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.
This time you can also enter a giveaway to win an Amazon gift card or a free book!
This time you can also enter a giveaway to win an Amazon gift card or a free book!
On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Author’s name:
Jessica Leake
Titles of books:
Arcana
The Order of the Eternal Sun: A Novel of the Sylvani
The Order of the Eternal Sun: A Novel of the Sylvani
Brief summary of the stories:
Arcana:
Amid the sumptuous backdrop of the London season in 1905, headstrong Katherine Sinclair must join the ranks of debutantes vying for suitors. Unfortunately for Katherine, she cannot imagine anything more loathsome—or dangerous. To help ease her entrance into society, Katherine’s family has elicited the assistance of the Earl of Thornewood, a friend and London’s most eligible bachelor, to be her constant companion at the endless fetes and balls. But upon her arrival in London, Katherine realizes there will be more to this season than just white gowns and husband hunting.
Through her late mother’s enchanted diary, Katherine receives warning to keep hidden her otherworldly ability to perform arcana, a magic fueled by the power of the sun. Any misstep could mean ruin—and not just for her family name. The Order of the Eternal Sun is everywhere—hunting for those like her, able to feed on arcana with only a touch of the hand.
But society intrigue can be just as perilous as the Order. The machinations of the fashionable elite are a constant threat, and those who covet Katherine’s arcana, seeking the power of her birthright, could be hiding behind the facade of every suitor—even the darkly handsome Earl of Thornewood.
With so much danger and suspicion, can she give her heart to the one who captivates her, or is he just another after her power?
Order of the Eternal Sun:
Arcana:
Amid the sumptuous backdrop of the London season in 1905, headstrong Katherine Sinclair must join the ranks of debutantes vying for suitors. Unfortunately for Katherine, she cannot imagine anything more loathsome—or dangerous. To help ease her entrance into society, Katherine’s family has elicited the assistance of the Earl of Thornewood, a friend and London’s most eligible bachelor, to be her constant companion at the endless fetes and balls. But upon her arrival in London, Katherine realizes there will be more to this season than just white gowns and husband hunting.Through her late mother’s enchanted diary, Katherine receives warning to keep hidden her otherworldly ability to perform arcana, a magic fueled by the power of the sun. Any misstep could mean ruin—and not just for her family name. The Order of the Eternal Sun is everywhere—hunting for those like her, able to feed on arcana with only a touch of the hand.
But society intrigue can be just as perilous as the Order. The machinations of the fashionable elite are a constant threat, and those who covet Katherine’s arcana, seeking the power of her birthright, could be hiding behind the facade of every suitor—even the darkly handsome Earl of Thornewood.
With so much danger and suspicion, can she give her heart to the one who captivates her, or is he just another after her power?
Order of the Eternal Sun:In 1908 London, aristocrat Lucy Sinclair is finally making her debut into society, something she’s always dreamed about. But ballrooms and suitors quickly must take second place to a greater concern.
Her arcana, a magical talent that allows her to mentally enter any scene that she draws, grows stronger by the day. Again and again Lucy is compelled to draw a portal to her mother’s realm of Sylvania—and with each stroke of her pen, she risks attracting the attention of the Order of the Eternal Sun, the sinister brotherhood that steals the power of Sylvani blood for their own dark ends.
When a bold new suitor arrives from India, Lucy can’t help but be intrigued—though her family questions his mysterious past. But as Lucy’s own suspicions grow, and the threat of the Order looms larger, Lucy will have to learn to harness her unpredictable power or risk falling under the Order’s shadow forever.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this series:
Sylvania is a realm outside of our own where its inhabitants practice an ancient magic called arcana. Their power is supplied by spirit animals—everything from the tiny ferrets to soaring phoenixes—and the Sylvani and animal form an unbreakable bond. When a Sylvani chooses to live in our realm, though, their spirit animal cannot follow, and they must seek out an alternate source of power—like our sun.
If we were to visit Sylvani as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
I would take a ride on an oryx (see below) to see ancient trees with a language of their own, with silver bark and lavender leaves; I would visit the city of Cascadia, where Lucy’s grandmother is queen, and see the ten waterfalls that cut through the city. Lucy’s visit is confined to Cascadia, but there are many other places to see in Sylvania, each with a different cultural background and history.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served?
Because every Sylvani has a spirit animal, the food there is completely vegetarian, though milk and cheese is still consumed.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common there?
It depends on the abilities of the Sylvani. Some have corporal abilities, where they can directly impact the body—with explosive power and channeling of the elements, for example. And some have spiritual power, where they can create some tangible things, but the majority of their power lies in the abstract. Lucy, the main character in The Order of the Eternal Sun, has this type of power. She can bring her drawings to life or even use them to transport herself to another realm.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Sylvani?
Depending on the spirit animal, the Sylvani might travel by riding, particularly if it’s a large bird (like the queen’s phoenix) or other fast-moving animal. They also travel by oryx, which, as Lucy says, are much like an antelope, though these are drastically different in both coloring and size. The ones she saw were a dappled silver, and their massive backward-facing horns were as white as ivory tusks. They were as tall as horses, and their eyes were kind and intelligent. Most importantly, they’re fast and agile.
Author Autobiography:
Jessica Leake has been in love with historical England ever since her first literary crush: Mr. Darcy. After embarking on a quest to bring her own intriguing and headstrong characters to life, she decided to quit her day job as a clinical therapist and spend her time weaving arcana with words. She lives in Greenville, SC with her brilliant husband, four painfully cute children, and two mischievous dogs.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
Order of the Eternal Sun:
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│IndieBound
Arcana:
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│IndieBound
Where can readers connect with you online?
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest
Tour Schedule
October 30th: Launch
October 31st: Rockin’ Book Reviews, Mel’s Shelves & Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima
November 1st: Christy’s Cozy Corners & Katie’s Clean Book Collection
November 2nd: Wishful Endings, Falling Leaves & Nicole’s Book Musings
November 3rd: Adventures Thru Wonderland, The Silver Dagger Scriptorium & Deal Sharing Aunt
November 4th: Jessica and Gracie’s Tree & Zerina Blossom’s Books
November 6th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of ARCANA (open internationally)
Print copy of ARCANA plus swag (US only)
Ends November 11th
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Sylvani. 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 another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXV!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXV!
-Annie Douglass Lima
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: Juliann Whicker
Title of book and/or series: Butcher, Baker, Vampire Slayer
Brief summary of the story: Urban Fantasy retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: My story is Urban Fantasy set in an alternate reality St. Louis. The action takes place at the all boys school, Calder, training grounds for the next generation of Butchers.
If we were to visit Calder/Alternate reality St. Louis as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? You should visit the sculpture park, eat some baked goods, and ride the metro.What dangers should we avoid in Alternate St. Louis? In fiction as well as in reality, don’t run out of gas on the North side. In fantasy, werewolves, zombies and vampires roam, and where in reality, 149 murders are committed every year.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Calder? The baked goods are magical, but might make you sick if you aren’t in need of extra strength, skill, or healing from a werewolf bite.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Calder? Whips and Butcher’s knives are your average weapon for the Butcher, while a Baker wields a mean rolling pin.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Calder? You can take the train downtown, or a car. There is a tank parked in the garage in case of emergencies.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Calder? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used. A Baker bakes a batch of muffins which feeds the Butchers making them super fast, super strong. The Butchers are super humans after they make the transformation, genetically disposed to the change from ordinary human to Butcher’s boy and then eventually full-fledged Butcher.
What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there? All Hallow’s Eve celebrates the beginning of the days of darkness and is when there is a great battle followed by an enormous feast. Twelfth Night celebrates the end of the days of darkness with a ceremony at the werewolf seal, closing another year of hunting.Is there a particular religion practiced in Calder? Please describe what it involves. Calder is a Catholic boys school. They have mass and other conventional religious observances.
What is the political or government structure in Calder? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? The C.M. is in charge over all the Butchers in the district, but over Calder, Orion Daughtry is head Butcher, strong, perfect, but struggles to relate to other Butchers who aren’t as naturally talented as he is.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book? I would not have written this book if I hadn’t done a homeschool unit on Twelfth Night, and gotten lost on the North side with my kids. It’s a desolate, horrible place. I’ve never seen such a sad thing. A teddy bear lying on the road, empty lots, every building barred and shuttered, people wandering, vacant eyed… It made an impression. Luckily, I did not run out of gas.
Author Autobiography: Juliann C. Whicker was raised with chickens, goats, and a cow named Mrs. Mooley who everyone (neighbors included) chased down the street in a small college town. She now lives in Saint Louis with her five children, husband, and all the free museums and zoos a soul could crave.She works painting in oil and ink, writes clean fiction that’s too dark for those with delicate stomachs, and has a marvelous time hanging out with her friends and family.
Some hobbies include: Sewing, Painting, Photography, Writing, Ballroom Dancing, Hiking, Biking, and Gardening.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? You can get my book from Amazon in either ebook or paperback!
Where can readers connect with you online? Facebook Twitter http://juliannwhickerwriter.blogspot.com/
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to alternate reality St. Louis. 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 another world in Realm Explorers Part CXIV!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world in Realm Explorers Part CXIV!
-Annie Douglass Lima
In November 1860, Jonah Ashton boarded the Providence with a plan to escort his family to their new settlement in South America and then return to medical school in Pennsylvania before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. What he didn’t count on was getting lost at sea… and Marian Foster. When they finally reach land, Jonah makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart?
Available now!
Order online at CrossRiver Media or Amazon
or from your favorite local bookstore
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVXyAGvgCjw]
What authors are saying about the book:
“A delightful adventure reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson, Aboard Providence is one of those novels that will stick with me because I feel I’ve lived it. A captivating, well-researched, and deftly written tale I can confidently recommend to a wide range of readers.” –Heather Day Gilbert, author of Amazon Norse bestseller God’s Daughter
“With vivid settings and multi-layered characters, Keely Brooke Keith whisks her readers off on a page-turning journey, not just across the ocean, but within the heart. You won’t be able to put Aboard Providence down until the final word is read and then you will long for more.” –Brenda S. Anderson, author of the Coming Home series
“A blend of history and romance with a compelling inspirational message, Keith expertly weaves an intriguing tale. Fans of the Uncharted Series won’t want to miss this journey.” –Heidi McCahan, author of Unraveled
“Keely Brooke Keith is a master storyteller, weaving adventure, love, and wonderful characters into a vivid story that will take readers on an unforgettable voyage to a new place. Full of inspirational messages and tales of God’s love, readers will find themselves longing for more. Keely’s story teaches all of us that the journey is just the beginning!” –Christina Yother, author of the Hollow Hearts series
Author Bio:
Keely Brooke Keith is the author of the The Land Uncharted (Edenbrooke Press) and Aboard Providence (CrossRiver Media). Her novels are known for blending genres in unconventional ways. When she isn’t writing stories, Keely enjoys playing bass guitar, preparing homeschool lessons, and collecting antique textbooks. Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely resides with her husband and their daughter on a hilltop south of Nashville where she dreams up stories, hoping to encourage, comfort, and inspire readers. She is a member of ACFW.
Social Media Links:
Find Keely’s books online:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Audible ~ Book Depository
Excerpt from Aboard Providence
Marian tried to control the click of her heels on the long hallway. As she approached the staircase, intending to go downstairs, Jonah gave her a slight smile, so she passed the stairs and walked to him. “May I ask you something?”
He stepped forward, closing the distance between them. “Yes, of course.”
“Since you will be our physician now—”
He lifted a hand and whispered, “It is only temporary.”
“Yes, of course,” she replied at an equally quiet volume. “But since Doctor Ashton is injured, my mother will need you if…” It was too difficult to say aloud. She waited for the lump in her throat to release.
Jonah’s brow furrowed. “Do you think there is something wrong with your mother or the baby?”
“No… not yet.” She didn’t mean to reveal her doubt, so she tried to cover with a mild grin and optimistic tone. “I’m sure everything is fine.”
He slipped his hands into his pockets, emitting casualness, and inclined his head toward her, engendering concern, but he continually glanced at the stairway behind her. “Marian, I know about your mother’s medical history. She has asked my mother to serve as midwife again. I won’t intervene in the delivery unless it becomes necessary.”
Marian nodded, comforted by his understanding of the situation. “If it does become necessary, which I pray every waking moment that it does not, but if you must intervene, are you comfortable with that?”
“I am fully trained in obstetrics if that is what you mean.”
“No, it isn’t. It’s good to know, but I’ve been there with her during her last three deliveries and—” Her voice cracked. She looked down at the empty water pitcher in her hands. “Those babies were my siblings—two girls and a boy—all born dead. Mother is thirty-eight years old now and pregnant for what she and my father swear is the last time. She depends on me and I’ll be with her for this delivery too, but if this baby is stillborn…”
Jonah’s brown eyes glanced at the stairway again then back at her. He put his hand on her shoulder, neither drawing her closer nor holding her off. “If she goes into labor before my father resumes his duties, I will do everything in my power to help her and the baby, I promise.”
“Thank you.” Marian began to look away, but Jonah held her gaze. She felt the heat from his hand through the fabric of her sleeve and hoped he intended more than comfort, but that hope felt wrong, considering the seriousness of their conversation. He was only reassuring her with a friendly touch.
Ashamed for being infatuated with the man who would be her mother’s doctor, she scolded herself for her immaturity. He wasn’t staying with the settlement, so falling in love would only lead to heartbreak. But no matter what she told herself, standing near him, alone and connected in the dark hallway on a gloomy afternoon, she was fully aware that if he even breathed a hint of attraction to her, every joint in her body would go limp. The empty pitcher she held would hit the floor with a crash, the room would go round as her dizzy head spun, and she would soften into a puddle of spineless flesh and melt down the crimson carpet of the staircase, one achingly grand stair at a time. When she reached the bottom step, all that remained of her would be a calico dress, shards of the broken pitcher, and her teeth clamped in a blissful smile.
Aboard Providence (CrossRiver Media Group). Used with permission.
On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Christmas at the Grand Hotel
(White Pine Island Novellas #1 & #2)
by Amie Denman & May Williams
by Amie Denman & May Williams
Adult Contemporary Romance, Christmas
ebook, 179 pages
October 1st 2016
Welcome to White Pine Island! Just a few miles off the coast of Georgia, this island is accessible only by boat, plane, and your imagination. Many residents call the island home year-round, but day visitors and tourists bring plenty of excitement with them. Like other resort islands, there are quaint shops, cool restaurants, and friendly bars. There are several resorts on the island, but the queen of them all is the elegant Grand Hotel on a bluff with an ocean view. Owned by the extensive, multi-generational Phillips family, the Grand Hotel offers elegant service, five course dinners, and plenty of romance.
Ned & Bethany by May Williams
Sometimes the heart hits a hole in one…
Bethany Hinkle arrives at White Pine Island’s Grand Hotel for her sister’s wedding and to do a little environmental snooping. She snaps pictures of the hotel’s pristine golf course to ensure its compliance with EPA standards. Soon, she realizes that the course’s manager is as attractive as the course he so carefully protects.
Ned Phillips feels the weight of family expectations squarely on his broad shoulders. The Phillips Family has owned and operated the Grand Hotel for three generations. For now, he manages the hotel’s golf course and makes plans for its future—plans that could be destroyed by Bethany’s spying. He gets close to the lovely environmentalist to watch for her next move until he gets too close to let her go.
Ellen & Pete by Amie Denman
What happens when you fall in love with your best friend just when it’s too late?
All her life, Ellen Phillips has loved working for her family’s Grand Hotel on White Pine Island. Flying the hotel’s airplane and piloting the island ferryboat while knowing someday she will inherit the luxurious resort is a fairy tale existence she has no desire to change. She’s always loved Pete McCormack, too. After all, he’s her best friend, confidante, and playmate. Until she suddenly sees him in a different light just before Christmas.
Pete McCormack has made sacrifices for his family’s golf cart rental business on the island, choosing to stay home and run it instead of pursuing his dream of his own career on the mainland. When his parents announce their plans to sell the business so Pete can leave the island, he has to choose between the future he thought he always wanted and his newfound love for the woman he would be leaving behind.
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iBooks│Kobo
Christmas Away from Home
Waking up on Christmas morning at home and padding downstairs to see what’s under the tree by the fireplace is priceless. However, I’ve had quite a few joyous holidays on the road. If you love over-the-top decorations, fine food, and none of the worries of having company coming over, you may love Christmas in an elegant hotel.
My first Christmas away from home was on my honeymoon. My husband and I married in December and took a trip over the holidays to Key West, Florida. I used many of the experiences from that trip in one of my first beach books Blue Bottle Beach. Is there any place more unique than Key West? We stayed in an elegant hotel, and I remember thinking how strange it was to hear Christmas music while wearing sandals and beachwear. I’m from the snowy Midwest where Christmas apparel is flannel. And more flannel.
One of the most beautiful places I’ve seen at Christmastime is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. If you ever have the chance to see that amazing home built by a man for his new wife (how romantic!), you should go during the holidays. There is a candlelit tour, and the entire mansion sparkles with decorations.
Because I have family in Orlando, I’ve spent the Christmas and New Year’s holidays enjoying the Disney parks and hotels many times. No one can have any doubt that Disney knows how to celebrate. The ornate trees and garlands in the theme parks are larger than life, and the hotels are beautifully decorated. One of their hotels has a carousel made of gingerbread and chocolate, and another has a life-sized house made of gingerbread. It’s magical.
Perhaps my favorite memory of traveling at Christmastime was something you might not expect. My husband and I took our sons to Washington, DC, for a long weekend. We saw the National Christmas Tree on the Capitol grounds, the train display in front of the White House, and we even ice-skated on a temporary pond in front of the National Archives building.
In Christmas at the Grand Hotel, some of the characters are year-round residents of the island and some are there for a special holiday, but all of them have a Christmas they’ll never forget.
— Amie
Amie Denman lives in Ohio with her husband, sons, cats, and dog. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys walking and playing outside. Born with an overdeveloped sense of curiosity, she’s been known to chase fire trucks on her bicycle just to see what’s going on. Amie believes that everything is fun: especially roller coasters, wedding cake, and falling in love.
May Williams is convinced that she read every book in the public library of her hometown as a kid. Today, her house sags under the weight of books. If she’s not reading or writing, May can be found pursuing her other two passions – sewing and running. May lives happily in a little town on the shores of Lake Erie with her husband, two children, three cats, and one oversized dog.
Tour Schedule
October 16th: Launch
October 17th: Katie’s Clean Book Collection & Book Lover in Florida
October 18th: Nicole’s Book Musings & The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
October 19th: Falling Leaves & Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima
October 20th: underneath the covers & Beck Valley Books
October 21st: Brooke Blogs & Teatime and Books
October 23rd: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
1 winner will receive Under the Boardwalk and Carousel Nights by Amie Denman (US only)
1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Ends October 28th
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: Kendra E. Ardnek
Title of book and/or series: The Rizkaland Legends – in particular, the second book of the series, Lady Dragon, Tela Du
Brief summary of the story:
A thousand years have passed since Amber’s most recent imprisonment on the Isle of Banishment, and it’s time for her to claim her promised fifty years ruling Rizkaland. Only one person stands in the way of her making the rule permanent – the Tela Du, a girl prophesied to share her face and to be the only one capable of ending Amber’s life.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Rizkaland is a cylindrical world divided into a mainland and six islands, with thick bodies of water known as Rivs flowing between them. Water flows in every color of the rainbow, each color with its own distinct flavor and use. Also, they have something against the letter c for some reason.
If we were to visit Rizkaland as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
I’d recommend that you start your tour in Loray, the castle at the heart of the mainland, where you’ll find not only the Bookholder’s library containing the complete history of the world, but also Alphego’s Hill, where Alphego stood to create the world. You can use the Hill to travel to the replicas built on the islands and do more exploring.
What dangers should we avoid in Rizkaland?
It is generally considered a Bad Idea to be caught by Amber – for not only can she turn people to ice, but she can turn herself into a dragon. She’s only a problem when she’d not on the Isle of Banishment, though. There are also a number of vicious animals, such as kirats – a large, bear-like creature you don’t want to tangle with – in Rizkaland’s forests.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Rizkaland?
Mistletoe muffins!
And Spiced Pomella Cider is a general favorite among visitors to the world.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Rizkaland?
Predominately swords, bows, and a form of martial arts.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Rizkaland?
Predominately the horse, but on the mainland they have Haric Doors that are doormats that you can use to travel quickly to Loray and back. And Alphego’s Hill and its replicas on the islands can be used for travel.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Rizkaland that we don’t see on Earth?
Plantlife in Rizkaland is every color but green (except in autumn, when it ALL turns green).
Animals? Well, as well as kirats, there are shwazles, a reptilian beast that has a head resembling that of a camel; etrinas, a catlike creature the size of a bobcat; kloradies, a yellow bird that resembles a canary, but with a longer beak; korrens, a yak-like beast of burden; and quaggleshumps, which are birds that resemble pelicans, but are much larger, with purple feathers and donkey-like ears.
The predominate sentient race – or Eliue in the Rizkan language – apart from the humans are the elves. And on the Isle of Talking Beasts you’ll find four races of horse-like creatures called the harandas, the hinequas, the rowandas, and the kiandas.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Rizkaland? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Each elf has a semi-unique gift such as invisibility, flight, healing, a heightened sense, or some other such. The kings and queens on the mainland are given similar gifts.
The hinequas have the ability to lessen the effects of gravity, which they use for flight. Kiandas can turn themselves invisible. It is suspected that Rowandas have the ability to slow time – in any rate, they move so fast, it’s hard to tell. Harandas have the power of telepathy and teleportation, and it is with hairs from their tales that the Haric Doors are made.
The Hills function on a supernatural level.
During Tying Ceremonies, a magical cord is used to bind the couple together.
The Bookholder – the highest rank a elf can hold – owns a special Book that contains prophecies and orders from Alphego, the words of which will change depending on the need. Daughters of the Bookholder, known as Bookdaughters, have the ability to Speak prophecies.
Alphego will occasionally gift certain people with gifts beyond that to perform certain tasks.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Rizkaland? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Nothing unusual compared to our world, but there is electricity in Loray and the five castles on the Isle of Klarand.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Rizkaland.
Variations of the medieval tournaments are popular, and they do have a few ball sports, though nothing organized on the level that earth sports are these days. Royalty enjoys balls, while barn dances, of a sort, are frequent among the common people. There is a nightly recitation of the Legends – what histories are called in Rizkaland – at Loray and the Kastle by the Bookholder or a Bookdaughter, and there are a few acting companies that travel through Rizkaland and Klarand presenting plays of their own invention and ones based on the Legends.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Rizkaland as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Rizkaland has a day and year equal to ours, but their year is divided into ten months named for the original rulers of the island of Klarand, and the weeks are eight days named for the original rulers of the mainland.
The New Year is celebrated much like we celebrate Christmas, and there are a few other special days, mostly commemorating past defeats of Amber.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Rizkaland? Please describe what it involves.
Almost everyone acknowledges the existence of Alphego, even if they don’t personally believe in him. The Hill and its replicas are regarded as places of worship, and most people will at least try to seek the advice of the Bookholder or a Bookdaughter before making major decisions. Tying Ceremonies – which are technically engagement ceremonies, but with wedding vows – are held on the Hill or one of its replicas, and are officiated by the Bookholder or a Bookdaughter if at all possible.
What is the political or government structure in Rizkaland? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Rizkaland has a monarchy, with four kings and four queens, as it is believed that it isn’t good for any one person to have absolute power. Their chief advisor is the Bookholder, and they have a number of officials and such below them to help carry out laws.
The island of Klarand and the Isle of Talking Beasts are both subject to the Rizkan monarchy, though they are recognized as separate governments. Klarand has a monarchy with only one king and queen, but the island is divided into four quarters and their power is diffused through the Lord and Lady reigning over each section.
The Isle of Talking Beasts is ruled by the Sentaur who as his name suggests, is half-human and half-horse, and is immortal as far as anyone can tell. He rules with the help of a council of seven elected from among his people.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Rizkaland?
Rizkans don’t shake hands. They press a fist to their heart and, depending on their rank, will hold eye contact, bow, or glance towards Alphego’s country or the nearest Hill.
They refer to north, south, east, and west as up, down, ea, and wea.
As mentioned earlier, they don’t like the letter “c” and will only use it to make the “ch” sound, in which case, it is used alone. In every other situation, it is replaced with “k” or “s” as applicable.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Probably, but I’m having trouble remembering anything off the top of my head. There are the boxes that the elves possess, inspired by a typo by a friend of mine, though. And the Rowandas and Hinequas come from a story game my sister and I did in the backyard once.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
I never outright address the issue, but I do deal with gender norms and women in power a lot in my writing. Also predestination vrs. free will came up in LDTD, which can be a pretty controversial subject. And there was a moment when old earth vrs. new earth was mentioned.
Author Autobiography:Kendra E. Ardnek is a homeschool graduate who picked up a pen at an early age and never put it down. The eldest of four, she makes her home in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her parents, younger siblings, giant herd of giraffes, and honor guard of nutcrackers.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?
Lady Dragon, Tela Duis currently available for preorder on kindle.
Where can readers connect with you online?
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Rizkaland. 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 another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXIII!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXIII!
-Annie Douglass Lima
J. Grace Pennington has published four science fiction novels. They each have a unique bent to them, but this one is very different. Each book is a standalone, but as with any series, you get more of the story if you read them all in order. In Reversal Zone, the main character, Andi Lloyd, becomes the only one who can save the ship and crew. Can she do it in time?
About the Book
Nothing is as it should be.After weeks of boredom, Andi is excited when the Surveyor is called upon to rescue a freighter that mysteriously vanished in uncharted space. Excitement quickly turns to unease when the ship encounters an unknown phenomenon—a cloud that appears not to exist. But with the freighter’s crew in danger, the Surveyor has no choice but to venture into unknown territory.
As soon as they enter the cloud, its unstable effects wreak havoc on the ship. They’re flying blind. Every piece of equipment is malfunctioning. And every member of the crew is unable to think straight or act like themselves—except Andi.
Now she’s expected to guide them through the predicament with no previous command experience and no one to turn to for support. And with each passing hour, it becomes clear that if they don’t escape the cloud soon—they won’t escape it at all.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZV1ILB
Excerpt
When I reached the bridge, the whiteness of the windows startled me. There wasn’t a cloudy quality to it anymore—other than a couple of faint bright spots, it was just pure, milky white.
I was also surprised to find the Captain slouching back in his chair. I’d never seen him sit like that before, except in total defeat.
“Second medical officer on the bridge.”
The Captain sat up and turned around. “Need something?”
I stared at him for a moment. As with Crash, his posture was odd and so was his tone. But I went on.
“There’s something I need to tell you.”
“All right, tell me.” He sat back again.
I looked around at the other bridge officers, who were all staring at me.
“Do you… want to go to your lounge or something?”
“No, go ahead, tell me.”
I hesitated. I didn’t love the idea of talking about the radialloy in front of people I wasn’t close with. But an order was an order—and they all knew about it, anyway.
“Tell me, tell me,” he insisted, waving his hand as if brushing away a speck of dust.
“Well… you remember the radialloy, sir…”
“You might need to speak up a little.”
I cleared my throat and went on. “The… the radialloy, sir. You remember that?”
“The… oh, right. Yes, of course.”
This wasn’t right. I stared into his eyes and they looked—dull. Flat. Not alert and intent as they usually were on a mission.
“I… well, my knee started hurting a little when we entered the cloud.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
The silence around us was so thick that every system beep or blip seemed to slice it. I sucked in a deep breath. He was sorry? That was all?
“I thought… the Doctor thought… the cloud might be making it hurt. I thought you might be able to figure something out about it… I…” I stopped, feeling a little queasy from the attention and awkwardness. All seven pairs of eyes were fixed on me.
“Harrison! Can’t you see the girl’s trying to help? Why don’t you sit up and pay some attention?”
I froze. That could not be who it sounded like.
It sounded like Guilders.
Guilders never raised his voice, he never called the Captain “Harrison” on the bridge, and he had never, ever called me “the girl.”
“Mr. Guilders, I realize that Andi is trying to help. I’m listening to her. That should satisfy you.” The words were calm, slow, and casual.
“Captain!” I took half a step forward, willing him to understand.
He blinked, looked at me, and sat up a bit straighter. “Hold on… wait…” He held up both hands, fingers stiffly separated. “Wait now. Something’s wrong.”
He looked over at Guilders, who lowered his bushy eyebrows and relaxed his shoulders slightly.
“Something… something isn’t right.” He stared at me again. “Andi. The cloud is making your knee hurt?” His eyes were alert now, but confusion furrowed his eyebrows.
“Yes sir.”
“I… I think that…” He pressed a hand to his forehead. “Ugh. I think… that’s helpful. Thank…” He stood up and stumbled to one side a step.
“Captain?” Guilders jumped up but he also stumbled.
The Captain kept a hand pressed to his head. “I… Guilders, what’s…” He shook his head, hard, several times. “I can’t think, I don’t…”
The lights dimmed, then brightened, then dimmed again. I backed towards the door, watching as the Captain blinked and tapped his head with the palm of his hand.
“I… can’t… I don’t…”
The lights flickered again, and I looked around. Ralston and Yanendale both had their hands pressed against their heads, and August had gone even paler than usual. Whales and Mr. Orstin had both slumped back in their chairs and their eyelids were drooping.
“I…” the Captain said one last time, then he wavered and dropped to the floor.
“Captain!” I cried.
Guilders dropped next, falling into his chair and hitting his head on the console in front of him. I winced, and watched in shock as August collapsed, rolling out of his chair onto the floor. Yanendale slumped over his console, motionless, Ralston went limp and fell against the wall, and Whales and Orstin’s arms dropped and their eyes closed.
The lights dimmed, then flickered off, then red blinking lights illuminated everything, alarms sounded, and I was left on the bridge, alone, with seven unconscious men.
About the Author
J. Grace Pennington has been telling stories since she could talk, and writing them down since age five. Now she lives in the great state of Texas, where she writes as much as adult life permits. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading good books, playing movie soundtracks on the piano, and looking up at the stars.
You can find out more about her writing at www.jgracepennington.com.
Giveaway
Grace is generously offering three prizes. A signed copy of each of her three previous novels in the series. They are each standalone stories, but they are also connected. If you would like to read more about them, you can read about them here: Radialloy, In His Image, Machiavellian.
To enter the giveaway, please fill out this form.
Tour Schedule
Friday, October 7
Bookish Orchestrations-Tour Introduction
Fathers and Sons-Sports and Life-Guest Post
The Destiny of One-Guest Post
Rebekah Lyn Books-Author Interview
Saturday, October 8
Shout outs-Guest Post
Author Franky A Brown-Excerpt
Shire Reviews-Book Review
Sunday, October 9
Letters from Annie Douglass Lima-Excerpt
Zerina Blossom’s Books-Excerpt
Monday, October 10
Rachel Rossano’s Words-Excerpt and Guest Post
In the Bookcase-Excerpt and Book Review
Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Book Review
Tuesday, October 11
The Abrahamic Adventures-Book Review
The Overactive Imagination-Excerpt
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke-Book Review
Lisa Swinton Queen of Random-Excerpt
Wednesday, October 12
Bookish Orchestrations-Giveaway Winner
Creating an enchantment to protect her friends is risky, but so is having faith in mortals!
IT’S HERE! Finally the origin of The Secret Keeper Curse is told! BELAKANE, The Origin of the Curse is a novella.The book may be a little shorter, but the story is big on paranormal drama!
Here’s the blurb you’ll find on the back of the book:
Belakane lives during the terrifying age of the Salem Witch trials. And, unlike the women around her, she actually is a witch. When Belakane’s magic gets her best friend Martha accused of witchcraft, the powerful sorceress creates a risky enchantment to protect what’s left of the small group of friends that hide her secret.
Will Belakane’s power save her friends or will it be the demise of all she holds dear?
If you’ve already read The Secret Keeper you know that an ancient spell has the power to erase a mistake, making it like it never happened. In Book 1, that’s how Winter Merrill erases a choice that she regrets. But…she can’t imagine how her bargain with The Secret Keeper will change her life, especially when under the rules of the curse, she cannot tell her next secret AND IT’S A DOOZY THAT MUST BE TOLD TO SAVE THOSE SHE LOVES!
Here are the links to learn more about or purchase The Secret Keeper and In The Dying Light
Now for a fun little quiz: Which of these things was most likely to get you accused of being a witch in 1692?
a. You are a woman
b. You are close to an animal
c. You are middle aged
d. You talk to yourself
e. Milk or buttermilk spoiled while in your cooler
f. You have moles or scars
g. Or you were in a low social position
Okay…so it was trick question. All of these things could get you accused of being a witch in Salem 1692. Would you have been in trouble?? I would!!
In Books 1 and 2 of the series we learn about how the secret keeper curse affects the characters that live in our day, but in Belakane we get to go back in time to 1692 in Salem Massachusetts, a very hostile time and place for a real witch like Belakane.
You can pick up Belakane, The Origin of the Curse on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, I-books, and Kobo for only 1.99! Here are the links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Discover the Secret Keeper series with Belakane or finally learn who created the powerful secret keeper curse and why it lives on in 2016! Thanks for stopping by and may you never need a secret keeper!
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. This one is on sale for just 99 cents, for the next two days only!
Author’s name: Jennifer Ellision
Title of book and/or series: Threats of Sky and Sea
Brief summary of the story:
Bree has spent her life as a barmaid, innocent to her father’s past and happily free from the Elemental gifts that would condemn her to a life in the King’s army.
…Until the day soldiers recognize her father as a traitor to the throne.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The world of the Threats of Sky and Sea series begins in the country of Egria, where those who possess abilities over the Elements are conscripted into the King’s armies. As time goes on, our characters are drawn further into the war the King hungers for with the island nation of Nereidium. To say much more would be to spoil you!
If we were to visit Egria as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
If you find yourself in the capital, do stop by The Soused Turkey for a drink. It’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall, but locals speak highly of the friendly manner of the barkeep and you can get a good—well, cheap drink there.
If you prefer landmarks and architecture, the winter palace is a sight to behold—some have playfully described the view as reminding them of a beautiful frosted cake.
What dangers should we avoid in Egria?
If you happen to be an Elemental, stay well clear of the palace in the capital. It’s the King’s stronghold and, if Revealed, he’ll not only punish you for avoiding conscription, but… well… you’ll find yourself serving a lifetime in his armed forces.
Unless you’re the sort that prefers fighting for a corrupt king. Then, by all means! Snap those fingers and light a flame.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Egria?
If you do happen upon The Soused Turkey and meet the barkeep, Clift, you might ask him for a glass of Starter Cider. It’s got a heady cinnamon flavor, but careful! It’s strong stuff.
And, erm… perhaps keep your Starter Cider away from an open flame. Just in case.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Egria?
Those who don’t possess Elemental abilities favor old-fashioned steel—swords, daggers, and arrows alike. When those are tossed aside, they’ll swing a punch if need be.
But the Elementals among us heavily favor using their Elements against an enemy. Stay clear of a Torcher in a bad mood…
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Egria?
By and large, inhabitants in the world of Threats of Sky and Sea travel by hoof or by foot. That is, unless they’re travelling to or from the island nation of Nereidium, in which case, they’d need a boat.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Egria? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The magic at play in the world of the Threats of Sky and Sea series is dependent on the powers over the Elements that certain individuals possess—and the times that the Makers deign to interfere in the affairs of mortals.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Egria? Please describe what it involves.
Many worship the Makers—the Mother and the Father. The Egrians’ creation myth tells that the Makers created the world, after a previous one was destroyed. With this new world, they chose to imbue certain individuals with the power of the elements, in the hopes that tying them more tightly to the earth would give them a greater respect for it.
When possible, Egrians worship in the middle of the week, mid-day—interrupting their day and week to worship.
What is the political or government structure in Egria? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Egria is a monarchy, currently ruled by King Langdon, who has one son—Prince Caden.
Langdon is power-hungry. Power-mad, but he rules unchecked.
…For now.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Egria?
I’d avoid wearing the colors red or purple, if possible. The King likes to reserve purple for royalty. And, though it is an outdated practice, red was once the color worn by murderers.
Author Autobiography:I spent a great deal of my childhood staying up past my bedtime with a book and a flashlight. When I couldn’t find the stories I wanted to read, I started writing them. I love words, have a soft spot for fanfiction, and am a master of the fangirl flail. I reside in South Florida with my family, where I live in fear of temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit.
I’m the author of the (now complete!) YA fantasy series, Threats of Sky and Sea, as well as the New Adult contemporary romance, Now and Again.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.
You can find my e-books on Amazon (where Threats of Sky and Sea is 99 cents at the moment), Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Smashwords. Threats of Sky and Sea also has the honor of being available as a Booktrack, as well. Booktrack is a unique reading format in which the text is scored—like a movie soundtrack that plays as you read!
My novels are also available as paperbacks and you can find some of my works in audiobook form on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes—and I am working to make sure that they are all available in that format soon!
Where can readers connect with you online?
I’m (almost) everywhere! You can visit me on my website, jenniferellision.com, chat with me on Twitter or Instagram as @JenEllision, or come hang out on my Facebook page!
You can also get updates on my work as well as other fun stuff by signing up for my newsletter—you get a free introductory short story just for signing up!
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Egria. 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 another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXII!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another world, in Realm Explorers Part CXII!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Available for FREE from 9/30/16 to 10/04/16
Get your copy now!
A modern day Nancy Drew
Twelve-year-old Samantha Wolf, and her best friend Ally, are excited to spend part of their summer break in the mountains of Montana. But unbeknownst to them, Hollow Inn is bathed in mystery and legend. After arriving, they soon discover that things are not going well for Sam’s Aunt and Uncle, who own the Inn. There’s vandalism, ghostly sightings, and rumors of lost treasures. Determined to help, Sam and Ally embark on a challenging journey to discover the truth.
***
Book #1 – The Mystery of Hollow Inn
Book #2 – The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines
Book #3 – The Beach House Mystery
Book #4 – The Heiress of Covington Ranch
Book #5 – The Haunting of Eagle Creek Middle School
Book #6 – A Mysterious Christmas on Orcas Island
Available now for pre-order!
Book #6
Tara Ellis, an Amazon best selling author, lives in a small, rural town in Washington State set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She enjoys the quiet lifestyle with her two kids and several dogs. Tara was a firefighter/EMT, and worked in the medical field for many years, before committing herself to writing young adult and middle grade novels full-time.
Connect with her on FB: Facebook
Follow her on Twitter: @taraellisauthor
Find her in Goodreads: Goodreads
Take a look at all of her books on Amazon: Amazon