On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
It’s the Grand Finale for
Craving Beauty
By Jennifer Silverwood
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0Pq1Sa-Bd8?rel=0]
Did you come along with us as the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast is retold in a Gothic setting where nothing is exactly as it seems and the heroine must be her own hero? If not, go back and check out each stop…
Launch – Author Interview
What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?
Sometimes there is no knight in shining armor coming to rescue the damsel. Sometimes the damsel has to be the hero. I hope readers will find their courage, along with our heroine, Vynasha, to realize they too are beautiful beyond their inner and outer scars.
Painted Words Reviews – Review
“Whatever you think you know, forget it, you are probably wrong. As I said earlier, there is so much going on within the pages of this book you won’t know what to expect but that is what makes this book so utterly amazing. It was so different. It took a classic fairy tale one that I absolutely adore and made it something more. It made it something new.”
Mythical Books – The Characters & an Introduction to Craving Beauty
Craving Beauty is yet another adaptation of the beloved fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, with a darker twist. Elements of Gothic romance and high fantasy flesh out this retelling. I have always wanted to read a high fantasy retelling of my favorite fairy tale, so I decided to write one. . . .My story is different from other retelling’s because it focuses less on the romance and more on the journey of Vynasha.
deal sharing aunt – Author Interview
deal sharing aunt – Author Interview6. What would you like my readers to know?
Craving Beauty, Vol. 1 is a gothic romance as well as a high fantasy retelling of Beauty & the Beast. While it is a clean YA Fantasy, be prepared for a lot of mayhem and magic. And don’t be too surprised by the blood and beasts, or cloak and dagger. In the end, Craving Beauty is about finding courage and your own inner beauty despite all obstacles. Hope you will join me in Vynasha’s journey!
Singing Librarian Books – Review
“Author Jennifer Silverwood will blow you away with her latest release, Craving Beauty. In this rendition of Beauty and the Beast, Jennifer has created a twist on the story that readers will fall in love with from page one. Although a little darker than I originally thought it would be, this novel is filled with a delightful story and excellently developed characters.”
Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review
“If you are a fan of Beauty and the Beast type of story you will love this. It is a story of a girl with a tragic life who finds herself in a castle filled with Beasts and other enchanted characters.”
Cover2Cover – Review
Cover2Cover – Review“This is a story of love and loss, sacrifice and finding the strength within oneself to beat the odds.”
Colorimetry – Interview with Vynasha
The following interview was the last time anyone from the village of Whistleande had contact with her before Vynasha and her nephew, Wyll disappeared this winter. They are currently presumed dead by the local magistrate. One can only ponder what would drive these poor souls into a forest populated with danger and shrouded in myth.
Wishful Endings – Excerpt
The creature’s heavy limbs pounded upon the floor with every scrape of its claws. Roars echoed her flight over the crimson carpet. The hall was black as pitch without the light of the fire and candles. It wasn’t long before she felt the creature’s hot breath above her neck. Her heart pounded as she pushed harder and barely missed colliding with a column. She pivoted to avoid one agony, only to feel the rip of claws sinking around her waist.
Then she knew no more.
Then she knew no more.
Bookworm Lisa – Not Your Average Beauty
As I mentioned before, Vynasha is not your average “Beauty”. She was beautiful once, but now is covered in scars. She has little interest in romance or personal goals but doesn’t consider herself to be selfless. From an early age, like so many women today, she learned to get by on her own. Sometimes the prince doesn’t come in time and the damsel has to rescue them both. In “Craving Beauty”, Vynasha will discover that her inner beauty, like her bravery comes in many shapes and sizes.
Writing Pearls – Promo
Zerina Blossom’s Books – What I Learned From Craving Beauty
Of all the projects I’ve worked on since I started writing professionally, Vynasha’s story has stuck with me the longest. It has been drafted and re-drafted, revised and edited and revised again. At times I wanted to throw in the towel and give up because I thought I would never see the day it would publish. Some authors in that position might have set it aside for a later date, or put it away for good to collect dust. And I might have done exactly that except for one thing, I love the story. I love gothic romances and fairy tale retellings, and “Craving Beauty” is somewhat of a conglomerate of the two. It has elements of horror and high fantasy with the necessary Byronic hero and a heroine who isn’t your average “Beauty.”
Teatime and Books – Promo
Teatime and Books – PromoJ. L. Mbewe – Interview
What are you working on now? What’s next for you?
As you might have guessed, I’m already hard at work on the sequel to Craving Beauty, as well as polishing up the companion novella, Wolfsbane’s Daughter. I’m also working on a contemporary adult romance novel called “Moonlight.” I hope to publish all three this next year, so be on the lookout for news from my website!
Reader Girls – Excerpt
The beast growled as it dragged her back into the shelter of the room. She felt a powerful arm, muscle and sinew straining against her body as it tucked her against its brown mane. She was too dazed to do anything but cling to the creature in turn as it barreled through the castle. Slowly, her muscles relaxed enough for her to almost enjoy that wild rocking sensation and the thump of the beast’s heartbeat.
alwaysjoart – Wylder Tales
Craving Beauty is the first book in a three part series. The next, Wolfsbane’s Daughter is a companion novella and in-between for volumes one and two. It follows the journey of a few side characters you’ll meet in volume one. We will get an up close and personal glimpse of Wolfsbane’s mute daughter, Resha as she looks after Wyll. Wolfsbane and Resha both have major parts to play before the story plays out in volume two. I had a lot of fun diving into a different perspective, since the other two books are told from Vynasha’s point of view. Also, because Resha was born and raised in the forbidding Wylder Mountains, she gives us a closer look at the new world Vynasha and Wyll have traveled to.
Craving Beauty(A Wylder Tale, #1)
by Jennifer Silverwood
YA Dark Fantasy
by Jennifer Silverwood
YA Dark Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 239 pages
October 31st 2015
Vynasha has spent the last four years tending her mother’s roses and looking after her nephew. The fire that killed their family has left her scarred and put Wyll on the brink of death. Soon the first frost will come down from the mountains and she knows this winter will be his last.
Until a strange beggar appears on the road, telling her of the majikal Source that can heal her Wyll. With nothing left to lose, Vynasha braves the forbidden Wylder Mountains to seek out a cure and her fate.
A lost kingdom is uncovered by an equally lost girl, but the castle is not abandoned as she believes. Shadows cloaking unseen eyes watch. Tapestries whisper from the hidden corners, wondering if the one to break their curse has come. And a hungry beast waits, ready to devour her soul.
Other Books by the Author
Jennifer Silverwood was raised deep in the heart of Texas and has been spinning yarns a mile high since childhood. In her spare time she reads and writes and tries to sustain her wanderlust, whether it’s the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, the highlands of Ecuador or a road trip to the next town. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, in print or reality, she dreams of one day proving to the masses that everything really is better in Texas. She is the author of the Heaven’s Edge series, Stay and Silver Hollow.
Tour Giveaway
$20 Amazon eGift Card & ebook of Craving Beauty (INT)
Print copy of Craving Beauty + swag (Us Only)
Ends November 27th
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: Linda M. Crate
Title of book and/or series: Dragons & Magic (Book Two of The Magic Series)
Brief summary of the story:
Syn Seifer has never been one for confrontation or problems. Despite the faerie’s capacity to turn into a dragon, she would much rather fly away from her problems until they go away. Yet this time it isn’t an option. Syn must learn to deal with her problems and face reality and its ugly truths or risk losing the friendship of her dear friends Morgan and Byrant.
It doesn’t help that she has a crush on Morgan d’Ernos whose heart belongs to the corrupt and vile princess Cinder. Yet Syn is the only one that truly knows the evils of this girl’s heart. In order to protect Morgan, however, she hasn’t said a word. However, some secrets aren’t meant to be kept.
Syn Seifer must learn how to be brave or watch as her friends go down in the flames of destruction.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Atriel is a vast country containing many little countries as well as larger size ones – including a sub-country where the High Queen and King reside in which is also named Atriel.
If we were to visit Atriel as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
There are many countries each with their own customs and cultures so I would recommend visiting as many as possible to get to know the people and the places better. There are lots of friendly people, musicians, bards, and writers in Atriel. There are also taverns, food stands, and festivals that take place at different times of the year.
What dangers should we avoid in Atriel?
Well, there are evil people among the good so be careful of them. The vampires are a monsterous lot so remember to lock your windows and don’t invite anyone in at night that you don’t know. Also one must be careful of dragons, wyverns, demons, and monsters (including Lotus Monsters).
Also avoid the Well of Forgotten Souls – it’s an ominous pool of water so it’s a bit hard to miss, but if you’re not paying attention whilst walking in the wood, you could easily fall in.
Then there’s the evil witch Matilda – just pray that she never crosses your path.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Atriel?
Not that I can think of. Most of their food is much like ours, however, there are some baked goods in Atriel that we wouldn’t have such as: moon spear cakes which I’m told taste a lot like pomegranates and star flower pies which taste like a mixture of apples, cinnamon, with a hint of cherry. They also make wines out of star flowers and moon spears which are rather popular among commoners and nobles alike.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Atriel?
Swords, sun-soaked weaponry to defeat vampires, pure silver weaponry to defeat werewolves, bows and arrows, stakes, etc.
Fencing, archery, and hand-to-hand combat are the most common fighting styles in Atriel.
There are a lot of magic users, as well, so magic is oft used.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Atriel?
People can use magic to appear and disappear (but they have to be careful because if they use more magic than they can produce it can kill them), horses, and horse-drawn carriages.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Atriel that we don’t see on Earth?
Moon Spears, Star Flowers, Weredragonflies, Wyverns, Phoenixes, Dragons, Lotus Monsters, Centaurs, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Vampires, Dwarves, Druids, Nymphs, Giants, Trolls, Goblins
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Atriel? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic plays a huge role in Atriel. It is used for fighting, technology, transportation, cooking, healing, and pretty much anything anyone can or could do in the basis of a normal or extraordinary day.
However, there’s a catch. You cannot use more energy than you have. If you use more energy than you possess then your own magic will kill you.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Atriel.
There are festivals that are held surrounding holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc. full of costumes and whimsy.
Every once and a while the High Queen and King will hold balls or masquerade balls.
There is a lot of sword fighting and fencing, sometimes for entertainment purposes. There are singers and bards.
Some of the magic users entertain children with their abilities.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Atriel as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
They celebrate the same holidays as we do.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Atriel? Please describe what it involves.
There is no one religion in Atriel. Much like on Earth there are many different peoples practicing different religions and some people who don’t practice religion, at all.
What is the political or government structure in Atriel? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
There is a High King and Queen and then many other queens and kings beneath them governing their own countries. The High King and Queen reside in the country Atriel whereas the other kings and queens have their own seperate kingdoms in the continent of Atriel.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Atriel?
Just be aware as you travel through the countries. Each one is different and so what one country may not deem offensive another one might be offended by. There are local guides, however, who are friendly and willing to teach outsiders about their country should they be willing to listen.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Some of the characters (especially the nastier ones) were inspired by rude customers that made me cry at work or people I generally dislike. I always tell people to be nice to me because if they’re not I might kill them off in a book. It’s true of some of the rude people I’ve encountered.
None of the locations or cultures, persay, were based on anything I’ve encountered in my life as of yet.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
In Dragons and Magic the hot button issues I deal with are pro-life vs. pro-choice and I try to show each side of the story and show the pros and cons of both through my different characters, there’s also the issue of overthrowing a government that doesn’t serve the people but rather themselves in a way that hurts the people.
Author Autobiography:Linda M. Crate is a Pennsylvanian native born in Pittsburgh yet raised in the rural town of Conneautville. Her poetry, short stories, articles, and reviews have been published in a myriad of magazines both online and in print. Recently her two chapbooks A Mermaid Crashing Into Dawn (Fowlpox Press – June 2013) and Less Than A Man (The Camel Saloon – January 2014) were published. Her fantasy novel Blood & Magic was published in March 2015. Her novel Dragons & Magic is forthcoming through Ravenswood Publishing.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
The first novel of this series Blood & Magic can be found at these listings:
Here’s a listing of where you can find Dragons & Magic:
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Atriel. 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 fantasy world, in Realm Explorers Part LXXIII!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another fantasy world, in Realm Explorers Part LXXIII!
-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:
Lea Doué
Title of book and/or series:
The Firethorn Crown (Firethorn Chronicles 1)
Brief summary of the story:
Princess Lily, the eldest of twelve sisters and heir to a mighty kingdom, desperately seeks a break from her mother’s matchmaking. Tradition forbids marriage with the man Lily loves, so she would rather rule alone than marry someone who’s only after the crown.
Fleeing an overzealous suitor, Lily stumbles into a secret underground kingdom where she and her sisters encounter a mysterious sorcerer-prince and become entangled in a curse that threatens the safety of her family and her people. Lily can free them, but the price for freedom may be more than she’s willing to pay.
The Firethorn Crown, a re-imagining of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” is the first novel in the Firethorn Chronicles, a series inspired by fairy tales and other stories.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The world of the Firethorn Chronicles consists of eleven kingdoms spread over a central continent, a large island to the west, and a smaller island to the southeast. The Firethorn Crown is set in the kingdom of Ituria, at the southernmost end of the mainland. The twelve princesses live in the capital of Eltekon.
If we were to visit Eltekon as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Definitely visit during the week of Dragon Festival. Enjoy food from the street vendors, see a play in an outdoor theater, and maybe catch sight of one of the princesses mingling with the people.
What dangers should we avoid in Eltekon?
Dragons, but only certain species. Many are harmless, some are helpful, and others can be easily avoided. The razor-tail dragons are the main threat, and they’re the reason for the Dragon Festival—a celebration of the end of the Dragon Wars, a span of years during which the razor-tails were cleared from the ravaged kingdoms.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Eltekon?
Weapons and fighting styles vary based on which dragons the soldiers encounter. Each kingdom has their own Dragon Guard to make regular patrols of their lands, and most soldiers have a special skill at facing one type of dragon or another.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used for travel in the kingdoms?
Many people still travel by foot. Main roads are well maintained, and caravans travel frequently between major cities. Private coaches and guards are used by the wealthy. Horses, camels, and oxen are used, as well. Dragons are not ridden, except in the kingdom of Xafila, where wingless red dragons, the size of draft horses, are trained to carry royalty. No other large species of dragon is docile enough to permit such handling.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in the kingdoms that we don’t see on Earth?
Dragons. Lots of species, all sizes, in every environment. All dragons have a tendency to hoard something, with varying degrees of aggression when their hoard is threatened.
What role, if any, does magic play in the lives of people in Eltekon? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Sorcery is considered unnatural, and it is unhealthy to the wielder. Sorcery takes decades to master and must be learned one-on-one as an apprentice, as no sorcery books exist. Sorcerers are generally mistrusted and considered deceivers.
What is the political or government structure in Ituria? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he?
Ituria is currently ruled by King Brido, a favorite among the people. His mother ruled alone for a number of years after her husband died before stepping down to let Brido take the crown. Both men and women can inherit in Ituria, whether it’s the crown or property.
Some of the other kingdoms favor male heirs over female, but will allow either. And some will allow only male heirs to ascend the throne.
Author Autobiography:A native of south Georgia, Lea currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada with her husband, their two boys, a rescue greyhound, and a cat. But, sadly, no dragons. Homeschooling and writing take up most of her time, but she also enjoys directing a small puppet team at her church. The Firethorn Crown, a re-imagining of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” is the first novel in the Firethorn Chronicles, a series inspired by fairy tales and other stories.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book? Please include links.
You can purchase The Firethorn Crown on Amazon in ebook or paperback format.
Where can readers connect with you online?
Visit my website, where you can sign up for my newsletter, read more about the twelve princesses, and visit the ever-growing dragon dictionary.
I also have boards on Pinterest for The Firethorn Crown and for the twelve princesses.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Eltekon. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Atriel, in Realm Explorers Part LXXII!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Atriel, in Realm Explorers Part LXXII!
-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:
Jenelle Leanne Schmidt
Title of book and/or series:
The Minstrel’s Song (King’s Warrior, Second Son, and Yorien’s Hand are the first three books in this series, with Minstrel’s Call hopefully coming out in 2016)
Brief summary of the story:
When Dark Warriors invade her country, it is up to Princess Kamarie to seek out the legendary king’s warrior and request his aid. The feisty princess has spent her life dreaming of adventure and is thrilled to be tasked with such a quest. There’s only one thing that can dampen the princess’s excitement: Oraeyn. The squire views his task of protecting the princess on her journey as an inglorious assignment and makes no attempt to hide his disappointment.
Despite a rocky start to their journey – in which Oraeyn throws the obnoxious princess in a river just to get her to call him by name – the travelers soon learn that they must depend upon one another if they are to locate the man they have been sent to find.
The adventure merely begins when they meet Brant: a warrior with a mysterious past. He joins their cause readily, his heart smoldering with a vendetta Kamarie cannot completely understand. But whether she trusts him or not, the hope of their world rests on the steel he wears at his side….
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
The world of this story is called Tellurae Aquaous. It is a world of kingdoms separated by oceans. There are eleven “island countries” each ruled separately from the others. Some are large, some are small, some are one big land mass, others are a sort of archipelago, and they each have their own individual terrains. Aom-igh, the realm in which the first story takes place, has a lot of forests, farm land, and a massive mountain range separating the northern and southern halves of the kingdom. There is also a beautiful cove that is magically shielded from the rest of the realm, a dangerous, rocky desert, and a hidden, underground network of enormous caves that is a kingdom unto itself.
If we were to visit Tellurae Aquaous as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Focusing on Aom-igh, because much of the story in all four books centers on that nation, I would definitely recommend you visit the capital city of Aom-igh: Ayollan. There is much in the city to be enjoyed. Inns, beautiful scenery, and good food are all to be found in plenty. There are also minstrels and artists who make their homes in the city, so entertainment and souvenirs are easily found. The palace is enormous and beautiful, and there are some enchanted rooms you won’t want to miss – definitely try to get a tour!
If you’re needing some peace and quiet, Pearl Cove is one of the hidden gems of this land. With sweeping white sand beaches, gently sloping dunes, and the sapphire ocean, this peaceful haven from the stresses of everyday life will soothe your cares away. You will also find the entrance to the underground realm of Krayghentaliss there, where you can catch a glimpse of the fabled Ember Stones, and visit the ancient libraries of the dragons.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, I would definitely recommend you hike in the Mountains of Dusk. It’s a wilderness, but not incredibly dangerous. Also, you might just be lucky enough to spot a dragon or a gryphon while you’re exploring!
What dangers should we avoid in Tellurae Aquaous?
You are definitely going to want to be on the lookout for were-folk. These are creatures who were created from leftover bits of shadow and darkness by an Ancient Enemy who wished to set himself up as the ruler of the land. These creatures are usually found in small groups. Nobody is sure just how many different kinds of were-folk there are, but they are nasty creatures who kill for pleasure. Seheowks are the most common of these creatures – they are tall, wiry, and vaguely human shaped but with clawed hands and feet. They dislike light and are terrified of fire. You generally don’t have to worry about them in Aom-igh, but they are a plague upon the rocky shores of Llycaelon.
There are also the usual dangers of falling when rock-climbing, drowning while crossing a river, or perishing in an attack from an invading army, as well as being stabbed in the back by a betrayer, but these are all ordinary, commonplace dangers that one might find anywhere, and should not in any way deter you from visiting our fine land.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Tellurae Aquaous?
The food you encounter will be slightly different from what you are used to, as it is prepared differently. There is a lot of bread and cheese. Soups and stews are common as they can be thrown into a pot with various vegetables and kept warm over the fire all day. Chicken, beef, and lamb are the common meats, though beef is considered a luxury. As people spend long hours outside working in the fields, herding animals, or traveling, a common food that you will find is a mixture of oats, finely chopped grains, raisins, and nuts all held together by honey in clumps. This is fondly known as “rations.”
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Tellurae Aquaous?Swords, daggers, and bows are common in Tellurae Aquaous. The knights of Aom-igh are fairly traditional knights, though they wear light armor and fight with hand-and-a-half swords. In Llycaelon, all forms of fighting are taught and encouraged. The aethalons (warriors) of Llycaelon usually wear dark-colored leather armor and fight with swords or bows, though they are trained in many weapons.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Tellurae Aquaous?
Traveling is generally done on horseback, though carriages are also available upon request.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Tellurae Aquaous that we don’t see on Earth?
You may encounter dragons, gryphons, pegasus, unicorns, and mer-folk in Tellurae Aquaous. This is not guaranteed, however, as these creatures have not always been welcomed by humankind and have retreated from the world in many places. They also have the ability to shape-shift and take on other forms, so you may not always realize it when you meet one of these creatures. It is best to be polite to all strangers.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Tellurae Aquaous? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic in Tellurae Aquaous is hereditary, and based on one’s race. Dragons, of course, possess the greatest power. Unicorns have an unmatched ability to heal all kinds of ailments. Wizards and wizardesses are extremely rare, as there was a war many years ago and the population never recovered. The last great wizard died two decades ago, and though he left behind four daughters, they are not full wizardesses, as their mother was a mermaid.
Magic is a tool, used for good or ill by the one wielding it. There is no such thing as “evil magic” or “good magic” in this world. It is the user’s intent that determines the morality of this power. It can be used for healing, finding lost things, communicating across great distances, and creating protective shields. It can also be used to conquer, to create creatures such as the were-folk, or to bend another’s will to one’s purpose.
There are also a very few, extremely rare and precious objects within the confines of Tellurae Aquaous that possess a power of their own. These are objects that have been gifted to the world by Cruithaor Elchiyl (the Creator). One such item is Yorien’s Hand. Nobody knows what, exactly, Yorien’s Hand is, though legend states that it is a fallen star. Visitors to our fair land may view this powerful object in the Ruined Palace of the High Kings located on Emnolae… if they dare. Be warned, however, nobody looks upon Yorien’s Hand and remains unchanged!
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Tellurae Aquaous.
A notable game that is played by many in Tellurae Aquaous is a board game called Karradoc. This game is played on a board covered in 20×20 squares. Each player has a hand of cards, and chooses anywhere from 6-20 pieces to start. These pieces range in point value from 1-5, and regardless of number of pieces, each player must start with 30 points. All pieces may move in whatever direction they like (and may change direction mid-turn) however many spaces corresponds with their point value (e.g. 1 point pieces may move one space in any direction, but 5 point pieces may move 5 spaces in any direction and may change direction mid-turn) however, a piece may not touch any square twice in one turn.
A player captures his opponent’s piece by both moving one of his pieces onto the same square as that of his opponent’s piece and playing a “capture” token. Pieces can only be captured by a piece of equal or greater value, or with a token that allows for an eight-sided die (that has three 1s, two 2s, two 3s, and one 4 printed on it) to be rolled and added to the value of a token (thus a 1-point piece could, conceivably, capture a 5-point piece with a roll of 4).
The game ends when one player has captured all of his opponent’s pieces. The game is won by whomever has captured his opponent’s pieces OR by whomever has the most points left on the board once all the capture tokens have been used.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Tellurae Aquaous as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Days, weeks, and months are fairly similar in Tellurae Aquaous to what we experience on Earth. They refer to the seasons as New Term (Spring), Warm Term (Summer), Change Term (Fall), and Cold Term (Winter). In Aom-igh they celebrate birthdays and coronations and harvest time with great gusto. In Llycaelon they celebrate more sparingly, making a big deal out of individual achievements and attaining rank. In Yochathain they tend to celebrate anything and everything about life that one can think of.
A notable difference between Telluarae Aquaous and Earth is that they refer to the sun by the name “Dragon’s Eye” and the moon is called the “Toreth.”
Is there a particular religion practiced in Tellurae Aquaous? Please describe what it involves.
There is no religion per se. A widely held belief is that there is a Creator, and those who strive to follow his will know him more personally by his name: Cruithaor Elchiyl. Most people do not think much about the Creator, preferring to believe that he is distant and uninvolved in the trivial matters of daily life.
They are wrong, of course. He is very involved and cares deeply for the details of their lives and world. However, he prefers to work through his messengers and those who trust him.
What is the political or government structure in Tellurae Aquaous? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
As I said, the island countries are each ruled by their own king. However, there is precedent for a High King to rule over the entirety of Tellurae Aquaous in times of great danger and need. In order for someone to become High King, he must travel to Emnolae and touch the relic known as Yorien’s Hand. If the relic does not destroy him, then he is proven to be the rightful leader for that time.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Tellurae Aquaous?
Not among humans. It is best to be on one’s best behavior around myth-folk, however. Particularly around dragons. They are sticklers for proper etiquette and it is very important that you address them politely. They will usually excuse lack of correct manners and chalk it up to an incomplete education, but lack of any manners at all could get a person eaten. Also, it is very important never to look directly into a dragon’s eyes. They will hypnotize you and either control you or eat you, depending on their mood. They cannot help it, and will feel regretful later, but that won’t do you much good.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?The Harshlands of Aom-igh are a vast, windswept desert of rock and sand. The winds of that area are dangerous and deadly. The driving wind and tiny grains of sand will strip off exposed skin. I got this idea one day when my family and I went to the beach on Lake Michigan. It was extremely windy and I was the only one wearing shorts. The sand whipping against my legs hurt severely and everyone in my family laughed at me, not believing how much the sand truly hurt. So, I wrote it into my story in an attempt to describe it.
I think a lot of the ideas for locations in this story stem from places I’ve been. The Lake District in England, the countryside around Edinburgh, the forests I grew up exploring in Illinois, my camping adventure in Canada, the mountains in Colorado… every place I’ve been has flavored the locations I write about, even though I may not be consciously picking a specific area to “copy” these experiences are woven throughout my writing.
Author Autobiography:
Jenelle Schmidt grew up in the northern-midwest. She now resides with her husband and their three adorable children in North Carolina where the summers are too hot and there is never enough snow. Jenelle fell in love with reading at a young age during family storytimes. To this day she enjoys creating exciting adventure tales filled with poignant themes and compelling characters in the fantasy and sci-fi genres.Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
You can buy King’s Warrior in paperback on Amazon and in Kindle form.
You can buy Second Son in paperback on Amazon and in Kindle form.
Yorien’s Hand is coming soon!
Where can readers connect with you online?
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Tellurae Aquaous. 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 fantasy world, in Realm Explorers Part LXXI!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to another fantasy world, in Realm Explorers Part LXXI!
-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: Juli D. Revezzo
Title of book and/or series: DRUID WARRIOR’S HEART (Celtic Stewards Chronicles, book 2)
Brief summary of the story:
As the latest in her family’s long line of Stewards, Ruth Macken awaits the arrival of a warrior sworn to the Tuatha dé Danaan, the Celtic gods her family has served since the beginning of time. For on that day, a magical battle will erupt. A war between druids and an evil that will decide the fate of mankind.
Isaac Connel knows the battle is imminent, and is ready to fight, once again but from the moment he sees Ruth flitting around the sacred ground, he’s captivated by her fiery charms and a need to protect her.
Despite Isaac’s assurances and the dreams that guide her, what can Ruth and her lover do to drive off this evil? Despite everything, will the world end at the hands of an evil god?
Isaac Connel knows the battle is imminent, and is ready to fight, once again but from the moment he sees Ruth flitting around the sacred ground, he’s captivated by her fiery charms and a need to protect her.
Despite Isaac’s assurances and the dreams that guide her, what can Ruth and her lover do to drive off this evil? Despite everything, will the world end at the hands of an evil god?
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Bitter Thorn Grove is a small farm in a fictitious version of 16th century Ireland. Outside the farm lies a small village, but large enough to accommodate a church and a glimpse of the mountains and sea.
If we were to visit Bitter Thorn Grove as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
You could seek out the stone circle nearby or the garrison, both of which the harshad warriors and there druids visit now and then.
What dangers should we avoid in Bitter Thorn Grove?
I wouldn’t recommend going anywhere near Old Bog Road. You never know what kind of creatures the nasty Balor might send after you!
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Bitter Thorn Grove?
Given the time period, the question is what wouldn’t they have? Potatoes had not been introduced into Ireland, at the time.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Bitter Thorn Grove?
The harshadwarriors carry weapons that can shapeshift to whatever their battle calls for at any given time—a sword, a knife, an ax, whatever. And they do know some martial techniques that might not have been in known in the real 16thcentury Ireland. 😉 They are working for gods, after all.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Bitter Thorn Grove?
Since Ruth and Isaac live in the 16th century, they have limited technology. Ruth and her mother work on looms and spinning wheels, and they tend the farm with the help of cart and horse. They do have some other things that their neighbors irl wouldn’t have. See below.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Bitter Thorn Grove that we don’t see on Earth?
There are the Harbingers. They’re lizard-like supernatural fiends Balor sends to taunt Ruth and Isaac—frequently. And there are also mermaid-like but rather nasty beings Isaac and company call Selkies.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in DRUID WARRIOR’S HEART? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
The harshad warriors command battle magic; as I said before their weapons can take on any needed shape. They can also teleport here and there—and they can understand signs from various animals. The druids have their own special magic and can weave spells to protect Ruth and her family. Ruth has her own steward magic in that she can affect the well-being of the animals and plants on her farm.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Bitter Thorn Grove? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
See above. They are generally on par with historical technology of the time (though I will say, because of Ruth’s status, she’s a little farther ahead than her neighbors. Her family have developed insulation techniques that weren’t available in our real history.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Bitter Thorn Grove.
One of Ruth’s guests is a druid who, according to her colleagues, is one of the Tuatha dé Danaan’s top bards. So she recites poetry and stories. They also have a few musicians who entertain her from and her neighbors from time to time.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Bitter Thorn Grove as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Yes; though due to the nature of the druids, Isaac and Ruth also commemorate the Irish fire festivals, particularly Imbolc (February 2nd).
Is there a particular religion practiced in the 16thcentury Ireland of Bitter Thorn Grove? Please describe what it involves.
Ruth attends the Catholic Church, but she leans toward the druid holidays and those related to the Tuatha dé Danaan.
What is the political or government structure in 16thcentury Ireland? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The Lord Marshal is (or rather, was) at that time (historically), in charge of that part of Ireland.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit 16thcentury Ireland?
Everyone must attend church on Sundays.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
I’ve studied Celtic mythology most of my life and the whole structure of the harshad warriors and their druids stems from that. Though, I threw in more magic than the historical druids were known to have wielded. 😉
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
There’s a little bit of the historical status of women and also the history of the Druids.
Author Autobiography:Juli D. Revezzo is a Florida girl with a love of speculative and romantic fiction and legend, and loves writing stories with all kinds of fantastical elements. She is the author of The Antique Magic series and the Paranormal Romance Celtic Stewards Chronicles series, New Adult romance Changeling’s Crown, and short stories published in ETERNAL HAUNTED SUMMER, LUNA STATION QUARTERLY, among others. She is also a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
DRUID WARRIOR’S HEART is available (currently) at Amazon and the paperback can be purchased through Createspace.
Where can readers connect with you online?
My website: http://julidrevezzo.com
They can follow me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/julidrevezzo
or Twitter: @julidrevezzo
They can follow me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/julidrevezzo
or Twitter: @julidrevezzo
Thank you for having me here at your lovely little home, Annie!
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Bitter Thorn Grove. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Tellurae Aquaous, in Realm Explorers Part LXX!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy world of Tellurae Aquaous, in Realm Explorers Part LXX!
-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:
L. Palmer
Title of book and/or series:
The Pippington Tales: Book 1 – The True Bride and the Shoemaker
Brief summary of the story:
There is magic in the streets of Pippington, but most people are too busy to notice.
Shoemaker Peter Talbot needs a little magic. Cheap, factory made, shoes are putting him out of business, his nagging sisters will never let him rest, and his efforts to find true love are constantly thwarted by worldly fickleness. However, the gift of a wild primrose and a shipment of rare griffin skin are about to change everything…When beautiful handmade shoes begin appearing in his shop every morning, Peter is determined to find the source. What he finds instead will be far more exciting and wondrous than he could ever imagine.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
Pippington is a town somewhere between the 1910’s setting of Downton Abbey and the magic of Storybrooke in Once Upon A Time.
Here, the magical is possible, but hardly sensible, and better left ignored. However, magic is difficult to ignore when pumpkins start turning to carriages in one’s backyard, one’s brother appears to now be a frog, or completed shoes start appearing on the shop counter after only being imagined the night before.
If we were to visit Pippington as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
What you do while visiting Pippington depends on how much you want to spend.
If you want to rub shoulders with the upper class, I’d recommend dinner at the Gormand and an evening of theater and dance at the Morveaux. Talk to the right people, you might be invited into the inner circle of Mrs. Petunia Ophombauch, and she will introduce you to the exclusive marvels of high society.
If you’re more interested in a rougher crowd, I’d recommend a day at the dragon races, followed by dinner and some good dancing at McBriar’s. Just make sure you’re ready for a brawl.
No matter which crowd you choose, make sure to visit Talbot’s Boots and Other Footwear and order a pair of shoes. Your feet will discover a new world of beauty and comfort.
What dangers should we avoid in Pippington?
The dangers of Pippington are generally hidden. Magic is rampant throughout the city, but not discussed in polite society. The dangerous sort of magic may come in the form of an old woman asking for a coin, a charming stranger, or a secretly enchanted hat. In other words, you don’t find danger – danger finds you.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Pippington?
Pippington’s cuisine is close to Earth’s, but the Gormand and other restaurants serve a fine griffin steak. The steak is best medium-rare with a spicy mustard sauce and roasted potatoes.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Pippington?
Many citizens in Pippington are partial to a classic brawling style, using punching, kicking, and biting. Those with magic, however, train in secret for sorcery battles involving conjured flame, tossing about objects, and other magic-based methods of mischief and injury.
Some with magic prefer practicing how to turn people into frogs.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Pippington?
Attempts have been made to expand the use of dragons to a means of transportation, but the high expense of maintaining a dragon, and the likelihood of falling without proper harnessing, has made this prohibitive. In fact, a recent law was passed to ban riding dragons without proper licensing of both dragon and rider.
Most citizens use the public trolley system, private motorcars, bicycles, a classic horse and carriage, or their own feet. There are rumors of women using brooms, but these remain unconfirmed.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Pippington that we don’t see on Earth?
In addition to dragons and griffins, any creature which appears in a fairy or folk tale in any culture on Earth might make an appearance. Mermaids, for example, are rumored to live in far-off waters, but none have been found in the local lake.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Pippington? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic is similar to another wavelength in the air – similar to sound and light waves. Some people are more attuned to magic, and you can manipulate the air through sound – whistling, singing, music – or attach the magic to an object, allowing for specific spells. Those in the underground magic social circles who can do air-based magic look down on those who can only do object-based magic.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Pippington as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
Time in Pippington passes in the same fashion as Earth. In the summer, the citizens of Pippington celebrate Abeyance Night, enjoying peace in the city with fireworks and parades. In the winter, is High Winter, where families come together to feast and enjoy each other’s warmth.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Pippington? Please describe what it involves.
There are several religions practiced in Pippington, including some underground religions involving magic. The general citizenry participate in Dalthonism.
The Dalthon is an oligarchy of five gods who embody five virtues – courage, honesty, charity, patience, and virtue. These gods dress in simple clothes and represent the everyday person. They are in eternal battle with the Carricks, who represent five vices – fear, falsehood, hatred, glutton, and lust. These gods dress in finery, using their glamor to draw people into their traps.
If you follow the Dalthonian Path, your afterlife will be in a Paradise, where you will live in peace. If you follow the Carrickian Path, your afterlife will be in an endless maze of darkness and misery.
Most citizens of Pippingtons participate in surface level church activities – weekly sermons, periodic charity drives involving baked goods – and give little thought to the deeper questions of their religion.
What is the political or government structure in Pippington? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Pippington is part of Barthan, a democratic republic ruled by a generally elected president and parliament elected prime minister. About two-hundred years before The True Bride and the Shoemaker, Barthan was a monarchy ruled by an aristocracy of magic-users. With the invention of the gun and other devices, the common class revolted and established rule by the people. Great efforts were made to erase traces of magic in the more populated areas, and the survivors with magic moved west to the Surris Mountains.
In the Surris Mountains, magic is practiced freely, and Barthan leaves the citizenry alone. In return, residents of the mountains support the Surris Rangers, who monitor and capture those are doing harm with magic. Those who are dangerous to humankind are imprisoned in the Culparr Mines.
In Pippington, there is a mayor and city council, with each member elected every four years.
While the mayor and city council are respected, most of society listens to the opinions of Petunia Ophombauch and her societal column in the Rosetown Journal. Reputations live and die by the stroke of Mrs. Ophombauch’s pen.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
All stories and characters I write are a combination of experiences and people I have met. While the world is long ago and far away, the characters are grounded in real emotions and every day experiences. For example, in The True Bride and the Shoemaker, Peter goes through the same romantic rejection most young adults have experienced.
What literature influences the world of Pippington?
O. Henry’s New York (see The Gift of the Magi) and the less bleak parts of Dickens’ London.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Dating. I find it’s a hot-button issue for many single adults.
Author Autobiography:L. Palmer has spent many years traveling fictional worlds and building tales of grand, epic adventures. When she was in the midst of a grand battle between two ogres and a stegosaurus, she stumbled upon the world of Pippington. Dreams of wizard duels and clashing armies gave way to motorcars bumping down old city lanes and fairy godmothers disguised as high-society gossips. Here, she found a new literary home.
In between exploring the hidden lives and magic of Pippington, L. Palmer lives among the mountains of Utah and attends graduate school at Brigham Young University. She developed her imagination and adventure skills through growing up in Girl Scouts, working for ten years at resident summer camps, teaching high school English, attending and working at the University of California Santa Barbara, and reading great books of fantasy and magic. The True Bride and the Shoemaker is just the beginning of many tales to come.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
The True Bride and the Shoemaker is available in print and e-book at via Amazon.com, as well as a few local stores as listed on the book’s page on my website: http://tinyurl.com/truebride
Where can readers connect with you online?
Website: lpalmerchronicles.com
Twitter: L_palmer_1
E-mail: [email protected]
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Pippington. 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 Bitter Thorn Grove, in Realm Explorers Part LXIX!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to Bitter Thorn Grove, in Realm Explorers Part LXIX!
-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: C.N. Pinckard
Title of book and/or series: Arising from Darkness
Brief summary of the story:
Meranda decides she has had enough of the way Gavid treats her and feels away from him. She runs into the King of Yevin and is immediately put to death by Gavid. King Ledric heals her and discovers she is a Riftrider with a strange birthmark on her shoulder. Treidon discovers his true love in Meranda and is his a Riftrider as well. She talks about a lord name Siebrien who plans on over taking the realm. They all rush to Elmwick and give Meranda the trials, but she is plagued by Nightmares and demons who wish her dead. No one knows the real reason, but they find a way to make the trials and hopefully stop Siebrien.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
I created this world with the thoughts of the different regions of the world, artic (snow region), the flat lands (the grasslands region) the desert (desert region), and the forest (the forest region.). each has it’s own dangers and troubles, just like here on Earth.
If we were to visit Seilla as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
Going to Elmwick to see the monstrous tall trees.
What dangers should we avoid in Seilla?
There are kinds of dangers, from plants that could eat a man whole to goblins, trolls, orcs, ogres and even Lizardmen.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Seilla?
No, mostly mutton, veal, and the like.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Seilla?
Combat consists of swords, daggers, axes, typical, but there are some not so typical. Such as the hair cat o’nine tales, and the spiked chains
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Seilla?
Mostly animals are used to travel. Although there is a special race that use their abilities to travel and help others travel through the shadows.
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Seilla that we don’t see on Earth?
For one, the sentient races are Goblins, orcs, gnomes (not the cute garden variety either.), lizardmen, trolls, barbarians, elves, kobalds, dwarves and dragons. Animals are typical, but some not so typical the ankheg which is a flesh eating large bug. Or the cockatrice. There are monsters everywhere in the Realm of Seilla.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Seilla? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
There are always magic and supernatural at play in the Realm of Seilla. There are demons that constantly are plotting against the entire realm, and magical abilities are either studied or come natural.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Seilla? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
Yes, there is an ore named Ultrim that holds a magic that is cast on it. For example if you cast cold on the metal, it will constantly keep cold, thus helping the elves of the realm keeping their meats cold, if you cast lightening on it, it will keep that electricty and provide power to the realm. There is also running water in the realm as well, it is powered by the spells of filtration and constant flow.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Seilla.
There is jousting, skilled events for each of the classes (ranger, riftrider, knight, fighter, etc)
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Seilla as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
No, weeks are 10 days a week, month is 40 days, years are 400 days. On the land of Yevidin there are fall festivals, spring festivals, summer celebrations and a winter celebration. Barbarians, Dwarves and Kobalds have their own.
What is the political or government structure in Seilla? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
The typical Medieval ruling, monarch, lords, ladies, dukes and dutchesses, etc.
Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Seilla?
There are a few, to become a shadow elf you must face several trials.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
My book 1 has been influenced by the military and other events of pop culture.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
Demons, we all have them, we all fight them. They are always out to get us and will try and destroy us. We have to use our strength, faith and courage to fight them.
Author Autobiography:
C.N. Pinckard is from Bossier City, Louisiana where she lives with her husband of twenty years (seven time cancer surviver) and two autistic boys. Her own autism spurred her love of reading fantasy. When she graduated from the small rural school she attended, she soon married and began her family, all the while dreaming of the day when she would begin her journey writing. In the present day, C. N. Pinckard enjoys every minute of working on her Riftrider’s Return series as well as making jewelry, bookmarks, and handmade textures to use with photography or cover art.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books?
http://amzn.com/1494468794 Paper back
http://www.inktera.com/store/title/169cc1ff-3544-4955-b01f-a986cc480a0a Inktera
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/arising-from-darkness Kobo
https://www.oysterbooks.com/book/w3eP8SNXtjWrqPLikDfTL7/arising-from-darkness-riftriders-return-1 Oyster
https://www.scribd.com/book/253203908/Arising-From-Darkness-RiftRider-s-Return-1 Scribd
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arising-from-darkness-christina-pinckard/1121098306?ean=2940151711883 Barnes and Noble
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id959980605 Itunes
http://www.inktera.com/store/title/169cc1ff-3544-4955-b01f-a986cc480a0a Inktera
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/arising-from-darkness Kobo
https://www.oysterbooks.com/book/w3eP8SNXtjWrqPLikDfTL7/arising-from-darkness-riftriders-return-1 Oyster
https://www.scribd.com/book/253203908/Arising-From-Darkness-RiftRider-s-Return-1 Scribd
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arising-from-darkness-christina-pinckard/1121098306?ean=2940151711883 Barnes and Noble
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id959980605 Itunes
Where can readers connect with you online?
Twitter: @CNPinckard
Website: http://kelinrose.wix.com/cnpinckard
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Seilla. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy land of Pippington, in Realm Explorers Part LXVIII!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the fantasy land of Pippington, in Realm Explorers Part LXVIII!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Happy fall! It may not feel like fall here in Taiwan, but I guess technically it is. In some parts of the world people are already starting to prepare for winter (and of course in other parts, they’re welcoming spring), but in Taiwan we’re looking forward to cooler weather in the hopefully not-too-distant future.
So, who’s ready to celebrate the change of seasons with a good book? If you live where it gets cold at night at this time of year, maybe you’re looking for the perfect book to curl up in front of the fireplace with. Personally, I’m looking forward to being able to read out in my hammock again without sweating! In either case, I have just the thing for you!
So, who’s ready to celebrate the change of seasons with a good book? If you live where it gets cold at night at this time of year, maybe you’re looking for the perfect book to curl up in front of the fireplace with. Personally, I’m looking forward to being able to read out in my hammock again without sweating! In either case, I have just the thing for you!
I’ve collaborated with a number of other authors in putting together a “Fall Into Reading” sale. The first page on the website has all the books on sale categorized by genre, so you can easily find the type of thing you like to read. Here are the genres we are featuring:
children’s books
middle grade
young adult
mystery/suspense/legal thrillers
clean romance
paranormal/fantasy/science fiction
inspirational
historical
Some books on that page are FREE and others are discounted. All four of my novels are represented there – three are significantly discounted and one is free, so if you don’t have copies of all of them yet, now’s your opportunity!
If you want to find other clean books that aren’t necessarily on sale, check out the second page. All the same genres are represented there, plus one more: humor! (Some of these books are permanently FREE.)
children’s books
middle grade
young adult
mystery/suspense/legal thrillers
clean romance
paranormal/fantasy/science fiction
inspirational
historical
Some books on that page are FREE and others are discounted. All four of my novels are represented there – three are significantly discounted and one is free, so if you don’t have copies of all of them yet, now’s your opportunity!
If you want to find other clean books that aren’t necessarily on sale, check out the second page. All the same genres are represented there, plus one more: humor! (Some of these books are permanently FREE.)
I hope you find some books that are just right for you. And feel free to tell your friends!
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: James Gardner
Title of book and/ or series: The series title is the Redemption of Aria. The first book is called Silver’s Journey.
Brief summary of the story: Silver, an average New York teenager, finds himself mysteriously transported to a new world, where he must undertake a momentous journey to Braknór and face countless dangers along the road.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: Aria is a land of wonders with many distinct cultures, clans, and tribes, each with something different to offer. There are dangerous and uncharted territories to the east, forests that hold their fair share of mysteries and unusual creatures, towns and cities offering varying views on religion, government, and society.
If we were to visit Aria as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?
It really depends on the kind of person you are! If you’re a sightseer, then you’d want to stop by Dexon, with its peculiar layout and magnificent castle, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the great walled city of Braknór would be a marvel to behold. If you enjoy traveling to modern day malls on Earth, then you’d be thrilled to visit the town of Crowduria with the most active market in the realm. On another note, any lovers of nature would enjoy spending time in the Arian Plain with its lush, pleasant air and beautiful scenery, or a trip to the Sea of Light that dances to the beat of the stars in the night. And for any thrill seekers out there, the Berullian Forest is the place to be, offering many creatures to hunt as well as a chance sighting of some rare animals.
What dangers should we avoid in Aria?
The answer to this question relies heavily on the specific location in Aria. First of all, you should always keep an eye out for bandits, pickpockets, and your occasional group of unfriendly hunters. But if you should find yourself in the Berullian Forest, keep an eye out for the Zwarkrade, vicious pack hunters that have uncanny wit and dangerous intellect, wild boars… oh, and those pesky branches and roots that seem to have a mind of their own. If you’re foolish enough to journey to the Madgeroost, you’ll most likely have to deal with the Grackle, a seven foot bird with a frighteningly sharp beak and blinding speed (a little tip: don’t look directly into its eyes). Finally, if you survive an encounter with the Grackle and for some unfathomable reason want to stay in the Madgeroost, you’ll have to watch out for exiles from Dexon and Warkreig, but above all, keep low and out of sight. The Madge is always watching.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Aria?
If you want a meal that’s easy on the stomach, you’d probably enjoy Crowdurian stew with beef and gravy, but if you’re a real connoisseur of exotic foods, then you may be offered a Zwarkrade by the Gerridi tribes or boiled fish by the Nazka (if you live that long with them).
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Aria?
The most common weapon used is a one-handed sword, but the different cultures of Aria have unusual fighting styles. The people of Warkreig prefer massive two-handed swords that can crush down upon an enemy in one powerful blow, whereas the people of Dexon use two shorter swords for quick, deft strokes. Barbarians from the north seem to enjoy ramming their enemies using a heavy wooden shield with a prominent spike in the center, and of course, there are more specific weapons for precise uses like short spears for killing wild boar or longbows with bodkin arrows for armor-piercing.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Aria?
The main method of transportation is by horse, but there is an unusual way that Arians use that seems to have dwindled in modern society: walking.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Aria? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.
Magic plays no role in Aria, but there is definitely something supernatural about the place, especially surrounding the followers of the King, (God) who seem to be blessed in countless ways, sometimes imperceptibly, but sometimes in a undeniably huge miracle.
Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Aria? If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.
The technology of Aria is set around a Middle Age world that is somewhat parallel to ours. Most of the technology is the same, if not very similar.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Aria.
Arm wrestling is a common competition that many taverns host for fun, but for the more serious, there are contests of skill such as archery and swordplay as well as tests of strength, wit, and speed.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Aria as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?
The year round calendar is the same in Aria as on Earth, but there are some holidays that the people celebrate. One for followers of the King is the birth of Jesus. The Warkreig have various special feasts and traditions to honor the chiefs of the past who performed great feats.
Is there particular religion practice in Aria? Please describe what it involves.
In Aria, there is no dominating religion. The Crowdurians are a polytheistic society, believing in hundreds, if not thousands of different gods. The people of Braknór most often tend to be atheist, or to be generous, deists, at best believing only in the existence of a god. But all throughout the land, there are followers of the King, who worship Him in prayer and seek to do His bidding. No matter where you go, there’s always some of them around.
What is the political or government structure in Aria? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?
Ethron is the self-proclaimed ruler of Aria and has stretched his mighty hand across the region. However, at heart, he is a tyrannical villain with only a heart for himself. Under his overview, the different cultures of Aria have different leadership roles. Crowduria has a single king (Fergusop), the Nazka and Warkreig have a chief that dictates the law, and the people of Dexon have two kings to balance the power in the nation.
Are there any unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Aria?
There are no particular practices that would land you in hot water if you overlooked them, per se, but it’s always best to know how each city or town operates so that you can best know how to react. For example, you will always need to keep your guard up in Crowduria because there are plenty of smooth talkers who will try to relieve you of your hard earned cash. Oh! One more thing… It’s a ‘cultural practice’ for any kind visitors to the Nazka to become their slaves for life, so… don’t visit.
Has anything in your actual life inspirited the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
Most of the people groups in Aria are purely born of my imagination, and a lot of the places are merely the fantasies of my mind. But in a very real way, the entire book is an allegory of life, focusing around the different kinds of people you will meet. I feel that many of the pieces of advice given by the sage characters of this book are either truths that I have learned in my life as a Christ follower, or words that God put into my head at the time.
What, if any, “hot button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?
There are no real controversies or hot topics discussed in my book; it instead focuses on a young man’s journey to knowing God on a deeper level.
Author Autobiography:
James Gardner was born in January, 1999. He is a homeschooler with a passion for writing. In 2013, he began creating a story about a fictional world named Aria. Through the encouragement of family and friends, he brought the world to life. When he isn’t working on his next book, he enjoys spending time with friends and playing sports. Currently, he resides with his parents in their home in Florida.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?
My book can be purchased in print at http://www.amazon.com/Silvers-Journey-Redemption-Aria-Book-ebook/dp/B011SWLFJI/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438969726&sr=1-1&keywords=the+redemption+of+aria
Where can readers connect with you online?
Readers can connect with me through my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Redemption-of-Aria-by-James-Gardner/475531112616774?ref=bookmarks
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Aria. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the planet Aruuliah, in Realm Explorers Part LXVI!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the planet Aruuliah, in Realm Explorers Part LXVI!
-Annie Douglass Lima
Cover reveal for MERCY’S GIFT, Book Two in the fantasy series He Who Finds Mercy by Katy Huth Jones:
Peace is fragile. Gifts have limits.
While Prince Valerian adjusts to marriage as well as his new title, conspiracy brews in the south among disgruntled lords who wish to separate from the north. The situation is made even more volatile by a charismatic rebel leader whose guerilla tactics are swift and brutal.
The clandestine efforts of a witch hired by one of the lords render Valerian’s gift of Sight ineffective, and Merry’s Healing gift is sorely tested.
It has become dangerous for a northerner living in the south, and if the gifted young royals fail to stop the growing rebellion, evil will reign in Levathia.
The story begins in Book One, MERCY’S PRINCE:
A heart of peace in a time of war
As second son of the King of Levathia, seventeen-year-old Valerian desires the quiet life of a scholarly monk. But when he fails to save his older brother in battle, Valerian must instead become crown prince.While a traitorous knight schemes against him, Valerian meets Mercy, a pacifist Healer with whom he can speak mind-to-mind like the great dragons. Their bond emboldens Valerian to seek out the legendary dragons and ask for their help against the monsters who killed his brother.
Can Valerian survive the traitor’s assassins long enough to find the dragons? And if he does, can he convince them to lay aside their hatred of humans and help him save the land from destruction?
Praise for MERCY’S PRINCE:
“Easily one of the best indie books I’ve ever read.” Story Sanctuary
“A truly believable fantasy world saturated with suspense.” Marcha’s Two-Cents Worth
“The action is heart-stopping, the love is pure, and the emotions are real.” Amazon reader
“A lovely, spiritual tale with all the adventure, mystery and romance a reader could want. Oh. And dragons!” Amazon reader
MERCY’S PRINCE will be FREE on Amazon September 17-19, and MERCY’S GIFT will be released September 25.
Link to Katy’s website: http://www.katyhuthjones.blogspot.com