Druid Warrior Prince is the first novel in my historical fantasy series, Celtic Stewards Chronicles. If you haven’t been introduced to it yet, the series is about a family who owns a patch of land on which the Irish gods of the Tuatha dé Danann, their druids, and a special squad of elite warriors fight an ancient, magical battle against mythic evil for the fate of the world, every 500 years. In this first volume, entitled Druid Warrior Prince, Gwenevieve Macken, is the steward and lives in 6th Century Ireland. The progression Gwen’s up through time is why I can’t say the series is purely historical fantasy; it is, but it’s not, due to the modern setting of a later, related volume (Passion’s Sacred Dance).
For me, the combination of fantasy, history, and myth is something that has intrigued me for a long time, especially Celtic mythology. I have been studying up on it ever since I first found the Arthurian tales. A while back, I fell into Irish mythology, and have barely resurfaced since. J That’s where the world and war of the Celtic Stewards Chronicles came from. There’s a tale in the myths that says the evil god Balor one day did the unthinkable and refused hospitality to a druid of the Tuatha dé Danann. Well, the withholding of said hospitality was a major slight, in the eyes of the Celts, and so this druid did what you’d expect. He told tales of this king’s snub to his kin, and they decided to go to war with the king over it. (As I said, major slight!) That story, got me thinking, what if the war didn’t just end at the conclusion of the tale we have written down? What if Balor kept poking at his enemies, by way of threatening humanity, or otherwise causing trouble so the Tuatha dé Danann would have no choice but to defend humans from Balor’s potential destructive wrath?
That thought gave rise to a war fought every 500 years under the watchful eye of one family, as ancient Celtic wars were fought with a druid on hand to oversee it all, and from there to myCeltic Stewards Chronicles of which, Druid Warrior Prince, is on sale (and soon to be released at all Ebook vendors).
The official synopsis is as follows:
Gwenevieve Macken’s well-ordered world falls into chaos as encroaching interlopers scheme to possess both her and her land. Although she’s been trained to spot the signs of inhuman evil in men, the amassing armies take on guises she never expected.
When a foreign guardian presents himself as her only option for salvation, Gwenevieve must make a choice between her desires, and fulfilling the mythic fate to which she was born. A forced marriage to a Tuatha dé Danann warrior isn’t part of her plan.
Should you like to check it out, it’s available at Amazon, in ebook and paperback and soon to come elsewhere. And it’s on a special Kindle Countdown sale August 31, should you wish to save a few pennies. You can find it here:
I hope you will enjoy them. And before I go, I’d like to say thank you to Annie for allowing me to come here and tell you about the series. J
Juli D. Revezzo loves fantasy and Celtic mythology and writing stories with all kinds of fantastical elements. She is the Antique Magic paranormal mystery series and the Celtic Stewards Chronicles series as well the steampunk romances, Vesta’s Clockwork Companions, and Watchmaker’s Heart, the Gothic (fantasy) romances, Lady of the Tarot and House of Dark Envy , and many more. She is also a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour.
To learn more about this and future releases, visit her at:
Separated from the world of darkness by a bottomless chasm lie the stones of light. The King has built a bridge from that world to His kingdom across the chasm to give people access once again to the stones. He has established seven cities of light and seven towers as beacons to The Darkened Land.
Seven Towers
Seven cities of might
Seven towers of light
In the land of was
And will be
Lachlaniel’s world is a world of complete darkness, but across the Godwin River there are stones of light. When he sees the light for the first time and beholds the wonder of the stones, Lachlaniel sets out for the Godwin accompanied by Ewald, the woodsman. But creatures of darkness, who hate the light and the stones, pursue them. Guided by Kesniel and protected by Velius they reach the Great City Agapay and the Bridge. The stones lie just beyond, but the quest has aroused The Great Evil. Nameless and powerful he bends his might to crush the city and put an end to the light in his dominion. The city is now in peril.
“Remember your city. Remember those you love. Remember your families. Remember your King, and fight with might and main this day. Remember also ‘the horse is prepared for battle, but the victory is the King’s’.” He stepped down and moved towards the massive doors. “Arm yourselves!” The doors swung open at his touch. “For King and country!!” he shouted and moved through the doors.
“The Darkened Land is epic fantasy at its very best…
If you love Tolkien, you won’t want to miss this premier novel by Larry Paris”
Larry Paris was born in 1957. He began writing in High School. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University, is a licensed minister, and resides in central Texas. He writes allegories in science fiction and fantasy. Larry is a disciple of Jesus Christ, and loves to tell stories that relate to Him and the Christian life.
Gabriel Cooper is just another cop on the NJPD- well, just another cop, except with almost psychic instincts. When those instincts lead him onto a bus to capture a hostile, he’s exposed to a mysterious bomb. Still, it seems like just another adventure he walked away from. Except that suddenly, his instinct is becoming his primary sense to keep out of trouble- and there is a lot of trouble.
Braelin Cunningham has no family, but she does have her best friend Gabe. She’ll do whatever it takes to protect him from the mysterious League of Incredible Supermen. As long as Braelin gets to be by the side of her best friend and secret crush, she’ll do it. Even if it means going on the run when more than the League get interested with Gabe’s newfound abilities.
On the run together, it seems like no matter where they turn, danger is there. When it comes to having superpowers, apparently, you can run- but you can’t hide.
Jes Drew is the author of the Ninja and Hunter trilogy, the Howling Twenty trilogy, the Kristian Clark saga, the Castaways trilogy, and Mind of Darkness. She lives with her mom, dad, younger sister, four younger brothers, and two dogs, obsessing about her true love, Captain Steve Rogers. There is a possibility that she may or may not be a superhuman, but she hasn’t discovered her powers. Yet. Also, she might be a spy, but that’s classified.
Compared to novel writing, short stories and novellas need special and different skills that every writer should master. Readers love shorter stories! From Kim Knight, the award-winning and number #1 best-selling author of 365 Days of Writing Prompts for Romance writers, The Art of Short Story and Novella Writing writer’s reference is perfect for both seasoned and aspiring writers of all genres. The Art of Short Story and Novella Writing will help you perfect, sharpen, and increase your skills and abilities when writing engaging shorter stories, novellas, or novelettes for both stand-alone and series stories. With detailed and practical steps, the sole aim of this guide is to help writers confidently write within a high demand and well-paid market. With easy-to-engage-with chapters, discover the practical art of short story and novella writing. The Art of Short Story and Novella Writing includes practical exercises to help you master the skills to write your next series of stories:
•Story-telling styles for short stories: how and why it should differentiate from novel writing.
•Character development with limited word count.
•Strengthening themes and plots with limited word count.
•Where and how to start a shorter story to capture reader’s attention.
•Creating compelling stories with peaks and satisfying endings for readers, with a small word count.
•Learn about the market, paid writing contests, and where to submit shorter stories.
Each chapter has a dedicated writing space for every practical exercise, and for plotting your ideas and characters. Writing compelling shorter stories with meaning, and well developed characters is not easy! But, with The Art of Short Story and Novella Writing, you will ramp up your skills set and become a master of the technique. Note: the paperback will allow writers to make notes, carry out the exercises, and throw away the hundreds of notepads us writers have sitting around.
Available in e-book ( $2.99) and paperback ($5.99) , audio version on its way!
Kim was born in 1983 and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful little boy, and a proud award-winning author (awarded Best Romance 2017 for A Stranger in France), and #1 Best-Selling Author (365 Days of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers). She’s also a contribution writer at Aspiring Authors Magazine LLC. Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author and later dived into self-publishing also.
As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, astrology, fashion, make-up artistry, drawing, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make -up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.
Hi everyone! Today I have something fun to share…a special chance to win some help with your writing bills. Awesome, right?
Some of you may know Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi of Writers Helping Writers. Well, today they are releasing a new book, and I’m part of their street team. I’m handing the blog over to them today so they can tell you a bit about their Writer’s Showcase event, new book, and a great freebie to check out. Read on!
Certain details can reveal a lot about a character, such as their goals, desires, and backstory wounds. But did you know there’s another detail that can tie your character’s arc to the plot, provide intense, multi-layered conflict, AND shorten the “get to know the character” curve for readers?
It’s true. Your character’s occupation is a GOLD MINE of storytelling potential.
Think about it: how much time do you spend on the job? Does it fulfill you or frustrate you? Can you separate work from home? Is it causing you challenges, creating obstacles, or helping you live your truth?
Just like us, most characters will have a job, and the work they do will impact their life. The ups and downs can serve us well in the story.
Maybe you haven’t thought much about jobs in the past and how they act as a window into your character’s personality, interests, and skills. It’s okay, you aren’t alone. The good news is that The Occupation Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Jobs, Vocations, and Careers is going to do all the heavy lifting for you. (Here’s one of the job profiles we cover in this book:FIREFIGHTER.)
My Review of The Occupation Thesaurus:
I found this to be a really useful resource. I anticipate using it for every book I write from now on, to make sure I pick the right occupation for each character and describe the details of their job well. I definitely recommend the Occupation Thesaurus – it would be a great addition to any author’s toolbelt. It might even be useful for someone researching a new possible career for themselves!
GIVEAWAY ALERT: THE WRITER’S SHOWCASE
To celebrate the release of a new book, Writers Helping Writers has a giveaway happening July 20th & July 23rd. You can win some great prizes, including gift certificates that can be spent on writing services within our Writer’s Showcase. Stop by to enter!
Resource Alert: A List of Additional Jobs Profiles For Your Characters
Some of the amazing writers in our community have put together additional career profiles for you, based on jobs they have done in the past.
What a great way to get accurate information so you can better describe the roles and responsibilities that go with a specific job, right?
About the Story: Bensin, a teenage slave and martial artist, is desperate to see his little sister freed. But only victory in the Krillonian Empire’s most prestigious tournament will allow him to secretly arrange for Ellie’s escape. Dangerous people are closing in on her, however, and Bensin is running out of time. With his one hope fading quickly away, how can Bensin save Ellie from a life of slavery and abuse?
What is the Collar for, and What is a Cavvarach? The story is set in a world very much like our own, with just a few major differences. One is that slavery is legal there. Slaves must wear metal collars that lock around their neck, making their enslaved status obvious to everyone. Any slave attempting to escape faces the dilemma of how and where to illegally get their collar removed (a crime punishable by enslavement for the remover). Another difference is the popularity of a martial art called cavvara shil. It is fought with a cavvarach (rhymes with “have a rack”), an unsharpened weapon similar to a sword but with a steel hook protruding from partway down its top edge. Competitors can strike at each other with their feet as well as with the blades. You win in one of two ways: disarming your opponent (hooking or knocking their cavvarach out of their hands) or pinning their shoulders to the mat for five seconds.
More About the Story Set in a world alarmingly like our own, The Collar and the Cavvarach is the story of fourteen-year-old Bensin, a slave, whose status is made obvious to everyone by the steel collar locked around his neck. A martial artist who competes to win money for his owner, Bensin fights in tournaments with a cavvarach. But his greatest battle is the struggle to protect his little sister from the horrors of legalized slavery in a world where slaves have few rights. Desperate to keep her safe, Bensin struggles to find a means – legal or otherwise – to arrange for her freedom. (For a fun introduction to the story’s setting and its culture, including an explanation of how cavvara shil works, click here.)
Sound Like a Book you Might Enjoy? Click the play button below to listen to the first 15 minutes of the story as narrated by Joseph Baltz.
Click here to go to the audiobook on Audible. Click here to go to the audiobook on Amazon. (Either way, try listening to the free sample to see what you think!) Like to Read Along While You Listen? The Collar and the Cavvarach ebook is available for FREE from July 14-18. Grab your copy now!
Enter the Giveaway to Win a Bundle of Action and Adventure eBooks by Thirteen Talented Authors!
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: Antoine Bandele
Title of book and/or series: By Sea & Sky: An Esowon Story (The Sky Pirate Chronicles Book #1)
Brief summary of the story: With no magic, no brawn, and no pirate crew, Zala seeks to steal back the one treasure that matters to her most: her husband.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: African fantasy world inspired by mythology and folklore from the African diaspora and Pan African countries.
If we were to visit PortKidogo as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? I’d definitely suggest hitting up the Seaborne Inn where you can get the best drinks—if not the best food. You’ll want to stop here mostly to get the lay of the land. There’s always gossip brewing about the latest on the island… just don’t piss off the brewmaster who frequents there or he might slip something nasty in your drink.
What dangers should we avoid on The Ibabi Isles? Unless desolation and barren islands are your thing, I’d suggest staying far away from here. Some even say the lands are cursed by the merfolk who used to live near its depths.
Karim
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Jultia? In Jultia, you might be surprised to find that there are no forks or spoons or other eating utensils. Almost all food is consumed by hand or by a spongy sourdough called injera (inspired from real live injera from Ethiopia), which often wraps around meats and veggies during meals.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common on The Sapphire Isles? The thing about the Sapphire Isles… it’s an intersection of many other regions. You’ll see Northern straight swords, Eastern curved sabers, Ya-Seti recurved bows, and Southern Spears. While the kinds of weapons you’ll come across are diverse, the fighting style is all the same. Many on the isles call it the “palm wine dance”. Almost everyone seems half drunk when they fight one another, even in brutal competition like the fighting arenas near Port Zanziwala.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to al-Anim? Though merely at the start of its major use, the Vaaji have started to construct airships to transport themselves from their coastal desert nation all across Esowon and beyond.
Shomari (a pakka) and Fon (an Aziza)
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Esowon that we don’t see on Earth? In Esowon, especially in the more densely populated cities and towns you might find an aziza (usually half or quarter). These diminutive fae creates come from the Kunda Jungles, but many of those who are half or quarter breed have been disbanded or exiled from the ancient jungle and forced to live among humans and pakka. The pakka, also known as cat-people, are more common than the aziza. They stand slightly shorter than the average human but they are far more dexterous and nimble.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Esowon? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used. Magic is a dying thing in the world of Esowon. In centuries past almost everyone had it, and almost everyone could do extraordinary things (i.e. manifesting storms/moving mountains/predicting the distant future). But during the timeline of By Sea & Sky, nations that were built on magic are looking for alternative ways to dominate… the primary focus being technology. Many marriages are now determined by how much magical blood is within the bride and groom.
Lishan
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Esowon? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples. Yes, the mentioned airships are new to the world of Esowon. These ships are fueled by old magic in the form of skyglass found throughout the world (usually compacted within old mountains).
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Esowon. The Vaaji favor a game called King’s Way, which is very similar to Earth’s chess. Southern Esowoni enjoy a game called stone and marbles, which is based on mancala.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Esowon as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there? Though Esowon has similar days and weeks to Earth, the people do not refer to months as months, but rather as moons. In fact, weeks aren’t weeks all the time. Sometimes, individuals (usually of the Old Faith) will say Àyá’s cycle instead of week. You see, this world has two moons. The big moon, or Yem’s moon, revolves around the world every 28 days, while Aya’s moon revolves around the planet every 7 days. So the people of the world have a perfect measurement of their weeks and months (yes, in reality this would break their world, particularly their ocean currents but… magic).
Jelani
Is there a particular religion practiced in Esowon? Please describe what it involves. There are many religions in the world of Esowon, but the two focused in By Sea & Sky are Jo’bara (the Old Way) and al-Qiba (the One True Faith). Devotees of Jo’bara believe in the continued influence of the Old Gods, even though said deities have been gone for thousands of years. Devotees of al-Qiba only put their faith in one God name Shati (or Shati’ala if you use Her honorific). Shati is known to have given humans magic way back when humans were nothing more than primitives beating stones together. And thus, those of al-Qiba pledge faith to her, and her alone, as she gave humans not only magic, but free will, and more importantly, their inventive minds.
What is the political or government structure on The Sapphire Isles? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? Currently the reigning “government” on the Sapphire Isles is the golden lord and his Golden Court. Under him are several tide lords who oversee the seven major isles of the Sapphire Seas. The political structure is based around a meritocracy of earning gold for the golden lord. It is the aspiration of many “aggressive entrepreneurs” (aka pirates) to bring enough plunder to Golden Lord Zuberi to be accepted to the Golden Court in Port Zanziwala. At this place, it’s said that a person can live well into old age without worry about coin ever… so long as Lord Zuberi likes what you bring him.
Zala
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit the Sapphire Isles? Were you to visit Port Kidogo or any of the smaller towns, there is an old tradition called Six-Nights which is a huge event when there is a major loss of life or an important figure has died. It might be better if I just leave an excerpt from the prequel novella, Stoneskin, about this tradition…
The whole of the Six-Nights celebrated among the islanders was dedicated to two Gods: Ibanujẹ, the Goddess of Grief, and Ùkú, the God of Death. Six colors ranged throughout the festival, from the deep blues of denial, the stark reds of anger, the neutral grays of bargaining, the muted ash of depression, the vivid yellows of acceptance, and the simple black of death and finality. Each color lined the square by way of flags and tapestries strewn about storefronts, stoops, and tavern doors. Each night was dedicated to one face of grief, then ending with an homage to Ùkú’s power, so that He may take their loved ones into the ancestral planes.
Tonight, the rich colors of blues dominated the decor, whether it was adorned along a building’s banners or sewn into gomesi dresses worn by the women or kanzus by the men. The blue represented the face of denial. It was important everyone knew what they were fighting against. Everyone knew how easy it was to go numb, to feel like everything was meaningless. Jelani had felt that deeply throughout the day. The point wasn’t to forget the dead or to forget the event. The point was to make sure the dead didn’t die in vain. The point was to stir up the senses, to shake the weight of that overwhelming apathy that could so easily overshadow everything in one’s life.
Issa
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book? I’ve certainly been inspired by my real-life research but not much in the way of my real-life experience (that’s reserved for my contemporary young adult novel I’ve also got).
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? There aren’t too many hot takes in this book unless you have an issue with same-sex relationships.
Author Autobiography:
I’ve been a creative kid, whether writing stories, drawing comics, or directing home movies. I remember the first time I thought I was a “published” author. My father took my brother and me to an office supply store, where we got our books (which were made out of wide-ruled notebook paper) laminated and copied.
It felt so legit.
In elementary school, I kept filling out more notebooks with my stories. I was even brave enough to share those stories with friends during recess. The underside of the playground slide became my own library, but the only inventory was my books. They were stories about kung fu fighting teenagers who were stuck in their own dreams (still might develop that one day), or fan fiction covering my favorite franchises.
Growing up in Los Angeles, only a few miles from Hollywood, I started flirting with the film industry. This became my focus throughout my young adult years. I majored in Multimedia at California State University Northridge (though my diploma is still incomplete). That eventually got me on YouTube which (for most filmmakers in those early days) was the best place to archive and share your work. YouTube has turned into a different beast today, but I still seek out that sense of community it had among like-minded individuals.
If there is one thing that encompasses my life so far, one theme, it would be the pursuit of art. Whether I’m writing, drawing, editing or otherwise (though I really wish I had a talent for music), I’ve always been drawn to crafting art. That’s all I’m really about when it comes right down to the bare bones, everything stripped away. I’m fueled by creating make-believe, letting my imagination take me to wonderful worlds filled with characters who speak to my inner muse.
So join me here on my small corner of the internet (a bit of an upgrade to the underside of a playground). I want to share my creativity with you.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.
If you want to support me directly, the best way to do that is through my website, where I sell signed copies and audiobooks direct.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Esowon. 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 next week’s edition of Realm Explorers! Are you an author of a sci-fi or fantasy novel that takes place in another world? Click here to find out about having it featured on Realm Explorers!
-Annie Douglass Lima
365 Days of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers
Savvy Writers Book 1
by Kim Knight
Genre: Writing, Self Help
With 365 Days Of Writing Prompts for Romance Writers, there’s no need for additional notepads or places to store your ideas. For each day of the year there’s a dedicated space for plotting your ideas, with a writing prompt to create an outline for a romance short story, novella, novel or even flash fiction. All you need to do is adapt the characters or setting to your sub-genre of romance. For each day of the year you’ll find a creative, engaging, fun and challenging writing prompt, with situations or people to craft your next story. There is also a personal blogging challenge with writing prompts, for romance writers to engage with their readers, grow their following, find new readers and allow their audience to get to know them via their own personal blog or author site. With 356 Days Of Writing Prompts For Romance Writers you’ll never be stuck for a romance story idea, or blog topic again! Each month has a focus and fully adaptable to your sub-genre, dip in and out of each day, week, month as you wish.
January- New Directions Love
February- Unexpected New Love
March- Fresh Starts and New Beginnings
April- Love in Unexpected Places
May- Historical, Regency and Multicultural
June- Contemporary Romance
July- Paranormal, Horror and Dark Romance
August- Christmas and Holiday Love
September- Mixed Bag of Goodies!
October- December Romance Writers’ Blog Writing Challenge Prompts
Award-Winning Romantic Suspense and Thriller Author Kim Knight, also shares her secrets on writing realistic, page-turning romance. Also her experience with writing prompts, which has allowed her to co-author two novels, and seventeen short-stories to date. So, romance writers around the world, grab your pen and your copy and get ready to write every day of the year and never run out of creativity. Note the paperback version will allow you to plot your ideas all in one space in the book, and let go of your hundreds of different idea notepads.
Kim is born in 1983 and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful little boy, and a proud award winning author (awarded Best Romance 2017 title for A Stranger In France). Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author and later dived into self-publishing also.
As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, astrology, fashion, make-up artistry, drawing, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make -up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.
Erik would give his life to protect King Jaymin. However, when an old enemy shows up with new schemes, that may not be enough.
Anya longs to be noticed by the king’s handsome bodyguard. But as she finally gains Erik’s attention, the notorious spy and double agent Dannel blackmails her into fulfilling a favor she has owed him for years. Anya is forced into a terrible choice: save Erik’s life, or protect her homeland.
Can Erik and Anya thwart an assassin and prevent a war before Dannel destroys everything that matters to them and to the kingdom?
Life as the king’s younger sister should be exciting.
Not for Princess Kalendria. She’s sick of the dissent and of constantly having her family undermined by those who think they could rule Malorn better than King Korram.
Hoping to lighten the mood in the palace, Kalendria plans a ball to celebrate her seventeenth birthday. It doesn’t hurt that their handsome Alasian ally King Jaymin has promised to attend, and she’s been waiting for him to notice her for as long as she can remember.
But unfriendly forces have their own party plans. When Kalendria, Korram, and Jaymin barely survive an assassination attempt, their only recourse is to flee into the wilderness. Tracked by unknown assassins, they must figure out whom they can trust and who is behind the plot. Can Kalendria help her brother reclaim his throne – oh, and catch Jaymin’s attention while she’s at it – before they are all killed and war destroys both kingdoms?
Nineteen-year-old Tarvic bears the name of a mighty hero from Alasia’s past. However, the young soldier feels anything but heroic when he regains consciousness to find himself the lone survivor of a brutal attack by invaders from the neighboring kingdom.
Forced to leave his identity behind, Tarvic is thrust into civilian life in the role of protector to three war orphans. When the four of them encounter a mysterious stranger, he must choose between keeping the young girls safe and taking on a mission that could help free his kingdom. Can Tarvic live up to his noble name and find a way to balance his duty and his dreams?
The Nameless Soldier is the fourth book in the Annals of Alasia, but the first four books can be read in any order, and each one can stand on its own.
Prince Korram is heir to the throne of Malorn, but Regent Rampus is determined to stay in power. Can Korram find a way to overthrow him before Rampus strikes him down?
One major obstacle stands between seventeen-year-old Prince Korram and the throne that is his birthright: Regent Rampus. Temporary ruler of Malorn, Rampus has no intention of giving up his position when the crown prince comes of age – or of allowing the prince to live long enough to reach that age.
Desperate to build an army of his own to stand against the regent, Korram treks into the Impassable Mountains to try to recruit the one segment of Malornian society not under Rampus’s control. But can he lead a band of untrained hunters and gatherers to victory against the full might of the Malornian military? Or will they all be crushed by the grasping hand of the regent before the prince can claim his rightful throne?
Prince of Malorn is the third action and adventure novel in the Annals of Alasia fantasy series, but the first four books can be read in any order, and each can stand on its own. If you like superb world- building, finely crafted fantasy cultures, and gripping survival stories, you’ll love Annie Douglass Lima’s coming-of-age saga. Download Prince of Malorn now to start the adventure today!
Enslaved when invaders take over Alasia, ten-year-old Anya discovers ways to spy on the enemy and slip information to the resistance. But then she uncovers a disturbing reference to her own family and is confronted by a stranger who seems to know her secrets. Holding her life in his hands, he claims to have proof that Anya’s father was involved in the betrayal that led to the Invasion itself. Can Anya help save her kingdom without putting her father in danger … and can she learn the truth about what happened before it’s too late?
In the Enemy’s Service is the second book in the Annals of Alasia, but the first four in the series can be read in any order, and each book can stand on its own.
Twelve-year-old Prince Jaymin, heir to the throne of Alasia, barely escapes with his life when invaders from neighboring Malorn attack. Accompanied by his young bodyguard, Jaymin flees to a nearby town to live in hiding. There, surrounded by the enemy soldiers searching for the missing prince, his life depends on his ability to maintain his disguise.
As the danger intensifies and the Malornians’ suspicions grow, Jaymin seeks desperately for a way to save his kingdom and himself. Then he stumbles upon a startling discovery that will challenge his assumptions and forever change his view of Malorn and the events that altered his life.
Prince of Alasia is the first book in the Annals of Alasia, but the first four in the series can be read in any order, and each book can stand on its own.
Annie Douglass Lima considers herself fortunate to have traveled in twenty different countries and lived in four of them. A fifth-grade teacher in her “other” life, she loves reading to her students and sparking their imaginations. Her books include science fiction, fantasy, YA action and adventure novels, a puppet script, anthologies of her students’ poetry, Bible verse coloring and activity books, and now a cookbook. When she isn’t teaching or writing, Annie can often be found sipping spiced chai or pomegranate green tea in exotic locations, some of which exist in this world.
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: Donna E. Lane
Title of book and/or series:
Whisperers Series – Sky Light Falls: Whisperers Book One; Sky Light Rises: Whisperers Book Two; Sky Light Ends: Whisperers Book Three (coming in July 2020)
Brief summary of the story:
The series takes place in another universe. The planet you visit was created as a single planet, where a variety of sentient species lived in harmony. One type of species is called Whisperers. They are made of light and energy and move freely through space and time. The other species are all matter-based humanoid creatures. Before the reader joins the story in Book 1, a revolt took place on the planet where a faction of the Whisperers joined with the 12 humanoid species to try to overthrow the Divinethos. In response, the Divinethos divided the one planet into two. The First World remained as it was created, but the Divinethos bound the Second World in time, making it have a beginning and an end. The revolutionaries were exiled to the Second World. As a result, those Whisperers lost their light and were left only as energy. They are now called Dark Ones. Over the course of thousands and thousands of years, the 12 species’ descendants forgot about the First World. When you join the story, the end of the Second World is approaching, so the First World’s Whisperers have now come to try and help those on the Second World who would listen. In Book One, the end begins as a cataclysmic natural disaster, a meteor strike, leaves devastation in its wake. Most of the planet is uninhabitable, and the few survivors must learn to work together if they are going to live. But the Dark Ones have other plans and use some of the survivors to bring further destruction. It is up to a child born with mystical powers, those who follow her, and the Whisperers to stop the Dark Ones from taking over the world. In Book Two, the survivors mourn. Their leaders are dead, their resources are gone, and their world has plunged into darkness. Hope seems a distant memory. The group of survivors splinters, relationships are broken, and they face unspeakable loss. While evil plots the culmination of its plan to seal the eternal fate of the world, the Whisperers lead one group of survivors to their only hope, a hidden orb that can pierce the darkness enveloping their world and rejoin the two planets. To find the orb, the ragtag group faces a series of trials they can only complete with the help of the Whisperers. Book Three follows the group as, aided by the Whisperers, they are tasked with transporting the magical orb to the high mountain to open a portal to the First World before their sky light goes supernova. On the way to the mountain, the Dark Ones confront them, and a massive battle ensues. Will they face their own despair and fear, overcome their desire for power, reach the high mountain, defeat the dark forces, and place the orb in time?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The First World is a place of great beauty, with crystalline waterfalls, emerald plains, and mountain spires reaching into a brilliant sky, but its most critical feature is it is unbound by time, meaning the world and its inhabitants can move freely through time and space. The Second World is bound in time and is a pale echo of the First World. When the reader joins the story, the Second World has been devastated by a series of natural disasters, so much of the world is uninhabitable.
If we were to visit the Second World as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
The best place to visit is the high mountain, where the Jacinthi prophets live; however, be warned: the Dark Ones have taken over the mountain during Book Two, so avoid the region during that time frame.
What dangers should we avoid on the Second World?
The Dark Ones are everywhere, so their presence poses a constant threat. In addition, most of the waters in the western world are tainted, so don’t drink them! Watch out for earthquakes, which can happen at any time, as well as ice storms where ice falls the size of boulders, and fire from the sky, because as the sky light expands, the atmosphere is burning.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the Second World?
If you are hanging out with the group transporting the orb, you’re in luck. They have a delicious fruit, given to them by the Whisperers in the cave where they faced their trials, that restores their health. But beware anything served by the Dark Ones: their food appears as delicacies, but in reality it is…well, I don’t want to spoil your appetite.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common on the Second World?
The Whisperers fight with swords and light and fire. Most of the humanoids use basic implements as weapons as they are more primitive, but one of the 12 humanoid species have mechanical devices like bombs – and have even built a machine that creates black holes.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Second World?
The Whisperers transport freely through space and time, so they don’t need vehicles. In Book Three, the magical child rides a panther-like creature with wings. Other than that, the creatures walk.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter n the Second World that we don’t see on Earth?
The Jasperi are tree dwellers with dark green skin and fluffy tails like squirrels but the size of humans. The Emraldi, grassland dwellers, look like child-sized fairies with pearlescent skin. The Topazi are desert dwellers who look like tan-colored kimodo dragons but are larger than humans. The Jacinthi live on the high mountain and look somewhat like huge snowy owls. The Saphiri (think mermaids) are ocean dwellers. The Onyxi, cave dwellers, look somewhat like large black bears but are quite timid. The Carneli, cliff dwellers, look somewhat like red wolves. The Chalcedi look like hawks and live in an aerie on the mountain on the opposite side of the world from the high mountain They equal or exceed the Jacinthi in size. The Beryli look somewhat like seals and like in the gulf waters. The Turqosi live in the wetlands. They are a warrior race who look like the spitting dinosaurs with the frill around their heads from Jurassic Park. The Chrysoli, plains dwellers, are newly introduced in Book 3. They appear lionesque. And finally, the Amthysti – the only species that looks like humans – live in a tower they built in the center of the world.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in the Whisperers series? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The Whisperers appear very magical to the inhabitants of the Second World since they travel through space and time freely. The child who helps the Whisperers in Book One can manipulate fire. The Dark Ones can manipulate thoughts and can shoot electricity from their fingertips. The magic of the Whisperers and the child is used to fight against the Dark Ones. The magic orb is used to open a portal to the First World.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in the Second World? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
The Amthysti are the only species with any level of technology. Their crowning achievement is their black hole creating device; however, they haven’t learned how to control it, so if it was ever used, the black hole would grow without limits and would consume the worlds.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in the Second World.
They are too focused on survival for games, for the most part. The Onyxi play a game called Stones, where they flip pebbles at the wall to see who can land closest. The Emraldi like to roll and tumble down hills for fun.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in the Second World as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The inhabitants of the Second World speak in terms of cycles, related to the rise and fall of their sky light. The cycles are shorter than Earth cycles, as are their seasons. They don’t celebrate any holidays or special events, because they really don’t have much to celebrate.
Is there a particular religion practiced in the Whisperers series? Please describe what it involves.
The Whisperers worship the Divinethos. They desire to bring the inhabitants of the Second World back to the same worship, but the inhabitants have no recollection of the Divinethos or the First World. During the course of the series, the group transporting the orb come to know the Divinethos and return to worship. The Dark Ones worship Skia Skotos, their Dark Lord. Skia Skotos seeks to bring the Second World’s inhabitants under his rule.
What is the political or government structure on the Second World? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
A thousand years ago, a huge war broke out between the 12 species that almost destroyed the Second World. A treaty divided the 12 species, giving each a portion of land and prohibiting contact between them, so the 12 species have had no contact for a thousand years, until the meteor strike destroyed so much of the planet and forced them to work together. Before that time, each species had their own form of government. Now, there is no government.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit the Second World?
The Jacinthi have a unique burial ritual, which becomes significant in Book Three. The Chrysoli own slaves and force them to do all their labor. The Chalcedi use substances to heighten their senses and create a type of hysteria for battle. The Beryli issue challenges and fight each other for the ruling position in their culture. The Topazi mate for life and always remain in pairs.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
The Book of Revelation was my inspiration.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Good vs. evil, the consequences of slavery, the consequences of drug use, the question whether scientific discovery without limits is always a good thing, the exploration of the true nature of evil, demonic inhabitation, eugenics, euthanasia.
Author Autobiography:
Dr. Donna E. Lane is an award-winning author, Professor of Counseling at Mercer University and a Christian counselor in private practice since 1993. She writes Christian fiction, Bible studies, devotionals, Christian apologetics, children’s books, and professional books such as her book on trauma treatment. She is a regular presenter at local, regional, national, and international conferences and workshops on such topics as trauma, grief and loss, Christian marriage counseling, Christian parenting, early childhood education, therapeutic writing, and soul care. Donna is married to David Lane. They have two grandchildren, Coen and Petra, and three children: Hayden, Lindsey, and Cody, who passed away in 2007 after a battle with a degenerative neurological disorder. Cody’s journey informs much of her writing.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)? Please include links.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Second World. 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 next week’s edition of Realm Explorers! Are you an author of a sci-fi or fantasy novel that takes place in another world? Click here to find out about having it featured on Realm Explorers!
To learn more about this and future releases, visit her at:
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Brief summary of the story: 
In elementary school, I kept filling out more notebooks with my stories. I was even brave enough to share those stories with friends during recess. The underside of the playground slide became my own library, but the only inventory was my books. They were stories about kung fu fighting teenagers who were stuck in their own dreams (still might develop that one day), or fan fiction covering my favorite franchises.
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What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Second World? 
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?