About the Book

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Excerpt

The other younger crete took a swig of his coffee and set his eyes past her. Kyrin peeked over her shoulder at Kaden who, of course, was staring at the dragon. The female creature stared back in mutual interest.

“Go ahead,” the crete said suddenly. “You can touch her. She loves attention, and she’ll only attack if I tell her to.” A sly glint sparkled in his spring-green eyes.

Besides Jace, Kyrin had never seen anyone with such bright and colorful eyes as these cretes.

Kaden looked at him, his brows rising. “You can do that?”

The crete nodded. “Dragons are highly intelligent. You can teach them almost any command. Storm here is young, but she learns fast.”

Kyrin smiled at the delight in her brother’s eyes as he stepped closer to the dragon and ran his hand over her bluish-gray neck scales. A grin split his face.

“She’s so smooth. Kyrin, come and feel it.”

Kyrin stepped to his side and laid her hand on the dragon. The scales were indeed very smooth, reminding her of the polished marble stair-railings in Auréa Palace, but they weren’t cold. Warmth radiated through them. The dragon, still watching them, let out a little rumble, almost like a giant cat’s purr.

“I told you she liked attention,” the crete said, grinning.

Kyrin chuckled and glanced at Jace to see if he wanted to touch the dragon, but he made no move to come closer. This certainly had more to do with the crete than the dragon. He was very fond of any type of animal. She faced the crete again.

“So they can breathe fire?”

“For short bursts, but that’s usually all it takes to deter any threat.”

“That’s incredible,” Kaden breathed.

While he continued admiring Storm, Kyrin observed the dragon’s rider. He appeared to be in his early to mid-twenties—about ten years younger than Captain Darq—though his exact age was impossible to guess. Cretes were said to mature faster than humans, so he could be anywhere from seventeen to twenty-five. He too wore a sleeveless jerkin. Brown tattoos, a little darker than his skin, marked both shoulders. Darq and the other cretes had them as well, but Kyrin hadn’t taken a good look at them until now. This man’s were a complicated pattern of spirals and dots, but the shape of a fox stood out in the center of his right shoulder. 
Though she tried to be discreet, he must have caught her studying him and suddenly extended his hand to her. “I’m Talas, by the way. Talas Folkan of the Fox Clan.”

Giveaway

Author’s name:

S.G. Rogers

Title of book and/or series:

Tournament of Chance

Brief summary of the story:

Heather has trained hard for the Tournament of Chance archery competition, only to discover its promised rewards were a lie. After a daring escape from the king’s dungeon, she joins with a trio of shape-shifting wizards who intend to spark a revolution. When a magical accident sends her back in time, Heather has the opportunity to set things right. If she saves the kingdom, however, will she face the future without the only man she could ever love?

Prince Dane has been waiting for centuries to reclaim his kingdom, wrested away from his family by treachery and deceit. Before he can succeed, he must release the magic bound up in the Dragonstone. When he discovers his fate may depend on a young green-eyed beauty with a skill for archery, he’s skeptical at first. As time goes on, he finds himself increasingly attracted to her strength and character…but can he change his arrogant ways enough to win her heart?

Watch the book trailer on YouTube.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

The kingdom of Destiny (formerly Ormaria) is reminiscent of Medieval England. The island of Boravagg, on the other hand, looks (and behaves) like the island in the movie Jurassic Park.

If we were to visit Boravagg as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

I would start in the crater of the dormant volcano, and look for the lava tube opening which leads to an underground pool known as Dragonstone Lake. It’s a long walk, so wear comfortable shoes, and be sure to bring flashlights with extra batteries. Once you reach the lake, a sip of the water will prove to be restorative. And if you have any magical powers whatsoever, take one of the dragon crystals that grow there. The crystal focuses your powers and will allow you to work magic.

What dangers should we avoid in Boravagg?

All manner of wild creatures abound in Boravagg, so exercise extreme caution. Most notable are the savage trolls, but also watch for wild dragons and tigers. The flying reptiles, the boratures, should be avoided at all costs. When boratures swarm, they behave like airborne piranha.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Boravagg?

Although Boravagg is a dangerous and savage island, luscious and exotic fruit trees abound. It rains frequently, so use one of the large waxy leaves you’ll find there to funnel water into your waterskin. Also, be prepared to eat what you kill. Rumor has it, roast tiger tastes a little like chicken.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Destiny/Ormaria?

Skilled archers are held in high esteem. Wizards, of course, can bend the world for defensive purposes.  It’s a wondrous sight to see a wizard shake the earth like a rug to thwart their enemies.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Destiny/Ormaria?

When the story begins, dragon are quite scarce. Back in the glory days of Ormaria, however, wizards could speak with dragons and used them like steeds. As the magic ebbed, the usual forms of transportation became more prominent, such as horses and wagons.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Ormaria that we don’t see on Earth?

The mischievous wee folk, also known as fairies, co-exist with wizards. Rainbow trees are beautiful, with their multi-hued arches of color. Lovely bluebell flowers ring with a gentle breeze. Buttercup blooms are filled with sweet, melted butter. If you’re lucky, you might stumble into a fairy ring ritual at midnight.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Ormaria?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

Magic took the place of laborers whenever possible, making the production of goods faster, easier, and less costly. Wizards also supplied certain necessities of life in an instant, such as fire and water. And of course magic was used to beautify the world, adding whimsy wherever and whenever it would bring pleasure.

Is there any advanced or unusual technology in Ormaria?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.

Wizards are capable of placing themselves within their dragon crystals in a sort of suspended animation, thereby achieving an extended lifespan. In addition, certain wizards are also capable of shapeshifting into different animals, such as dragons.

Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Destiny?

Most notable are the annual regional archery competitions central to the Tournament of Chance. Ladies vie with one another in rigorous contests designed to produce two elite Tournament of Chance candidates. The final match is held at the castle, when the king and his court attend. Peasants are also allowed to watch on the far side of the field, and many families camp out ahead of time to get a good vantage point.

What is the political or government structure in Destiny?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

King Chance rules Destiny. He’s a shrewd, manipulative king who considers his subjects as cattle. Of course, he portrays himself as a beneficent and generous ruler. For example, his Tournament of Chance is open to commoners and royalty alike. If the winner is a commoner, she’ll be given the title of Lady and be asked to live at the castle. For some reason, however, no commoner has managed to win.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

Many of the magical locations in Tournament of Chance were inspired by the time I spent in Western North Carolina. There are beautiful waterfalls, roadways, and trails there, as well as the magnificent Biltmore Estate.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?

The concept of “royalty” has always been fascinating to me, whether it be actual European royalty, or the ruling elite in America. The parallels in Tournament of Chance on how these people may or may not view the rest of humanity might be seen as controversial.

Author Autobiography:

Currently residing in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, S.G. Rogers writes historical romance, paranormal, and fantasy tales.  She’s owned by two hairless cats, Houdini and Nikita, and lives on an island populated by exotic birds, deer and the occasional gator. Tab is her beverage of choice, but when she imbibes, a cranberry vodka martini doesn’t go amiss.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book?  

Through October 2014, Tournament of Chance is exclusive to Amazon: 

After October, the novel will be available at all the usual online retailers, including Musa Publishing’s website.

Where can readers connect with you online?  

Find me on Facebook • Twitter • Blog • Pinterest

For a list of all my books on Amazon, go HERE

Author’s name: Valerie Comer

Title of book and/or series: Majai’s Fury

Brief summary of the story:

A fantasy tale of forbidden romance amid clashing religions and cultures.

Taifa hoped the goddess Majai wouldn’t notice she hadn’t provided a firstborn for sacrifice. But when the king demands Taifa’s life in exchange for the child she has not yet conceived, she knows she is out of time. She seizes the king’s proposal—her life spared if she neutralizes Shanh, the foreigner whose doomsday prophecies infuriate the king.

Secure in Azhvah’s protection, Shanh’s mission looks simple enough: deliver his god’s fateful message then return to his homeland. But when Azhvah allows a conniving woman to weaken the shield, many long-held beliefs are shattered. Can Shanh’s god truly desire to rescue this heathen from the fate she deserves?

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

The countries of Nuomor, Ghairlazh, and Evdrika meet in the midst of the Azhalawar Mountains. Nuomor, to the south, embraces a large body of water called the Inland Sea, providing it with a Mediterranean type climate. Her people worship various deities. Our heroine, Taifa, worships Majai, the water goddess.

Ghairlazh is a cold, foggy and steep country on the north side of the mountains. They worship Azhvah in a ritualistic, legalistic way. Every breath these people take is ruled by the mardazh, a priest/dictator.

Evdrika is ruled by an opportunistic king, ready to side with anyone so long as there’s something in the deal for him and his country.

If we were to visit as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? 

The Holy Temple in the capital of Ghairlazh is an impressive piece of architecture with inlaid gems and domes of gold. While Nuomor’s temple and palace are equally amazing, the true beauty of the capital city are the many small islands separated by canals and linked by uncountable bridges.

What dangers should we avoid? 

Depending on where in Nuomor you are, you’ll want to look out for random acts from the deities. In the capital, Majai is fond of swelling the tides and altering the fountains. She’s even been known to alter the water clock that rules the city.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served? 

Beware the Ghairlazhian mutton curry, as it is heavily spiced and salted. Foreigners tend to loath it.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common? 

Hand-to-hand combat is most used. However, Majai is raising a secret army for Nuomor, with equally unknown capabilities.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to these countries?

Nuomor is wrapped around the Inland Sea, so water travel is most common: gondolas in the capital and sailing ships on the open sea. Locks enable ships to reach several of the cities that lie upriver.

In Ghairlazh, only those who live on the coast make much use of ships, except on a few small lakes. The terrain is so steep inland that hiking beside pack donkeys is the most common means of transportation.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter that we don’t see on Earth?

The people are much like humans. Instead of extravagant plants, animals, and races, the people of these lands must deal with capricious deities and deeply entrenched customs and belief systems.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of these people?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

There are no spells or magic in the traditional sense. However, the deities, good and bad alike, have power to do miracles within their realm of influence. They use their skills liberally.

Is there any advanced or unusual technology?  If you haven’t described it already, please give some examples.

The most advanced technology is the lock system on Nuomor’s rivers, as well as architectural prowess in the entire region.

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same as on earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?

Both Nuomor and Ghairlazh operate on a five-day week. In Nuomor, it’s a hand of days, but in Ghairlazh, it’s called a pamh. Ghairlazh is very fond of the number five, actually. Every five pamh there is a festival.

Is there a particular religion?  Please describe what it involves.

Nuomorans worship various deities, depending on where in the country they live. Taifa lives in the capital city where they worship the water goddess, Majai. A key foundation of the novel is Majai’s demand that every woman’s firstborn be given in sacrifice.

Ghairlazhians are shocked at the heathen ways of the Nuomorans. They worship one god, Azhvah, with fierce loyalty. He makes demands of his own, though, such as a facial scarification ritual that shows his people’s repentance of their sins.

What is the political or government structure?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

King Ezait is the leader of Nuomor. He rules with a council and a lot of input from Majai’s priests.

Ghairlazh is a theocracy. The mardazh is known as the Mouth of Azhvah.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

I grew up knowing too much about legalism and doing as you’re told, just because. Not to put a bad light on my parents, who were true believers striving to follow God! But I became aware that as children, we absorb the teachings around us and use them as a fallback. It is difficult to question our belief systems. Both Taifa and Shanh are products of their cultures and find it difficult to question.

I’m also intrigued by Old Testament Judaism, the sacrificial system, and the many many laws that the Pharisees gleefully added to. The religion of the Ghairlazhians is very loosely modeled after this system.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?

The Nuomoran culture encourages promiscuity, practically demands it. Because the story is about a woman trying to outwit Majai’s demand for a firstborn sacrifice—and not by remaining chaste—some readers may find several sensual scenes a problem. The door, however, is firmly closed on sex.

Author Autobiography:

Valerie Comer writes fantasy set in uncharted dimensions as well as contemporary inspirational romance, such as her popular Farm Fresh Romance series. Valerie’s characters, whether their feet are planted in this world or another, struggle with their faith and a sense of belonging and purpose.

Valerie and her husband of over 30 years live on a small farm in Western Canada with assorted cows, chickens, pigs, and bees, growing much of their own food. She cherishes time spent enjoying the outdoors with her husband, their adult children, and adorable granddaughters.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book? 

Majai’s Fury is available in various formats, including Kindle, paperback, and epub.  Click here to download it in any format. 

Where can readers connect with you online? 

The best place to find me is at my website and blog. Here you can find my social media links and/or sign up for my monthly newsletter. You can also discover the other titles I have available!

Author’s name: Jeremy Bullard

Title of book and/or series: Facets of Reality Book 1: Gemworld

Brief summary of the story: 

The main hero of the story is a United States Navy SEAL who finds himself transported to a medieval world of magic that is ruled by an immortal tyrant who has set himself up as a demigod.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story: 

“Gemworld” is the generic term I use to describe the world in my book. The native inhabitants don’t really have a name for their world (or if they do, I haven’t discovered it yet). Gemworld consists of four major landmasses — the Outer Reaches, Leviathan’s Maw, the Mandible, and the Mainland. With the exception of a few notable references, the book takes place on the Mainland, as our characters travel from the Vale to Lost Aeden’s Garden to Ysre. Their world is similar to our own, with many of the same climates, plants, animals, and peoples we have. Of course, the advent of magic some four thousand years ago saw the birth of new creatures and new cultures, but nothing that would make that world incompatible with our own.

If we were to visit Gemworld as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? 

My first recommendation would be to visit the Outer Reaches, native home of the vi’zrith, an amphibious humanoid race. Though their technology is unfortunately comparable to the rest of the world, their use of magic in the building of their underwater cities is astounding. For example, the external openings to their airlocks are covered not by doors but by a living film called an amoebite sheath, which thrives on the exhaled carbon dioxide and produces oxygen in return. The film coats you as you leave the airlock, making it possible for you (an ordinary human) to breathe underwater until you return to the airlock, where the amoebite recombines with the rest of the sheath.

I’d also consider the ruins of the Highest’s camp, located in the center of Lost Aeden’s Garden. The expansive forest is said to be cursed, but should one brave the superstitions, the camp is said to hold vast wonders of a long-dead age. If one stands on the slopes of the Icebreak Mountains and looks east, or on the Dragonspire looking west, one might catch a glimpse of the camp in the extreme distance: a sparkling finger of diamond, stretching toward the sky.

What dangers should we avoid in Gemworld? 

Leviathan’s Maw, a seasonal maelstrom above the islands southwest of the Mainland. The islands of the Maw are the leftovers of a sunken continent, and they number in the thousands. Enterprising ship captains sometimes run the Maw, looking to shave precious weeks off their trade routes from the Norean Isles to the northwest to the Mandible in the southeast, but they rarely attempt the run during the summer months, when the storm — difficult even in the best of circumstances — can be absolutely catastrophic.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Gemworld? 

There is a semi-domestic animal called a kharn, which is often used as livestock among the more rural populations. The meat is very similar to pork, but the animal itself, a carnovore, is considered unacceptable in the more “civilized” social circles.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Gemworld? 

Fighting is mainly reserved for the Earthen Rank, the military forces of the Highest, and the Cause, those ordinary folk who stand in rebellion against the Highest. There is also an assassins guild called the Guild of the Silent Blade, who practice an ancient fighting art called shol’tuk. The shol’tuk use mainly the katana (a sword exclusively held by a shol’tuk — those who attempt to obtain or use one without the express permission of the shol’tuk do so at their own peril) and open-handed forms, though they have been known to employ throwing stars, bo staves, minor explosives, and whatever else they have close at hand.  

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Gemworld? 

One can expect the usual medieval forms of travel — horse, wagon, ship — though there are other forms available through magic. For example, a mage attuned to Amethyst (the soulgem of energy) can use magic to levitate. Granite mages (attuned to the soulgem of matter), on the other hand, have the ability to “become one” with other forms of matter, enabling them to “melt” and travel through the earth at great speed.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Gemworld that we don’t see on earth? 

The Mainland hosts certain races of dragons which, like mages, are attuned to the various soulgems. This affinity is reflected in their physical appearance. For example, the galvanic dragon (attuned to Amethyst) is violet in color, and can at times take a form of pure energy. The basilisk (attuned to Granite) is brownish grey in color and, though flightless, can become one with the earth the way granite mages can.

Also, as previously stated, Gemworld is home to the vi’zrith, an amphibious human race native to the Outer Reaches, a massive island chain on the far side of the world from the Mainland. Occasionally, they can be found in the Sea of Ysre, and are called “watermen” by the people who live on its shores.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Gemworld?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used. 

Magic is prevalent in Gemworld, though it’s looked upon with superstition by those who don’t understand it. The chief gemstones involved are Ruby (fire), Sapphire (water), Amethyst (energy), Emerald (life), and Granite (matter). One is able to “ascend” or attunes to their soulgem once they reach puberty. Ascension is achieved when the mage first comes into physical contact with their particular gem, usually by way of the Tiled Hand — a gem-tiled device that sports the six common soulgems in gemstone magic, including Obsidian, though the Highest is the only mage ever to have ascended to that particular soulgem. Once ascended, the mage’s eyes take on the characteristics of their soulgem, giving them passive abilities (emeralds can “feed” off sunlight, sapphires can “speak to the wind” and be heard at great distances, etc) and also a secondary visual spectrum (rubies can see variances in temperature, amethysts can see through solid objects, etc). While this is considered a blessing to most mages, granites consider this to be a curse. Granite is different from the other soulgems in that it is nontranslucent, meaning that the granite mage is cut off from his natural, light-based eyesight, leaving only his magical spectrum — seeing the world according to its structural makeup. Some granites have learned to live with the “beauty” of the world being stolen from them, but by and large, granites are a cold, calculating, super-practical lot.

Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Gemworld as on earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there? 

The calendar on Gemworld is divided into five months of seventy days. Each month is divided into halves thirty five days each, with the halves separated by a three-day Festival. The Festival with the greatest religious significance is New Year, dividing the month of Whitesong, but the most anticipated Festival is Harvest, dividing the month of Goldenleaf. Not only is this Festival the celebration of all that elhas provided throughout the growing season, but also there is an extra day added to this Festival every fourth year, making it particularly popular among vendors.

Is there a particular religion practiced in Gemworld?  Please describe what it involves. 

The deity of Gemworld is known as the Crafter, though the more religious recognize Him by the name, el. The Highest is recognized as the Vicar of the Crafter, the physical representation of His Will until the fabled return of messac’el, the Heart of the Crafter. The Heart is said to have come once, long before Ysra Tuk’sheol, translated “the Coming of the Hellblade”, also known as the Rending of Heaven and Earth, a cataclysmic time when magic became part of the world. The Way’s tenets are simple: absolute devotion to the Will of the Crafter, and loving devotion to one’s neighbor insomuch as it is in keeping with the one’s devotion to the Crafter. There is said to be deeper doctrine kept by the priesthood of el, but the Highest has commanded the priesthood’s silence in the matter, deeming the doctrine too sacred for common folk to access without proper supervision.

There are variations on the Way of el, most notably Unending Seasons, a naturalistic approach to the Way. Unending Seasons recognizes the practical presence of the Crafter in all things. It is especially popular among the Plainsfolk, where it infiltrates the culture almost completely.

What is the political or government structure in Gemworld?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she? 

The Highest, an Obsidian mage and recognized Vicar of the Crafter, has been the ruler of the Mainland for over four thousand years, generally without dispute. Most would not consider him tyrannical, though most have never known an alternative to his rule, though on occasion the common folk have rose up in rebellion. The most recent opposition to his rule was that of Titus, King of Aitaxen in the Norean Isles. His kingship lasted for over a decade before he was deposed by the Highest. His current opposition is a young Norean, Reit Windon du’Nograh, the leader of a growing rebellion called the Cause. Reit is recognized by his brethren-in-arms as el’Yatza, the Hand or Servant of the Crafter.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Gemworld? 

As Unending Seasons is foundational to the Plainsfolk practice, one must always be aware of  ritual responses. For example, their standard greeting is “The wind kisses the wheat”. A response of welcome would be “The wind bears the seed to new fields” or something similar. A neutral or guarded response would be “The wind weaves through the stalks, and they sway”. A negative response — and potentially insulting — would be “The wind precedes the storm”. Though the Plainsfolk are not overly severe, it can be easy to offend their honor by responding incorrectly to their ritualistic ways.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book? 

Lots! The Plainsfolk are a reflection of the Native American culture. The shol’tukare a more honorable version of the ninja. And of course, the Way of elis essentially Christianity, with the priesthood being the more orthodox denominations and Unending Seasons being the more legalistic. The greatest real-life inspiration, I think, comes from my understanding of God, and my belief that He is sovereign over not just what is, but over all that “could be”. Rather than being the God of reality, I see Him as God over all possible realities. No matter the decision or life event, God saw it coming and has a plan already in place for it. Gemworld, as I envision it, is what would happen if the world were to have a magical apocalypse.

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book? 

Chiefly, the possibility of God allowing our world to become Gemworld, for the sake of our own free will, while yet remaining sovereign over it Himself.

Author Autobiography: 

Author Autobiography:

Legendary Magic is the third book in my Relic Hunter fantasy series and it tells the tale of Dr. Arienne Cerasola’s adventure to find another lost relic. This time, she is on a mission with a team of other familiar characters from the Relic Hunter series and each member brings a unique talent to help track the relic from it’s first appearance in the myths and legends of the ancient Celts and to its last appearance during the late middle ages (sometimes known as the “dark ages”). Naturally, things don’t go quite as smoothly as Arienne hopes – so there are obstacles, pitfalls, and more than a few funny scenes.

I began Legendary Magic a few years ago, but felt Arienne needed to get her feet wet on other adventures before diving in to this one. I had a great time researching the artifacts which are part of this story. By the time I was ready to put the story together, I had to trim the research down to a manageable size so the story didn’t get lost in the history and the history could add dimension to the story. As a writer, I want to take my readers on a journey where they’ll learn a little history while they’re having a good time. Legendary Magic was crafted to deliver on both fronts.

I always want to give the reader a few hours where they can get lost in an adventure and leave their real-life worries behind. From the time I was a little girl, reading was my favorite escape. In fact, it was a family hobby. My grandfather read about archaeology, my mother read mysteries, and my aunt read fantasy. When my husband and I were dating, we’d have “reading dates” because he also had a passion for history and archaeology. My reading tastes are much more eclectic – from historical fiction to romance and fantasy with a sprinkling of history thrown in to round things out! Legendary Magic blends many of those interests into one story.

I have preview chapters available on my blog:
Chapter 1: http://wp.me/p2cIO8-k9
Chapter 2: http://wp.me/p2cIO8-kr
Chapter 3: http://wp.me/p2cIO8-l2

Here are a few of my favorite lines from the book:

Arienne on archaeology

Sometimes you get lucky like Schliemann did in Troy and Carter did in Egypt; most times you just move a lot of dirt.

Arienne on being tech-savvy

His cell was about forty models newer than mine and I stared at it in the palm of my hand as if he’d just thrown me a bomb and told me to diffuse it.

Arienne on the beauty challenges of work

My copper colored waves had frizzed to epic proportions, and the open car window had blown one side back while the other side fell forward, giving me a lopsided look, like a Chia Pet left in the same position on a sunny window sill for too long.

If you’re ready for a fun adventure, buy Legendary Magic. http://amzn.to/1pvlYEq
I’ll be busy writing the next installment in Arienne’s adventures, but I’d love to hear from you – you can find me on Facebook (Author R. Leonia Shea) or check out the Relic Hunter Series Page http://on.fb.me/1ppF03H or follow me on Twitter http://bit.ly/VINA1n

Prince of Malorn is an action/adventure fantasy novel geared toward young adults.  In it, 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. 

Author’s name:

Author Autobiography:

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:

Valerie Howard

Title of book and/or series:

Avalon

Brief summary of the story:

Mara has been a prisoner in the slave yard since she was a young girl. Her crime: treason. Her penalty: death by the hand of the King. One day, Prince Justinius visits the slave yard and gives Mara a surprising ultimatum. Will she choose to side with her enemies to spare her life? Or will she stay loyal to the rebellion and get the punishment surely coming her way? Avalon is an allegorical novella depicting the Christian life.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

Avalon is a large kingdom ruled by King Aldus. It’s a land with an old-world feel without cars, electricity, or modern conveniences. The kingdom is covered in lush, thick forests and dirt traveling paths. 

If we were to visit Avalon as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

I would recommend going to the King’s palace. It’s glamorous, gargantuan, glittering with gold and jewels, and gushing with beauty. The hosts are absolutely perfect, and you’ll want to stay there forever– just because you can!

What dangers should we avoid in Avalon?

Druett and his knights are the rebels who try to steal King Aldus’s crown. They might smooth talk you into joining their murderous plots, so you should avoid the deep woods where they are scheming and planning underground.

Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Avalon?

The slaves in the slave yard eat disgusting gruel, moldy bread, and rotting fruit, but the free servants of the King dine on delicious milk, honey, fruit, pastries, and berries. No meat is served in Avalon, and everything eaten is naturally produced, so that’s a bit unique.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Avalon?

Weapons in Avalon would be similar to medieval weapons: swords, bows and arrows, battle axes, etc. Weapons are rarely seen in the book. The guards prefer to beat the prisoners using their hands or feet.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Avalon?

Good old-fashioned horse-drawn carts and carriages, walking, or running– that’s how people get around in the Kingdom of Avalon. There are no cars, no bikes, no taxis, planes, trains, or modern vehicles.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in Avalon?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

Prince Justinius is the only one in this story that has supernatural powers. He can read minds and tell the future.

What is the political or government structure in Avalon?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

The government is a monarchy, with King Aldus as the sovereign king, Prince Justinius as his son, and Druett as an ex-knight who tries to turn the hearts of the citizens against Aldus and overthrow his reign.

Are there any other unique cultural practices that we should be aware of if we visit Avalon?

If you side with the rebels, you will pay the price, so it’s best to be on King Aldus’s side…

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

The book is an allegory of the Christian life, specifically the salvation experience from start to finish, so in a way, yes. I based the main character’s physical appearance on my own appearance because, in a sense, this is my story of becoming a Christian and walking with Christ.

Author Autobiography:

Valerie Howard was born and raised in rural Maine. She is the wife of a youth pastor and a stay-at-home-mom to an energetic two-year-old. She has been writing stories ever since the second grade. Ever since then, she’s written 14 books and plays for children, teens, and adults. She’s worked tutoring children in math and reading, and she’s an official choco-holic.

Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book(s)?  

Paperback and Kindle editions are available on Amazon.

Where can readers connect with you online?  

On my blog, my Facebook page, and on Twitter.

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Avalon.  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 a World of Dual Magics in Realm Explorers Part XII!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers?  Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.

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:

Adam Bolander

Title of book and/or series:

The Slayer and the Sphinx Trilogy

Brief summary of the story:

Every mythical creature we have ever heard stories about is real, driven into hiding by the murderous Slayers.  When Porter Collins, a promising young Slayer, is sent to hunt down Sarah Heisen, a sphinx who has never known freedom, an accident occurs that forces the two of them to team up, putting events in motion that will shake the earth to its core.

Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:

The Slayer and the Sphinx takes place in the shadows of our world, the places we never look.  The Mythics are everywhere, if you can see the signs, but they work hard to make sure they go unnoticed.  The Slayers, likewise, stick to the shadows, but only because that’s where they will find their prey.  There are things of wonder and magic in the Mythic realms, but are seldom seen by humans because of their fear of the Slayers.

If we were to visit the Mythic realms as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?

I would recommend seeking out the Historian’s Tower.  It is an ivory tower that reaches to the heavens, inside of which you can find detailed reports of every moment of history, from the present to the very beginning of time.  You’ll have to find it first, though, which can be a little tricky.  First, you have to know where the tower is located.  Then, you have to expect it to be there.  Any nonbelievers who stumble across it won’t even see it, because they don’t expect to see it.

What dangers should we avoid in the Mythic Realms?

The Slayers, for one.  They may think they are virtuous warriors fighting the good fight and protecting the human race, but in actuality they are vicious brutes who have hunted innocent Mythics to extinction almost since the beginning of recorded time.  Even other humans aren’t safe, as they will not hesitate to kill anybody they think has aided their enemies in any way.

What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in the Mythic Realms?

Between the Slayers and the Mythics, there are very few (if any) fighting styles that are not actively used in battle.  Both sides prefer to use swords and magic rather than guns, but are hardly at a disadvantage because of it.  One of the more notable fighting styles used in The Slayer and the Sphinx is Dominic Vega’s, second in command in the Slayers’ ranks.  He always carries around a bag full of handmade wooden javelins, which he can use for either long range or melee combat.

What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Mythic Realms?

A common way to travel in The Slayer and the Sphinx is teleportation.  People and creatures with the ability to use magic can use this to transport themselves wherever they want to go.  Attempting this without practice, though, can make you end up miles away from your intended destination – a lesson that Sarah learns the hard way.

What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in the Mythic Realms that we don’t normally see on Earth?

There are far too many to name.  If you’ve heard a story about a monster or mythical creature, it’s most likely true.  Some of the creatures used the most in The Slayer and the Sphinx are sphinxes, elves, djinns, dwarves, gnomes, chimera, satyrs, and gryphons – amongst many, many others.

What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in the Mythic Realms?  If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.

Magic can be used by anybody, if they know how.  Some creatures can use magic more easily than others, which is why human magic users are so rarely seen outside of corps like the Slayers.  They must always be careful, because overestimating their abilities can often prove fatal.  To Mythics like sphinxes, djinns, and elves, it comes more naturally.

What is the political or government structure in the Mythic Realms?  Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?

The Mythic society is governed by someone called the Arch-Mythic.  In this case, it is a gryphon named Rayalga.  There is no rule as to what type of Mythic the Arch-Mythic must be, but it is usually a large, intimidating creature.  This gives their underlings a sense of security, knowing they are being watched over by such a strong Mythic.  The Arch-Mythic also employs Commanders to watch over the various Secret Sanctuaries in his absence.

Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?

I’ve spent the majority of my life living in a forest, so most of my stories usually take place in one.  It’s always interesting to wonder what is out there, hiding in the trees, watching you even when you’re not watching them…

What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?

Equality, and to cast away hate and prejudices.  The Mythics want to live in peace, without the threat of being hunted down, but the Slayers will never willingly grant them that.  I also try to show that there is good and bad in everyone.  The Slayers may be murdering innocent creatures, but they do it because they have been taught to believe that the Mythics are mindless killing machines that would not hesitate the wipe out the human race if given the chance.  Likewise, the Mythics have adopted the mindset that they are poor, innocent victims, and the Slayers are the ones to blame.  None of them recall the events that, ironically, forced the humans’ hand in forming the Slayers.  Nor will they acknowledge the corruption in their own hearts when they start to view the human race as a whole the same way the Slayers view them.

Author Autobiography:

I grew up struggling with several learning disabilities.  All my life, I loved to read, and it had always been a dream to write my own books.  It took me until my junior year of high school to overcome my disabilities and realize that dream, and now I can’t imagine ever doing anything else.  I have written and published seven books so far, and one currently updating on the internet, with plenty more on the way!

Where can we purchase your book(s)?  

All the links to buy my books can be found on my website, www.bolanderbooks.com.

Where can readers connect with you online?

They can check out my website, or they can follow me on Facebook and Twitter. 

I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Mythic Realm.  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 Avalon in Realm Explorers Part XI!

-Annie Douglass Lima

Are you an author who would like your world to appear on Realm Explorers?  Click here to download the instructions and interview form, or email me at [email protected] for more information.