved reading and telling “tall tales” and wrote poetry all the time. Her greatest influence was her grandpa Majid who kept all the grandchildren entertained, constantly, with his stories, music and passion for writing.
Melanie didn’t tell anyone she wrote when she started because she was too shy, and now, has no idea why she was like that. She has stories to tell and wants to share them with whoever will read them. “I am not, and never will profess to be an awesome writer, but I will try to entertain, while bringing to life the history of my country, one page at a time.”
Network With Melanie Corona
Find all her hangouts, and get the latest news about her and her books on her website.
A Rose In Bloom, a serial romantic comedy by Tamie Dearen, is available to read at no charge on the author’s blogsite for a limited time. The beautiful cover was designed by the multi-talented Victorine Lieske. The completed book will be available soon on Kindle, Nook, and iBooks!
Like all books written by Tamie Dearen, this is a Clean Indie Read!
Author Bio:
Tamie Dearen lives with her very romantic husband of thirty-two years. She has two beautiful daughters, two amazing son-in-laws, and one awesome grandson. She plays piano, flute, harmonica, keyboards, and guitar, and loves composing and art. And she hates housework. She has been a dentist in private practice for thirty years. In her spare time, she writes books.
Tamie specializes in writing “clean’ books without excessive violence, offensive language, or explicit sex. She has published a romantic comedy series called The Best Girls, which includes a free novella, and four full-length novels. She has also published the first book of her young adult fantasy series, Alora: The Wander-Jewel. Book two, Alora: The Portal, is in the works. She is also writing a serial romance and publishing it weekly on her blog, with plans to combine all the parts into a published book when the story is complete.Tamie met her husband as a freshman in college when she acted out of character on a whim. One night in the library lobby, she spied a cute guy with his first name written on the back of his shirt. She called out his name. When he approached to talk to her, she pretended that she’d met him before, asking about his classes and how he liked college. To her surprise and delight, he also pretended that he knew her, but of course he didn’t know her name. They continued this false relationship for two months. Each time they saw each other, an event that occurred three times per week at the cafeteria, he would pretend he knew her. Meanwhile, all of Tamie’s friends were careful not to reveal her name to him. When he finally admitted his ignorance of her name, he was astonished to learn the truth. And the rest is history.
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
Cynthia P. Willow
Title of book and/or series:
The Kingsley Adventures
Patty Gayle and the Legend of Kingsley ~ Book 1
Return to Kingsley ~ Book 2
Brief summary of the stories:
PATTY GAYLE AND THE LEGEND OF KINGSLEY
When twelve-year-old Patty Gayle’s grandmother grants her an old skeleton key, it unlocks the adventure of a lifetime! The key leads her to beautiful Kingsley, a magical land threatened by an evil sorcerer. Patty Gayle soon discovers that an ancient prophecy has foretold that a young human girl is the only hope for Kingsley. If she is truly to be the chosen one, she must overcome her deepest fears. Will the faith of a young girl be enough to free Kingsley from a tragic fate?
RETURN TO KINGSLEY
Thirteen-year-old Callie dreams of having her own adventure in the magical world of Kingsley like her grandmother and her great-great grandmother before her. But she doesn’t have very high hopes since the portal to Kingsley was shut fifty-two years ago. Little does she know that the inhabitants of Kingsley are in desperate need. A plague is killing Kingsley’s creatures. But Callie doesn’t live on the lake, nor does she have the magical bracelet to allow her to breathe underwater. How will she get to Kingsley? And will she figure it out in time to save the land?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Kingsley is a parallel world to ours. It is a beautiful world full of fairy queens, mermaids, and all sorts of talking creatures.
If we were to visit Kingsley as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?Well, if you borrowed the bracelet which allows you to breathe under water, then you could go to the bottom of the ocean and play poker with the dolphins. If you don’t know how to play poker, you could swim with the mermaids. If you’re more of a land-lover, perhaps you’d like to visit Faith, the unicorn. And if you’re not afraid of heights, you might want to take a ride on Keagan’s back. No, I’m telling you what Keagan is.
What dangers should we avoid in Kingsley?
All humans must stay clear of the Ghillie-Dhu. They dislike humans. And of course, there are evil sorcerers there, but I’ve said too much.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Kingsley?
Yes! There is a delicious purple triangular fruit that sustains the person who eats it for a good while.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Kingsley? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The 3 fairy queens use magic for good purposes. Their magic also keeps them immortal. The brownies–which are servants in the castle–also use magic for making all sorts of things.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Kingsley.If dolphins playing poker isn’t entertainment, then I don’t know what is.
What is the political or government structure in Kingsley? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Kingsley is ruled by three fairy queens. They are sisters. By name: Ruby, Pearl, and Emerald. Ruby is the leader of the three. She is the one who holds everything together. She’s stern, but just. Pearl is the caring, emotional sister who thinks of others first. Emerald has the personality of a teenager and giggles a lot.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
The world of Kingsley is inspired by a real place in Florida called Kingsley Lake. My ancestors settled Kingsley Lake, and my grandmother and mother grew up there. Three of my grandmother’s sisters were named Ruby, Pearl, and Emma. I planned to write a story about the sisters when I was just a child. I took that plan and mixed it with my mom’s childhood fantasies and made a series.
Author Autobiography:I’m a home-schooling mother of three and a full-time student earning my Masters degree in Human Services and Life Coaching.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
The Kingsley Adventures are available in Ebook format on Kindle, Nook, Scribd, Apple, Kobo, and Inktera as well as paperback. All links are on The Kingsley Adventures page of my website:
If you want to read them on Kindle, you can purchase them both in a 2-book bundle and save $2.00.
Where can readers connect with you online?
Please visit my website at www.cynthiapwillow.com
Find me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Cynthiapwillow
Follow me on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/CynthiaPWillow
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Kingsley. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the sci-fi world of Cyraria, in Realm Explorers Part XXXV!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the sci-fi world of Cyraria, in Realm Explorers Part XXXV!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Independent authors who produce unobjectionable stories have joined together to provide you “flinch-free” fiction for your reading pleasure. I have highlighted many of the books here under the heading Winter Daze Reading Craze. I hope you enjoy the selections and find some new authors to fill the long, cold days of winter.
Thanks to author Peggy McAloon at http://.peggymcaloon.com for these great slides!
Winter Daze Fantasy & Action – Age: 8+
Winter Daze Historical Fiction – Age: 12+
Winter Daze Action and Adventure/Fantasy for Adults and Kids in Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School
Winter Daze Action and Adventure/Fantasy for Adults and Kids in Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School
Winter Daze Action and Adventure/Fantasy for Adults and Kids in Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School
Winter Daze Contemporary Romance for Teens and Adults
Winter Daze Regency Timeslip Romance
Winter Daze Contemporary Christian Women’s Fiction
Winter Daze YA Pirate/Fantasy
Winter Daze An Easy-to-Read Adventure for ages 7 and up
Winter Daze Historical Mystery
Winter Daze Christian Romantic Suspense
Winter Daze Literary/Women’s Fiction
Winter Daze Middle Grade Fantasy
Winter Daze Fantasy with a touch of Romance: Exciting enough for Adults – Clean enough for Teenagers
Winter Daze Contemporary Action Adventure, and Romantic Suspense (This is a “clean romance” with minor language and violence.)
Winter Daze Fantasy, Adventure – for Upper Elementary to Adult
Winter Daze Women’s Fiction
Winter Daze Sweet Contemporary Romance
Winter Daze Metaphysical Fantasy/Drama/Adventure with a bit of Travel — for age 14+
Winter Daze Fantasy – for age 10+
Winter Daze Fantasy; Sweet Romance – Age 10+
Winter Daze Written Like Historical Fiction, set like Science Fiction, and Filled with Romance
Winter Daze Fantasy – Dragons
Winter Daze Romance
Winter Daze Fantasy & Magic, Children’s Books
Winter Daze Teen & Young Adult, Fantasy & Paranormal
Winter Daze YA Fantasy
Winter Daze Mystery
Thank you all for taking the time to review this instant library of some great indie books! We invite you to come to the Clean Indie Reads website for even more selections: Clean Indie Reads
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
(Note: the three landscape paintings below were created by Catherine Whitehead, the same artist who designed the book cover. The scenes they depict helped inspire Lynne Pearl in her writing of this book.)
Author’s name: Lynne Pearl
Title of book and/or series: Thiel: One Foot in Front of the Other (this is Book 1 in the Thiel series)
Brief summary of the story:
On the death of Narn, Thiel’s beloved grandmother, Thiel leaves his rural home with his sole companion, a dog, to find his secret inheritance. Unable to read, mostly inarticulate and considered of little use by his fellow men, he carries Narn’s letter to a lawyer in the impoverished and corrupt city of Goneton. Given a key to Narn’s original home, he travels miles from his birthplace, meeting new companions along the way, including a wild pony and an abandoned child.
In a world similar to our own, Lynne Pearl vividly describes a time of crisis in an imagined past where rural idyll is clashing with the march of industrial modernity. In this gentle coming-of-age tale, an unlikely hero embarks on a journey of self discovery.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: Westering is a world similar to our own but with some significant differences: the rituals, the marked distinction between rural and city life, the use of animals alongside the use of developed technologies. There are also poorly understood fertility problems with rural populations struggling to replenish their numbers. These difficulties producing offspring exacerbate some of the existing negative practices and attitudes towards disability and health.
If we were to visit Westering as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
I would suggest the coast and the moorlands’ standing stones, despite local superstitions about the stones and these empty places.
What dangers should we avoid in Westering?
The overcrowding and the lack of care and nutrition in the cities.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Westering?
Food in rural Westering is humble and rustic: slow-cooked stews of meat and vegetables; butter and cheese made by a neighbouring farmer; porridges made with local grain; homemade loaves of bread. However, the impoverished areas in the cities eat poorly while the elite eat richly.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Westering?
There is weaponry but not much is made of it. It would be rather ordinary such as swords and the use of horses in skirmishes.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Westering?
Foot, horse, pony, donkey, cart, or ship.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Westering that we don’t see on Earth?
There are the same plants as on Earth but the animals are more attuned to the moods and feelings of the humans. The human races are the same but with the difference that they can have special latent abilities.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Westering? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used. No magic, little supernatural influence.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Westering? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Technology in Westering is modest, for example preserving fruits and produce, making pottery and smithing metalwork of great delicacy and intricacy. In Book 2 we find that the elites of the city of Goneton would like to use the smiths’ metalwork to make a machine, but its use is not revealed to the reader.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Westering.
Not described in great detail, although the people enjoy telling stories and singing folk songs.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Westering as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The days and weeks are not the same as on Earth but they are not delineated as part of the storyline. They are an implicit and unstated backdrop.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Westering? Please describe what it involves.
There is a rural folk religion that makes great use of song as well as imagery, flowers and animals. For example, the ceremony of Narn’s Passing involves a singing procession of villagers following behind Thiel’s family. They travel together from their homes to the village Song Hall and there they offer what flowers they could find in remembrance of Thiel’s grandmother.
What is the political or government structure in Westering? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? The political structure varies from area to area. In the city there is a committee and there is some kind of implicit political process but it is not integral to the story line in the first Thiel book.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Westering?
Participation in group song occurs at many occasions, both happy and sad, and also as part of more mundane camaraderie.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
The landscapes of Westering are inspired by Southwest England, especially the villages and moors of Devon and the South Cornish coast. The cool, wintery climate as Thiel travels across Westering is inspired by the Canadian winter, particularly the deep soft snowfalls of Ontario. Non-fiction material on these landscapes is also captured in a number of poetry volumes by Lynne, the first of which is Road Trip, River Voices: Canada Liminal.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
The abilities and rights of disabled people and how to integrate them into society (or not) are central themes in this book. Thiel himself is physically and mentally disabled and neglected by his parents which exacerbates his social anxiety. Secondly, on his journey through a village with different customs to his own, Thiel finds a child abandoned to die in the street because she has a physical deformity (her spine is malformed but she is otherwise fine). Thiel rescues the child and becomes her guardian, helping him to mature into a man.
Author Autobiography:
Lynne Pearl is an author and poet inspired by the people and geography of England and Canada. She lives in the Westcountry of England and divides her time between the coast, the moor and visits to Ontario, Canada. Favourite places include the Donkey Sanctuary in the Westcountry and the Thousand Islands in Ontario. Her literary career started in academia, writing and reviewing textbooks and journal articles. Favourite authors include Elizabeth Goudge and Robert Bly. She mainly uses Facebook to look at pictures of her children.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
Thiel: One Foot in Front of the Other is available for your Kindle from Amazon.
Where can readers connect with you online?
Readers can connect on facebook, twitter, our websiteor by e-mail. These are managed by Sophie Gifford at Snell Publishers on Lynne’s behalf.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Westering. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Kingsley, in Realm Explorers Part XXXIV!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Kingsley, in Realm Explorers Part XXXIV!
-Annie Douglass Lima
A themed tour with Prism Book Tours.
We’re blitzing the GRAND FINALE for
Parched
By Georgia Clark
Robots, renewable resources, and romance get tangled together in this thrilling
futuristic adventure novel about a utopian city struggling to keep its peace.
Did you miss any of this tour? Go back and check out what you missed…
Launch – More About the Author and Parched
What do you hope readers take with them when they read your book?
Parched is about a girl who joins a rebel underground group to fight for what she believes in. I hope this book inspires readers to do the same.
Hope To Read – Tech Speak: The New Technologies of Parched
One of the most fun parts of writing a sci-fi is getting to invent cool new technologies. Here’s a few of my favorites from my new novel Parched, and where their inspiration came from.
Book N Blog – Review
“Parched by Georgia Clark was an enjoyable and interesting read that gets you thinking about big brother, world domination and what will happen when AI becomes a reality.”
Kelly P’s Blog – Interview
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
Ooh, hard question. I love them all!
Coffee Books & Art – Interview
Did you do any kind of research to determine the details of your characters lives / lifestyles?
I did a ridiculous amount of research! I interviewed experts I tracked down online, subscribed science-y magazines, read articles, listened to podcasts. A lot of podcasts, specifically, Robots and Singularity 1 on 1.
Book-Marks the Spot – Review
“This book was intense. There was always something happening and I felt that if I blinked I was going to miss something. . . . Parched was dynamic, mind boggling, and just outright good. It is definitely worth the read.”
The Written Adventure – Interview
Where did you get the idea for Tess?
Tess is a combination of me, some of my friends, and other YA heroines. I love creating spunky female characters who are brave, but flawed, who are active, emotional but not just boy-crazy. Tess is not a girly-girl, and neither am I.
Mel’s Shelves – Review
“There were some twists, turns and surprising revelations and Tess needed to figure out who she could trust. Once I got involved, I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. If you enjoy dystopian Sci-Fi, this is a book you will want to check out!”
I Am A Reader – Introduction to the world of Parched
Welcome to the world of Parched: a rollercoaster ride of robots, rebels and romance, of secrets, impossible choices, and a fight for freedom, all in a domed city and a sprawling desert…
Katy’s Krazy Books – Review
“Upon starting to read it, I found that I just kept wanting to read and read and read. Nothing could distract me from wanting to find out what was going to happen to Tess next.”
Welcome to Book City – Review
“I’m quite impressed by this book. . . . I was suddenly spending my last hours awake reading it.”
Colorimetry – Three lady memoirs I’m loving
How To Be A Woman, by Caitlin Moran
Warning: Do not start listening to this book unless you’re prepared to have your internal monologue hi-jacked by a Brit. It’s driving me literally balmy! It’s a testament to Caitlin’s distinctive voice as a writer that I’m able to channel her so successfully.
My Life Loves and Passion – Review
“Even though I am not a huge fan of robots, I felt like this was such a good story. Plus how many sci fi/YA/romance stories are out there that are this awesome!”
100 Pages A Day – Recommended YA Reads
Having to select your favorite books is like having to select your favourite cake: impossible! They’re all so good! But I bit the bullet and tried to whittle them down. Best enjoyed over a slice of salted caramel something…
Typical Distractions – Review
“Parched is exactly what I expected and nothing like I expected. You will enter a world of robots, choices, and the chance to do what is right no matter the cost. It is true to the YA Dysotopian genre but with a spin all it’s own.”
Literally Jen – Review
“After I finished reading Parched, all I could think was “wow.” There is so much to take in here, between the richly thought-out world, the customs of each society, and the intricate relationships between all of the characters.”
Lilac Reviews – Meet Tessendra “Tess” Rockwood with Dream Cast
Following her mother’s murder, Tess fled her safe and easy life in the domed city of Eden to spend an aimless year in the rough ‘n’ ready Badlands. Here she changed her name, taught herself the local dialect Malspeak, and learned to hunt, protect herself and survive on her own.
Wishful Endings – Meet Hunter Adams with Dream Cast
Tess is first introduced to Hunter when she returns to her home of Eden—a lush, technically advanced and socially conscious city that thrives under a clear dome—after spending a year in the rough ‘n’ ready Badlands. He’s her uncle’s teaching assistant, socially awkward if thoughtful: ‘his curious, darting eyes seem to exude intelligence’.
Deal Sharing Aunt – Review
“I just finished reading Parched and I liked it very much. Anyone who loves to read about a future world with robots and some romance mixed in will like this book. I thought the storyline was good and I liked the action.”
Beck Valley Books – Interview
Can you tell me more about the book beyond what it listed on the back cover and what inspired you to write it?
I grew up watching great sci-fi movies like Bladerunner and Star Wars and have always been attracted to the genre: equal parts exciting/fun and thoughtful/insightful. I loved The Hunger Games and felt inspired to write something of that ilk: a young girl in a brave new world, fighting for what she believes in.
Parchedby Georgia Clark
YA Romantic Sci-Fi
Hardcover, 312 Pages
March 14th 2014 by Holiday House
YA Romantic Sci-Fi
Hardcover, 312 Pages
March 14th 2014 by Holiday House
Sixteen-year-old Tess lived in Eden, a seemingly idyllic, domed city where access to information and water is regulated by the governing Trust. After a rogue robot killed her scientist mother, Tess fled with a terrible secret to the desperate, arid Badlands, where she’s recruited by Kudzu, explained to her as a “nonviolent collective working to undermine the Trust and free the Badlands.” Learning Kudzu plans to destroy Aevum, the Trust’s latest advanced robot, Tess reluctantly returns to Eden, where she finds the luxurious life morally unconscionable and secretly trains with Kudzu. Living with her uncle, who’s involved with Aevum, Tess is strangely attracted to his sympathetic assistant, Hunter. During a Kudzu raid on the Trust’s lab, Tess discovers that Aevum will be used to eradicate all inhabitants of the Badlands—and that Hunter’s not what he seems to be.
Tess’ first-person, present-tense voice lends chilling immediacy to her no-nonsense story of mixed loyalty, disturbing secrets, and ethical dilemmas associated with diminishing natural resources and scientific experimentation.
Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Indie Bound
Georgia Clark is an Australian writer and performer based in Brooklyn. She is the author of the young adult novels SHE’S WITH THE BAND (Allen & Unwin) and sci-fi/romance PARCHED (Holiday House). Widely published online and in print. Won some awards/grants/residencies. Has a play on at the NY Fringe festival. Pretty keen on cheese plates.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
$20 Amazon Gift Card (INT)
Signed copy of Parched (US only)
Ends January 25th
What do pirates, explorers and children have in common? They all love treasure hunts!
THE ULTIMATE READING QUEST will end on Monday, January 19th, at midnight. This is your last chance to explore new books and authors, and to take home free prizes and books. Plus, one lucky winner, will get a
MYSTERY BONUS TREASURE!
To enter your name for this SPECIAL TREASURE you must prove yourself worthy by collecting the 49 letters of a secret message! Just by reading this post you already have two of the letters (A and B).
Find the rest within the Quest, writing them down as you go. When you have all 49, unscramble them to decode the secret message. Enter the exact words of the message in the Mystery Prize Rafflecopter right here: a Rafflecopter giveawayAs you’re searching for the letters, be sure to leave a comment for each and every author. Not only will you get to chat with the amazing Quest authors, but each comment will earn you extra entries in the general Quest prize giveaway that includes an astonishing XX free prizes and gifts!
What are you waiting for? Click this button to start collecting the rest of the letters. Then return here and enter the giveaway at the bottom to TAKE THE TREASURE!
CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO START THE QUEST
In the Darkness of the Pit
The Light Shines Brightest
Drums summon the chieftain’s powerful son to slay a man in cold blood and thereby earn his place among the warriors. But instead of glory, he earns the name Draven, “Coward.” When the men of his tribe march off to war, Draven remains behind with the women and his shame. Only fearless but crippled Ita values her brother’s honor.
The warriors return from battle victorious yet trailing a curse in their wake. One by one the strong and the weak of the tribe fall prey to an illness of supernatural power. The secret source of this evil can be found and destroyed by only the bravest heart.
But when the curse attacks the one Draven loves most, can this coward find the courage he needs to face the darkness?
Coming May 25, 2015
AUTHOR BIO:
ANNE ELISABETH STENGL makes her home in North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed Tales of Goldstone Wood. Her novel Starflower was awarded the 2013 Clive Staples Award, and her novels Heartless, Veiled Rose, and Dragonwitchhave each been honored with a Christy Award.
To learn more about Anne Elisabeth Stengl and her books visit: www.AnneElisabethStengl.blogspot.com
EXCERPT from DRAVEN’S LIGHT
By Anne Elisabeth Stengl
(coming May 25, 2015)
He heard the drums in his dreams, distant but drawing ever nearer. He had heard them before and wondered if the time of his manhood had come. But with the approach of dawn, the drums always faded away and he woke to the world still a child. Still a boy.
But this night, the distant drums were louder, stronger. Somehow he knew they were not concocted of his sleeping fancy. No, even as he slept he knew these were real drums, and he recognized the beat: The beat of death. The beat of blood.
The beat of a man’s heart.
He woke with a start, his leg throbbing where it had just been kicked. It was not the sort of awakening he had longed for these last two years and more. He glared from his bed up into the face of his sister, who stood above him, balancing her weight on a stout forked branch tucked under her left shoulder.
“Ita,” the boy growled, “what are you doing here? Go back to the women’s hut!”
His sister made a face at him, but he saw, even by the moonlight streaming through cracks in the thatch above, that her eyes were very round and solemn. Only then did he notice that the drumbeats of his dream were indeed still booming deep in the woods beyond the village fires. He sat up then, his heart thudding its own thunderous pace.
“A prisoner,” Ita said, shifting her branch so that she might turn toward the door. “The drums speak of a prisoner. They’re bringing him even now.” She flashed a smile down at him, though it was so tense with anxiety it could hardly be counted a smile at all. “Gaho, your name!”
The boy was up and out of his bed in a moment, reaching for a tunic and belt. His sister hobbled back along the wall but did not leave, though he wished she would. He wished she would allow him these few moments before the drums arrived in the village. The drums that beat of one man’s death . . . and one man’s birth.
His name was Gaho. But by the coming of dawn, if the drums’ promise was true, he would be born again in blood and bear a new name.
Hands shaking with what he desperately hoped wasn’t fear, he tightened his belt and searched the room for his sickle blade. He saw the bone handle, white in the moonlight, protruding from beneath his bed pile, and swiftly took it up. The bronze gleamed dully, like the carnivorous tooth of an ancient beast.
A shudder ran through his sister’s body. Gaho, sensing her distress, turned to her. She grasped her supporting branch hard, and the smile was gone from her face. “Gaho,” she said, “will you do it?”
“I will,” said Gaho, his voice strong with mounting excitement.
But Ita reached out to him suddenly, catching his weapon hand just above the wrist. “I will lose you,” she said. “My brother . . . I will lose you!”
“You will not. You will lose only Gaho,” said the boy, shaking her off, gently, for she was not strong. Without another word, he ducked through the door of his small hut—one he had built for himself but a year before in anticipation of his coming manhood—and stood in the darkness of Rannul Village, eyes instinctively turning to the few campfires burning. The drums were very near now, and he could see the shadows of waking villagers moving about the fires, building up the flames in preparation for what must surely follow. He felt eyes he could not see turning to his hut, turning to him. He felt the question each pair of eyes asked in silent curiosity: Will it be tonight?
Tonight or no night.
Grasping the hilt of his weapon with both hands, Gaho strode to the dusty village center, which was beaten down into hard, packed earth from years of meetings and matches of strength held in this same spot. Tall pillars of aged wood ringed this circle, and women hastened to these, bearing torches which they fit into hollowed-out slots in each pillar. Soon the village center was bright as noonday, but with harsh red light appropriate for coming events.
Gaho stood in the center of that light, his heart ramming in his throat though his face was a stoic mask. All the waking village was gathered now, men, women, and children, standing just beyond the circle, watching him.
The drums came up from the river, pounding in time to the tramp of warriors’ feet. Then the warriors themselves were illuminated by the ringing torches, their faces anointed in blood, their heads helmed with bone and bronze, their shoulders covered in hides of bear, wolf, and boar. Ten men carried tight skin drums, beating them with their fists. They entered the center first, standing each beneath one of the ringing pillars. Other warriors followed them, filling in the gaps between.
Then the chieftain, mighty Gaher, appeared. He carried his heavy crescent ax in one hand, and Gaho saw that blood stained its edge—indeed, blood spattered the blade from tip to hilt and covered the whole of the chieftain’s fist. Gaher strode into the circle, and the boy saw more blood in his beard. But he also saw the bright, wolfish smile and knew for certain that his sister had been correct. The night of naming had come.
“My son,” said the chief, saluting Gaho with upraised weapon.
“My father,” said Gaho, raising his sickle blade in return.
“Are you ready this night to die and live again?” asked the chief. His voice carried through the shadows, and every one of the tribe heard it, and any and all listening beasts of forests and fields surrounding. “Are you ready this night for the spilling of blood that must flow before life may begin?”
Gaho drew a deep breath, putting all the strength of his spirit into his answer. “I am ready, Father.”
Gaher’s smile grew, the torchlight flashing red upon his sharpened canines. He turned then and motioned to the darkness beyond the torchlight.
The sacrifice was brought forward.
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From the author of The Land Uncharted comes the second book in the Uncharted series, Uncharted Redemption. Written like a historical, set like a scifi, and filled with romance, Uncharted Redemption continues this suspenseful story of life in a hidden land.
Title: Uncharted Redemption
Author: Keely Brooke Keith
Release Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Edenbrooke Press
Description: Levi Colburn, resentful of his father, haunted by his mother’s tragic death, and pained by his love for the unattainable Mandy Foster, breaks from the Land’s tradition and begins to build a life of his own. When rebels tear through the village of Good Springs, Levi vows to deliver justice and restore the woman he loves. As tradition stands in the way of redemption and threats from the outside world begin to appear, Levi must learn his greatest battles cannot be fought with his fists. Romantic, suspenseful, and filled with adventure, Uncharted Redemption weaves dramatic new layers into life in the Land.
Purchase Links:
Pre-order signed paperbacks: UnchartedRedemption
Have your ebook of Uncharted Redemption signed via Authorgraph
Uncharted Redemptionis the second book in the Uncharted series. If you haven’t read The Land Uncharted, it’s best to start here: The LandUncharted
Author Bio:
Keely is a bass guitarist and lives on a hilltop south of Nashville. When she isn’t writing stories or playing bass, Keely enjoys dancing, having coffee with friends, and sifting through vintage books at antique stores.
Author links:
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don’t forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Also, you can enter to win a free copy of one of her books this week!
Also, you can enter to win a free copy of one of her books this week!
Author’s name: E. Kaiser Writes
Title of book and/or series: The Thaw: series, Winter’s Child, Winter Queen, & Prince of Demargen
Brief summary of the story:
Infused with a strong Christian ethic and a historical feel, they’re set in a quasi-Victorian world where portals to fairyland show up every once in a while. Angels move unseen, doing their work, but sometimes in special cases the Master sends them to interject in a person’s life, and change it forever.
Good vs. evil, patience vs. recklessness, and the undeserved gift of grace for those who pray for it; the Thaw: series begins with Winter’s Child, (combining Snow Maiden/Schneekind/Snegurken with Anderson’s Snow Queen) where a barren king and queen pray for a child, and when in their loneliness, they make one out of snow, their prayers are answered in a special, and unusual way.
Sometimes, when we get what we wish for, we don’t know what to do with it.
Sometimes, when we get what we wish for, we don’t know what to do with it.
The story continues with Winter Queen, when princess Ilise allows her avoidance behavior to isolate her from the world… and it’s only when she takes the final step that she realizes the wall she’s built in the name of safety is also the one that will hold her prisoner forever… unless she discovers how to destroy it.
The only one who can break a neurosis… is the one who has it.
Third in the series is Prince of Demargen, which finally settles the matter of the Devil’s Mirror. The whole world knows his guilt, and is absolutely correct about it, but how far can a man go to regain respect so swiftly lost?
Or is an honorable death the best a fallen star can hope for?
The only person who can help him… is the one he most deeply wronged.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: I had a lot of fun setting the Thaw: books in a world that was much like Europe, but without all the wars. So if fairytales are often set in Middle Ages type feel, just imagine that being updated to a Victorian-style era, and going from there.
When planning this my brainstorming partner/sister and I definitely knew we didn’t want to be “in the real world” because it is definitely a fairy tale world. So we basically drew heavily from the map, cultures and customs, and changed anything we felt like. It was a lot of fun!
For one thing, we wanted to utilize the Norse cultures, but we wanted our Noran to be more towards the middle of the map. So we switched where Norway and Sweden are, Noran is interior and Svesser is on the outside.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Noran?
The North kingdoms use horses and carriages for land travel, sailing ships for sea voyages, and ferries for crossing rivers. Further north, into the Wild Lands, the folk up there use dog teams and reindeer hitches to pull sleds and sledges through the wintery months.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Noran that we don’t see on Earth? The Thaw: books are set in a world pretty much like our own, although the Angels that orchestrate its seasons are sometimes sent on small missions to interject into the lives of mortals and carry out the will of the Master.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Noran? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic has been actively outlawed in the world of our main characters, and this ban has been so effectively maintained for over a thousand years has passed, years measured as the Age of Reason. For in this era inexplicable happenings have virtually disappeared. But the portals to fairyland are beginning to be unsealed, which can lead to the dangerous and rather more rampant effects that exist on the other side of that veil.
Items of prohibited power are leaking back into society, and people have become so used to their safe lives that the first incidents blindside everyone.
But certain individuals rise to the challenge, to keep the ways shut, and make sure the avarice of fairyland stays on its own turf.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Noran? Please describe what it involves.There is only one religion in the Thaw: books, and that is so self evident to everyone involved that it ceases to deserve the term religion. It is universally acknowledged that the Great King of All is watching, and when death claims us we slip out to stand before Him in a judgment that will be final, and for which our mortal lives are simply a preparation.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
We moved around a lot while I was growing up, but that most often seemed to end up in the northern states. I remember a winter in Minnesota that was so-o cold, and the way the frost covered the windows… looking out over the blue white hills with their trees all bare and gray against a sunrise… The Northern Rockies are no slouches either when it comes to winter weather… so I didn’t have to do much research to write the Cold North type of scenes! Since the kingdom of Noran is somewhat based off of Norway, I did get to do some fun research on traditional foods, etc. I found a list of Finnish dishes and based a lot of the meals in the books on those… and they made me hungry, I can tell you that! J
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
I don’t think there are any “hot button” topics, unless the use of Angels and having a massively Christian underlayment to a fairytale retelling is controversial. Perhaps a few might think so, but to me it is the most natural thing in the world!
Author Autobiography:Born in the Midwest, I had a unique childhood of many moves, giving me the opportunity to experience an array of locales and characters all over the nation. We always had three things; faith, family and animals… and I always had dreams. Now we’re finally back on the Plains and make our home on a farm filled with critters!
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
And Thaw: Prince of Demargen will be available soon!
Where can readers connect with you online?
And the usual stuff… which I’d love to connect on! (I’m not super techie, and most everyone I know on any of these I met online… so I’d love to meet more!!! )
and…
Oh, oh, OH!!!! You’ve GOT to go check out the Pinterest group boards for these books! So much fun… (we’ve opened it for fans to pin, so sometimes the name spellings aren’t correct, or everything on there isn’t “straight from the author’s mind” but it is so inspiring to see readers getting excited about the tales! If you’d like to join, just message me on there!!!)
Winter’s Child board,
Winter Queen board,
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Noran. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to Westering, in Realm Explorers Part XXXIII!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to Westering, in Realm Explorers Part XXXIII!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Where can readers connect with you online?
Check out my blog, E. Kaiser Writes-A-Blog http://ekaiserwritesablog.blogspot.com/
My author website EKaiserWrites.webs.com http://ekaiserwrites.webs.com/
And the usual stuff… which I’d love to connect on! (I’m not super techie, and most everyone I know on any of these I met online… so I’d love to meet more!!! )
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/E-Kaiser-Writes-Author-Illustrator/308540109167073
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ekaiserwrites
Amazon author page, (with links to all my books!) http://www.amazon.com/E.-Kaiser-Writes/e/B006RY1L2E
and… Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ekaiserwrites/
Oh, oh, OH!!!! You’ve GOT to go check out the Pinterest group boards for these books! So much fun… (we’ve opened it for fans to pin, so sometimes the name spellings aren’t correct, or everything on there isn’t “straight from the author’s mind” but it is so inspiring to see readers getting excited about the tales! If you’d like to join, just message me on there!!!)
Winter’s Child, http://www.pinterest.com/ekaiserwrites/thaw-winters-child/
Winter Queen, http://www.pinterest.com/ekaiserwrites/thaw-winter-queen/
Prince of Demargen, http://www.pinterest.com/ekaiserwrites/thaw-prince-of-demargen/